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| Wednesday, May 17, 2000, Chandigarh, India  
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Ex-PMs, Basu discuss third front Move to recruit Punjabi teachers Vajpayee defends economic
decisions LTTE divides Tamil leaders |
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4.75 lakh villages sans
post offices Proxy war ‘intensifies’
in J&K ‘Resolve’ SYL canal
issue Magazine comments embarrass Cong HC Chief Justice upset with IA Agriculture insurance scheme
introduced
|
Ex-PMs, Basu discuss third front NEW DELHI, May 16 — Four former Prime Ministers — Mr I.K.Gujral, Mr Deve Gowda, Mr Chandra Shekhar and Mr V.P.Singh — today met West Bengal Chief Minister Jyoti Basu as part of their efforts to form a common front of "secular" parties. "The meeting took place as part of our efforts to build an alternative front. Though no decision was taken, we are discussing amongst ourselves various possibilities", Mr Basu told newspersons after his meeting with the former Premiers at Banga Bhavan here. He said though efforts were directed towards the formation of a third front against the BJP and the Congress, there was a suggestion to evolve a broader platform of political parties believing in secularism. Though Mr Basu evaded a direct reply on whether the Congress would be invited to be part of the proposed front, he added the Congressmen committed to secularism could always be part of such an exercise. The meeting was not only for reviving the third front, but also to evolve such a platform which would be "something bigger than that. Even those who are ideologically opposed to us or do not subscribe to our economic policies are welcome to join the platform", Mr Basu said. Commenting on the exercise, which the four premiers began a fortnight ago, Mr Chandra Shekhar said they discussed the present political situation as also the third front. Mr Gujral said they discussed the national situation. The former Prime Ministers’, however, refused to give details of their talks with Mr Basu. The meeting was
continuation of a discussion, which the former Premiers
and Mr Basu had started about a fortnight ago in
Calcutta. |
Move to recruit Punjabi teachers NEW DELHI, May 16 (UNI) — In a significant move, Delhi Chief Minister Shiela Dikshit has announced that her government will recruit new Punjabi language teachers at schools and introduce Punjabi as a subject in all its 28 colleges to promote the language in the metropolis. At a recent meeting of the governing body of Delhi administration run Punjabi Academy, the Chief Minister also announced setting up of a Chair in the name of the Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, at Indraprastha University here for comparative study of religions. The Chief Minister, who chaired the academy’s governing body meeting held after a period of three years, said the remuneration of Punjabi teachers appointed by the academy on part-time basis would be increased by 30 per cent across the board. According to academy secretary Ravel Singh here today, Ms Dikshit also agreed to a proposal that a committee of language experts be soon constituted to give suggestions to the Delhi Government for promoting the language here. A list of language experts to be taken on the advisory panel will soon be submitted to the Chief Minister, the secretary said. The Delhi Government decided to give Punjabi the status of a second official language in the Capital and got the related Bill passed by the assembly a few months ago, but the language status is yet to be notified as the Bill still awaits clearance from the Lt-Governor. The Delhi Chief Minister
has agreed to institute a millennium award to honour
Punjabi writers of eminence. |
Vajpayee defends economic
decisions NEW DELHI, May 16 — The Prime Minister, Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee, today defended the "harsh" economic decisions taken by his government saying that they were in the long-term interests of the country. Addressing the BJP parliamentary party meeting here on the penultimate day of the Budget session of Parliament, Mr Vajpayee said the Congress’ criticism of the government for its refusal to roll back the prices of foodgrains under the public distribution system was only populist and lacked economic logic. The party spokesman, Mr M. Venkaiah Naidu, told newspersons after the meeting that the Prime Minister was of the opinion that the Congress’ argument in this regard was "loud but hollow". The Prime Minister described the 2000-2001 Union Budget as a bold and sound one and felt that the economy had now been put on a sound footing and it had further strengthened the nation. "The issues raised by the Opposition and attacks on the government were well encountered. The Congress opposed them because it wants to adopt an agitational approach. The decision of the government was in the long-term interests of the country", the Prime Minister said. He said the Opposition attack on the government was more political and it was natural and expected as there was a feeling in the Opposition that the government could be cornered on the issue of subsidies and hike in the price of urea. Saying that the Opposition should accept the reality that the government would complete its five-year term, the Prime Minister urged the party MPs to spread the message of the Budget to the people and the benefits that would accrue to them from it. Mr Naidu said the Prime
Minister expressed satisfaction over the outcome of the
Budget session. |
LTTE divides Tamil leaders CHENNAI, May 16 — The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Mr M. Karunanidhi, is doing his best to remove any perception that his party and government have a pro-Eelam stance, even as other political parties continue to make confusing noises on where they stand on the LTTE armed struggle for a separate Tamil state in Sri Lanka. Mr Karunanidhi dwelt at some length on the issue in the state Assembly on Monday and declared "our (earlier) support to Tamil Eelam and the tears we shed for the Lankan Tamils should not be construed as support to all the activities of LTTE." On Friday last, the Chief Minister had told the assembly that "we will be happy if they (LTTE) get Tamil Eelam" either through negotiations or armed conflict. But there was no question of the DMK backing or supporting any moves by the LTTE on Indian soil, he said. During a short discussion on the Sri Lankan crisis, Mr G.K. Moopanar’s Tamil Maanila Congress, and the PMK led by Dr Ramdoss had clashed, expressing opposite views. The PMK, a partner in the National Democratic Alliance, has been championing the cause of Tamil Eelam, though declaring, at the same time, that his party would not impose its views on the Vajpayee government. The TMC was assailed by the PMK for "belittiling the sacrifices of the Eelam fighters". Mr Karunanidhi reminded critics of the DMK that it was the AIADMK leader, Ms Jayalalitha who had given a clean chit to the LTTE after the killing of EPRLF leader, Mr Padmanabha in June 1990. "If the LTTE is destroyed, Tamils will be destroyed, Ms Jayalalitha had said and also called for India’s intervention in Sri Lanka on the lines of its intervention in Bangladesh. During the present crisis in Sri Lanka, however, Ms Jayalalitha has reiterated her party’s stand against LTTE. Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu Congress leader, Mr Tindivanam Ramamurthy, has condemned the PMK and the MDMK led by Mr Vaiko for their support to the LTTE. He said it was "political cowardice" on the part of these parties to continue to stay in power at the Centre and at the same time "act contrary" to the NDA government’s "bold" stand on the Eelam issue. Mr Karunanidhi’s "mature" stand has been hailed by the Tamizhaga Rajiv Congress leader, Mr Vazhapady Ramamurthy, who has berated his political foe, Dr Ramdoss, for supporting the LTTE. The Janata Party leader,
Dr Subramanian Swamy, has come out with his own advice to
the Vajpayee government on how to handle the Sri Lankan
crisis. Don’t talk to the LTTE or even encourage
" interlopers" like the Norwegian
"busybodies". Ban the Dravida Kazhagam, Tamilar
Desiya Iyakkam and other organisations which were acting
as "proxies" of the LTTE. Use your leverage
with the Sri Lankan government to proclaim that their
unitary constitution will be replaced by an Indian type
federal one, and lastly, we must then despatch a division
strength to Colombo, before taking up any support
activities for the Sri Lankan government. |
North India in
Parliament NEW DELHI, May 16 — The Minister of State for Communication, Mr Tapan Sikdar, said there were 4,75,195 villages in the country without post offices. Giving a state wise tally in response to a question raised by Mr Gopalsinh G Solanki, the minister said in Haryana 4,446 villages, Himachal Pradesh 14,352, Jammu and Kashmir 4,963 and in Punjab 9,049 villages did not have post offices. Home: The Union Minister for Home Affairs, Mr L. K. Advani, said five reserve battalions had been sanctioned to be raised to the following states — Jammu and Kashmir (two), Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Tripura (one each). He was replying to a question raised by Mr Naresh Puglia. Replying to another question raised by Mr Ramrao Jadhav, the minister said in June, 1999, the Planning Commission approved the release of Rs 4 crore as special central assistance under the BADP, to the government of Jammu and Kashmir for the construction of bunkers in Kargil during the financial year 1999-2000. By the end of December, 1999, the district administration constructed 2,000 bunkers at a cost of Rs 3.40 crore. This included construction of about two dozen bunkers with the government institutions. He said during 2000-01, 1,000 more bunkers have been proposed to be constructed in border villages apart from 100 community bunkers in Kargil town at a cost of Rs 200 lakh. A cash assistance of Rs 15,000 each was given to families for bunkers apart from CGI sheet worth Rs 5,000. Mr Advani, responding to a question raised by Mr Vishnu Datt Sharma whether the National Minorities Commission wanted Kashmiri Pandits and others to be brought under its purview, said the question as to who constituted a minority was subjudice under a writ petition in the Supreme Court. He said further action on the provision of minority status would be based on the decision of the apex court. Replying to a question raised by Mr G. S. Basavaraj, the Home Minister said as per information available 53,538 families comprising Hindus (27,282), Muslims (2,303), Sikhs (1,830) and others (75) have so far migrated from the Kashmir Valley. Out of this 31,490 families are staying at Jammu, 19,338 families in Delhi and 2,710 families in other states. Water Resources: The
Centre has so far provided Rs 499.12 crore for the
construction of the Sutlej Yamuna Link Canal in Punjab,
the Union Minister for Water Resources, Dr C.P. Thakur
said. Replying to a question raised by Mr Banarsi Das
Gupta, the minister said the construction work on this
canal was not being carried out at present. The work on
this project came to a standstill following the killing
of engineers of the project. The matter, however, was now
subjudice as a suit has been filed by Haryana in the
Supreme Court for the immediate restarting of work on the
canal. |
Proxy war
‘intensifies’ in J&K NEW DELHI, May 16 — In its latest report, the Defence Ministry has pointed out that after the military take-over in Pakistan the proxy war in Jammu and Kashmir has intensified and that a large number of foreign mercenaries have been inducted for the purpose which could actually lead to further escalation situation in the coming months. In the annual report for the year 1999-2000, the ministry while pointing out that Pakistani intrusion in Kargil was a betrayal of trust, said foreign mercenaries were now dominating militancy in Jammu and Kashmir. In last few months these groups had launched number of desperate attacks against isolated Army posts indicating that Pakistan wanted to raise the tempo again. It points out that foreign mercenaries form well over 70 per cent of those engaged in militancy in the state. Pakistan is noticeably emerging as an epicentre of Islamic fundamentalism. Warning that this had led to further deterioration of situation in Jammu and Kashmir and North-East, the report said further escalation in coming months could be expected and armed forces had been kept on full alert to foil any misadventure by Islamabad on the Kargil pattern. The report warned that Pakistan was continuing its military build-up well beyond its ‘‘legitimate requirement’’ and was continuing overt and clandestine defence cooperation with China and North Korea for the transfer of nuclear technology, in the missile development programme and supply of conventional military equipment. The report said a number of shortcomings in the form of weapons, equipment, ammunition, clothing and logistics had come to light during the conflict. The report said
‘‘certain voids’’ identified during
the war, such as in surveillance capability,
weapon-locating radars, integral helicopter lift
capability, communication and fire power to fight in
mountainous terrain and high altitude unmanned aerial
vehicles (UAVs), were being filled. |
‘Resolve’ SYL canal issue NEW DELHI, May 16 (PTI) — The government today said a two million acre feet dam was being constructed in Punjab to tap Sutlej river water and said differences between Punjab and Haryana had to be resolved for resuming the construction work of Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) Canal in Punjab. Replying to clarifications in the Rajya Sabha during the question hour, Water Resources Minister C.P. Thakur said the dam on the Sutlej river would help in usage of water that was otherwise flowing into Pakistan. The House witnessed members from Punjab and Haryana expressing concern. Former Haryana Chief Minister and Congress member Banarsi Das Gupta sought to explain the whole issue but Chairman Krishan Kant asked him to ask only a question. Akali leader Gurcharan Singh Tohra said while Haryana demanded its due from the SYL canal, the Yamuna water was not given to Punjab and it was offered only to Haryana. Sushma Swaraj said efforts can be intensified to resolve the issue as both the state governments formed part of the NDA. Mr Lachchman Singh (Cong) said the problem should be solved in an amicable manner between the two brother states and added that the Punjab Government should shed its adamant attitude. Mr Balwinder Singh Bhundar (SAD) said if two brothers could not resolve the issue then it would have to be pursued in a legal manner. The Water Resources Minister assured members that there was no dearth of funds for the project and the work could begin if a conducive atmosphere was created by the Punjab and Haryana governments. A sum of Rs 499.12 crore has been released for the purpose, Mr Thakur said, adding that the work on the canal came to a standstill following the killing of the engineers of the project in July 1990. Mr Thakur said the Union
Government was eager to resolve the issue, but it cannot
do anything as the matter was subjudice in the Supreme
Court. Moreover, a tribunal over sharing of Ravi and
Sutlej water was also looking into the matter. |
Magazine comments embarrass Cong NEW DELHI, May 16 — The Congress embarrassment over comments by party members over its leadership became deeper following an editorial published in the latest edition of party’s magazine. ‘‘We find that the Congress is once again facing a crisis of confidence. There is a certain amount of confusion and mental depression amongst the senior members’’, opens the editorial written by Mr Vasant Sathe, Chairman of Congress Sandesh editorial board. In a two-page signed editorial headlined ‘‘Unity: need of the hour’’, Mr Sathe goes on, ‘‘Let us squarely face some obvious truths. The present Congress President was never keen to take over the mantle of the Congress leadership and has in fact resisted many attempts by the topmost leaders for many years since the sad departure of Rajiv.’’ ‘‘Soniaji has
been and continues to be fully aware of her own
limitation, both inherent and circumstantial. She has
never made any claim to having the charismatic capacity
to single-handedly get the masses of India to vote the
Congress to power, as if with a magic wand. Her natural
reserved and shy nature was a great handicap with the
media and the intellectual elite. Language was one of the
major hurdles’’. |
HC Chief Justice upset with IA NEW DELHI, May 16 (UNI) — The Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court Mr Arijit Pasayat was holding an A-class ticket of an Indian Airlines flight last week when he was asked to move back to the economy class for accommodating a Member of Parliament. "This is very serious. You cannot ask me to suffer and travel in the aircraft’s last seat as someone else wants to sit in the first class," he said while making an observation on a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by an advocate. "Do you still expect people to travel by Indian Airlines?’’ Mr Pasayat asked government counsel H.S. Phoolka. "free consumers are not bound by any government rules. People travel by air for convenience. But what if flights are delayed for hours.’’ Mr Pasayat was visibly
upset over his May 8 journey by the official carrier. |
Agriculture insurance scheme
introduced NEW DELHI, May 16 — The government today announced in the Lok Sabha a series of measures including the introduction of national agriculture insurance scheme for the benefit of farmers and said the foodgrain production in the country was again expected to cross 200 million tonne mark this year. Replying to a calling attention motion, Agriculture Minister Sunder Lal Patwa said the insurance scheme in rabi for 1999-2000 was available to all farmers irrespective of the size of the holding. The scheme is compulsory
for loanee farmers and optional for non-loanee farmers
and small and marginal farmers are eligible for 50 per
cent subsidy under it, he said. |
HC grants bail to Ameer Bhai NEW DELHI, May 16 (PTI)
— The Delhi High Court today granted bail to hawala
"kingpin" Mohammed Ameer Deen Habib alias Ameer
Bhai, who was arrested by Interpol here in January and
directed him to furnish a personal bond of Rs 3 lakh and
two sureties by his brother and sister of the like
amount. |
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