J&K page: SAD blames govt for not giving security to Sikhs Jammu and Kashmir Public Health Minister Ali Mohammad paying tribute to the slain cops of Kokernag at the district headquarters in Anantnag on Saturday. — Photo Amin War

Balco deal put off till MPs’ nod
New Delhi, February 24
Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee today directed that the controversial deal to disinvest 51 per cent of Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (Balco) shares in favour of Sterlite Industries be kept under abeyance until a discussion in Parliament, expected to be held on March 1.

Now, call abroad at local rates
New Delhi, February 24
There is some good news to look forward in the forthcoming Budget. Calling friends and relatives in Toronto, Birmingham or New York, may not pinch the pocket anymore.

Populist Rail Budget on cards
New Delhi, February 24
It will be less of a resource-raising exercise and more of a statement on grandiose plans when Ms Mamata Banerjee presents her second consecutive Railway Budget proposals on Monday. Ms Banerjee has made it clear that she would not take any step that would harm her political interests in the forthcoming assembly elections in West Bengal.

PM hints at PSUs’ restructuring
New Delhi, February 24
Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee said today that his government would restructure many public sector undertakings as part of its disinvestment programme, but assured protection of workers’ interest in the face of liberalisation and economic reforms.

• No hike in import of mass consumption items

Water dearer, liquor cheaper
Shimla, February 24
Drinking water tariff was increased steeply and liquor prices slashed in the finance-starved Himachal Pradesh by the Cabinet which met here today under the chairmanship of Chief Minister P.K. Dhumal. 

Excise on country liquor cut
Shimla, February 24
The excise on country liquor, regular and cheap brands of Indian made foreign liquor has been cut in the new excise policy for Himachal Pradesh which was approved by the state Cabinet today. Departmental stores will be free to obtain a beer licence at a nominal fee of Rs 15,000 per annum besides an assessed fee of Rs 8 per bottle.

Deadlock on maryada issue No communication between High Priests Amritsar, February 24 Even as Giani Puran Singh, Head Granthi, Golden Temple, and the rest of the Sikh High Priests, including Jathedar of Akal Takht, have refused to budge on their respective stands on “maryada”, the long-pending meeting at Akal Takht is unlikely to be held in the near future to resolve the current Panthic matters.