 |
Tuesday,
January 14, 2003, Chandigarh, India  
|
Democracy
is not our weakness: Advani Ultra
plotting to kill Dy PM shot ‘Visa on
arrival’ plan on hold Don’t
politicise drought aid: PM MP steps
to uplift Dalits, STs Fernandes
to take up Gorshkov issue Sena
Medals for 10 officers |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gallantry awards
for two cadets Deshmukh likely to be replaced Krishna
agrees to release water to TN Using
siropas for publicity No
second mobile at govt expense 2nd
language status for Punjabi sought Anganwadi
workers, helpers to get more No
compromise on territory: Assam Kalam’s
greetings on Makara Sankranti Hussain’s painting stolen
|
|
Democracy
is not our weakness: Advani On board special aircraft, January 13 “It is democracy which makes us talk to NSCN (I-M) and Bodos but there is an urgency to dispel the image of soft state.... by refusing passports to elements who keep on running down the country, even abroad, day in and day out,” Mr Advani told newspersons on board a special aircraft. Mr Advani was making an oblique reference to Mirwaiz Umer Farooq whose passport was impounded by the government last week. “It is democracy that makes us revise the decision like in the case of Iftibhar Geelani. But there is a need to convey to elements like Veerappan that the Centre has asked both Tamil Nadu and Karnataka Governments to take effective measures to nab him dead or alive,” he said. Mr Iftikhar Geelani, a Delhi-based journalist, was released from jail today seven months after he was arrested under the Official Secrets Act for allegedly possessing confidential documents pertaining to troop deployment in Jammu and Kashmir. The release came after the government filed an application for withdrawal of the case. The Deputy Prime Minister described the internal security situation in India as “extremely grave and war like” and said that “because of Pakistan or because of the attitude of our eastern neighbour in respect of indigenious terrorist groups who take asylum and set up camps in neighbouring countries”, there was great threat to the internal security of the country. “Nations like Pakistan aid and abet terrorism,” he said. “Cross-border terrorism has made the internal security situation a war-like situation. Otherwise armed forces are not generally involved in tackling the situation,” he said. |
|
Ultra plotting to kill Dy PM shot Ahmedabad, January 13 |
|
‘Visa
on arrival’ plan on hold New Delhi, January 13 Stating that the “visa on arrival” plan was under constant review as “the security environment was still not conducive enough to start this immediately”, Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Jagmohan told reporters that the plan in the initial phase would be extended to people from 16 countries. The minister announced the government’s plans to market the country as a tourist destination. The plans include revamping tourism offices abroad, entry tickets to historical monuments for NRIs and dual citizens would be the same as applicable to citizens, projecting the positive image of the country abroad by road shows and repair and renovation of historical and cultural sites. Awareness about Indian monuments and little-known safe and exotic destinations would be brought to the attention of the global travellers as a measure of garnering an increased share of the tourist inflow into the country. Mr Jagmohan said a meeting would be held around February 20 with chief ministers to convince more states to agree to bring tourism on the Concurrent List of the Constitution. So far, 18 states have agreed to shift tourism from the State List. In reply to a question, he said most states where tourist hubs were being developed had been told that Central assistance would only be given if standards of cleanliness and civic governance were observed. He said cleanliness and clearance of illegal encroachments were fundamental to developing tourism. |
|
Don’t politicise
drought aid: PM New Delhi, January 13 “We don’t discriminate in providing drought relief but some states don’t give credit to the Centre for the assistance provided to them..... it is a natural calamity and we all should tackle it jointly without politicising the issue,” Mr Vajpayee asserted at a BJP Farmers Front rally. Expressing concern over inter-state water disputes, the Prime Minister said these must be settled in an amicable and harmonious manner at the earliest to ensure adequate availability of water during dry spells. Mr Vajpayee lamented that no mechanism has been evolved for full utilisation of the vast river water resources for irrigation in the past 50 years and said disputes like those between Karnataka-Tamil Nadu as also Punjab-Haryana must be solved immediately in “national interest”. It is all the more important to work out a viable water management system in view of the unprecedented drought faced in 14 states during the last monsoon season and keeping in mind the requirement in the coming summer, he said. Promising to remove disparities among regions as also among different sections of society, Mr Vajpayee said a balanced development of the country could be ensured through transparency in administration and proper implementation of various schemes. Congratulating farmers for the burgeoning foodgrains stocked in godowns, the Prime Minister said because of their hard work a crisis was averted during the severest drought of the century and the country was able to feed the millions. Further, India exported foodgrains worth Rs 6,000 crore “and our godowns are still full”, he said. |
|
MP steps to uplift Dalits, STs Bhopal, January 13 Chief Minister Digvijay Singh announced the measures at a press conference. These are based on the recommendations of the Task Force on the “Bhopal Declaration” adopted in January last year. The government will provide potable water by April 2004 in every hamlet or locality predominantly inhabited by the Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes. An amount of Rs 30 crore has been marked for providing basic amenities in the localities inhabited by STs/SCs in urban areas. At least 25 per cent of the amounts earmarked for development works will be used for providing basic amenities in these localities from next year. The government will provide agricultural land to landless farmers of these sections. Where it is not possible to provide the government land, a grant of up to Rs 75,000 will be given to a farmer. At least 30 per cent government purchases will be made from the entrepreneurs and businessmen of these sections. |
|
Fernandes
to take up Gorshkov issue New Delhi, January 13 Besides holding talks with important Russian leaders, the Defence Minister will also attend a meeting of the Inter-Governmental Commission of Military Technical Cooperation. The minister would be leading a high-level delegation including Defence Secretary Subir Dutta and Mr Anil Wadhwa, Joint Secretary in charge of Russia in the External Affairs Ministry. The sources said Mr Fernandes would review the progress in defence cooperation between the two countries at the meeting of the commission on military cooperation. Mr Fernandes and Russian Industry Minister Ilya Klebanov are the co-Chairmen of the commission, which had met in New Delhi during President Vladimir Putin’s visit in December. |
|
Sena Medals for
10 officers New Delhi, January 13 General Mehta gave away five Sena Medals for gallantry, five Sena Medals for distinguished service, three bar to Vishisht seva medal, and fifteen VSMs. Lieut-Gen Balraj Singh Takhar, Director-General Military Operations, was among the awardees. Lieut-Col Dinesh Sharma was awarded VSM for his contributions to ecological security of the country. The other awardees are: Sena Medals (gallantry): Major Bikramjit Singh, Capt M.S. Dhillon, Major Anuj Singh Luthra, Capt Mayank Gupta, Capt Gurtej Singh Pandher. Sena Medal (distinguished service): Brig Satya Priya Mehla, Col Sunil Kumar Jha, Col Arun Chugh, Col Fatch Singh Karamset, Major Y.S. Rao. Bar to VSM: Brig Ramesh Dixit, Lieut-Gen Balraj Singh Takhar, Major-Gen Ashok Vasudeva, Major-Gen Sudhir Sharma, Major-Gen Ramji Rai, Major- Gen B. Sadananda, Brig Mohan Swaminathan, Brig Harish Jit Singh, Brig Karan Singh Yadav, Brig P. Madhusoodanan, Col Ravi Kheterpal, Col L.N. Singh Capt Sibaram Mahaputra, Lieut- Col Dinesh Sharma, Lieut-Col Ambika Prasad Mohanty and Major Savjit Singh
Soin. |
|
Gallantry awards
for two cadets
New Delhi, January 13 The Defence Minister Medal was awarded to 54 UP Bn NCC cadet Jitendra Kumar Singh who saved IMA cadet Kapil Dev Singh from criminals in October 2001. The Defence Minister Commendation Card was given posthumously to Senior Under Officer Rishi Kumar of One UP Bn NCC. Kumar was killed by criminals when he prevented them from molesting a girl at a market in Agra in June last year The awards were presented at the investiture ceremony at the annual NCC Republic Day camp here.
UNI |
|
|
Deshmukh likely to be replaced New Delhi, January 13 Sources said Mr Deshmukh is understood to have been asked to resign from the post. The directive was reportedly given after he had a meeting with party President Sonia Gandhi here this evening. Today’s crucial meeting between Ms Gandhi and Mr Deshmukh lasted for one hour. After the meeting, Mr Deshmukh slipped away from the backdoor, keeping mediapersons standing outside the front gate waiting to know his version of the outcome of the meeting. Refusing to confirm if Mr Deshmukh had been asked to step down, Congress General Secretary Ambika Soni said Mr Deshmukh had assured Mrs Gandhi that the high-command’s decision would be acceptable to him. She said a three-member committee, comprising party General Secretary in charge of Maharashtra, Vyalar Ravi and two CWC members, would go to Mumbai on January 15 to talk to the party MLAs on the issue. “The party leadership will take a decision on the basis of report of the committee,” Mrs Soni said. PCC chief Govindrao Adik will meet Mrs Gandhi tomorrow. Mr Deshmukh had been called for consultations on various matters in the wake of his detractors and some central leaders taking exception to the style of functioning of the Chief Minister.
|
|
Krishna
agrees
to release
water to TN New Delhi, January 13 The goodwill gesture by Karnatake, two days before Pongal, the harvest festival in Tamil Nadu, came though the formal meeting of the Cauvery River Authority had to be called off due to lack of quorum. The meeting could not take place as Kerala and Pondicherry Chief Ministers had expressed their inability to attend the meet. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa, during her meeting with the Prime Minister, demanded the release of 18.8 TMC to save the standing samba crop in 10 lakh hectares. |
|
Using siropas
for publicity New Delhi, January 13 But for Sikh leaders religious festivals are occasions enough to
alert the media to a situation to be created for an interesting
“photo” at the homes of the President, the Prime Minister, the
Deputy Prime Minister, the Opposition leader or Chief Ministers.
Appointments are sought with the President, the Prime Minister, his
Deputy, or the Opposition leader, and, if successful, media glare is
key to capitalise on the high-profile meetings. ‘’Siropas and
images of the Gurus have become parcel-posts, home-delivered
products,’’ says author and columnist Patwant Singh. Delivering
them at the doorsteps of the powerful, he said, was like lowering the
self-esteem of a community that had a history of dignity. But it
does make headlines even as the VVIP recipients barely know most of
the visitors carrying ceremonial swords, framed images of the Gurus
and saffron-coloured siropas. “They just want to project that they
are running shoulders with the Prime Minister or the President, but as
a Sikh I feel embarrassed with their acts,’’ he said. Such
‘’publicity stunts’’ are violative of the Sikh traditions, he
said. UNI |
|
No second
mobile at govt
expense New Delhi, January 13 In any case, most Union Ministers flaunt at least two mobile phones, which they claim are mostly for official purposes. Mr Jaswant Singh, averse to carrying a mobile, has directed that the Union Council of Ministers be apprised of the rules governing the use of mobile phones. The minister has also taken exception to ministers wanting the exchequer to pick up the tabs of a second mobile phone as well. A circular issued by the Department of Expenditure in the Finance Ministry draws pointed attention to the rule that a minister is entitled to one mobile phone at the government’s cost, subject to a ceiling of Rs 2,500 per month. If a minister’s mobile phone expenses are in excess of Rs 2,500 per month, then he or she will have to bear the same. Sources said a file was put up to Mr Jaswant Singh for his directions on the request of a Union Minister that he be allowed the facility of several mobile phones in the country. A distraught Mr Jaswant Singh is believed to have noted on the file that he should not be bothered with such “frivolous matters”. He emphasised that with rules already framed and necessary orders having been issued, it was advisable that all ministers were categorically told once again that they were entitled to only one mobile phone. |
|
2nd language status for Punjabi sought New Delhi, January 13 It was unfortunate that the issue of Punjabi had been hanging fire for the past two decades despite the fact that major political parties had agreed in principle to give due recognition to the language, they said, in a
resolution. UNI |
|
Anganwadi
workers, helpers to get more New Delhi, January 13 The honoraria of anganwadi workers and helpers has been raised to Rs 1,063 and Rs 500 per month. This quantum jump in the honoraria has been promised with retrospective effect from April 1, 2002, and is expected to improve their efficiency. Other benefits extended recently to anganwadi workers and helpers include paid absence on maternity for a period of 135 days a year and introduction of reward of Rs 25,000 each at the national and state level. Union Human Resource Development Minister Murli Manohar Joshi told mediapersons today that the Cabinet had recently approved the scheme of extending the ICDS programme to the Tenth Plan. “This includes the increase in the honoraria of anganwadi workers and helpers. The scheme will cover 5,652 blocks in the country with an outlay of Rs 10,391.75 crore”, he said. The monthly honoraria of anganwadi workers and helpers were last revised in May, 1997, to Rs 568 and Rs 260, respectively. |
|
|
No compromise
on territory: Assam Guwahati, January 13 “The Naga leaders are talking about establishing a greater Nagalim. This is not acceptable to us as it will create other problems”, Mr Gogoi said. Appreciating the peace talks initiated by the Centre with the NSCN (I-M) leadership, Mr Gogoi said efforts should also bring insurgent groups of Assam to the negotiating table. |
|
Kalam’s greetings
on Makara Sankranti New Delhi, January 13 According to a press note issued by Rashtrapati Bhavan here today, the President’s message reads, “On the auspicious occasion of Makara Sankranti and Pongal, I extend my warm greetings to my fellow citizens and wish them happiness and prosperity.” |
|
Hussain’s painting
stolen
Hyderabad, January 13 Titled “Time” and inspired by Javed Akhtar’s poem, the painting, valued at Rs 70 lakh, disappeared from the Nizam College Grounds here on the night of January 6 but was conveyed to the master painter only last night. “It is a matter of shame. It was one of my very important paintings and I feel like losing a beautiful girl,” a visibly upset Hussain told reporters at his museum Cinema Ghar
here. PTI |
|
Protesters
go on rampage Jaipur, January 13 |
|
Mehta takes
over as Coast Guard DG New Delhi, January 13 He succeeds O.P. Bansal. Fiftyfive-year-old Admiral Mehta was commissioned in the Navy in July, 1967. A graduate from Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, he has held several important posts, including the command of INS Beas and INS Godavari. He has also held the post of Assistant Controller of Warship Production and Acquisition. |
TV JOURNALIST SHOT DEAD “ILLNESS FUND” IN UTTARANCHAL SAHITYA BHARATI
NATIONAL AWARD FOR
|
 |
| Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir | Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs | Nation | Editorial | | Business | Sport | World | Mailbag | In Spotlight | Chandigarh Tribune | Ludhiana Tribune 50 years of Independence | Tercentenary Celebrations | | 122 Years of Trust | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
In video (
