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Saturday,
July 12, 2003, Chandigarh, India  
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Private sector opposes Cong suggestion on quota Cong for summoning PM by Liberhan panel IAF well-equipped to go to Iraq,
India, USA end talks on development Lone’s charges baseless, asserts
Geelani Cops involved in rape,
dacoity: CM |
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Punjab CM meets Water Resources Minister Review policy, Indian channels urge
govt 2 defence officials held for
graft Workshop on
railway safety begins today Servant reveals Madumita’s life SC stays
Karunakaran’s
prosecution Stop carrying of
night soil, HC
tells Bihar 11-kg tumour removed
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Private sector opposes Cong suggestion on quota New Delhi, July 11 Leading industrialists expressed similar opinions that job reservations on the basis of caste would dilute the existing meritocratic system and could have adverse impact on productive efficiency in the economy. ‘‘I strongly oppose any such move. In today’s world jobs are reserved by the virtue of competition where everybody is required to be on their toes. It will affect our rhythm’’, managing director of Hero Associates Pankaj Munjal said. The chairman of Malt (India) Company Limited and president of PHDCCI, Mr P K Jain, echoed similar views. ‘‘Any kind of reservation is not fair. Even after 53 years of Independence we have not been able to put in place a merit-based job reservation system’’. ‘‘There should be equal opportunities for all without any discrimination’’, Mr Jain averred. Industry associations such as the Federation of the Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) or the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) have yet not come out with any official reaction to the Congress’ proposals. When The Tribune sought to elicit some comment from the leading industry chambers, a cautious approach was adopted — lest it ruffled it too many political feathers. Some industrialists, in their own individual capacity, were also guarded in their opinion and said that it was ‘too early’ to comment on the issue. ‘‘We have not studied the proposal as yet and therefore have not formed any opinion on it. Moreover, there have not been any debate or discussion on this so far at a public fora. We have to wait and see how things unfold,’’ a leading industrialist said on condition of anonymity. The Congress in its just concluded ‘Vichar Manthan Shivir’ at Shimla had suggested reservation in employment for weaker sections in the private sector. Suggesting reservation in the private sector, several Congress leaders called for evolving a legislation to ensure that employees were not shunted out and reservation quota was protected when a PSU was disinvested. A discussion paper on for the session on ‘Social empowerment’ spoke of providing fiscal incentive-based regime for employers to encourage them to recruit from identified groups such as SCs/STs, OBCs, women and minorities. |
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Cong for summoning PM by Liberhan panel New Delhi, July 11 Congress chief spokesman Jaipal Reddy said that since former UP Chief Minister Kalyan Singh had alleged that Mr Vajpayee was also privy to demolition at Ayodhya on December 6, 1992, he should also be summoned. He said that such a situation did not arise earlier as there was no material evidence warranting such a decision. Mr Reddy said that deposition by Mr Vajpayee would not denigrate office of Prime Minister but would enhance its dignity. ‘‘It will give impetus to rule of law,’’ he said. On the difference between the NDA coalition and the electoral arrangement and coalition envisaged by the Congress, Mr Reddy said that the BJP had to abandon its core agenda of Ayodhya, Article 370 and Common Civil Code to form the NDA. ‘‘The Congress, on the other hand, will enter into electoral arrangement in conformity with its ideology. Through the alliance we will advance our own ideology,’’ he said. Asked about the NCP’s willingness to reconsider Ms Sonia Gandhi’s foreign origin issue, Mr Reddy said that the party had seen the statement. To a question about the possibility of the BJP raking up the issue of Ms Gandhi’s foreign origins ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, Mr Reddy said that Ms Gandhi was party’s leader and prime ministerial candidate since 1998. Asked if the party considered Mr Kalyan Singh’s Rashtriya Kranti Party as a secular entity, Mr Reddy said that the former UP Chief Minister did play a controversial role in the events leading to the demolition of Babri Masjid. ‘‘But if he is changing his attitude, we need to watch it,’’ he said.
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IAF well-equipped to go to Iraq, says Air Chief New Delhi, July 11 ‘‘We are fully equipped to send aircraft to Iraq, if the government so desires... but I don’t believe India would need to send combat aircraft... If we do go, it would be in support of the army,’’ the Air Chief told mediapersons here on the sidelines of the flagging-off parade for an IAF contingent leaving on a UN peace-keeping mission to Congo. Ruling out the possibility of any pre-induction training being imparted to IAF personnel in the event of Indian troops being sent to Iraq, the Air Chief said the role of the airmen would be essentially to support the Army in its operations. “We have no problems in sending the aircraft,’’ he said. Flagging off the largest Indian Air Force contingent so far to take part in United Nations peace-keeping operations, the Air Chief categorically said the Indian armed forces would not be involved in any‘
‘offensive’’ operations and would fire only to protect themselves in case of an ambush or attack.
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India, USA end talks on development New Delhi, July 11 India and the USA established a bilateral Global Issues Forum in February 2002, chaired by Foreign Secretary of India, Mr Kanwal Sibal, and the US Under Secretary of State for Global Affairs, Ms Paula Dobriansky. The forum also met in October 2002 and February 2003. Under the aegis of the Global Issues Forum, the US Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans, International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, Mr John Turner, led a US delegation to Delhi from July 7 to July 11 2003. He held discussions with an inter-ministerial Indian delegation led by Ms Deepa Wadhwa, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, on one cluster of forum issues-energy, environment, health and science and technology. He also had separate meetings with officials of various Government of India ministries and agencies responsible for these issues. The Foreign Office spokesman told reporters here today that the two sides agreed that the UN Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) presented an important opportunity to advance implementation-focused agenda for sustainable development. The two sides reaffirmed their common belief in the role of the CSD as a forum that could enhance information exchange on best practices and opportunities for capacity building for sustainable development. They agreed to share their successful examples of public-private partnerships at multilateral forums, including at the next session of CSD, where access to safe water, sanitation and human settlements would be highlighted. The two governments decided to support efforts to enhance science and technology cooperation. To this end, they agreed to discuss a new umbrella India-US Science and Technology Agreement. |
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Lone’s charges baseless, asserts Geelani New Delhi, July 11 “As far as the allegation is concerned, the people fully understand its reality and I do not need a certificate from any one in this regard,’’ Mr Geelani said in an interview to the BBC. “My public life spans over 50 years and the people of the state fully know me ... As to what is my stand, my position and what has been the mission of my life,” he added. On Tuesday, People’s Conference chief Sajjad Lone accused the former Hurriyat Chairman of being an “Indian agent” and the man “possibly responsible” for his father - Abdul Gani Lone’s - assassination. Mr Lone also alleged that Mr Geelani was causing “serious harm” to the Kashmir cause and trying to “engineer a split” in the amalgam. Mr Geelani has been demanding expulsion of the People’s Conference from the 23-party conglomerate on the ground that it had fielded dummy candidates in last year’s Assembly elections. The Hurriyat Conference has been plunged into a serious crisis following counter allegations by the two constituents of the amalgam’s executive council. The Jamaat-e-Islami leader said the Hurriyat leadership should take a courageous step and take action against the violation committed by the People’s Conference. “The people who want to remain in the Hurriyat even after contesting the elections are, in fact, desirous of breaking the alliance,’’ the Jamaat-e-Islami leader reiterated. Mr Geelani alleged that the People’s Conference wanted to cheat the people by showing that “it favoured” the freedom struggle. “But, in fact, they are fully involved in government affairs.” —
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Cops involved in rape,
dacoity: CM Kolkata, July 11 The Chief Minister admitted that some 150 policemen had been involved in raping, molestation, dacoity and other criminal activities in the state. He said they had been firmly dealt with as per law, adding that of the 150 policemen who were under detention, 100 had been chargesheeted. Mr Bhattacharjee regretted that a section of police personnel could not be taught about their duties and responsibilities and some of them were often involved in criminal activities by misusing their power. Referring to the problems on the Indo-Bangladesh border, the Chief Minister said he had already sought help and assistance from the Centre in tackling the infiltration and terrorist activities. He said during his recent meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister, Mr L.K. Advani, he had been assured of additional Central forces and adequate financial assistance for tackling the problem. He admitted that infiltration and ISI activities in West Bengal and its adjoining states had assumed alarming proportions. He said the government could not fence the entire 2216-km border adjoining Bangladesh with barbed wire and blamed the CPWD, which had been allotted the job, for delaying the process. The Chief Minister stressed that a joint move involving all border states was necessary to curb the terrorist activities. |
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Punjab CM meets Water Resources Minister New Delhi, July 11 Capt Amarinder Singh said that the issue was looked at and allocations had been made as far back as 1981. Since then substantial variations had occurred calling for a review of the basic allocation, he added. According to an official spokesman, Punjab had already filed a complaint in January this year under the Inter-state Water Disputes Act. The Chief Minister said that the terms of reference for Eradi Tribunal appointed earlier to go into inter-state allocation of water were not agreed upon by the states. He asserted that a number of new issues had cropped up and a new tribunal was necessary with fresh terms of references. He urged the Union Minister to seek advice of Law Ministry on the issue.
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Review policy, Indian channels urge govt New Delhi, July 11 The Indian broadcasters expressed concern on the manner in which certain foreign broadcasters were bypassing the laid-down procedures and guidelines, and how the government continued to remain a passive spectator to the subject of de facto control as distinct from mechanical control through caps such as 26 per cent cap on foreign direct investment in the broadcasting industry. There was an urgent need for the government to review the ownership guidelines pertaining to the various channels as practiced in countries like the USA and the UK. The Indian channels in general and the news channels in particular could not uplink from India without conforming to the complete laid-down procedures comprising of permission/licence agreement from the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, and operating licences from Department of Telecommunications as well as permission from the Home Ministry, Department of Space and so on. The statement said the foreign channels did not conform to, or appear to have by-passed all these formalities. Foreign channels had structured their ownership pattern to bypass the laid down guidelines based on certain technicalities and the government had so far been a mute spectator even though it was aware of the same. It was added that some of these foreign broadcasters operating in India had other channels in their folds apart from the news channel, effectively creating a monopoly over 65 per cent of the viewership, and accounting for ad revenue of around 50 per cent of the ad pie. Though all this revenue came from India, these channels did not conform to the Indian laws and guidelines. The channels pointed out that broadcasting was the only economic activity solely aimed at the India market which was being carried out from outside the Indian borders by some broadcasters. These foreign broadcasters walked away with subscription revenue of approximately Rs 500 crore and advertisement revenue of approximately Rs 2000 crore, which was still growing. —
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2 defence officials held for
graft New Delhi, July 11 A CBI press note today said that Garrison Engineer Vinay Kumar posted at Jorhat in Assam was caught while accepting a bribe of Rs 50,000. He had been charged with abusing his official position as public servant and demanding illegal gratification from a private contractor for clearing his pending bills and awarding further contract. In another case, Audit Officer Pal Singh working in the office of the Principal Controller of Defence Accounts at Jammu was arrested for accepting a bribe of Rs 20,000 from a havaldar working with 317 Field Regiment. He allegedly demanded a gratification of Rs 20,000 to settle audit objections. |
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Workshop on railway safety begins today New Delhi, July 11 Faced with demand for resignation from various quarters following rise in number of train accidents, the minister may have a lot to explain to the floor of the House in the coming Monsoon session. Sources in the Railway Ministry said deliberations at the conference would help the ministry take decisions pertaining to a Corporate Safety Plan recommended by the Rakesh Mohan Committee on safety and a tie-up with defence forces for rescue and relief operations. Sources in Rail Bhavan said the conference was divided into six sessions. The first session — Rail safety: perception and challenges — would be chaired by the newly appointed Railway Board Chairman, Mr R.K. Singh, and co-chaired by the Member (Traffic), Mr K.K. Aggarwal. |
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Servant reveals Madumita’s life Lucknow, July 11 “Deshraj had told CBI sleuths about the personal life of the slain poetess and her acquaintance with few senior ministers in the Mayawati government, including the sacked minister Amar Mani Tripathi,” source told The Tribune. The sources said after Deshraj, an 11-year-old boy
from neighbouring Bahraich district, was assured job and protection from the CBI revealed as to how Madhumita and her elder sister used to “enjoy” patronage from senior ministers. “Deshraj has told CBI sleuths that Madhumita and her sister used to frequent official residences or farmhouses of at least three ministers,” a CBI official said. He said Deshraj had also revealed that Nidhi and Madhumita had developed differences two months before Madhumita was shot dead. “If Deshraj is to be believed Nidhi and Madhumita had an exchange of words over Tripathi’s closeness with Nidhi,” he said. |
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SC stays
Karunakaran’s
prosecution New Delhi, July 11 A Bench comprising Chief Justice
V.N. Khare and Mr Justice S.B. Sinha admitted the appeal challenging the filing of a chargesheet against him without obtaining sanction from the authorities to prosecute him. —
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Stop carrying of
night soil, HC
tells Bihar Patna, July 11 Taking suo motu cognizance of a media report and converting it into public interest litigation (PIL), the High Court directed the state officials to effect the ban imposed on the practice and file the compliance report to the court in three weeks. The media report had mentioned the inhuman practice of carrying human excreta on heads by people of a low caste community in Bihar despite a ban imposed by Parliament in 1993. There are still thousands of men and women from the Bhangi community who carry the human excreta from ‘service toilets’ still prevalent in many cities and dispose it of in places outside the cities. A bench of Mr Chief Justice R.S. Dhawan and Mr Justice R.N. Prasad observed that the government was not very keen to ending the practice soon. |
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11-kg tumour removed Madurai, July 11 Hospital sources said the tumour — liposarcoma (cancer of the cells) — was removed from the abdomen of a 55-year-old man after a five-hour operation by a team of doctors, including Dr Muthukrishnan and professor of Urology Dr Musathiq, hospital sources said. The tumour was causing pain and was compressing the intestine which caused shifting of the bowels to oneside of the patient, they said. —
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Annamma Mathew buried Kottayam, July 11 The funeral services began from her house at Kanjikkuzhy near here around 9 a.m. The body was brought to the Malayala Manorama office at 10.30 a m to enable the employees to pay their last respects. Chief Minister A.K. Antony, in his condolence message, said the services of Annamma Mathew for the betterment of women in society will be remembered forever. —
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