 |
|
|
Terrorism main concern of policing
BJP holds protest march over Volcker report
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
BJP making an issue of nothing, says Natwar’s son
NDA fields first Muslim woman
Promises galore on poll eve
Lalu plays teacher in poll
Warrants issued against 51 Army personnel
Russia to keep India informed on EU-3 meeting
Society numb to violence: Gujral
Maoist threat acute in 21 constituencies
Standard Motors auctioned off
Appointing arbitrators judicial function : SC
Judiciary ‘dominated’ by 60 families
Kalam wants to bring down cost of ear implants
|
|
Terrorism main concern of policing
Hyderabad, November 5 Addressing the participants, Mr Patil said the threat of terrorism, communal strife, violent conflicts and organised crimes was the most important concern in today’s policing. The gravity and pervasiveness of the threat posed by terrorism had been brought home once again recently, he pointed out. Thousands of Indian citizens had lost their lives in the recent decades as a direct result of terrorism. He stressed that terrorism should be dealt with grit and determination as it constituted one of the most serious threats not only to peace and security of the civilized society but to civilized society itself. Stating that policing any democratic country was a complex and sensitive affair and required delicate balancing of divergent considerations, he said the police had a responsibility to protect the fundamental rights of the citizens besides maintaining law and order. The police had to be sensitive in dealing with weaker sections, the minorities, women and children to protect their rights, he advised. Academy Director Kamal Kumar, in his welcome speech earlier, said the 57th batch of IPS probationers comprised 76 members, including six women officers, four officer-trainees of the Maldivian Police Service and two officers of the Royal Bhutan police. Mr Patil said the Centre would bring a new Police Act within six months to strengthen law-enforcing agencies to tackle new forms of crime, like cyber and organised crimes. Speaking to the reporters after attending the passing out parade, he pointed out that the police was working with age-old Acts, which resulted in ineffective policing. He maintained that that the new Act would enable the police and law-enforcing agencies to check new forms of crime and terrorism effectively. To a question on Left-wing extremism, the Union Minister said the Centre had given enough freedom and rights to the states to tackle the issue. Naxal-affected states would work in mutual cooperation and coordination to counter the violent activities of Naxalite outfits. |
|
BJP holds protest march over Volcker report
New Delhi, November 5 Asserting that Mr Natwar Singh had no option but to quit, the BJP expressed surprise that the government was yet to spell out how it intended to get to the root of the matter. “External Affairs Minister Natwar Singh’s denials reminds us of the denials Congress used to make when the Bofors scandal came to light,” BJP spokesperson Prakash Javadekar said. Claiming there would be more revelations every day, he said, “Congress must explain when they were in the oil business and when Mr Natwar Singh was in the oil business?” “The report is based on Iraqi government documents which can be verified. The government must start an inquiry immediately and ask for the documents. Pending the inquiry, Natwar Singh should be dropped from the Cabinet”, he said. On Mr Singh’s assertion that the BJP will not decide who the country’s Foreign Minister would be, he said, “It is for the Prime Minister to decide who the new External Affairs Minister will be. Mr Natwar Singh will have to go”. Meanwhile, BJP activists today held a protest march from party headquarters to Mr Natwar Singh’s residence demanding his immediate removal from the council of ministers. The activists led by BJP Vice-President M.A. Naqvi included among others, Delhi Pradesh BJP President Harshvardhan. They were, however, cordoned off by police few metres before Mr Singh’s residence. |
|
BJP making an issue of nothing, says Natwar’s son
New Delhi, November 5 Talking to ANI TV outside his Teen Murti residence this morning in the presence of his father, Natwar Singh, an irritated Jagat said: “I think the Opposition today,
especially the BJP, is getting increasingly desperate to try and make this
(Volcker Report) an issue that is really not one, because they have nothing to say for themselves. So, I think, this is a tremendous waste of everyone’s time.” When he was asked whether he had ever carried a letter to former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein on behalf of Congress Party President Sonia Gandhi, Jagat rubbished the allegation by saying: “No, I don’t think Mrs Gandhi would have sent a letter through me to anyone. I mean, at that time (2001), I was only a General Secretary of the Youth Congress. So, I think that kind of allegation is a little bit ridiculous and far fetched.” Jagat, who was speaking, even as a political controversy is raging over whether his father Natwar Singh and the Congress were indirect beneficiaries of the Oil-for-Food scam, further went on to say that as far as his friend and business partner Andleeb Sehgal was concerned, it was up to him to cooperate with the ongoing investigation. “See, I am not in a position to ask Mr Sehgal to do anything. You know, he is an independent entity altogether, and I am sure that he will come up with a credible and relevant defence of his own position,” Jagat told ANI TV, adding “but, I am not in a position to influence him.” Jagat said that it was in everyone’s interest to cooperate, as there was nothing to hide. “Well, you see, the thing is, to shed light in this matter, I think everybody should cooperate. I mean, when there is nothing to hide and no wrong doing has taken place, then it is in everybody’s benefit, all concerned, that whoever is being associated with this process, should speak up in their own defence.” — ANI |
|
|
NDA fields first Muslim woman
Patna, November 5 Spokesman for the
JD(U) Sambhu Srivastava claimed here that for the first time in the history of Bihar the NDA had fielded a Muslim woman, Rajia
Khatun, from Kesaria in East Champaran. Kesaria will go to the polls in the third phase on November 13 and the
JD(U) is confident of Rajia Khatun’s entry into the Bihar Assembly as the first woman MLA from the minority community. The
JD(U) spokesman wondered whom to be blamed, the Congress or the RJD, for the lower rate of literacy among the minority in Bihar and at the same time their higher percentage below the poverty line. Quoting official statistics, Mr Srivastava said: “Compared to over 57 percent literacy rate in Bihar, the said percentage for the minority here is 47 per cent.” Referring to government records, he said against 40 per cent of the total population of Bihar being shown below poverty line, the same percentage for the minority is 60 per cent. The
JD(U) spokesman asked the RJD for its failure to fill up vacancies in 30,000 posts of teacher in the primary schools for Urdu and around 2,272 posts in Urdu in high schools during its 15 years of uninterrupted rule in Bihar. Mr Srivastava also regretted that despite promising adequate compensation and related rehabilitation package for the victims of Bhagalpur riots, the Congress hardly did anything to keep its commitment in this regard. He charged both the Congress and the RJD with making false promises to the minority in the name of job and other reservations only to use them vote banks by ignoring the issue of their socio-economic development so that the minority, too, could be equal stake-holders in nation building. |
|
|
Promises galore on poll eve
Danapur, November 5 A month before the longest ever election exercise in the country for 82 days to elect the next government in Bihar began, Miantoli village of Fatua hit the headlines because of a major blast in a firecracker factory, which claimed 30 lives. From RJD supremo Lalu Prasad to NDA chief ministerial candidate Nitish Kumar, all visited the area and promised help to the families of the victims. After all elections were round the corner, and unfortunately a majority of casualties were children and women. Septuagenarian Binda Devi, who lost two grandsons and a daughter-in law in the blast, has lost all “hope.” Netas (leaders) came and promise all help. But we have not received a single paise yet”, she remarked. Sixty plus Bhagaban Sau had to drag out the charred body of his 12-year-old son from the firecracker factory.” I am unable to work. My son was my only hope. But despite promises, there is no compensation from the administration”, he said. Mr Lalu Prasad had promised Rs 10,000 to each family hit by the tragedy. Promises were made by Mr Nitish Kumar and Mr Ram Bilas Paswan too. The residents of Miantola village claim so. For tea vendor Rajesh Kumar, his 10-year-old daughter was almost burnt in the blast. “My daughter used to work there. But now I had to borrow money from the moneylender on an exorbitant interest rate for her treatment. There is no help”, he said. The villagers allege that the officials entrusted to prepare the list of beneficiaries for compensation are demanding Rs 400 per case. “Where from we will bring the money. We do not have even the resource to manage one meal a day”, said Binda Devi. The police too has not yet arrested the owner of the illegal firecraker factory, Hakim
Mianh, who has absconded. The villagers allege that Hakim Mianh’s factory was a regular source for supply of indigenous bombs to musclemen and criminals, overtly or covertly alligned with different political parties. The local ward member, Mr Ramesh Chowdhury, defended himself against the allegation claiming that the preparation of the list of the affected was on and compensation would reach the families in time. |
|
|
Lalu plays teacher in poll
Patna, November 5 When leaders like LJP Supremo Ram Vilas Paswan and NDA chief ministerial candidate Nitish Kumar were busy attending Iftar parties and the Id Festival, Mr Lalu Prasad spent time teaching voters how to operate EVMs. Mr Lalu Prasad said, "Look the EVM is like the harmonium. Like reeds of the harmonium, there are many buttons on it. See the Lantern button and push it. See whether the red light blinkers with a beep sound like pein.....It means you have cast the vote properly”. |
|
Warrants issued against 51 Army personnel
Imphal, November 5 The arrest warrants were issued following a case filed by the Chief Secretary, Manipur, Mr Jarnail Singh. The Manipur Government has taken up a criminal case for violating the Essential Services Maintenance Act. The civil and police officials of the state convened a meeting to discuss the situation and most officials were peeved with the ‘high-handedness’ of the Army personnel posted in Manipur and described the act of the army as ‘uncivilised.’ It was alleged that even the state Chief Secretary was badly treated by army Captain Pillai of the Military Engineering Services of 57 Mountain Division, Leimakhong. The Superintedent of Police of Imphal West has been instructed to arrest all the Army personnel. On November 2, Capt Pillai along with 50 Army personnel went to the Yurembam power station. They barged into the control room, overpowered the Indian Reserve Battalion guards and forced the staff to cut off power supply to Imphal city and other areas. The Yurembam power station supplies power to the entire city area, including the residences of the Governor, Chief Minister and other high ranking officials. All hospitals also depend on the power station. The power station had failed to provide power to the army headquarters at Leimakhong due to breakdown of a feeder which was later restored. The Army action was due to the failure of the station to supply power. Chief Secretary, Jarnail Singh rushed to the power station when he heard the news and a confrontation ensued with the Army personnel. He and his Manipur police escorts were thoroughly checked by the Army personnel. — UNI
|
|
|
Russia to keep India informed on EU-3 meeting
New Delhi, November 5 Mr Lavrao and Mr Natwar Singh also touched upon the trilateral foreign ministers meeting of India, China and Russia scheduled to be held in India in March next year. This meeting will bring together business delegations of the three countries to boost collaborative endeavours in several spheres. Further, the Russian Foreign Minister touched upon the vote against Iran at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). He said Russia was in touch with the EU-3 comprising China, US and Iran and would keep India informed about the developments. India has maintained that its vote against Iran at the IAEA Board of Governors meeting in Vienna in September was not against Tehran. New Delhi has said that it does not want any confrontation but bid for time in finding a diplomatic solution. |
|
Society numb to violence: Gujral
New Delhi, November 5 Mr Gujral said, “Violence and criminalisation in society and services are increasing and we have not progressed in modernisation.” The report provides a comparative overview of accountability arrangements across 53 Commonwealth countries, highlighting good practice and provides recommendations for reform to assist governments, police officials and civil society. The report is also of particular interest to reform initiatives in India. In recent months, the Prime Minister has delivered a series of speeches highlighting the need for responsive and accountable policing – in line with democratic values – as a prime governance issue. “Accountable policing that is sensitive to human rights is essential to a free, dynamic and progressive society, built on peace, order and respect for the rule of law. With the requisite political will and concerted efforts and cooperation between governments, police officials and civil society, the development of such policing is entirely achievable,” says Maju Daruwala, Director, CHRI. |
|
Maoist threat acute in 21 constituencies
Raxaul, November 5 Confronted with the poll boycott call, the state administration is faced with a challenge to ensure peaceful elections. Notwithstanding Bihar Chief Secretary G.S. Kang’s proclamation that “not a leaf will flutter in Champaran on the polling day”, the authorities are keeping their fingers crossed. The situation is particularly grave in seven districts which have a 725-km border with Nepal where Maoist outfits move freely. The administration and the Election Commission is particularly worried in 21 constituencies which fall along the Indo-Nepal border where even hardened criminals are understood to be working to disrupt the elections. Even the ISI is active in these areas, a police official said. Bihar Chief Election Commissioner N.K. Sinha admits that the third phase is “tough for us” and gives details of the arrangements. In a move to counter the boycott appeal, the police is distributing pamphlets. Villages where Naxals have been operating freely. The pamphlets are asking the electorate to ignore the Naxal call DIG Champaran range A Pandey said. Other precautionary steps are sealing the border with UP, West Bengal and Nepal on the polling day and stepping of vigilance prior to November 13, Home Secretary H.C. Sirohi said, adding that the Royal Nepal Army and the Central forces would be patrolling the border from West Champaran to Madhubani. Almost 600 companies of the Central Paramilitary Forces (CPMF) are being deployed. |
|
Standard Motors auctioned off
Chennai, November 5 Many years after the Standard Motors went into liquidation, the Madras High Court last week ordered an auction of its assets. Shriram Properties Ltd — real estate developers, has emerged as the highest bidder, offering Rs 154.10 crore, as against an upset price of Rs 142 crores. In fact, a significant chapter in the history of Indian automobiles will come to an end as a mere court order will amount to a sale of the plant and machinery of the company to a real estate company. The new owners will develop the land for multiplex, shopping malls and apartments. However, following the Madras High Court order, the sale of the company’s plant, machinery and other assets will come as a relief to over 2,650 workers of the factory which had been under lock and key for more than 15 years who will at least get some of their dues. The fate of the Standard Motors was sealed long ago as it had over the years not only incurred huge liabilities but also got caught up in industrial unrest. Successive governments in Tamil Nadu tried its best to revive the company by wooing private parties to invest the badly needed funds but none came forward. |
|
Appointing arbitrators judicial function : SC
New Delhi, November 5 “The power exercised by the Chief Justice of the High Court or the CJI under Section 11(6) of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 (delegating of it to a judge) is not an administrative power, it is a judicial power,” the Bench in a six-to-one majority ruled. The apex court held that when the CJI or the High Court Chief Justice appointed a Supreme Court or High Court judge as an arbitrator respectively under the scheme of Section 11(6) of the Act, the judicial powers were delegated by them to him in its “entirety”. With this ruling, the apex court reversed its 2000 decision in the famous Konkan Railway Corporation case which was considered a benchmark on use of arbitration powers. |
|
|
Judiciary ‘dominated’ by 60 families
Patna, November 5 Conducting a seminar on ‘Vanchit Samaj, Aarakshan and Courts’ (meaning deprived society, reservation and courts), Mr Paswan saidt because of the "dominance of 60 families in the judiciary, there was always an elitist view and interpretation of the law which invariably goes against the deprived sections of society". Decrying the recent Allahabad High Court judgment on the issue of reservation in jobs, Mr Justice Sinha said there was a "complete lack of accountability of judges" in the present system because two thirds of judges were "adopted and not appointed". "There is no transparency in the selection of judges at the high- court level as they are recommended by the high court Chief Justices and are picked up by the collegium", Mr Justice Sinha said and added that only one thirds of the appointments of judges were through promotion. |
|
Kalam wants to bring down cost of ear implants
New Delhi, November 5 Addressing a gathering of ENT surgeons, audiologists and speech therapists at the inauguration of the third Cochlear Implant Group of India at Vigyan Bhawan here on Saturday, Dr Kalam said the number of people in India with profound hearing disability is about one million. Elaborating upon the hearing disability burden of India, Dr Kalam said there were 1.2 million people with severe hearing disability, 0.9 million people with moderate hearing disability and 7.1 million people with very mild hearing disability. The President said only a few medical institutions offered treatment for profound hearing disability as it needed a special device called the cochlear implant. He said defect-free hearing and speech for all should be “our national mission”. A cochlear implant is a small electronic device surgically implanted under the skin behind the ear. It converts sound into electrical impulses and sends them to the brain. According to the Cochlear Implant Group of India, about one million children in India need cochlear implant. While listing three challenges in removing the profound hearing disability, Dr Kalam said: “One is production of a cost-effective cochlear implant, the second is a less invasive surgical procedure and the third is kind-hearted doctors who implant and train the patients further. The cost of implant works out to be Rs 6 to Rs 8 lakh per piece and the total cost of the operation, including rehabilitation, will work out at Rs 10 lakh per patient. This cost is unaffordable for many people in our country.” The President said efforts were being made to design, develop and manufacture low-cost cochlear implants. “This should be taken up in a mission mode by at least two groups and we should aim at bringing out the basic implant without frills.” He expressed confidence that scientists, engineers and the medical community would succeed in their endeavour of bringing out in the next two years a cochlear implant costing less than Rs 1 lakh. Citing the example of other countries where the cost of the implant and the operation was borne by insurance companies and social welfare schemes, the President suggested that the corporate sector in India could bear the cost of cochlear implant for a certain number of patients. In this context, he drew attention to the recent gesture by Mahindra and Mahindra to donate 60 cochlear implants to the hearing impaired to mark their 60th anniversary. |
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Mailbag | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
Videos
