The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Delhi and neighbourhood

BJP criticises DDA plan to auction school land
New Delhi, July 2
With commercialisation of higher education, the Delhi Development Authority’s decision to auction land for schools here would further take school education out of the common man’s reach, the BJP said on Saturday.

‘Uprooted trees due to govt apathy’
New Delhi, July 2
Delhi Government is not seriously pursuing its policy of ‘replacing’ old and over-mature trees as a result of which trees are being uprooted regularly, especially during the rainy season, causing injury, damage to property and traffic jams in different parts of the national Capital.

Wanted criminal shot in Noida encounter
Noida, July 2
A dreaded criminal carrying a reward of Rs 20,000 on his head and wanted by the Delhi Police, has been killed in an encounter with a joint team of the Noida and Delhi Police on Expressway near Sector-93.

Teenager, old woman raped, killed
Ghaziabad/Noida, July 2
A man has been arrested in a village in Hapur town of Ghaziabad district for allegedly raping a 13-year-old and then slitting her throat. One Mukesh was arrested after the victim’s father lodged an FIR alleging that his minor daughter was raped and then murdered by the man at Nan village near here, the SP (Rural) here said.

Protests against rising prices of commodities
New Delhi, July 2
The National Akali today demanded Chief Minister Ms Sheila Dikshit’s resignation, alleging that the Delhi Government had failed to check the spiralling prices of essential commodities.

Consumers making a long queue to purchase pulses at Gole Market in the Capital on Sunday. — Tribune photo by Rajeev Tyagi

Power cuts hit production hard in Dadri
Noida, July 2
Power cuts and power supply at low voltage have seriously affected production in the industrial area of Dadri. Industrialists and traders are suffering heavy losses due to the shortage of power. Entrepreneurs have repeatedly complained to the authorities, but no remedial action has been taken so far.

Capital reels under hot and humid conditions
New Delhi, July 2
As the first monsoon rains continue to elude it, the national Capital is reeling under hot and humid conditions with the maximum temperature touching 39.4 degrees Celsius, two degrees above normal.

Capital to host exhibition on processed food industry
New Delhi, July 2
An international exhibition showcasing the processed food industry will be held from August 31 to September 3 at the Pragati Maidan here. More than 120 companies of national and international repute are expected to participate in the exhibition.

Artscape
‘Students should consider a career in performing arts’
New Delhi, July 2
At the time when most of the class XII passed students are engaged in the difficult task of selecting the right subject to graduate which would ultimately help them in pursuing the career of their choice, Ms Ranjana Gauhar, Padamshree and a known name in the Indian classical dance circles, has suggested that those with talent should seriously think of adopting performing arts as a career. Ranjana, who has been running a dance school, ‘Utsav’ since 1987, says that the academy is dedicated to the cause of creating awareness and sensitivity to the rich cultural heritage of the country. Ranjana Gauhar striking a pose.

Company enters into pact with workers
Faridabad, July 2
The management of CLASS India Limited, the manufacturers of agricultural equipment and a wholly owned subsidiary of the German engineering giant CLASS KGaA, has entered into an all-inclusive long-term agreement with its workers with a view to increasing productivity and allow financial gains to the workforce for better results.

Workshop on geriatric urology
New Delhi, July 2
The North Zone chapter of the Urological Society of India, in association with R M L Hospital and Delhi Medical Association, organised a two-day workshop, ‘Midcon - 2006’ on the latest developments in geriatric urology, uro–gynaecology and andrology at India Habitat Centre here.

Meerut fire: Fair organisers’ bail plea rejected
Meerut, July 2
A local court has rejected the bail plea of the three convenors of the ‘Brands India Consumers Fair’ in which at least 60 people lost their lives in a major fire earlier this year.

Three held from coin-melting factory
Ghaziabad, July 2
Police today arrested three people from Sihani Gate area here following raids at a factory involved in melting coins for commercial use. While three workers were arrested in the raids conducted this afternoon, the main accused — owner of the factory situated at Nand Gram under Sihani Gate police station — was absconding.

Wanted criminal shot dead
New Delhi, July 2
The police have gunned down one person who was wanted in number of criminal cases registered against him in Delhi and Haryana. The deceased has been identified as Naresh alias Neshi (21).

	Hospital’s dedication to medical profession lauded Tribune News Service New Delhi, June 2 Delhi Metro for better transportation and comfortable journey, modern flyovers, greenery and other developmental works are not enough. The city government will only be satisfied when it sees smiling faces of all the citizens of the national Capital, Chief Minister Ms Sheila Dikshit proclaimed today. Speaking at the ‘community thanksgiving ceremony’ to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital and launch of initiative to build ‘attitude of gratitude’ in civil society, the Chief Minister lauded the role of the hospital which had attained international fame because of its dedication to the medical profession. Ms Dikshit said that as far as gratitude was concerned, a smile was enough because there was nothing better than a smile to indicate thanks and gratitude. The ceremony was jointly organised by Assocham, Vaish Associate Public Welfare Trust, Rotary International and Centre for Civil Society. Ms Dikshit and Uttranchal Governor, Mr Sudarshan Agarwal were the guests of honour at the function. Thanking the hospital for its services to society for the last more than 50 years, Mr H. K Dua, Editor-in-Chief of ‘The Tribune’, said that the people should be grateful to the physicians who spent hours together in looking after the patients. He said that people should express their gratitude to those who sacrifice their comforts for others. People should not forget the sacrifice of freedom fighters who gave everything — their families, their comfort — for the sake of the nation. Later, a thanksgiving plaque was awarded by Ms Sheila Dikshit to Dr Bharat Ram and Dr. K. B. Rao, Chairman of Sir Ganga Ram Trust Society and Chairman of Board of Management of the Hospital respectively. Besides, a plaque was awarded to former chairmen Dr K. C. Mahajan, Dr B. K. Vohra, Dr S. K. Bhandari, Dr K. P. Jain and Dr S. K. Sama.
	CM to propose advance repayment of Central loans Tribune News Service New Delhi, July 2 With revenue income in the Capital showing sizeable growth, Delhi Government is eager to make advance repayment of the costly small savings loans given by the Centre to reduce its debt burden and interest liability. According to sources, it will propose afresh to the Centre pre-payment of small savings loans to the tune of Rs 6,000 crore so as to save on the interest on the amount. The proposal will be made at a regional meeting called by the Planning Commission tomorrow to discuss the Approach Paper for the 11th Plan, to be chaired by Deputy Chairman Mr Montek Singh Ahluwalia, the sources said. Delhi will be represented by Chief Minister Ms Sheila Dikshit at the meeting of the state governments of northern states. Delhi Government’s stand is that the availability of small savings loan or special securities to the Capital is much in excess of its requirement. It has been trying to persuade the Union Government for allowing early repayment of the loan but in vain so far. The total debt burden on Delhi on account of the small savings loan stands at Rs 23,090 crore and the Capital would have to pay an interest of Rs 2,130 crore annually on this amount.
	BJP criticises DDA plan to auction school land Tribune News Service New Delhi, July 2 With commercialisation of higher education, the Delhi Development Authority’s decision to auction land for schools here would further take school education out of the common man’s reach, the BJP said on Saturday. Calling the move as “anti-poor and anti-people”, former Union Minister and BJP leader Mr Vijay Goel said he has apprised Union Urban Development Minister Mr Jaipal Reddy on the drawbacks of the DDA’s decision, which according to him would make school education even more expensive and beyond the ordinary citizen’s reach. “The move would increase school fees manifold which will force children from poor families to opt out of education,” he added. Threatening to begin an agitation, involving even the parents’ bodies if this “commercialisation of education” at the lower level did not stop immediately, Mr Goel said if the government was serious about not commercialising education, it should itself build schools on the land it proposes to sell. “The government claims to have a better standard of education in schools run by it, best teachers in town and results excelling those of public schools, then why is it shying away from opening more schools and providing inexpensive education to the people of Delhi rather than selling land and forcing school fees to spiral upwards?” he asked. Just like the government has decided against allotting or auctioning sites for primary education, it should do the same for secondary and senior secondary schools, he said, adding that land for schools must go only for government schools and not public schools which was making education an elite indulgence, Mr Goel said. “Delhi should not become a place for the rich alone and the BJP would fight the move tooth and nail,” he added.
	‘Uprooted trees due to govt apathy’ Tribune News Service New Delhi, July 2 Delhi Government is not seriously pursuing its policy of ‘replacing’ old and over-mature trees as a result of which trees are being uprooted regularly, especially during the rainy season, causing injury, damage to property and traffic jams in different parts of the national Capital. Contrary to the claims of soil being weak, it was simple failure to replace old, over-mature, dried and dead trees as early as possible that led to such trees being uprooted, sources said. Besides, it was also laid down that tiling/black topping around trees had to be removed to ensure they did not suffocate and die. Compactness of soil, concretising, tiling and black topping close to the tree adversely affected its growth and at times resulted in its dying. Tiling/concretising prevents percolation of ground water and proper aeration of roots. Agencies concerned had been advised to remove concrete/tile/black topping from a space measuring six feet by six feet around a tree, it was stated. A proper replacement plan had to be made after a thorough assessment, they said, and added that all such trees had to be identified that were likely to be replaced in the next ten years. According to the protection and improvement of vegetation cover guidelines, replacement planting under these identified trees had to be scheduled in such a manner that at the time of removal of old trees, new crop of trees was at least ten years old or crown of tree was developed enough to provide shade and mature enough to withstand various climatic and biotic pressures.
	Wanted criminal shot in Noida encounter Parmindar Singh Noida, July 2 A dreaded criminal carrying a reward of Rs 20,000 on his head and wanted by the Delhi Police, has been killed in an encounter with a joint team of the Noida and Delhi Police on Expressway near Sector-93. He was wanted in 32 criminal cases in different police stations. Noida SSP was tipped by the Delhi Police on Friday that Dinesh Giri, a wanted criminal carrying a reward on his head, was likely to visit Noida. After the local police were alerted, a white Wagon R car No. HR-26-1527 was spotted by the joint team of Noida and Delhi police near Eldico’s under-construction apartments. When the cops tried to surround the vehicle, its occupants started firing and tried to flee towards Expressway. When the police retaliated, the criminal was wounded. He was rushed to District hospital, Noida, where he was declared brought dead. Senior officers of Noida and Delhi police, including SSP and JCP, Special Cell of Delhi Police and other officers reached the spot. Delhi Police identified the deceased as Dinesh Giri of Nand Nagri, Delhi, under Sanjeev Nagar police station. He was wanted in 32 cases, including those of murders, loot, kidnapping, etc. Giri had tried to extort Rs 2 lakh from Rajesh Sharma, who has a cable network business in Delhi, by threatening him a number of times. Giri took keen interest in the disputed plots and property. His two accomplices Shambu Pandit and Pawan, also carrying Rs 20,000 each on their head had been arrested, the police said.
	Teenager, old woman raped, killed Tribune News Service Ghaziabad/Noida, July 2 A man has been arrested in a village in Hapur town of Ghaziabad district for allegedly raping a 13-year-old and then slitting her throat. One Mukesh was arrested after the victim’s father lodged an FIR alleging that his minor daughter was raped and then murdered by the man at Nan village near here, the SP (Rural) here said. He said Mukesh allegedly raped her and when she cried for help, slit her throat. In another incident, an 80-year-old woman was raped and murdered today by one of her neighbours here, police said. The woman was sleeping when Manbir, a labourer, entered her house and assaulted her, police said. “The family members of the woman were sleeping on the terrace while she was alone in the house,” said the local SP. He added that Manbir was arrested soon after the family members found the woman dead in the morning and he had confessed to having strangled the woman. The body has been sent for post-mortem.
	Protests against rising prices of commodities Tribune News Service New Delhi, July 2 The National Akali today demanded Chief Minister Ms Sheila Dikshit’s resignation, alleging that the Delhi Government had failed to check the spiralling prices of essential commodities. National Akali Dal workers held protests against the issue here and sold pulses for Rs 20 per kg. Party president Paramjeet Singh alleged that Ms Dikshit had failed to check price rise and the common man was suffering. “The policies of the Sheila Dikshit government are anti-poor and the decision of selling pulses at controlled rate was just an eyewash,” he alleged. Another political party, the Shiv Sena, also criticised the Centre and Delhi Government on price rise of essential commodities, and threatened to launch a mass movement if they failed to provided succour to the common man. “The Centre and the Delhi Government are deliberately targetting and harassing poor people and want to drive them out of the Capital ...but this will have to stop,” Delhi Shiv Sena and party incharge of North India Jaibhagwan Goyal said today. He accused the UPA and the Delhi government of being “hand-in-glove” with hoarders. “The prices have increased so much because the hoarders are getting support from the government.... The Shiv Sena will launch a mass movement if victimisation of the poor does not stop,” he added. Mr Goyal said the policies of the government were anti-poor. “First under the garb of a court order it started a sealing drive, then it gave the excuse of the Delhi Master Plan to demolish houses of the poor and now the prices of essential commodities have risen so much that the poor can not afford two meals a day,” he added.

	Power cuts hit production hard in Dadri Parmindar Singh Noida, July 2 Power cuts and power supply at low voltage have seriously affected production in the industrial area of Dadri. Industrialists and traders are suffering heavy losses due to the shortage of power. Entrepreneurs have repeatedly complained to the authorities, but no remedial action has been taken so far. There is a big industrial belt between Ghaziabad and Dadri where hundreds of units line the 18-km-long road between the two cities, which pay revenue worth lakhs of rupees to UPPC annually. They are still bearing the brunt of power shortage. During the last one month, power has tripped about 20 times every day, affecting the production and damaging the equipment. Besides, there is a frequent trouble in the 33 KV main line coming from Ghaziabad to Dadri. According to Lalit Saxena, secretary of Dadri Industrial Association, the daily tripping has almost forced entrepreneurs to close down their units. Production has gone down so much so that even the payment of wages to the workers has become a headache for the unit owners. Dy. General Manager, UPPC, Noida has told a deputation of industrialists that they will have to bear this power shortage just for three more months. Such assurances have been given to industrialists by the UPPC officials earlier also, but little is done to keep their word, regretted Mr Saxena.
	Capital reels under hot and humid conditions Tribune News Service New Delhi, July 2 As the first monsoon rains continue to elude it, the national Capital is reeling under hot and humid conditions with the maximum temperature touching 39.4 degrees Celsius, two degrees above normal. A Meteorological Department official said the conditions are expected to prevail over the next 24 hours. The minimum was recorded at 26.6 degrees Celsius, which is two degrees below normal. The relative humidity was recorded at 82 per cent. He said the conditions are favourable for further advance of south-west monsoon into some more parts of north-west India, including Delhi, during the next 48 hours. Generally cloudy sky with rains or thundershowers in some areas are forecast for the next 24 hours. The maximum temperature is expected to remain around 39 degrees Celsius.
	Capital to host exhibition on processed food industry Tribune News Service New Delhi, July 2 An international exhibition showcasing the processed food industry will be held from August 31 to September 3 at the Pragati Maidan here. More than 120 companies of national and international repute are expected to participate in the exhibition. The exhibition, christened as ‘Food and Technology Expo 2006’, will disseminate information on the latest developments in the processed food and food technology sector. Organised by NNS Group, the four day exhibition will focus on latest technology involved in the processing of cereals, pulses, spices, dairy products, bakery and confectionary products besides showcasing a wide range of food products and their derivatives. The exhibition will also help domestic companies to know more about the latest developments in the international food sector. According to Rajesh Gupta, Managing Director, NNS Group, the exhibition will also showcase ancillary industries like storage and banking. The four day event is supported by the Export Inspection Council Of India, Union Commerce and Industry ministry, Federation of All India Rice Millers’ Association, All India Food Processors’ Association and Federation of Biscuit Manufacturers’ Association of India.
	Artscape ‘Students should consider a career in performing arts’ Ravi Bhatia Tribune News Service New Delhi, July 2 At the time when most of the class XII passed students are engaged in the difficult task of selecting the right subject to graduate which would ultimately help them in pursuing the career of their choice, Ms Ranjana Gauhar, Padamshree and a known name in the Indian classical dance circles, has suggested that those with talent should seriously think of adopting performing arts as a career. Ranjana, who has been running a dance school, ‘Utsav’ since 1987, says that the academy is dedicated to the cause of creating awareness and sensitivity to the rich cultural heritage of the country. Every year, on an average, 50 students pass out of ‘Utsav’ after obtaining a professional degree in Odissi after five gruelling years. According to Ranjana, ‘Utsav’ graduates are well placed as dance instructors in international schools both here and abroad. Many have started their own dance academies and are doing well financially and otherwise. Ranjana, who has also made several films on Indian classical dances, claims that there is considerable demand for trained classical dance instructors all over the world. ‘Newbronze’ The Anant Art Gallery here is organising ‘Newbronze: A retrospective as artwork (through sculpture)’ from July 7 to 23. It will also organize a slide show on the premises on July 8. Exhibition of drawings, paintings Art positive is holding an exhibition of drawings and paintings by artist Amitesh Verma at the Shridharani Art Gallery, Triveni Kala Sangam here. The exhibition will be on till July 7. Savour a slice of history For those who like a slice of history, the Supreme Court Museum is the place this summer. Drawings, paintings and photographs related to pre-Independence Alipore Bomb Conspiracy case are being exhibited at the Supreme Court Museum here. The exhibition will continue till August-end. ‘Monsoon Show’ In deference to the advent of the rainy season, Krishna’s Collection here is presenting an exhibition of paintings of several well-known contemporary artists entitled ‘Monsoon Show’. The exhibition will continue till July 10. ‘Different Strokes’ from artists abroad The India International Centre here is hosting an exhibition ‘Different Strokes on Canvas’ comprising creations of artists from countries like Japan, France, Mexico, Bangladesh, Russia and Argentine. The exhibition is on from July 4 to July 12.
	Company enters into pact with workers Tribune News Service Faridabad, July 2 The management of CLASS India Limited, the manufacturers of agricultural equipment and a wholly owned subsidiary of the German engineering giant CLASS KGaA, has entered into an all-inclusive long-term agreement with its workers with a view to increasing productivity and allow financial gains to the workforce for better results. As per the agreement, the workmen will increase the productivity by 32 per cent to gain financial benefits up to Rs 4,800 per month. It may be recalled that the labour unrest in the industrial unit of the company here had been in the news for several months due to some dispute between the management and workers regarding the alleged retrenchments. This issue had also been taken up by the top political leaders of Germany with the office of the Prime Minister here during the last visit of the German Chancellor to India.
	Workshop on geriatric urology Our Correspondent New Delhi, July 2 The North Zone chapter of the Urological Society of India, in association with R M L Hospital and Delhi Medical Association, organised a two-day workshop, ‘Midcon - 2006’ on the latest developments in geriatric urology, uro–gynaecology and andrology at India Habitat Centre here. According to the organising secretary of the event, Dr Rajeev Sood, more than 350 national and international experts on the subject participated in the workshop. “For the first time, we organised a live operative workshop to discuss every burning and latest topics related to the subject with full clarity, which is definitely unique in its kind and provided a great opportunity to watch and interact with masters of the craft from the national and international arena,” he said.
	Meerut fire: Fair organisers’ bail plea rejected Tribune News Service Meerut, July 2 A local court has rejected the bail plea of the three convenors of the ‘Brands India Consumers Fair’ in which at least 60 people lost their lives in a major fire earlier this year. Chief Judicial Magistrate Mahendra Pal Singh yesterday rejected the bail application of Lakhan Tomar, Asit Gupta and Siddharth Manohar, rejecting the defence argument that since no chargesheet had been filed against the accused even 60 days after the accident, the three be granted bail. Opposing the application, prosecution counsel Deepak Rajpremi said that as the accused had been charged under section 304 of IPC, in which there is a provision for life imprisonment, the chargesheet could be filed within 90 days.
	Three held from coin-melting factory Tribune News Service Ghaziabad, July 2 Police today arrested three people from Sihani Gate area here following raids at a factory involved in melting coins for commercial use. While three workers were arrested in the raids conducted this afternoon, the main accused — owner of the factory situated at Nand Gram under Sihani Gate police station — was absconding, according to sources. The raid, led by the local Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) following a tip-off, resulted in the recovery of coins worth more than rupees 10 lakh in denomination of two rupee, one rupee and 50 paise coins. Investigations revealed that the melted slabs, obtained after melting the coins as they are worth more than their face value, were sold in Delhi. A hunt is on to nab the factory owner and ascertain the recipients of the ‘slabs’, according to the police.
	Wanted criminal shot dead Tribune News Service New Delhi, July 2 The police have gunned down one person who was wanted in number of criminal cases registered against him in Delhi and Haryana. The deceased has been identified as Naresh alias Neshi (21). Police got the information that Naresh was coming to the area of Narela near DSIDC to meet some of his accomplices. A trap was laid and the police noticed him coming in a grey coloured Matiz car bearing registration number DL-3CQ-5418. When the police signaled him to stop, he reportedly opened fire on the police party. In return, the police also fired and the accused was injured. He was taken to a nearby hospital which declared him brought dead. No policemen were injured during the operation as usual. Police claimed to have recovered two country made pistol from his possession.
	Traders to hold conference on FDI, VAT Tribune News Service New Delhi, July 2 Trade leaders from several organisations will hold a two-day national conference on FDI, VAT and other issues here from July 20. The conference, held under the aegis of Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), will also be attended by activists of organisations and groups opposing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in retail.
	AI flight makes emergency landing New Delhi, July 2 A Delhi-bound Air India flight, carrying 161 passengers, made an emergency landing at Palam Airport here this morning. An airport security official said Air India flight 891 from Lucknow declared an emergency at 9.45 a.m. due to shutdown of its engine. The flight landed at 9.54 a.m. and the passengers were safe he said. — TNS