New Delhi, January 25
The Union Government and the MCD today came under sharp criticism from the Supreme Court for giving a political colour to the sealing of illegal shops in the Capital’s residential areas when they sought a breather for traders against closing their venture beyond the January 31 deadline.

“It does not behave the government to approach the court in this manner. Don’t bring politics to the court,” was the crisp response of a Bench of Chief Justice K. G. Balakrishnan, Mr Justice Altamas Kabir and Mr Justice D. K. Jain to Additional Solicitor-General Amarendra Sharan’s short mentioning of the matter.

Mr Sharan, while mentioning the fresh applications of the Centre and the MCD for review of several orders of the apex court passed after August last year on sealing, sought the extension of the January 31 deadline for those traders to file their affidavits to shift their shops away from residential areas, which did not fall in the 23 categories of small trades allowed by the court.

The government and the civic body had sought rollback of the orders on the ground that the Centre was likely to notify the Delhi Master Plan (DMP) 2021 which according to them contemplated regularisation of the shops in residential colonies by extending the mixed use plan to larger areas.

The court questioned why the Centre had, in the first place, come up with such an application when the MPD 2021 had not yet been notified and what was the urgency for it to make such a plea.

Advocate Jasbir Malik, counsel for a residents’ welfare association, which had challenged the Centre’s legislation on one-year moratorium on sealing and two notifications on mixed land use in 2,186 roads and streets, said if the traders wanted extension it was for them to come to the court and not the government and the MCD.

Mr Malik also said the government had neither informed the amicus curiae about filing the applications or intimated the residents’ associations, which was the procedural formality under the law.

The court said when the case was already listed for hearing on February 2 there was no urgency for the government to rush to espouse the cause of traders.

In view of the case already being fixed for hearing, the court said the applications moved by the Union Government and the MCD would be taken up on February 2.

The thrust of the application was that if the DMP 2021 allowed commercial activities in residential areas the orders issued by the court would be virtually rendered ineffective.

New Delhi, January 25
Delhi Government has decided to implement with immediate effect its decision to extend the retirement age of teachers up to 62 years.

“The government had taken a decision to extend the retirement age of teachers up to 62 years. The decision has now been implemented with immediate effect,” Delhi Chief Minister Ms Sheila Dikshit said today while addressing a gathering at Republic Day function at Chhatrasal Stadium.

She also unfurled the national flag on the occasion.

Contingents of Delhi Police, three wings of NCC, Home Guard, Civil Defence, Delhi Fire Service and school children took part in the parade.

In an investiture ceremony organised during the Republic Day celebration, Ms Dikshit awarded ‘Uttam Jeevan Rakshak Padak’ to DTC driver Kuldeep Singh, who lost his eyes while making an attempt to save valuable lives of people by throwing away explosives planted by terrorists in a DTC bus. She also awarded medals to seven best NCC cadets, junior and senior under officers and cadet under officers on this occasion.

While addressing the gathering, Ms Dikshit said that the development works were continuously being pursued in Delhi. Delhi had got a facelift during the last eight years because of all-round development, she claimed.

She further claimed that there had been a 30 per cent increase in revenue collection after introduction of the VAT in Delhi.

Describing children as leaders of tomorrow, she said that they had rendered appreciable contribution in pollution control, expansion of greenery, ban on plastic bags and implementation of rainwater harvesting.

She also claimed that people of Delhi were now more interested in admitting their children to government schools after their shining performance and better results in the CBSE exams. The Chief Minister said that the government had decided to introduce vocational or technical education in Delhi schools from next academic year. “The government has also decided to open a new university ‘Dr Ambedkar University’ for which required formalities are being completed,” she said.

New Delhi, January 25
Delhiites got a respite from severe cold conditions today with temperatures showing an upward trend, even as mist and shallow fog engulfed the national Capital early morning but air traffic remained unaffected.

The maximum temperature recorded yesterday in the national Capital was 22.7 degree Celcius, two degrees above the normal, whereas the minimum temperature hovered around 7.3 degree Celsius one notch below normal.

The met office forecast for next twenty four hour says that the minimum temperature will hover around 9 degree Celsius with shallow mist or fog in the morning accompanied with partly cloudy sky later in the day. 

Gurgaon, January 25
A day after the murder of a woman at Sector 4, the local police have failed to arrive at any conclusion.

Unknown assailants killed a 52-year-old woman late last evening and took away valuable goods from her house in Sector 4 here. Sunita Gowsai was killed while she was alone at home.

Her husband had not returned home from his office while their son was studying outside the city. After murdering the woman, the assailants took all valuables, including cash, jewellery, costly clothes etc from the house, added a police official.

The neighbours did not notice any unexpected movement or hear any sound from the house. Her husband, Satish Chandra, found her body in the kitchen when he returned at about 9.15 pm on his return from Delhi, where he works.

The criminals had broken open all cupboards and ransacked the whole house before leaving.

The police are still not sure about the weapon of offence.

The body has been sent for a post-mortem examination.

The cause of death would be ascertained after the doctor’s report. Fingerprint experts and a dog squad have been to the crime scene.

No arrests had been made till late this evening. 

Faridabad, January 25
Faridabad is among those districts of the state where wheat crop has been damaged by the use of weedicide supplied by the private companies this year. Crop of at least 324 acre has been reduced to ashes in the district. This is perhaps the first time in the history of the state that wheat crop has been damaged in this manner. While the state government has initiated an action against half a dozen supplier companies, some of the companies have started offering compensation to the affected farmers. Compensation at a rate of Rs 8,500 to Rs 10,000 per acre has been released to several farmers.

The Agriculture department has, however, set up an expert committee to look into the matter after a survey of the affected farmers in this regard. Wheat on about 2.65 lakh acres has been sown in the district in this rabi reason.

According to information and reports from the affected villages, the farmers had bought a weedicide identified as ‘Sulforulfuron- 75 %’ to tackle the problem of weeds like ‘kanki’ (mandusi) and ‘junglee jai’.

These weeds strike the wheat fields after the crop attains the height of about 7 to 8 inches. However, within three days of its use, the crop got burnt, says the report by the officials of the Agriculture department.

The amount of the weedicide sprayed on the plants has been just 13.5 gms per acre and it is normal to control

the weeds to ensure a higher yield of the crop per acre. The companies which supplied this weedicide are reported to be based in Haryana and Delhi and it is found that the main lot of the chemical had been imported from a neighbouring country and was sold here in different names.

The other districts where such damage has been reported include Sonepat, Panipat, Kurukshetra, Kaithal and Ambala. While the authorities here have been carrying out a second survey of the damage, a committee comprising a scientist of the Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, has been asked to submit the technical report.

The total number of farmers affected by the problem has been 107 as per the first survey. While some farmers have demanded such an enquiry and decided to approach the Consumer Forum for relief, it is learnt that some of the companies have started negotiations with the farmers and paid compensation up to Rs 10,000 per acre to at least 12 farmers so far.

The district has not been covered under the ‘Crop Insurance Scheme’ of the government.

It may be recalled that the average yield of wheat crop has come down from 4165 kgs per acre in 2001 to about 3844 kgs per acre in 2006. The main reasons could be less rainfall and emphasis on sowing of commercial crops.

The Agriculture department in the state has targeted to raise the yield to about 4100 kgs per acre this year. It has advised the farmers to go in for early sowing and adopt certain methods to control the weeds. Less rain and inadequate irrigational facilities are a prominent cause behind the shaky yield, said a farmer.

Noida, January 25
The families of the victims in the Nithari killings have condemned the attack on the accused in the Ghaziabad court premises saying such incidents would only help subvert the truth.

These families also urged everyone to co-operate in the CBI investigation as bigger truths are yet to come out.

They need to be punished, no doubt but such attacks would only help divert the attention from the investigation and in fact not allow the truth to come out, said Dil Bahadur Sahi, husdband of Nanda Devi, a victim in the serial killings.

No, they should be allowed to be properly investigated so that we all can know the truth behind the whole incident, said Anil Haldar, father of Rimpa Haldar, a child allegedly killed by the accused.

The activists working with the families of the victims feel that the public outbursts like this need to be avoided at all costs to allow the judicial process in a free and fair manner.

When it is a mob attacking, you never know about their credentials. Maybe by attacking the accused, there is a greater purpose being served to benefit the other accused in the case, if any, said Padmini Kumar, a social activist working with the families of the victims.

The accused, Moninder Singh Pandher and Surinder Koli, were manhandled and badly beaten up by mob, mainly consisting of the advocates today when they were being produced in a court.

Bulandshahr, January 25
Additional District and Session Judge Abdul Kadir sentenced 23 out of 27 accused to life imprisonment in a murder case. Three of the 27 accused have since died while fourth is already serving a sentence in Dasna jail.

According to prosecution, Sher Mohammed of Daula village under Secunderabad Kotwali was going to a mosque to say his Eid Namaz in the morning of May 18, 1988, along with his sons Mufeed and Shakeel and some other people.

Near Pucci Chopal, some 30 persons of the same village, armed with guns and revolvers, had attacked Sher Mohammed and his companions. Sher Mohammed’s son Shakeel who was hit in gunfire had died on the spot.

In his report, Sher Mohammed had named 27 persons as accused, including Mansoor Ali, Asgar, Iqbal, Ishar, Qyum, Umas, Tehseen, Shafru, Basru, Mahender, Waris, Zahid, Jamil Jalil, Dinu, Faiz, Janu, Nyazu. Riyast, Anwar, Ishaque, Mushtar, Enwar, Shamshad, Irshad, Pahelwan, Abdul Rehman and Manzur. They were all from the same village.

In the trial of the case which went on for about 19 years, Addl. District and Sessions Judge Abdul Kadir found 23 accused guilty and sentenced them to life imprisonment.

Nyazu, Meherban and Zahid had died during the pendency of the case.

New Delhi, January 25
Inspired by the Global Village in Dubai, the DTTDC has decided to set up a Global Village as an annual exposition for showcasing the promotion of art, craft and culture.

The Delhi Minister of Tourism, Mr Arvinder Singh Lovely, said the proposed Global Village would be set up in an area of 60 acres. Out of this, 20 acres would be reserved for parking as the government expected that Delhiites would come in large numbers to enjoy the cultural functions of India as well as 15 countries who had agreed to participate in the functions. Foreign cuisine and arts craft would also be made available at the village, he said.

The entry fee of this Global Village would be between Rs 50 and Rs 75 for the whole day. There was a plan to connect the village with the Metro. The village would be so impressive that Delhiites would prefer going there instead of venturing out of the city, the minister said. 

New Delhi, January 25
Not many people are aware of the fact that they need not restrict themselves to hoist the tricolour atop their homes only on the national days. To convey this message, the Flag Foundation of India, a non-profit organisation, through its untiring efforts has been trying to enliven the spirit of patriotism in the nation.

The Flag Foundation of India was founded by Mr Naveen Jindal, parliamentarian, industrialist and sportsperson. Mr Jindal fought a seven-year long battle in courts that led to change in the Flag Code of India and enabled all Indians to display National Flag with honour and pride at their homes and offices on all days of the year.

To spread this message far and wide, the foundation has launched an event called ‘Tri colour Revolution’. This event is a unique amalgamation of ‘patriotism’ and ‘talent’ and is trying to inculcate the feeling of national pride and heritage within the youth. The revolution is enveloping whole Delhi University colleges. On the occasion of Republic Day in West Delhi all students were given a platform on which they openly expressed their love for the ‘Tiranga’ in their own creative way.

This activity had competitions like poetry, dance, singing, drama and dialogue delivery. All these competitions had a central theme of National Flag, patriotism and Republic Day. Out of all participants one ‘Patriotic Idol’ was chosen from each college. Students were awarded with scholarships and gift hampers.

This revolutionary movement brought together the vibrant youth that aims to be the instrument of change in the country and is a constant reminder of celebration of our diversity, democracy, liberty and secularism.

The Foundation has been organising Tricolour Revolution since the last six months in different colleges. To encourage enthusiastic efforts of students, Flag Foundation of India has given scholarship (Rs 5,100) along with gift hampers to all the chosen ‘patriotic idols’ of Hansraj, SRCC, Gargi, Miranda, DCAC, IP College, Maitreyi, CVS, Sri Aurbindo College, Deshbandhu and Rajdhani College.

Celebrities from various artistic disciplines were called to adjudge the event. Some of the celebrities invited were Shibani Kashyap, Zila Khan, Shankar Sawhney, Yatin Sonic (Grasim Mr India 2006), Sitar Maestro Prateek Choudhary and theatre personality Ms Aseema Bhatt. 

New Delhi, January 25
After an overwhelming response to the seven ‘BSES Aapke Dwar’ already held for its domestic customers, BSES has now taken ‘Aapke Dwar’ to the next level by customising it for its industrial and bulk customers.

The first of the ‘tailored’ programmes was organised yesterday for its East Delhi industrial and bulk customers of Jhilmil, Friends Colony (East Delhi), Dilshad Gardens and Patparganj Industrial area.

The programme organised in Jhilmil Industrial area today was well attended by promised and leading industry and factory overhears. Prominent attendees included representatives and members from Patparganj FIE Enterprencuts Association, Friends Colony Industrialist Association and Jhilmil and Friends Colony Industrial Area CETP Society.

Speaking of the need to organise a customised ‘BSES Aapke Dwar’, BYPL’s Arun Kanchan said, “During our ongoing interaction with our customers, we realised that different segments of our customers have unique issues and needs requiring differential and ‘tailored’ handling. Hence, there was need to organise an exclusive Aapke Dwar for industrial and bulk customers. Already, we have a dedicated 24x7 Interactive Voice Recorded System (IVRS) helpline number 39999555 for our bulk customers”.

“Holding customised Aapke Dwar’s for different segments of our customers, will help us resolve their issues in more effective manner,” said a BSES official.

“At BSES, delighting customers has been our singular mission. BSES has been working for strange hewing its grievance mechanism and introducing customer-friendly measures. Recently, BSES has reached the hugely popular consumer days – where first and third Saturday of every month will be observed as Consumer Days, during which an empowered team of BSES officials will try and bring about on the spot reaction of grievances in Divisions offices,” he said.

Under ‘BSES Aapke Dwar’ - an empowered team of senior BSES officials hold an interactive session with the RWAs, residents and now industrial customers of an area.

Ghaziabad, January 25
Three men accused of the rape and murder of a 10-year-old girl have been found guilty.

Meerut Additional District Judge D. K Nenwal ordered the guilty persons to be sent to jail after delivering his verdict.

The 10-year-old daughter of Aftab, alias Abu, had gone missing on the morning of September 13, 2000, in Kithore. Aftab, who runs a tea shop, had filed a missing person report with the Kithore police the next day. On September 15, the semi-naked body of Abu’s daughter was discovered in a sugarcane field.

Later, some villagers said they had seen Irfan and Adil, residents of Kithore, and Abdul Tahir of West Bengal running away from the sugarcane field on the day of the incident. The girl’s family had lodged an FIR against the three who were arrested on September 25, 2000. The court found the three guilty of gang rape and murder and awarded them death sentence.

New Delhi, January 25
In view of certain disputes over ballot papers for the election of prestigious Dental Council of Delhi (DCD), a regulatory body for dentists in the Capital, the Delhi High Court has ordered the election to be held under judicial supervision.

The court directed that former Andhra Pradesh High Court Chief Justice Devinder Gupta would supervise the election process.

The election was earlier scheduled to be held on January 22 but due to last minute deficiencies detected in the ballot papers, the polling was postponed.

Due to this, a total confusion was created and the entire election process was vitiated and it was agreed upon between the contesting parties that the process must begin afresh, Justice S K Kaul, in its order, said.

The election was challenged by Dr Maneet Singh, president of Delhi Chapter Indian Dental Association, as his counsel H S Phoolka said that since serious doubts had been raised on the election process, it needed to be held under the supervision of an independent observer.

Gurgaon, January 25
The Haryana Governor, Dr A. R. Kidwai, today urged academic institutes in the state, especially Gurgaon, to provide quality education so that youths having technical skill and domain knowledge could avail the job opportunities thrown by privatisation and globalisation of the economy.

Dr Kidwai, while addressing a gathering here in connection with the inauguration of the Institute of Law and Management Studies (ILMS) of Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU), said as Gurgaon was drawing the attention of foreign and big investors in various sectors of the economy it was imperative the institutes should

churn out quality graduates who could get the umpteen jobs available.

He said the country as a whole had a bright future. He punctuated his optimism with the proviso that the youth must be ready for the opportunities on offer.

The institute inaugurated today was earlier christened National Law College and had been functioning since 2000. However, as the Bar Council of India had raised an objection on the word national the MDU authorities decided in favour of the new name, especially as business management related studies were also to be introduced. The institute had started an MBA course with specialisation in international business in addition to the law course. At least 600 students had already enrolled for the course.

The MDU Vice-Chancellor, Prof R. S. Dhankar, said more new courses would start from the next academic calendar. The university catered to half the state. It was the university’s duty to prepare the local youth in facing the coming times with the help of sound academic and technical background.

He said the proposed Regional Centre of MDU in Mewat with the headquarters at Nuh would become functional by June. He also announced expansion of the ILMS.

New Delhi, January 25
Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit today distributed PCO battery-operated tricycles to 23 handicapped persons at a simple function organised at her residence.

She described the new initiative as a step towards making disabled persons self-sufficient. They had been provided with MTNL PCO with ISD, STD and local phone facilities. She added at least 200 handicapped persons would be offered battery-operated tricycles this year. — TNS