New Delhi, March 27
The Delhi government today supported the Supreme Court judgement convicting Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) militant Shaukat Hussain Guru for concealing information about the impending December 13, 2001, terror attack on the Indian Parliament.

Appearing for the Delhi government, additional solicitor general Gopal Subramanian told a bench of Justice PP Naolekar and Justice LS Panta that the apex court’s ruling that convicted Guru for concealing information after acquitting him of graver charges of terrorism and waging war against the government had “no error.”

Shaukat, serving a 10-year term in Tihar Jail here on the apex court orders, had moved the court late in August last year contending that he was wrongly convicted by it on a new charge of concealment of information, for which he was never tried by the trial court.

A trial court had awarded capital punishment to Guru on charges under the now repealed Prevention of Terrorist Activities Act and the penal offences for waging war against the state. While the Delhi High Court confirmed it, the apex court reduced his sentence to 10 years in jail.

On his petition against conviction and award of death penalty by the trial court, the apex court acquitted him.

But the apex court convicted him on a new charge of concealing from the police the information about the impending terror attack of December 13, 2001, and handed down a 10-year jail term to him.

Guru has appealed to the apex court twice - against his conviction on the new charge - through what is known as review petition and then through a curative petition, which is being heard by the judges in their chamber.

The apex court, however, has given him a rare third chance to raise his contention before it.

Earlier, appearing for him, senior advocate and former law minister Shanti Bhushan contended that the apex court conviction of Shaukat Hussain Guru - without a lower court trial of him on that charge - was a violation of his fundamental right to life and liberty under Article 21 of the constitution.—IANS

New Delhi, March 27
The Delhi unit of Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced that the party would order an ‘impartial’ inquiry into the Rapid Bus Transit System once it comes to power in the state.

Delhi unit BJP president Harsh Vardhan expressed his apprehensions regarding the bus corridor, while he addressed a Bhartiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) dharna here. The BJYM had called a sit-in demonstration to protest against the unsafe bus corridor.

“The bus corridor has taken lives of a dozen people before completion,” alleged Harsh Vardhan. “The corridor is being built in an unscientific way just for benefit of a few people,” he added.

The Saffron party has claimed that the corridor is affecting the city’s environment, as trees are being chopped off to make way for construction. “Instead of solving the problem of traffic jams, the corridor work has made it difficult for people to travel from one part of the city to another,” he said.

He alleged that the developmental works being introduced by the Sheila Dikshit government in the Capital was against the interest of people. “The corridor’s construction should be put on a halt till it is clear that it would benefit residents,” he added.

BJYM president Anil Sharma said, “A compensation of Rs 10 lakh per person should be provided to the families of those who were killed because of the bus corridor.”

Councillors Sarva Shri Rakesh Guliyan, Mool Chand Sharma, Mudita Gupta, Satyender Chaudhary, Nagrajan, Shailender Singh, Kartar Singh and Jai Prakash were also present. 

Noida, March 27
The number of HIV positive cases in Noida is rising alarmingly, but the health authorities in the district appear oblivious of the development. The number of HIV positive cases is not only affecting youth, but even children are reportedly afflicted with it. 

In spite of the fact that health department was incurring crores on its campaigns for checking the spread of HIV cases, the new cases of the dreaded scourge are coming up at alarming rates.

The detection of five HIV positive cases in GB Nagar district in one month has created sensation. The total number of HIV positive cases this year has jumped to eight now, notwithstanding the health department’s ignorance of the situation.

Three positive HIV cases were confirmed during February this year—two women and a minor girl were the victims. These three cases were found in Javer rural areas where people are not adequately aware about the implications of AIDS. But the March cases have all been detected in urban areas of the high tech town. But the health department has no information about it and even the district administration did not appear serious about these patients.

There is no ART (anti-retro viral therapy centre) for such patients in the city. What is more serious even the district hospital also lacks proper medicines or a department that can handle such highly contaminated disease or AIDS patients properly. The patients of such highly communicable diseases have either to be taken to Delhi or Meerut.

New Delhi, March 27
Replying to leader of opposition Jagdish Mukhi’s special mention on the A.K Ramanujan’s essay— “Three Hundred Ramayanas: Five Examples and Three Thoughts on Translation”, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit placed a copy of note prepared by the council of department of history, Delhi University before the House today.

The note states that Professor Ramanujan in his article has illustrated and analysed the great dynamism and variety in what he described as the telling of story of Rama within India and across the world.

“A press note issued by the head of the department of history, Delhi University, makes it crystal clear that the Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) activists were all out to create unpleasant situation by ransacking the office of the university,” she said.

The Chief Minister further alleged that the opposition has misled the House by its politically motivated actions. “They are out to divide society as they are intolerant towards the rich cultural heritage and freedom of expression,” she said.

Mukhi on Thursday had demanded that the Chief Minister should talk to the vice chancellor of Delhi University and union minister of human resources to get the essay deleted from the BA history second year book.

Since Sheila Dikshit did not respond to Mukhi’s demand, the BJP members walked out of the House.

Greater Noida, March 27
A suspended sub-inspector of police of Rabupura police station, who had beaten up a glass trader and looted cash from him, has been booked by the Kasna police on orders of the SSP.

Similar complaints were received against the SI in the past also. A complaint against SI Vedpal of Rabupura police station was lodged by glass trader in Kasna police station. The Kasna SO took action on instructions from SSP Satish A Ganesh.

SI Vedpal had been suspended two months ago when similar complaints were received against him.

In his complaint, glass merchant Manoj Pal said that Vedpal’s house was under construction in F-633, Delta Sector. He had placed in order for glass panes for windows, etc and given an advance of Rs 7,000 also. But Manoj Pal said glass worth Rs 28,880 had been supplied to the SI and whenever he went to him for the balance payment, Vedpal would threaten him and shoo him away.

A few days ago, SI Vedpal had called Manoj to his residence to collect his balance payment last. When he reached Vedpal’s house, SI with the help of two youths beat up the glass trader and also snatched Rs 8,000 from him.

Manoj had, as a last resort, complained to the SDM at Tehsil Day on last Tuesday. The SDM had ordered an enquiry. On SSP’s orders, the Kasna police had booked him for assault and loot.

SSP Satish A Ganesh is learnt to have written for Vedpal’s posting in some other district.

New Delhi, March 27
Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit today expressed her government’s commitment to provide quality healthcare to citizens especially, maternal and child segment of the population. She said this at the launch of MAMTA scheme at Delhi Secretariat.

Those women, who are residents of Delhi and belong to BPL/SC/ST category, would be eligible under the scheme. They should not be less than 19 years of age. They should not have more than one child. The woman delivering under the MAMTA scheme would be entitled for cash incentive of Rs 600 under the Janani Suraksha Yojna.

If a woman under MAMTA scheme delivers a girl child then, the child would receive benefits under ‘Ladli’ scheme.

The Chief Minister said that approximately 3.2 lakh deliveries take place every year in the Capital. Of these 63 per cent (as per NFHS III survey report, 2005) are institutional deliveries. The government is trying to universalise institutional deliveries for pregnant women. It would reduce maternal and infant mortality rate.

But there are inadequate facilities to provide obstetric services to mother and the newborn in government hospitals. Besides, government hospitals are over burdened.

Dikshit announced that money would be allocated to private hospitals to provide comprehensive care to pregnant women. It would include antenatal care, institutional delivery, newborn care and postnatal care under MAMTA scheme. 

She informed that 26 nursing homes/private hospitals had signed an MoU with Integrated District Health Societies.  

The Chief Minister exhorted nursing homes/private hospitals to serve the society. In order to ensure timely payment, she directed principal secretary (health) to provide facilities of on-line payment to nursing homes/private hospitals.
Chief secretary Rakesh Mehta congratulated expressed confidence that the scheme would go a long way in providing better healthcare to women and their children.

Principal secretary (health) Vivek Rae informed that the beneficiary would get at least three antenatal check-ups including ultrasound of pregnant woman registered under the scheme.

Delhi health minister Yoganand Shastri and representatives of various nursing homes/private hospitals were also present.

New Delhi, March 27
The Delhi High Court today asked the Delhi government to report by April 3 whether 34 schools have fulfilled the obligation to give 15 per cent seats to poor students free of cost.

The 34 schools have filed affidavits in response to contempt notices issued by the court to 52 schools that failed to meet the obligation.

The school managements had been given land at concessional rates by the government on the condition that they would provide 15 per cent of the seats free to poor students.

“Review the affidavits carefully and let us know if they have considered the complaints filed by parents who alleged that some schools are not abiding with the criteria of giving freeship quota to students,” Justices TS Thakur and Siddharth Mridul said.

The court is hearing a public interest petition filed by social jurist, a voluntary organisation, alleging that several schools had failed to meet the obligation.

The schools that were issued contempt notices include Delhi Public School, Vasant Kunj; Apeejay Public School, Malviya Nagar; Greenfield Public School, Malviya Nagar; Ryan International School, Mayur Vihar and Salwan Public School, Mayur Vihar.

In May last year, the court had directed the city’s private schools to comply with the rule from the academic session 2007-2008 on a trial basis.

Earlier this month, the court reiterated that schools that do not comply with its order could be de-recognised and dispossessed of their land. — IANS

New Delhi, March 27
In the wake of a series of violent incidents the Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) cadre and soft response of the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) administration, the Jawaharlal Nehru Students’ Union (JNUSU) has launched a campaign on the university campus.

An appeal letter has been sent to the faculty members of the university. A human chain was formed on campus on March 24 as part of this campaign.

The appeal letter recalls the incidents of violence on the campus instigated by ABVP leaders. It has blamed the ABVP for the violence during the Chandrabhaga hostel night.

“The acts of public violence and vandalism directly threaten the democratic culture and ethos of JNU, which students have struggled to create and defend for so many years,” said Sandeep Singh, president, JNUSU.

Singh also spoke of the alleged administrative bias towards the ABVP pointing out that the same administration has in the past been so quick to punish activists from other organisations, often without any process of inquiry.

“We from the JNUSU have released an appeal letter to all the teachers explaining the extremely vitiated atmosphere that has been created in the campus by constant shielding and patronage of the saffron lumpens,” he said.

Faridabad, March 27
The website of Municipal Corporation of Faridabad (MCF), launched today with much fanfare, is plagued with outdated data.

As a gesture from the MCF showing its intent of public participation in the develoment process, the civic body got the website launched by five elderly residents.

The progressive work done by by MCF in getting the website lauched was however marred by incorrect data as much information was outdated. They mainly concerned with the posting of the officials.

For example, Sunita Verma, who is now a city magistrate of Faridabad, continues with her old posting as joint commissioner, Faridabad.

Anil Sharma, who is no more as joint commissioner of Ballabgarh Zone, continues to be posted at the seat. The latest fact is that Pushpidner Singh Chauhan is the joint commissioner, Ballabgarh. Inder Kumar Bishnoi who is no more joint commissioner of NIT zone continues to be so as per the website. The fact is that B.S Kali Raman is the present incumbent.

Also, Sujan Singh Yadav continues to be the MCF’s secretary while the post is presently vacant.

Another howler is with regard to the name of N.K.Katara. Although he is now the chief engineer of the civic body, he is presented with his old designation of superintending engnieer in the website. There are several cases in which personnel have been projected with their old designation though they have been promoted. Rajeev Goyal continues to be assistant engineer even though he has left the civic body on retirement.

New Delhi, March 27
North-Eastern girls in the Capital are quite jubilant. They are finally getting a hostel after a much-awaited MoU was signed recently between DU and the ministry of youth affairs. DU has received about Rs 26 crore for the construction of this hostel.

There is visible relief among the North-Eastern students after this decision, says Sushmita, a student from Assam, “We are extremely happy after getting the news of this hostel. Most of us have been living outside in PG accommodation and as you know that has proved very unsafe for most of us. We come from a long distance. It is only fair that this decision has been taken and back home, our parents will be more relaxed about sending us to Delhi.”

Amrita Bahri, DUSU president informs, “This was a much-needed step and we are glad it has come about. The North-Eastern girls were facing problems. The hostel issue had been hanging fire for eight years.”

Bahri adds, “There are very few girls’ colleges on campus and at least 80% of the girls to date live outside. It is extremely unsafe for girls in Delhi to be in PG accommodation and North-East girls did tend to be a major target.”

Amrita spoke of the DUSU’s contribution in raising this issue with the ministry.

Still others on campus feel that more hostels are needed for girls and just taking care of North-Eastern girls is not enough. Says Sonali, a student at the varsity, “Most of us are happy about the fact that this hostel is coming up for North-Eastern girls, but many of us from other parts of India face the same problem. There are very few girls’ hostels and Delhi is not a very safe city for the women. The rest of us should not feel neglected.

New Delhi, March 27
As many as 42,000 women from rural areas in Delhi, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh have learned to read and write. According to the World Bank Development Policy Review 2003, over one third of Indians above sseven years of age are illiterate. This rounds up to over 300 million.

Development Alternatives announced this in the Capital yesterday. Development Alternatives had initiated a one-month literacy programme called ‘Tara Akshar Literacy’ under the Poorest Areas Civil Society (PACS).

Over 43,202 women were enrolled in the course. Of these, 42,353 passed the exam with 98 per cent marks. “We have 291 centres across North India, where people learn to read and write in 30 days,” said Kiran Sharma, project director, PACS. “We target women between the age-group of 8 to 50 years,” she added.

Students attend a 100-minute class everyday for six days a week. During the first 18 days they are trained to inculcate sounds of letters and letter groups by using advanced techniques. In the remaining 12 days, they are trained to read words and sentences. Writing is taught throughout the programme. A written comprehensive test is given to students on the last day of the programme.

“We are trying to design a post-graduate programme to utilise the new found skills. We realise that there is wide gap between raising someone from illiterate to neo-literate and giving them advanced job skills so that they get employment,” she said. “We would impart vocational training to these neo literate people and would train them to be entrepreneurs.”

Greater Noida, March 27
A woman reportedly committed suicide after a trivial altercation with her husband in Sector Gama-II, Greater Noida. The police has sent the body for autopsy.

Milan of Bhojpur in Bihar was living with his wife Pooja and about two-year-old daughter at Sector Gama-II in Greater Noida. Milan is a mason working on some under-construction houses. On Tuesday night, the couple had a tiff over some issue. The next morning as Milan left for his work, Pooja committed suicide by hanging herself with a noose from the ceiling fan.

Milan, who had forgotten his tools, had by chance come back to pick them up. He was shocked to see his wife hanging from the ceiling fan. When he brought Pooja down, she was already dead. Milan told the police that after a little tiff on Tuesday night, things looked normal. They had been married for last three years, he told the police.

New Delhi, March 27
The Social Communication Centre here has scored a moral victory as the transport department of the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi has finally accepted its plea that mother’s name can be mentioned in the official application for a driver’s licence.

The voluntary organization has been fighting for this since 1999 after the Supreme Court had ruled that the mother was a natural guardian and that her name could be used by an individual. The office order issued by the joint commissioner, Operations, Virender Kumar on March 25, has directed all motor licensing officers to accept Form No. 4 if the applicant has mentioned the mother’s name instead of the father’s.