|
|
|
|
Consumer forums seek quorum
Dehradun, December 23 According to norms, the quorum can only be achieved if at least two members are present during the hearing of complaints at the district forum. The district forums in Rudraprayag, Pauri Garhwal, Almora, Bageshwar and Udham Singh Nagar are non-functional, as the appointment of two members has not been made so far. However, a retired district judge is heading them. In Uttarkashi, Tehri (Garhwal) Chamoli, Pithoragarh and Champawat one member each has to be appointed. Only the district forums in Nainital, Haridwar and Dehradun have all two members, in addition to the president who heads the forum. According to sources, the reluctance shown by the government in making important appointments has more to do with politics, as proper procedure is not being followed. Notably, the posts carry a lot of weight although the minimum qualification is graduation, and there are several aspirants for the same. The total number of complaints filed between April 2002 and November 2008 at the State Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission are 3,754. Of these, 2,877 have been disposed and 877 cases are pending. Aggrieved parties can file an appeal at the district forums if they have complaints pertaining to banking, medical negligence, insurance, household goods, railways, airlines, telecom, postal, electricity, housing (private, government and by societies), education, transport and other services. The limit to which a complainant can approach the district forum for compensation ranges between Rs. one to Rs. 20 lakh, while the State Disputes Redressal Commission can be approached for a compensation ranging between Ra 20 lakh to Rs one crore. Above that, the National Commission has to be approached. Despite the lethargic attitude of the government, whereever the forums are fully functional, villagers approach them with their complaints. In a case pertaining to Sumati Devi, resident of Village Kakhwari, versus the New India Assurance, Tehri and Ganga Yamuna Gramin Bank, regarding a claim that she was to get from the company after the death of a buffalo that she purchased after taking a loan, the State Disputes Redressal Commission directed the insurance company to pay a sum or Rs 13,300 with interest and Rs. 2,000 as cost of litigation. The insurance company had taken advantage of the illiterate woman's inability to quote the exact date of the death of the buffalo in her claim appeal, although later she furnished the exact date, death certificate and report of the veterinary who had carried out a postmortem of the animal. In another case pertaining to a refund of fees, which also came up at the Nainital district forum and later at the State Commission, Mohan Chand Pandey filed a complaint on behalf of his son Dheeraj Pandey against FIITJEE Ltd of New Delhi. Pandey had demanded a refund of fee that they had paid as the son was unable to carry on with the course after getting admission somewhere else. The appeal was dismissed as the institute had taken an undertaking that no refund would be made in case a student gets selected or leaves the coaching centre beforehand. "Before filing a complaint, the consumers should read the warranty and make sure that they have documentary proof to substantiate their claim, although we try to strike a balance by taking the middle path. The consumer forums are basically aimed for the welfare of consumers. As there is too much of dishonesty and cheating in the society, consumers need to be vigilant. In view of this, forums and commissions created in the country are proving to be a boon," said RK Sharma, president of district consumer forum (Dehradun) and retired district judge. Cases pertaining to medical negligence are also being increasingly taken up at the district forums. "It has been held in a number of rulings that the patient is fully entitled to know before proceeding with the treatment or operation the nature of the disease, what shall be the percentage of his cure and effects of operation," said Surinder Aggarwal, a former member of State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission. "Besides the patient has the following rights; he should be informed of the negative aspects of the treatment and compensation awarded in cases where there were deficiencies and lapses in pre-operative stage which caused a physical injury. Doctors owe certain duties to his patients and a breach of these makes a case of negligence," he added. The quasi-judicial commission and forums created through an act of Parliament were aimed at empowering the consumer and provide succor to them at no extra cost. However, of late there has been a tendency to hire lawyers for presentation of a case, which negates the very concept of the quasi nature of the apparatus.
|
|
Christmas spirit pervades Haridwar
Haridwar, December 23 Christmas celebrations are at its peak these days and visitors are frequenting beautifully decorated churches. The markets are replete with people, and shopkeepers have put stalls outside their shops to lure the buyers. Santa Clauz mask, Christmas tree, entrance bells, candles and plastic stars are seen everywhere. “We have made a gift pack for Christmas filled with chocolates, sweets, toys etc and they are selling like hotcakes,” said P. Ahuja, owner of Ahuja Gift store at Ranipur Chowk. Christmas cakes are also in high demand and bakers have made special ones based on the Christmas theme. However, as this Christmas comes barely a month after the Mumbai carnage and attacks on churches in Orissa and Karnataka the celebrations at churches will be a low-key affair. “We will pray for the martyrs and the people who died in the attacks and the perpetrators of such crimes should know that religious diversity is the base of Indian democracy. It never can be dismantled,” said Happy, a Christian missionary associated with the BHEL church, where a camp fire will be organised today evening. The city church at Devpura will also hold prayers on the eve of Christmas. Schools of the city are also celebrating Christmas with fervour. Some schools like DPS Ranipur, St. Mary’s have already organised Christmas functions before closing for winter holidays. However, special prayers will be organised at these schools on Christmas Day. “I am eagerly awaiting the night of Christmas when Santa Clauz will give me gifts. Last time, I got a Barbie doll and lots of chocolates,” said eight-year-old Anurima Evatt, who recently bought a Santa mask.
|
|
India to have interceptor missiles: DRDO chief
Dehradun, December 23 “The endo-atmospheric version of the Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) is capable of killing the enemy missile at an altitude of 15-km, whereas the exo-atmospheric version of interceptor can destroy enemy missiles at an altitude of 50-km,” said Dr. Selvamurthy. Here, it is pertinent to mention that with both China and Pakistan fielding a wide variety of nuclear-capable ballistic missiles, BMD capabilities for India are a crucial necessity. Dr. Selvamurthy also said that currently, India is leading in missile technology, electronic warfare systems and Radar technology. “Few days back, India's indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) were also successfully tested,” he added. When asked that why there are very few takers for the DRDO products, he said, “It is in the mindset that imported products are of better quality. But now we have started demonstrating how good our indigenous developed products are. Hopefully, in times to come, DRDO would find more takers for its products,” Selvamurthy said. Interacting with the media persons, Dr. Selvamurthy further added that DRDO has taken a decision to actively promote participation of Indian Industries in defence production. “DRDO has organised several meets to appraise industry veterans about opportunities awaiting them in Defence R&D,” he said. DRDO chief controller said that in the recent times, trend of the DRDO officials leaving the organisation has also witnessed a complete reversal. “Because of the ongoing global recession coupled with some other factors, NRI’s have started returning to DRDO. Recently, as many as 40 NRI’s had joined DRDO, which is a positive sign,” he added.
|
|
Chilli smoke grenades to draw out enemy
Dehradun, December 23 The chilli smoke grenade, which is yet to be put to use, has been christened as Oleoresin Capsicum (OC). Disclosing this, chief controller of DRDO Dr. W. Selvamurthy said chilli smoke grenade would only irritate eyes, respiratory tracts and skin. Dr. Selvamurthy, who was in Dehradun today to attend a symposium on ‘Defence Technologies for Imaging and Communication 2008, said, “OC, is an inflammatory agent and causes an immediate swelling of the eyes and breathing passages. Hence, this grenade would be handy in fighting with terrorists, particularly when they have taken hostages.” Asserting that high intensity war seems unlikely today, Dr. Selvamurthy said that DRDO has prepared a roadmap for making devices and equipment, which could be used in counter insurgency operations, fighting terrorism, checking drug trafficking, maintaining law and order and surveillance etc. “With considerable increase in terror strikes and especially after the Mumbai attacks, now the impetus is on enhancing the screening technologies and equipping our soldiers with modern warfare, so that they could fight with terrorists with minimum causalities,” he added. Dr. Selvamurthy said besides developing ‘concealed weapon detection’ device, which could make it possible to detect any object on the other side of the wall, DRDO is laying emphasis on developing modernised and effective equipment, including light weight bullet-proof jackets, face masks, electronic surveillance and goggles, for the protection of the soldiers.
|
|
Stay connected on the move
Dehradun, December 23 A mobile in today’s time has become a necessity rather than a luxury. “Recently, I purchased a Nokia 6610 as I often have to call my grandparents who stay in the village,” said Ramesh Bhatt, a clerk. “People generally prefer multimedia phones. Most of them are ready to purchase phones ranging between Rs 10,000 and Rs 15,000. Nokia, due to its durability and easy functionality, is the favourite among the lot,” said Sanjeev Chopra, a mobile phone seller. Whether it is the latest Nokia supernova series or Samsung touch screen, people in spite of the recession still want to experiment and choose the best from the market. “Though businessman take high-end phones like Blackberry or Samsung omnia, youngsters are the ones who love to experiment and spend extra from their pocket. As compared to Nokia, the sale of Samsung is more at my shop,” said Gaurav of Ganpati Telecoms. “I love Nokia mobiles but if I get better picture quality, then I would love to take any other brand,” said Sonali, a college student. “In my time, phone was not even a necessity but my grandson, who goes for tuitions, recently purchased a ‘Sony W350’ for its picture quality,” said Durga Mehta, a grandmother. “People today have become very intelligent and even have knowledge to pick up the right phone at the right price. Most of the college crowd who visit my shop have an idea about the kind of phone they want to purchase,” said Gaurav. Presently, the mobiles which are favourites among youngsters are ‘Nokia supernova series’, ‘E series’, ‘Sony W 580’ and ‘cyber shot series’. “The new ‘Moto rocker EM80’ is doing great in the city,” said Rajeev Kapoor of New Nine Telecom. “CDMA mobiles including Reliance, Tata Indicom and the recently launched Virgin mobiles are the favourite among those who love to hang out in their college groups or among couples who want to chat at an affordable price. The range of virgin mobiles is from Rs 1,600 to Rs 4,000. One can get a good scheme with it as well,” said Rajeev Kapoor. “My fiance stays in Delhi. So I purchased a Reliance mobile as the call rates at night are 10 paisa only,” said Ekta, a lawyer. Where most of the crowd wants to purchase a mobile phone with good features and durability, there are some who are even purchasing Chinese mobiles. ”Every one can’t purchase high-end phones but phones at a cheaper rates and same looks is definitely attracting the customers,” said Anil Kapoor who deals in Chinese mobile phones. “A sensible customer with good taste and knowledge doesn’t purchase Chinese mobiles. Mostly lower class and students go for Chinese models,” said Kapil Ahuja of CT telecom.
|
|
Jaunsar fest from Dec 27
Dehradun, December 23 Uttarakhand Chief Minister Maj Gen BC Khanduri (retd) and tourism minister Prakash Pant will inaugurate the mahotsava. Ranveer Singh Tomar, general secretary of the committee, said today that apart from Jaunsari folk dances, dances from Rawayeen, Himachal Pradesh, Garhwal and Kumaon areas of Uttarakhand will also be staged. He said artistes from these areas would be camping at the venue and would also be interacting with the visitors. “Such programmes will help in making the people aware of the lesser-known culture of Jaunsar and Rawayeen areas,” Tomar added.
|
|
Excise cut spells doom for pharma industry
Bhagwanpur (Roorkee), December 23 Earlier, the excise duty on pharmaceuticals was cut down from 16 to eight per cent in the budget of 2008-09, to give a fillip to the industry. The president of state Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association NL Reddy confirmed that 25 out of 90 drug units in Roorkee have shut-down their businesses. However, in other industrial areas of the state (Dehradun and Uddham Singh Nagar) many players are seeking permission either to switch over to other businesses or sell off their units. "Actually, the excise duty incentives, being given in this year's budget have started posing a major threat to pharmaceutical sector in the state. With the announcement of excise package, the government has created a level playing field for the industry based in and out of these EFZs. Now, the manufacturing cost of drugs in other states has almost come at par with that of the manufacturers here in EFZs. In fact, our manufacturing cost has been increased by six to seven per cent due to higher transportation, logistics and labour charges. Especially, the companies that came from far-flung areas find it very tough to deal with the situation,” said Reddy while maintaining that business in these zones has come down by almost 20% during the last three months and the trend is expected to continue in the future. Having more than 450 drug units here, the state is virtually known as as the “Bowl of Pharma” and this status came when many companies made a queue to take advantage of the situation after the state was declared as EFZ in 2002. “But now the pharma sector here is virtually in doldrums and the association is looking out for various solutions to save the industry. There is a drastic need to take steps in this direction to save the pharmaceutical industry in EFZs. Like farmers, loans of the drug manufacturers should also be waved-off. Not only here, the industry in other EFZs like Baddi in Himachal Pradesh has been facing a similar situation,” said Reddy, adding that the association's representatives would meet finance secretary and revenue secretary in Delhi tomorrow.
|
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
