|
|
|
|
Top offences
After Delhi, Noida gets piped gas
Trade tax collection may rise by 10.8%: Walia
|
|
|
JNU students to observe strike today
Schools to face action for hiking fees mid-session
Meet today to focus on higher education
Chautala sees fraud in acquiring farmers’ land
Man convicted of killing freed
Mumbai civic body lauds MCD project
IGNOU to offer associate degree
Rain forecast for today
Minor girl rescued
’84 Riots
Panthers Party backs V-Day
Gang of snatchers smashed
|
|
Top offences
New Delhi, February 9 The traffic police had issued 72,624 challans and 19,433 notices till Sunday midnight. Among the different sections of offences committed during the period, the maximum deals with improper parking followed closely by red light jumping. Improper parking tickets have been issued to 12,604 vehicles, while 12,085 were challaned for red light jumping in different parts of the city. On Sunday alone, 1,092 were booked for red light jumping. According to traffic officials, cases of red light jumping are most on Sunday and other holidays. According to the traffic police data, 4,104 were booked for stopline violation; 3,965 for dangerous driving; 3,310 for defective number plates; 759 for use of tinted glass; 150 for absence of head/rear light; 1,022 for zig-zag driving; 274 for drunken driving and 2,877 for overspeeding. Besides, 196 jaywalkers have been issued challans. Traffic officials believe that jaywalkers often cause fatal accidents. “We want to send across the message to people who think roads are parks and thus loiter around. It has been proven by various studies that jaywalkers have been responsible for some of the worst accidents,” said a senior traffic police official. Bluelines are often referred to as ‘killer buses’, as they cause the maximum number of accidents across the Capital. They too are facing the heat from the traffic police. On Sunday alone, 157 Blueline buses were challaned under different sections. The number of challans issued to these killer buses in eight days has shot to 2,133. Bluelines are often seen flouting traffic rules. Therefore, traffic officials have decided to teach some road rules to bus operators and drivers. “I do not pity these fellows. If I stop a Blueline bus, I will issue a challan no matter what. These drivers are rogue,” said a traffic constable on the condition of anonymity. The 10-day drive ends tomorrow. |
|
After Delhi, Noida gets piped gas
Noida, February 9 Kitchens in 50 houses of PMO Cooperative Society apartments in Sector 62 switched over to Piped Natural Gas (PNG) supply as U.D.Choubey, chairman and managing director, Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL), inaugurated the PNG supply by switching over the first burner at house number A-102 of P.P. Shukla last evening. Society secretary P. Kumar said, “Complex has 156 apartments. As many as 120 have registered themselves for the PNG supply. Today PNG supply was connected to 50 houses. The rest of the houses too would be connected in a week. The majority of the residents have migrated from Delhi and know the benefit of PNG.” Speaking on the occasion, U.D. Choubey stressed that the urban areas should opt for PNG so that LPG can be diverted to rural areas where clean fuels for cooking are not easily available. This would not only save precious foreign exchange for the country, but would also help in achieving the vision of inclusive growth wherein the rural areas benefit from the fruits of development. Choubey said that 10,000 new PNG connections would be given by March 2010 to cover all societies in sectors 51, 52, 53, 61 & 62. In the next two years, entire Noida would be covered by PNG network. So far around 2,500 persons from sector 62 and 61 have registered for PNG connection and deposited Rs 5,000 towards security money. Rajesh Vedvyas, managing director IGL, disclosed that the actual selling price of PNG would be slightly higher in Noida due to higher rate of taxation in UP. PNG would be available at a rate of Rs 16.74 per scm in Noida. VAT rate in Delhi is 4 per cent whereas in UP, it is 21 per cent. |
|
Trade tax collection may rise by 10.8%: Walia
New Delhi, February 9 The minister said that last year the total collection of value added tax (VAT) was Rs 8,500 crore. This year till December 2008, the department of sales tax has collected Rs 6,080 that has shown a growth of 10.8 per cent. To encourage trade in the national Capital, he said that the department of trade and taxes was all set to implement a good dealer scheme 2009. Under the scheme, the official would have to take specific approval of the commissioner of trade and taxes department for inspection of premises of a good dealer. He further stated that good dealers would be identified on the basis of a prescribed criterion. The good dealers would be those who have not faced any enforcement action in the last five years. There is neither any appeal pending against them nor any case of late filing of returns. Apart from this, dealers must have registered five per cent higher tax growth rate than the average growth in the sector for the last three years, Walia said. He expressed satisfaction that traders in Delhi have substantially contributed in making VAT successful, which was implemented on April 1, 2005 amidst uncertainties and fears expressed by the traders. The department has taken a number of steps in strengthening its computer systems and making online submission of forms feasible which has helped in establishing transparency and overcoming malpractice. Traders in Delhi have been provided best facilities as compared to all other states in the country. A large number of traders presented their suggestions in a meeting held recently. The meeting was attended by the principal secretary (Finance) V. V. Bhat and commissioner of trade and taxes Archna Arora. |
|
|
Surajkund Mela draws Gurgaon residents
Gurgaon, February 9 While many residents want such events to be organised in the vicinity of Gurgaon, others have rated it above the international trade fair organised in Pragati Maidan in New Delhi. “We have been visiting the Surajkund mela for several years; and it is heartening to note that the fair is getting better with every passing year,” opines Shweta, a media professional based in Gurgaon. Her views are endorsed by a cross-section of local residents approached for their comments. However, the residents do feel that the parking arrangement at the mela site need to be streamlined. “There is no denying the fact that it is difficult to manage the huge number of visitors and vehicles, simultaneously maintaining a smooth flow of traffic on the main road leading to the mela venue. Still, better arrangements can be put in place to ensure that the visitors are not put to inconvenience,” says Rajesh, a Gurgaon-based telecom engineer. The big traffic jams on the road leading to Surajkund, especially during the weekend, amply proved their point. But on the whole, most residents returned from the fair with fond memories which they would cherish. Many plan to visit the fair again, albeit they say they would now go there on a working day to avoid the heavy rush. While Madhya Pradesh is the theme state at the ongoing mela, craftsmen from different parts of the country as well as abroad have displayed their impressive creations at the fair. The mela, which began on February 1, will continue till February 15. |
|
JNU students to observe strike today
New Delhi, February 9 “The general body meetings are held in solidarity with the JNUSU’s ongoing struggle against JNU administration’s move of commercialisation, fee hikes and to scuttle JNU’s socially sensitive character,” said Shephalika Shekhar, vice-president, JNUSU. Students are opposing university’s move to put individual meters in the new Koyna hostel for calculation of user charges on electricity consumption by students. “We are currently at a juncture when nothing less than JNU’s heart and spirit are at stake. Each and every institution and value that we have built over years are under attack,” said Sandeep, president, JNUSU. University students said they were basically opposing four moves of the university administration, which are concerted steps towards commercialisation of JNU. “There are basically four issues. Besides the electricity meters, 67 per cent increase in the prospectus fees for new admissions, destruction of JNU rich ecology and ignorance of university administration towards implementing full OBC reservation,” said Roshan, secretary, Students’ Federation of India (SFI) JNU. The students alleged that there was systematic clearing of JNU jungle, which is also affecting the flora and fauna of the university. “On one hand the university is fixing flashy lights and LCD televisions in different buildings and on the other the administration is clearing the forests and creating dumping grounds all over the university. The university campus is a property of the student community and we want to reclaim it,” said Roshan. The students said they had the support of the university faculty in their struggle. “The entire JNU community including a large section of faculty, has stood up in protest against these highly anti-student, anti-poor measures which will change the socially inclusive and accommodative character that JNU is known and cherished for,” said Shephalika. Agitated students have also alleged that the JNU administration was taking advantage of the Supreme Court’s stay order on JNUSU elections. “Since the students are busy fighting the Lyngdoh committee, the administration is doing things its own way. All the student organisations should forget their differences and come together to fight these insensitive moves,” said Samar Pandey, student activist. Manoj from Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) said, “We always stood against any commercialisation of higher education. However, we want to ask the JNUSU office-bearers what they were doing when all these decisions were being passed.” Meanwhile, along with a total university strike tomorrow, JNU students are taking out long march on the university campus to reclaim the campus. “Since various campus spaces including hostels and ecologically sensitive Parthasarthy Rocks are being targeted, students have decided to take long march to each of these areas with a call to reclaim JNU,” said Sandeep. |
|
Schools to face action for hiking fees mid-session
Gurgaon, February 9 The education department is also collecting information about schools which have hiked fees in the mid session. Meanwhile, the district education officer (DEO) Jyoti Chaudhry has ordered all the private schools to discontinue charging increased fees this session. The school administrations have been asked not to hike the fees without prior approval by the government. This was stated by the DEO in a meeting with the private school management here today. Chaudhry had asked the school authorities to inform the education department in a proper format if they want to increase the fees. Vashisht Goel, president, Millennium Parents Association, said, “We are going to organize a parents meeting here on February 15 where all the seniors of the association will get together to solve the issue and around 4000 parents are expected.” “The schools should have increased the fees in the beginning of the session and not in mid-session when parents can’t do any anything,” Goel said and added that the DEO had told them that they cannot stop private schools from doing anything as they don’t come under them. While talking to The Tribune, Chaudhry mentioned, “We have asked all the schools to fill the form number 6 if they want to increase the fees and submit in our office. They are required to take permission to do so.” “My daughter is also studying in school and I am also paying the increased fees,” she retreated. “But increasing fees in mid session is wrong,” Chaudhry added. The schools which were called for the meeting are Salwaan Public School, DPS Sushant Lok, DPS Sector 45, Ajanta Public School, DAV Public School, Blue Bells and many other private schools. About Shri Ram Public School which has increased the fees, Chaudhry said, “I will be visiting there in a day or two to check the status and if required action will be taken.” |
|
Meet today to focus on higher education
New Delhi, February 9 Other issues on the agenda include a focus on the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan
(SSA), the flagship programme for universalisation of elementary education, mid-day meal programme meant for improving nutritional standards and health status of school-going children and Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan for universalisation of access to secondary education. The meeting will be attended by
M.A.A. Fatmi, minister of state for school education and literacy and D.
Purandeshwari, minister of state for higher education (both vice-chairperson of
CABE), central ministers of related ministries and select ministers in charge of education from various states/
UTs. The meeting will deliberate on efforts made by the MHRD for the Right of Children to free and compulsory education. In the area of higher education, CABE will deliberate on planning and progress in expansion of higher education envisaged under the 11th Five Year Plan. The meeting is also likely to focus on initiatives like opening central universities, central assistance for the 374 new degree colleges in educationally backward districts, opening of new
IITs, IIMs, NITs, IISERs and IIITs. |
|
|
Chautala sees fraud in acquiring farmers’ land
Gurgaon, February 9 Chautala, who was on a whirlwind tour of Gurgaon villages today, lambasted the Hooda regime over the alleged irregularities in acquisition and subsequent release of land at the behest of certain Congress leaders. “They (government) first issue notices for acquisition of a chunk of land. The land is then purchased by persons close to ruling party leaders at low rates. Under pressure of acquisition, the owners go in for distress sale of their land. At a later stage, the acquisition is cancelled, following which the land is sold at much higher rates,” he asserted, adding that many farmers of the state had thus been cheated. The INLD leader warned the villagers that if this situation was allowed to persist, they would be forced to work as labourers on their own land. “The Congress has always been a pro-capitalist party which works for the welfare of the industrialists and not of common people,” he remarked. Chatting with the villagers in chaste Haryanavi in between his speech, Chautala urged them to cast their votes in favour of the INLD if they thought that his rule was better than that of the present regime. He promised to hike the old age pension to Rs 700 per month if his party came to power. The tour, which started from Sikanderpur village of the district early this morning, culminated at Gurgaon late in the evening. |
|
Wanted criminal who escaped to Pak held
New Delhi, February 9 Qasim has claimed that an ISI agent had approached him to work for him while he was in Lahore. He revealed that he had fled to Pakistan in September last year to avoid arrest in Delhi. DCP (special cell) Alok Kumar said that Qasim was arrested from Rajasthan after the police learnt that he was returning to India by Thar Express on Saturday. Qasim revealed that he went to Pakistan from India on September 1, 2008. He stayed with his relatives at Taksali in Lahore. He disclosed that during his stay in Pakistan Hashim, an ISI agent, had approached him to work for him. Meanwhile, the special cell officials are investigating his claims. Qasim was wanted for a murder in the Ballimaran area that took place on July 7 last year. Qasim had shot Tariq, brother of Sadiq, who had married the niece of Jagram Ali against his wishes. Qasim is related to Jagram Ali. The local police had arrested Mohd Salim, Shaheen Abbas, Sazid Hussain and Jargam Ali who confessed their involvement in the crime. |
|
Man convicted of killing freed
New Delhi, February 9 Aslam was sentenced to life imprisonment by a trial court after the police claimed he strangled the woman to death when she demanded money from him after having sex. A High Court bench comprising Justices Pradeep Nandrajog and Aruna Suresh, after going through the records, found that the police had fabricated evidence to implicate Aslam. “This is a case of false implication. The police has contrived to fabricate evidence and unfortunately had succeeded in pulling the wool over the eyes of the trial judge, who has chosen to proceed on the assumption that the police officers always tell the truth and they never manipulate witnesses,” the court said. The court also took exception to the police’s claim that the victim was a prostitute.
— IANS |
|
Mumbai civic body lauds MCD project
New Delhi, February 9 “We are very much impressed by visiting the state-of-the-art building and the kind of facilities that have been built in the civic centre,” said the chairman of Mumbai Municipal Corporation Vishwanath S Maske. A 25-member delegation of Mumbai Municipal Corporation’s Works Committee led by its chairman visited the on-going project of civic centre at Minto Road, which will house the civic body’s new headquarters. “The project has come as an inspiration for other civic bodies as well across the country,” said Maske. The delegation from Mumbai was accompanied by the MCD’s leaders and officials, including Works Committee chairman Mahendra Nagpal. “The delegation had a feel of the complete project on presentation before actually visiting the construction site. They inquired about the techniques used for energy conservation, water harvesting, firefighting, parking, facilities of helipad and traffic management of the area in detail,” said Nagpal. |
|
IGNOU to offer associate degree
New Delhi, February 9 Around 80 noted universities in the world have their own community colleges. These colleges offer the associate degree as their highest degree, along with diplomas, after people enter a two-year training programme in a flexible mode. This associate degree helps them get lateral entry into the regular university system. IGNOU plans to establish its own community colleges and will approve some existing ones to offer the associate degree. “In India most of the community colleges are run by charitable trusts, missionaries, etc. IGNOU may offer the associate degree through these colleges after they get recognition, depending on infrastructure availability, faculty and programmes,” informed Rajasekharan Pillai, vice-chancellor, IGNOU. In India, the community colleges framework is not yet institutionalized. The associate degree programme will be offered to make a candidate eligible for the regular degree programme of a university. The varsity will consider academic programmes such as associate arts, science, computer science, commerce and business administration as fit for community colleges. These are called associate degrees because it contains 40 pc of the content of a regular degree. Graduates with a two-year diploma may also be allowed to complete. |
|
Rain forecast for today
New Delhi, February 9 The day remained cool today with maximum temperatures settling at 26.6 degree Celsius, 4 notches above average while the minimum temperature remained 7.6 degree Celsius, 1 notch below normal, said Met officials. “Delhi is experiencing these climatic changes probably due to the snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir. Moreover, western disturbances approaching the city might result in light showers,” said Met official S C Bhann. The maximum temperature is expected to remain 24 degree Celsius tomorrow while the minimum might go to 11 degree. All flights and trains were on time. Delhi airport spokesperson says, “Thankfully the minimum visibility range was perfect for the flights to take off.” |
|
Minor girl rescued
New Delhi, February 9 For the girl, the rescue has come after literally “a journey through hell”. Hired by a family in Tilak Nagar in West Delhi, not only was the 11-year-old made to work from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m., but also beaten up on the slightest pretext and not even paid the amount she was promised – Rs 500 per month. Rakesh Senger, national secretary of the Bachpan Bachao Aandolan who rescued the girl, said, “She is undergoing medical tests to see that no internal injury has been caused.” The case has been registered under the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976, and Juvenile Justice Act. The girl will now be sent to the government-run shelter home for girls, Senger said.
— IANS |
||
|
’84 Riots
New Delhi, February 9 “Serious crimes were committed in the wake of the riots but inadequate and insufficient investigations have enabled the actual perpetrators of the crimes to slip through the net of justice,” noted a division bench of Justices B.D Ahmed and V.B. Gupta. The bench upheld the trial court’s order acquitting the five accused. The court acquitted Ravinder Singh, Daya Shankar, Raghbir Singh, Ram Avtar and Ramesh, who were accused of looting a Coca-Cola factory at Okhla on November 1, 1984.
— IANS |
||
|
Panthers Party backs V-Day
New Delhi, February 9 He said the party has decided to oppose “fundamentalist and communal elements” which will not let young generation celebrate the day, Sachdev said. The DPNPP slogan is: “Nirbhay Hokar Manao Valentine Day.” |
||
|
Gang of snatchers smashed
Noida, February 9 The police has arrested two snatchers and one person who used to buy goods from them. SSP Naveen Arora said, “Two criminals Israil, alias Guddu and Ikrara were arrested from Sector-18 near gurdwara. They confessed to have robbed a laptop, mobile phones, a gold chain, debit cards and a bag from two Amity students on January 27.” The laptop, two lockets and debit cards have been recovered from them. Besides the motorcycle used in the crime has also been seized, sais Arora. |
||
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Classified Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
