The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

	‘Coup’ Report Army Chief forewarned of stories on troop movement? Tribune News Service New Delhi, April 5 Indian Army Chief Gen VK Singh was possibly aware of repercussions of troop movements towards the national capital in mid-January this year. Two Army units had moved towards the capital and the possible interpretations were probably evident to the Army Chief’s mind. In an interview to a magazine in middle of March given to a weekly magazine, the Chief hinted at it clearly. In response to a question, Gen VK Singh said, “Even, let us say one of our forces or divisions or brigades does exercise, somebody will say, oh! they did exercise. It was not an exercise, they wanted to do something else. Now you will make a story out of it. There are lots of people who want to make stories these days for various nefarious aims, if I can put it like that.” This he had said in an interview published on March 13. He also said that “if somebody has got any doubt, they should come and face us. They won’t because they know they are wrong”. In that interview he had also said that Army was doing a professional job but there were people both uniformed and not in uniform, some civil servants, who had their own axis to grind. They start feeding all kinds of wrong things, he said. The Chief told the weekly magazine, “So, you tell him (journalist) something juicy, it comes on front page and nobody even looks whether there is any truth in it. It is already done. So, you have already thrown muck on somebody. There are lots of people who are doing that and I don’t know what their motives are.” The Army Chief’s comments last month assume significance against the backdrop of a report in a newspaper, the Indian Express, yesterday that there was an unusual movement of a Mechanised Infantry unit from Hisar in Haryana.
	Unnecessary attempts to throw muck at govt, Army: VK Singh Kathmandu, April 5 Breaking his silence, Army Chief Gen V K Singh today dismissed as ''absolutely stupid'' a report on the ''unusual'' movement of two army units towards Delhi in mid-January, saying unnecessary attempts were being made to ''throw muck'' at the government and the army. Here on a three-day visit, Gen Singh said such reports show that people were unnecessarily trying to throw muck at the government and the army and they need to be taken to task. "This is absolutely stupid," he told PTI when asked to comment on the report in the Indian Express yesterday that said the government was "spooked" on the night of January 16-17 because of the movement of a mechanised infantry battalion from Haryana's Hisar and a sizeable section of 50 Para Brigade. "Whosoever is trying to make stories against the army chief is deplorable. "And what it shows is that people are unnecessarily trying to throw muck at both the government and the army and such people should be taken to task," he said. The Army Chief is in Nepal to attend a three-day Regional seminar on Natural Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance. In New Delhi yesterday, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the defence establishment dismissed the report as "alarmist" and "absolutely baseless." — PTI
	cash at judge’s door Nirmal Yadav moves SC, seeks quashing of CBI chargesheet Saurabh Malik/TNS Chandigarh, April 5 Less than six months after the Punjab and Haryana High Court dismissed its own Judge Justice Nirmal Yadav’s petition against the prosecution sanction order, she has moved the Supreme Court. Her name had surfaced in the cash-for-judge scam after a bag containing Rs 15 lakh had erroneously landed at the house of another High Court Judge with similar name — Justice Nirmaljit Kaur. The Judge had, subsequently, called in the police. The probe was later handed over to the CBI. A three-judge committee was constituted to look into the allegations. On the basis of evidence and material before it, the committee inferred that money delivered at residence of Justice Nirmaljit Kaur was meant for Justice Yadav. Available info suggests she has sought directions from the apex court for the quashing of charge sheet filed by the CBI against her. It is believed the petition is to come up for hearing on April 13. Taking up her plea in November last, Justice Permod Kohli of the High Court had asserted that Justice Yadav cannot claim any special right or privilege as an accused, just because she has enjoyed one of the highest constitutional offices. Justice Yadav had invoked the inherent jurisdiction of the High Court for quashing the sanction order passed on March 1 last, by the President for her prosecution in cash-for-judge scam. Justice Yadav had also sought the quashing of the charge sheet dated March 4 last presented against her in the court of CBI Special Judge at Chandigarh. During the course of arguments, Justice Yadav’s counsel had asserted “the then Chief Justice of India, whose consultation was imperative for referring the matter to the President of India for final sanction, formulated his opinion to decline sanction on the basis of the material and the opinion of the Attorney-General”. He further argued: “The question of grant of sanction, thus, attained finality and the successor CJI had no authority or jurisdiction to reconsider the same with fresh inputs and to arrive at a different conclusion or formulate an opinion contrary to the earlier opinion of the then CJI, Justice KG Balakrishnan.” Justice Kohli had asserted: “In the present case, at the first place, there was no refusal at any stage or at least a positive view or order for refusal to grant sanction and thus, the question of review or reconsideration does not arise”. Justice Kohli had added: “It emerges that even if a formal order of refusal of sanction may not be necessary, a positive order of refusal must exist to attract the bar of review.
	Property scam 11 M’rashtra politicians feature in CAG report Shiv Kumar/TNS Mumbai, April 5 At least 11 senior Maharashtra politicians are in the eye of a storm after they featured in a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) for obtaining property at throwaway prices for themselves or trusts under their control. On Wednesday, leaders of the Opposition Shiv Sena and the Bharatiya Janata Party produced what they said were excerpts from the CAG report in the state legislature. Among those featuring prominently in the report include former Chief Minister and present Union Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh whose Manjra Charitable Trust was allotted land in suburban Mumbai well below market rates in 2005. Other beneficiaries allegedly included Agriculture Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil, PWD Minister Chhagan Bhujbal, Forest Minister Patangrao Kadam and Industries Minister Narayan Rane. While many of those allegedly named in the report have gone incommunicado, others are putting on a brave front. Rane accused the Opposition of playing politics. "I will move a privilege motion against the Opposition members for discussing the report before it was tabled in the House," Rane told reporters last evening. He is accused of using land obtained for an educational trust as a restaurant, bar and marriage hall. But adding to the troubles of senior politicians are sections of the report which indicate that they may have filed false affidavits in order to obtain houses in a co-operative society in suburban Mumbai. Reminiscent of the Adarsh Housing Scam, several politicians allegedly filed false income statements in order to be eligible for flats in the Ashirwad Co-operative Housing Society in suburban Andheri, according to the CAG report. Some of the beneficiaries in Ashirwad society like Minister of State for Employment Vasant Purkhe have declared monthly incomes of just Rs 2,500 while another former MLA, Sunil Deshmukh, declared a monthly income of just Rs 10,600. Another politician Ramraje Nimbalkar declared an income of just Rs 5,500 per month, according to revelations by the CAG. Deshmukh may lie low Mumbai: Maharashtra CM Prithviraj Chavan who was facing a challenge from Vilasrao Deshmukh following the Congress party’s poor performance in the recent local elections in the state may just have earned a reprieve by the recent turn of events. With several of the dissidents finding mention in the purported report by the CAG for obtaining government land at throwaway prices, the opposition to Chavan is seen fizzling out at least for the moment
	Maoists, J-K, NE top areas of concern for Home Ministry New Delhi, April 5 Maoists violence, militancy in Jammu and Kashmir and insurgency in the North-East continued to be the top areas of concern for the country's internal security in 2011 with Left-wing extremism claiming the most lives. According to the annual report of the Home Ministry for 2011-12, terrorism in the hinterland and communal situation remained by and large under control, except for the serial bomb blasts in Mumbai in July 2011 and bomb blast in Delhi High Court in September last year. Level of infiltration from across the borders and the resultant terrorist activities in the Kashmir Valley showed significant decline in 2011. Since the outbreak of militancy, more than 40,000 persons have lost their lives in Jammu and Kashmir of which 13,846 were civilians and 4,807 were security personnel. Maoists violence had claimed 3,240 lives between 2008 and 2011 in nine Naxal-hit states - Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. "The CPI (Maoist) continues to remain the most dominant and violent outfit among the various Left-wing extremist groups, accounting for more than 90 per cent of total Left-wing extremist incidents and 95 per cent of resultant killings," the annual report said . — PTI What the Home Ministry says Level of infiltration and terror activities in Kashmir Valley shows a significant decline in 2011 Since outbreak of militancy, over 40,000 people have died in J&K of which 13,846 were civilians and 4,807 were security personnel Lethal rebels 3,240 people died between 2008 and 2011 in nine Maoist-hit states -- Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal North-East ‘Manipur continues to be affected by the activities of a large number of militant or insurgent outfits.... The security situation in Assam has improved since early 2010 coinciding with falling level of violence orchestrated by insurgent groups’ — Ministry report
	DoS again denies info to Nair Bangalore, April 5 For the second time, the Department of Space (DoS) has declined to give details on why punitive action was taken against former ISRO chief G Madhavan Nair in connection with the controversial Antrix-Devas deal, evoking a sharp reaction from the scientist who said there is “something fishy". The DoS said since the matter is before the Central Administrative Tribunal, the details cannot be shared with Nair. "There is something fishy about the whole affair. They are not revealing whatsoever," Nair said asking why the DoS was maintaining secrecy on a topic which is so widely talked about. "It is unheard of and unimaginable," he said. Under RTI, Nair had first filed an application seeking information on the grounds he and three other scientists had been barred from holding government jobs for their alleged role in the Antrix-Devas deal. The DoS had declined to give information then under Section (1) (h) of RTI, saying “as further investigations on the matter are in progress, providing the information at this stage would impede the ongoing probe”. Nair found this argument strange, asking as to how punitive action can be taken when the enquiry is still on. The DoS, citing a different clause under RTI, has now again declined information, including file notings, to Nair, who had filed an appeal under RTI, saying since the matter is pending before the CAT, details cannot be shared. — PTI Hitting the wall Former ISRO chief G Madhavan Nair had sought information on the grounds he and three other scientists had been barred from holding govt jobs for their alleged role in the Antrix-Devas deal He was denied info twice as the “probe is in progress”
	Bihar’s education sector hit as Centre cuts share Sanjay Singh/TNS Patna, April 5 The Bihar Government’s plan and efforts to upgrade its primary education infrastructure received a jolt as the Centre drastically cut its contributory share of funds under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) scheme during the just-concluded financial year. The state’s Education Minister PK Shahi said that out of the Centre’s share of Rs 7,040 crore, Bihar could just get Rs 1,900 crore including the last instalment of Rs 180 crore that was received here on March 31. The huge shortfall of over Rs 5,000 crore in the Centre’s share would hit the state’s plan to build around 1.5 lakh classrooms and 15,000 new school buildings, Shahi said. According to him, the state government may face difficulties even in paying salaries. “However, we are mobilising our own resources to avoid such a situation, but our expansion work is bound to get affected,” the minister added. Shahi put the blame on the Planning Commission that truncated the Ministry of Human Resource Development’s (MHRD) budget outlay for the SSA from the proposed Rs 38,000 crore to just Rs 21,000 crore. As a result, bigger states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar became the biggest losers. The situation is unlikely to improve even during the ongoing fiscal, he informed. Shahi was critical of the Centre for expecting the states to implement the Right to Education (RTE) Act and then failing to provide them the resources required for it. The state SSA project Director Rajesh Bhushan said that due to the huge shortfall of funds, the state government had prioritised spending and that salary payment was the top priority. Then comes the accommodation facility for girl students of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalay. The third priority was provision of bare necessities like handpumps and toilet facilities, he said.
	Govt wakes up to rotational transfers Will move 22 babus overstaying tenure Aditi Tandon/TNS New Delhi, April 5 After allowing its Rotational Transfer Policy (RTP), which limits the service period of Central Secretariat Service officers in one ministry, to be flouted for long, the government today decided to transfer 22 officials posted in one ministry for over seven years, against RTP norms. These officers will be moved out by the end of the month, as per a list issued by the Department of Personnel and Training, the cadre controlling wing of the government. The Tribune was the first to report how thousands of officers — from assistants and section officers (SOs) in the lower rung to directors and deputy secretaries India — were sticking to their seats in one ministry for far longer periods than the RTP rules permit and how some had spent a lifetime in one place. The DoPT under the Ministry of Personnel which the Prime Minister heads had evolved the RTP to prevent Central Secretariat Service (CSS) officers from developing interests in one ministry and thus prevent corruption. DoPT’s April 29, 2009 memo had fixed the maximum service period of babus in one ministry: not more than 7 years in case of assistants/SOs; not more than five in case of under secretaries, deputy secretaries and directors. The memo clarified that officers, upon promotions, would have to be essentially transferred to another ministry. But The Tribune, after analysing the documents received from DOPT under the RTI Act by Noida resident Devashish Bhattacharya, showed in September 2011 how 14 directors/deputy secretaries had been overstaying in one ministry, some serving 10th year where rules require them to be transferred after five. At that time the DOPT had said it was working to transfer overstaying officers out. The latest DOPT move does not cover all overstaying officers. But the list mentions undersecretary level officers who will be transferred out by the end of the month. The DOPT has asked departments to comply.
	France seeks clarifications on India’s N-liability law Ashok Tuteja/TNS New Delhi, April 5 France is in regular touch with India to seek clarifications on certain aspects of the civil nuclear liability law, informed sources said today. Paris is also waiting for New Delhi to establish the legal framework before the two countries sign the commercial contract for setting up atomic reactors in India. A couple of weeks back, French nuclear experts had come to India and held talks with their Indian counterparts to clarify issues relating to nuclear liability law which imposes heavy fines on foreign suppliers of nuclear equipment in the event of an accident. The sources pointed out liability rules were still pending before the Indian Parliament and at least one political party has introduced certain amendments. “France will wait for Parliament to complete its due processes and establish the legal framework for facilitating nuclear business.” Meanwhile, France's Nuclear Safety Authority has independently conducted a review of European Power Reactors (EPRs) in the light of last year’s Fukushima nuclear disaster. The EPRs were perfectly safe. “Paris has also shared all the findings of the safety review with Indian authorities.” Following the Fukushima disaster, India had sought new test reports from the French authorities on safety issues. French nuclear giant Areva has contracted to build reactors in Jaitapur in Maharashtra. It is expected to begin technical talks with Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) for the finalisation of the agreement after the nuclear liability issues are resolved.
	Soon: Lean, mean look for inmates in Andhra zoos Suresh Dharur/TNS Hyderabad, April 5 The “size zero” trend is no more confined to humans eager to look good and glamorous. The animals in zoos also need to tone up their bodies and remain in shape. “Binge eating is out. Strict dieting is in” is the new mantra being adopted by the veterinary doctors. Following their advice, the zoo authorities in Andhra Pradesh have drawn up a dieting regimen for the inmates of zoological parks across the state. All mammals, birds and reptiles in three major zoological parks in the state will be put on a diet programme from this week to keep them in better shape in summer when a large number of visitors are expected to throng the spots. About 3,200 animals of 150 species spread over three zoo parks in Hyderabad, Tirupati and Visakhapatnam will be put on “effective fasting” programme, said Dr P Srinivasa Reddy, veterinary assistant surgeon at Hyderabad’s Nehru Zoological Park. Several incidents of indigestion and related ailments among the animals in recent months had prompted the authorities to strictly implement the diet plan. “So far, the regulations were not rigid and more meals than what was prescribed were often given to animals,” the official said. The diet schedule includes one day of fasting in a week. The day begins with a “frugal brunch”, followed by spartan meals through the day. However, pregnant and ailing inmates have been kept out of the programme, the official said. Birds, too, have been kept out of the dieting programme. “There is no fasting for small birds as they are very sensitive,” the zoo official said. The diet rules largely conform to the specifications prescribed by the Central Zoo Authority (CZA). The regimen includes fasting and strict adherence to calorie charts. “The goal is to ensure that the animals, some of them from endangered species, are not hit by seasonal infections. The aim should to be to stick to food habits that are properly regulated and strictly monitored, the central guidelines say. The CZA has prepared separate charts for animals, birds and reptiles. In fact, the feed charts are more rigorous for animals than humans. Last year, seven animals, including an elephant, died of indiscriminate feeding by authorities and also by the visitors. The zoo authorities have long banned public feeding of animals but have been unable to enforce the ban. Birds, rabbits and monkeys are the worst hit and have died due to over eating in the zoos, say the officials.
	NHRC relief not enough: MS Gill, Tarlochan Singh New Delhi, April 5 Former associate member of National Human Rights Commission Tarlochan Singh today joined Congress Rajya Sabha member from Punjab MS Gill in terming as ‘meagre’ the Rs 1.75 lakh each of compensation the commission has awarded to the kith of those who were killed and cremated as ‘unidentified’ during the militancy days in Punjab. In a letter to Justice KG Balakrishnan, chairperson of NHRC, Tarlochan Singh said: “The compensation of Rs.1.75 lakh to each victim is too meager. No amount of money can compensate a family that has lost an earning member due to police brutality. But various state governments these days normally give a minimum Rs 5 lakh to families of persons who die during police firings or other unnatural deaths. Kindly raise the compensation amount substantially.” Gill had yesterday demanded 9 per cent interest on the entire amount given to victims’ families. — TNS
	More trouble for Subhash Ghai Suresh Dharur/TNS Hyderabad, April 5 Bollywood filmmaker Subhash Ghai, who received a setback in the Supreme Court over the land allotted to it by the Maharashtra Government for his film institute, is facing trouble in Andhra Pradesh as well. Already caught in a legal battle over the land for his Whistling Woods International Limited (WWIL), the producer-director is caught on a sticky wicket with the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) pulling up the AP government over allotment of 20.10 acres of prime land to the film and television training institute coin contravention of the rules. The apex court had yesterday upheld the Bombay High Court’s order cancelling allotment of 20 acres of land to Ghai-owned Mukta Arts by the Vilasrao Deshmukh government in 2004 to set up a film institute. In its latest report tables in the AP Assembly, the CAG found fault with the allotment of land for WWIL by the state government in August 2009.