New Delhi, December 22
Anger, hurt and disappointment that had gripped the national Capital over the last few days today culminated in loud demands for a 'death penalty' to the accused in the brutal gangrape of a physiotherapy student.

Protesters refused to budge from Rajpath even as the government assured them of a speedy trial in the case.

"Some politicians have expressed their willingness for an urgent session in Parliament to discuss death penalty in the case. But beyond making statements, will a session be actually called? We are shocked at how much is being said and how little is being done in reality. What is being done is not enough! Speedy trial was a basic demand in this case, but it isn't a strong deterrent," said Amit Singh, one of the protesters at India Gate.

"As we speak, reports of a gangrape in Tripura, and at least three other states are making rounds on the social networking websites. So tell us, are we protesting in vain? Our presence today will send out a larger message towards gender sensitization, but the government has to respond with the same force," said an agitated Sonali Shaw, a south Delhi resident.

Divya Gagneja, a student from DPS School, added, "Women safety in the nation's Capital is in tatters and it gets much worse in the rural areas. We demand death penalty and stringent laws for women safety not just in Delhi, but in other areas also."

Tanya Sarkar, one of the female protesters who faced police lathis at the protest, said, "We are demanding laws for our safety, and the police started thrashing women only. We are not satisfied with whatever has happened today. We will return tomorrow in larger numbers."

New Delhi, December 22
The BJP has announced that it would not impose any new tax on the people in the budget of corporations for the financial year 2012-13.

Delhi unit chief of the BJP, Vijender Gupta said citizens who pay house tax of less than Rs 5,000 on line would be given an additional concession of two per cent in the new financial year. The parking rates of all the three corporations will be uniform.

In view of the manifesto issued at the time of elections to the three municipal corporations, uniformity will be brought in the taxes, said Gupta.

A meeting of the Chairmen of the Standing Committees of all the three corporations and leaders of the Houses was held yesterday under the chairmanship of Vijender Gupta. The meeting was held to finalise the budget proposals for the next year. It was decided in the meeting that no new taxes would be levied.

At the time of introducing a unit area method of house tax in Delhi, the government had said that if there was any shortcoming in the collection of taxes, the government would compensate the corporations. After the start of this system, the corporations incurred a loss of Rs 1,253 crore. The government now wants to recover this amount from them.

It should waive this amount keeping in view people's welfare, Gupta said.

New Delhi, December 22
The Delhi government today directed the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) to strengthen transport system in the city with a view to ensuring safety and security of the commuters.

Transport Minister Ramakant Goswami said that regular bus services of the DTC and cluster services werer in operation from 5 am to 11 pm. The DTC is operating night services on selected routes connecting IGI Airport, Railway Stations and ISBTs.

The minister has directed the DTC to further increase night bus services to provide connectivity to more places and colonies. The Delhi police would be requested to provide security in buses operating at night.

He has also asked the Transport Department to request the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation to extend its services till midnight.

Installation of global positioning system (GPS) is mandatory in all the buses and autos. Any fiddling with the GPS would result in serious action. The GPS would be installed in Garmin Sewa vehicles also, he said.

The minister also directed the officers concerned to intensify the checking of public service vehicle (PSV) badges to detect the drivers who do not possess the badges. The action, including impounding of vehicles and heavy fine, will be taken in case drivers are found driving vehicles without the badges. The list of persons having the PSV badge should be put on the website of the department so that permit holders' employers can pre-check the same before employing such persons. If the employer still employs any person who does not have valid PSV badge, the employer would be accountable. Curtains and tinted glasses are to be removed from all PSVs.