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SC directs AFSPB to consider promotion as per Delhi HC order

NEW DELHI, Dec 13: The Supreme Court today directed the Air Force special .....more

Best Bakery: prison superintendent asked to appear in court

MUMBAI, Dec 13: The special court, conducting the retrial in the Best Bakery ..more

Vijay Kelkar committee may submit report by month-end: Pranab

NEW DELHI, Dec 13: The Vijay Kelkar Committee, set up to examine and recommend...more

Godhra Commission inspects spot and coach
for the third time

GODHRA (GUJARAT), Dec 13: The Godhra inquiry commission today conducted for the. .....more

Govt not considering increase in MPs quota
in KVs

NEW DELHI, Dec 13: The Government today said it does not propose to ......more

Laloo and Rabri did not influence tax matters: CBDT

NEW DELHI, Dec 13: The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has filed an affidavit in the ....more

Concerns raised over misuse of DTH for viewing pornography: Govt

NEW DELHI, Dec 13: Concerns have been expressed in various quarters about.....more

Dialgue on Kashmir be within frame work of Indian constitution

MANDI, HP, Dec 13: Bhartiya Janata Party national vice-president Mukhtar Abbas....more

Mid-year review lowers growth projections at six pc plus ......

Hearing on allotment of petrol pumps case posted for Jan 10 ......

Concern expressed in RS over depleting water level in country ......

SC directs AFSPB to consider promotion as per Delhi HC order

NEW DELHI, Dec 13: The Supreme Court today directed the Air Force special promotion board to consider the promotion from the post of Air Vice Marshal to that of Air Marshal as per the Delhi High Court order and submit its finding to the Apex Court in a sealed cover.

The order was passed by a bench headed by Justice Y K Sabharwal on a special leave petition filed by the Centre challenging the High Court order quashing the 2002 promotion policy of the Air Force.

The court asked the Special Promotion Board to consider the cases of Air Vice Marshal Harish Masand and S Chatwal as per the policy in which 95 per cent of the marks are awarded on the basis of the officers track record and five per cent on the basis of grading.

The court severely criticised the Air Force for treating its senior officers in a casual manner to "bring them down" in the guise of 2002 promotion policy. (PTI)

Best Bakery: prison superintendent asked to appear in court

MUMBAI, Dec 13: The special court, conducting the retrial in the Best Bakery case, today asked the superintendent of the Arthur Road prison, where all the 17 accused are lodged, to appear before it following a media report on their security.

Additional Sessions Judge Abhay Thipsay asked the superintendent to appear before the court today or tomorrow and told the court staff to inform him of the order over the telephone.

Judge Thipsay said the possibility of danger to the lives of the accused cannot be ruled out. Jail authorities should take precautionary measures for their safety, he stated.

The Judge said the accused did not belong to any gang.

The order came after defence counsel Adik Shirodkar brought to the notice of the court the news report that underworld don Dawood Ibrahim was planning to avenge the deaths in the post-Godhra riots in Gujarat two years ago. (UNI)

Vijay Kelkar committee may submit report by month-end: Pranab

NEW DELHI, Dec 13: The Vijay Kelkar Committee, set up to examine and recommend changes in defence acquisition procedures among other things, is likely to submit its report by this month end, Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee said today.

Besides examining defence acquisition procedures, the Kelkar Panel would also recommend steps to enable greater private sector participation in defence production and take a look at measures to increase defence exports and changes needed in the defence public sector units, mukherjee told the Parliamentary Consultative Committee attached to his ministry.

He also gave a brief account of the functioning of the department of defence production and said a special thrust was being given to exports from the ordnance factors and defence psus, a Defence Ministry Spokesman said.

Referring to the modernisation and automation of infrastructure in ordnance factories, Mukherjee informed the members that Rs 245.92 crore has been spent on modernisation of defence production units in 2003-04 and a further investment of Rs 300 crore has been planned in the current fiscal.

Appreciating the performance of defence PSUs and ordnance factories, the members of Parliament sought more funds on their modernisation.

One member expressed concern over poor quality of small arms and their ammunition produced by ordnance factories, while another wanted to know the status of private sector participation in defence production.

While one member wanted more financial support to Bharat Earth Movers Ltd, another wanted maximum utilisation of the potential of Bharat Electronics Ltd in producing semi-conductor devices.

Besides Minister of State for Defence Production B K Handique, Defence Secretary Ajai Vikram Singh and other top officials, among the members present were Naveen Jindal, Sushma Swaraj, Karan Singh, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and Kailash Nath Singh Yadav. (PTI)

Godhra Commission inspects spot and coach for the third time

GODHRA (GUJARAT), Dec 13: The Godhra inquiry commission today conducted for the third time a detailed inspection of the S-6 coach of the Sabarmati Express and the site where it was attacked by rioters at the railway station here on February 27, 2002, leading to the death of 59 Karsevaks.

The Commission, comprising Justice (retd) G T Nanavati and Justice (retd) K G Shah, along with advocates representing Gujarat Govenment and NGOs visited the ‘a cabin’, where a crowd had allgedly pelted stones at the train and then set the S-6 coach ablaze killing the passengers inside, to cross-check various details given by the survivors and others in form of affidavits, police sources said.

Nanavati told reporters that the commission had conducted a detailed inspection of the place and the S-6 coach and had taken down several important points for their reference regarding the events.

"This is our third visit to the spot and we have come to verify several points, including those contradictory ones, that emerged from the scores of affidavits given to us," Nanavati, who heads the two-member commission said.

He said it was necessary to make a third visit to know the ground realities of the incident after going through all the affidavits.

The commission has also sought from the Gujarat Government several technical details of the train especially the chain pulling aspect and the make of the S-6 coach, Nanavati said.

He said the commission was still to receive some more affidavits and the report might be submitted by end of year 2005.

The commission boarded an engine and took a tour and stoppage of the areas from where all the attack occurred and entered the S-6 coach for an inspection.

To another question if the commission, akin to the railway ministry-appointed U C Banerjee committee, would also inspect the charred S-3 coach of the Shanti Express that had caught fire at Gandhinagar Railway Station last month, Nanavati said: "We do not (not) know the terms and reference of the Banerjee committee. There is no point in us going there as inspecting the S-3 coach is not in the terms and reference of this commission.

The commission returned for Ahmedabad after the visit and is slated to record the cross-examination of Noel Parmar, the railway police official, who is investigating the Godhra train carnage case, tomorrow. (PTI)

Govt not considering increase in MPs quota in KVs

NEW DELHI, Dec 13: The Government today said it does not propose to increase the quota of a member of Parliament for recommending admission of students in Kendriya Vidyalayas.

Human Resource Development Minister Arjun Singh told the Rajya Sabha during question hour that an MP at present could recommend two names for admission of students in Kendriya Vidyalayas.

Replying to a supplementary from Rajiv Shukla (Cong), Mr Singh said such a suggestion was not under consideration of the Government. However, it was not averse to discussing the proposal at a later time, he added.

The minister also said the quality of education in these schools was satisfactory, and one indication of this was a great demand for admission there.

With regard to shortfall in recruitment of teachers in these schools, he said it was because of various courts imposing stay orders on the process.

"The Government is trying to create conditions so that stay orders are removed fast and recruitment of teachers in Kendriya Vidyalayas gets underway at the earliest," he pointed out.

Earlier, Mr Janeshwar Mishra (SP) alleged that irregularities were being committed in recruitment of teachers in these schools. He also pointed out that principals of some of these schools were behaving like bureaucrats and creating problems.

On the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) which seeks to universalise education for children in the 5-14 age group, Mr Singh said the UPA Government had formed a national committee, headed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, on the plan.

"Its meeting is likely to be held soon, and the Government will implement its recommendations to make the SSA a success story," the minister asserted. (UNI)

Laloo and Rabri did not influence tax matters: CBDT

NEW DELHI, Dec 13: The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court saying that the income tax appellate tribunal at Patna has committed no irregularity in quashing the huge tax demand on Railway Minister Lalu Prasad and Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi.

This affidavit assumes significance coming close on the heels of CBI terming as "politically motivated" a petition filed by BJP and JD(U) MPs seeking cancellation of the bail granted to Prasad in Fodder scam cases and the bail granted to Prasad and Rabri Devi in a disproportionate assets case.

The petition filed by BJP MP Sushil Kumar Modi and JD(U) MP Rajiv Ranjan Singh ‘Lalan’ had alleged that Itat at Patna quashed the claims running into lakhs of rupees of the it department against Lalu Prasad in a "suspicious" and "hurried" manner. The court had also issued notice to CBI and CBDT.

A bench comprising Justice S N Variava and Justice H K Sema today adjourned hearing on the petition till second week of January.

Responding to the notice, the CBDT said ITAT at Patna functioned "appropriately and properly as per procedure set out in the Income Tax Act".

Justifying non-filing of appeal against the quashing of the tax demands against Prasad and Rabri Devi, the CBDT said an appeal could be filed under section 260a(1) of the IT Act only if "substantial question of law arises from the orders passed by the authorities specified in section 260(2)(a)."

The board also refuted the allegation of the petitioners that the Railway Minister and the Bihar Chief Minister had influenced it in getting the tax demands quashed.

CBDT said "the averments made by the petitioners as regards to influencing CBDT by prasad and Rabri Devi is wholly malicious and untenable in view of the provisions of the Act".

The board tried to put the heat on the petitioners by stating in the affidavit that "by making such blatantly erroneous and misconceived averments, pressurising tactics have been employed by the petitioner to hamper independent functioning of the executive wing of the Government of India via CBDT."

The averments made by the petitioners that CBDT was not challenging ITAT order dated july 2, 2004 was incorrect as the petitioners have not understood the provisions of IT Act which allowed filing of appeals only when a "substantial question of law arises from the orders of ITAT".

Terming the allegations against CBDT by petitioners as "unfounded", "misconceived" and "unsustainable", the board said it had sought legal opinion on the question of filing appeal against the July 2 orders of the ITAT, Patna.

"The legal opinion sought and received is that there is no susbtantial question of law for filing an appeal," the board said.

Giving a clean chit to the RJD chief, the CBI in its affidavit before the Apex Court had questioned the locus standi of the petitioners to file the petition and said "the petitioner is a politician and is obviously seeking to achieve his own political purposes." (PTI)

Concerns raised over misuse of DTH for viewing pornography: Govt

NEW DELHI, Dec 13: Concerns have been expressed in various quarters about the possible misuse of DTH service for viewing pornographic channels, the Government admitted in the Rajya Sabha today.

In a written reply, Information and Braodcasting Minister S Jaipal Reddy said the DTH license conditions make it obligatory on the licensee to adhere to the programme and advertisement codes and ensure that its facilities are not used for transmitting any objectionable content, messages or communication inconsistent with the law of India. However, the ministry was keeping a watch on this and related issues, he added.

Education: Minister of State for Human Resource Development M A A Fatmi told the House that the Government was considering a proposal for setting up a national commission on education.

In another reply, he denied that a proposal to amend the constitution to establish a commission for minority educational institutions that would look into affiliation of the minority professional institutions to the Central universities was under the consideration of the Government. (UNI)

Dialgue on Kashmir be within frame work of Indian constitution

MANDI, HP, Dec 13: Bhartiya Janata Party national vice-president Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said that Kashmir was an integral part of India and any talks on this issue should be within the framework of the Indian constitution. He decried the Hurriyat demand for involving Pakistan in talks for resolving the Kashmir problem.

Addressing a news conference at Bbipasa Ssadan here after attending the 2-day state executive committee meeting of the BJP last evening, he described the UPA Government at the Centre as "puppet Government"because all major decisions are made at the residence of Mrs Sonia Gandhi, who was the de-fecto power Centre.

He lamented that it was for the first time in the history of the Indian Parliament that the ruling party did not have any business to transact as the major policy decision had already been taken by the Congress president before tabling them in the Parliament, he alleged.

Referring to the coming Bihar Assembly elections Mr Naqvi stated that the BJP would very likely join hands with the Janata Dal(U) and there were no chances to have any truck with Ram Vilas Paswan. He described Lalu and Paswan as "mausere bhai".

He said while the BJP would maintain cordial relations with the VHP and other Hindu organizations the Hindutava could not be a political issue. Replying to a question on Sankaracharya of Kanchi he said the BJP was against the way he was dealt with.

He came down heavily on the Himachal Predesh Congress Government for lacking political will to accelerate the pace of development in the state and added that in sharp contrast both Shanta Kumar and Prem Kumar Dhumal during their respective tenures succeeded to get from the Centre liberal financial assistance for the development despite the fact that when Shanta was the Chief Minister in the State there was a Congress Government at the Centre. (UNI)

Mid-year review lowers growth projections at six pc plus

NEW DELHI, Dec 13: The mid-year review today lowered growth projections at six per cent plus this fiscal but maintained India would continue to be one of the fastest growing economies of the world.

The mid-year review, tabled in both Houses of Parliament, said a less than abundant monsoon has pared expectations regarding farms sector growth, but confidence regarding the overall growth prospects of the economy has been strengthened by the resilience displayed by industry and services.

"Even at a relatively lower growth rate of six per cent plus for the current year, India will continue to be one of the fastest growing economies of the world," it said.

The mid-year review, however, warned that the threat to price stability and structural reform of the petroleum sector from the unprecedented rise in global crude oil prices persisted but perhaps with reduced intensity.

Domestic industrial activity continues to remain buoyant and there are definite signs of a pick up investment, it said.

It said one of the major concerns that needed to be addressed for carrying forward fiscal consolidation is the reform of the present subsidy regime.

"The report on targeting subsidies to the truly poor and needy, a commitment under the Common Minimum Programme, is being finalised," it said.

Stressing the need to carry forward tax reforms, the mid-year review said the commitment to lower customs duties to asean level remained and implementation of vat from April one,2005 would remove several distortions in the existing indirect system.

Further measures, aimed at streamlining taxes and broaden the tax base, which are in the pipeline, need to be implemented, it said adding rationalisation of taxes on goods and services to usher in an integrated common market for the country is the CMP goal that must be realised in a short span with active participation of State Governments.

"Moderation and stability in rates, providing right kind of incentives for investment in particular and more efficient market behaviours in general and expanding the tax base through expansion of services and removal of unsustainable and discretionary exemptions are the core areas for reform," it said.

A comprehensive review of laws and procedures that underpin tax policy and administration needs to be undertaken to operationalise sound tax principles and practices, it said

Outlining the reform agenda, the mid-year review said there is need for focused attention on the twin issues of insufficient investment and indadequate infrastructure.

Reinforcing the encouraging trends observed in the first half of the current year and minimising the downside risks from "high and volatile" petroleum and metal prices call for sustained efforts to further structural reforms and to continue with the already charted path of fiscal consolidation, it said.

Turning to inflation, it said a combination of judicious macro-economic management and careful calibration to minimise the adverse impact of rising petroleum product prices on overall inflation would continue to be a challenge.

"Too fast a move may destabilise expectations regarding inflation. Too slow a move may build up resistance to price adjustments, affect profitability of public sector oil companies and wreck their balance sheets," it said (PTI)

Hearing on allotment of petrol pumps case posted for Jan 10

NEW DELHI, Dec 13: The Supreme Court today refused to go into the facts that prompted a two-judge committee to cancel the allotment of 65 per cent of the 417 petrol pumps allotted during the NDA rule.

It would, however, examine the principles laid down by the committee for the cancellation of the allotment, a bench of justices Y K Sabherwal and P P Naolekar said during the resumed hearing on a slew of petitions against the Delhi High Court judgment quashing all the 417 allotments.

The Apex Court had appointed a high-powered committee to examine allotment of petrol pumps and gas agencies by the previous NDA Government to 417 individuals on "political considerations". The committee had recommended cancellation of 297 petrol pumps, citing irregularities in their selection.

Expressed its inability to examine the different points raised by the affected individuals, the court asked them to file a common synopsis raising their objections by January 10.

The court also suggested appointing an Amicus Curiae to assist the court as it would not be possible for it to hear individual petitions and posted the matter for January 18 for further orders. (UNI)

Concern expressed in RS over depleting water level in country

NEW DELHI, Dec 13: The Government was today urged in the Rajya Sabha to take appropriate action with regards to depleting water level in the country which, a member alleged, is leading to an alarming situation.

Raising the issue through special mentions, Mr Kalraj Mishra (BJP) said that water level in over 300 districts in 20 states had gone down by upto four metres, which was a cause for concern.

Describing the situation in Uttar Pradesh as the worst, he said the water level in 42 districts of the state had gone down considerably. Water levels had also depleted in 27 districts of Madhya Pradesh, 27 in Maharashtra, 24 in Orissa, 22 in Tamil Nadu, 20 each in Karnataka and Gujarat and 6 in Delhi.

Mr Mishra demanded immediate action in this regard so that the water problem did not worsen in the future.

Mr Santosh Bagrodia (Cong), in his special mention, requested the Government to clear the national highways projects in Rajasthan while Sanjay Raut expressed his concern over terror by migratory elephants which had caused damage to crops and humans in the Sindudurg district of Maharashtra.

Mr Ramadhar Kashyap (Cong), through another special mention, urged the Government to take action against the coal mafia in Chhattisgarh.

Mr Rajiv Shukla (Cong) stressed the need to set up a national sports commission in the country.

In another special mention, Mrs N P Durga (TDP) requested the Government to augment supply to independent power projects and new power plants in Andhra Pradesh while Mr S S Chandran (AIADMK) demanded more allocation of funds for railway projects in Tamil Nadu.

Mr B J Panda (BJD) demanded strong action from the Government to stop human kidney trade in the country while Ms Promila Bodhiyar (BJD) demanded the implementation of the national food for work programme throughout the country.

Mrs Prema Cariappa, inc, raised the issue of medical facilities to women sericulture workers in Karnataka and other silk producing states while Mrs Jamna Devi Barupal, inc, sought including yoga education in school curriculam. (UNI)