8.7 pc growth projected despite challenges
FM likely to present ‘please-all’ budget today
*Economic Survey for wider reforms

NEW DELHI, Feb 28: On the heels of Railway Minister Lalu Prasad presenting a populist budget, Finance Minister P Chidambaram too is expected to come out with a please-all budget tomorrow.

Since this will be the last full budget of the UPA Government, every segment of the society, including individual taxpayers and corporate, can expect some relief.

The skills of Harvard-educated Chidambaram, who by profession is a lawyer, would be put to test when he rises to present in Lok Sabha the budget for 2008-09 - a year that will see Assembly elections in seven States followed by General Elections.

The budget will offer the last opportunity to the Congress-led UPA Government to win the confidence of voters after the party’s drubbing in Assembly elections of Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh. The Government is also faced with a growing protests over farmers’ suicides in some parts of the country.

With buoyancy in tax collections, Chidambaram is expected to announce bonanza for each constituency through personal and Corporate Income Tax cuts, excise duty relief and simplification of taxes and massive funds for farm, rural employment and other social projects.

Chidambaram, who will be presenting his seventh budget in Parliament, will have a tough time balancing conflicting interests while presenting the budget.

Railway Minister Lalu Prasad has already presented a populist budget which announced cuts in passenger fares and selective reduction in freight rates, while painting a rosy picture on its earnings.

The middle-class and the industry remember his "dream" budget of 1997-98 and expect a bonanza from Chidambaram in terms of relief in Income Tax and Excise duties.

Government servants are expecting an announcement on implementation of the Sixth Pay Commission.

Chidambaram is also expected to announce massive funds for social sector projects like National Rural Employment Guarantee (NREG), Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Rural Health and Power Sectors and big debt-relief package of around Rs 30,000 crore for farmers without disturbing the fiscal discipline.

Sources said Chidambaram may announce cut in excise duty rates across the board from 16 per cent to 14 per cent or sector-specific duty cuts in the budget, while customs duty rates could be retained to please domestic industry.

Sectors like pharmaceuticals, textile machinery, food processing, paper and auto, including two-wheelers and tyres, are expected to get relief in excise duty, but like last year, Chidambaram could also prune excise duty exemptions to maintain revenue collections, sources said.

According to the Finance Ministry, due to various excise duty exemptions, the estimated revenue foregone touched Rs 99,690 crore in 2006-07 as against Rs 66,760 crore in the previous year. On Income Tax cuts, the Minister himself has acknowledged that with better tax compliance, there could be a case for cut in rates.

The minimum income threshold limit for Income Tax payer could be raised from Rs 1,10,000 to Rs 1,25,000 or Rs 1,30,000, sources said. More income in the pockets of consumers will boost demand for consumer goods as well as household savings for investment.

Concerned over the slump in industrial production and to maintain inflation around four per cent, he is also likely to provide relief to the manufacturing sector by marginally cutting excise duty rates or sector-specific duties in the budget 2008-09 besides sops for exporters.

Meanwhile, Economic Survey today called for 100 per cent FDI in greenfield private rural agriculture banks, phasing out controls on sugar, fertilisers and drugs and private management of public transport in metros and large cities, while projecting 8.7 per cent growth rate for the current fiscal despite challenges.

Suggesting that the FDI cap in the insurance sector be raised to 49 per cent, the 2007-08 survey, tabled by Finance Minister P Chidambaram in Parliament, makes out a case for raising foreign equity to 51 per cent in special category of insurance companies providing all types of insurance to rural residents and for agricultural-related activities.

The companies in this category would include those in the areas of health and weather and activities like agro processing.

Hinting at an upward adjustment in the targeted growth rate of 8.7 per cent in the current fiscal, it noted that it was revised upwards to 9.4 per cent in May 2007 and further to 9.6 per cent in the quick estimates released by the CSO in January this year.

"This suggests that upward adjustments in 2007-08 projections are possible ...The new challenge is to maintain growth at these levels, not to speak of raising it further to double-digit levels," it said.

According to the survey, inflation, based on wholesale prices, was expected to be about 4.4 per cent in the current fiscal, based on 10 months data. It vowed to keep prices under check by a prudent management of demand and supply of commodities.

The challenges to maintaining the growth momentum include the threat of a global slowdown, especially in the US economy, and impediments relating to the infrastructure and other areas.

It said greater integration of the economy with the rest of the world had made inflation management complex, and noted that increase in prices of petrol and diesel, announced earlier this month, would add 19 basis points to the inflation rate.

On the controversial issue of Special Economic Zones, the Government’s report card for the year makes a case for checking the proliferation of SEZs.

Giving his reaction on the survey, Mr Chidambaram said the outlook for 2008-09 was that of optimism, but with caution as the watchword.

"We need to capitalise on these opportunities while at the same time responding to the evolving situation in the global economy in a manner that our growth story is not affected."

Heralding a pronounced entry for private domestic and foreign players in many critical sectors, the survey calls for completing the process of selling 5 to 10 per cent equity in previously identified profit-making ‘non-Navratna’ enterprises.

It suggests listing of all unlisted Public Sector Enterprises and selling of minimum of 10 per cent equity to the public, besides auctioning of loss-making PSEs that cannot be revived.

For those in which the net worth is zero, negative bidding should be permitted in the form of debt write off.

The survey is of the view that The Coal Mines Nationalisation Act needs to be amended to allow regulated private entry into coal mining. Private old coal mines ought to improve recovery of ‘in-place’ reserves by five to 10 per cent, subject to a professional independent regulator for safety and environmental issues.

It also pitches in favour of amending the Factories Act to increase work week to 60 hours from 48 hours at present and daily limit to 12 hours to meet seasonal demand through overtime.

In the oil sector, it suggests selling off of old fields to the private sector for application of improved and enhanced oil recovery techniques.

The document says in the case of the Railways’ Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC), public sector rail track companies should be allowed to own new tracks and signals.

Besides, there should be free entry of private and public-private partnership (PPP) rail freight companies in the Railways’ flagship programme.

On the issue of FDI entry in the retail sector, which touched off huge protests, the Survey recommends a share for foreign equity in all retail trade. Further, 100 per cent foreign equity should be permitted in foreign branded specialised retail chains, such as luxury brands, consumer durables and semi-durables.

The document suggests introducing a separate section on bankruptcy in the Company Law or bringing about a new bankruptcy law that facilitates exit of old and failed managements "as expeditiously as possible".

The reform agenda doled out by the Economic Survey, which gives an insight into future policies and initiatives, is likely to meet stiff resistance from the Opposition and Left parties.

Analysts say that these pronouncements would not be viewed kindly by these parties in view of elections to 10 State Assemblies this year and the general elections thereafter.

Mr Chidambaram has become synonymous with India growth story and has projected his and his party’s reformist image by outlining these steps.

Under the proposal for permitting 100 per cent FDI in greenfield private rural-agricultural banks, it says such a bank would be free to set up any number of branches in a rural or semi-rural area and also to lend to agriculture and allied sectors, agro-processing and agro-input industries anywhere in the country.

"Such a bank would also be free to take over (buy out) other private sector banks. As an incentive, such a bank could be allowed expansion into small towns when the general FDI policy on banks will be liberalised," the Survey points out.

In its prescription for streamlining urban transport system, the document makes out a case for the entry of organised private companies as these will be able to use modern logistics and back office system for planning routes and timings, acquiring and analysing data on usage densities and running an integrated people’s movement system.

It also suggests introducing a comprehensive system of road parking fees in metros and large congested cities.

Calling for a second Green Revolution, mainly in the rain-fed areas, to improve farmers’ income, the survey warns that any slowdown in the already fluctuating farm sector would hurt the economy. It laments the loss of dynamism in the farm sector and projects a slower 2.6 growth this fiscal.

On the external front, the document argues for further reduction in customs duties, weeding out unnecessary customs duty exemptions and abolishing export schemes that are redundant with fall in import duties.

While maintaining a cautious approach on fuller convertibility of the Rupee, it says the process should be "gradual, sequenced and calibrated."

It calls for evolving clear-cut policies on beneficial Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreements (CECAs) even with some developed countries instead of just Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs) and Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), which need to be integrated with the economic and trade policy reforms.

The survey says that keeping the economy at a growth rate of nine per cent would be a challenge largely on account of inflationary and infrastructure constraints. Raising the growth rate to a double digit will be even harder and would require further reforms.

It said a surge in capital inflows, including FDI, would continue "in the medium term", although short-term inflows may moderate due to slightly slower growth. This would ease pressure on the exchange rate and accumulation of foreign exchange reserves.

"Any reduction in excess capital flows from the high levels of 2007 may affect the equity markets in the short term but will make the task of monetary management easier," it added. (AGENCIES)

Deoband fatwa ruffles feathers of Kashmiri separatists

From Ahmed Ali Fayyaz

SRINAGAR, Feb 28: The historic congregation of over 10,000 clergymen in the Sub-continent's theological seat of Deoband on February 24-25 has understandably ruffled the feathers of Kashmiri separatist politicians and militants as the declaration adopted unanimously has not only dismissed "terrorism" as un-Islamic but has also asked all Muslims to "continue their loyalty towards their motherland". Two days after the Kashmiri guerrilla outfit Jamiat-ul-Mujahideen rejected the fatwa as "poison for all Islamic movements in the world", militant conglomerate Muttahida Jihad Council (MJC) has termed the declaration as "one-sided" and asserted that "Jihad" would continue till Doomsday.

Identical reactions to the declaration have poured in from almost all separatist politicians, including some militant outfits, who have invariably expressed surprise over the fact that it has left no space for the cause-and-consequence argument. Leaders of the so-called moderate faction of the Hurriyat Conference have made a reaction only when they were contacted by mediapersons. Presently in the United States of America, Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq is under no compulsion to make a statement. Those who made an observation in the last three days, seem to be invariably disappointed as their famous argument of 'cause-and-consequence' has been ignored with contempt.

In a mixture of confusion and desperation, some of these "moderate" separatist leaders, like the fresh Hurriyat entrant Shabir Shah, have partially welcomed the declaration. They sound to be relieved over the fact that the declaration has also been forcefully critical of the Indian Police and security agencies for targeting the Muslims and their religious schools and labeling them as "terrorists". Leaders of Kashmir's Jamaat-e-Islami, who have been often influenced by Jamaat-e-Islami of Pakistan and maintained distance from Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, have taken pleasure in the fact that some leaders at the conclave have described the US President as the world's "biggest terrorist".

Kashmir's head Mufti, Bashir-ud-din, has been the one-odd Kashmiri Muslim theologian who has fully endorsed the Deoband declaration in unambiguous terms. According to a Chandigarh-based newspaper, Mufti Bashir-ud-din has termed "all killings in the name of Islam, including those in Kashmir" as Un-Islamic.

The most emphatic reaction among all Kashmiri separatist leaders has come from none other than the estranged Jamaat ideologue and Chairman of the so-called hardline faction of Hurriyat, Syed Ali Shah Geelani. Unlike all of his Azadi colleagues, Geelani has made it a point to contact a number of Srinagar-based newspapers and news agencies so as to register his protest. Like all of his colleagues, Geelani is surprised as to why the Deoband declaration has "not drawn a line of demarcation" between the "armed struggles of genuine cause" and "terrorism". He has, as usual, argued that the militancy in Jammu and Kashmir and some Muslim countries was a "consequence of the State terrorism".

While most of the separatist leaders have endorsed that all acts of terrorism and killing of innocent people were un-Islamic, they have implicitly asserted that Kashmiri militants were not indulging in acts of terrorism.

Radical militant outfit, Jamiat-ul-Mujahideen, has categorically rejected the fatwa with the allegation that it was a "poison for all Islamic movements in the world". It was quickly seconded by Muzaffarabad-based amalgam of 14 militant organisations, MJC, which observed that the declaration had not distinguished between "terrorism and Jihad". In a statement today, MJC spokesman Sadaqat Hussain expressed surprise that the Deoband clerics had not lent any sanctity to the "Jihad Fi Sabeelillah" in Palestine, Kashmir, Iraq, Afghanistan, Chechnya etc. He has desired to know why India had not been mentioned as "tyrant and oppressor" in Kashmir by Maulana Madni of Jamiat-e-Ulema-e-Hind who had "rightly" called George Bush as the Muslim world's "terrorist".

The MJC spokesman has alleged that Maulana Madni had just made an attempt to appease the Government of India. He has asserted that "Jihad" (in Kashmir and other places) would continue till Doomsday.

Deoband declaration is unprecedented for it first time that a gathering of over 10,000 clergymen, representing nearly 6,000 Islamic madrasas all over India, has denounced "terrorism in all its manifestations". With the participation of more than 50,000 students, it has unequivocally specified that all acts of terrorism in the name of Islam---violence, oppression, mischief, rioting, murder---were un-Islamic.

The organisers also called upon all Muslims to continue "their loyalty towards motherland". More importantly, the anti-terrorism conference was attended by all schools of thought including Deobandis, Bareilvis, Ahl-e-Hadith, Shias, besides top-ranking representatives of Rabita Madaras-e-Islamia Arabia, Jamiat-e-Ulema-e-Hind, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind and All India Muslim Personal Board.

Notwithstand the fact that in most of the political and religious matters, Kashmiri Muslims and those in rest of India have not been on one alignment, Deoband declaration has a tremendous potential of isolating a fairly good section of population from the militant mainstream. While a top thinktank of Darul Uloom Deoband, Maulana Anzar Shah Kashmiri, has been a frequent visitor to Mirwaiz Manzil, both Deobandis as well as Bareilvis, have not only established two separate chains of madrasas all over the Valley but have also gained control of hundreds of mosques, particularly in the last 10 years. Reports said that the congregation in Deoband had also a "reasonable representation" from Kashmir.

NC to frame ‘study group’ on KP migrants
Release white paper on Rs 24,000 cr package: Omar
*Mufti responsible for militancy in State

By Mohinder Verma

JAMMU, Feb 28: Accusing Coalition Government in the State of inept handling of financial resources and misutilisation of huge sums of money being pumped into State’s economy in the shape of packages and programmes by the Central Government, the National Conference today demanded a white paper on utilisation of much hyped Rs 24,000 crore package and its impact on the ground.

"The announcements made in the Union Budget are never implemented in toto particularly in Jammu and Kashmir and that’s why we are not expecting much from the last budget of the UPA Government to be presented by the Finance Minister P Chidambaran tomorrow", he said while talking to media-persons soon after the conclusion of the three day session of the Working Committee of the party here this evening.

"All what we demand is release of white paper on Rs 24,000 crore central assistance given to the Coalition Government in the State", he said, adding "everybody in the State has a right to know where such a huge sum of amount has gone and how many people have derived the benefit of the same".

Alleging that the Coalition Government handled the financial resources of the State in whimsical manner, he said that populism and adhocism were the order of the day and big projects are announced and allotted without adhering to codal formalities and adequate resources with the results payments for work done are getting inordinately deferred at the Treasuries where bills and claims more than Rs 530 crores were pending and consequently slowing down works.

"The industrial package which was given to the State with my efforts as Union Minister was also given to the adjoining States by the Centre at later stage as a result of which Jammu and Kashmir suffered immensely", the National Conference president said.

Disclosing that party’s poll strategy was discussed in detail in the working committee meeting, he said that in the coming days the party will analyze its strength, weaknesses and opportunities before giving final shape to the strategy for forthcoming elections in the State.

"We will consider the pre-poll alliance provided there are opportunities which can benefit the party as well as the State", Mr Omar said. He, however, made it clear that as of now no discussion with any party was going on.

Terming three important resolutions passed in the Working Committee meeting as outline of the party’s manifesto for the elections, he said "there is much more in the manifesto. We will have to lay focus on social sector, health sector and most important the unemployed youth before finalising party’s `full of surprises’ manifesto".

He disclosed that study group of five senior members of the party will be framed shortly to visit the camps of the Kashmiri Pandit migrants both within and outside the State. The group will assess the problems of the KPs and read their mind vis-a-vis expectations from the party, he added. Similarly, the group will talk to other refugees.

Announcing that regional autonomy will continue to be a poll plank, the National Conference president said "unlike People’s Democratic Party (PDP) which has no firm stand even on the self-rule, we never changed our stand. We are still of the opinion that regional autonomy is the only solution to the Kashmir issue and can bring an end to the regional disparity".

In reply to a question, he said that party will consult the grass root level workers before finalising a strategy to select the party’s candidates for the elections without much confusion. "Although it is not possible to win 100 per cent seats, however, we will focus on all Assembly segments across the State", he further said.

"Only Dr Farooq Abdullah will be the Chief Ministerial candidate of the party", he said in response to an another question and said that he will himself campaign on all the seats to ensure marvelous victory of the party.

Alleging that the ultimate objectives of the Round Table Conferences (RTCs) and Working Groups have not been achieved despite much hectic exercise, he said that even their recommendations have become the ‘political slogans’ of the Coalition partners, who wanted to take the credit of the same in the elections despite the fact that all the sections of the society irrespective of party affiliations played crucial role in the Working Groups for the betterment of the State and its people.

"It is unfortunate that meeting of important Working Group on Centre-State relations could not be held for the past several months despite the fact that only political solution is the key to Kashmir issue", he said and held the Coalition Government responsible for the same.

The National Conference president said: "It’s the job of Coalition Government to build up the consensus for the 5th Working Group. The group should not become victim of lack of consensus". He, however, announced active support of the National Conference for the consensus.

Launching tirade against the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, he said "it’s not enough to demand withdrawal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPC). Mufti should owe and apologize for all the mistakes committed by him as the then Home Minister", adding "Mufti had played vital role in giving birth to the militancy in the State".

To a question, he said "if we will be back to the power strict action would be taken against the tainted ministers in the Coalition Government".

The National Conference president said that United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government has lost golden opportunity to resolve the Kashmir issue and take the ongoing peace process between the two countries to its logical conclusion.

"Earlier there was only General Pervez Musharraf who had to take any decision but now we will have to start from zero, rewrite the whole process with the new dispensation in the neighbouring country, rebuild the relations and trust", he said, adding "we even don’t know whether the new Government will take forward Musharraf’s four point formula or not".

He hoped that both the countries will be able to produce something out of the ashes.

Earlier, the Working Committee passed three important resolutions. According to the economic resolution the party if comes to power will provide visible thrust to people friendly scheme and programmes and to core sectors of the economy like horticulture, agriculture, industry and handicrafts. It will not run the State like a factory in double and triple shifts but shall give impetus to the forces of development and growth by efficiently operationalising the single line system of administration. It will formulate and implement innovative programmes for the unemployed youth of the State.

The working committee also deliberated on the prevailing political situation in the State besides restoration of democracy in the neighbouring country and turmoil and bloodshed in Iraq.

Parliament rocked again over farmers' issue

NEW DELHI, Feb 28: "You are all working overtime to finish democracy in this country", a visibly angry Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee burst out seeing proceedings being disrupted in Parliament for the third consecutive day over the farmers’ issue.

Both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha were adjourned for the day after Opposition members raised slogans demanding loan waiver to farmers.

"It is matter of great sorrow...On the one hand, you are asking for more sittings..So many notices have been given by so many honourable members. These important matters cannot be discussed. The discussion on the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address is to start today," Chatterjee said in the Lok Sabha regretting that the members were "not willing to work".

"You are working overtime to finish democracy in this country," he remarked when members turned a deaf ear to his repeated pleas to allow the House to take up important business.

Finding the members in an unrelenting mood, Chatterjee said "with great sorrow, sadness and resentment, I am forced to adjourn the House".

With an eye on the likely farmers’ package being announced in the budget tomorrow, the political parties have been jockeying to position themselves as being responsible for securing it.

The only redeeming feature in the House was that Finance Minister P Chidambaram was allowed to present the Economic Survey 2007-08 without any disturbance.

In the din, RJD members raised the issue of attacks on north Indians in Mumbai with some of them shouting slogans against MNS chief Raj Thackeray.

BJP, Shiv Sena and Akali Dal members trooped to the well demanding immediate loan waiver to farmers. Members from Samajwadi Party and TDP also positioned themselves pressing for a better deal for the farmers.

The Rajya Sabha, which saw an adjournment in the Question Hour, called it a day soon after it reassembled for Zero Hour amid similar scenes.

Deputy Chairman K Rahman Khan asked ministers to lay papers while Third Front and NDA members kept shouting slogans in the well.

The House took up the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was present in the House when Congress member Janardan Dwivedi moved the motion.

As the uproar continued, Khan adjourned the House till tomorrow.(PTI)

Rajouri girl sold in Mumbai, recovered

Excelsior Correspondent

RAJOURI, Feb 28: Sold in Mumbai for the petty amount of just Rs 35,000, a young girl kidnapped from Rajouri village by a local man was recovered by police today.

22-year-old Rubina Kausar, hailing from Bathuni village falling under Rajouri police jurisdiction was allegedly kidnapped by Mohd Shabir (42), son of Abdul Ahad, resident of Sawjian in Poonch with the help of a local villager on February 13.

Earlier, the family members lodged a missing report and later it was discovered that the young girl had been kidnapped. The villagers mounted pressure on the district police and the DIG, Poonch Rajouri Range constituted a special police team under the supervision of Addl SP Rajouri, Shabir Ahmed Khan.

During investigation a clue was established that man has been slipped to Mumbai as he had been staying there for the last several years and was frequent visitor to the area. A police team led by SI Mohd Ashraf left for Mumbai and managed to trace the girl with the help of Mumbai police from a Jhonpar Patti area.

It was learnt that girl had been sold to the two persons of Mumbai for Rs 35,000 and they were trying to force her to prostitution. The girl disclosed that she was given some stuff and became semi-conscious during the journey and was repeatedly threatened to throw out of the running train if she opened mouth. The police also managed to arrest prime accused, Mohd Shabir of Sawjian while a manhunt was on to nab other accused connected with the offence. The girl after the conduct of Medical examination is being handed over to the family. The locals have lauded the efforts of Rajouri police in working out the case.

Pakaldul hydel project awaits techno-economic clearance

By Gopal Sharma

JAMMU, Feb 28: Pakaldul hydro-electric power project which is being constructed in Kishtwar district of Jammu region awaits techno- economic clearance from the Centre while the Detailed Project Report has already been prepared by the National Hydro-electric Power Corporation (NHPC).

Sources in the Power Development Department said that the NHPC has been allotted seven power projects and out of these, Pakaldul project of 1000- MW capacity is now awaiting techno-economic clearance as the NHPC has already completed the detailed project report. The State Government has requested the Centre for the handing over of this project back to the State like Dul Hasti power project.

The project about 90 km from Kishtwar will be constructed in the Marwah area of district Kishtwar on the tributary of river Chenab namely-Marusudar. The road link is there up to Pattimahal which is nearly 40 kms from district headquarters. The NHPC has already taken up the road connectivity task. From Pakal to Dul a tunnel will be constructed to bring water of Marusudar stream.

The NHPC has presently taken up seven projects. These are - Bersar Hydel project of 1020 MW capacity, Nimmo Bazgo of 45 MW, Chutak of 44 MW, Kishenganga HEP of 330 MW, Sewa-II of 120 MW, Pakaldul of 1000 MW and Uri-II of 280 MW capacity. A total 1839 MW power will be generated with the completion of these projects. Out of these, six projects are in the preliminary stage of execution. The total hydel power generated with the completion of these projects by the next financial year will be around 1680 WM.

The sources further said that 93 MW multi-purpose Ganderbal project envisaging irrigation, drinking water and power generation was earlier taken up in 1990 but was abandoned. The estimated cost of the project is Rs 748 cr and the Asian Development Bank will be providing funds for the same. A team of the ADB recently visited Kashmir valley for the spot assessment of the project site and also held discussions with the top Government functionaries here. The Board of Directors of the Power Development Corporation has approved the implementation of the project and the faster project delivery special purpose vehicle (SPV) is being formed for the same.

Referring to the Micro-hydel power project policy of the State, the sources disclosed that at present 10 micro- hydel power projects with the cost of Rs 744 cr and nearly 108 MW capacity have been taken by various private companies. Under phase-II, 18 more such projects have been tendered for which request for qualification were received. Out of the total, four of them namely- Athwatho of 7.5 MW capacity, Tangmarg 6 MW, Brenwar 5 MW and Ranjala Daunadi 7 MW capacity are in the advanced staged of completion.

Data compiled from the PDD indicated that the generation capacity of the power projects in State sector including micro power projects under consideration is 4307.26 MWs. Out of this total, 308.70 MW is presently being harnessed while as additional 450 MWs will be harnessed by the end of this financial year. 3107.26 MWs is anticipated to be harnessed by the end of 11th five year plan which includes first phase of Pakaldul and Micro Hydel Project -Army 200 MWs and Mirco hydel projects -IPP of 182.55 MWs.

Two power projects Kiri 600 MWs and Kawar 520 MW are being developed under the joint ventures with the NHPC and NTPC, while the power project Ratle 690 MW will be implemented through private producers as per the decision of the Board of Directors of the JKPDC.

Over 3500 militancy victims await justice under SRO-43
*Govt pins hopes on Centre

By Sanjeev Pargal

JAMMU, Feb 28: Notwithstanding several Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) initiated by the Centre and State Government for militancy victims, over 3500 people affected by two decades long Pakistan abetted violence are still awaiting relief in the form of compassionate appointments.

A family member of every person killed by the militants or a civilian who died during the cross firing is entitled to compassionate appointment under SRO-43 of the Government.

According to official sources, as many as 3688 cases of compassionate appointments under SRO-43 were pending with the Government. The time the Government can take to settle 3688 cases of militancy victims can be well gauged from the fact that only 826 militancy related compassionate appointments were made under SRO 43 during last three years which revealed that, on an average, less than 300 cases were settled in a year.

If the same average of appointments continued, the present number of cases might take 12 years to settle. With no let up in civilian killings, the number of such appointments continue to grow.

One of the five Working Groups set up by Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on Jammu and Kashmir had, in its report submitted to the Prime Minister last year, proposed that one lakh relief paid to kin of a militancy victims should be raised to Rs 5 lakh and SRO 43 appointments should be done away with in view of shortage of vacancies.

According to official figures, Kupwara district in Kashmir valley topped the number of pending compassionate appointments at 616 followed by Baramulla district which has 435 pending cases.

Three hundred and ninety cases of appointments under SRO-43 are pending in Srinagar while the number of pending cases was 385 in Anantnag district.

In Jammu region, militancy infested Doda and Kishtwar districts topped the number of pending cases of compassionate appointments. While 269 such cases were pending in Doda, Kishtwar had 242 persons awaiting appointments under SRO-43.

In Budgam district, 234 such cases were pending while the number was 219 in Pulwama district.

In Leh and Kargil districts, which remained unaffected by the militancy, no such cases were pending. In Reasi district too, no such case was pending with the Government, according to the figures.

SRO-43 cases pending in other districts include Ganderbal (165), Shopian (83), Kulgam (161), Bandipora (129), Jammu (23), Samba (1), Kathua (3), Udhampur (28), Ramban (89) and Poonch (97).

According to sources, reasons for such a large number of pending cases was non-availability of Class-IV vacancies in the districts. The Government has formulated a policy in 2006 vide Order No. 42-GAD of 2006 dated 9.1.2006 under which 50 per cent of Class IV posts, available in the districts, were to be utilised for settlement of pending SRO 43 cases in chronological order maintained by the Deputy Commissioners.

The Government has identified 916 Class-IV vacancies for settlement of pending compassionate appointment. The State Government, according to official sources, has also taken up the issue of pending SRO-43 cases with the Central Government in the light of Working Group recommendations. The Government was hopeful that the Centre will come to rescue of the State, sources said.

Army to get Pinaka rockets today

NAGPUR, Feb 28: The first batch of the fully indigenously developed Pinaka rocket will be formally handed over to the Indian Army at a ceremony to be held at the Ordnance Factory near Chandrapur in Vidarbha region of Maharashtra tomorrow.

Vice Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen M L Naidu will be the chief guest at the ceremony, according to a press release from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) here.

The 155 mm ‘Base Bleed’ ammunition will also be formally handed over to the Indian Army in the same function.

The Pinaka rocket has been developed by a team of engineers and technicians at the Ordnance Factory at Ambazari (OFAJ) near here on the basis of design by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

The target is to hand over 300 rockets to the Army this year, and 1,000 per year from next year. The 4.95-metre long rocket, which will be used by the artillery primarily for neutralising enemy infrastructure like ammo dumps and airstrips, travels at a speed of 1,000 metre per second at full burn and has a range of 38 kilometre.

The 276-kilogram Pinaka is propelled by a solid propellant in two tubes, and can carry a warhead of 100 kilogram. A battery of six Pinaka rockets can neutralise an area of 1,000 metres by 800 metre. The warhead carries a mixture of RDX and aluminium. The main role of the system is to hit targets beyond the capabilities of existing conventional guns.

The system is capable of delivering a high volume of indirect fire in a short period against critical, time-sensitive and high-value artillery targets. The weapon is designed to supplement conventional artillery in its modern requirement of accurate placement of massive firepower over large impact areas at long range.

The 155 mm ‘Base Bleed’ ammunition has also been developed by OFAJ through in-house research and development for use with the Bofors gun. A total of 20,000 systems will be manufactured this year, and 50,000 next year. (UNI)

Women to guard borders

NEW DELHI, Feb 28: Breaking another male domain, women will soon guard the borders of the country with the Government deciding to recruit 750 women constables for the Border Security Force (BSF).

The Union Home Ministry has sanctioned the recruitment of 750 women constables for the 2,10,261-strong BSF and a notification in this regard was issued last evening.

Out of the 750 personnel, 650 will be deployed in Punjab while the remaining will be put on duty in West Bengal, BSF Director General A K Mitra told reporters here today.

"The sanction is against normal vacancies and the Home Ministry has decided to recruit women constables this time. No officers will be recruited this time," he said.

The ministry will also ask the CRPF to depute some women officers to BSF, Mitra added.

Though BSF has women in ministerial staff, this will be the first time that constables will be recruited to constabulary.

A senior BSF official said women will be deployed in border areas and this move is being perceived as very important in the wake of movement of women across borders.

"These women will assist those already deployed in border areas. They will help in the screening the women who are crossing the borders and so on," he added.

However, he said, unlike CRPF, BSF has no plans to raise an exclusive battalion of women as of now.

Among para-military forces, CRPF has two exclusive battalions of women and a 100-member strong company is in Liberia to assist the UN Peacekeeping Force there.

Emphasising the need for an increase in the number of women in police forces, Home Minister Shivraj Patil has hoped that their number will constitute 10 per cent of the total manpower within a decade. (PTI)

Special trains for Holi rush

NEW DELHI, Feb 28: In an effort to tackle Holi rush, Northern Railway has announced that it will run AC Superfast, Superfast and unreserved Holi Special Trains to New Delhi from Jammu Tawi, Varanasi, Lucknow, Patna, Darbhanga and Ludhiana between March 15 to April 1.

There will also be two special trains between Ludhiana and Saharsa and Varanasi and Jammu Tawi.

The 0403B New Delhi-Jammu Tawi AC Superfast Special train will depart from New Delhi at 2030 hrs to arrive Jammu Tawi at 0530hrs the next day.

In the return direction the 0404A train will depart from Jammu Tawi at 2045 hrs to arrive New Delhi at 0645 hrs the next day. It will run six days a week except on Friday from New Delhi and except on Saturday from Jammu Tawi, and will stop at Ambala, Ludhiana, Jalandhar Cantt. And Chakki Bank stations enroute in both the directions.

The 2457A Varanasi-Delhi Superfast Special train will run daily from March 15 to 31. It will depart from Varanasi at 2000 hrs to arrive Delhi Jn at 0855 hrs the next day.

In the return direction, its counterpart (2458A) will run daily from March 16 to April 1 to depart at 1815 hrs from Delhi and arrive Varanasi at 0730 hrs the next day. It will stop at Sultanpur, Lucknow, Moradabad and Ghaziabad stations enroute in both the directions.

The 2230B Hazrat Nizamuddin-Lucknow Superfast Special train will depart from Hazrat Nizamuddin at 2100 hrs on March 20 to arrive Lucknow at 0530 hrs the next day. In the return direction the 2229B Lucknow- Hazrat Nizamuddin Superfast Special train will depart from Lucknow at 1300hrs to arrive Hazrat Nizamuddin at 0930 hrs the same day.

The 2230B/2229B Hazrat Nizamuddin-Lucknow Superfast Special train will stop at Ghaziabad, Mordabad and Bareilly stations enroute in both the directions.

The 2003A Lucknow-New Delhi Shatabdi Special train will depart from Lucknow at 0550 hrs from March 15 to 31 (except on March 22) to arrive New Delhi at 1310 hrs the same day. In the return direction the 2004B Shatabdi will depart from New Delhi at 1520 hrs from March 15 to 31 to arrive Lucknow at 2250 hrs the same day.

It will stop at Ghaziabad, Moradabad and Bareilly stations enroute in both the directions.

The 2394A New Delhi-Patna Superfast Special train will depart from New Delhi at 1730 hrs from March 15 to 20 to arrive at Patna at 0815 hrs the next day.

In the return direction the train will depart from Patna at 0930 hrs from March 16 to 20 and 23 to arrive New Delhi at 0340 hrs the next day.

It will stop at Mughalsarai, Buxar, Ara and Danapur stations enroute in both the directions.

The 4006A Delhi Sarai Rohilla-Darbhanga Special train will depart from Delhi Sarai Rohilla at 2015 hrs from March 15 to 20 to arrive Darbhanga at 2345 hrs the next day.

In the return direction the train will depart from Darbhanga at 0700 hrs from March 17 to 21 and 23 to arrive Delhi Sarai Rohilla at 0740hrs the next day.

It will stop at New Delhi, Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Kanpur Central, Allahabad, Varanasi, Balia, Chhapra, Sonepur, Hazipur, Muzaffarpur & Samastipur stations enroute in both the directions. (UNI)

CRPF, JKP for more cooperation

SRINAGAR, Feb 28: Director Generals of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Police stressed the need for more cooperation between the two forces for better results.

A high-level meeting between CRPF DG SIS Ahmed and J&K Police chief Kuldeep Khoda was also attended by Inspector General of Police Kashmir S M Sahai, IG Operations CRPF M S Gupta, IG, CRPF Administration, S K Jain and IG CRPF Jammu.

The meeting discussed in detail measures being taken for enchancing cooperation between CRPF and police during internal security of the State, particularly in the Kashmir valley.

Official sources said it was decided during the meet to further strengthen the operational capabilities of both the agencies for better results.

They said stress was also laid on how to meet the challenge in densely built up areas. Measures were also discussed which would help to reduce the collateral damage during counter insurgency operations.

It was also decided in the meeting that there will be greater participatory role of both the agencies during the operations against the militants in Kashmir.

They said the present security scenario of the Valley and the steps for further improvement were also discussed in the meeting. (UNI)

Dhumal assures help to Kashmiris

SHIMLA, Feb 28: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal today assured migrated Kashmiris that their interests were "dear to the State Government".

He was addressing members of the Kashmiri Hindu Welfare Association (KHWA), at Dharamshala, which organised a civic reception in his honour at Dharamshala, late last evening.

He said Himachal Pradesh happened to be the most peaceful State where life and property of the people were safe and protected and assured the migrated Kashmiris that the State would not be indifferent to their requirements and treat them at par with the residents of the State.

The Chief Minister assured the association of providing all possible aid from the State Government in granting eligible Kashmiris permission to purchase land for construction of houses under the prevalent provisions of the State after observing all codal formalities.

He said adverse circumstances in Jammu and Kashmir had forced Kashmiri Hindus to migrate out of the State to find refuge here, adding it was unfortunate that people living in the State since generations were deprived of their legitimate right to stay in their home land.

The Chief Minister said he was concerned about the inconvenience being faced by migrated population in starting their life afresh in a new environment and among the different people and stressed the need to create congenial atmosphere with security to life and property back home so that people could return to their ancestral homes.

Mr Dhumal also advised the Kashmiri Hindus living in the State that they needed to keep in touch with their rich cultural heritage and groom their children in the Kashmiri way of life to keep the traditions alive with the coming generations. He said the social values of the Kashmiri society would help the youngsters to grow into responsible citizens.(UNI)

Major setback to Hizbul Mujahideen in south Kashmir
4 militants killed in Shopian gunbattle

From Ahmed Ali Fayyaz

SRINAGAR, : In a major setback to Hizbul Mujahideen in south Kashmir, Police and Army have killed four Kashmiri militants in an overnight gunbattle at Saidpora in Shopoian district.

Informed sources told EXCELSIOR that Pulwama Police and troops of Rashtriya Rifles 44 Bn launched a cordon-and-search operation in an open orchard area at Saidpora, in close vicinity of the district headquarters of Shopian in south Kashmir over a specific information last evening. Four militants of Hizbul Mujahideen were, according to the tip off, hiding at the isolated house of one Mohammad Shaban Sheikh S/o Abdul Gafoor Sheikh.

As soon as men of the Special Operations Group (SOG) of J&K Police and troops of RR 44 Bn swooped on the target house, the holed up militants opened fire and made sustained efforts to escape from the cordoned locality. Troops installed diesel generators and maintained a tight cordon till 0900 hours this morning when all four of the holed up militants got killed in a fierce gunbattle.

Even as residents insisted that one of the four killed, namely Sayyar Ahmed Thokar of Chak Cholan was a civilian, Additional SP Pulwama, Abdul Qayoom, maintained that all four were armed militants. He said that 3 AK-47 rifles and a Sniper rifle were recovered from possession of the militants killed. He said that the militants killed in the operation had been identified as Sayyar Ahmed Thokar and Riyaz Ahmed Thokar alias Abu Jihad of Chak Cholan, Sayyar Ahmed Bhat of Kilbal and Mohammad Iqbal of Udoora, Shopian.

According to Mr Qayoom, Sayyar Ahmed Thokar of Chak Cholan had formally joined Hizbul Mujahideen as late as on February 27 while as his neighbourer Riyaz Ahmed Thokar had been actively working as a militant since April last year. He, however, said that Sayyar Ahmed Bhat of Kilbal was a member of Al-Badar Mujahideen. Mr Qayoom claimed that neither security forces nor civilians suffered any damage in the 18-hour-long operation.

Officials said that the killing of four militants was a major achievement for security forces and simultaneously a significant setback for Hizbul Mujahideen which had already lost a number of its cadres and commanders in Police and military operations in south Kashmir in the last two years.

Border Security Force (BSF) has meanwhile claimed to have apprehended a militant of Al-Bader outfit, namely Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat S/o Gh Rasool R/o Kalaroos, Kupwara, alongwith one Chinese pistol.

An official spokesman said that a 10-year-old boy, namely Qadafi Manzoor S/o Manzoor Ahmad Rather R/o Marazi Mohalla, Chitti Bandi, Bandipora, sustained splinter injuries while fiddling with an explosive substance he had picked up outside his village. He has been rushed to Bandipora town for medical treatment.

The spokesman said that a local recruit of Territorial Army, namely Fayaz Ahmad Bajad, S/o Ishar Bajad R/o Poshker, Kangan, has kidnapped a young woman, Sakeena W/o Nazir Ahmad Bajad R/o Kati Wangath, allegedly on gunpoint. Police Station Kangan has registered a matter of kidnapping and launched manhunt for the accused soldier.

END

Government is generous in response to farm sector: PM

NEW DELHI : Hailing farmers as the "most important businessmen", Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said the Government has been generous in its response to deal with the depression in agriculture sector while complimenting Finance Minister P Chidambaram for doing a "very good job".

"I sincerely believe the Government has been generous in its response. It is an unorthodox response. But considering the amount of depression that prevails in the agriculture sector, this is a response mechanism that is justified," Singh said in his post-Budget comments.

Analysing the measures announced by Chidambaram in the Budget, he said the Government would list some more Public Sector Undertakings and noted that "markets are thirsty for good new chips.

"We have to explore all processes of enhancing our resources, including listing the enterprises in the markets," Singh said.

Listing out inflation and international recession as causes for concern, he said, "We will have to tackle both worries. There is a worry that international recession will impact the growth process. Rise in commodity prices, petroleum prices will lead to more inflation.

"So, we have to strike a balance. The Finance Minister has done a very good job. He has kept the fiscal deficit, the revenue deficit under control. Simultaneously, he has ensured if some adverse wind comes from outside the country, he has used the excise duty reductions," Singh said.

The Prime Minister said Chidambaram has taken good care that both the eventualities of international recession and petroleum price increase do not impeach the growth process of the country.

"Growth stability with reasonable price stability is the main objective of our Government," he said.

Asked if this was the final budget of this Government, he quipped, "We have a chance."

Further on the agriculture sector, Singh said the general feeling in the country is that agriculture in our country is not doing well and the farmers are not becoming active partners in the accelerated economic growth.

"Farmers are the most important businessmen. They produce essential commodities," he said.

Singh said the agricultural growth rate has to be increased and the Finance Minister has enlisted a large number of measures to give a boost to the sector, focusing mainly on bringing more area under irrigation.

"In the next four to five years, there will be a favourable impact on agricultural production," he said.

Talking about the initiatives announced in the Common Minimum Programme of the UPA, he said with the exception of the Women’s Reservation Bill, the Government has touched all areas listed in the document.

"I would be the last one to say that everything has been completed, but a beginning has been made in all areas listed in the Common Minimum Programme," Singh said.

On measures being taken to deal with PSUs that were not doing well, he said selling off PSUs was a small part of the strategy and the Government has revitalised a large number of public enterprises.

Asked about regional disparities, Singh said the Backward Area Grant Fund was one way to deal with the issue.

He said the Finance Minister has put Rs 6,000 crore into the fund and 45 per cent of it would go to the backward states of Bihar, Orissa and Madhya Pradesh.

"India lives in the states. The Central Government can make allocations, but the implementation of most of the programmes is in the hands of the State Government," Singh said and noted that the quality of governance at the level of the State Government and at the level of local bodies require a revisit.

He said there was a mixed picture in terms of Panchayati Raj. "It is doing well in some areas and not so well in the others. We need to strengthen the administrative, technical and managerial capabilities of these institutions," Singh said.

On the issue of increasing investment in the education sector, he said FDI in the area could not be ruled out.

Singh said the main priorities of the Government are to ensure the growth processes are sustained, price stability is maintained and flagship programmes like NREGA, NRHM, JNNURM and Bharat Nirman are adequately funded and effectively implemented. (PTI)