LUCKNOW, Apr 17:
Union Food and Supply Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) Ramvilas Paswan today maintained that it was for the first time in the Indian politics, that a leader fled the country after losing the elections.
“In democracy, some party wins and some loses, but it was for the first time a leader fled the country and the entire media kept guessing for two months,” he told reporters here, while referring to AICC vice-president Rahul Gandhi.
Though the Minister maintained that there should be no discussion on the issue as it is a matter of a family, he said as the ‘Yuraj’ has returned, he will now have to clarify why he fled from the country and what he did for the past 59 days. Mr Gandhi was on a sabbatical leave for 59 days and returned to the country yesterday.
Mr Paswan also refused to take any congisance on the proposed Kisan rally of Congress, to be addressed by Congress chief Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. “The proposed Congress rally at Ramlila ground on Sunday next as per the media reports will draw only a couple of thousands of people, as the total capacity of the ground is 65,000,” he claimed.
Talking about the commitment of the NDA government towards Dalits, the Union Minister said the Centre would certainly pass the Bill in Parliament related to the Reservation in Promotion. “Presently, the Bill is before the Standing committee of Parliament and their report is expected very soon,” he added. (UNI)
First time a politician flee from country after losing polls – Ramvilas
DoNER Ministry under Dr Jitendra wins best Website award
Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Apr 17: Adding yet another feather in the cap, the Union Ministry for Development of North East Region (DoNER) headed by its Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, has received the Union Ministry of Information Technology (IT) Award for outstanding Website content. The Award titled “Web Ratna Award 2014” under the category of outstanding content was conferred here in recognition of the exemplary efforts made by the DoNER Ministry for promoting e-governance initiatives.
The website http://doner.gov.in created by the Ministry of DoNER is meant to serve as a portal on Northeast, providing information about every sector pertaining to the region as well as the current status of various projects related to tourism, flora fauna, educational institutions, universities, media and communications. In addition, it also provides information regarding demographic profile of the various States of Northeast, the socio-economic parameters and the projects undertaken directly by the DoNER Ministry or through North East Council (NEC).
Complimenting the DoNER Ministry’s project team headed by Joint Secretary A.M.Singh and comprising among others Ashim Kumar Jha and P.K.Pankaj, Union DoNER Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said, their efforts for the last few months have not only made the DoNER Ministry more visible but also succeeded in bringing to the centrestage, the various activities and initiatives undertaken in the Northeast. Being a far-flung region with several areas remaining inaccessible or incommunicable, he said, an effective website portal will help in connecting to the people, particularly the youth, living in the remotest of the remotest areas.
Dr Jitendra Singh also disclosed that soon the DoNER Ministry will also have its own toll-free telephone number so that it is possible for anybody interested in the Northeast to call up and obtain the desired information without having to pay for the phone call. Meanwhile, he added, a Nodal Officer has been earmarked to exclusively receive the phone calls from citizens and members of the civil society at telephone number 011-23022304.
Dr Jitendra Singh said, the DoNER Ministry has started its activities on fast track both within Northeast as well as outside Northeast with the objective of showcasing Northeast to the outside world and called upon his colleagues in the Ministry to carry forward this mission with a renewed vigour and encouragement that has come in the form of the award received today.
R K Pachauri moves court, seeks permission to travel abroad
NEW DELHI, Apr 17:
TERI Director-General R K Pachauri, who is facing sexual harassment allegations from a woman employee, today moved a city court seeking permission to travel abroad to attend a global water summit in Greece from April 26 to 29.
Additional Sessions Judge Sudesh Kumar adjourned the case for hearing on April 20 as the concerned judge, who is hearing the matter, was on leave today. In his plea, Pachauri said he has to participate in the summit as he has given the confirmation for it and if he is unable to attend it, there will be irreparable loss to his reputation.
Pachauri has proceeded on leave from The Energy Research Institute (TERI) after sexual harassment charges were levelled against him by a woman employee.
He has also stepped down from United Nation’s Inter- governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and Prime Minister’s Council on Climate Change. On March 21, Pachauri was granted anticipatory bail by the court which rejected the request of police for his custody.
The court had granted him anticipatory bail by imposing several conditions on him including that he will join the probe as and when called, he will not enter TERI office premises and not intimidate or threaten the complainant and the witnesses of the case.
Delhi Police had sought recall of the court’s earlier order granting interim protection from arrest to Pachauri, alleging that he was misusing the liberty granted to him and influencing the witnesses. The contentions of the police were rejected by the court. On February 13, an FIR was registered against Pachauri for on charges of sexual harassment under IPC sections 354, 354(a), 354(d) (molestation) and 506 (criminal intimidation). (PTI)
Pachauri had moved the trial court for relief following the direction of the Delhi High Court, which had on February 19 given him interim protection from arrest till February 23. (PTI)
Housewife consumes poison
Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR, Apr 17: A housewife consumed some poisonous substance under mysterious circumstances at the house of her in laws at Mantalai in Chenani.
The victim, identified as 45 year old Rano Devi, wife of Som Raj of Mantalai, was shifted to hospital by the family members. In view of her critical condition, doctors referred her to GMC Hospital Jammu.
Cause behind the provocation could not be ascertained while Chenani Police has registered a case in this connection for investigation.
Govt urged to make Jammu independent tourist destination
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 17: All Jammu Hotels & Lodges Association has appealed the Coalition Government to take immediate steps to make Jammu an independent tourist destination so that five lakh souls dependent on tourism, whose livelihood is at stake, may feel a sigh of relief.
In a statement, president of the Association, Inderjeet Khajuria complained that the stalled ongoing tourism related projects in Jammu including artificial lake in Tawi river, Jammu Ropeway project, Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex and Manda Wild Life Sanctuary continued to remain unattended till today, due to callous attitude of the Government.
“The Jammu people had voted enmass for a big mandate to the BJP and the PDP maintained its lead in Kashmir. Whereas, the PDP is fulfilling its commitments made to the people of Kashmir during electioneering period, the BJP on the other hand is not caring for peoples’ problems on which they had obtained the mandate,” Mr Khajuria alleged.
Referring to two days meeting at Katra being convened by the BJP, Mr Khajuria urged the party leaders to ensure the implementation of agreement made between Government and Sangarsh Samiti during 2008 Bum Bum Bholey agitation. He suggested the BJP leaders to deliberate and devise mechanism for timely completion of ongoing tourism related projects; equal allotments of funds to Jammu; provide equal employment avenues to unemployed youth of Jammu region, equal representation in services in civil secretariat, creation of regional council for Jammu as promised by BJP and retention of AIIMS at Jammu.
He warned that the silence of BJP in the shifting of AIIMS from Jammu to Kashmir would cause a great damage to the party in coming days.
FM pitches for low taxes, taxpayers as ‘partners not hostages’
WASHINGTON, Apr 17:
Promising a ‘modern tax system’ with low and globally competitive rates, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has assured foreign investors against any retrospective action and said taxpayers will be seen as “partners and not as potential hostages or victims”.
For domestic taxpayers also, the rates need to be low as taxes are seen as money being forcibly transferred from citizens to the state, but the tax net should be wide enough so that everyone feels being part of the Government, he said.
Jaitley said he is “acutely aware” that there are concerns about retrospective taxation, tax harassment and arbitrariness in tax administration, especially those relating to cases of transfer pricing — a term mainly used for deals between entities belonging to the same multinational group.
Asserting that the Government is committed to a transparent and predictable tax regime, Jaitley said: “These are not expressions of intent and we have translated them into action.”
He also said that several steps have been taken to reduce litigation and the tax authorities have been asked not to “file frivolous appeals in a routine manner”, while the Government did not contest high court orders that went in favour of Vodafone and Shell.
“Let me emphasise that we are absolutely committed to a transparent and predictable tax regime. There will be no retrospective actions and we will see taxpayers as partners not as potential hostages or victims,” Jaitley said in his address to Peterson Institute for International Economics here last night.
Spelling out his vision of a modern tax system, Jaitley said: “Tax policy and administration should incentivise compliance. They should be administered fairly, transparently, with minimum discretion, with no harassment of taxpayers but also ensuring that tax evasion is dealt with firmly.”
“We will aim to keep the rate competitive and close to international levels and minimise exemptions,” he said.
“The tax net should be wide so that all citizens feel they are part of Government, but rates should be low, because taxes after all are seen as forcible transfer of money from citizens to the state,” Jaitley said while adding that India needs to have a modern 21st century system for indirect taxes, direct taxes and tax administration.
The Finance Minister said that India is on its way to have a much more modern taxation system with a series of administrative measures, along with legislative reforms and constitutional amendments initiated by the Government.
“Such a modern tax system, which is friendly to the people and businesses, would be a key to realising the goal of a double-digit growth,” he said.
The Finance Minister, who is here to participate in the meetings of IMF and World Bank, exuded confidence that the Parliament would pass the necessary constitutional amendment bill for GST in the next three weeks.
“GST is a modern tax, a consumption-based value-added tax, and a tax that avoids tax cascading,” he said, adding that this would create a broad tax base and will strengthen revenues going forward and increase the tax-GDP ratio.
“It will not only promote transparency and reduce corruption because of the paper trail it will create; but would also go towards creating a common Indian market because it will replace a number of state-levied taxes.
“We aim to secure legislative passage within the next three weeks at the Centre after which it will go to the states,” he said, while adding that the GST council, which has representations from all states and the Centre, will decide on a revenue-neutral rate.
“We will aim to keep the rate competitive and close to international levels and minimise exemptions,” he said. The Government aims to implement the GST by April 1, 2016.
Asserting that the direct tax system also needs to catch up with the modern GST system, Jaitley said in the budget he have announced important corporate tax reform to reduce rates, and broaden the base by eliminating exemptions.
“We are acutely conscious that capital chases destinations with the cleanest tax systems and competitive tax rates. The ASEAN average corporate tax rate is about 21-22 per cent. Accordingly, the corporate tax rate will come down from 30 to 25 within 4 years, beginning 2016,” he said, while adding this was being introduced next year to give companies sufficient time to adjust so as not to surprise taxpayers. (PTI)
‘Rajouri Liberation Day’ celebrations conclude
Excelsior Correspondent
RAJOURI, Apr 17: The series of events conducted as part of “Rajouri Liberation Day” culminated here with a grand event to commemorate the occasion.
For paying homage to the brave citizens of Rajouri who had sacrificed their lives for its liberation, an impressive wreaths laying ceremony was conducted at Gujjar Mandi Chowk Memorial. The wreaths were laid by Lt Gen KH Singh, Corps Commander, White Knight Corps, Maj Gen Saranjit Singh, GOC Ace of Spades Division and other prominent Army and civil dignitaries.
After the wreath laying ceremony, a peace march by school children of Rajouri was flagged in with pigeons and balloons released by the eminent guests to signify peace and harmony prevailing in the region.
The chief guest visited the photo exhibition, Medical camp and artificial limb camp where he distributed artificial limbs, eye kits, wheelchairs and tricycles to the locals and veterans. He also visited ex-servicemen assistance centre which was in place since 11 April 2015 and met several Veterans who had benefitted from the same.
Rajouri Liberation Day is celebrated on April 13 every year as it was on this day that Rajouri was liberated from intruders who had infiltrated from across. To commemorate “Rajouri Liberation Day”, the Army in conjunction with the civil administration, organised week long celebrations. The celebrations started with inauguration of Ex-servicemen Assistance Centre at ALG on April 11, 2015 by Maj Gen Saranjeet Singh. On April 13, a photo exhibition, weapon exhibition, health awareness camp, dental, eye and artificial limb camp were inaugurated. Also, a Quiz and painting competition was conducted for children from various schools of Rajouri. To motivate the youth of Rajouri to join the armed forces, lectures were organised on April 14 and 15 by Army officers.
Cultural events by locals, highlighting the spirit of Rajouri and school children kept the audience spell bound with their scintillating performances. Lazium, Malkhamb, Khukri dance and Gatka were presented by the Army personnel.
The chief guest felicitated the `Veer Naris’ present on the occasion. Prizes were also distributed to various school children for their excellent performance.
Waqf Council approves construction of Polytechnic, Para medical colleges in Jammu
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 17: The Auqaf Department is mulling the idea of constructing Polytechnic College, Para Medical College and a Sarai on Waqf land in Jammu. This was revealed in the 15th meeting of State Waqf Council (SWC) held under the chairmanship of Minister for Haj and Auqaf, Abdul Rehman Veeri here today. MLA, Ghulam Mohammad Saroori, Commissioner Secretary Revenue, Mohammad Afzal Bhat, Secretary Law, Mohammad Ashraf, Executive Officer Auqaf, Abdul Sattar besides Mufti Inayat Ullah, Dr. Nisar Ahmed Wani, Abdul Wahid Tak, Mohammad Norani, Advocate Abdul Gani, Peer Nazir Ahmed, Er. Abdul Rehman, Shah Mohammad Choudhary and Ghulam Ahmed Khawaja attended the meeting as members of the State Waqf Council. The Council also gave nod for establishment of Madrassa at Ziyarat Shahdara Sharief Rajouri, construction of hotel at Katra, multi-storey buildings on the Waqf land at commercial places in Jammu, upgradation of Haj House Jammu, special allowance to 5 more employees of Shahdara Sharief and landscaping of the premises of shrines. The other issues which came under discussion include revision of Dearness Allowance in favour of regular employees of Auqaf, renewal of lease of Auqaf land, leasing out of Waqf land, construction of Jama Masjid at Khatika Tallab and shopping complex at Residency Road, Jammu. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister directed the Auqaf authorities to take proper possession of the Auqaf land and other assets which have been notified under Waqf Property Act to avoid chances of encroachments. He called upon the concerned functionaries to adopt pro-active approach to protect the Auqaf assets across the State. He laid stress on the proper utilization of Auqaf land and steps for improving the financial health of this important body. The Minister called for regular assessment of the assets to ensure proper revenue realization as per the market rates. He also emphasized to ensure complete transparency in the functioning of the Trust. He maintained that Auqaf has a specific mandate which has been tasked to undertake welfare activities for the poor sections of the Muslim community. Mr. Veeri directed all concerned functionaries to identify Auqaf land and properties in their respective areas and notifying the same so that proper entries of such assets are maintained in the revenue record. The directions in this regard have already been passed to all the Deputy Commissioners, he added. He asked the concerned for preparing an inventory of waqf land and property ensuring its protection and preservation and put to better use. The Executive Officer Auqaf, Abdul Sattar gave a power point presentation depicting physical and financial achievements of the department.
AIBCU flays BJP for not raising OBCs’ issues in Assembly
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 17: All India Backward Classes Union (AIBCU) has expressed strong resentment with BJP, which is partner in coalition Government of the State, for not raising OBCs’ issues in the recently ended Assembly session.
In a meeting of the union held here today under the chairmanship of its president, Abdul Majid Malik, the speakers said that the first BJP-PDP Assembly session ended on April 9 remained most unfortunate for the State OBCs, as there was not even a mention of the OBC’s issues in the Governor’s address and no BJP MLA/Minister raised the issue of OBC’s due share of Reservation in Assembly.
“The State OBCs by their overwhelming support in the elections made BJP successful, but the latter did not respond reciprocally in its first Assembly session”, the speakers said, adding that AIBCU approached almost all the members of the policy making body of the State BJP, but till date no satisfactorily response has been received.
“Now the State OBCs have focused their eyes on the first ever meeting of State BJP, which is taking place at Katra from today”, they said and hoped that their (OBCs’) issues which include 27% due share of Reservation by adjusting RBA / ALC reservation horizontally appointment of Chairman and four members of the State Commission for Backward Classes from among the OBCs and handing over State OBC Advisory & Development Board to the State OBCs.
The speakers also asked the BJP high command to direct its Ministers to behave properly with the public.
Sandok Chand, Daulat Ram, Ram Lal Verma, Master Sain Dass, Deepak Pandey, Raj Kumar Keshyap, Darshan Kumar, KD Dalhotra and Prof Kali Dass, were also present in the meeting.
Tribal Advisory Board soon: Zulfkar
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 17: Minister for Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution and Tribal Affairs, Choudhry Zulfkar Ali today said that an empowered Advisory Board would be constituted in Jammu and Kashmir to take care of the developmental needs of tribals and to ensure implementation of various welfare programmes for their empowerment and economic emancipation. Interacting with representatives of tribals here this afternoon, the Minister said focused attention is required for holistic development of tribal areas with impetus on utilization of funds optimally earmarked for their welfare. “This is a gigantic effort, which needs single-minded participation of the tribal community, both at the monitoring and executing levels”, Ch Zulfkar said, adding that Governmental effort alone would not be enough to seek a better life of economically weaker segments of the society. Therefore, he said the implementing agencies and the representatives of tribals would be working in tandem to implement various schemes tailored for their welfare. The Minister said a coordinated effort would be made, by roping in all the line-departments, to achieve optimum implementation of programmes and schemes designed for tribal welfare. “While the Government will do whatever is possible on its part, the community should also come forward and take benefit from various schemes”, the Minister said and called for massive awareness about various policies and programmes initiated by the Government for achieving the objective.