NEW DELHI, Aug 8:
257 Army personnel including four soldiers from Nepal have been killed in various operations in the last three years, Lok Sabha was informed today.
According to the data provided by Defence Minister Arun Jaitley in a written reply, 32 soldiers from Uttar Pradesh lost their lives in these operations while 26 of them belonged to Rajasthan.
257 Army personnel were killed (battle fatal casualties only) in various operations during the last three years and the current year, he said.
The Minister informed that 93 cases related to allotment of land to the family of these martyrs were pending.
Answering another query, Jaitley said CBI has registered 106 cases of alleged irregularities and corruption related to the defence sector in the last three years.
He said seven of the 106 cases have been closed while the remaining were in different stages of inquiry, investigation and trial.
Major cases registered by the CBI include alleged AgustaWestland chopper scam and the Rolls Royce scam.
“Whenever any irregularity or corruption in defence procurement comes to light, the case is instantaneously handed over to the CBI for thorough investigations,” Jaitley said.
To a query on inclusion of life cycle costs in defence deals, the Minister said, “So far only contract has been concluded that is the supply of Basic Trainer Aircraft of the IAF, using the Total Cost of Acquisition (TCA) model on the Life Cycle Cost approach.”
He said a total of nine cases based on Life Cycle Cost have been initiated by the services including seven from the Air Force and two from the Navy.
“No case using the LCC approach has been aborted/ cancelled at final stages,” the Minister said. (PTI)
257 Army personnel killed in last three years
Ch Talib Hussain, Taj Mohd join BJP
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 8: The State BJP got another shot in its arm today when former MP, & senior leader from Rajouri Ch. Talib Hussain and PDP leader Haji Taj Mohd. Khan joined BJP in presence of Party State President & MP Jugal Kishore Sharma, State vice-president Vibodh Gupta, State general secretaries Ashok Kaul and Bali Bhagat, State spokesperson Farooq Khan and Sunil Sethi and party leaders Bharat Bhushan Vaid, S.S. Bijral, Sunil Gupta and others.
Jugal Kishore Sharma, while welcoming the new entrants into the Party said that there has been a wave in favour of BJP across the country. Like other states, people of very high political and social stature from Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh are also embracing BJP as they are convinced that J&K also needs a change as it took place at New Delhi.
Ch. Talib Hussain, on this occasion, said that although power attracts everyone but the motive should be clear that “we have to serve the society and nation’’. If political system is not well, nation cannot progress. When economic and political power gets into few hands who don’t favour decentralization of power, desired fruits cannot be obtained. “Today Congress is not that of Gandhi or Nehru and similarly NC is also not that of Sheikh Abdullah as both these parties have deviated from their basic principles and policies and are interested in promoting family rule, which is not good for society and the nation,” he said and added that we all need to get united to defeat these parties and bring in BJP which has leaders of commitment.
Haji Taj Mohd. Khan said that till now we had been working to win seats and later surrender to Kashmir-centric leaders and in return got discrimination with our areas, which should not be repeated now. He said that a ray of hope has emerged after BJP taking over at New Delhi that 65 years of uncertainty, step motherly treatment will now be over after joining hands with BJP.
Chander Mohan Gupta, Pardeep Sharma, Capt.(retd) Abdul Rahim, Yudhvir Sethi, Rajinder Gupta, Er. Ghulam Ali Khatana, Sarpanch Azam Choudhary, Lalit Moza (Adv.), Sarpanch Zaman Choudhary, Sarpanch Rangaz Jat, Numbardar Rashid, Balbir Ram Rattan, Dr. Naseem Choudhary, Asif Kataria (Adv.), Naresh Dogra, Kamal Singh, Mushtaq Chauhan (Adv.), Surinder Bhagat, Retd. Headmaster Bashir Chouhday, Arun Chhibber, Sarpanch Ayoub, Sarpanch Sadiq, Mohd. Arif (Adv.), Sharif Choudhary, Suraj Singh, Sanjay Baru, Surinder Choudhary, Vijay Choudhary, Bhanu Singh Jasrotia and others were present on the occasion.
Govt prepares bill to repeal 36 archaic laws
NEW DELHI, Aug 8:
Moving ahead with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s agenda of scrapping ‘archaic’ laws, the Government has prepared a bill to repeal 36 redundant Acts which is expected to be introduced in Parliament next week.
This is the first time since 2001 that such an exercise is being undertaken by the Law Ministry.
Out of 36 “antequated” Acts, 32 are Amendment Acts which were passed to change the existing laws. Four other are Acts which have become obsolete.
The decision is in tune with Modi’s agenda to do away with archaic laws which are hindering efficient governance.
Soon after taking over, Modi had told a meeting of Secretaries that “there may be rules and processes which have become outdated, and instead of serving the process of governance, they are leading to avoidable confusion”.
He had stressed upon the need to “identify and do away with such archaic rules and procedures”.
After this bill, the Government will move another measure to repeal more of such Acts in the next session of Parliament.
“An Amendment bill is moved to to add or remove certain provisions in the principal Act. Once the amendment bill is passed by Parliament and signed into Act by the President, the Amendment Act becomes redundant as its provisions are included in the Principal Act. Such Acts which have outlived their use clog the statute books,” explained a senior Government functionary.
Between 1950 and 2001 over a hundred Acts have been repealed. At one time 100 such Acts were repealed.
The Amendment Acts which are sought to be repealed include amendments to the Representation of the People Act and some provisions of the IPC.
Two of the stand alone Acts which will also be repealed throuh the bill are Foreign Jurisdiction Act, 1947 and Sugar Undertaking Act.
The Law Ministry has written to all Union ministries and departments to identify redundant laws which can be repealed.
It intends to give the list to the Law Commission which is already working on identifying antequated laws.
The Law Commission has time and again recommended repealing Acts which have outlived their life in the statute books and are clogging them.
In May, 2002, the law panel had recommended that more than 800 old laws be removed from the statute books.
The recommendations cover laws on poor relief, lotteries, turnpikes and Indian Railways.
The oldest legislation dates back to 1322 (Statutes of the Exchequer), and the most recent is part of a Taxation Act from 2010. (PTI)
Rain plays spoilsport but England take 85-run lead
Manchester, Aug 8:
England consolidated their position by taking a handy 85-run lead as they reached 237 for six before heavy rain washed away nearly two sessions of play on the second day of the fourth cricket Test against India, here today.
Resuming at overnight 113 for three, England lost three wickets in the pre-lunch session as India removed removed Ian Bell (58), Chris Jordan (13) and Moeen Ali (13).
A 67-run partnership for the seventh wicket between Joe Root (48) and Jos Buttler (22) dashed India’s hopes of anymore breakthroughs.
Only nine overs were possible after lunch which meant that only 36 overs were bowled on day two as wet outfield in a small area around square prevented further action.
The rain did stop around the scheduled tea-time but the outfield had been rendered completely wet and big puddles formed at various spots on the square as well as the boundary ropes which meant that the ground-staff were unable to get play started again.
This was after Bhuvneshwar Kumar (3-47) picked up two quick wickets in the morning session to peg England back, restricting the hosts to 201 for six at lunch.
Varun Aaron (3-48) also added another to the two wickets he picked up last evening.
The second morning began with grey clouds still looming large over the ground, but they seemed lighter than the ones on day one that had helped English bowlers wreak havoc on the Indian top-order. (PTI)
Gear up efforts to ensure enhanced facilities to people: Sham to admn
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 8: Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control Sham Lal Sharma today said that an effective monitoring mechanism has been put in place to enforce accountability and transparency in implementation of development works in the State.
Addressing the monthly review meeting at Akhnoor, Sham exhorted upon the officers to ensure enhanced basic amentieis to the people across the State with focus on rural and far off areas.
Mr. Sham asked the concerned authorities to ensure timely and quality completion of development works, adding that Government has resolved to provide concrete assets to the people across the State.
Asking the Panchs and Sarpanchs to perform their duties with utmost care and concern, the Minister said that Government has given them adequate powers to ensure better development at the grass root level. He said PRIs are the basic democratic institution which can transform the development scenario as they are connected with the local people and well acquainted with ground situation, therefore, their participation in the developmental process is highly required.
The Minister said that it is earnest effort of the Government to ensure improved essential services to the people of the state, for which a number of innovative development programmes are being launched in every part of the State especially far off and rural pockets. He appealed the people to extend complete cooperation to the Government agencies for better and effective implementation of ongoing development programmes.
He asked the local administration as well as representatives to watch on the implementation of developmental and welfare scheme in the area as it will help enforcing accountability in the public affairs. He said the Government has assigned postings in new administrative units.
JKSLA holding selection trials
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 8: To pick the team for the forthcoming 21st Senior Men, Women, Master Men and Incline Bench Press Championships to be held at Vidyasagar Memorial Hall, Midnapur in West Bengal from August 21 to August 24, 2014, the Jammu and Kashmir Strength Lifting Association (JKSLA) will be conducting selection trials at Royal Health Club, Gujjar Nagar at 10 am on August 11, 2014.
According to a handout issued here, the top position holders of the Championship will get berth in the Indian Team for the International Championship to be held at Dubai in the Month of February 2015.
Various institutions celebrate Raksha Bandhan
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 8: Various institutions celebrated Raksha Bandhan with gaiety and fervour, here today.
Delhi Public School (DPS) Jammu celebrated Raksha Bandhan, a unique festival of love, affection and trust between brothers and sisters in its School premises with pomp and show.
Children of the Pre-Primary and Primary classes enthusiastically participated in the traditional thali decoration activity and showcased their talent with whole-hearted participation.
Teachers also tied rakhis on the wrists of the students, taking vow to bring today’s generation closer to the rich Indian culture.
Kite flying event was also organized by the Middle wing to celebrate and enjoy the festival collectively.
Speaking on the occasion, Additional Director/Principal of the School, Dr D Joseph greeted the students and the staff on this beautiful and auspicious occasion and advised them to strengthen the bond of love and affection in brother-sister relationship. Headmistress Middle School also spoke on the occasion.
Humming Buds, the Pre-School of Model Academy celebrated Raksha Bandhan at the B C Road and Residency Road branches with great joy and fervour.
Little children showed great excitement participating in this beautiful festival, which signifies a sacred and unique bond of love between a brother and a sister.
All the girls made bright rakhis with silver thread and sequins and tied this holy thread to the boys in the class who in turn gave them a small gift each.
The boys enjoyed making kites and their faces lit up to see their kites fly high in the sky.
The classrooms were brightly decorated with colourful ‘dupattas’, which was followed by ‘puja’.
After the ‘puja’ sweets were distributed to all the children. Kids sang a melodious song “Rakhi ka tyohar aaya” prepared by Mr Yash and Mrs Amarjyot. This was followed by a Thali making competition between the three levels and the class judged with the best rakhi thali was distributed sweets.
Ruchika Gupta, Project Director, Humming Buds spoke on the occasion.
R M Public school organized Rakhi making competition today.
All the students of primary wing participated in it.
The performance of the little ones was very appreciating as they displayed their talent in a very impressive manner by making beautiful coloured rakhis which showed their bonding with their brothers and sisters.
The Principal, Ravinder Kour alongwith Vice-Principal Shashi Jamwal and Meenakshi Sharma lauded the efforts of the students for better show.
Shiksha Niketan organised Rakhi Making Competition in the School premises under the supervision of Craft and Art Teachers. Raneshwar Mengi, the Principal of the School. All the students participated in the competition with zeal and zest. They used many unuseful things to make beautiful Rakhi’s in a very creative way . School principal also threw light on the importance of the Day.
Bootlegger held
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 8: Arnia police arrested a bootlegger along with large quantity of illicit liquor.
A police spokesman said that, on specific information, police team from Arnia police station conducted a raid in the house of Kala Ram, son of Janak Raj of Devigarh, Sai, Arnia.
During raid, police team recovered 12 pouches and 5 bottles of illicit liquor and arrested Kala Ram.
A case under FIR number 42/14 under Section 48-A Excise Act has been registered at police station Arnia and investigation started.
Police team headed by SHO Inspector Kulbir Singh Choudhary made the arrest under the supervision of SDPO RS Pura Devinder Singh and SP Headquarters Randhir Singh.
Modi gets clean chit from Guj Police in poll code violation case
AHMEDABAD, Aug 8:
Giving a clean chit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Gujarat police today filed a closure report in a metropolitan court here in a case of alleged violation of model code of conduct during the Lok Sabha election.
“We have filed a closure summary report before the metropolitan court number 11 here today,” a senior officer of the Detection of Crime Branch (DCB) said.
The closure summary maintaining that no case was made out against Modi was filed in the court of Metropolitan Magistrate M H Patel.
To a question whether Modi has been given a clean chit in the case that was filed on the instructions of the Election Commission, he replied in the affirmative.
An FIR was registered against Modi, who was then the Gujarat Chief Minister, following a directive from the poll panel for allegedly violating provisions of the Representation of People Act on April 30 this year.
Modi had triggered a controversy when he addressed a press conference immediately after casting his vote at a school in Ranip area of Ahmedabad, part of party veteran LK Advani’s Gandhinagar seat, where he prominently displayed the BJP’s election symbol lotus.
Accusing him of violating the election law, the Congress party had filed a complaint with the EC.
The poll panel’s order directing lodging of a complaint/FIR said Modi had violated the provisions of Sections 126 (1)(a) and 126 (l)(b) of Representation of People Act, 1951. The maximum punishment under these provisions of RPA is up to two years imprisonment.
The EC order had said, “The commission is of the view that by holding that meeting and also by addressing the same today when the polling is going on in the entire State of Gujarat and in different parts of the country, Narendra Modi has violated the provisions of Sections 126 (1)(a) and 126 (l)(b) of RP Act 1951.
“Therefore, the commission directs … That complaint/ FIR as the case may be, should be filed against Narendra Modi and all others who were involved in the convening and holding of the said meeting,” the EC order had said.
Section 126 (1) (a) of RP Act prohibits holding of public meetings during period of 48 hours ending with the hour fixed for conclusion of poll.
Modi is also facing a separate case in connection with the incident wherein an Aam Aadmi Party worker has said that the police had filed an incomplete FIR in the case.
Nishant Verma, in his complaint to the Ahmedabad (rural) court, has demanded that Modi be additionally charged under sections section 130 of RPA and IPC sections 114, 171 (c) and (f).
At the last hearing in the case on August 5, Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) M M Sheikh of Ahmedabad rural court had given the crime branch three weeks to file an action taken report.
According to section 130 of the RP Act, a person is prohibited from canvassing for votes or exhibit any notice or signs relating to the election within the polling station on the day of polls, while IPC section 114 stands for the role of an abettor present when an offence is committed.
Section 171(c) says whoever voluntarily interferes or attempts to interfere with the free exercise of any electoral right commits the offence of undue influence at an election, while relates to punishment for undue influence or personation at an election.
Violation of 171(f) is punishable with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year or with fine, or with both. (PTI)
SSP Railways holds security review meeting
Excelsior Correspondent
KATRA, Aug 8: SSP Railways Katra, Abhay K Mahajan today held a meeting to review the arrangements for the security of passengers and railways property.
The meeting was attended by Kamlesh Shoor and Kamaljeet Singh, SDPOs Katra and Udhampur, A P Mathur, ASC RPF, all SHOs/Incharge Police Posts and Post Commanders of RPF from Railway Sub Divisions Katra and Udhampur besides officers of Armed Police deployed for security of tunnels and bridges.
Mr Mahajan asked all the officers and officials deployed on railway stations, tracks, tunnels and bridges to remain extra vigilant and alert in view of Independence Day and also in view of intelligence inputs being received from sister agencies.
All were directed to intensify checking and patrolling at all places to thwart any attempt by anti-national elements to sabotage the Independence Day celebrations. Stress was also laid on having liaison with all sister agencies including District Police.
SSP also directed for taking into confidence the people residing in close vicinity of railway stations for collection of inputs regarding any suspicious movements. SDPOs and other officers were asked to take note of increasing passenger traffic after operation of trains up to Katra and ensure checking and patrolling round the clock at all vital installations.