NEW DELHI, Feb 1:
Activist Anna Hazare today accused the Government of betrayal on the issue of making Lokpal a strong tool to curb corruption and dismissed the proposed legislation as “ineffective”.
Demanding making CBI and CVC as independent bodies on par with Election Commission, Hazare said if required he may again go back to the Ramlila Maidan to press for an effective Lokpal.
“The Government has been betraying us and people of the country repeatedly….If required I will go back to Ramlila Maidan to demand a strong and effective Lokpal Bill,” Hazare said addressing a press conference.
Rejecting the Lokpal Bill cleared by the Cabinet yesterday, Hazare said the fight against corruption will not be effective if Government did not relinquish its control over CBI and CVC.
“Due to Government’s control over CBI and CVC, corruption has increased. Both these bodies must be made autonomous like the Election Commission,” he said.
Hazare also criticised Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh accusing him of failing to keep his promise on specific demands based on which he had ended his 12-day-long fast in August 2011.
The Union Cabinet yesterday amended the controversial Lokpal Bill, delinking it from the setting up of Lokayuktas in the States and transferring powers of sanction of prosecution against public servant to the ombudsman.
The Cabinet accepted 14 of the 16 recommendations made by the Rajya Sabha Select Committee, which was set up in May last year amid sharp differences among political parties because of which the legislation was stuck in the Upper House since December 2011.
The approval of the official amendments paves the way for consideration of the bill afresh by the Rajya Sabha during the Budget Session expected to begin towards the end of February.
Hazare said he will travel across the country to make people aware about “Government’s betrayal” and to motivate them to elect those with clean image in the 2014 general elections.
Hazare alleged that Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh has failed to keep his written promises on Lokpal, which he gave in August 2011, specially on three issues of bringing class I, II, III, IV employees under the purview of Lokpal, forming Lokayuktas in states and citizen’s charter.
“In his letter, the PM had said that class I, II, III and IV officers would be brought under the Lokapl, Lokayuktas would be formed in States and citizen’s charter would be prepared. But all these three points are missing from the one passed by the Union Cabinet,” he said.
The Gandhian also said the Government had not been true to its promises since he started his agitation on the issue two years back. “If Government will keep on telling lies then what will happen to the country.”
Asked about Rahul Gandhi’s statement that “power is poison”, he said if it is poison, then “why the Government and the parties are after it and why don’t they leave it.
“It’s not poison but it is like addiction.”
On the issue of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi being projected as future Prime Minister, the activist said, “I have doubts that if he becomes Prime Minister then he would do any good for the country… He had not appointed a Lokayukta in his State then, how can we expect a Lokpal from him”.
On his future course of action, Hazare said that he would tour the country in next one-and-a-half year and find out people with good character and motivate them to work for the country.
On being asked about supporting his old colleague Arvind Kejriwal, who formed Aam Aadmi Party, he said, “I will not support him or his party or any party. I will support any individual who has a good character and a clean image.”
He also made it clear that he would not support Kejriwal’s party or any other party if its members don’t have a clean image.
He said that dynastic rule in democracy was very dangerous as it would promote a system which was prevailing during monarchy in the country.
It will give rise to a corrupt system of “power through money and money through power”, he warned.
When pointed out that the Lokpal was being cleared by Members of Parliament who were elected representatives of people, he said “if they are elected representatives then why aren’t they coming up with a legislation which the people are demanding”. (PTI)
Lokpal bill ineffective: Anna
Cabinet approves ordinance on rape laws
NEW DELHI, Feb 1:
The Union Cabinet today approved promulgation of an ordinance to give effect to the Justice Verma Committee report on making laws on sexual crime against women more stringent.
The Cabinet meeting presided over by Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh had been specially convened for the purpose.
The Prime Minister had in letter to Justice J S Verma two days ago said the Government would be prompt in pursuing the recommendations of the Committee.
The Committee had submitted its report on January 23.
The three-member panel headed by Justice Verma with Justice (Rtd) Leila Seth and former Solicitor General of India had been constituted in the wake of the nationwide outcry against the gangrape of a 23-year-old paramedic in the capital on December 16, and later her death.
The main recommendations of the committee included increasing the punishment up to 20 years of imprisonment for rape and murder and life term for gang rape.
It, however, did not go for death penalty as demanded by various bodies and political parties.
The Committee had suggested a number of amendments to the criminal law for providing higher punishment for the guilty of rape, including police and public servants.
The new offences like disrobing a woman, voyeurism, stalking and trafficking have been included in the sexual crimes.
At present, rape laws provide for seven years to life imprisonment for rape.
The Justice Verma Committe has recognised the need to curb all forms of sexual offences. It is for upto seven years of punishment for voyeurism, up to three years for stalking or attempts to contact a person repeatedly through any means.
Acid attacks would be punished by up to seven years of imprisonment, and trafficking with RI for seven to ten years.
The Committee also provides for punishment for any officer who fails to register a case of rape reported to him. (UNI)
BJP to boycott Shinde
NEW DELHI, Feb 1:
The main Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party will boycott Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde in and outside Parliament for his “Hindu terror” remark.
“…Mr Shinde has insulted Hindus by his remark. He said the BJP and the RSS are promoting Hindu terror. The BJP core group condemned his statement,” BJP leader Ananth Kumar today told reporters after the party’s core group meeting at the party headquarters here.
The meeting, which lasted for about two hours, was attended by BJP president Rajnath Singh, senior party leaders LK Advani, Sushma Swaraj, Arun Jaitley, Nitin Gadkari and others.
“From tomorrow, the BJP workers will show black flags to Mr Shinde where ever he travels in the country,” Mr Kumar said.
He said the BJP will also boycott every meeting called by Mr Shinde, who is also Leader of the House in the Lok Sabha.
“The BJP will have no communication with Mr Shinde,” the BJP leader added.
Mr Kumar demanded that Mr Shinde must apologise for his remark and withdraw it.
“The statement of Mr Shinde shows the Congress’ anti-Hindu mentallity. The BJP will not tolerate this,” he alleged.
At the Congress “Chintan Shivir” in Jaipur recently, Mr Shinde had accused the Rashtriya Syayamsevak Sangh and the BJP of promoting “Hindu terror” at their training camps.
The BJP has alleged that Mr Shinde had made the comments because of vote-bank politics.
The BJP’s decision to boycott Mr Shinde is likely to create ‘trouble’ for the ruling Congress-led UPA Governent during the Budget Session of Parliament which will start from February 21.
The Government needs the Opposition’s support on several important legislations.
On BJP’s National Council meeting, Mr Kumar said the date and place for the meeting will be announced tomorrow. (UNI)
Work on Landoi Choi nallah to start by March: Bhalla
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 1: Minister for Housing, Horticulture and Culture, Raman Bhalla today said that Government has formulated a comprehensive plan involving Rs. 68 crore for the development of Landoi Choi nallah from Jodhamal School to Gangyal. The project would be taken up for construction by the Economic Reconstruction Agency (ERA) by March 15 this year.
This was stated by the Minister while interacting with the people at Gangyal after inspecting the sites which were damaged due to soil erosion some time back.
Mr. Bhalla asked the engineers to immediately start the restoration work where some cracks have developed on the embankments as an interim measure so that the people may not face any inconvenience. He said Government has already released Rs. 19 lakh for the purpose.
The Minister said Government is making all out efforts to address the problems of those localities which have suffered loss during last year due to heavy rain. To meet the emergent situation due to floods during the next rainy season, the Government has earmarked Rs. 2 crore. He said that people have no cause of worry and Government will take all preventive measures well in time to meet the flood situation. He directed the concerned agency to remove the garbage from the choked portion of Gangyal nallah to avoid inconvenience to the locals.
Mr. Bhalla informed that works on box type culvert and protection walls at Gangyal Sector No. 1 are under progress on war-footing basis and would be completed well before the start of rainy season this year.
Mr. Bhalla said UPA Government led by Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh was providing liberal funding to the Jammu and Kashmir under all vital sectors which has greatly helped in upgrading the infrastructural facilities across the State. He said many important projects of public importance are in the pipeline and would be implemented soon for the welfare of the people.
Absconding Govt teacher held
Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR, Feb 1: Police today arrested an absconding Government teacher, who was involved in a rape case in Basantgarh, tehsil Ramnagar.
Police spokesman said that, a married woman was allegedly raped by Government teacher in Basantgarh area of the district on January 10.
Her husband Ashok Kumar filed a complaint with Basantgarh police station that a Government teacher identified as Hartesh Chander, posted at Government Higher Secondary School, Basantgarh, raped his wife, when he was out of station, he added.
In the complaint, he said that, the accused barged into his house, when his wife was alone and raped her, spokesman added.
A case under FIR number 2/13 under Section 376 RPC has been registered at Basantgarh police station and manhunt was launched to arrest the accused.
On specific inputs, police party from Basantgarh police station apprehended the accused, spokesman said, adding that further investigation into the case in going on.
All Kashmiri Welfare Society Haridwar Executive holds meet
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 1: The Executive Committee meeting of All Kashmiri Pandit Welfare Society Haridwar was held, here today under the chairmanship of its president Kundan Kashmiri.
As per a release, the meeting among others was attended by its general secretary, HL Chatta, vice president Omesh Raina, organizing secretary, Sheela Kaul (Handoo) and Estate incharge, Ram Nath Zutshi.
The meeting discussed the measures to be taken for the protection and renovation of KP dharamshalas and their others assets at Haridwar and in this regard stress was laid on seeking funds from community well wishers. It was discussed that posters will be displayed in places inhibited by KPs in this regard. It was also decided to perform a Maha Yagya at Dharashalla in Haridwar in last week of March.
Mr Kashmiri informed the meeting that the dharmshalla has been provided with all facilities for the community members visiting Haridwar from J&K, other parts of India or abroad can have a comfortable stay there.
Include Urdu language papers in NEET: Soz
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 1: Former Union Minister and PCC president Prof Saif-ud-Din Soz has demanded that arrangements be made for inclusion of Urdu language and provide question paper in Urdu to facilitate the Urdu knowing candidates appearing in National Eligibility -cum-Entrance Test (NEET-2013) being held on May 5.
In a letter written to the Union HRD Minister Palam Raju and Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, Prof Soz has sought their intervention into the matter so that over 5000 students who have pursued studies from Urdu medium schools in Maharashtra and other States could appear in the test without any problem. He said the entrance test is being conducted by Board of Secondary Education Delhi in two widely accepted languages English and Hindi, the Urdu knowing students will face problem to appear for MBBS/BDS courses in India.
He pointed out that after receiving petitions from North East and other States, MCI agreed to set question papers in Assamese, Tamil, Bengali, Telugu and Marathi. But Urdu was omitted due to curious reasons. He demanded that Urdu language should also be included and question papers be made available in this language so that justice could be done to the Urdu knowing candidates.
Severe weather conditions in North-West from Sunday: IMD
NEW DELHI, Feb 1:
Severe weather conditions over western Himalayan region and north-western plains with very heavy rainfall and snow will prevail from February 3 to 6, the IMD said today, adding authorities in the hill states have been warned about transport disruption.
Though the intense weather activity is expected to benefit fruit crops, it may damage standing mustard crop and disrupt road traffic in the hill states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, the Indian Meteorological Department(IMD) Director General L S Rathod told reporters here.
“There is possibility of extreme weather condition in the form of thunderstorm in plains of north-west India, with expectation of sporadic hail activity as well. The extent as well as amount of precipitation is likely to extend from north west mountainous to the northern plain and even upto parts of Gujarat and West Madhya Pradesh,” he said.
The temporary weather system is expected to begin on the evening of February 3 and could reach its peak two days later.
Asked about the areas which will experience change in weather, Rathod said, “On February 4 and 5 fairly widespread or even intense rain or snowfall activity is expected over Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
In the plains it is expected over North Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, Western Uttar Pradesh and plains of Uttarakhand including Delhi.”
Warnings have been sent to road transport authorities in these areas. IMD Officials also said that the Jammu-Srinagar highway could be closed after the intense snowfall in the region.
On the impact over agriculture, he said it may cause harm to mustard crop.
“Rain is always good for agriculture. For principal crop in place–wheat–it is very good. For early or very early sown mustard, which is the second largest crop, if there is hail, then in a localised way there may be some damage,” Rathod said.
Rathod said the unusual weather activity will be good
particularly for apples, plum, peach, apricot and all types of horticulture crops specific to the north-west region.
J&K and other places in the Himalayan region could be hit by four to seven inches of snow each day. There could also be a threat of avalanche and landslide in the hilly areas after the heavy snowfall.
But, the good news could come in form of higher minimum temperature in plains and less foggy condition with increased visibility.
“With approach of Western Disturbances in next 48 hours the visibility will improve. From Feb 3 onwards there will be no fog for the period. When the system approaches slight warming takes place, so particularly night temperature will be fairly warm,” he said.
Rathod further stated that frost or cold wave conditions for the year are over.
“Feb 7 onwards there will be fall in temperature. The good thing is that frost like situation for 2013 is over now. Extreme cold or cold wave conditions, which cause lot of damage to both plantation and field crop, is basically over now,” he said.
Asked about impact on potato crop, he said, “It will be more or less good. But if water stagnates then potato being a tuber crop will be harmed.” (PTI)
JKP to take all measures to maintain lasting peace: DGP
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 1: Director General of Police (DGP), Ashok Prasad has asserted that Jammu and Kashmir Police would take all measures to maintain complete and lasting peace in the State. He said that various measures have been taken to strengthen the police public relations.
Mr. Prasad was addressing a maiden Durbar at District Police Lines here today. A large number of jawans and officers of executive police from all districts of Jammu province participated in the first provincial level Durbar taken by Prasad. Besides Additional Director General of Police (Headquarters), S. P. Vaid, IGP, Jammu Zone, Dilbag Singh was present in the Durbar.
The DGP said that police has a primary role in maintaining peace and order in the society, to ensure dignity and honour of citizens. He said that police serves as a bride between public and the Government and we have to work with more consciousness and sincerity to keep the trust of the people they have pinned with the force. He said that police is the first responder to any assistance in any situation, so they have to maintain the confidence of the people at every level.
Appreciating the role of jawans and officers, the DGP said that JKP has demonstrated great valour and courage while maintaining law and order in the State. It was due to the tremendous efforts put in by the force that the security situation has evolved positively, said the DGP. He urged the cops that their aim should be public service and provide a congenial atmosphere to the people.
Responding to the problems put forth by the cops, the DGP said that various schemes have been introduced for the welfare of its personnel and the department is undertaking more beneficial schemes for them and their families. In order to bring uniformity in the opportunities of career development and working, a transparent policy is being considered for adoption, the DGP informed.
Stressing the senior officers present in the Durbar to redress genuine grievances on priority posed by the cops, the DGP assured that all steps would be taken to ease the hardships being faced by them while performing their duties. He said that PHQ has already taken the issues including enhancement in the remuneration of SPOs and we are actively persuading the matter.
Earlier, the Additional Director General, of Police (Headquarters), S. P. Vaid, deliberated upon the importance of Durbars and said that the occasion provides an opportunity to the subordinate ranks to bring their requirements and problems in the notice of their superiors for redressal.
On the occasion, the DGP handed over cash rewards and medals to the personnel, whose performance remained better during the previous year. Announcement for out of turn promotion of one constable and conversion of three SPOs as constables was made by the DGP and orders were handed over on the spot for their valour in safeguarding the life and property of the people.
Inspector General of Police, Jammu Zone, Dilbag Singh also addressed the Durbar and put forth suggestions for the welfare of cops and their families.
Among others, the durbar was attend by IGPs, V. K. Singh, Arun Kumar, Syed Javaid Mujataba Geelani and Mohammad Suliman Salria, DIGs, Danish Rana, Jagjit Kumar, J. P. Singh and Garib Dass, AIGPs, Ghulam Hassan Bhat, Aftab Ahmed Kakroo and R. S. Sambyal, all District Superintendent of Police of Jammu Province and other police officers.
Holistic, inclusive development priority of Coalition Govt: Sadhotra, Rana
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU Feb 1: Minister for Planning, Development, Labour and Employment, Ajay Kumar Sadhotra was today accorded rousing reception on his arrival at Falain Mandal in Marh constituency after being inducted into the Council of Ministers.
The Minister was accompanied by Provincial President, National Conference, Devender Singh Rana.
Addressing a large gathering, Mr Sadhotra reiterated the commitment of the Coalition Government to ensure holistic development of all the regions of the State with special focus on remote, far-flung and rural areas. He said the State is on the march of peace, progress and development and this tempo will be carried forward with a mission.
The Minister said the Government’s endeavour was to create infrastructural facilities in a time bound manner so that the fruit of the efforts percolate down to the needy in a stipulated time frame. He said education, health, medicare and provision of utility services like power and water supply have been flagged as priority areas and every effort is being made to ensure these for enhancing the quality of life of the people.
Mr Sadhotra referred to various revolutionary initiatives taken by the Coalition Government during the past four years, like Public Services Guarantee Act and Right to Information Act and said these will help in enforcing accountability and ensuring transparency in the administration and people will be able to get improved services in a time bound manner.
Speaking on the occasion, Devender Singh Rana said that the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah has kept his promise of giving representation to the Marh area by inducting Mr Sadhotra in the Council of Ministers and hoped that the people will strengthen the hands of Omar Abdullah and Sadhotra by strengthening the party cadre and extending cooperation to the developmental programmes launched by the Government.
Mr Rana reiterated the commitment of the Coalition Government to ensure overall development and welfare of the State, adding that a sound foundation has already been laid to achieve this objective. He expressed optimism about the State touching highest pinnacles of development and progress in the coming years.
The Provincial President cautioned the people about the machinations of vested interests and divisive forces that were misleading the people for furthering their political agenda. He said National Conference has a chequred history of public service and it has withstood the test of times by maintaining harmony and brotherhood between various sections of the people.
Earlier, responding to the demands of the people, Mr Sadhotra said that all major demands of the area will be taken up with the concerned authorities for earnest consideration and appropriate action. He said the Government is endeavouring to ensure all basic amenities to the people of rural areas.