ALLAHABAD, Feb 10:
The proposed visit of Congress President Sonia Gandhi to the ongoing Maha Kumbh here has been cancelled due to “want of cooperation” of the Samajwadi Party government in Uttar Pradesh in making security arrangements, the party’s state unit alleged today.
“We felt upset upon receiving information last night that the state government has expressed its inability to provide the necessary security arrangements for Sonia ji’s proposed visit,” UPCC spokesman Kishore Varshney told.
“We never expected such treatment from the SP government in the state, which had received generous assistance from the Centre for organising the congregation,” Varshney said.
He said, “The party president had been planning her visit for the past one week. She kept waiting for the state government’s response but the latter apparently had other thoughts”.
The UPCC spokesman alleged that, “The state government has a guilty conscience as it has failed to properly utilise the funds given for Kumbh and has been squandering the money on its own publicity”.
“This is not the first time when a non-Congress government in UP has tried to hinder Gandhi’s visit to Kumbh,”he claimed.
He said the Congress president had visited the 2001 Maha Kumbh and taken a holy dip “despite the then BJP government having tried its level best to prevent her from doing so”.
“However, this time, in view of the heightened security concerns prevailing in the country, she has chosen to cancel her visit for want of cooperation from the local administration,” Varshney said.
He, however, added “the final word is not yet out on the possibility of party vice-president Rahul Gandhi’s proposed visit, though given the attitude of the state government, we are not very hopeful”. (PTI)
Sonia Kumbh visit cancelled due to ‘want of co-op’ by UP Govt
Rural pockets to get facelift: Bhalla
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 10: Minister for Housing, Horticulture and Culture Raman Bhalla has said Government has taken various historical initiatives to revolutionize the developmental scenario of the State and focused attention is being paid to improve living condition of the rural people by providing all basic amenities at par with urban pockets.
The Minister was addressing a large gathering after launching construction work of multipurpose community hall at Chatha Pind.
Mr. Bhalla asked the executing agency to immediately start the construction work of the hall, adding in this regard, he released Rs. 10 lakh out of his constituency development fund. He said the multipurpose community hall would have kitchen, toilet and parking facilities.
Regarding construction of Chatha Pind, Bhour Pind and Bhour Camp interior link lanes and drains, Mr. Bhalla said that Rs. 1.94 crore have been released under R&B sector for upgradation and construction of lanes and drains including modernization of village nallah. He said renovation of seven lanes and drains has been taken up in the first phase and the work on the left out is under progress. He called upon the people to cooperate with executing agencies in completing the project within stipulated time frame.
The Minister called upon the villagers to protect the public property and keep a close watch on developmental works in their respective areas to ensure creation of durable social infrastructure. He said that Government has launched several welfare schemes to uplift the socio-economic condition of the weaker sections of the society. He said Government was committed to provide all basic amenities like safe drinking water, power supply, road connectivity, better healthcare, besides schools in every nook and corner of the State.
Listing the measures taken by the Government in Chatha and Bhour Camp areas, Mr. Bhalla informed that Government has earmarked Rs. 32 lakh for construction of deep drain and upgradation of approach road from Chatha Pind to Niki Tawi. He said the projects are under progress on war-footing and would be completed within prescribed time frame.
For providing doorstep healthcare facilities to the villagers, the Minister said a Primary Health Centre involving Rs. 1.60 crore is under progress.
Earlier, Mr. Bhalla also visited Narwalbala in Channi Rama and inspected the ongoing construction work of waiting shed, cremation shed, bathing ghat for ladies and gents (Tootian) besides renovation of drinking water reservoir, for which Government has earmarked Rs. 28 lakh. He asked the executing agency to complete the projects within stipulated time frame.
At K C Colony in Preet Nagar, the Minister launched upgradation work of lanes, drains besides construction work of link road to the locality.
66% nomadic Gujjars, Bakerwals facing absolute poverty: Survey
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 10: 66% population of nomadic Gujjars, Balerwals who fall under Schedule Tribe (ST) groups in the State are living below poverty line, revealed a survey conducted by Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation (TRCF), a frontal organization working for the cause of Indian Tribes. The survey said that both the groups of Gujjar community in the State are without sufficient food, fodder for their animals and lack of basic facilities like shelter, health, drinking water and education.
Dr Javaid Rahi, while releasing the gist of the survey for media said that more than 71% nomads are not aware of the schemes being operated by the State and Central Government for their upliftment under ST category.
The survey revealed that the Gujjars and Bakerwals in the State were the poorest, living in sordid conditions, had no access to education as they are of migratory character.
The report of the survey was released in a programme organized by TRCF to discuss ‘Reasons of backwardness among Gujjar and Bakerwal community’.
According to the survey, Gujjars and Bakerwals constitute 20% of total population of the State and more than 85% of State’s total tribal population. Among Gujjars and Bakerwals, a sizeable population is living nomadic life, the report said.
The survey suggested that this is high time to categorise Gujjar and Bakerwal Tribe under the groups in India covered by United Nation under World Food Programme aimed at combating malnutrition and investing in human resources, as the “Economy Survey of Jammu and Kashmir”, a Government document tabled in State Assembly said that more than 42% population of ST majority of them being Gujjars and Bakerwals, are living below poverty line.
The surveyor pleaded for a sustainable approach of Government towards boosting of ‘Tribal Economy’, which is at verge of collapse due to poverty, illiteracy and globalization.
Winter Carnival enthralls Jammuites
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 10: For the first time in its history, Jammu today witnessed a Winter Carnival- day long mega event held at Maulana Azad Stadium.
Making it a grand success, Jammuites of all ages and walks of life thronged the event, which was organized by the Karamsheel Charitable Trust for raising funds for needy students and families of martyrs.
The high point of the event was the mesmerizing vocal performance of the celebrity Bollywood singer Master Salim who left the audience spell bound by singing his famous songs such as Ma Da Ladla Biggar Gaya, Mein Toh Aynwe Aynwe Loot Gaya and many other items. Sudesh Lahri, a known face of Indian comedy enthralled the audience with his wit and humor. The laughter roller coaster created by him was highly appreciated by one and all.
Earlier, the day began with extraordinary performances of the young talent of Jammu. The local talent who have in the past participated in various television shows such as Dance India Dance, Chhote Ustad, Indian Idol, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa and Chuna Hai Aasman, performed and enthralled the audience. As the event progressed, audiences also participated in games, DJ, played music and witnessed the performances by Russian dancers. The show was hosted by Joe Bath of Masterchef, India fame and TV actress Jassi.
Speaking on the occasion, Ajay Kapoor, CEO of Karamsheel Charitable Trust, thanked the organizers and audience for their mammoth presence. He stated that the Trust is an initiative for the welfare of underprivileged children. The carnival is organized for raising fund for educational needs of students from economically weaker sections of society, families of martyrs of police, Army and counter insurgency forces, he said, adding that this Carnival was first in the series of periodic events to be organized and would give Jammuites a unique opportunity of having world class entertainment.
The event was partnered by HDFC Bank, Hotel 17 Miles, Vodafone, Sharekhan, Café Coffee Day, Times of India, Photographer Ankit Lamba and Radio Partner 92.7 Big FM.
The day long show was well coordinated by Gaurav Pandoi, Deepu Singh, Ritikesh, Shobit, Vikrant Sharma and volunteers of the Karamsheel team, specially fourth and second year MBA students of The Business School Jammu.
Winners of the raffle draw were; number 31566 (Car), 50489 (bike), 08799 (Scooty), 29762 (LCD), 59128 (Laptop) and 58120 (Smart phone)
Modi invited to attend European Parliament in Brussels: blog
AHMEDABAD, Feb 10:
After European Union ended over a decade-long boycott of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, lawmakers from the region have invited him to attend the European Parliament in Brussels in November, according to a post on his blog
“The lawmakers invited Modi to attend the European Parliament in Brussels in November this year. The Parliament will be attended by representatives of over 27 nations. There is also an invitation to attend the European Business Meet in Brussels later this year,” Modi’s blog said.
The Chief Minister yesterday had an online interaction with the European lawmakers who were attending the 10th corporate culture and spirituality India conference in Bangalore, according to the blog post.
The lawmakers appreciated Gujarat’s development and congratulated Modi for making the state vibrant.
According to the post, during the interaction, Modi highlighted various initiatives taken by the Gujarat government for environment protection. He told them that Gujarat is the first state in India and among the four states in the world to have a separate department on climate change.
Briefing the lawmakers about Gujarat’s advances in solar energy, Modi told them about Asia’s largest solar park in Charanka in Patan district and about state government’s roof-top solar policy.
The post also spoke of Gujarat’s work in other forms of renewable energy, including wind energy.
Modi also said that Gujarat is working on a Rama trail from Gujarat to Sri Lanka and proposed a similar Buddha trail from Sri Lanka to Gujarat. Nirj Deva, member of the European Parliament and politician of Britain’s Conservative Party, said he will talk to Sri Lankan President on the issue.
The Chief Minister also said Gujarat and Russia enjoy very old relations and that the Astrakhan province, which had sent a delegation to attend the Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2013, is a sister state to Gujarat.
Among those, with whom Modi interacted yesterday, were – Joe Leinen, German politician and member of the European Parliament who heads the Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety in the Parliament; Nirj Deva; Anne Marie Lizin, honorary president of the Belgian Senate; Vladislav Yurchik, leader of Communist Party of Russia and Deputy of the Russian Parliament ‘Duma’ and Valery Sargienko, member of Siberia’s Legislative Assembly and leader of the Communist Party.
Modi had a luncheon meeting with envoys and representatives of several European Union member countries in Delhi on January 7 that was hosted by German Ambassador Michael Steiner, ending their boycott of the chief minister since the 2002 post-Godhra riots.
Yesterday’s interaction was also attended by spiritual leader and Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar who said Gujarat has progressed immensely and there was peace and progress under Modi’s leadership. (PTI)
Praveen suspended by BCCI
New Delhi, Feb 10:
Pacer Praveen Kumar has been suspended from participating in the upcoming inter-state Vijay Hazare Trophy matches after being issued a show cause notice by the BCCI following his unruly behaviour in a Corporate Trophy game recently.
“Praveen Kumar has been issued a Show cause notice by the Board. He has been suspended from participating in the forthcoming inter-state Vijay Hazare Trophy matches,” the BCCI said in a release. (UNI)
Gurmat Samagam on Ist death anniversary of Sant Gurbax Singh organised
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU Feb 10: A Gurmat Samagam on the first death anniversary of Sant Gurbax Singh Danna was organized by Sant Tejwant Singh, Mukh Sewadar Dera Sant Pura Danna and Chairman Sant Pura Danna Charitable Trust at Gurdwara Guru Arjan Dev Ji Domana.
In the Samagam, large number of Sangat from different parts of State participated. Raagi Jathas of Bhai Balvinder Singh (Hazuri Raagi Darbar Sahib) and Bhai Mehtab Singh Ji of Jalandhar besides many local Raagi Jathas and preachers participated in the Samagam.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Planning, Labour and Employment, Ajay Kumar Sadhotra stressed the need for spreading the universal message of peace, love and compassion preached by great saints to bring together the people from diverse walks of life.
“The teachings of great gurus and saints have great significance in present times when the society is ridden with the malady of hatred and intolerance”, he said and called upon the people to work for harmonious society based on equality, social justice and love.
Mr Sadhotra said that inter-faith harmony is imperative for the healthy growth of the society, which will ultimately fructify in progress and growth of Jammu and Kashmir. He also urged the people to imbibe the spirit of sacrifice, which has been the essence of the preaching of great gurus.
The Minister recalled great moments spent with Baba Gurbax Singh and said that he was an epitome of simplicity and selflessness, always ready to help the people in distress. He said that great saint belonged to Muzaffarabad Parivar and remained engrossed in service of the people at Gurdwara Santpora Dhana in Nanaknagar for better part of his life.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control, Sham Lal Sharma called upon the people to follow the teachings of great gurus and saints for the betterment of the society. He said many evils are overshadowing the rich ethos of our society and need of the hour is to work together to fight against such evils and to bring a social reforms in the society.
Paying rich tributes to Saint Gurbax Singh, the Minster said that this religious personality throughout his life worked for the service of the mankind and inspired others to render selfless services to the society.
Minister for Horticulture, Raman Bhalla also spoke on the occasion and paid rich tributes to Baba Gurbax Singh.
On the occasion, a resolution containing various demands of Sikh community including teaching of Punjabi language in Government schools, land for Dera Sat Pura Danna in lieu of its land left over in PoK, representation to the Sikhs in the Council of Ministers, judiciary and recruitment boards, was passed.
MLA Domana Bharat Bhushan, MLA Marh Ch Sukhnandan, former Ministers Rangeel Singh and Harbans Singh, Harcharan Singh Khansa, Mohinder Singh, president Shiromani Akali Dal Badal also addressed the gathering.
Gambhir dropped as selectors include Dhawan, recall Harbhajan
Mumbai, Feb 10:
Struggling opener Gautam Gambhir was shown the door while left-handed opener Shikhar Dhawan and pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar earned their maiden Test call-ups in the 15-member Indian cricket squad announced today for the first two Tests against Australia starting February 22 in Chennai.
Senior off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, who seems to have regained some lost touch in the ongoing Irani Cup tie, rode on past reputation to return to the squad to form announced by the BCCI Secretary Sanjay Jagdale.
The selection committee, headed by Sandeep Patil, made three changes to the squad that was selected in the last Test match against England, after deliberating for over two hours at the BCCI headquarters here.
With Zaheer Khan and Umesh Yadav yet to recover from injuries, the selectors decided to include in-form 23-year-old Bhuvneshwar, who impressed in the limited overs-series against England and Pakistan.
The 32-year-old Harbhajan, who was dropped from the team after the lost third Test against England in November, has been brought back, keeping in mind his excellent record against Australia. R Ashwin, Pragyan Ojha and Ravindra Jadeja are the other three spinners in the squad.
Harbhajan, who has 408 wickets in 99 Tests, is a proven performer against the team from Down Under especially on the dustbowls at home and that reputation alone seems to have worked for him given that his domestic form this season has hardly been impressive.
On the other hand, the 31-year-old Gambhir, for whom a Test hundred has proved elusive for over three years now, became the biggest casualty of India’s 1-2 home debacle against England last year.
Gambhir will, however, lead India A in a practice match against Australia from February 16 to 18 in place of Dhawan. The four-match Test series will start in Chennai on February 22.
The fact that Dhawan is a left-hander could have tilted the scales in his favour as Gambhir is a southpaw.
The 27-year-old’s most recent noteworthy batting effort was a hundred for Delhi in a warm-up match against England in November. Dhawan, who has scored 833 runs in the current first-class season with four hundreds, has played five ODIs and a Twenty20 International for India.
Although retained, Sehwag has also not been in the best of form and missed a chance to get some runs under his belt by skipping the Irani Cup tie here due to a stomach bug. Murali Vijay and Ajinkya Rahane are the other two openers in the squad.
The 28-year-old Vijay had cracked a century in the ongoing Irani Cup match against Mumbai.
In absence of Irfan Pathan, the all-rounder’s slot has once again gone to Ravindra Jadeja with the selectors deciding against picking Suresh Raina, who had made his case with a hundred and 70 plus in the Irani Cup.
Speculation was rife about S Sreesanth making a comeback to the team having recovered from career-threatening toe injury but the maverick pacer was ignored despite an earnest effort in the Irani Cup.
Similar was case of Wasim Jaffer, who was in contention for a call-up after more than four years, but failed to get the nod despite scores of 80 and 100 in the match.
Jaffer has plundered more than 900 runs at an average of over 74 for Ranji champions Mumbai this season. Interestingly, Jaffer today also became the leading run-getter in Irani Cup history with more than 1000 runs to his credit.
Save for Gambhir’s axing, the batting line-up has not been tinkered with and Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Chetshwar Pujara were automatic choices.
Struggling for a while, the 39-year-old Tendulkar prepared in right earnest for the series with an unbeaten hundred for Mumbai in the Irani Cup.
The pace attack would be spearheaded by Ishant Sharma with Bhuvneshwar, Ashok Dinda being the other two fast bowlers.
Squad: MS Dhoni (capt & wk), Virender Sehwag, M Vijay, Shikhar Dhawan, Cheteshwar Pujara, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Pragyan Ojha, Harbhajan Singh, Ishant Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ashok Dinda. (PTI)
Fuel surcharge on train tickets in the offing
NEW DELHI, Feb 10:
With the recent hike in diesel prices putting an additional burden of Rs 3,300 crore on Railways, the PSU behemoth is considering to further increase passenger fares or raise freight charges.
Among various options, Railways is contemplating whether to introduce fuel adjustment component in the fare structure to increase fares in all classes or hike passenger fares by a few paise per km, sources said.
The ministry, which is in the process of finalising the Rail Budget 2013-14 to be presented on February 26, is likely to raise catering charges in premier trains like Rajdhani, Duronto and Shatabdi, which will be part of the fare.
Railways is already reeling under deficit of Rs 25,000 crore in the passenger segment.
It has hiked passenger fares by 21 per cent from December 22, aiming to mop up Rs 6,600 crore in a year, but the diesel price hike of Rs 10.8 per litre has put additional burden of Rs 3,300 crore annually.
Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal did not rule out another hike when he was asked about it a few days ago.
“We have to form our view on this (increasing rail fare) within next few days. We are working on it,” Bansal said. “Wait for 16/17 days,” he had said when pressed if the fare hike was in the offing.
Bansal has met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Finance Minister P Chidambaram to discuss how the financial burden on Railways could be neutralised.
As far as freight rate is concerned, Railways had increased it by 20 per cent in March 7 last year with a target of additional earning of Rs 18,000 crore annually.
“Though revising the freight rate is an option but we do not want to outprice ourselves by increasing freight charges further as we have to offer competitive tariff to remain in the market,” a Railway source said.
Railways aims to divert goods transportation from roads to rail by offering attractive rates as currently the national transporter has only 36 per cent market share as compared to about 50 per cent in the US and China.
Burdened with increased diesel cost and a large number of pending projects, Railways has sought Rs 38,000 crore as general budgetary support from the Finance Ministry for fiscal 2013-14.
“We have sought Rs 38,000 crore as budgetary support in the 2013-14 Rail Budget,” a senior Railway Ministry official said.
Railways had received Rs 24,000 crore from the Finance Ministry as support in the current fiscal.
“Funds are required for laying new lines, development of stations and for ongoing projects,” the official said, adding that, “Fare is one source but funds can be garnered from other non-traffic avenues which we are also exploring.”
Railways has 43,000 hectares of vacant land which it is trying to use for commercial purpose.
Passenger fares were hiked across the board on December 22 after 10 years as successive Railway Ministers had not touched them for a decade.
“There are 347 rail projects worth Rs 1.47 lakh crore pending and we are planning to complete some of these works in the next fiscal,” the official said.
Besides, Railways expect to generate Rs 7,000 crore revenue from internal generation and Rs 18,000 crore from market borrowing next financial year.
“Certain pending projects involving laying of new lines as last-mile connectivity are being identified and we want to complete them,” he said.
Railways plans to invest Rs 5 lakh crore in capacity addition during the 12th Five-Year Plan (2012-17). (PTI)
Anganwadi workers warn agitation
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 10: The Anganwadi Workers Welfare Association affiliated with Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh today warned agitation in case their demands were not settled immediately.
Addressing a joint press conference here today Lakshman Ravinder Singh, senior leader of BMS, Ashok Choudhary its secretary incharge, Anganwadi, Mrs Swarna Choudhary, president of the Association and Neelam Sharma its general secretary expressed concern over non payment of the salary to the Anganwadi workers and helpers from last many months.
They said the Anganwadi workers and helpers were facing problems due to non payment of salaries to them by the Government and in view of hike in prices of essential commodities it is totally difficult for them to make their both ends meet with the meager salary.
They demanded that the salary to Anganwadi workers be paid monthly as is done in entire country. Alleging that there is no proper system in payment of salaries though the funds for the same come form Union Government, the leaders said that even nutrition is not being provided to the centres properly.
They alleged that substandard nutrition is supplied to the centres which can cause health hazards to the children. There are no proper procedures for supply of nutrition and same differs from district to district, they added.
They said even fuel charges are not being paid properly and demanded that ICDS schemes be properly implemented in the State and the workers be paid the rent charges, TA & DA and carriage charges.
They demanded Teaching Allowance for the workers and start of pension scheme, promotions, insurance cover, three percent quota for handicapped and increase in the salary.