ALLAHABAD, Mar 13:The Allahabad High Court today asked Ghaziabad’s Special CBI court to expeditiously decide the bail plea of Nupur Talwar, being tried along with her dentist husband Rajesh in the May 2008, twin murder case of their daughter Aarushi and domestic aide Hemraj.
Justice Balakrishna Narayana gave the direction to the Ghaziabad court on a petition by late Aarushi mother, pleading for a direction to the trial court that her bail plea should be decided “on the same day” it is filed.
Though Justice Narayana gave no formal judgement on Nupur Talwar’s plea, he disposed of her petition observing that the trial court should “expeditiously” decide her bail plea.
The hearing in the four-year-old, twin murder case is scheduled to resume tomorrow.
The Supreme Court had recently struck down the Noida-based dentist couple’s plea for transfer of their trial to a Delhi court from that of Ghaziabad.
While opposing the Talwars’ plea to the apex court, the CBI had said there were “hidden motives” behind the plea, which might have been filed as Section 438 of the Criminal Procedure Code (relating to anticipatory bail) was not applicable in Uttar Pradesh. (PTI)
NEW DELHI, Mar 13: The states have been asked to put in place a robust social audit mechanism to improve implementation of projects under MNREGA and reduce the irregularities found in it, the government told the Rajya Sabha today.
Replying to a question on corruption in MNREGA projects, Minister of State for Rural Development Pradeep Jain Aditya said the Ministry has been reminding state governments to investigate and take necessary action against cases of misappropriation and embezzlement of government funds.
“… Not only disciplinary action should be taken against the guilty officials, but simultaneously criminal prosecution should also be initiated under Indian Penal Code and Prevention of Corruption Act, besides recovering the amount involved from the persons concerned,” Aditya told the House.
In consultation with the Comptroller and Auditor General, MNREGA Audit of Scheme Rules, 2011 have been notified and all states have been asked to put in place a robust social audit mechanism as outlined in these rules, he said.
To strengthen institutional outreach for wage disbursement, it has been decided that state governments should roll out Business Correspondent Model to make wage payment through banks with bio-metric authentication at village levels, Aditya said.
On providing bio-metric cards to the workers, the Minister said, “The implementation of bio-metric cards for MNREGA depends on enrollment to be completed by Unique Identification Authority, issue of smart cards by Registrar General of India and technology to be employed for enrollment and payment.”
Replying to a question on the number of people being given jobs under the MNREGA projects, Aditya said, “In 2009-10, 5.26 crore households were provided employment under MNREGA against cumulative number of 11.25 crore households issued job cards.”
He said under MNREGA, employment allowances become payable in case an applicant is not provided employment within 15 days of receipt of his application seeking employment or from the date on which employment has been sought in case of an advance application, whichever is later.
The liability for payment of umemployment allowance rests on the State Governments, he added. (PTI)
NEW DELHI, Mar 13: The Rail Budget to be presented tomorrow may continue with the practice of not raising the fares and freight rates but the possibility of imposition of a safety cess may not not be ruled out, at least on the higher class fares.
As Trinamool Congress leader and Railway Minister Dinesh Trivedi rises to present his maiden budget he is expected to carry on with the practice of not not tinkering with the second class fares like his predecessors, including Mamata Banerjee, over most part of the last decade.
There is speculation that the budget could bring in a safety cess following a recommendation by the Kakodkar Committee report which went into issues relating to safety over the huge railway network.
The Committee had suggested a cess to realise money to the tune of Rs. 5,000 crore, to fund projects especially for safety upgradation of signalling and telecommunication systems.
As he does the tight ropewalk, Trivedi may also introduce a mechanism to provide cushion for meeting costs on account of any spike in fuel prices. There is a suggestion for introducing a fuel adjustment component (FAC) in the basic fare to insulate railways from fuel price hike.
Railways shell out Rs 19,000 cr as part of its fuel expenditure to run its huge fleet of diesel locomotives adding to the total expenditure placed at Rs 70,000 cr in the current financial year.
Indications are that the Railways have got only Rs 25,000 cr as gross budgetary support from government despite its demand of Rs 50,000 cr to tide over its financial crisis. Railways had got Rs 20,000 cr as GBS in the current fiscal.
Trivedi could also spell out plans for internal generation of fund from additional resources like commercialisation of stations.
Since railways have already increased the freight rate on March 6 for all commodities ahead of budget, there may be no further hike in any freight on goods, say highly-placed sources in the Ministry.
The budget would strive to allocate a substantial amount of fund for the depreciation reserve fund and safety fund which have suffered in recent years in the wake of railways focus on other priority areas.
The Rail Budget could announce two new coach factories in Kolar in Karnataka and Kutch in Gujarat. Incidentally, both the Ministers of States for Railways K H Muniyappa and Bharatsinh Solank come from these two states.
While the thrust of the Budget would be on upgradation of infrastructure on 19,000 km of trunk route, Trivedi could announce introduction of ‘train sets’ for the busy Delhi-Mumbai corridor to reduce travel time.
A train set comprises single rake with locomotive and coaches attached together. The venture may take more than four years to fructify but the budget announcement will set the ball rolling.
The Budget is expected to have a proposal for introducing bullet train for Rajasthan on Delhi-Jaipur-Jodhpur corridor. This corridor could be linked to the proposed Pune-Ahemedabad high speed corridor.
Unlike previous years, less number of new passenger trains could be announced.
Trivedi could announce some measures to improve passenger amenities including the catering service in trains and stations and proposals for manufacture of ‘green’ toilets to improve on the current system.
Railway Minister is likely to unveil an action plan for upgradation of signalling and telecommunication system to prevent accidents. Installation of train protection warning system (TPWS) and In-cab signalling system are likely to be announced in the Rail Budget 2012-13.
The budget will focus on manufacturing of modern LHB coaches as railways intends to replace all conventional coaches in all types of trains.
There will also be proposals for manufacturing of high horse power (5500 HP) locomotives in the next fiscal.
The Railways freight loading target of 993 million tons in the current financial year is unlikely to be met, according to available indications. Till February, the national transporter has carried 875.60 MT. (PTI)
AYODHYA, Mar 13: A 28-member delegation from Korea today arrived at this religious spot, which happens to the birth place of Lord Ram, reviving its age-old long association with the city.
The delegation led by Kim Mun Sek came here to pay floral tributes at the memorial of their royal ancestor Queen Huh Wang Ock.
According to a senior official, one Korean delegation would visit Ayodhya every year to commemorate Queen Huh, which would further strengthen the relation between India and Korea.
The association of Ayodhya and Korea dates back to 2000 years.
A 16-year-old princess from Ayodhya, accompanied by her brother, had sailed from India for Korea.
Her Korean name was Huh Wang-Ock and she had wedded King Kim Suro, founder of the ancient Korean kingdom of Karack.
The King had built a temple at the place where they had first met.
Her memorial was built at Ram Katha park in Naya ghat at the banks of river Saryu on March 6, 2001. (UNI)
JAMMU, Mar 13: Division Bench of State High Court comprising Justice Virender Singh and Justice Muzaffar Hussain Attar today dismissed the PIL filed by NPP MLA Balwant Singh Mankotia seeking quashment of Government Order No.1183-GAD of 2011 dated October 10, 2011 to the extent it pertains to the shifting of official record from Jammu to Srinagar and vice-versa during the annual darbar move.
After hearing Advocate H C Jalmeria appearing for the PIL, the Division Bench dismissed the PIL and dictated the order in the open court.
JAMMU, Mar 13 :The progress on “Saki Maidaan-Kalai road” presently under execution by ERA was reviewed at a meeting chaired by Principal Secretary Planning and Development Department, B. B. Vyas here today.
MLC, Javaid Rana, Chief Executive Officer, ERA, Saurabh Bhagat were also present in the meeting.
The CEO, ERA informed the meeting that 21.70 kilometers of the road are expected to be completed to fair weather status by April 2012. The project is being implemented under ADB funding.
Javaid Rana appreciated ERA’s efforts to fast track the project by re-tendering it and suggested exploring the possibility of taking up lot II of the project within the ADB funding. Mr. Rana also demanded bridge on the road to be taken up with the present scope of ERA for which the Planning Department will be requested to make provision of funds.
The Principal Secretary Planning and Development Department said that the availability of funds for the bridge will be looked into after the estimate for its construction is received from ERA.
JAMMU, Mar 13: Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, who is also holding portfolio of Information Department today said that 520 newspapers were being published from various districts across the State.
In a written reply to the question raised by the MLA Prof Chaman Lal Gupta seeking details of daily, weekly, fortnightly and other papers being published in the State, Omar said that 520 papers, including approved and not approved are being published in Jammu and Kashmir.
On criteria fixed for circulation of advertisement, he said, “the newspapers are categorized mainly on the basis of their circulation, tune, content, tenor, size and life of newspaper”, adding “the Government advertisements are issued in a judicious manner to all the newspapers approved by the Information Department without compromising the larger interests of the Government”.
“No quota of advertisements has been fixed for any newspaper but efforts are being made to release the advertisement on merit to the newspapers falling in a particular category,” he said.
JAMMU, Mar 13:The House today unanimously passed grants amounting to ` 94166.87 lakh for the year 2012-13 in favour of the departments under the charge of Minister for Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CAPD) and Transport, Qamar Ali Akhoon.
After moving the demand for the grants, the Minister in his reply to debate in the House said that the State is getting 63067 metric tonnes of food grains per month from the Centre. He said the population of the State as per the 2001 census was 101.44 lakh i.e. about two lakh more than the estimated population as on March 1, 2000. The food grains allocated to the State is, therefore, not adequate to meet the requirements of the population of the state, he added.
Akhoon said that the requirement of ration as per the prevalent scale for the family units based on 2011 census come to 79560 tonnes against the current allocation of 63067 tonnes. The gap of 16500 tonnes is met by the state the additional allocation made by the Union Government from time to time. During the year 2011-12 the Union Government has made additional allocation of 108197 MTs of food grains, he added.
He said under Rajiv Gandhi Gramin LPG Vitrak Yojna, about 65 block level locations have been identified for setting up of new Gas Distribution Centers across the State in first phase. All other block headquarters will be covered in the IInd phase while as in the third phase all big villages will also be covered so that this modern fuel reaches every nook and corner of the State. This will not only reduce the scarcity of LPG, which has been witnessed in the recent past but will also save our natural resources like forests from exploitation, he added.
The Minister said that the process for bringing gas through pipeline to Jammu has begun and recently a team of Gujarat Petronet Limited was in Jammu to conduct survey as per the directions of the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
Regarding computerization of Targeted Public Distribution System (TDPS), Akhoon said that the State Government is committed for the modernization of the TPDS in accordance with the directions of the Supreme Court, adding that under these directions the process involved in the system has to be computerized. He said that for end to end computerization system, an action plan has been prepared and sent to the Union Government. The project is envisaged to be completed at a cost of ` 74.12 crore during a period of three years commencing from 2011-12 to 2014-15. The project envisages computerization supply chain management, beneficiary authentication and distribution authentication, he said and added that the computerization of TPDS will not only bring in the much needed transparency in the working of the department but will also prevent pilferages and leakages.
Referring launching of the websites, the Minister said department could not have remained untouched by the winds of change brought in by the Right to Information Act and with a view to provide seekers the information free and at their own convenience, the department has launched three websites one in administrative department and two in the two divisions of Kashmir and Jammu.
Akhoon said that two toll free numbers for consumer grievance registration and redressal have been installed in two Directorates of CAPD. The complainant from any part of the State can log his complaint at 1800-180-7011 for which he will not be billed any call charges.
The Minister said that the construction of new godowns, for augmentation of storage capacity in the State is in full swing adding that 156 godowns including 95 in the Valley and 61 in Jammu division are under construction. Besides, these there are also 18 FCI godowns, 9 each in both divisions with a combined capacity of 96394 MTs, he said.
The Minister said that requirement is more in the remote and hilly areas and on its part the CAPD Department has proposed construction of Food storage godowns in rural as well as in urban areas during 12th five year plan on need basis. Besides, under the Private Entrepreneurship Guarantee (PEG) scheme of FCI, storage capacity of 3.62 lakh tones is approved by the High Level Committee in all the districts of the State.
In respect of safeguarding of consumer interests, the Minister said eight new district consumer forums, four each for Jammu and Kashmir divisions, were created. These forums are headed by the Principal District and Sessions Judge of each district as its ex-officio president. The Divisional Consumer Forums Jammu and Srinagar, too, have been converted into district consumer forums for the respective districts. He said consumer councils have also been constituted to suggest ways and means for redressal of consumer grievances.
Regarding procurement of farmers produce, Akhoon said to ensure remunerative price to the farmers for their produce, the FCI was motivated to enter the procurement business after taking up the matter with the Union Government. He said during Rabbi marketing season, about 12424 MT of paddy, rice were procured. This has encouraged farmers to come forward with their produce in larger numbers and save themselves from the exploitation by unscrupulous traders, the Minister added.
The Minister said after the enactment of Public Service Guarantee Act 6113 cases were disposed off by the department within the stipulated period and seven review meetings were held at the divisional level for implementation of the said Act.
About State Transport Corporation, the Minister said that the Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation (JKSRTC) as of now is passing through a revival phase. He said the Corporation has experienced a major cut in its employment strength by introducing Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) and by weeding out the outdated vehicles and buses which used to be run at huge maintenance cost and fuel consumption. He said a series of management reforms have also been introduced and the responsibilities of the management have been made specific to each separate department in the SRTC. This, he said, has given results and the losses of the corporation have substantially come down.
Mr. Akhoon said that the corporation achieved historic operational revenue of ` 58.37 crore during first 9 months of the financial year 2011-12 with historic high monthly revenue of ` 8.29 crores during July 2011.
During the year, the corporation purchased 81 vehicles out of plan funds allocated for the year, 2011-12 together with auction realization of ` 4.87 crore.
Earlier, Balwant Singh Mankotia, Abdul Haq Khan, Ashok Kumar, Dr. Mustafa Kamaal, Bharat Bhushan, Ashwani Kumar Sharma, Harshdev Singh, Niazam-ud-Din Bhat, G. M. Saroori, T. Namgyal, Rafi Ahmad Mir, Lal Chand, Krishan Chander Bhagat, Bimla Luthra, Ch. Zulafkar Ali, Nazir Ahmad Gurezi, Bakar Rasool, Feroz Ahmad Khan, Irfan Shah, Ch. Sukhnandan, Abdul Majid Wani, Peerzada Mansoor Hussain, Basharat Bukhari, Mohammad Sharief Niaz and Mohammad Ashraf participated in the discussion on demands for Grants.
Most of the members called for making adequate stocking of ration and other essentials in hilly and far-off areas of the State particularly for winter months to meet the requirement. The members suggested the Government to take up the matter of enhancement of ration quota as per fresh Census to meet the increased requirement.
They also suggested for strengthening the transport services in hilly, remote and uncovered areas and sought measures to check the frequent road accidents.
All The members who had moved the cut motions withdrew the same after the satisfactory reply from the Minister.
JAMMU, Mar 13: The much publicized multi-crore Jammu Kashmir Cricket Association scam rocked the Upper House of the Legislature as the heated exchanges between National Conference and PDP members, protests and continued sloganeering disturbed the proceedings, forcing Chairman to adjourn the House amidst complete pandemonium and uproar today.
It happened not only once but twice that too during the `Question Hour’ and the repeated efforts of Chairman of the House, Amrit Malhotra failed to restore order in the House of Elders. Today National Conference members took the lead and dominated the opposition PDP members, seeking privilege motion against the PDP member Murtaza Ahmed Khan for his remarks against the former J&K Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah. The NC members pressed for the directions from the `Chair’ against PDP member.
The trouble started in the Legislative Council, immediately after the House commenced its scheduled business with ‘Question Hour’ at 11 am. The Chairman asked the lone NPP member, Syed Mohd Rafiq Shah to raise his question regarding encroachment on Forest land. The Minister incharge Mian Altaf was there in the House to reply. National Conference member Devinder Singh Rana stood up and pleaded the Chairman, seeking privilege motion against the PDP member, Mr Khan for his remarks against Dr Farooq Abdullah. All the NC members including Ajay Kumar Sadhotra, Khalid Najeeb Suhrawardy, Javid Rana, Sheikh Ghulam Rasool, Vijay Bakaya, Master Noor Hussain, DS Oberoi, Dr Bashir Ahmed Veeri and Ghulam Qadir Pardesi joined Devinder Singh Rana and pressed for the ruling from the `Chair’.
Mr Rana further pleaded the Chairman to save the House from becoming a ‘fish market’ and ensuring the sanctity of the House. He said Dr Abdullah has nothing to do with the proceedings here and his name was being wrongly dragged into the issue. He is not the member of this house and he was not here to defend him. Therefore, it was most unfair to raise allegations against him since he was unable to defend himself. Ajay Kumar Sadhotra and Suhrawardy raised the issue of the killings of the, Mirwaiz and Ghulam Nabi Lone. Pointing towards PDP members Mr Sadhotra shouted, “Mera Moonh Mat Khulwaiye. Hum Katilana Siyasat Mein Yakin Nahin Rakhte, …. Mirwaiz Aur Gulam Nabi Lone Ko Kis Ne Mara, Is Pe Bhi Inquiry Honi Chahiye,’’ he shouted.
These remarks further irked the PDP members and then Ashraf Mir, Murataza Ahmed Khan and Nizamuddin Khatana opened salvo against the NC. They alleged that every body knows about the ‘killer’ of Haji Yousuf. Aap Kab Tak Bacha Payoge Katilon Ko, Bahut Zor Laga Rahe Ho Bachane Ke Liye Lekin Sachai Logon Ke Samne Tao Aa Hi Jayegi’’. Both the sides continued to fire salvo on each other and the process of allegations and counter- allegations continued.
The NPP member was raising question and reply papers, repeatedly pleading the members to allow him to raise issue of Gujjars and Bakerwals. Since both the sides were busy in raising allegations and counter-allegations nothing was audible at all. He got furious and agitated and alleged that entire House has been taken for a ride. It has turned into fish market and he is not being allowed to raise question. Then he moved towards the Chairman with the help of his stick and laid down in the main passage on the floor, just closer to the `Well’ in front of Chairman, raising slogans,“ Tana Shahi Nahin Chalegi , Goondagardi Nahin Chalegi, Hai Hai Ji Hai Hai……’’ and so on. It was a total chaos and confusion prevailing in the House. On the direction of the Chairman, Rafiq Shah was marshaled out while laying on the floor. The Chairman then adjourned the House for half an hour at around 11.13 am.
As the House resumed the business at 11.43 am again, the NC members led by Mr Sadhotra and Devinder Rana pressed for the privilege motion and sought ruling from the Chairman. The Chairman said that they should raise the issue after Question Hour or move prior notice in this regard. Mr Rana then claimed that he had already moved privilege notice in this regard. The Chairman however, said that he has not received it. “Let me examine and then I will be able to take decision,’’ he added.
All the NC members pressed for the immediate ruling on the issue and moved towards the Well. Rafiq Shah had stood again with his question. Then he started raising slogans, “Gujron Aur Paharhiyon Ke Dushman, Hai Hai, …….’’. It was complete uproar in the House again. The NC members moved more closer to the Well pressing for privilege motion and raising medium slogans. Amidst uproar and noise, the Chairman then adjourned the House for the rest of the day at 11.50 am.
JAMMU, Mar 13: Electricity Department has taken exception to non-clearance of pending electricity bills from several areas falling under the jurisdiction of Electric EM&RE Division-III, Jammu and warned to disconnect supply if they did not deposit their power bills within one week.
The Executive Engineer Electric M&RE Division-III, Jammu, has stated that there were huge outstanding of electricity bills of consumers and the concerned public was not coming forward to deposit even at the fag end of the financial year.
In Jammu West area the consumers of Ban Talab, Rajpura, Gole Gujral and Domana have not cleared their dues while in Bhalwal block the consumers of Kot Bhalwal, Aghore, Gharota, Garkhal, Simbliwala and Dharamkhoo are yet to clear their pendinf power bills.
The power bills are also pending in Marh and Gajansoo areas of Marh block while the villages under Akhnoor block from where the power bills are yet to be recovered included Rabta, Mathwar, Sarote, Dori-Dager, Balli, Nathal, Kathar, migrant colonies of Gurha Jagir and Naiwala. In Khour block the people of Pargwal, Hamirpur, Pangali, Derian, Bhopar, Datyal, Nikkian and border areas of Khour are yet to clear their pending power bills.
The Executive Engineer concerned has warned that the power connection of all the people would be disconnected, if they failed to deposit their pending electricity charges within one week. He also stated that no further notice would be issued in this regard.
He added that to facilitate the general public in the matter, all the offices of Electrical Department of these areas would remain open on all holidays, including Sundays till March 31, 2012 and that J&K Bank branches are accepting all Electricity Bills even after expiry of their due date.
