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8 Pages Rs: 1.00 Jammu Edition www.thestudentage.com

STUdenT aGe
FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2013

JKENG/2012/41612 Vol. 2 No: 55

Jayalalithaa inducts three new ministers into Cabinet

A BUDGET DISCONSOLATE

Fukushima disaster raised cancer risk near plant: WHO

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IN BRIEF
Chidambaram walks tight rope; levies tax on super-rich
NEW DELHI, FEB 28: Resisting the temptation of election-year populism, the general Budget today offered no major tax sops but slapped a surchage on 'super-rich', raised duties on mobile phones, cigarettes and imported luxury vehicles and imposed a levy on property sale above Rs 50 lakh. Presenting UPA-II's last full-fledged Budget ahead of net contd on page 2

Budget 2013: Chidambaram presents an 'inclusive' budget

NEW DELHI: Finance minister P. Chidambaram on Thursday presented what he said an inclusive budget that attempts to broadbase the important electoral constituencies of women, youth, the poor and middle-class families. Among his key announcements were proposals to set up a government-owned bank to lend to women and women-run businesses; a Rs.1,000-crore Nirbhaya Fund for the safety of women; a Rs.1,000 crore reward fund for skill development of youth; and to roll out the direct cash transfer scheme during the present term of the government that ends in early 2014. In addition, Chidambaram announced a tax credit of Rs.2,000 to every person earning Rs.2-5 lakh a year-this group has 18 million taxpayers. As part of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government's focus on scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, minorities, women and children, Chidambaram allocated Rs.41,561 crore to the scheduled caste sub-plan in 2013-14, Rs.24,598 crore to the tribal sub-plan, Rs.97,134 crore towards the gender budget, and Rs.77,236 crore for the child budget.The minister also said the government will set up a bank exclusively for women by October with an initial capital of Rs.1,000 crore. "The link between policy and welfare can be expressed in a few words: opportunities, education, skills, jobs and incomes. Every mother understands this. Every young man and woman understands this," Chidambaram said.The government will also provide Rs.200 crore to the ministry of women and child development to work on tackling gender discrimination and other issues affecting women, he said. "Women belonging to the most vulnerable groups, including single women and widows, must be able to live with self-esteem and dignity. Young women face gender discrimination everywhere, especially at the workplace. Ministry of women and child development has been asked to design schemes that will address these concerns," Chidambaram said. Apart from allocating Rs.3,511 crore to the ministry of minority affairs, he also announced doubling of corpus for the Maulana Azad Education Foundation from Rs.750 crore to Rs.1,500 crore during the 12th plan period (2012-17).For farmers, contd on page 2

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BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS
NEW DELHI, FEB 28: Finance Minister P. Chidambaram presented one of the most highly anticipated Indian budgets of recent years on Thursday, as the government looks to rein in a bloated fiscal deficit and restore confidence in Asia's third-largest economy. Keynotes No revision of personal income tax slabs; relief in first bracket through tax credit of Rs.2,000 for earnings up to Rs.5 lakh Ten percent surcharge on income exceeding Rs.1 crore a year; only 42,800 people have declared such income Excise duty on cigarettes to be increased 18 percent No change in service tax of 12 percent Service tax on all air conditioned restaurants regardless of whether or not they serve alcohol Education cess to continue at 3 percent 11 lakh people have benefited from direct cash transfers; scheme to be rolled out across the country during UPA-2 term (May 2014) Rs.1,000 crore allocated for establishing Nirbhaya Fund Preliminary work begun on Bangalore-Mumbai Industrial corridor Seven new cities identified along Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor Average growth during UPA-1 was 8 percent; high growth not a novelty contd on page 2

Budget shows no early elections on cards

NEW DELHI, FEB 28: With the Budget not resorting to populism, BJP and Samajwadi Party today said there was little possibility of early Lok Sabha elections. SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, whose party has been supporting UPA from outside but who has on many occasions indicated that early general elections could be on cards, said "they (UPA) won't be able to hold early elections with contd on page 2

"I wish to draw a picture of three faces that represent the vast majority of the people of India. The first is the face of the woman. She is the girl child, the young student, the sportswoman, the homemaker, the working woman, and the mother," Chidambaram said in his

presentation. "The second is the face of the youth. He is impatient, sheis ambitious, and both represent the aspirations of a new generation. The third is the face of the poor who look to the government for a little help, a scholarship or an allowance or a subsidy or a pension."

Budget session begins on a stormy note

IM man Bhatkal behind Hyderabad blast, claims NIA

HYDERABAD, FEB 27: NIA's preliminary report to the Home Ministry has raised strong suspicions that the IM operating commander Yasin Bhatkal was present at the site of the explosion that rocked Dilsukhnagar on February 21. They also say Bhatkal personally brought the second bicycle contd on page 2

PDP, JKNPP MLAs boycott Governor's address; MLA marshalled out

JAMMU: The Budget Session of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly got off to a stormy start on Thursday with Opposition members boycotting the Governors' inaugural address and staging dharna over the issue of Afzal Guru's hanging. Protests over the Parliament attack convict's execution also led to independent MLA Engineer Abdul Rashid being marshalled out from the Assembly for disrupting the Governor's speech while PDP MLAs staged demonstration in front of the Assembly complex demanding that Guru's mortal remains be handed over to his family. Led by Leader of the Opposition Mehbooba Mufti, PDP MLAs criticised the state government for its failure to stop Guru's execution. "The people of Kashmir want to know whether (their state) is part and parcel of Indian democracy. If it is (then) why was Guru, whose number as a (death row) prisoner was No 28, executed earlier," Mehbooba said. "Why was he not allowed to meet his children and family? It is a grave injustice," she said. PDP MLAs boycotted Governor NN Vohra's address saying Governor was part and parcel of democracy and this was their way of registering protest over Guru's execution. Legislators of Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party also boycotted the Governor's address and, led by party MLA Harshdev Singh, sat on dharna in front of contd on page 2

War of words between Ratanpuri and Kamal

SRINAGAR, FEB 28 : Asking Ratanpuri to resign from the Parliament, National Conference Additional General Secretary, Dr Shiek Mustafa Kamal Thursday said that Ghulam Nabi Ratani is the biggest foe of NC whose only aim is to gain the sympathy of Hurriyat and PDP. Kamal was reacting to the letter that Ratanpuri circulated in media on Thursday in which he has sharply criticized the role of Late Shiekh Mohammad Abdullah and said he cannot see that future, but I cannot rule contd on page 2

Oppn give a thumbs down to budget, calls it 'jugglery'

NEW DELHI, FEB 28: The Opposition and some parties supporting the government today slammed the general budget as "jugglery" of numbers and said it had forgotten the 'aam admi', who was already burdened by price rise, and had nothing to offer to the farmers. Expressing disappointment with the budget proposals, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj said "it is unimaginative, dull and boring". "There is nothing for the women, youth and poor" in this budget and neither is anything there for boosting the agri sector or for controlling prices," she said. BJP leader Arun Jaitley said the budget is "verbose" and "extremely low on substance" and has a bit of "jugglery" to cut down on expenditure. "Having pushed the economy in a distress situation, he comes out with a budget of helplessness. In the first nine years, UPA government pushed the economy in distress and then a helpless Finance Minister comes out with a budget which has very little elbow space," he said. Samajwadi Party leader Mulayam Singh Yadav termed the budget as "antipoor" and "anti-farmer" and vowed to oppose it in Parliament. "This budget is only for 10 per cent population of the country. What kind of budget is this which ignores 65 per cent people who are engaged in farming," he said. BSP leader Mayawati, whose party has extended support to the UPA, criticised the budget saying it was drafted to "confuse" the common man and there was nothing new in it. She said all the announcements seem lofty and "in the air". "There is nothing new in this budget and there nothing for farmers, employees and the contd on page 2

Colleges shall reopen on March 11

JAMMU, FEBRUARY 27: In view of inclement weather conditions, the Government has ordered that all the Government Colleges falling in winter zone, shall remain closed upto 10th March 2013.

Omar showers praises on Gul

JAMMU, FEBRUARY 28 Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah today showered praises on newly elected Speaker of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Mubarak Gul. He was speaking after Mr. Gul assumed the chair in the Legislative Assembly here during the first day proceedings of the House. Omar Abdullah said that the seniority and experience of Mr. Gul makes him the choicest person to hold the respected chair of Speaker in the Legislative Assembly. He said four time Legislator, Mr. Gul has rendered valuable assistance to him as his Advisor. He also recalled his long association with Mr. Gul and contd on page 2

'Footprints of security forces being reduced in J&K'

JAMMU: The presence of security forces in Jammu and Kashmir is being reduced gradually following an improvement in situation in the past few years, Governor NN Vohra on Thursday said, noting that the restoration of normalcy is bringing the state back on the path of development. Listing out various initiatives taken by the state government, Vohra, in his Budget address to the joint session of state Legislature, said incidents of violence in the state have progressively declined in the past two years. The 26-day-long Budget session of state Assembly began today with the joint address of the Governor. "Terror-related incidents have decreased from 188 in 2011 to 118 in 2012, marking a decline of 73 percent", Vohra said. "Similarly, 31 civilian deaths in 2011 came down to 15 in 2012 and against 33 security personnel who lost their lives in contd on page 2

Avalanche warning issued in Kashmir Valley

SRINAGAR: An avalanche warning was on Thursday issued by the state authorities for higher reaches of Kashmir following snowfall in the Valley. Divisional Commissioner Kashmir has issued an avalanche warning today in view of the fresh snowfall in areas of Kashmir Valley, an official spokesman said. contd on page 2

Rational analysis needed for J K CPI-M, NPF win big in Tripura, Police Bill 2013: Jitendra Singh Nagaland; Cong ahead in Meghalaya
JAMMU FEB 28: The State BJP chief spokesperson and National Executive Member, Jitendra Singh, said on Thursday that an objective and rational assessment regarding draft Jammu and Kashmir Bill 2013 was intensely needed. Singh said that the BJP has always favoured total accountability of police personnel without impinging on the democratic liberties of a common citizen. Adding further he mentioned that the Bill should not lead to any bias or prejudice against bringing in reforms particularly in the light of the fact that the existing Police Act in Jammu and Kashmir was framed way back in tion of police reforms. Batting strongly for Singh for the proposal for empowerment of Village Defence Committees (VDCs), envisaged in the Draft Police Bill, he said that it has been the long standing demand of BJP. He said that the village defence committees have played a crucial role infighting terror in the state. "Proposal for creation of Special Security Zones can be discussed threadbare, but it should not be seen as usurping the prerogative of the Centre or the Parliament of India to enact Disturbed Areas Act (DAA) or deploy Army with AFSPA," he added. contd on page 2 NEW DELHI: Counting of votes began in the Northeastern states of Meghalaya, Tripura and Nagaland amidst unprecedented security on Thursday. The Assembly elections in the three states, having 60 seats each, were held February 14 and February 23. TRIPURA Tripura's ruling Left Front stormed back to power in Tripura for the fifth straight term, delivering a humiliating blow to the Congress. The Left Front led by the Communist Party of IndiaMarxist (CPI-M) also increased its vote share compared to 2008, election officials said. The Congress and its allies, the Indigenous Nationalist Party of Tripura (INPT) and the Nationalist Conference of Tripura were crushed, for the fifth consecutive time since 1993. The CPI-M on its own Sarkar, 64, who has ruled Tripura since 1998, won from Dhanpur by a margin of around 5,000 votes. It was Sarkar's sixth win. Finance Minister Badal Chowdhury posted the highest winning margin of 12,450 Anil Sarkar, 75, who is also a poet and writer, was re-elected on CPI-M ticket from Pratapgarh in western Tripura for a record ninth time. Congress leader Ratan Lal Nath was also re-elected from Mohanpur while state Congress president Sudip Roy Barman retained his Agartala seat -- for the fourth time. Former Tripura assembly speaker Jitendra Sarkar, who this time contested on Congress ticket, wrested Barjala seat from the CPI-M. Sarkar won by 254 votes defeating Jitendra Das. In a significant development, contd on page 2

Cable Operators fallout

SRINAGAR: A day after cable operators from Site entertainment networks protested in Press Enclave against the signal providers of satellite channels. Sources in MSM discovery Pvt Ltd disclosed that the MSM package which includes at least 26 channels along with Sony Entertainment will disconnect their services to two sub operators, viz: Site entertainment network and Pulwama cable Network Rajpora in coming days. Sources said that the contract agreement contd on page 2

NE ELECTION RESULTS 2013

won 48 seats and is leading in one seat of the total 60 seats, results for which were declared so far. The Communist Party of India (CPI) won one seat. However, the CPI suffered humiliation on one seat. The Congress could managed to get only 10 seats. Chief Minister Manik votes. Commerce Minister Jitendra Chowdhury, School Education Minister Tapan Chakraborty, Information Minister Anil Sarkar, Tribal Welfare Minister Aghore Debbarma and all cabinet colleagues retained their seats by huge margins. Teacher-turned-politician

1927. He mentioned that not only the nature of crime has changed but the society's expectations from police have also evolved to a different level. It was considering this fact that the Supreme Court of India had, six years ago, put forward the sugges-

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STUDENT AGE FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2013

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revealed that not only MSM Discovery but the Media Pro which Include Star Network has refused to provide signal to the said network . The company has officially formed a team in Delhi which will check the piracy and report to district administration for legal action. energy

Contd. from page 1...

Chidambaram walks...
year's general Elections to net in an additional Rs 18,000 crore, Finance Minister P Chidambaram did a tight rope walk balancing growth needs with fiscal prudence by stepping up expenditure in social sectors and cutting subsidies. In a Budget that pegs fiscal deficit at 4.8 per cent of GDP, Defence allocation has been stepped up by 14 per cent over the revised expenditure in the current year to Rs 2,03,672 crore in the next. Without changing the basic slabs and rates in income tax rates, Chidambaram gave a benefit of Rs 2,000 to individual tax payers with taxable income of up to Rs 5 lakh, that will benefit 1.8 crore tax payers entailing a revenue sacrifice of Rs 3,600 crore. First-time home buyers will get an additional deduction of interest of Rs 1 lakh for home loans above Rs 25 lakh and Rs 1.50 lakh for home loans up to Rs 25 lakh. This will be over and above the current Rs 1 lakh deduction allowed for self-occupation. The much-talked about 'super-rich' tax was levied as a 10 per cent surcharge on "relatively prosperous" persons with an income over Rs 1 crore. Similarly, on domestic corporates with taxable income of Rs 10 crore, the surcharge has been raised from 5 to 10 per cent. Foreign companies will pay an increased surcharge of 5 per cent, up from 2. he Finance Minister proposed that the surcharges will be in existence for just a year, while continuing the 3 per cent education cess on all tax payers. about Bhatkal's presence in Hyderabad to direct the blasts. " He was the person who left the bicycle near the bus shelter of bus route no -107 near Venkatadri theatre," said a senior official . Meanwhile, the condition of two injured persons in the blasts appears to be very critical. Doctors said P Panduranga Reddy , 21, an engineering student from Nalgonda and Ravi Kumar, a 25 year old MBA graduate from Hyderabad city, have been in coma for the last five days . The two had been hit by the blast while waiting at the bus shelter. Panduranga Reddy will have to cope with an amputated leg and a blinded eye when he emerges from the unconsciousness."His body was full of ammonium nitrate and had to be kept under sterilization for whole two days," said doctors at the Yashoda hospital. Ravi Kumar's condition seems even worse. The youngster awaits more than three surgeries."His body is completely infected by the coat of chemicals and shrapnel. We are waiting for the infection to clear. He may require more than three surgeries," doctors said. The state government has dispersed ex gratia to 13 of the 17 dead. In three of the four pending cases, the relatives in Hyderabad has to be identified, while the family of the fourth, 25-year-old Chogaram Kaloji from Bhinmal tehsil in Jalore district of Rajasthan, who died at the hospital later, had been notified. The state government, aiming to bolster security in Hyderabad, has sanctioned a proposal to install 3,500 CCTV cameras in the city at a cost of Rs 450 crore, in addition to 300 plus existing CCTVs. City police has also directed shopping malls, cinema halls, temples, parks and tourist spots to install CCTV cameras in fifteen days, failing which they may have to lose their license to operate.

PDP, JKNPP MLAs boycott....

the Assembly complex demanding dismissal of the Omar Abdullah government for its "total failure on every front"."There is a high degree of corruption and nepotism in the administration (as also) the failure in implementing most centrally-sponsored schemes and the failure to stop the killings of sarpanches," Singh said. As the Governor started his joint address in the Central Hall of the Legislature Complex, Independent MLA Engineer Rashid interrupted the speech while showing an allegedly controversial poster. He said Guru's hanging would increase the feeling of alienation among the young generation in Kashmir. As he continued to disrupt the Governor's address, the watch and ward staff marshalled him out from the Central Hall. BJP legislators also hit out at the National Conference-led government and raised the issue of regional discrimination in the state.

Budget 2013: Chidambaram....

Chidambaram extended the interest subvention scheme for short-term crop loans to private sector scheduled commercial banks apart from public sector banks, regional rural banks and cooperative banks. Reiterating the UPA's proposed food security law, the budget set aside Rs.10,000 crore over and above food subsidy provisions and extended the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojna (national health insurance plan) intended for poor families to other categories such as rickshaw, auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers, sanitation workers, ragpickers and mine workers.

Budget highlights...
Other highlights: No service tax on vocational courses run by institutes affiliated to state governments Service tax on all air conditioned restaurants regardless of whether or not they serve alcohol No service tax on agricultural testing procedures Rs.9,000 crore allocated for compensating state for differential in central sales tax and GST Import duty on high-end vehicles raised from 75 percent to 100 percent Concessions for encouraging MRO (maintenance repair overhaul) sector Excise duty on cigarettes to be increased 18 percent No change in customs duty on non-agricultural products No change in service tax of 12 percent Modified law to prevent tax avoidance to come into effect April 1, 2016 100 percent tax deduction for contributions to National Children's Fund Education cess to continue at 3 percent 11 lakh people have benefited from direct cash transfers; scheme to be rolled out across the country during UPA-2 term (May 2014) Property transactions skewered; TDS of one percent where transaction exceeds Rs.50 lakh Tax on mutual fund redemptions reduced from .25 percent to .001 percent No revision of personal income tax slabs; relief in first bracket through tax credit of Rs.2,000 for earnings up to Rs.5 lakh Ten percent surcharge on income exceeding Rs.1 crore a year; only 42,800 people have declared such income Tax Administrative Reforms Commission to be set up Collective responsibility to ensure dignity and safety of women; recent incidents have cast a dark shadow; stand in solidarity with our girl children and women; will keep them safe and secure Rs.1,000 crore allocated for establishing Nirbhaya Fund Defence allocated Rs.2 lakh 3,672 crore Cities to be encouraged to promote waste to energy projects Low interest funds to be provided for promoting clean

like the Advisors to HCM (Omar Abdullah), you have chosen the medium of newspapers to communicate to me a warning. Warning for comparing, SAS Geelani with SM Abdulla. I respect your concern for your father as much as I respect Naseem Geelani's concern for his father. Many among us wanted Kashmiris to read not history, but Nawa-I-Subh. I chose to write for Nawa-ISubh, but to be a student of history,'' Ratanpuri's letter to Kamal reads and says, "I believe that the primitive man also respected a valiant adversary even in duals where death of the either was the only outcome. Civilised nations have fought battles, but erected memorials in the honour of their worthy adversaries and I consider Geelani Sahib as a worthy adversary of the National Conference. My humble origin and my simple upbringing have taught me to be kind and polite to my detractors and defamers too, while I believe that, to Geelani Sahib, I owe my respect for his steadfastness to his ideals. I may also clarify that I differ with the means that he has chosen, while I share many of his ideals."

BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi said, "It is not a Finance Minister's budget. It's an accountant's budget." JD-U leader Sharad Yadav said there is no relief to farmers, middle class and workers. "This budget has failed to address all the ills afflicting the country. No tax has been imposed on malls and hotels which consume diesel. Had this been done, famers would have got subsidy." Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari, however, said that the prudent, productive and progressive budget would boost growth. "The three P's of FM's budget - prudent , productive & progressive. It would boost growth and augment equity- UPA's guiding philosophy," the I&B minister tweeted.

Rs 18,000 crore revenue will further fuel price rise.

'Footprints of ....
2011, only 14 were killed in 2012," he said, appreciating the security forces for their efforts in this regard. "Our police and security forces have exhibited passions and professionalism in discharging their duties in trying circumstances without any faltering in respecting and protecting the rights of people," he said. On the issue of human rights violations in the state, Vohra said the government is "seriously concerned" on the matter. He said the state government has lived upto the expectations of the people and every segment of society has benefitted from restoration of peaceful environment. On tourism, considered to be one of the pillars of state economy, the Governor said in past couple of years, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a record influx of both foreign and domestic travellers amid revival of normalcy in the Valley.

Omar showers...
said that when Mubarak Gul was visiting his house to meet Dr. Farooq Abdullah, he used to take away his motor bike and empty its fuel tank taking long rides. "I was in search of the occasion when Mr. Gul's contribution and service to the society could be recognized", he said adding that by the election of Mubarak Gul to the chair of Speaker Legislative Assembly today, the contribution and calibre of Mr. Gul has been recognized as he deserved this the most. Congratulating Mr. Gul for his new assignment, Omar Abdullah expressed the hope that he would conduct the proceedings and run the House impartially and to the best of his ability. He wished him all success and said that he will miss Mr. Gul now as his Advisor.

Rational analysis needed....

Jitendra Singh emphaised that J&K has gone through a protracted phase of terrorism and this reality cannot be ignored.

War of words ....

out the possibility of SAS Geelani turning out to be the tallest Kashmiri of 21st Century. Talking to CNS, Dr Shiekh Mustafa Kamal lambasted Ratanpuri for his letter terming his an agent of Syed Ali Shah Geelani. "One more foe of NC has taken birth, now we have to fight with him. He has been taught by our adversaries how to defame Late Shiekh Mohammad Abdullah and National Conference and he will pay for it because NC can't tolerate person like him anymore," Kamal said advising Ratanpuri to join the ranks of Hurriyat Conference. Pertinently, in the letter written to Kamal by Ghulam Nabi Ratanpuri, the later said that, "I would not like anybody to believe that boiling oil was frozen by the touch of his (Shiekh Abdullah's) finger or plant leaves carried his name. He is tallest not because he was some angel or prophet. He was a mortal with his share of flaws, failures and fallacies, but a bigger share of qualities." Dr Kamal said that if he (Ratanpuri) doesn't have faith in the principles of NC that he should resign from the Parliament. "What he is doing in Parliament on the ticket of NC. Tell him to resign immediately. He is not our member but a foe who is hell bent to weaken the party," Kamal told CNS and added that people of South Kashmir had told him beforehand that Ratanpuri is not trustworthy. "He should not support Geelani and tarnish the image of Shiekh Mohammad Abdullah who fought for the people of Kashmir. Ratanpuri has lost his state of mind and he is talking anything," he said and added that nobody can deny this fact that hundreds of thousands of people participated in Shiekh's funeral procession which amply shows that he was the tallest leader. Ratanpuri has reacted to the statement made by Kamal that he (Ratanpuri) should study history and should not compare Shiekh with SAS Geelani. In his letter addressed to Mustafa Kamal Ratanpuri said, "I am not surprised to learn that

Oppn give a thumbs....

class," she said, adding that the policies of the central government are not in the interest of the common man and are "anti-people". BJP leader Mukhthar Abbas Naqvi said, "the nineyear-old non-performing government has come out with a box of promises. Its a disappointment and confusing budget." BJD MP Kalikesh Singh Deo lamented that no growth-oriented reforms have been unveiled. "It's a thumbs down below average budget. "No growth orientation reforms have taken place. Specially supply side constraints in agriculture where large amount of investment is required to get farmers access to market." CPI leader Gurudas Dasgupta said, "This is a lollypop election budget with minor additional investment and full of tokenism. Uproar is more but reality is different." Terming it as an "election oriented exercise", CPI National Secretary D Raja said, "It has also not addressed the key question of revenue generation. It appears to be a technical jugglery and we will have to see what comes out of it in real terms." He said there is also nothing on the huge non-performing assets of banks or on black-money and there is no taxation of the super-rich and only a surcharge has been introduced. Former Finance Minister and BJP leader Yashwant Sinha said Chidambaram has juggled with numbers and direct and indirect tax proposals put forth to add about Rs 18,000 crore revenue will further fuel price rise. "It is a jugglery of numbers that Finance Minister P Chidambaram has done in his budget to show a reduced fiscal deficit for this year and the next year.... The additional tax proposals will add to the rising prices and will further hit the common man," said Sinha. Taking a dig, he said Chidambaram has criticised his predecessor Pranab Mukherjee, who is now the President, and said "he deserves a better treatment."

CPI-M, NPF win....

CPI-M's Ratan Das wrested Ramnagar after a gap of 25 years. He defeated former state Congress chief and exminister Surajit Datta by just 15 votes. "This is a great victory for the Left Front and shows its popularity and public support. Good governance is one of the key factors for the thumping victory," gloated CPI-M spokesperson Gautam Das. "People voted for the Left to establish peace and development in all sectors," Das said. Former chief minister and Congress leader Samir Ranjan Barma and INPT president and former militant leader Bijoy Kumar Hrangkhawl were trailing. Tripura made electoral history when a record 93.57 percent of the 2.3 million voters exercised their franchise Feb 14 to pick a 60-seat assembly. There were 249 candidates. The Left Front has ruled Tripura since 1978 barring one term (1988-93). In 2008, the Left registered a thumping victory. The CPI-M alone won 46 seats and partners CPI and RSP secured one and two seats respectively. The Congress bagged 10 seats and the INPT one. MEGHALAYA The Indian National Congress here has won 29 seats in the election to the 60-member Meghalaya Assembly with Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, his wife D D Shira and his brother Zenith Sangma winning with huge margins. Lone woman legislator Ampareen Lyngdoh retained her urban 16 East Shillong seat edging out her nearest rival and former deputy chief minister B M Lanong of the UDP by over 4000 votes. Cabinet Ministers HDR Lyngdoh and Prestone Tynsong retained their Sohiong and Pynursla seats respectively. Lyngdoh won by a margin of over 3000 votes over his lone rival and UDP candidate B Kharphuli while Tynsong

Budget shows no ....

the kind of budget they have presented." He said that he was expecting that keeping elections in mind, the budget will be farmer-friendly but was "disappointed" to see that it is "anti-farmer, anti-poor and anti-workers" Yadav said that the country cannot prosper unless the farmers prosper. "I am opposing the budget and will oppose the budget. SP will oppose the budget in Parliament," he said. Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj was also dismissive when asked whether she expects early Lok Sabha polls. "What elections? They will happen on time," the BJP leader said. There has been a buzz that the government could advance elections and hold it sometime this year, months before the term of this government expires in 2014. Swaraj had slammed the budget as "unimaginative, dull and boring". "In nine years, the UPA government first pushed the economy in distress and then a helpless Finance Minister comes out with a budget, which has very little elbow space,"her counterpart in Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley.

Oppn give a thumbs....

middle class," she said, adding that the policies of the central government are not in the interest of the common man and are "anti-people". BJP leader Mukhthar Abbas Naqvi said, "the nineyear-old non-performing government has come out with a box of promises. Its a disappointment and confusing budget." BJD MP Kalikesh Singh Deo lamented that no growth-oriented reforms have been unveiled. "It's a thumbs down below average budget. "No growth orientation reforms have taken place. Specially supply side constraints in agriculture where large amount of investment is required to get farmers access to market." CPI leader Gurudas Dasgupta said, "This is a lollypop election budget with minor additional investment and full of tokenism. Uproar is more but reality is different." Terming it as an "election oriented exercise", CPI National Secretary D Raja said, "It has also not addressed the key question of revenue generation. It appears to be a technical jugglery and we will have to see what comes out of it in real terms." He said there is also nothing on the huge non-performing assets of banks or on black-money and there is no taxation of the super-rich and only a surcharge has been introduced. Former Finance Minister and BJP leader Yashwant Sinha said Chidambaram has juggled with numbers and direct and indirect tax proposals put forth to add about

Avalanche warning....
People living in areas like Nowgam, Chowkibal, Budnambal, Karnah, Keran, Jumagand, Kenthawali, Machil and Lashdat along the Line of Control in north Kashmir have been advised not to venture into steep avalanche-prone slopes, he said. They have also been advised to remove snow from roof tops of their houses to avoid any causality due to house collapse, the spokesman said. Kashmir Valley, including summer capital of the state Srinagar, received fresh snowfall yesterday, resulting in drop in the day temperature. The maximum temperature in Srinagar was recorded at 9.8 degrees Celsius, which was three degrees normal for this time of the year.

is leading over his nearest rival and UDP candidate B Khongwar by almost 2000 votes. The PA Sangma led National Peoples Party is yet to register any win. The UDP, which had an alliance with the Congress in the outgoing Assembly, has won 8 seats while the Independents have clinched 20 seats and are leading in 1 seats. The NCP managed to win 2 seats only. Carved out of Assam in 1972, Meghalaya has seen 23 chief ministers in a span of 41 years. Captain Williamson Sangma, who led the government for the first time, was the only one to ever lead a single-party government in the state. Since then, Meghalaya has seen fractured mandates, leading to volatile coalition governments Prominent leaders among the total 345 candidates whose fate would be decided today are HSPDP President Hopingstone Lyngdoh, who had never lost a single election since Meghalaya attained statehood in 1972, besides four former Chief Ministers, including Mukul Sangma of the outgoing house. The three other Chief Ministers are DD Lapang, who is also the state Congress President, S C Marak and United Democratic Party Chief Donkupar Roy. Other prominent candidates are Mukul Sangma's wife D D Shira, National Peoples Party chief and former Speaker P A Sangma's two sons - Conrad and James. The Congress fielded candidates in all 60 constituencies while the United Democratic Party (UDP) contested 50 seats. NAGALAND Ruling Naga Peoples Front returned to power with an absolute majority in Nagaland winning 37 seats in the 60-member Assembly. After an impressive show, the ruling NPF-led Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) alliance is all set to form government for a third consecutive term. Congress managed to win eight seats. The NCP has won four seats. Independent and others have won 10 seats.

ADMISSION BOOKING 2013

12th Pass or 12th Class studying students who are interested in Engg. / Medical fields are informed to get their seats booked in reputed colleges of Northern India under Management seats without any donation securing 50% marks in Phy, Chem, Maths/Bio for the following courses, M.D.S, B.D.S, M. Tech, B. Tech, B. Sc Nursing, B. Pharmacy, Diploma in all streams G.N.M, M.Ed, B.Ed, MBA, LLB, Hotel Management, MCA, BBA etc.

RAINA EDUCATION CONSULTANCY

(Opposite Sub Treasury Tirth Nagar Talab Tillo Jammu) Mob: 94191-37183

Cable Operators....
of both these operators had been expired and none of the operator's has approached to renew their agreement. Insiders in MSM Discovery told CNS that hefty amount is outstanding against the operators of the said networks and legal action in this regard has been initiated by the MSM Discovery besides publishing a notice in Local daily of Kashmir against the Site entertainment Net work at Jahangeer chowk. Sources in New Delhi

IM man Bhatkal....
to Venkatadri theatre. "The blurred images on the CCTV footage would prove us right," says a senior official. Investigators said while three persons prepared and planted the bicycle bombs, two others worked as support for identifying location and finding escape route. Police are incredulous

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Mysterious blast near LOC injures youth

POONCH FEB 28: A youth was injured in a mysterious blast in border district of Ponch on Thursday. The youth named Shamsudin son of Lal Din was walking near the border when he stepped on something which exploded causing him grievous injuries. The intensity of the blast was so severe that his foot was blown away. He was immediately rushed to the hospital for treatment. It is pertinent to mention that in the border areas of Poonch and Rajouri many such incidents have taken place in the past where civilians have either been killed or maimed in land mine blasts.

NEWS IN BOX

PDP boycotts Governor's address, stages Dharna outside Assembly

SRINAGAR, FEB 28: To lodge protest against failure and inability of the State Government to protect rights of the citizen of Jammu and Kashmir Mohammad Afzal Guru, who was hanged by depriving him of his proper legal rights, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Thursday boycotted Governor's Address on the first day of the Budget session of the Assembly. PDP legislators, under the leadership of Mehbooba Mufti, carrying placards staged a dharna outside the Assembly and shouted slogans against the State Government. Slogans like Tamil Nadu Nay Inkar Keya, Punjab Nay Inkar Keya. Par Jammu and Kashmir Nay Ikrar Keya repeatedly rented in the air as PDP legislators pointed out that governments of Tamil Nadu and Punjab have opposed death sentences to killers of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and former Chief Minister of Punjab Beant Singh. But the Jammu and Kashmir has failed to protect rights of its own citizen. They were also questioning- Why Afzal Guru, who was in serial number 28 in the queue, was picked up and sent to the gallows without giving opportunity to approach the Supreme Court ? The party legislators were also demanding that mortal remains of Afzal Guru must to be given to his family members for proper burial and last rites. As mark of protest against the State Government, PDP legislators did not enter the Central Hall of the Assembly and boycotted Governor's Address. Spokesman of the PDP Naeem Akthar later said that the party has boycotted Governor's Address to register its protest against inability of the State Government to protect rights of citizen of Jammu and Kashmir Mohammad Afzal Guru, who was sent to the gallows without giving fair trial to defend himself. He said that after rejection of the mercy petition of Afzal Guru, he should be given the opportunity to approach the Supreme Court for final petition but he was not given this opportunity. He said that Afzal Guru was deprived of his legal right and hanged secretly in unholy manner. He said that it was failure on the part of the State Government that Afzal Guru was denied legal and constitutional rights to defend himself. PDP spokesman said that protest was against surrender of the authority of Chief Minister because the present Chief Minister by surrendering his authorities has made citizens of Jammu and Kashmir as vulnerable and powerless. He said that it was also failure of the present regime that family of Afzal Guru was deprived of their right as they were not given prior information of his execution. Further, the family is still depriving of the mortal remains of Afzal Guru. He said that the denial of opportunity for the family to have a last meeting with the Afzal Guru negated the rights provided to every citizen and violated the basic norms of decency and the State Government was responsible for it. PDP spokesman further said that party's protest was also against clamping of indefinite curfew in all parts of Kashmir Valley in wake of the execution of Mohammad Afzal Guru which was illegal and illegitimate. He said that the State Government had trampled upon the fundamental right of the people of Kashmir Valley by imposing strict curfew, banning of movement, internet, cable network and news papers.

Poonch residents without water, electricity for last three days

POONCH FEB 28: Believe it or not but the hapless residents of Poonch are without the regular supply of water and electricity for the last three days. To give vent to their anger the irate residents have severely criticized the authorities for their failure to provide the basic necessities of life to them. While talking to the correspondent of Student Age, the residents were angry over the total apathy of government towards the people of Poonch. While talking to the correspondent, Shafiq Mir, Imtiyaz, Inderjeet , Gaganjeet Sigh and Gurjeet Singh informed that the callous attitude of the authorities has resulted in such a mess that the poor people of Poonch are made to suffer for no fault of theirs. They warned that if immediate steps for normalizing supply of water and electricity are not taken they will be compelled to come on roads.

CAD all set to start work on Pargwal project: Mir Rs. 93 lakhs earmarked for
the construction of KGBV
SHOPIAN, FEBRUARY 28: The District Development Commissioner, Shopian, Mr. Mohammad Javaid Khan said that the construction work of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV) on 20 kanals of land would be started very soon at Village Deegam Shopian for which Rs. 93 lakhs has been earmarked for providing all facilities to the students of Scheduled Tribe, Below Poverty Line and Other Backward Classes categories. This was stated by the District Development Commissioner Shopian while reviewing the progress of constructions of KGBV sanctioned under centrally sponsored schemes The District Development Commissioner was informed that the KGBV is presently functioning in DIET complex Shopian in which 50 girls from ST/BPL/Orphan are providing free education facilities. The students are also being provided boarding, loading & teaching learning facilities provide by Govt. of India under the scheme. The Tehsildar Shopian was directed to demarcate the land within two weeks and the ACD, was directed to construct the boundary wall from convergence plan of MGNREGA. The Executive Engineer R&B Shopian was asked to ensure construction on KGBV Shopian with the assistance of Executive Engineer SSA for which an amount of Rs. 93 lakhs has been earmarked. Speaking on the occasion, the DDC urged upon the concerned officers to start the construction work of the building to provide quality education to the students so that they become good citizens of the country. He asked the executive agency for judicious use of the funds and use quality material. Additional Deputy Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Assistant Commissioner Development and other officers of the district were present in the meeting.

CM expresses grief over road accident on National Highway

JAMMU, FEBRUARY 28: Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah has expressed grief over the sad road accident on SrinagarJammu National Highway claiming precious human lives of young persons.In his condolence message, the Chief Minister conveyed his sympathy to the bereaved families and prayed for peace to the departed souls.

Minister for Agriculture, Ghulam Hassan Mir chairing a high level meeting of officers of Command Area Development convened to review the activities of the wing at Jammu. JAMMU, FEBRUARY 28: In order to provide all time irrigation facilities to the farmers, the Command Area Development wing of Agriculture Department is all set to start concreting work on water channels in the paddy fields of areas falling under Pragwal Project during this year. This was stated by the Minister for Agriculture, Ghulam Hassan Mir, while chairing a high level meeting of officers of Command Area Development convened to review the activities of the wing here today. The Minister said that the work on Pargwal project, costing Rs 14.61 crore, will be started with the state share this year till the central share is released. He said this will facilitate the farmers to enhance their crop production. It was informed in the meeting that, at present, irrigation facilities to farmers of Jammu are being provided through Ranbir Canal and New Pratap Canal Projects. Besides, an area of 7996 hectare has been covered under irrigation through Ranbir Canal for which an amount of Rs 929.52 lakh has been incurred so far. Likewise, an area of 1100 hectare has been irrigated through New Pratap Canal Project with Rs 120.00 lakh, the meeting was informed. Addressing the officers, the Minister asked them to ensure that this concreting work is done with all quantity and quality besides completing the same within the specified time. He said that agriculture is a big contributor in state's economy and the government is endeavoring a lot to further enhance the agriculture production both qualitatively and quantitatively through introduction of latest techonology and expertise. Among others Commissioner/Secretary Agriculture, Shaleen Kabra, Director Command Area Development, Ali Asgar, Director Planning (Agriculture), Teli, Joint Director Planning Development Department and Assistant Director Command Area Rishi Gupta attended the meeting.

162 villages covered under RGGVY in Kupwara

KUPWARA, FEBRUARY 28: The District Development Commissioner, Kupwara today convened a meeting of Engineers of Power Development department to review the Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY) being implemented in the district. It was informed that under RGGVY 162 villages have been covered upto January 2013 out of 216 habitations, while 54 villages are being provided with the facility in near future. An amount of Rs. 18.50 crores have been expended upto January 2013 while 174 transformers have been installed in the district.

17 rent assessment cases approved in Kulgam

KULGAM, FEBRUARY 28: The District Rent Assessment Committee, which met here today with Deputy Commissioner Jahangir Mir in chair, approved 12 rent cases of the total 17 taken up. As many as 5 cases were deferred for want of requisite formalities. On the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner called for expeditious payment of the rent among the concerned land and structure owners. He also stressed on maintaining the accommodation taken on rent by different departments.

All J&K Panchayat Conference presents Memorandum to Governor

JAMMU, FEBRUARY 28 : A delegation of the All Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Conference, an organization of Panches and Sarpanches, called on Mr. N. N. Vohra, Governor, at Raj Bhavan, here today and presented to him a Memorandum of their demands. The 11-member delegation led by Mr. Shafiq Mir, Chairman, All Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Conference, discussed with the Governor the to date status of the functioning of Panchayats in the State and complained about effective measures not so far having been taken for their empowerment. Among the issues raised by the delegation, the Governor was most seriously concerned to hear about the security problems faced by the Sarpanches and Panches. The delegation was also dissatisfied about the provisions of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment not so far being incorporated in the existing law for ensuring empowerment of Panchayati Raj Institutions in the State. The Governor assured the Panchayat Conference that all the issues raised by them would be taken up with the Chief Minister. The delegation comprised Mr. Anil Sharma, General Secretary, All Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Conference; Mr. Ghulam Hassan Punzoo, Chief Spokesperson; Mr. Gautam Singh, Capt. (Retd) Raj Dev Singh, Ms. Vimla Devi, Mr. Ghulam Mohammad Mir, Mr. Ajaz Ahmed, Ms. Avinash Devi, Choudhary Mohammad Aslam Kohli and Mr. Jugal Mahajan. Mr. Navin K. Choudhary, Principal Secretary to the Governor, was present on the occasion.

Omar and his father playing in the hands of Congress: Mehbooba Mufti
SRINAGAR, FEB 28: Accusing Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for turning Kashmir Valley to a prison, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti Thursday said that if her party will submit a resolution on the return of the body of the Afzal Guru, it will meet the same fate which NC's Autonomy met a decade ago, so the party has decided to move an adjournment motion. "PDP has moved Adjournment Motion in the Assembly to discuss situation arise in the State after execution of Mohammad Afzal Guru and delay in the return of the mortal remains of Guru," Mehbooba Mufti told reporters in Jammu soon after coming out form the Legislative Assembly after boycotting the inaugural address of Governor. Mehbooba Mufti said that Omar Abdullah has turned Kashmir into a prison and the government is suppressing the sentiments of the people. She said that Omar Abdullah is busy in appeasing Central Government and he cares a fig for the people of Kashmir. Mehbooba Mufti said that In 2006 I was the first person who had proposed both India and Pakistan to give clemency to Sarabjeet Singh and Afzal Guroo. "Omar Abdullah wants to sabotage any resolution aimed at to seek the body of Afzal Guru and mortal remains of Mohammad Maqbool Bhat. She said no one can forget this it was Farooq Abdullah who signed the execution papers of Maqbool Bhat "He (Omar Abdullah is known for manipulation. Both he and his father (Dr Farooq Abdullah are playing in the hands of congress to stay in power," She said. She informed that resolution on Afzal Guroo has already being given to the Speaker for discussion on these two issues in the Assembly on Friday. (CNS)

Hakim expresses grief over road accident on National Highway

JAMMU, FEBRUARY 28 - MLA Khan Sahib, Hakim Mohammad Yasin has expressed grief over the sad road accident on Srinagar-Jammu National Highway claiming three precious human lives of Charar-i-Sharief.In his condolence message, Hakim Yasin has conveyed his sympathy to the bereaved families and prayed for peace to the departed souls.

Mubarak Gul meets Governor

JAMMU, FEBRUARY 28 - Mr. Mubarak Gul, Speaker, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, called on Mr. N. N. Vohra, Governor, at Raj Bhavan, here this evening. Mr. Gul briefed the Governor about some of the issues which would come up before the ongoing session of the State Legislative Assembly which commenced today. The Governor wished Mr. Gul, who was elected Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly today, a very successful tenure ahead.

Gul felicitated on being elected Speaker

JAMMU, FEBRUARY 28: The Speaker, Jammu and Kashmir, Legislative Assembly, Mr. Murbarak Gul has said that the Government was keen to solve the problems of the people of the State, saying that maximum public interest issues will be highlighted in the House during the Budget Session. The Speaker was speaking at a function organized by Jammu and Kashmir Rural Development Society (JKRDS) to felicitate him on his elevation as Speaker Legislative Assembly, here today. Earlier, Mr Gul was given a rousing reception by the members of JKRDS, while greeting him for being elected unanimously as the Speaker of LA.

Governor grieved over loss of life in National Highway road accident

JAMMU, FEBRUARY 28 - Mr. N. N. Vohra, Governor, has expressed grief over the loss of precious human lives in a road accident on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.In his condolence message, the Governor conveyed his sympathy to the bereaved families and prayed for eternal peace to the departed souls.

"Maximum public issues to be taken during session"

CM's Secretariat accords warm adieu to Slathia

JAMMU, FEBRUARY 28: The Chief Ministers' Secretariat today accorded warm adieu to Special Secretary in CM's Secretariat, Virender Slathia, on his superannuation here today. Appreciating the integrity and dedication of Slathia, Principal Secretary to CM, B.B. Vyas, said that Slathia's entire career has remained unblemished adding that he has made outstanding contribution in all the sectors of government, he remained associated with during his service career. The officers, present, wished Slathia a happy and pleasant life post retirement.

Speaker, Jammu and Kashmir, Legislative Assembly, Murbarak Gul along with others posing for a group photograph. He said legislator of all parties would be given adequate time to highlight the issues of their constituencies and that of general public. He said there will be no compromise wrong reply, if any, furnished by the departments and those responsible for the lapse would be dealt seriously. The Speaker said that the Assembly session is of great importance in a democratic setup as it provides opportunity to the public representatives to highlight public issues and also point out the areas where government is lacking. He hoped that the proceedings of the house would be conducted in a smooth manner and the legislators of all parties would cooperate in conducting the

proceedings of the house in a cordial atmosphere. Meanwhile, people from all walks of life greeted Mr Gul on his elevation as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. Among others, former Minister and Vice Chairman, JKRDS, Mr. Ram Pal, former MLC, Mr. B.L. Bhat, Ex MLA, Mohammad Iqbal, Ex MLA District Chairman RDS, Shopian, Sheikh Mohammad Rafi, Ex MLA, Qazi Jalal-u-Din Chairman North Kashmir RDS, Mr. Mohammad Ashraf Khan and other National Conference workers including Gh. Mohammad Lone, Mr. Ravi Mahajan, Advocate Ravinder Raina, S. Ramnik singh and Mr. M.L. Munshi were present on the occasion.

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Assembly Proceedings

Contribution towards society looms large: Omar

JAMMU, FEBRUARY 28: Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Thursday said that contribution towards betterment of people and the society always looms large. "Those who work for the good of their fellow human beings live in the hearts of people", he added. Speaking on obituary reference moved in State Legislative Assembly today for remembering and paying tributes to the former Prime Minister, Late I. K. Gujral, former Jammu and Kashmir Minister, Late Abdul Aziz Zergar, and Members of State Legislature, Late Ghulam Nabi Wani (Budgami), Late Dhan Raj Bhargotra, Late Dhain Singh Kalhotra and Late Syeda Sugra Salma Samnani, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah

DDC Sgr reviews development works under execution

75% expenditure incurred during current fiscal
SRINAGAR, FEBRUARY 28: District Development Commissioner, Srinagar, Mr. Baseer Ahmad Khan today convened a meeting of Sectoral officers to review the pace of developmental works being executed for the welfare of people in the district. It was given out in the meeting that 75 percent expenditure have been registered in the engineering sector including R&B, Power and PHE in the district. Achievements made under projectized and SelfAligned Double Patterning (SADP) allocation of the current financial year were also threadbare discussed in the meeting, besides, schemes under State sector. The District D e v e l o p m e n t Commissioner stressed upon the officers to work with zeal and dedication to achieve the tangible targets in full within the stipulated timeframe. He also urged them to utilize 100 percent allocation judiciously to facilitate the people of the district. Among others, Superintending Engineers of R&B Srinagar/Budgam, Circular Road Project, Electric Maintenance and Rural Electrification, Hydraulic Circle, Srinagar, Drainage Circle, General Manager JKPCC, Joint Director Planning, officers of Srinagar Municipal Corporation and other concerned departments were present on the occasion.

Pays tributes to former PM, legislators

Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah speaking on obituary reference moved in State Legislative Assembly. referred the contribution of these leaders and said that people will always remember them for their good work towards the betterment of society. Omar Abdullah said that Late I. K. Gujral came to India after partition and joined politics. "Gujral was appointed Ambassador of India in Moscow and served the people within and outside the country in various capacities and rose to the position of Prime Minister of India", Omar Abdullah said. Omar Abdullah referred to the Gujral Doctrine which lays stress on good relations between neighbours. He said

Gujral Doctrine has remind food for thought for the think tankers and experts of foreign affairs and its relevance is universal and without any time limit. He said that Late I. K. Gujral was of the opinion that India would attain fast progress when it has good relations with its neighbours. Omar Abdullah also referred to the contribution of Late I. K. Gujral to Urdu literature and said that he has written six books in Urdu including poetry. Omar Abdullah paid tributes to Late Abdul Aziz Zergar and Late Ghulam Nabi Wani (Budgami) and mentioned their role as the Members of State Constituent Assembly. "They were involved in drafting the Constitution of

Jammu and Kashmir and the Special Status of relations between Jammu and Kashmir and the Country", he added. The Chief Minister also remembered Late Dhan Raj Bhargotra and Late Dhian Singh Kalhotra and said that these leaders have made their mark in political arena working for the welfare of society and the constituencies they represented in the Legislative Assembly. Paying tributes to Late Syeda Sugra Salma Samnani, Omar Abdullah referred to her struggle for upliftment of women and mentioned her role as journalist adding that she was editor and publisher of Daily Urdu Sandesh and contributed to the society in this capacity also.

J&K DyCM ask officials to maintain discipline in exam centres

JAMMU: Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand on Wednesday conducted surprise inspection of various 12th class examination centres in the city and directed the authorities to maintain strict discipline in the centres. "Maintain strict discipline in the centres and ensure that students take examination in a stress free atmosphere," Tara Chand told J&K Board of School Education authorities. "Aim of the authorities is to ensure that undue pressure on students gets released by ensuring proper conduct in the examination centres," he added. The minister, meanwhile, said copying in examination has to be strictly checked and all measures have to be taken for ensuring fair examination. He added that the duty staff should be periodically changed and inter-school duties should be encouraged.

Jora urges Centre for increasing AI flights for Leh, reducing fare
JAMMU, FEBRUARY 28: Minister for Urban Development and Urban Local Bodies, Nawang Rigzin Jora, today urged upon the Centre to increase frequency of Air India Flights to atleast one flight per day on DelhiLeh sector besides pushing private aviation companies like spice jet or indigo to operate on this route in the backdrop of closure of Kingfisher Airline. In a letter written to Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Ajit Singh, Jora also requested for fixing a cap to the maximum amount of fare on this sector to the length and duration of the flight. The Minister also appealed the Minister for reviewing the decision of reducing the frequency of Air India Flights from two flights per day to three flights per week, which not only have a devastating impact on the forthcoming tourist season, but will also create economic burden on the common people who directly or indirectly earn their livelihood from tourism sector. The Minister apprised the Union Minister of the extraordinary high air fare in Delhi-Leh Sector which has risen more than Rs. 20,000 during these days which has become unaffordable for people of Ladakh region. Since Ladakh region remains cut off from the rest of the world for six months during winters, air connectivity is the only means of transportation available, he added.

Resolve Kashmir issue, Speaker tells India

SRINAGAR, FEB 28: Appealing Government of India to take the dialogue process forward with the Pakistan, newly elected Speaker of Legislative Assembly, Mubarak Gul Thursday said that Kahmiri's don't want any more killing now and they keenly want a solution to Kashmir issue. "It's enough now. Kashmiri's want peace and no one should be given an opportunity to derail the peace process between India and Pakistan," Gul told Srinagar based news agency CNS adding that as a Speaker he will perform his duties as per his ability. He said that time has come that India and Pakistan should go for a result oriented dialogue without wasting time. "People of Kashmir wish that both the countries should have result oriented dialogue on Kashmir. Kashmir issue has let people suffer in state and it need to be resolved," Gul said. Newly elected Speaker said he hopes Opposition parties in the Assembly will play a constructive role and will raise the issue related to public. "As a Speaker I will be impartial as both ruling and opposition parties will be same for me. I hope that Opposition parties will raise public issues so that grievances of the people can be redressed," Gul said. Meanwhile, supporters of National Conference from Idgah Constituency and other areas congratulated Gul for being appointed as the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.

Interview under PMEGP at Kulgam

ANANTNAG, FEBRUARY 28: District Development Commissioner who is also Chairman, District Level Task Force Committee (DLTFC) Anantnag, the interview of the applicants who have applied for establishment of income generating units under Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) shall be held block wise in the district. As per the schedule interview of Block Kulgam will be held on March 04, while D.H. Pora and Pahloo blocks on March 05, Block Qaimoh on March 6 and Block Devsar on March 7, 2013.

Rs. 22.65 crore spent on augmentation Rather grieved over of water supply in Bandipora
BANDIPORA, FEBRUARY 28: Work is apace on 35 Water Supply Schemes (WSS) taken up under National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP) at a cost of Rs. 72.45 crore in Bandipora district. Out of which, Rs. 22.65 crore stand incurred on these schemes so far which would benefit about 80,000 souls of 80 villages and 12 habitations. As many as 10 schemes are expected to be completed by the end of next month. This was disclosed at a meeting of concerned Engineers held under the Chairmanship of District Development Commissioner, Bandipora, Mr. Manzoor Ahmad Lone here today. Various issues and components with regard to providing better facilities of drinking water to the people were discussed in the meeting. It was given out that a separate water supply scheme at a cost of Rs. 3.22 crore has also been taken up under State sector which after the completion would provide drinking water facility to the people of Bandipora town. An amount of Rs. 2.72 crores has so far been utilized on the scheme.

45 lakh gallon capacity Bumzoh WSS Anantnag being developed at a cost of Rs. 45.96 cr
ANANTNAG, FEBRUARY 28: District Development Commissioner, Anantnag today visited the prestigious Bumzoh Water Supply Scheme to take stock of the pace of development works being carried out to facilitate the people of Anantnag township and its adjoining areas. The Bumzoh Water Supply Scheme is being development an estimated cost of Rs. 45.96 crores. The District Development Commissioner was apprised by PHE authorities that an amount of Rs. 18.60 crores has been spent on the scheme till ending January 2013. He was also told that the water storing capacity of the tank would be 45 lakh gallons which would facilitate 196000 souls of the district. The project is being developed keeping in view the need of water supply for the inhabitants of the district and shall be commissioned soon. Pertinently the water supply scheme is being established under centrally sponsored scheme Urban Infrastructure Development Scheme for Small and Medium Towns (UIBSSMT). The major work on the scheme like distribution pipes has been completed whereas the work on filtration plant is under progress.

death of three Chrarisharief youth in NHW accident

TLSC Pattan to conduct seminar

PATTAN, FEBRUARY 28: According to Chairman, Tehsil Legal Services Committee, Pattan, a daylong seminar on "International Women's Day" shall be organized on March 08, 2013. Students of various Colleges of the district shall speak on the topic of ''Whether Stringent Low Enforcement Can Ensure Safety of Women's in the Society'' on the occasion.

Infrastructure being developed Grievances Cell set up at NC Hqrs at CD Hospital in Srinagar

SRINAGAR, FEBRUARY 28: Development of Health Sector is the top priority of the present government. For which, various hospitals are being upgraded all across the State in a phased manner. The Government Chest Disease Hospital which is the sole tertiary care hospital of the Valley where patients from all over Kashmir division including Leh are attending for specialized chest diseases treatment has been upgraded. The bed strength of the hospital has been increased by 70 beds which will facilitate the patients and shall decrease the work load of SMHS Hospital. JAMMU, FEBRUARY 28: Provincial President National Conference Mr Devender Singh Rana on Thursday constituted Public Grievances Cell at the party headquarters to listen to the problems of people / workers and seeking their redressal. The step, aimed at mitigating the problems facing the people, comes in the wake of initiative taken by the Working President and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in keeping available the ministers belonging to National Conference at the party headquarters on rotational basis to maintain close rapport with the party workers. The Cell, Mr Rana said, shall remain open for listening to the problems of the people besides maintaining coordination with the party workers and functionaries between 10 AM and 5 PM at Sher-eKashmir Bhawan, Jammu.

Div Com visits old city, reviews developmental scenario

JAMMU, FEBRUARY 28: The Minister for Finance and Ladakh Affairs Mr. A.R. Rather has expressed his profound grief and Shock over the death of three youth of Chrarisharief in a tragic road accident near Digdol on Srinagar- Jammu National Highway. Immediately after hearing about this bad news, Mr Rather spoke to the Minister of State for Home Mr Sajad Ahmad kicthloo about the accident who instructed the IGP Traffic and Concerned police and district officers of district Ramban for launching rescue operations to trace the dead bodies. Mr Rather, while expressing his heartfelt sympathies with the bereaved families, has expressed Solidarity with them in this hour of grief and tragedy and described the death of three youth namely Nazir Ahmad, Tasaduq Baba and Ihtisham in prime of their life a great loss. Mr Rather has prayed for eternal peace to the departed souls. Minister of State for Sheep and Animal Husbandry (lC) Mr Nazir Ahmad Gurezi,and Mr, Ali Mohd Dar have also expressed grief over the demise of the youth in the accident.

Medium danger avalanche warning in snow bound areas

SRINAGAR, FEBRUARY 28: According to Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, medium danger avalanche warning exists in snowbound areas of Bandipora, Gurez Sector, Keran sector, Naugaon Kayian Sector, Chowkibal-Tangdhar Sector, Machil Sector, Sonamarg, Drass ad Kargil sector from February 28 to March 01, 2013. In view of this people in snow bound areas are advised to avoid movement during snowfall and not to venture into steep avalanche prone slopes during the said period besides are advised to keep clearing regularly the snow from roof tops of their houses to avoid any causality due to house collapse. During the period general public are requested to take appropriate precautionary measures as advised and in the event of any eventuality and for further information contact concerned Deputy Commissioners on their contact numbers already published. Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Dr. Asgar Hassan Samoon chairing a high level meeting at Srinagar. SRINAGAR, FEBRUARY 28: Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Dr. Asgar Hassan Samoon Thursday conducted an extensive tour of Srinagar city and took stock of various ongoing developmental works. Divisional Commissioner visited Jamia Masjid Srinagar and reviewed the pace of ongoing work being executed for its beautification and restoration of its pristine glory for which department of Tourism has provided Rs. 5 crore. He was informed that 32 bathrooms are under construction at a cost of Rs. 52 lakh in the vicinity of the Mosque to facilitate the people. On the occasion, Divisional Commissioner convened a meeting with Auqaf members and discussed threadbare the development of the area, besides rehabilitation of shopkeepers of Muslim Park at Kawdara. He stressed upon the Municipal functionaries to speed up the rehabilitation work. The Divisional Commissioner visited Pokhribal at Hariparbat and took stock of the construction work of cafeteria being constructed by Tourism department at a cost of Rs. 73 lakh. Dr. Samoon also visited Kathidarwaza and inspected the ongoing work of cable car project, costing Rs. 6 crore. He was informed that project is expected to be completed by May 2013. Earlier, the Commissioner visited historical Ram Mandir and reviewed the construction work of five ongoing Ghats coming up at a cost of Rs. 75 lakh. Addressing the officers, the Div Com stressed the officers to ensure timely completion of all ongoing works. He also directed the engineers of PDD to replace the conductors of transmission line in the Jamia Masjid area for which district administration will provide required funds.

Name: Ritvik Gupta Class: 3rd Division: B School:JK Public School

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By Kota Sriraj he Indian Railways' claim to fame should not be its size alone. It should be known for pathbreaking contributions to the green cause. A methodical and sustained approach is required to meet that purpose. For many of us the Railway Budget has ensured that, inspite of rising prices we will still pay the same fares. On the environmental front, the Budget has taken the green energy initiatives a step further with measures such as setting up of the Railway Energy Management Company. The REMC is to harness the potential of solar and wind energy, a woefully belated but nevertheless welcome step. The Union Ministry of Railways proposes to utilise wind energy to electrify 1,000 level crossings across the country. This may sound exciting but given the total number of level crossings 31,856, out which 13,530 are unmanned - the immediate priority should probably have been to ensure public safety and increase the number of manned crossings, as 40 per

A BUDGET DISCONSOLATE

Also, give environment a berth

cent of the level-crossing accidents in India occur at unmanned crossings. In addition the ministry could have been a little more ambitious and aimed at electrifying at least 5,000 crossings. Other steps included the deployment of improved and efficient locomotive variants that save energy. The Railway the reduction of carbon footprint of the railways. The appointment of a Chair at Delhi under the current Budget, to promote research in the reduction of carbon footprint of the railways may change this for the better. But the environment commitment of the railways is marred by inconsistencies. For instance, Manmohan Singh, as the concept promised to keep the world's largest railway network from dirtying the countryside and preventing track corrosion. However, we are still to use it in today's trains on a regular basis, and now the railways have extended the deadline of implementing the toilets by 2016-2017. The the railways are directly affected. The Indian Railways' initiative to run trains on bio-diesel aimed to address this and as a part of the project the Pune division of the Central Railways had planted over seven lakh Jatropha saplings to use them for making bio-fuel. However, the plan had to be scrapped, as the Jatropha plants did not grow even a year after they were planted in various parts of the division.The use of the biofuel reduces diesel consumption and proves economical in the long run. The bio-fuel can be used on trains without making any change in the engine and it can also be mixed with diesel so that less diesel will be required to run the engine. There will also be reduction in air pollution because of the use of bio-fuel. However, now since the project in Pune has failed, Central Railways is identifying a new location for Jatropha plantations. These issues display a pattern of haphazard efforts towards the cause of environment and the lack of a methodical approach. In developed countries, Governments highlight the environmental good of train travel in terms of a lower carbon footprint. For instance, Amtrak in the US advertises to its customers that it is energy-efficient and that travelling by rail contributes less per passenger mile to greenhouse gas emissions than either cars or airplanes. According to the US Department of Energy data, Amtrak is almost 14 per cent more efficient than domestic airline travel and 31 per cent more efficient than auto travel on a per-passenger-mile basis. Amtrak can be a good case study for the Indian Railways even in aspects such as recycling. Annually Amtrak recycles more than 9,800 tonnes of steel parts, 2,25,000 gallons of used oil, and 3,00,000 pounds of paper from its facilities. Examples such as those given above are not a result of coincidence but that of committed planning and execution. The Indian Railways' claim to fame cannot be because of its size, but it should be for its path- breaking contribution to the cause of environment.

he Finance Minister (FM) P Chidambaram presented his eight budget in the Parliament on Thursday. It was no mean an achievement for the Harvard trained suave south Indian who even for his detractors has a charm and a command which many lack. But given all his credentials he has lost when he was home minister of the country as he could not instill a sense of security. Chidambaram inherited a legacy from the wrong policies of the government from the year 2009when the bubble of India's growth story punctured. The reasons were higher spending and no serious effort to bring down the fiscal deficit. In those heady days we were fed with dreams by the economy managers of the country like Montek Singh Alluwallia and even by the Prime Minister himself that they were not so alarmed at the rising fiscal deficit. But their optimism lost steam in wake of global recession and collapse of some of the leading financial institutions in the world. The rising cost of petrol and diesel as well as cooking gas took away a large chunk of money which otherwise would have been utilized for the development of the country. The job of the Finance Minister was difficult. Everyone including the economists and well known fiscal experts were keeping their fingers crossed over what Chidambaram would do in face of severe financial constraints. Some were speculating a budget from him which would have populist overtones keeping in view the 2014 elections. But the main problem with the Indian economy is the fiscal deficit which is at 5.2 percent at the current total income spending balance sheet. But budget presented today is weak in strategy and vision. It is nothing but disconsolate. The budget has nothing for the salaried class which hoped that the tax slab for income tax would be raised by one lakh. To give them a tax benefit of Rs 2000 up to the income of five lakh rupees is paltry and bound to raise tempers. Salaried class and middle class are already reeling under high inflation and were expecting some relief. But when the FM makes jewellery cheaper how it is going to help the middle and lower class.? However there are some good points in the budget like charging ten percent tax on those who have an annual income of Rs one crore. But how much will this step mop up is anybody's guess. The common man in the country, the labourer in the unorganized sector and students from economically weaker sections need access to the higher education without spending a life time's fortune. The budget should have given a lead in that direction in order to ensure that the poor and deprived that could be brimming with talent are not left in lurch. Ask any house wife of the country including the wife of the FM; they are all at their wits end how to cope up with the rising prices. We need to export goods in higher volumes. The budget had to move in that direction but FM has done little in this regard. Over and above the farmers of this country are killing themselves for want of low interest credit. They want irrigation and a ready market where their produce is sold without the middlemen. They need better seeds and good market support. The FM has left the farmers high and dry. One redeeming factor of this budget is the allocation for defence to about two trillion rupees. Defence is one area where there should be no compromise. We are surrounded by hostile powers and the defence procurement has to be on fast track. We are not yet clear whether in this budget the air force will get enough funds to purchase Rafale jet fighters for which the deal has already made with France. There are other sensitive areas where army sector needs funds but will this allocation fulfill all the basic requirements remains to be seen. There are some good features in the budget but the general mood created by the budget is that of gloom and disconsolation. The opposition is angry with the budget. They might have their political compulsions to oppose the budget but by and large they are right by terming the budget as verbose and lacking in substance.

For many of us the Railway Budget has ensured that, inspite of rising prices we will still pay the same fares. On the environmental front, the Budget has taken the green energy initiatives a step further with measures such as setting up of the Railway Energy Management Company. The REMC is to harness the potential of solar and wind energy, a woefully belated but nevertheless welcome step.
Budget is an apt occasion to showcase the ambition of the railways, and Union Minster for Railways Pawan Kumar Bansal could have used the opportunity to aggressively promote Indian Railways as a green organisation, and in the process help improve its image. No new notable development has taken place that can have a significant impact on last year the then Railways Minister Dinesh Trivedi made a similar announcement to electrify 200 stations and 1,000 level-crossings with renewable energy. But, on the ground that is yet to happen. Similarly, bio-toilets for trains developed jointly by the Defence Research and Development Organisation and Indian Railways earned the praise of Prime Minister trials for the new toilets in nine trains are throwing up a variety of issues such as clogging, but here public awareness too needs to be done simultaneously in order to ensure successful implementation. At times when fuel prices are sky-rocketing and with the Government having permitted oil companies to sell bulk diesel at market prices,

Don't trust separatists; they can say all's well

By Rajesh Singh ahul Pandita's book, Our Moon has Blood Clots, is a moving first-hand account of the tragedy of Kashmiri Pandits who had to flee their homes in the Valley. It also lays bare the designs of the 'Azaadi' brigade Those who believe that the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from Kashmir valley in the late eighties and the early nineties was encouraged, if not planned, by Central authorities like Jagmohan, who was the Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, should read Rahul Pandita's moving account of the development in his recently published book, Our Moon has Blood Clots. The book will dispel the impression that many people with vested interests have generated - an impression no doubt created and promoted by separatists in the Valley who do not wish to take the responsibility for driving out a large section of Kashmiris from their homes - that the Pandits had perhaps over-reacted and played into the hands of elements who were averse to an inclusive Kashmir. Yet, Our Moon has Blood Clots is not a political narrative. Nor is it a biased account of the machinations that were played out even as thousands of Kashmiri Pandits saw their world collapse before their eyes. Pandita sees the event as a first-hand experience because his family (and he) were one of the thousands of those who were compelled to abandon their home and hearth when separatists and goons who had the support of influential people let loose

mayhem, and threatened and maimed and killed Pandits who were as much a part of Kashmir as any other. The author offers many instances in the book to demonstrate just how lawless and dangerous the Valley had become for the Pandits. It was the beginning of 1990 and Kashmir was getting accustomed to cries of "Hamein kya chahiye, Azaadi!" from mobs who roamed the streets and target-

the road, they kicked him, making him fall into a drain. One man unzipped his trousers and sprayed piss over him. As he writhed in pain, the men fired a few more shots and killed him. His killing was the JKLF's answer to HN Jattu's letter." This was not an isolated incident; the book is replete with many such instances where the hate for Kashmiri Pandits manifested in the most barbaric ways. Twenty

separatist elements? It is in this backdrop that we must consider with contempt the various 'appeals' that the separatists have been making to draw the displaced Kashmiri Pandits back to the Valley. At an event in Chandigarh some months ago, Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq had said, "Kashmiri Pandits are part and parcel of our society. We want them to return." On a different occasion, while giv-

Throughout this cycle of violence, all that we heard from the separatists, who are now giving calls to their " brother and sister Pandits" to return, was silence or the occasional empty word of condolence. At times, they resorted to the propaganda that the Pandits who had stayed back had been taken care of and had come to no harm. Pandita is enraged by that contention. He writes, "Another untruth that leaves me fuming is the assertion that nobody touched the handful of Pandit families that had chosen to remain in the Valley." You must read the book for more on that.
ed their 'enemies', even as their masters looked the other way and in cases even offered warped justifications for the abominable conduct of the street-fighters. One instance of the terrible hate that the Pandits had to endure is reflected in the following passage of the book: "One of the Pandit leaders, HN Jattu, wrote an open letter to the JKLF, asking them to make their stand on the Kashmiri Pandits clear. The JKLF took it seriously and responded the next day. In Tankipora, one of Jattu's close associates was accosted by three men. While two men held him, another shot him in his knees. As he collapsed on years down the line, has that hate dissipated for separatists and even mainstream political leaders of the Valley to extend invitations to their "Kashmiri Pandit brothers and sisters" to return home? Is there any assurance of security? We have a Government in Jammu & Kashmir which is unable to protect elected Sarpanches and Panches from attacks by separatist elements working at the behest of their handlers in the Valley and across the border. The regime cannot protect a bunch of teenagers who wanted to sing. Where is the guarantee that the Pandits will once again not become sitting ducks for militants and ing out his insincere call for the Pandits to come back to the Valley, he stated, "If the Pandits think that they would return to the Valley only when the situation is normal, it would be very impractical." So, here we have a separatist leader admitting that things are not normal for the Pandits to return, and yet he wants them to come back. To be slaughtered? Even more hypocritical has been the stand of hardline Hurriyat venom-spewing leader, Syed Ali Shah Geelani. On the one hand, he and the likes of him watched while the Pandits were terrorised into leaving the Valley 20 years ago. On the

other hand, he lays down condition for their return. In July 2012, he remarked, "We have never opposed the return of Kashmiri Pandits, but are against creating separate zones for them. It is an attempt to divide Kashmiris along religious lines, which is harmful to our cause." The fact is - as any Kashmiri Pandit will tell you - that the Pandits appeared to be coming in the way of the separatists' plans to further the cause of the dismemberment of the Valley from India, and that's why they had to be either eliminated or driven away. As for the creation of separate zones which would divide people along religious lines, the Hurriyat, which has done the most to create that division, has no moral right to talk on the subject. Pandita's book has a timeline that encapsulates the tragic exodus and exposes the claims being made by some people including academics that the flight of Pandits from Kashmir was not as huge as it has been made out to be. The author says that from January 1990 to the next few months, "about 3,50,000 Pandits" escaped from the Valley and took refuge in Jammu and elsewhere. Only a handful of them stayed back. As for the separatists, they seemed to have been in perfect consonance with the violence that was going on and responsible for the exodus, because they did nothing meaningful to stop the mayhem. In March 1997, terrorist dragged out seven Kashmiri Pandits from their homes in a village and gunned them down; in January 1998, some 23 Kashmiri Pandits, including women and children,

were shot in cold blood in another village; in March 2003, two dozen Kashmiri Pandits, including infants, were shot dead in yet another village. Throughout this cycle of violence, all that we heard from the separatists, who are now giving calls to their "brother and sister Pandits" to return, was silence or the occasional empty word of condolence. At times, they resorted to the propaganda that the Pandits who had stayed back had been taken care of and had come to no harm. Pandita is enraged by that contention. He writes, "Another untruth that leaves me fuming is the assertion that nobody touched the handful of Pandit families that had chosen to remain in the Valley." You must read the book for more on that. In recent times, the discourse over the tragedy seems to have taken a different turn. There are arguments over the number of people who fled the Valley - also, whether it was a 'migration' or an 'exodus'. There are debates on how many Kashmiri Pandits were actually killed in the violence that was unleashed on them by the hate-mongers aided and abetted by the separatists: Were 650 Pandits killed or 3,000? There is no point at this stage, after all that has happened, to quarrel over statistics. Nothing can change the fact that many, many Kashmiri Pandits were either killed or rendered homeless by people they thought were their own; nor the fact that the killers and their handlers are still at large in the Valley for the Pandits to return with a feeling of safety.

READERS SPACE
State Spatial Data Infrastructure project
Dear Sir, This is in reference to the recent news published in this daily on feb28 regarding the launch of State Spatial Data Infrastructure Project. Our state presents a mosaic of geographical diversity, remoteness of areas and hilly terrain. This project would significantly help in improving governance and reaching out to people on development front according to their requirements in particular sectors and collection, storage and usage of data acquired through latest technological interventions and its harmonisation in a holistic manner would serve as a kingpin in decision making and planning process. The information so available will help the government make

decisions more effectively and based on real-time database analysis. This system will also depict real need and reorient the decision-making bodies to depend on needs perceived. This initiative will also address forest denudation issues, construction plans in hilly, backward, remote areas, conservation of water bodies and protection of environment in the State. Yours etc Radha Raman Via email ( Ramban)

ISRO feat
Dear Sir, The hurling of seven satellites into the space by Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has made the country proud. Among these satellites was a highly sophisticated

satellites called SARAL jointly developed with the collaboration of France. This satellite will study the oceanographic and climatic occurrences which have a great bearing on the climate and weather of the country. Along with this satellite there were six other satellites which have been designed by other countries which were also put into their pre-designated orbit. With this highly successful launch India has once again proved to the world that when it comes to launching of satellites of medium class it has the most dependable work horse in PSLV. It is the same PSLV which put ten satellites into space in 2010. It is high time for the ISRO to fine tune its prestigious GSLV rocket which has not progressed on the expected lines. But all said and done the scientists if ISRO deserve all praise for their remarkable feat. Yours etc Parwinder Singh Digiana, Jammu

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Hagel's remarks: US reiterates India's role in Afghanistan 'positive'

WASHINGTON: Amid the controversy stirred by the newly appointed US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel's antiIndia remarks, the US has rushed to undo the damage by reiterating India's "positive" role in Afghanistan. A day after the US embassy distanced itself from Chuck Hagel's remarks that India has financed problems in Pakistan, now the US Defence Department has issued a statement appreciating India's role in Afghanistan. "The US Defense Department strongly supports the positive role India continues to play in Afghanistan. We continue to support India's bilateral assistance program with Afghanistan, its leadership on private sector investment there, and its leadership promoting regional economic always used Afghanistan as a Afghanistan has been there for many, many years," Hagel had said. Hagel's remarks are in sharp contrast to Obama administration's official stand on India's role in Afghanistan, which has been praising India's economic and developmental support to Afghanistan. Earlier the US embassy also clarified in a statement that India is a valued partner in Afghanistan. The US embassy said, 'The US govt has distanced itself from the views that Chuck Hagel appeared to have held in 2011. The US embassy has reaffirmed that India is a valued partner in Afghanistan. The United States strongly supports the positive role India continues to play in Afghanistan. We continue to support India's bilateral assistance program with Afghanistan, its leadership on private sector investment there, %26 promoting regional economic integration and linkages.' Another clarification over India's role in Afghanistan came by Robert Blake, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia on Wednesday when he said," India has taken a very kind of holistic view of what needs to be done there, and they have a $ 2 billion assistance programme." "They've hosted an investment conference. They have been a champion of this regional integration vision," Mr. Blake said. The statement given by Hagel had drawn ire in India, with the BJP calling it "outlandish, bizarre and baseless".

Chandy renews stress on IT to take Kerala ahead

THIRUVANANTHAPURA M: Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy may not have a laptop or even a mobile but says his "backwardness in IT" will not be a hindrance to the state's plans to go digital. "I do not have a mobile or a laptop and am comfortable with files and papers, but all my staff is fully e-literate. My backwardness in IT will never be a stumbling block to the state's efforts in going digital," Chandy said after a high level meeting on e-governance initiatives Thursday. Chandy had first introduced computerisation as finance minister in K. take away jobs. "At present, five of the 14 districts are linked to the e-district initiative and by the end of this fiscal, the remaining nine districts would also be turned into one. All revenue certificates would be available at the click of a mouse," said Chandy. "The latest statistics show that the number of mobile connections in the state has crossed 3.5 crore, while our population is 3.3 crore," said Chandy. Of the total population, 2.9 crore had been given the Aadhaar card or the Unique Identity card.

integration and linkages," a statement by Major Cathy Wilkinson, a Defense Department spokesperson, said. Chuck Hagel during a speech in 2011 had said, "India for some time has

second front, and India has over the years financed problems for Pakistan on that side of the border". "And you can carry that into many dimensions, the point being [that] the tense, fragmented relationship between Pakistan and

Karunakaran's government (1992-94) but it was stymied the Left opposition, which stated that the move would

Govt announces JPC to probe VVIP helicopter deal

NEW DELHI: The government has announced the constitution of a Joint Parliamentary Committee, JPC to probe the alleged kickbacks in the VVIP helicopter deal. The proposed JPC will also look into the role of middlemen in the purchase of 12 VVIP helicopters from Agusta Westland. Moving a motion in the Rajya Sabha, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath said, the JPC will comprise 10 members from the Upper House and 20 from the Lok Sabha. Mr Nath said the proposed JPC will submit its report within three months. The motion was adopted by voice vote amidst a walkout by the main opposition BJP and other parties including TDP, CPI, TMC and AIADMK. However, the BSP and SP members did not join them. Before staging the walkout, Leader of the Opposition, Arun Jaitley, alleged that the proposed JPC will be an exercise in futility in the absence of any FIR into the case. He also said JPC will have no powers to investigate, interrogate or search the premises of the suspects. Earlier, replying to the short duration discussion on the subject, Defence Minister AK Antony mooted the proposal for having a JPC. He asserted that no guilty person will be spared and stringent action will be taken as per Indian laws and integrity pact. The Minister said the government has served a show cause notice to the company. He said the company has denied paying kickbacks but the government does not believe and is waiting for the CBI report. Refuting the opposition charge that the government delayed initiating action, the Defence Minister said there was no official confirmation from either the Italian or the UK governments. He said the Italian courts were not willing to share the information saying that the enquiry is still on. The CBI has now instituted a preliminary enquiry against 11 individuals including six Indians and four companies.

President welcomes Iran Parliamentary delegation

India-Iran should work together: President
NEW DELHI: Welcoming a Parliamentary delegation from Iran at Rashtrapati Bhavan, the President said,both countries have seen an inter-mingling of people and cultures. Mukherjee said, Iran remains an important source of crude for India. India and Iran must work together to further promote trade and economic links, increased peopleto-people contacts between them and within the region, President Pranab Mukherjee said. Mukherjee said, "India and Iran have a strong bilateral economic relationship and it needs to further deepen for the benefit of peoples of both countries. "We must work together to promote trade and economic links and increased peopleto-people contacts between us and within the region." The excellent bilateral relations between both countries have been strengthened through high-level exchanges and regular engagement through various dialogue mechanisms, he said, have a responsibility to address the challenges to region and the world like terrorism, energy security, food security, climate change, environment and natural disasters. "Peace and stability in Afghanistan is a key to the progress in the region," Mukherjee said. The President expressed happiness that India and Iran are engaged in regular exchange of information and views on the developments in Afghanistan. India is actively engaged in the reconstruction and development of Afghanistan. Dr Ali Larijani, Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly (Majlis), leader of the delegation, said Iran looks forward to a strategic and long-term partnership with India. "India and Iran come from same roots and their destinies are the same. A large area of cooperation is possible between the two countries," he said.

261 swine flu deaths in India in 2013

said, according to a Rashtrapati Bhavan statement. The President said Iran remains an important source of crude for India. "Presently, our bilateral trade is weighted in favour of Iran. Indian markets are open to Iranian exports. India hopes that Iran would source more goods from India," he said. India and Iran, Mukherjee

NEW DELHI: Swine flu has killed 261 people in India this year, with most deaths reported from Rajasthan, the health ministry said Thursday. A total of 2,329 people tested positive for the Influenza A (H1N1) virus, which causes swine flu, in 35 states and union territories. The highest number of cases (834) were reported from Delhi till Tuesday, followed by Rajasthan (564) and Haryana (305). Rajasthan reported the

highest number of deaths at 107, followed by 51 in Gujarat, 36 in Haryana and 32 in Punjab, the ministry said. The ministry gave a break up of swine flu cases in the country in the past four years. The highest number was reported in 2009 (27,236), followed by 2010 (20,604) and 2012 (5,054 cases). The highest number of swine flu deaths took place in 2011 (1,763), followed by 2009 (981) and 2012 (405).

Jayalalithaa inducts three new ministers into Cabinet

Governor K Rosaiah dropped VS Vijay, minister for health, Gokula Indira, minister for tourism, and NR Sivapathy, minister for school education, youth welfare, law, courts and prisons, from the council of ministers. The governor approved the induction of TP Poonachi as minister for khadi and village industries, Vaigaichelvan as minister for school education, sports and youth welfare and KC Veeramani as minister for health. The new ministers will be sworn in on Thursday.

Government to challenge IIPM verdict today

NEW DELHI: Bowing to public pressure the government on Thursday will challenge the Gwalior High Court's order of blocking 78 webpages, of which 73 had articles critical of the Indian Institute of Planning and Management (IIPM) and its director Arindam Chaudhuri. The court order had asked Director General of Indian Computer Emergency Response Team to block 78 web pages including that of University Grant Commission (UGC). This was after the parties in the case - Google India, Google Inc and website firm Weebly Inc - did not comply with the order, the source said. UGC in its public notice cautioning the students had said that it does not recognise (IIPM) and that it is not entitled to award degrees. Google India's had participated in the process through its lawyer and the first notice in the case was received by its representative on May 19, 2012, the source added. No immediate comments were received from Google and Weebly. The list of web pages blocked also included news items on websites of leading media houses on the IIPM.

Sri Lanka begins transferring Indian prisoners

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka has begun transferring Indians serving prison terms back to India under a bilateral agreement, the Indian High Commission said on Thursday. The high commission said two Indians were transferred this week under the India-Sri Lanka bilateral Agreement on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. Another 18 Indian prisoners would move to India within a week under the agreement, the mission said. In all, there are 31 sentenced Indian nationals undergoing prison terms in Sri Lanka, eligible for transfer to India under the agreement. The high commission said that formalities with regard to the release of the remaining 11 prisoners were also underway. The India-Sri Lanka agreement was signed two years ago. The agreement provides for the conditions under which such transfers can take place and the various obligations of the transferring and receiving states. CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa Thursday inducted three new faces into her cabinet while dropping three ministers. A statement by the Raj Bhavan said that on the recommendation of the chief minister,

Pinaka rockets successfully test-fired

BALASORE (ODISHA): Indigenously developed 'Pinaka' rockets were on Thursday successfully testfired from a multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) by an armament establishment from a base at Chandipur-onsea, about 15 km from here. "Three rounds of Pinaka rockets were successfully tested today," defence sources said, adding some more trials were expected to be conducted on Friday. On January 30 and 31, this year, seven rounds of "Pinaka" rockets were tested from the same base. 'Pinaka', which has undergone several tough tests since 1995, has already been inducted into the armed forces. Today's test was conducted by personnel from Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune unit at Proof and Experimental system with a range of 40 km. The quick reaction time and high rate of fire of the system gives an edge to the army during a lowintensity conflict situation, he said. The unguided rocket system is meant to neutralise large areas with rapid salvos. 'Pinaka' system can fire a salvo of 12 rockets in 44 seconds, the sources said, adding that the battery of six launchers can neutralise at a time a target area of 3.9 sq km. The system's capability to incorporate several types of warheads makes it deadly for the enemy as it can even destroy solid structures and bunkers.

Digvijay Singh's wife passes away

NEW DELHI: Asha Singh, wife of senior Congress l e a d e r Digvijay S i n g h , breathed her last on Wednesday at a hospital in New Delhi after battling cancer for several years. She was 58 and died around 7 pm at the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences in Vasant Kunj, where she was admitted a few days ago. Doctors at the hospital said Asha suffered f r o m advanced malignancy (advanced form of cancer) when she was brought to the institute. Asha was also treated at a US hospital for cancer a few months ago. She is survived by four daughters and one son.

Government admits problems over Aadhaar cards

Establishment (PXE) firing point-2 at Chandipur, the sources said. "The MBRL, capable of acting as a force-multiplier, has been developed to supplement artillery guns," a defence official said. 'Pinaka' is an area weapon

NEW DELHI: The government admitted that a large number of Aadhaar cards had not been delivered by post offices. Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Rajeev Shukla said in the Lok Sabha: "Complaints of a large number of Aadhaar letters not delivered from post offices have been received." He said the government had taken various measures and also instructed all the postal circles in the country to ensure their "smooth and timely delivery". The minister also admitted to problems because the Aadhaar portal had earlier a capacity constraint."The capacity was enhanced, which took some time," he said. "Technological enhancement has now been put in place to enable it to function properly."

Indian child back home from US protection custody

KOLKATA: Nearly six months after being taken into custody by the US Child Protection Services in New Jersey for alleged neglect by parents, the toddler son of an Indian couple in the USA has returned to an emotional reunion here. One-and-a-half-year-old Indrashish, the son of Debashish and Pamela Saha, arrived here yesterday and met by relatives and grandparents with toys and balloons. They took the child to their home at Baguihati in North 24 Parganas district. Indrasish was accompanied by his uncle Bhaskar on an Emirates flight from Newark. The child was ordered to be released from US foster care and given to the custody of his grandmother which was agreed to by the US authorities. The US court, while allowing repatriation of the little boy, dismissed the case filed by the New Jersey Child Protection Services against his parents. The New Jersey authorities had alleged that the injuries sustained by Indrasish three weeks after he went to the US for the first time with his parents, was caused deliberately and not sustained in an accidental fall at home on August nine at Parsippany town in New Jersey. Dismissing the case, the court allowed the mother to appeal against the New Jersey authorities, which she did to clear her name. The parents did not ask for custody in the US court as it would require that their son remain in interim foster care where he had suffered injuries and medical emergencies on multiple occasions. The boy would go to his grandparent's house at Gangarampur in South Dinajpur district later. The Indrasish case has striking similarity to the return of three-year-old Abhigyan and one-year-old Aishwarya, from Norway to the custody of their uncle Arunabhas Bhattacharya as per a Norway court order last year, after a prolonged legal battle.

Fire breaks out in Manesar factory

GURGAON: A fire broke out on Thursday at a factory in the Manesar industrial township of Haryana near here. No one was injured in the incident, an official said. The fire broke out in Nippon Audiotronix Ltd in Sector 8 of Manesar around 2 pm. The company manufactures audio systems and car security systems for Maruti Suzuki. Five fire tenders were pressed into service to control basement caught fire but the blaze was brought under control within half-an-hour. "The cause behind the fire was yet to be ascertained. The company has its own fire fighter system but it failed as the company has not appointed firemen," Yadav added.

the blaze, senior fireman Narender Singh Yadav said. The packing materials that were kept under the stairs of

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US 'can't dictate' to the world: Pentagon's new chief.

WASHINGTON: America cannot "dictate to the world" and must work with allies and build relationships with other nations, US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said shortly after being sworn in Wednesday as the new Pentagon chief. On his first day at the job, Hagel reinforced his reputation as a reluctant warrior as he told an auditorium of civilian officials and military officers that America was a powerful country but could not accomplish its goals without forging strong alliances. "I've always believed that America's role in the world ... has been one that should engage the world. We can't dictate to the world. But we must engage in the world," Hagel said. "No nation, as great as America is, can do this on their own. We need to continue to build on the strong relationships that we have 66,000 American forces are due to withdraw from But we are a force for good," he said. Hagel, an outspoken opponent of the Iraq war during George W. Bush's presidency, added that "we have great power, and how we apply our power is particularly important. "That engagement in the world should be done wisely." Hagel, 66, took his oath of office at about 8:30 am (1330 GMT) at the Pentagon as his wife looked on, becoming the first combat veteran from the Vietnam conflict to take up the post. In his remarks to Pentagon employees, Hagel spoke without notes and struck an upbeat tone despite a nasty debate in the Senate over his nomination that saw him struggle to win enough votes for confirmation. Despite the bitter atmosphere that prevailed at his confirmation hearing, in which he was pummeled by his former Republican colleagues over his statements on Iran and Israel, officials said Hagel would seek to cooperate with Congress. "Senator Hagel has signaled his very strong commitment right away to get down to business, to get deeply invested in the work of the Pentagon and its military and civilian workers," Pentagon spokesman George Little told reporters Tuesday. "His goal is to look to the future." Although Hagel's opponents failed in the end to derail his nomination, their hostile stance signaled that the former infantryman would have little breathing room when it comes to working with Congress, without the kind of bipartisan support some of his predecessors enjoyed.

6.9-magnitude quake hits off Russian Far East: USGS

WASHINGTON: A 6.9magnitude earthquake struck Thursday off the coast of far eastern Russia, the US Geological Survey said. The USGS said the quake hit off the Kurile islands at 1405 GMT at a depth of 53 kilometers (33 miles). The islands are south of Russia's Kamchatka peninsula. The USGS said an underground formation called the Kurile-Kamchatka arc is considered one of the most seis-

mically active regions in the world. Since 1900, seven powerful earthquakes of

magnitude 8.3 or greater have occurred along the arc, the USGS said.

built." Defense secretaries often adopt a tough tone to signal resolve to America's adversaries, but Hagel's comments echoed President Barack Obama's emphasis on extricating the country from a decade of ground wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. US troops have pulled out of Iraq in 2011 and roughly

Afghanistan by the end of 2014, a drawdown that Hagel will be charged with overseeing. Hagel told the Pentagon audience that the United States was ultimately a force "for good" but had a duty to exercise its power with care. "We make mistakes. We've made mistakes. We'll continue to make mistakes.

Fukushima disaster raised cancer risk near plant: WHO

GENEVA: Radiation leakage from the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan has increased the risk of thyroid cancer for people living in vicinity of the crippled plant, but no rise in cases is anticipated elsewhere, the WHO said on Thursday. Experts estimated risks in the general population in Fukushima Prefecture, the rest of Japan and the rest of the world, plus the power plant and emergency workers that may have been exposed during the emergency phase response. The World Health Organization (WHO) report "Health Risk Assessment from the nuclear accident after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami based on preliminary dose estimation" estimated risk for specific cancers in certain subsets of the population in Fukushima Prefecture has increased. And, as such, the report calls for long term continued monitoring and health screening for those people WHO said. "The primary concern identified in this report is related to specific cancer risks linked to particular locations and demographic factors," said Dr Maria Neira, WHO Director for Public Health and contaminated location, the estimated increased risks over what would normally be expected are: all solid cancers - around 4 per cent in females exposed as infants. The estimated risk for breast cancer stood at around 6 per cent in females exposed as infants, leukemia around 7 per cent in males exposed as infants, thyroid cancer - up to 70 per cent in females exposed as infants, the report said. The normally expected risk of thyroid cancer in females over lifetime is 0.75 per cent and the additional lifetime risk assessed for females exposed as infants in the most affected location is 0.50 per cent. However, a comprehensive assessment by international experts on the health risks associated with the disaster concluded that, for the general population inside and outside of Japan, the predicted risks are low and no observable increases in cancer rates above baseline rates are anticipated.

Thailand, rebel group agree to seek peace talks China to launch new manned spacecraft
KUALA LUMPUR: Thailand signed its firstever public agreement with a rebel group in its Muslimmajority south on Thursday, pledging to work toward peace talks aimed at ending a festering insurgency. The potentially historic pledge was signed in Kuala Lumpur between Thai officials and a representative of the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) rebel group hours before a visit to Malaysia by Thai premier Yingluck Shinawatra. Yingluck was to meet later in the day with her host, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, for annual talks set to include the nine-year insurgency and the possibility of Malaysia hosting future Thai negotiations with the militants. There has been a recent spike in attacks along Thailand's border with Muslim-majority Malaysia, where the nine-year insurgency has claimed more than 5,500 lives. However, experts warned against viewing the agreement as a breakthrough, noting the splintered nature of the insurgents, lack of concrete demands, and Thailand's difficulty identifying figures with authority to negotiate. The "general consensus document to launch a dialogue process for peace" was signed by LieutenantGeneral Paradorn Pattanathabutr, secretary general of Thailand's National Security Council, and Hassan Taib of the BRN. "Thank Allah we will do our best to solve the problem. We will tell our people to work together to solve the problems," Hassan, identified as the "chief of the BRN liaison office in Malaysia,". No text of the agreement was handed out and officials otherwise offered little comment. BEIJING: China's new manned spacecraft will be launched sometime between June and August, authorities said. Three Chinese astronauts will board the Shenzhou-10, which is expected to dock with the Orbiting lab module Tiangong-1, a spokesperson for the office of the country's space manned program said in a statement said on Thursday. The Tiangong-1 was sent into space in September 2011. It later docked with the Shenzhou-8 unmanned spacecraft in November 2011 and with the Shenzhou-9 manned spacecraft in June 2012. After years of testing, the new mission will mark the first formal application of the manned space transportation system. The objectives of the new mission include further assessing the performance of the docking system, the combination's capabilities in supporting life and work, and the abilities of astronauts on the job, according to plans. Research on astronauts' abilities to adapt to the environment in the space module will also be conducted, in addition to tests on repairing orbiting spacecraft and other key technologies necessary for developing a space station. China plans to build its own space station around 2020. During the mission, astronauts will also give science lectures to teenage spectators back on Earth, the statement said.

Environment. "A breakdown of data, based on age, gender and proximity to the nuclear plant, does show a higher cancer risk for those located in the most contaminated parts. Outside these parts - even in locations inside Fukushima Prefecture no observable increases in cancer incidence are expected," Neira said in a statement. In terms of specific cancers, for people in the most

ECONOMY

Budget paves way for lowering twin deficits, says RBI Govt to give more powers to SEBI
MUMBAI: The Reserve Bank on Thursday welcomed the General Budget, saying it has laid the foundation for lowering fiscal and current account deficits, apart from supporting both domestic and foreign investments. The central bank said the government's net market borrowing target of around Rs 5 lakh crore (budget estimate for the next fiscal is Rs 4.84 lakh crore) is manageable. RBI Deputy Governor Urjit Patel at the customary postbudget press conference here said, "The Budget will go a long way in lowering the fiscal risks. "The fiscal targets achieved in 2012-13 (5.2 per cent of GDP) and that laid down for 2013-14 (projected at 4.8 per cent) will lay the foundation for a sustainable rebalancing of government finances. This would impart confidence in the economy and support investments, both domestic and foreign." Asked about monetary response to the Budget proposals in general and the fiscal consolidation roadmap in particular, Patel said the RBI response will be known on March 19. "As you know, the mid-term monetary policy review is next month. So, we will reflect on that and discuss it next month." The Budget estimated fiscal deficit for the current financial year at 5.2 per cent, and at 4.8 per cent in FY14. Patel said along with lowering of twin deficits (FD and CAD), the Budget will boost household savings along with creating a space to augment private investment. "The Budget sets the stage for lowering the twin deficits, moderating the drafts of government on household financial savings and help create the fiscal space to augment private investment," the RBI Deputy Governor maintained. On the concerns regarding higher subsidies, Patel, who took over the job last month, said the Budget has taken significant steps to bring down fiscal deficit and challenges arising from subsidies are being met by the Government. "The Budget has taken significant steps forward for taking the overall fiscal deficit down and the challenge of subsidies is being met....this is a medium-term programme and we have both 2012-13 and 2013-14 numbers, which indicate the Government expenditure and borrowings are being brought down and I think, overall that's a good thing." NEW DELHI: Promising greater powers to SEBI in its silver jubilee year, Finance Minister P Chidambaram said a proposal is under consideration to amend the SEBI Act, which governs various activities concerning the capital markets. "I believe that India's capital market is among the best regulated markets. This year is SEBI's silver jubilee year and I offer the regulator our congratulations. A proposal to amend the SEBI Act to strengthen the regulator is under consideration," Chidambaram said during his Budget speech. By way of amendment in the SEBI Act, the market regulator has already sought a major overhaul of the securities laws including greater authority to nail manipulators by way of powers to conduct 'search and seizure' operations and to demand information from any person in relation to its probes. It has also proposed the recovery of monetary penalties through Income-Tax arrears mechanism, setting up of special courts to deal with criminal prosecution for violation of securit i e s laws a n d recognition o f SEBI's counsels as public prosecutors. SEBI has decided to pursue these proposed amendments in view of the challenges faced by it in areas such as the recovery and realization of monetary penalties and regulation of pooling of monies from public by schemes including those in the nature of collective investments, among others. The market regulator has been facing impediments on its investigation and enforcement powers with regard to protecting investments by attachment of assets. It has also faced challenges to enforcement and implementation of its orders. I n addition, SEBI has been faci n g restrained in taking necessary actions against market manipulators as it lacks an effective power of search and seizure, and due to limited sharing of information with overseas regulators as well as lack of power to call for information from any person in relation to enquiry or investigation. SEBI had last sought amendments to the Securities Laws in 2009 and had sent its recommendations to the Finance Ministry. However, the Ministry later informed it that SEBI should pursue only critical amendments for the time being, as the government had set up a Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission (FSLRC) to rewrite and harmonize the entire gamut of financial sector laws. Accordingly, SEBI in 2011 forwarded a proposal containing only critical amendments to securities laws, which it felt cannot wait long and must be perused independent of the recommendation of the FSLRC. The Finance Ministry in December had sought certain clarifications with regard to the proposed amendments, pursuant to which SEBI has now decided to limit its proposals to the "most important and critical amendments" and keeping the others for consideration after FSLRC recommendations.

Rural development ministry gets 46 percent hike in budget

NEW DELHI: The rural development ministry, which runs many of the UPA government's flagship programmes like rural job guarantee and road construction schemes, got a 46 percent hike in its allocation in the 2013-14 annual budget on Thursday. "We estimate that they will be able to spend Rs.55,000 crore ($10,258 million) before the end of the current year. I propose to allocate Rs.80,194 crore ($14,957 million) in 201314," Finance Minister P. Chidambaram said in his budget speech. The rural development ministry runs the government's flagship programmes like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna (PMGSY) and the Indira Awas Yojana (IAY). Under revised estimates, the MGNREGS will get Rs.33,000 crore ($6,154 million) as compared to Rs.29,000 crore ($5,408 million) last year. Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh said that the money allocated to the MGNEGS was based on the amount spent. "The government has to give the money under law, so if we need more money we will go to the finance minister again". "Usually, the period between the months of January to June is a lean one for the rural job guarantee scheme," he said, adding if more money needed will be asked for in October. The allocation for the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) has dipped from Rs.24,000 crore to Rs.21,700 crore. "The reason for this is that we could spend only Rs.10,000 crore ($1,865 million)," the rural development minister said. Ramesh attributed the less spending to the poor administrative back-up in states, and the complicated financial procedures involved that put a spanner in fast release of funds. An extended scheme for the PMGSY was also announced, under which states which have fulfilled conditions of the programme will be given funds for up gradation work. "Objectives of PMGSY have been substantially fulfilled in several states and these states wish to do more, and hence it is proposed to carve out PMGSY-II and allocate a portion of funds to the new programme," Chidambaram said. The PMGSY-II will be extended to states like Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Punjab and Rajasthan. While PMGSY-I will get Rs.16,000 crore for basic laying of roads, the rest of the fund will go to PMGSY-II. Another flagship programme, the Indira Awas Yojna (IAY) has been allocated Rs.15,184 crore. The allocation for drinking water and sanitation will be Rs.15,260 crore. The finance minister also proposed to provide Rs.1,400 crore towards setting up of water purification plants as there are still 2,000 arsenicand 12,000 fluoride-affected rural habitations in the coun-

Rajiv Gandhi equity scheme to be liberalized

NEW DELHI: Finance Minister P. Chidambaram today proposed liberalizing the Rajiv Gandhi Equity Savings Scheme to enable first time investors to park funds in MFs and listed shares and extended tax benefits to three successive years. Also, the limit for investors wanting to invest in RGESS has been raised to Rs 12 lakh from Rs 10 lakh earlier. The RGESS will be liberalized to enable first time retail investors to invest in mutual funds and listed shares and not in one year alone, but for three successive years, Chidambaram said while presenting the Budget for 2013-14 in the Lok Sabha. The RGESS, which was originally announced in the Budget for 2012-13, seeks to provide tax benefits to first time investors in stock markets. Under the scheme, an individual with an income of less than Rs 12 lakh would get tax incentives for investing up to Rs 50,000 in the stock market.

Rupee slips 60 paise to 54.47

MUMBAI: The rupee slipped 60 paise against the dollar to a low of 54.47 after the domestic equity market was disappointed post the announcement of the Union Budget. After opening stronger at 53.63 at the Interbank Foreign Exchange market, the rupee moved about 88 paise from a high of 53.60 to 54.48 per dollar during the day. On Wednesday, the Indian currency had closed 21 paise stronger at 53.87 after the Government announced the turnaround of the economy in FY14 with higher growth and lower fiscal deficit targets in the pre-Budget Economic Survey. The inter-bank call money rates opened higher at 7.90 per cent from their previous close of 7.85 per cent on Wednesday. Currently, the rates were trading at 7.80 per cent. The widely traded 8.15 per cent government security, which matures in 2022, fell sharply to Rs 101.80 from its previous close of Rs 102.28, while the yields rose to 7.87 per cent from Wednesday's close of 7.79 per cent.

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bogeys on the first and sixth and a bogey on the 18th with JAMMU: The 151 Battalion on Thursday clinched the championship trophy in hockey in the zonal level inter-battalion sports meet held in three disciplines, including handball and kabaddi at Preet Nagar in Gangyal. In the finals of the meet, which was organized jointly by 33 and 151 Battalions of the CRPF, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Operations), Jammu North, SS Dogra was chief guest. The DIGP gave away winners and runners-up tro-

Sharmila wins her first Hero golf title

MUMBAI: Sharmila Nicollet on Thursday showcased her consistency to win the third leg of the Hero Women's Pro Golf tour at the Bombay Presidency Golf Club. Sharmila, who staged a super comeback to start as the overnight leader, finished her final round with a three-day total of 211, two shots ahead of Kolkata golfer Neha Tripathi. Sharmila, who started off with a birdie on the first hole followed by a bogey, played a par round till the 12th hole. Her consecutive bogeys on 13th and 14th holes followed by a birdie on 16th helped her finish the final round at one over 71. Neha, who was the only player Thursday to shoot a par round, finished as the runnersup to the tournament falling short by two shots from the winner. Her birdies on the first and 13th and two bogeys on

Council readies `draft' 151 Bn wins hockey title in CRPF Meet of Sports Policy
JAMMU: Entrusted with the task to formulate the Sports Policy, the State Sports Council has finalized a `draft' for the proposed line of action to boost sports in the trouble torn state of Jammu and Kashmir. The copy of the 21-page draft of the Sports Policy has already been presented to the President of the Sports Council and Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah for consideration. The detailed `draft' of the proposed Sports Policy will now be put to test by way of seeking opinion from general public and those stake holders in the sports association of the state. "Soon the draft will be circulated among the general masses by way of publishing it in the local newspapers. Everyone will be given an opportunity to come forward with suggestions. The feedback must reach the office of the Sports Council latest by March 20," a senior officer of the Sports Council said. The proposed policy included objectives and vision besides development of sports infrastructure, talent search and training. It also mentioned about the categorization of the games and role of those stakeholders in the state sports. Stress has been laid on public-private partnership by involving those corporations and corporate houses. To encourage the sportspersons of excellence, special awards andincentives have been suggested.

phies as also other individual prizes. He also encouraged the participants and complimented the teams for the spirit of sports. Also present in

the valedictory function were Commandant of 151 Bn of the CRPF, Nikhil Rastogi and Commandant of 33 Bn, Narbir Singh.

the ninth and 14th helped her finish Round 3 at par 70 and a total score of 213. Veteran golfer, Smriti Mehra had another disappointing day as she carded three over 73 and a total of 216 to finish third. Smriti had double

two birdies on second and seventh holes. Rani Sonti finished fourth with a final round score of four over 74 and a total of 222. Vani Kapoor finished fifth with a total score of 225 and Saaniya Sharma was placed sixth with 226.

PTS-A enters QFs of KPL T20

KATHUA: Police Training School (PTS)-A today qualified for the quarterfinals stages after they defeated Johnty Cricket Club (JCC) by 18 runs in the ongoing Kathua Premier League (KPL) Twenty20 Cricket Tournament at Sports Stadium. Earlier, JCC won the toss and opted to field. Batting first, PTS set a target of 136 runs for the loss of five wickets, which, in reply, JCC could not chase and lost all their wickets for 117 runs in 19.3 overs. Rompy and Ashwani Kotwal remained top scorers from PTS with 38 and 31 runs in their respective accounts. From JCC, Shotu Raina and Tony took one wicket. Later, JCC though maintained the required run-rate yet they could not overhaul the opponent total. Shotu Raina (34 off 26 balls and Rinku (30 off 27 balls) played fine innings yet they could not lead their side to victory. Ajay and Rompy took three and two wickets respectively from PTS. For his all round performance, Rompy was declared man of the match. Today's pre- quarterfinal was officiated by Rajesh Gupta and Dheeraj Andotra as umpires while Manu maintained the score.

MCC call for T20 at 2024 Manoj of IB, Gautam of Olympic Games NSSO advance in badminton
LONDON: MCC's world cricket committee has said it would like to see Twenty20 cricket included at the 2024 Olympic Games to boost take-up of the game around the world. Cricket is on the first rung of the ladder for inclusion at a future Games, having received full Olympic recognition in 2010, but would still have to apply to be on the programme. Now the earliest the International Cricket Council (ICC) can apply for the sport to feature at an Olympic Games is 2024. International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Jacques Rogge, a noted Anglophile, has previously encouraged cricket to make its case for Games inclusion, saying in 2011: "We would welcome an application. "It's an important, popular sport and very powerful on television. It's a sport with a great tradition where mostly you have a respect of the ethics. Only once before has cricket appeared in the Games, at the 1900 Paris Olympics, when Britain beat France by 158 runs, with the French team largely made up of British expatriates. JAMMU: Manoj of Intelligence Bureau (IB), Gautam of National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO) and Pawan of Indian Institute of Integrative Medicines (IIIM) were among those who have found berth in the third round of quarterfinals on the opening day of the two-day badminton competition of Centre Government employees. The badminton event is part of the ongoing Annual Sports Meet, organized by the Central Government Employees Welfare Coordination Committee (CGEWCC) at IIIM Sports Complex. In all, 23 shuttlers, serving with different departments of the Centre Government, are taking part in badminton event. The opening day of the two-day meet witnessed singles event while the doubles event shall take place tomorrow. The sports meet is being supervised by members of the committee including, Ashok Chada, BS Bhan, PS Jamwal, Shashi Jamwal and Sunil Chakoo. The Detailed Results: First and Second Round: Sangarsh Meena (IIIM) bt Chander Bhan Singh (CDA) 15-13-1510; Sunil (IIM) bt Shiv Sharma 15-08, 15-06; Manjeet (IIM) bt PJ Singh (Customs and Excise) 15-10, 15-06; Manoj (IB) bt Mahesh Sharma (NSSO); Gautam (CDA) bt Anup Magotra (PGA), Sumit Katwal (IB) bt Jugraj (PAG); Munish (Customs and Excise) bt Desh Kumar (SOI) 15-08, 10-15, 15-13; Rajesh (IIIM) bt Bajrang Singh (Defence Estate).

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