he Union Government today filed an application in the Supreme Court seeking permission to derecognise 44 'C' category deemed universities which lack basic infrastructure.
On the last date of hearing, the apex court had restrained the HRD Ministry from implementing its decision to derecognise these universities.
The universities, spread throughout the country, do not fulfill the eligibility criteria. Most of them do not have campuses, adequate number of qualified teachers, laboratories or hostels.
'B' category universities have been given three years time to make up the deficiencies in the basic infrastructure.
The Centre had earlier informed the court about its decision to withdraw the recognition of 44 deemed universities.
The apex court had passed the restraint order keeping in view the career and future of about 200,000 students who were on the rolls.
Some of the students, unconvinced by the assurances given by the government that they will be absorbed in other educational institutions, had approached the apex court of the country challenging the decision.
Most of the deemed universities facing axe are conducting medical science and engineering courses
Friday, February 26, 2010
Bhim Singh moves SC to quash criminal cases against M F Hussain
Panthers Party chief Prof Bhim Singh today filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking direction to the Centre to withdraw all criminal cases against eminent painter M F Hussain for his alleged obscene paintings of Hindu goddesses.
The petitioner has also urged the apex court to direct the governemnt to ensure the safety and security of the 95-year-old painter who is presently living in exile in London.
There are reports in the media that the painter has decided to take citizenship of Qatar.
Several criminal complaints, which were filed against Hussain in various parts of the country, have already been transfered to Patiala House Court in Delhi by the apex court.
Hindu organisations, mainly Sangh Parivar, have been agitating against Hussain for hurting the religious and patriotic sentiments of the Hindus and the people of India in large.
The petitioner has also urged the apex court to direct the governemnt to ensure the safety and security of the 95-year-old painter who is presently living in exile in London.
There are reports in the media that the painter has decided to take citizenship of Qatar.
Several criminal complaints, which were filed against Hussain in various parts of the country, have already been transfered to Patiala House Court in Delhi by the apex court.
Hindu organisations, mainly Sangh Parivar, have been agitating against Hussain for hurting the religious and patriotic sentiments of the Hindus and the people of India in large.
FM advises people to quit smoking; increases tax on tobacco items
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee today advised people not to smoke and increased excise duty on tobacco items.
Presenting the Budget in the Lok Sabha, Mr Mukherjee admitted that he himself used to smoke earlier but left the habit many years ago.
''I will advise other people also to quit smoking as it is injurious to health,'' he said.
The budget has increased the excise duty on cigarette, cigar along with that on non-smoking tobacco products like scented chewing tobacco, snuff. Also, an additional tax has been levied on pouch machines of branded tobacco. The annoucement was welcomed by the members who were also happy about excise duty exemption on toys and baloons.
Seeing women members clapping, the finance minister quipped that toys and balloons are source of joy for children. So, to see the happy faces of their mothers the tax on those items has been exempted.
Presenting the Budget in the Lok Sabha, Mr Mukherjee admitted that he himself used to smoke earlier but left the habit many years ago.
''I will advise other people also to quit smoking as it is injurious to health,'' he said.
The budget has increased the excise duty on cigarette, cigar along with that on non-smoking tobacco products like scented chewing tobacco, snuff. Also, an additional tax has been levied on pouch machines of branded tobacco. The annoucement was welcomed by the members who were also happy about excise duty exemption on toys and baloons.
Seeing women members clapping, the finance minister quipped that toys and balloons are source of joy for children. So, to see the happy faces of their mothers the tax on those items has been exempted.
Nine Indians killed in Afghanistan suicide attack
Upto nine Indians were killed and several others injured in a dastardly suicide attack in Afghanistan capital Kabul today.
External Affairs Minister S M Krishna said in a statement that there had been a ''heinous'' terrorist attack in Kabul this morning targeting a few residential facilities used, among others, by Indian nationals. ''As per the preliminary information provided by Afghan Government officials, up to nine Indians, besides a few others from Afghanistan and third countries, have lost their lives,'' the Minister said.
External Affairs Minister S M Krishna said in a statement that there had been a ''heinous'' terrorist attack in Kabul this morning targeting a few residential facilities used, among others, by Indian nationals. ''As per the preliminary information provided by Afghan Government officials, up to nine Indians, besides a few others from Afghanistan and third countries, have lost their lives,'' the Minister said.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
FBI Director meets Chidambaram
FBI Director Robert Mueller on Tuesday discussed counter-terrorism cooperation with Home Minister P Chidambaram and top security officials, after which it was disclosed that the US was helping in securing India's vast railway system.
The 20-minute meeting with the Home Minister took place in the backdrop of the Pune terror blast. US Ambassador to India Timothy Roemer was present.
On his second visit to India in recent months, Mueller also met new National Advisor Shiv Shanker Menon. His other meetings were with Chief of Intelligence Bureau Rajiv Mathur and top officials handling counter-terrorism.
A statement issued by the US embassy on Mueller's discussions spoke of "robust and active" counter-terror cooperation between the two countries and disclosed that American Rail authorities had travelled to New Delhi and Mumbai to "observe first hand the enormous task of securing India's vast railway system."
Subsequently, a team of Indian government and law enforcement officials had travelled to New York city and Washington DC in this connection, the statement said.
The terror attacks in trains in Mumbai and near Delhi have claimed nearly 250 lives in recent past, out of which about 200 were killed in Mumbai train blasts. Over 60 were killed in a blast in Samjhuta Express near Panipat in 2007.
"Terrorism respects no boundaries, and the recent attack in Pune-- where 15 innocent people from around the globe lost their lives-- was a stark reminder that terrorists kill without regard for nationality. We must cooperate globally to protect our citizens locally in their cities, villages, and homes," the statement said.
Mueller is also believed to have discussed among other issues the case of US terror suspect David Coleman Headley, currently in the custody of the American investigating agency, and is understood to have shared information about the probe relating to the Pakistani-American's links to the planning of 26/11 attacks in Mumbai.
Mueller had last visited the country in March last year. His current visit comes after India and the United States shared details of intelligence and investigations in the terror strikes in Mumbai in November 2008 -- a joint effort which forced Pakistan to admit that a part of the conspiracy was hatched on its soil.
"Our cooperation extends from the highest reaches of both governments and connects across to provide information and training to local law enforcement in both countries," the statement said.
The visit also assumes significance in view of the meet of Foreign Secretaries of India and Pakistan on Thursday.
The 20-minute meeting with the Home Minister took place in the backdrop of the Pune terror blast. US Ambassador to India Timothy Roemer was present.
On his second visit to India in recent months, Mueller also met new National Advisor Shiv Shanker Menon. His other meetings were with Chief of Intelligence Bureau Rajiv Mathur and top officials handling counter-terrorism.
A statement issued by the US embassy on Mueller's discussions spoke of "robust and active" counter-terror cooperation between the two countries and disclosed that American Rail authorities had travelled to New Delhi and Mumbai to "observe first hand the enormous task of securing India's vast railway system."
Subsequently, a team of Indian government and law enforcement officials had travelled to New York city and Washington DC in this connection, the statement said.
The terror attacks in trains in Mumbai and near Delhi have claimed nearly 250 lives in recent past, out of which about 200 were killed in Mumbai train blasts. Over 60 were killed in a blast in Samjhuta Express near Panipat in 2007.
"Terrorism respects no boundaries, and the recent attack in Pune-- where 15 innocent people from around the globe lost their lives-- was a stark reminder that terrorists kill without regard for nationality. We must cooperate globally to protect our citizens locally in their cities, villages, and homes," the statement said.
Mueller is also believed to have discussed among other issues the case of US terror suspect David Coleman Headley, currently in the custody of the American investigating agency, and is understood to have shared information about the probe relating to the Pakistani-American's links to the planning of 26/11 attacks in Mumbai.
Mueller had last visited the country in March last year. His current visit comes after India and the United States shared details of intelligence and investigations in the terror strikes in Mumbai in November 2008 -- a joint effort which forced Pakistan to admit that a part of the conspiracy was hatched on its soil.
"Our cooperation extends from the highest reaches of both governments and connects across to provide information and training to local law enforcement in both countries," the statement said.
The visit also assumes significance in view of the meet of Foreign Secretaries of India and Pakistan on Thursday.
Price Rise issue rocks Parliament; adjourned till Wednesday
The first day of Parliament after the President's address to a joint sitting saw the two sides at loggerheads as a united opposition charged the Congress-led coalition with "failure" in checking rising food prices.
It was trouble from the word go in both the Houses as Lok Sabha saw opposition members demanding admission of an adjournment motion, while in the Rajya Sabha, they wanted a debate under a rule which stipulates voting.
Both the Houses were adjourned for day in the afternoon and later till Wednesday as members from BJP, Shiv Sena, Samajwadi Party, RJD and the Left stormed the well shouting anti-government slogans. SP and RJD are outside supporters of the UPA.
In the Lok Sabha, some BJP members were seen carrying placards saying, "Mahangai ko samapt karo, Mahangai mantri ko barkhast karo (check price rise, dismiss the minister responsible for price rise)."
Both Finance Minster Pranab Mukherjee and Food and Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar were present in the House.
Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley said, "This government has completely failed to check rising prices."
Sushma Swaraj, who took over as the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, made a strong pitch for an adjournment motion saying several debates on the issue under Rule 193, which provides for a short duration discussion only and no voting, had failed" to have the desired effect on the government.
Making a spirited defence, Parliamentary Affairs Minister P K Bansal said while the government was ready to discuss any issue on the floor of the House, the "rules do not permit an adjournment motion".
There was an uproar when Bansal suggested that state governments were primarily responsible for implementing laws like Essential Commodities Act and those relating to public distribution system and hoarding.
Opposition members countered that the government was "running away" from confronting the problems of the people by putting the blame on states.
SP and RJD members ten trooped into the well while their Left and BJP colleagues stood in protest.
Speaker Meira Kumar tried in vain to pacify the agitated members who were in no mood to listen. She first adjourned the House till noon and later for the day.
SP leader Mulayam Singh Yadav described price rise as a serious challenge and said a large chunk of the people will not be in a position to celebrate the upcoming Holi.
It was trouble from the word go in both the Houses as Lok Sabha saw opposition members demanding admission of an adjournment motion, while in the Rajya Sabha, they wanted a debate under a rule which stipulates voting.
Both the Houses were adjourned for day in the afternoon and later till Wednesday as members from BJP, Shiv Sena, Samajwadi Party, RJD and the Left stormed the well shouting anti-government slogans. SP and RJD are outside supporters of the UPA.
In the Lok Sabha, some BJP members were seen carrying placards saying, "Mahangai ko samapt karo, Mahangai mantri ko barkhast karo (check price rise, dismiss the minister responsible for price rise)."
Both Finance Minster Pranab Mukherjee and Food and Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar were present in the House.
Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley said, "This government has completely failed to check rising prices."
Sushma Swaraj, who took over as the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, made a strong pitch for an adjournment motion saying several debates on the issue under Rule 193, which provides for a short duration discussion only and no voting, had failed" to have the desired effect on the government.
Making a spirited defence, Parliamentary Affairs Minister P K Bansal said while the government was ready to discuss any issue on the floor of the House, the "rules do not permit an adjournment motion".
There was an uproar when Bansal suggested that state governments were primarily responsible for implementing laws like Essential Commodities Act and those relating to public distribution system and hoarding.
Opposition members countered that the government was "running away" from confronting the problems of the people by putting the blame on states.
SP and RJD members ten trooped into the well while their Left and BJP colleagues stood in protest.
Speaker Meira Kumar tried in vain to pacify the agitated members who were in no mood to listen. She first adjourned the House till noon and later for the day.
SP leader Mulayam Singh Yadav described price rise as a serious challenge and said a large chunk of the people will not be in a position to celebrate the upcoming Holi.
Govt not to accept any pre-condition for talks with Maoists: PC
"I would like no ifs, no buts and no conditions," Home Minister P Chidambaram said in a statement on Tuesday, a day after the CPI(Maoists) made a conditional ceasefire offer asking the Government to halt the offensive against them for 72 days and involve mediators for talks.
He said Government has seen many versions of a statement reportedly made by the leaders of the CPI (Maoist).
"In the absence of an authentic statement, Government is unable to respond to these versions," the statement said.
Nevertheless, in order to clear the air, the Home Minister said, "I would like a short, simple statement from the CPI (Maoist) saying 'We will abjure violence and we are prepared for talks'".
Chidambaram said he would like the statement to be faxed to Home Ministry number 011-23093155.
"Once I receive the statement, I shall consult the Prime Minister and other colleagues and respond promptly," he said.
On Monday night, top Maoist leader Kishenji told the media over phone from an undisclosed place that "state governments and the Centre should not indulge in violence between February 25 and May 7 and concentrate on development of tribal areas which will be reciprocated by Maoists".
He was responding to Chidamabaram's statement last week that if the Maoists halted violence for 72 hours, the government would be ready for talks with them.
Maoists offer 72-day ceasefire
The Maoists on Monday night made a conditional ceasefire offer asking the government to halt the offensive against them for 72 days and involve mediators for talks.
"State governments and the Centre should not indulge in violence between February 25 and May 7 and concentrate on development of tribal areas which will be reciprocrated by Maoists," top Maoist leader Kishenji said over phone from an undisclosed place on Monday night.
He was responding to Union Home minister P Chidamabaram's statement last week that if the Maoists halted violence for 72 hours the government would be ready for talks with them.
In New Delhi, a Union Home Ministry official said the Government was "studying" the Maoist offer and will come with a response at an "appropriate time".
Another official said if the offer is unconditional then the government may consider it.
Kishenji said "This is not a problem of 72 hours rather it can take 72 days to solve the problem."
Appealing to intellectuals and human rights organisations to come forward as mediators, he said "We appeal to all the intellectuals, human rights organisations and mass organisations, the organisations which understand the cause of the people and want to stand by their side to mediate with the government and negotiate with the government."
"As long as state sponsored terrorism and violence remains stopped we will renounce our revolutionary revenge," Kishenji said.
"We will cease violence hour wise and day wise considering the state's reciprocation. They will have to take the initiative first," Kishenji said after a two-day Central Committee meeting in deep jungles on the Bengal-Jharkhand border.
Home Secretary G K Pillai refused to comment but a spokesman of his ministry said the Government's reaction will be known on Tuesday.
Congress spokesman Abhishek Singhvi said Maoists can't have conditionalities attached which will make the whole ceasefire meaningless.
Singhvi also said "Distinction has to be made between those who practice violence for criminal acts and those who have to do some violence to combat that violence. Let us not equate these two kinds of violence."
He said Government has seen many versions of a statement reportedly made by the leaders of the CPI (Maoist).
"In the absence of an authentic statement, Government is unable to respond to these versions," the statement said.
Nevertheless, in order to clear the air, the Home Minister said, "I would like a short, simple statement from the CPI (Maoist) saying 'We will abjure violence and we are prepared for talks'".
Chidambaram said he would like the statement to be faxed to Home Ministry number 011-23093155.
"Once I receive the statement, I shall consult the Prime Minister and other colleagues and respond promptly," he said.
On Monday night, top Maoist leader Kishenji told the media over phone from an undisclosed place that "state governments and the Centre should not indulge in violence between February 25 and May 7 and concentrate on development of tribal areas which will be reciprocated by Maoists".
He was responding to Chidamabaram's statement last week that if the Maoists halted violence for 72 hours, the government would be ready for talks with them.
Maoists offer 72-day ceasefire
The Maoists on Monday night made a conditional ceasefire offer asking the government to halt the offensive against them for 72 days and involve mediators for talks.
"State governments and the Centre should not indulge in violence between February 25 and May 7 and concentrate on development of tribal areas which will be reciprocrated by Maoists," top Maoist leader Kishenji said over phone from an undisclosed place on Monday night.
He was responding to Union Home minister P Chidamabaram's statement last week that if the Maoists halted violence for 72 hours the government would be ready for talks with them.
In New Delhi, a Union Home Ministry official said the Government was "studying" the Maoist offer and will come with a response at an "appropriate time".
Another official said if the offer is unconditional then the government may consider it.
Kishenji said "This is not a problem of 72 hours rather it can take 72 days to solve the problem."
Appealing to intellectuals and human rights organisations to come forward as mediators, he said "We appeal to all the intellectuals, human rights organisations and mass organisations, the organisations which understand the cause of the people and want to stand by their side to mediate with the government and negotiate with the government."
"As long as state sponsored terrorism and violence remains stopped we will renounce our revolutionary revenge," Kishenji said.
"We will cease violence hour wise and day wise considering the state's reciprocation. They will have to take the initiative first," Kishenji said after a two-day Central Committee meeting in deep jungles on the Bengal-Jharkhand border.
Home Secretary G K Pillai refused to comment but a spokesman of his ministry said the Government's reaction will be known on Tuesday.
Congress spokesman Abhishek Singhvi said Maoists can't have conditionalities attached which will make the whole ceasefire meaningless.
Singhvi also said "Distinction has to be made between those who practice violence for criminal acts and those who have to do some violence to combat that violence. Let us not equate these two kinds of violence."
Elections to 14 RS seats on 26th March
While the term of Antony (from Kerala) and Sharma (HP) would expire on 2nd April, Gill's (Punjab) would end on 9th April.
Biennial elections to 13 seats from six states -- five in Punjab, three in Kerala, two in Assam and one each in Himachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Tripura and by-election to fill a vacancy caused by the death of senior Samajwadi Party leader Janeshwar Mishra (UP) would be held on 26th March.
Counting of votes would be taken up on the same day.
Besides Antony, Sharma and Gill, others who would be retiring are Silvius Condpan and Syeda Anwara Taimur (from Assam), Abdul Wahab Peeve and A Vijayaraghavan (Kerala), Khekiho Zhimomi (Nagaland), Matilal Sarkar (Tripura) and Ashwani Kumar, Naresh Gujral, Dharam Pal and Varinder Singh (Punjab).
According to the schedule, the notifications would be issued on 9th March. Last date for filing nominations would be on 16th March and the scrutiny the following day.
Biennial elections to 13 seats from six states -- five in Punjab, three in Kerala, two in Assam and one each in Himachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Tripura and by-election to fill a vacancy caused by the death of senior Samajwadi Party leader Janeshwar Mishra (UP) would be held on 26th March.
Counting of votes would be taken up on the same day.
Besides Antony, Sharma and Gill, others who would be retiring are Silvius Condpan and Syeda Anwara Taimur (from Assam), Abdul Wahab Peeve and A Vijayaraghavan (Kerala), Khekiho Zhimomi (Nagaland), Matilal Sarkar (Tripura) and Ashwani Kumar, Naresh Gujral, Dharam Pal and Varinder Singh (Punjab).
According to the schedule, the notifications would be issued on 9th March. Last date for filing nominations would be on 16th March and the scrutiny the following day.
Delhi HC reserves order on Sajjan Kumar’s anticipatory bail plea
The Delhi High Court reserved its order on the anticipatory bail application filed by Congress leader Sajjan Kumar, accused of instigating a mob during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
Appearing for Sajjan Kumar, senior lawyer Amarendra Sharan told the court that the CBI has filed two cases against his client for which he has already faced trial and was acquitted.
Nothing new has been added in the fresh chargesheet, he contented.
Justice A K Pathak asked the CBI, ‘What is new in this case? When the witnesses are the same, charges are the same and he has been acquitted in the earlier cases, then where is the need for his arrest?’ The Judge told the CBI lawyer, ‘You filed a chargesheet in the Magistrate’s court and the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) issues warrants against him, Now the ACMM des not have the powers to grant him bail, this power of granting bail rests with the Sessions Court. Now, when the ACMM will hear the case and will commit it to the Sessions Court, will he be granted a bail? You have left him remedy-less.’ ‘A person cannot be left without a remedy, in a limbo,’ the Court said.
Appearing for Sajjan Kumar, senior lawyer Amarendra Sharan told the court that the CBI has filed two cases against his client for which he has already faced trial and was acquitted.
Nothing new has been added in the fresh chargesheet, he contented.
Justice A K Pathak asked the CBI, ‘What is new in this case? When the witnesses are the same, charges are the same and he has been acquitted in the earlier cases, then where is the need for his arrest?’ The Judge told the CBI lawyer, ‘You filed a chargesheet in the Magistrate’s court and the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) issues warrants against him, Now the ACMM des not have the powers to grant him bail, this power of granting bail rests with the Sessions Court. Now, when the ACMM will hear the case and will commit it to the Sessions Court, will he be granted a bail? You have left him remedy-less.’ ‘A person cannot be left without a remedy, in a limbo,’ the Court said.
Rajeev Maheshwari appointed as CEO of Wall Street Finance
Rajeev Maheshwari has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Forex services provider Wall Street Finance Ltd.
Wall Street Finance offers foreign exchange and money remittance services in India. The Spice Group Company is one of the principal agents of Western Union Money Transfer and operates over 3,500 locations for money transfer.
Before joining the company, Mr Maheshwari was with Kotak Mahindra Bank as Senior Vice-President in the Asset Reconstruction Division, Wall Street Finance said in filing to the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).
Last week, Bhupendra Kumar Modi has resigned as the Chairman from its board of directors, the company said.
B K Modi has been replaced by Dilip Modi, who has been appointed as the Chairman and an additional director on the board of the company, it added.
Wall Street Finance offers foreign exchange and money remittance services in India. The Spice Group Company is one of the principal agents of Western Union Money Transfer and operates over 3,500 locations for money transfer.
Before joining the company, Mr Maheshwari was with Kotak Mahindra Bank as Senior Vice-President in the Asset Reconstruction Division, Wall Street Finance said in filing to the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).
Last week, Bhupendra Kumar Modi has resigned as the Chairman from its board of directors, the company said.
B K Modi has been replaced by Dilip Modi, who has been appointed as the Chairman and an additional director on the board of the company, it added.
SC: Married daughters cannot seek eviction of tenant of parents
The Supreme Court has held that married daughters, who are well-settled in their matrimonial homes, cannot seek eviction of a tenant on the grounds of bonafide requirement, since married daughter is not dependent on her parents.
A bench comprising Justices Markandey Katju and Tirath Singh Thakur, while disposing of the petition filed by a landlord who died during the pendency of the appeal, also ruled that a married daughter, who is well-settled in her matrimonial home, cannot pursue the eviction petition filed by her parents.
Justice Thakur, writing 21-page judgement for the bench noted, ‘Even in the petition filed before this court, the requirement pleaded was that for the deceased widowed owner of the demised premises and not of any member of her family.’ ‘Super added to all this is the fact that the legal representatives, who now claim to be the family members of the deceased, are all married daughters of the deceased couple each one settled in their respective matrimonial homes in different cities and at different places. That none of them was dependent upon the deceased petitioner is also a fact undisputed before us,’ he noted.
A bench comprising Justices Markandey Katju and Tirath Singh Thakur, while disposing of the petition filed by a landlord who died during the pendency of the appeal, also ruled that a married daughter, who is well-settled in her matrimonial home, cannot pursue the eviction petition filed by her parents.
Justice Thakur, writing 21-page judgement for the bench noted, ‘Even in the petition filed before this court, the requirement pleaded was that for the deceased widowed owner of the demised premises and not of any member of her family.’ ‘Super added to all this is the fact that the legal representatives, who now claim to be the family members of the deceased, are all married daughters of the deceased couple each one settled in their respective matrimonial homes in different cities and at different places. That none of them was dependent upon the deceased petitioner is also a fact undisputed before us,’ he noted.
Rajiv Gandhi Murderer Nalini Sriharan All Set to Release From Jail
As per information, an advisory board constituted by the Tamil Nadu government to decide to Nalini petition for premature release from jail after 19 years in jail has virtually decided on Wednesday in the matter after it heard Nalini plea and report has got report from Vellore jail authorities which substantiate Nalini Claim for early release.
It is to mention that Nalini filed a petition for release on October 31, 2007 in front of advisory board after nearly 17 years in jail which was than rejected by board.
After that Rajiv Gandhi murder challenged the board’s decision in Madras High Court, which ordered State government to constitute new board to hear Nalini fresh petition.
It is to mention that Nalini filed a petition for release on October 31, 2007 in front of advisory board after nearly 17 years in jail which was than rejected by board.
After that Rajiv Gandhi murder challenged the board’s decision in Madras High Court, which ordered State government to constitute new board to hear Nalini fresh petition.
Shyam Benegal approaches SC to voice gay rights
Gay community has finally found its lone supporter in noted film director and Rajya Sabha Member Shyam Benegal, who has approached the Supreme Court in support of Delhi High Court judgement, legalising an act of homosexuality between two consenting adults.
Till now, the Naz foundation, on whose petition the Delhi High Court had pronounced the judgement in July 2009, was fighting a lone battle against stiff opposition from religious organisations as well as eminent religious and social leaders.
The High Court had recommended to the Union Government to suitably amend section 377, IPC in terms of the judgement of the High Court.
Mr Benegal, in his petition has contended that there was nothing wrong and illegal in the High Court ruling because no FIR can be registered without a complaint and the High Court ruling clearly implies if either of the party complains, then only gay sex would be an offence.
According to the Rajya Sabha MP, the so called religious leaders who were opposing the judgement, were unjustified since the judgement would not spread sexual corruption in the society as alleged by the petitioners opposed to the High Court judgement.
The main contention of the opponents of the High Court judgement, in the Supreme Court, is that the judgement offends Indian culture and ethos and also violates the law of nature which permits sexual intercourse between the two members of opposite sex.
The petitioners opposing the gay sex include Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev, two Christian church coalitions, three Muslim organisations and an astrologer and the J and K Panthers Party.
The Union Government is not opposing the High Court judgement in the Supreme Court.
The apex court will hear the petition next month.
Till now, the Naz foundation, on whose petition the Delhi High Court had pronounced the judgement in July 2009, was fighting a lone battle against stiff opposition from religious organisations as well as eminent religious and social leaders.
The High Court had recommended to the Union Government to suitably amend section 377, IPC in terms of the judgement of the High Court.
Mr Benegal, in his petition has contended that there was nothing wrong and illegal in the High Court ruling because no FIR can be registered without a complaint and the High Court ruling clearly implies if either of the party complains, then only gay sex would be an offence.
According to the Rajya Sabha MP, the so called religious leaders who were opposing the judgement, were unjustified since the judgement would not spread sexual corruption in the society as alleged by the petitioners opposed to the High Court judgement.
The main contention of the opponents of the High Court judgement, in the Supreme Court, is that the judgement offends Indian culture and ethos and also violates the law of nature which permits sexual intercourse between the two members of opposite sex.
The petitioners opposing the gay sex include Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev, two Christian church coalitions, three Muslim organisations and an astrologer and the J and K Panthers Party.
The Union Government is not opposing the High Court judgement in the Supreme Court.
The apex court will hear the petition next month.
SC asks EC whether statue construction violates Model Code
The Supreme Court today directed the Election Commission of India to examine whether statues of elephant which are being constructed and installed by the Mayawati government in Uttar Pradesh at the cost of the public exchequer, violate the Model Code of Conduct.
Elephant is the election symbol of the ruling party Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in Uttar Pradesh.
A bench headed by Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan issued the directions when the petitioner submitted before the court that no political party which is in power can waste huge amounts of public money, which is taxpayers' money, to promote its political interests.
The petitioner further submitted that Mayawati's party was liable to be derecognised for brazenly flouting the Model Code of Conduct.
The apex court, which has banned the construction of all memorials and parks in Lucknow and Noida, decided to seek the response of the EC since the issue raised by the petitioner exclusively falls within its domain.
The apex court is examining the issue whether court can interfere when huge amounts of public money are being squandered away by the ruling party even if it is with the consent of the state legislature.
The apex court has granted three months time to the EC to decide the issue.
Mayawati government has earmarked Rs 2,600 crores for construction of memorial parks and statues of Dalit leaders and elephant.
Elephant is the election symbol of the ruling party Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in Uttar Pradesh.
A bench headed by Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan issued the directions when the petitioner submitted before the court that no political party which is in power can waste huge amounts of public money, which is taxpayers' money, to promote its political interests.
The petitioner further submitted that Mayawati's party was liable to be derecognised for brazenly flouting the Model Code of Conduct.
The apex court, which has banned the construction of all memorials and parks in Lucknow and Noida, decided to seek the response of the EC since the issue raised by the petitioner exclusively falls within its domain.
The apex court is examining the issue whether court can interfere when huge amounts of public money are being squandered away by the ruling party even if it is with the consent of the state legislature.
The apex court has granted three months time to the EC to decide the issue.
Mayawati government has earmarked Rs 2,600 crores for construction of memorial parks and statues of Dalit leaders and elephant.
AMU decision on the expulsion of Professor , S.R. Siras
This is in response to the recent justification given by the V.C of AMU on his decision to expel Professor, S.R. Siras stating that "AMU is an institution of international repute and its students go out with character. Homosexuality is not good for them and so such act could not be allowed".
Very assertive indeed, however i have a few reservations on the statement quoted above. What does the word good signify? and what possible relation is there between good and not good, with homosexuality? Homosexuality is considered to be inherently present in one’s personal characteristic. It's not a disease, it's not somebody's choice. What the V.C has totally forgotten is that Every person has a right to life and personal liberty which also guarantees the right to privacy. Private, consensual sexual relations lie at the heart of the privacy- zone protected by the right to liberty. Homosexuality is not of foreign origin or a recent aberration. It has been prevalent in India and other countries since time immemorial. I think the Professor should visit the Hindu Temples of Khajuraho, and Konark and the great Buddhist monument at Borobudur in Indonesia. All of them are abundant with such scriptures of Homosexual activities. In various ancient books and the autobiography of Emperer Babur is quite clear on his indifferent love for his wife and his preference for a lad. Cumming to more recent events, the Delhi High Court recently Struck down the law on Homosexuality on grounds that it violates the right to privacy and equality. Morality can never take precedence over the constitutional rights of the citizens. Further a lot of questions seems to be left unanswered. What sort of conduct is actually immoral? and What sort of actions may justifiably be punished? Prof Hart also advocated the fact that "no evidence is produced to show that deviation from accepted sexual morality, even by adults in private, is something which, like treason, threatens the existence of society." On what basis was this decision made? In fact if somebody needs to be expelled; it is those students who installed a camera at the Professor's residence. Wasn't that a disreputable act?
Monday, February 22, 2010
Delhi Lokayukta: Shiela govt using delay tactics in filing reply
The Lokayukta of Delhi deferred the hearing of a case filed against Chief Minister Shiela Dikshit on charges of misusing power and wastage of public funds during election campaigning.
Lokayukta Manmohan Sarin asked the lawyer, appearing on behalf of Ms Dikshit who had failed to file an affidavit as directed, to stop the practice of delay tactics and file it on Monday, the next date of hearing.
The case, filed by former MCD standing Counsel Vijendra Gupta, alleged that the chief minister incurred huge expenses, to the tune of Rs 27 crore, from the public exchequer to win over the electorate and to combat the anti-incumbency factor in the past Assembly elections .
Public money was spent, one year prior to her elections, on the publicity of her programmes to win over the voters, Mr Gupta alleged.
During the last hearing, the Lokayukta had directed the chief minister, who was delaying the case for long, to file her reply in this regard positively by today and that no request for further extension will be granted if Ms Dikshit fails to reply.
Giving the chief minister one last opportunity, the Lokayukta directed her counsel B N Govardhan not to delay the case and file the reply positively by Monday.
Lawyers H S Phulka and Ashok Kashyap, appearing on behalf of Mr Gupta, intervened and told the opposite party to expedite the case
Lokayukta Manmohan Sarin asked the lawyer, appearing on behalf of Ms Dikshit who had failed to file an affidavit as directed, to stop the practice of delay tactics and file it on Monday, the next date of hearing.
The case, filed by former MCD standing Counsel Vijendra Gupta, alleged that the chief minister incurred huge expenses, to the tune of Rs 27 crore, from the public exchequer to win over the electorate and to combat the anti-incumbency factor in the past Assembly elections .
Public money was spent, one year prior to her elections, on the publicity of her programmes to win over the voters, Mr Gupta alleged.
During the last hearing, the Lokayukta had directed the chief minister, who was delaying the case for long, to file her reply in this regard positively by today and that no request for further extension will be granted if Ms Dikshit fails to reply.
Giving the chief minister one last opportunity, the Lokayukta directed her counsel B N Govardhan not to delay the case and file the reply positively by Monday.
Lawyers H S Phulka and Ashok Kashyap, appearing on behalf of Mr Gupta, intervened and told the opposite party to expedite the case
Himachal Pradesh HC to constitute Green Bench by Feb 26
Himachal Pradesh High court would constitute a separate Green bench to dispose of the cases related to Environment, Forest and Mining, which was to be made functional by February 26.
Himachal Pradesh High Court Chief Justice, Joseph Kurian told media persons that the ‘Green Bench’ would comprise of two judges from Himachal and would be presided over by a senior Judge.
He said that bench would have ‘sons of soil’ who would be better able to understand the issues and cases related the Environment matters related to the hill state.
He said that basic purpose to set up this bench is to hear the case related to Environment, Forest and Mining in continuity and consistently.
Justice Kurien also did not rule out setting up of Dharamshala bench of Himachal Pradesh High Court but said that he could not comment on this issue right now as he had taken charge just ten days ago.
However, he pointed out that Ministry of Law has emphasized three factors to set up such court benches, including number of cases, pendency of cases of particular area and geographical location of area.
The Chief Justice said that he was in favour to early disposal of the pending cases in High Court and lower courts and added that Himachal would be shortly placed among states that would have completely computerised networks in the all courts to streamline and boost its functioning.
Justice Kurien said that ‘Lok Adalats’ were best instrument to dispose of the pendency’s in the court as many type of cases including partitions and land disputes were well suited to be settled in the Lok Adalats.
‘Lok Adalat are win-win offer to both the aggrieved and respondents as both party remained unhurt after amicably sorting out the dispute in such courts,’ he said.
Himachal Pradesh High Court Chief Justice, Joseph Kurian told media persons that the ‘Green Bench’ would comprise of two judges from Himachal and would be presided over by a senior Judge.
He said that bench would have ‘sons of soil’ who would be better able to understand the issues and cases related the Environment matters related to the hill state.
He said that basic purpose to set up this bench is to hear the case related to Environment, Forest and Mining in continuity and consistently.
Justice Kurien also did not rule out setting up of Dharamshala bench of Himachal Pradesh High Court but said that he could not comment on this issue right now as he had taken charge just ten days ago.
However, he pointed out that Ministry of Law has emphasized three factors to set up such court benches, including number of cases, pendency of cases of particular area and geographical location of area.
The Chief Justice said that he was in favour to early disposal of the pending cases in High Court and lower courts and added that Himachal would be shortly placed among states that would have completely computerised networks in the all courts to streamline and boost its functioning.
Justice Kurien said that ‘Lok Adalats’ were best instrument to dispose of the pendency’s in the court as many type of cases including partitions and land disputes were well suited to be settled in the Lok Adalats.
‘Lok Adalat are win-win offer to both the aggrieved and respondents as both party remained unhurt after amicably sorting out the dispute in such courts,’ he said.
Advani takes over as working chairman of NDA
Chairman of the BJP Parliamentary Party L K Advani was today appointed as working chairman of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which was till now headed by veteran party leader and former prime minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.
Besdies, JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav, who was a working convenor of the NDA has been made fullfleged convenor.
These decisions were taken with consensus at a meeting of the floor leaders of the NDA on the eve of the Budget session of the Parliament.
Briefing mediapersons about the meeting, BJP leader and Deputy Leader of the party in the Rajya Sabha SS Ahluwalia said it had been decided by the NDA that Mr Advani would take up the responsibility of working chairman of the Alliance with effect from today till Mr Vajpayee regains health.
He said Mr Yadav's appointment as NDA covenor also comes into force with immediate effect.
''All the NDA leaders felt that they need the wise guidance of Mr Advani, and so his name was proposed by Mr Yadav at the beginning of today's meeting he chaired. His proposal was endorsed by Shiv Sena leader Manohar Joshi, SAD leader Naresh Gujral and BJP leader Nitin Gadkari,'' he said.
Besdies, JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav, who was a working convenor of the NDA has been made fullfleged convenor.
These decisions were taken with consensus at a meeting of the floor leaders of the NDA on the eve of the Budget session of the Parliament.
Briefing mediapersons about the meeting, BJP leader and Deputy Leader of the party in the Rajya Sabha SS Ahluwalia said it had been decided by the NDA that Mr Advani would take up the responsibility of working chairman of the Alliance with effect from today till Mr Vajpayee regains health.
He said Mr Yadav's appointment as NDA covenor also comes into force with immediate effect.
''All the NDA leaders felt that they need the wise guidance of Mr Advani, and so his name was proposed by Mr Yadav at the beginning of today's meeting he chaired. His proposal was endorsed by Shiv Sena leader Manohar Joshi, SAD leader Naresh Gujral and BJP leader Nitin Gadkari,'' he said.
MCI chief seeks law to curb ‘gifts’ by pharma cos to docs
The president of the Medical Council of India (MCI), Dr Ketan Desai, has submitted a letter to the Health Ministry seeking legislation to regulate the pharmaceutical industry’s practice of giving freebies to doctors to influence their prescribing habits.
“The MCI has no jurisdiction over the pharma industry. The MCI’s ban on doctors accepting gifts, travel facilities and hospitality of any kind from any pharmaceutical or allied health care industry will only apply to doctors. But the pharmaceutical industry is also a party to such a transaction and hence the government of India needs to bring in a legislation to restrain pharmaceutical companies from these type of activities,” said Dr Desai.
Speaking at a conference on ‘Medical Ethics Conundrum-The Road Ahead’ organized by Health Essayists and Authors League (HEAL) on Tuesday, Dr Desai said that the industry and doctors would find ways to circumvent the rules but that should not stop the government from making laws.
“A friend who owns a pharmaceutical company in Ahmedabad told me that the MCI had made things difficult by banning gifts. He told me that so far they were paying doctors by cheque, but would now have to do that in cash,” said Dr Desai.
Though the MCI had suggested a guillotine or sorts by banning all gifts to doctors, Dr Desai admitted that it would be difficult to actually ban all gifts as a lot of questions were being raised about whether educational books, pens and prescription pads would count as gifts.
“We are struggling to define what a “gift” is and whether there should be some ceiling on the worth of a gift. I know that would become a loophole, but we will have to come up with an acceptable definition making things more clear. If we say the ceiling is Rs 1,000, what if the pharma companies give several gifts worth Rs 900? These are questions we have to consider. But a fear of laws being broken cannot stop us from making laws,” said Dr Desai.
Despite several meetings of the MCI’s ethics committee since the law on banning gifts was passed in December, they haven’t been able to decide on the quantum of punishment for violation of the various rules and regulations related to the ban. “We will hopefully decide on this within the next two months. Anyway, each state is free to decide the quantum of punishment applicable just as it is doing for medical negligence cases,” said Dr Desai.
Dr Ved Prakash Mishra of the MCI ethics committee explained that the MCI would not do any policing and would not be taking any suo moto action. “The regulations are enforceable only if a person brings a complaint to the state council where a doctor is registered. If the parties are not satisfied, they could approach the MCI. The onus of proving innocence would be on the accused and not on the person filing the complaint,” said Dr Mishra.
“The MCI has no jurisdiction over the pharma industry. The MCI’s ban on doctors accepting gifts, travel facilities and hospitality of any kind from any pharmaceutical or allied health care industry will only apply to doctors. But the pharmaceutical industry is also a party to such a transaction and hence the government of India needs to bring in a legislation to restrain pharmaceutical companies from these type of activities,” said Dr Desai.
Speaking at a conference on ‘Medical Ethics Conundrum-The Road Ahead’ organized by Health Essayists and Authors League (HEAL) on Tuesday, Dr Desai said that the industry and doctors would find ways to circumvent the rules but that should not stop the government from making laws.
“A friend who owns a pharmaceutical company in Ahmedabad told me that the MCI had made things difficult by banning gifts. He told me that so far they were paying doctors by cheque, but would now have to do that in cash,” said Dr Desai.
Though the MCI had suggested a guillotine or sorts by banning all gifts to doctors, Dr Desai admitted that it would be difficult to actually ban all gifts as a lot of questions were being raised about whether educational books, pens and prescription pads would count as gifts.
“We are struggling to define what a “gift” is and whether there should be some ceiling on the worth of a gift. I know that would become a loophole, but we will have to come up with an acceptable definition making things more clear. If we say the ceiling is Rs 1,000, what if the pharma companies give several gifts worth Rs 900? These are questions we have to consider. But a fear of laws being broken cannot stop us from making laws,” said Dr Desai.
Despite several meetings of the MCI’s ethics committee since the law on banning gifts was passed in December, they haven’t been able to decide on the quantum of punishment for violation of the various rules and regulations related to the ban. “We will hopefully decide on this within the next two months. Anyway, each state is free to decide the quantum of punishment applicable just as it is doing for medical negligence cases,” said Dr Desai.
Dr Ved Prakash Mishra of the MCI ethics committee explained that the MCI would not do any policing and would not be taking any suo moto action. “The regulations are enforceable only if a person brings a complaint to the state council where a doctor is registered. If the parties are not satisfied, they could approach the MCI. The onus of proving innocence would be on the accused and not on the person filing the complaint,” said Dr Mishra.
20 US banks collapse in 2010 so far
In less than two months, 20 American banks have closed down even as the US economy is slowly coming out of the financial turmoil.
As many as 15 banks failed in January, while five have gone belly up so far this month.
In signs that the banking sector continues to remain shaky, four banks were shut down on February 20, according to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
The counts of failures are climbing mainly on account of high unemployment rate which has resulted in increased defaults at small and medium banks.
Going by the FDIC, which insures deposits at more than 8,000 banks, four entities - Marco Community Bank, The La Coste National Bank, George Washington Savings Bank and La Jolla Bank, FSB - collapsed last week.
These four failures are expected to cost the FDIC little over USD 1 billion. Among them, the collapse of La Jolla Bank alone would result in expenses of USD 882.3 million.
A staggering 174 US banks have bite the dust since the collapse of the Wall Street giant Lehman Brothers in September 2008, which had sparked one of the worst financial crises in decades.
Bolstered by massive public spending and slowly stabilising financial system, the US economy is on the growth path. In the fourth quarter of 2009, the national GDP expanded 5.7 per cent, much higher than expected.
As many as 15 banks failed in January, while five have gone belly up so far this month.
In signs that the banking sector continues to remain shaky, four banks were shut down on February 20, according to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
The counts of failures are climbing mainly on account of high unemployment rate which has resulted in increased defaults at small and medium banks.
Going by the FDIC, which insures deposits at more than 8,000 banks, four entities - Marco Community Bank, The La Coste National Bank, George Washington Savings Bank and La Jolla Bank, FSB - collapsed last week.
These four failures are expected to cost the FDIC little over USD 1 billion. Among them, the collapse of La Jolla Bank alone would result in expenses of USD 882.3 million.
A staggering 174 US banks have bite the dust since the collapse of the Wall Street giant Lehman Brothers in September 2008, which had sparked one of the worst financial crises in decades.
Bolstered by massive public spending and slowly stabilising financial system, the US economy is on the growth path. In the fourth quarter of 2009, the national GDP expanded 5.7 per cent, much higher than expected.
Renuka Sugars buys Brazil co.
Shree Renuka Sugars, one of the leading sugar producers and the largest sugar refiner in the country, on Sunday said is is acquiring a 51% stake in Brazil's Equipav SA Acucar Alcool for Rs 1,530 crore ($329 million). With a debt of about Rs 3,821 crore ($822 million), the enterprise value of the deal is nearly $1.2 billion. Equipav is one of the largest sugar producers in Brazil.
The $1-billion-plus transaction value makes it the largest deal by an Indian sugar producer. The second biggest deal in the sugar space — that of a $240-million buyout of Brazilian sugar and ethanol maker Vale Do Ivai in November 2009 — was also by Renuka Sugars. The two deals together will partly meet the need of raw sugar for its two refining capacities, the already commissioned plant in Haldia in West Bengal, and its upcoming plant in Mundra, Gujarat, said Gautam Watve, head-strategy & planning, Shree Renuka Sugars.
The Indian sugar producer clinched the deal in a field of five bidders which included Noble group from China, part owned by the Chinese government, and Bungee from the US. After the deal, the balance equity in the unlisted Equipav will be held by its current promoters but top officials at the Indian company said it was willing to raise its stake if any opportunity comes. The deal is expected to be closed in about 40 days, K K Kumbhat, chief financial officer, Shree Renuka Sugars, told reporters here.
The $1-billion-plus transaction value makes it the largest deal by an Indian sugar producer. The second biggest deal in the sugar space — that of a $240-million buyout of Brazilian sugar and ethanol maker Vale Do Ivai in November 2009 — was also by Renuka Sugars. The two deals together will partly meet the need of raw sugar for its two refining capacities, the already commissioned plant in Haldia in West Bengal, and its upcoming plant in Mundra, Gujarat, said Gautam Watve, head-strategy & planning, Shree Renuka Sugars.
The Indian sugar producer clinched the deal in a field of five bidders which included Noble group from China, part owned by the Chinese government, and Bungee from the US. After the deal, the balance equity in the unlisted Equipav will be held by its current promoters but top officials at the Indian company said it was willing to raise its stake if any opportunity comes. The deal is expected to be closed in about 40 days, K K Kumbhat, chief financial officer, Shree Renuka Sugars, told reporters here.
PROMISES ARE MEANT TO BE BROKEN : UPA govt hands out a raw deal to dalits and adivasis
In its election manifesto for the 2009 general elections, Congress had promised that it would ensure that allocations made under the Special Components Plan (SCP) for scheduled castes and the Tribal Sub-Plan for scheduled tribes are in accordance with their proportion in the total population. These two crucial schemes ensure that a proportion of all plan spending has to go towards the most marginalized and deprived sections of Indian society dalits and adivasis.
Funds routed under these schemes are non-divertable and non-lapsable. Such a promise was necessary because over the years, it had become almost customary to spend only a small amount under these schemes despite clear mandate that expenditure has to be about 16% for dalits and about 8% for adivasis. When UPA came to power for first time in 2004, only 5 out of 104 departments/ministries were showing such expenditure. Addressing the 51st National Development Council meeting in 2005, PM Manmohan Singh said that within 10 years expenditure would be brought in line with population proportions. Since then, this promise has been repeated several times, and all parties have voiced support to it.
Yet reality is quite the reverse. Not only is the allocation under SCP and TSP below the target, it has actually declined in past three years, according to research done by the Centre for Budget and Governance Accountability (CBGA), a Delhi-based think tank. Spending for dalits under SCP increased from 4.25% in 2004-05 to 8.12% in 2007-08, but then declined to 6.49% in 2009-10. By law it should be at least 16%, that being the proportion of dalits in the Indian population. Similarly, spending for tribals under TSP increased from a puny 2.8% in 2004-05 to 4.89% in 2007-08, but then declined to 4.1% in the last budget. Again, legally, it should be 8%, which is the share of tribals in Indias population.
This shocking truth emerged from CBGA research on expenditure details under SCP and TSP by 18 ministries/departments which had undertaken such allocation. These include some of the major ministries handling matters that relate to dalit and adivasi communities, like education, rural development, tribal affairs and social justice and empowerment. In 2009-10, total plan expenditure was Rs 243,893 crore. Out of this, Rs 15,832 crore was spent through SCP for dalits. By statutory requirement, it should have been 16% of total expenditure, that is, about Rs 39,514 crore. So, just in one year, dalit communities in India were short-changed for a whopping Rs 23,682 crore. Expenditure on adivasis was pegged at Rs 9,995 crore, whereas it should have been 8% of total, that is, about Rs 19,751. They were deprived of Rs 9,756 crore last year.
Dalits and adivasis constitute the poorest of our society. The bulk of them own very little land, have higher proportion of illiterates and suffer more social exclusion, than other strata. It was to partially mitigate these consequences of centuries of discrimination that schemes like SCP and TSP were devised. But the casual manner in which they are being dealt with despite repeated promises at the highest levels, raises questions about how serious these promises are.
Funds routed under these schemes are non-divertable and non-lapsable. Such a promise was necessary because over the years, it had become almost customary to spend only a small amount under these schemes despite clear mandate that expenditure has to be about 16% for dalits and about 8% for adivasis. When UPA came to power for first time in 2004, only 5 out of 104 departments/ministries were showing such expenditure. Addressing the 51st National Development Council meeting in 2005, PM Manmohan Singh said that within 10 years expenditure would be brought in line with population proportions. Since then, this promise has been repeated several times, and all parties have voiced support to it.
Yet reality is quite the reverse. Not only is the allocation under SCP and TSP below the target, it has actually declined in past three years, according to research done by the Centre for Budget and Governance Accountability (CBGA), a Delhi-based think tank. Spending for dalits under SCP increased from 4.25% in 2004-05 to 8.12% in 2007-08, but then declined to 6.49% in 2009-10. By law it should be at least 16%, that being the proportion of dalits in the Indian population. Similarly, spending for tribals under TSP increased from a puny 2.8% in 2004-05 to 4.89% in 2007-08, but then declined to 4.1% in the last budget. Again, legally, it should be 8%, which is the share of tribals in Indias population.
This shocking truth emerged from CBGA research on expenditure details under SCP and TSP by 18 ministries/departments which had undertaken such allocation. These include some of the major ministries handling matters that relate to dalit and adivasi communities, like education, rural development, tribal affairs and social justice and empowerment. In 2009-10, total plan expenditure was Rs 243,893 crore. Out of this, Rs 15,832 crore was spent through SCP for dalits. By statutory requirement, it should have been 16% of total expenditure, that is, about Rs 39,514 crore. So, just in one year, dalit communities in India were short-changed for a whopping Rs 23,682 crore. Expenditure on adivasis was pegged at Rs 9,995 crore, whereas it should have been 8% of total, that is, about Rs 19,751. They were deprived of Rs 9,756 crore last year.
Dalits and adivasis constitute the poorest of our society. The bulk of them own very little land, have higher proportion of illiterates and suffer more social exclusion, than other strata. It was to partially mitigate these consequences of centuries of discrimination that schemes like SCP and TSP were devised. But the casual manner in which they are being dealt with despite repeated promises at the highest levels, raises questions about how serious these promises are.
SC disapproves arrogance, vanity of superior officers
The Supreme Court has strongly disapproved the arrogance and vanity of superior officers while dealing with their subordinates.
A bench comprising Justices Dalveer Bhandari and A K Patnaik while allowing the appeal of CRPF Head Constable Angad Das noted, ''People in power and authority should not easily lose equanimity, compose and appreciation for the problems of the lesser mortals.'' ''They are always expected to remember that power and authority must be judiciously exercised according to the laws and human compassion. Arrogance and vanity have no place in discharge of their official functions and duties,'' the bench further said.
The constable was posted in Jammu and Kashmir and was compulsorily retired on the ground that his date of birth was false. Following which, Das wrote a letter to DIG and made a humble request for his reinstatement.
The DIG responded to his request by enhancing his punishment from compulsory retirement to removal from service.
The apex court while imposing a cost of Rs 50,000 on the Union Government directed that Das shall be paid all pensionary benefits which have become due with nine per cent interest and expressed the hope that senior officers in future would not be totally oblivious of the problems of the humble and modest employees and pass similar orders.
The apex court restored the punishment of compulsory retirement.
A bench comprising Justices Dalveer Bhandari and A K Patnaik while allowing the appeal of CRPF Head Constable Angad Das noted, ''People in power and authority should not easily lose equanimity, compose and appreciation for the problems of the lesser mortals.'' ''They are always expected to remember that power and authority must be judiciously exercised according to the laws and human compassion. Arrogance and vanity have no place in discharge of their official functions and duties,'' the bench further said.
The constable was posted in Jammu and Kashmir and was compulsorily retired on the ground that his date of birth was false. Following which, Das wrote a letter to DIG and made a humble request for his reinstatement.
The DIG responded to his request by enhancing his punishment from compulsory retirement to removal from service.
The apex court while imposing a cost of Rs 50,000 on the Union Government directed that Das shall be paid all pensionary benefits which have become due with nine per cent interest and expressed the hope that senior officers in future would not be totally oblivious of the problems of the humble and modest employees and pass similar orders.
The apex court restored the punishment of compulsory retirement.
After burqa, halal menu target of French ire
A French fast food chain’s decision to serve only halal meat in eight restaurants with a strong Muslim clientele has sparked a wave of criticism from politicians decrying the step as unacceptable.
A far-right leader said the 350-branch Quick chain was imposing “an Islamic tax” on its customers. A Socialist mayor has threatened a lawsuit for discrimination against customers who do not want to eat according to Muslim dietary laws.
The uproar, like France’s drive to ban Muslim face veils and its state-led debate on national identity, has come just ahead of regional elections next month even though Quick began what it calls a six-month marketing test in late November. The $7.46 billion halal market in France is growing strongly, according to a survey in December 2009, citing increasing demand among young Muslims for halal produce.
Marine Le Pen, vice-president of the far-right National Front, launched the accusations on Sunday, saying clients “are forced because of halal meat to pay a tax to Islamic organizations” that certify the food was produced according to Muslim dietary laws.
A far-right leader said the 350-branch Quick chain was imposing “an Islamic tax” on its customers. A Socialist mayor has threatened a lawsuit for discrimination against customers who do not want to eat according to Muslim dietary laws.
The uproar, like France’s drive to ban Muslim face veils and its state-led debate on national identity, has come just ahead of regional elections next month even though Quick began what it calls a six-month marketing test in late November. The $7.46 billion halal market in France is growing strongly, according to a survey in December 2009, citing increasing demand among young Muslims for halal produce.
Marine Le Pen, vice-president of the far-right National Front, launched the accusations on Sunday, saying clients “are forced because of halal meat to pay a tax to Islamic organizations” that certify the food was produced according to Muslim dietary laws.
Women lawyers set to enter Saudi courts
Saudi Arabia’s justice minister says his department is drafting a law that would allow female lawyers to argue legal cases in court for the first time.
Sheik Mohammed al-Issa told reporters Saturday the bill will be issued in the coming days as part of the Saudi king’s “plan to develop the justice system.’’
The law would mark a major step for female lawyers in the kingdom. Currently, women law graduates can work in government offices and in court offices, but cannot argue cases before court.
Under the new law, women would be allowed to argue cases on child custody, divorce and other family-related issues. Saudi Arabian women are required to be kept separate from men they are not related to. All are veiled to a greater or lesser degree in public, they are not allowed to drive, and women under 45 must receive permission from a male when they travel.
But a number of steps have been taken to ease restrictions on women — for instance Saudi women are now allowed to stay in hotels unaccompanied.
Sheik Mohammed al-Issa told reporters Saturday the bill will be issued in the coming days as part of the Saudi king’s “plan to develop the justice system.’’
The law would mark a major step for female lawyers in the kingdom. Currently, women law graduates can work in government offices and in court offices, but cannot argue cases before court.
Under the new law, women would be allowed to argue cases on child custody, divorce and other family-related issues. Saudi Arabian women are required to be kept separate from men they are not related to. All are veiled to a greater or lesser degree in public, they are not allowed to drive, and women under 45 must receive permission from a male when they travel.
But a number of steps have been taken to ease restrictions on women — for instance Saudi women are now allowed to stay in hotels unaccompanied.
WHAT A LAW : Saudi to get 20 lashes for each wife
A Saudi court in Al-Masarha in Jizan region has sentenced a 56-year-old Saudi employee to 120 lashes for being married to six wives at the same time.
The man who worked for the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice (the Hai'a) will be punished with 20 lashes per wife. He has also been ordered to memorise two chapters of the Holy Qur'an as part of the punishment.
The court also banned him from travelling abroad for five years and delivering sermons or leading prayers in mosques.
The man who worked for the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice (the Hai'a) will be punished with 20 lashes per wife. He has also been ordered to memorise two chapters of the Holy Qur'an as part of the punishment.
The court also banned him from travelling abroad for five years and delivering sermons or leading prayers in mosques.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)