Security forces moved into the restive Lalgarh region on Thursday to end the three-day siege of Maoists, who have gone on a rampage targeting CPI(M) cadres and leaders, destroying their homes and party offices and setting up barricades to block police entry.
"Operation at Lalgrah has started this morning. The operation will be mainly done by the state police but we will be adequately assisted by the Central forces," West Bengal Director General of Police Sujit Kumar Sarkar told a news agency.Asked about the number of forces deployed, Sarkar said the details cannot be divulged 'right now'.
"But there are adequate (state) forces to restore peace and normalcy in the area. The CRPF will give adequate back up and if needed they will actively participate," he said over phone from Kolkata.Agitating tribals of West Midnapore and adjoining areas have been protesting police "atrocities" on them in the wake of the landmine blast at Salboni which was believed to target the Chief Minister.
The tribals, numbering 2000 under the banner of People's Committee Against Police Atrocities, dug up roads amid reports that they were laying landmines to stop the security forces."We will try to shed minimum blood," Sarkar said adding I cannot tell you the exact timeframe (of the operation)."
Five hundred CRPF personnel, including 200 personnel of the elite COBRA trained in anti-Maoist operations, have been deployed to deal with the situation.
A visiting correspondent from a news agency saw four trucks of central and state police force personnel entering Lalgrah through Pirakata, which links the place to Midnapore, in the morning hours of Thursday.The other three entry/exit points to Lalgrah through Binpur, Dohijhuri and Bherua have been blocked by felling trees and digging up roads.
The area presented a deserted look, with most shops and business establishments closed. Only a few people were seen out of their homes.The Maoists had taken over the area, a former Marxist bastion, after driving away the police on Monday. Eight CPI(M) personnel have been killed in the area in the last one week and four others are missing.
High-level police officials, including DG (Coordination) Bhupinder Singh and DIG (Special Operations Group) Siddhinath Gupta are at the scene to supervise the action.
The operation was launched a day after Home Minister P Chidamabaram sent a blunt message to Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee that a clear mandate should be given to the security forces to reclaim areas dominated by Maoists in violence-hit West Midnapore and its adjoining areas and deal with the "deteriorating" law and order situation.
"The impression is that one side of the government is willing to take action, the other side of the government is worried about the consequences. Now, it is the judgement the CM must make. They must move the (security) forces to the affected areas and must reclaim that area which is now dominated by the Maoists," he said.--
By : News Team
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Himachal Pradesh Cabinet Decisions. Insurance Cover for Apple and Mango. Promotion quota for class IV enhanced
Himachal Pradesh Cabinet in its meeting held here today decided to conduct a consolidated examination, once a year, to carry recruitment for major categories such as Assistant Engineers, Civil/Mechanical and Electrical through HP Public Service Commission and for Clerical Grade Examination, for the posts of Stenographers, Junior Engineers, Civil/Electrical/Mechanical, through HP Subordinate Services Selection Board . The Cabinet further decided to simplify the application procedure for recruitment to such categories of posts in various departments of the State Government. Henceforth applicants shall be required to apply on a plain paper and self certify the eligibility facts and forward the same to the concerned authority without enclosing copies of their testimonials. The practice will save unnecessary expenditure being incurred on photostat and procurement of certificates from different agencies for attachment with the application. Successful candidates shall be required to produce their documents in original at the time of personal interview. Online application shall also be entertained. The concerned departments will send their requisition to the designated recruitment authority HP Public Service Commission and HP Subordinate Services Selection Board by 31st of December every year, and the recruiting agencies shall release schedule of examination in advance for the year.
Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Minister, presided over the Meeting.
With a view to strengthen the horticulture sector it has been decided to bring apple and mango crops under Insurance Cover to protect the interests of the horticulturists in the State. The Scheme shall be implemented as Pilot Project in Jubbal, Rohru, Theog, Narkanda and Chirgaon Developmental Blocks of district Shimla and Ani Sub-Division of District Kullu for Apple crop and Nurpur, Indora, Nagrota Surian and Fatehpur Developmental Blocks in district Kangra for Mango crop. It will cover about 25 to 30 percent of the horticulture area of the State initially.
In pursuance of the Budget Speech of the Chief Minister, it has been decided to enhance the promotion quota of class IV employees of the State Government to class III posts from existing 10 percent to 30 percent and carry recruitment through competitive examination for enhanced 20 percent quota to such posts through HP Subordinate Service Selection Board from amongst the class IV employees fulfilling eligibility criteria. The present provision of filling up while the 10 percent posts by promotion shall continue.
Cabinet approved Power Disposal Policy of the State Government. It has been decided that where capacity enhancement of HEP is more than 20 percent and total capacity, including enhancement, is 5 MW or above, the mode of disposal of power will be that the Royalty to State shall be payable on pro-rata basis throughout the year. HPSEB/Government of Himachal Pradesh shall have the first right of refusal of entire power generated during the period from 1st November to 31st March, every year, after deducting the royalty to the State during this period. During remaining months of the year, the IPP will have open access to sell the power. In case of capacity enhancement of more than 20 percent and the total capacity of the project remains below 5 MW, power will be purchased by HPSEB/State Government as per provisions of MOU/IA. Where the State Government has decided to invite open competitive bids for self-identified projects between 5 MW to 25 MW and also all other projects in this category, wherever there is a allotment through competitive bidding process, as per provisions of State Policy and Electricity Act, open access will be provided.
It approved allocation of 90 MW Miyar HEP in Miyar Valley of Udaipur Sub-Division of district Lahaul and Spiti in favour of M/S Moserbaer Project Private Limited, New Delhi on receipt of Up-front Premium deposit of Rs. 18 crore from the company.
It decided to allot 2.5 MW Uhal Small Hydro Electric Project in district Mandi to M/S ARHM Power Projects, Chandigarh and re-allocate 5 MW Koot Small Hydro Electric Project in district Shimla to M/S Yadalapatti Agro Products Limited, Guntur, AP.
It has been agreed in principle that the State Government shall be providing infrastructure i.e. roads, electricity and water etc. for construction of ropeways at different identified sites to upgrade the tourism infrastructure in the State.
It consented to provide Community Health Centre level health care facilities at the Temple Complex of Shree Naina Devi in district Bilaspur, during Festival times.
It has been decided to formulate Himachal Pradesh State Training Policy with a view to upgrade the skills of the State Government employees. Periodic Training Programmes shall be organised by all the departments and upto one percent of the budgetary provisions of Salary Head will be earmarked for Training Programme to achieve the objective.
It approved the recommendations of the Service Committee of the HP Board of School Education and agreed to create one post each of Deputy Secretary, Assistant Secretary and Computer Assistant Programmer for filling up the same from amongst the eligible Board employees.
It consented to continue deployment of 14 clerks in Social Justice and Empowerment Department on secondment basis by making provision in the Recruitment and Promotion Rules for the posts.It approved to fill up by outsourcing 6 posts of Clerk-cum-Data Operators in the Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation.
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By : News Team
Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Minister, presided over the Meeting.
With a view to strengthen the horticulture sector it has been decided to bring apple and mango crops under Insurance Cover to protect the interests of the horticulturists in the State. The Scheme shall be implemented as Pilot Project in Jubbal, Rohru, Theog, Narkanda and Chirgaon Developmental Blocks of district Shimla and Ani Sub-Division of District Kullu for Apple crop and Nurpur, Indora, Nagrota Surian and Fatehpur Developmental Blocks in district Kangra for Mango crop. It will cover about 25 to 30 percent of the horticulture area of the State initially.
In pursuance of the Budget Speech of the Chief Minister, it has been decided to enhance the promotion quota of class IV employees of the State Government to class III posts from existing 10 percent to 30 percent and carry recruitment through competitive examination for enhanced 20 percent quota to such posts through HP Subordinate Service Selection Board from amongst the class IV employees fulfilling eligibility criteria. The present provision of filling up while the 10 percent posts by promotion shall continue.
Cabinet approved Power Disposal Policy of the State Government. It has been decided that where capacity enhancement of HEP is more than 20 percent and total capacity, including enhancement, is 5 MW or above, the mode of disposal of power will be that the Royalty to State shall be payable on pro-rata basis throughout the year. HPSEB/Government of Himachal Pradesh shall have the first right of refusal of entire power generated during the period from 1st November to 31st March, every year, after deducting the royalty to the State during this period. During remaining months of the year, the IPP will have open access to sell the power. In case of capacity enhancement of more than 20 percent and the total capacity of the project remains below 5 MW, power will be purchased by HPSEB/State Government as per provisions of MOU/IA. Where the State Government has decided to invite open competitive bids for self-identified projects between 5 MW to 25 MW and also all other projects in this category, wherever there is a allotment through competitive bidding process, as per provisions of State Policy and Electricity Act, open access will be provided.
It approved allocation of 90 MW Miyar HEP in Miyar Valley of Udaipur Sub-Division of district Lahaul and Spiti in favour of M/S Moserbaer Project Private Limited, New Delhi on receipt of Up-front Premium deposit of Rs. 18 crore from the company.
It decided to allot 2.5 MW Uhal Small Hydro Electric Project in district Mandi to M/S ARHM Power Projects, Chandigarh and re-allocate 5 MW Koot Small Hydro Electric Project in district Shimla to M/S Yadalapatti Agro Products Limited, Guntur, AP.
It has been agreed in principle that the State Government shall be providing infrastructure i.e. roads, electricity and water etc. for construction of ropeways at different identified sites to upgrade the tourism infrastructure in the State.
It consented to provide Community Health Centre level health care facilities at the Temple Complex of Shree Naina Devi in district Bilaspur, during Festival times.
It has been decided to formulate Himachal Pradesh State Training Policy with a view to upgrade the skills of the State Government employees. Periodic Training Programmes shall be organised by all the departments and upto one percent of the budgetary provisions of Salary Head will be earmarked for Training Programme to achieve the objective.
It approved the recommendations of the Service Committee of the HP Board of School Education and agreed to create one post each of Deputy Secretary, Assistant Secretary and Computer Assistant Programmer for filling up the same from amongst the eligible Board employees.
It consented to continue deployment of 14 clerks in Social Justice and Empowerment Department on secondment basis by making provision in the Recruitment and Promotion Rules for the posts.It approved to fill up by outsourcing 6 posts of Clerk-cum-Data Operators in the Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation.
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By : News Team
Make State Handicrafts and Handloom available through E-Shopping-Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal
State Government would explore the possibility of making Himachal Handloom and Handicraft products available through e shopping. He said publicity campaign would be launched to create demand for these products in domestic and international markets. This was revealed by the Chief Minister Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal while chairing the Board of Directors Meeting of the Himachal Pradesh Handicrafts and Handlooms Corporation, Khadi and Village Industries Board and General Industries Corporation, here today.
Chief Minister said that since the State Handlooms were unique in designs, pattern and quality and had potential to attract the buyers from within and outside the Country. He said that the Corporation should attract buyers by participating in the exhibitions, mega marts and publicity. He said that tele marketing was the latest trend in shopping and Corporation needed to avail the benefits of this to boost up sales internationally. He said that the Management of the Corporations should study the prevalent marketing trends, adopt strategies to enhance their sales.
Chief Minister underlined the need to create franchises at all big malls, airports, national and international level trade fairs and exhibitions to generate demand for its products. He also advised them to get in touch with the Common Wealth Organizing Committee and pursue them to select Handlooms and Handicrafts of the State. He advised them to avail of the opportunities being provided by Government of India in California Gift Show (USA), scheduled for July and International Birmingham Fair (UK).
Prof. Dhumal said that the State Khadi and Village Industries Board should be diversifying its trading activities and should also market traditional organic herbal tea and other products. He said that the product had potential to attract buyers internationally keeping in view its organic and herbal ingredients. He said that the qualities of the products needed to be maintained by making it products of trademark.
Chief Minister said that the public sector undertakings needed to go commercial, generate enough income and ensure that these comes up profit making. He said that it would be in the interest of the public sector undertakings to stop wasteful expenditure and take optimum benefit of the skillmanship available with them besides associating the rural artisans in production of traditional items.
It was decided in the meeting to release five percent interim relief to the employees of the HP State Handicrafts and Handlooms Corporation Limited.
Shri Sanjay Gupta, Managing Director, HP General Industries Corporation, Shri R.P.Bhardwaj, Chief Executive Officer, HP Khadi and Village Industries Board and Dr. Lalit Mohan, Managing Director, HP State Handlooms and Handicrafts Corporation and apprised about activities of concerned Boards.
Shri Bhim Sen, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Shri Arvind Mehta, Principal Secretary, Finance, Shri Ram Subhag Singh, Secretary Agriculture, Shri Manoj Kumar, Director of Industries, Shri Kamlesh Pant, Secretary Finance and other senior officers attended the meeting among others.
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By : News Team
Chief Minister said that since the State Handlooms were unique in designs, pattern and quality and had potential to attract the buyers from within and outside the Country. He said that the Corporation should attract buyers by participating in the exhibitions, mega marts and publicity. He said that tele marketing was the latest trend in shopping and Corporation needed to avail the benefits of this to boost up sales internationally. He said that the Management of the Corporations should study the prevalent marketing trends, adopt strategies to enhance their sales.
Chief Minister underlined the need to create franchises at all big malls, airports, national and international level trade fairs and exhibitions to generate demand for its products. He also advised them to get in touch with the Common Wealth Organizing Committee and pursue them to select Handlooms and Handicrafts of the State. He advised them to avail of the opportunities being provided by Government of India in California Gift Show (USA), scheduled for July and International Birmingham Fair (UK).
Prof. Dhumal said that the State Khadi and Village Industries Board should be diversifying its trading activities and should also market traditional organic herbal tea and other products. He said that the product had potential to attract buyers internationally keeping in view its organic and herbal ingredients. He said that the qualities of the products needed to be maintained by making it products of trademark.
Chief Minister said that the public sector undertakings needed to go commercial, generate enough income and ensure that these comes up profit making. He said that it would be in the interest of the public sector undertakings to stop wasteful expenditure and take optimum benefit of the skillmanship available with them besides associating the rural artisans in production of traditional items.
It was decided in the meeting to release five percent interim relief to the employees of the HP State Handicrafts and Handlooms Corporation Limited.
Shri Sanjay Gupta, Managing Director, HP General Industries Corporation, Shri R.P.Bhardwaj, Chief Executive Officer, HP Khadi and Village Industries Board and Dr. Lalit Mohan, Managing Director, HP State Handlooms and Handicrafts Corporation and apprised about activities of concerned Boards.
Shri Bhim Sen, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Shri Arvind Mehta, Principal Secretary, Finance, Shri Ram Subhag Singh, Secretary Agriculture, Shri Manoj Kumar, Director of Industries, Shri Kamlesh Pant, Secretary Finance and other senior officers attended the meeting among others.
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By : News Team
Amarnath Yatra
Panchtarni -6kms-Holy cave.(total 46 kms from pehalgam)
There is a shorter route also available which has its base at Baltal. Nowadays it is mandatory to get yourself registered which you can do from Delhi, Jammu And Srinagar.From Jammu one can go directly to pehalgam.This beautiful town is situated at
The height of 7200 feet above sea level. Pehalgam is a part of lidder valley and one can easily get lost in the natural beauty
of this area. This town is surrounded by thick deodar tress and the smell of these trees is blissfully intoxicating. The beautiful lidder river flows right through the town.Chandanwari
is around 16 kms from pehalgam and is situated at around
9500feet above sea level. One can walk through the distance or even drive up to chandanwari. Actual ascend starts from Chandanwari and the stretch between chandanwari to pissu top is indeed very steep and thus makes it really
difficult for the pilgrims.Pissu top is situated at the height of around 11500feet above sea level.From pissu top till amaranth cave one can hardly find trees. From pissu top till sheshnag(12000feet) It is relatively easy walk.Sheshnag lake is one of the most beautiful lakes I have ever seen. It's crystal clear
blue waters are very soothing to eyes. According to Rajtarangni, there is another lake just above shashnag which is known as zamturnag(son-in-law of Sheshnag).The route from sheshnag to panctarni(12500feet) is easily the most difficult stretch
as one has to pass through Mahagunus top. Mahagunus means the great snake in kashmiri.This is the highest point of this yatra
and the height at Mahagunus top is 14800 feet above sea level. One finds exhausted at this height due to lack of oxygen.
The name of this top has been changed by India army to Mahaganesh top as they were not aware of the local history & culture and they could not understand kashmiri.From Mahagunus top till panctarni, the route is descending .Panchtarni is the last stop before amarnath cave.From panchtarni there is again ascend, but not as steep as pissu top or Mahagunus top. One has to pass through a glacier which is approximately half kilometer long, before one reaches the holy cave(13500 feet). Before having the darshan, one has to take a bath in Amravati river which flows right in front of the cave.Inside holy cave, there is a natural Ice linga of lord Shiva. According to local kashmiri legend which we have heard from our elders, It was here in this holy cave, lord shiva had narrated the story of secret of creation which makes one amar(immortal).Legend also says that there was a pair of pigeons(unlike some news channels which claimed that there were eggs of pigeons who heard the story?) who overheard this story and hence they also became"amar". One more thing which I would like to share with you is that there has been occasions in the past when shiva linga was not formed(last year also same thing happened and again due to lack of local Kashmir history regarding this yatra the present governor Mr. Sinha had ordered an artificial linga which created controversy.Mr sinha is an able man & has done a lot for development of SASB-Sri amaranth shrine board ).One can go back through pehalgam or through a shorter route from baltal, which was earlier 14kms and now this distance is reduced to 12kms.From baltal one can go to srinagar.One should carry woolens for this yatra as the weather is really unpredictable.
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By : News Team
Yatris leave for Amarnath in Baltal, yatra in Jammu suspended
A fresh batch of nearly 5000 pilgrims on Thursday left the Baltal base camp despite cloudy conditions to pay obeisance at the 3,880 metre Amarnath cave shrine in South Kashmir, even as the yatra remained suspended from Jammu due to bad weather for the third day triggering protests by devotees.
"A group of 4,912 pilgrims were allowed from the Baltal base camp, 100 kms from Srinagar, towards the cave shrine this morning although the weather was cloudy," official sources said.
Of them, 2300 pilgrims performed 'darshan' of the naturally formed ice-shivlingam by this afternoon, raising the number of pilgrims who had offered their prayers at the shrine to 14,778 since the commencement of the yatra on 15th June, the sources said.
While 7,592 pilgrims offered prayers on the first day, 4,886 offered their prayers on , they said adding the number included those pilgrims who visited the cave shrine, using the chopper service.
The yatra is going on smoothly and there is no report of rainfall or snow along the 16-km track from Baltal to the cave so far although sky remained cloudy, they said.
Due to bad weather the yatra from Jammu to the holy cave remained suspended for the third consecutive day today sparking protest by yatris who staged a dharna at Bagwati Nagar base camp and shouted slogans against the administration and the shrine board accusing them of failing to conduct the yatra smoothly.
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By : News Team
Black Box of AN-32 aircraft recovered
Indian Air Force (IAF) on Thursday said it has recovered the Black Box of the AN-32 transport aircraft that crashed on 9th June in Arunachal Pradesh killing 13 armed forces personnel on board.
"The Black Box which was recovered last night, has been taken to Jorhat airbase in Assam for carrying out analysis," IAF sources said in New Delhi.
"If the analysis facility in Jorhat is not able to decode the Black Box, it will then be taken to the nearest base repair depot where the process will be carried out," sources added.
The IAF's workhorse cargo airplane had crashed killing seven Air Force men and six Army personnel who were on board after it took off from Mechuka advanced landing ground in Upper Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh.
The aircraft, which belonged to a transport squadron in Jorhan, was flying to Mohanbari in Assam when the mishap occurred.
It took almost 24-hours for the state police, para-military and IAF personnel to search and locate the crash site.
The Ukraine built AN-32s were acquired by India in 1984 and currently IAF operates five squadrons of around 100 aircraft of this make.
The AN-32s have the capability to carry 20 tonnes of cargo or 40 fully armed forces personnel.
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By : News Team
"Aajeevika Live" to assess impact on livelihoods profile of poor families
Bhopal:Thursday, June 18, 2009: The impact of livelihoods promotion activities and improvement in the livelihoods profile of the rural poor in about 3000 predominantly tribal villages would be measured and assessed by comprehensive Aajeevika Live software.
The Aajeevika Live would give update about the impact of nearly 100 activities relating to agriculture, animal husbandry, fisheries, small enterprise, service provider, gender, social protection, micro finance, land and water management, minor forest produce-based employment, health etc.
Developed by the Madhya Pradesh Rural Livelihoods Project, the Aajeevika Live has made it easier to know the impact of individual, family and community level activities in remote tribal villages. The software has been equipped with details about each village and household and latest progress on the impact of benefits received by each family could be easily obtained. In addition, special reports regarding progress and impact under each activity could also be generated. The cluster level staff position has also been displayed.
The main server has been installed at Project headquarters Bhopal. Data has been procured at cluster level from where this travels to the district units of the project and through internet is stored in the main server. The field staff has been provided training in operation. The unique feature of the Aajeevika Live is that it gives details about the proposals passed by the Gram Sabha for various economic activities. Fund utilization certificates approved by the Gram Sabha and certified by Sarpanch and Secretary have figure in the software. Besides, it also gives information about the trainings to representatives of Panchayat Raj Institutions, utilization of funds received under various schemes like NREGS, ATMA and BRGF etc. Financial progress by the districts can also be monitored. Latest update about individual and community assets has also been a useful feature. The number of families receiving more than one benefit can also be found out.
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By : News Team
BIG Home Video Sweeps Indian DVD Awards
BIG Music & Home Entertainment, a Reliance Big Entertainment Company, started its operations just over a year ago, with the intention of dominating the music & home video business in the country.
To achieve this objective, the company decided to focus on the high value & premium home video segment. Within 6 months, the company became the exclusive licensee for distribution & marketing of all titles on Home Video for Warner Home Video, Paramount Home Entertainment, Dreamworks Studios & Universal Studios Home Entertainment. In addition, BIG Home Video also selectively acquired the home video rights of the biggest hits in Hindi films in last one year such as Ghajini, Rock on!!, Jodhaa Akbar, Singh is Kinng and Welcome among others. The company also forayed into regional home video by acquiring selective prestigious titles such as the highly acclaimed Satyajit Ray Signature Collection featuring Bengali movies.
The focus on quality, content value & customer satisfaction seems to be paying off. In the recently concluded Indian DVD Awards, BIG Home Video swept 9 out of 20 award categories to become the undisputed champion in the home video industry. The 4th edition of the DVD Awards for Indian Home, a part of Digital Cinema India Expo, was presented on June 5, 2009 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Goregaon, Mumbai.
The 'Blockbuster Theatrical Award' is reserved for the biggest theatrical film released on DVD. This award encourages the aspiration of being a frontline DVD publisher with national marketing and promotion. BIG Home Video won the award for 'The Dark Knight'. In the 'Major Theatrical New Release' section, awarded for encouraging DVD publishing, BIG Home Video's DVD release of the national blockbuster 'Ghajini', garnered the honour.
It was not solely new content that bought in the laurels for BIG Home Video. In the 'Major Motion Picture Catalogue Release', BIG Home Video's release 'Satyajit Ray Signature Collection', was awarded for its remarkable improvements in packaging presentation, quality of the content in terms of restoration, authoring, graphics and menu design and most notably value add-ons with interviews of artistes and memorabilia, director's commentary etc.
BIG Home Video's strength in domestic and international content was on display in the 'Multi-Disc Collection' category. Awarded to imagination in compilation of multi-disc collections, holistic packaging, creativity in multi-disc themes focussing on directors, actors or genre etc, the 'Best Picture Boxset' (Gone With The Wind, Casablanca & Ben-Hur) & 'Malgudi Days' both won in their respective language domains.
Apart from films, televised programming is a growing segment in the home video format. BIG Home Video's release of 'Heroes' won the best 'Television Entertainment' award for authoring and indexing of television serialization on the DVD format. 'The 11th Hour', a documentary on global warming won the 'Best Documentary' award.
Quality goes beyond content. BIG Home Video's focus on packaging, technical details, printing and giving the customer a holistic entertainment experience has been acknowledged. BIG Home Video picked up the Best 'Major Technical - Authoring Design' award for 'Jodhaa Akbar'. The criteria included evaluation as per the DVD Forum standards. Factors including exploitation of storage capacity, single layer or dual layering, menu options & the authoring design, were evaluated for the award. Incidentally, 'Jodhaa Akbar', also picked up the best 'Printing Design' award for its quality of printing in terms of thickness, the quality of ink and the aesthetic design impact.
Kulmeet Makkar, CEO of BIG Music & Home Entertainment, is elated, "This is a proud moment for us. These awards are recognition of our commitment towards bringing the best in home entertainment to the customer. A DVD is more than a film. It is an experience. We aim for products which provide pride of ownership to the consumer and us. BIG Home video's vision is to release the biggest of Indian and International movies on all available Home entertainment platforms. Our target is an audience who demands the best in content & quality."
The company has built and consolidated an impressive depth and width in distribution, along with localization of International content, with dubbing of English films in 6 regional languages. The high value Home Video titles comes in premium packaging, with international standards of quality and are a true collector's edition with special features and value adds. Innovative marketing has played a crucial role not only in supporting sales but also brand building. The company has used New age media including internet, social networks, mobile, viral marketing, OOH combined strategically with ATL & BTL mediums like TV, radio, internet, press, outdoor, on ground activation and retail promotion. This has ensured an all encompassing high decibel marketing campaign for the key titles and the company.
We are sure that these awards are just another feather in BIG Home Video's cap.
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By : News Team
It is optimism all around
By : Ashok Handoo : Finally, the country has managed to record a 6.7 percent growth in financial year 2008-09, despite the global economy still in the throes of a deep recession. This has been vindicated by the official figures released recently. This growth rate, though, much lower than the 9 percent rate that we have been clocking for the previous four years, is nonetheless, well above the 6 percent growth that was being projected by some analysts. Some prophets had even predicted only a 5% growth in the last financial year. The Central Statistical Organization had pegged the GDP growth rate at 7.1 percent.
The actual growth rate is certainly in the range that the RBI had projected: 6 to 5.7 %. Our Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh too had been emphasizing that the growth rate would be in the range of 6.5 to 7. That is precisely what has happened.
In a way, this growth has been somewhat unexpected. It has largely been possible by the strong 5.8 % growth in the last quarter of the financial year. The reasons for this have been the effects of huge Government spending on social programmes and construction, pumping liquidity into the market through special packages and by lowering of interest rates. Government consumption too increased by 22 percent.
The most encouraging news is the performance of the core sector which has sent clear signals of an economic recovery. In April 2009 growth rate in the core sector of infrastructure doubled to 4.3 percent, against 2.3% in the same month last year when the economy was booming. The output of cement in April went up by 11.7% compared to 6.9% in the same month last year. Steel grew by 1.6 percent against a decline of 0.6 % in April last year. Coal production grew at an impressive 13.2 percent compared to 10.4 % in the corresponding period last year. So was the case with electricity generation which jumped up by 6% in April against 1.4 % in the same month, last year.
Not less important is the increase in the collection of direct taxes by 16.88 % in May this year. In fact the collections have shown a positive growth since February this year. This will help the Government to keep the fiscal deficit under control, which could well cross 5% of the GDP against the limit of 2.5 % fixed earlier. The deficit could well be about 10 % if the state budgets are also taken into account. The actual position in this regard will, however, be known when the Finance Minister presents the budget next month. May month's collection figures are particularly encouraging as there had been a shortfall just a month earlier.
As a result of this economic scenario, coupled with the installation of a stable Government at the centre, the financial market is also jubilant. The stocks are rising and the sensex is hovering in the 15,000 area, double than what it was less than 6 months ago. Mutual Funds too are, as a consequence, looking up.
The picture certainly would have been much better, had we not slowed down in two important sectors: manufacturing and agriculture. A sluggish manufacturing sector, which grew at just 2.4 percent during 2008-09 against 8.2% in the previous financial year, was a dampener. Similarly, agriculture, which accounts for 20 % of the country's GDP, recorded just 1.6 % growth in the last financial year against 4.9 % in the previous financial year.
What came as a booster was the growth in the service sector: 13 % growth in the community services, 9% in transport and communications sector and a 7.8% growth in financial and other service sector. All this happened at a time when the US economy contracted by an annualized rate of 6.2 % and the Japanese economy by 12.7 %. This only proves the resilience of Indian economy. To some extent it is also due to the fact that Indian economy is more inward looking as it opened up only after 1991. It thus depends more on the domestic demand. In sectors where it looks more on the foreign markets like the textiles, the effect of global meltdown has been more pronounced. The country recorded a 33% fall in exports in March this year, leading to fall in incomes and unemployment in this sector.
President Pratiba Devi Singh Patil's recent address to the joint sitting of the two houses of Parliament has now laid the future roadmap for the Government. It aims at pushing ahead with the economic reforms, pursuing the disinvestment and promoting Foreign Direct Investment which will also take care of the financial constraints of the Government. It also envisages increased public spending. But while doing so, care will be taken of fiscal prudence so that the widening gap in fiscal deficit is kept in check. Liquidity in the banking sector will also be improved to make way for better access to funds by the stake holders. The Reserve Bank of India has already asked the Government for a comprehensive review of the interest rate regime to nudge the banks into reducing their lending rates which they are reluctant to do. The Finance Minister Mr. Pranab Mukherjee too has clearly pointed out to the banks that they have not so far adequately reflected in their lending rates, the reduction in key rates by the RBI. But they have now agreed to take a fresh look at the issue.
Fortunately, inflation too is under control which provides additional leg space to the Government to take fiscal and monetary measures to push up growth. The current financial year will not be without challenges and the growth rate may continue to be around the existing level. The Prime Minister told the Parliament the other day that he was confident that the country would record at least 7% growth in the current fiscal as well. But if all work together, it is possible to raise it to 8-9 % "even when the world grows at a lower rate" the Prime Minister said. These are words of satisfaction indeed. A high rate of 35% of our GDP being the savings determines the money that can be deployed for development works, though heavy public spending does carry a cost in terms of increasing fiscal deficit which has already crossed 6.2 %.
The larger picture that emerges thus is of hope, confidence and optimism on the economic front.
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By : News Team
IAF contingent for un peace keeping mission at Congo flagged off
With the national tricolour and India emblazoned on their blue uniforms, 285 IAF air warriors swapped their regular grey 'side caps' with the distinct 'blue beret' worn by UN peacekeepers worldwide, to form part of the Indian UN Peace Keeping Mission that leaves for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), on June 20. The IAF saga of contributing to UN peace-keeping missions began when IAF sent a flight of Canberra bomber aircraft as part of the United Nations Operations in Congo (ONUC), in 1962.
Air Officer-in-Charge Maintenance (AOM), Air Marshal KM Rama Sundara flagged-off the Indian Aviation Contingent-II, today from Palam. "You are the ambassadors of peace and the Nation has very high expectations from you in terms of discipline, integrity and professional standards", he said while addressing the contingent, led by Group Captain Manavendra Singh. "Your predecessors have set high standards and you should aim to achieve even higher standards", AOM told the team members. The present IAF contingent is effecting a fourth rotation and replaces an earlier team sent a year back. The contingent will operate six Mi-17 utility helicopters and four Mi-35 attack helicopters from Bukavu, in eastern DRC. Currently the IAF operates two aviation contingents from DRC, the other being stationed at Goma. DRC, it may be mentioned has been in a state of turmoil since it attained freedom in 1960. Indian Armed Forces have been contributing to peace missions in the strife-torn state ever since and have proved instrumental in bringing semblance of normalcy to the state.
The twin purpose of the contingent is to provide mobility to the UN staff and forces, while also acting as a deterrent for the belligerent groups trying to destabilize the peace process. Mi-17s would be primarily used for troop insertion and extraction, casualty evacuation, logistic supply, search and rescue, reconnaissance and observation. The primary role for the Mi-35 helicopter, equipped with night targeting system, would be offensive armed support as escort, and independent offensive operations.
Listing out his priorities on reaching Bukavu, Group Captain Manavendra says," Among the first tasks is the familiarization of the area and taking charge of the area, getting to know the UN people and operational tasks". The contingent comprises IAF personnel of diverse specializations including helicopter pilots. "All my pilots are categorized and their flying qualifications revalidated", he added. Other members include those from the logistics, technical, medical services and pay and accounts. Life at the air base in Sukavu under field conditions is modelled on the lines of regular Air Force bases that exist in India. Apart from a six-bedded hospital, facilities such as a gymnasium, games equipment, internet, ISD, library, movies, music et al – all other IAF activities such as drill, physical training will form part of the daily routine during their stay period, the Contingent Commander said.
Among other senior IAF officials who were present at the flag-off ceremony included Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (ACAS) Operations (Transport & Helicopter), Air Vice Marshal (AVM) M Bahadur, and Air Officer Commanding, Air Force Station, New Delhi, Air Commodore Ajit Bhonsle.
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By : News Team
Shri Pawan Kumar Bansal assumes charge as Minister for Water Resources
Shri Pawan Kumar Bansal assumed charge as the Union Minister for Water Resources here today. He was welcomed by Shri Vincent Pala, Minister of State for Water Resources, Shri U.N. Punjiar, Secretary and other senior officers of the Ministry.
Immediately after assuming the office, the minister was briefed by the Secretary and senior officers on various important issues concerning the Water Resources ministry including the priority areas. He also reviewed the status of various programmes and matters related to the ministry.
Shri Bansal held the office of Minister of State for Finance and Parliamentary Affairs in the previous UPA Government. He has been re-elected to the 15th Lok Sabha and elevated as Cabinet Minister of Parliamentary Affairs in the new Government.
Shri Bansal is a law graduate from Punjab University, Chandigarh and is Advocate by profession. He was elected as Member, Rajya Sabha in 1984 and served as Member of the Committee on Subordinate Legislation, Rajya Sabha during 1984-86, Member on Panel of Vice-Chairmen, Rajya Sabha and Member, Consultative Committee, Ministry of Human Resource Development from 1985-87. He was elected to the 10th Lok Sabha in 1991, and re-elected to 13th Lok Sabha for the second term in 1999 and 14th Lok Sabha for the third term in 2004. He also served as Chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on 83rd Constitution Amendment Bill and Representation of People (Amendment) Bill as well as Chairman of the Committee on Communications and Committee on Privileges etc.
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By : News Team
Nine Orissa policemen killed in landmine explosion
Nine security personnel of Orissa's anti-naxal force were on Thursday killed in a landmine explosion triggered by Maoists in Koraput district.
Nine personnel of the Orissa Special Strike Force (OSSF) were killed when their jeep was blown up by a landmine detonated by remote control at Jogi Pallur in Koraput, about 530 km from Bhubaneswar, police said.
The landmine blast occurred as the personnel on their way from Maoist-hit Narayanpatna to Laxmipur found the road blocked by Maoists, Director General of Police Manmohan Praharaj said.
CRPF personnel, who rushed to the spot after the ambush, also came under fire from the Maoists at Laxmipur, police said.
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By : News Team
Shiney's judicial custody extended; NCW team to meet victim tomorrrow
Three days after his arrest, Bollywood actor Shiney Ahuja, accused of raping his young domestic help, was on Thursday remanded to judicial custody till July two by a local court.
The 35-year-old actor, who can apply for bail, was remanded after the prosecution said they want to investigate if the actor had consumed drugs or was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident.
The actor has been accused of sexually assaulting his maid on Sunday at his suburban residence in Oshiwara when no one else was around.
Police, which had earlier stated that the maid was 18-years old, on Thursday said she is 20 as per the school certificate obtained from her native place Roha in nearby Raigad district.
The prosecution, in its remand application, also stated that the medical reports of both the accused and the victim were not yet ready and the blood report of the accused is yet to be taken.Besides, Ahuja is not co-operating with the investigation, the prosecution claimed.
"Shiney is a teetotaller and does not consume drugs. His urine and blood samples have already been taken by the police and thus his custody is not required," his lawyer Srikant Shivade said.
Shivade also said that Ahuja should not be handcuffed when being brought from the lockup to the court since he is not a terrorist or a dreaded criminal.
The magistrate asked Ahuja if he had any complaint against the police to which he said "no".
Looking sombre, the actor wearing a cream-coloured T-shirt and blue jeans, smiled when he saw his wife telling her "everything will be fine".
Anupam was seen praying with folded hands during proceedings which lasted for 25 minutes.
Emerging from the court, she told reporters, "It was wonderful to see him. He was looking at me with love and I was looking at him with love and both of us know we love each other and we will come out of it. Both of us know he is innocent. As I said he is one step closer to home."
Assistant Police Commissioner Dilip Suryavanshi told a news agency that "the police team that had gone to obtain the domestic help's school nearby Raigad district has returned to Mumbai. As per the certificate, she is 20-years".
The Kalina Forensic Laboratory Science Director M V Garad said they were conducting various tests to corroborate evidence in the case.
"We have received materials like clothes of the victim and the accused from the police," he said.
"It would take at least a week's time to complete all tests including DNA test," he added.
NCW team to take statement of Shiney's domestic help
The National Commission for Women (NCW) will send a team to Mumbai to speak to the domestic help, who has been allegedly raped by Bollywood actor Shiney Ahuja, and to see what steps can be taken to help her.
NCW chief Girija Vyas will lead the three-member team which will visit Mumbai on Friday. Besides speaking to the woman, the team will also talk to police and state administration to assess the protection given to the victim.
"This is a high profile case. The victim is in shock. We will see what kind of protection has been provided to her and the rehabilitation measures," Vyas told a news agency.
"Till now her statement has not been taken by anybody. We will take her statement about the incident," she said.
Ahuja was on Thursday remanded in judicial custody till July two by a local court in Mumbai.
She said the Commission has prepared a Bill for protection of women against sexual harassment at workplace which will include domestic helps also.
"We have prepared the Bill and sent it to the government. Once it is passed, the domestic helps will be covered under it and they will get protection," she said.
The Bill will specify the rehabilitation and protection measures for the victim of sexual harassment.
The NCW has also sent another committee to inquire into the alleged gang rape of a 17-year-old student in a moving car in Surat on Friday.
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By : News Team
World’s second cloned buffalo calf “Garima” born at N.D.R.I, Karnal
18 JUNE : The world's second cloned buffalo calf has been produced successfully through a new and advanced 'Hand-guided Cloning Technique' at National Dairy Research Institute, at Karnal (Haryana).
Earlier, the N.D.R.I, Karnal had also produced the world's first cloned buffalo calf on 6th February, 2009 but it could not survive.
The second cloned buffalo calf is a female and was born through caesarian operation at N.D.R. I, Karnal. The weight of the baby calf was 43 kg at the time of birth. She is healthy and having normal weight gain like other naturally born calves.
This cloning technique developed at N.D.R.I, Karnal, has a potential to create elite breed of buffaloes of desired sex which will contribute in further increasing India's milk production.
The team of the scientists involved in this cloning experiment was headed by Dr. A.K.Srivastav, the Director and Vice-Chancellor of N.D.R.I and included Dr. Suresh K.Singla, Dr. R.S.Manik, Dr. M.S.Chauhan, Dr. P.Palta, Dr. Shiv Prasad, Dr. R.A.Shah and Dr. Aman George.
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By : News Team
Transfer of Punjab & Haryana High Court Judge
18 June : In exercise of the powers conferred by clause (1) of article 222 of the Constitution of India, the President, after consultation with the Chief Justice of India, is pleased to transfer Shri Justice Uma Nath Singh, Judge of the Punjab & Haryana High Court as a Judge of the Allahabad High Court and to direct him to assume charge of his office in the Allahabad High Court on or before 1st July, 2009.
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By : News Team
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By : News Team
GUTKHA THE MOUTH FRESHENER THAT KILLS
Gutka is a preparation of crushed betel nuts and tobacco. It originated in the Indian Subcontinent, where gutka consumption is widespread today, and spread from there to areas with a large Indian population. Like other tobacco products, gutka is potentially addictive and cancerous.
In addition to betel nuts and tobacco, gutka also includes an extract of acacia called catechu, and slaked lime, which is designed to catalyze a chemical reaction when gutkha is chewed, releasing alkaloids in the blend to make it more powerful. Gutka is also usually blended with spices and seasonings, which can make it sour, hot, or sweet. Sometimes traditional Ayurvedic herbs are used to give gutka an illusion of respectability, and sweet flavourings are often designed to appeal specifically to children. Some packaging does not mention tobacco as an ingredient, some are chocolate-flavored, and some are marketed as breath fresheners.
One of the biggest groups of gutka users are children, Due to its often flavorful taste, easy availability and cheapness, it is popular with school children, who can exhibit pre-cancerous lesions at a very early age as a result. Gutka is also used by many as an alternative to cigarettes who are trying to quit smoking, or individuals who wish to avoid the social consequences of smoking and is claimed to curb the need to smoke but eventually becomes another tough to quit habit.
Scientific studies on the health effects of betel gutkha have found it to be carcinogenic to humans. Gutkha is known to cause oral sub mucous fibrosis (OSF), a pre-cancerous lesion characterized by stiffness of the oral mucosa resulting in an inability to open the mouth, says Dr. Akshay Ranade, oncologist with Sahyadri hospital. In his private setup, he gets 25-30 new cases every month
Many users are unaware of how addictive gutka can be, and they are greatly surprised when they attempt to give up the habit. In 2008 about 5 million children under 15 are addicted to gutka. A survey in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh yielded precursor of mouth cancers in 16 percent of the children.
Excessive gutka use can eventually lead to loss of appetite, promote unusual sleep patterns, loss of concentration etc along with other tobacco related problems. A prominent stained teeth ranging from mild yellowish-orange to reddish-black can easily identify a gutka user. The stains are difficult to remove by normal brushing and usually need the attention of a dentist. After gutkha is consumed, it is generally spat onto a wall or the ground, causing an unsightly red stain that is quite resistant to the elements.
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By : News Team
Tewari pursues Ludhiana rail projects with Mamta; gets positive response
LUDHIANA, June 18:The Ludhiana Member Parliament Manish Tewari yesterday met the Railway Minister Mamta Bannerjee in New Delhi and submitted a memorandum listing various pending and sanctioned railway projects for Ludhiana. The MP also sought the resumption of the special Ludhiana Delhi Shatabadi Express which was started last year and ran for about four months. Tewari was accompanied by party colleague Pawan Dewan also.
According to a press release issued here today, the Railway Minister assured Tewari that the projects would be taken up at the earliest and completed in a time bound manner. She also assured that she would personally ensure that the Ludhiana-New Delhi Shatabadi is resumed at the earliest.
Among the main projects Tewari listed the Lakkar Bridge, which is an important link between the old and new city and has been pending completion for a long time and it is the railways which need to complete the work.
He said, the project report on Dana Mandi Gill Road, Railway overbridge on Dhuri railway line has already been submitted to the ministry but there has not been any response so far. He appealed to the minister that it may be sanctioned in this year's budget only.
Tewari added, the Canal - Dhuri line railway overbridge is very important for the smooth and hassle free traffic in the city. With frequent movement of the trains on this line the traffic remains suspended quite frequently for long durations. The overbridge is needed on urgent basis. Canal–Ferozepur line railway overbridge, the proposal for which is pending with the railways for a long time may also be sanctioned at the earliest, he said.
Besides there are three important railway overbridges required to be built in the heart of the city without which the bottlenecks cannot be removed, he pointed out, while adding, these include one each on Convent School Pakhowal Road, Shastri Nagar–Railway under bridge and Giaspura–Railway overbridge .Besides, he added, the railway overbrdige needs to be completed on Jagaraon Raikote road.
Tewari also reiterated his demand for increasing the speed of trains on Amritsar-Delhi track, modernising the Ludhiana railway station, increasing the railway quota of seats for Ludhiana from 4 to 40, provision of quota in Sachkhand Express and other trains, conversion of the Dhandari and Jassian Railway Stations into Substation as it will provide relief to the labour from UP, Bihar, and West Bengal and Orissa, besides starting work on Kolkata-Ludhiana freight corridor at the earliest.
It is submitted that the railways has not made any significant improvement in the city for a long time. The projects have not been reviewed for decades while the population of the city has increased by at least five times. Completion of these projects in the dire need of the hour.
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By : News Team
Dreaded dacoit shot dead in encounter in Chitrakoot
Dreaded dacoit, Ghanshyam Kewat, who had engaged some 400 securitymen for over 52 hours, was finally shot on Thursday in an encounter with police in Chitrakoot district of Uttar Pradesh.
Sources said that Ghanshyam was killed in village Jamauli in Rajapur area, over 120 kms from Allahabad, when he was challenged by the police, who lost its four men in the fierce encounter.
Before that dacoit fled towards the jungle after jumping from the house where he was hiding and firing at the policemen since Tuesday.On Wednesday three policemen were killed and six others injured in a fierce encounter with the dacoit.
A team of security personnel surrounded Kewat, carrying a reward of Rs 50,000 on his head, and his gang.
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By : News Team
PFUCTO HAILS PUNJAB GOVT. DECISION TO IMPLEMENT UGC PAY SCALES
Punjab Federation of University and College Teachers Organisations (PFUCTO) hailed the decision of the Punjab Govt. taken today by Cabinet in its meeting held today to implement the revised UGC pay scales notified by Ministry of Human Resource Development, Govt. of India on Dec 31, 2008. In a joint statement Dr. S.S. Dhillon and Dr. Jagwant Singh, President and General Secretary respectively of the Federation, thanked Punjab Chief Minister S. Parkash Singh Badal for fulfilling promise made by him on Feb 13, 2009. According to the revised pay scales a newly recruited teacher will be placed in Pay-Band 3 of Rs.15600-39100 with Academic Grade Pay (AGP) of Rs.6000 after six years in the same pay-band he/she will move to AGP of Rs.7000 and after another five years will be entitled to AGP of Rs.8000. On completion of 3 years service with AGP of Rs.8000 teacher will move to Pay-Band 4 with AGP of Rs.9000. A Professor will be placed in Pay-Band 4 with AGP of Rs.10000. Similarly Principals of Colleges will be entitled to Pay-Band 4 with AGP of Rs.10000.
Giving the reaction of PFUCTO to the decision of the Cabinet that, "the decision, regarding allowances and other benefits referred to in the letter of MHRD, will be taken by a committee in a 'specified time'," Dr. Jagwant Singh, General Secretary of PFUCTO said that they hope that, "the Committee will take an appropriate decision at the earliest to bring uniformity in service conditions and allowances in accordance with the MHRD notification and keeping in view the growing importance of the Higher Education nationally and internationally for sustainable economic development."
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By : News Team
Giving the reaction of PFUCTO to the decision of the Cabinet that, "the decision, regarding allowances and other benefits referred to in the letter of MHRD, will be taken by a committee in a 'specified time'," Dr. Jagwant Singh, General Secretary of PFUCTO said that they hope that, "the Committee will take an appropriate decision at the earliest to bring uniformity in service conditions and allowances in accordance with the MHRD notification and keeping in view the growing importance of the Higher Education nationally and internationally for sustainable economic development."
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By : News Team
World Music Day
18 June : For the eve of World Music Day, Society for Tourism and Entertainment Promotions (STEPS) under the aegis of Chandigarh Tourism took auditions at Museum & Art Gallery for "Voice of Chandigarh" and "Chandigarh Orchestra/Band competition on June 16th and 18th respectively, at Govt. Museum and Art Gallery. Around 80 participants/candidates participated in the preliminary round of Voice of Chandigarh. Out of them, 24 candidates were short listed for semifinal round, the top 12 will give live performance on the eve of World Music Day on June 20th at Plaza, Sector-17. The Voice of Chandigarh competition has been divided into three categories 10-18 years, 19-25 years and 26 years onwards. The semifinal round was held today at Govt. Museum and Art Gallery.
In the morning the auditions for "Chandigarh Band/Orchestra were held at the Museum and Art Gallery in which 7 bands named harmonic section, wingspan, 3 faced coin, Triveni, the stolen generation, Dharam pal music and over 23 participated. The best two bands will give live performance on June at 19 at Plaza, hence the best ensemble will be titled as "Chandigarh Band". The panel of Judges included Prof. Arvind Dutt, Former HOD, Music Dept, PU, Ms. Reeta, HOD, Music Dept., Home Science College. Mr. Michael, ST. Johns, Mr. Geoff, St. Stephens, Subhash Ghosh an eminent musicians and Mr. S. Vardhan, HOD, Govt. College-42.
Post lunch, the semifinal round of "Voice of Chandigarh were held at Govt. Museum & Art Gallery. All 23 shortlisted candidates gave their best to enter into the final round of "Voice of Chandigarh". Out of them, top 12 will be short listed for the final round and will give live performances on the eve of World Music Day. The panel of Judges included Dr. Rani Balbir Kaur, Eminent Theatre Personality, Dr. Arvind Dutt, Mr. S.D. Sharma, Dr. S. Vardhan and Mr. Geoff.
The celebrations of World Music Day will begin tomorrow in the city with a performance by French Rock Band "Kwak", followed by live performance of "Voice of Chandigarh" and Chandigarh Band on June 20. The World Music Day will be concluded by a performance by Kailash Kher. All the events will he held at Plaza, Sector-17, Chandigarh at 7:00 PM.
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By : News Team
New work culture must in government offices
Bhopal:Thursday, June 18, 2009:The Chief Minister, Shri Shivraj Singh has instructed for establishment of a new work culture in government offices at all the levels. He said that all the employees and officers including district collectors should report on duty in time with a view to making administration sensitive toward people's problems. He said that apart from punctuality, officials should also redress people's grievances and ensure timely implementation of government schemes and programmes. The Chief Minister was talking to all the divisional commissioners, district collectors and higher police officers during Parakh programme at Vindhyachal Bhawan here today.
Chief Minister Shri Chouhan said that police performance will also be reviewed in Parakh programme from now onwards. He said that the police officers will be questioned about improvement in law & order situation about checking crimes and arresting criminals.
Police to hold public hearing every week
Chief Minister Shri Chouhan said that public hearing will be held every Tuesday at police station, sub-division, superintendent of police, deputy superintendent of police, inspector general and Director General of Police levels. During the public hearing from 12 noon to 2 pm concerning police officers will remain present in the respective offices, hear people's grievances and redress them. He said that distinguished local citizens should also be invited to these public hearings and the suggestions made by them should be implemented.
Stationery fund for police stations to be increased four times
Chief Minister Shri Chouhan said that the funds earmarked for stationery in police stations are being increased four times. For this, allocation will be made in the budget.
Public hearing in other departments too
Chief Minister Shri Chouhan said that after the police department, public hearing will be taken up in other departments as well. He said that guideless to this effect will be issued soon.
Adequate funds for drought relief and drinking water
Chief Minister Shri Chouhan gave information about availability of adequate funds to deal with drought and making drinking water arrangements. He instructed that an emergency action plan should be chalked out for the next one month for severely affected areas. He said that delay will not be tolerated in sanctioning proposals for drinking water arrangements from district collectors and allocating funds.
During the programme, the Chief Minister reviewed drinking water arrangements and transportation of water in Ujjain, Dewas, Shajapur, Alirajpur, Dhar and Morena. Shri Chouhan instructed to release second installment to the tune of Rs 27 lakh out of Rs 50 lakh sanctioned for transporting drinking water in the urban areas of Dhar. Instructions were also given to allocate funds for digging new tube-wells for Dewas from the funds given for water transportation.
The Chief Minister instructed to ensure cent percent payment against wages under Employment Guarantee Scheme to workers through banks. Expressing displeasure over less than 100 percent payments in Burhanpur, Rajgarh and Tikamgarh, he instructed to improve the situation.
Chief Minister Shri Chouhan apprised himself of the action taken with regard to land acquisition and removal of encroachments in Dhar, Indore, Dewas, Ratlam, Ujjain and Neemuch districts. Concerning collectors informed that process has been completed in most of the cases.
The Chief Minister also enquired about payment to Panchayat Secretaries as per new pay scale. He instructed to expedite payment as per new pay scales in Dhar, Burhanpur, Neemuch, Damoh, Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh, Singrauli, Shahdol, Umaria, Gwalior, Bhind and Datia districts. Shri Chouhan also made queries about filling of vacant posts in newly-constituted districts.
Shri Chouhan took a serious note of delay in repairing hand pumps in Dhar, Tikamgarh and Damoh districts. He instructed for immediate action in this connection. Shri Chouhan praised hand pumps repairing work in Alirajpur, Jabalpur and Balaghat districts. Enquiring about non-distribution of BPL and Antodaya wheat in 9 villages of Katni district, the Chief Minister instructed Katni district collector to undertake physical verification in these villages.
The Chief Minister also enquired about chain snatching incidents from SPs of Bhopal and Indore. Shri Chouhan also sought explanation from Indore superintendent of police about the bank dacoity committed in December 2008.
Complete implementation on Forest Rights Act by June 30
During the review of Forest Rights Act's implementation, Chief Minister Shri Chouhan instructed for chalking out a definite road map and dispose of all the claims by June 30, 2009. He sought explanation from Khargone collector on slow progress and gave him time to complete the work within two months. Taking note that excess claims have been disposed of in Gwalior, Shivpuri, Datia, Dewas, Mandsaur, Ujjain, Dhar, Jhabua, Shahdol, Morena, Bhind, Sheopur district, the Chief Minister instructed to exercise caution in inspection of claims.
The Chief Minister instructed to send all the proposals of converting forest villages into revenue villages within three months.
200 Model Schools to be opened
Chief Minister Shri Chouhan also informed about the plan for opening 200 Model Schools in educationally backward development blocks. He instructed that the process of identifying and selecting land for these schools should be completed by June 20 and action taken report be sent to Rajya Shiksha Kendra.
Chief Minister's instructions
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Ensure reporting of supply of kerosene, sugar and food grains under public distribution system in all the 52 thousand villages of the state.
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The food material supply should be physically verified.
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Public hearings should be held every Tuesday for improving law & order situation. This hearing should be undertaken at police station, sub-division, superintendent of police, deputy superintendent of police, inspector general and Director General of Police levels. Concerning officers should remain present on the day of public hearing.
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Records of complaints/problems during public hearing should be maintained and the District Redressal Cell headed by superintendent of police should undertake weekly review.
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People should be treated courteously and with sensitivity at police stations.
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Women should not be made to sit in police stations and bails should be granted to them at the earliest.
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If is arrested, she must be lodged at a police station where police women are deployed.
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Serious cases to be tried immediately should be identified and the district monitoring cell should remove the difficulties in trial within the time-limit set by the High Court.
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Take chain-snatching, knifing and acid-throwing very seriously and apply appropriate sections of laws in such cases.
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Cases of serious crimes should be monitored at SP level.
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Beats of police personnel should be reviewed and it is ensured that the beat officers must have knowledge about the criminals in their respective areas.
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Efforts should be undertaken to link Nagar Suraksha Samitis with beat officers.
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Strict action should be taken against land and drug mafias.
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Works under Regional Grant Fund, National Employment Guarantee Scheme and Kapil Dhara Yojana should be completed before onset of monsoon.
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Cases pertaining to land demarcation should be disposed of by June 30.
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Records should be systematically maintained in tahasil offices.
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Studies should be started in all the schools from July 1. The works of repair etc. should be completed by June 30.
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It is ensured that schoolchildren must have text-books.
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District collectors should chalk out action plans for implementation of 'School Chale Hum' and Hariyali Mahotasava.
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The process of appointment of contractual teacher I, II and III should be completed by June 30.
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Expedite establishment of Kasturba Gandhi girls schools.
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Deadline for accepting applications from MISA detainees should be extended by six months.
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Public Works, Water Resources, Rural Development and Public Health Engineering departments should complete their pending works before the rainy season.
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Employment fairs should be organised on a large scale to provide employment to jobless youth.
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Timely payment should be ensured to labourers under Employment Guarantee Scheme.
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Crisis management plans should be completed in all the district before arrival of monsoon.
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Effective precautions should be taken to control diseases and epidemics during the monsoon.
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The test facilities available in government hospitals as well as medicines should be provided to patients.
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Ensure effective implementation of Mukhyamantri Kanyadan Yojana, Mazdoor Suraksha, Awas and Annapoorna schemes.
Those present at the programme included incharge Chief Secretary Shri Vinod Choudhary, Director General of Police Shri SK Rout, Additional Chief Secretary Shri Prashant Mehta, principal secretaries and secretaries of various departments and secretary to CM Shri Anurag Joshi.
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By : News Team
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