Jalandhar, January 5, 2013: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a charge sheet U/s 120B, r/w 409, 477A of IPC and Sections 13 (2) r/w 13(1)(c) & (d) of PC Act, 1988 against the then Branch Manager; the then Field Officer both working in State Bank of India, Pasighat (Arunachal Pradesh) and two  Private Persons in the Court of Special Judge, Tezu (Arunachal Pradesh) for causing alleged loss of about Rs. 99.60 lakhs.

According to the Spokesperson of the CBI, this case was registered on the basis of a complaint alleging that a major fraud was committed at the State Bank of India, Pasighat Branch (Arunachal Pradesh) in the sanction of 86 loans for an amount of about Rs.1.70 crore by the Branch Manager. It is further alleged that major irregularities were committed by the Branch Manager in connivance of other SBI officials and outsiders by sanctioning loans to non-existent units during the period September, 2006 to November, 2007.

The investigation established that in 27 loan instances, the accused persons in criminal conspiracy with each other, allegedly caused loss to the SBI to the tune of about Rs.99.60 lakhs.

The public is reminded that the above findings are based on the investigation done by CBI and evidence collected by it. Under the Indian Law, the accused are presumed to be innocent till their guilt is finally established after a fair trial.

Jalandhar, January 5, 2013: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a Doctor working as Head of Department, Airport Health Organisation, Mumbai for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs.6,900 from the Complainant.

It was alleged in the FIR that an Owner of travelling agency at Thane was approached by three persons to book their tickets for journey to Nairobi (Kenya).  As per rules while visiting African countries, passenger has to get the certificate from Airport Health Organisation for vaccination of Yellow Fever.  For the said purpose, complainant visited the office of Doctor at Sahar Airport Mumbai to know the procedure.  During the discussion, the accused informed complainant that he would issue Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate without giving vaccination to the passenger but he would charge Rs. 2,300 per passenger.

After registering a case, CBI laid a trap and the accused was caught red handed while demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs. 6,900 from the complainant.

Further investigation is in progress.

Dharamsala, January 5, 2013: Virbhadra Singh, Chief Minister, Himachal Pradesh met Kamal Nath, Union Minister for Urban Development at New Delhi today.

Sudhir Sharma, Himachal Urban Development Minister also accompanied the Chief Minister. 
Detailed discussions were held for approval of “Shimla Mono Rail Project” worth about Rs. 5,000 crore.

This project would be the first of its kind in a hilly State.

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has been asked to carry out detailed survey and prepare Feasibility Report within six months. 
Kamal Nath assured the Chief Minister of full support to the state in sanctioning of this ambitious project

Jalandhar, January 5, 2013: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a Superintendent and an Inspector of Service Tax, Department of Revenue (Ministry of Finance), CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs. 1 lakh from the complainant.

The complainant had alleged in his complaint that the Superintendent and the Inspector of Service Tax Department were demanding an illegal gratification of Rs.1 lakh for favourable settlement of his service tax liabilities.

After registering a case, CBI laid a trap and both the accused persons were caught red handed while demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs. 1 lakh from the complainant.

Searches have been carried out at the official and residential premises of accused persons. Incriminating documents recovered during searches, are being scrutinised.

Both the accused  were produced today before the Special Judge for CBI Cases, Patiala House Courts at Delhi and were remanded to two days police custody.

Further investigation is in progress.

Kochi/Chandigarh, January 9, 2013: The Punjab today showcased the state as new land of opportunity that could offer maximum growth potential to the investors by offering them total support of the State.

The State specific session of Punjab state on the concluding day of Parvasi Bharti Divas today attracted anxious NRI investors, who were smelling the growth potential of the state as Punjab is all set to emerge first state in the country with surplus power.

Leading the team of Punjab, Principal Secretary NRI Affairs S.S Channy today informed that by December 2013, Punjab would be the first power surplus in the country with generation capacity reaching 8884 MW against the demand of 8865 MW. He said that Punjab is the only state in the country that would have three international airports at Amritsar, Mohali and Machhiwara and three domestic airports at Pathankot, Ludhiana and Bathinda. He said that Mohali airport being built on 305 acres at the cost of Rs. 910 crore would be completed by February 2015.

Projecting Punjab as the first state in the country that would have all cities linked with 4/6 lane roads in there years at the cost of Rs. 7600 crore, Channy said that we would soon witness completion of 4/6 laning of Shambu-Jalandhar, Jalandhar-Pathankot, Jalandhar-Amritsar, Amritsar-Pathankot, Amritsar-Zira-Kotkapura-Sri Ganga Nagar, Ludhiana-Moga-Talwandi, Hoshiarpur-Jalandhar-Moga-Barnala-Sangrur-Patran-Jind, Kharar-Ludhiana, Kurali-Ropar-Kiratpur Sahib, Ambala-Zirakpur-Kalka, Zirakpur-Patiala and Patiala-Bathinda highways and today cleared project of Mohali Ludhiana Road. He said that with the investment of Rs. 7600 crore, with clause of 5 to 15 years maintenance of these roads, Punjab would be the state with highest road density of 133KM per 100 Sq Km.

Focusing on Human Resource Development, Channi said that Indian School of Business, Indian Institute of Technology, Indian Institute of Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Nano Science Technology, National Agri Food Biotechnology Institute have been already established during last four years. He said that Punjab Government was establishing Medi-city in New Chandigarh (Mullanpur) and Super Specialty Chains were vying to set up their hospitals in the upcoming medicity.

Showcasing business opportunities in Punjab, Channy said that last five years saw an investment of Rs. 24000 crore and 359 mega projects and 114 manufacturing projects were in pipeline with the investment of Rs. 113503.46 crore. He said that Punjab was setting up Textile Hub in Malwa, Food Hub in Majha, IT Hub in Mohali and Amritsar, Petro Park in Bathinda, Automobiles hub in Patiala, Sugar hub in Amritsar and Gurdaspur, Hosiery hub in Ludhiana, Handtool, Sports and Leather hubs in Jalandhar for focused and accelerated industrial growth. He said that Punjab was all set to announce new Indutrial Policy of the state.

Emphasising upon people centric responsive government, Channy said that Punjab is the first state to introduce Right to Service Act and Governance Reforms empowering the people to get their citizen services within stipulated time otherwise concerned employee would be punished. He said that within first year Punjab received 48 lakh applications in civil and 13 lakh in police under RTS Act.

Varinder Kumar Gupta, International Financial Advisor for Oil and Gas drilling sector, requested Punjab Government to also focus on below 100 crore project as medium scale industry could contribute lots to the economic development of the state.

Uma Kant Tiwari, General Manager, Shri Ram New Horizons Ltd was impressed by the Governance Reforms initiatives of Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister Punjab, and requested for independent and effective monitoring of implementations of these reforms.

Dr. J.S. Virk, Chairman Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin requested Punjab Government to give pre-immigration English speaking training to Punjabis so that they should not face problems in the foreign shores.

Paras Ram Punj, Managing Director Paras Ram Group, Australia, sought more information to invest in the state. Harbachan Singh, President Sikh American Friendship Foundation also spoke on the occasion.

Harpal Singh, an NRI from Vancouver narrated his personal problem with law enforcement agency.

Dhananjan Aggarwal, Managing Director ITSL, requested Punjab Government to notify its IT Policy at the earliest.

B Purushartha, Commissioner NRI and Director Technical Education, gave information about skill development initiatives of the Punjab Government.  

Meanwhile, Vayalar Ravi, Union Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs, today hailed the slew of initiatives taken by Punjab Government to solve the lingering problems of Non Resident Indians and hoped that other states would also follow Punjab's most comprehensive policy for NRIs.

The Union Minister personally came to the state specific session of Punjab and Principal Secretary NRI Affairs S. S. Channy explained to the Minister about initiatives taken by Punjab Government. The Minister said that he has already read that Punjab is the only state to have NRI Commission under Retired High Court Judge and had made legal amendments in Punjab Urban Rent Control Act, besides enacting Compulsory Marriage Act, Human Smuggling Act to find the lasting solution to the problems of NRIs. He said that he was quiet impressed by the initiatives of Bikram Singh Majithia, NRI Affairs and Revenue Minister, who has set up Land Records Portal, in which NRI can online block the mutation of their land.

Channy also informed the Minister the decision about 10% quota for NRIs in residential and industrial estates, setting up of Special Judicial Courts and three district courts and speedy disposal of Proclaimed Offenders cases.

The Union Minister was quiet impressed with the privilege card for NRIs and said that he would ask his Ministry to study this initiative so that this card could be replicated on all India basis by his Ministry. He also interacted with IG NRI Affairs Gurpreet Deo, who told the Minister about initiatives of Punjab Police to tackle the menace of Holiday Marriages.

The Minister thanked Punjab delegation for taking care of NRIs and offered full support of his Ministry to accomplish initiatives for the welfare and security of NRIs.

Jalandhar, January 9, 2013: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a case against four officials of the Customs Department and a Deputy Director, DRI; one Representative of a Kolkata-based private firm in an alleged bribery case, for processing import/export-related work of a private firm based at Kolkata.

It was alleged that some officers of the Customs Department and DRI posted at Kolkata; Mumbai and Delhi and others conspired with private persons in the matter of obtaining permission of the competent authority for allowing a firm to transport consignments from Kolkata Port by Railway rake to Nepal through Jigbani (Bihar), in lieu of illegal gratification.

Searches have been conducted at the premises of accused persons at various places in Mumbai; Delhi and Punjab. Cash, property documents and other incriminating documents were recovered.

Investigation is continuing.

Chandigarh, January 9, 2013: Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has constituted a nine-member committee headed by the State Chief Secretary to formulate a policy to finalise the identification of martyrs of Kuka Movement, Kamagata Maru episode and Jallianwala Bagh massacre after proper verification with due diligence and care so that the next of their kin could be extended either one time financial assistance or other facilities already payable to the freedom fighters as per the recommendations of the committee. 

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that the Chief Minister has asked the Committee to submit its report along with proposed policy with its recommendations to award pension or other facilities to the descendents/legal heirs of these historic movements of Indian freedom struggle at the earliest as a gratitude to these unsung heroes. 

The other members of the committee would be Principal Secretary Freedom Fighter, Financial Commissioner Revenue, Principal Secretary Finance, Joint Secretary/Director Freedom Fighter Ministry of Home, Government of India, Director Archives Punjab and Deputy Commissioner Amritsar.  Meanwhile the Secretary Freedom Fighter and Special Secretary Freedom Fighter would be the Convener and Member Secretary of the committee respectively, added the spokesperson.

Jalandhar, January 10, 2013: The Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested five absconding accused in connection with the alleged murder of Phool Mohd, the then SHO, Man Town Police Station, Sawai Madhopur District (Rajasthan).

The arrested accused were produced in the Court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Sawai Madhopur, and were remanded to Judicial Custody.

This case was earlier investigated by CID: CB of Rajasthan Police on the allegation of the murder of Phool Mohd., the then SHO, Man Town Police Station by a mob in Surwal Village in Sawai Madhopur District on March 17, 2011 while he was on official duty.

CBI took up the investigation on June 30, 2011 on the request of the Rajasthan Government and further Notification from Govt. of India.

After thorough investigation, CBI filed a supplementary chargesheet against 88 accused persons and one Juvenile Delinquent U/s 147, 148, 149, 152, 332, 353, 427, 435, 440, 307, 302, 304-A, 109, 114 & 201 of IPC; U/s 3 & 4 of Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984. At the time of filing chargesheet, 69 accused persons were absconding. On April 7, 2012, the Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Sawai Madhopur issued Non-Bailable Warrants of Arrest against all the absconding accused.

The CBI with the assistance of District Police, Sawai Madhopur, carried out coordinated searches/raids in various places in Surwal Village, and arrested five absconding accused persons on January 09, 2013. Further investigation is in progress.

Dharamsala, January 10, 2013: A Cabinet meeting was held at Mini Secretariat Dharamshala  under the chairmanship of HP Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, on Thursday Evening, in which HP government has given consent in principal to participate in Financial Restructuring Plan (FRP) of Government of India.

Under the scheme 50 per cent of the financial losses or short term liabilities whichever is less, of the state electricity board ending March,2012 shall be taken by the state govt. The financial losses of HPSEBL is amounting to about Rs. 1400 crores 50 per cent of the this i.e. about Rs. 700 crores shall be taken over by the govt. of HP and the rest shall be converted into long term loan to be met with by the State Electricity Board.

Under the FRP the GoI will appoint a nodal bank to make the Financial restructuring plan on above lines in consultation with the HPSEBL and the plan shall again be brought for approval of the state government after taking due approval of the State Regulatory Commission.

However the consent of the state government is subject to the condition that the GoI may consider the re-imbursement of 50 per cent of the loan instead of 25 per cent reimbursement given under the plan.

Further it may also consider relaxing the Fiscal Responsibility Budget Management Act provisions by atleast equivalent to the liability of Rs. 700 crores to be taken over by the Himachal government.

It is relevant to mention here that the total short term liabilities of HPSEBL ending March,2012 were to the tune of approximately Rs. 2700 crores. The scheme allows minimum of the short term liabilities or the accumulated financial loses ending March,2012 which is about Rs.1400 crores.

Under the scheme the Govt. of India shall provide incentive in the next three years to the tune of about Rs.500 crores on reduction of Aggregate Technical & Commercial (AT&C) losses beyond the targets fixed under Restructured Accelerated Power Development & Reform Prgramme (RAPDRP).

In addition to this about Rs. 175 crores shall be given as grant to the state govt. in lieu of taking over the 50 per cent of the financial losses of the board limited by the GoI.

There are certain other conditions that will have to be met with by the HPSEBL and the state govt. over the next 2 to 5 years.

Ludhiana, January 11, 2013: The 2nd International Yoga Conference on Yoga for Health organised by the Patanjali Research Foundation in Haridwar.  

Amongst a galaxy of International speakers from USA (Brigham’s Hospital, Boston), UK, Europe (Portugal and Germany) , China and Australia – an Indian surgeon made India proud by delivering one of the most appreciated key note lectures .

Dr Harinder Singh Bedi – Head of Cardio Vascular and Thoracic Surgery at the prestigious Christian Medical College and Hospital in Ludhiana , Punjab delivered his oration on ‘Yoga and Heart – Improving Cardiac Surgery Outcomes with Yoga – the Science and the Art”.

Dr Bedi is a pioneer of beating heart bypass surgery having published the first series of his technique in 2,000 with publications in the major medical journals and presentations all over the world.

Dr Bedi said that beating heart surgery has  made bypass a very safe and consistent procedure. However lung complications continue to slow the recovery in patients all over the world . With a view to reducing these Dr Bedi started using pranayam techniques in his patients before and after major heart surgeries . The results were dramatic and significantly much better as patients  could be removed from artificial ventilation much earlier and spent lesser time in the  ICU and hospital . The morbidity was considerably improved over patients who did not undergo yoga therapy and was much better than the best International standards. The address  was received very well and Dr Bedi got a standing ovation by the International audience .

Swami Ramdev was all praise for the excellent scientific study conducted at CMC and congratulated Dr Bedi on the excellent results in his patients. The telecast was live and beamed to all countries in the world.

Dr Bedi is one of the  few heart surgeons who has understood the importance of using traditional Indian yogic  systems to improve the  outcomes in heart disease patients . He has documented the effects of yoga on the  heart and lungs and presented his findings at various super-specialist meetings and conferences all over the world. Initially sceptical surgeons have been amazed by the results and have started using the beneficial effects in their patients  too.

Dr Bedi explained that after major heart surgeries the lungs  do not function well and the patients are not able to cough out secretions resulting in low oxygen levels and pneumonia . With  the addition of simple yogic techniques by a full time yoga teacher –Nirmal Singh – under medical supervision – patients are able to breathe well very soon leading to reduced infection rates and quicker recovery .

Dr Abraham G Thomas – Director of Christian Medical College and Hospital – said that the CMC & H is one of the very few Institutes in the world which has encouraged the addition of yoga therapy to improve the  well being of their patients . With a strong research oriented and patient centred compassionate approach to disease treatment and prevention the CMC was committed to bring the best medical care to the people of this region.

Chandigarh, January 11, 2013: A high level team from Punjab today arrived in Gandhinagar to showcase state as new land of opportunities in the sixth edition of Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit that began at Gujarat's state capital Gandhinagartoday. It is worth mentioning that Punjab was participating in Vibrant Gujarat for the first time in 12 years.

Disclosing this here today the spokesman of the Punjab government said that a high level delegation of senior officers from the State Government of Punjab including the Department of Industries & Commerce, Power, PEDA, Agro, and GMADA led by Mr Karan Avtar Singh, Principal Secretary Industries and Commerce is participating in the event to interact with the potential investors.

He further said that the event provides enormous prospects to the State to display its strengths, progressive stand, excellent infrastructure, initiatives taken to improve governance, investor friendly climate and art and culture of Punjab.

He said that the events are being planned to reach out to a larger audience and provide a common platform to think-tanks, academia, industrialists and government officials to analyse and suggest avenues for Gujarat to take leadership roles especially in the field of innovation and sustainability. 

The biennial summit had brought in excess of Rs 20 lakh crore investments in 2011. The Vibrant Gujarat Summit has become an example of visionary approach of the State Government for investment promotion and advancement of economic and social development for many states.

In the run up to the Vibrant Gujarat 2013 Summit,  a number of events in the form of seminars, conventions, panel discussions, lecture series, exhibitions, regional meets and other innovative forums for discussions, brainstorming sessions and interactions.

The Vibrant Gujarat 2013 Summit is going to be transformational and revolutionary – both in its coverage and scale. It would provide a platform for various states of India and other countries to cooperate and explore attractive business opportunities.

Ludhiana, January 11, 2013: The Sikhi Sidak Administrator Jagminder Singh has said elections to the Delhi Sikh Management Committee Election (DSGMC) were scheduled for January 27.

In a statement today, he added Sikhi Sidakas an organisation neither participating nor supporting any party or an individual in these elections.

“Though Sikhi Sidak strongly urge all Sikh voters to cast valuable vote for a deserving candidate for better management of Gurudwara Sahibs/ Educational and other institutions, so that candidate elected should work as Sewadar and not Jathedar for chardi kala of the Sikh Panth”, he remarked.

Singh told that Sikhi Sidakis a non-profit and non-political organisation for the service of humanity and working towards empowerment of the youth.

Chandigarh, January 11, 2013: Seeking the personal intervention of Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has urged him to give a special package for Bicycle Industry of the state in the next Union Budget.

Pertinently a high level delegation of the All India Cycle Manufacturers Association (AICMA) led by its Chairman, Pankaj Munjal had called on the Chief Minister here requesting him to raise the issues pertaining to cycle industry before the Union Government. 

In a letter to the Prime Minister, the Chief Minister has urged that in the current scenario when petrol/diesel prices were on rise and becoming unaffordable, the self employed people’s transport “Bicycles” must be promoted in order to sustain and generate more employment besides keeping a check on environmental pollution.

Badal further said that despite of the fact the state employs over 1,50,000 people in the bicycle industry, it has been losing sheen over the years due to no initiatives, schemes and promotion policies by the Government of India (GoI). He said that over the last 5 years, the bicycle industry growth has been lesser than GDP growth and infact the industry has declined by 8% in the current year.

The Chief Minister apprised Dr. Manmohan Singh that due to imposition of 1% excise duty on bicycles in the Union Budget in Financial Year 2012 which was increased to 2% in Financial Year 2013, this industry has received a major jolt which was itself evident in its de-growth.

Badal said that the Bicycle manufacturers were apprehending risks to sustainability and further creation of employment in the Financial Year 2013. Demanding freight equalization support for this industry, the Chief Minister said that as the China Government supports its industries for exports by way of subsidising them with freight equalization schemes, the GoI should also take this step for saving the indigenous bicycle industry.

He further informed the Prime Minister that it was very important since traditionally, most of the suppliers and producers of bicycle have been clustered in Punjab, which was not so friendly for exports from the perspective of high cost of freight up to the port. The Chief Minister also said that the bicycle industry has all the technical capabilities to meet export requirements adding that the bicycle manufacturers have invested into facilities, technological upgradation and human resources in order to meet the high quality requirements of international customers.

Badal also asked the Prime Minister to raise the export benefit from current 12.3% of FOB price to 15% of FOB price besides ensuring reimbursement of freight from the factory of production up to port.

Seeking exemption from excise duty on Bicycles besides subsidy to people living Below Poverty Line (BPL) for bicycle purchase, Badal said that Bicycle as a means to make living for a large section of society (Below Poverty Line) was supporting Government in its initiatives to eradicate poverty and generate employment for the people adding that Government’s social causes of employment generation, education promotion, environment friendliness were well served with Bicycle as a product.

Dharamsala, January 11, 2013: On January 9 this year, Constable Ranvir Singh and Constable Rahul were on duty near Tara Devi,  Shimla where vehicles impounded by police were parked.  

At around 11.30 PM, they noticed some miscreants indulging in vandalism.  Duty Constables caught hold of one of the accused namely Nitin, resident of Phagli, Shimla.  

When constables were interrogating Nitin, other miscreants came in Santro Car and tried to overrun Constable Ranvir Singh.  They  tried to take the accused away.   They also attacked policemen with iron rods and started pelting stones.  Constable Ranbir Singh fired some rounds in self defence. Two assailants who were injured were shifted to IGMC, Shimla where one of the assailant Udaybir Singh succumbed to his injuries at 3 a.m. on January 10.

A case FIR no. 4/2013 under section 307, 353, 332, 379, 511 and 34 IPC dated January 10, 2013 and another case FIR No. 5/13 dated January 10, 2013 under section 304 IPC against Constable Ranvir Singh were registered at Police Station West Shimla and both the cases are under investigation.  

Meanwhile, the government has ordered Magisterial enquiry and ADM (Law and Order) Shimla is conducting Magisterial enquiry on the entire incident.

Jalandhar, January, 12, 2013: The Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested an Assistant Commissioner and a Lower Division Clerk both of Food and Supply Department, Government of NCT, ‘M’ Block, Vikas Bhawan, New Delhi  for demanding  and accepting a bribe of Rs. 40,000 from the Complainant.

The complainant, an employee of Fair Price Shop (FPS) alleged in his complaint that the Assistant Commissioner, New Delhi and a LDC both of Food & Supply Department, GNCT, Delhi  were demanding an illegal gratification of Rs. 50,000 for not cancelling the license of FPS shop on the ground of irregularities detected during the audit.  After negotiation, they agreed to accept Rs. 40,000.  Accordingly, CBI registered a case. A trap was laid and both the officials  were arrested while demanding & accepting the bribe amount of Rs. 40,000 from the complainant.

Searches were carried out at their official and residential premises. Documents  relating  investment recovered are being scrutinized.  

Both the accused persons are being produced today in the Designated Court at Delhi.

Ludhiana, January 13, 2013: A national conference on best practises adopted by some Deputy Commissioners/Collectors from all over the country was held on January 11 and 12 in New Delhi.

Two DCs/Collectors were nominated from each state across the country. Punjab had nominated DC Ludhiana Rahul Tiwari, and DC Nawashahar Tanu Kashyap, for the good work they had done in revenue administration and in curbing female foeticide in their respective districts.

The conference was organised in Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi and was attended by Minister of Personnel Union of India on the opening day and by Cabinet Secretary of India on the closing day.

The Government of India had asked each state to nominate 2 Collectors who had done good work in the field of NREGA, rural development, health, education, law and order, revenue or some other such sector in their district so that the collectors from all over the country could gather and give a presentation on their work and the same could be replicated by other districts of the various states.

Rahul Tewari, Deputy Commissioner, Ludhiana represented the Punjab Government and in his presentation showed initiatives taken in land revenue administration in the Ludhiana district. He highlighted that the offices of administration relating to revenue, be it the Collectors Office, the registry offices, the fard centres, the work stations etc. have been made modern and people friendly replacing the old den like dilapidated structures and every 3 months a competition is got done between branches of these offices known as the neatest and cleanest branch competition which ensures that branches and offices remain clean and tidy.  The new and modern offices have been adorned with LCD’s, Air Conditioners, good chairs, water coolers etc. for the comfort of the people. The next initiative has been the uploading of mutation data on website. The mutation sanction status of the Ludhiana district is available on the website www.ludhiana.nic.inand Ludhiana is the only district in Punjab to have done this which has helped greatly in monitoring the work of Patwaris and Tehsildars and in ensuring that the record is continuously updated. The other initiative is of getting done urban girdavari through patwaris to find out that in colonised areas how much land is under streets and drains and entering the same in Jamabandis so that colonisers do not dupe people by excess sale of their areas.

Tanu Kashyap, DC, Nawashahar representing the Punjab Government gave a presentation on the good work done in Nawashahar in curbing female foeticide. In her presentation she showed how the movement that was started in the district in 2005 has been continued till date and explained the continuous monitoring mechanism adopted in Nawashahar through entry of form-F in a specially designed software.

Similarly, UP was represented by Collector Badayun who presented his efforts in eradicating manual scavenging and Chattisgarh was represented by Collector Dantewada who presented his efforts in building up educational infrastructure in the Naxal hit districts.

Similarly, other Collectors presented their initiatives.

The initiatives taken by all the Collectors were appreciated by the Government of India and have been circulated for replication by other districts of India.

Jalandhar, January 13, 2013: Haryana Chief Minister, Bhupinder Singh Hooda has announced  increase of Rs. 45 per quintal for all the three crops of sugarcane. He announced the increase in sugarcane price in the presence of delegates of various sugarcane farmer organisations, who called on him in New Delhi on Sunday.

The farmers will now get Rs. 276 per quintal against Rs 231 per quintal for the earlier crop of sugarcane for the 2012-13 crop season.  For middle crop the price will be Rs. 271 against Rs. 226 per quintal and for later crop it will be Rs. 266 against Rs. 221 per quintal.

Hooda said he was son of farmer and he would not take any such decision, which might be against the interest of the farmers. In Haryana, for five years, the farmers had got maximum price for sugarcane as compared to other states, he said, adding this time UP had increased the price of sugarcane by Rs 40 per quintal and he announced the increase of Rs. 45 per quintal.

Hooda said in Haryana, the electricity rates for agriculture were less than half as compared to the rates in UP. State government was also giving subsidy of Rs. 3,800 crore on electricity for agriculture, he revealed.

The delegates thanked Hooda for announcement and assured him that agitation would be withdrawn and sugar mills would also start working again.

Jalandhar, January 14, 2013:  The year 2012 was marked by the Central Bureau of Investigation probing  several cases of relating to alleged irregularities in allocation, implementation and use of natural resources and public money . The CBI conducted investigation in the Coal Block allocation; Illegal mining; Purchase of army vehicles; Irregularities in NRHM funds in Uttar Pradesh among others. Cases relating to Disproportionate Assets and bribery, involving public servants and others were probed.

According to the spokesperson of CBI, some of the prominent complex crime cases investigated by the Bureau related to violence in certain districts of Assam, abuse of children in a shelter home in Rohtak (Haryana), murder of Shehla Masood a Bhopal based RTI activist, alleged fake encounters of Tulsi Prajapati and Sadik Jemaal, among others.

In carefully planned operations, CBI conducted nation-wise simultaneous searches in over 60 locations in connection with NRHM irregularities;  and 30 locations across the country were searched in a simultaneous operation in the coal block allocation matter.

CBI established an Anti Human Trafficking Unit in 2012. The Bureau set up an exclusive helpline, specially for children & women, for the purpose of exploitation.  The Unit also liaised with NGOs involved in this field;

During the year 2012, the Central Bureau of Investigation registered 1048 cases; disposed off 1079 cases from investigation; concluded Trial in 1187 cases with conviction rate of 66.79 percent.

CBI’s Establishment Day was celebrated on 1^st April, 2012. The President of India, the Vice President, the Prime Minister, senior Ministers, Leaders of the Opposition, Dignitaries and Senior Officers graced the occasion and  reiterated CBI’s stature & responsibility as the nation’s premier investigation agency.

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh inaugurated the 19^th Conference of CBI and State Anti Corruption Bureaus in October, 2012. The Prime Minister said that Anti-Corruption Agencies need to upgrade techniques & skills to probe new methods being adopted for corruption activities.  Union Minister of State for Personnel V. Narayanasamy said that the CBI has repeatedly proved its credentials as the premier investigation agency of the country.

The Secretary General, Interpol Ronald K.Noble delivered 13th D. P. Kolhi Memorial Lecture  on ‘Multi-Jurisdictional Investigations’ on March 30, 2012 and said that sharing of information by police organizations through Interpol is essential to the security of world’s citizens.

Even though high profile cases kept CBI in headlines, the Bureau focused on several sectors having impact on the common public, such as Education; Health; Banking; Telecom, Petroleum; Infrastructure; Housing etc. This paved the way for systematic improvements in the sectors and laying down of rules to prevent corruption.

Some key cases in which investigation was completed in 2012 are highlighted below:

 ·         CBI filed chargesheets in several cases in connection with alleged irregularities in the implementation of the National Rural Health Mission funds in Uttar Pradesh.  CBI’s investigation revealed that the laid-down norms & procedures were flouted and certain private parties were allegedly favoured in the purchase of equipments and tender process;

·         CBI filed chargesheet against 13 accused persons relating to Adarsh Cooperative Housing Society Case of Mumbai;

·         CBI filed a chargesheet against an Accountant Member, ITAT (Income Tax Appellate Tribunal), Kolkata & five others for undue favours being shown to various parties represented by a private firm in Income tax matters

·         CBI filed a charge sheet against an Additional Commissioner, Income Tax; Assistant Commissioner of Income Tax and businessman in a bribery case wherein a bribe amount of Rs.2 Crore was paid to these public servants;

·         A chargesheet was filed by CBI against an MLA of Jharkhand in disproportionate assets case;

·         CBI filed a chargesheet against 13 accused persons, including the then Minister of Rajasthan and another MLA of Rajasthan in Bhanwari Devi Murder Case.  Later, CBI filed another chargesheet against 04 persons including one absconding in the case;

·         CBI filed a chargesheet against 15 accused persons in the Bharatpur(Rajasthan) riot case;

·         The then Minister for Water Resources & Civil Supplies, Govt of Jharkhand was chargesheeted in a  disproportionate assets case;

·         A chargesheet was filed against Member of Parliament from Andhra Pradesh, 5 private companies & 07 other accused persons, including the then VC/MD of Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation(APIIC);

·         CBI filed a chargesheet against 82 accused persons including two then MLAs & others in a case relating to rioting, demolition, theft and trespass at District Betul, (Madhya Pradesh);

·         A former Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare and 10 others were chargesheeted  in connection with irregularities relating to grant of approval to Indore-based Medical College;

·         CBI filed a chargesheet against 5 accused persons in connection with the murder of Shehla Masood outside her residence at Bhopal, and unveiled the entire plot ;

·         CBI filed a chargesheet against 3 persons in connection with the murders of the then Chief Medical Officers of Uttar Pradesh;

·         A chargesheet was filed by CBI against the then MLA of Banda(Uttar Pradesh) and two other persons for rape & molestation of a girl;;

·         CBI filed a chargesheet against 05 persons relating to alleged sexual exploitation of the minor girl rescued by Anti Human Trafficking Unit;

·         CBI filed a chargesheet against the then President of the Medical Council of India and 04 others for flouting MCI norms & regulations;

·         CBI filed a charge sheet against 13 accused, including a Member of Parliament from Andhra Pradesh;  three Senior Officers(IAS Officer & others) of Andhra Pradesh; two then Ministers of Andhra Pradesh; three private persons/businessmen and four private firms in a case relating to alleged irregularities in the Vadarevu and Nizampatnam Port & Industrial Corridor (VANPIC) Project;

·         A charge sheet  was filed against 06 accused persons in two cases relating alleged irregularities and favours given to a private firm in awarding contracts relating to transportation and hiring of equipment in connection with the Queen’s Baton Relay of the CWG-2010;

·         CBIfiled  a charge sheet against 20 accused persons including the then Minister of State for Home, Government of Gujarat and officials of the Gujarat & Rajasthan Police for the offences of murder, destruction of evidence in an alleged fake encounter of Tulsi Ram Prajapati;

·         A final report was filed  relating to the death of Dr.Y.S.Sachan, the then Deputy CMO of UP. Investigation revealed that Dr.Sachan attempted to kill himself by inflicting wounds on accessible areas of the body and also attempted to hang himself with the help of belt.  No evidence indicating of presence of second person came forth;

·         CBI filed a chargesheet against the then Chief Minister of Karnataka, certain private companies and others for alleged abuse of official position and corruption for violating various laws;

·         A charge sheet was filed against 02 private persons and a retired officer of the Indian Air Force for violation of the Official Secrets Act.  It was alleged that there was unauthorised dissemination of 08 secret documents of the Ministry of Defence by the accused persons;

 ·         CBI filed a charge sheet against 04 accused persons, including the then Divisional Forest Officer of North Cachar Hills Division for allegedly mis-appropriating public funds;

 ·         A charge sheet was filed by CBI against the then Secretary, DoT and 03 private telecom companies based in Delhi & Mumbai in connection with the alleged irregularities in charging of Spectrum fees and consequent loss of Rs.846 crore(Approx) to the public exchequer;

 ·         CBI filed a charge sheet against 08 police officials of the Crime Branch, Ahmedabad  in connection with alleged fake encounter of Sadiq Jamal Mahetar;

·         CBI filed a supplementary charge sheet against the then Secretary, Industries & Commerce Deptt., Govt of Andhra Pradesh in an illegal mining case;

·         CBI filed a chargesheet against seven accused persons including two senior officers, Govt of Andhra Pradesh and five Real Estate companies in connection with the sale of Villas etc. in Integrated Project, Hyderabad.

Besides, some prominent cases which were registered this year and others in which investigation is ongoing are highlighted below:

o   CBI investigated an alleged irregularities in the execution of implementation of NRHM funds in Uttar Pradesh;

o     A case was registered against Delhi-based NGO & others for allegedly receiving foreign contribution without taking prior permission from the Govt. of India;

o   CBI arrested a Superintendent of Customs, Special Economic Zone, Sholinganallur, Chennai for accepting bribe of Rs.50,000; Over 30 Lakh  was seized during searches;

o      CBI registered a case relating to alleged irregularities in procurement of Army trucks from a UK-based company

o      A case was registered by CBI against  then CMD of M/s BEML & others for irregularities in award of works relating to implementation of ‘resource planning project’ in BEML;

o   The Bureau took up investigation of alleged mal-practice in Rajya Sabha Elections during March, 2012 in the State of Jharkhand;  

o   CBI’s  Anti Human Trafficking Unit rescued a missing minor girl from Darjeeling;

o   CBI seized an antique sculpture which was being smuggled out of the country in the guise of marble tiles.  The destination of the sculpture was Hong Kong.  One person was arrested in this connection;

o   CBI registered  a case against certain officers of CPWD; DDA & private firm for alleged irregularities relating to laying of five synthetic tracks for CWG-2010;

o     CBI registered a case against certain Defence Estate Officials relating to alleged irregularities in the sale & purchase of defence land of Srinagar(J&K);

o    A case was registered by CBI against the former Chief Minister of Karnataka and others in connection with illegal mining on the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India;

o    CBI registered a case against 2 private persons & others relating to alleged bribe for appointment of teachers in Chandigarh;

o     A case was registered by CBI against Staff Officer of the National Defence Academy, Pune & 5 others in an alleged bribery case and recovered Rs.1.76 crore during searches.

o    CBI arrested Joint General Manager(a Brigadier-level officer) of Central Stores Depot(CSD), Mumbai in an on-going investigation of alleged bribery case wherein the officer allegedly accepted Rs.1.25 lakh from the private firm;

o    A Physical Training Officer (A Colonel-level Officer) & Presiding Officer of the Board appointed by National Defence Academy, Pune were arrested in connection with allegations of bribery in an appointment of subordinate staff in NDA, Pune;

o    A Senior Manager of the Bank of India was arrested for accepting a bribe of Rs.1 Lakh from the Financial Consultant;

o   CBI registered a case relating to alleged criminal neglect   leading to infection of HIV of 27 thalassaemic  children in a hospital in  Junagarh(Gujarat);

o   CBI busted a fraudulent admission racket for Bachelor of Dental Surgery(BDS) Course in Delhi’

o    A case was registered by CBI against the then Vice Chancellor of Indira Gandhi Open University & others in a case relating to alleged irregularities in grant of approval to two Universities for running courses in Distant Education mode;

o    CBI registered a case against Commissioner, Central Excise, Delhi; Superintendent & others for demanding a bribe of Rs.60 Lakh from a mobile phone Importer;

o    CBI registered 07 cases relating to incident of violence and rioting in certain places of Assam last year, on the request of the Govt of Assam.  The Bureau also set up Helpline numbers on which the general public could give any specific and relevant information;

o   CBI also registered a case against 04 officials of the Organizing Committee, CWG-2010 for alleged irregularities in awarding contracts relating to Games Workforce and Planning, Project & Risk Management Services;

o    A case was registered by CBI against 02 private persons for smuggling and trafficking fake Indian currency notes to the tune of Rs.8.49 Lakh; In another case 3 persons were arrested for smuggling fake currency worth Rs. 8 lakh.

o   CBI registered 05 cases against certain firms and exporters in connection with alleged illegally  excavated iron ore to the tune of 50 lakh metric ton worth Rs.2500 crore(approx) and subsequent export of the same from Belekeri Port in Karnataka;

o   CBI is investigating certain private companies and others to look into allegations relating to allocation of coal blocks on the basis of mis-representation and false claims in the applications & presentations made by private companies. 

o   CBI registered 05 cases under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and the IPC relating to seizure of body parts of Pangolin & Tiger (protected animals in Assam).  One absconding accused was arrested in this connection;

o   CBI registered a case against a retired Lieutenant General of the Army for allegedly offering a bribe of Rs.14 crore on  behalf of suppliers of trucks to the then Chief of Army Staff allegedly clearing a proposal for procurement of High Mobility Vehicles in the Indian Army;

o   CBI busted a gang allegedly indulging in cheating & manipulation during Post Graduate Medical Centre Examination in Chandigarh.  Sophisticated equipments were recovered which was being used to transmit the question papers outside the Examination Centre using Internet facility;

o   CBI registered a case and arrested 02 persons on the charges of running fake offices and fake website of Government Organizations. The accused used to create website with the National Emblem on it and invite applications for various types of jobs;

o   CBI registers a case against two Branch Managers of LIC and others for causing loss of  Rs.1.14 crore(approx) to LIC.

The Bureau secured some key Convictions in cases under trial this year, which are as follows:

o    61 accused persons were sentenced to undergo Rigorous Imprisonment of 1 to 7 years with fines ranging from Rs.30,000/- to Rs.30 Lakh in a fodder scam case;

o   64 accused persons were sentenced to undergo Rigorous Imprisonment of 2 to 6 years with a fine of Rs.20,000/- to Rs.10 Lakh in another fodder scam case;

o    An Additional Commissioner of Income Tax was sentenced to undergo 4 years Rigorous Imprisonment with a total fine of Rs.4 Lakh in a bribery case;

o   Life Imprisonment was awarded to the accused persons in a case relating to murder of Chandershekhar Prasad, ex-President, JNU Students Union;

o   17 accused persons of UP Police were sentenced to undergo Life Imprisonment for abduction and murder of Jaswinder Singh @ Jassa;

o   Delhi-based couple were sentenced to undergo 2 years Rigorous Imprisonment in a case relating to maltreatment of a minor domestic help;

o   7 accused persons were sentenced to undergo Life Imprisonment in Jabbar Murder Case;

o   Then President of a political party Shri Bangaru Laxman , convicted in a corruption Case was sentenced to undergo 4 years Imprisonment with a fine of Rs.1 Lakh;

o    An accused who was the then Forest Watcher in Distt. Pallakad (Kerala) was sentenced to undergo Life Imprisonment for murder of minor boy;

 o     29 accused persons were sentenced to undergo Rigorous Imprisonment of 1 to 3 years with fine ranging from Rs.25,000/- to Rs.5 Lakh in a fodder Scam Case;

 o    34 accused persons were sentenced to undergo Rigorous Imprisonment of 1 to 6 years with fine ranging from Rs.10,000/- to Rs.3 Lakh in a fodder Scam Case;

 o    40 accused persons were sentenced to undergo Rigorous Imprisonment of 4 to 7 years with fine ranging from Rs.25,000/- to Rs.2 Crore in a fodder Scam Case;

 o   Then 06 officials of UP Police were sentenced to undergo Rigorous Imprisonment of 03 to 10 years in the death of Shri Raju in police custody;

o    In a CBI case, accused were sentenced to undergo 07 years of Rigorous Imprisonment in a case relating to abduction and rape of a girl in Udhampur(J&K);

o   The Uttarakhand High Court upheld Life Imprisonment to 4 accused persons including the then Minister of UP and his wife in the Madhumita Shukla Murder case; the High Court also awarded Life Imprisonment to a fifth  accused who was acquitted earlier;

o    9 accused including a political leader Ramesh Sharma  were convicted in a case relating to cheating, forcible grab of a helicopter and its wrongful use in electioneering. The main accused was sentenced to 10 years Rigorous Imprisonment;

o   Former Chief Manager, Indian Bank was sentenced with a fine of Rs.1.56 crore in bank fraud  case

o   Two Bangladeshi nationals were sentenced to undergo 07 years of Rigorous Imprisonment after the seizure of fake Indian currency notes to the tune of Rs.45.9 Lakh from their possession;

 o   The Designated TADA Court sentenced  two accused to undergo Life Imprisonment in a case relating to murder of an Inspector of the Border Security Force;

 o   Five years Rigorous Imprisonment was awarded to Shri M.Malaichamy, then Managing Director, Khadi Gram Udyog ( an IAS officer) in a case relating of possession of disproportionate assets;

 o   Death sentence was awarded to Shri Surender Koli, the main accused in a case relating to kidnapping, rape & murder of a minor girl in Nithari (UP).  In 4 cases, investigated by CBI, the accused was tried and sentenced to death in similar offences;

 o   Three years Rigorous Imprisonment to Neera Yadav (Retd. IAS, UP-71), the then Chairperson-cum-Chief Executive Officer and Shri Rajiv Kumar(IAS, UP-83), the then Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Noida in separate cases regarding allotment of plots in Noida (Uttar Pradesh).

Also, the CBI’s Interpol wing got five absconding accused of Rajasthan’s Gold Sukh scam case  arrested in Hanoi (Vietnam), and coordinated their deportation to India.

Further, CBI hosted the 1^st& 2^nd Interpol Global Programme on Anti Corruption & Asset Recovery for Investigator and Prosecutor. The programme was attended by participants from various countries, such as Malasia; Afghanistan; Sri Lanka; Pakistan; Nepal; Indonesia; Fiji; Philipines etc.

At the last, it is mentioned here that the Interpol General Assembly decided to organise training programme at the CBI Academy, Ghaziabad for countries in the Asia Pacific Region.  Training will be imparted on issues, such as, Bio-terrorism, Investigate and Maritime Piracy and Anti Corruption.

New Delhi, January 14, 2013: Today, hundreds of facebook activists and that of "Aas", one of the leading social organisation of Delhi while demanding total curb on heinous crimes like gang rape also stressed the need of a radical change in the social mindset of the people and from the Jantar Mantar at New Delhi launched a constructive `Campaign for Social Change’ and  burnt effigy of "Social Downfall - Saamaajik Patan".

The demonstrators were firm of the view that only bringing change in law is not enough but change in the social mindset is all together also necessary.

The demonstrators declared to carry the campaign through social media in an effective manner and to draw the strategy a Committee of 11 persons has been formed under the Chairmanship of Varsha Goyal, the President of Aas.

The demonstration held at Jantar Mantar today was joined by large number of women and men from facebook and other social organisations, representatives of trade and RWA Associations, several leading citizens from different streams and other persons. They were holding playcards in scripting a clear and sound message of social change. The play cards read as " Kanoon mein badlav kafi nahin- Soch Main Bhi Badlav Chahiye, Mahilaon Ka Samman Kare- Aisa Hindustan Chahiye, Shasan Ka Intzar Kyon- Khud Ko Aagey Kyon Na Layen-Saamajik Soch main Ho Parivartan Aisa Ek Abhiyan Chalayen" asking a change in attitude of the society towards women.

The demonstration was led by Team Face to Face Members Vedika Om, Rakhi Softa Sharma, Salony Harmeet and Varsha Goyal, President of Aas.

While addressing the protestors noted Trade Leader and Secretary General of the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) Praveen Khandelwal said that a campaign like social change is the need of the hour but simultaneously a deep study on human behaviour which gives rise to such brutal criminal act also needs to be study in order to find out the root cause. He stressed the need of inclusion of moral education in the education agenda of the government and also to understand the impact of erosion of family values on social mindset. He further said that the present shape of movies and baseless, adding TV serials have distorted the social fabric to a great extent and they should also be checked.

Human behaviour expert and member of Team Face to Face Rakshi Softa Sharma said that a study of the human psychology of the convicts reveals the fact that ugly face of the issue has been the result of distorted mentality of people due to several social reasons. Therefore, the present set up of the society does require an overhauling and for such an act the citizens should come forward on their own and will have to do a lot in balancing the social mindset.

Varsha Goyal, President of Aas strongly advocated that sound and effective protest of such a brutal attack on dignity of the women should be the focus but substantial steps are also necessary to ensure no such repetition else the social fabric of the country will receive a big jolt. The government should take a step to restore the dignity of women in India and a citizens’ movement is the need of the hour.

Vedika Om, another member of the Facebook group was quite vocal in saying that the women have lost their faith in to the system and it should evolve methods of participatory governance in putting a curb on such social crimes. A housewife Salony Harmeet said that the gang rape incident has forced the housewives to draw a conclusion that some sort of permanent solution is needed for this menace.

Jalandhar, January 15, 2013:  The Central Bureau of Investigation has registered a case U/s 120 B of IPC r/w sec 7, 12 & 13(2) r/w 13(1)(d) of PC Act, 1988 against a Deputy Commissioner of Income tax, Delhi; a private person and other unknown persons where in it is alleged that the public servant had obtained huge amount of illegal gratification running into several crores from the private person, who was searched in the year 2011 by the Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax.

CBI has conducted searches at the office and residential premises of the public servant at Delhi and Ghaziabad.

Further investigation is in progress.