New Delhi, February 28, 2013: The Union Budget for 2013-14 aims at ‘higher growth leading to inclusive and sustainable development.’ With this as mool mantra, the Finance Minister P Chidambaram has sought to increase allocation to key areas and provide incentives for investments and savings while containing the fiscal deficit to 4.8% of GDP.
 Presenting the Union Budget in Parliament today, the Finance Minister expressed the hope that the India would achieve high economic growth despite slowdown in the global economic growth.
 The Minister said that his government has been able to contain the fiscal deficit at 5.2% in 2012-13 by following the path of fiscal consolidation.  But the current account deficit (CAD) is a greater worry, the Minister added. He, therefore, proposes to encourage foreign investment that is consistent with India’s economic objectives.
 The Finance Minister said that the other areas of concern addressed by his Government are inflation and government expenditure. “Our efforts in the past few months have brought down headline WPI inflation to about 7.0 percent and core inflation to about 4.2 percent. It is food inflation that is worrying, and we shall take all possible steps to augment the supply side to meet the growing demand for food items,” he said. The Minister further said that he had no choice but to rationalize government expenditure in view of huge fiscal deficit in 2012-13. “We also took some policy decisions that had been deferred for too long, corrected some prices, and undertook a review of certain tax policies.”
 THREE PROMISES: TO WOMEN, YOUTH AND THE POOR
 Chidambaram made promises to the women, the youth and the poor -  the three faces that represent the majority of the people of India. Stating that the government pledges to do everything possible to empower the women and to keep them safe and secure, he said that a number of initiatives were underway and many more would be taken by the Government as well as non-government organizations. He announced the setting up of a fund - Nirbhaya Fund - with the Government contributing Rs. 1000 crore.
The Minister also announced a Rs. 1,000 crore scheme for training youth to boost their employability and productivity. The National Skill Development Corporation will be asked to set the curriculum and standards for training different skills.  Trained youth who pass a test at the end of training will get a monetary reward of Rs.10000 on an average. This initiative is likely to motivate 10 lakh youth.
For the benefit of the poor, the Minister assured that Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) schemes will be rolled out throughout the country during the term of the UPA Government. “We are redoubling out efforts to ensure that the digitized beneficiary lists are available; that a bank account is opened for each beneficiary; and that the bank account is seeded with Aadhaar in due course,” he said.
RURAL DEVELOPMENT, AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY
 
The allocation for Rural Development Ministry has been raised by 46 percent to Rs 80,194 crore in 2013-14.
Pradham Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)-II has been carved out to benefit States that have substantially fulfilled the objectives of PMGSY. This will benefit states such as Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Punjab and Rajasthan.
Ministry of Agriculture gets a rise of 22 per cent over the revised estimates (RE) for 2012-13, at Rs 27,049 crore. Rs 500 crore is being allocated to start a programme on crop diversification. It will encourage farmers in the original green revolution states to choose alternative crops. A pilot programme on Nutri-Farms will be started for introducing new crop varieties that are rich in micro nutrients, such as iron-rich bajra. A sum of up to Rs 200 crore is to be provided to start the pilots.
The Budget seeks to support Farmer Producer Organizations (FPO), including Farmer Producer Companies (FPC) which have emerged as aggregators of farm produce and link farmers directly to markets.
The target of agricultural credit for 2012-13 (Rs. 5,75,000 crore) is likely to be exceeded, and a target of Rs 7,00,000 crore farm credit has been fixed for the next year.
The interest subvention scheme for short-term crop loans is proposed to be continued for loans by public sector banks, RRBs and Cooperative banks, and expanded to private scheduled commercial banks. Under the scheme, a farmer who repays the loan on time is able to get credit at 4 cent per year.
Rs.307 crore have been provided for setting up of the National Livestock Mission. This will attract investment and enhance livestock productivity. A sub-mission of this Mission seeks to increase the availability of feed and fodder.
Expressing the hope that the National Food Security Bill will be passed by Parliament as early as possible, the Finance Minister has set apart Rs. 10,000 crore towards the incremental cost that is likely under the Act.
OTHER MAJOR ALLOCATIONS
Education has been allocated Rs. 65,867 crore, an increase of 17 per cent over the RE for 2012-13.
ICDS gets Rs. 17,700 crore representing an increase of 11.7 per cent. A multi-sectoral programme to tackle maternal and child malnutrition that was announced last year will be implemented in 100 districts during 2013-14. It will be further scaled up to cover 200  districts the year after.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has been allocated Rs. 37,330 crore.  Of this, the new National Health Mission that combines the rural mission and the proposed urban mission will get Rs. 21,239 crore - an increase of 24.3 percent over the RE.
The Backward Regions Grant Fund (BRGF) has been allocated Rs. 11,500 crore and will include a State component for Bihar, the Bundelkhand region, West Bengal, the KBK districts of Odisha and the 82 districts under the Integrated Action Plan.
Science and Technology related Departments have been allocated funds with substantial enhancements.
A National Institute of Sports Coaching is proposed to be set up at Patiala at a cost of Rs. 250 crore over a period of three years.
Drinking water and sanitation will receive Rs. 15,260 crore. Rs. 1,400 crore is being provided for setting up water purification plants to cover arsenic and fluoride effected rural habitations.
The Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) will receive Rs. 14,873 crore as against RE of Rs. 7,383 crore in the current year. Out of this, a significant portion will be used to support the purchase of upto 10,000 buses, especially by hill States.
Defence gets an allocation of Rs. 2,03,672 crore and the assurance that constraints will not come in the way of providing any additional requirement for the security of the nation.
Stating that adequate funds must be provided for programmes that benefit  women, children and minorities, as also the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes, the Finance Minister  proposed to allocate Rs 41,561 crore to the scheduled caste sub-plan and Rs 24,598 crore to the tribal sub-plan. The programmes relating to women get Rs. 97,134 crore and child budget, Rs. 77,236 crore. The Ministry of Women and Child and Development has been asked to design a scheme that will address women’s concerns, and an additional sum of Rs. 2,000 crore has been provided to the Ministry to began work in this regard. Ministry of Minority affairs has been allocated Rs. 3,511 crore and the Department of Disability Affairs, Rs. 110 crore.
INVESTMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE
The Finance Minister stated that the key to restart the growth engine was to attract more investment, and that the government will improve communication of its policies to remove any apprehension or distrust in the minds of investors.
A number of steps to mobilize investment have been announced in the Budget keeping in view that as per 12th Plan the private sector will share 47 percent of Rs 55,00,000 crore investment in infrastructure. Infrastructure Debt Funds (IDF) will be encouraged. India Infrastructure Finance Corporation (IIFCL) will offer credit enhancement to infrastructure companies that wish to access the bond market to tap long term funds. Some institutions will be allowed to issue tax - free bonds up a total sum of Rs 50,000 crore (as against Rs 25,000 crore in 2012-13). Assistance of the World Bank and Asian Development Bank will be sought to build roads in the North Eastern States and connect them to Myanmar. The corpus of Rural Infrastructure Development Funds (RIDF) is proposed to be raised to Rs. 20,000 crore. A sum of Rs 5,000 crore will be made available to NABARD to finance construction of warehouses, godowns, silos and cold storage units designed to store agricultural produce.
 
Chidambaram informed that the newly set-up Cabinet Committee on Investment has held two meetings and taken decisions in respect of a number of oil and gas, power and coal projects. CCI will take up some more projects shortly, he said. The Minister also informed that a regulatory authority is being constituted for the road sector. Bottlenecks stalling road projects have been addressed and 3,000 km  of road projects in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh will be awarded in the first six months of 2013-14.
The Budget introduces an investment allowance for new high value investment. A company investing Rs. 100 crore or more in plant and machinery during the period 1.4.2013 to 31.3.2015 will be entitled to deduct an investment allowance of 15 percent of the investment (in addition to depreciation).
INDUSTRIAL SECTOR
Plans for seven new cities have been finalized for industrial corridors and work on two new smart industrial cities at Dholera (Gujarat) and Shendra Bidkin (Maharashtra) will start during 2013-14. A comprehensive plan is being prepared for the Chennai Bengaluru industrial corridor. Preparatory work has started for the next corridor - Bengaluru Mumbai industrial corridor.
Two new ports will be established in Sagar (West Bengal) and in Andhra Pradesh. In addition, a new outer harbour will be developed in the VOC port at Thoothukkudi (Tamil Nadu) through PPP at an estimated cost of Rs 7,500 crore.
A power transmission system will be constructed from Srinagar to Leh and for this Rs. 226 crore have been provided in 2013-14.
The oil and gas exploration policy will be reviewed to move from profit sharing to revenue sharing contracts. A policy to encourage exploration and production of shale gas will be announced. The natural gas pricing policy will be reviewed and uncertainties regarding pricing will be removed.
To provide greater support to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), the refinancing capability of SIDBI is proposed to be enhanced from Rs. 5,000 crore to Rs. 10,000 crore per year. SIDBI will also be provided a corpus of Rs 500 crore to set up a Credit Guarantee Fund for factoring.
Apparel Parks are proposed to be set up within the Integrated Textile Parks, to house apparel manufacturing units. A new scheme, Integrated Processing Developing Scheme, is being started to address to environmental concerns of the textile industry. Working capital and term loans to the handloom sector will be available at a concessional interest of 6 per cent. This will benefit 1.5 lakh weavers and 1,800 primary co-operative societies.
SAVINGS
The Budget proposes three measures to promote household savings. One, the income limit for Rajiv Gandhi Equity Saving Scheme for first time investors is being raised from Rs. 10 lakh to Rs. 12 lakh. Two, persons taking loan for first home up to Rs 25 lakh will be entitled to an additional deduction of interest of up to Rs 1 lakh. Three, instruments such as Inflation Indexed Bonds will be introduced to protect savings from inflation.
FINANCIAL SECTOR
Chidambaram proposed to constitute a Standing Council of Experts in the Ministry of Finance to analyse the international competitiveness of the Indian financial sector.
The Finance Minister announced that Rs. 14,000 crore worth of capital infusion will be made into public sector banks. It will be ensured that these banks meet the Basel III regulations.
India’s first women’s bank is proposed to be set up with Rs. 1,000 crore as initial capital.
The government has finalized a number of proposals relating to the insurance sector in consultation with IRDA. These include empowering insurance companies to open branches in Tier II cities and below without prior approval of IRDA, having an office of LIC and a public general-insurance company in all towns with the population of 10,000, and  permitting banks to act as insurance broker.
The Rashtriya Swasthiya Bima Yojana, which cover 34 million families below the poverty line, will now be extended to other categories such as rickshaw, auto-rickshaw and taxi-drivers, sanitation workers, rag pickers and mine workers.
The Finance Minister proposes to evolve a comprehensive social security package by converging various schemes for life-cum-disability cover, health cover, maternity assistance and pension benefits.
A number of proposals relating to capital market have been finalized in consultation with SEBI. These include simplification of procedure and uniforms norms for foreign portfolio investors, clarity relating to FDI investment, allowing FIIs to participate in new areas, etc.  
BUDGET ESTIMATES
The total expenditure in the Union Budget 2013-14 is pegged at Rs. 16,65,297 crore. Out of it Rs.5,55,322 crore (33%) is Plan expenditure.  The non-Plan expenditure is estimated at Rs 11,09,975 crore.
The Plan expenditure in 2013-14 will be 29.4 per cent more than the revised estimates of the current year. All flagship programmes have been fully and adequately funded.
Juxtaposing economic welfare with the economic policy, the Minister said that the link between policy and welfare can be expressed in a few words: opportunities, education, skills, jobs and incomes. The Budget has before it one overarching goal - to create opportunities for the youth to acquire education and skills that will get them decent jobs or self-employment that will bring them adequate incomes that will enable them to live with their families in a safe and secure environment. The Budget sets a target of skilling 90 lakh people in 2013-14, for which funds will be released by the National Rural Livelihood Mission and National Urban Livelihood Mission.
 
TAXES
The General Budget reiterates that clarity in tax laws, a stable tax regime, a non-adversarial tax administration, a fair mechanism for dispute resolution and independent judiciary for greater assurance is underlying theme of tax proposals. It is proposed to set up the Tax Administration Reforms Commission.
As regards Direct Taxes, a relief of Rs. 2000 for the Tax Payers in the first bracket of Rs. 2 lakhs to Rs. 5 lakhs have been proposed. A surcharge of 10 percent on persons (other than companies) whose taxable income exceeds Rs.1 crore have been levied. Surcharge has been increased from 5 to 10 percent on domestic companies whose taxable income exceed Rs. 10 crore. In case of foreign companies, surcharge will increase from 2 to 5 percent, if the taxable income exceeds Rs. 10 crore. Additional surcharges to be in force for only one year. Chidambaram said, education cess to continue at 3 percent.
 The Finance Minister announced the grant of investment allowance at the rate of 15 percent to manufacturing companies that invest more than Rs. 100 crore in plant and machinery during the period 1.4.2013 to 31.3.2015. Concessional rate of tax of 15 per cent on dividend received by the Indian companies from its foreign subsidiary proposed to continue for one more year. It is proposed that TDS at the rate of one percent on the value of the transfer of immovable property where the consideration exceeds Rs. 50 lakhs to be levied. Agricultural land to be exempted from TDS. Modified provisions of GAAR will come into effect from 1.4.2016. It is also proposed to increase the rate of tax on payments by way of royalty and fees for technical services to non-residents from 10 percent to 25 percent. The Budget also proposes to introduce Commodities Transaction Tax (CTT) in a limited way. However, agricultural commodities will be exempted. A number of administrative measures such as extension of refund banker system to refund more than Rs. 50,000, technology based processing, extension of e-payment through more banks and expansion of in the scope of annual information returns by Income-tax Department.
 With regards to Indirect Taxes, the Finance Minister proposed no change in the normal rates of 12 percent for excise duty and service tax. Similarly, no change has been made in the peak rate of custom duty of 10 percent for non-agricultural products. Custom duty on free gold limit increased to Rs. 50,000 in case of male passenger and Rs. 1,00,000 in case of a female passenger subject to conditions. Duty on imported luxury goods such as high end motor vehicles, motor cycles, yachts and similar vessels increased. Custom duty on Set Top Boxes increased from 5 to 10 percent while on raw silk increased from 5 to 15 percent to boost domestic production. Custom duty on specified machinery for manufacture of leather and leather goods including footwear reduced from 7.5 to 5 percent. The Budget also proposes that period of concession available for specified part of electric and hybrid vehicles extended upto 31 March 2015.
 
Excise duty on SUVs increased from 27 to 30 percent. However, this will not apply to SUVs registered as taxies. Cigarettes will cost more as specific excise duty increased by about 18 percent. Similar increases are proposed on cigars, cheroots and cigarillos. Duty on mobile phones priced above Rs. 2000 has been raised to 6 percent from the current one percent.
 The Budget proposes ‘Voluntary Compliance Encouragement Scheme’ where a defaulter may avail of the scheme on condition that he files a truthful declaration of Service Tax dues since 1.10.2007. It is a one-time scheme in which interest, penalty and other consequences will be waived.
 The Budget proposes to mobilize Rs. 18,000 crore in which new proposals in indirect taxes will yield Rs. 4,700 crore and direct taxes of Rs. 13,300 crore.
 In a major step to rationalize taxation on goods and services, the Budget has earmarked Rs. 9,000 crore towards the first installment of the balance of CST compensation. The Minister said that overwhelming majority States have agreed that there is a need for Constitutional amendment to pass GST law. It will be drafted by the State Finance Ministers and the GST Council, the Minister added.

New Delhi, February 28, 2013: The Union Budget for 2013-14 aims at higher growth rate leading to inclusive and sustainable development as ‘mool mantra’.

·        Finance Minister makes three promises: to women, youth and the poor.

·        Nirbhaya Fund to empower women and to keep them safe and secure.

·        Proposal to set up India’s first Women’s Bank as a public sector bank.

·        Rs. 1,000 crore for skill development of ten lakh youth to enhance their employability and productivity.

·        Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Scheme to be rolled out throughout the country during the term of UPA Government.

·        Fiscal Deficit for 2013-14 is pegged at 4.8 percent of GDP. The Revenue Deficit will be 3.3 percent for the same period.

·        Plan Expenditure placed at Rs. 5,55,322 crore. It is 33.3 percent of the total expenditure while Non Plan Expenditure is estimated at Rs. 11,09,975 crore. The plan expenditure in 2013-14 will be 29.4 percent more than the RE of the current year i.e. 2012-13.

·        Substantial rise in allocation to the social sector.  Allocation for Rural Development Ministry raised by 46 percent to Rs. 80,194 crore.

·        The target for farm credit for 2013-14 has been set at Rs. 7,00,000 crore against Rs. 5,75,000 crore during the current year.

·        Rs. 10,000 crore earmarked for National Food Security towards the incremental cost.

·        Education gets Rs. 65,867 crore, an increase of 17 percent over RE for 2012-13.

·        ICDS gets Rs. 17,700 crore. This is 11.7 percent more than the current year.

·        Drinking water and sanitation will receive Rs. 15,260 crore. Rs. 1,400 crore is being provided for setting up water purification plants to cover arsenic and fluoride affected rural areas.

·        Health and Family Welfare Ministry has been allotted Rs. 37,330 crore. National Health Mission will get Rs. 21,239 crore which represents 24.3 percent over the RE.

·        The Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission  (JNNURM) will receive Rs. 14,873 crore as against RE of Rs. 7,383 crore in the current year.

·        Defence has been allocated Rs. 2,03,672 crore. 

·        Rs. 3,511 crore have been earmarked to Minority Affairs Ministry, 60 percent higher than RE for 2012-13.

·        The Government will encourage Infrastructure Debt Fund (IDF) and allow some institutions to raise tax free bonds upto Rs. 50,000 crore which is 100 percent more than the current year.

·        India Infrastructure Finance Corporation (IIFC), in partnership with ADB will help infrastructure companies to access bond market to tap long term funds.

·        Income limit under Rajiv Gandhi Equity Savings Scheme (RGESS) will be raised from Rs. 10 lakh to Rs. 12 lakh.

·        First home loan from a bank or housing finance corporation upto Rs. 25 lakh entitled to additional deduction of interest upto Rs. 1 lakh.

·        Proposal to launch Inflation Indexed Bonds or Inflation Indexed National Security Certificates to protect savings from inflation.

·        On oil and gas exploration policy, the Budget proposes to move from the present profit sharing mechanism to revenue sharing. Natural gas pricing policy will be reviewed.

·        On coal, the Budget proposes adoption of a policy of pooled pricing.

·        Benefits or preferences enjoyed by MSME to continue upto three years after they grow out of this category.

·        Refinancing capacity of SIDBI raised to Rs. 10,000 crore.

·        Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (TUFS) for textile to continue in 12th Plan with an investment target of Rs. 1,51,000 crore.

·        Rs. 14,000 crore will be provided to public sector banks for capital infusion in 2013-14.

·        A grant of Rs. 100 crore each has been made to 4 institutions of excellence including Aligarh Muslim University, Banaras Hindu University, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Guwahati and Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH).

·        New taxes to yield Rs. 18,000 crore.

·        A surcharge of 10 percent on persons (other than companies) whose taxable income exceeds Rs.1 crore have been levied.

·        Tobacco products, SUVs and Mobile Phones to cost more.

·        Relief of Rs. 2000 for the tax payers in the first bracket of 2 to 5 lakhs.

·        ‘Voluntary Compliance Encouragement Scheme’ launched for recovering service tax dues.

·        Rs. 9,000 crore earmarked as the first installment of balance of CST compensations to different States/UTs.

Jalandhar, March 1, 2013: Vajra Corps the defenders of Punjab, was the first Corps raised in India after independence in 1950 by Lt Gen Kulwant Singh at Ambala. 

The Vajra Corps Headquarter was later relocated at Jalandhar in 1951. The Vajra savior-faire is epitomised in victorious battles of past wars on the western front and the Corps is proudly identified as the ‘Defenders of Punjab’.

Since its inception, the Corps has a proud heritage and glorious history earned through blood and honour and sustained by military dignity and martial pride.  The Vajra Corps proved its mettle on the strategic Western Front and achieved its objectives with elan and vigour.  A proud nation conferred 8 MVCs, 47 VrCs and numerous other awards on the valiant men of the Vajra Corps.  The Vajra Corps was also bestowed with the Theatre Honour : Punjab and Battle Honours : Sehjra and Dera Baba Nanak.

The Vajra Corps celebrated its 64th raising day on Friday.

Many events have been conducted during the raising day celebrations, which include wreath laying at Corps War Memorial, photo exhibition and mela at Katoch Stadium.

Lt Gen Sanjeev Madhok General Officeer Commanding Vajra Corps paid homage at the Vajra Corps War Memorial today.  Previous Corps Commanders, veteran officers and other ranks of Jalandhar Cantt were present during celebration.

Jalandhar, March 1,2013:  The Additional Session Judge, Patiala House Courts, New Delhi has convicted Ravinder Rana, then Constable of Central Industrial Security Force and sentenced him to undergo Life Imprisonment with total fine of Rs.30,000 in a shootout case at Indian Embassy in Kathmandu (Nepal).

The case was taken up by CBI for investigation immediately. The investigation revealed that two CISF personnel were killed and three injured when one Ravinder Rana, Constable CISF posted for security duty at Indian Embassy in Kathmandu (Nepal), opened fire at his colleagues in a barrack inside the Embassy premises in the wee hours of January 18, 2005 after altercation with one of his colleagues on the previous night.

After thorough investigation, within a short period of 3 months, a chargesheet was filed against Ravinder Rana in the court of CMM, Delhi on April 8, 2005 after obtaining permission of the Central Government under Sec 188 Criminal Procedure Code as the incident had occurred outside the territorial jurisdiction of India.

After 7 years of trial, the Additional Session Judge, Patiala House Courts, New Delhi found Ravinder Rana (who is still under judicial custody), guilty of the offence of murder U/s 302, 307 of IPC and 27 of Arms Act and convicted him.

In this case, an Indian citizen has been convicted for committing a crime in foreign country by an Indian Court.

New Delhi / Jalandhar, March 3, 2013: Haryana Chief Minister, Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Union Railways Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal will flag off the first Delhi-Bahadurgarh-Rohtak EMU Train at Rohtak Railway Station on March 3 at 10.30 am. 

Besides Haryana CM Hooda, Rohtak MP Deepender Singh Hooda would also board the train from Rohtak till Bahadurgarh.

In a press release issued here today, it is informed that EMU train service would be a daily EMU service having capacity of 7,500 train passengers in one round trip.

It‘s regular stations and halts would be at Rohtak, Asthal Bohar, Kharawar, Ismaila, Sampla, Rohand Nagar, Asaudah, Bahadurgarh, Ghevra, Mundka, Nangloi, Mangolpuri, Shakur Basti, Daya Basti, Vivekanand Puri, Kishanganj and Delhi Railway Stations.

Jalandhar, March 2, 2013: The Special Judge for CBI Cases, Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) has convicted R.S. Ayer, then Branch Manager of Central Bank of India, Shahpura Branch, District Bhopal (MP) and three private persons namely Dharmendra Parmar, Sukhdev Prasad Makhija and R. K. Dwivedi in a bank fraud case.

R. S. Ayer, then Branch Manager was sentenced to undergo three years Rigorous Imprisonment with fine of Rs.1.30 lakh while other three private persons to undergo three years Rigorous Imprisonment with fine of Rs.50,000 each.

CBI Bhopal Branch had registered a case against R. S. Ayer, the then  Branch  Manager of Central Bank of India Shahpura Branch, District Bhopal and others U/s 120-B r/w 420, 468, 471 of IPC and Sections 13(2) r/w 13(1)(d) of  PC Act, 1988 on the allegations that he had entered into criminal conspiracy with private persons and  dishonestly and fraudulently  sanctioned  housing loan to the tune of Rs. 51,77,000.

After investigation, four  charge sheets were filed on July 13, 2004 in the Court of  Special Judge for CBI Cases, Bhopal against R. S. Ayer, the then  Branch Manager of Central Bank of India Shahpura Branch, District Bhopal and others.

The Trial Court found the then Branch Manager and three private persons guilty and convicted them. One another private person died during trial.

The Special Judge for CBI Cases, Bhopal has earlier on February 6, 2013 also sentenced R. S. Ayer, then Branch Manager to undergo seven years Rigorous Imprisonment with fine of Rs.60,000, M. B. Nayak, then Assistant  Manager to undergo three years Rigorous Imprisonment with a fine of Rs.40,000; Dharmendra Parmar(Private person ) to undergo seven years Rigorous Imprisonment with fine of Rs. 70,000 and four other private persons i.e. Shakeel Ahmed, Kishan Sukhwani, Rajeev Singh and Kamlesh Jain, all to undergo seven years Rigorous Imprisonment with fine of Rs. 90,000 each in this case. One private person was acquitted by the Court.  

 Jalandhar, March 2, 2013: The ACMM, Karkardooma Courts, Delhi has convicted Chander Dev Prasad Mahto, then LDC, Directorate of Estate, Ministry of Urban Development, New Delhi in a forgery case and sentenced him to undergo three years Rigorous Imprisonment with fine of Rs.20,000.

A case  was registered  on June 15, 2005 U/s 120-B, 420, 465, 467, 468, 471 and 472 IPC against  Chander Dev Prasad Mahto, LDC in Directorate of Estate, Ministry of Urban Development, New Delhi ( a resident of Village Nagauli, District Siwan, Bihar) on the allegation that he had obtained employment in 1983 on the basis of  forged Scheduled Tribe Certificate.

CBI filed a chargesheet against the official on March 13, 2006 in the Court of ACMM, Karkardooma Courts, Delhi. After trial, the accused was found guilty of cheating and forgery by the Court.

Jalandhar, March 2, 2013: The Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested a Senior Accounts Officer of CBDT, Mumbai and a private person for demanding and accepting bribe of Rs. 10,000 from the complainant.

A case was registered against  Senior Accounts Officer, Zonal Accounts Office, CBDT, Mumbai for demanding bribe of Rs.10,000 from a complainant. The complainant has alleged that the accused demanded bribe from him for clearing his pending bills for providing cars on rental basis to the Income Tax Department.

CBI laid a trap and the accused and one private person who accepted bribe on behalf of the accused public servant were caught red handed while demanding and accepting the bribe of Rs.10,000 from the complainant in the cabin of accused situated in Aaykar Bhawan, New Marine Lines, Mumbai.

Both the arrested accused were produced before the Special Judge, Mumbai and were remanded to Police Custody upto March 4, 2013.

Further investigation is in progress.

Jalandhar, March 2, 2013: Anna Hazare who is the whistleblower of movement against corruption will start his tour of almost one weak in Punjab from Jallianwala-Bagh, Amritsar addressing a huge rally. Addressing rally, he will reach Desh Bhagat Yadgar Hall, Jalandhar on  March 31 at 5 pm where he will address a huge rally.

During his visit at Punjab, he will be accompanied by  Dr. Munish and other members of Team Anna.

Before this, the retired Army Chief Gen. V. K. Singh is arriving at Desh Bhagat Yadgar Hall, Jalandhar on March 3 at 11.30 a.m. to take a look of arrangements, where they Anna Hazare and others would address a huge meeting.

In a statement here on Saturday, Dr. Inderjit Singh Bhalla, the district convener has informed in this regard and requested to all “patriots” to reach Desh Bhagat Yadgar Hall at 11.30 AM to attend the meeting.

Dharamsala, March 2, 2013:  Another land deal is under probe, this time the noted lawyer Prashant Bhushan is under government scanner in Himachal Pradesh.

Previous government had allowed Bhusan to purchase land near Palampur in Kangra district. The state government is in wait of the report of the DC, Kangra, the revenue head of the area.

Reacting on this sensitive issue, the Revenue Minister Kaul Singh said," As on the face of it, the permission granted to Prashant Bhushan is questionable. We have sent 11 queries to the deputy commissioner concerned. Government would act on the basis of the deputy commissioner's report."

Aam Aadmi Party leader Bhushan's Kumud Bhushan Educational Society was allowed to purchase 4.68 hectare land meant for a tea plantation by the previous Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) Prem Kumar Dhumal led  government.

According to the state's laws, land-use of a tea garden could not be changed as these are exempted under the ceiling act.

It was alleged that the land, worth several crores of rupees in Palampur was given to the educational society for just a few lakh rupees, in March 2010.

Koul sigh  said that the government in fact has decided to probe all land deals, where it suspects that there is a violation of Section 118 of the Land Reforms and Tenancy Act and Land Ceiling Act during the BJP regime.

The land in question at Palampur is the second land probe took out by Vir Bhadra Government just after taking back possession of a prime land allotted to Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev in Sadhupul in Solan district.

Dharamsala, March 3, 2013: The Himachal Pradesh Transport Minister GS Bali and two others were injured in a road accident at Sonepat of Haryana early on Sunday, an official said  in Shimla .

G.S  Bali, who was going to Delhi from Shimla on an official visit met with an accident and got injuries on the chest and now he is out of danger.

Bali were accompanying by his two personal staff members  in a different vehicle. They both are having serious injuries and have been admitted to AIIMS in Delhi.

The police said Bali’s vehicle rammed into a truck parked on the roadside and another vehicle accompanying the minister’s staff also collided with the vehicle.

New Delhi/Jalandhar, March 3, 2013: Union Railway Minister, Pawan Bansal today said that the upcoming Rail Coach Factory in the state would be set up on Jind-Sonipat Rail Line near Gohana in district Sonipat and a number of ancillary Railway units would also be set up in the adjoining districts to provide supply to the main Rail Coach Factory.

He said that the Rail Coach Factory would accelerate the progress in the state and also provide direct and indirect jobs to lakhs of people.

Bansal was today addressing a function at Rohtak Railway Station, organised for the flagging off of the Rohtak-Bahadurgarh-Delhi MEMU (Electric) Train from Rohtak Railway Station.

Rohtak-Delhi MEMU train will start daily at 7 a.m. from Rohtak and will reach Delhi Railway Station at 9.15 a.m.

On return, it will start at 3.50 p.m. from Delhi and will reach Rohtak at 6.20 p.m.

MEMU train would provide a cheaper and faster travelling option and have 7,500 passengers capacity on one round trip.

From Rohtak to Delhi, MEMU train would have stoppages at 15 Stations ie. Delhi, Kishanganj, Vivekanand Puri, Daya Basti, Shakur Basti, Mangolpuri, Nangloi, Mundka, Ghevra, Bahadurgarh, Asaudah, Rohand Nagar, Sampla, Ismaila, Kharawar, Asthal Bohar and Rohtak, so the whole area in particular and other adjoining areas in general would be benefitted.

Bansal said that Haryana is progressing fast under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupender Singh Hooda. The Railway also decided to contribute in this progress.

He said that the three new rail lines of Gurgaon-Sohna-Nuh- Firozpur Zhirka- Alwar, Hisar-Agroha-Fatehabad-Sirsa and Yamunanagar-Sadhaura-Naraingarh-Chandigarh rail lines would change the face of the state. The work of Meham-Hansi Rail line will start soon, he added.

Crediting the Rohtak MP Deepender Singh Hooda for success of various Haryana projects, Bansal said that Deepender always raise the state voice on various Haryana issues in the Lok Sabha. He works hard to present the state case in a responsible and concrete manner. Deepender also take up the cases with the respective Ministers, he further added.

Referring to the demand of Jaipur-Chandigarh rail line, Bansal said he would like to go ahead with it, but the railway has to look after the whole country and rail facilities have  also to be provided for the remote areas. Rail journey being cheap, is the choice as well as the need of common man. Railway does not earn profit, but for making rail journey safe and comfortable, modernising the signals, constructing flyovers or underpasses at railway crossings and providing better amenities for the commuters, railway needs money also. He said that for the shifting of Rohtak-Panipat rail line from within the rohtak city, the work of bypass will start as soon as the land is made available.

Bansal said that MEMU train, started today, has modern facilities and will not only make the railway journey comfortable for the commuters, but will also accelerate the pace of development in this area and whole of state and will also enhance the employment opportunities.

Earlier, speaking on the occasion, Congress MP Deepender Hooda thanked Bansal for coming to Rohtak for the inauguration of Rohtak-Delhi Electric Train. He said that this year’s rail budget is a historical one. It not only has given a lot to Haryana, but the planning for the future of Railway in the country has also been kept in mind. A lot of attention has been paid to the expansion and modernisation. The rail projects include rail lines for Baramulla and Arunachal Pradesh also.

Haryana C.M,B.S. Hooda said that during past 30^th years, Haryana did not get any railway project, but during last eight years the state has got a number of rail projects for the State and silenced the opposition. Hooda said that the opposition follows the politics of disintegration, whereas we do the politics of development and progress by linking different areas with rails. The rail projects like Jind-Sonipat, Alwar-Delhi, Agroha-Fatehabad, Sirsa-Hisar-Rohtak-Delhi, Yamunanagar-Chandigarh and others will accelerate the pace of development of the State. The coach factory in Sonipat District, Centre of Excellence in Sirsa and Butt Welding factory at Sampla will boost the employment opportunities.

The General Manager, Northern Railway VK Gupta and Member of Railway Board Kulbhushan said that in the MEMU Train from Rohtak to Delhi, Passenger Information system has been installed to give information to the travelers about the coming stations. There will be no pollution due to this train and the rail journey will also be comfortable.

Accompanied by the local Congress leaders, Bansal and Deepender Hooda travelled by the MEMU train and addressed various public meetings to celebrate the occasion. Haryana Education Minister, Geeta Bhukkal, Rajya Sabha MP Shadi Lal Batra, MLAs namely Dr Raghubir Singh Kadian, Bharat Bhushan Batra, Anand Singh Dangi, Shakuntala Khatak, Rajender Singh Joon, Ex. Ministers Krishan Murti Hooda and Subhash Batra, Political Advisor to Haryana CM Prof. Virender, Rohtak District Congress President Jaideep Dhankhar, Jhajjar District Congress President Anand Sagar, former MLAs Dr Virender Pal, Hari Ram Balmiki, Congress leaders Chakravarti Sharma and a number of other dignitaries were also present.

Jalandhar, March 3, 2013: Retired Army Chief General VK Singh has said the ex-IAF chief SP Tyagi had been named in the inquiry of the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam but there was also a need to probe about the “role” of the then Defence Secretary and the Director General (Acquisition) when the deal had taken place.

Interacting with the mediapersons here on Sunday, he said there was a need of thorough inquiry into the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam.

About the Tatra scam, he apprehended that the government was trying to “close” the inquiry. He asserted that there should be no attempt to close the inquiry into this scam. He alleged that the government was trying to protect government and bureaucrats in this scam. Rather, he sought that the ongoing inquiry into this scam should bring to a “logical” end.

General (retd) VK Singh, a leading member of Team Anna, was here in connection with the proposed visit of social activist Anna Hazare.

Further, he opined that there was a need to bring transparency in the functioning of the Army, to check recurrence of such scams in the future.

He asserted that there was a need to give autonomy to CBI. He believed that this step would check recurrence of scams in purchase deals in the future.

About Jan Lok Pal Bill, he said this Bill should be brought in true spirit as had been assured to Anna Hazare by the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.

He revealed that Anna Hazare would conduct a weeklong tour of Punjab starting from March 31. He said Anna would first go to Jallianwala Bagh at Amritsar to pay his homage to the martyrs following which he would visit several parts of Punjab for creating a mass movement against corruption.

Gen (retd) VK Singh also took a meeting of the newly constituted Jan-tantra Morcha at Desh Bhagat Yadgari Hall here. He asked the Morcha men about the arrangements being made for the tour of Anna Hazare and his team members.

Chandigarh, March 4, 2013: The Punjab and Haryana High Court today convened a Full Court Reference to condole the sad demise of noted lawyer, jurist and legal luminary Hira Lal Sibal, in which all the judges of High Court took part.

While sharing the grief with the family of H.L. Sibal, the Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Arjan Kumar Sikri said that Sibal was a symbol of simplicity, dedication and commitment and was also known for his high professional caliber. He described the sad demise of Sibal as a huge loss to the legal fraternity as he was a source of inspiration for the young lawyers. Chief Justice further said that the legal fraternity has lost a great human being and legal luminary, who would also be remembered for his legal acumen, sagacity, courtesy and firmness.

The other dignitaries, who paid tributes to the departed soul included; Ashok Aggarwal and Hawa Singh Hooda, both Advocate Generals of Punjab and Haryana respectively, Minderjit Singh Yadav, Chairman, Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana and Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, President, High Court Bar Association.

The family members of Hira Lal Sibal, who were present at the condolence meeting included; his four sons Virender Sibal, Jitender Sibal (both retired IAS officers), Kanwal Sibal (former foreign secretary) and Kapil Sibal (Union Cabinet Minister) besides daughter Asha Nanda, their Children and his brother Satish Sibal and Deepak Sibal son of Mr. Satish Sibal (both senior advocates of the bar).

The retired judges of Punjab and Haryana High Court and members of the Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana and Bar Association of High Court were also present in condolence meeting.

Jalandhar, March 4, 2013: A 26-year-old woman Vania Khanna from New Delhi, associated with drug kingpin Raja Kandola was Monday sentenced to 10 years' rigorous imprisonment and to pay a fine of Rs. 1 lakh by JS Bhinder, Judge, Special Court, Hoshiarpur in an NDPS case registered against her in Garhshankar police station.

The police had recovered two kg heroin from her custody in June 2012.

The prosecution has been able to prove on record that on June 3, 2012 at about 4 pm in the area of village Panam, Police Station Garhshankar, she was found in conscious possession of two kilograms heroin without any permit or licence and thereby committed offence under Section 21 of the NDPS Act.

The case of prosecution is duly proved on the record. As such, the Court hold the accused Vania Khanna guilty under Section 21 of the NDPS Act and convict her there under.

The order passed by the Court reads; “Convict has been heard on the quantum of sentence. She has prayed for leniency on the ground that she unmarried girl and her future would be ruined if she is convicted. Therefore, she has prayed that she may be dealt with leniently. I (Judge) have considered the submissions made by the convict. Keeping in view the entire facts and circumstances of this case as well as quantity of heroin recovered from possession of convict the price of which in the international market is worth rupees crores, the convict Vania Khanna does not deserve any leniency in the matter of sentence therefore, she is sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for a period of ten years and to pay a fine of Rs. 1 lakh under Section 21 of NDPS Act. In default of payment of fine, she will further undergo rigorous imprisonment for two years.”

It may be recalled here that Garhshankar police had seized two kg heroin worth about Rs 10 crore in the international market way back on June 3, 2012.

Jalandhar, March 4 , 2013: The Central Bureau of Investigation has filed a chargesheet in the Court of Special Judge for CBI cases, Ghaziabad (U.P) against the then CMO(FW) & then Pharmacist both of District Kushinagar; a Proprietor of Lucknow based private firm and a private person U/s 120-B r/w 420, 468, 471, 477-A of IPC and Sec. 13(2) r/w 13(1)(d) of PC Act, 1988 for causing alleged loss of about Rs.18.52 lakh to the government while utilising National Rural Health Mission(NRHM) funds in the matter of fraudulent purchase of medicines at exorbitant rates.

A case was registered on February 23, 2012 on the findings of a preliminary enquiry registered in pursuance of order dated November 19, 2011 of Allahabad High Court on a number of Writ Petitions directing CBI to ascertain irregularities in the implementation of NRHM funds in Uttar Pradesh. It was alleged that the CMOs of four  districts namely Gorakhpur, Kushinagar, Deoria and Maharajganj had awarded the work for supply of medicines to private suppliers.

After completion of investigation in respect of Kushinagar District, CBI filed a chargesheet.

Jalandhar, March 4, 2013: The Central Bureau of Investigation has filed nine more charge sheets in the court of Special Judge, CBI cases, Ghaziabad(UP) U/s 120 B r/w 409, 420, 467, 468, 471 of IPC and 13(2) r/w 13(1)(d) of PC Act, 1988 against 12 accused persons i.e. two then CMOs, Varanasi; the then DPO, Varanasi; the then ACMO(Retd.), Varanasi; the then ACMO cum RCH Programme Officer, Varanasi; the then ACMO(Store) ; the then DAO, O/o CMO, Varanasi; then UDC, O/o CMO, Lucknow; two representatives of Lucknow based private firms and two Proprietors of Varanasi based private firms for causing financial loss of about Rs. 50 lakh to the government while utilising NRHM funds in the matter of fraudulent purchase of medicines at exorbitant rates.

Acase was registered on February 23, 2012 on the findings of a preliminary enquiry registered in pursuance of order dated November 19, 2011 of Allahabad High Court on a number of Writ Petitions directing CBI to ascertain irregularities in the implementation of National Rural Health Mission(NRHM) funds in the State of Uttar Pradesh. It was alleged that the CMOs of 4 districts namely Varanasi, Ghazipur, Chandauli and Jaunpur had awarded the work for the supply of medicines to private suppliers.

One chargesheet had earlier filed on December 28, 2012 against the then Superintendent of Hospital, Varanasi; the then CMO; the then ACMO(Store); then RCH Programme Officer, Varanasi and Proprietor of Varanasi based private firm U/s120 B r/w 409, 420, 467, 468, 471 of IPC and 13(2) r/w 13(1)(d) of PC Act, 1988.

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.

Chandigarh, March 5, 2013: The State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Punjab has directed the Life Insurance Corporation of India to pay Rs. 5 lakh with interest to life assured’s widow.

Disclosing this here today the spokesman of the Punjab government said that Satnam Singh had taken the insurance policy for an amount of Rs. 5 lacs from LIC but the life assured died in Amar Hospital, Patiala. The claim was lodged by the widow of life assured but LIC denied to pay the compensation to the party claiming that life assured committed suicide by hanging him and was declared dead at Amar Hospital.

The Commission has perused certificate issued by the Amar Hospital where the life assured was brought in unconscious state and life assured was declared dead but in the said certificate the cause of death was not mentioned by the duty doctor, who examined the life assured.

The spokesman further said that after hearing both the parties the Commission found negligence from the side of Life Insurance Corporation of India and directed to pay Rs. 5 lakh with interest @ 9% per annum from the date of repudiation of the claim and to pay Rs. 5000 as compensation as well as Rs. 1000 on account of litigation expenses.

Jalandhar, March 5, 2013: The Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested a Patwari, Municipal Corporation, Union Territory, Chandigarh for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs.50,000 from the complainant.

A case was registered on a complaint against the Patwari, Municipal Corporation, UT, Chandigarh alleging the demand of bribe of Rs.2 lakh for giving a favourable report of site inspection of the house of the complainant for transferring the house from his grandmother's name to his name and his brother's name. A trap was laid and the Patwari was caught red handed  while demanding & accepting bribe of Rs.50,000 from the complainant.

During search at the  residential premises of the accused, cash amounting to Rs.1.64/-lakh(approx); documents pertaining to bank accounts in four banks and documents of property worth about Rs.36 lakh  were also recovered.

In another case, CBI has arrested a Senior Clerk of Western Coalfields Limited, Dungaria District, Chhindwara (Madhya Pradesh) for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs.5,000 from the complainant.

Based on a complaint, a case was registered U/s 7 of PC Act, 1988  against a Senior Clerk working at Planning Section/Provident Fund in the Office of GM, Kanhan Area, Western Coalfields Limited, Dungaria, District Chhindwaraon the allegation that the official demanded an illegal gratification of Rs.10,000 for showing favour in getting CMPF loan of Rs.5,00,000 sanctioned for house construction.

CBI laid a trap and the accused was caught red handed while demanding and accepting bribe of Rs.5,000 from the complainant.

Bhubneshwar, March 5, 2013: The residents of Odisha can now dial 108 in any emergency and get a well equipped ambulance free of cost as part of the Odisha Emergency Medical Ambulance Service (OEMAS) launched in the state from today. Dial 108 Service, under the Oidsha Emergency Medical Ambulance Service (OEMAS) Project was flagged off by the Chief Minister of the Odisha, Naveen Patnaik at Durga Puja Grounds in Bhubneshwar amongst huge fanfare.

The government of Odisha conceptualised this state-wide modern emergency ambulance service in collaboration with an eminent company based in Mumbai, Ziqitza Health Care Ltd. The project will be run under Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode and in the first phase will cover the 15 districts in the state with a network of fully equipped 280 ambulances in phase 1.

Through a single toll – free emergency number 1-0-8, any individual, in any medical emergency situation, can call and get help in an average of 20 minutes in urban and 30 minutes in rural areas. The 108 Emergency Response Services is dedicated to help save lives in an emergency.

While launching the service, Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister of Odisha said, "It gives me great pleasure to announce the launch of Odisha Emergency Medical Ambulance Service (OEMAS) which has been a long pending need of the people of Odisha. Even a single road crash and fatality is a loss to state, nation, family and society. This service will help save a lot of innocent lives which were lost due to lack of emergency response service. We will provide all the support and assistance needed to ensure that this OEMAS is available to all the people of Odisha across the districts, towns and villages.”

The state government and ZHL had signed an agreement earlier on August 1, 2012. Thereafter, infrastructure such as custom-made ambulances equipped with life-saving equipment, state-of-the-art call centre, IT and network equipment and so on were procured and organised, and training of the emergency medical technicians (EMT) who would provide emergency care to the needy was also imparted.

The first lot of 280 ambulances will be operational in the districts of Angul, Bhadrak , Baleswar , Cuttack , Dhenkanal , Ganjam , Jajpur , Khurda, Keonjhar , Koraput , Mayurbhanj , Puri , Rayagada , Sambalpur and Sundargarh.

From these districts, anyone irrespective of income, caste, religion, age and gender, can call 108 in an emergency from anywhere at any time 24 x 7 and they will be assisted.

A centralised Call Centre has been set-up in Bhubaneswar city. The centre is equipped with the latest technology and infrastructure with trained manpower. The ambulances are strategically located in the operational district in such a way that the entire district can be covered within minimum time. The entire service right from a person making a call to the necessary pre-hospital care in the ambulance and taking the victim to the nearest hospital will be absolutely free to every citizen in Odisha.

“We truly appreciate the efforts and support received from the Govt. of Odisha and specially the Honorable Chief Minister of the Odisha, Naveen Patnaik and Minister of Health and Family Welfare - Dr. Damodar Rout and all the officers of the Health Department, for the noble initiation and all the support provided so far which has helped us launch the service in Odisha.” said Sweta Mangal, CEO, Ziqitza Health Care Ltd.

ZHL had been set up with a vision to assist in saving human lives by providing a leading network of fully equipped Advanced and Basic Life Support Ambulances across the developing world. ZHL is currently operating 860 Ambulances across Mumbai, Bihar, Kerala, Punjab and Rajasthan. ZHL has reputed investors like Acumen Fund, GMR/AMR (USA largest Ambulance Company), HDFC, IDFC and India Value Fund on board.  ZHL’s Strategic Partners include London Ambulance Services, Life Supporters Institute of Health Science and New York Presbyterian Emergency Medical Service (NYP-EMS).

ZHL has currently more than 4800 people working tirelessly, day and night, to serve people in India. Since inception ZHL has served more than 2 million people across India.