IMPHAL SUNDAY 16 NOVEMBER 2014
Modi makes strong pitch for
repatriation of black money
Contd from page 1
programmes and a burden on the people and this needs to change.
Noting that reform is a continuous multi-stage process and
that it must be institutionalised, the Prime Minister said it must
be technology driven and must have scale and address root
causes.
The G20 host Australia yesterday vowed a "very aggressive" crackdown on tax avoidance. India is also seeking strong
action by the Group of 20 against tax havens.
"A key issue for me would be to highlight the importance
of international cooperation against black money," Modi had
said earlier.
India's call comes as anti-corruption advocates want G-20
countries to stem the flow of illicit money across borders by
introducing public registers that reveal the people who ultimately own, control, or benefit from a business but use shell
companies to hide their identities and avoid tax.
Transparency International, 24 leaders of civil society representing every continent published an open letter to G-20
leaders this week, urging them to take concrete actions to stop
corruption and make the global system more transparent.
Establishing principles of transparency and clarity has been
a focus of G20's Anti-Corruption Working Group and has
long been on its agenda.
Abbott, in his opening remarks, said "Yes, we want freer
trade and we will deliver it. Yes, we need more infrastructure
and we will build it.
"This is our message to the world: that Governments can
deliver, that Governments can agree that the world can be
better, that there can be higher jobs, higher growth and more
jobs." he said.
"The people around this room are...the most powerful and
influential people in this world," Abbott told the likes of
United States President Barack Obama, Chinese leader Xi
Jinping and Russian strongman Vladimir Putin.
"We may not always be able to agree but I hope we can
at least be open with each other," he said. PTI
Passing out parade held
By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Nov 15: Passing out parade for 175 jawans of the 220th
batch of Border Security Force (BSF) was held at Subsidiary
Training Centre of the paramilitary force in Churachandpur district yesterday.
ADG (Logistics) ML Batham attended the parade as the
chief guest.
Speaking at the occasion, ML Batham said that the responsibility of BSF is not limited to checking subversive activities
in border areas.
They are also engaged in maintaining internal security of
the country through involvement in counter insurgency operations, he added.
Saying that the training facilities available at STC
Churachandpur are compatible with the best in the country,
ML Batham exuded confidence that the passed-out jawans
would discharge their assigned duties with sincerity.
Stating that STC Churachandpur is one of the elite training
institutes of BSF, ML Batham said that the centre has also
given training to BSF constables of the 221st batch, tradesmen
of BSF and State armed police personnel.
During the training course, the jawans were also trained on
Platoon/Section leadership and map reading, he added.
The passing out parade was attended by top civil and State
security officers as well.
Cleanliness drive on Nov 22
IMPHAL, Nov 15: Surface Transport Hill Area Drivers' Welfare
Union will conduct a cleanliness drive along National Highway-2
on November 22.
Secretary of the union, Kapani Khajina said that long
grasses growing on the sides of the highway, which often
create road mishaps, would be cleaned up during the drive.
Saying that such long grasses are mostly seen at different
points between Karong and Mao gate, Kapani Khajina said
that around 20 road accidents have been reported in the area
so far.
He added that the union would also conduct an inspection
drive of the National Highways of the State soon.
Kapani Khajina also urged the members of the union to
take part in the cleanliness drive.
Paddy gutted
Contd from page 1
Even as the villagers tried their best to save the paddy stalks, the fire
raged on until it was doused off with the arrival of fire tenders from
Manipur Fire Service.
On the other hand, an accidental fire broke out at SBI
Porompat branch office from an electric short circuit at around
12.20 pm and it damaged five UPS devices.
The fire was doused off by fire tenders of Manipur Fire
Service.
No trust motion defeated
THOUBAL, Nov 15: The no confidence motion moved by eight
members of Thoubal ZP against the incumbent Adhyaksha Kh
Surnalata and Up-adhyaksha E Manglemjao was defeated today
after a vote of the motion today at the conference hall of DRDA
Thoubal.
PC has always supported me
on AFSPA: Omar Abdullah
GANDERBAL, Nov 15: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister
Omar Abdullah on Saturday said that former finance minister P.
Chidambaram had always supported him on the issue of Armed
Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).
“I can't say if Congress supported me on this, but Mr.
Chidambaram has certainly helped me a lot. If there were other
leaders like Mr. Chidambaram in the Cabinet Committee on
Security at that time, we would have been able to take the issue
of repealing AFSPA much ahead,” Abdullah told reporters
here.
Minister for State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju and BJP
leader Subramanian Swamy had earlier today criticized
Chidambaram for making such comments when polls are
round the corner.
Swamy had called Chidambaram's statement 'idiotic', and
assured that AFSPA would not be diluted under any circumstances.
Rijiju had termed Chidambaram's statement ‘opportunistic
and unfortunate’ and stated that while the latter was the Home
Minister of India, he knew what was the situation and under
what condition this law had been implemented.
—ANI
Colloquium on higher education held
Avneet Arora/Zain Awan
NEW DELHI, Nov 15: A
premier ladies division of the
Federation of Indian Chambers
of Commerce and Industry
(FICCI) recently organized a
colloquium on higher education
in New Delhi.
The prime focus of the
discussion was to seek ways
to implement major reforms
in the Indian higher education
sector to help develop India
as a global education hub and
inspire the Indian universities
to compete internationally.
Attended by stalwarts in
the field of education, the
session witnessed extensive
discussions on promoting
ways to encourage entrepre-
neurship and professional
excellence in women.
“These experts will enlighten our members on the
various aspects of the Indian
education system preparing
them for the challenges of the
real world to put them in the
pathway to success,” said
FICCI Ladies President Neeta
Boochra.
During the discussions
experts pointed out that while
the Indian higher education
system has made considerable
progress in terms of capacity
creation and enrollment in the
last decade, it still lags in
terms of global relevance and
competitiveness.
They said the Indian education needs to reform its
curriculum and provide training to the teachers so that they
are enabled to play a stronger
role that stretches beyond
imparting classroom education.
“The curriculum needs to
be revised. It has to be dynamic with the evolving and
ever changing business situations. We need to enhance the
ability of our teachers through
training so that they become
mentors and facilitators,” said
Niharika Sondhi, education
consultant and member of
FICCI Ladies Organisation.
The experts also raised
concern about the lack of
skill -based professional training to students and education
related infrastructure. They
Food court named in honour of Modi
BRISBANE, Nov 15
A restaurant here has been
named ‘Namo’s Indian Food
Court’ in honour of visiting
Prime Minister Narendra
Modi, as the Indian community
looks forward to welcome him.
The Indian community in
Australia said that they are
proud of Prime Minister
Modi as he has fulfilled the
wishes of the people.
“Being a Gujarati, I am
proud of him. It feels like
somebody from my native
land has come to meet me,”
said a customer at ‘Namo’s
Indian Food Court’.
“He has fulfilled the
wishes of the people and established trust in them,” he
added.
He also claimed that Prime
Minister Modi is going to be
the next Sardar Patel of India.
Another Indian at ‘Namo’s
Indian Food Court’ thanked
India for its cordial relations
with Australia. He said the
Australian Government has
been safeguarding the Indian
community very well because
of the good ties between the
two nations.
“There is no issue between
India-Australia. We are living
here harmonically, following
the country’s rules and regulations. Australians are very
happy with us, so are we with
them. Australia is protecting
us well and I admire Australian and Indian governments
for best relations between
these countries,” said Sanjay
Shukla, an Indian residing in
Australia.
Another Indian Mukhtar
Ali, who is the owner of
Grand Taj Restaurant in Brisbane, also praised Prime
Minister Modi.
“We are proud of him. My
brother has gone to meet
him,” said Ali.
Talking of the food items
listed on the menu, he said,
“We have 60 different food
items on the menu and the
people working here are experienced.”
“All the spices are imported from India and All
India Food (AIF) is our
dealer,” he added.
The restaurant also has
Gujarati food menu that includes ‘curry, dhokla, khakra
and puri’ for the breakfast.
Interviewed and reported
by Naveen Kapoor/Copy edited by Kanika Singhal.
—ANI
Prez calls IITF as celebration of
India’s intrinsic strength
NEW DELHI, Nov 15
President Pranab Mukherjee
has described the India
International Trade Fair (IITF)
as a celebration of India’s
intrinsic strength, and also
praised this fair for providing
an excellent platform for small
and micro enterprises to display
their products.
Speaking on the occasion
while inaugurating the 34th
India International Trade Fair
here on Friday, the President
said, “As India moves into
the next phase of growth,
there is palpable excitement
and energy all around. The
IITF is a celebration of India’s intrinsic strength,
especially when the country
is striving to become a manufacturing hub of the world.
Since inception, this event has
been showcasing India’s
socio-economic progress. It
has also played a significant
role in catalysing commercial
convergence of technology
with social and economic issues of the South-Asian
region.”
“Trade Fairs of the type
and scale of IITF, over three
decades, has been a successful launching pad for a large
number of consumer products
such as – cars, electronics and
electrical appliances. More
important, however, is that
the fair has been an excellent
platform for small and micro
enterprises to display their
products and to get the best
from traders in India or importers from abroad,” he
added.
The
President
complimented the India Trade
Promotion
Organisation
(ITPO) for selecting ‘Women
Entrepreneurs’ as the theme
of this fair and earmarking an
exclusive area at concessional
rates for highlighting the
achievements of women entrepreneurs.
President Mukherjee welcomed all participants from
India and overseas, especially
the partner country “South
Africa”, focus country ‘Thailand’ and focus state “Delhi”
and hoped that this edition of
the Fair will inform and connect buyers and investors. He
also hoped that it would expand understanding of India
and provide fresh impetus to
the ‘Make in India’ campaign.
—ANI
Rahul accuses UP Govt of covering up facts
BILASPUR, Nov 15
Congress vice-president Rahul
Gandhi on Saturday accused the
Raman Singh-led Chhattisgarh
government of covering up
facts in the botched sterilization
drive that has claimed the lives
of 13 women in the Bilaspur
region.
“It’s not just a case of
negligence; there is also a role
of corruption and expired
medicines. It is the responsibility of the state government
but they are trying to cover
up facts,” Rahul said at a
press conference here, where
he met relatives of the deceased.
Expressing his anguish
over the incident, Rahul laid
the blame squarely on the
shoulders of the state administration.
“I’m very saddened by the
things they told me. It is the
responsibility of the state government and the Health
Minister, but they are not
accepting it,” he added.
In addition to the 13 killed,
the botched sterilization drive
in Bilaspur left more than 50
women in a critical state, who
are currently undergoing
treatment at four different
hospitals in the region.
—ANI
emphasized on the need to
channelize the Indian education system towards preparing
the students for the industry
and the challenges that arise
in the professional world.
Sondhi said that it was
important to get students involved in college clubs and
have experience in organization to help them get get
required life skills to enter the
industry. Apart from this, the
global forum discussed a
number of topical issues
plaguing the Indian education
system and deliberated on
ways to make education a
meaningful, impactful and
professionally viable experience for the current and
future generations. —ANI
Search
operations
By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Nov 15: A combined team of Imphal East
district police along with
women police personnel and 40
Assam Rifles troops conducted
a cordon and search operation
at Monkhang Lambi under
Irilbung police station from
4.30 am to 7 am today.
The operation was carried
out under the supervision of
Imphal East Additional SP
(Operations) Singhajit and
Imphal East commando OC
Achouba.
The joint security team
detained five suspected persons and handed them over to
Irilbung police station for further verification.
Meanwhile, a combined
team of Imphal West district
police and 30 Assam Rifles
personnel also conducted a
search operation at Khurai
Lairikyengbam Leikai under
Lamphel police station from
4.30 am to 7 am today.
The operation was conducted under the supervision
of Imphal West Additional SP
(Operations)
K
Meghachandra and Imphal
West commando OC Sanjoy.
After verification, 27 persons, who could not show
proper identity proof documents were detained by the
security team.
They were later handed
over to Lamphel police station for further investigation.
Website
launched
Our Correspondent
THOUBAL, Nov 15: Along
with the launching of its
website and SMS service,
Bright Kids School, Thoubal
bazar celebrated Children’s
Day at Thoubal district table
tennis indoor stadium yesterday.
ZEO Thoubal Deputy Inspector of Schools H
Priyokumar, Assistant Professor
of
Manipur
University’s Biotechnology
Department, Md Hamidur
Rahaman and Bright Kids
School founder administrator
Joy Oinam were the dignitaries of the function. Cultural
programmes presentation and
prize distribution to students
and teachers were the main
highlights of the function.
‘Development, good governance to be BJP
campaign agenda for Kashmir polls’
JAMMU, Nov 15
The Bharatiya Janata Party
(BJP) is set to start campaigning for the upcoming Kashmir
polls with the agenda of development and good governance
for the state.
After winning the biggest
national mandate in 30 years,
the party has launched its
most audacious election
project yet - to win power in
Jammu and Kashmir and integrate the disputed region
fully into India.
The party has no base in
the Kashmir Valley. Even
more of a red rag is the BJP's
long-held demand to abrogate
the region's special status in
the Constitution. Union Minister Jitendra Singh and BJP
General Secretary Ram
Madhav addressed mediapersons in Jammu.
Singh said the state was
being ruled by certain corrupt
families.
"Our agenda for the
upcoming polls is development. As Ram Madhav has
said, to provide this state for
the first time, perhaps after
many years, a governance
which is good governance,
which is easy governance, at
the same time which is free
from corruption, which is free
from dynasty rule," said
Singh.
Earlier this week, former
separatist leader Sajjad Lone,
had met Prime Minister Modi
and said that the BJP leader
could change Kashmir's fortunes.
A poll on Tuesday said the
BJP would win the most seats
ever in Jammu and Kashmir
but fall short of its goal of 44
in the 87-seat state assembly.
Attacking the National
Conference (NC) and the
People's Democratic Party
(PDP), Madhav said that
there were only two families
ruling the state, one which
was father-daughter ruled and
the other father-son.
The BJP will also be providing its election manifesto
in a few days.
Singh added the locals
have finally got a chance to
vote for good party.
"There is an opportunity
now, if the people of the state
want, to implement a good
governance and corruption
free model, which the
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
has successfully done in
Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.
This opportunity has come
after many years now in
2014, let us not loose it,"
Singh added. Polls in Kashmir will be held in
five-phases, beginning on
November 25 and ending on
December 20. The counting
of votes will take place on
December 23. —ANI
Andro issues threat
Contd from page 1
Interacting with the visiting media persons, people of those localities said that they would boycott Sangai festival and block passage
of vehicles up to the popular tourist and picnic sites in case the dilapidated roads are not repaired ahead of the Sangai festival.
Poiroukhongjin Pioneer Youth Club president L Dojendra said
both the old and new roads which connect Poiroukhongjin with
Kaina are badly worn out.
Apart from being a site of pilgrimage, many tourists would
be visiting Kaina during the Sangai festival, Dojendra said
while appealing to the Government to repair the two roads
ahead of the festival.
If the said roads are not repaired and black-topped properly, people of Poiroukhongjin would stay away from Sangai
festival and no tourists would be allowed to take these roads,
he added.
Apunba Nupi Khunai Lamjing Meira Lup president A
Ibetombi and Bright Youth Club, Angtha president L
Sanahanba decried that the roads connecting Angtha and Kaina
and Ngariyan and Yairipok Keithelmanbi Lamkhai are quite
pathetic.
These roads have become risky for school going children.
They too maintained that people of their localities would
boycott Sangai festival if the dilapidated roads are not repaired.
Office bearers of the Youth Development Association,
Huikap Makha Leikai said that the existing roads are not fit
for the ever increasing number of tourists who come to Andro
museum, Santhei Natural Park, Panem garden, Gwarok
Mahadeva and Ingourok Mahadeva. Accidents occur frequently on these roads because of their narrowness.
If the roads leading to these popular tourist sites are not
repaired, people of Andro may resolve to boycott the Manipur
Sangai Festival, they said.
The media team also observed that Imphal-Yairipok road
which is the lifeline of 22 villages of Keirao A/C is quite
dilapidated. Moreover all the IVRs of the road have worn out
badly.
Social worker MI Khan lamented that the Government has
been approached repeatedly to repair Imphal-Yairipok road
and IVRs of Keirao but to no avail so far.
Annoyed by the dilapidated condition, people came out to
block Imphal-Yairipok road. At this, the MLA of Andro A/
C requested the aggrieved people not to block the road. He
also offered to repair the road but the offer went in vain as
the MLA of Keirao A/C objected, MI Khan said.
MI Khan too echoed that people of Andro A/C and Keirao
A/C may block the IVRs leading to popular tourist sites apart
from boycotting Sangai festival if Imphal-Yairipok road and
the IVRs are not repaired ahead of the festival.
Hearing fixed on Nov 20
Contd from page 1
Kunja Mamang Leikai and Kh Vimal of Heirangoithong Maibam
Leikai on October 18 pleaded the Speaker to initiate disqualification proceedings against Karam Shyam under the Indian
Constitution’s 10th Schedule and the Assembly (Disqualification
Grounds of Defection) Rule 1986.
After accepting the petition, the Assembly Secretariat has
summoned the three petitioners and Karam Shyam to the
tribunal at 10.30 am of November 20.
Disqualification proceedings taken up against five
Trinamool Congress MLAs and another five MLAs of MSCP
who have now merged with INC have already been completed. But the judgements concerning some of the MLAs
have been reserved by the tribunal.
Taking serious note of frequent defections by MLAs/MPs
from one party to another which often paralyse administration,
the Parliament passed the Anti-Defection Law.
Although the Anti-Defection Law has already come into
effect, 11 MLAs of the 60-Member Legislative Assembly
have been facing disqualification petitions. This figure is quite
high as compared to other States of India.
Telemedicine roped in to
make up healthcare shortfalls
Contd from page 1
Meanwhile, the operation theatre of Moreh sub-district hospital is
being repaired.
In 1958, there were only 28 hospitals/health centres fit for
child delivery. But this figure grew to 67 in the last 6/7 years.
Efforts are on to further raise the number of hospitals/health
centres fit for child delivery to 107 by December.
According to the Government of India’s guidelines, there
should be a sub-centre in every human settlement area which
is away from a PHC by a distance of 30 minutes walk.
In line with this guideline, one PHSC would be set up
compulsorily at Keikao along Tamenglong-Khongsang road.
More PHSCs would be opened at other places in accordance with the same guideline.
A sea change is expected by next year as far as the State’s
health sector is concerned, claimed the Director.
AFSPA doesn't give...
Contd from page 1
“AFSPA is an obnoxious law that has no place in a modern, civilised country.”
Singh said “Let us not unnecessarily do things which
appear that we are all trying to get into a particular direction...
it is not so”. PTI
SLM bays for CBI inquiry
Contd from page 1
Act 2006 thereby forfeiting the right to life of the poor fishing families.
This was followed by the misappropriation of Rs 224 crore
sanctioned by the Planning Commission in cahoots with the
non-existent K-Pro Infra Works and PCL which has been
declared as one of the most corrupt companies by the World
Bank, Ishan Chandam alleged.
CBI should be called in to investigate the matter and
ensure that all the culprits are awarded befitting punishment,
he demanded.
The protest agitation launched today at Lamlai would continue at different places till November 30. This would be
followed by more intense forms of agitation, Ishan added.
BNHS scientists to study...
Contd from page 1
A team of the India Bird Conservation Network, Manipur Chapter
led by its coordinator RK Birjit would go to Purul, Phuba and Laii
to monitor Amur Falcons tomorrow.
Mishap claims one
Contd from page 1
Meanwhile, one Md Nawaz (35) of Mayang Imphal sustained
grievous injuries when he was knocked down by a car (Maruti
Swift) near St Peter High School, Kwakeithel at around 12.15 pm.
Md Nawaz was engaged in the school as a menial worker.
He has been admitted to RIMS.
Boycott warning on Sangai
Festival
Contd from page 1
to launch a series of agitation including boycott of the Sangai festival unless the Govt implements ILPS or similar laws to prevent
influx of migrants in the State within Nov 19.
The Committee also conveyed its preparedness to support
and endorse any steps taken up by JCILPS for implementation
of ILPS in the State.
It further demanded the Govt to take befitting action against
Additional SP Y Victoria for her alleged manhandling of
JCILPS members.