Tag: National

Manipur Information Centre
New Delhi, October 3 :
The President of India Pranab Mukherjee will confer the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowships and Akademi Awards for 2011 at a special ceremony on October 9 at 1200 hours at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi .
This year eleven eminent personalities will be conferred with Akademi Fellowships and thirty six artists will receive the Akademi Awards.
The Akademi Fellowship (Akademi Ratna) and Akademi Award (Akademi Puraskar) are recognized as the highest national honours conferred on performing artists, gurus and scholars of the performing arts and have come to stay as the most coveted honour which the artistes aspire to. These honours are decided by Akademi’s General Council, the apex body consisting of eminent artistes, scholars and nominees of Government of India and of different States and Union Territories of the country.
Manipuri dance personality Rajkumar Singhajit Singh and theatre personality Heisnam Kanhailal are among eleven personalities who will receive the Akademi Fellowship, the highest honour of Sangeet Natak Akademi. Other Akademi fellows are Mukund Lath, Hariprasad Chaurasia, Shivkumar Sharma, Amjad Ali Khan, Umayalpuram Kasiviswanatha Sivaraman, Mohan Chandrasekaran, Shri Kalamandalam Gopi , Padma Subrahmanyam, and Chandrasekhar Basavanneppa Kambara.
They will receive purse money of Rupees three lakhs , besides an Angavastram and a Tamrapatra. The Fellowship of the Akademi is the most rare honour, which is restricted to a limited number at a given time. Presently there are only 40 living Fellows of the Sangeet Natak Akademi.
The eminent representatives of Music , Dance and Theatre to be honoured with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for 2011 will receive purse money of Rupees one lakh, Angavastram and Tamrapatra.
In the field of Music, nine eminent artists, namely Shruti Sadolikar Katkar and Marathe Venkateshkumar for Hindustani Vocal Music , Tota Ram Sharma (Pakhawaj) and Pushpraj Ramlal Koshti (Surbahar) for Hindustani Instrumental Music , J Venkatraman for Carnatic Vocal Music, Ellapulli Mahadevaiyer Subramaniam (Ghatam), Ayyagari Syamasundaram (Veena) and Seshampatti T Sivalingam (Nagaswaram) for Carnatic Instrumental Music, and Gopal Chandra Panda (Odissi Music) for Other Major Traditions of Music, will receive the Akademi Award 2011.
In the field of Dance, nine eminent practitioners, namely Narthaki Nataraj (Bharatanatyam), Manjusree Chatterjee (Kathak), Thonnakkal Peethambaran (Kathakali), Priti Patel (Manipuri), Alekhya Punjala (Kuchipudi), Ramli Ibrahim (Odissi), V K Hymavathy (Mohiniattam), Tanusree Shankar (Creative & Experimental Dance) and Karaikudi R. Krishnamurthy (Music for Dance – Mridangam) will receive the Award for 2011.
In the field of Theatre, eight eminent persons who will be receiving the Akademi Awards are Kirti Jain for Direction, Amitabh Srivastava, Vikram Chandrakant Gokhle , Neena Tiwana and A R Srinivasan for Acting, R Nageswara Rao for Major Traditions of Theatre Company Theatre, Andhra Pradesh and Kamal Jain for Allied Theatre Arts (Lighting).
For their contribution to Other Traditional/Folk/ Tribal Music/ Dance/ Theatre and Puppetry, eight artistes – Thrippekulam Achuta Marar for Traditional Music (Kerala) , Hemant Rajabhai Chauhan for Folk Music (Gujarat), Gurmeet Bawa for Folk Music (Punjab), Kashi Ram Sahu for Folk Theatre (Chhattisgarh), Mipham Otsal for Traditional Theatre (Jammu & Kashmir) , Belagallu Veeranna for Togalu Gombeyatta, Puppetry (Karnataka), Gopal Chandra Das for Putul Nach (Tripura) and Qasim Khan Niyazi for Making of Musical Instrument (Delhi) will be conferred with the Akademi Award for the year 2011 .
Shrivatsa Goswami will receive the Akademi Award 2011 for Overall Contribution /Scholarship to Performing Arts. Alakhnandan (Theatre-Direction) and Sundari Krishnalal Shridharani (Overall Contribution) were also selected for Akademi Awards 2011. Due to their demise the said Award will be conferred on them posthumously.
The Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowships and Awards 2011 presentation ceremony will be followed by a Festival of Music , Dance and Drama featuring Fellows and Awardees of the year from 9-16 October 2012 at FICCI Auditorium, Tansen Marg, Meghdoot Theatre, Copernicus Marg, Shri Ram Centre, Safdar Hashmi Marg and Kamani Auditorium,Copernicus Marg, New Delhi. The festival will be inaugurated by Kumari Selja, Minister of Culture and Minister of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation at FICCI Auditorium on 9 October 2012 at 6 pm.
Memoirs of Africa directed by Heisnam Kanhailal of Kalakshetra , featuring Heisnam Sabitri will be staged on October 11 at 6 pm at Meghdoot Theatre. Priti Patel’s Manipuri dance performance will be held at FICCI Auditorium on October 15 at 6pm and Nayika Mala choreographed by Rajkumar Singhajit will be staged on October 16 at 6 pm at FICCI Auditorium.
The Sangeet Natak Akademi, established by the Government of India on 31 May 1952, is the National Academy of Music, Dance and Drama.
It was created as the apex body in the country for the task of preservation and promotion of the performing art tradition of India. One of the important activities of the Akademi has been to give recognition and honours to artistes for setting standards in performing arts and restoring the art and artists to their rightful place in independent India.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/president-to-confer-akademi-awards-on-oct-9-to-singhajit-kanhailal-priti-patel/

DIMAPUR, Oct 2 NNN: Showing strong resentment over the imminent signing of an agreement by New Delhi with both the factions of Dima Halam Daoga (DHD), the Zeliangrong frontal organisations have announced today to call 24 hours bandh on October 4 in all “the Zeliangrong areas” of Assam, Manipur and Nagaland.
Zeliangrong Baudi,(Assam, Manipur, Nagaland), Zeliangrong Youth Front (AMN), All Zeliangrong Students’ Union (AMN), Zeliangrong Baudi (ZB), Manipur and Zeliangrong Students’ Union, Manipur (ZSUM) have strong apprehension that New Delhi may declare Dima Hasao Territorial Council in the North Cachar Hills of Assam. The Zeliangrong frontal organisations feel that N.C Hills is confined by various tribes and not the Dimasas alone.
“We strongly oppose the government of India’s plan to declare “Dima Hasao Territorial Council” instead of North Cachar Hills district in order to appease the Dimasa militant groups. The government of India attempts to appease the single community’s demand whose population confines in limited areas and having less population than the other indigenous communities, is to suppress the Zeliangrong people and other indigenous communities living in the North Cachar Hills district politically,” the Zeliangrong organisations said. They also said that the move of New Delhi reflects Dimasa as majority and other communities as minorities. “But the government of India should seriously study the ground reality before taking any decision which may jeopardize the already volatile situation in the North Cachar district.
Any wrong decision if committed on the part of the Govt. of India would lead to total turmoil in the region.
The Zeliangrong people consider the plan as orchestration of Govt. of India to create communal disharmony amongst the different communities in the North Cachar Hill district. There are more than 120 Zeliangrong villages in Assam alone with more than 280 villages in Manipur and about 80 villages in Nagaland, therefore, the Govt. of India should first materialize and fulfill the assurance given to the Zeliangrong people under the Govt. of India letter Vide No.9/15/89-CD/CEN on 15/05/1990 for integration of Zeliangrong areas of Assam, Manipur and Nagaland before any accord or agreement or understanding is reached between the Govt. of India and Dimasa militant outfits. While opposing the Govt. of India’s plan, there will be 24 hours total bandh in all the Zeliangrong areas in N.C Hills district (Assam), in Tamenglong district (Manipur) and zeliangrong areas of Churachandpur and Senapati districts and Peren district of Nagaland on October 24,” the frontal Zeliangrong organisations announced.
These Zeliangrong bodies then pointed out that there is a long and legitimate demand of Zeliangrong people for integration of their land as such, the Govt. of India knowing well of the genuine demand had assured the Zeliangrong people for integration.
The Govt. of India’s assurance was given to the Zeliangrong people much prior to the formation and inception of Dimasa militant out demand,” they further stated.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/bandh-in-zeliangrong-areas/

IMPHAL, Oct 2 NNN: In yet another mysterious story of a Manipuri found dead outside the state, a man who worked as a teacher in a private school at Chattisgarh was found dead in Howrah Railway Station, West Bengal.
He is identified as Amom Rajen Singh (46) h/o Amom (Ongbi) Bina Devi of Terakhong Makha Leikai under Kumbi Police Station of Bishnupur district.
Addressing media persons about the incident at Manipur Press Club here today, A. Jiten, brother-in-law of A. Rajen stated that A. Rajen had worked as a teacher in Paradise School, a private school located at Kankar district in Chattisgarh. He added that Rajen had left for the work place on September 23 accompanying his daughter Carolina after he visited his home at the time of exodus of north-east.
Narrating the story, he said, ” Rajen and his daughter reached Howrah Railway Station on Septeember 25 after they boarded a train from Dimapur on September 24. At the station he went to book tickets from the counter leaving his daughter in a place and after this he did not turn up. When a Manipuri found his daughter crying nearby the area, she was handed over to a nearby BSF camp “.
Family member of the deceased went to the spot to pick-up Rajen’s daughter after the BSF authority contacted the state’s police about the case. When the family members complaint to the nearest police station about the case, the search for whereabouts of Rajen started. During the search, his dead body was found in an area 10 metre near Cossipara Police Station, about 10 kms away from Howrah Railway Station.
According to Jiten, on September 25 Rajen had made a phone call to A. Romeo, his brother-in-law serving as an Indian Army in Madhya Pradesh informing that he had been threatened by some persons along with people dressed in police uniform in the station.
Suspecting the death as a cold blooded murder, the family members said that a joint action committee will be formed regarding the case and urged the state government to intervene into the matter. It also appealed to the various civil organisations of the state to extend supports to the case and informed that intense agitations will be taken up if the government fails to address the grievances of the family.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/manipuri-found-dead-in-west-bengal/

In connection with the demand of Casual Labour Permit for 300 people from Cachar (Assam) per day to allow entry up to Vairengte IOC depot (Mizoram) without Innder Line Permit (ILP) by All Barak Youth Student Association (ABYSA) to the government of Mizoram, a deputy commissioner’s level talk will be held at Silchar on October 5.
This development came amid the Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), the largest students’ body in Mizoram and Vairengte Co-ordina­tion Committee made a resolution, urging the government to enforce the ILP as it has been.
ABYSA has reportedly said, “If things do not turn out in a satisfactory way after the talk between Kolasib deputy commissioner (Mizoram) and the deputy commissioner of Cachar (Assam) on October 5, they would organise another road block along National Highway-54. Moreover, according to Vairengte SDO (Civil), the blockade, if imposes again, may also include Bairabi roads.
A public meeting jointly called by MZP and Vairengte NGO Co-ordination Committee was held yesterday at Mizoram police check-gate at Vairengte concerning over the recent actions by the Cachar side. The joint meeting passed a resolution, in which the state government is urged to continue enforcing the Inner Line Permit (ILP) as it is and in a stringent manner.
MZP president, James Thanghmingmawia, in the gathering said that in the issue of boundary dispute the Mizos cannot be the loser ones, adding, “To protect what our forefathers have inherited us is the responsibility of the younger generations.” He also added that none of the ruling governments in Mizoram have serious initiated to settle the dispute which is regretful.
In the meatime, he lauded the people of Vairengte for their dedication in protecting the Mizoram boundary.
Vairengte Joint YMA president, L Hma­ngaihzuala also told the gathering that the people of Mizoram need unity on the boundary dispute. Resolutions include that the Government should continue enforcing the existing Inner Line Permit as it is and in a more stringent way.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/workers-without-ilp/

Mail News Service
New Delhi, Oct 1: The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Paban Singh Ghatowar has said that over the two decades, economic and strategic connections with Southeast Asia has increased manifold.
He said this while addressing the 158TH Annual General Meeting of the Bengal Chamber of Commerce & Industry Kolkata on 28th September, 2012. Shri Ghatowar said that India’s trade and economic links with Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam have experienced rapid progress. The total trade between India- ASEAN has grown up from $21.29 billion in 2005-06 to $57.89 billion in 2010-11, clocking compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.14 %. The Minister hopes that there is the strong possibility of existing economic linkages expanding even more. And this is where the integration of the North Eastern Region (NER) with Southeast Asia is significant, the Minister added.
In another meeting of the Bengal Chamber of Commerce & Industry on the subject- “Look East – North East and Beyond (Expectations from West Bengal)”, he referred to the North East Vision 2020 document released by the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh in 2008, which recommends a structural transformation of the region in terms of development to catch up with the rest of the country with an increasing average growth rate of 12.95 % in Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) per annum from the present 7.5 %. The Vision 2020 was the result of a collaborative effort of all the States under the aegis of North Eastern Council which aims at achieving various development goals, including : Poverty eradication ; Maximising self-governance ; Harnessing resources for people’s benefit ; Building capacity in people and institutions ; Strengthening infrastructure ; Creating a centre for trade and commerce, etc.
At Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) meeting, Shri Ghatowar expressed his views on emerging business opportunities in Bangladesh with focus on East and North East India. He observed that the NER can become the main hub of India’s economic bonding with both Bangladesh and Southeast Asia because of the contiguous land borders between the two regions. Land connectivity through establishment of transport links between India’s Northeast and Bangladesh would go a long way in facilitating movements of goods and people on both sides. He opined that while physical connectivity by expanding infrastructure capacities is one key issue, the NER also expects such connectivity to provide several new opportunities for the region. Being a landlocked region, the NER is deprived of some natural advantages of economic geography, which are enjoyed by coastal areas. But it is hopeful of collaborating with Bangladesh on various projects for securing mutual benefits. He cited examples of proposed establishment of Border Haats, development of seven Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) on India – Bangladesh Border and generous market access by India for Bangladesh imports, at zero basic customs duty for all items except liquor and tobacco.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/trade-with-southeast-asia-progressing-ghatowar/

Mail News Service
New Delhi, Oct 1: NeenaNingombam, SECRETary, extrajudicial execution vicitm families association, manipur addressed the media in New Delhi today.
She said today a bench consisting of Justice AftabAlam and Justice Ranjana Desai of the Supreme Court has admitted our petition requesting for a special investigation team to investigate the cases of extrajudicial executions in Manipur. The Court has appointed Advocate MenakaGuruswamy as the amicus curiae and the matter will be decided on 4 November 2012.
Today’s development here in New Delhi is a result of a long journey. She said, “For me, this journey started on 4 November 2008 after enjoying a family lunch, my husband Nongmaithem Michael, went to a friend’s helping him to set up his father’s shradha ceremony. Around 3 p.m. he got a phone call and left the place. At 3.32 p.m. I received a call from him saying that he was apprehended and told me to inform his sister who is well connected to the Police to secure his release. I cannot believe what he had said and I call him again to confirm. But he didn’t pick up; instead somebody else picked it up. When I enquired about my husband he told me that he was in the toilet. I ask him where they were and he told me that they were near our residence.
I informed his sister and our family members. They tried to locate him in various police stations but in vain. In the 9.00 p.m. ISTV news I saw the lifeless body of my husband is showed as “militant”/”terrorist” killed in an encounter with a hand grenade by his side. I was shocked to see how they could murder my husband and frame him as a “terrorist”. I immediately inform my family members. My brother-in-law worried that my mother-in-law might see the news telecast pulled down our cable wires. My younger brother-in-law rushed to the morgue and confirmed that it was indeed Michael’s body.
The next day the local community staged a sit in protest in the heart of Imphal condemning the killing. After conducting postmortem Michael’s body is brought home and consigned to flames according the Manipuri customs.
Our family submitted memorandum to CM of Manipur and the DGP pleading them to take action against the killing of my husband and the false charges leveled against him after he was killed. But no action was taken. I started attending public meetings testifying how my husband was extra-judicially executed.
On the advice of human rights activist I petitioned the Guwahati High Court. The High Court ordered the district judge Manipur east to conduct an inquiry into the matter on 10 November 2009.
We have to do much persuasion and request for the eye witnesses to dispose before the court. After much personal request to him as well as his family members an old man who actually saw my husband whisked away by the police commandos in their Gypsy finally agreed to dispose before the court. After almost three years of an uphill struggle the District Court finally wrote its findings on 12 July 2012 and concluded that:
In the result, I have decided that the husband of the petitioner, Nongmaithem Michael Singh, was killed by the personnel of Manipur Police Commando, Imphal West on 04-11-2008 at around 4.45 p.m. at Yenkaobung, Kameng and not from the exchange of firing or encounter between the husband of the petitioner and personnel of Manipur Police Commandos, Imphal West.
The report is forwarded to the registrar of the Gauhati High Court, Imphal Bench and we are awaiting the final decision of the High Court on my case.
I could at least manage to extract the truth behind my husband’s killings, but there are hundreds of young widows generated every year as their husbands are arbitrarily executed in Manipur.
Many of them are in a lot worst situation than me. It was a glimmer of hope when some human rights activist started organizing these widows. On 11 July 2009, some thirty of us got together, shared our stories and cried the whole day on each other’s shoulders.

On the other hand pouring out our pent up emotions and finding that we not alone was such a relief, we all felt considerably light at the end of the day. We wanted to build on this collective strength and fight for justice together. This is how Extrajudicial Execution Victim Families Association, Manipur (EEVFAM) was born!
EEVFAM is an organization of widows and mothers of those killed by police and security forces. We are discriminated as young widows and also as families of the “terrorists”. We cannot access the basic schemes for widows namely widow pension given by the Social Welfare Dept. because they had not attain the age of 40 years. We cannot access the ex-gratia given by the State Government because our husbands are killed in “encounters”. We also cannot access the children’s education support under the National Foundation For Communal Harmony given by the District Commissioner because they were meant only for children killed by “non-state actors”.
Having nowhere to go we decided to help each other. We meet every second Saturday and share our day to day problems and stories – happy ones as well as our sorrows. We contribute a little amount of money to save as our organization fund. We formed some self-help group and take loan from Just Peace Foundation in low interest. The loanee uses the money according to her own choice and convenience to improve their lives. Some are doing business in clothes, some weaving, some are running small grocery shops, yet others are farming or making detergents, etc.
EEVAM has given us the strength to be who we are and face the world in our own terms with dignity and grace. The mental and emotional support that we draw from this collective can hardly be over stated. Besides pursuing the cases of our husbands individually we are now collectively fighting for justice. With the help of Human Rights Alert, we are petitioning the Supreme Court of India, we have placed 63 cases with detailed documentation from 2007 to 2012 and also a list of 1528 cases of extrajudicial executions compiled by theCivil Society Coalition on Human Rights in Manipur and the UN demanding:
1. Setting up ofa special investigation team to investigate the cases.
2. Conducting disciplinary proceedings in all the cases listed and to facilitate the giving of evidence by the family members and other eyewitnesses to punish the guilty.
3. Paying compensations to the families of the victim.
4. Declaring that the sanction under section 197 Cr.P.C and section 6 of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 or any other similar provision in any other law is not necessary to be obtained in cases of fake encounters. “

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/apex-court-admits-petition-on-extrajudicial-executions/

MNS:- Gandhi Jayanti is an occasion for us to reflect on the life and contribution of the Father of our Nation. This is also a day to re-dedicate ourselves to Gandhiji’s commitment to non-violence. We need to imbibe wisdom from Gandhiji’s thoughts and actions to address the present day problems that confront our nation and society.
Gandhiji displayed a rare constellation of abilities. It was his quality of practising what he preached that made him the real Mahatma. Gandhiji understood the psyche of the people with his keen intuition and sensitive heart. By his charismatic mobilization of popular feeling he showed how an individual can bring social and political changes.
Mahatma Gandhi had an exemplary passion for justice and an indefatigable spirit of service to mankind. The hallmark of his personality was austerity and transparency. The essence of Gandhiji’s political philosophy was the empowerment of every individual.
Today, Mahatma Gandhi’s message of truth and non-violence needs to be internalized so that the world realises the futility of violence in achieving any objective. We need to find creative inspiration from Gandhian philosophy and embrace Gandhian spirit and values. The challenge before us is to individually and collectively emulate Gandhiji’s ideals of peace and non-violence, whose relevance has only increased.
Gandhiji’s ideas continue to transform diverse societies across the world. Let us draw upon Gandhiji’s philosophy and employ it in all walks of life. His message and example should give us the strength and inspiration to make sustainable changes that mankind needs for the future. On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, let us take a pledge to ensure that the Mahatma forever remains alive in our hearts, minds and actions.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/message-from-the-president-on-the-eve-of-gandhi-jayanti/

MNS:- Gandhi Jayanti is an occasion for us to reflect on the life and contribution of the Father of our Nation. This is also a day to re-dedicate ourselves to Gandhiji’s commitment to non-violence. We need to imbibe wisdom from Gandhiji’s thoughts and actions to address the present day problems that confront our nation and society.
Gandhiji displayed a rare constellation of abilities. It was his quality of practising what he preached that made him the real Mahatma. Gandhiji understood the psyche of the people with his keen intuition and sensitive heart. By his charismatic mobilization of popular feeling he showed how an individual can bring social and political changes.
Mahatma Gandhi had an exemplary passion for justice and an indefatigable spirit of service to mankind. The hallmark of his personality was austerity and transparency. The essence of Gandhiji’s political philosophy was the empowerment of every individual.
Today, Mahatma Gandhi’s message of truth and non-violence needs to be internalized so that the world realises the futility of violence in achieving any objective. We need to find creative inspiration from Gandhian philosophy and embrace Gandhian spirit and values. The challenge before us is to individually and collectively emulate Gandhiji’s ideals of peace and non-violence, whose relevance has only increased.
Gandhiji’s ideas continue to transform diverse societies across the world. Let us draw upon Gandhiji’s philosophy and employ it in all walks of life. His message and example should give us the strength and inspiration to make sustainable changes that mankind needs for the future. On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, let us take a pledge to ensure that the Mahatma forever remains alive in our hearts, minds and actions.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/message-from-the-president-on-the-eve-of-gandhi-jayanti/

MNS:- The Defence Minister today called upon the financial managers of his ministry not to bypass ‘laid down rules and procedures’ on the ruse of speedier decision making. Speaking at a function organized to commemorate the Defence Accounts Department Day here Shri AK Antony said in a democracy like ours we owe an explanation to the people that the public money is utilized with propriety for the intended purpose.“The task of utilizing the funds allotted optimally and with all the honesty, transparency and fairness has to be a collective endeavour. However, effective resource management requires speedier decision making by authorities vested with financial powers. At the same time, speedier decision making must not lead to bypassing of laid down rules and procedures. The principles and procedures governing such powers are strictly adhered to, particularly in a democracy like ours, where an elaborate system of checks and balances exists. We are all responsible to the Parliament and in turn, to the citizen of this country to ensure that public money is utilized with propriety for the intended purpose”, he added.
Shri Antony said to ensure faster decision making, enhanced powers have been delegated to the Services Headquarters, as well as to the field formations, along with provision of Integrated Financial Advisers at various levels. “We have also introduced a collegiate system of decision making as against the earlier system of considering a decision on expenditure by circulating files to various stakeholders involved in making procurement and spending decisions in the MoD, Service Headquarters and in the lower formations”, he said. The successful formation of the system demands a positive role from the finance member in getting the best value for money. During this process, competent financial authorities and other budget holders need to be supported with a Management Information System (MIS) on budgetary and expenditure monitoring in real time.
The Defence Minister also launched two IT projects developed in-house by the Department, namely ‘Pension Sanction Project’ and ‘Project SUGAM’. On this occasion Raksha Mantri awards for excellence were also presented by Shri Antony to selected employees for their outstanding contribution during 2011-12.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/financial-rules-and-procedures-can-not-be-by-passed-for-speedier-decision-making-antony/

MNS:- The Defence Minister today called upon the financial managers of his ministry not to bypass ‘laid down rules and procedures’ on the ruse of speedier decision making. Speaking at a function organized to commemorate the Defence Accounts Department Day here Shri AK Antony said in a democracy like ours we owe an explanation to the people that the public money is utilized with propriety for the intended purpose.“The task of utilizing the funds allotted optimally and with all the honesty, transparency and fairness has to be a collective endeavour. However, effective resource management requires speedier decision making by authorities vested with financial powers. At the same time, speedier decision making must not lead to bypassing of laid down rules and procedures. The principles and procedures governing such powers are strictly adhered to, particularly in a democracy like ours, where an elaborate system of checks and balances exists. We are all responsible to the Parliament and in turn, to the citizen of this country to ensure that public money is utilized with propriety for the intended purpose”, he added.
Shri Antony said to ensure faster decision making, enhanced powers have been delegated to the Services Headquarters, as well as to the field formations, along with provision of Integrated Financial Advisers at various levels. “We have also introduced a collegiate system of decision making as against the earlier system of considering a decision on expenditure by circulating files to various stakeholders involved in making procurement and spending decisions in the MoD, Service Headquarters and in the lower formations”, he said. The successful formation of the system demands a positive role from the finance member in getting the best value for money. During this process, competent financial authorities and other budget holders need to be supported with a Management Information System (MIS) on budgetary and expenditure monitoring in real time.
The Defence Minister also launched two IT projects developed in-house by the Department, namely ‘Pension Sanction Project’ and ‘Project SUGAM’. On this occasion Raksha Mantri awards for excellence were also presented by Shri Antony to selected employees for their outstanding contribution during 2011-12.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/financial-rules-and-procedures-can-not-be-by-passed-for-speedier-decision-making-antony/

MNS:- Agriculture Minister, Shri Sharad Pawar today sought to highlight India’s role in stabilising global food supplies and moderating price rise.
The Minister was addressing the meeting of the ‘High Level Regional Consultation on Policies to Respond to High Food Prices in Asia and the Pacific Region’ organized by FAO at Bangkok. From an importing nation India has now become a nation that exports wheat and rice, the Agriculture Minister said. “I am glad to inform that our efforts are showing excellent outcomes. From having to import about 6.5 million tonne of wheat in 2006 and 2007 we are now not only meeting the domestic demand but have also begun contributing to global supply through exports. Similarly, in case of rice, we faced problems in 2009 as our buffer stocks kept for supplies under public distribution system had dipped due to inadequate production. In the past twelve months, however, due to record production over the years, we have already exported about 8 million tonne of rice. The exports from India has not only stabilized the global supplies but have helped in easing the ruling high prices to affordable levels.”
Stating that increasing agricultural production and diversifying the production base has become the need of the hour, he said, “India has been following since 2007 the strategy of agricultural development by widening the production base and focusing attention to high potential low producing areas through intensive promotion of technologies in order to bridge the yield gaps.”
Laying stress on the global food economy in domestic context he went on to state “In order to better understand the global food economy in domestic context we in India have initiated a study project on developing Agricultural Outlook where situation analysis and forecasts are prepared periodically for the short and the medium terms. We are grateful to FAO for supporting this initiative with technical assistance on international exposure and capacity building. We believe that informed decisions based on sound analysis help develop better understanding of food situation internationally and locally.” Informing the various international organizations and policy experts gathered at the consultation meeting he informed: “India is actively involved in the evolution of these mechanisms, for shaping the information system for a sound real time analysis of the developing situation on supply, stocks, trade, demand and prices of food grains in different parts of the world. We believe that credible information generated by the system would be a valuable input for any policy initiative at the country level should any of the supply, price or trade shocks cause disruption in food availability. Better information is the key to being better prepared.”
He further said, “South Asian Countries have started a SAARC Food Bank to service the needs of the member countries in case of any supply shock as a result of calamities or otherwise. There is need to strengthen such regional cooperation instruments to respond to the developing global food crisis. It is our collective responsibility to reach out to those vulnerable populations whose access to food is compromised due to high food prices.”

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/pawar-addresses-high-level-international-meet-on-food-prices/

MNS:- Agriculture Minister, Shri Sharad Pawar today sought to highlight India’s role in stabilising global food supplies and moderating price rise.
The Minister was addressing the meeting of the ‘High Level Regional Consultation on Policies to Respond to High Food Prices in Asia and the Pacific Region’ organized by FAO at Bangkok. From an importing nation India has now become a nation that exports wheat and rice, the Agriculture Minister said. “I am glad to inform that our efforts are showing excellent outcomes. From having to import about 6.5 million tonne of wheat in 2006 and 2007 we are now not only meeting the domestic demand but have also begun contributing to global supply through exports. Similarly, in case of rice, we faced problems in 2009 as our buffer stocks kept for supplies under public distribution system had dipped due to inadequate production. In the past twelve months, however, due to record production over the years, we have already exported about 8 million tonne of rice. The exports from India has not only stabilized the global supplies but have helped in easing the ruling high prices to affordable levels.”
Stating that increasing agricultural production and diversifying the production base has become the need of the hour, he said, “India has been following since 2007 the strategy of agricultural development by widening the production base and focusing attention to high potential low producing areas through intensive promotion of technologies in order to bridge the yield gaps.”
Laying stress on the global food economy in domestic context he went on to state “In order to better understand the global food economy in domestic context we in India have initiated a study project on developing Agricultural Outlook where situation analysis and forecasts are prepared periodically for the short and the medium terms. We are grateful to FAO for supporting this initiative with technical assistance on international exposure and capacity building. We believe that informed decisions based on sound analysis help develop better understanding of food situation internationally and locally.” Informing the various international organizations and policy experts gathered at the consultation meeting he informed: “India is actively involved in the evolution of these mechanisms, for shaping the information system for a sound real time analysis of the developing situation on supply, stocks, trade, demand and prices of food grains in different parts of the world. We believe that credible information generated by the system would be a valuable input for any policy initiative at the country level should any of the supply, price or trade shocks cause disruption in food availability. Better information is the key to being better prepared.”
He further said, “South Asian Countries have started a SAARC Food Bank to service the needs of the member countries in case of any supply shock as a result of calamities or otherwise. There is need to strengthen such regional cooperation instruments to respond to the developing global food crisis. It is our collective responsibility to reach out to those vulnerable populations whose access to food is compromised due to high food prices.”

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/pawar-addresses-high-level-international-meet-on-food-prices/

MNS:- According to Census 2001, there were 2.19 crore Persons with Disabilities in India who constitute 2.13 per cent of the total population. This includes persons with visual, hearing, speech, locomotor and mental disabilities. The Visuallly impaired constitute about 49% of the disabled population, with a population of 1.06 crores. This figure is likely to rise with the release of fresh data on disability from Census 2011, in which the enumeration had been carried out disability wise.
The Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment, Shri Mukul Wasnik will inaugurate a unique event “Antarchakshu – The Eye Within” at Jawahar Lal Nehru University Convention Centre on 4th October, 2012 at 12.00 noon.
`Antarchakshu` is a mass scale disability sensitization and awareness generating event. The event involves simulation of various disability conditions, more specifically blindness and low vision. The participants are made to do a series of tasks and activities whilst they are in different disability roles. The simulation process is followed by an exhibition on assistive tools, technologies and aids used by persons with disabilities. The last section of the process is a sharing and debriefing zone where participants who have just experienced the world of the disabled are engaged with persons with disabilities. This gives them a chance to share their impressions and raise key issues with the disability experts. This provides the participants a platform which allows them to understand how they can incorporate the learning of their experience in their daily life and develop insights to overcome odds through innovation and determination. It also helps to demystify the myths and prejudices that exist regarding disabilities.
It`s an experience that promises widening of our intellectual, emotional and spiritual horizons.
The Antarchakshu will be opened to public on 4th, 5th and 6th October from 10.00 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. at the new Convention Centre of JNU. It is a highly engaging event developed by the Xavier`s Resource Centre for the Visually Challenged (XRCVC), St. Xavier`s College, Mumbai. At Delhi, the event is being jointly hosted by the Xavier`s Resource Centre for the Visually Challenged, Mumbai, Equal Opportunity Office of the Jawahar Lal Nehru University, New Delhi, National Institute for the Visually Handicapped, Dehradun, Saksham Trust, New Delhi and Sightsavers.
The event comprise Mobility Zone where participants will simulate the experience of negotiating the environment using white cane and sighted guide techniques.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/antarchakshu-the-eye-within/

MNS:- According to Census 2001, there were 2.19 crore Persons with Disabilities in India who constitute 2.13 per cent of the total population. This includes persons with visual, hearing, speech, locomotor and mental disabilities. The Visuallly impaired constitute about 49% of the disabled population, with a population of 1.06 crores. This figure is likely to rise with the release of fresh data on disability from Census 2011, in which the enumeration had been carried out disability wise.
The Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment, Shri Mukul Wasnik will inaugurate a unique event “Antarchakshu – The Eye Within” at Jawahar Lal Nehru University Convention Centre on 4th October, 2012 at 12.00 noon.
`Antarchakshu` is a mass scale disability sensitization and awareness generating event. The event involves simulation of various disability conditions, more specifically blindness and low vision. The participants are made to do a series of tasks and activities whilst they are in different disability roles. The simulation process is followed by an exhibition on assistive tools, technologies and aids used by persons with disabilities. The last section of the process is a sharing and debriefing zone where participants who have just experienced the world of the disabled are engaged with persons with disabilities. This gives them a chance to share their impressions and raise key issues with the disability experts. This provides the participants a platform which allows them to understand how they can incorporate the learning of their experience in their daily life and develop insights to overcome odds through innovation and determination. It also helps to demystify the myths and prejudices that exist regarding disabilities.
It`s an experience that promises widening of our intellectual, emotional and spiritual horizons.
The Antarchakshu will be opened to public on 4th, 5th and 6th October from 10.00 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. at the new Convention Centre of JNU. It is a highly engaging event developed by the Xavier`s Resource Centre for the Visually Challenged (XRCVC), St. Xavier`s College, Mumbai. At Delhi, the event is being jointly hosted by the Xavier`s Resource Centre for the Visually Challenged, Mumbai, Equal Opportunity Office of the Jawahar Lal Nehru University, New Delhi, National Institute for the Visually Handicapped, Dehradun, Saksham Trust, New Delhi and Sightsavers.
The event comprise Mobility Zone where participants will simulate the experience of negotiating the environment using white cane and sighted guide techniques.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/antarchakshu-the-eye-within/

DIMAPUR, Oct 1 NNN: Reacting to the statement of NSCN-IM leader Tongmeth Wangnao who had accused the
Naga National Council (NNC) few days ago of killing a large number of Naga underground cadres on September 27, 1980, the latter today rebutted by saying that actually it was Th. Muivah and Isak Chisi Swu and their followers who had killed many Naga leaders.
Last week, NSCN-IM leader Tongmeth Wangnao had reportedly commented in local newspapers here that it was on September 27, 1980 when about a hundred ‘Naga national workers’ (Naga undergrounds) including Chaplee Kilonser (finance minister of the Naga underground), commander-in-chief, GSO and other high ranking Naga ‘army officers’ were killed by the combined forces of NNC, India and Burma at Langnok. “In other different incidents, a score of Naga army were arrested and butchered at the behest of the so-called NNC Oking at Transit Camp, Kohima,” Tongmeth was said to have commented this.
In a rebuttal today, NNC vice president B Pashen said that in 1979, Th. Muivah, Isak Chishi Swu and their followers deviated from NNC and had killed many Naga leaders. B Pashen alleged that Lt. Col. Yamtsethong Khiamniungan was killed on July 15, 1979 at Tsonkhao village by Muivah, Isak and their followers. On November 27, 1979, T.
Venuh Chakhesang, NNC vice president was killed; Venyi Rhakho, Chakhesang, Tatar was also killed on the same date; Mayanger Ao, Kilonser (minister) was killed at Hasik village in December, 1979; Lt. Col. Vesazo Chakhesang was killed in December, 1979; Lt. Col. Süpong Ao was killed in December, 1979; Capt. Imsütoshi Ao was killed in December, 1979; Capt. Kumzak Ao was killed at Paokingniu hill in December, 1979; Capt. Keviletuo Angami was killed at Lao village in December, 1979; Lt. Vejoyi Chakhesang was killed in December, 1979; Lt. Yanger Ao was killed at Hasik village in December, 1979; Sgt. Maj. Tinu Ao was killed at Hasik village in December, 1979; Sgt. Vetelo Chakhesang was killed at Hasik village in December, 1979; Pinglang, Runa Peyu, Kingphu village was killed in 1980; N. Lorho Mao, Tatar Hoho Speaker was killed on 2nd January, 1980; Ngathingkhui Ahum Tangkhul, Kilonser was killed on 3rd January, 1980; Lt. Jacob Ahum Tangkhul was killed on 3rd January, 1980; Sgt. Maj. Gideon Ahum Tangkhul was killed in January, 1980.
“Then they immediately formed by themselves the so-called National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) on 31st January, 1980 without any knowledge of the Naga people and they began to kill Khiamniungan publics on 15th February, 1980 and continued up to 26th September, 1980 under the command of Capt. Shangam Tangkhul. Thus within this period of 7 months, 524 Khiamniungan people including pastors, church deacons, women and children were killed without any reason. Houses, churches, granaries, wealth and all kinds of properties including traditional attires, assortments etc. of the 12 villages, namely Langkheng , Haikum , Asheiking , Chukie, Hiuphu, Taingan, Thang, Thingniungan, Thon, Tsemhok , Pang and Kingchung were burned down to ashes. Mithuns, buffaloes, cows, pigs, goats, dogs, chicken and other domestic livings were randomly killed and consumed and the remnants were shot dead and left without any human sense,” alleged NNC leader B Pashen.”Thus after killing so many Khiamniungan people and after maximum patience, the Naga army along with the angry volunteers in retaliation attacked the Langnyok Camp of the NSCN on September 27, 1980 and killed about 30 to 35 NSCN personnel as far as we know. India and Burma did not come even in the dream at Langnyok Camp and its incident. The question of the combined forces of NNC, India and Burma does not arise at all. God knows it and may God punish the liars,” added Pashen.
“NNC had no Oking at Kohima or in Nagaland so far as the President, NNC has been in London, England since 1960. NNC did not issue any behest or Ahza to arrest and butcher the NSCN cadres. The above mentioned incidents were actually occurred among the national workers who were there in the Eastern Nagaland. It was uncommunicative in those days and NNC never did so as stated by Tongmeth Wangnao, NSCN-IM. NNC is therefore giving this in the name of Almighty God to let the Naga people know the truth and reality about the said incidents,” stated.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/nnc-replies-back-to-nscnim/

DIMAPUR, Oct 1 NNN: Reacting to the statement of NSCN-IM leader Tongmeth Wangnao who had accused the
Naga National Council (NNC) few days ago of killing a large number of Naga underground cadres on September 27, 1980, the latter today rebutted by saying that actually it was Th. Muivah and Isak Chisi Swu and their followers who had killed many Naga leaders.
Last week, NSCN-IM leader Tongmeth Wangnao had reportedly commented in local newspapers here that it was on September 27, 1980 when about a hundred ‘Naga national workers’ (Naga undergrounds) including Chaplee Kilonser (finance minister of the Naga underground), commander-in-chief, GSO and other high ranking Naga ‘army officers’ were killed by the combined forces of NNC, India and Burma at Langnok. “In other different incidents, a score of Naga army were arrested and butchered at the behest of the so-called NNC Oking at Transit Camp, Kohima,” Tongmeth was said to have commented this.
In a rebuttal today, NNC vice president B Pashen said that in 1979, Th. Muivah, Isak Chishi Swu and their followers deviated from NNC and had killed many Naga leaders. B Pashen alleged that Lt. Col. Yamtsethong Khiamniungan was killed on July 15, 1979 at Tsonkhao village by Muivah, Isak and their followers. On November 27, 1979, T.
Venuh Chakhesang, NNC vice president was killed; Venyi Rhakho, Chakhesang, Tatar was also killed on the same date; Mayanger Ao, Kilonser (minister) was killed at Hasik village in December, 1979; Lt. Col. Vesazo Chakhesang was killed in December, 1979; Lt. Col. Süpong Ao was killed in December, 1979; Capt. Imsütoshi Ao was killed in December, 1979; Capt. Kumzak Ao was killed at Paokingniu hill in December, 1979; Capt. Keviletuo Angami was killed at Lao village in December, 1979; Lt. Vejoyi Chakhesang was killed in December, 1979; Lt. Yanger Ao was killed at Hasik village in December, 1979; Sgt. Maj. Tinu Ao was killed at Hasik village in December, 1979; Sgt. Vetelo Chakhesang was killed at Hasik village in December, 1979; Pinglang, Runa Peyu, Kingphu village was killed in 1980; N. Lorho Mao, Tatar Hoho Speaker was killed on 2nd January, 1980; Ngathingkhui Ahum Tangkhul, Kilonser was killed on 3rd January, 1980; Lt. Jacob Ahum Tangkhul was killed on 3rd January, 1980; Sgt. Maj. Gideon Ahum Tangkhul was killed in January, 1980.
“Then they immediately formed by themselves the so-called National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) on 31st January, 1980 without any knowledge of the Naga people and they began to kill Khiamniungan publics on 15th February, 1980 and continued up to 26th September, 1980 under the command of Capt. Shangam Tangkhul. Thus within this period of 7 months, 524 Khiamniungan people including pastors, church deacons, women and children were killed without any reason. Houses, churches, granaries, wealth and all kinds of properties including traditional attires, assortments etc. of the 12 villages, namely Langkheng , Haikum , Asheiking , Chukie, Hiuphu, Taingan, Thang, Thingniungan, Thon, Tsemhok , Pang and Kingchung were burned down to ashes. Mithuns, buffaloes, cows, pigs, goats, dogs, chicken and other domestic livings were randomly killed and consumed and the remnants were shot dead and left without any human sense,” alleged NNC leader B Pashen.”Thus after killing so many Khiamniungan people and after maximum patience, the Naga army along with the angry volunteers in retaliation attacked the Langnyok Camp of the NSCN on September 27, 1980 and killed about 30 to 35 NSCN personnel as far as we know. India and Burma did not come even in the dream at Langnyok Camp and its incident. The question of the combined forces of NNC, India and Burma does not arise at all. God knows it and may God punish the liars,” added Pashen.
“NNC had no Oking at Kohima or in Nagaland so far as the President, NNC has been in London, England since 1960. NNC did not issue any behest or Ahza to arrest and butcher the NSCN cadres. The above mentioned incidents were actually occurred among the national workers who were there in the Eastern Nagaland. It was uncommunicative in those days and NNC never did so as stated by Tongmeth Wangnao, NSCN-IM. NNC is therefore giving this in the name of Almighty God to let the Naga people know the truth and reality about the said incidents,” stated.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/nnc-replies-back-to-nscnim/

MNS:- The Special Judge, Shillong has convicted accused Jaharlal Das, the then Senior Accountant, office of the Accountant General (A&E), Shillong and Dhiresh Kumar Chakraborty (Private person), the then Director/Chairman of M/s Tricon Wood Products (P) Ltd., Thana Road, Shillong. Jaharlal Das was sentenced to undergo three years simple imprisonment with a total fine of Rs.1,00,000/- and Dhiresh Kumar Chakraborty to undergo three years simple imprisonment with fine of Rs. 50,000/-.
CBI registered the case on 30/06/1992 and filed a charge sheet on 28/04/1994 U/s 120B, 420, 468, 471 IPC & Sec. 13(2) r/w 13(1)(d) of P.C.Act. 1988. It was alleged that undue favour was shown to the Directors of M/s Tricon Wood Products Ltd, Thana Road, Shillong by the Bank Officers of erstwhile New Bank of India(Now Punjab National Bank) in sanctioning of loans and advances on the basis of false/forged documents in violation of the laid down banking norms/procedures. The loans/advances amount to the extent of Rs.30.90 lakh(approx) was allegedly misappropriated. The role of Jaharlal Das had also emerged during the investigation, for favouring the accused.
The then Dy. General Manager (OSD), Inspection & Control Division of erstwhile New Bank of India (Now Punjab National Bank), New Delhi of India & the then Senior Manager of Punjab National Bank and one of the Directors of M/s Tricon Wood Products Ltd. were expired during trial of the case.
On completion of trial, the Special Judge, Shillong found both the accused guilty and convicted them.
The Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested four persons including a fitter of a Jabalpur-based Foundry; his father (a private person); a charge man of a Foundry in Jabalpur and another private person in a bribery case.
A case was registered against one Master Craftsman; Fitter & a charge man, all three of Jabalpur-based Foundry and one private person U/s 120 (B) IPC and section 7, 13 (2) r/w 13 (1) (d) of PC Act, 1988 on the allegation that the Master Crafts-Man & Charge man, both Jabalpur-based Foundry entered into a criminal conspiracy with one private person and unknown officials of Jabalpur-based Foundry. In pursuance thereof, the accused demanded and accepted huge bribe amount from the Fitter for manipulating selection process and getting him appointed as Fitter in Jabalpur-based Foundry. Subsequent to declaring fit in medical examination, the said fitter had joined.
After registration of the case, searches were conducted at 8 places at Jabalpur and Katn (Madhya Pradesh) including residential & office of the accused persons. During searches at the premises connected with Master Craftsman (main accused), cash of Rs. 65,000/- (approx), hand written answer sheets, question papers, concerned answer sheets, application forms, details of Bank Transactions and other incriminating documents related to the competitive written examination & practical/interview etc. for appointment of semi skill employees for 70 vacancies were recovered. Scrutiny of incriminating documents is being conducted.
The arrested accused were produced in the Court of special Judge for CBI Cases, Jabalpur and were remanded Custody.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/three-years-imprisonment-for-senior-accountant/

MNS:- The Special Judge, Shillong has convicted accused Jaharlal Das, the then Senior Accountant, office of the Accountant General (A&E), Shillong and Dhiresh Kumar Chakraborty (Private person), the then Director/Chairman of M/s Tricon Wood Products (P) Ltd., Thana Road, Shillong. Jaharlal Das was sentenced to undergo three years simple imprisonment with a total fine of Rs.1,00,000/- and Dhiresh Kumar Chakraborty to undergo three years simple imprisonment with fine of Rs. 50,000/-.
CBI registered the case on 30/06/1992 and filed a charge sheet on 28/04/1994 U/s 120B, 420, 468, 471 IPC & Sec. 13(2) r/w 13(1)(d) of P.C.Act. 1988. It was alleged that undue favour was shown to the Directors of M/s Tricon Wood Products Ltd, Thana Road, Shillong by the Bank Officers of erstwhile New Bank of India(Now Punjab National Bank) in sanctioning of loans and advances on the basis of false/forged documents in violation of the laid down banking norms/procedures. The loans/advances amount to the extent of Rs.30.90 lakh(approx) was allegedly misappropriated. The role of Jaharlal Das had also emerged during the investigation, for favouring the accused.
The then Dy. General Manager (OSD), Inspection & Control Division of erstwhile New Bank of India (Now Punjab National Bank), New Delhi of India & the then Senior Manager of Punjab National Bank and one of the Directors of M/s Tricon Wood Products Ltd. were expired during trial of the case.
On completion of trial, the Special Judge, Shillong found both the accused guilty and convicted them.
The Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested four persons including a fitter of a Jabalpur-based Foundry; his father (a private person); a charge man of a Foundry in Jabalpur and another private person in a bribery case.
A case was registered against one Master Craftsman; Fitter & a charge man, all three of Jabalpur-based Foundry and one private person U/s 120 (B) IPC and section 7, 13 (2) r/w 13 (1) (d) of PC Act, 1988 on the allegation that the Master Crafts-Man & Charge man, both Jabalpur-based Foundry entered into a criminal conspiracy with one private person and unknown officials of Jabalpur-based Foundry. In pursuance thereof, the accused demanded and accepted huge bribe amount from the Fitter for manipulating selection process and getting him appointed as Fitter in Jabalpur-based Foundry. Subsequent to declaring fit in medical examination, the said fitter had joined.
After registration of the case, searches were conducted at 8 places at Jabalpur and Katn (Madhya Pradesh) including residential & office of the accused persons. During searches at the premises connected with Master Craftsman (main accused), cash of Rs. 65,000/- (approx), hand written answer sheets, question papers, concerned answer sheets, application forms, details of Bank Transactions and other incriminating documents related to the competitive written examination & practical/interview etc. for appointment of semi skill employees for 70 vacancies were recovered. Scrutiny of incriminating documents is being conducted.
The arrested accused were produced in the Court of special Judge for CBI Cases, Jabalpur and were remanded Custody.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/three-years-imprisonment-for-senior-accountant/

Let me at the outset itself confess my bias. I turn seventy seven few months from now. Our Honourable Prime Minister has just celebrated his 80th birthday. Ms. Lata Mangeshkar celebrated her 83rd birthday a few days back. Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer is going strong at the age of 97, intellectually vibrant and deeply concerned about the welfare and progress of our nation. Many more illustrious persons can be added to this list, but I stop here.
There is in this audience and all around us a large number of elders who are making extremely valuable contributions to our country and to our society. I salute them and am proud to be one of them, an ‘Elder’ leading a productive and fruitful life. And, I am confident that each one of these elders has much more to do and give before they call it a day.
Today, with the advancement of medical science and technology, age is by no means a disabling factor. If you are healthy, age is just a number. It is also possible to remain young in mind and spirit irrespective of how many moons you have seen. As summed up by the famous English writer, W. Somerset Maugham “Old age has its pleasures, which, though different, are not less than the pleasures of youth”.
Yet, it is the sad truth that elders such as those mentioned above are perhaps a minority. It is said that there are over a million persons in the world crossing the threshold of 60 years every month. The World Bank believes there is an old age crisis looming large over most countries of the world. It is with the specific intention of focusing attention on the problems of the elderly that the United Nations declared October 1 as the International Day of Older Persons. Across the world, while there is rejoicing over the fact that progress in medical science and economic development has expanded the life span of human beings, there is also recognition that ageing is amongst the major economic and political challenges of the 21st century.
India is a young nation and we celebrate the fact that more than 50% of our population is under the age of 25.
We are hoping that the demographic dividend that a young population brings will assure our country’s economic future. However, we must remember that there is a very significant population of elders in our country, whose needs cannot be overlooked. According to a forthcoming UNFPA report, 20 per cent of our population is going to comprise of elders by 2050. We simply cannot afford to neglect or ignore this section of the population.
The India of our dreams is a kind, caring and compassionate society. Our Constitution, in Article 41, which forms part of the Directive Principles calls upon the State to make effective provision for public assistance in cases of old age, within limits of its economic capacity and development. I wonder how many other Constitutions would contain such specific reference to the State’s responsibility to provide support to the elderly. Though the Directive Principles do not enjoy the status of Fundamental Right and are not legally enforceable, these principles are considered fundamental in the governance of the country making it the duty of the State to apply them while making laws in order to create a just society.
I have to confess my deep alarm and dismay in this context over the findings of the 20 city survey conducted by Help Age which reveals that one out of three elders have faced abuse. It is even more shocking to learn that those surveyed describe their sons and daughters in law as the primary abusers. Many report such abuse as having continued for more than five years and most do not complain to any one in order to uphold family honour. Elders surveyed have spoken of suffering disrespect, neglect, verbal abuse, physical abuse, and emotional abuse. Worst of all, the Survey finds that the most abused are those above 80.
I hope these findings will serve as a wake-up call and goad each one of us into immediate action. We must do everything possible to ensure that our elders can live a life of dignity, enjoying the best of medical attention, economic security as well as emotional stability. Our culture, history, traditions, religion and philosophy all enjoin us to respect our elders and to fill their lives with abundant love and affection. India is what it is today because of the contributions made by our elders in their youth. If those hands steadied you when you learned to walk, then you need to support them when they need help and hope there will be others who will do the same for you when you grow old.
The majority of older persons in our country are women and among the oldest, 65 percent are women. Sadly, 58% of the older women are widows. This gender dimension to ageing is something we should recognize and address with appropriate measures. I was very pleased to see earlier the elderly “ Maasis” from Kolkatta who are being taken care by HelpAge India.
Across India, the ‘Joint Family” is withering away and with it, the informal support structures that elders used to enjoy. This has serious implications for the economic, health, emotional and physical security of the elderly segment of our population. These challenges should be seen in the context of industrialization and modernization, which has affected the family size, structure and its guiding philosophy. We certainly cannot set the clock back but we must evolve solutions that strike a balance between conflicting demands of elderly and younger members of the family.
The real challenges that lie in the field of health security are accessibility and affordability of medical health facilities. Elderly require special geriatric care which can be available only in the tertiary hospitals and their medical expenses increases with age whereas their income decreases or remains static despite increase in inflation. Private hospitals are reluctant to provide concessions to the elderly and insurance companies unwilling to insure the elderly. I am thankful to NGO’s like HelpAge India which provide health care to more than a million elderly every year through their
In the economic field, the full play of market forces in the financial markets has resulted in lowering of interest rates. Interest is the mainstay of the income of many elderly who do not get any regular pension but invest their resources in such deposit schemes that yield secure returns.
The Government of India in 1999, which was the International Year of Older Persons adopted a National Policy on Older Persons. This is a comprehensive document that identifies principal areas of intervention and action strategies. This policy needs to be implemented in full earnest by the Government. NGOs like Helpage India and older persons’ organizations must provide necessary support to the Government in this regard.
There is an urgent need to mainstream issues concerning the aged and ageing in India. The needs and requirements of the elderly should not be overlooked by society. We need to fight ageism that is so deeply ingrained in the societal psyche and reinforced by the media. Elderly should not be considered a spent force and consigned to the history books but seen as active members of the society contributing to its well-being.
Society and government should be sensitized to the fact that old age is just another phase of life with its special needs and characteristics like childhood and youth. Though the losses in this phase of life are more than in any other phase in life but still all is not lost. The younger people should get to know how the world appears to the elderly; because that is the future of the youth.
Most importantly, the elderly should be encouraged to get out of a ‘retirement mentality’ and think about old age as a second inning, an opportunity to complete so many unfinished tasks and expand horizons, to look beyond the self and the family and work for community. Active participation and involvement in society is the mantra which can ensure independence, dignity and self – fulfillment.
A compassionate and caring society values each of its members. If the youth have energy, the elderly have knowledge and experience. All we need to do is provide them opportunities to be productive. Under no circumstances should elders in our society be given the impression that they are a burden and that we are reluctant to care for them. We need to ensure their happiness and we certainly need their blessings.
On this occasion of the World Elders Day, I greet all the senior citizens assembled here and pray that all of you will enjoy good health and remain blessed with a mentally as well as physically vibrant life. I congratulate all the awardees present here and express my sincere appreciation for the stellar work undertaken by them.
I compliment Help Age India’s visionary founder late Samson Daniel who founded this organization way back in 1975, his successor Shri M.M. Shabharwal who spearheaded the expansion of Help Age India across the country and all its members, volunteers and supporters who have dedicated their lives to the service of the elderly.
call upon each and every citizen of India to do their utmost to ensure the welfare of the elderly in our country and to create opportunities for them to enrich our society and contribute to the growth and progress of our nation.
I am particularly happy there are many school children from Delhi schools in the audience. Children, I hope that each one of you will pledge to bring the maximum possible happiness into the lives of your grandparents and all others of their generation.
I would like to end my observations with a quote from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
“For age is opportunity no less
Than youth itself, though in another dress
And as the evening twilight fades away
The sky is filled with stars, invisible by day”
Jai Hind.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/presidents-address-on-international-day-of-older-persons/

MNS:- The Indian Air Force celebrates its 80th anniversary on 08 Oct 2012. An air display by various aircraft will form part of the Air Force Day Parade cum Investiture Ceremony at Air Force Station Hindan. The rehearsal of the air display will commence from 1st October 2012. The areas over which aircraft will be flying at low levels are Wazirpur bridge – Karwalnagar – Afjalpur – Hindan, Shamli – Jiwana – Chandinagar – Hindon, Hapur – Philkua – Ghaziabad – Hindan.
Birds pose a serious threat to aircraft flying at low levels. Eatables thrown out in the open attract birds. To ensure a safe fly past, the indian air force requests the citizen of delhi, ghaziabad and its neighbourhood not to throw eatables and garbage in the open. Also, if they find any carcass out in the open, they are requested to report the same to the nearest air force unit / police station to arrange for its disposal or please call / sms to officer incharge bird hazard combat team (bhct) on cell no. 9910622314.
The air display will commence with flag bearing sky divers of AKASH GANGA Team dropping out of AN-32 aircraft.
The commencement of the Air Force Day Parade will be marked by fly past of “ENSIGN” formation comprising of three Mi-17 V5 helicopters in Vic formation trooping the Air Force Ensign. “CHAKRA” formation comprising three Mi-25/35 in Vic formation would follow. This will be followed by “HERCULES” formation comprising of one C-130J Hercules aircraft and two AN-32 aircraft in echelon position on either side, followed by “SPECTRUM’ formation comprising one C-130J Hercules aircraft in the lead with two Avro and two Dornier aircraft flying past in “ECHELON’ position.
The fighter flypast will be led by three JAGUAR aircraft in Vic formation closely followed by BISON (MiG-21), BAAZ (MiG-29), VAJRA (Mirage 2000) aircraft and Su-30 MKI (Sukhoi) aircraft in Vic formation. Followed by a Su-30 MKI aircraft carrying out low level aerobatic display as grand finale to the ceremony.

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