Tag: National

Mail News Service
Imphal, May 18 : With a view to achieve the objective of greater financial inclusion, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued instructions to all Scheduled Commercial Banks in November 2005, to make available a basic banking ‘no-frills’ account either with ‘nil’ or very low minimum balances as well as charges that would make such accounts accessible to vast sections of population. As per RBI, the number of no-frills accounts outstanding with Public Sector Banks (excluding Regional Rural Banks) and Private Sector Banks at end of March 2012, is 1032.06 lakhs.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Finance, Shri Namo Narain Meena in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has informed that banks have been advised to ensure that their branches invariably accept cash over the counters from all their customers who desire to deposit cash at the counters. Banks have also been advised to refrain from incorporating clauses in the terms and conditions which restricts deposit of cash over the counters. However, Indian Banks Association (IBA) had advised that banks may be levying charges when very large amounts are deposited across the counter as counting large quantities of cash and handling them have cost elements for banks.
With effect from September, 1999 banks have been given freedom to fix service charges for various types of services rendered by them. While fixing service charges, banks should ensure that the charges are reasonable and not out of line with the average cost of providing these services.
The Government reviews the performance of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) on an ongoing basis. The Committee constituted by Government under the chairmanship of Dr. K.C. Chakrabarty on Capital to Risk Weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR) has reviewed the performance and the financial position of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs). After assessment of financial position of RRBs the Committee in April, 2010 inter-alia recommended recapitalization of 40 RRBs to improve their CRAR.
In view of the recommendations of Dr. Chakrabarty Committee, an amount of Rs. 66.49 crore was released to 5 RRBs during 2010-11 and Rs.402.43 crore has been release to 19 RRBs during 2011-12 as the release of Central Government share is subject to the release of proportionate share by concerned State Government and sponsor bank.
As per information reported by NABARD, the total loan issued by RRBs have increased from Rs.56,079 crore during 2009-10 to Rs.71,724.19 crore during 2010-11 registering a growth of 27.89%.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/bank-accounts-with-zero-balance/

New Delhi, May 17 (ANI): Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh will meet representatives of all recognised trade unions of Air India next week to discuss the Justice Dharmadhikari report on human resource issues, including career progression and promotion of pilots.
“I am just going to say that I have decided, I am calling a meeting next week of all the recognised trade unions of Air India because in that recovery plan, there will be big stake, we will discuss them, we will inform them what is the plan and also many of their promotions have been held up for many years,” Singh told mediapersons here on Thursday.
The meeting is expected to have all the representatives of recognised trade unions excluding the association of Indian pilots, who is spearheading the strike.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation had earlier constituted a committee under the Chairmanship of Justice D.M. Dharmadhikari, Former Judge of the Supreme Court of India to address various industrial relations issues.
The Group of Ministers’ (GOM) meeting held on February 7 has also desired that Justice Dharmadhikari committee recommendations be examined by the first week of March 2012.
This committee will look into various recommendations in the report and comment on its implementation, keeping in mind the employee’s interests, functional viability of the company and financial implications.
The committee will also give an implementation schedule indicating the priority of implementation of various recommendations.
Despite approaching the Supreme Court, the management and the Centre failed to resolve the deadlock.
The pilots recently disobeyed the ruling of the Delhi High Court, which had asked them to return to work.
About 500 Air India pilots who fly international routes have been demanding their colleagues from former state-owned partner Indian Airlines should not be trained to fly Dreamliners, as it may hurt the career prospects of original Air India staff. Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises Minister Praful Patel has refused to comment on the Air India pilots’ strike, saying that adequate steps were being taken by the aviation ministry to end the impasse.
“See, there is a minister, there are people looking after these issues. It would be unfair for me to comment on anything that is going on.
All I can say is that the minister and the ministry of civil aviation have taken the right approach in handling this crisis,” Patel, a former civil aviation minister, told media here.
“And, I support Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh in whatever steps he has taken, or whatever steps he intends to take,” he added.
Meanwhile, speaking on the ongoing strike, Kingfisher airlines owner Vijay Mallya said that there was need for the government to swiftly and amicably resolve the issue.
“You all know the condition of the aviation industry. I would not want to make any further comments on it. I would just say that all the airlines are incurring losses as of now. So I hope that the government addresses it properly,” he said.
Ajit Singh had earlier said that the ministry would formulate adequate plan to combat the situation.
About 500 Air India pilots who fly international routes have been demanding that their colleagues from Indian Airlines should not be trained to fly Dreamliners, as they believe it may hurt the career prospects of original Air India staff.
Both companies were merged in 2007, but there have been problems with integration. Air India’s purchase of Dreamliners was also criticised by a central auditor last year for “imposing an undue long-term financial burden”.
The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) had on April 25 decided to raise airport fares, including User Development Fee (UDF), by 346 percent for two years.
The newly introduced UDF at the Delhi airport seems to be upsetting many. Passengers and airlines would now have to pay 346 percent more as compared to what they paid to the airport operator-the GMR Group-along with its consortium.
As per the airports regulator order, the UDF for international travel would be rupees 845.50 for outgoing passengers travelling between 2,000 -5,000 kilometres and Rupees 699.17 for incoming ones.
For those traveling beyond 5,000 kilometres, the UDF would be rupees 1,068 for outgoing and rupees 881.10 for incoming.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/air-india-strike-ajit-singh-to-meet-trade-unions-next-week/

Aizawl, May 16 (NNN): In commemoration of the ‘sacrifices’ made by the Hmar People’s Convention (HPC) for its people, Hmar Martyr’s Day, was observed today in all the areas dominated by the Hmar community.
The commemorative event was held in Manipur with the Martyr’s Trophy (football tournament) in Tuithraphai, Churachandpurr ditrict.
Meanwhile, the main event was held in Hmarkhawlien, 35 km from Silchar town in southern Assam at Hmarkhawlien Play ground where more than 3000 people gathered to solemnly observe the day with dignity. President of Hmar Students’ Association (HSA), Barak Valley Mr Lalthuthlung Hmar informed NNN that the programme could not be started as per schedule due to rain but surprisingly beyond expectation, about 3000 people thronged the play ground. The main programme was organised by HSA, Hmarkhawlien Unit.
In Mizoram, the day was solemnly observed across HPC-D dominated area. The main programme was organised at Berawtlang in Aizawl.
The programme was scheduled to be held at YMA Hall, Chanmari hall but due to some unavoidable reason the venue was shifted to Berawtlang in Zemabawk at the last minute. Hundreds of people people gathered to pay homage to the departed ‘Hmar Pasalthra’ who laid down their lives for the cause of the Hmar community. The programme was being organised by a joint collaboration of Hmar Literature Society, Mizoram chapter; Hmar Art & Culture, Mizoram and Hmar Students’ Association, Aizawl Jt. Hqrs. Crooners like Mizo Idol top 3, Lalengvari Sinate a.k.a Mami Sinate; Rosy Vanlalhlani; Caroline Biakthansangi and Lawrence Laldiklien from Manipur and Sinlung Choir have mesmerised the audience with their numbers.
Meanwhile, the day was also observed across Hmarram in Tipaimukh area of Manipur like Senvawn, Parbung, Lungthulien, Leisen, Pherzawl, Taithu and other Hmars inhabited villages. Reports also said that at Vangai range places like Kangreng, Patpuihmun, Sartuinek, Phulpui and many other Hmar inhabited villages have observed the day.
During the day Hmar households have their traditional shawls flying within their respective compound the entire day to mark their observance of Hmar Martyrs’ day.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/hmars-observe-martyrs-day/

Mail News Service
New Delhi, May 15 : Creation of any new State has wide ramifications and direct bearing on the federal polity of our country. The Government of India moves in the matter only when there is a broad consensus in the parent State. Government takes a decision on the matter of formation of new States after taking into consideration all relevant factors. No further details can be indicated at this stage.
Demands and representations have been received from time to time from various individuals and organisations for creation of new States like Telangana in Andhra Pradesh, Vidarbha in Maharashtra, Saurashtra in Gujarat, Coorg in Karnataka, Koshalanchal in Western Orissa, Gorkhaland in West Bengal, Mithilanchal in north Bihar and Eastern Nagaland from Nagaland. The Government of Uttar Pradesh had on 23.11.2011 also forwarded us the resolution passed by State Assembly on 21.11.2011 for the division of Utter Pradesh in four smaller States viz Purvanchal, Bundelkhand, Avadh Pradesh and Paschim Pradesh. The Ministry of Home Affairs had constituted a Task Force under the Chairmanship of Union Home Secretary with representatives of Intelligence Bureau, Central Reserve Police Force, Border Security Force, Bureau of Police Research & Development, Defence Research Development Organization and the State Governments of Maharashtra, Jammu & Kashmir, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Manipur and Chhattisgarh to recommend Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to deal with public agitation with non-lethal measures vide order dated 22nd September, 2010. The Task Force has finalized the SOP and the same has been circulated to all the States / UTs / Central Police Organizations. The objective of the SOP is to provide guidelines for dispersal of an unlawful assembly with minimum necessary force and with minimum possible collateral damage.
Police, being a State subject, reforms in police functioning is primarily the responsibility of the State Governments. However, efforts of the States are supplemented by the Central Government through training of their police officers in the country and abroad. Sufficient inputs on professionalism, community policing and protection of human rights have been included in the syllabi of the induction courses. State Police Forces are also organizing special courses on “use of scientific techniques in investigation”, “protection of human rights”, etc. Bureau of Police Research & Development (BPRD) has also been organizing courses on scientific investigation, image building, good governance, ethical issues, use of technology in crime prevention, etc to sensitize the State Police officials on such issues.
This was stated by Shri Jitendra Singh, Minister of State of Home Affairs in written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/creation-of-new-states-has-wide-ramifications/

Dimapur, May 15 NNN : With the stand of the NSCN-IM to refrain from participating in the Naga reconciliation meeting to be held in Thailand from May 21, the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) said today that ‘with all firmness and clarity reiterates its position to work for the reconciliation of Naga national political groups on the basis of the historical and political rights of the Nagas.
On Monday, the NSCN group led by Thuingaleng Muivah and Isak Chisi Swu had accused the Khole-Kitovi led NSCN, also known as GPRN/NSCN of attempting to sabotage the former’s 14 year-long peace process.
The NSCN-IM decided to refrain from the Thailand reconciliation meet of the Nagas.
“With the acceptance of FNR as a facilitating body by the various Naga national political groups (Naga underground organisations), the Naga reconciliation process provided opportunities for the Nagas to contemplate and work together for a shared Naga future through non-violence and forgiveness. In 2008, during the Naga Peace Convention organized by the Naga Shisha Hoho, the Forum for Naga Reconciliation was formed with the purpose of bringing the Naga national political groups together for the rights of the Naga people.
Today, in 2012, the FNR remains steadfast to this purpose and has not deviated from this principle,” the FNR stated today.
It said on February 29, 2012, during the Naga reconciliation meeting, the Naga public endorsed the resolution wherein it recognized that sovereignty of the Naga people is at the core of the uniqueness of the Naga historical and political rights and affirmed that ‘Nagas are a sovereign people who uphold the principle that sovereignty lies with the people and hence abide by the concept that the will of the people is supreme.” It further emphasized that ‘the historical and political rights of the Naga should form the basis of any political solution. Founded on this premise, any negotiation process must focus on how Nagas can determine, safeguard and exercise their historical and political rights in a contemporary and inter-related world.’ “Finally, the Naga public “called upon all Naga national political groups and the people henceforth, to jointly pursue this common cause of realizing and determining our Naga historical and political rights.” The FNR remains committed and will continue to respect and uphold the resolutions adopted by the Naga people on February 29, 2012,” the FNR added.
During the last Chiang Mai meeting in March 19 to March 23, 2012, the ‘Naga national political groups’ themselves urged the Forum for Naga reconciliation to organize and facilitate the highest level meeting at the earliest, the FNR stated. The proposed highest meeting was to take place over an extended period to ‘hammer out’ all outstanding differences and to work together to respond positively to Naga public demand for all Naga national political groups to reconcile. Based on this expressed commitment, the FNR has proposed the highest level meeting starting from May 21, 2012. The FNR therefore requests all the Naga national political groups to honor their own commitment and to participate in the forthcoming reconciliation meeting, the Forum for Naga reconciliation said on Tuesday.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/fnr-to-work-for-reconciliation/

AIZAWL, May 15 NNN : Although all arrangements have been made for the repatriation of Bru refugees, no one wants to return to Mizoram. Till 3 pm today not a single Bru had turned to Mizoram from Tripura. As per the agreement made earlier betwen the government of Mizoram and that of Tripura, May 14 (Monday) was slated for Bru repatriation.
There are altogether 147 Bru families from Kaskau Refugee Camp in Tripura.
Aditional deputy commissioner of Mizoram’s Mamit district, R.S. Lalzamliana said two officers have been sent to the refugee camp yesterday for ground preparation. As usual, Kanchanpur sub-divisional magistrate arranged transport for the refugees to proceed to their new re-settlement sites in Mizoram and other officers were also being sent to the facilitation centre in Kanhmun to receive the refugees yesterday.
Meanwhile, major voluntary organizations of Mizoram asked genuine Mizoram Bru to return to Mizoram as per repatriation plan made by the Centre, Mizoram and Tripura gvernments.
In a press release issued after the joint meeting held in Central Young Mizo Association (YMA) office yesterday afternoon, Central YMA, MZP, MUP and MHIP made fervent appeals to the Bru refugees to return to Mizoram. The meeting also discussed individual land holdings within Assam Rifles land in the heart of Aizawl town and asked all the LSC and Pass holders to return their documents to the Authority without delay. The meeting was presided over by the Central YMA President, T. Sangkunga.
Meanwhile, the all NGOs Joint Committee of Mizoram convened an important meeting yesterday at Central YMA Committee room, in which the NGOs stated that they want the Bru refugees, who are genuine citizens of Mizoram, to return to their home state Mizoram as the government has arranged for them accordingly.
It is pertinent to note that hundreds of Brus left Mizoram in 1997 and 2009. The first case was triggered when Bru militants murdered two Mizos who were forest guards on October 21, 1997. The second case happened after a 17-year-old Mizo boy was killed by the Brus near Bungthuam village on November 13, 2009.
Meanwhile, a recent head count conducted by the MBDPF found that there have been 31,703 Brus in the relief camps belonging to 5,448 families who are bona fide residents of Mizoram.
The repatriation of the 1997 batch of Bru refugees was underway until it stalled by the November 13 killing.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/bru-refugees-refused-to-return-to-mizoram/

New Delhi , May 14(ANI): The Delhi High Court on Monday asked veteran Congress leader N D Tiwari to inform it within two days as to whether he wants to voluntarily give his blood sample for a DNA test in a paternity suit or should police force be used to obtain it.
The court also prohibited Tiwari from leaving the country till he provides his blood sample for the DNA test in the matter.
The former Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand Chief Minister was earlier directed by the high court and the Supreme Court to furnish a blood sample for the DNA test.
Justice Reva Khetrapal, while announcing his diktat to Tiwari also directed the Hyderabad -based Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD) to send “requisite kits” for the DNA test to the registrar of the court.
“It is deemed expedient that the time of two days be granted to defendant no. 1 (Tiwari) to inform whether he voluntarily wants to give blood sample for the DNA test or the court will have to take recourse to police force. List the matter on May 16,” Justice Khetrapal said.
The court also dismissed the plea of Tiwari’s counsel to grant him a week’s time to obtain further instructions on this matter from the 86-year old.
“I cannot keep the matter pending as the issue has finally been decided by a division bench of this court and by the Supreme Court and nothing remains to be decided,” the court said, adding, “Either you make a statement that Tiwari will not leave the country or I will restrain him.”
The court’s directions came on an application of 32-year-old Rohit Shekhar seeking to compel Tiwari to furnish his blood sample at the earliest to decide a four-year-old paternity suit.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/delhi-hc-asks-tiwari-to-furnish-blood-sample-in-two-days/

New Delhi, May 14 (ANI): The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday demanded a clarification from the Central Government about media reports that a high-ranking bureaucrat was behind the leak of the letter written by Army Chief General V.K Singh’s to Prime Minister, in which he mentioned about shortage of equipment and ammunitions and possession of obsolete weapons by the armed forces.
BJP spokesperson Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi told media that the circumstances under which a confidential and sensitive document got leaked must be made clear.
“The information that is being unravelled points suspicion towards the complicity of the (defence) ministry, the Prime Minister’s Office, and the central government. The Prime Minister and the government will have to explain the circumstances under which such a sensitive and confidential letter was leaked,” Naqvi said.
BJP lawmaker Tarun Vijay said that while he would not like to comment on the denials by the government, it was important to take note of the issue raised by the army chief.
“The issue raised by General V. K. Singh must be investigated thoroughly. It is a matter of national security, and the people of the country have great faith in General V. K. Singh,” Vijay said.
Meanwhile, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Tariq Anwar said that it was inappropriate to arrive at a conclusion before the final report is out.
“The matter is being investigated by the CBI and as long as there is no concrete proof, one should not draw any conclusion. We should wait for the CBI report, and then whoever is found guilty should be punished,” Anwar added.
However, Law Minister Salman Khurshid said that there was nothing more to add after the government had already made its stand clear on the issue.
“Since this matter pertains to the Prime Minister’s Office and a clarification has already been issued to all of you. I don’t think that there is any scope for further comment on this,” he added.
General Singh had written a letter to Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh in March, in which he had said that the world’s second-largest standing army was devoid of ammunition, elite special forces were “woefully short” of essential weapons and air defence was 97 percent obsolete, rendering the armed forces at a disadvantage.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/govt-must-come-clean-on-coas-letter-leak-bjp/

Kolkata, May 12 (ANI): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has hinted at the possibility of general parliamentary elections being held as early as 2013, and urged her party workers to be prepared for it. However later today party spokesman Derek tweeted that Mamata would like to see the UPS complete its term.
Asserting that she had information that general elections could be held within a year, Banerjee said that the masses have to be taken into confidence prior to the polls.
“We have to take the masses in confidence and also democratic system. Please do not underestimate the elections. I have information that there was meeting on holding the general elections early. A certain party has discussed this within itself. Though my information may not be positive, I have got this information,” said Banerjee.
“The meeting took place in New Delhi. I will not disclose who attended it and when. They said they could call for elections in 2013. I am saying this for only one reason, that is, we can face election any day now.
We have to be ready for the elections. I will not do anything due to which people misunderstand us,” she added. Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) politburo member Brinda Karat on Saturday said there is no question of a mid-term poll in the country, and termed it to be an internal matter of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the ruling Congress Party.
“From where does the question of mid-term polls arise. We read about it in the media. What Mamatiji will say when we have no idea about it? Its better you talk to her party workers (TMC party workers) or people from the Congress,” she said.
Expressing surprise over Banerjee’s ideas, Karat said: “I don’t know from where this particular thing came to Mamataji’s mind. And from whom did she receive this news, only Mamataji and the Congress can know about it. We don’t have any information about this. What Mamataji is saying her party workers will understand? There is no need for us to comment anything on it.”
Congress Party earlier today played down Banerjee’s claim, saying if the Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief has told anything to her party workers then it is an internal party matter.
Dismissing the reports, Congress spokesperson Rashid Alvi said the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) 2 will complete its full term and the elections will be held in 2014 as scheduled.
“As far as the mid-term (polls) are concerned, UPA 2 would complete its tenure. The general election will be held in 2014 as scheduled. I can very specifically say that there is no question of mid-term elections taking place,” he said.
Banerjee, whose Trinamool Congress (TMC) is a key ally of the Congress-led UPA Government at the Centre has since the past few months kept the Centre on tenterhooks on various issues of national and regional concern, such as price rise and the proposal to allow Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in retail.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/mamata-raises-repoll-issue-congress-left-rule-out-possibility/

Mail News Service
New Delhi, May 10 : The Central Bureau of Investigation has registered a case against the then DEO, Srinagar; the then SDO-I, DEO, Srinagar; SDO-II, DEO, Kashmir Circle, Srinagar and other unknown public servants/private persons U/s. 5(1)(d) r/w 5(2) of J&K P.C. Act, Svt. 2006 and Section 120-B, 420 of R.P.C.
It was alleged that a huge area of Ministry of Defence land near a sensitive zone in Srinagar was suspected to have been taken by private persons in connivance with officials of Revenue Department of Jammu & Kashmir State and Directorate General of Defence Estates (DGDE), Srinagar.
There was no provision to issue No Objection Certificate (NOC) by the office of DGDE for the purpose of sale/purchase of defence owned or occupied land.
Moreover, as per the existing rules, defence land cannot be alienated to anyone without prior approval.
The said officials of DEO, Srinagar in conspiracy with unknown private persons allegedly issued NOCs to the private persons for the purpose of sale/purchase of defence land measuring 12.25 acres which was either acquired by the Ministry of Defence, Govt. of India or State land of J&K handed over to MoD by the Govt. of J&K.
On the basis of these unauthorisedly issued NOCs by DEO, Srinagar, certain private persons dishonestly & fraudulently managed to execute the sale deeds and attestation of mutation of the defence land.
Some of the private persons had approached DC, Budgam and Court seeking compensation on the basis of sale deed executed against such defence land & attestation of mutation thereof.
Searches were conducted at four places in Jammu, Ambala, Delhi and Patna. Certain documents collected from the office of DGDE, Srinagar Circle and others are being scrutinized.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/purchase-of-defence-land-in-srinagar/

AIZAWL, May 10 NNN : A three day North East Career & Skills Expo 2012 started in Aizawl from today.
Inaugurating the even, Mizoram chief minister Lal Thanhawla said that as India is about to start its 12th Five-Year Plan, the expo is a good sign to usher the upcoming five-year plan. “India is fast developing while most of the countries decline in economy, this is possible because India has good number of youth who could bring changes in every field. The government of India knowing the need to sharpen the minds of these youths has allotted Rs 1000 crore for 2012-2013 as National Skill Development Fund. The funds will be utilized for building skills to youths so that they can stand in their own”, said Lal Thanhawla.
The Mizoram chief minister then said the government of India is taking measures to materialise the Kaladan Multi Modal Transport Project that will connect India from the Mizoram’s southern with Myanmar. “This project once becomes operational, will be a great benefit for Mizoram in particular and India as a whole. The project will also benefit most of the north eastern states economically,” he added. Many of the Land Custom Stations bordering Myanmar will be a great boon for Mizoram too in terms of trade and commerce, Lal Thanhawla further said.
Harping on the issue of employment in Mizoram, Lal Thanhawla urged the students to strive hard to get better opportunities even outside the state after completion of graduation. He said that in order to get a good job one have to possess professional skills not just the college degree. For this purpose National Skills Development Corporation(NSDC) is being launched in India to help youths to get skills and talent. NSDC will act as a torch bearers for youths who want better opportunities in future, said LalThanhawla.
The 3-day expo is being organised by a a joint conglomeration of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII); Mizoram govt education department; Development of North Eastern Region(DONER) and National Skills Development Corporation(NSDC) sponsored by Oil India Limited. The mega expo is being held at Aijal Club. Some of the participants of the expo are Apparel Training & Design Centre(Gurgaon), Asian Institute of Gaming and Animation(Bangalore), British Council, National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) , National Institute of Design (NID) , Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE), Global Talent track Ltd, Liqvid E Learning, APS Health4U Pvt Ltd, Pratham Education Foundation, TVS Training & Services, India Skills, School of Broadcasting and Communication and others.
The broad objective of the proposed Career and Skills Expo is to generate awareness about new career opportunities and the available skill sets required to prepare students of the Mizoram for the upcoming job market. Specific skill sets as a competitive advantage for business, gives direction to start-ups and defines professional opportunities for students, according to the organisers.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/career-expo-begins-at-aizawl/

Mail News Service
Imphal, May 10 : Reacting to wide spread resentment amongst the local populace of Dimapur, against heavy extortion being carried out by all UG factions, 29 Assam Rifles carried out operations with an aim to curb the menace. In the series of crackdown against illegal tax collection in Dimapur, following apprehensions were carried out;
On 09 May 2012, apprehended two tax collectors of FGN in general area Darogapathar, the individuals have been identified as Vikujha Awomi, and Nilota Aye, both r/o Deziphe village. Tax collection receipts and cash were recovered from them.
On 10 May 2012, four cadres belonging to FGN were apprehended from Darogajan and Bamanpukhri area while collecting tax from brick laden trucks. The name of the individuals are Arum Zhimo, Khapur, r/o Dhansaripar, Mughato Zhimo, Khapur, r/o Burma Camp, Akito Sema, Khapur, r/o Aghutito, Wokha and Abeto Zhimomi, Khapur, r/o Padampukhri. On carrying out the search of the individuals, various tax collection receipts of FGN alongwith Rs, 9725/- cash was seized from the possession of the individuals.
All the apprehendees and recoveries were handed over to Dimapur Police. The troops of Assam Rifles have arrested 11 tax collectors belonging to different factions within a span of 03 days, this reiterates their motto “Friends of Hill People” by reacting to the cause of local populace which is being regularly harassed by UG factions carrying out illegal tax collection.
Meanwhile, 29 Assam Rifles intercepted a consignment of 67 cases of illegal liquor (IMFL) moving into Nagaland from Khatkhati area of Assam in a Maruti van (NL 07C 2994) near Hotel Senti. During this two persons, the driver of the van named Raju Singh, 20 yrs resident of Lahorijan, dist Karbi Anglong (Assam) and the co-passenger named Tapas Pal, 18 yrs resident of Lahorijan dist Karbi Anglong (Assam) were apprehended both the individuals alongwith recoveries were handed over to the Excise Department.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/ar-crackdown-on-illegal-tax-collection-by-naga-militants/

Imphal. May 9 NNN: An ultimatum will be submitted to the government of India on May 12 by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Yuva Morcha regarding the alleged murder homicide of Richard Loitam after a meeting of all Yuva Morchas at New Delhi.
Speaking to media persons in a press meet today at BJP office in Imphal, the president of BJP, Manipur Shanti Kumar Sharma said that representatives from Manipur left Imphal for New Delhi to attend the meeting of Yuva Morcha from different states of India regarding the suspicious death of Richard Loitam, a student of Architecture studying in Bangalore.
Shanti Kumar said that BJP Manipur Pradesh had informed “Sampark” (a help centre for North East people) cell as soon as the BJP heard about the suspicious death of Richard Loitam, and without losing any time the Sampark cell had met the chief minister of Karnataka as well as the home minister of India and demanded a white paper regarding the suspicious death of the student from Manipur.
Saying that the BJP has been highlighting the issues of Manipur in the Parliament, Shanti Kumar stated that the case of Richard Loitam is also taken very seriously by the party in the state and centre and the BJP national president Nitin Gadkare will be visiting Gauhati on May 11 where the BJP Manipur representative will meet him and apprise him about the case of the death of Richard Loitam in Bangalore in detail.
The Sampark cell at Mumbai led by its vice president Ponam Mahajan staged a sit-in protest in Mumbai on Tuesday, said the president of BJP Manipur Pradesh, and informed that All India Yuva Morcha BJP will be meeting on May 12 at New Delhi and after the meeting will submit an ultimatum to government of India to bring out a white paper on the truth about the death of Richard Loitam within one week.
 Various forms of agitations will be launched across the country by BJP Yuva Morcha if the government fails to solve the mysterious and suspicious death of the student from Manipur, said Shanti Kumar.
BJP will do its best to bring out the truth regarding the death of Richard Loitam and will meet the Prime Minister and Home Minister at the earliest possible time and even demand for a CBI investigation on the case, if needed, added Shanti Kumar.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/bjp-to-launch-stir-to-protest-killing-of-richard/

The Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested three experts of All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) for accepting the bribe and three persons representing educational institutions for giving the bribe.
A case was registered by CBI U/s 120-B, IPC and Sec 7 & 12 of PC Act, 1988. It was alleged that an expert committee of Central Region of All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) Bhopal were camping in a Hotel at Durg(Chhatisgarh) for the purpose of conducting annual inspection of private educational (technical) institutions in Chhattisgarh. They entered into a criminal conspiracy with the owners/ representatives of the educational institutions and had allegedly received or were to receive illegal gratification from such private persons for giving favourable report.
A trap was laid by CBI when the representatives/ officials of two educational institutions delivered bribe amount to AICTE experts in the hotel where the three experts of AICTE were found. During search of the said room, a cash of Rs 11.71 lakhs and 12 gold coins weighing 100 grms (8×10 + 4×5) were recovered and seized from their possession. The three experts of AICTE and three bribe givers representing the educational institutions were arrested.
Searches were conducted at the residential premises of for accused persons of AICTE at Bhopal; Meerut and Firozepur.

During the search of the residences of the accused at Bhopal, Rs 10,00,000/-; 27 nos. of sale deeds/ power of attorney in respect of the property; 42 Pass Books of Bank & Post Offices and 3 keys appearing to be of bank lockers were covered.
The arrested accused persons were produced yesterday in the Court of Special Judge for CBI cases, Raipur and were remanded to Police custody till 11-5-2012.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/cbi-arrests-three-experts-of-aicte/

New Delhi, May 9 (ANI): Addressing a meeting of the Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) on Wednesday, party president Sonia Gandhi called on leaders and activists to defend the UPA-II regime’s policies and be a disciplined team facilitating greater interaction between Centre and the states.
The meeting assumes significance in the backdrop of a standoff over the formation of National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC).
Warning that indiscipline cannot and would not be tolerated in the party, Gandhi said: “We must shed all manner of factional behaviour and fight as one disciplined team. That will be the single most important factor to decide whether we win or not.”
Gandhi said that the party must continue to give emphasis to inclusive growth, which remains its core goal. She cautioned that the party was under public scrutiny and must work hard in securing possible victories in the upcoming state assembly polls in Gujarat and Karnataka.
“People look to us— but we need to show them our commitment and our unity if we are to convert this sentiment into electoral victories,” Gandhi said.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was also present at Wednesday’s meeting.
Commenting on the elections results in the five states, including Uttar Pradesh, where the party could not perform as expected, Gandhi said: “While we can take satisfaction in the fact that we returned to power in Manipur for the third time and formed the government in Uttarakhand, the results in Punjab and Goa are very disappointing.”
She added: “In Uttar Pradesh, even though we did not perform as well as we had hoped to, we increased our vote share quite considerably and were seen as a serious player for the first time in 22 years. Of course there is much work to be done there as in other states.”
Wednesday’s CPP meeting comes a few days after a high-power committee of the party led Defence Minister A.K. Antony reviewed the party’s performance in the five states, and submitted its report to Gandhi.
She said with a series of state elections approaching in the coming months, the partymen “must draw upon lessons of the previous polls.”
Gandhi urged partymen to “expose the hollow claims of opposition-rule state governments”, adding that “mis-governance and corruption have been widespread in some of these states as revealed by CAG and Lokayukta reports”.
Gandhi said Congress units in opposition-ruled states should highlight the latter’s failures.
Gandhi said “Trust and cooperation must be the anchor Centre-state relations. I would like to reiterate here we are fully committed to strengthening federalism, which is a key tenet of our party’s and UPA’s agenda. What better evidence of this can there be than the unprecedented transfers of financial assistance from the Centre to the states these past eight years.”
She said that there are Centre-state issues of major national importance—such as fighting terrorism or dealing with left-wing extremism—where the “Centre cannot shirk its responsibility”.
Referring to the bills on food security and land acquisition, Gandhi said, “On our part, we must do all we can to ensure that the legislative process is not unduly delayed.”
While food security is the pet project of Sonia Gandhi led-National Advisory Council, Rahul Gandhi has been leading from the front for a new land bill.
“We are awaiting the standing committee reports on a number of important legislations including those on food security and land acquisition, resettlement and rehabilitation,” Gandhi said.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/sonia-gandhi-calls-on-congress-leaders-activists-to-defend-govt/

Ranchi, May 9 (ANI): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Deepak Prakash on Wednesday informed that Jharkhand Chief Minister Arjun Munda, who was injured after his helicopter crash-landed at the Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi, is safe.
“This (unpleasant) incident has taken place because of the chopper accident. Fortunately, our honourable chief minister is safe. We will come to know the rest of things after the medical examination. The chief minister’s wife was also in the chopper,” said Prakash.
“I do not have the full details of the incident. I will be in a position to speak on the matter only after getting all the details,” he added.
Prakash, who is the vice-president of the BJP’s Jharkhand unit, also said that the state government would order an inquiry into the incident.
Munda was reportedly traveling along with five others when the chopper mishap took place. Those on board included two pilots and Munda’s wife. They are being treated for minor injuries at Ranchi’s Apollo Hospital and are reported to be stable.
According to the video footage, the crash landing did not cause a fire.
The area around the landing has reportedly been cordoned off. The flights to and from Ranchi are likely to be delayed because the runway has been blocked following the untoward incident.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/chief-minister-munda-safe-after-chopper-crash-jharkhand-bjp/

Guwahati, May 7 NNN: A tussle between a 21 year old Assamese boy and his family members for sex change has become an unprecedented episode. The final nail in the drama has been the Bombay High Court’s green signal in favour of the boy to undergo sex change.
Bidhan Barua, the 21 year old student has been given a green signal on Monday by the court to have his way. However, the relatives of Barua said they were hurt by the court’s decision.
Bidhan Barua alias Swati claimed himself to be a female trapped in a man’s body. In the this regard, Barua had petitioned the Bombay High Court after his parents allegedly thwarted his sex reassignment surgery at Mumbai’s Saifee Hospital on April 17. The Guwahati-based parents had traced Bidhan, their youngest
son to Mumbai and had allegedly threatened the doctors against changing his gender.
The 21-year old Assamese boy, in his petition contended that he always felt he was born with the wrong sex and used to dress like girls much to the dislike of his parents, who used to beat him up.
Bidhan Barua also said that his intention to undergo the operation was to marry his partner, a flight lieutenant in the Indian Air Force. Last week, the high court had rebuked Bidhan for writing to the Chief Justice and other authorities threatening to commit suicide if it did not hear his petition immediately and restrain his parents from prohibiting him. The chastising raised hopes of Bidhan’s father Supti Ranjan Barua that his son would remain a male. However, the court’s observation that Bidhan was an adult and had the right to take decisions about his life, came “as a shock”.
“How can the court come to a conclusion so fast? We are a joint family and as this is a sensitive issue we have to discuss and take a collective decision on something that that has ashamed us. We will keep all options open including challenging the court’s observation,” Supti Ranjan, an employee of Northeast Frontier Railway in Guwahati said Monday evening.
Other members of his family said they would move the Supreme Court if necessary. They added that disowning Bidhan could be an option.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/family-opposes-sex-change-decision-of-a-man/