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Govt to bring legislation on right to education soon: PM
New Delhi, Feb 15 (PTI) Regretting that India lags behind industrial nations in terms of literacy, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said the Government will soon bring a legislation to provide the right of education to every child.
"We will soon be introducing a bill providing the Right to Education to every child. This is the surest way of ensuring rapid inclusive growth in the long run," he said at annual general meeting of the industry chamber FICCI here.
He also said the Government will soon launch a national mission for vocational education, details of which are being worked out.
Pointing out that the UPA Government has made education a priority area for public policy, the Prime Minister said, "there is no modern industrial economy in the world that does not have at least 80 per cent literacy. We are still below at 70 per cent." He further said the central gross budgetary support for education has been increased from less than 8 per cent in Xth plan to over 19 per cent in XIth plan, a three-fold increase in share and five-fold increase in actual outlays.
In addition to higher outlays for elementary and secondary education, he said the Government is also planning to set up 30 new central universities, 370 colleges in educationally backward districts and 6,000 top class schools in each blocks.
The Government will also set up 8 new IITs, 20 Indian Institutes of Information Technology, 7 IIMs, and 5 Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research. PTI
Package to address indebtedness of farmers soon: PM
New Delhi, Feb 15 (PTI) The government will soon come out with a package to address the indebtedness of farmers, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said today.
"We are looking into the credit needs of farmers. We cannot have a situation, where 80 per cent of this sector is outside the formal financial system and suffers from excessive indebtedness. We are trying to resolve this problem. I hope this would be done soon," he said at industry chamber Ficci's AGM here.
Pointing out that the share of agriculture in the GDP has been declining, Singh said: "We cannot minimise the importance of this sector, for our economy and our polity." Agriculture is important, he said, because it supports a significant portion of the country's population and also acts as a social safety net.
The government had earlier convened a special meeting of the National Development Council on Agriculture and has announced two agriculture programmes envisaging an expenditure of Rs 35,000 crore during the 11th five year plan.
"We are looking at ways of having a quantum jump in investment in irrigation," the Prime Minister said, adding that the allocation for agriculture and irrigation has been trebled in the 11th plan as compared to the previous plan.
The decision of the government to substantially increase the minimum support price of wheat and rice, he said, "demonstrates our commitment to reversing the unfortunate trend we saw between the mid 1990s and the mid-2000s of decline in investment in agriculture and a shift of the terms of trade away from agriculture." These initiatives, he hoped, would push up the agriculture growth rate to four per cent in the coming years.
According to CSO estimates, farm sector will grow at a sluggish rate of 2.6 per cent this fiscal against 3.8 per cent last fiscal. PTI
CBI submits second report on Nandigram firing to Cal HC
Kolkata, Feb 15 (PTI) The CBI today submitted its second report to the Calcutta High Court on the March 14, 2007 police firing at Nandigram that left 14 people dead.
CBI counsel Ranjan Roy submitted before a division bench comprising Chief Justice S S Nijjar and Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghosh that the agency be allowed to submit the report though the matter was not listed for the day.
The bench then directed the CBI to submit the report to the Registrar Council Shyamal Kanti Chakrabarty.
The division bench would go through the report and fix the next date of hearing, Court sources said.
The CBI had submitted its preliminary report to the High Court on December 17 last year. The Court, after going through the preliminary report, had directed the CBI to submit its report by today.
The High Court had on November 18 last year indicted the West Bengal government for the firing on innocent people in Nandigarm while terming it wholly unconstitutional and unjustifiable and directed the administration to compensate the families of each of the 14 victims with Rs five lakh.
Immediately after the police action on March 14 last year, the High Court had asked the CBI to enquire as to what prompted the police to open fire when thousands of villagers had gathered to protest against attempts by the police to enter Nandigram. PTI
Inflation control social priority; growth will happen: PM
New Delhi, Feb 15 (PTI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said keeping the lid on inflation rate was a priority for his government, but controlling the price-line did not mean growth would be sacrificed.
Amid fears that a hike in petrol and diesel prices might fuel inflation, he said the government has taken an important policy stand to keep inflation under check and ensure that growth is more inclusive.
Calling inflation an iniquitous tax, he said: "It hurts the poor more than the rich. Therefore, it is essential that we ensure that the poor are not adversely affected by high inflation, particularly (that of) basic items of consumption. This is a matter of social priority and of their survival." Wholesale price index-based inflation rate grew by 4.07 per cent for the week ended February 2, a tad slower than the 4.11 per cent in the previous week.
But yesterday's Rs 2 and Re one a litre increase in petrol and diesel prices respectively could push up inflation rate in the coming weeks.
Addressing the annual meeting of industry chamber FICCI here, he said he also saw no reason why India cannot sustain high growth, while successfully containing inflation.
"I know that some of you are not happy about our emphasis on inflation control. There have been some impatient editorials about the sacrifice of growth at the altar of inflation control," he said.
"There are global concerns of a slowdown. We need to be aware of these concerns and we will take steps to limit their impact on us. The Finance and Commerce Ministers are seized of the matter. I do not see any reason why we cannot sustain 9 per cent growth even in the face of global slowdown." PTI
Australia beats Lanka to give Gilchrist a WACA farewell
Perth, Feb 15 (PTI) Adam Gilchrist's swansong appearance at his home turf followed a perfect script as the retiring Australian struck his 16th ODI ton to guide the hosts to a 63-run victory over Sri Lanka in the cricket tri-series here today.
Gilchrist struck 118 on his final appearance at WACA before the Australian bowlers came up with a superlative show to help the side bag a bonus point as well before climbing to the top of the points table.
It was Gilchrist's rather cultured 132-ball knock in the ground he has made his home that propped up the hosts who survived maverick Lasith Malinga's four-wicket haul before being all out for 236 in 49.4 overs.
In reply, Sri Lanka never got going, losing wickets at regular intervals with only Kumar Sangakkara (80) putting up some semblance of a fight. The islanders were eventually shot out for a meagre 173 in 45.3 overs.
Australia's pace duo of Nathan Bracken (3-21) and Mitchell Johnson (3-29) shared six wickets among them, one of those rare occasions when Brett Lee (1-49) was outshone by his colleagues.
Gilchrist was the obvious choice for the Man of the Match award even though his was a rather uncharacteristic knock today, sans the fireworks that has been the hallmark of his batting.
It was on three occasions that the he broke loose and every time the ball sailed over the ropes.
With this win, Australia now lead the table with 12 points from four matches, followed by India (8), while the Lankans have six points having played as many games. PTI
Australia beat Sri Lanka by 63 runs
Perth, Feb 15 (PTI) Australia beat Sri Lanka by 63 runs in the tri-series cricket one day international match here today.
Brief scores: Australia 236 all out in 49.4 overs (Adam Gilchrist 118, Michael Clarke 43; Lasith Malinga 4-47, Nuwan Kalusekara 2-52).
Sri Lanka 173 all out in 45.3 overs (Kumar Sangakkara 80, Chamara Kapugedera 26; Nathan Bracken 3-21, Mitchell Johnson 3-29). PTI
PCB mulls ODI series versus India if Australia pulls out
Karachi, Feb 15 (PTI) Apprehending Australia may pull out of the forthcoming tour of Pakistan on security grounds, the Cricket Board is thinking of arranging a short-term one-day series with India in the free period.
A Pakistan Cricket Board source said talks had been initiated with some boards whose teams had free time in March-April.
"Yes, there have been some discussions with the Indian board to arrange a three or five match one-day series before they host South Africa at home. But nothing is concrete as yet," the source said.
He said informal talks had also been held with Bangladesh who are free during that period.
Cricket Australia has said that independent security advisors have cautioned them against playing in Pakistan because of the uncertain security situation.
The Australian media has also been playing up the issue by reporting that some players did not want to tour Pakistan because of security fears.
A PCB official said efforts were being made to convince the Australians to come to Pakistan and a meeting would be held in Kuala Lumpur this week with CA officials.
"But we are aware that they are finding excuses to back out and we are studying all possible options," he added. PTI
Daniel Chopra gets off to mundane start in Northern Trust Open
Los Angeles, Feb 15 (PTI) A double bogey on his 10th hole blighted Daniel Chopra's card as the Indian-born Swede kicked off his campaign in the USD 6.2 million Northern Trust Open with a mundane opening round of two-over 73.
Playing his back nine first, Chopra bogeyed the 15th and 16th holes before a birdie on the 17th arrested the slide.
After taking the turn, things turned worse as Chopra double-bogeyed the first hole even though the birdie on the fifth came as some consolation for him.
Korean KJ Choi played near-perfect golf and overcame a strong wind to card a blemish-free six-under 65 for a one shot lead over Kevin Na.
Owing to darkness, play was suspended with 17 players still on the course. PTI
"Safe exit" for Musharraf to be decided after polls: Sharif
Rezaul H Laskar
Islamabad, Feb 15 (PTI) Former Pakistan premier Nawaz Sharif has said his party will decide on providing a "safe exit" to President Pervez Musharraf after the Feb 18 poll but insisted that the law required that the former General, who had ousted him, be tried for tampering with the Constitution.
During an informal chat with a group of journalists here last night, Sharif was asked if he would favour any move to provide a "safe exit" to Musharraf.
He replied, "I will give you the answer to this question only after February 18." He, however, pointed out that the trial of those who abrogated the country's basic legal framework is a must under Article 6 of the Constitution to "permanently block" martial law in the future.
Article 6 states that any person who abrogates or subverts the constitution by using force or by other unconstitutional means will be guilty of high treason.
Sharif was hopeful that the PML-N and the Pakistan People's Party would form the government in the centre and in the politically crucial Punjab province despite fears of the the poll being rigged.
The PML-N will join hands with the Awami National Party to forge a coalition government in the North West Frontier Province, he said.
"The PML-N, however, will sit in opposition if the PPP and the PML-Q join hands under Musharraf, Sharif said.
Sharif, who was deposed by Musharraf in a bloodless coup in 1999, said only the reinstated members of the judiciary who were deposed during last year's emergency would be in a position to try those who had committed high treason under Article 6 of the constitution. PTI
Feb 18 poll will be "massively rigged": Qayyum audio recording
Islamabad, Feb 15 (PTI) Pakistan's upcoming Parliamentary polls will be "massively rigged", according to a purported audio recording of Attorney General Malik Qayyum.
In the recording released by a leading US-based human rights group, Qayyum appeared to be advising an unidentified person on what political party the person should approach to become a candidate in the February 18 general election.
The Human Rights Watch claimed the recording was made during a phone interview with a media person on November 21 last year. Qayyum, while still on the phone interview, took a call on another telephone and his side of that conversation was recorded.
Qayyum, a retired judge who is a close aide of President Pervez Musharraf, is heard telling the unidentified person in Urdu and Punjabi to "leave" former premier Nawaz Sharif and seek a ticket from the party that "will massively rig to get their own people to win".
The recording was made the day after the Election Commission announced the schedule for polls. The polls were originally set for January 8 but were postponed after former premier Benazir Bhutto was assassinated.
"They will massively rig to get their own people to win. If you can get a ticket from these guys, take it," Qayyum purportedly said. It was not known which party he was referring to.
The Human Rights Watch said its repeated attempts to seek a response from Qayyum by phone were unsuccessful. PTI
India, Pak to increase flights, add new destinations
Rezaul H Laskar
Islamabad, Feb 15 (PTI) Aiming to facilitate people-to- people contact and bilateral business and trade activities, India and Pakistan today decided to more than double the number of weekly flights between them and add a new destination for designated airlines in each other's territory.
The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding to increase the number of flights from 12 to 28 per week for each side, at the end of two-day talks between their civil aviation officials here.
They also agreed to add a new destination to the two destinations currently available to designated airlines in each other's territory. Chennai will be added for Pakistan's designated airlines and Islamabad for the designated airlines of India.
This will facilitate direct air connectivity between the capitals of the two countries, said a joint statement issued at the end of the talks.
The two sides agreed to designate three airlines each to operate the "agreed services on the specified routes". Currently, only one airline each operates between India and Pakistan.
"Both sides expressed satisfaction that the new arrangement would further the objective of facilitating people-to-people contact, business and trade activities between the two countries," the statement said. PTI
India, Pak ink MoU to increase air links
Islamabad, Feb 15 (PTI) In an effort to enhance people-to-people contacts, India and Pakistan today decided to to increase the number of air links between the two sides from 12 to 28.
A Memorandum of Understanding to this effect was signed at the end of two-day talks between senior civil aviation officials of the two countries here.
The Indian side at the talks was led by Director General of Civil Aviation, K Gohain.
The move to increase air links had been on the agenda since the Composite Dialogue process started in order to increase people-to-people contacts, official sources said.
The officials of the two countries also reviewed the existing air services agreement during their parleys. PTI
Inflation rate eases to 4.07 per cent
New Delhi, Feb 15 (PTI) Easing prices of food items like fruits, vegetables and pulses, and jet fuel helped cool inflation rate growth to 4.07 per cent for the week ended February 2.
The wholesale price index-based inflation rate was 4.11 per cent in the previous week and 6.58 per cent week in the year-ago period.
Although inflation remained below RBI's forecast of close to 5 per cent for this fiscal, the central bank had yesterday said that the rate was high by global standards and needs to be brought down further.
"Our inflation is still high by world standards and it needs to be brought down further," RBI Deputy Governor Rakesh Mohan had said.
The RBI's objective has been to ensure liquidity, while still keeping inflation and interest rates low, he had said.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said keeping inflation under check has been an important policy stance of his government to ensure inclusive growth.
"I know that some of you are not happy about our emphasis on inflation control. There have been some impatient editorials about the sacrifice of growth at the altar of inflation control. I see things differently. Inflation is an iniquitous tax. It hurts the poor more than the rich," Singh said at an industry chamber function here.
As such it is important to ensure that the poor are not adversely affected by high inflation, particularly of basic items of consumption, he added.
During the week, prices of fruits and vegetables got cheaper by three per cent, arhar, masur and condiments and spices declined by one per cent each. PTI
My films are not being promoted properly: Jimmy
Amit Das
New Delhi, Feb 14 (PTI) Bollywood actor Jimmy Shergill is disappointed with the way his films are promoted and to make things right, the actor is planning to open his own production company.
"It is really disappointing specially after you have put up so much hard work for 30-40 days and then your film don't do well because it has not been promoted or released properly. So I want to open my own production house, I feel I will be a happier man then," says Jimmy, who had as many as seven films hit the box-office last year but with most failing to set the cash register ringing.
However, Jimmy, who received critical acclaims for his role in 'Stranger' and 'Das Kahaniya', is unfazed and is ready with four of his films to be released this year, the newest being 'Wednesday'.
"My film, 'Wednesday' will be released in March-April. It has some great actors like Naseruddin Shah, Anupam Kher and Rajpal Yadav. I am playing a KDS officer in the film. Next, I have 'Haste Haste', 'Bachelor Party', 'Mumbai Katin' and 'Flag', which I just completed," says Jimmy, who was in the capital recently for endorsing a lifestyle clothing company as a brand ambassador.
Jimmy, who ever since his debut in Gulzar's 'Maachis' has done a variety of roles, says he is not scared of experimenting and does not care about image. PTI
Manipur government to intensify fight against insurgents
Imphal, Feb 13 (PTI) Manipur government has taken up various steps including strengthening of police stations and planning to set up women police stations and a "woman commando" force to combat the increasing activities of insurgent outfits in the state.
Authorities are also concerned over the reports of support of some people on the general strike called by insurgents on the Republic Day this year.
The Governor SS Sidhu has said that the government would recruit 3,138 additional manpower in police as a part of the government's action plan to control violence in the state.
The Governor, addressing the legislature said the government planned to set up women police stations, a women commando force and modernise communication equipment and weapons.
Hardly a day passed without the report of killing of a person in insurgency-related crime in the past few years, a senior police official on condition of anonymity said.
He said 28 people--16 civilians, 11 militants and one security man--were killed in January alone this year.
Official sources said about 160 persons including 121 extremists were killed between April 2007 and January 2008 in separate insurgency-connected crimes.
Expressing concern over the increasing incidents of grenade attacks on houses of officials, legislators or businessmen, abduction of officials for ransom and disruption of government projects by militants, police had also appealed to the people to report to the police if there was any monetary demand from them by the militants, officials say. PTI
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