Bombay HC grants Teesta, husband anticipatory bail for alleged fraud

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January 10, 2014

Justice Mridula Bhatkar today granted Teesta and Anand interim relief from arrest for three weeks. One of the riot victims from Gulbarg Housing Society, which was burnt during the 2002 Godhra riots, had lodged a complaint with Ahmedabad police against Teesta, Anand and the NGOs run by them – Citizens for Justice and Peace and Sabrang Trust. According to the complaint, the accused had allegedly collected funds in the name of converting part of the housing society into a museum and had allegedly misappropriated funds.

Teesta and Anand’s advocate Arshad Shaukh said that even though the case was registered in Ahmedabad they could get anticipatory bail from Bombay high court as there are judgments of the Supreme Court which say that a person can get relief from the high court in the state where they reside for a case registered in another state. According to Teesta and Anand, they have been implicated in the case and are victims of political vendetta. They claim that they are being targeted by the perpetrators of the riots. In 2006, the social activists decided to build a museum – Museum of Resistance – in the remains of the Gulbarg society. Accordingly in 2009, a part of the plot was sold to Sabrang Trust. However, in 2012, the idea of museum was dropped as the prices escalated. The same was communicated to the society. However, according to the complaint filed against Teesta, funds were collected by her despite the idea being dropped.

Shiv Sena demands removal of ‘Reliance’ from Mumbai metro logo

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Afternoon Voice

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January 10, 2014

Shiv Sena on Friday opposed the use of the logo ‘Reliance Metro One’ for the metro railway stations in Mumbai, and said it should be just ‘Mumbai Metro One’.

Anil Ambani-owned Reliance Infra owns a 69 per cent stake in Mumbai Metro One Pvt Ltd (MMOPL), the execution agency for the yet-to-be operational project. State-run Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority holds 26 per cent equity in it.

In a letter to the Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan, Sena leader Subhash Desai on Friday pointed out that the project had received funding from both the state and the Centre. “Why should the platforms of metro rail have the logo Reliance Metro?” he asked. ‘Mumbai Metro One’ logo should be displayed appropriately, he said, saying that “no other name will do.”

Sena ally Republican Party of India (Athawale) too had met Chavan with the same demand a few days ago. MMOPL spokesperson had earlier said that the logo ‘Reliance Metro’ was being used “rightfully” and it was within the contract’s ambit and “as per industry practise”.

While Mumbai welcomes it’s new swanky airport, it’s ‘local’ lifeline dying a slow death!

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Afternoon Voice

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January 10, 2014

Though India is advancing at a much faster rate when it comes to classy airports, but that is not the only section that requires development. The Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport has got new terminal which has been built by the GVK-led consortium and the cost of the complete construction has been 12,500 crores.

While the commuters of flight are being granted lavish facilities, the common man and the traveler of Indian railways are deprived of even basic facilities. It is one of the most shocking facts that ten people die each and every day at the railway stations of Mumbai and nothing is done in this regards plus the medical facilities provided are also awful.

The passenger often lose their balance and go off track in the overcrowded railway stations which even result in deaths and another major cause of death at stations is the deadly gaps between the train and the platform.

The site of the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport and the railway stations in Mumbai is like the two sides of a coin. The level of difference in both the modes of travelling around is depressing. When it comes to the airport a person is delighted with promises of heavenly journey, while other person traveling in a train is not even sure of getting out safe.

AAP, show vigilance while giving tickets

By

Vaidehi Taman

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January 10, 2014

Kejriwal is aiming for a huge number of members under the ‘Main bhiaamaadmi’ campaign; any citizen can enroll as a member of the party without paying any fee. This is perhaps the first time in the history of India that membership to a party is being opened to public like this. This is the biggest countrywide drive to connect with people before the LokSabha polls. AAP should prove themselves first, they have just implemented some populist measures and are making announcements. We don’t know if they will be successful but these guys are creating more instability than otherwise (stability).
They also launched huge campaign and membership drive in Mumbai, and it was great a success, all young students visited local trains, buses, pitching common public to get enrolled.

Sustained by its remarkable victory in Delhi assembly polls, the AamAadmi Party flexed off a nationwide membership drive with an aim of including at least one crore members by January 26 to reinforce the party ahead of the LokSabha elections. Party leader GopalRai, who has been tasked to oversee the special membership drive, said over 3 lakh people have registered online as party members after the Delhi elections. They also launched a number where any citizen can give a missed call on mobile 07798220033 to enroll as a party member. They can also send SMS of their name, STD code and VidhanSabha name after which they will get their membership number. It’s really praise-worthy that this party has come forward as a nice option for the people of India. Kejriwal said any citizen can give a missed call on mobile number 07798220033 to enroll as a party member.” A brilliant idea, since many mobile owners are not very literate. Incidentally, even illiterate people watch TV and seem to be aware of AAP, even in the poor and remote villages! More surprisingly, they are not fooled by political parties.

Whatever it may be but this new party AAP is sending tremors down the spines of established corrupt parties. In frustration, especially BJP has started hitting AAP below the belt, abusing AAP and howling like self-obsessed children. Congress smartly rendered them support and kept safe. Congress has smartly realised that the waves are anti-Congress, and their defeat is sure. Congress’ strategy is to support AAP where ever they find themselves weak and get them to power, by keeping BJP away from power. The charming ‘new kid on the block AAP’ would make a government and certainly prevent the BJP from getting a majority in the LS. Some say this is the secret weapon in the hands of the Congress party. The AAP has brought about positive change in the country’s political discourse. YogendraYadav has said that the AAP has planned to contest at least 250 to 300 LokSabha seats in 15 to 20 States for testing how far the AAP can go. Instead of digging deep to find water, the AAP seems to be hurriedly planning to dig in different places and in the process may end up creating shallow pits all over. The very reason AAP is here is because of a great deal of anger against the corrupt parties. Moreover Indians see this as a positive change, at the same time, AAP should make sure that the honest and persons with integrity and sincerity towards the country should be allowed to contest for LS polls. It is very easy for dishonest and corrupt people to sneak into AAP in this context. Hence, AAP should show some vigilance and scrutiny while giving ticket for contestants. In the meantime, AAP needs to prove credibility in their governance in Delhi. Priority must be to concentrate on Delhi State Administration. More and more educated individuals should arise on this occasion and come forward for the progress and development of our country.

After all this if AAP comes to power in centre, how will it ensure that corrupt elements won’t infiltrate into its setup? As the party grows, it will become large and unmanageable with numerous power centres.

Everyone knows while Congress and BJP took turns to misgovern India ever since independence for personal or party benefit, endemic and entrenched corruption not only plundered the exchequer but also debased democracy, damaged economy and society, and seriously put at risk the future of current and unborn generations of all Indians – rich and poor alike. Justice cannot exist, even as a value, unless there are just people to defend it. Everyone is therefore morally obliged to defend justice, either individually or as a group. BJP is less corrupt than Congress, however, to save India for current and future generations, citizens need to walk that extra mile and join hands with AAP to BUILD TOGETHER an India fit for the 21st century.

Raj Thackeray’s new political stunt

By

Prakash Jha

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January 10, 2014

The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena Chief Raj Thackeray is always trying to remain in limelight by issuing unwarranted statements in media. Raj is well aware that Lok Sabha election is just round the corner hence he is trying to garner publicity by issuing some controversial statement through press conference. This time choose to target Narendra Modi who had earlier toured Mumbai and compared Gujarat’s development with Maharashtra. Earlier Raj had praised Narendra Modi for the development work undertaken by him in Gujarat. He also had asked the Maharashtra government to seek advice from Modi to transform Maharashtra.

Mr Thackeray’s challenge to Mr Modi sparked off speculation about a change in their equations. The BJP has a long-standing alliance with the Shiv Sena, which is headed by Mr Thackeray’s estranged cousin, Uddhav. Mr Thackeray was among the select few who were invited to attend Mr Modi’s swearing in as chief minister of Gujarat for the fourth successive term in December, 2012. He also visited Mr Modi during his Sadbhavana fast at Ahmedabad in 2011.

Raj targeted Modi, and said that he always speaks about his home state even while touring Mumbai. He also added that Modi must quit the post of Gujarat CM if he aspires to become prime minister of the country. If Modi sings Gujarat tune then even Raj Thackeray too projects himself as a champion of Marathi cause. He also indulges in politics of hatred by targeting north Indians.

In the press conference Raj Thackeray had challenged the Aam Aadmi Party and said that MNS is the baap of AAP. How can MNS claim to be the baap of AAP, as the latter had taken several decisions for the welfare of people? Did MNS do any substantial work for the masses? AAP’s popularity is growing day by day on the other hand MNS is losing its sheen. Infact MNS is considered as one of the provocative party and indulges in hate politics. People are supporting AAP on account of the good work done by the party. On the other hand, MNS party workers has been assaulting people from north India.

Raj should understand that his party can’t win election by merely criticising the opposition party. Like other parties, even MNS is feeling insecure after the emergence of AAP. Even if the MNS decides to go solo in the Lok Sabha election the party will have to decide how many seats it will contest and from which constituency. The 2014 election won’t be a cakewalk for the MNS as the party is not as strong as it was in 2009.

AAP aims for 1 crore new members across India during its 17-day drive

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Afternoon Voice

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January 10, 2014

The Aam Aadmi Party on Friday launched its 17-day free membership drive called ‘Man Bhi Aam Aadmi Hoon’ to get 1 crore new members. With the party deciding to contest the Lok Sabha elections, it has launched the drive with a target to expand its footprint all over India.

The drive from January 10 till January 26 is open for all. The only conditions are one should be above 18 years of age and not be a government servant. There is no screening test for becoming an AAP member and only if one is aspiring to be an office bearer will stringent check be carried out to check the person’s background, said Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Earlier, the joining fee for a new member was Rs 10.

Kejriwal said, “Anyone can be a AAP member and we screen the member if we are planning to make the member a party office bearer.”

Kejriwal added, “We will give opportunities and responsibilities to new members if they deserve.” The membership form can be filled online or can be submitted to the local office, he added. The party has announced a new helpline number for the membership drive – 077-98220033

AAP spokesperson Pankaj Singh Chouhan said that there is a possibility of extending the campaign depending on the response.

When asked about former IBN7 Managing Editor Ashutosh joining the party, Kejriwal said he will join the party soon.

Claiming to have more than 1 crore members, the BJP and the Congress refused to give the exact number saying they don’t have the exact figure. In fact, both the parties do not have the exact numbers as their offices never felt the need to collate the numbers, their leaders said.

HC refuses to stay LG order on Delhi nursery admission guidelines

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Afternoon Voice

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January 10, 2014

In a setback to private schools in Delhi, the High Court on Friday rejected a plea seeking stay on fresh nursery admission guidelines issued by the Lieutenant Governor.

Acting on a plea by the Action Committee for Unaided Recognized Private Schools, which sought setting aside of the 2014-15 guidelines on the ground that the office of the LG lacked the power to frame them, the court has sought city govt’s reply on the matter.

In its plea, the Action Committee had claimed the guidelines were against the principle of autonomy and the recognized unaided private schools were given the power by the Central government to formulate their own admission criteria for 75 percent seats.

Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung, on 18 December, issued new guidelines for the nursery admissions for the session 2014-15 and took various steps such as scrapping of 20 per cent management quota.

The neighborhood criteria, which seeks schools to give preference to children living within the radius of 6 kilometer from school, has been given maximum weightage with 70 points out of 100 in the open category seats. Later, the LG enhanced the criteria to eight kilometre.

The LG, however, had refused to the decision to scrap the management quota.

Besides these, the applicants who have sibling studying in the same school will get 20 points and five points will be added by default in the application of girls and wards of school alumni.

The guidelines also seek the minority schools to have 25 per cent seats reserved, like other schools, for the economically weaker sections and disadvantaged groups of the society.

The DoE or the Delhi government or the LG does not have the power to fix criteria of admission in unaided private schools, the petition said.

The admission process for nursery classes will start from 15 January and the last date for submission of applications is fixed on January 31.

Be ‘careful’ while arresting minorities: Shinde to CMs

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Afternoon Voice

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January 10, 2014

Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde on Friday reiterated Centre’s stand against illegal detention of youth of minority communities.

Speaking to scribes, Shinde said, “We are again writing to all chief ministers to ensure that anyone belonging to any minority community, if illegally detained, should be released immediately.”

He again clarified that by minorities, he didn’t mean any specific religion, and his statement applied to youths of all minority communities.

On the way forward, he said, “We will appoint committee like the screening/advisory committee for POTA (to enforce it).”

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) reacted strongly to Shinde’s comments and accused him of pursuing a divisive agenda.

“When talking about an accused or a criminal, where does the question of checking one’s religious affiliations arise? It is important to nab a criminal and curb crime, and not to check one’s religious certificates. We strongly oppose his stand,” said BJP spokesperson Prakash Javadekar.

In the past too, in September last year, the Home Minister had written letters to all Chief Ministers asking them to ensure that no Muslim youth is wrongfully detained or harassed in the name of terror. He had said that the Centre has been receiving various representations on the issue.

Emphasising that the government is committed to its core principle of combating terrorism, Shinde had said authorities should ensure that no innocent person is subjected to undue harassment. “Some of the minority youth have started feeling that they are deliberately targeted and deprived of their basic rights,” he wrote.

Digvijay advocates caution on naming of PM candidate

By

Afternoon Voice

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January 10, 2014

Amid clamour in Congress to declare Rahul Gandhi its Prime Ministerial candidate, party leader Digvijay Singh today appeared advocating caution, noting that in a parliamentary system it is the elected members of Parliament and Assemblies who choose their leader.

“I have been consistently saying that we are a parliamentary democracy and here it is not a contest between key personalities. It’s a contest between policies, ideologies and programmes of parties,” Singh told reporters here.

He said that under this system, whichever party comes with a majority, the leader there is chosen by newly elected members of Parliament and Assemblies at the end of the day.

“And then he becomes Prime Minister or Chief Minister…. That is the age-old practice….However, party President Sonia Gandhi has given an indication on December 8….If Congress party wants to declare (the PM candidate), it is okay,” he said.

Singh also said that in a parliamentary democracy, there is the Prime Minister and a ‘shadow’ Prime Minister.

“The shadow Prime Minister is obviously Sushma Swaraj as the Leader of the Opposition,” he said, dismissing the “debate about Rahul Gandhi versus Narendra Modi, Modi versus Arvind Kejriwal and Rahul versus Modi versus Kejriwal” as something only linked to TRP readings of electronic media.

Singh had yesterday said that that in a parliamentary democracy, the PM candidate is not declared in advance because “that takes away from the rights of elected Members of Parliament and MLAs to choose the leader”.

Addressing the media last month at the AICC headquarters here, Sonia had responded to a query on the party’s PM nominee by saying that a decision would be taken on the matter at an “opportune moment”.

“We have not made any statement in this regard yet,” she had said when asked whether Rahul would be named as the party’s Prime Ministerial candidate.

Sonia’s remarks hinting at Congress declaring its PM candidate in advance has taken many leaders by surprise as the party leaders have earlier been maintaining that Congress never declares its PM or CM candidate in advance.

Good policies call for good data standards: President

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Afternoon Voice

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January 10, 2014

Emphasising on the need for authenticity in the collection of statistics, President Pranab Mukherjee said that good data was important as its analysis plays a key role in shaping national policies.

“The efficacy of our policies, especially in the social sector, hinges on the quality of data collected by different government agencies. Good policies call for good data standards,” he said.

“Great emphasis must, therefore, be laid on the authenticity of the information gathered so as to form the basis of policy intervention,” Mukherjee told the 48th Convocation of the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) here.

The President said that the Collection of Statistics Act, 2008, seeks to facilitate the collection of data on several socio-economic and other parameters.

It is the collective responsibility of the citizens and the seekers of information under this Act to ensure that correct and adequate statistics are furnished, he said.

The President advised exercise of due caution in analysing large data and drawing inferences.

“Capturing unstructured data and converting them into a structured format are technically challenging problems. They have to pursued in an enlightened manner.

“Drawing inferences call for adequate scrutiny of the theory requiring combined knowledge of the statistician and the subject expert,” he said.

“Enhanced capability of analysing large data had a positive act in our ability to formulate effective public policies as well improving transparency to ensure last mile connectivity,” he said.

Mukherjee said that improved ability to analyse data had led to an improvement in weather forecasting systems.

He said data mining and statistical techniques had been used to initiate counter terrorism programmes.