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ASSENG/2015/64205

Page 12

Vol. 1

Issue 267

It is PPA Government in Arunachal, Kalikho Pul and team merge with the regional party ET Bureau Itanagar, March 3

The rebel Congress government in Arunachal Pradesh headed by Kalikho Pul on Thursday transformed into that of a regional party – People’s Party of Arunachal (PPA) – lock, stock and barrel.

Governor JP Rajkhowa welcomed the ‘merger’ of Pul’s team of 30 rebel Congress MLAs with the PPA that ironically had merged with the Congress months after winning five seats in the 2014 assembly election.

“We had no intention of leaving the Congress, but all

ET CAPSULES Sister kills her own elder brother at Margherita Ledo, Mar 3: Sensational prevail today at Ashram Line, Baragolai under Margherita Police station when a sister killed her own elder brother with a sharp iron rod.

The brutal incident happened when the deceased Gopi Kalita started beating his small sister Pinky Tanti with a stick today morning which Pinky Tanti got frustrated and with a sharp iron rod killed her own elder Brother by entering the sharp iron rod in his stomach. Meanwhile Margherita Police have arrested Pinky Tanti and sent the dead body for post mortem. (Raj Chetry)

doors were closed. As a regional party now, we shall try our best to address the genuine grievances of the people of this state,” Pul said after the switch over following a marathon meeting.

The meeting was held at the Nokmey Nimatey Hall in Naharlagun.

PPA working committee chairman Kameng Ringu welcomed the 30 rebel Congress MLAs into his party. “Today’s development is good for the state because the high command culture will no longer prevent us from administering the state according to our needs,” he said.

Neither Pul nor his aides

specified if PPA would be a constituent of NDA, but they said the BJP would provide them outside support.

The BJP, however, hopes to be a part of the government.

“There is no hurdle, since this is no longer a Congress government,” BJP legislature party chief Tamio Taga said.

The BJP has 11 legislators, and along with two independent MLAs, Pul enjoys the support of 43 MLAs in the 60member assembly with an effective strength of 48. Two Congress legislators had quit last year amid the tussle between Pul and his predecessor Nabam Tuki.

The two-year-old rivalry snowballed into dissension leading to the dismissal of Tuki’s government and imposition of President’s Rule on January 26. Pul was sworn in as chief minister on February 19 after the central rule was lifted.

The Arunachal Pradesh Teacher Aspirant Forum (APTAF) and Rajiv Gandhi University Research Scholars’ Forum (RGURSF) demanded for immediate constitution of free and fair enquiry committee into the appointment of Trained Graduate Teacher (TGT) for Science and Social Studies and Primary Teacher (PRT) which was appointed by the Director of Elementary Education.

Addressing media persons at the Press Club, Chairman APTAF, John Libang while raising concern that the department appointed all 56 selected candidates along with 48 wait listed candidate in rapid round manner despite of High Court’s order to stay the process of

appointment, also said that “Time and again, Education Department is denuding the long felt demand of forum.”

Stating that actual advertised post was 56 out of which 48 from social science & Science (TGT), Primary Teacher have been appointed, Forum also maintained that, “According to the laid down norms and advertisement of Education Department, the minimum requirement for eligibility for selection of candidate is 45% of marks but interestingly, some appointed candidates of Social Science teacher are having 41.1 percent, which shows that there was a backdoor entry in the process of recruitment.”

Also, “If there is already existing act for the recruitment of teachers through Arunachal

5.00

Page 6

Pages- 12

Local BJP, AGP workers protest against alliance decision in Assam AGP will fight on 24 seats out of 126 in Assam Assembly elections: BJP

The size of the Tuki camp reduced from 26, as MLAs loyal to him switched allegiance to Pul in the next few days.

“Now that everything has been settled, the council of ministers will be sworn in soon,” Honipa Yangfo, former Youth Congress general secretary and Pul aide, told the media.

Forum demands constitution of enquiry Committee for TGT, PRT appointments A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Mar 3

Price -

Dibrugarh, Friday, March 4, 2016

Pradesh Public Civil Service which the department is not using then why not they revoke the same in assembly? Moreover, why is the department repeatedly seeking one month’s time to reply to the queries asked by the Guwahati High,” lamented Libang.

ET Bureau New Delhi, Mar 3

BJP activists protest against AGP-BJP alliance at Boko in South Kamrup district.

Pic - UB Photos PTI Guwahati, Mar 3

Angered by their parties' decision on seat sharing in the upcoming Assam assembly polls, a large section of local leaders and the workers of BJP and Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) across the Brahmaputra Valley today burnt effigies of senior party leaders and threatened to put up independent candidates against the official nominee.

Breaking office furniture in

party offices in various districts, the demonstrators took to the streets coming out in massive processions, burnt effigies of their party leaders.

They claimed that despite the grass-root workers working all this while to ensure the victory of their party candidates, the leadership stitched the alliance for seat sharing to deprive them from contesting the polls.

parties also claimed that though their respective candidates had the potential to win from the seats, now "the seats have been sold to new ones who have never worked in the constituency.

The protestors from both

Contd. on Page 4

"They have underestimated our worth and what we can do", they said.

The BJP said on Thursday that the Asom Gana Parishad ?(AGP) will be fighting on 24 seats out of 126 in the upcoming Assembly elections in Assam. "BJP-AGP has similarity on one issue in Assam - illegal infiltration from Bangladesh," said BJP leader and Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad while addressing the press.

He added, "Next we need to take down the corrupt Tarun Gogoi government in Assam."

Yesterday, former CM and AGP leader Prafulla Kumar Mahanta had announced that BJP and AGP would jointly fight the coming Assam Assembly elections.

Contd. on Page 4

Further, opining that revolution of sort is the need of the hour in the Department of Education, members of both the forum observed that, “The educated and qualified youths of state may be forced to opt for the wrong path, if the trend continues.”

Later, the forum added that, in case of non-fulfilment of their demands for the same, both APTAF and RGURSF would initiate democratic movement against the department.

ACS appeals against APCC expels two payments of PDS bills congress MLAs A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Mar 3 Dwelling on the Chief Minister Kalikho Pul’s “Zero Tolerance for Corruption” assurance, the Arunachal Civil Society (ACS) appealed on CM Pul to give order to the Principal Secretary (Finance) and Secretary (Finance) to not to make any payment regarding the PDS, Hill Transport Subsidy (HTS).

Alleging that some about Rs 270 crore bill is going to be cleared by the Principal Secretary (Finance) and Secretary (Finance), ACS Chairman, Patey Tayum said that, “We have been informed that regarding the clearance of bill, the file which procures the information has been carried both by PSF

and SF in hand rather than mentioning it in written dairy despite the State having deficient in the State’s Exchequer.”

“Sources have also informed that HTS bill file has reached table to table but not of PDS. Moreover, normal PDS bills are maintained very well but those PDS involve in scam has been ordered by Court not to pay the HTS bill. The bills lakhs has been recorded but that which crosses above crore has not been recorded. This act of the PFS and FS creates the feeling of suspicion of corruption,” added Tayum in a press release.

Accordingly, the ACS chairman maintained that, “If CM gives green signal than ACS would be bound to believe that CM too is involved in the scam.”

A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Mar 3

Two MLAs, Gojen Gadi, of 29- Basar (ST) Assembly constituency, West Siang District and Likha Saaya, of 16Yachuli (ST) Assembly Constituency, Lower Subansari were expelled by APCC from the primary membership of Indian National Congress Party for the period of 6 years w.e.f 2nd March in connection with the anti-party activities under the relevant Article XIX (f) (iv) of 4 sub-clause (a) of the constitution of Indian National Congress.

In a press release issued by APCC stated that AICC directed to all the Congress MLAs not to attend the illegally called CLP meeting headed by Kalikho Pul on 24 Feb in CM conference hall, Itanagar, stating that Kalikho Pul has no authority whatsoever under the rules of the Congress party to convene the CLP meeting because he was not elected leader of the Congress party and also not recognized by the party leadership.

Despite of the instruction from AICC, Gojen Gadi and Likha Saaya have failed to comply the same and attended the said meeting.

Dadam Weaving Centre renovates and gets loin loom

(All India Rank - JEE Main)

NEIGRIHMS

(All India Rank - IIT) JEE-Main

(GENERAL CATEGORY)

ASHMITA MAZUMDAR (GENERAL CATEGORY)

Assam CEE Medical

SAURAV SHAKTI BORAH KAUSHIK R. HAZARIKA SAURAV JYOTI BORAH DEEPANKAR D. BHARALI BHANUJYA SAIKIA

Few JEE-Main QUALIFIERS

AYANJYOTI DUTTA KARANJEET GOHAIN (T.MARK:182) (T.MARK:176)

SAURAV S.BORAH (T.MARK:169)

Total JEE-Main Qualifiers : 55 Nons.

NITUPAN DIHINGIA (T.MARK:161)

SHRYA BORUAH (T.MARK:143)

ANMUN CHETRY (T.MARK:134)

KAUSHIK HAZARIKA (T.MARK:118)

ET Bureau Khonsa, Mar 3 In random visits at various Weaving Centres in the Tirap District, Chanyok Rajkumari ADTH informed that the maintenance work of Dadam Weaving Centre has been completed and Loin Loom for the year 2015-16 has been provided to the Incharge of Weaving Centre for the women weavers of Dadam weaving Centre.

PINGLE NATH (T.MARK:117)

SAGAR RAKSHIT (T.MARK:115)

AMLAN JYOTI DUTTA PORITUSH BAILUNG SHUBHAM DUTTA (T.MARK:124) (T.MARK:87) (T.MARK:127)

SANDEEP SONOWAL (T.MARK:82)

Few STAR PERFORMERS IN MEDICAL Total Selection in Medical, 2015 : 12 Nons.

NEIGRIHMS Rank - 8th Assam CEE Med. SR-51

NAMRATA CHAKRABORTY

Weavers at the Dadam weaving Centre

UPASANA BORKOTOKY (ASSAM CEE Med. SR-181 Sikkim Manipal Medical: 21)

SAURAV S. BORAH (Assam CEE Med. SR-125)

ANSHUMAN GOGOI (Assam CEE Medical State Rank-608)

DIBRUGARH OFFICE : Amolapatty, A. T. Road, Near Natya Mandir, Dibrugarh-1, Assam JORHAT CENTRE : Baruah Chariali, Near UBI Bank Building, 2nd Floor, Jorhat-1, Assam

Phone : 0373- 2320231, 9435031699, 8811003000 cmyk

cmyk

While appreciating Hon’ble 56-Khonsa West Assembly Constituency MLA Tirong Aboh, Rajkumari stated that all above fund has been provided from MLA LAD fund of Shri Tirong Aboh. She claimed that now Dadam Weaving Centre can be functioned smoothly and will definitely help the unemployed women of Dadam Area which is consisting of 8(eight) villages viz.

Dadam, Huakan, Upper Chinkoi, Lower Chinkoi, Laho, Bera, Moktowa and Kothin.

KUNAL ROY (T.MARK:162)

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, MARCH 4

PAGE 2

ASTRO FOR YOU Aries You are very sensitive, and some people will disturb your peace of mind today. However, getting irritated will only make matters worse. Reflect in isolation what may be at the root of the problem.

Taurus There is a strong likelihood of some dispute or misunderstanding cropping up between you and your parents. You will be clear, coherent and persuasive in your communications. Your ideas and intentions will be easily understood and accepted by others. The day will turn out to be a bright and a pleasant one.

Gemini Today, you are likely to focus on self-improvement. Self-employed people may expect huge profits in their businesses. You may end up spending more time at work and less time with family. You need to strike a balance between work and family.

Cancer New positive turn in life of lovers. It may lead to marriage. You will play role in bonding all members of the joint family and will meet with success. You will respect tradition and custom.

Leo Call it the momentary re-ignition of the spark of brilliance and energy, this day finds you at the peak of your dynamism. A fantastic day for all, especially those in the freelancing business, as your imagination and inspiration reach new heights and motivate others to excel.

Virgo Today is the day when you’ll be like the Iron Man: heart of gold, nerves of steel – minus the shiny body armour, though. Tolerance, optimism and exceedingly artistic talents will rule the roost. Pursue academics in the arts.

Libra You will put everything aside to pay more attention to your outward appearance and your beauty as you will be more aware about it. People will get attracted to your beauty today. You will be able to share your own ideas and thoughts with people, at the same time you will learn about their views and from their experiences.

Scorpio You shall have a long, dreary day today. Though not completely at a loss, you may feel lost and desire to spend some time alone with yourself. The empty nest syndrome is likely to invade and hold your mental peace at ransom.

Sagittarius A balanced day is in store today. Find yourself as much at home as at your desk. You may engage in a time of fun and games with your buddies. But when it comes to family, something more practical, like re-arranging your house, is on the cards.

Capricorn A good day always begins with a good start. It will be a good day for you today as you will start the day with a positive attitude to life. Your unremitting dedication and determination will not only put you ahead of others, but will also help you get an edge over them.

Aquarius Money matters are very important, and your family will demand your presence in all financial dealings. At work, things will be more comfortable. You may also get new projects.

Pisces Do not let your emotions influence your strategies in any way. Mixing business with sentiments is only for super spies. Keep a close check on your emotions and do not get carried away. Travel for business purposes is indicated.

PRASAR BHARATI (India's Public Service Broadcaster) ALL INDIA RADIO : DIBRUGARH (M.W.529.1m/KHz567 F.M. 101.30 MHz) Phone No.-03732325456 E-mail -dibrugarh@air.org.in Facebook Page-All India Radio Dibrugarh Programme Highlights 4-3-16 (FRIDAY) 5-35 A.M-Bhaktigeeti(Devotional Songs) 6-10 A.M-Swasthya Charcha (Health Programme) 6-15 A.M-Hindi Language Lesson 6-30 A.M-Vidyarthir Anusthan 6-50 A.M-Naam 7-15 A.M-Aajir Dinto (Morning Information Service) 7-30 A.M-Geetanjali(Assamese Modern Song) 8-35 A.M-Surar Panchoi(Composite Programme of Assamese Film Songs) 9-05 A.M- Antara (Composite Programme of Assamese Film Songs) 12-05 P.M-Surar Satsori (Request Programme of Assamese Songs) 1-10 P.M-Troops Programme 2-30 P.M-Western Music 3-45 P.M-Programme in Miju Mishmi 4-05 P.M-Programme in Khamti 4-25 P.M-Programme in Wancho 4-45 P.M-News for Arunachal Pradesh 5-00 P.M-Programme in Idu 5-20 P.M-Programme in Tangsa 5-40 P.M-Programme in Nocte 6-15 P.M-Ganya Raaijor Anusthan (Rural Programme) 9-30 P.M-Kramasha (Serial Novel Reading) 10-00 P.M-Question Hour in Parliament Sd-/H.O.P

Rs. 31.79 crore handed over to Assam CM by NRL as interim dividend performance of the company for the first nine months of the current financial year 2015-16.

A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Mar 3: Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi received a cheque amounting to Rs. 31.79 crore as interim dividend for the current financial year 2015-16 for the Government’s 12.35 per cent shareholding in the Numaligarh Refinery Limited.

It is for the first time that the Company has paid its dividend to any shareholder before the close of the financial year. Chief Minister Gogoi also thanked the MD and other functionaries of the company for the shelling out the dividend before the close of the financial year.

Managing Director of NRL, P. Padmanabhan handed over the cheque to the Chief Minister at the latter’s official residence at Khanapara today.

The interim dividend of Rs. 31.79 crore has been disbursed based on the

Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi receiving an interim dividend amounting to Rs. 31.79 crore for the current financial year 2015-16 from the MD, NRL at his official residence. Pic - UB Photos

Govt. proposal to impose tax on EPF withdraw not fair A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Mar 3: Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said that the budget 2016-17 announcement where in the government has proposed to impose a tax on 60% of the corpus at the time of withdrawal of the Employees

Provident Fund amount after retirement is going to affect employees badly.

In a statement here on Thursday, Gogoi said that the Employees’ Provident Fund is a retirement benefit scheme that is structured to

EPF will affect the future of the employees. Gogoi also said, “The move of the Centre has direct bearing on the security of the retired employees and urgeed upon the Centre to roll back this budgetary announcement soon”.

Dibrugarh SP launches police helpline A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Feb 3: A 24x7 police helpline was launched by SP Dibrugarh Mr Bir Bikram Gogoi today. Citizens can now call directly to register their complaints to these numbers-7086096450, 9854087260.

Flak among the BJP Poachers held in Tezpur workers at Naharkatia ET Correspondent Naharkatia, March 3: The grassroots workers of BJP are not happy with the alliance which is clearly seen among BJP workers of Naharkatia where it is reported that the Naharkatia seat will be given to AGP, which has created lots of flak among the workers.

According to the workers they want friendly contest between both the parties but will not agree to any kind of alliance between the two parties.

It need to be mentioned that BJP had also sealed alliance with BPF which has turned a lot of flak within certain Political circles. According to sources, infighting is going among the BJP itself as many of the members are ticket aspirants, while leaders and MLA’s who have joined BJP along with Himanta Biswa Sarma are also trying to get tickets which is evoking a sharp response from the loyal members of the party.

ET Correspondent Tezpur, Mar 3 : In a chocking incident, member of nature organization, physicians son and noted business man were held this morning at Nameri National Park on charges of poaching deer in park last night.

According to the informa-

tion, member of Bhoroli Anglers Association, Arindom Mazumdar of Gwuahati, son of Dr. Gulap Baruah (physician) of Tezpur town Sudhir Baruah, Munin Kalita and Prafulla Rai of Lachit Chowk here were arrested this morning on charges of poaching deer

in the park by police and forest guard. One 7.65 MM pistol from Sudhir Baruah.

Police said that the group had allegation of poaching in KNP also for several times. They were produced in the Tezpur court this afternoon and later sent to jail.

Sarbanada doesn't have geographical knowledge of Lakhimpur: Dilip Dutta ET Correspondent Lakhimpur, March 3: "Sarbananda Sonowal, though he is the MP of Lakhimpur Parliamentary Constituency, doesn't have adequate geographical knowledge of Lakhimpur. He cannot develop the district. On the other hand, the elected public representatives were extremely

failed to resolve the problems of Lakhimpur LAC" alleged Dilip Dutta in press conference at North Lakhimpur.

Dutta also declared about his independent candidature for MLA-ship from Lakhimpur LAC in the State Assembly Election2016.

Advt.

"Agricultural development will be my priority based issue. I'll try my level best to provoke a new era in the agro-field in the constituency if I’m the victor in the election"-said Dutta in the conference.

He added that he would try to resolve the burning

problems in the LAC on different fields, those are- industrialization, unemployment, communication, transportation, academic infrastructure, poverty, drainage system of North Lakhimpur town, construction of KB Road and other roads along with the major embankments, medical and health, irrigation etc.

He also stated that none can work for people being an MLA from a political party because he had to work for the party.

So he decided to contest in the election independently so that he could serve the mass in true sense after his victory.

Two-day Film Festival held at Nowgong College

Affidavit Sri Anup Hazarika S/o. Late Gaman Hazarika, resident of Na Goan, Naharkatia, P.O. & P.S. Naharkatia, Dist. Dibrugarh, Assam declare that Anup Hazarika and Anup Kumar Hazarika are the name of same identical person.

Vide affidavit dated. 28-02-2016 before the notary Dinesh Saikia.

provide financial security to employees, and imposing tax on the amount is going to hurt the employees hard.

He further said that EPF is tax-free at all the three stages of investing, interest accumulation, and withdrawal and imposing tax on

Additional Chief Secretary R.T. Jindal, Director (Technical) S.R. Medhi, Director (Finance) S.K. Barua of NRL were also present on the occasion.

DC Birendra Kumar Mittal during the inaugural function of an Anganbari Centre at Sivasagar.

Pic - Firuz Ahmed

ET Correspondent Nagaon, March 3: Film festival was held at Nowgong College with a two-day long programme under the aegis of Cine society, Advance Biotech hub and Environmental Science of Nowgong College concluded yesterday.

The festival was inaugurated by Arup Manna, film producer, by lighting a lamp. In his inaugural speech Manna said, “A good and aesthetically pleasing cinema plays a positive role in building a healthy society and no one can deny the role of cinema in our present day life”.

He further said, “In differ-

ent parts of the world good films have brought significant changes in the society and bad films have brought havoc especially in the life of the youths.” He called upon the producers to produce only those films that will bring good to the society and will spread the message of humanism and fraternity.

Dr. Sarat Barkataki, Principal of the college welcomed the guests while Dr. Tosheswar Nath anchored the programme. Dr. Farista Yasmin, coordinator of Biotech Hub explained the relation existing between Science and Cinema. The

festival began with screening of Assamese film Aideow Handiqui.

A good number of films including Traveler’s Companion, a film on environment produced by National History Society of Mumbai were also screened on the occasion. Prof. Aparajita Tamuli Phukan, Vice-Principal, Prof. Hali Hazarika, Dr. Bolin Bhuyan, Dr. Sanjay Dey, Dr. Bapa Ranjan Das, Dr. Chintamoni Sarma. Dr. Lakhyajyoti Barthakur, Prof. Dhrubajyoti Barua and many others were present in the inaugural meeting.

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, MARCH 4

PAGE 3

Centre trying to hoodwink the people of Assam : Assam CM Constitution of a committee to decide on the modalities to accord ST Status to six communities A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Mar 3 : Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has termed the constitution of a committee to decide on the modalities to accord ST Status to six communities as Centre’s another attempt to hoodwink the people of Assam and cover up its failure.

In a statement here on Thursday, Gogoi said, “It is the responsibility of the Central Government to confer ST status as the State Government does not have any role in this regard and it can only play the role of a facilitator only. Had the power been given to us on this front, we would have conferred ST status to the six communities long back.”

Gogoi moreover said, “We

have already recommended in favour of granting ST status to six communities from Assam on several occasions and we will all along endorse their demand”.

Chief Minister Gogoi also mentioned that he shot off a letter vide CMO.1/2016/561 dated January 16, 2016, where in, he requested the Centre to address the recommendation of the State in granting ST status to six communities. Moreover, the State Government has given a no objection to Ministry of Home Affairs’ opinion regarding insertion of a separate new list of ST for the six communities.

In the light of the above,

Chief Minsiter Gogoi stated that the constitution of committees for chalking out modalities is a tactic of the Centre to evade from the issue. He further added that modalities can be decided even after conferring the ST status.

Gogoi further said when Hindu minorities were given refugee status without even seeking the opinion of the State Government though the same has not been fully accorded; why the Centre has not taken the same stance in case of the six communities. Gogoi also urged the Centre to fix the responsibility and accord ST Status to six communities expeditiously coming out of its shell of the dilly-dally tactic.

Grassroots worker protest against AGP, BJP alliance before poll A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh Mar 3: The grassroots workers of both the parties infuriated over the AGP, BJP alliance a head of Assembly election in Assam. On yesterday both the parties have decided to go hand in hand in the upcoming election but some of grassroots workers of both the parties were outburst in anger and not satisfied with the pre poll alliance. Both the parties which have an ideological difference among them but now they were ready for the election battle in Assam.

Similar, protest has been witnessed in Dibrugarh district, the AGP workers decided not to enter any BJP leaders and workers to their office. Today, a meeting was held with the grassroots workers of AGP at party office, chaired by Panukon Barua, District president of AGP. The AGP workers have given a ultimatum to the bigwigs of their party and very clearly expressed

their resentment that they don’t like the stand taken by the AGP high command. If they wanted friendship with BJP, then we would select a leader from us and he would contest in an independent ticket.

“We are totally against the AGP, BJP alliance which was taken by the members of General council. We opposed the move and if they want friendship with BJP before the election then we would place the candidates in an independent ticket.

Till now we have not taken any decision but a meeting will be held on March 5, where we would take our final decision,’’ Panukon Barua told The Eastern Today over phone.

In Assam AGP was born from the regionalism fervour and tried to use the regionalism card before the election. In Assam AGP comes to power for two times, first in 1985 and then 1996 to 2001.

This time both AGP and BJP have forged an alliance to ousted Tarun Gogoi led congress government in Assam. Some believe that it was good step taken by the high command of both the parties and which will benefit the BJP in Assam. But on the contantary some have the opinion that it would benefit the congress government.

Recently, Union Minster Sarbananda Sonowal was declared as the Chief ministerial candidate of Assam who was a former MP of AGP from Dibrugarh constituency and have a strong backing of the students’ group. The BJP high command have thoroughly studied and understand that the ‘Hindutav’ card will not work in Assam. So, they decided to placed Sarbananda Sonowal the chief ministerial candidate who have a better knowledge of regional politics.

Three Hizbul militants killed in encounter in Kashmir

Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Dadsara area of Tral last night, following information about the presence of militants there, the official said

The slain militants have been identified as Ashiq

Hussain Bhat, Mohammad Isaq Parray and Asif Ahmed Mir, the official said, adding that Bhat was involved in providing shelter to militants involved in Udhampur attack on a BSF convoy last

year Three AK rifles have been recovered from the scene of the gun battle, where search and sanitisation operation are in progress, the official said.

Jyotha Mancha demands to provincialize the venture schools Montu M. Gogoi Moran, March 3: Till today 6,230 venture schools is still not provincialized by the state government and hence the "NonProvincialized teachersworkers of Jyotha Mancha, Dibrugarh district committee gathered in the state Forest Minister Atuwa Munda's house at Joyanagar, Moran of Dibrugarh District. The last cabinet session on 27th February 2016, the state

Spl Correspondent Pasighat, Mar 3 The Adi Baane Kebang Women Wing East Siang Unit after whose strong pursuance a drugs de-addiction cum rehabilitation centre was sanctioned here at Pasighat last year by former Governor Nirbhay Sharma, has again approached the incumbent Governor JP Rajkhowa to grant a fund for construction of a boundary wall.

The ABKWW team led by President Yalem Taga Burang and General Secretary Opak Takuk Ering submitted a memo along with an estimate DPR for construction of boundary wall against the de-addiction centre cum rehabilitation centre. While receiving the memo Governor has conveyed the message that the matter will be considered with utmost priority as he has already allotted/ap-

government didn't get any conclusion regarding the Assam venture School's Amendment Act 2011, Act 2012, and 2013.

Today, more than hundred members of this organisation gathered in Munda's house and delivered the Slogans like “Education Minister Murdabad, Sarat Borkotoky hai-hai, Tarun Gogoi Murdabad, Atuwa Munda Murdabade”

etc. and after that, Atuwa Munda met the protestors & expressed his feelings that he has the sympathy with the protestors, but as he is not the authorized Minister of the Education department, he can't say anything regarding this subject.

He also told the protestors that lack of a proper agenda is the main cause due to which no conclusion have been taken by the last cabinet.

proved such de-addiction centre during the recent President Rule, informed Burang. The ABKWW who has been doing lots of effort in curbing drugs and other

illicit substance menace in the district from last couple of years has felt for urgent need of a Drugs De-Addiction cum Rehabilitation Centre here in the city

(town) as several addicts and rescued youths were not getting required supports or infrastructures to quit the habits. The coming of such centre here would augment

Guv assures to release 9 months pending salary of ARMSATA Spl Correspondent Pasighat, Mar 3: While responding to a memorandum submitted by Arunachal Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan Teacher’s Association (ARMSATA) for early release of its pending salary from last nine months, the

Governor of Arunachal Pradesh JP Rajkhowa has assured to look into the genuine appeal.

A delegate of ARMSATA led by its Vice President Moken Loyi met the Governor at Siang Guest House last evening who apprised

him about their untold miseries to the teaching communities due to delay in salary disbursement which is leading to degradation of moral of teaching staff.

The other appeal of the association for enhancement

of salary was conveyed by governor to approach the new government as the process would require cabinet approval. However, the delegates expressed their gratefulness to Governor for assuring to release the pending salary by end of March this month.

State Government needs to encourage the entrepreneurs by providing trainings and necessary support: Governor says A Staff Reporter Itanagar, March 3: The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh JP Rajkhowa visited the Community Health Centre, Ruksin, the First Referral Unit (FRU) of East Siang District on 3rd March. The Governor visited the wards, OPDs, Operation Theatres and interacted with doctors and other staffs. The Unit caters to around 5000 to 10000 patients of the district and also from neighbouring districts of Assam.

The Governor expressed dismay at the condition of the hospital and its overall maintenance. He was surprised to find that there is no female ward, blood bank, radiologist or laparoscopy facility despite being a referral unit. Due to absence of Annual Maintenance Checkup, some equipment were found nonfunctional and washroom and toilets were not main-

Srinagar, Mar 3 (PTI) : Three Hizbul Mujahideen militants were killed in an overnight encounter in Tral area of South Kashmir's Pulwama district, an army official said on Thursday

The official said in the ensuing gun fight three local militants of Hizbul Mujahideen were killed

ABKWW urges Guv to sanction boundary wall for drug de-addiction centre

tained properly and basic cleanliness and hygiene not upto mark.

The Governor said that whatever may be the reason, it is the fundamental duty of the medical officers to ensure cleanliness and hygiene of any Hospital or similar establishment.

He suggested for active involvement of NGOs and departments of Horticulture and Environment & Forests in maintaining cleanliness and aesthetic values in the hospital compound. The spirit of Swachh Bharat must start from Health Centres, he added.

The Governor also distributed insecticide impregnated bed nets for mosquito to beneficiaries during the visit. The District Medical Officer, East Siang District, Dr. Mandip Perme apprised the Governor, constraints of the FRU.

NASA to spend USD 20 million developing supersonic 'X-plane' Washington, Mar.2 (ANI): The National Aeronautic Space Agency (NASA) has awarded Lockheed Martin USD 20 million to design a new series of supersonic aircraft.

Known as "low boom" flight demonstration aircraft, NASA hopes these quieter "X-planes" will pave the way for the reintroduction of commercial supersonic flights.

Charles Bolden, the administrator of NASA, announced the news during an event at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Virginia yesterday.

The design for Lockheed's test plane will be about half the size of a commercial plane and will "likely" be piloted, according to NASA, which leaves some room for autonomy.

According to The Verge,NASA began soliciting concepts for supersonic test aircraft last year, with a specific focus on planes that could break the sound barrier with-

out creating massive sonic booms.

It instead was looking for planes that produce quieter supersonic "heartbeats," or what it refers to as Quiet Supersonic Technology (QueSST).

NASA has said that noise pollution is a key factor preventing the return of commercial supersonic flights.

Lockheed Martin is expected to use the USD 20 million to fund preliminary design work over the next 17 months.

The NASA contract requires the company to develop a design and specifications for the aircraft, which will be validated by wind tunnel tests and computer simulations.

After that, another contract competition will be held to build the aircraft.

NASA has said that it aims to begin test flights around 2020 as long as funding is continued. (ANI)

The Governor, who visited the Tea Garden at Oyan in the morning, asked the Garden management to encourage tea cultivation. He opined that such endeavour will contain the traditional practice of Jhum Cultivation, thereby providing a regular income to the farmers and source of livelihood and sustain the ecosystem.

The Governor also visited the Industrial Growth Centre (IGC), Niglok, which was started in the year 1998, where he saw the bottling plant in the Centre.

The Industries department and the State Government needs to encourage the entrepreneurs by providing trainings and necessary support including the admissible investment subsidy and other reliefs in future to encourage new enterprises and industrial units. IGC

Project Manager Tarik Nyitan briefed the Governor on the ongoing activities of IGC and its constraints.

On the last leg of the district visit, the Governor visited Nari in East Siang District through the PMGSY road. On their maiden visit to the ADC Headquarters, the public of Nari, led by the local MLA, Kento Rina accorded a traditional reception to First Couple.

In addition to the briefing on the existing local constraints in telecommunication and road communication, the Governor was briefed on the popular religious place, Vasudev Mandir. The Governor emphasized for adequate amenities for the pilgrims.

He also directed the DC Ms Isha Khosla to ensure that the road is thorough throughout the year.

the other facilities provided with doctors for complete treatments and psychological counseling so that an addict could come back to normal life.

Makum police arrests one under extortion cases Spl Correspondent Tinsukia, Mar 3: Makum police on Thursday arrested one Manav Chutia in an extortion case under Tinsukia police station (case no 241/ 16) u/s 120b/121/122/123/ 387 of IPC. Police recovered 3 North East SIM card, 3 extortion handset, along with rupees 5,000. The arrested person, Manab Chutia is the younger brother of Mahat Chutia of Purani Motapung, Barekuri who was linked with several case of extortion under Tinsukia District.

Popular blood pressure app inaccurate Washington D.C, Mar 3 (ANI): A new research has revealed a popular app that measures blood pressure simply by placing a smartphone on the chest with a finger over the builtin camera lens is inaccurate, missing high BP mark in eight out of 10 patients.

Although the app, called Instant Blood Pressure, is no longer available for purchase, it was downloaded more than 100,000 times and is still functional on phones, the Johns Hopkins researchers say.

Researcher Timothy B. Plante said that they think there is definitely a role for smartphone technology in health care, but because of the significant risk of harm to users who get inaccurate information, the results of our study speak to the need for scientific validation and regulation of these apps before they reach consumers.

Results showed that blood pressures measurements from the app were overwhelmingly inaccurate.

Close to 80 percent of those with clinically high blood pressure, defined as 140/90 millimeters of mercury or above, measured by the automated blood pressure monitor showed normal blood pressure with the app.

The authors Plante and Seth Martin say that it is unclear how the app arrives at a blood pressure number.

They suggest in the study that, rather than attempting to measure true blood pressure, the app gives a population-derived estimate based on the user's age, sex, height, weight and heart rate, the latter of which could be detected by the phone's microphone.

"Because this app does such a terrible job measuring blood pressure," says Plante, "it could lead to irreparable harm by masking the true risk of heart attacks and strokes in people who rely on the accuracy of this information."

Martin and Plante note that mobile health smartphone applications are becoming more commonplace and many have the potential to greatly improve health by putting personalized medical resources and information literally in the hands of patients through cellphones.

The study appears in JAMA Internal Medicine.

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, MARCH 4

PAGE 4

Gogoi expresses deep sympathy with Gogoi asks Centre to make teachers fighting for provincialisation Naga peace deal public A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Mar 3: Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi expressed his deep sympathy for the teachers and employees pressing their demands for provincialisation of their services and said that Government would consider their case sympathetically.

In a statement here on Thursday, Gogoi said,

“Though the Government has full sympathy for the teachers and employees, Government has to act cautiously in the face of reduced fund flow from the Centre.”

He said that there is a huge gap between the fund allocated and the fund released by the Centre for Assam.

Giving a snap shot of the comparison of funds released by the Centre Gogoi

Post-impact of AGP-BJP Alliance brings anomaly to both parties in Lakhimpur AGP to suffer for not creating leader after Utpal Dutta ET Correspondent Lakhimpur, Mar 3: Along with the rest of the State, the final decision of the pre-poll alliance between Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) has changed the political scenario of Lakhimpur as well as Dhemaji District. The grass root level workers of BJP in Lakhimpur District refused to accept the party’s decision at all.

The two head-quarters of LACs of the both districts were given to AGP by BJP as per the decision of the alliance. Being aggrieved on the decision, BJP activists burnt the effigy of State Party President Sarbananda Sonowal yesterday evening at the Taxi-stand and today at the Malpani chariali of North Lakimpur Town.

They shouted Sarbananda Sonowal Murdabad, Amrit Shah Murdabad slogans expressing their wrath against the party high command that was alleged to be neglecting them.

These activists in the aegis of Lakhimpur Mandal BJP today organized a meeting at Surya Cinema Complex in order to discuss on their next political steps.

All out of eight Gaon Panchayat Bodies under the Mandal were present in the

said that in the year 201314, Centre has released Rs. 13023.44 crore and in 2014-15 the fund flow has come down to Rs. 12567.80 crore as comparison to only Rs. 7337.17 crore in the 201516 till February 29, 2016.

arms in Bokajan

They alleged the party leadership went ahead with the alliance to serve their narrow political interest despite the party leaders and workers at the grass-root and constituency level strongly opposing their respective parties' joining

The announcement had came after top AGP leadership had an hour-long discussion with BJP President Amit Shah.

ET Correspondent Bokajan, Mar 3: The Khatkhati Police recovered a 22 Pistol with 1live ammunition at a regular check post over N.H 39 at Bokajan in East Karbi Anglong.

According to sources, the police personnel attached to the post stopped a Tata Indigo car (AS 01 AR 3266) heading towards

The BJP and AGP will jointly fight the coming assembly elections as announced by former Chief Minister and AGP leader Prafulla Kumar Mahanta yesterday in Delhi after top AGP leadership had an hour-long discussion with BJP President Amit Shah.

"We had a meeting with the BJP President where we have decided to contest the coming Assam Assembly polls together," Mahanta had told PTI. BJP's Chief Ministerial candidate Sarbananda Sonowal, AGP President Atul Bora besides others were present in the meeting.

Election to the 126member Assam Assembly is expected to be held in

April-May.

strongholds.

BJP and AGP had an alliance in 2009 Lok Sabha polls in which the saffron party bagged four seats and AGP just one.

Mahanta became Assam's Chief Minister for the first time at the age of 32 in 1985 after leading a six-year-old agitation against illegal migration from Bangladesh as president of All Assam Students Union.

The two parties considered an alliance ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha polls but the regional party had backed off, apparently on the assumption that such an understanding would not be beneficial for AGP. In 2014 Lok Sabha polls, BJP won seven of the state's 14 seats and AGP drew a blank. BJP won in Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Nagaon, Tezpur, Lakhimpur, Mongoldoi and Guwahati, all considered to be former AGP

In a statement here on Thursday, Gogoi said, “We welcome the Naga peace deal but it is quite astonishing why the clauses of the deal are kept in the dark. To

keep such an important document under wraps for long raises doubt about its veracity”. Gogoi moreover said, “Assam appreciates Naga peace deal and welcome peace in Nagaland, but we oppose tooth and nail any move that affects

Silchar and then he would address a party rally in the same town to kick-start the party’s campaign in Barak valley and Dima Hasao district for the ensuing Assembly elections,” said a Congress spokesperson.

Soon after that rally, Gandhi would take part in an interaction programme with the tribal leaders of the State at Nagaon Khagen Mahanta Auditorium on the same day.

In the evening he would come to Nagaon and would address a rally of panchayat members, ZPC members, AP members and panchayat presidents of the State at Nagaon Nehrubali.

Rahul Gandhi would stay at night in Nagaon and the next day morning he would take part in a march past from Nagaon Swahid Bhavan to Borghat bypass road where Gandhi would address another rally there at the bypass.

Assam Women University hosts 2nd SPRIHA-2016 meet

AGP will fight on 24 seats out of 126 in Assam Assembly elections: BJP Contd. from Page 1

A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Mar 3: Shaky after the BJP’s alliance with the AGP and BPF, a nervous congress is all set to launch a massive election campaign in the state, and in this connection Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi would visit Assam with a two-day agenda on March 4.

“During his trip he would first go to Silchar town and there he would exchange views with small traders of

hands with each other.

The BJP workers and supporters also blamed the newly inducted former Congress leader Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma of being behind the alliance to bring BJP to power in the state by any means ignoring its workers sentiments and hard work.

of the accord are kept under carpet even today.

He moreover, vowed to solve the problem of the teachers and employees of the venture schools in phases.

meeting. They unitedly denied casting their vote to existing MLA Utpal Dutta who is the suggested MLA candidate of AGP for Lakhimpur Legislative Assembly Constituency (LAC) in the forthcoming Legislative Assembly Election of the State for his inefficiency as public representative in the past years.

Several leaders of Lakhimpur AGP quitted from the party being aggrieved on his behaviour and decision taken under the force of his selfish interest and joined in BJP or any other party. Lack of deserving leaders is seen in Lakhimpur AGP at present and that is why the Party is to suffer a great loss for not paying attention in creating leader after him.

On the other hand the today's meeting of the aggrieved BJP activists decided to hold a meeting in magnitude organizing the Town, Lakhimpur and Telahi Mandal committees and GP and Ward bodies under them on March 6 to discuss the issue. With a view to it, a thirty five member Convener Committee was constituted in the meeting. General resignation of those bodies and activity of participating in the election with an independent candidate by this activist is quite possible on that day.

A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Mar 3: Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi asked the Centre to make the Naga Peace Deal public as the accord signed between the Government of India and NSCN on August 3, 2015 is still a mystery as the clauses

Shaky with AGP-BJP alliance, Congress ropes in Rahul once Youth held with again to bolster party campaign

In view of this declined flow of Central fund, several commitments of the State Government have been severely affected.

Local BJP, AGP workers protest against alliance decision in Assam Contd. from Page 1

Centre’s indifferent attitude towards Assam has also poured cold water in the state Government’s endeavour of provincialising the services of teachers and employees of the venture schools in the State, Gogoi added.

Mahanta was Assam's Chief Minister between 1985 and 1990 and again from 1996 to 2001.

Sonowal was in AGP before joining BJP about four years ago. He was an AGP MP between 20042009.

Several other senior BJP leaders were also earlier with AGP. (With Agency inputs)

Dimapur and on frisking Mr Nitul Saikia, the pistol was recovered from his possession.

The driver of the vehicle Md Rotikul Hussain was also detained in connection and further investigations are underway to determine the actual cause behind possession of the illegal weapon.

ET Correspondent Jorhat, Mar 3: Dr. K.M Buzarbaruah, the Mentor of Assam Women University, Jorhat with the Vice Chancellor of Assam Agriculture University called upon the participating students to take up sports very seriously as the academic subject, during the second sports meet of Assam Women University SPRIHA-2016.

Dr. Buzarbaruah said, in recently concluded 12th South Asian Games held at Guwahati girls excelled more than boys from the country of India. Nowadays

sports have equal importance with academic which help to build the career of students.

With good academic career with a support of national and state level sports students will be capable of getting jobs in OIL sector, defense, railways etc. where nowadays every department is in need of qualified employed as well as good sports person.

The SPRIHA-2016 will be weeklong programme with

competition of various events as well as recipe competition, flower arrangement, fashion design which will be followed by various sports events likevolley ball, table tennis, badminton, shot put, discus throw etc.

Ms. A Kurati, Additional Deputy Commissioner attended the meet as a guests of honour. Many dignitaries were present and all the faculty members of Assam Women University were also present during the inaugural function of SPHIRA-2016.

interests of Assam.” Gogoi also urged the Centre to make the clauses of the Naga peace deal public and accord sanctity of the geographical boundary of each State under the frame work of the constitution of the country.

Closing ceremony of the varsity week of DU on 5th March A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Feb 3: Closing ceremony of the varsity week of Dibrugarh University will be held on 5th March. On the occasion SVEEP Cell in collaboration with Dibrugarh University shall undertake voter awareness programme at Dibrugarh University Play Ground No.1 at 9:00 A.M where Deputy Commissioner will appeal to all eligible voters for mass participation.

15 injured in a clash between two group ET Correspondent Rangia, Mar 3: In a clash between two villages, 15 persons were injured and 3 persons are reported having very critical injuries at Badla village under Nagarbera police station of south kamrup district.

According to Nagarbera police, Hannan Ali and Kasem Ali with some group of people came to confront the people for a plot of land. Police also further added that, the critically injured persons have been shifted to GMCH, Guwahati for further recovery.

BJP sets committee to work out modalities for ST status to 6 Communities of Assam Dutta said congress has played with the emotions of the 6 communities including Moran, Muttack, Tai Ahom, Tea Tribes, Chutia and Kooch Rajbansi for so many years. And today when BJP is taking a step forward delivering the long demand congress is trying to create confusion to gain politically.

Spl Correspondent Tinsukia, Mar 3: As the saffron - party led NDA government at the centre officially takes a step ahead to grant scheduled tribe status to 6 communities of Assam by setting up a constitutional committee to recommend modalities, a major war of words breaks out between ruling Congress and the saffron BJP party here in Assam.

Setting aside allegations of BJP move on ST demand by 6 communities as opportunist aiming upcoming assembly election and non-serious one, BJP MP from Jorhat Kamakhya Prasad Tasa in a press meet here on Thursday said, It is the seriousness and commitment of BJP to grant scheduled tribe reservations to 6 communities of Assam that the centre has come up with an order vide notification no 11012/43/2016-NE-IV setting up a constitutional committee to recommend modalities for granting the scheduled tribe status, the first serious and constitutional step within 2 years of Narender Modi taking charge as the prime minister.

This steps comes after 5 rounds of discussion between the agitating communities and centre in last 2 years, added Tasa and asked why could not the congress party even start this basic constitutional

Subhas said, the centre had written to the state government run by congress party to suggest modalities for granting scheduled tribe status to the 6 communities latest

by December 2015.

process in last 10 years of its rule, both at centre and state, were they serious on the matter as claimed by them? It is not that the communities were agitating only since last 2 years.

Bashing congress for attempting to create divide among different communities of Assam by giving statements like the existing communities enjoying schedule tribe status will be hampered by centre move, MP Tasa said that centre has made its stand clear that the granting of status will be done in such a way that it does not affect the existing communities enjoying various

benefit under schedule tribe reservations in any manner.

We will not allow congress try to create divide among communities and create tension to the peaceful atmosphere among them as the BJP is committed to walk with all people belonging from different community, caste and religion together.

He said granting status is no joke or easy task like constituting a development council and allotting couple of crores but is a constitutional process which needs to stand legal aspect. Hence, it is bound

to take some time but atleast BJP led centre has put the process on roll constitutionally from where their is no way to go back.

We have come out in black and white and clear all doubts, both, of those agitating for scheduled tribe status that BJP is committed and is seeing it above politics and the elections and those who are existing enjoying benefit under ST reservation that their interest will not be hampered in any manner.

BJP spokesperson Subhas

And till date congress chief minister Tarun Gogoi did not even bother to respond to such a serious matter, exposing the dual face of Congress. The press meet was attended

by BJP district president Bhaben Sarmah, media cell convenor Sanjay Singh among others.

According to sources, BJP has got an edge with this move before assembly elections.

Earlier, BJP took out 'ashirwaad' yatra from Guijan to Borguri in Tinsukia. BJP MP Kamakhya Prasad Tasa, BJP state spokesperson Subhas Dutta participated in the state - wide programme of BJP and meet scores of voters in the process.

REGION

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, MARCH 4

23 Bangladeshis sent to prison for illegally entering Tripura Gandacherra (Tripura), March. 3 (ANI): Twenty three people from Bangladesh, including women and children, were arrested for entering Tripura illegally here on Wednesday.

ment and crossed the border hoping that our problems will be solved with the blessing of the goddess Kali but landed in problem as do not possess passport,” he said.

Police arrested them from the motor stand area in remote Gandachera town in Dhalai district.

The detained individuals were later produced at a local court, which sentenced them to imprisonment till March 8.

The infiltrators entered into the Indian territory through Gandachera, which is mostly hilly and unfenced.

Gandachera is around 170 km from capital Agartala and located opposite to Chittagong Hills Track in Bangladesh.

Gandachera Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Bhaskar Dasgupta, said that future course of action wpuld be decided after the hearing on March 8, when the police would produce the victims before the court along with chargesheet.

All of those arrested are tribals of the Tripuri and Chakma community and residents of Panchari area in the CHT. The arrested persons said that they had crossed the boder seeking a Hindu saint.

“There have been some illegal entries of 23 numbers of Bangladeshi people. They were arrested by the Gandacherra police and produced before the sub-divisional judicial magistrate Gandacherra. They were sentenced to jail till the 8th of March and the juvenile cases were send to Agartala and after that on 8th there will be hearing and the police will be finalizing the charge sheet and will be producing it by today only,” said Dasgupta.

One of the arrested Bangladeshi Monindra Tripura said, “All total we are 43 and had crossed the border through the portion where there was no fencing or border guards. We entered in the early morning through Boalkhali area and had come for treatment. Others had gone to their relatives houses. We do not possess any valid document.”

Meanwhile, another arrested Bangladeshi, Prajendra Tripura, said that they come seeking blessings of Goddess Kali.

“We had come to the Maa Bari (Kali temple) for treat-

Police at present is in hunt of others who had crossed the border and took refuge in their relative’s houses.

Meanwhile, BSF officials would take-up the matter with their counterparts in Bangladesh, so that the procedure to sent back detained persons, after completion of their jail term and necessary proceedings, can be discussed.

Manipuri woman assaulted in Mumbai, one booked Mumbai, Mar 3 : 26-year-old Manipuri woman was allegedly assaulted by a man in suburban Santacruz, following which an FIR has been registered against him, police said on Thursday. The incident took place on the evening of February 27, according to the victim's family.

The accused, who has been identified but his name is yet to be disclosed by police, allegedly spat on the girl and when she protested, he assaulted her, the victim's sister alleged. The man hit her on the lower abdomen. He then grabbed her hair and dragged her on the street for a few metres, she said, adding that no one came to her sister's rescue.

She further alleged that when they approached police that day after the incident, the per-

sonnel just registered a noncognisable offence (NC) and not the First Information Report (FIR). However, a senior police official today said that initially they did not have all details about the incident.

The FIR was registered last night by Vakola police after investigation, he said. "The accused will be arrested soon.

We will look into all the allegations made by the victim," the officer said.

The accused has been booked under IPC sections 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 323 (voluntary causing hurt) and 504 (intentional insult with intention to provoke breach of peace). The matter is being probed further, he added.(PTI)

Former insurgents' camp attacked in Manipur Imphal, Mar 3: A camp of former insurgents in Manipur was attacked by a group of militants who escaped before police could reach the site, authorities said on Thursday.

The "peace camp" of the former guerrillas of the United Revolutionary Front (URF) at Lamlai in Imphal district came under attack at 11 p.m. on Wednesday.

Police said a large number of unidentified men sneaked near the camp's fence and began firing from automatic weapons and lobbing Chinese-made hand grenades. Although the attack continued for several minutes, no one in the camp was injured.

But police reached the site after the attackers had fled, only to find a grenade, a rifle magazine and several empty cartridges.

Ngangom Kiran of the URF said: "Earlier we had been camping in the Manipur Spinning Mills in Imphal. But following some differences, we had shifted to this temporary camp."

He admitted there were some threats from another group.

"It is mind boggling why we should be attacked like this.

We are unarmed and we have not indulged in anything objectionable including extortion," Kiran said. "We are eking out a living with the stipend given by the government."

He expressed unhappiness that

A camp of former insurgents in Manipur was attacked by a group of militants who escaped before police could reach the site the government had not taken up any meaningful steps for their protection. All underground organisations in Manipur are agreed on one thing -- to exterminate all those who have come overground.

Police cannot say whether the attackers of Wednesday night were related to the URF or not.

The attack is seen as a serious blow to the government's efforts to restore peace in Manipur, where members of 18 outfits have come overground after suspension of operations.

But some of them allege that security forces continue to arrest them for incidents with which they have no links.

Some former insurgents who strayed out of their camps were done to death by armed insurgents. But this is the first time a "peace camp" has been attacked. (Agencies)

PAGE 5

Govt. hails quantum jump in budget allocation for North East New Delhi, Mar 3 (ANI): Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Jitendra Singh has hailed the quantum jump in the Budget allocation for North East Region in Union Budget 2016-17.

He said that in addition to all other allocations, the single most important announcement of exclusive and unique “Organic Value Chain Development” scheme for Rs. 115 crore will prove to be a game-changer for the entire region.

“Not only will it help in boosting the enormous unexplored potentials of organic entrepreneurship in the region but would also comfort the entire region into a favourite destination for new start ups from across the country to come to north east,” he added.

He also said that the emphasis of the current government has been on the promotion of organic farming and North

East has become an important destination for that with state of Sikkim being declared as the first Organic state of India by Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently.

He was addressing a press conference here today.

Jitendra Singh said that the Budget for Ministry of DoNER has been increased from Rs. 2334.50 crore to Rs. 2,400 crores this year as compared to previous year, the Minister said that the main emphasis of the Budget allocated for north east is on the overall development of the region.

“The provisions have been made for connectivity in north east region, skill development and organic value chain development among others,” he added.

The Minister said, “A budget of Rs. 33097.02 crore has been allocated for the North Eastern region across 56 ministries. This is 14 percent higher than the BE of Rs. 29087.93 crore for previous year.”

“Under Non-Lapsable Central Pool Reserve (NLCPR), BE has been increased from Rs. 90 crores to Rs 200

crores in 2016-17. The budget allocation for North East Council schemes has been increased from Rs 700 crore to Rs 795 cores this year, he added.

The Minister also informed that Rs. 150 crore have been provided for the newly launched NE Road Sector Development Scheme.

He said that this scheme will be helpful in the development of the inter-state roads in the north east.

In addition, he said Asian Development Bank (ADB) will spare funds from its own sources for construction and maintenance of roads in the north eastern region.

Jitendra Singh also mentioned increase in the Budget allocation for North Eastern Development Finance Corporation (NEDFI) from Rs. 30 crore to Rs. 75 crore which will further boost the Prime Minister’s Start-up India programme in the region.

Similarly, skill development Budget enhancement from Rs. 16 crore to Rs. 56 crore will further supplement the

Start-up Programme, he said.

In addition to all the provisions like three years tax holiday and three months exit period announced by the Prime Minister, the DoNER Ministry will also offer “Venture Fund” for new entrepreneurs so as to ease their financial liability, he added.

The Budget also has a provision of Rs. 150 crore for rural livelihood, he said.

Besides the above provisions, emphasis has also been laid on the rural livelihood in the north east and BE for this purpose has been enhanced to Rs. 150 crore this year.

Showcasing the north east to the rest of India is very important for the development of the region.

The budget allocation for this purpose has been increased from Rs. 10.50 crore to Rs 17 crore this year, the Minister said.

He said that this is almost 60 percent more than the last year allocation. In this regard, he mentioned that the Ministry of DoNER has recently organized ‘Destination North East-2016’ in

New Delhi during 12th to 14 February, 2016.

Now, the Ministry intends to organize similar events, especially, so as to showcase the strengths, the potentials of the North East, especially in the fields of Handicrafts/ Handlooms and exhibition of/ sale of produce of North East. Such events have been planned to be organized in Mumbai, Bangalore in the first quarter of 2016-17 financial year.

Laying emphasis on the government’s efforts to improve the connectivity in North east, Dr Jitendra Singh said that the main initiative of the DoNER Ministry as a part of the ‘Act East Policy’ and is to provide funds to link Railways between India and Bangladesh. The budget cost for Indian side Rs 587 crore would be provided by the Ministry of DoNER, he added.

There had been repeated attempts from our side, the Minister said that in spite of more than a dozen universities functioning in the State of Assam, the young students

Indefinite highway blockade cripples traffic in Manipur Imphal, Mar 3: An indefinite blockade of National Highway 102 linking Manipur capital Imphal with Myanmar crippled movement of vehicular traffic on Thursday.

located along the IndiaMyanmar border.

The accusing finger was pointed at some cadres of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah), a signatory to the ceasefire. However in a statement, the NSCN (IM) has denied any involvement in the incident.

A Joint Action Committee (JAC), formed for justice to Thongkhogin Haokip, a school teacher who was bludgeoned to death on February 28, called for the blockade beginning Wednesday midnight to protest against the failure of the authorities to nab the culprits.

As a result of the blockade of the 110-km highway, the border trade between India and Myanmar came to a grinding halt.

An indefinite blockade of National Highway 102 linking Manipur capital Imphal with Myanmar A large number of vehicles,

tourists and traders were stranded at Moreh, which is

Mangboi Haokip, the convener of the JAC said: "The teacher had made a dying declaration to his family members.

He had said that an NSCN (IM) cadre, Thangminlal Simol and his two accomplices, Sanboi and Groundthang along with some unidentified people had beaten him inside the house of a

Kargil martyr at Aimol Satu village."

He further said that the villagers took out the body in a procession the next day to demand that the culprits be handed over to them. But the armed people holed up inside the house opened firing at the villagers using automatic rifles.

Police rushed there and there was a fierce exchange of fire for over 20 minutes. However, no one was injured in the incident.

The irate villagers then burned down the house and the checkgate erected by the NSCN (IM) along the road. (Agencies)

Nagaland CM responds to FIR against him in Manipur Dimapur, Mar 3: Nagaland State Chief Minister, TR Zeliang today expressed concern at the press note issued by Manipur MLA Ibomcha Singh, regarding the filing of an FIR against the Nagaland CM, in connection to the CM's speech during the Lui Ngai Li Festival at Ukhrul, Manipur, on February 14.

A press note issued by the CMO said that the CM had underlined the need for Nagas to be united and that emotional and cultural integration should be evolved amongst Nagas living under various administrative set ups, and once this is achieved, Nagas can help each other for cultural and socio-economic advancement, with or without territorial or political integra-

tion.

The CM reminded that the issue of integration of contiguous Naga-inhabited areas under one administrative umbrella is as old as Nagaland Statehood with the matter being mentioned as one of the points in the 16-point Agreement between, and also affirmed by NLA resolutions in 1964, 1970, 1994, 2003 and 2015.

The Nagaland CM also expressed reservations against his Manipur counterpart for passing the three controversial bills in the Manipur Assembly against the wishes of the tribal populace of the State.

The CM asserted that as a mass leader of the Nagas, "he has to speak for the Naga people irrespective of administrative or geo-

graphical considerations. It is but natural for any Chief Minister of Nagaland to speak for Nagas when they are protesting on the streets against grievances, perceived or otherwise, whether it is in Manipur, New Delhi or Myanmar." It is most natural, the CM stated, for him to be concerned "when many Naga protestors are killed and hundreds injured, properties damaged and their lives threatened, as was the case in Manipur in the latter part of last year."

He further questioned that if any person is not permitted to speak freely, "it is indeed a sad day for democracy and portends gloom in the days to come for the general public." "Or is it that we are permitted only

to appreciate the Manipur Government for looking after our people, but not allowed to speak up when injustice is being done to our people?" the CM questioned.

Regarding MLA Ibomcha Singh's FIR under Sections 124A and 154A of the IPC, which deals with attempts to create hatred against the Government, and attempts to bring enmity against various groups of people, the Nagaland CM said: "It may be pointed out here that the very actions of the Government of Manipur in passing the three infamous Bills in the Assembly and the subsequent actions of its lawenforcing agencies in tackling the protestors which led to the death of nine and injuries to scores of people,

could very well be brought under the purview of the above-mentioned Sections of the IPC." He alleged that the "ruling dispensation of the day" had "segregated, isolated and alienated a section of the citizens and the resultant enmity and hatred brought about will be very difficult to erase." He stated that political interests of the Government of the day have been given preference over "communal harmony and peaceful coexistence in the State."

The Nagaland CM appealed that good neighbourly relations are maintained between the two States and that different communities in both States live in peace and harmony.

(Agencies)

Bimal Gurung inaugurates new college building in Bijanbari Darjeeling,Mar 3: Gorkhaland Territorial Administration chief executive Bimal Gurung today inaugurated the new building of the upcoming degree college in Bijanbari, the construction of which started in 2012. Last month, the GTA chief also opened a new building of Mirik College keeping with the hill body's plan to promote education in the hills.

The college was established in 1995 at Lower Samelbung, 5km from Bijanbari. Students had to face a lot of problems due to the distance. The college has now been shifted near the market area at Chungtung Tar and is spread over 6 acres of land. The new building is three-storeyed and the

college offers B.A. general courses in History, English, Political Science, Economics and Nepali.

Sameer Sharma, the teacher in-charge of the college, said, "We had submitted a requirement request to the GTA following which the new building was built. Now that we have a new structure with more space and facilities, we will apply for Honours courses as well, although this will depend on the roll strength."

The new building, which has been built at a cost of Rs7.3 crore, will be able to accommodate 450 students in 12 classrooms.

The students come from areas such as Rimbick, Sukhaypokhari and

Bimal Gurung inaugurates new college building in Bijanbari Goke. The new building also has three staff rooms and a multi-purpose hall.

It presently has six teaching and eight non-teaching staff members. "We will shift to the new building at the end of this week. And we hope to start the session in April when the Part 3 exams start," said the teacher incharge.

While unveiling the new

building, the GTA chief executive said it was a gift to the people of Bijanbari and to the future of the students.

"There is more work to be done in the hills. The GTA will strive to work for the people. This college is a gift to the students of the region as they are our future," said Gurung.

The GTA has promised to

provide two buses to the college as has been done for Mirik College. "This college and the one in Mirik have been built from central government funds and nothing has come from the state government. Vidyasagar High school here will also be converted into a model school," said Gurung.

The cost of the entire project is pegged at Rs7.3 crore and the new building has been constructed at half the cost, with more work to be taken up in the second phase.

An administrative building, fencing of the campus, water supply, a science block, hostel facilities and a playground will be constructed later.

(Agencies)

felt constrained to move out to other cities like Bengaluru and Pune for higher education and for the matter of gratification, a special amount of Rs. 10,000 crore for countrywide upliftment of higher education institutions will spare a special share for North Eastern Region and Rs 1623 crore has been allocated to north east for this purpose, he added.

Jitendra Singh also informed that Rs. 300 crore will be spared for the Bodoland Tribal Council by the government and their demands would be considered in course of time subsequently.

Overall, Jitendra Singh said, the budget allocations for Northeast this year are not only substantial but are also very imaginative and hoped that the State Governments will respond in similar vein by offering cooperation through timely submission of DPRs, utilisation certificates, State sharing of 10 per cent of funds etc.

Naveen Verma, Secretary, Ministry of DoNER and other senior officers were also present on the occasion.

KHADC to recall two crucial Bills Shillong, Mar 3: The KHADC has decided to recall of Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Nomination and Election of the Syiem, Deputy Syiem, Myntri, Basan and Rangbah Shnong of Bhowal Syiemship) (First Amendment) Bill, 2014 and the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Appointment and Succession of the Sirdar and Headmen of Jyrngam Sirdarship) (Second Amendment) Bill.

Moving a resolution in this connection on the third day of the ongoing Budget session of the Council on Wednesday, the KHADC chief PN Syiem said, "The House has decided to recall the Bills for further examination, we are allowing the stakeholders to give their views on the matter".

He further stated that Hima Jyrngam and Hima Bhowal were not satisfied as they were not consulted before sending the Bills to the concerned authority. It may be recalled that the Council had on July 1, 2014 passed the two Bills and forwarded to the Governor of Meghalaya for his assent.(Agencies)

Gang of dacoits busted Shillong, Mar 3: Police on Wednesday arrested six persons for their alleged involvement in looting a businessman of more than Rs 1 lakh at a village in East Khasi hills district. The accused are Gulshan Masi, driver of local taxi (ML 05 E 2782), Amar Deb Burman of Lumparing,Pyndngen Kurbah of Pomblang, Pynshai Rani, Labhor Lyngdoh of Golf Club, Mawpun and Kostar Marngar of Pomblang, police said.

According to police, the gang was following a Bolero camper from Shillong in which the victim Banshanniah Nongrum was on his way to purchase broom sticks. On reaching a place near Umngi Bridge, they stopped the vehicle and forcibly took away Rs 1, 53,500 from him. Subsequently, they disappeared from the place in two groups.

Later, the police with the aid of local people of Pongkung village, managed to apprehend three of them along with the vehicle and the cash. Subsequently, three other accused were also picked up from a tea stall in Jakrem area.(Agencies)

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, MARCH 4

PAGE 6

PM embarrasses Congress with quotes of Indira Gandhi, says Govt. tables bill in LS to give statutory Parliament logjam due to opposition's inferiority complex New Delhi, Mar. 3: this is the inferiority MGNREGA has been than it. status to Aadhaar Prime Minister Narendra complex," he added. put to use in less needy "How a functioning govModi said the continuous disruptions in Parliament are a result of the 'inferiority complex' of the Opposition.

"Some people have aged physically, but not in maturity; some people don't understand, but just want to oppose for the sake of it. There are such bright MPs in the opposition, they were not to be seen in the previous two sessions," he said. "Nobody in the opposition must look stronger and

Quoting former prime minister Indira Gandhi's 1974 speech made at the Indraprastha Collegethat one shouldn't portray the nation as 'weak', Prime Minister Modi appealed to the Opposition to help pass important bills in both Houses of Parliament. "GST Bill is your bill and you (Congress) are only opposing it, said Prime Minister Modi.

He further said that poverty is so deep-rooted in the country that if he tries

Criminal case filed against Kejriwal, AAP leaders

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to tackle the problem, he himself will get uprooted. "The opposition is concerned about why

Ludhiana, March 3: A criminal case has been filed against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders Sanjay Singh, Bhagwant Mann and other leaders in Punjab on charges of creating communal tension and spreading terrorism in the state.

"My client has lodged a complaint. This is a criminal case. The punishment can stretch up to two years," complainant's lawyer

S.K. Uppal told.

The criminal case is filed under Section 595 and 295A of India Penal Code (IPC) in a Ludhiana court. The complainant Jagdeep Singh Gill, who is a president of an NGO Samaj Jagriti Front, has alleged that AAP leaders had distributed posters of former Khalistani terrorist Jarnail Singh Bhindranwala on his birthday on February 12.

The court has accepted the application and will hear the case on March 19. (ANI)

Cong-BJP spat in RS over alleged Gujarat land scam New Delhi, Mar 3: Rajya Sabha today witnessed a spat between treasury and opposition benches when Congress leader Anand Sharma raised the issue of alleged land scam in Gujarat.

Making a Zero Hour mention, Sharma said Parliament has passed laws and there is a separate ministry to protect endangered wildlife.

"Now we have a situation...(where there is) serious violation" of laws and guidelines relating to environmental protection in Gujarat.

He said in violation of norms, 422 acre of land at a rate of Rs 15 square feet was alloted in an eco-sensitive area in Gujarat in 2010. Ownership of land falling in

wildlife sanctuaries cannot be changed, he said.

As Sharma was speaking, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi raised a point of order and said if a matter is pending in court, no member can raise the issue in the House.

He demanded a ruling from the Chair, to which Deputy Chairman P J Kurien said he would give one later. When some BJP members including Manshukh Lal Mandaviya objected vociferously to what Sharma was saying, Congress members countered them.

As BJP members kept objecting to Sharma, Kurien said the Chair has permitted the Congress leader to raise the issue. (PTI)

US media watchdog seeks probe into threats to Indian journo Washington, Mar 3: A US media watchdog has called for an investigation into reports of a Malayalam television news anchor receiving thousands of threatening telephone calls.

"Indian authorities should take all measures necessary to protect Sindhu Sooryakumar in the face of the abhorrent threats against her," said Sumit Galhotra, Senior Research Associate of Committee to Protect Journalist Asia

Programme.

"Journalists should feel free to raise questions and foster debate, including during times of controversy, without fear of reprisal," he said yesterday.

News anchor Sooryakumar received thousands of threatening phone calls following a broadcast she hosted last week, in which she discussed a union minister's comments regarding protesting JNU students.

(PTI)

ernment can serve the people and progress in every sector with good results - NDA government has shown the way.

One MP said Fasal Bima Yojana is only for few districts. I want to say that this scheme will be applicable everywhere.

We need fresh ideas for Parliament; we can't ignore 60 yrs of misgovernance; there should be a week when only 1st time MPs speak," he said. (ANI)

Jaitley to introduce new Aadhaar Bill today New Delhi, Mar. 3: Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley set to introduce a new Aadhaar Bill - the Aadhaar Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services Bill 2016 in the Lok Sabha on Thursday after the Union Cabinet accorded its approval on Wednesday.

Criminal case filed against Kejriwal, AAP leaders

we are doing better work than them. You (Congress have sown seeds of poverty. NREGA or

states," he said.

"No one will deny that if Congress would've helped the poor in 60 years, the poor wouldn't still be facing trouble. We must admit that MGNREGA is not a symbol of our success," he added. Comparing the spending in sectors like Railways and MNREGA, Prime Minister Modi said that the Opposition is more concerned on how the government is doing better

The Bill is likely to provide a legal basis to the unique identification number. Jaitley on

Wednesday expressed hope that the Aadhaar Bill, which is an important law that can rationalise subsidies, would be passed in the ongoing Budget Session.

In his budget speech, the Finance Minister had announced that the Bill would be introduced in the ongoing session itself. The minister said the public money should reach the poor and deserving without any leakage, while clarifying that

the Aadhar number or authentication would not confirm any rights of citizenship or domicile.

There is already a National Identification Authority of India Bill, 2010, pending in the Rajya Sabha. In its report submitted in 2011, a Standing Committee on Finance chaired by Yashwant Sinha had found some deficiencies in the 2010 Bill. The Committee had recom-

mended the government to reconsider the Unique Identification (UID) scheme and introduce a new Bill in Parliament.

Thus far, more than 98 crore Aadhaar numbers have been generated, of which 16.5 crore are PAHAL beneficiaries, while Aadhaar numbers have been seeded in 11.19 crore accounts.

The PAHAL scheme provides for Direct Benefit Transfer of LPG (DBTL) to the consumer. (ANI)

Venezuelan students clash with police Caracas, Mar 3: Venezuelan students threw Molotov cocktails and stones at police in a protest against a Supreme Court ruling curbing the opposition-held legislature's powers, authorities have said.

Wearing masks in the colors of the Venezuelan flag, the demonstrators yesterday set up roadblocks in the western city of San Cristobal, the cradle of anti-government protests that shook the country in 2014.

The new protest was against a ruling by the high court Tuesday that stripped the National Assembly's power to remove justices from the bench, which voided the opposition's bid to undo what it calls unconstitutional court-packing by President Nicolas Maduro.

Governor Jose Vielma

Venezuelan students clash with police Mora said on Twitter that student protesters from Catholic University attacked police with stones and petrol bombs.

The protesters "use violence to support a National Assembly that wants to violate the rule of law," the governor wrote. Protesters throw rubble and stones at a police brigade near the

seat of the state government.

Venezuela has returned to the boiling point since the opposition won a landslide victory in legislative elections in December, dealing a crushing blow to the socialist "revolution" launched by Maduro's late mentor Hugo Chavez in 1999.

Riding a wave of outrage over a deep economic crisis gripping the oncemighty oil giant, the opposition has vowed to use its majority to oust Maduro from power.

But it has repeatedly been stymied by the Supreme Court, which it accuses the president of loading with allies. The high court's constitutional panel ruled Tuesday that the legislature's oversight role is limited to the executive, quashing its attempt to review the lame-duck appointment of 34 Supreme Court judges - passed by the previous legislature in an 11th-hour session on the eve of the opposition takeover. San Cristobal was also the scene of anti-Maduro protests that spread nationwide in 2014, leaving 43 people dead and more than 800 wounded.(PTI)

Govt should act fast to check farmers' suicide: Tulsi New Delhi, Mar 3 : The government was today urged to act urgently to prevent suicides by farmers in Maharashtra who have been hit hard by the drought and were facing distress.

Raising the issue through a zero hour mention, K T S Tulsi (Nominated) said 3000 farmers have committed suicide during the last three years in Maharashtra. Since January, 124 farmers have

committed suicide after crop failure due to deficient rainfall and drought.

"Promises made have failed to stem suicides," he said.

Adding insult to injury, there were statements by certain leaders like "there is competition for suicide", he said, adding that 90 lakh farmers have been impacted by drought in Maharashtra. "Government must wake up and realise gravity of issue,"

Tulsi said.

Nine out of 29 states are drought hit and situation is only going to become graver and worrisome, he said, adding water at reservoirs is lower than 10 year average. Mere allocation of funds is not enough to solve the problem but timely disbursement is essential, he added. Rajani Patil (Cong) said Latur district received water once in 40 days and Beed get water once a month.

Bhupinder Singh (BJD) demanded release of compensation for 235 blocks affected by drought in Odisha. "Assistance should be (disbursed) timely to reach the state." Jharna Das Baidya (CPI-M) raised the issue of 40 dalits being molested and gang-raped by police in Bastar district of Chattisgarh. She demanded action be taken, the culprits arrested immediately and a fair inquiry ordered. (PTI)

Three Hizbul militants killed in encounter in Kashmir Srinagar, Mar 3 : Three Hizbul Mujahideen militants were killed in an overnight encounter in Tral area of South Kashmir's Pulwama district, an army official said on Thursday

ing information about the presence of militants there, the official said.The official said in the ensuing gun fight three local militants of Hizbul Mujahideen were killed

Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Dadsara area of Tral last night, follow-

The slain militants have been identified as Ashiq Hussain Bhat, Mohammad Isaq Parray

Three Hizbul Mujahideen militants were neutralised by security forces in Kashmir in an overnight operation.

and Asif Ahmed Mir, the official said, adding that Bhat was involved in providing shelter to militants involved in Udhampur attack on a BSF convoy last year Three AK rifles have been recovered from the scene of the gun battle, where search and sanitisation operation are in progress, the official said.(PTI)

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley New Delhi, Mar. 3: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday introduced the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Bill, 2016, in the Lok Sabha.

The bill to provide Aadhaar statutory backing and make it the mainstay of the government's Direct Benefit Transfer ( DBT) programme for subsidies was tabled in the House as a money bill. Leader of the Congress in Lok Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, raised his objections to the bill being introduced as a money bill.

Kharge said the Congress

Party is ready to cooperate on the bill, but added that it should not come as a money bill.

The Finance Minister in response said the bill is substantially different from what the Opposition is talking about.

Jaitley said the substance of the bill is that whoever gets subsidies will have to produce Aadhaar. The bill seeks to provide good governance, efficient, transparent and targeted delivery of subsidies, benefits and services, the expenditure for which is incurred from the Consolidated Fund of India to individuals residing in India through assigning of unique identity numbers. (ANI)

Centre examining TN Govt's letter on release of Rajiv Gandhi's assassins New Delhi, Mar. 3: The Centre on Thursday said it was examining the Tamil Nadu Government's letter regarding the release of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's assassins. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said in the Lok Sabha that the Supreme Court had already given its decision on the matter, and now it is the constitutional and moral responsibility of the government to abide by the decision of the apex court.

Raising the issue, Mallikarjun Kahrge of the Congress demanded that the letter should not be entertained at all.

"The assassins must not be released to uphold integrity of the country," he said. The Tamil Nadu Government on Wednesday wrote to the Home Ministry seeking its

opinion on releasing seven convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case. The letter stated that while the state has already decided to release the seven convicts, it is necessary to seek the Centre's opinion under Section 435 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

The letter said that the Tamil Nadu Government had received petitions from all seven convicts - Murugan, Santhan, Perarivalan, Jayakumar, Robert Payas and Nalini - requesting that they should be released since they had spent 24 years in prison. Former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated on May 21, 1991 by LTTE. The Supreme Court had said that Tamil Nadu cannot free the convicts without consulting the Centre. (ANI)

NGT pulls up DDA on Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's 'World Culture Festival'

NGT pulls up DDA on Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's 'World Culture Festival'

New Delhi, Mar. 3: TheNational Green Tribunal (NGT) on Thursday pulled up the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) for granting permission to holdspiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's ' World Culture Festival' on the banks of Yamuna.

The DDA told the NGT that there was no purpose

of stopping the function now. "Did not know about the size and scale of the event when permission was granted?" the DDA said.

The NGT on its part said, "Was it not incumbent on the DDA to see what was happening on the site and the magnitude of the program?" The hearing in the matter is still on. (ANI)

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, MARCH 4

PAGE 7

NEIGHBOURS

US concerned over Pakistan's growing nuclear weapons: Pentagon Washington, Mar 3 : The US is concerned over Pakistan's fast-expanding stockpile of nuclear weapons which combined with its evolving doctrine increases the risk of an "accident", Pentagon's top spy master has said.

associated with tactical nuclear weapons, increases the risk of an incident or accident," Lt Gen Vincent Stewart, Director of Defence Intelligence Agency told lawmakers yesterday during a Congressional hearing.

"Pakistan's nuclear stockpile continues to grow. We are concerned that this growth, as well as the evolving doctrine

"Islamabad continues to take steps to improve its nuclear security, and is aware of the threat presented by extremists to

Chinese daily editor sacked over veiled critique of Xi Beijing, Mar 3 : An editor of one of China's most prestigious newspaper, the Guangzhoubased Southern Metropolis Daily, was sacked over an allegedly veiled critique of media censorship by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Liu Yuxia, who had worked on the daily's front page for the last three years, was fired from the newspaper and her senior Wang Haijun handed a "serious demerit" over the front paged critique in the newspaper's February 20 edition, EFE news reported.The main headline carried a quote from Xi, from his recent visit to the headquarters of state TV broadcaster CCTV, in which he had sought loyalty from official media towards the country's Communist Party and below this piece of news, was a report on the funeral of a historic leader of the regime.

While the two stories had no apparent connection, the headlines of both, when combined read as "Media following the surname of the party have their souls returned to the sea," which was seen by some as a veiled critique of the iron-fisted information control exercised by the Chinese president.

China has also clamped down on online journalism, and last month saw the suspension of over 580 social media accounts, including those belonging to popular online commentators.

(Agencies)

Sujata Koirala withdraws from NC presidency race Kathmandu, Mar.3: Nepali Congress (NC) Party leader Sujata Koirala on Thursday withdrew her candidacy for the post of party president and announced her support for Ram Chandra Paudel. Paudel, who is the acting president of the party along with General Secretary Krishna Prasad Sitaula, had announced their candidacies yesterday .

Senior leader Sher Bahadur Deuba will be declaring his candidacy along with a separate panel. Koirala made the announcement today at a press conference at her residence in presence of Paudel. Meanwhile, Deuba is scheduled to hold a press conference later in the day.(ANI)

its programme," Stewart said during his testimony before the House Armed Services Committee on Worldwide Threats.

Pakistan will face internal security threats from militant, sectarian and separatist groups this year, he said, adding that ISIS in Khorasan and alQaeda in the Indian subcontinent will also remain significant security

concerns for Islamabad.

Counterinsurgency operations along Pakistan's western border and paramilitary operations in Karachi have had some success in reducing violence and are likely to continue, he said.

Tensions between India and Pakistan subsided in late last year following high-level diplomatic engagement and an agreement to continue talks next

year, he noted However, there remains a significant risk that tensions could once again escalate with little warning, particularly if there is a large-scale terrorist attack in India, Stewart said. Pakistan has ruled out any change in its "dynamic" policy of increasing its nuclear weapons, dismissing the US' request in this regard, and citing India's rapid military modernization. (Agencies)

Pakistan has ruled out any change in its "dynamic" policy of increasing its nuclear weapons, dismissing the US' request in this regard, and citing India's rapid military modernization.

Pakistan to cut off support to terror groups like JeM and LeT Washington Mar. 3 : In what is being read as a development of significance, the Government of Pakistan has agreed to cut off support to leading terror groups like the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and the Lashkar-eTayyiba (LeT), while the United States has welcomed the several steps taken by Islamabad to counter terrorism, including the detention of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) leader Maulana Masood Azhar.This major development has found indirect mention in the joint statement issued at the end of the sixth ministerial-level Pakistan-U.S. Strategic Dialogue.While noting the reference to the terror groups JeM and LeT, senior U.S. analysts said this statement by Pakistan could be "a form of window dressing to mislead the West."The real test, they said, would come after verification of Pakistan's true intents, as in the past also such deceptions have been targeted at Western Governments.

The American delegation was led by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, while the Pakistan delegation was led by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's

Nawaz Sharif Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz.Referring to the Pakistan-based terrorist groups, "Advisor Aziz affirmed the Government of Pakistan's resolve to take effective action against United Nationsdesignated terrorist individuals and entities, including al-Qa'ida, the Haqqani Network, and Lashkar-e-Tayyiba and its affiliates, as per its international commitments and obligations under United Nations Security Council resolutions and the Financial Action Task Force," the joint statement issued after the talks, said.Noting the steps taken by Pakistan to date, including the detention of Maulana Masood Azhar, the United States delegation appreciated Prime Minister Sharif's stated com-

mitment to take prompt and decisive action on this investigation and to bring the perpetrators of the January 2, 2016 attack on the Pathankot air base in India's Punjab state to justice.The joint statement also agreed that both sides would take effective action against all violent extremists, and specifically underscored the view that no country's territory should be used to destabilize other countries.

Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to countering terrorism, including by targeting all terrorists without discrimination. The United States and Pakistan committed to continue promoting peace, stability, and transparency in the region and to eliminate the threats posed by violent extremism and

terrorism.The two delegations also said they looked forward to the upcoming Law Enforcement and Counterterrorism Working Group meeting where both would work together to further bolster Pakistan's judicial and law enforcement authorities capacity to enforce the rule of law and combat terrorism, including the financing of terrorism.Both sides underscored the need for effective action against all violent extremists that threaten regional security.

The United States expressed appreciation for the role Pakistan has played in helping to degrade al-Qa'ida and its affiliates. Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to taking action, in line with the country's National Action Plan, to ensure that the Taliban are unable to operate from Pakistani soil. Acknowledging the emerging terrorist threat posed by ISIL/ Da'esh in the region, the U.S. and Pakistani delegations agreed that their countries should work closely together to counter this threat of mutual concern, and affirmed their commitment to combat the extremist ideology that fuels such groups.

Pakistan reiterated its firm resolves not to allow ISIL/ Da'esh to develop a foothold in its territory, and the United States expressed its appreciation for Pakistan's efforts in this regard.The two sides underscored the imperative of quickly catalyzing direct peace talks between the Afghan government and Taliban to end the bloodshed and preserve Afghanistan's unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. According to the joint statement, Secretary Kerry welcomed Pakistan's calls on the Taliban to seek a negotiated settlement to end the Afghan conflict and its constructive role in establishing an important regional initiative like the Quadrilateral Coordination Group (QCG) that brings together representatives from Afghanistan, Pakistan, China, and the United States to achieve the shared objective of initiating peace negotiations between the Afghan government and Taliban.It was agreed that all members of the QCG will intensify their efforts to forge broader regional consensus in support of the Afghan-led reconciliation process as the best way to bring peace and stability to the region.

(ANI)

'No casualties from major quake in Indonesia' Jakarta, Mar 3: No damage or casualty were reported after a 7.9-magnitude earthquake hit the Indonesian island of Sumatra the previous day, officials said on Thursday. "There's no report on death toll based on the information from our monitoring team," West Sumatra Deputy Governor Nasrul Abit said. The

massive quake that struck on Wednesday off the Indonesian island of Sumatra had prompted a tsunami alert which was lifted a couple of hours later.

Indonesia's Meteorology, Climate and Geophysics Agency, said the aftershocks were recorded on Thursday morning rumbling throughout the re-

gion, with a 5.8-magnitude at 7.10 a.m. and a 5.3- magnitude at 9.30 a.m. The agency said people should remain calm and vigilant, as they estimated that the tremors had reduced in force since the major quake which caused a panic among residents in Padang, who were previously traumatized by the 2009 earth-

quake that killed more than 1,000 people. "Based on data from these aftershocks we do not believe there will be an earthquake of greater strength," the agency said.

The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) said the 115 affected areas in five provinces were safe and the residents have been sug-

gested to return to their homes. The National Search and Rescue Agency also dispatched a ship carrying military personnel, and search and rescue officers to to Tuapejat in the Mentawai islands, which were the closest land to the quake's epicentre. The team will check on the situation of the isolated communities. (Agencies)

Mobile HIV testing labs to debut in Beijing Beijing, Mar 3 : Mobile HIV-testing vehicles are set to debut in the Chinese capital Beijing, providing free tests and helping link the needy with follow-up treatment, the media reported on Thursday.The first five electric minicars with three seats each were launched at an art exhibition held on Tuesday by the UNAIDS China office and the National Centre for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention Centre to mark Global Zero Discrimination Day, which falls on March 1.They will travel to areas

frequented by gay men, such as certain bars, bath houses and parks to reach out to the group for intervention and care, according to Xiao Dong, head of the team, which currently has 15 volunteers."Some of them speak English, and foreigners are welcome to come for the free tests as well," he added. No ID is required.

Oral swab kits are used and give results in 15 minutes, he said. Follow-up counselling and referral to treatment and care will be given to those who test positive.Wu

Mobile HIV-testing vehicles are set to debut in the Chinese capital Beijing Zunyou, head of the National Centre for AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Dis-

ease Control and Prevention, welcomed such a pioneering approach, saying "it

would help supplement current testing methods and reach out to the susceptible more actively".Currently, China has more than 2,000 government HIV testing and counselling outlets for free tests, but many individuals at risk, particularly gay men, are reluctant to go.According to Wu, the HIV epidemic has been hitting young gay men hard.Last year, among the newly detected HIV cases involving male students aged 15 to 24, nearly 81 percent contracted the virus via gay sex. (Agencies)

Sedition case: Khaleda Zia to appear before court on Apr. 10 Dhaka, Mar.3 : A Dhaka court on Thursday asked Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson Khaleda Zia to appear before it on April 10 in connection with a sedition

case filed over her comment on Liberation War martyrs.According to reports, Metropolitan Magistrate Jakir Hossain Tipu passed the order after Khaleda's lawyer filed the

petition. Khaleda's lawyer said that she could not appear before the court today due to illness and can appear on the next scheduled date if given time.

The sedition suit against

Khaleda was filed by Supreme Court lawyer Momtaz Uddin Ahmad Mehedi, who is also a member of the ruling Awami League's Central Committee. Khaleda had

last year said that there were controversies over how many were martyred in the Liberation War. Her comment drew widespread protests among the pro-liberation quarters. (ANI)

Foreign delegates start arriving for convention

Chief Minister of Bihar Nitish Kumar Kathmandu, Mar 3: Foreign delegates have started arriving in Kathmandu to attend the 13th General Convention of Nepali Congress that will begin here on Thursday at Khula Manch.Chief Minister of Bihar Nitish Kumar, among others, landed in the Capital on Wednesday afternoon. Upon arrival, he headed straight to Maharajgunj to pay tribute to former prime minister and president of Nepali Congress late Sushil Koirala. Nitish also paid separate courtesy calls to President Bidhya Devi Bhandari and Prime Minister K P Oli and discussed matters related to mutual concern.

The chief minister of Bihar then met UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal where he inquired about the agitation of a few

Madhes-based parties and implementation of the new constitution. In the meeting, Dahal told Nitish that implementation of the new constitution has already begun and majority of demands forwarded by the Madhes-based parties have been met. Nitish also discussed the recurrent floods in Bihar caused by rivers originating from Nepal and sought joint cooperation to tame it, according to Dahal's aide. Hasanul Haq Inu, minister for Information and Communication of Bangladesh, has also arrived here in Kathmandu to take part in the general convention.According to the Foreign Department of the Nepali Congress; several other delegates from India and other countries will be attending the conclave.

(Agencies)

Pakistan housing Afghanistan Taliban leaders: Sartaj Aziz

SaetajAziz Islamabad, Mar.3: Pakistan's Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz has admitted that Islamabad has considerable influence over the Taliban because its leaders live in the country. Pakistan for years had denied that it provides safe haven to the Afghan Taliban on its soil.

Neither did Pakistan ever mention that it could do anything to end the violent campaign in Afghanistan that has since 2002 killed thousands of civilians and international troops. The

Dawn quoted Aziz, as saying that, "We have some influence over them because their leadership is in Pakistan and they get some medical facilities.Their families are here. We can use those levers to pressurise them to say, 'Come to the table'.

But we can't negotiate on behalf of the Afghan government because we cannot offer them what the Afghan government can offer them." Aziz unusual comment was made at Washington's Council on Foreign Relations think tank on March 1. (Agencies)

Last week, Pakistan, Afghanistan, the United States and China had agreed on a road map to end the Afghan war through negotiations between Kabul and the Taliban.

Hydropower station in Myanmar resumes operation Nay Pyi Taw, Mar 3 : An over-five decades-old hydropower station in Myanmar's Kayah state has resumed full operation following the completion of its all-round rehabilitation project.The 168-megawatt (mw) Biluchaung hydropower station resumed service after all six machines with installed capacity of 28 mw each were rehabilitated.

According to the electric power ministry, during the fiscal year 2015-16, electricity has reached 41 of 114 villages while works are underway to electrify the

remaining 73 villages in Kayah state.The number of villages with access to electricity will total 256 at the end of the current fiscal year in the state which is expected to see 90 percent power coverage in the years to come, the ministry said.

Myanmar has a total of 5,235 mw of electricity from hydropower, naturalgas-fired, diesel-fired and coal--fired plants in 201516, up 1,822 mw from 3,413 mw in 2010-11, seeing 34 percent power coverage across the country.

(Agencies)

PAGE 8

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, MARCH 4

Unreal in pampered India Developing Entrepreneurship Strong empowerment of youth It's a known fact that India, today, is an emerging economy that is destined to achieve milestones, on various fronts, in the near future.

However, for India, to acquire the status of a Photo: yalicreatives "developed" nation, it needs to create 100 million jobs as per statistics point out. The development of Indian society in general and the growth of the economy in large, requires the strong empowerment of youth and their transformation from job seekers to job creators, by channelizing their creative skill and energy towards successful business ventures.

In a developing economy like India, promotion of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship has become a priority for the governments, financial institutions and academic institutions. Partly because, it is believed that such growth was made possible by efforts of the governments, institutions, and individuals who responded to calls for setting up business units. India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world. It also has a significant youth population. But the country has only a substantial number of entrepreneurs. If India is to tap the entrepreneurial talent of its people, its leaders must enact significant reforms that increase support for new businesses in the formal sector. India needs to minimize barriers and provide support that will accelerate entrepreneurial growth.

Today's students of higher educational institutions of India are ambitious to experiment new things but unfortunately are not encouraged by their parents because parents want their children to play safe. Entrepreneurship is quite challenging and most of the students in that age and stage would like to try for it but the socio-economic conditions do not encourage for the same.

More than 60% of the Indian population possesses personality traits that are crucial for success as an entrepreneur - such as Business thinking, optimism and persistence which suggests a wealth of entrepreneur capacity. However, willingness to take the risk of running a business is not a common trait among a majority of indices. There is a need to cultivate leadership qualities and inculcate entrepreneur skills among the Indian youth so that it helps in the rapid progress of our country.

Insurgency in Northeast Issue needs to be tackled soon State and non-state elements in India's neighbourhood have been supporting insurgency in the North-East to weaken the Indian state. In the 1960s and 1970s, insurgents from the region, particularly the Naga rebels, had received moral and material support from China. Moreover, elements in Pakistan and Bangladesh too have been aiding NorthEast Indian insurgents from time to time. The sanctuaries in Bhutan and Myanmar have emerged out of the inability of their governments to adequately administer the border areas or deal effectively with the hostile activities of the Indian insurgents inside their respective territories. Nagaland, Manipur, Assam and Tripura had been witnessing conflict since 1950-60 period, but since 1990, the intensity of conflicts started to decrease. Now the only state where prominent insurgency exists is Manipur. But in this region several armed factions operate. Some groups call for a separate state, others for regional autonomy while some extreme groups demand complete independence. Some of the active insurgent groups in North East India are NSCN-IM, NSCN-K, PREPAK, ULFA, NDFB, National Liberation Front of Tripura, ANVC etc. The biggest challenge to the North East is extortion carried out by various insurgent groups. Extortion has become meticulously organised activity in the region and is one of the major sources of funds for the militants. Bhutan and Nepal became safe sanctuaries for other insurgent groups like the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) and the Kamtapur Liberation Organization (KLO). The terror groups also preferred Bhutan as it was easy for them to carry out operations across the border in India and return back to their safe hideouts in southern Bhutan. The insurgency in Manipur also received support from Bangladesh. Similarly, in Tripura, both the major outlawed rebel groups-the National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) and the All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF)-fighting for independent tribal homelands, operated from bases in adjoining Bangladesh.

The North East still remains inward looking focussing primarily on internal conflicts. There is no discussion on the benefits that could accrue to the region from the Look East Policy. Security situation in the region has improved considerably in Assam and Meghalaya in particular facilitating conducive atmosphere for investment and development. The Northeast Industrial Policy initiated by the Government of India further contributed in encouraging investment and industries in the region. Despite the overwhelming international consensus evolving against international terrorism, the forces inimical to India are yet to curb their covert and overt support to insurgent and terrorist groups operating against India in the North-East. Bangladesh government's action against the IIGs and 'Operation All Clear' launched by Bhutan against insurgents in the North-East created a positive impact and prompted other neighbouring nations to tighten the noose on these groups; however, this has not made insurgent outfits completely defunct.

The insurgent outfits have successfully managed to shift their bases to other places. To ensure peace in the North-East, in addition to the counterinsurgency operations, there is a need to increase diplomatic pressure on countries which are providing safe havens to these insurgents.

With NDMC winning the the air. And as it was not smart city challenge, the seen, it could not exist, so contrast between where nothing needed to be the government lives and done. where the rest of the citi- This incident came to my zens live could not have mind when I read that the been more evident and Government of India had decided to select New striking Many years ago, when Delhi-Lutyens' Delhi-for Delhi's air pollution was the smart city makeover. as high as it is today, my Under this scheme, 20 colleague Anil Agarwal cities have been selected and I had gone to meet a based on "rigorous" criteria to imhigh-rankurban ing, responSunita Narain prove sible govliving. The ernment official. This Government of India will was in the mid-1990s, now provide funds and when air was black be- expertise to make the cause we did not even city "smart"-defined as have the most rudimen- innovative approaches to tary fuel quality and improvement in urban emission controls. The services. This means that official was genuinely the government will stumped by our demand spend on facilities to that government should make its own living area take steps to control run- even better and more reaway pollution. He kept moved from the squalor, asking, "But is Delhi re- poverty and pollution of ally polluted?" I was the rest of India. equally flummoxed; air The announcement dewas foul and black. How claring New Delhi Municipal Council a winner could he miss it?

Then I realised that his of the smart city chalworld was not mine to lenge came when the rest see. He travelled from of Delhi was drowning in his home, located in luxu- urban waste. Municipal riantly green Lutyens' workers had declared a Delhi-also known as the strike alleging non-payNew Delhi Municipal ment of their dues. The Council (NDMC), where contrast between where government resides-to his the government lives and office, also in the same where the rest of the citiverdant surroundings. zens live could not have Nowhere did he see any been more evident and dirt; nowhere did he smell striking. The fact that the

Image for representational purpose (Photo: cdn.downtoearth.org.) government was now investing even more to make its own world better is a damning indictment of its non-inclusive approach to urban India.

Just think. This is India's gated community of elite access. Of the total land area of Delhi, Lutyens' city-named after the British urban planner and constructed to reflect the grandeur of the colonial state-is only three per cent. The Government of India owns over 80 per cent of the land, including the buildings in the Lutyens zone. No democracy is at work here.

The NDMC is a council and not a corporation, so it is headed not by an elected representative

but by a bureaucrat.

It is also a parasite of a city; it has the highest water footprint as compared to any other part of India. Its daily per capita water supply is 462 litres, while in other parts of the same city people get below 30 litres. Even as per government's own norms, which specify highest water supply as 150 litres per capita per day, this is excessive, indeed gluttonous and wasteful. This water inequity is shameful and should have, in fact, disqualified Lutyens' Delhi from any smart city challenge in my view.

It is also highly land-extravagant. While the city of Delhi has been implod-

ing with a decadal growth rate of almost 50 per cent, the NDMC area is so privileged that it has a negative decadal growth rate of 2 per cent, according to its own subzonal plan. In other words, people are not welcome in this gated city. In this city of India, over 30 per cent of the land is under recreational purposes. This is so out of sync with the rest of the city and indeed the rest of India that is fighting for its inches of green spaces.

But even with all this land, the gated city of NDMC does not manage its own waste. This is sent to the rest of Delhi's landfills.

Its land is too precious for

its waste. It does a lot of "cute" stuff like segregation of waste and even involves rag pickers in collecting waste from households. But the bulk of its waste goes to Okhla, where the compost plant is dysfunctional, and the rest to Delhi's overflowing Ghazipur landfill. This is when it has no shortage of funds as government spends on itself without any questions.

New Delhi is not a smart city for all these reasons.

It is certainly not a city that can be replicated in the rest of India. It is resource-inefficient, highly iniquitous and highly environmentally unprincipled.

This is not what smart cities should stand for.

Former New York mayor and billionaire Michael Bloomberg's foundation, Bloomberg Philanthropies, is government's knowledge partner for the Smart Cities Initiative.

This initiative will define what smart cities will mean for India and what we must aspire to. It is important for this reason alone that they must choose wisely. The symbols of India's urban renewal cannot be cities for the elite and by the elite. This is not smart-not by a long shot. Courtesy: Down to earth

UP's mini-grid policy tries to boost rural electrification Following its move to al- planning, revenue, New low a special status to and Renewable Energy mini-solar-grids, the Development Agency Uttar Pradesh govern- (NEDA), Uttar Pradesh ment released details on Power Corporation Limthe mini-grid policy last ited (UPPCL) and week. Under the heads of power distribuscheme, the state gov- tion companies in the ernment will facilitate state. The committee t h e will p r i - Aruna Kumarankandath also vate overplayers to set up solar see, monitor and resolve plants to power rural issues arising out of this households and recover policy. tariff from the users.

The policy has limited The Uttar Pradesh Elec- the size of mini-grid to tricity Regulatory Com- 500 kW. It also states mission (UPERC) conditions to qualify for Chairman Desh Deepak state government's subVerma had earlier said, sidy.

"Mini-grids would be " Developers granted special status need to procure their since they would facili- own land for the tate rural consumers projects. who either do not have " It mandates access to electricity or minimum eight hours of lack supply. Solar grids electricity supply - three will also help in reducing hours in the morning and UP's carbon footprint." five hours in the evening The policy has been de- to all households willing signed by a 12-member to pay in the chosen area committee comprising of " Supply for proInfrastructure and Indus- duction and commercial trial Development Com- needs for six hours missioner (IIDC), secre- In an unprecedented taries from departments scenario, the policy also like energy, finance, specifies what the devel-

oper would charge the consumer in case they choose to avail the government subsidy. It states, "Developer will charge Rs 50 per month for load of 30 Watt, Rs 150 per month for load up to 100 Watt for eight hours of daily electricity supply and for the load more than 100 Watt tariff will be on mutual consent between consumers and developer." However there is no indication on how these tariff rates were designed or calculated.

There is also an alternative of not opting for government subsidy. In that case, the developers have no obligation of a minimum supply and can charge a mutuallyagreed tariff. Previous experiences in UP and other states have shown that the range of tariff charged is wide, from Rs 20 to Rs 120 per unit.

These variations in rates are unfair to rural costumers as rates in cities are lower (Rs 3-8 per unit).

One of the most impor-

tant concerns of the mini-grid developers has been the uncertainty of the plant when conventional grid arrives. The state has, hence, laid out two exit policies for the developers: 1.

The energy gen-

Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission/ tariff decided on mutual consent. Project developer will be given priority for authorisation as a franchisee by DISCOM, or 2.

Based on the cost benefit analysis of the in-

Mini-grids can provide an opportunity to redefine the electricity sector (Photo: cdn.downtoearth.org.) erated from the plant will be received in the grid by Power Distribution Companies (DISCOM) at the tariff decided by Uttar

stalled project, the project will be transferred to the DISCOM at the cost determined on mutual consent between DISCOM and

Certain Relevant Thoughts Vis-Ă -vis Anti - Indian Notion

Parliament of India (Photo: picsin)

developer by the estimation of cost / profit or loss of the project installed by the developer.

Uttar Pradesh has one of the lowest rates of electrification in the country at around 36.8 per cent.

Mini-grids can provide an

Sir, After independence, deliberations that took place both in the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, there were meaningful, inimicable debates. No fisticuff, no pandemonium, no stalling of proceedings by the sloganeering members, no hurling of abuse, nothing of the fort. Almost all the members were gifted with the gift of the gab.

One simply remained enthralled by the eloquence of these members. The prime-minister pandit Jawaharlal Nehru himself was an erudite person. But the state of affairs in parliament started worsening with the passage of time. Time has come to such a pass that we could witness two members of a particular party taking devilish pleasure sprinkling pepper powder against tabling of the Telengana Bill, Ambitious politicians spend crores to make their way to the Lok Sabha, they indulge in all sorts of gimmickry to see that democracy does not work, doing their best not to function it. Much money goes down the Parliamentary drain with nothing achieved.

Time has come to mend it or end it, switching over from the British form to either American or French pattern.

In India, we have observed with concern that

Pakistan with the help of ISI and some terrorist-groups like LeT let loose a reign of terror from time to time killing innocent people. That apart, in the border areas, the Pakistani army remains agile by firing shells killing some innocent Indian villagers living in the vicinity. Very often, our intelligent agency caught some members connected with the dreaded IS or LeT who are up and doing to destabilize India, fluttering of Pakistani flag in Kashmir becomes a common sight. Under such a volcanic backdrop, the antinational activities in certain universities, by some students with the blessings of some teachers are simply adding salt to the injury. One remains appalled by the efforts of some politicians trying to fish in troubled water, not excepting our 'Yuvaraj'. Are they fanning the flame?

As a common man, all that we understand is, not allow any anti-national activities in universities like JNU, Jadavpur or Hyderabad. Needless to say, these anti-Indian activities simply nurture the fundamentalists to flex their muscles.

Such elements should be nipped in the bud.

Yours etc.

Ashok Bordoloi Dibrugarh

opportunity to redefine the electricity sector in the state and the policy is a good start. Courtesy: Down to earth

Best Letter The best letter of the month in the Letter to the Editor section will be awarded an amount of Rs 200.

So please keep writing.

Letters to the editor and articles should be sent to : The Eastern Today Chowkidingee, Near Sankardeva Hospital Mancotta Road, Dibrugarh786003 (Assam) Ph: 0373-2328944 Web : editor.easterntoday@gmail.com

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DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, MARCH 4

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This is how the Finance Minister turned a blind eye to India's children in this budget Amidst the global eco- 3.32 per cent share [as per in India, Startup India, nomic slowdown, Mr. Statement 22 of Expendi- with such reduced finanArun Jaitley in his Budget ture Budget Volume I] of cial resources, would the Speech indicated that the total financial alloca- children belonging to miIndia's economy is stable tions, which is a significant norities or children with and the GDP has acceler- 13.54 percent jump from disabilities be included in ated to a commendable 7.6 the previous year's alloca- this dream of 'Sabka Saath per cent growth. On 29th tion (3.26 percent in 2014- Sabka Vikas'?

Mr. Jaitley, in his Budget February 2016, the NDA- 15). led government presented While this is a welcome Speech mentioned that "afits third ter universalisation of primary educaUnion Budget. Farhana Yasmin and Kumar Shailabh tion throughout In his the country, we Budget Speech, the Fi- increase in the overall bud- want to take the next big nance Minister mentioned get for children, there are step forward by focusing that the "Plan Allocations major reductions in some on the quality of educahave given special empha- of the key programmes tion." And yet, we see a sis to sectors like agricul- related to children belong- mere 2.27 percent increase ture, irrigation, social sec- ing to minorities like 'Pre- in funds allocated for the tor including health, Matric Scholarship for Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan. women and child develop- Minorities' (reduced by This face-value increase ment, welfare of Sched- 10.48%), 'Post Matric must be examined in the uled Castes and Scheduled Scholarship for Minorities' light of findings of EcoTribes, minorities, infra- (reduced by 5.19%), nomic Survey 2015-16. As structure, etc." ButHAQ 'Scheme for Providing per the Survey, there is a Centre For Child Rights' Education to Madrassas/ declining trend in the peranalysis of the Union Bud- Minorities' (reduced by centage of enrolment in get through children's per- 68.04%), 'Incentive to government schools in ruspective shows otherwise. Children of Vulnerable ral areas from 72.9 percent Before delving deeper into Groups among Schedule in 2007 to 63.1 percent in the analysis of the Budget, Castes' (reduced by 90%). 2014 and it emphasised it is pertinent to note that What is more, one of the upon the need to increase children, in particular, did two schemes addressing the percentage of enrolnot find any mention in the the needs of children with ment substantially to Budget Speech. This com- disabilities, 'Deendayal Dis- achieve universalization of Rehabilitation education. Can a mere pels one to question the abled Government's perspective Scheme' saw a significant 2.27% increase in the SSA of 'Inclusive Growth' 25 percent reduction budget from the previous when one of the most against the previous year's year help address both demarginalised and vulner- allocation. While the nation cline in enrolment in govable sections get no atten- is high on dreams of smart ernment schools and imcities, GDP growth, digital proved quality of primary tion at all.

This year, children received literacy in rural India, Make education?

Further, last year, the NDA government had announced the 'Scheme for Setting up 6000 Model schools at block level as benchmark of excellence' with great pride. It took just a year for the government to revisit its decision, and hence, no more model schools in 2016-17.

As against a 21.8% decline in the child health allocations last year, this year witnesses an increase of 3.6%. But, as a proportion of the Union Budget, it has declined from 0.13% in 2015-16 to 0.12% in 201617. The 2015-16 Economic Survey clearly notes that "while the achievements of the National Health Mission in reaching affordable healthcare services must be applauded, the need of universal healthcare, both in terms of access and quality remains a cause of concern." As a share of the Union Budget, child health has seen a consistent decline over the last five years, going down from 0.18% in 2012-13 to 0.12% in 2016-17, showing the low priority accorded to this over the years. Right to health as a fundamental right remains a distant dream.

Another flagship scheme related to young children, the 'Integrated Child Devel-

Image for representational purpose only. (Photo: static.sify) opment Scheme' (ICDS) has seen a boost of 68% against previous year's allocation. This scheme has been allocated a total sum of Rs. 14,000 Crore.

Though such an increase must be applauded, the mission document of ICDS has fixed a total requirement of Rs. 30,325 crore for universalisation of this scheme. There is still a huge shortfall of Rs.

Badnaam munni, jawaan shiela and poor India Yes, we have all loved dirty dancing gives the them in the past year. So much-needed career boost much so that some of us to actresses, most of might even have spent our whom are owners of meprecious hard earned diocre acting skills and money to go to the movie oodles of sex appeal. It theatre to watch the mov- seems like everyone is a ies featuring these songs. winner here. The producIt's not just the above men- ers and directors get due tioned two songs that I am publicity for their othertalking of. It is the whole wise senseless movies, new genre actresses Akanksha Mittal get a career of "item numbers" boost, muthat we shall be looking sicians get the creative into! Oh, "new" is an un- pleasure of having a large der-statement here, for number of people being item songs have been the addicted to their compolife-line of Bolly-movies sition and the Indian audisince time immemorial, as ence gets some cheap enthey say! Remember tertainment.

Helen's "Yeh Mera Dil"? But of course, the fact that Well, I am sure her daugh- more than half of the Inter-in-law (ex?) would dian population lives behave done her very proud low the poverty line and this year! that most of them do not But without getting mean even have enough money here, let us get back to the to buy their ration does topic of discussion. There not hold any significance is no doubt that actresses here! Or, maybe it does. are paid in heaps for just The whole madness about one odd item song per- item songs clearly points formed by them. It is al- at the disparity between most like a mad race be- the rich and poor. No, I tween producers wherein am not trying to replay the the one who pays the same old morals-and-ethmaximum amount for an ics story here. But, it is item song is the winner! mere foolishness to pay a In such a cat-fight, the whopping Rs.1.5 crore for actresses play the mon- such mediocre examples keys who run away with of creativity - Item songs! the producer's money as Dada Saheb Phalke would well as a huge fan follow- be turning in his grave, ing in their kitty. Such seeing the kind of response

Image for representational purpose only. (Photo: pinkvilla) to such obscenities!

The producers create what sells. And, item songs surely sell. So we have a whole series of item songs that try to outdo one another in terms of ridiculous lyrics, obscene clothing and sultry dancing.

Since there are so many of these, the audience has no choice but to watch them and appreciate them!

It is like a vicious cycle of demand and supply, both the variables being interrelated! The trends in Bollywood cinema show that the audience did seem to grow out of item songs in the era of the 90's, but as they say, history re-

peats itself!

Recently a woman filed a petition for the banning of the movie Tees Maar Khan due to the presence of the much-loved song, Sheila Ki Jawani in it. She also appealed to the court that the song Munni Badnaam Hui be removed from the Salman Khan starrer Dabangg. Now, that takes real courage! It's surprising why the government is taking so much time to decide! But, of course we are no one to question here! However, here it is important to note that if at all government involvement could help in such a scenario; it would be

through setting an upper limit to the fees paid to actresses for such songs.

Simply appealing to remove one odd song from a movie would not help solve the problem (if at all the Indian audience thinks of this madness as a problem!)

Moreover, a whole transformation in people's attitude towards such songs needs to be brought.

Gradually and steadily, but it has to be combined with strict government actions!

Perhaps, it would not be a bad idea for the Censor Board to actually set the Tax limit on movies according to the presence of such obscenities as item songs. Doing this would promote meaningful cinema that aims to actually reach out to people in a more constructive and creative manner, without succumbing to the pathetic trends of the time!

Lastly, people will eventually grow out of these songs, considering the forgetful nature of the Indian audience. What remains to be tackled is the fact that a lot of precious public money that can be used for various other important growth related projects actually goes down the drain of such cheap antics.

Are we forgetting our classical dances?

The tradition of classical ered obsolete and boring, ish away (and maybe pick dance and music dates especially by the younger up in the west). back thousands of years generation. Can we recall in India. The world fa- any contemporary classi- Many factors led to the mous dance cal dancer's ignorance of our precious forms origi- Manali Misra name? Pos- heritage. The western nated and desibly, only a style dance appears to be veloped in India like handful of us can. Thus, cool so it appeals to the Kathak, Bharatnatyam, we are already taking youngsters. Most of us Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Odissi and Mohiniattam have their individual history and importance. There was a time when dance was supposed to have a divine association with the people and the artists were revered. Dance has also passed the mythological stories from generation to generation.

But, this no longer holds India is known worldwide for its various forms of importance in today's classical dance. (Photo: wordpress) modern era where western dance and pop music steps forward to forget do not want to try a chalare prevalent. our classical dances and lenging dance form like if the present situation the classical dances.

All the classical dance continues, ultimately Another factor can be the forms are now consid- classical dances will van- commercialization of the

various dance forms.

Fewer men look at these dance forms as divine and those who try to learn are looked down upon as classical dances are not hep. Some one has aptly remarked, "Strangely students of the performing arts are neglected; actually they have as little access to performers, except their teachers, as anybody else.

At a very basic level, there is no difference between music and dance or the various disciplines within. They are all forms of cultural expression. We need to give the next generation more access, more exposure so that it adds to their growth; not just as performers but as people."

How many of us actually want a classical dance performance in any event? We want enter-

tainment value, which we feel is not present in classical dance forms. Classical dance does not seem interesting to us because we never try to understand it. Every action has a meaning. We fail to realise the fact that indeed the most successful dancers and musicians have to undergo a training of classical dance too.

Only the young generation can carry our heritage of classical dance forward. We should try our best to preserve the original dance forms and let the heritage prevail.

People should not only be made to see these dances, but must also be introduced to various facets of the particular dance form, like how and when was it formed, it's existence, etc. This might create curiosity.

16,325 crore, which must not be ignored. The allocation for ICDS must be seen in the context of restructuring of ICDS which needs additional investment with additional provisions in the system for covering children who get left out (e.g. migrants, transients). This will also necessitate revisiting the provisions for reaching underserved and

unreached tribal settlements which may require specific budgetary allocations.

The only scheme related to child labour in Statement 22 is the 'Scheme for the Welfare of Working Children in Need of Care and Protection' observed a decrease of 70 percent in allocation in the 2016-17 Union Budget. It must be

noted that India is home to 12.6 million child labourers (Census 2011) in the age group of 5-14 years.

Not only does the child protection sector remain the most under-resourced, the 2016-17 budget clearly does not offer much solace with the allocation for Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS) down by 1.3%. ICPS has been allocated Rs. 397 Crore in 2016-17. The allocation was Rs. 402.23 Crore in the 2015-16 Budget. An increase in both crimes against children and by children make them even more vulnerable, and hence, this lack of attention to child protection is very disconcerting.

The Finance Minister seems to have already forgotten the warning from the Economic Survey 2015-16 which stated that "India is already halfway through its demographic dividend, and taking full advantage requires a healthy and educated population."

What is more, the government seems to have forgotten its own commitment to inclusive growth. A mere increase from 3.26% to 3.32% cannot be a call for celebration when children remain unprotected and uncared for.

Product endorsements and celebrity influence We are quite familiar with the humungous number of brands that are using celebrities to attract the masses and up their sales. It is their idea of propagation. There is a gradual increase in the celebrity endorsements over the past few years and it is now debatable whether it's the brand name or celebrity fame that is the reason for success of any product. It has now become a common knowledge that any Celebrity endorsements advertisements are seen product with a popular flooding the television screen these days. (Photo: personality supporting it indiaretailing) is sure to be a hit with the people. But with so many celebrities making their fame. The use of any ce- lebrity to any product way into the field, and lebrity hikes the sales of must be reasonable and few going for multiple a product. A commercial must be framed such that endorsements, people are needs to be framed with the significance of the extra care to product is not lost due to dubious about attract as well the overpowering presproduct selecas impress the ence of the celeb. The intion. Few even Pavithra S public, but dustry has witnessed worry that the when a celeb- cases in which products products will soon lose their natural rity is used to promote a endorsements have values and all that would product a product, his merely been the source matter will be the celeb- mere presence does the of additional income for trick. the celebs in spite of the rity vouching for it.

Nike is one of the most One of the main reasons obvious failure of the iconic brands and a highly for the use of celebrities product. favored one. It is also is the trust and faith the From a consumer's point known for its continuous people have in them. of view, when my favorassociation with top ce- They believe the star's ite actor/sportsperson lebrities to take their recommendations to be vouches for a product, I brand to every person. It the best and ideal. An- try to switch to that prodhas been a leading brand other reason perhaps uct, but when the same for shoes, t-shirts and maybe that people al- person promotes more many sports accessories. ways look up to those than two items I become Until lately, it was a they consider superior to incertitude towards his stranger to the world of them. Using those prod- claims. In yet another golf. Being a very elite ucts which their role case, when my favorite game in itself, many models claim to use gives celeb has been replaced speculated that Nike them a sense of belong- by another celeb, I tend would not last long with ing as well as boosts their to stop using that product, since, according to me, it its introduction of golf- morale. is not something my farelated apparels, accessories and equipments. But there are bound to be vorite personality uses But to everyone's amaze- few shortcomings to this anymore. So the opinion ment, the use of Tiger type of promotional ac- of the public wavers with Woods to endorse this tivity. It is quite arguable each ad and with each range of products not if the popularity of a ce- commercial. only popularized the lebrity overshadows a Though celebrity enbrand but it became a brand, and also the asso- dorsements have helped leading retailer in this as ciation of celebrities with marketers sell their prodwell. This is a tactic now a particular product must ucts, they have their own closely followed by many be reasonable and logi- limitations. It is wise for cal. Not all products en- customers to consider companies.

In short, celebrity en- dorsed by celebrities both the brand name as dorsement is a kind of have clicked. Also, when well as the celebrity propropagation tool in which a brand associates itself moting it as this has now a popular icon is used as with a particular person, become a fully commera spokesperson and tes- their activities affect the cialized field. There is no tifies the product's claims product sales as much as questioning the advanand creates a positive im- the product quality influ- tages of using celebs but pression in the minds of ences the celeb's fame. the credibility of the issue people by virtue of his The association of a ce- remains doubtful.

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, MARCH 4

BUSINESS

PAGE 10

Stake worth Rs 2,069 crore in Kotak Mahindra Tata Comm deal to sell Bank offloaded by Sumitomo Mitsui Neotel collapses Mumbai, Mar 3: Japanese multinational Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp (SMBC) recently offloaded stake worth Rs 2,068.81 crore in Kotak Mahindra Bank through open market transactions. SMBC reduced its stake by 1.78 percent in the Indian private sector lender. As of December 2015, SMBC held 3.58 percent stake in the Bank. On BSE, the Japanese financial major sold 1.81 crore shares, or 0.98 percent stake for Rs 1,151.61 crore, while on NSE SMBC offloaded 1.47 crore shares or 0.80 percent stake in the Bank

Double growth in the mobile manufacture industry of India Pune, Mar 3: Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the number of mobile phones made in India in the current financial year doubled year-on-year to 11 crore.

"In 2014-15, the mobile units manufactured in the country was 5.4 crore, which has more than doubled to 11 crore in 2015-16," the Minister said. The Union Budget 2016 on Monday proposed two per cent special additional duty on components like printed circuit boards (PCBs) and peripherals such as batteries and chargers, which is likely to make phones and tablets made in India costlier. Mr. Prasad said the government had received plans to make electronic products worth Rs.1,20,294 crore till date, of these, the Rs.18,000 crore worth of proposals have been approved. (Agencies)

Jewellers on 3-day pan-India strike from yesterday Mumbai, Mar 3: Jewellers across the country have decided to go on a three-day strike from Wednesday to protest the proposed re-imposition of 1 percent excise duty and mandatory PAN cards for any transactions of Rs 2 lakh and above, an industry grouping said.

Annual imports of up to 1,000 tonnes of gold, accounting for about a quarter of India`s trade deficit, have also prompted the government to launch a scheme to mobilise a pool of more than 20,000 tonnes of the metal lying idle in homes and temples. The government imposed an excise duty in 2012, but was forced to roll it back after jewellers went on a strike.

Jewellery sales in India have fallen in the last two months due to higher gold prices and as consumers delayed purchases hoping for a cut in import duty. This has forced importers to offer a discount of up to $53 per ounce to clear inventory.

But Jaitley surprised the market by maintaining the duty and instead raising the concessional countervailing duty on imports of gold dore bars, an alloy, to 8.75 percent from 8 percent.

(Agencies)

for Rs 917.20 crore. The shares were sold at an average price of Rs 636.25 per piece on BSE and on NSE the stock was sold at Rs 623.95 per scrip.

Meanwhile, 1.81 crore shares were bought by CPP Investment Board of Canada, however, the buyers of rest of the shares could not be ascertained immediately.

At the end of 2015, the CPP Investment Board held 3.91 percent stake in Kotak Mahindra Bank.

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp is a part of the Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group and operates the second largest bank in

OFFLOADING VENTURE SMBC recently offloaded stake worth Rs 2,068.81 crore in Kotak Mahindra Bank through open market transactions.

SMBC reduced its stake by 1.78 percent in the Indian private sector lender.

On BSE, the Japanese financial major sold 1.81 crore shares, or 0.98 percent stake for Rs 1,151.61 crore, while on NSE SMBC offloaded 1.47 crore shares or 0.80 percent stake in the Bank for Rs 917.20 crore.

As of December 2015, SMBC held 3.58 percent stake in the Bank.

The shares were sold at an average price of Rs 636.25 per piece on BSE and on NSE the stock was sold at Rs 623.95 per scrip.

Japan. Private sector lender Kotak Mahindra Bank had posted a net

profit of Rs 938.31 crore for the third quarter ended December 31. During the

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp is a part of the Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group and operates the second largest bank in Japan. Private sector lender Kotak Mahindra Bank had posted a net profit of Rs 938.31 crore for the third quarter ended December 31.

During the period, total income of the lender rose to Rs 6,950.41 period, total income of the lender rose to Rs 6,950.41 crore. (Agencies)

Jamshedpur, Mar 3: Tata Communications' $500 million deal to sell Neotel, South Africa's No. 2 fixed line operator, to Vodacom has collapsed due to regulatory issues. The transaction, originally constructed in May 2014, was restructured last December after Image for representational purpose only. (Photo: computel) regulators raised anti-trust issues. The amended deal an unfair edge after they tion can no longer be proexcluded Neotel's spectrum gain Neotel's spectrum. In a gressed. Tata Communicalicences, a lucrative factor notification to the bourses, tions, which holds over 65% Tata Communi- in Neotel, added that it refor Vodacom to A fail deal cations said that mains committed to its inbuy the asset, and the agreement vestment in the South Afrionly included the company's fixed-line busi- has lapsed due to regulatory can telecom unit. Late last ness. This raised doubts on complexities in concluding year, Neotel saw some topwhether the transaction will the transaction and certain level management exits folsee the light of the day. The conditions not being ful- lowing their alleged involveSouth African regulator ar- filled. Accordingly, the par- ment in corruption cases gued that Vodacom, a unit ties have agreed that the pro- though the company gave of Vodafone Plc, will have posed restructured transac- them clean chits. (Agencies)

Online advertisers…be ready to bear the brunt of tax New Delhi, Mar 3: Now, online advertisements will also have to bear the brunt of tax as the government has proposed to impose an equalisation levy cess of six percent on services pertaining to cross border digital transactions. This involves global advertising and marketing companies doing business out of India. It means that online advertisements and digital media services companies which don't have permanent establishment in India will have to pay this tax.

A new chapter on 'equalisation levy' to be included in the Finance Bill will provide for a levy of 6 percent on "specified services received or receivable by a non-resident not having permanent establishment (PE) in India, from a resi-

With a view to provide for the administrative mechanism of the equalisation levy, it is proposed to provide for statutory authorities and also prescribes the duties and powers of the authorities to administer the equalisation levy.

Finance Minister of India, Arun Jaitley. (Photo: ibtimes)

dent in India who carries out business or profession, or from a non-resident having permanent establishment in India".

As per the BEPS action plan, OECD has recommended to impose a final withholding tax on certain payments for digital goods or services provided by a foreign e-commerce provider or impo-

sition of a equalisation levy on consideration for certain digital transactions. In order to reduce burden of small players in the digital domain, the memorandum to the Finance Bill said no such levy would imposed if the aggregate amount of consideration does not exceed Rs 1 lakh rupees in any previous year.

"In order to ensure effective compliance, it also proposes to provide for interest; penalty and prosecution in case of defaults with sufficient safeguards," the memorandum said. To avoid double taxation, government proposes to provide exemption for any income arising from providing specified services on which equalisation levy is chargeable. The digital economy is growing at ten percent per year, significantly faster than the global economy as a whole. In the Bud-

get speech, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said that in order to meet with the commitment to BEPS initiative of OECD and G-20, the Finance Bill, 2016 includes provision for requirement of country by country reporting for companies with a consolidated revenue of more than Euro 750 million. For implementing the country by country (CbC) reporting and master file submission in relation to OECD report on BEPS action plan Action 13, which is the minimum standard to be followed by every member/partner country, government proposes to provide for furnishing of documents by the specified person. "It is also proposed to provide for penal consequence in case of non-compliance by such person," Jaitley said. (Agencies)

Rs.40,000 crore additional capital for banks unlocked by RBI New Delhi, Mar 3: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) revised norms on capital recognition, making available an additional Rs.40,000 crore to Indian banks. The move comes at a time when public sector banks are facing pressure on their profitability due to a sharp rise in non-performing assets, which is eroding their capital base. The announcement is a big relief for, mainly, public sector banks, after finance minister Arun Jaitley on Monday announced in his budget speech a capital infusion of Rs. 25,000 crore for the fiscal year starting in April. The minister did

not make any increases to the capital infusion amount that was decided in August 2015. Many public sector banks reported huge losses for the quarter ended December 2015after the RBI asked lenders to identify several accounts as non-performing. Banks are expected to post weak earnings in the current quarter too. "The RBI has made some amendments to the treatment of certain balance sheet items for the purposes of determining banks' regulatory capital," the central bank said in a press release.

"The review was carried out with a view to further aligning the definition of

RBI Governor, Raghuram Rajan.

(Photo: financialexpress)

regulatory capital with the internationally adopted Basel III capital standards." The revisions introduced include recognition of revaluation

reserves arising from change in the carrying amount of a bank's property consequent upon its revaluation as common equity tier-I capital instead

of the earlier tier 2 capital, the central bank said, adding that these would continue to be reckoned at a discount of 55 per cent.

The move will unlock Rs 35,000 crore capital for public sector banks and Rs 5,000 crore for private sector banks, industry sources said. RBI said banks can recognise foreign currency reserves arising due to translation of financial statements of foreign operations to the reporting currency as common equity tier-I (CET1) capital.

Deferred tax assets arising due to timing differences may be recognised as CET1 capital up to 10 per cent of a bank's CET1 capital, it added. (Agencies)

Passenger vehicles prices of Tata Motors hiked up to Rs 35,000 Jamshedpur, Mar 3: Tata Motors recently increased prices of its passenger vehicles by up to Rs 35,000 with immediate effect to offset the impact of infrastructure cess proposed in the Budget 2016-17. "In line with the cess levies from the Budget announcement, we are increasing the prices of our passenger vehicles with immediate effect," said a Tata Motors spokesperson. The increase in the passenger vehicles will be in a range of about Rs 2,000 to Rs 35,000, based on the exact cess amount for the specific category, the spokesperson added.

Tata Motors sells a range

BUDGET'S POST EFFECT Tata Motors recently increased prices of its passenger vehicles by up to Rs 35,000 with immediate effect to offset the impact of infrastructure cess proposed in the Budget 2016-17.

The increase in the passenger vehicles will be in a range of about Rs 2,000 to Rs 35,000, based on the exact cess amount for the specific category.

Tata Motors sells a range of passenger vehicles, ranging from entry-level small car Nano to premium crossover Aria, priced between Rs 2.04 lakh and Rs Rs 15.79 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

The government has decided to impose 2.5 per cent cess on diesel vehicles of length not exceeding 4 meter and engine capacity not exceeding 1,500cc, while higher engine capacity and SUVs and bigger sedans were slapped with a cess of 4 per cent on the value of the car.

of passenger vehicles, ranging from entry-level small car Nano to premium crossover Aria, priced between Rs 2.04 lakh and Rs Rs 15.79 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

The government has decided to impose 2.5 per cent cess on diesel vehicles of length not exceeding 4 meter and engine capacity not exceeding 1,500cc, while higher engine capacity and SUVs and bigger sedans were slapped with a cess of 4 per cent on the value of the car.

These are over an above a cess of 1 per cent on petrol/ LPG/CNG driven

vehicles of length not exceeding 4 meter and engine capacity not exceeding 1,200cc. Hyundai Motor India had said that it plans to hike vehicle prices ranging from Rs 3,000 on entry-level small car Eon to Rs 80,000 on SUV SantaFe, which are priced between from Rs 3.20 lakh and Rs 30.79 lakh. Honda Cars India also plans to raise prices in a range of Rs 4,000 to Rs 80,000. The company sells six models from entry-level Brio to premium SUV CR-V, priced between Rs 4.27 lakh and Rs 25.23 lakh (all prices ex-showroom Delhi).

(Agencies)

Reliance Brands trying hard to bring in Kate Spade

Darshan Mehta, president and CEO of Reliance Brands. (Photo: intoday) Mumbai, Mar 3: Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Brands has inked a longterm licensing and distribution deal to bring New York based fashion label Kate Spade to India.

Known for having a huge appeal among millennial women, especially for its handbags, Kate Spade will compete directly with Michael Kors in India, just like it does globally. Reliance plans to open the first few stores for the brand before the end of the year.

This will be the 18th international brand in the portfolio of Reliance, which also runs 142 stores of Hamleys, Diesel and Steve Madden, among others. Kate Spade, with a market cap of $2.5 billion on the NYSE, has been diversifying into home and apparel categories with the intention of becoming a full fledged fashion house a' la Ralph Lauren. The New York based label markets accessories and apparel under two brands: Kate Spade New York and Jack Spade. In India, handbags will start at Rs 10,000 with an average price point of about Rs 25,000. Michael

Kors is sold in India by Delhi-based Genesis Colors and has had a good run since it set foot here in 2013. Kate Spade's other competitor Coach, too, recently announced its entry into the country, also through Genesis Colors, heating up the affordable luxury market. Coach has been losing ground to younger brands like Kate Spade and Michael Kors in major mar kets like the US. "We are targeting the yo unger consumer who is more sophisticated and well-travelled. We do not want to over distribute the brand," said Darshan Mehta, president and CEO of Reliance Brands.

Mehta said Kate Spade targets women who are not focused on sporting the "logo".

Craig A Leavitt, CEO of Kate Spade & Company, said, "Expanding into India is an important step for us as we continue to progress along our geographic expansion axis of growth. With India's rising aspirational consumers, we see significant growth opportunities in the region in long term." (Agencies)

Application from start-ups urged by Spark10 Paris, Mar 3: European accelerator Spark10, located on the campus of Engineering Staff College of India, Hyderabad, is calling for applications from Start-ups for a 13-week programme.

The acceleration programme is for "promising startups who are not early stage startups", a Spark10 announcement said. Those desirous of registering should do it before March 15. Selected startups will get access to investors, free work spaces,workshops and learning experiences. The programme is expected to help them achieve their business objectives faster and with more efficiency.

"We provide teams funding of Rs.20 lakh per team (including Rs.10 lakh of cash component) against 8 per cent equity in those selected

companies," Spark10 Founder Atal Malviya said.

In a statement, he said that the accelerator helps "identify and grow the most promising Indian startups with international business guidance, specialist mentorship and funding support, that results in "investable businesses". It provides "seed capital, office space and mentors, and the runway necessary to sustain momentum after the end of the acceleration programme." The startups have to operate from Hyderabad during the programme where they receive intense mentoring and business support. With the investment coming from the Spark10 Angel Investors, the startups will have a network of angels supporting their business from day one, the release said. (Agencies)

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, MARCH 4

Features

PAGE 11

TRAVEL & TOURISM Top ghost stories from haunted places in North-East India As the anonymous quote few places inside northgoes- "at times, the things eastern states. you view in the dark are Jatinga - Valley of more than just shades of Death for Birds, darkness". Despite Sci- Assam ence making rapid The magnificent stateprogress, hood of the mention Srikant Mohanty Assam has about spirits in its just sends a chill down boundary a small village the spine. The seven sis- that witnesses the mass ter states of North-East suicides of birds. This in India, abounding in does not take place for lush greeneries and once or twice but for splendor of nature, have continuous three months many haunted places in a year. The village that with their bloodcurdling comes barely 330 kilostories. Literally placed meters from the southern as the scariest and side of capital city of spookiest places, the Assam is home to one haunted locations arouse ancient tribe-Jaintias. the curiosity of people, The phenomenon takes who step inside the beau- place at the end of monteous spots of natural soon, especially during beauty in the seven sis- the months of September, ter states. The paranor- October, and November. mal activities occurring at As the sky becomes the places are still un- moonless and night foggy, solved mysteries that sur- flocks of birds begin flyprise one and all. ing in darkness only to hit Mayong, the small vil- the trees and houses and lage inside the statehood then drop dead on the of Assam, still serves as ground. This unexplained one of the most promi- phenomenon makes the nent places for black place infamous as 'suimagic inside India. It has cide point' for birds. Althe highly fascinating sto- though naturalists and ries that attract tourists ornithologists have tried from every nook and cor- their best to uncover the ner on earth, who narrate reason behind the incithe utterly confounding dent, larger section from acts of magic that could the masses keep faith in make a man vanish in one incident that took thin air and even tame a place in the earliest part most ferocious tiger in an of 20thcentury. In an ininstant. stance, three women Let's cast glances at a were put to death as they

were suspected of witchcraft, sorcery, and black magic. People still believe that the spirits of the three women are killing the birds and have kept the village haunted.

The Nagas, who were the first settlers in this village, left this village when they saw this phenomenon. The Jaintias, who came next to the village, began hitting the birds, when they saw the avian species were flying low and gradually falling down on earth.

The Haunted Lodge, Jorhat, Assam This imposing villa in Jorhat - a large township in Assam- is one of the most horrible haunted houses in Assam. Originally a lodge of Freemasons in British-ruled India, the house is situated in the proximity of gymkhana. Residents hear sounds, screeches, and noises in the dead of night inside the house, where no one is living.

Although some bravehearts tried their best to unravel the mystery behind the incident, they found various types of symbols in the different parts of the house.

The Spooked JNIMS Hospital, Manipur This sounds bizarre and unbelievable. But this could make anyone sweat profusely, when

she or he steps inside the gynecology department of Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences hospital (JNIMs), located in Imphal. The paranormal activities repeatedly take place in the space between the ward and toilet. The patients have complained several times that some invisible spirit follows them invariably. They keep on hearing heavy footsteps around them without anyone's presence. Sudden change in the temperature and tingling sensations on the skin of patients, attendants, and medical staff are some of the paranormal things inside the haunted ward of the famous hospital.

Not only the patients but the people attending on them have seen such activities time and again.

The haunted jungle near Village Joli, Arunachal Pradesh When it comes to the beautiful and scenic state Arunachal Pradesh among the seven sister states of India, the forests are haunted by "Yapom" or "Dimi" as they are local "Churaels" or "Dyans". The villagers have also frequently seen other paranormal figures, such as "Tado Nino" and "Ome Totoro". The paranormal things are most common in the jungle ly-

The Haunted Lodge, Jorhat, Assam (Photo: nelive) ing close to the village Joli. Even the local villagers do not dare to enter inside the forest in broad daylight as strange things keep on taking place.

The hunters, who have gone inside that part of the jungle, have never come back as they get lost without finding their way. At times, they are found after months in delirious states. Hunters shoot and kill their friends and later they admit that they saw a bear or tiger in their places. The fishermen, who go for fishing to that part of jungle,

Two Amazing Eco Parks of Tripura In Tripura, the hilly north eastern state, there are plenty of places and things for tourists to witness. The impressive architecture of the Manikya dynasty palaces, the sculpture at some religious sites and even the cuisine leaves tourists amazed. However, Tripura also has its share of natural splendor.

Apart from a few amazing wildlife sanctuaries, you can also explore the beautiful eco parks in the state. These Eco parks offer a soothing relief to visitors who are weary of the city life.

Tepania Eco Park Tepania Eco Park has emerged as a major tourist attraction in Tripura over the years. Located

jungle fowl and various bird species inside the park. A few reptiles can also be seen at times.

not far from the historical town Udaipur, this park is built over an area spanning 155 hectares.

The fact that it is situated inside the Radhakrishorepur reserve forest adds to its natural beauty. It was set up in 1995.

You can hire a car to reach Tepania Eco park from Udaipur. It is about 5 km from the city and from Agartala, the distance of the park is about 45 km. You can also use bus to reach the park.

There is a nominal entry fee and fees for still and video cameras are separate.

Tepania Eco Park (Photo: allwonders)

shrubs and orchid inside.

For families visiting the park with kids the tree houses prove to be the big attraction. You can book a tree house by paying INR 200 for a day.

The Eco Park has a few The park is well main- picnic spots inside which tained and you will find a can be booked. If you wide variety of plants, want to evade the bright

Baramura Eco Tourism Park (Photo: im.hunt)

sun, resort to the shades placed strategically inside the park. There are some cottages meant for the tourists as well. The photography buffs will benefit from using the park's watchtower and wooden hanging bridge. There is a water body inside the park too.Courtesy: Flora and fauna There are about 225 orchid variants in the park's Orchidarium. The orchids are well maintained and some of them have been brought from Coimbatore and Kalimpong. Close to the Orchidarium, you will find the Cactus House which contains 250 species of cactus. The plants present inside the park include neem, mahogany and saal etc.

As it is natural, in such a serene and greenery surrounded spot, you expect to witness some traces of wildlife. The monkeys are seen in troupes inside the area. Apart from the primates, you can see red

Baramura Eco Tourism Park The Baramura Eco Park is ideal for tourists who want to spend a day away from the clutter of cities in Tripura amidst natural serenity and amazing visuals. The Eco Park is located in Baramura hills region.

Replete with various types of trees, orchids and flowers- it has an awesome ambiance.

Located in Teliamura in Baramura Hills, the ecopark lets you witness and enjoy diversity of nature and terrain. It is 37 kms from Agartala, the capital city. Most tourists prefer hiring cars to visit the park in day time using the NH44. It remains closed on Mondays. You can visit the park anytime of the year but in winter months the flowers bloom well.

Baramura Eco Park is ideal for all types of tourists including those visiting with kids. There are arrangements for picnics and children enclosure too.

The hut structured cottages in this park are much sought after by visitors.

There are small wooden bridges that link parts of land and the bamboo based 'hawa ghar' is a visual delight. There is a stream flowing through the park. Courtesy: Nelive.

are often pelted with stones from invisible sources. Such activity has also taken place in other similar place in the proximity of the place, namely Boleng. In another incident, a school teacher, acting as polling officer, went to that side of jungle on election duty. As he went on missing, his dead body was found from the top of a tree in fully naked condition.

The Ghost of legend Harbhajan Singh, Sikkim When a cab passes over

the Bridge of Teesta River in Sikkim, the driver of the vehicle invariably sings the praise of the revered ghost of Harbhajan Singh. The late soldier worked in Punjab regiment. During his posting at great height at Sino-Indian border in the proximity of Nathula Pass, he was assigned to escort a group of mules.

He fell in the fast flowing stream of water due to incessant rain and flood.

After days, he appeared in the dream of a fellow soldier and told him about the spot, where his body

was lying. He pleaded in the dream of his friend to construct a Samadhi mandir (temple) at the same plot. Subsequently, the soldier woke up only to be informed by another soldier that the holy spirit of Harbhajan Singh also visited him in his dream with the same request.

Unbelievably, the body was recovered from the exact spot, which was described by the great soldier in their dreams. As the body was cremated with full military honor, a temple was built at the spot of his death. But as a great soldier, Harbhajan Singh, remained a soldier even after his death.

Soon, soldiers noticed the solitary shadowy figure of a uniformed soldier guarding the border on horse-back. Later, the soldiers on the Chinese side confirmed the news as they had seen a ghost rider in night. As days passed on the ghost of Baba Harbhajan Singh appeared in the dreams of soldiers informing them about the loopholes and flaws in security in the area that could see intrusion by the Chinese soldiers. Soon, the temple built in his honor became a divine place as a number of visitors came to that place to get their difficulties solved and diseases cured. Courtesy: Nelive.

A Glimpse at Tripura's History: Kailashahar Tripura is a north east- around the city like ern state known for its Unakoti Tourist Lodge scenic beauty and and Circuit House. places of historic importance. Some of its Places in and around Kailashahar cities bear stamp of its Arnab Ghosh Since the maroyal past and heritage. jority of population in One such place of his- this city is Hindu, you toric importance in the will find quite a few state is Kailashahar. It prominent temples in was the ancient capi- Kailashahar. tal of dynasty ruling Tripura. The place is Unakoti also associated with This place is a few km the legends of Tripuri away from Kailashahar Calendar and Lord and is known for its awe Shiva. The name inspiring images of Kailashahar has been stone and rock cut carvused since the time ings. The legend is that Adi-Dharmapha, a Tripura king performed a 'yagna' here.

Nuances of Kailashahar Kailashahar may not be a very big town but it is no less important than other places of Tripura. It has a population of Bengalis and a fair share of tribal and indigenous population can be found here.

The residents indulge in a number of festivals and cultural activities including the likes of Durga Puja, Christmas and Buddha Purnima.

Kailashahar is connected to major cities in Tripura including Agartala by road. The airport however is now not operational. The nearmost rail station is Kumarghat. It is ideal that you visit the place after the winter months. There are a few hotels in and

Lakhi Narayan Bari Pilgrims worshipping lord Krishna should visit the temple called Lakhi Narayan Bari. About 45 years old, this temple attracts a fair number of pilgrims coming to the city.

Choudoo Devotar Mondir This temple finds a mention in writings of Rabindranath Tagore. It is named after 14 Goddesses. The temple is located on a small hilltop.

The Lake

Unakoti, Tripura(Photo: static.panoramio) the carvings were created by curse of lord Shiva who turned some deities into stones out of anger. The origin of these sculptures dates back to 7th and 9th century. The beautiful landscape and lush vegetation around the region makes it bliss for photography buffs. The gigantic Ganesha figures and Head of Shiva stand out amongst all the stone carvings.

Kalyansagar is on east side of the temple. The temple looks more like a Buddhist stupa from outside.

The idol is made of stone and it is placed on a stone altar. It is believed this idol was set up in either 10th or 12th century. It is in July the mandir is thronged majorly by pilgrims, during the famous Kharchi Puja.

Courtesy: Nelive.

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DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, MARCH 4

PAGE 12

UAE vs India T20 Asia Cup: India win by nine wickets Dhaka, Mar 3 ; India enjoyed a romp before the Asia Cup final in accounting for the United Arab Emirates by nine wickets on Thursday.

The bowlers paved the way to the easy victory, restricting UAE to 81-9 in 20 overs.

India took 10.1 overs to win with 82-1, and seal its fourth straight victory in the tournament.

Opener Rohit Sharma hit 39 while Yuvraj Singh was 25 not out and hit the winning boundary.

Fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar led the way for India with 2-8.

Shaiman Anwar scored 43 after UAE captain Amjad Javed elected to bat first.

Opener Rohan Mustafa, on 11, was the only other batsman to reach double digits.

India, who have already qualified for the final, made three changes to their squad handing over a debut to Pawan Negi and bringing in Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Harbhajan Singh for Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ashish Nehra.

India: MS Dhoni (capt), Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, Hardik Pandya, Pawan Negi, Harbhajan Singh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah.

UAE: Amjad Javed (capt), Shaiman Anwar, Ahmed

The UAE brought back Qadeer Ahmed for Usman Mushtaq.

Raza, Rohan Mustafa, Swapnil Patil, Mohammad Naveed, Mohammad Shahzad, Qadeer Ahmed, Fahad Tariq, Muhammad Kaleem, Muhammad Usman.

Umpires: Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid (BAN) and Shozab Raza (PAK) TV umpire: Ruchira Palliyaguruge (SRI)

Tinsukia beat Nalbari Sports Reporter Dibrugarh, March.

3: Tinsukia defeated Nalbari by a solitary goal in the quarter final match of the CM’s Cup Football tournament at Tinsukia District Sports Association stadium in Tinsukia today.

Avijit Tanti scored the lone goal for Tinsukia in the 30th minute. The next match will be played between Tinsukia and Kajol Gaon on March 5.

Pakistan batsmen face South Africa, Australia tune up for World Twenty20 fire after Asia Cup defeat PTI Karachi, Mar 3: Former cricketers castigated the miserable batting performance by the Pakistan team, which was knocked out of Asia Cup after defeat against hosts Bangladesh.

Pakistan could manage only 129 runs on the board in the make-or-break match last night and failed to contain the Bangladeshi batsmen.

“It is so disappointing to go out of the Asia Cup in this manner. I was hoping our team would motivate themselves to beat Bangladesh and Sri Lanka and set up a final with India,” former paceman Shoaib Akhtar said.

Pakistan Test captain Misbah-ul-Haq laid the blame of recent defeats on batting. “Our bowlers again did a good job but the batting is just not clicking. The selectors have tried everyone who is doing well in domestic cricket so what else can one can do,” Misbah said.

Misbah contended that Pakistan had again misread the pitch and situation by playing Anwar Ali and not giving more overs to allrounder Shoaib Malik.

“The ball was gripping and I would have thought Malik would be a good option early on for a few overs. The

pitch was not easy for batting,” he said. Pakistan’s champion off-spinner Saeed Ajmal also expressed surprise over some of the captaincy decisions.

“Malik should have been brought on in the seventh or eight over. They were other lapses in the field as well.

The calculations were wrong,” he said.

Former Test captain Javed Miandad, Muhammad Yousuf and Rashid Latif and former players Mohsin Khan and Sarfaraz Nawaz

Karachi, Mar.03 (ANI): Pakistan's legendary cricketer Imran Khan has stressed the need for his country's side to play ' correct combination' to succeed while maintaining that the nation has 'enough talent'.

"Pakistani cricket fans anger at unceremonious exit of Pakistan team from T20 Asia Cup is understandable as our nation is oozing with talent," Khan, who captained Pakistan to the World Cup victory in 1992, wrote on Twitter.

because of what was described as a minor knee injury. The selectors will have to decide which two out of De Kock, AB de Villiers and Hashim Amla will open the batting. The latter pair effectively won the second match against England with a century partnership.

Australia appear to have the most uncertainties. They were beaten 3-0 at home by India in their most recent T20 series and the selectors made several significant changes in picking a squad for South Africa and the global event.

The series is a repeat of the 2013/14 season when the two sides met in South Africa shortly before the 2014 World Twenty20 in Bangladesh. Australia won convincingly and looked strong contenders for the world crown.

Steve Smith was handed the captaincy, making him the leader in all three formats, while the squad includes three players who have yet to play in a T20 international wicketkeeper Peter Nevill, left-arm spinner Ashton Agar and leg-spinner Adam Zampa.

were more forthright in blaming the batting for the poor performances.

Pakistan has lost seven of its last 10 T20 internationals and in their last four matches they have quickly lost their first three or four wickets inside the power play overs.

Even against Bangladesh Pakistan had lost three quick wickets. The greenshirts have also tasted defeat in seven of their last 10 Oneday internationals increasing concern about where the team is headed before the World T20 in India.

The cricketer-turned politician also called on the Pakistan Cricket Board to make appointments on the basis of merit, the Dawn reported.

"This talent can only be polished if PCB becomes an institution built on merit, [including] selection of its head purely on merit," he added.

Despite Mohammad Amir's sensational spell, Pakistan failed to defeat arch-rivals

While Nevill has established himself as Australia's Test wicketkeeper, Agar, Zampa and fast bowler Andrew Tye are virtual novices at international level.

Agar has played in two Tests and two one-day internationals, famously hit-

ting 98 at number 11 on Test debut in the 2013 Ashes.

Zampa made his debut and played in two one-day internationals in New Zealand last month. Tye played in only two T20 internationals against India.

Australia have a strong batting line-up, however, although this too could be problematical in terms of deciding on the best combination.

South Africa won two T20 internationals against England last month and will be strengthened by the returns of fast bowler Dale Steyn and wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock.

Steyn played in a club match in Cape Town last weekend and took five wickets for 13 runs in two five-over spells spread over two innings.

Steyn, 32, has missed most

of the international season because of a groin injury suffered in the first Test against India in November and a shoulder injury in the first Test against England in December.

He said after his club outing that he had been ready to play for the past three weeks and was eager to get into action against the Australians.

De Kock was rested from the T20 series against England

Bud register 9 wkt victory over Marine

India last week. The Shahid Afridi-led side have only managed to beat the United Arab Emirates so far in the tournament.

Sports Reporter Dibrugarh, Mar. 3: Bud Cricket Club registered a nine wicket victory over Marine Cricket Club, Margherita in a match of the first JKM Trophy of Excellence All-Assam Prize-Money Cricket Tournament at Dibrugarh District Sports Association Stadium here today.

Pakistan will play against Sri Lanka on March 4.

Opting to bat, Marine Cricket Club were bowled

Imran Khan insists Pakistan need to play 'correct combination' of talent

His comments came after Pakistan were dumped out the Asia Cup after suffering a five-wicket defeat at the hands of Bangladesh on Wednesday. The top-order batsmen failed completely in the T20 continental tournament.

PTI Durban, Mar 3: South Africa and Australia will be seeking to find their best combinations when they meet in three Twenty20 internationals, shortly before both sides travel to India for the World Twenty20 tournament.

out for 90 runs in 33.5 overs. Debashish Sarkar scored 15 off 46 balls with a lone boundary and Dhrubajyoti Dutta con-

Excellence Cricket tributed 11 off 37 deliveries. Javed Khan chipped in with 13 runs.

For Bud Cricket Club, Gokul Sharma took two wickets for 9 runs in 7 overs. Tejinder Singh and

Rahul Singh took two wickets each for Bud Cricket Club.

In reply, Bud Cricket Club losing one wicket eased past the target in 21.1 overs by scoring 93 runs.

Abhishek Thakuria played an unbeaten knock of 45 off 68 balls, hitting five boundaries.

Monaj Maloo contributed 25 off 43 balls with two

boundaries while Roshan Basfore scored unbeaten 14 off 14 deliveries with a lone boundary.

Nobajyoti Knowar took one wicket for four runs in 2 overs for Marine cricket club. Abhishek Thakuria was adjudged ma of the match. Tomorrow, Guwahati Cricket Coaching Centre will play Duliajan Cricket Academy.

Liverpool thrash Man City 3-0 to avenge League Cup loss London, Mar.3 (ANI): Liverpool swept aside lacklustre Manchester City 3-0 in their Premier League clash to gain some degree of revenge for Sunday's Capital One Cup Final loss.

Adam Lallana, James Milner and Roberto Firmino all scored for Liverpool as City's title hopes suffered a major blow, the Mirror reported.

booed by the Liverpool fans and was subsequently taken off at half-time.

With the defeat, City fell 10 points adrift of England's star winger league leaders LeicesRaheem Sterling was ter City in fourth place.

But form in the warm-up series proved illusory. Australia won only one out of three matches in Bangladesh and failed to reach the knock-out stage, while South Africa reached the semi-finals.

Venky, Jhulan share cricketing, sanitation tips with children Bengaluru, Mar 3 (PTI): Cricketers Venkatesh Prasad and Jhulan Goswami today shared sporting tips and discussed the importance of sanitation with children at a specially-designed hygiene clinic at the Chinnaswamy Stadium here. Earlier, Jhulan, the current pace spearhead of the Indian womens team, and Prasad, a former fast bowler in the mens team, accompanied children belonging to local NGOs in a specially designed double-decker bus. They also interacted with fans as the cavalcade made its way through the streets of the city.

The cricketers also advocated the use of toilets to children. The ICC Cricket for Good and Unicef, in partnership with BCCI, had launched Team Swachh Clinics during the ICC WT20 host city tour. "This is to promote a nationwide initiative that aims to build a social movement for sanitation and toilet-use, which will result in an open-defection-free India," Unicef India Communication Chief Caroline Den Dulk told reporters here.

Calling the initiative a social movement for sanitation, Dulk said, "The idea of team and team play is at the core of Team Swachh initiative and it leverages the vast passion of the sport in the country to advocate toilet use and save lives of children." After Dharamshala, Mohali, Delhi, Kolkata, Nagpur, Chennai and now Bengaluru, the ICC WT20 host city tour will visit each of the venues that will host the ICC WT20 matches.

Next it will travel to Mumbai on March 6, he said.

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