MUNICIPAL COMMISSIONER TAKES NEW INITIATIVES IN ENSURING PAYMENT OF TERMINAL BENEFITS ON THE DAY OF RETIREMENT.

Municipal Commissioner Mr. K.S.Mehra, today took a new initiative in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi by ensuring that all the 130 employees who retired today on attaining the age of superannuation, get the terminal benefits on the day of their retirement itself. He personally persistedly followed all the Departments that the retirement dues like Gratuity, Encashment of leaves, Provident Fund etc. are given on time. Earlier, the retirees had often to wait for long time to receive their benefits. But it was an all-together different day for those who retired. The retirees today included two Additional Commissioners namely Shri H.B.Sharma and Shri Raj Mohan Singh. All the retiring employees were presented Mementoes by the Commissioner beside their terminal benefits.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Mehra said that he will like to put the system on rails and ensure that in future regularity in payment of retiring employees is scrupulously maintained. He said that administration must incorporate human values. The treatment meted out to retiring employees is an indication of human values in the system, particularly in a big organization like MCD which employees 1.5 lacs employees.

GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS TO HAVE SEPARATE MAINTENANCE UNITS-SMT. DIKSHIT

Delhi Chief Minister Smt. Sheila Dikshit has directed all the Medical Superintendents of Government Hospitals to provide more attention on maintenance in hospitals to enable them to bring desired improvement in healthcare. She has further directed the Department of Health & Family Welfare to set up separate maintenance units in its hospitals to end their dependability on the PWD. Smt. Dikshit conveyed these directions in a meeting convened today to review performance of the Department of Health & Family Welfare. The meeting was attended by Health Minister Dr. Yoganand Shastri, Chief Secretary Shri Rakesh Mehta, Principal Secretary to CM, Principal Secretary (Health), Secretary (PWD) & Medical Superintendents of all Delhi Government Hospitals.

Smt. Dikshit also instructed hospitals to involve and constitute Arogya Samitis to enhance patients’ comfort in the hospitals. It was decided to lay foundation stone of a 750-bedded super-specialty hospital at Dwarka in the month of August, 2008. Apart from this it was decided to commission the Institute of Liver and Bilary Sciences probably in the month of August, 2008. The Government has decided to add 1058 beds in its hospitals in the year 2008-09 against 359 added last year. The Government would open six allopathic, five homoeopathic, five ayurvedic and two unani dispensaries in the different parts of the city. It was informed in the meeting the Delhi State Health Mission has recruited 534 medical/para-medical personnel with an aim to strengthen manpower in the government hospitals which are facing shortage. The government has instructed its hospitals to acquire quality assurance certificate. It is expected that Chacha Nehru Bal Chikitsalaya Geeta Colony would be first to acquire the same. Around 1000 patients are being daily-catered treatment in this 200-bedded hospital. The functioning of MAMTA and ASHA Schemes was also thoroughly reviewed and it was observed that number of institutional deliveries in hospitals has shown a remarkable increase.

Smt. Dikshit has also directed the Department of Health & Family Welfare to expedite procurement of 150 quality ambulances to enable the government to deploy ambulances in year 2009 as the government is committed to ensure better health coverage before commencement of Commonwealth Games 2010.

WE WILL NOT ALLOW MCD TO SUFFER FINANCIAL CONSTRAINT

Mrs. Sheela Dikshit today said that the Delhi Government will not allow MCD to suffer financial constraint in carrying out its development works.  She was speaking at a function organized by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi naming Devli Bandh Road after Dr. Sahib Singh Verma, the former Chief Minister of Delhi.  MCD had organized the function to mark his first death anniversary.

                Mayor Ms. Arti Mehra thanked the Chief Minister for graciously participating in the programme and assuring unstinted support to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi in carrying on its development works.  She said that the smooth flow of funds from GNCTD to MCD will definitely lead to better civic services to the citizen of Delhi.

                Mrs. Sahib Kaur, the wife of Dr.Sahib Singh Verma, Mr. Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma, his son were also present on the occasion.  Mr. Vijay Jolly, MLA , Saket, Municipal Councillor of Sangam Vihar Mr. Mool Chand Sharma were also present on the occasion.

                Mr. Vijay Jolly pointed out the acute shortage of drinking water in the area and demanded laying of water-line from Sonia Vihar Water Plant.

ALREADY SHORT OF STAFF, MCD IN DIRE NEED OF STAFF POSTED ON ELECTION DUTY

Chairman, Standing Committee Mr. Vijender Gupta today sent a letter to Smt. Satbir Sailass Bedi, State Election Commissioner, NCR demanding to send back the staff posted on election duty.  He said that MCD is in dire need of their services in public interest as well as to fulfill its financial and administrative commitments.

Mr. Gupta said that in view of the Delhi State Assembly election scheduled to be held towards the end of the year, the Election Commission had ordered for posting of the staff of the MCD on election duty.  Considering the importance and the statutory provisions, MCD complied with the orders.  The staff has already stayed with the election office for months together.  It will be very difficult to pull on for rest of the periods.  MCD is already feeling the crunch of staff.  Thousand of posts are lying vacant in different categories.  The MCD is already under-staffed due to the reason that hundreds of posts of B & C Category have not been filled in by the Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board (DSSSB) for the past many years.

Chairman said that the staff of MCD detained on election duty mainly consists of Asstt. Teachers, which affects teaching in MCD's school and the staff of middle level administration such as Superintendents, Stenographers, Head Clerks, Upper Division Clerks & Lower Clerks.  The posting of the staff of Property Tax Department and other revenue earning department is badly affecting the revenue collection of the Civic Body.  As the Stenographers have been posted, Senior Officers are finding it difficult to pull on the work.

Mr. Gupta said that the Corporation, which is already facing shortage of the Asstt. Teachers in Municipal Primary Schools, has been placed in awkward position due to posting of the Asstt. Teachers on election duty.  It has become very difficult to run the schools due to acute shortage of teachers.

Mr. Gupta said that actually the Delhi Government has less public dealing in comparison to the Corporation.  The Corporation has to deal with the essential public matters.  On the other hand the Delhi Government has no such functions.  It appears biased action on the part of the Delhi Government that the staff of the MCD has disproportionately been ordered to be posted on election duty when they (Delhi Government Staff) could have spare their staff without affecting their official working. 

CM BIDS FAREWELL TO FOURTH BATCH OF KAILASH MANSAROVAR YATRIS

Delhi Chief Minister Smt. Sheila Dikshit this evening bade farewell to the fourth batch of Kailash Mansarovar Yatris in a simple function organised at her residence. 47 pilgrims were presented a kit by Smt. Dikshit. The kit includes a track suit, rain coat, bag, Puja materials etc. Three pilgrims from Delhi were also handed over assistance of Rs.25,000/- each. There were nine female pilgrims out of 47, which were given warm send off. Chairperson Delhi Government Tirth Yatra Vikas Samiti Shri Uday Kaushik and MLAs Ch. Mateen Ahmed and Shri Veer Singh Dhingan were also present on this occasion.

Speaking on this occasion, Smt. Dikshit conveyed her sincere and best wishes to pilgrims for their successful journey. She stated that Delhi Government has been extending usual courtesy to pilgrims leaving for their destination from the Capital-city. This time they have been provided air-conditioned accommodation for their stay. The government has been taking care of their boarding and lodging. The city-government is also providing lunch to them during their medical check-ups for two-days in a city hospital. The government has been extending scope of courtesy year by year. Smt. Dikshit further stated that her government has been providing usual courtesy and permissible assistance to pilgrims of different religions. Shri Kaushik expressed his thanks and gratitude to the Chief Minister for making stay of pilgrims in Delhi memorable and comfortable.

CM inaugurates URS camp for pilgrims of Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Dargah Ajmer

Delhi Chief Minister Smt. Sheila Dikshit today inaugurated annual Urs Camp for pilgrims of Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Dargah Ajmer at Burari Grounds in North Delhi. The camp which would continue for three weeks is offering number of amenities to those pilgrims who are going to visit Ajmer Shareef and are putting up at Delhi in transit. Large number of pilgrims from different parts of the country are visiting Ajmer Shareef via Delhi. Delhi Industries Minister Shri Mangat Ram Singhal, Divisional Commissioner Smt. Nutan Guha Vishwas and Urs Committee Chairman Chaudhary Salauddin were present on this occasion. Smt. Dikshit said that Dargah at Ajmer is a symbol of communal harmony and brotherhood. Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti was an eminent Sufi Saint whose devotees and followers are spread in number of countries. His teachings would continue to be relevant for all times to come. The Chief Minister stressed the need of imparting modern education in Madrsas apart from traditional education. Delhi Government will provide computers in Madrasas. She added that her Government has been providing help in promotion of Urdu language. Part time Urdu teachers have been appointed and their remuneration has also been enhanced. They are also being exhorted to earn by taking up translation work to supplement their income. Urdu Academy in Delhi has been rendering substantial contribution and its functioning has been commended. There would be no dearth of funds for promotion of Urdu language as this language is associated with composite culture of Delhi. Smt. Dikshit said that Delhi Government has been organizing camp at Burari whereas such camp was earlier organized at Red Fort Ground which was not sufficing for the large number of devotees. The camp at Burari is offering free stay, water, electricity, bathroom facilities, medicines and ambulance for the pilgrims. Rail booking counters and post office facilities have also been arranged at the Camp ground. Large number of Rajasthan Roadways Buses are available for journey upto Ajmer whereas DTC buses are available for city travel. She added that her Government is committed to make stay of pilgrims more comfortable.

UPA govt’s record of failures and betrayals

The reason for this is obvious to those who know what is happening in Delhi these days. The Congress-led UPA government is wobbling, and it is on the brink of collapse. As a matter of fact, the government has ceased to function since August 2007 when the Congress and the Communists, whose support is critical for the survival of this government, came aamne-saamne on the Indo-US nuclear deal.

After remaining sick and bed-ridden for nearly a year, UPA sarkar ki ab ICU mein bharti ho gayi hai.

Congress koshish kar rahi hai ki Uttar Pradesh ki ek party ka samarthan prapt karke ICU mein se bahar aaye.

I do not know how things will turn out in the weeks to come. But one thing is certain. The UPA government has lost all moral and even political legitimacy to remain in office. Its record in the past four years has been full of failures and betrayals.

The Congress sought votes in the 2004 parliamentary in the name of the aam aadmi. And the aam aadmi did ensure the victory of Congress candidates in many constituencies, including in Kanpur, although it must be borne in mind that the Congress won only 145 seats in the Lok Sabha, just seven more than that of the BJP.

But the ‘Hand’ that the common man voted for has turned out to be a hand of betrayal. Congress ka Haath, Aam Aadmi ke saath vishwasghaat.

The Congress rule has punished the common man with unprecedented price rise. The official inflation rate has been rising week after week and has now crossed 11 per cent. For the common man, this translates into a larger hole in his family budget. Rice, dal, cooking oil, milk, sugar, vegetables, transportation, electricity, medical care, children’s education – everything has become costlier and unaffordable.

More and more Indian families, including middle-class Indian families, have been forced to eat less. Many have replaced normal food items with those that are cheaper but of inferior quality.

Recently, the government raised the prices of not only petrol and diesel but also of cooking gas. There are reports that it is going to restrict the number of new cooking gas connections. During the NDA rule, gas connections became available on demand. Now, I am told, it is back to old times. Actually, this fits a pattern. Whenever the Congress has ruled, it has brought in a regime of scarcities, waiting lists, black market and bribery.

Not only have prices gone up, but even interest rates also have sharply risen. During the six years of Vajpayee government, interest rates had come down to less than 10 per cent. As a result of this, and also because of certain conscious policy decisions by the NDA government to promote the housing sector, lakhs of middle-class families could afford to take housing loans. Never had India witnessed such housing boom before. Construction industry created a large number of jobs. Cement, steel and other industries also received a big boost. Most importantly, more and more middle-class Indians began to realize their dream of having a little house of their own.

But the people who took loans then are forced to pay a higher monthly installment.

The same is true about parents who took education loans to ensure better education for their children.

Indeed, people of India have seen that whenever the Congress has come to power, it has ushered in price rise. Congress aayi, Mahangaayi laayi.

The consumer is paying more and more for food items, but this does not mean that the kisan is earning more.

For example, the BJP had demanded Rs. 1000 per quintal as the minimum support price for paddy. I had myself written a letter to the Prime Minister in this regard.

But, earlier this month, the government has decided on an MSP of only Rs. 850 per quintal.
Recently, some banks decided not to advance loans to farmers to buy tractor and farm equipment. It is only after our party president Shri Rajnath Singhji issued a strong statement warning of nationwide protest action did the government ask the banks to resume such loans to farmers with immediate effect.
Indian farmer today finds himself in a dushchakra (vicious cycle) : Rising input costs, scarcity of key inputs like power and fertilizer, costly and difficult-to-get institutional credit, and volatile output prices. This is making more and more farmers debt-ridden. In extreme cases, farmers are committing suicide, and their number is not insignificant.
Another big section of our economy and society is constituted by those who find their livelihoods in the unorganised sector, which provides employment to nearly 40 crore people. What is their condition? A commission appointed by the UPA government itself – it was called the National Commission for Enterprises in the Unorganised Sector under the chairmanship of Dr. Nitish Sengupta, an eminent economist – has stated that nearly 80 per cent of the workers in the unorganized sector have an income of less than Rs. 20 a day.
Friends, whereas this government has betrayed the trust of the common man, the kisan, the unemployed youth, the middleclass householder and those in the unorganized sector, it has at the same time served as the patron of the super-rich. Shri Bimal Jalan, a former RBI governor and now a member of the Rajya Sabha, has recently stated that the earnings of 20 crore richest Indians is more than those of 30 crore poorest Indians.

In other words, 20 Kubers in India have more wealth than 30 crore Sudamas!

The rich-poor divide, the urban-rural divide has never been as wide in India as has become in the UPA rule.

The Vajpayee government had unveiled an ambitious programme to lay a network of world-class highways. We had also started an equally ambitious project to connect all the villages in India with pucca roads under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. Both projects are languishing under the UPA government.

DELHI GETS ANOTHER LUNG

Delhi Chief Minister Smt. Sheila Dikshit today inaugurated setting up of a City Forest at Village Chhawla on the bank of Najafgarh Drain in South West Delhi where 12,000 saplings are planned to be planted within next few weeks. Smt. Dikshit stated that Greening Drive of her government has taken off today with opening of a city forest at Chhawla. The Drive would conclude in the month of October. In all nine city forests in different parts of the city would be set up and 18 lakh saplings would be planted during this Greening Drive in Delhi. Chhawla City Forest today witnessed a big activity involving 160 children planting 1000 saplings on the bank of Najafgarh Drain in presence of the Chief Minister. Smt. Dikshit described new City Forest as another lung of Delhi, which would go a long way in ensuring clean environment. Local MLA Shri Vijay Lochav and Secretary Environment Shri J.K. Dadoo were also present on this occasion.

Smt. Dikshit added that Delhi has become most greener Capital-city in the world. Entire credit of large-scale greening activity goes to school children who have become a role model in this field. Delhi would soon have 32 City Forests. Nine City Forests were set up last year whereas 14 were in existence before that. With this green cover of Delhi would go up beyond 20% of its total area. She further stated that it is essential to grow more and more trees to maintain ecological balance in view of large-scale concrete jungle coming up in this city. The expansion of greenery would also help in curbing challenges arising out of climate change. Chhawla City Forest is being developed in a 12-hectare land, which belong to the Department of Irrigation & Flood Control. This has been handed over to the Department of Environment to develop it as a city jungle. The Department has constructed a boundary on this land. The location has been envisaged to be developed into a city forest keeping in view necessity of a place for urban recreation and quality green spaces in the metros for fulfilling the urban forest requirements, to provide a source of carbon sink and the green machinery for carbon sequestration and for improvement of the physical and natural environment by controlling various kinds of pollutants. It would also help in developing potential habitat for resident and migratory wildlife in urban and nearby areas.

Neem, Jamun, Arjun, Kajalia, Amaltas, Shisham, Aonla, Chhatton, Cassic Siamea, Begonia, Bakain etc. tree species are being grown in this city forest.

FLOOD CONTROL ORDER 2008 ISSUED

The City-government is fully geared up to meet any challenge of flood in the Capital. Flood Control Order 2008 has been issued and Central Flood Control Room has also become operational. This was stated by Delhi Chief Minister Smt. Sheila Dikshit while chairing a meeting of Apex Committee for Flood Control 2008 today at Delhi Secretariat. This was attended by Development Minister Shri Raj Kumar Chauhan, number of MLAs, Chief Secretary Shri Rakesh Mehta, MCD Commissioner Shri K.S. Mehra, Development Commissioner Smt. Nutan Guha Biswas and top officers of NDMC, PWD, Health, Environment, DDA, DJB, I&FC, Army, Civil Defence & Home Guard, MTNL & Delhi Fire Service. The Divisional Commissioner will function as Convener Secretary of the Committee, which will normally meet by the last week of June and subsequently at such times as necessitated by exigency of flood situation. A Round-the-clock Central Flood Control Room has started functioning from DC(East) Office. The functions of Central Flood Control Room includes receiving flood warnings and other related information, submit flood situation report, issue flood warnings and direction of evacuation, arrange necessary food articles and relief supplies, maintain liaison with Upper Yamuna Division of Central Water Commission and Army/Navy and to maintain a fleet of vehicles needed for mobility of staff and the relief measures. A separate Control Room of Irrigation and Flood Control Department at ISBT Kashmere Gate has also become operational, which will remain in constant touch with wireless stations. Delhi has been placed into nine districts where Separate Sector Committees under the supervision of Dy. Commissioner rank officer will coordinate relief measures. Such Committees would set up Sector Control Rooms, earmark store and relief material, prepare an Action Plan for taking precautionary measures on health, sanitation, drinking water, essential supplies and identify sites for relief camps. Ministers would also overlook efforts of Flood Control. The Ministers have been asked to take care of 2/1 districts. It is a general practice to issue first, second and third warning depending upon danger level in river Yamuna. The warning level for river Yamuna at Old Railway Bridges 204.00 meters and the danger level is 204.83 meters. At against these levels, the highest flood level recorded was 207.49 meters in 1978. In case of need, the Divisional Commissioner may seek assistance from Army in controlling floods, evacuation of the marooned people, distribution of food supplies and other related matters. The present assessment indicates that Delhi may need about 30 Army boats for relief measures. Life jackets, dragon lights and earth filled bags shall be made available by Irrigation & Flood Control Department. Almost all Departments were asked to report in detail about their preparedness. The Chief Minister issued instructions for immediate repair of damage roads, lifting of collected silt near drains, completion of desilting exercise and deployment of health personnel. She exhorted all agencies to utilize this rainy season for planting maximum saplings.

50 MORE COMMUNITY CENTRES IN TRANS YAMUNA –SMT. DIKSHIT

Delhi Chief Minister Smt. Sheila Dikshit today said that Delhi Government would construct 50 more Community Centres in East Delhi so that residents of East Delhi would not face any difficulties for their social gatherings. Smt. Dikshit further said that in the run up to the Commonwealth Games in 2010, the Capital especially East Delhi will witness tremendous infrastructural development. Construction of the Games villages in the Trans Yamuna Area will not only catalyse all round development of the area but would also ensure civic services and civic infrastructure at par with the most developed localities of New Delhi. Smt. Dikshit was speaking after laying foundation stone of community Centre at Bhola Nath Nagar in East Delhi. Construction cost would be 1.50 crore and would be completed within 15 months. These Centres are expected to go a long-way in serving the needs of the local residents. Area MP Shri Sandeep Dikshit, Chairman of the Trans Yamuna Development Board & MLA Dr. Narendra Nath, Dy. Mayor Shri Divya Jaiswal, Councilor Shri Nirmal Jain and large number of gathering were also present on the occasion. The Chief Minister informed that 31 Community Centres have already been operational in East Delhi. Smt. Dikshit further said that the Trans Yamuna Development Board will undertake construction of about 50-60 public toilets in East Delhi region and this, She expected, will go a long way in serving the sanitation needs of the area.
The Chief Minister said that her Government was fully conscious of the developmental needs of the Trans Yamuna area and was committed to fulfilling them in the right earnest. She informed that the past few years had witnessed coming up of super specialty and other hospitals, community centres and a cultural Centres in the area and with the growth catalyzed by the proposed construction of the Commonwealth Games Village in the area, East Delhi was expected to be at par with any other developed area of the Capital. Area MP Shri Sandeep Dikshit in his address congratulated and thanked Delhi Government and the Trans Yamuna Development Board for supporting the cause of development in the Trans Yamuna area. He expected that the Community Centre in these areas will serve the social and cultural needs of the local residents.

Remarks by BJP President Shri Rajnath Singh on Inflation Crossing the Double Digit Mark

The Bharatiya Janata Party expresses its concern over the galloping rate of inflation which today crossed the key psychological double digit mark and touched 11.05 percent. Today's double digit inflation rate comes after a gap of over a decade since it was during the period of 1992-1995 that the country had witnessed such high levels of inflation, a level unheard of throughout the period that the NDA government was at the helm of affairs. It is not a mere coincidence that whenever the country witnesses high inflation the Congress party has always been the main culprit.

The prices of virtually all essential commodities have increased 80 to 160 percent ever since the NDA government demitted office in 2004. The NDA government had successfully provided relief to the people from high inflation for over six years.

The Congress led UPA coalition has been scripting an epic of failures over the past four years and it has undone the hard work put in by the BJP led NDA Government at the centre. Over the past few years, the BJP has been consistently sounding alarm bells about the escalating inflation rate. Recently I myself warned the people of the country about India entering a double digit inflation regime. Unfortunately the gross economic mismanagement by the Congress led UPA government has made a reality our worst fears that inflation would cross the dreaded level of double digits.

Under the leadership of Shri Vajpayee, the NDA government set the objective of achieving a double digit growth rate. We worked hard on this objective and after six years of effective governance, while demitting office, the NDA left behind a legacy of sound macro-economic indicators and an economy of surpluses. Using these indicators the UPA Government should have unleashed a new age of heightened double digit growth. Instead it has pushed the country into an era of double digit inflation. Four years of UPA rule will go down in history only as an era of “Golden Failures”.

Now we have reached a point where growth has taken a backseat and fighting inflation has become a national priority. Unfortunately, the Government continues to grope in the dark and is unable to offer any viable solution to this problem.

The BJP’s concern on the issue of inflation is completely unlike the Left parties who are more concerned about safeguarding China’s interests than fighting for people’s causes including spiraling prices.

MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES GONE TO NAB STRAY CATTLE AT PITAMPURA WERE ATTACKED AND IMPOUNDED CATTLE WERE GOT RELEASED – THREE ARRESTED

A person named Pratap was running illegal dairy comprising 50 Cows at government land in front of QD Market and TV Tower at Pitam Pura. Under a Special Drive the staff of West, Rohini and Civil Lines Zones went to nab the stray cattle accompanied by one Assistant Police Inspector and six Policemen. The municipal employees during the Drive tied rope along the necks of 10 Cows so as to load them in the truck.

During this drive the dairy owner Pratap alongwith his brother and 50 colleague arrived at the scene and attacked municipal employees causing injuries to them. They also beat-up Cows with Lathies so as to enable them to run away. They also snatched ropes from the hands of municipal employees and allowed the Cows to run away. Since, attackers were in large number, Police could not take any action.

Municipal employees called Police Control Room and PCR Van and Police Contingent from Pitampura Police Station arrived at the site. The Police controlled the situation and thereafter municipal employees were able to impound seven cows.

MCD official lodged an FIR against Pratap, his brother and his accomplices. Pratap, his brother Raj Kumar and one person were arrested by the Police.

The officers of Veterinary Department said that Police is not providing adequate security to them and no woman Constable is being provided. They disclosed that during the last one and half month 11 such FIRs have been lodged with the Police.

MCD TO ORGANIZE SPECIAL CAMPS ON LAST FRIDAY OF EACH AND EVERY MONTH TO DISPOSE OF APPLICATIONS FOR SANCTION OF BUILDING PLANS

Municipal Corporation of Delhi has decided to organize Special Camps on last Friday of each and every month for disposing of applications for Building Plans, Regularizations of Plans and issue of Completion/Occupancy Certificates. These Camps will be organized from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. at MCD Office Complex situated near Ambedkar Stadium adjacent to DTC Bus Terminal, Delhi Gate. The next Camp will be held on 27th June, 2008. In case, the last Friday falls on a holiday, the Camp would be held on previous working day. The applications received upto last day of previous month will be dealt with at these Camps.
Additional Commissioner of Engineering Department, Engineer-in-Chief, Chief Law Officer, Chief Town Planner and Chief Architect will also be available at these Camps to render necessary guidance, if required.
It may be recalled that MCD organized Special Camps on 16th and 17th of May, 2008 to deal with the cases of sanction of Building Plans. Keeping in view the overwhelming response at these Camps, MCD has decided to make organization of such Camps, a regular feature.

MUSLIMS EXHORTED TO EDUCATE THEIR WARDS

Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit has stated that her government would provide computers in Madarsas to enable their students to acquire wider knowledge along with traditional education. She was addressing a gathering of Muslim community comprising of washermen. MLA Ch. Mateen Ahmed presided over the function. Smt. Dikshit further stated that skill development is essential to compete in this era of excellence. She added that knowledge of computer would empower youth to face the challenges of fast-changing world. She exhorted Muslim community to take up other employment-oriented professions and not to restrict themselves in their traditional trades. Smt. Dikshit stated that present UPA Government has first time created a separate Ministry for Minority Affairs. Delhi Minorities Commission has been rendering substantial contribution in safeguarding interests of the Muslims. She further stated that people from all religions have been facing poverty. Her government has taken enormous steps to ensure welfare of the poor. She also mentioned about an ambitious plan relating to low cost houses for the poor. The applications for allotment of thousands of such flats would be called for very soon. This scheme would also benefit the poor Muslim families in Delhi.

CABINET SANCTIONS RS.152 CRORE FOR CONSTRUCTION

The Delhi Cabinet has given its nod for construction of a storm water drain from Mahipalpur Chowk to Najafgarh Drain. It has sanctioned Rs.152 crore for this purpose. The decision was taken in a Cabinet Meeting today presided over by the Delhi Chief Minister Smt. Sheila Dikshit. While briefing media after the Cabinet Meeting Smt. Dikshit stated that an amount of Rs.152 crore has been sanctioned for construction of first ever storm water drain from Mahipalpur Chowk to Najafgarh Drain which will be completed within 12 months after award of work. It would go a long way in smooth operations of newly developed 3rd runway at Airport and drain out the storm water discharge of five villages namely Mahipalpur, Rangpuri, Rajokari, Samalkha, Kapashera and Dwarka sub-city. This will also take care of discharge of 700 cusecs of five villages, 1300 cusecs of IGI Airport and 400 cusecs of Dwarka. She further described this as an important project which would be completed before commencement of Commonwealth Games 2010. Earlier the storm water of five villages - Mahipalpur, Rangpuri, Rajokri, Smalkha and Kapashera used to flow towards Najafgarh Drain through airport area from Shahbad and Bagdola drain, opening was also made under Delhi Rewari Railway Line. These drains were used to cater to the discharges of other villages, which have, now, been urbanized. The land of these villages has been acquired to develop Dwarka sub-city by the DDA. The Bagdola drain has been converted by the DDA into trunk drain. With the urbanization of these villages, the natural course of water has been interfered with and the drainage problem has become more complex with the sewerage water also discharged by the villages in to the drain, which ultimately falls into airport land.

UDM GIVES POWER TO CITY-GOVERNMENT TO PROVISIONALLY DECLARE ANYCOLONY AS AUTHORISED SUBJECT TO THE COMPLETION OF ALL DEVELOPMENT WORKS

Delhi Chief Minister Smt. Sheila Dikshit along with her cabinet colleaguestoday met Union Urban Development Minister Shri Jaipal Reddy to offer theirgrateful thanks for efforts made by Ministry of Urban Development onauthorizing the city-government to provisionally declare any colony asauthorized subject to the completion of all formalities within a year fromthe date of authorization. Smt. Dikshit expressed confidence that thiswould help in speedy developmental works in unauthorized colonies.Smt. Dikshit conveyed thanks to Shri Reddy and his Ministry for reposingfaith in Delhi Government and giving powers to provisionally declare anycolony with complete relevant paperwork within a year from the date ofauthorization. Smt. Dikshit hoped that this would help to fulfill theaspirations of Delhiites. Smt. Dikshit assured Shri Reddy that DelhiGovernment would leave no stone unturned for the development in unauthorizedcolonies in time-bound manner.

MCD TO DEVELOP MAHILA HATT

Ms. Arti Mehra informed that the Municipal Corporation of Delhi will develop a Mahila Haat on terrace of the Multilevel Underground Car Parking at Asaf Ali Road. It will be developed on approximately 6000 sq.mtrs. of terrace area. Mayor informed that all the stalls would exhibit and sale materials relating to ladies such as house-hold items required by ladies, ladies ornaments, furnishings, kitchen products and fabrics etc. She added that the proposed Haat shall have three categories of stalls of following sizes and number:

NUMBER OF STALLS SIZE 14 X 2 = 28 (back to back) 8' X8' 10 X 2 = 20 (back to back) 10' X10' 8 X 2 = 16 (back to back) 12' X 12' Total = 64 A gathering space, Ms. Mehra said, is proposed for 500 persons. It will have an open seating (amphitheatre) for 150 to 200 persons to watch the activities performed by artists from different States of India and activities related to ladies. The forum will be used for creating civic awareness and cultural interests. Two bandstands have also been proposed in the green area for playing live music or for the live performances. --2 -2- The proposed stalls, Mayor said, shall have base / platform of 2'-0" elevation and the same has been designed to have provision to store material. The roof is proposed to have in tensile pre-engineering structure i.e. supported by steel columns covered with good quality of tent material and anchored by tensile members. It is proposed to have buffer around the light well meant for underground parking areas by soft landscape materials and provision of water sheet buffer. Mayor informed that the high quality street furniture such as seating benches, ornamental lights, signs, direction boards, pavements, flower pots, litter bins, pergolas, display areas etc., have been proposed to integrate all the proposed activities and due care has been taken to provide barrier-free environment for physically challenged persons / aged.. In addition to the above items, security and safety measures have also been considered while designing the overall layout. The education / information oriented display related to civic amenities / facilities have been proposed to dissipate awareness to all citizens

CM RELEASES FIRST BOOK WRITTEN BY SAT PAL

Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit today released first book written by Sat Pal in a simple function organised at Delhi Secretariat. Power Minister Dr. A.K. Walia presided over the function whereas Health Minister Dr. Yoganand Shastri, MLAs Shri Ramakant Goswami & Shri Anil Bhardwaj, Member Delhi Minorities Commission Shri Pushpender Singh and Pr. Secretary to CM Shri P.K. Tripathi were present as guests of honour.

The book-“Teen Mein Na Terah Mein” is a collection of humourous/satiric, contemporary, Delhi-centric, non-political, Hindi articles. It has been published by Asia Publishers. Hindi Academy, Government of Delhi has facilitated publication of this book.

Petrol price hike: An act of insensitivity and betrayal:Advani

The UPA government’s anti-aam aadmi character has been starkly exposed yet again by its decision today to hike the prices of petrol, diesel and LPG.
The poor and the middle classes have been already groaning under the burden of unprecedented rise in the prices of all essential goods and services, caused by the mismanagement of the economy by the government. All the oft-repeated promises of the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister to control the rate of inflation have failed.
And now, in another act of insensitivity and betrayal, the government has taken a decision that is bound to have a cascading effect on prices. This will further impoverish crores of ordinary Indian families.
An already unpopular government has invited fresh wrath of the people.

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BENEFIT OF SUBSIDISED ELECTRICITY UPTO 150 UNITS PER MONTH PERCOLATES DOWN TO AROUND 10 LAC CONSUMERS; GOVERNMENT RELEASES RS.13 CRORE SUBSIDY DURING MARCH 2008

Delhi Power Minister Dr. A.K. Walia has stated that benefit of subsidized electricity on containing consumption upto 150/200 units per month has started percolating down to the consumers. It was further stated that around 10 lac consumers have been benefited with this scheme on consumption of their monthly electricity upto 150 units during March, 2008. The city-government has released an amount of Rs.13 crore for this purpose. Dr. Walia was speaking to media persons after chairing a weekly power review meeting today wherein status of ongoing Amnesty Scheme was reviewed apart from scheme of subsidized electricity on restricting consumption upto 150/200 units per month.

Dr. Walia stated that response to the Amnesty Scheme has been very encouraging as 8242 requests have been received for meter change/settlement of theft cases and new-metered connection. BYPL has received 1074 requests whereas BRPL has received 3159 requests. NDPL has received 3409 requests under ongoing Amnesty Scheme which is open till 11th June, 2008. In all 1529 new meters have been installed after receiving request for change of tampered/suspected/damaged meters and 3276 cases of theft/direct abstraction of energy amounting to Rs.6.80 crore have been settled.

The ongoing Amnesty Scheme has three components which relates to settlement of all existing unsettled power theft cases, new electronic meters instead of monthly fixed connections in J.J. colonies & clusters and change of old and tempered meters. The scheme is open to residential & industrial and commercial consumers. In case of theft cases, domestic consumers are being offered 60% rebate and commercial & industrial consumers are being offered 50% rebate in the assessed bills. Apart from this, late payment surcharge is also being waived off. The scheme is committed to provide relief to those electricity consumers who have been facing harassment.

Dr. Walia further stated that the government has released an amount of Rs.44 crore for street lighting in 829 unauthorized colonies, which would be completed within few months. Rs.13 crore has been released to NDPL for 186 colonies, Rs.20 crore to BRPL for 521 colonies and Rs.10 crore to BYPL for 122 colonies. Apart from this the government has released an amount of Rs.2738 crore to waive off dues of consumers pertaining to DVB/DESU arrears. 1.97 lac consumers (Rs.902 crore) from BYPL area, 1.94 lac consumers (Rs.1115 crore) from BRPL and 1.6 lac consumers (Rs.721 crore) from NDPL area have been benefited with this.

The Power Department is fully prepared to meet the demand of electricity during summer season. Dr. Walia has exhorted Distcoms to expedite developmental works in their respective area. The MLAs are being requested separately to submit requests in respect of shifting of lines, which would be taken up after making due assessment. The Department has also intensified its efforts to popularize Solar Water Heater System. Restaurants, registered Nursing Homes and other institutions are being requested to go for solar water heater and avail rebate. A separate scheme to exhort consumers to install CFL is also being chalked out by the Distcoms.

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POWER SITUATION DAILY UPDATE

3478 MW Peak Time Power Demand met
No Load Shedding Effected

New Delhi: 4th June 2008

Today was a comfortable day in Delhi as far as power situation is concerned. 3478 MW Peak time power demand was successfully met at 16:15 hrs. today. Delhi under drew 72 MW. No load shedding was effected.

Indian Activist speaks at United Nations General Assembly on Human Trafficking

Anti-human trafficking expert and Apne Aap Women Worldwide Founder President, Ms. Ruchira Gupta addressed members of the United Nations General Assembly on 3rd June, 2008 at a thematic debate
on human trafficking calling upon all members of the General Assembly and India in particular to tighten their anti-trafficking laws by imposing stricter punishment on traffickers and criminalizing buyers of prostitution. She said standards have already been set in the UN
Protocol to Prevent Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially
Women and Children, adopted in 2000 which most members of the UN including India had already ratified and it was obligatory for countries, including India to amend their laws to harmonize with the Protocol.

“Demand for trafficked people-from end users to those who make a profit from the trade has become the most immediate cause for the expansion of the trafficking industry. An increase in convictions against traffickers and buyers will serve to make this trade untenable and restore a sense of justice to the survivor,” she said.

The amendment to the 1956 Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act (ITPA), which among other
things, decriminalize women in prostitution, while criminalizing the real and often invisible perpetrators - the buyers of prostitution, pimps and brothel owners has languished in New Delhi for
two years with no end in sight. Much resistance to the amendment comes from Indian Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss who has objected saying punishing the buyers of prostituted sex would cause the sex trade to go underground, which would affect the HIV/ AIDS programme.
The grim reality, however, is that prostituted women and children are trafficked and cannot say no to unwanted sex let alone unprotected sex.

In her recommendations to the General Assembly Ms Gupta said “trafficking for prostitution should not be treated as a health management or AIDS prevention programme. These programmes have ended up creating a vested industry around the manufacture and distribution of condoms without dismantling the process of trafficking or making a dent to the brothel systems which simply serve as a magnet to buyers of prostituted sex and to traffickers. Protection of the trafficked includes preventing prostitution, not simply mitigating its impact”.

Children’s Corner organizes Environment Awareness Programme on World Environment Day for the underprivileged children

The Lok Sabha Secretariat celebrated the World Environment Day today by organizing an environment awareness programme for the underprivileged children in association with Ambpali, an organization working for children and women on environment related issues in the Children’s Corner of Parliament Library on 5th June 2008.
During the programme, various activities like making of paper bags from recycled papers, making of paper–mache products, such as pencil covers etc., and painting competition were organized for the participants. There were awareness talks on maintaining the clean environment by Environmentalists. A total of 60 children participated in various activities during the day.
Shri P.D.T. Achary, Secretary-General, Lok Sabha graced the occasion and distributed prizes to the winners of various activities.
It may be recalled that Children’s Corner was inaugurated by the Lok Sabha Speaker, Shri Somnath Chatterjee on 21 August 2007. Earlier, a Literary and Cultural Activity Week for the underprivileged children from five NGOs – Bal Ashram, Mobile Creche, Abhas, Saksham Bharti and Pratham- was organized in association with Bachpan Society in the Children’s Corner of the Parliament Library from 26 to 30 May 2008.The winners of various events during the Literary and Cultural Activity Week were also distributed the prizes today.

PARK IN SOUTH DELHI NAMED AFTER BHARAT RATNA
BABA SAHIB DR. BHIM RAO AMBEDKAR

Prof. Vijay Kumar Malhotra, MP today named park developed by MCD at Ward No. 168 at Motchi Bagh village after the name of Bharat Ratna Baba Sahib Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar. Ms. Arti Mehra, Mayor of Delhi, Mr. Karan Singh Tanwar, MLA, Mr. Ved Prakash Gupta, Chairman (Garden Committee), Mr. Anil Kumar Sharma, Chairman (Ward Committee, South Zone), Mr. Ajit Tokas, Deputy Chairman (Garden Committee) were also present in the function which was presided by area municipal Councillor, Dr. Anita Gupta. From Executive Wing Smt. Kiran Dabral, Deputy Commissioner, South Zone, Mr. M.R. Tewatia, Director (Horticulture) and other Municipal officers were also present.

          Prof. Malhotra to commemorate World Environment Day planted saplings. Besides, other dignitaries also planted 20 1saplings of trees and 155 saplings of shrubs.

MCD CONSTITUTED SPECIAL TEAMS FOR IMPOUNDING STRAY CATTLE FROM VARIOUS PARTS OF DELHI

Mr. Vijender Gupta, Chairman, Standing Committee today informed that Municipal Corporation of Delhi has constituted five Special Teams to nab stray cattle in various parts of Delhi. One team will cover Civil Lines, West, Rohini and Narela Zones. The second team will cover Najafgarh, Central and South Zones. Third team will cover Shahdara (North) and Shahdara (South) Zone of MCD. Fourth team will cover Sadar Paharganj, Karol Bagh and City Zones. Fifth team will remain at Head Quarter as a stand-by arrangements and will be deputed in the Zone from where help is called for.

Mr. Gupta also informed that during the last two months about 4000 stray cattle were rounded-up. In April, 1650 stray cattle were impounded whereas in May 1864 cattle were impounded. This month till today 389 cattles have been impounded. Microchips were inserted in 720 cattle. In 75 calves ear tags have been inserted and when they will be grown-up micro chip will be inserted. He also disclosed that to maintain the record of impounding operations, four video cameras are being purchased.

Chairman also disclosed that in a letter written to Police Commissioner he has expressed his disappointment over non-cooperation of Delhi Police. He said that 7 Police Personnel headed by a Head Constable are at a time provided to MCD Cattle Catcher Squad in which there is no women constable. It also create hindrance in the cattle catching operations since, many times the Police Officials in the team.

STATEMENT OF FORMER PRIME MINISTER AND JANATA DAL (SECULAR) PRESIDENT SH H D DEVE GOWDA WELCOMING THE FATWA AGAINST

I and my party whole-hearetedly welcome the 'Fatwa' issued by the highly revered Islamic seminary, Darul-Uloom Deoband and endorsed by Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind and several other Muslim organizations at the Anti-Terrorism Global Peace Conference held in New Delhi on Saturday. The Fatwa is a befitting reply to evil attempts of the communal forces who try to unleash a false propaganda each time a tragedy occurs to create misapprehension and doubts in the minds of people on Islam's position on terrorism and to me such acts of communal forces to milk human tragedies are even more heinous than the acts of terrorism. The terrorists carry out such acts only to create hatred and distrust, but the love and human bond which are hall marks of our culture and society always manages to defeat such designs of terrorists. However, the failed job of terrorists is then taken over by the communal forces who try to create an atmosphere of distrust, which now this Fatwa serves to thwart. The message, which could not have come at a more appropriate time, would serve to strengthen further the bonds of fraternity between different communities and the secular fabric of our nation. I wish to extend my heartiest congratulations to the people and organizations behind this noble and timely gesture. The 'Fatwa' has nailed the lie propounded by communal forces equating Islam and Jehad with terrorism. It has also exposed the propaganda that Muslim organizations were silent on terrorism or that they sympathized with such violent activities. We, at the Janata Dal (Secular), have always believed that Islam stood for peace and brotherhood and that individuals acts of aberration should not be attributed to an entire community. We have also maintained, at great costs to our electoral fortunes, that there should be no witch-hunt or persecution of members of any particular community in the name of investigations into terror incidents. Though our stand was electorally exploited by communal forces, the Fatwa has vindicated our stand. I urge the Government of India and state Governments to actively and sincerely pursue the implementation of reservation for Minorities in educational and employment opportunities as successfully conceived by the then Janata Dal Government in Karnataka in 1995 and implemented in the state over the last 13 years. The Governments are mandated to implement it under Article 14 and Article 16 (4) of the Constitution of India. The Government, both at the Centre and states, should ensure reservation to Backward Classes and Minorities which has already been implemented in Karnataka in all the Local Bodies including Panchayats, both for men and women within the 33% reservation. For Muslims in elected bodies including the legislatures and Parliament. There should also be proportionate quota for Muslim women within the proposed 33 per cent reservation for women in Parliament and state legislatures. I also urge our countrymen not to get carried away by the propaganda of communal forces on the issue of terrorism and foil their nefarious designs to divide and rule this nation. The time has come for all secular forces to join hands to prevent these reactionary forces from spreading their tentacles across the country.

Press Statement issued by Shri Rajiv Pratap Rudy,
National Spokesperson, BJP

While the country is reeling with an unprecedented price rise here is a Prime Minister who has thrown his hands up promising to do nothing and alternately declaring the prices of fuel will have to be increased. Amazingly the Prime Minister is desperate to seek a consensus in a folly which would additionally burden the common man and is in absolute contradiction to his claims that prices would be reined in few months.

The Prime Minister who has been hiding behind the growth rate for last four years has completely ruined the economy. The hollowness of his claims has been completely exposed and the economy is in deep crises. The Prime Minister’s recent remark that the hike in the prices of petrol and diesel is inevitable then the exit of the UPA Government and the Prime Minister is also ‘inevitable’. The failure of the government is cast in stone and the statement of the Prime Minister symbolises a Captain fleeing his sinking ship. His shallow claims of controlling prices are a hoax and the “Aam Admi” is its first casualty. The brazen postponement of the financial burden to future government highlights the mismanaged ‘prudent fiscal’ policies sermonised by the economist Prime Minister and practiced by the UPA government.

MCD TO ADJUST EXCESS PROPERTY TAX PAID

Mayor, Ms. Arti Mehra today announced that the Municipal Corporation of Delhi will adjust the excess tax paid by the property taxpayers during the current financial year i.e. from 1st April, 2008 till date. The excess amount, if any, paid by the property taxpayer, will now be adjusted in the Self Assessment Property Tax Return to be filed by the taxpayers during the next financial year i.e. 2009-10. The taxpayers will be allowed to claim full tax return of the excess amount. She has directed the Assessor & Collector to work out the mechanism for adjustment of the excess tax paid.

Mayor said that the House yesterday adopted the Resolution giving rebates and exemptions this year to bring tax position at par with property tax prevailing during 2007-08. She said that in a number of instances, the property taxpayers had already paid their tax at the rate for 2008-09 before MCD could fulfill the formalities relating roll back at the level of 2007-08. She said that the roll back was made possible after persistant follow-up with Chief Law Officer, MCD as well as learned Additional Solicitor General of India.

BEAUTY PARLOURS, BEAUTICIANS AND DESIGNERS SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE LIST OF PROFESSIONALS UNDER MDP-2021

Mr. Vijender Gupta, Chairman, Standing Committee of MCD demanded from Union Minister of Urban Development that beauty parlours, designers and consultants should be included in the list of professions given in Para 15.8 of Master Plan of Delhi-2021.

Giving details Mr. Gupta informed that Delhi Development Authority has passed Resolution No. 126 on 6th September, 1973 according to which beauty parlour, Doctors, Lawyers, Architects and Engineers were accepted as home based professionals occupation under MPD-1962 came with in the ambit of the provision “Professional Activity” of mixed use regulations of MPD-2001. Now, beauty parlours, beauticians, designers are left out from the list of professionals given in the Para 15.8 inadvertently on the ground that they are not regulated by any organization. Mr. Gupta said that it is not a solid ground to prohibit thousands of women earning livelihood through their home based activities providing daily need skilled professional activities. He said it is clear-cut violation of principle of equality enshrined in Articles 14 and 15 of the constitution of India.

Mr. Gupta therefore, demanded that beauty parlours, beauty parlours and beauticians shall be included in the list of professional under clause 15.8 of the MPD-2021 subject to following conditions as contained in Resolution 126 passed by DDA.

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Press Statement issued by Shri L.K. Advani, Leader of the Opposition
(Lok Sabha) at Jaipur on bomb blasts.

The month of May has brought two major tragedies in India’s neighbourhood. First came the cyclone in Myanmar, followed by an earthquake in China. Thousands of people perished. People all over the world have expressed sorrow and sympathy, and extended a helping hand, to their brethren in these two countries. However, these being natural calamities, humanity has no option but to come to terms with them, while continuing its efforts to mitigate their painful consequences.

In contrast, what happened in Jaipur yesterday was not a tragedy but a well-calculated crime against humanity, barbaric and sinister. The serial bomb blasts at eight different crowded places in quick succession, in which over 70 innocent people were killed and many more injured, is the latest instance in terrorism’s war on India. Like all other previous acts of terrorism, this too is aimed at bleeding and weakening India, creating mayhem and tension, and ultimately at undermining our national unity and security.

The enemy in this war must be countered and defeated with the same unity and resolve that India displays when it is faced with external aggression.

I am confident that the government of Rajasthan, led by Chief Minister Smt. Vasundhara Raje, will do its utmost to nab the evil hands and minds behind this crime and bring the culprits to justice. I do hope that the Central Government will extend full support and all possible assistance in this effort.

However, I would like to emphasise that the fight against terrorism is a national issue, and the role and responsibility of the Central Government in dealing with this menace is much more than that of any State Government. The UPA government, which will shortly complete four years in office, has such a dismal record in discharging this responsibility that it instills no confidence whatsoever.

PARLIAMENTARIANS PAY FLORAL TRIBUTES TO RABINDRANATH TAGORE

Lok Sabha Speaker, Shri Somnath Chatterjee,Chairperson of UPA, Smt. Sonia Gandhi, and Leader of Opposition in LokSabha, Shri L.K. Advani, led the nation in paying floral tributes to GurudevRabindranath Tagore on his 147th Birth Anniversary in the Central Hall ofParliament House today. Among other dignitaries who paid floral tributes to the Gurudevwere Shri Shivraj Patil and Shri Pawan Kumar Bansal, both UnionMinisters; and Shri Madhusudan Mistry, Smt. Monika Das and Dr. SatyanarayanJatiya, Members of Parliament, and several former Members of Parliament.* *Lok Sabha Secretary-General, Shri P.D.T. Achary, and Rajya SabhaSecretary-General, Dr. V.K. Agnihotri, also paid tributes at the portrait ofGurudev Tagore.A booklet containing the profile of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, brought outby the Lok Sabha Secretariat, both in Hindi and English, was presented tothe dignitaries on the occasion.The portrait of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore was unveiled in the Central Hallof Parliament House by the then President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, on 12September 1958, in recognition of his many-splendoured contributions to thenation.The Lok Sabha Speaker also paid floral tributes at the statue of GurudevRabindranath Tagore, installed near the Central dome in the ParliamentLibrary Building.

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Ms. Arti Mehra, Mayor of Delhi today informed that she has demanded from Mr. Jaipal Reddy, Union Minister of Urban Development to incorporate certain vital amendments in the Master Plan for Delhi-2021 at the earliest. She said that these amendments on the basis of the feedback from the various Zones of MCD require consideration at the level of Central Government and Delhi Development Authority.

Mayor pointed out that since the registration and payment of conversion charges of the shops/premises under Mixed use Regulations for the year 2006-07 was to be carried out by 30th June, 2007, most of the traders who could not acquaint themselves with the various provisions of the Master Plan and subsequent Notifications, were unable to register themselves and pay the conversion charges to the Local Bodies. As such, one time relaxation/extension of time needs to be given to them in order to let them register and then pay the required Conversion Charges/Parking Charges. By virtue of non-registration, such traders are liable to pay 10 times penalty for annual conversion charges. These charges being exhorbitant are out of the reach of the majority of traders. She said that as such, they need consideration and amnesty from the Government of India.

MCD ORGANIZES THALESSEMIA AWARENESS WEEK
AT HINDU RAO HOSPITAL

Dr. V. K. Monga, Chairman, Medical Relief and Public Health Committee today informed that Thalessemia Awareness Week organized by the MCD from 5th May at Hindu Rao Hospital is attracting large number of prospective parents. This week has been organized to commemorate International Thalessemia Day. The activities organized at Hindu Rao Hospital include carrier screening of antenatal patients; creating awareness by talks, distribution of pamphlets and posters; educational movies for the patients attending the Gynae OPD; and Thalessemia quiz for the junior doctors.

Give BJP a chance
To set things right in Bangalore and Karnataka

When the people of Karnataka elect a new Vidhan Sabha this month, they have an opportunity, and also an obligation unto themselves, to ensure that 2004 does not repeat itself in 2008. The election in 2004 produced a hung assembly. When there is a virus attack, the computer hangs and malfunctions. This is what happened to the system of governance in Karnataka after the last Assembly elections. The virus of opportunism and betrayal by the Congress and the JD(S) played havoc with governance and development in Karnataka.

The same virus is threatening to hit Karnataka’s politics and governance once again. I say this because both the Congress and JD(S) are once again working on the scenario of a hung assembly so that they can replay the unscrupulous game they played after 2004, just to keep the BJP out of power. The people of Karnataka should not let this happen. They have a strong and effective anti-virus software in their possession — their valuable vote. By using this powerful tool in their hands, they can give themselves a stable government by giving a clear and decisive mandate to the BJP.

I am addressing this press conference in Bangalore. I have been visiting Bangalore for a long time and have always been charmed by its many attractions. Indeed, even in my childhood in Sindh, I used to hear — and I have mentioned this in my autobiography — that the two cleanest and most beautiful cities in the undivided India of those days were Karachi and Bangalore.

25 CENTRES OF "AAP KI RASOI" WOULD BE COMMISSIONED
VERY SOON-Dikshit

Delhi Chief Minister Smt. Sheila Dikshit today said that 25 centres of "Aap Ki Rasoi" would be commissioner very soon in the capital. She was inaugurating third centre of "Aap Ki Rasoi" at Chandni Chowk today. Delhi Social Welfare Minister Dr. Yoganand Shastri was also present on the occasion. "Aap Ki Rasoi" a new initiative under Bhagidari Programme to ensure at least one-time full meal to homeless, poor, destitute persons. She described opening of third Centre of "Aap Ki Rasoi" as a noble joint venture of the city-government and ISKCON (International society for Krishna consciousness), who has come forward to offer a helping hand in eliminating hunger from the Capital-city by providing one-time full free meal to large number of poor, homeless, destitute persons and street children.

Smt. Dikshit further said that intensification of Hunger-Free Delhi Campaign would go a long way in curbing malnutrition as it is sometime noticed that few children try to gather eating articles out of garbage. The Chief Minister stated that the city-government would continue to facilitate NGOs/Business Houses in distribution of cooked food at specified Centres. Hundreds of poor persons were provided fresh cooked nutritious food by the ISKCON Temple. She expressed confidence that fresh food would be provided everyday between 12 Noon to 3:00 PM at Centres. The government under its new initiative would give permission to utilize night shelters for distribution of cooked food whereas the donors would bring hygienically cooked material for distribution to the poor.

Press statement released by Shri Prakash Javedkar, National Spokesperson, BJP

The rate of inflation reaching 7.57% today points to the fact that Congress led UPA government has completely failed in stopping the price rise. Today the reality has come to the fore that price rise cannot be stopped only by controlling demands or through financial exercises and that imports are not increased only by reducing import duties and exports cannot be reduced by levying export duties; exercise only on papers would not mitigate the crisis. Bharatiya Janata Party demands that the government should wake up now by recognizing the grave crisis at hand and take appropriate measures to bring relief to the common man. Wheat, rice, pulses, oil and sugar should be made available to everyone on highly subsidized prices in the ration shops. Along with this, the black marketing of cooking gas and fertilizers should be stopped. The cement and steel cartel should be effectively ended and new policy on diesel and petrol should be announced. Only then prices may be controlled.
BJP’s national strike on the slogan, “Stop Price rise or leave” was highly successful today. Millions of people participated in the Protest Demonstrations in thousand of towns and cities. Human Chains were formed in hundreds of places. More than twenty thousand markets in the country remained closed.

TALK ON 'PARLIAMENT AND THE MEDIA – A REPORTER'S
PERSPECTIVE' BY INDER MALHOTRA

As part of the Lecture Series for Members of Parliament, the Bureau of Parliamentary Studies and Training (BPST), Lok Sabha Secretariat, will be organizing a Lecture on Parliament and the Media - A Reporter's Perspective by veteran journalist, Shri Inder Malhotra, on Tuesday, 6 May 2008, at 9.00 AM, in the BPST Lecture Hall, First Floor,Parliament Library Building.

Under an initiative taken by the Lok Sabha Speaker, Shri Somnath Chatterjee, the BPST has been organizing the Lecture Series by experts on subjects of topical relevance for the benefit of Members of Parliament since August 2005. Till date, 22 Lectures have been delivered by subject experts and eminent personalities on varied themes. The Lecture Series seeks to help the members in gaining valuable insights into the subjects under discussion.

ABSTRACTS FROM ADDRESS OF MS. ARTI MEHRA
AFTER BEING RE-ELECTED AS MAYOR OF DELHI

Ms. Arti Mehra today after winning elections of the coveted post of Mayor consequtively for the second term said that MCD is an important organization, which is related to citizens of Delhi from birth to death. In the coming time, we have to implement important and major projects. She said that last year when she assumed the charge of the post of Mayor, she promised citizens of Delhi to make Delhi clean, healthier and literate. We have pledged to provide medical facilities and primary education to people belonging to weaker sections of society and JJ dwellers. We have succeeded in our mission, yet much remains to be done. The Mayor said that MCD had completed 50 years of its constitution on 7th April, this year. The history from election of first Mayor, respected Smt. Aruna Asaf Ali till today is a matter of great pride for all of us. We all jointly organized Golden
Jubilee function in which the eminent personalities who occupied various important positions after constitution of first Municipal Corporation in 1958 were invited so that we can learn from their ideals and take inspirations from them.

RAINWATER HARVESTING WOULD BE IMPLEMENTED
IN 205 SCHOOLS- DIKSHIT

Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit today exhorted people to come forward to preserve and conserve environment of the earth planet. She further exhorted them to make rational use of natural resources to ensure better future. She stated that her government would introduce water-harvesting scheme in 205 schools in the Capital-city for which an amount of Rs.40 crore has been earmarked. It is indeed essential to make use of CFL bulbs to go for large-scale energy saving. Maximum installation of CFL bulbs would help in saving of 1200 MW electricity.
Smt. Dikshit was addressing eco-club members gathered from 200 schools of Delhi in a workshop organized in connection with celebration of Earth Day at Delhi Secretariat. Secretary (Environment) Shri J.K. Dadoo was also expressed his views on this occasion.

The Chief Minister also expressed her views on the issue of global warming which is emerging a big challenge to the humanity.
Large-scale greening would prove to be beneficial in overcoming fast-increasing pollution. She exhorted children to function as an environment-ambassador. She further requested children to at least plant seven saplings and preserve them as their family member.
Eco-clubs have been established in 1900 schools in Delhi. The clubs would also be set up in another 200 schools. She stressed the need of utilization of recycled paper. This practice may help in saving
around 40,000 trees in a year. She further underlined the need of making mandatory use of recyled papers in business houses.

Smt. Dikshit disclosed that Delhiites have bought around 5 lac CFL bulbs, which are energy efficient and result in less electricity bill.
35 schools have been provided Solar Water Heater System. The same would be installed in another 50 schools very soon. The
city-government has been providing a subsidy on installation of Solar Water Heater System. She stressed the need of rational use of water and electricity and stressed for the use of recycled water for cleanliness and gardening. This would go a long way in saving of drinking water.

Election of Mayor and Deputy Mayor on Monday

The elections to the coveted posts of Mayor & Deputy Mayor of Delhi will be held on Monday, the 21st April, 2008 at 2.00 p.m. in the meeting of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi at New Meeting Hall, Town Hall. The election to the posts of three members of Standing Committee will also take place after the election of Mayor & Deputy Mayor of Delhi in the meeting.

NOMINATIONS FILED FOR THE COVETED POSTS OF MAYOR AND DEPUTY MAYOR OF DELHI

Ms. Arti Mehra and Mr. Jagdish Mamgain of BJP today filed their nomination papers for the coveted post of Mayor of Delhi, while Mrs. Razia Sultana of Congress and Mr. Sanjay from BSP also filed their nominations for the post of the Mayor.

Mr. Divya Jaiswal and Mr. Dharamvir Singh of BJP and Mr. Tulsi Ram Sablania of Congress filed their nomination papers for the coveted post of Deputy Mayor.

Mr. Vijender Kumar Gupta, Ms. Rajni Abbi and Mr. Harish Awasthi of BJP and Mr. Jai Kishan Sharma and Chaudhary Ajit Singh of Congress filed their nomination papers for the members of the Standing Committee to be nominated by the Corporation.

Nominations for Chairmen and Deputy Chairmen of Ward Committees and Members of the Standing Committee from their respective Ward

FORMER MAYORS, DEPUTY MAYORS, CHAIRMEN, STANDING COMMITTEE WHO REMAINED IN VARIOUS SESSIONS OF MCD
AFTER 1958 HONOURED

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Municipal Corporation of Delhi organized a glittering function at historical Azad Park in front of Town Hall to commemorate its Golden Jubilee. The elected representatives who remained at important posts on various sessions of MCD after constitution of first MCD in 1958 were honoured on this occasion. Mr. Tejender Khanna, Lt. Governor of Delhi was the Chief Guest and Smt. Shiela Dikshit, Chief Minister, Delhi Government was distinguished guest. Ms. Arti Mehra, Mayor of Delhi presided over the function. Mr. Divya Jaiswal, Deputy Mayor, Mr. Subhash Arya, Leader of House, Mr. Vijender Gupta, Chairman, Standing Committee, Prof. Jagdish Mukhi, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Dr. Harswardhan, President, Delhi Pradesh, BJP, Mr. Jai Prakash Aggarwal, MP and President DPCC, Mr. Jai Kishan Sharma, Leader of Opposition in MCD, a large number of MLAs and Municipal Councillors were also present.

Lt. Governor honoured, Mr. Kedar Nath Sahni, former Mayor and Mr. Vijay Kumar Malhotra and Ch. Prem Singh who were elected in first MCD. Meritorious Certificates and shawls were presented to them.

Lt. Governor also gifted shawls and meritorious certificates to former Mayors which include, Smt. Meera Kanwaria, Dr. Anita Arya, Mr. Yog Dhyan Ahuja, Mr. A. R. Verma, Smt. Shakuntala Arya, Mr. Mahesh Chand Sharma and former Deputy Mayors, Mr. Ramesh Dutta, Ch. Mahender Singh, Mr. Satish Chander Khandelwal, former Chairmen of Standing Committee, Mr. Sat Narain Bansal and Mr. Jai Prakash Aggarwal. Mr. Nand Kishore Garg and Mr. Rajesh Sharma alias Vasudev, former ministers of Delhi Government were also honoured.

The only things that have risen higher than prices are the UPA government’s insensitivity, dishonesty, incompetence and non-performance

There has not been another time in recent memory when the issue of price rise has so intensely agitated the minds of every section of the Indian society, particularly the poorest. For the past several weeks now, the entire country has been discussing only one issue, almost to the exclusion of every other issue. And that issue is the unbearable impact of the skyrocketing prices of essential commodities.

As the party of the Opposition, it is the duty of the BJP to raise in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha what is being talked about in the ‘Jana Sabha’. The BJP will fulfill this duty with all the seriousness and combativeness that the issue demands.

It is not for me to cite facts and figures about the extent and severity of the problem. Newspapers and TV channels are full of reports, features, analyses and editorials on the issue. But what struck me is a news item — indeed, the main news item on the front page of The Economic Times on Monday (14 April). Its headline said it all: ‘Boiling Prices Roiling Index – REAL INFLATION FALSELY REPORTED’.

The newspaper reported that “Inflation could be a lot worse than the 7.41% figure for the week ended March 29. The prices of a large number of essential items in the wholesale price index have not been changed for months, thus giving an incomplete picture of inflation in the real world.”

I would like to know from the Prime Minister if this is true. If this is even partially true, it raises serious questions about the honesty and integrity of the UPA government.

Of course, the government today commands the lowest esteem in the eyes of the harried common man and the common housewife. They know from their daily experience that those in power are not telling the truth about the true extent of the rise in prices.

A government that is not truthful with the citizens is not fit to govern.

What is equally painful to see is the insensitivity of those in the higher echelons of the government. Instead of confronting the problem with a proper plan and a united effort that can instill confidence among the people, they are busy passing the buck and blaming the opposition.

The Prime Minister has nearly conceded defeat by confessing that “containing rise in foodgrain prices is very difficult.” Finance Minister P. Chidambaram has blamed the land-use policy in the United States for the rise in prices of foodgrains in India! Railway Minister Laloo Prasad Yadav has gone on record that “BJP-sponsored traders are responsible for the price rise.” And in words that echo the infamous comment by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi that “corruption is a global phenomenon”, Science & Technology Minister Kapil Sibal has called price rise “a global phenomenon” and stated that “the government has no ‘magic wand’ to control it.”

LOK SABHA SPEAKER HAILS FRIENDLY RELATIONS BETWEEN INDIA AND BULGARIA

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Interacting with Mr. Dragovest Goranov, Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary of Bulgaria in India, who called on him in Parliament House today, the Lok Sabha Speaker, Shri Somnath Chatterjee, pointed out that India and Bulgaria shared long and warm relations and hoped that cooperation between the two countries would touch new heights in times to come. In this context, Shri Chatterjee observed that there should be more interaction among the parliamentarians since they could discuss issues of topical interest more purposively.

The Bulgarian Ambassador conveyed the invitation of the Speaker of the Bulgarian Parliament to the Lok Sabha Speaker to visit Bulgaria and hoped that cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the area of science and technology, would be strengthened.

HUNGER-FREE DELHI CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED BY SMT. DIKSHIT

Delhi Chief Minister Smt. Sheila Dikshit today launched a new initiative called “Aap Ki Rasoi” under Bhagidari Programme of the city-government with an aim to eliminate hunger from the Capital-city by providing one-time free full meal to large number of poor, homeless, destitute persons and street children. Hunger-free Delhi Campaign was launched today at Nizamuddin Night Shelter where hundreds of poor persons were provided fresh cooked nutritious food by the Swami Narayan Akshardham Mandir. Speaking on this occasion, Smt. Dikshit described this campaign as a major step towards making Delhi a hunger-free State. She further stated that her government would facilitate NGOs/Business Houses in distribution of cooked food at various locations in the city. It was also stated that around 12 more NGOs/Business Houses have agreed to associate in this noble cause. Number of other NGOs have also shown their willingness in this campaign. A few reputed NGOs, Business Houses like Hero Honda etc., hotels like Taj etc. have also agreed to associate with Delhi Government in this regard.

Smt. Dikshit expressed confidence that this initiative would ensure one-time full meal to a huge number of homeless poor people out on the streets who are unable to even feed themselves. Wholesome food to destitute will be provided everyday between 12 Noon to 3:00 PM. Smt. Dikshit exhorted beneficiaries to keep surroundings clean by putting used paper plates in bins kept nearby. It was also stated that drinking water would also be available at various “Aap Ki Rasoi” Centres. Delhi Government under its new initiative would give permission to utilize night shelters for distribution of cooked food whereas the donors would bring hygienically cooked material for distribution to the poor. The Government is also considering to make available a large kitchen to the donors to undertake their cooking exercise at later stage.

CABINET APPROVES HUGE CONCESSIONAL FACILITIES ON PURCHASE OF BATTERY-OPERATED VEHICLES

The Delhi Cabinet has approved a proposal to grant huge concessional facilities on purchase of battery-operated vehicles in the Capital-city. It has given its nod for signing of an MoU with Indian National Trust for Art & Cultural Heritage (INTACH) for declaration of Delhi as World Heritage City. Apart from this Cabinet has approved certain relaxations for implementation of Assured Career Progression (ACP) Scheme for teachers and has also granted full-time teacher status to part time language teachers appointed by three Language Academies by sanctioning 128 to 139% increase in their remuneration. The decisions were taken today in a Cabinet Meeting presided over by the Delhi Chief Minister Smt. Sheila Dikshit.

While briefing media after the Cabinet Meeting, Smt. Dikshit stated that her government would allow the citizens of Delhi to have access to a clean-fuelled vehicle to ensure improvement in the air quality of Delhi. The Cabinet has decided to grant 29.5% concessional facilities to purchasers of 2/3/4 wheel battery-operated vehicles in the Capital-city. The concessions such as VAT refund of 12.5% through the Air Ambience Fund, 15% subsidy on the base price of the vehicle also to be refunded to the dealer through the Air Ambience Fund for all indigenously manufactured battery-operated vehicles being noiseless and pollution-free. Apart from this 2% concession of Road Tax and registration expenses would also be granted by way of its reimbursement through Air Ambience Fund. Smt. Dikshit added that her government is committed to ensure that zero pollution vehicles are given encouragement and support. For making battery-operated vehicle to become attractive to the consumers, certain concessions are necessary to be provided to the customers to motivate them to go for cleaner vehicle option. Smt. Dikshit further stated that the total collection from the Air Ambience Fund will be sufficient to cover concessional facilities.

LOK SABHA DEPUTY SPEAKER MEETS SOUTH AFRICAN LEADERS

Cape Town,The Hon'ble Deputy Speaker, Lok Sabha, Shri Charnjit Singh Atwal, held meetings yesterday with the Speaker, National Assembly, Ms. Baleka Mbete, and the Chairperson, National Council of Provinces, Mr. Mninwa Mahlangu, South African Parliament, on the margins of the 118th Assembly of the Inter Parliamentary Union in Cape Town.

In the morning, the Hon'ble Deputy Speaker called on the Speaker, National Assembly.  The two sides recalled the historical links that imbue the relations between India and South Africa with a special significance.  The Hon'ble Deputy Speaker observed that South Africa, like India, was a vibrant multi-cultural democracy, and that the two countries with shared histories and common concerns, stood to benefit from each other's experiences.  Within this context, Hon'ble Deputy Speaker offered to train South African Parliamentarians at the Bureau of Parliamentary Studies and Training in New Delhi.  The Speaker, National Assembly indicated that South Africa would be pleased to avail of this opportunity.

It was agreed that the two sides would step up Parliamentary interaction over the next few years.  The Speaker, National Assembly, offered to host an Indian Parliamentary delegation in South Africa in 2008 before the national elections which are scheduled to be held early next year in South Africa.  It was agreed that mutually convenient dates would be firmed up through diplomatic channels.  This visit would be followed by the visit of a South African Parliamentary delegation to India.