Army, IAF get new chiefs; Lt Gen Bakshi to continue

New Delhi, Dec 31, 2016, (PTI)

Lt Gen Bipin Rawat today took over as the 27th chief of the 1.3 million strong Indian Army succeeding Gen Dalbir Singh Suhag, who retired after 42 years of service.
Air Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa also took charge as the 25th Air Force Chief replacing Anup Raha.

Gen Rawat superseded two senior most Lt Generals, Praveen Bakshi and P M Hariz.
Lt Gen Bakshi, who heads the Kolkata-headquartered Eastern Command, announced "full support" to the new chief and told theatre officers through video conferencing he will continue to lead with "full professional sincerity as hither-to-fore".

"I convey my best wishes and full support of Eastern Command to Gen Bipin Rawat on having taken over as the Chief of Army Staff," he said.

Earlier, there was speculation that Lt Gen Bakshi may resign or take premature retirement. He had also met Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar recently.

He requested that speculation and trolling in media and social media should stop and everyone should focus on contributing their best to the betterment of the army and the nation.
The Eastern Commander called the new Army chief to congratulate him on taking over the reins of the army.

Speculation is rife that Lt Gen Bakshi may be given the new post of Chief of Defence Staff pertaining which Parrikar will meet Prime Minster Narendra Modi next month.
Sources, however, have indicated that no such development will take place.

Gen Suhag, who superannuated today, said army is prepared to meet any challenge as he thanked the government for "providing a free hand" and implementing the One Rank One Pension scheme.

He said that infiltration bids had increased during the year and the number of terrorists killed was nearly double the previous year.

The General said the army focused on operational preparedness during his tenure.
Suhag said that when he had taken over he had asserted the response of the army to any action against our interest would be immediate, adequate and intense. "Indian Army has done that in the last two-and-a-half years," he said.

Later at noon, he handed over the charge to Rawat, who was commissioned in the Fifth Battalion of the Eleven Gorkha Rifles in December 1978 from IMA, Dehradun. He was awarded the 'Sword of Honour' at the academy.

Earlier in the day, Gen Suhag and Air Chief Marshal Raha paid tributes at Amar Jawan Jyoti and inspected the guard of honour.

The new IAF chief, Air Marshal Dhanoa, had developed the country's aerial targeting philosophy against potential adversaries and transformed the concept of air operations of the air force into contemporary war fighting practices.

He has mainly flown Kiran and MiG-21 aircraft though he has the experience of flying the entire spectrum of fighter aircraft from Jaguar to state-of-the-art MiG-29 and Su-30 MKI.


The Air Marshal has many feathers in his hat. As the commanding officer of a frontline ground attack fighter squadron, he led the IAF punch during the "Limited War" against Pakistan to drive the enemy out of their "dug in" defences in the icy heights of Kargil region.

During the conflict, under his leadership and supervision, the squadron devised unique and innovative methods of bombing at night at altitudes never before attempted in the history of air warfare, the IAF said.

Prior to the attack, the squadron had been adjudged as the best fighter squadron of western Air Command for its high degree of professionalism and peace-time training. After the conflict, it emerged as the most decorated IAF unit of Kargil War.

He also holds the highest flying instructional category in the IAF and was handpicked to establish the "IAF Training Team" abroad.

Gen Rawat has vast experience in high altitude warfare and counter-insurgency operations.

He commanded an infantry battalion, along the Line of Actual Control in the Eastern Sector, a Rashtriya Rifles Sector and an Infantry Division in the Kashmir Valley, a Corps in the Eastern theatre and the Southern Command.

He has tenanted instructional appointments at Indian Military Academy and at Army War College, Mhow.

Gen Rawat has held important staff appointments at Directorate General of Military Operations and Military Secretary's Branch at Army HQ.

He has also been Major General General Staff (MGGS) at HQ Eastern Command.
The General commanded a Multinational Brigade in a Chapter VII mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC). While serving with the United Nations, he was twice awarded the Force Commander's Commendation.

An alumni of Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, he has been awarded various medals of high honour for gallantry and distinguished service in a span of over 38 years in uniform.

He also attended the Command and General Staff College (CGSC) course at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, USA.

Academically inclined, Rawat has authored numerous articles on national security and leadership, which have been published in various journals and publications.

He was awarded M.Phil in Defence Studies from Madras University. He has a Diploma in Management and another Diploma in Computer Studies.

Gen Rawat has also completed his research on military media strategic studies and was awarded Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D) from Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut in 2011.

Death toll climbs to 16 in Lalmatia colliery mishap

Godda (Jharkhand), Dec 31, 2016, (PTI)

With the recovery of five more bodies today, the death toll climbed to 16 in the coal mine collapse at Lalmatia open cast coal mine of Eastern Coalfields Ltd (ECL), the worst such disaster in over a decade.
R R Mishra, officiating CMD of ECL, a Coal India subsidiary told PTI, "We have recovered five more bodies today. We are carrying on the rescue operation in a systematic manner so that the situation does not aggravate as the debris is too much and it should not fall."

Danger zones have been declared around the place of incidents to restrict the entry of people there. Moreover, the district commissioner has also stationed police and CISF officials to restrict entry of people in the danger zone, Mishra said.

"We have also called experts from outside to help us in the rescue operation. We have fully ensured that the rescue operations are done with proper safety measures. We have also come up with Standard Operating Procedures which would help us in proper operations so that there is no loss to lives," Mishra added.

Heavy machinery was deployed as rescuers, including those from the NDRF, toiled through the day yesterday extricating bodies and looking for survivors.

Central Mine Planning and Design Institute (CMPDIL), the consultancy arm of Coal India Ltd, has deployed magneto meters along with imaging system for locating magnetic and conductive material up to a depth of 80 meters, the statement said.

Mishra said the incident occurred at around 7.30 PM on Thursday when excavators were working there following which rescue operations was launched immediately.

Senior officials of Director General of Mines Safety (DGMS) have arrived at the site and launched an inquiry.

13 excavators and dump trucks which were swamped under the debris have been recovered.

Cannot help Iranian woman due to court order: Swaraj

New Delhi, Dec 31, 2016 (PTI)

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today expressed inability in helping a British woman charity worker of Iranian origin who has been sentenced to one year imprisonment by a court in Odisha on charges of causing death of a tribal child due to negligence.

Swaraj had sought a report from Odisha government on the case involving 28-year-old Narges K Ashtari.

She said she cannot help the woman due to the court order. Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif earlier this week has said that Iran will use all its capacity to secure Ashtari's release.

"I have received the report from Government of Odisha. The trial court has convicted Narges K Ashtari to one year imprisonment and Rs 3,00,000/- fine.

"She has filed an appeal before Sessions Court which is pending. The appellate court has released her on bail pending appeal. This is a judicial order and the matter is sub judice. Therefore, I am unable to help in this case @BorisJohnson @JZarif," Swaraj said in a series of tweets.

She also tagged Zarif as well as British Foreign Minister Boris Johnson in her tweets.
Ashtari, who runs an orphanage through her NGO Prishan Foundation in Rayagada district of Odisha, was found guilty by a court in the case relating to causing death to a child due to negligence.

She faced the charges after the disappearance of the child in 2014, who is feared drowned.

An online petition by social activists has recently sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intervention in seeking justice for Ashtari saying she has dedicated her life in serving orphan and abandoned children around the world.

Earlier this week, the Iranian Foreign Minister had said "The Foreign Ministry considers it its duty to protect Iranian nationals residing abroad, including students, elites and businessmen... and will use all its capacity to support them and restore their rights."

He said the Iranian Foreign Ministry and Iran's embassy in New Delhi are following up on her case though diplomatic, consular and legal channels.

Born in Isfahan, central Iran, Ashtari's parents moved to the UK when she was four years old.

PM offers sops post demonetisation, warns dishonest of action

New Delhi, Dec 31, 2016 (PTI)

In a bid to soften the blow of demonetisation effects, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tonight announced a hosts of sops for rural and urban poor, middle class, women and senior citizens while sending out a tough message that law will come down with "full force" against the "dishonest".
Addressing the nation at the end of 50 day period post surprise decision to ban 500 and 1000 rupee notes, he did not set out any roadmap for withdrawal of the cash curbs in banks but made it clear that his attempt was to restore normalcy as fast as possible in the new year.

He vowed that fight against black money and corruption cannot be allowed to stop or slowdown.

In what looked like a mini-Budget speech, the Prime Minister announced that loans of upto Rs 9 lakh taken in the new year under two new scheme of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana will receive interest subvention of 4 per cent and loan of upto Rs 12 lakh will get a 3 per cent interest waiver.

For rural areas, the number of houses being built for poor will be increased by 33 per cent. In addition, another scheme is being put in place for neo middle and middle class in rural areas where loans upto Rs 2 lakh for new housing or extension will receive an interest subvention of 3 per cent.

Farmers will get 60 days waiver from payment of interest on crop loan taken for the winter rabi sowing and those who have already paid will get back the money in their accounts.

They will get even better access to loans from cooperative societies with the government adding Rs 20,000 crore to the Rs 21,000 crore fund created by NABARD last month.

He said the government has enhanced the limit of underwriting of loans given by banks to small business from Rs 1 crore to Rs 2 crore. Banks and NBFCs will not levy high interest as the government is bearing the cost of underwriting them.

In a bid to help senior citizens, who often bear the brunt of banks reducing their deposit rates, Modi announced that they will receive fixed rate of 8 per cent for 10 years on deposits upto Rs 7.5 lakh, which will be paid monthly.

The government is introducing a nationwide scheme for financial assistance to pregnant women wherein Rs 6000 will be transferred directly to their bank accounts. This will cover women who undergo institutional delivery and vaccinate their children.

Thanking the people for their firm resolve and infinite patience in facing difficulties with a smile and a concept of sacrifice, he said Indians have displayed the strength of people power, utmost discipline and the ability to discern the truth in a storm of disinformation.

"My effort is to take the banking system to normalcy as fast as possible in the new year. I have asked all concerned officers in the Government to focus their attention to this task. They have especially been told to pro actively resolve the problems in rural and remote areas," he said.

Modi said what was done in India has no precedence globally and added that over last 10 to 12 years, 500 and 1000 currency notes were used less for legitimate transactions and more for parallel economy.

Maintaining that in the fight against corruption and blackmoney, it is natural to debate the fate of the dishonest. "What punishment will they get? The law will take its own course, with its full force. But the priority of the Government now is how to help the honest, protect them, and ease their difficulty. How can honesty gain more prestige?

"This Government is a friend of good people. And it aims to build an enabling environment for the dishonest to return to the path of goodness," he said.

Modi said corruption, black money, and counterfeit notes had become so rampant in India's social fabric, that even honest people were brought to their knees.

"It is historic, that both the people and the government are on the same side in this battle against evil. The Government is well aware, that in this period, you had to queue up, and face difficulty in withdrawing your own money," he said.

He said the excess of cash was fuelling inflation and black-marketing. It was denying the poor, their due. Lack of cash causes difficulty, but excess of cash is even more troublesome. Our aim is to achieve a balance.

When cash is outside the formal economy, it is a cause of worry. When it joins the mainstream, it is an opportunity for development, he said.

The Prime Minister said just 24 lakh people out of 125 crore population declare their annual income of more than Rs 10 lakh. "Can we digest this? Look at the big bungalows and big cars around you. If we look at any big city, it would have lakhs of people with annual income of more than 10 lakh. Do you not feel, that for the good of the country, this movement for honesty, needs to be further strengthened?," he said.

In an apparent reference to seizure of new bank notes from bank officials and government servants, he said it is a bitter truth that people have complaints of bad experiences at the hands of Government machinery, and some government officers.

He said world over terrorism, naxalism, Maoism, counterfeit currency trade, drug trade, human trafficking depend on black money. "These evils have become a festering sore on society and Governments. Demonetisation has dealt a severe blow to these trades," he said.

The Prime Minister said so much of the cash in circulation has been deposited in the banking system indicated the success of this mission.

Lauding the efforts of bank employees in dealing with long queues post demonetisation and long hours of work, he acknowledged that some grave crimes by some officers in some banks have come to light.

"Some Government officers have also committed serious offences, and tried to take advantage of the situation. They will not be spared," he said.

He appealed to the bank flush with currency to move beyond their traditional priorities, and keep the poor, the lower middle class, and the middle class at the focus of their activities. Talking of the farm sector, Modi said an impression was sought to be created that the agriculture sector has been destroyed.

"Farmers themselves have given a fitting reply to those who were doing so. Rabi sowing is up by 6 per cent compared to last year. Fertiliser offtake is up by 9 per cent.

"During this period, the Government has taken care to ensure that farmers do not suffer for want of access to seeds, fertilisers and credit," he said.

The Government, he said, has decided to give RuPay debit cards within three months to the 3 crore farmers currently having Kisan Credit Cards.

Modi said the government decision to underwrite loans of upto Rs 2 crore instead of previous Rs 1 crore for small businesses will enable better access to credit for small shop-owners and small enterprises.

Government has also asked banks to raise the credit limit for small industry from 20 per cent of turnover to 25 per cent.

Also, banks have been asked to increase working capital loans from 20 per cent of turnover to 30 per cent, for enterprises that transact digitally. "Many people connected with this sector have made cash deposits in the last few weeks. Banks have been asked to take this into account when deciding on working capital," he aid.

To boost digital payments, tax liability of business with turnover of upto Rs 2 crore will be reduced by 25 per cent to the extent they do digital transactions.

Addressing political parties, the Prime Minister said electoral funding figures prominently in any debate on corruption and black money. "The time has now come that all political leaders and parties respect the feelings of the nation's honest citizens, and understand the anger of the people. It is true that from time to time, political parties have made constructive efforts to improve the system," he said.

He urged parties and their leaders to move away from "a 'holier than thou approach' to come together in prioritising transparency, and take firm steps to free politics of black money and corruption."

Modi also called for a debate on holding simultaneous conduct of state and national elections. "This is to break the endless cycle of elections, reduce election expenditure, and minimise pressure on the administrative machinery. The time has come for this to be seriously considered and debated," he said.

He said the nation cannot allow the fight against black money and corruption to stop or slow down.

Tapas Pal denied bail, sent to 3-day CBI custody

Bhubaneswar, Dec 31, 2016 (PTI)

A special court here today rejected the bail plea of Trinamool Congress MP Tapas Pal, arrested for his alleged involvement in Rose Valley Chit Fund scam, and sent him to three-day CBI custody.

Pal was produced in the court of Special CJM, CBI, P K Mishra. Against it plea for a five-day remand of Pal, the court allowed CBI to take him into custody for three days.

The cine star-turned politician was one of the directors of the tainted chit fund group that allegedly duped investors in Odisha, West Bengal and some other states.

Pal is also accused of promoting the company and "misleading" people to deposit money in the firm. He was also charged with giving senior posts to his family members in the company, a senior CBI official said.

In its charge sheet submitted in the court on January 7, CBI had accused the ponzi firm of duping investors of Rs 17,000 crore, of which Rs 450 crore is from Odisha alone. The company was active in Odisha and had 28 branches in the state.

Pal was brought from Kolkata in the morning and taken to the CBI state headquarters. From there, he was sent to the Capital Hospital for medical examination before being produced in the court.

CBI sources said a special investigation team led by DIG N K Singh, CBI Superintendent of Police, Bhubaneswar, Rajeev Ranjan and investigating officer will interrogate Pal.

Modi's address his way of thanking people for backing note ban: BJP

New Delhi, Dec 31, 2016 (PTI)

Hailing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the nation, BJP said the welfare measures announced by him were his way of thanking people for their unstinted support to demonetisation and will help the poor and boost economy.
"The Prime Minister has congratulated people on having ensured that the world's largest drive against corruption and black money is a huge success. A series of welfare measures for women, senior citizens, farmers and middle classes are his way of thanking the people for their unstinted support," BJP spokesperson G V L Narsimha Rao said.

The slew of measures announced by Modi, he said, will also accelerate growth by encouraging the MSME (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) sector and by increasing outlays for micro enterprises under the Mudra scheme, besides raising interest subsidy for farmers to realise greater agricultural growth.

A day after the expiry of 50-day period since announcing demonetisation, Modi today announced new housing schemes targeting the poor and lower middle class, besides unveiling a number of sops for farmers, pregnant women, senior citizens and small industries.

Sr citizens to get 8% interest on 10-yr deposits up to Rs 7.5L

New Delhi, Dec 31, 2016 (PTI)

In order to protect senior citizens from any decline in interest rates, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said they will get a fixed 8 per cent return on 10-year bank deposits of up to Rs 7.5 lakh.

Senior citizens (60 years and above) will get monthly interest under this scheme, Modi said in his address to the nation on the eve of New Year.

"We are initiating a scheme for senior citizens. Banks often reduce their deposit rates when they receive a large volume of money. This should not adversely impact senior citizens.

"Under the scheme, senior citizens will receive a fixed interest rate of 8 per cent for a period of 10 years, on deposits up to Rs 7.5 lakh. The interest will be paid monthly," Modi said.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley termed it "great news" for senior citizens. "Great news for senior citizens - assured return on fixed deposits," Jaitley tweeted.

Currently, banks give senior citizens an additional interest of 0.50 per cent over the regular rates on fixed deposits.

Country's largest lender SBI offers 7 per cent interest rate to senior citizens on fixed deposits of 5 to 10 years tenure.

Following the spurt in deposits after demonetisation, banks are expected to reduce interest rates which will have a bearing on depositors, especially senior citizens as they mainly depend on interest income.

Under the Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS) at Post Offices, interest at the rate of 8.5 per cent per annum is given on deposits of up to Rs 15 lakh with a maturity period of 5 years.

Women undergoing institutional delivery to get Rs 6K aid: PM

New Delhi, Dec 31, 2016 (PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today announced that women who undergo institutional delivery and vaccinate their children would get an assistance of Rs 6,000, a move aimed to improve maternal mortality rate and health of the mother and the child.

In a televised address to the nation on the new year eve, he said the financial assistance will also ensure nutrition for the mother before and after the delivery.

"We are introducing a nation-wide scheme for financial assistance to pregnant women. Rs 6,000 will be transferred directly to the bank accounts of pregnant women who undergo institutional delivery and vaccinate their children," he said.

Modi said the scheme will help reduce maternal mortality rate in "a big way", besides ensuring better nutrition before and after the delivery, improving the health of mother and the child.

He said so far pregnant women in 53 districts were getting an assistance of Rs 4,000 under the pilot project.

Interest subsidy for housing loans up to Rs 12 lakh: Modi

New Delhi, Dec 31, 2016 (PTI)

In a bid to boost rural and urban housing post demonetisation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today announced interest subsidy of up to 4 per cent on loans taken in the new year under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana.

Announcing a slew of measures, Modi in his national address on New Year's eve also said 33 per cent more homes will be built for the poor under this scheme in rural areas.

Besides, in urban areas housing loans of up to Rs 9 lakh and up to Rs 12 lakh will receive interest subsidy of 4 per cent and 3 per cent respectively, while in rural areas loans up to Rs 2 lakh will get an interest subvention of 3 per cent.

"Even so many years after independence, millions of poor do not have their own home. When black money increased in our economy, houses became out of reach of even the middle class. The government has taken some major decisions to ensure homes for the poor, the neo middle class and the middle class," he said.

Elaborating on the steps taken to ensure homes for poor and middle class in both rural and urban areas, he said two new middle income categories have been created under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana in urban areas.

"Loans of up to Rs 9 lakh taken in 2017 will receive interest subvention of 4 per cent. Loans of up to Rs 12 lakh taken in 2017 will receive interest subvention of 3 per cent," Modi said.

The number of houses being built for the poor in rural areas under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana is being increased by 33 per cent, he added.

The Prime Minister further said: "In addition to this, another scheme is being put in place for the neo middle and middle class in rural areas. Loans of up to Rs 2 lakh taken in 2017, for new housing, or extension of housing in rural areas, will receive an interest subvention of 3 per cent."

Mamata flays Modi's address, says PM strayed from real agenda

Kolkata, Dec 31, 2016 (PTI)

Describing Narendra Modi's address to the nation tonight as a "pre-budget speech", West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today alleged that the Prime Minister deviated from the actual agenda of black money and demonetisation.

"PM deviated from actual agenda of black money & #DeMonetisation PM just took over post of Finance Minister and made pre-Budget speech (sic)," Banerjee said in a series of tweets.

"So the FM was missing from this advance Budget Speech made by PM. Modi babu, empty vessels make the most noise," she said claiming it was a "heartless, baseless speech".

Banerjee reminded the Prime Minister that he forgot to even pay respect to more than 112 citizens who died in queues to get cash. "Saying Nation Address & doing political vendetta. In the name of addressing the nation, Modi Babu is serving his selfish personal agenda," she tweeted.

"The Nation Address became the Budget Address. Financial Emergency continues in the name of black money cleanup. Money not available in banks. Still no concrete solutions to problems," Banerjee said.

Attacking Modi she said he wanted 50 days to deliver promises but "badly failed".

"PM who runs nation in the name of 'Suddhikaran' just underwent 'Buddhiharan'," she said adding promises were broken and he has snatched common man's financial rights.

She also asked where are the figures of demonetisation and how much of black money was recovered?

"What did the nation gain after 50 days of excruciating pain," the West Bengal CM asked while claiming that 2017 will mark the end of demonetisation and start of "DeModitisation".

"This will be the New Year Resolution of all 125 crore people of this great country," she said.

Questioning the restrictions imposed on cash withdrawal she said the government cannot simply "snatch away" economic rights of the people.

"Modi Babu, public are not beggars. Why are there still restrictions on cash withdrawal?. 50 days are now over. How can you take away the rights of citizens to withdraw their own hard-earned money ? A government just cannot snatch away people's economic rights," she said.

The Reserve Bank of India said last night that cash withdrawal limit from ATMs would be increased to Rs 4,500 per day from the current Rs 2,500 from January 1.

However, there has been no change in the weekly withdrawal limit, which stands at Rs 24,000, including from ATM, for individuals and Rs 50,000 for small traders.

'Will steer party in Jaya's footsteps'

Chennai: Jan 1, 2017, DHNS

In a cautious beginning to her political career, new AIADMK general secretary V K Sasikala has said no individual in the party would be projected other than founder MGR and Jayalalithaa.

Speaking to party cadres after taking charge, Sasikala also vowed to steer the party on the path shown by her predecessor.

Sasikala, who signed the register at AIADMK headquarters at Chennai’s Royapetta on Saturday to formally take over as general secretary, also urged cadres to maintain the “military discipline” instilled in them by ‘Amma’.

Stating that the Opposition parties have done everything to break the party’s unity, Sasikala, who broke down several times during the speech, said she would work for the party’s development as determined by Jayalalithaa.

Recalling her 33-year association with Jayalalithaa, Sasikala said she never expected to find herself in the position of leadership. “This has not been my ambition,” she said, adding that Jayalalithaa’s demise has been a great personal loss that cannot be described in words.

Sasikala said the late chief minister was recovering well at Apollo Hospital during her 75-day stay and was shifted to the general ward. “She (Jayalalithaa) was treated by several medical experts, including doctors from AIIMS,” Sasikala said.

“However, when we all thought she would return home (healthy), she suffered a cardiac arrest and left us. The void (she left behind) can never be filled by anyone.”

Meanwhile, calls from within the AIADMK are getting louder for Sasikala to take over as chief minister. Several senior functionaries and Revenue Minister Udayakumar asserted that Sasikala would head the government soon.
DH News Service

Oppn slams PM for skipping note ban

New Delhi: Jan 1, 2017, DHNS

The Opposition leaders likened Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s New Year Eve address to a budget speech and slammed him for omitting any reference to the demonetisation initiative.

“To me, this appeared like a budget speech, felt sad for the finance minister. What will he say during budget,” senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid said.

The Congress’s chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said Modi had left several questions over demonetisation unanswered.

AICC general secretary Gurudas Kamat saw the speech as a desperate attempt by a “guilt-ridden” prime minister to appease the people with sops.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said Modi had not provided any concrete solutions to the problems of the people.

“Where are the figures of demonetisation? How much of black money recovered? What did the nation gain after 50 days of excruciating pain,” asked Banerjee, who has emerged as the rallying point of the anti note-ban protests.

Banerjee and Kamat also said the prime minister had left nothing for Finance Minister Arun Jaitley to announce in his Budget speech.
DH News Service

Left, AAP attack PM for ignoring core issues

New Delhi: Jan 1, 2017, DHNS

The Left and the Aam Aadmi Party attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not touching the core issues related to demonetisation in his address to the nation on Saturday.

Swaraj Abhiyan leader Yogendra Yadav also pointed out the “repeat announcement” of the scheme for pregnant women. The scheme was part of Food Security Act, he said.

Leader of the CPM in the Lok Sabha Mohammad Salim tweeted, “People sacrificed, people waited, people disappointed. No substance in speech, no apologies for 100 deaths, no info on what all this yielded. FlopModi.”

“How much black money forfeited? When from d harassment b normal & rs15 lack b poured in individual bank a/c. No answer. Down with pmo bhasan (PMO speech),” tweeted Sujan Chakraborty on the CPM’s twitter handle.

RJD leader Lalu Prasad termed the speech “insensitive” and said it was an utter failure. “He did not speak on deaths in queues. It was a lacklustre and insensitive pre-budget speech on the eve of New Year. From Monday, people have to again stand in queue,” said the RJD leader.

AAP leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal accused the prime minister of cheating people.
“Modi ji sounds so hollow now. People have stopped believing anything that he says. He has become a subject of ridicule internationally,” Kejriwal tweeted.

DH News Service

Modi takes forward pro-poor agenda

Dalip Singh, NEW DELHI: Jan 1, 2017, DHNS

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took forward his pro-poor political message by harnessing the anti-rich mood that came in the wake of demonetisation to promise a better deal and higher premium for the honest and stern punishment for the dishonest.

Modi, in a veiled attack against the Opposition, appealed to politicians to give up their “holier than thou” attitude and work towards eradicating corruption from the country, but stopped short of urging political parties to come clean on funding through transparent methods.

Throughout the early part of his 45-minute long address to the nation, which came after 50 days of announcement of demonetisation, the prime minister hailed the “patience, discipline and resolve displayed by 125 crore Indians”.

In fact, he said if socialist icons like Jayaprakash Narayan, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Ram Manohar Lohia and Kamaraj were alive today, “they would have applauded the patience, discipline and resolve of our countrymen”.

Election season
Ahead of elections to five states, including Uttar Pradesh, Modi announced a slew of schemes that were aimed at reaching out to the poor, villagers, farmers, lower middle-class, women and senior citizens.

At the same time, he whipped up sentiments to “strengthen the movement for honesty” by sharing an information to narrate shocking story of tax evaders.

He said, “can we digest” that only 24 lakh people in the country accept that their annual income is more than Rs 10 lakh.

BJP national president Amit Shah thanked the prime minister for coming up with new schemes which he said would provide “relief for all sections of society”.

Modi equated the “unparalleled” resilience shown by the people to fight black money to “collective energy and patriotism” exhibited by the nation during the fours wars – 1962, 1965, 1971 and Kargil.

DH News Service

Corruption, black money and counterfeit currency had crippled common man

125 crore citizens have proved that for them, truth and honesty is important, despite inconveniences

I knew people had to stand in queues to withdraw money, but people don’t want to be behind in fight against corruption

Economy had cash circulation disproportionately higher than similar sized economies, which had led to price rise

Balance has to be brought between cash in the system and being cashless

Serious offences by bank and govt officials have come to light; no one will be spared

Only 24 lakh people have declared their income of being over Rs 10 lakh

Tough road ahead for next chief justice of India J S Khehar

NEW DELHI, Jan 1, 2017, DHNS

Justice J S Khehar is set to assume charge as the new Chief Justice of India (CJI) on January 4, after the outgoing head of judiciary Justice T S Thakur demits office.

As the tenure of the incumbent CJI nears an end, it is time to take a look at his achievements, but more so on the challenges ahead for Justice Khehar. Justice Thakur’s stint was marked with tussle with the government on the appointment of judges.

When Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi reminded the judiciary of ‘Lakshman Rekha’ on Law Day function in the presence of Justice Thakur, it was left to Justice Khehar to counter that judiciary has always kept to it by upholding the Constitution. Justice Khehar, it is hoped, would ease the friction with the government.

Even though the government claimed that it cleared maximum appointment of judges in the recent time, the issue would require the attention of Justice Khehar.

Notably, with the retirement of Justice Thakur, the Supreme Court itself would face vacancies for eight judges out of the sanctioned strength of 31. This becomes all the more challenging with the apex court facing pendency of 61,847 cases as on December 1. Not to forget that 24 high courts, on the other hand, are still grappling with lakhs of cases with less number of judges.

In his time, Justice Thakur persisted with his demand to the government to act promptly in filling vacancies in the judiciary. He even broke down during the conference of the chief ministers and chief justices in April, apparently showing helplessness.

After invalidation of the National Judicial Appointment Commission Act, the government, on its part, took steps for the finalisation of a fresh Memorandum of Procedure (MoP) for appointment of judges, even while maintaining that its absence would not come in the way of clearing new names.

But the subject kept on rankling the judiciary, which raised objection on several issues. As the last word on the MoP is yet to come, it would remain a major task for Justice Khehar to prepare the guiding document on the selection of judges. In his short tenure of about eight months, the new CJI would also have to take along all his brother judges in the collegium.

Gen Rawat takes over as chief of army staff

New Delhi: Jan 1, 2017, DHNS

Superceded officer, Lt Gen Bakshi, not to resign

India on Saturday got new chiefs for the army and the air force as Gen Bipin Rawat and Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa took charges from their predecessors.

Both of them would remain in office till 2019. While Dhanoa is slated to retire in September, Rawat would continue for another three months.

Contrary to the speculations, the senior-most army officer Lt Gen Praveen Bakshi said he would not resign from the post of the Eastern Army Commander and would extend full support to Rawat, who is one year junior to him.

The Narendra Modi government overlooked the claims of Bakshi and the Southern Army Commander Lt Gen P M Hariz to pick Rawat for the top job.

The only other time this has happened was in 1983, when the senior-most officer Lt Gen S K Sinha was not chosen by the then prime minister Indira Gandhi.

She picked Gen A S Vaidya, who was junior to Sinha by two months. A miffed Sinha later resigned. Bakshi, who met Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar a few days ago, said he would not resign.

Addressing his officers on the eve of the new year at Fort William in Kolkata, Bakshi said he would continue to lead the eastern command with “full professional sincerity as hither-to-fore”. The armoured corps officer is on leave at the moment and addressed the officer through a video link, sources said.

This is the first time in the history of the Indian Army that an officer resumes service after being ignored for the chief’s job. Hariz and Bakshi would now have to salute a junior officer. Lt Gen Bakshi made a request to stop the speculation and the trolling on social media. He telephoned Gen Rawat to congratulate him.
DH News Service

JD(U) hopes for grand alliance in UP

New Delhi, Jan 1, 2017, DHNS:

Encouraged by developments in the Samajwadi Party (SP), the Janata Dal (United) expects a grand alliance in Uttar Pradesh polls with the SP as nucleus and the Congress and other anti-BJP parties as partners.

“With Akhilesh in command, the SP will certainly move towards a grand alliance of secular parties to win the Assembly polls,” a senior leader told DH.

JD(U) leaders revealed that the party was in touch with the Akhilesh camp during the crisis. “We offered all support to the chief minister after Mulayam Singh Yadav declared his expulsion,” a JD(U) source revealed.

Sources said that the party had even offered Akhilesh its election symbol for the upcoming Assembly elections with all freedom to choose candidates. However, Akhilesh is said to have expressed hope to hold on to the SP’s symbol—the bicycle.

JD(U) sources said that talks for a grand alliance will be intensified in the coming days and negotiations will be resumed. JD(U) leaders said that the party will not insist on many seats and help the SP in formalising the alliances in all possible ways.

In UP, the JD(U) is in alliance with the Rashtriya Lok Dal of Ajit Singh and has already started campaigning for elections. Senior party leader Sharad Yadav and Ajit Singh have addressed several meetings in western Uttar Pradesh where there is a sizeable population of the Jats.

“We are trying to revive the social alliance between the Jats and the Muslims,” a senior JD(U) leader told DH.

Ex-cop claims ATS killed missing accused

MUMBAI, Jan 1, 2017, DHNS:

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) will investigate and verify the claims of suspended police officer Mahiboob Mujawar that the two main absconding accused in the Malegaon blast case of 2008, Ramji alias Ramchandra Kalsangra and Sandeep Dange, were killed by the police.

Mujawar had claimed that three senior officials of the Maharashtra Police — two retired DGs and one high-ranking IPS official — tried to suppress information about the killings.

According to Mujawar, Dange and Kalsangra were picked up around the time when Sadhvi was arrested.

“On the night of the 26/11 attack, Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) officers shot Kalsangra and Dange at Kalchowkie unit and later took their bodies to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. They were shown as victims of 26/11,” he had claimed, and added that he would reveal the truth before the court.

The Maharashtra government, too, has promised to look into the matter. “We will look into the claims,” Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said. “We will look into the entire episode. We will have to check why no inquiry was conducted if the officer in 2009 had written to the DGP,” he added.

The blast on September 29, 2008, at Bhikku Chowk in the Muslim-dominated town of Malegaon in Nashik district—on the eve of Navratri—claimed six lives and injured 101 others.
The case was transferred from the Nashik Rural Police to the ATS and subsequently the NIA took over the probe.

The case was investigated by the then special inspector general of police Hemant Karkare, who laid down his life during the 26/11 terror attacks.

Lalu plays peacemaker

PATNA, Jan 1, 2016, DHNS:

More than 12 hours after Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav was shown the door by his father and Samajwadi Party president Mulayam Singh Yadav, RJD supremo Lalu Prasad voluntarily played the role of a peacemaker to broker a truce in the warring Yadav clan.

At 8 am on Saturday, he reportedly made a call to Mulayam arguing that the acrimonious developments which took place on Friday evening in Lucknow were neither in the interest of the Yadav family nor the Samajwadi Party. Lalu’s soft corner for Mulayam and his party is quite understandable as the RJD chief’s youngest daughter Raj Laxmi is married to Mulayam’s grand nephew Tej Pratap Singh Yadav, a Lok Sabha MP from Uttar Pradesh.

Lalu told Mulayam that such bickerings within the faction-ridden Samajwadi Party, ahead of Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, would help the BJP sweep the polls. Mulayam reportedly told Lalu that he was helpless as his son was not prepared to listen to him and had “raised a bogey of revolt.”

Akhilesh stands exposed after SP feud: BJP

New Delhi, Jan 1, 2016, DHNS

The BJP believes that the patch-up in the Yadav clan has only “exposed” Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav ahead of the Assembly polls due early in 2017. 

The uneasy truce in the Samajwadi Party (SP) may have allowed Akhilesh’s return to the party 24 hours after his expulsion, but he would have a difficult time getting the second term since the feud has only added to the government’s failures, the BJP said.

BJP national secretary Shrikant Sharma said people have made up their mind to bring back his party to power after 15 years to ensure all-round development.

“This is only a comeback of the chief minister to his party, but not to power as his government’s report card is full of failures,” Sharma said. “People have decided to get rid of him and the SP. His government only encouraged corruption and crime and did nothing for the common man.”

BJP state unit president Keshav Maurya said, “The drama is over, but the cycle (SP’s symbol) is punctured and the people have understood their theatrics.”

Differences continue to persist in SP

Lucknow, Jan 1, 2017, DHNS:

Shivpal unhappy over Mulayam's decision

Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Mulayam Singh may have avoided a split in the party by revoking the expulsions of Akhilesh Yadav and Ram Gopal Yadav, but differences continue to simmer.

All eyes are now on the emergency national convention that SP general secretary Ram Gopal has convened on Sunday to discuss the existing situation.

Sources said SP’s Uttar Pradesh president Shivpal Yadav is unhappy over the way his elder brother reversed the expulsions. “What is left now, my reputation has taken a severe hit,” Shivpal is said to have commented when asked to attend the top-level meeting at Mulayam’s residence where Akhilesh was present. Ironically, Shivpal was sent to the media to break the news on Akhilesh’s and Ram Gopal’s reinstatement. The national convention called by Ram Gopal, one of the reasons for the
expulsions, will be held as scheduled.

On Friday, Mulayam had questioned Ram Gopal’s authority to convene the meeting and made it clear that it did not have his approval. He said the convention was not recognised and warned that he would take disciplinary action against those attending the meeting.

“The convention will be held as per schedule...the decision to hold the convention was taken before the expulsion....the delegates will discuss the state of affairs of the party and take appropriate decisions,” Ram Gopal said on Saturday.

Akhilesh, who is likely to attend the convention, has also asked SP legislators, ministers and office-bearers to be present.

Cong hums 'go it alone' tune in UP

New Delhi: Jan 1, 2017, DHNS

The Congress on Saturday was humming the ‘go it alone’ tune in Uttar Pradesh. The Congress was eyeing for an alliance with the Akhilesh faction had the young chief minister decided to chart his own path after parting ways with the Samajwadi Party (SP).

“We have been saying we are ready to contest all seats in the Uttar Pradesh elections. The Congress is capable of contesting all seats on its own,” Randeep Singh Surjewala, in-charge of the AICC Communications Department, said here.

Surjewala underlined that the Congress had crafted its campaign in Uttar Pradesh on the theme ‘27 Saal, UP Behaal’ indicating that it included the “misrule” of the Samajwadi Party government .

The Congress made it clear that it was not ready to uproot the green shoots of development that were a result of Rahul Gandhi’s meticulous efforts through Kisan Yatra to reach out to the common man in the state.

“Congress leaders are in the field and we are hopeful of setting aside the politics of caste and religion, espouse the path of politics of development and make a new beginning,” Surjewala said.

A section in the Congress strongly favours an alliance with the Akhilesh Yadav-led faction of the SP, hoping to cash in on the clean image of the young chief minister and his good equation with Rahul Gandhi.
DH News Service

Modi announces sops for poor

Annapurna Singh, New Delhi: Jan 1, 2017, DHNS

Admitting that people have suffered a great deal due to demonetisation in the past 50 days, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced a slew of relief for poor, senior citizens and women and promised to bear all interest on loans to farmers for 60 days.

In his New Year’s Eve address, the prime minister also handed out tax concessions to small traders who have suffered more due to cash crunch induced by the scrapping of 86% of India’s total currency on November 8 last year.

Modi also sent a terse warning to those who had tried to hide their incomes despite the government giving them ample opportunity to declare their assets.“The law will take its own course, with its full force,” Modi said adding that only 24 lakh people have admitted that they earn more than Rs10 lakh a year.

In announcements that almost sounded like a mini-Budget, he offered interest subsidy on home loans for rural and urban poor. Now, home loans for poor and middle class up to Rs 9 lakh will get a 4% exemption on interest and up to Rs 12 lakh will get 3% exemption in urban areas. Another 3% interest waiver will be offered on loans up to Rs 2 lakh for construction of houses in rural India under Prime Minister Awas Yojana.

For senior citizens, he handed out an assured return on their fixed deposits, irrespective of the banks cutting the deposit rates. “We have decided that up to Rs 7.5 lakh in fixed deposits for 10 years will get them an interest of 8%,” Modi said in his televised address to the nation, the second in a space of two months.

With an eye on elections in Uttar Pradesh and four other states, he said the government will bear the interest for 60 days on crop loans taken by farmers from district cooperative banks and primary societies for sowing operations this rabi season.

In the same vein, he also announced that three crore Kisan Credit Cards will be converted into RuPay Card within three months to help farmers purchase various inputs anywhere. Nabard will be given an additional Rs 20,000 crore to finance district cooperative banks and societies. This will be over and above Rs 21,000 crore announced earlier.

Women who undergo institutional delivery will get an assistance of Rs 6,000, he said adding that the move will check maternal mortality rate.

Announcing doubling of credit guarantee to Rs two crore to small-scale and medium enterprises, which play a significant role in increasing job opportunities, he asked the banks to be sensitive towards the needs of the poor and the middle class and restore normalcy as soon as possible.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the prime minister’s announcements will enhance economic activity.

DH News Service

Mulayam blinks, revokes Akhilesh expulsion

Sanjay Pandey, Lucknow, Jan 1, 2017, dhns:

Does a U-turn after son's show of strength

In a dramatic turn of events, Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav was on Saturday virtually forced to revoke the expulsion of his son and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav after a majority of the party legislators and ministers rallied behind the junior Yadav. Mulayam also reinstated his brother and party general secretary Ram Gopal Yadav.

“On the direction of Netaji (Mulayam), the expulsion of Akhilesh Yadav and Ram Gopal Yadav is revoked with immediate effect...we will all collectively fight the communal forces and form a majority government in the state again,” SP’s state unit president Shivpal Singh Yadav tweeted.

The patch-up was announced following a meeting Mulayam had with Shivpal and Akhilesh at noon on Saturday. Sources said Akhilesh had sought the expulsion of SP Rajya Sabha MP Amar Singh from the party; removal of Shivpal as the state unit president and nomination of his supporters as candidates for the Assembly elections.

Sources said Mulayam had agreed to consider the list of probables sent to him by Akhilesh. “A new list of candidates will be released after consultations...we are all united...there is no misunderstanding now,” said Shivpal.

While the SP legislators and ministers made a beeline before the official residence of the chief minister on a foggy Saturday morning to attend the meeting convened by him and pledged their support, barely a handful of loyalists turned up at the meeting called by Mulayam at the party office.

According to sources, 212 MLAs and MLCs, including 195 of the SP, attended Akhilesh’s meeting. In contrast, only 20 legislators were present at Mulayam’s meeting.

As Mulayam and Shivpal found themselves outnumbered, senior party leader Azam Khan, an Akhilesh supporter, intervened and brokered a truce among the warring members of the Mulayam family.

Sources said Mulayam did not want a showdown, especially when it was clear that Akhilesh enjoyed the support of the majority of the party legislators.
DH News Service