The Election Commission has been receiving various complaints/references regarding “Paid News” and advertisements on TV/Cable Channels networks owned by political parties or their functionaries/office bearers during the process of elections, thus disturbing the level playing field, as these are not reflected in the candidate’s election expenses account. The Commission vide its guidelines issued on 8th June 201o, 23rd September 2010 and 18th March, 2011 has already put in place a mechanism to deal with the problems of “Paid News”.
However, in order to bring better uniformity in dealing with such instances even when no consideration of cash and kind is involved in extending campaign publicity to candidates, the Commission has issued guidelines to the Chief Electoral Officers of all the States/UTs on 16th August 2011, for dealing with candidates’ advertisements on TV/Cable channels owned by political parties or their functionaries/office bearers during elections.
The guidelines are available on the Commission’s website www.eci.nic.in under hyperlink http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/index.asp. These will have immediate effect.
Election Commission of India
New Delhi , 19th August , 2011
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Election Commission on Paid news during elections
only 2324 Train accident claims during last decade
During April 1, 2000 to March 31, 2011, a total of 2324 claims for compensation for death/injury in train accidents under Section 124 of the Railways Act, 189 have been decreed by the Railway Claims Tribunal and paid by the Railways and 594 claims are pending for want of award of decree. Compensation is given after a claim filed by the claimant in the Railway Claims Tribunal is decreed by the Tribunal in favour of the claimant. Compensation in the remaining cases will be paid by the Railways after these cases are decreed by the Tribunal and decree so awarded is satisfied by the Railways. Extant instructions do not provide for giving employment to the dependents of those deceased in Railway accidents.
However, Railways in exception to the rules, purely as a humanitarian gesture, have provided employment in Group ‘D’ categories only in such cases. As per available information up to August 16, 2011, a total of 264 persons have been provided employment in cases of accidents connected with the Railways and a total of 112 cases are pending as on August 16, 2011 for employment on account of verification of credentials, disputed cases etc. Employment can be given only after proper verification of claimants and settlement of disputes etc.
Mobile tower radiation status in India
The Minister of State for Communication and Information Technology, Shri Milind Deora today informed Rajya Sabha in written reply to a question that the recent study report of the International Agency for Research on Cancer under WHO, released in May-June 2011, has established a relation between mobile radiation and glioma, a malignant form of cancer.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a part of World Health Organization (WHO), in its press release dated 31st May 2011 has classified radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B), based on an increased risk for glioma, a malignant type of brain cancer, associated with wireless phone use.
Subsequently, WHO in its Fact Sheet No. 193 of June 2011, has stated that there are some indications of an increased risk of glioma for those who reported the highest 10% of cumulative hours of cell phone use, although there was no consistent trend of increasing risk with greater duration of use. The researchers concluded that biases and errors limit the strength of these conclusions and prevent a causal interpretation. Based largely on these data, IARC has classified radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B), a category used when a casual association is considered credible, but when chance, bias or confounding cannot be ruled out with reasonable confidence.
WHO has further stated that a large number of studies have been performed over the last two decades to assess whether mobile phones pose a potential health risk. To date, no adverse health effects have been established as being caused by mobile phone use. WHO will conduct a formal risk assessment of all studied health outcomes from radiofrequency fields exposure by 2012.
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has initiated a prospective cohort study in Delhi & National Capital Region to examine whether use of mobile phone is associated with neurological disorders, reproductive dysfunctions and promote cancer in Indian population.
DoT has adopted the International Commission on Non-ionization Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) guidelines for limiting reference levels of Electromagnetic radiation from Mobile towers and incorporated the requirement in Access Service Licenses vide amendment dated 4 November 2008.
DoT, vide letter dated 8th April 2010, has directed all Cellular Mobile Telephone Service (CMTS)/Unified Access Service (UAS) licensees for compliance of the reference limits/ levels prescribed by ICNIRP by way of self certification of their Base Transmitting Station (BTS) for meeting the Electro Magnetic Field (EMF) radiations norms. All new BTS sites start radiating only after self certificate has been submitted to relevant Telecom Enforcement, Resource & Monitoring (TERM) Cells of Dot.
The TERM Cell tests up to 10% of new BTS sites randomly at its discretion. Additionally, the BTS sites against which there are public complaints, are also being tested by TERM Cell. If a site fails to meet the Electro Magnetic Radiation criterion, there is a provision of levy of a penalty of Rs.5 lakh per BTS. Service providers must meet the criterion within one month of the report of TERM cell in such cases, after which the site is to be shut down. The self-certifications have been submitted by the telecom service providers for more than 6,50,400 BTSs certifying that the radiation levels are within the prescribed norms. TERM Cells have already started the testing of BTS radiation and so far more than 4100 BTSs have been checked and found to be radiating within the prescribed levels.
With regard to mobile handsets, DoT has also adopted ICNIRP guidelines imposing basic restrictions in terms of SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) value limiting to 2W/Kg (averaged over 10g tissue) in the frequency range of 10 MHz to 10 GHz and have taken following steps for compliance of SAR value for mobile phones:
• Indigenous manufacturers of mobile handsets have been instructed to comply with ICNIRP guidelines and furnish self-certificate.
• Mobile handsets manufacturers have been instructed to indicate the level of radiation on the product itself and to clearly communicate the potential danger of mobile phone radiation and exposure.
• To regulate indigenous as well as imported mobile phone, Bureau of Indian Standard (BIS) has been requested to frame standards for all mobile phones under BIS Act 1986.
All major manufacturers publish the SAR value for mobile phones in the user manual and on its company website. No cases have been reported to DoT regarding mobile handsets having radiation more than the limits prescribed by ICNIRP.
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SP/AT
(Release ID :74835)
Kisan Call Centres
Kisan Call Centres function from 6.00 AM to 10.00 PM on all days throughout the year. They receive calls through the toll-free number 1800-180-1551. Call Centre agents reply farmers’ queries instantaneously by using their own expertise as well as by referring to reference material available with them. They also browse Kisan Knowledge Management System data base for answering farmers’ queries in local language. If some of the queries cannot be answered by the Call Centre agents, such calls are referred to experts. Call Centre agents record the details of every call in terms of farmer’s details, query asked, reply given etc.
Funds for organising sensitisation programmes for Kisan Call Centre agents are being provided to respective Nodal Agencies. Each Nodal Agency is required to organise 6 programmes of one day duration each in a year involving all the call centre agents as well as the experts. The State Governments have been requested to get directly involved in a big way in implementation of this scheme. Detailed instructions in this regard have been issued.
This information was given by Shri Harish Rawat, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Processing Industries in written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.
Naxal Violence has reduced comparatively
The level of Naxal violence and attack on security forces have declined this year. The year 2011 (up to August 15) has recorded 1128 incidents of naxal violence and killing of 93 security personnel compared to 1429 incidents of violence and killing of 218 security personnel during the corresponding period of 2010.
No operation codenamed ‘Operation Greenhorn’ has been launched by Government of India. However, anti-naxal operations are carried out by the security forces in the Naxal affected states on a continuous basis. At present, 71 Battalions of Central Armed Police Forces, 01 Nagaland India Reserve Battalion and 09 Commando Battalion for Resolute Action(CoBRA) have been deployed in Naxal affected states to assist state forces in anti-Naxal operations. Drones are not likely to be deployed in anti-Maoist operations.
Dope test List of Dope Control Centre
Dope test List till 2008 only.. what about 2009 – 2010 – 2011… even in parliament incomplete information is provided, read the below press release..
The Dope Control Centre (DCC) was established under the aegis of Sports Authority of India (SAI) in 1990. They conducted in-competition and out of competition dope tests. The details of the tests conducted by the DCC along with number of adverse analytical findings are given in the table below. The results received from the Dope Control Laboratory were forwarded to the concerned National Federations and Indian Olympic Association for further necessary action. The Minister further stated that a decision has been taken to de-merge Netaji Subhash National Institute of Sports, Patiala, from Sports Authority of India so as to enable it to function independently in the sphere of sports coaching. The number of Nutritionist, Sports psychologists and qualified medical practitioners in SAI is 1, 3 and 5 respectively.
The Sports Minister said that awareness and educational programmes on doping have been run throughout the year by all the concerned agencies. Athletes are provided with list of banned substances published by World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) from time to time and also apprised about the effects of such medicines.
Further, in the aftermath of the recent doping incidents, the Government has taken the following steps to curb the menace of doping in sports:-
i) Increasing the frequency of testing of Core probables undergoing training at various centres for London Olympics, 2012
ii) Surprise checking of rooms of Athletes, Coaches and Support Personnel at training institutes and surprise collection of samples.
iii) Distribution of educational materials related to dope related issues amongst Sportspersons, Coaches & Support Personnel
iv) Increase in Seminar/Workshops/Teaching Sessions with Athletes and Coaches.
v) Closer surveillance and vigilance on Coaches and Support Personnel through their Employers.
List of sportspersons tested positive by Dope Control Laboratory.
| Sl.No. | Year | Total number of samples | Total number of positive | % Positive |
| 1 | 1991 | 240 | 12 | 5.00 |
| 2. | 1992 | 191 | 00 | 0.00 |
| 3. | 1993 | 213 | 03 | 1.41 |
| 4. | 1994 | 319 | 37 | 11.60 |
| 5. | 1995 | 303 | 46 | 15.18 |
| 6. | 1996 | 150 | 18 | 12.00 |
| 7. | 1997 | 247 | 42 | 17.00 |
| 8. | 1998 | 533 | 22 | 4.13 |
| 9. | 1999 | 422 | 18 | 4.27 |
| 10. | 2000 | 493 | 59 | 11.97 |
| 11. | 2001 | 584 | 23 | 3.94 |
| 12. | 2002 | 1411 | 47 | 3.33 |
| 13. | 2003 | 2231 | 82 | 3.68 |
| 14. | 2004 | 2036 | 72 | 3.54 |
| 15. | 2005 | 1621 | 39 | 2.41 |
| 16. | 2006 | 1681 | 60 | 3.57 |
| 17. | 2007 | 1006 | 44 | 4.37 |
| 18. | 2008 (Sept.) | 1086 | 46 | 4.24 |
| | Total | 14767 | 670 | 4.54 |
This was stated by Shri Ajay Maken, Minister of State (I/C) for Youth Affairs & Sports, in the Lok Sabha today, in a written reply to a question by Shri Manish Twari.
Reserve Stocks of Foodgrains
The Government has a policy of maintaining minimum stock of foodgrains in the Central Pool under the buffer stock norms for foodgrains for each quarter of the year as under:
(in lakh tons)
| 1st January | 1st April | 1st July | 1st October | |
| Rice | 138.00 | 142.00 | 118.00 | 72.00 |
| Wheat | 112.00 | 70.00 | 201.00 | 140.00 |
| Total | 250.00 | 212.00 | 319.00 | 212.00 |
Government department is not aware of supreme court recommendations
Government of India has taken up the computerization of Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) in a phased manner to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the TPDS. In the first phase, the scheme on Computerization of TPDS Operations had been approved to be implemented on pilot basis in three districts each of Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh and Delhi. A pilot scheme on Smart Card based delivery of essential commodities has been initiated in Chandigarh UT and Haryana. Under the scheme, existing ration cards are to be replaced by Smart Cards.
Department of Food & Public Distribution is not aware of such recommendation made by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the recent orders passed relating to TPDS in the Writ Petition (Civil) No. 196/2001.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Prof. K.V. Thomas in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Anna movement demystified
Anna hazare had started his fasting on 16 august and his fasting is still continuing. He seems determined to give India a strong lokpal bill. The government, close associated of the government and a very few social activist question the methodology and constitutionality of the protest. Right to protest is a fundamental rights and no body can dispute on this fact. Here are some of the question which needs to be analysed to bring out the truth.
1. Is this protest a way of threatening / coercing the government?
The government formed a joint-drafting committee. The government latter in the committee meeting refused to accept some of the major points raised by the civil society. The government then presented it’s version of the bill before the parliament which means joint drafting committee actually did not draft a bill jointly. The government constituted joint draft committee was just acting like a standing committee and listening to views of civil society. The anna hazare team protested this and demanded some of there views to added but the government showed deaf ears to the request. It was an arrogant behaviour of the government. This arrogant behaviour needs to be dealt with way it has be dealt. This can be compared with use of force in act of self defence. It is certainly coercion on an arrogant and inefficient government which it’s rightly deserves.
2. Cannot make laws in the street?
Certainly if a group of draftsman sit in the street certainly can come out with very good bills.
The argument that cannot make laws in the street is so vague and ridiculing the civil society , certainly anna’s team has not drafted the bill in the streets and certainly has not asked the government to pass it but just requesting the government to consider their point of view.
3.People sovereign or parliament sovereign in India:
Our democracy is not that of UK where the parliament is supreme. In India constitution is supreme. In constitution the people are first and then the institutions formed under the constitution. It’s the will of the people and not the will of the parliament. so the voices of the people have to be heard. some may argue that there are only few hundred thousand people protesting and it’s not the entire population. In a democracy it’s always the majority wins, here there is no counter protest or voices against the movement in any part of this country which it’s self shows that team Anna has majority in the issue.
The movement is right in every aspect and it’s the government which needs to act rather than making tuff talks, counter arguments etc
Friday, August 19, 2011
Government in search of magic wand
UPA – II had promised a lot when the returned back to power and now they are in search of magic wand to curb corruption. can government really find a magic wand and succeed against gaining it’s lost popularity. A dumb prime minister and loudspeaker spokesperson has certainly failed. The dual power setup in UPA has been a biggest failure and only defence for every issue is the integrity of Manmohan Singh. Now can they put of the fire lit by Anna hazare against corruption.
The congress during the pre independence and also for short period after the independence remained a true representation of the Indian people. During Independence struggle the congress used to fight against the British raj or then government now there is protest against the congress government. The congress has lost the people’s trust and no longer the true representative of the Indian peoples. Will the government continue to act arrogantly and bring up fantastic stories to defend themselves against the movement or will they prepare a very well drafted legal defence against the problem. It’s seems that UPA is heading towards a biggest disaster.
