Happy New Year to all our Members

                   
NRI Sabha Canada wishes Happy New Year 2012 to all our Members!

Slowdown keeping NRIs away from elections

Jalandhar, December 29
Economic slowdown all around the world is keeping NRIs away from swarming Punjab in large numbers on the poll eve to extend their support and monetary contributions to their choicest political parties and candidates.
Though the Central government had accepted the NRIs’ demand of giving them voting rights, they have hardly displayed any interest to take part in the electoral process as only 165 NRIs have got themselves registered as voters in Punjab so far.
Punjab elections have always remained a centre of attraction for politically aware and sensitive Punjabi NRIs who have been flocking to their home state in hordes in the past to vote and support their favourite candidates and parties.
It is for the first time that NRIs have decided to stay away from the poll process, thanks to near-recession in the West, particularly in Canada, the US, the UK, euro zone countries, besides Australia and New Zealand.
Just one delegation of the North American Punjabi Association (NAPA), led by its chairman Dalwinder Dhoot and president Satnam Chahal, has landed in Punjab so far.
“Many NRIs have decided to contribute to political funds in the range of $2000 to $3000 by staying back in North America instead of spending double the amount on air-tickets for visiting the state along with their families,” said Dhoot and Chahal.
Meanwhile, the annual NRI convention to be held in Jalandhar in January may be postponed due to elections.
Money wise
n Only 165 NRIs get themselves registered as voters so far
n Most NRIs have preferred to cling to their jobs/businesses in the wake of economic slowdown world over
n Instead of flying to Punjab, NRIs are preferring to donate money to political parties/candidates

Rupee ends lower, skids for third straight week

Mumbai, December 23
The Indian rupee ended weaker on Friday, posting its third straight week of losses, as concerns over slowing growth pushed domestic equities lower and as importers stepped up dollar buys for monthend payments.
Volumes in the dollar-rupee market were thin, with traders preferring to stay on the sidelines ahead of the yearend.
Actions taken by the Reserve Bank of India over the last few days to curb speculation in the currency that hit a record low of 54.30 to the dollar on Dec 15 kept trading appetite subdued, dealers said.
The rupee ended at 52.9600/9675 to the dollar, weaker compared with Thursday's close of 52.7200/7300. It had touched a high of 52.6350 in opening trades. The unit has lost 0.5 percent this week.
"The RBI moves and the yearend factor have caused volumes to drop (in dollar-rupee trade)," said a senior foreign exchange trader at a large private sector bank. "This situation is likely to continue till the new year begins. Until then rupee should move in 52 to 53 band," he said.
Although investors slightly increased their bearish bets against the Indian rupee compared to two weeks ago, a Reuters poll showed on Friday, many analysts think most potential negative factors have been taken into account.
"We believe the depreciation momentum is petering out and the rupee should find a top around current levels of 52.50-53.50," said Abheek Barua, chief economist at HDFC Bank in a research note on Friday. He added the RBI's recent steps to curb speculation have reduced volatility in the dollar-rupee market. 

Sensex snaps two-day rally, slips 75 pts After two days of continuous gains, the stock market on Friday suffered mild losses and its barometer, the Sensex, slipped 75 points, dragged by the market leader Reliance Industries and some banking bluechips. The BSE's 30-share benchmark index settled at 15,738.70 points, down 74.66 points or 0.47% from its previous close. The index had gained more than 600 points in the past two days, but only after a huge fall of over 800 points in the five consecutive trading sessions.

ਭਾਰਤੀ ਔਰਤ ਵਲੋਂ ਅਨਪੜ੍ਹ ਪਤੀ ਨੂੰ ਇੰਗਲੈਂਡ ਮੰਗਵਾਉਣ ਦੀ ਅਪੀਲ ਖਾਰਜ

ਬਰਮਿੰਘਮ, 23 ਦਸੰਬਰ (ਪਰਵਿੰਦਰ ਸਿੰਘ)-ਭਾਰਤ ਜਿਹੇ ਅੰਗਰੇਜ਼ੀ ਨਾ ਬੋਲਣ ਵਾਲੇ ਮੁਲਕਾਂ ਦੇ ਆਵਾਸੀਆਂ ਨਾਲ ਸਖਤੀ ਕਰਦਿਆਂ ਬਰਤਾਨਵੀ ਹਾਈ ਕੋਰਟ ਨੇ ਉਹ ਕਾਨੂੰਨੀ ਚੁਣੌਤੀ ਖਾਰਜ ਕਰ ਦਿੱਤੀ ਜੋ ਆਪਣੇ ਜੀਵਨ ਸਾਥੀਆਂ ਨਾਲ ਰਹਿਣ ਲਈ ਯੂ.ਕੇ. ਆਉਣ ਵਾਲੇ ਲੋਕਾਂ ਦੇ ਅੰਗਰੇਜ਼ੀ ਬੋਲ ਸਕਣ ਦੇ ਸਮਰੱਥ ਹੋਣ ਦੇ ਨਵੇਂ ਇਮੀਗ੍ਰੇਸ਼ਨ ਨਿਯਮ ਵਿਰੁੱਧ ਦਾਇਰ ਕੀਤੀ ਗਈ ਸੀ। ਬਰਤਾਨਵੀ ਨਾਗਰਿਕ ਰਸ਼ੀਦਾ ਚਾਪਤੀ (54) ਤੇ ਉਹਦਾ 57 ਸਾਲਾ ਭਾਰਤੀ ਪਤੀ ਵਲੀ ਚਾਪਤੀ ਇਸ ਕੇਸ ਦੇ ਤਿੰਨ ਦਾਅਵੇਦਾਰਾਂ 'ਚੋਂ ਇਕ ਜੋੜਾ ਸਨ।ਇਸ ਜੋੜੇ ਦੇ ਵਿਆਹ ਨੂੰ 37 ਵਰ੍ਹੇ ਹੋ ਚੁੱਕੇ ਹਨ ਤੇ ਇਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਦੇ 6 ਬੱਚੇ ਹਨ ਪਰ ਉਹ 15 ਸਾਲ ਤੋਂ ਲੈਸਟਰ ਤੇ ਭਾਰਤ ਵਿਚਾਲੇ ਵੰਡੇ ਰਹੇ ਪਰ ਵਲੀ ਚਾਪਤੀ ਅੰਗਰੇਜ਼ੀ ਬੋਲਣੀ-ਪੜ੍ਹਨੀ ਨਾ ਜਾਨਣ ਕਾਰਨ ਬਰਤਾਨੀਆ ਪੁੱਜਣੋਂ ਅਸਮਰੱਥ ਹੈ। ਚੁਣੌਤੀ 'ਚ ਕਿਹਾ ਗਿਆ ਸੀ ਕਿ ਨਵੰਬਰ 2010 'ਚ ਲਾਗੂ ਹੋਇਆ ਨਵਾਂ ਨਿਯਮ ਨਸਲ ਤੇ ਕੌਮੀਅਤ ਦੇ ਆਧਾਰ 'ਤੇ ਪੱਖਪਾਤ ਹੈ ਪਰ ਜਸਟਿਸ ਬੀਟਸਨ ਦਾ ਕਹਿਣਾ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਇਹ ਨਿਯਮ ਸਹੀ ਹੈ ਤੇ ਪਰਿਵਾਰਕ ਜ਼ਿੰਦਗੀ ਦੇ ਅਧਿਕਾਰ 'ਚ ਦਖਲਅੰਦਾਜ਼ੀ ਨਹੀਂ ਹੈ। ਅਦਾਲਤ 'ਚ ਸ੍ਰੀਮਤੀ ਚਾਪਤੀ ਦੇ ਵਕੀਲਾਂ ਨੇ ਦਾਅਵਾ ਕੀਤਾ ਸੀ ਕਿ ਇਹ ਨਵਾਂ ਨਿਯਮ ਜੋੜੇ ਦੇ ਮਾਨਵੀ ਹੱਕਾਂ ਦੀ ਉਲੰਘਣਾ ਸੀ। ਇਹ ਲੋਕਾਂ ਦੀ ਨਾਗਰਿਕਤਾ ਤੇ ਨਸਲ ਦੇ ਅਧਾਰ 'ਤੇ ਵੀ ਭੇਦਭਾਵ ਵਾਲਾ ਕਾਨੂੰਨ ਹੈ। ਪਰ ਅਦਾਲਤ ਨੇ ਮੰਨਿਆ ਕਿ ਭਾਸ਼ਾ ਦੀ ਜਾਣਕਾਰੀ ਦੀ ਸ਼ਰਤ ਜੋੜੇ ਦੇ ਮਾਨਵੀ ਹੱਕਾਂ ਦੀ ਉਲੰਘਣਾ ਨਹੀਂ ਤੇ ਨਾ ਹੀ ਇਹ ਨਾਗਰਿਕਤਾ ਘੱਟ ਗਿਣਤੀ ਫਿਰਕੇ ਜਾਂ ਅਯੋਗਤਾ ਦੇ ਅਧਾਰ 'ਤੇ ਭੇਦਭਾਵ ਕਰਦੀ ਹੈ। ਸ੍ਰੀਮਤੀ ਚਾਪਤੀ, ਵਾਸੀ ਲੈਸਟਰ, ਜੋ ਖੁਦ ਅੰਗਰੇਜ਼ੀ ਦੀ ਥੋੜ੍ਹੀ ਬਹੁਤ ਜਾਣਕਾਰੀ ਰੱਖਦੀ ਹੈ ਨੇ ਟਰਾਂਸਲੇਟਰ ਦੀ ਮੱਦਦ ਨਾਲ ਕਿਹਾ ਕਿ ਉਸ ਨੂੰ ਇਸ ਫੈਸਲੇ ਨਾਲ ਕਾਫੀ ਨਿਰਾਸ਼ਤਾ ਹੋਈ ਹੈ।

Taxation rules for NRIs

Here are some exemptions and tax-saving tips that non-resident Indians can avail of
Juggling finances in one country is bad enough; having to do it in two can be baffling . When it comes to filing taxes, NRIs find themselves in this unenviable position as the Income tax rules for NRIs are different from those that are valid for residents. Here's a quick guide to NRI taxation.

Taxes applicable: 
Income which is earned outside India by an NRI is not taxed here. An NRI doesn't have to pay tax on the interest income in a non-resident external (NRE) account or foreign currency nonresident (FCNR) account. But you must be careful about taxes you pay in your new home country as some income that is exempt in India is taxed abroad.

Filing returns: 
There is no need to file income tax return if you don't have any income here. However, if the income accruing in India through capital gains, rent, dividend or interest is beyond the threshold limit, you will have to file tax returns. Here, too, you can claim certain deductions. So, for 2011-12 , an NRI (male, below 60 years) whose income exceeds 1.8 lakh and a person above 60 years who earns more than 2.5 lakh should file returns in India.

Investments 
If, as a resident, you made some investments and redeemed them after becoming an NRI, these will be treated differently . For instance, NRIs cannot extend the tenure of their PPF account. Capital gainslong-term or short-term-will be applicable when you redeem/sell your past investments. If you sell shares that are listed on a recognised stock exchange in India after holding them for more than a year, you will not have to pay tax on the capital gain provided the securities transaction tax has been paid.

Tax-saving tips 
NRIs can save on these taxes by investing in pension plans, life insurance policies and tax-saving mutual funds. The repayment by an NRI towards principal amount of home loan is eligible for deduction up to 1 lakh, while the interest payment is also allowed as a deduction. NRIs can also buy a health insurance policy here for themselves, their family and dependent parents , and claim deduction up to 35,000 for the annual premium paid. If you have been repaying an education loan, the interest paid can be claimed for deduction . NRIs can put their money in tax-saving bonds too. Capital gains up to 50 lakh earned from selling a capital asset can be invested in bonds of NHAI or REC. Investment income foreign currency bonds, are subject to tax at 20% as against the maximum rate of 30%. NRIs can invest in such assets and benefit from the lower rate. Also, an NRI can avail of lower tax rates on interest income through beneficial treaty provisions.

HC verdict on Sehajdhari voting rights case today

Chandigarh, December 19
The Punjab and Haryana High Court will on Tuesday deliver verdict on the Sehajdhari Sikhs voting rights issue.

A three-Judge Bench of the High Court is scheduled to pronounce the orders on a bunch of three petitions filed by the Sehajdhari Sikhs Federation and other petitioners.

They are seeking directions to the Union of India and other respondents for quashing the impugned notification issued in on October 8, 2003.

The notification debars Sehajdhari Sikhs from voting in the SGPC elections was issued.

HC rap for Punjab rights commission

Says SHRC only a recommendatory institution

Chandigarh, December 19
Finding fault with an order of the Punjab State Human Rights Commission against a DSP and two other police officials, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has ruled that the commission is only a recommendatory institution. It does not have the jurisdiction to reject defence version furnished by the police officers.
The ruling came on a petition filed by DSP Balwinder Singh, Barjinder Kumar and Sanjeev Kumar Goel against the State of Punjab and other respondents.
In the petition placed before the Bench of Justice MM Kumar and Justice Rajiv Narain Raina, challenge was thrown to the order dated November 12, 2009, passed by the Punjab State Human Rights Commission.
In its order, the Commission had rejected the defence pleas of the three police officers and recommended to the State Government to initiate department action against them. An interim compensation of Rs 25,000 was also recommended for Vishal Kumar, the victim of police harassment.
Challenging the order, counsel for the petitioner submitted: “Once the commission decides that the defence raised by the three petitioners was rejected, this would certainly prejudice their rights before the regular courts of law where they may have to face criminal or civil proceedings.” The counsel added the rest of the order was recommendatory and there could not be “any possible objection”.
After hearing the rival contentions, the Bench asserted that it was of the view that the submission made by the petitioner’s counsel on the offending portion of the order deserved to be accepted.
“Once the commission is found to be a recommendatory institution by the Division Bench of this court and the commission is only to act as a catalytic body, it would not have any jurisdiction to reject the defence version posed by the petitioner before the commission.”

“If such a course is adopted, it would amount to adjudication of the rights of the parties and their case before the regular courts might be prejudiced…. The following portion of the order is set aside: The commission rejects the defence pleas of the three police officers. The writ petitions are partly allowed. However, rest of the recommendations would stand”.

The rulebook

• The commission had rejected the defence pleas of the three police officers in a case
• It also recommended to the State Government to initiate departmental action against the trio
• The High Court, however, ruled that the commission did not have the jurisdiction to reject defence version as furnished by the police officials
• The ruling came on a petition filed by DSP Balwinder Singh, Barjinder Kumar and Sanjeev Kumar Goel against the State of Punjab and other respondents

Students eager to migrate to foreign countries: Expert

Fatehgarh Sahib, December 17
Indian technical institutions are desperate for foreign tie-ups, whereas students look desperate for migrating to foreign countries, said Dr Hema Sharda, Director, South Asia Relation, University of West Australia, while addressing the delegates on the 2nd day of 41st annual convention of the Indian Society for Technical Education here today.

Prof VN Rajasekharan Pillai, Principal Secretary, Kerala,stated that more than 80% of engineering education was delivered by the private institutions. 

Oz envoy assures security to students

Preneet raises issue of transport concession for Indians in Victoria, New South Wales
Patiala, December 16
The Australian government has given its firm commitment to ensure proper security and safety to students studying in Australia. The assurance was given by Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) and Secretary, Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Dennis Richardson during a meeting with Minister of State for External Affairs Preneet Kaur in New Delhi today.
Giving details of the meeting in Patiala, MP Singh, Additional Private Secretary to Preneet, said, "While discussing several bilateral issues, the Minister raised the long-pending issue of the transport concession to be extended to Indian students in the Federal States of Victoria and New South Wales. The authorities in these two Federal States have been consistently refusing to grant concessional transport facilities to Indian students, which are normally enjoyed by the Australian students, despite the fact that Indian students pay much higher fees compared to domestic students."
Responding to the matter, Richardson assured that the matter of granting transport concession to Indian students would be taken up suitably with the concerned authorities in the Federal States for their consideration, in view of the fact that the Indian students pay comparatively higher fees than the local students.
"Richardson informed Preneet that the Australian Government has undertaken extensive review of the international education sector, including re-registration of international education providers with a view to ensure that international students get quality education in Australia", stated Singh.
After the meeting, Preneet expressed her satisfaction regarding the measures put in place by the Australian government to improve the safety and security of the Indian students in Australia. She, however, impressed upon the need that the proposed measures were followed through and resulted in a qualitatively improved experience on the ground for the Indian students in Australia.

Britain gets its second Punjabi MP

Britain has a second Punjabi-origin MP following Seema Malhotra’s victory on behalf of the Labour Party in the Feltham and Heston bypoll. Malhotra told The Tribune that she is a product of multi-cultural Britain, was born in the UK to an Indian-origin father and a mother who is a retired teacher.
After they came to the UK, her parents started a community shop in Hounslow. She is now one of the five NRI-origin MPs sitting in the UK House of Commons.
Her ancestors were from Multan, but her parents’ families settled in Jalandhar and Delhi and she still has relatives in Jalandhar. “Please let me know when you write about me so I can tell my relatives in Jalandhar,” she said.
Malhotra (39) secured a majority of 6,203 votes over the ruling Conservatives, a swing of 8.6%. She said she is one of the two Hindu MPs in the Commons, adding, “I would say that the Labour represents the whole of Britain, is much more diverse and has a greater commitment to equality and diversity.”
“My parents came to England in the 1960s with very little money. They are typical of many Asians who came here for a better life for their children,” she said.
Malhotra grew up in the Feltham area, close to London’s Heathrow airport. She was active in local politics from a young age and was an adviser to Labour’s Harriet Harman, when she was the leader of the Opposition in 2010.
Conservative critics point out that the turn-out for the Feltham and Heston bypoll was unusually low at 28.8%, the lowest in a bypoll in 11 years.
The chair of the Conservatives, Pakistani-origin Baroness Warsi, commented, “I am concerned about the level of political engagement. It can’t be right that on 12,000 votes, a constituency can be won.” She added, “Byelections generally have low turn-outs at this time of year, when it’s cold and just before Christmas and people are thinking of other things.”
The Liberal democrats came third in the bypoll with deputy leader Simon Hughes commenting, “What happened here was what normally happens in a byelection. People protest against the government, so government parties take a hit [and] the opposition normally moves forward.”

Jalandhar Connection

• Seema Malhotra, 39, was born in the UK to an Indian-origin father and a teacher-mother, who is now retired
• Her parents’ families settled in Jalandhar and Delhi and she still has relatives in Jalandhar
• She is now one of the five NRI- origin MPs sitting in the House of Commons

Bharat Ratna now open to all, including sports icons

New Delhi, December 16
The government has modified the eligibility criteria for the Bharat Ratna paving the way for sportspersons such as hockey legend Dhyan Chand and cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar to be conferred the country’s highest civilian award.
The new rules, providing for eligibility of persons excelling in fields other than art, literature, science and public services for the Bharat Ratna, were notified on November 16, Sports Minister Ajay Maken told reporters here on Friday.
“I wrote a letter to the Home Minister on April 15. The Prime Minister and the Home Minister have very kindly agreed to change the norms. Now, the government has notified that for performance of highest order in any field of human endeavour Bharat Ratna could be awarded,” Maken said. He said the decision has paved the way for any sportsperson to get top award. The move comes amid clamour for giving the honour to Tendulkar for his outstanding contribution to cricket.
“For me as a Sports Minister, this is one of the biggest days for Indian sports and next biggest day I think will be the day when some sportsperson will be awarded the Bharat Ratna,” Maken further said.
Maken said Dhyan Chand and Tendulkar were the top contenders for the award.
“Both of them I think should be the top contenders. Ultimately, the decision has to be taken by the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister takes the decision and recommends it to the President,” he said.
The Bharat Ratna was instituted in 1954. Any person without distinction of race, occupation, position or sex is eligible for this award.
The number of annual awards is restricted to a maximum of three in a particular year. On conferment of the award, the recipient receives a Sanad (certificate) signed by the President and a medallion. So far, 41 people have got this award. The first three Indians, who received the prestigious award, were Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman, Chakravarti Rajagopalachari and Sarvapali Radhakrishnan in 1954.
There is no written provision that the award should be given to Indian citizens only. The award has been conferred on a naturalised Indian citizen Mother Teresa (1980) and to two non-Indians - Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan and Nelson Mandela (1990). Pandit Bhimsen Joshi was its last recipient.

Go Airlines penalised Rs 25,000

Panchkula, December 15
The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum-I slapped a fine of Rs 25,000 on Go Airlines for its failure to provide connecting flight from Mumbai to Nagpur to an official of the Punjab Mandi Board.
The district forum comprising president PD Goel and members Rajinder Singh Gill and Madanjit Kaur Sahota also directed the opposite party to refund Rs 18,186 which he and his two colleagues had spent on purchasing air tickets of Indigo Flight and Rs 9,830 for three officials of the board. The forum also directed the opposite party to pay Rs 10,000 as cost of litigation to the complainants.
The complainants submitted that they had booked air tickets for their official tour from Chandigarh to Mumbai for attending the 71st Session of Indian Road Congress as official delegates. They reached the airport on time and got the boarding passes issued. Thereafter, the opposite party announced that the flight was late due to a technical fault and likely to take off at 2 pm. At 1 pm, the opposite party further announced that the flight would take off at 4 pm. They immediately approached the officer-in-charge of the opposite party and requested him to make some alternative arrangement for them to reach Mumbai through some other flight. The officer-in-charge assured them of arranging a connecting flight. But to their utter shock and surprise, when they reached Mumbai, the connecting flight had already been taken off. They averred that they had to purchase fresh air tickets of Indigo Airline for November 12 besides staying at a hotel in Mumbai at their own expenses.
The counsel for the opposite party pleaded that the flight had delayed due to some technical fault, which was beyond the control of the Airlines. The forum observed that the delayed flight had defeated the purpose of the complainants who were to attend the 71st Session of Indian Road Congress at Nagpur.

ਬਾਦਲ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਨੇ ਪ੍ਰਵਾਸੀਆਂ ਨੂੰ ਹਮੇਸ਼ਾਂ ਗੈਰ ਸਮਝਿਆ-ਮਾਂਗਟ

ਐਡਮਿੰਟਨ, 14 ਦਸੰਬਰ- ''ਵਿਦੇਸ਼ਾਂ 'ਚ ਵਸਦੇ ਪੰਜਾਬੀਆਂ ਨੇ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਦੀ ਖੁਸ਼ਹਾਲੀ ਅਤੇ ਵਿਕਾਸ ਵਿਚ ਅਹਿਮ ਯੋਗਦਾਨ ਪਾਇਆ ਹੈ ਪਰ ਬਾਦਲ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਨੇ ਪ੍ਰਵਾਸੀਆਂ ਨੂੰ ਹਮੇਸ਼ਾਂ ਗੈਰ ਹੀ ਸਮਝਿਆ ਹੈ।'' ਇਹ ਵਿਚਾਰ ਐਡਮਿੰਟਨ ਤੋਂ ਸੀਨੀਅਰ ਕਾਂਗਰਸੀ ਆਗੂ ਰਾਜਵਿੰਦਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਧੰਨਾ ਮਾਂਗਟ ਨੇ ਇਕ ਮੀਟਿੰਗ ਦੌਰਾਨ ਪ੍ਰਗਟ ਕੀਤੇ। ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਕਿਹਾਂ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਅੰਦਰ ਪ੍ਰਵਾਸੀਆਂ ਦੀਆਂ ਜਾਇਦਾਦਾਂ 'ਤੇ ਕਬਜ਼ੇ, ਝਗੜੇ, ਲੁੱਟਾ-ਖੋਹਾਂ ਤੇ ਕੁੱਟ ਮਾਰ ਦੀਆਂ ਘਟਨਾਵਾਂ ਕਾਰਨ ਅੱਜ ਵਿਦੇਸ਼ਾਂ 'ਚ ਵਸਦੇ ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਆਪਣੇ ਪਿੰਡ ਜਾਣ ਤੋਂ ਵੀ ਕੰਨੀ ਕਤਰਾਉਣ ਲੱਗੇ ਹਨ। ਪ੍ਰਵਾਸੀਆਂ ਦੀਆਂ ਸਮੱਸਿਆਵਾਂ ਜਿਉਂ ਦੀਆਂ ਤਿਉਂ ਹੀ ਹਨ। ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਕਿਹਾ ਪ੍ਰਵਾਸੀਆਂ ਦੀ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਅੰਦਰ ਜਾਨ-ਮਾਲ ਦੀ ਸੁਰੱਖਿਆ ਯਕੀਨੀ ਬਣਾਉਣ ਲਈ ਕੈਪਟਨ ਅਮਰਿੰਦਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਦੀ ਅਗਵਾਈ ਵਿਚ ਕਾਂਗਰਸ ਦਾ ਰਾਜ ਲਿਆਉਣਾ ਜ਼ਰੂਰੀ ਹੈ।

Seminar on legal cell

Ludhiana: A seminar on establishing a legal cell in college was conducted at DRV DAV Centenary College. Lalit Kaushal, assistant district attorney, Jalandhar, addressed students and inspired them to volunteer in the para-legal volunteer scheme started by the government to help weaker sections of society in providing legal aid free of cost.

The volunteers will be imparted with six-day training and they will be awarded with an honorarium of Rs 250. Various section covered under this scheme are women, physically challenged persons and the poor from villages who need legal help. 

100 yrs of history, glory of capital Delhi

New Delhi, December 12
The political and cultural capital of several empires, Delhi today celebrated 100 years of its re-emergence as the capital of modern India.
Even though Delhi is wrapped in centuries of history, it was the British Empire that gave the city -- also called Lutyens’ Delhi -- its modern-day capital and seat of power, New Delhi. It was proclaimed as the capital of British Raj on December 12, 1911, shifting from Kolkata, by then Emperor of India George V, thereby returning to the historic city its lost glory.
And with a view to introduce people to New Delhi’s rich heritage, the Delhi Government and cultural agencies have hosted an array of events, exhibitions, cultural performances and other festivals that give a generous peep into its exquisite history.
“The foundation of the British Capital was first laid in December 1911 by two leading 20th century British architects, Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker. However, it was not just Lutyens’ work but that of many other unsung architects that made New Delhi what it is today,” said AGK Menon, convener of the Delhi chapter of the Indian National Trust For Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH).
Lutyens laid out the central administrative area. At the heart of the city, he built the Rashtrapati Bhavan, four bungalows inside the President's Estate, India Gate and the Hyderabad and Baroda palaces at India Gate. Sir Robert Tor Russell built Connaught Place, the Eastern and Western Courts, Teen Murti House, Safdarjung Airport, National Stadium and over 4,000 government houses.
The Secretariat building which houses various ministries of the Government of India, including the Prime Minister Office was designed by Herbert Baker. He also designed the impressive North Block and South Block.
E. Montague Thomas designed and built the first Secretariat building of New Delhi, which set the style for the bungalows that followed. The other bungalows of New Delhi are the work of architects like WH Nicholls, CG and FB Blomfield, Walter Sykes George, Arthur Gordon Shoosmith and Henry Medd.

It was due to Lord Hardinge that Lutyens’ Delhi got its landmark roundabouts in the central region. Lutyens had initially designed the streets at right angles. WR Mustoe, director of horticulture, was responsible for the roadside planting work on New Delhi'savenues. In fact, Mustoe and Walter Sykes George landscaped and planted Lutyens' Mughal Garden.

Though there was no official ceremony to mark the occasion today, a book on the history of seven cities of Delhi ‘Red Fort to Raisina’, edited by JP Losty, Union Minister Salman Khursheed, conservation architect Ratish Nanda and ‘Seminar’ publisher Malvika Singh was released by Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit.

‘Dastann-e-Dilli', an exhibition on the city, will be inaugurated by Dikshit and Lt-Governor Tejinder Khanna on Wednesday. Organised by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), the exhibition will showcase the culture of Delhi through photographs and lithographs from the ancient to modern times. The inauguration of the exhibition will be followed by ‘Mehfil-e-Dilli’ with performances by renowned Kathak dancer Shovana Narayan and a Thumri recital by Kumud Jha Diwan.

The ‘Dilli Ke Pakwan Festival' is already running at Baba Kharag Singh Marg. The national capital will also host year-long celebrations beginning January to showcase its rich cultural heritage.

Banur is sub-tehsil

Covers 32 villages, is under Mohali subdivision

Banur, December 12
A long-pending demand of Banur residents for a sub-tehsil covering 32 villages was met today. Prithpal Singh, who was naib tehsildar at Mohali, was given charge as naib tehsildar at Banur.

The 32 villages, that earlier formed a part of the Rajpura subdivision in Patiala district, had been transferred to Mohali district past year on the demand of residents of the area, who faced problems in commuting to the district and subdivisional headquarters.

Of these 32 villages, 18 were under the Dera Bassi subdivision and 14 under the Mohali subdivision, but now, all these were brought under the Mohali subdivision, that would control the sub-tehsil.

Local MLA Raj Khurana conducted the formal inauguration at the market committee office here. Mohali SDM Amit Talwar was also present on the occasion.

Ajit Singh’s RLD joins UPA

New Delhi, December 12
A beleaguered ruling Congress received two consolation prizes today with Ajit Singh, leading the 5-member Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), giving his letter of support to UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Samajwadi Party (SP) Rajya Sabha MP Rasheed Masood, a Muslim leader of consequence in western UP, joining the ruling party.

Ajit Singh met PM Manmohan Singh, soon after his meeting with the UPA chairperson, giving rise to speculation that his induction into the Union Cabinet, possibly as the country’s Civil Aviation Minister, could take place any day now.

With this, the ruling UPA numbers have gone up from 272 to 277 MPs. In a House of 544, the Government requires a minimum of 272 MPs for a simple majority.

Confirming the meeting, AICC general secretary in charge of UP Digvijaya Singh said, “Ajit Singh gave a letter to UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi stating that the RLD would like to join the alliance and the latter has agreed to this."

He, however, sidestepped the issue of Ajit Singh’s induction as Civil Aviation Minister saying, "You are addressing this question to the wrong person."

He simultaneously introduced former Union Minister Rasheed Masood to the media who declared that, “I have taken this decision in view of the way communal forces are trying to gain strength by using the issue of corruption," Masood said.

He said that his decision was also prompted by SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav's “controversial” statement to the effect that giving reservation to Muslims within the OBC quota would affect the share of the other OBCs.

Masood’s induction is expected to help the Congress party swing the Muslim vote a little more in its favour in western UP districts of Saharanpur and Muzaffarnagar where he has some standing.

Under the agreement, the RLD will contest 45 seats in the UP Assembly elections expected sometime early next year leaving the rest of the 403 for the Congress.

Edmonton to study possible electronic voting in 2013 election

EDMONTON - The city is looking at the possibility of electronic voting in the next Edmonton civic election.

E-voting, which can mean casting ballots through the Internet or over the telephone, has been tried over the last decade in other parts of Canada and several European countries.

Staff expect to come up with proposals by next fall on potential options, including electronic ballots and touch screens, to properly prepare for any e-voting in the 2013 election.

While they will discuss what can be achieved, costs and how the system could work, a report to be discussed by city council Wednesday says developing and testing Internet voting would take too long to be ready for the next campaign.

But Coun. Tony Caterina would like to further explore the potential for e-voting.

“I think it’s a great idea,” he said Sunday. “I think the generation that e-voting would appeal to is that younger demographic, and traditionally they’re the lowest voter turnout.”

More legally binding municipal elections have taken place in Canada using e-voting options than anywhere else in the world, the report says.

They’ve been held successfully in more than 30 Ontario municipalities and four Nova Scotia municipalities.

The report touts increased voter turnout as one potential benefit of Internet voting, pointing to places such as Estonia, where the practice began with municipal elections in 2005 and expanded to parliamentary elections two years later.

Voter turnout rose after it was introduced, although an Elections Canada workshop was told last year it’s not clear whether e-voting increases overall turnout or youth participation in particular.

“The more we can encourage people to vote, the better,” Coun. Kim Krushell said. “I don’t have a problem with electronic voting, if that’s what it demonstrates.”

She’s generally positive about the idea, but concerned about the expense. Estimates based on figures in the report indicate e-voting could more than quadruple Edmonton’s election cost to $7.9 million.

There have been problems in other countries. The U.K. introduced test programs in 2002 involving voting via telephone, the Internet, text message and even digital television, but pulled the plug in 2007 amid security concerns and little change in voter turnout.

The Netherlands planned to allow Internet voting in parliamentary elections in 2006, but aborted the scheme after a group hacked the system on live television. The Dutch Council of Ministers banned electronic voting in 2008.

Brad Haines, a self-identified Edmonton hacker who makes his living through digital security consulting, worries about the risks of online voting.

“You’re basically hoping that you get it right the first time and the democratic process isn’t completely upended.” Computer glitches and malicious hacking are equal threats, Haines said.

“You can think about a scenario where you introduce just enough doubt into an election that should it not go your way, you can complain to get the election result thrown out and get an effective do-over. That’s not the way the democratic process is supposed to be. You can’t keep doing mulligans.”

Caterina also wants to be sure any security issues are addressed.

“We have to make sure that it cannot be manipulated in the technology part of it,” he said. “That would be my only concern. If the technology is infallible, that would be terrific.”

Coun. Ben Henderson is enthusiastic about the concept of online voting, but insists it must maintain faith in the election process.

“For a voting system to work, it has to be one that everybody will trust and believe,” he said. “But anything that can make it easier or more attractive for people to vote, I think, is to be encouraged.”

Turnout in Edmonton’s 2010 election was 33 per cent, up from 27 per cent in 2007 but still below the 41-per-cent mark set in 2004.

“The major advantage of online voting is the convenience,” Henderson said. “Somehow or other, we need to be able to achieve the convenience without undermining the validity of the voting system.”

Municipal politics could serve as a comparatively low-stakes trial for online voting before it expands to provincial and federal elections, he said.

“You just don’t hear about the kind of shenanigans that you sometimes hear about in other places.”

The city councillors said online voting in one form or another probably lies in Edmonton’s future.

“I think this is something that will definitely be inevitable,” Caterina said. “The timing, nobody knows for sure at this point, but I think that all three levels of government are probably looking at this.”

First phase of Expansion 2012 opens at EIA

EDMONTON - Just in time for the holiday travel season officials at the Edmonton International Airport have taken the wraps off the first phase of a massive renovation project, expanding traveler's shopping and dining options.

"This opening marks the beginning of an expansion of a lifetime, ushering in a higher level service, comfort and convenience at EIA," said EIA President at CEO Reg Milley.

The new 'Central Hall,' located just beyond EIA's central security screening area, was designed to mimic Old Strathcona-style storefronts and features a dozen retail and dining options.

"With this opening and the new terminal opening next year, EIA is becoming more than an airport, it's a becoming a destination," said Myron Keehn, EIA Vice-President of Commercial Development. 

When completed, the Expansion 2012 project will add 480,000 square feet of new space, and a total of 34 new shopping and dining outlets.

SC: House allotment price can’t be hiked after 7 yrs

New Delhi, December 12
The Haryana Housing Board cannot ask the beneficiaries to pay any additional cost seven years after allotting the houses, even if the Board has to shell out higher compensation to the landowners at a later stage for acquiring the land, the Supreme Court ruled today.

The rationale for the seven-year deadline “was that once the allottee pays the total price, he may not be subjected to the burden of additional cost after a number of years,” a Bench comprising Justices GS Singhvi and SJ Mukhopadhaya held in a verdict.

The apex court gave the ruling while allowing the appeals filed by some of those who had been allotted houses at Sonepat in 1978 under the schemes meant for economically weaker sections (EWS), lower income group (LIG) and middle income group (MIG).

The allottees had challenged the Board’s additional demand raised against them 10 years after the allotments. The Punjab and Haryana High Court had rejected their pleas at the level of the single judge as well as the Division Bench, prompting them to approach the Supreme Court.

The Bench accepted the contentions of the Board and the Haryana Government that the allotment letters as well as the Hire Purchase Tenancy Agreement (HPTA) had made it clear that the price of the tenement specified at the time of allotment was subject to revision in the light of the final bills representing the cost of construction or the land.

However, it was the Board which had “consciously incorporated” in the Hire Purchase Tenancy Agreement a prohibition against change in the price after seven years from the date of allotment of tenements, the Bench pointed out.

After including the seven-year deadline, “there is no reason why it should not be asked to honour the commitment made to the allottees that they will not live under the fear of being asked to pay additional price after an indefinite period,” the Bench reasoned.

Unfortunately, the high court did not give due weightage to the prohibition clause, the apex court noted. The wordings of the price regulations made it clear that the “Board had kept in view all the eventualities which could lead to an increase in the cost of land made available for construction of the tenements and yet it thought proper to put an embargo against the revision of price after seven years”.

“In the result, the appeals are allowed ...and the demand notices issued by Estate Manager, Sonepat, quashed,” the SC ruled.

MINORITIES IN PAK

RS members express concern

New Delhi, December 12
Rajya Sabha (Council of States is the upper house of the Parliament of India.)members today expressed concern over fear and insecurity under which minorities, particularly Hindus and Sikhs, lived in Pakistan. Cutting across party lines, they asked the government to take up the issue with Islamabad with some even wanting India to take up the issue at an international forum like the UN.

Worry over atrocities on minorities in Pakistan and killings of some Hindus recently, raised during Zero Hour by Avinash Rai Khanna (BJP), not just found unequivocal support from his party colleagues, but also MS Gill of the Congress. Gill urged the government to take up the issue seriously. Khanna was in fact supported by members from all political parties, associating themselves with the issue.

Khanna said Pakistan’s Human Rights Commission in its recent report had pointed out such atrocities on minorities, including Hindus, Sikhs and Christians, whose property and life were not secure in that country.

The BJP member said many Hindu families from Pakistan had been camping in Amritsar, Jalandhar, Rajpura and Khanna for quite some time, refusing to return home despite expiry of their visas. They are seeking Indian citizenship.

Around 28 families had also settled in Delhi’s Majnu Ka Tilla area, seeking Indian citizenship, Khanna said. Lamenting that the Indian government was not doing anything in support of minorities in Pakistan he added that “the government has not spoken a word in their support”.

SS Ahluwalia (BJP) joined his colleague and asked the government to take up the matter with the United Nations.

Immigration minister targets 6,500 in citizenship fraud

Citizenship and Immigration , Minister Jason Kenney

A two-year investigation into immigration fraud could lead to 2,100 people having their citizenship revoked and another 4,400 not being able to move from permanent residency status to full citizenship, Citizenship and Immigration Minister Jason Kenney said Friday.

Kenney said the people who face losing their citizenship obtained it fraudulently, paying consultants to make it look as if they were living in Canada to fulfil the residency requirement, when they actually spent little or no time in the country.

Of the 4,400 permanent residents under investigation, he said, 1,400 have voluntarily withdrawn their applications for full citizenship. In some cases, the government will withdraw their permanent resident status.

"We will apply the full strength of Canadian law. Where evidence permits, we will seek the revocation of permanent resident status or citizenship and in some cases the deportation of anyone perpetrating such fraud," Kenney said.

The announcement is the culmination of two years of investigations by Canada Border Services Agency and the RCMP following reports of consultants who would provide fake proof of residency — such as utility bills or receipts for rent — so people could meet that requirement of their application.

Kenney said he started to hear rumours of systematic fraud by consultants when he became minister three years ago. He also credited Radio-Canada's Enquête, which investigated crooked consultants.

"If you are a consultant involved in selling Canadian citizenship fraudulently to people …we are on to you. It’s just a matter of time," he said.

Interim Liberal Leader Bob Rae says fraud has always been illegal, and he sees no real change in what Kenney announced.

"I don't know anyone who's in favour of fraud...it's a question of giving the sense that he's doing something when he isn't doing anything new," Rae said.

"[Fraud is] something that has to be proven. You can’t just announce that’s what you’re doing. There have to be the facts to back it up and there has to be a due process of law… where these issues are settled not just unilaterally by the minister."

NDP Foreign Affairs critic Hélène Laverdière said there are plenty of immigration issues that need more attention, including family reunification. But she admitted the party has nothing against cracking down on immigration fraud.

"For example, there are enormous delays on family reunification. When we're talking about, really, many years before we can complete a family reunification, that's dramatic. There's a lack of resources at a number of levels."

'At the heart of our identity'

"Citizenship is priceless. It is at the heart of our identity as Canadians," Kenney said.

The main requirements to get Canadian citizenship are to spend three out of four years in Canada, plus proficiency in French or English, and a basic knowledge of Canada.

Kenney said the crackdown isn't aimed at people who have minor disputes with the department over whether they have spent the precise number of days required for residency.

Kenney announced a large-scale crackdown in July, targeting 1,800 people the government alleges obtained their citizenship fraudulently.

The people were identified through investigations conducted across the country by police and the Citizenship and Immigration Department. People identified by the investigations were to receive letters informing them of the government's decision.

Kenney has also recently stepped up pressure on the Canadian Border Services Agency to tackle crimes related to immigration marriage fraud and abuse of Canadians who are drawn into fraudulent marriages.

The government will reintroduce legislation to regulate citizenship consultants, Kenney said.
He says there are also 4,400 people with permanent resident status who are known to be implicated in residence fraud.

Most of them are outside the country.

"Canadian citizenship is not for sale," said Kenney.

"Canadians are generous people, but have no tolerance or patience for people who don't play by the rules and who lie or cheat to become a Canadian citizen.

"The government will apply the full strength of Canadian law to those who have obtained citizenship fraudulently."

Permanent residents must acquire three years of residence out of four years to apply for Canadian citizenship.

To retain their status as permanent residents, they must be physically present in Canada for two years out of five.

"I encourage anyone who has information regarding citizenship fraud to call our tip line to report it," Kenney said.

Thousands to be stripped of Canadian citizenship in historic fraud sweep

OTTAWA — The federal government is set to crack down on 4,700 more people believed to have obtained citizenship or permanent resident status illegally in what’s being dubbed the biggest citizenship fraud sweep in Canadian history.

Immigration Minister Jason Kenney is expected to make the announcement that “Canadian citizenship is not for sale” on Friday.

He will unveil the details in Montreal where Nizar Zakka — an immigration consultant suspected of fraud — was arrested in 2009. Zakka is suspected of providing would-be Lebanese immigrants with false evidence — indicating that they were living in Quebec when they were not — to support their cases for permanent residency.

He’s also accused of filing or contributing to the filing of 861 false tax returns for at least 380 clients between 2004 and 2007. The returns allegedly were then used to claim refunds for child care and property taxes as well as the provincial sales-tax credit.

The announcement comes six months after the government moved to strip 1,800 people of their Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status for the same reasons. Up until this year, Canada had revoked just 67 citizenships since the Citizenship Act came into force in 1947.

The bulk of the citizenship fraud cases are said to be linked to Zakka as well as Halifax immigration consultant Hassan Al-Awaid, who was charged in March with more than 50 citizenship fraud-related offences.

The cases are also tied to a third consultant from Mississauga, Ont., west of Toronto, who remains under investigation, according to a government source who noted the others were brought to light thanks to the new citizenship fraud tip line.

Fotolia

Up until this year, Canada had revoked just 67 citizenships since the Citizenship Act came into force in 1947

Unveiled in September, the tip line already has fielded 5,366 calls.

Letters are currently being sent to the 6,500 people from 100 countries indicating that Canada is revoking their citizenship or permanent resident status due to fraud.

This comes following a lengthy investigation by the RCMP and the Department of Citizenship and Immigration.

Alleged fraudsters, the majority of whom are not currently living in Canada, have up to 60 days to appeal the decision in Federal Court before cabinet moves to void their passports and strip them of all rights and privileges.

According to Citizenship and Immigration, to maintain permanent resident status a person must reside in Canada for at least two years within a five-year period. Permanent residents seeking citizenship must show proof that they’ve lived in Canada for at least three of the last four years before applying.

At the time of Al-Awaid’s arrest, Kenney said he was suspected of helping people “create the appearance they were residing in Canada in order to keep their permanent resident status, and ultimately attempt to acquire citizenship.”

He said investigators had linked Al-Awaid to 1,100 applicants and their dependents, 76 of whom had obtained Canadian citizenship.

He noted that many people were prevented from “fraudulently obtaining citizenship” as a result of the investigation.

The government has been taking action against citizenship fraud for some time. The Cracking Down on Crooked Consultants Act, which imposes tough new penalties for immigration consultants convicted of fraud, including fines and/or prison, is now law in Canada.

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Mohali 's Sector-63 housing project in trouble

Mohali, December 10
The much-delayed Sector-63 housing project of the Chandigarh Housing Board (CHB) is again in trouble with the Punjab Water Supply and Sanitation Department reportedly reluctant in permitting the former to integrate the sewer and storm water drainage system of the upcoming dwelling units with that of Mohali.
Citing inadequate carrying capacity, the department has, in a communiqué to the CHB, stated that the existing lines brought storm and sewer discharge of Phases IX and XI, before it moved towards Sector 67.
Recently, the project was in news when officials of the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) had objected to the coming of 1,100 flats close to the houses in Phase IX of Mohali. It was then decided that a minimum distance of 60 feet would be maintained between the six-storey block of the Sector 63 housing scheme and row of residential houses in Phase IX of Mohali.
Superintending Engineer of Punjab Water Supply and Sanitation Department NK Dhir said he had received no communication in this regard from the CHB.
On the other hand, the Chief Engineer has written a letter to the Superintending Engineer apprising him of the issue. Minutes of a meeting held in the office of the Chief Administrator, GMADA, in August have been mentioned in the letter wherein it was decided that a joint inspection of the existing capacity of the lines would be done. It was also decided that in case the existing line was not adequate to accept the additional discharge, the CHB should be allowed to lay its own line in Mohali area up to the location where the existing service of Mohali could take the additional discharge generated from 1,100 dwelling units of the CHB complex.
But so far no decision has been taken on the issue which is likely to surface in a meeting with Punjab and CHB officials scheduled for December 15.

HC upholds state govt’s decision on stamp duty

Chandigarh, December 8

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has upheld State of Punjab’s decision to charge different stamp duties from land developers and the government. The ruling came on a petition filed by land developer HP Singh against the State of Punjab and others respondents. The petitioner was seeking a direction to the State, along with the Punjab Urban Development and Planning Authority, to charge stamp duty from it for “registration of an instrument of sale” on a par with the stamp duty charged from the government, PSUs or local bodies. A notification to this effect was also challenged.

The Bench of Justice MM Kumar and Justice Rajiv Narain Raina asserted: “A private developer like the petitioner develops land for sale in the market for promoting his business and this is subject to regulatory laws whereas the state government, PSUs and local bodies develop and sell land for social purpose to meet the dire need for housing at a cost affordable to a distinct class that is not so affluent.”

The Bench added: “The notification in our view does not practice any discrimination between the two distinct groups”.

‘Educate people on Right to Service Act’

Fatehgarh Sahib, December 9
The implementation of Right to Service Act-2011, ensuring time-bound delivery of 67 citizen centric services to the public as a matter of right, is though as a great achievement of the government, but effective results can be achieved only if the common man is educated about this Act, said SM Sharma, acting Chief Commissioner, Punjab Service Commission, while addressing a workshop organised to educate the civil and police officers, municipal councillors, sarpanches, panches and other elected representatives at Bachat Bhawan here today.

“The respective Deputy Commissioners should make efforts to organise meetings with the sub-divisional and block-level officers for the implementation of the Act,” Sharma said. He directed the executive officers and BDPOs to organise camps in towns and villages to educate people by involving elected representatives and NGOs.

He said that the main aim of enacting the law was not only to curb the menace of corruption, but also to restore the dignity of the people and repose their faith in transparency of the administration and make administration accountable to the people.

Commissioner Dr Dalbir Singh said that if any official did not provide service within stipulated time, he could be fined from Rs 250 to Rs 5000. Addressing the seminar, Deputy Commissioner Yashveer Mahajan said that the Right to Service Act had been implemented in the district and the officials had been directed to redress the grievances of the people as well as to get their work done within stipulated period, otherwise they would be held responsible for delay and suitable action under Civil Services Act would be initiated.