Prez: India's hand of friendship not to be taken for granted

Jan 26 The President Mr. Pranab Mukherjee says India's offer of friendship should not be taken for granted. Addressing the nation on the eve of the 64th Republic Day, Mr. Mukherjee referred to the serious atrocities committed on Indian troops on the Line of Control . On the recent gang rape and murder of a young woman in Delhi, the President said, it is time for the nation to reset its moral compass and to ensure gender equality for every Indian woman. Describing the youth as the vanguard of change, the President called for chanelising their anxiety and restlessness towards change with speed, dignity and order. On economic reforms, the President pitched for inclusive growth and said the high growth figures have no meaning unless they benefit all sections of society. Calling upon legislatures to reflect the emerging India, he said elected representatives must win back the confidence of the people. Describing education as a mantra, he said it can transform economic fortunes and eliminate inequality from the society. The President promised that India will change more in the next ten years than the previous sixty years. Delhi Lt. Gov grants remission to Tihar convicts sentenced for less than yr to over 10 yrs for good conduct Jan 26 Delhi Lieutenant Governor has granted remission to those Tihar Jail inmates who have been sentenced for less than a year to more than 10 years for their good conduct .The remission was given to them the eve of Republic Day. According to the spokesperson of the Tihar Jail, Convicts who have served a sentence of more than 10 years have been granted remission of two months, those for a period of five to 10 years have been granted a remission of 45 days and prisoners sentenced one to five years have been granted remission by one month. Inmates who have served below one year have been granted 15 days remission. However, those convicted for heinous crime including crime against women and children, terrorist activities and drug trafficking will not be entitled to any remission.

Parl panel on HRD invites suggestions on Indecent Representations of Women Amendment Bill-2012

Jan 26
Parliamentary Standing Committee on Human Resource Development has invited suggestions from public on the Indecent Representations of Women (Prohibition) Amendment Bill-2012.

The objective of the proposed legislation is to broaden the scope of law to cover the audio-visual media and content in electronic form and to prescribe stringent penalties. Organisations or individuals may send their views or suggestions to Rajya Sabha Secretariat by post or through e-mail-rsc_sansad.nic.in.

Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs has also invited suggestions from the public on the provisions of Criminal Law Amendment Bill-2012. The bill seeks to amend existing laws and procedures relating to offence of sexual assaults and make punishment more stringent.

Organisations or individuals may send their views or suggestions to Rajya Sabha Secretariat by post or through e-mail rsc.ha@sansad.nic.in

Suggestions submitted to the committee would form part of the records of the committee and would be treated as confidential.

108 eminent persons get Padma Awards

Jan 26
108 eminent persons get Padma Awards this year. These includes four Padma Vibhushan, 24 Padma Bhushan and 80 Padma Shri. Scientists Prof. Yash Pal and Roddam Narasimha, noted architect and sculptor, Raghunath Mohapatra, and Artist Haider Raza have been selected for Padma Vibhushan.

Late Rajesh Khanna, Late Jaspal Bhatti, Sharmila Tagore,Cricketer Rahul Dravid, Boxer Mary Kom are among the Padma Bhushan awardees. Wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt, Shooter Subedar Major Vijay Kumar and actress Sridevi and actor Nana Patekar are among those chosen for Padam shri.

Gallantry Awards and other Defence decorations have also been announced for armed forces personnel on the occasion of 64th Republic Day. These includes 1 Kirti Chakra, 11 Shaurya Chakra, 28 Param Vishisht Seva Medal and 44 Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and 116 Vishisht Seva Medal.

Besides, 875 Police Medals and 37 Correctional Service Medals have also been announced on the occasion.