Govt to soon pass legislation for protecting women against crimes:Sonia

Mar 16,  4:54 PM The government will soon pass a legislation for protecting women against crimes. The proposed Food Security Bill will also be passed. Stating this, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi expressed government's commitment to the cause of Women's safety and said the budget had sought to set up a 1000-crore Nirbhaya Fund for the purpose. Besides, an all-women nationalised bank will be established to extend credit to them with a seed capital of 1000 crore. She said this shows how much the government is seized of the matter to maintain dignity of women. Sonia Gandhi was speaking at the function to lay the foundation stone of the Ghani Khan Chowdhury Institute of Engineering and Technology at Malda district of West Bengal this afternoon, where the Prime Minster was present. Attacking communal forces, Sonia Gandhi called upon the nation to fight the menace to ensure economic and social development of the nation. She said these two go hand in hand. Describing secularism as the main strength of the nation, she said the Congress party is fully prepared to protect the secular fabric of the country. She said the UPA government is also looking after the interests of the backwards and minorities and steps are being taken to make them self-reliant. Sachar committee suggestions will be implemented and madrasas will extend special scholarships to women. Prime Minister's 15-point programme for minorities will be upgraded and this is being monitored by Prime Minister himself. Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh said that the government has set a target to skill 5 crore people in the 12th Plan under National Skilled Development Scheme. He said for the development of the economy the youth of the county have to be skilled and educated. He said, enhancing technical resources and industrial infrastructure in North Eastern States and West Bengal are the prime concern of the centre. CJI calls for setting up legal aid centres at CAT benches Mar 16,  4:17 PM Chief Justice of India Altamas Kabir has called for setting up legal aid centres at the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) benches across the country. Addressing the annual CAT conference in New Delhi today, Justice Kabir said no person should be denied access to justice. Justice Kabir said certain people are eligible for free legal aid which include children, women, the disabled SC/ST and those below certain income level. The Chief Justice also urged to simplify and minimize procedures for speedy and efficient delivery of justice to the people. He also urged the CAT for speedy disposal of pending cases. Law Minister Ashwini Kumar said the Central Administrative Tribunal has contributed immensely to lessen the pendency of higher courts. Mr. Kumar said Indian judiciary has set a superior model for justice delivery system within the country and abroad. The Minister for Personnel & Public Grievances V.Narayanaswamy said the government is committed to provide all financial and infrastructural support to strengthen CAT. J&K: 3rd suspect arrested in Wednesday's Bemina suicide attack Mar 16,  5:53 PM Jammu and Kashmir Police has arrested a third suspect in Wednesday's suicide attack in Bemina area of Srinagar city. He has been taken into custody from Baramullah. His name reportedly surfaced during the interrogation of two persons already arrested in the case. State Director General Police says, they have got some important lead and investigation is on. He was optimistic of cracking the case soon.