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Lodha panel recommends separate BCCI, IPL governing bodies

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New Delhi: The Justice R.M. Lodha Committee on Monday proposed separate governing bodies for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Indian Premier League (IPL) in a bid to partially segregate their functioning, while also suggesting a one-state-one-member pattern for the board.

Submitting its report to the Supreme Court, the three-member committee comprising its former chief justice, Justice Lodha, as also Justice Ashok Bhan and Justice R.V. Raveendran – former judges of the apex court – suggested reforms in the Indian cricket board and announced a slew of measures, among them that the IPL governing body should be of nine members with the secretary and the treasurer of the BCCI as its ex-officio members.

Two other members of the IPL governing council will be nominated or elected by the full members. Of the remaining five, two will be the nominees of franchises, one will be a representative of the players association (that is to be formed) and one will a nominee of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.

Among other key recommendations, the panel stressed that one representation for one state is a fair idea and one association of each state will be a full member of the BCCI and have a right to vote. Other members from a state, or those without territory or competitive presence — Services, Railways, CCI, NCC — were relegated to associate status without voting rights in the BCCI.

The Lodha panel also recommended the appointment of a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to manage the day-to-day affairs of the BCCI. The CEO will be assisted by six professional managers. The Lodha panel said the CEO and his managers will be responsible to an apex council that will be comprised of nine members — five elected, two representatives of players association, and one woman.

The Lodha committee has also sought to put some restrictions on the BCCI office-bearers: they should not be aged more than 70, should not be ministers or government servants – and cannot hold office for more than three terms, with a a “cooling-off” period between terms.

Lodha reckoned that a robust agent registration system would safeguard players. There will be a steering committee to include former star all-rounder Mohinder Amarnath, former India women’s captain Diana Eduljee, and legendary leg-spinner and former Test skipper Anil Kumble. They will take up matter with BCCI for formation of players’ association in light of suggestions from the report.

Lodha said the panel prepared an extensive questionnaire and interviewed several BCCI office bearers, stakeholders in Indian cricket, former national captains, including Bishan Singh Bedi, Kapil Dev, Sourav Ganguly, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Kumble to finalise its report.

(IANS)

Karnataka: Highest sex ratio among Christians; Muslims overtake Hindus in literacy

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Bengaluru: Christians continued to record the highest sex ratio with the figure increasing from 1,030 in the 2001 Census to 1,049 in the 2011 Census. Although the child sex ratio was also high among Christians in the State, the growth was very marginal and it rose from 961 in 2001 census to 962 in 2011.

 

Economist Sangeeta Kattimani, who compiled these data from the two Census reports and the Religion Data of the Census 2011 released now, said that the lowest sex ratio of 739 was reported among Buddhists.

In fact, the sex ratio among Buddhists had seen a steep fall from 907 in the 2001 Census to 739 in the 2011 Census. The child sex ratio among Buddhists decreased from 953 in 2001 to 949 in 2011.

Prof. Kattimani said that the sex ratio of other major religious groups, including Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Jains, showed a marginal improvement when compared to the 2001 and 2011 census and same was the case under the child sex ratio head. While the sex ratio of Hindus rose from 966 in 2001 to 972 in 2011, the sex ratio of Muslims rose from 957 in 2001 to 969 in 2011.

There was a marked improvement in the sex ratio of Sikhs — from 739 in 2001 to 803 in 2011 census. The sex ratio of Jains rose from 926 in 2001 to 951 in 2011.

The child sex ratio of Hindus saw a marginal increase from 945 in 2001 to 947 in 2011. Among Muslims, it was 945 in 2001 and 947 in 2011.

The child sex ratio of Sikhs saw an increase from 882 in 2001 to 913 in 2011. Similarly, the child sex ratio of Jains rose from 882 in 2001 to 913 in 2011. Prof. Kattimani said that the latest figures released by the Registrar General of Census provided some interesting data of literacy levels of different religious groups. While the literacy rate of Christians and Jains, who always placed education as a priority in their life, was high, the literacy level of Muslims was higher than Hindus in the State.

As much as 90.80 per cent of Christians were literate and it was 88.32 per cent among Jains in the State.

Surprisingly, a higher number of Muslims were literate when compared to Hindus in the State. The literacy percentage of Hindus was 74.36 per cent as per the 2011 census figures while it was 78.89 per cent among Muslims in the State.

Prof. Kattimani said that the literacy rate of Buddhists saw a record increase from 53.16 per cent in 2001 census to 76.11 per cent.

(Agencies)

Now, RSS all set to launch its Christian wing

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New Delhi: As part of its plan to tighten its grip over Indian society, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is now mulling to launch its Christian wing.

 

The RSS has held meetings with Christian leaders as part of a plan to reach out to the community by setting up an organisation, according to a reliable report.

 

A senior RSS spokesperson confirmed the reports and said that efforts are on to reach out to the Christians and a meeting for the same was held on December 17, 2015.

The proposed Christain Wing will be on the lines of the Muslim Rashtriya Manch that RSS established over a decade ago.

“On December 17, 4-5 Archbishops, 40-50 Reverend Bishops from across 10 to 12 states met and it was decided to develop a movement. This is preparing the ground to lay the seeds for an organisation,” Indresh Kumar, member of RSS’ National Executive, said.

This is said to be the first such outreach to the clergy made through a Sangh-backed initiative.

The December 17 meeting, held in New Delhi, was presided over by Indresh Kumar. Chinmayananda Swami of Vishva Hindu Parishad was also present at the event, called the ‘Christmas Message for Love, Peace and Harmony from Indian Soil’.

It was attended, among others, by Archbishop Mar Kuriakose Bharanikulangara, Bishop Jacob Mar Barnabas of the Gurgaon diocese, Bishop Issac Osthatheous of the Delhi diocese and the general secretary of the Church of North India, Alwan Masih.

The development comes in the wake of an uproar over alleged increase in intolerance under the Bharatiya Janata Party government and political parties accusing the ruling party’s ideological mentor of instigating friction between communities.

(Agencies)

Mild tremors hit north India

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New Delhi: An earthquake of 5.8 magnitude on the Richter Scale in Afghanistan sent tremors across North India on Saturday. Initial reports suggest epicentre of earthquake in Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush region.

Tremors were felt in Pakistan, Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi and Noida.

No damage to property or death has been reported so far.

(Agencies)

Karnataka: Milk prices to shoot up by Rs 4

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Bengaluru: The state government announced the consent of the Chief Minister to hike the price of Nandini milk by Rs 4 per litre, it is learned.

The initial demand by milk federations was to up the prices by Rs 5 per litre, it is said. Minister for co-operation H S Mahadeva Prasad and minister for animal husbandry A Manju took the proposal to the chief minister and discussed it.

Now that the Chief Minister has given his nod, the announcement will follow shortly.

Presently, the milk price is Rs 29 per litre. With the price hike, it will be available at Rs 33.

It is expected that the KMF will make the announcement within a day and the price hike will come into effect from January 5.

Minister A Manju said that 75% of the money from the hike will go to the farmers while the remaining money will be spent for administrative expenses of the federations.

(Agencies)

Odd-even scheme starts in Delhi, overwhelmed by ‘success’, says Kejriwal

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New Delhi: Each time an even-numbered vehicle was flagged down here, the offending motorist was offered a rose — and some counselling about the rising pollution levels in the national capital.

The scene was a busy traffic intersection near Noida where a number of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) volunteers were assisting Delhi Police personnel in keeping a tab on vehicles following the launch on Friday of the odd-even scheme for restricting movement of cars.

There were no police barricades near the Delhi-Noida border in the morning and the volunteers tried to ensure a smooth flow of traffic on the road. The volunteers, however, flagged down a few even-numbered four-wheelers and went up to the driver to present a rose, reflecting a Gandhian spirit.

They also counselled the motorists to follow the Delhi government’s odd-even plan and asked them to return. While some vehicle owners followed the instructions, others gave their reasons for not being able to comply with the plan.

Shiv Kumar Sharma, a civil defence volunteer from Geeta Colony circle in east Delhi, said his group was able to persuade some motorists to turn back. “We are here since 7 a.m. We are giving roses to people and couselling them about the odd-even formula. So far, we have persuaded around a dozen people to turn back,” he said.

“Some people said they were going to hospital or there was an emergency. We did let them go.”

The roses were provided by the area district magistrate’s office.

Another civil defence volunteer, who did not wish to be named, said his group refrained from entering into any argument with the violators and requested them to comply with the rule.

“We cannot prosecute people. The police will do that,” he said, adding that the police were cooperating with them.

There were a few commuters who stopped by to cheer the volunteers. “This is a very good initiative. The volume of traffic has come down,” said Dinesh Singhal, a biker.

The odd-even scheme that allows odd- and even-numbered private vehicles to ply on the city roads on alternate days aims at reducing air pollution levels. The scheme started here on Friday on a trial basis and will end on January 15.

(IANS)

Terror attack in Punjab’s Pathankot; two militants killed

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Pathankot: A group of terrorists today struck at the Air Force base here in Punjab, triggering an encounter in which two attackers were killed, police said.

Firing is still on near the Air Force base Chakki river. The terrorists, believed to be 4-5 in number, launched the attack at the base in the wee hours.

Gun fire shots can be heard from the both sides, SSP R K Bakshi said, adding that two suspected militants were killed in the battle. Meanwhile, authorities said the helicopters and other equipment in the Air base was safe.

An unknown number of militants have launched an attack on the army and police personnel after a combing operation was launched yesterday in the area between installation and Chakki river, police said.

The entire area has been cordoned off, police said. The attackers, who had abducted an SP yesterday, had also made calls to Pakistan, police said.

The attack comes days after PM Narendra Modi’s unscheduled visit to Pakistan.

It is the second big terror attack in Punjab within less than a year as last year three militants stormed a police station in Diana Nagar before being eliminated after 12 hour gun battle.

Yesterday, five suspected militants abducted an SP and two others and thrashed them before dumping them from vehicle.

After the incident a combing operation was launched in the border areas of Pathankot and Gurdaspur districts.

(Agencies)

Singer Adnan Sami becomes Indian citizen, says no intolerance

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Adnan Sami

New Delhi: There is no intolerance in India, says Pakistan-born singer Adnan Sami after becoming an Indian citizen today.

A smiling Sami also sang his famous song – “Teri oonchi shaan hai maula…Mujhko bhi to lift kara de”- after he received a citizenship certificate from Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju at North Block here in the presence of his wife Roya.

Asked about concerns expressed by actors Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan about alleged growing intolerance in India, the 46-year-old singer said everyone was entitled to his or her own opinion and their remarks were perhaps based on their own experience.

“Had there been intolerance, I would not have taken Indian citizenship. I have never experienced intolerance. There is no intolerance in India,” he said.

The singer said he was very happy after becoming Indian citizen and grateful to the government.

“I am grateful to the government of India for giving me this beautiful gift,” he said.

Asked how he felt after becoming an Indian citizen, Sami said there was no difference as the taste of ‘biryanis’ was same in both the countries. “And I have had enough of ‘biryanis’ in both Pakistan and India,” he said.

The singer said there was mixed reaction in Pakistan on his taking Indian citizenship but his family understands his love for India and its people.

Asked about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Lahore, Sami said he was very happy that Modi had visited Pakistan and was making efforts to improve relations with the country.

“I personally believe in the philosophy of ‘love thy neighbour’,” he said. Home Ministry officials said Sami has been given Indian citizenship following his request to the Centre to legalise his status in the country on humanitarian grounds.

The singer, who has made India his home for the past few years, had made a representation to the Home Ministry on May 26 this year requesting that he be allowed to stay in India on humanitarian grounds.

Sami had first arrived in India on March 13, 2001 on a visitor’s visa with the validity of one year which was issued by the Indian High Commission in Islamabad.

His visa was extended from time to time. His Pakistani passport issued on May 27, 2010 expired on May 26, 2015 and his passport was not renewed by the Pakistan government which led him to approach the Indian government with the request to legalise his stay in India.

Sami’s two songs from the album, ‘Kabhi To Nazar Milao’ and ‘Lift Kara De’, whose music video starred actor Govinda, were a sensation in the early 2000s.

This year the singer tasted success with his song ‘Bhar Do Jholi meri’ in Salman Khan-starrer ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’.

(PTI)

PAN to be mandatory for transactions above Rs 2 lakh

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New Delhi: In yet another bid to curb generation of black money, quoting of the income tax Permanent Account Number (PAN) would be mandatory for cash transactions above Rs.2 lakh from January 1, 2016.

“The government received numerous representations from various quarters regarding the burden of compliance this proposal will entail. PAN will be required for transactions above Rs.2 lakh, regardless of the mode of payment,” the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) said in a statement on Thursday.

The finance ministry has also rationalised the monetary limits for certain transactions requiring mandatory quoting of PAN.

The monetary limit for sale or purchase of immovable property has been doubled to Rs.10 lakh, and that for hotel and restaurant bills to Rs.50,000.

“In dealing with domestic black money, transactions dealing with cash of more than Rs.2 lakh will require submission of PAN details,” Finance Minister Arun Jaitley told the Lok Sabha earlier this month while presenting his ministry’s supplemetary demands for grants.

(Agencies)

Odd-even scheme starts in Delhi, overwhelmed by ‘success’, says Kejriwal

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New Delhi: Delhi government’s odd-even scheme on car movement to curb pollution in the national capital started on Friday.

As per the rule, cars with odd-number registration would be allowed to ply on Friday.

Those not abiding the rule would be fined Rs.2,000.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said he was “overwhelmed” by the response of people towards the odd-even scheme here.

“I am truly overwhelmed by the response we have received so far. There are very less even-numbered cars on the roads. The plan seems to have been successful,” he told media.

He said the people of Delhi accepted the scheme “whole-heartedly”, adding “I am confident that in next five years people will show the way to rest of the country”.

“Delhi has done it! Reports so far very encouraging. Delhiites! You give me hope that you are capable of achieving big challenges,” Kejriwal said in a tweet.

“I am pooling my car and going to office with two ministers, my personal secretary and my joint secretary,” he said.

Mooted by the Delhi government, the odd-even scheme that allows odd and even-numbered private vehicles on the city roads on alternate days aims at reducing air pollution levels in the national capital.

(IANS)

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