Drone Dog

 A test of an unmanned ground vehicle 

Florida: 13th November 2020: (Seven Seas News)::

Airmen watch a test of an unmanned ground vehicle at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., Nov. 10, 2020. Tyndall plans to use the “computerized canines” to aid in reconnaissance and enhanced security patrolling operations across the base.

The future of work in the automotive industry:

 Technical meeting on 19-23 October 2020 (TBC)

Courtesy Photo

Type: Meeting

When: 19 - 23 October 2020

Where: Geneva, Switzerland

The Governing Body is considering the suspension of the program of sectoral meetings for the remainder of 2020 and early 2021 and will review the dates of the meetings in the light of the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The meeting will discuss future needs for skills and vocational education and training in the automotive industry in the context of the ILO Centenary Declaration for the Future of Work (adopted at the 108th Session (2019) of the International Labour Conference), with the aim of adopting conclusions, including recommendations for future action.

WHO urges: not to let COVID-19 eclipse other health issues

Public health systems in Africa are coming under severe strain

Brazzaville:23rd April 2020:: (WHO Media//Seven Seas News)::

Public health systems in Africa are coming under severe strain as the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic persists. But as countries battle to bring the outbreak under control, efforts must also be maintained on other health emergencies and progress made against diseases such as malaria or polio preserved, the World Health Organization (WHO) urged today.

Prior to the arrival of the novel coronavirus in Africa, WHO was stressing the need for countries to ensure the continuity of routine essential health services. An overburdened health system not only undermines the effectiveness of the response to COVID-19 but may also undermine the response to a whole host of preventable threats to human health. Even brief interruptions of vaccination make outbreaks more likely to occur, putting children and other vulnerable groups more at risk of life-threatening diseases. 

“I urge all countries to not lose focus on their gains made in health as they adapt to tackle this new threat,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “We saw with the Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in West Africa that we lost more people to malaria, for instance than, we lost to the Ebola outbreak. Let us not repeat that with COVID-19.”

Confirmed COVID-19 cases in Africa continue to rise, now exceeding 25 000. WHO is supporting countries in all aspects of the COVID-19 response and has recently published guidelines for ensuring the continuation of critical health services, including immunization and anti-malaria campaigns. The guidelines stress the need for countries to take a dynamic approach that mitigates any unavoidable pause in vaccination campaigns. 

The consequences of disrupting efforts to control malaria in Africa could be particularly grave. Current estimates suggest that sub-Saharan Africa accounted for approximately 93% of all malaria cases and 94% of deaths, mainly among children under five. A new analysis by WHO and partners suggests that in a worst case scenario if malaria prevention and treatment services were severely disrupted as a result of COVID-19, the number of malaria deaths in 2020 in sub-Saharan Africa could rise to double the number in 2018.

“Africa has made significant progress over the past 20 years in stopping malaria from claiming lives. While COVID-19 is a major health threat, it’s critical to maintain malaria prevention and treatment programmes. The new modelling shows deaths could exceed 700 000 this year alone. We haven’t seen mortality levels like that in 20 years. We must not turn back the clock,” said Dr Moeti.

There are countries like Benin, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sierra Leone, Chad, Central African Republic, Uganda and Tanzania which are continuing with their insecticide treated bed net campaigns and other important malaria prevention activities. Countries are adapting their malaria strategies to the current complex situation.

Another essential health service is immunization. The response to COVID-19 has already disrupted vaccination efforts on the continent. Despite considerable progress on immunization, one in four African children remain under-immunized. Measles vaccination campaigns in Chad, Ethiopia, Nigeria and South Sudan have already been suspended because of COVID-19, leaving approximately 21 million children who would have otherwise been vaccinated unprotected. In response to the introduction of physical distancing measures, WHO has published guidelines on immunization in the context of COVID-19.

Click of A Tearful Embrace

When A Soldier Welcomed Home with the Tears of Joy

A soldier with the New Jersey National Guard is welcomed home during a ceremony in West-field, N.J., Dec. 12, 2019. The soldiers were returning from Jordan where they supported Operation Spartan Shield.
Photo By: Mark Olsen

The launch currently is targeted for Thursday, Dec. 3

Sat, Nov 7, 2015 at 12:41 PM

The spacecraft will carry more than 7,000 pounds of cargo

Inside the high bay in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, was used to remove the protective covering from the Orbital ATK Cygnus pressurized module. The spacecraft will carry more than 7,000 pounds of cargo on the next resupply flight to the International Space Station. The launch currently is targeted for Thursday, Dec. 3 aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V 401 rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida.

Credits: NASA/Kim Shiflett

At Israel's Holocaust Memorial

Hagel Lays a Wreath in Remembrance 04/21/2013 03:35 PM CDT By Cheryl Pellerin American Forces Press Service JERUSALEM, April 21, 2013 - On the first afternoon of two days of talks with military and government officials here, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel toured Yad Vashem, Israel's living memorial to the Holocaust, and in the Hall of Remembrance laid a wreath on a stone crypt containing ashes of Holocaust victims. Hagel walked the solemn and evocative displays of the Holocaust History Museum with his son Ziller and Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon, later calling the institution "important, inspirational and beautiful." Yad Vashem was established in 1953 as the world center for documentation, research, education and commemoration of the Holocaust, Nazi Germany's murder of 6 million Jews during World War II. After Hagel's visit to the museum, he participated in a memorial ceremony in the Hall of Remembrance, visited the Children's Memorial and signed the Yad Vashem guest book. Then, sheltered by the building from a steady rain, Hagel took a few moments to speak with reporters and museum guests. Thanking those who have made the institution possible, the secretary said of Yad Vashem, "I've brought my son Ziller with me on this trip and I particularly wanted him to accompany me here for this experience." Such institutions and museums are created as a tribute to generations of the past and in particular victims of the past, he said, "but maybe more importantly these institutions are built to instruct future generations." The secretary added, "They come together at an intersection that is important for all of us as one dimension or responsibility for each person. There is no more poignant, more touching, more effective way to tell a story than this reality, as painful as it is." "We must prepare future generations in our time here for a clear understanding that we must never allow this to happen again." After Hagel signed the guestbook, he read his inscription to the audience. "For my friends of Israel," the secretary read, "thank you for this magnificent institution, reminding all mankind of the depths of evil but also the promise and hope and courage of man -- a beautiful and important tribute to those victims of the past and an instruction and reminder for the generations of the future. [Signed,] your friend, Chuck Hagel, United States secretary of defense." Today's visit was part of a 6-day trip to the Middle East, Hagel's first as defense secretary. He will make stops in Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates before returning to the United States April 26.

Biographies: Chuck HagelRelated Sites: Special: Travels with Hagel Yad Vashem Related Articles: Hagel: United States Committed to Israel's Security Hagel's First Middle East Trip to Seal Historic Arms Deal

PAKISTAN: Killing of Ms Perveen Rehman

Sun, Mar 17, 2013 at 9:24 AM

A Press Release from Front Line Defenders forwarded by the Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC)

Perveen Rehman was a social and economic rights defender

On 13 March 2013, human rights defender Ms Perveen Rehman was shot and killed by armed motorcyclists, close to her offices. Perveen Rehman was a social and economic rights defender, working with communities in the slums of Karachi. She was director of the Orangi Pilot Project, one of Pakistan's most successful non-for-profit social programmes, which helps local communities escape from poverty. Perveen Rehman had recently been documenting the situation in villages close to Karachi, which are affected by land grabbers and religious extremists.

On 13 March 2013, as Perveen Rehman arrived at her offices in a car, armed men travelling on two motorcycles approached her and opened fire, shooting her twice on the face and once on the neck. The human rights defender was rushed to the local Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, where she subsequently died of her wounds.

Perveen Rehman had previously reported being subjected to death threats. On one occasion, an armed man reportedly stormed her offices and ordered staff to leave.

On 14 March 2013, student and several civil society organisations, including Shirkatgah, Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, Awami Workers Party and Home-Based Women Workers Federation, held a protest against the killing of the human rights defender.

Front Line Defenders condemns the killing of Perveen Rehman, and believes it to be motivated by her peaceful and legitimate human rights work, in particular her work to defend the rights of marginalised communities in the village and slums of Karachi.

Front Line Defenders urges the authorities in Pakistan to:

1. Initiate an immediate, thorough and impartial investigation into the killing of Perveen Rehman, with a view to publishing the results and bringing those responsible to justice in accordance with international standards;

2. Guarantee in all circumstances that all human rights defenders in Pakistan are able to carry out their legitimate human rights activities without fear of reprisals and free of all restrictions, including physical violence and death threats.

# # #

About AHRC: The Asian Human Rights Commission is a regional non-governmental organisation that monitors human rights in Asia, documents violations and advocates for justice and institutional reform to ensure the protection and promotion of these rights. The Hong Kong-based group was founded in 1984.

Christian Council welcomes concern for women

Also wants rise in Budget allocations for religious minorities

NEW DELHI, 1 March 2013:(*M Madhu Chandra):The Union Budget for 2013-2014 has conclusively shown that till religious minorities get a special component plan on the pattern of Scheduled Castes and Tribes, there will be little actual devolution of funds for their development, Christian Council president Rev Dr. Joseph D’Souza has said.
The Budget allocations for the next financial year fall far short of expectations, especially of the Christian community, India’s second largest minority, Council secretary General s Dr. John Dayal said.
While presenting the annual general budget, finance minister P Chidambaram allocated welfare sub plans Rs. 41,561 crore to the scheduled castes and Rs. 24,598 crore to the Tribals – which cannot be diverted and must be spent for the designated purpose.
However, Government data shows that a large component of budget allocations for religious minorities in the past have remained unspent. There is little indication in the budget how the government intends to ensure that the moneys are spent on the target communities and specially to the Christian community, which has not got its fair share of these funds, Dr. Dayal said. The community must be assured that it will get its share of funding on a pro rata basis, specially in area development schemes and scholarships.
The finance minister has allocated Rs. 3,511 crore to the Ministry of Minority Affairs, a notional increase of 12% over the budget estimates of last. Year. The government has also allocated Rs 160 crores to the Rs 750 crore corpus of the Maulana Azad Education Foundation, the main vehicle to implement education schemes and channelised funds to non-government organisations for the minorities, but this alone does not increase direct support to disadvantaged children desirous of education.
In actual terms, only the pre-matric scholarship sees a real increase from Rs 540 crores to Rs 810 crores. The post matric scholarship sees only a small increase from Rs 405 to Rs 450 crore. Both schemes need much more resources, apart from funding to make them known to small towns and village populations.
The Christian community is the least benefited by the Multi Sectorial Development Programme in selected minority Districts, a scheme that benefits only one minority group. And even here has been reduced sharply from the Rs 1,077.60 crore in 2012 budget to Rs 887 crore in the 2013-2014 crores. This scheme will benefit the Christian community only when it is sharply focused on the population figure for minorities at the block level. A block level focus will benefit Christians in Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra and Punjab, apart from areas is many other states which are currently left out.
The Christian Council has, however, welcomed Mr. Chidambaram’s gender budget of Rs. 97,134 crore and child budget Rs. 77,236 crore in 2013-14. Dr. D’souza said women belonging to most vulnerable groups, including single women and widows, will be to some extent helped in living a life of self-esteem and dignity. It is good that the ministry of women and child development had been asked to design schemes to gender discrimination especially at the work place.
Released for publication. For further information, please contact John Dayal at +919811021072
The All India Christian Council (www.christiancouncil.in), birthed in 1998, exists to protect and serve the Christian community, minorities, and the oppressed castes. The aicc is a coalition of thousands of Indian denominations, organizations, and lay leaders.

M Madhu Chandra is the Regional Secretary – AICC
Mobile Number is--9774303076

At Jantar Mantar, New Delhi

Fri, Feb 22, 2013 at 9:09 AM
A protest Demonstration on 4th March 
Dear Friends !
Greetings !

We are sending you our appeal for your solidarity and support on behalf of National Movement For Land, Labor & Justice- NMLLJ and Forum against EWS Land Grab, Bangalore Karnataka.

Hope you are already aware of the illegal-demolition and  eviction of 1200 families from a slum  in Bangalore,  where they were living for more than 20 years .

This brutal action was enacted by the combined violence of police, pvt goons, and government officials.The whole purpose is to grab the 15.64 acres of prime land on which they were living.  it is between Jan 18--20. but even today the evicted people are living on footpath. this is the first where a `corporate land sharing project ` under PPP is being introduced in entire south India, in Urban poor Housing. If this move is not resisted , it only pave way to more and more land grab from slum people all over. What we are experiencing in the country is  the diminishing Democracy and flourishing Corporatocracy.

At this Juncture we request all democratic organization at Delhi to extend support and solidarity in resisting, exposing and get back the land grabbed from the social groups -historically marginalized.

.We seek your support and solidarity in organizing a protest Demonstration on 4th March at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi and a CSO consultation on 6th at Delhi. A strong struggle  group  from Forum against EWS Land Grab, Bangalore Karnataka.

We request you to play a prominent / leading role in actualizing  organized mass protest at Delhi on 4th march. Around 20 people from Bangalore forum that led the struggle so far, will be joining the protest.
Please see these attachments & Photos for more details.

M.R.Prabhakar
Convener,  Forum against EWS Land Grab, Bangalore
09449820566.

ARUN KHOTE
राष्ट्रीय भूमि, श्रम  एवं न्याय आन्दोलन
National Movement For Land, Labor & Justice-NMLLJ
222,Vidhayak Niwas, Aishbagh Road, Rajendra Nagar
Lucknow -226004 Uatter Pradesh (INDIA)
Mob: 91#9451872099

At Jantar Mantar, New Delhi

President Barack Obama Promises

01/22/2013 07:59 AM CST
Continued Support at Inaugural Ball
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Jan. 22, 2013 - President Barack Obama opened the first inaugural ball last night extending "extraordinary gratitude" to the men and women in uniform and promised to ensure they have everything they need as they defend Americans' freedoms every day.

Speaking to hundreds of service members, including wounded warriors and Medal of Honor recipients, Gold Star families and veterans gathered at the Commander in Chief's Ball, and via a televised webcast with troops deployed to Afghanistan, the president said it's impossible to say "thank you" enough to those who serve.

"Thank you for volunteering. Thank you for stepping up. Thank you for keeping us strong. Thank you for always making us proud," he told the gathering.

"I have no greater honor than being your commander in chief," he said, drawing enthusiastic applause.

Obama ticked off some of the accomplishments made possible during the past four years, and vowed to ensure the military has what it needs for continued success.

"It's because of you that with honor we were able to end the war in Iraq. Because of you that we delivered justice to Osama bin Laden. Because of you that it's even possible to give Afghans a chance to determine their own destiny," he said. "We are going forward, and we'll keep our military the finest fighting force the world has ever known."

The president offered special recognition to members of the 3rd Infantry Division and Regional Command South, who are deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan. He spoke via teleconference with Army Sgt. 1st Class Orlando Jackson and Army Sgt. 1st Class David Wood from the 3rd Infantry Division's Falcon Brigade, Task Force Light Horse; and Air Force Master Sgt. Robert Skowronski and Air Force Master Sgt. James Godlewski of the 807th Expeditionary Air Support Operations Squadron.

"We know it's tough being away from your families. We know the incredible sacrifices and challenges that you make every day," Obama said. "But I can tell you that you've got a room full of patriots here.

"And although I've got to admit that they're a little spiffied up right now," he continued, drawing laughter and applause, "their heart and soul, their dedication, their sense of duty is at one with every single one of the folks who are in Kandahar right now."

Reflecting on his swearing-in on the steps of the U.S. Capitol earlier in the day, Obama said he biggest cheer he received was as he spoke about "the extraordinary men and women in uniform that preserve our freedom and keep our country strong."

He offered assurance that the nation will continue to stand by them and give them the tools and support they and their families require.

"We're going to make sure that you've got the equipment, the strategy [and] the mission that allows you to succeed and keep our country safe," he said. "Know that we are going to be looking after and thinking about your families every single day -- and that when you get back home, you're going to be greeted by a grateful nation."

Four service members were selected for honorary dances during the ball. Air Force Staff Sgt. Bria D. Nelson of the 579th Medical Operations Squadron, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, D.C., danced with the president.

Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Timothy D. Easterling, assigned to Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C., as a distance learning instructor, danced with First Lady Michelle Obama.

Army Staff Sgt. Keesha N. Dentino, assigned to the 947th Military Police Detachment, Fort Myer, Va., as a patrol explosives detection dog handler, danced with Vice President Joe Biden.

Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Patrick R. Figueroa, assigned to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Md., as a manpower transfer clerk, danced with Dr. Jill Biden.

The star-studded lineup of performers at the ball included Dan Moose, Alicia Keys, Brad Paisley, Chris Cornell, Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Hudson and Marc Anthony.

Related Sites:
Special Report: Inauguration 2013

Struggle for human rights

                                                                                                                                                   Sun, Jan 13, 2013 at 2:06 PM

Fight for the dignity of the women!"  --Professor Chaman Lal

On Lohri occasion, sharing a message of Shah eed Bhagat Singh Vichar Manch Patiala-(Translated from Punjabi)-"Million Greetings on Lohri and Maghi- Lohri and Maghi festival are known as symbols in Punjabi culture for the onset of warmth, community feeling of closeness, the enthuse to fight/die for Human rights and the challenge from woman to man for fighting against oppression. In Lohri folk songs-Dulla Bhatti has remained a part of Punjabi mentality as fighter against state oppression on people. Muktsar(A Punjab town) Maghi festival, held in memory of 40 Muktas-the liberated ones reminds us of Mai Bhago, who had challenged the retreating men from war against oppression, leaving Guru(Gobind Singh) behind. But it is regrettable to say that because of forgetting our militant and proud tradition, the piousness of relations and warmth has evaporated. Gang rape case like Delhi, the worsening conditions of girls and female foeticide like fires have extinguished the soul of sensitive men.

Well meaning and good fellows! Festivities of Lohri and Maghi like festivals in meaningful only if we will make sincere efforts for communal amity, struggle for human rights and fight for the dignity of the women!"
Mai Bhago is the symbol of brave Punjabi woman, who made the forty soldiers of Guru Gobind Singh come back to fight with him, while they were retreating out of fear of death. Later they all sacrificed their life in war and were given the title of Muktas-the liberated ones by Guru Gobind Singh, they died near Muktsar, a district hq, but small town of Punjab, where every year on Maghi day, a big mela is held. Perhaps Veerangna Jyoti or the brave fighter of Delhi shame case is Mai Bhago of present day India, who raised the conscience of Indians by her sacrifice!
Lohri song says-sunder mundriye ho-tera kaun vichara ho?-O poor girl who is your saviour?-Dulla Bhatti wala ho!-he is Dulla Bhatti! Dulle dhi viyahi ho!-Dula married the poor girl(Daughter)!, ser shakkar payi ho!(He gave one ser(Near kilo) jaggery(not exact)(in dowry) kudi da lal pataka-red suit of the girl! kudi da shalu pata-the torn headgear(not exact) of the girl.....it goes on and on with different lines added at different times by folks, but Dulla is saviour of poor and Akbar got him hanged for rebellion. Najam Hussain Syed in Lahore and another playwrites have written good plays in Punjabi on Dulla Bhatti. He is like Bhagat Singh of medieval times and shatters the myth of Akbar as the great king of India!                                        --Chaman Lal,

Professor & Former Chairperson
Centre of Indian Languages, JNU, New Delhi
Former President JNU Teachers Association(JNUTA)
Cell no. +919868774820, 011-26704656(O), 011-26742095(R)
Former Visiting Professor

Centre for Language Learning(CLL)

Faculty of Humanities and Education(FHE)

University of West Indies,St. Augustine Campus

Trinidad&Tobago(West Indies)
Blogs-www.bhagatsinghstudy.blogspot.com
www.professorchamanjnu.wordpress.com
www.twitter.com/ProfChaman
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaman_Lal
www.facebook.com/Dr.Chaman.JNU
http://in.linkedin.com/in/chamanlaljnu

Shooting at Gurudwara at Oak Tree, WI Inbox

We are shocked and horrified at the brutal killing
                                                           --Indian American Intellectuals Forum
Tel: (718) 478-5735/   (718) 271-0453   – Email: Katarian@aol.com
http://intellectualsforum.blogspot.com/                                    August 6, 2012
Sub:  Shooting at Gurudwara at Oak Tree, WI
We are shocked and horrified at the brutal killing of our 7 Sikh brothers by a gunman at the Gurudwara (Temple) at Oak Tree, WI.
Since 9/11 several Sikhs have been mistaken for Arabs, Afghans and Iranians; attacked and killed.  We are very upset and express our anguish at the death of our innocent brothers.  Our hearts go to the family members of those who have been killed.  We pray to God to give them inner strength to bear this blow with courage,  patience and fortitude.
It is also incumbent on Hindus and Sikhs to educate our non-Indian American fellows with regard to Sikh Dharma.  Sikhs are peaceful and law abiding people, and are known for their bravery, loyalty and patriotism all over the world.  We have to make it very clear to our American brothers that Sikhism has nothing to do with Islam or terrorism.
At the same time, we urge the Law Enforcement agencies to bring to book the culprits as soon as possible.
Narain Kataria
Vice President

Arish Sahani        

Parents & Students Dharna at DOE office

Demanding withdrawal of arbitrary Class XI Admission CriteriaManu Samriti still at work in minds of top govt. officials
The Directorate of Education vide its order dated 28-05-2012 have changed the criteria for admission in XIth class in Science and Commerce streams. No justification or rationale behind the change in criteria is forthcoming, this circular not even finds mention in the web site of the Directorate of Education
In regards to Science stream, a candidate having CGPA6 was eligible previous year but now minimum CGPA7 is required, furthermore where earlier a student needed overall grade C1 in total and individually in subjects English, Mathematics and Science, but now it is mandatory to obtain minimum grade B2 in English, Science and Mathematics individually to be eligible in Science stream. As a result where last year, based on the earlier admission criteria, nearly 15000 students got admission in Science stream but now, based on current revised criteria, not more than 5200 students will get admission in Science stream.
It is important to know that presently also Science stream is not available in all Government Schools. The numbers of Government Schools with Science stream in 2011-2012 have reduced in comparison to the status of 2008-09.
In regards to Commerce stream a candidate having CGPA5 was eligible previous year but now as per present criteria minimum CGPA 6.6 (with mathematics) and 6 (without mathematics) is required. In addition to, CGPA difference a student needed overall grade C2 in total and individually C2 in subjects English and Social Science and C1 in Mathematics but now it is mandatory to obtain minimum grade C1 in English and Social Science and B2 in Mathematics to be eligible in Commerce stream.
Last year, based on the earlier criteria, nearly 36000 students got admission in Commerce stream but now, based on current revised criteria, not more than 20000 students will get admission in Commerce stream.
It appears that the Government is adhering to a policy of totally eliminating Science stream and diminishing the number of students in Commerce stream in Government schools. There is also some change in criteria for the change of Humanities stream where at-least CGPA 6 is needed to get Economics as a subject.
As a result of the modified criteria for the 2012-13 for admission in Commerce and Science streams, even formation of Sections for these streams has become difficult in many of the Government schools and is resulting in forcing students to opt for either Humanities stream or take admission in Patrachar Vidyalaya (where students have no future except to get XIIth Class Certificate).
It appears that the intention of Government behind such arbitrary criteria is only to promote Unaided Private schools where schools are at liberty to fix their own criteria for admission in to various streams. The parents of the students wanting to take admission in the particular streams will have no other alternative than to succumb to the unjustified demands of the Private Unaided Schools. By reducing the admissions in the Science and Commerce stream in the Government Schools the Government is ensuring that most of the future Engineers, Doctors, Chartered Accountants and Economist will come from the Private Unaided Schools and all the Labourers, Workers, Subordinates will come from the Government Schools. That directly translates in to that only those who can afford to pay for the Education will get the Education, thereby converting Education in to a Commodity where one has to Invest to get returns in future.
The Government statistics itself project that 85% of the school going population studies in the Government run Schools and only 15% of the school going population can afford Education in Unaided Private Schools.  It implies that the 15% will prevail over the 85% of the population and this 85% population will always remain exposed to all kind of exploitation. The masses will remain the exploited lot. That comes out of Manu Smriti.
We all have to join hands and protest against the demonic design of the Government to fail the plan of the Government to indirectly Privatise the Education. To protest against the plan of the Government to convert Government Schools in to Workers/ Labourers manufacturing factories and to fight for the Social Justice in Education for all, the All India Parents Association (AIPA) is organizing a VISHAL DHARNA in front of the office of Delhi Directorate of Education, Civil Lines Delhi-110054 on Monday 16th July 2012 at 16:00Hrs. All are requested to join the protest in large numbers.
Ashok Agarwal, Advocate      Inderjeet Singh Ghambir
National President, AIPA       President, AIPA (Delhi)
M-09811101923                        M-9810133325
12 July 2012

India’s Informal Economy and Foreign Investment

Amanpreet Singh Chhina                                                                            06 July 2012 

Oxford: Depreciating value of Indian rupee has raised enthusiasm among foreign investors/NRIs to invest in India; however, without seriously analysing the fact that 80 percent businesses in India are based in informal economy and huge amount of black money is involved in the real estate and private sector. Generally, the purchasse of any property in India involves 60 to 70 percent of black money and therefore the seller faces many obstacles to bring that investment back to the foreign country. “Many foreign investors are facing money laundering inquires by the investigating officers in foreign countries” said Makhan Singh (NRI), Solicitor Advocate of England and Wales.
In India, growth in informal sector is much higher than formal sector and even the Prime Minister of India is not sure about the actual GDP of the country. It is estimated that illegal transactions in the property sector alone generate about Rs. 2,000 crores of black money in a year in India, assuming that there are about fifty lakh transactions in urban property every year. Necessary steps should be taken by the Government of India to match government value of the property with fair market value to clamp down black money and money laundering in the country. It must be remembered that a simple ‘Welcome Back’ slogan by the Prime Minister of India will not attract back Indian professionals and investors unless a corruption free infrastructure and business environment (single-window clearance) is provided. GOI should develop policies to combat money laundering and black money issues so that foreign investor or NRI’s can invest in India.

A S Chhina on FDI

 India’s Informal Economy and Foreign Investment

Lesson to learn:

Say No to Tobacco
29 year old Satish Kumar Sansi, working as a cobbler on the roadsides in Delhi, is suffering from cancer for the last two and a half months which has been caused due to chewing of GUTKA TOBACCO. Out of his five family members suffering from cancer, three have already died, the three being his father, elder brother and paternal uncle. His other elder brother is also suffering from cancer.

Patient Satish Kumar went to TATA Memorial Hospital, Bombay for treatment but the treatment could not even be initiated as he was unable to afford any expense for his treatment.

Now he has approached Advocate Ashok Agarwal, Member, Monitoring Committee on Free Treatment Facility in Identified Private Hospitals, for free treatment and he has accordingly been sent to Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket for free treatment.

Delhi HC:

Implement Pay Commission recommendations from date of inception

The Delhi High Court today rejected the appeals filed by an unaided school, Rukmini Devi Jaipuria School, Rajpur Road while holding that the teachers of unaided private schools are entitled to parity in pay and emoluments’ with their counterparts working in government schools under Section 10 of Delhi Education Act, 1973. Accepting the contention of advocate Ashok Agarwal appearing for the teachers that it’s a travesty of justice that the teachers are denied their lawful salary without any justification, the court while directing the school to pay arrears of salary from 01.01.1996 within four weeks also imposed costs of Rs 15,000 for each appeal.

The court also held that all the employees of all unaided recognized private schools are entitled to benefits of pay and emoluments from 01.01.1996, the date the fifth pay commission recommendations have become applicable and the schools cannot deny or delay the same on the ground that it could not recover fee from the students.



Upholding the order of the single bench of Justice Kailash Gambhir, a bench comprising Acting Chief Justice A K Sikri and Justice Rajeev Sahai Endlaw directed the Rukmini Devi Jaipuria School to implement the recommendations of the Fifth Pay Commission and pay the teachers accordingly. 

Justice Gambhir had earlier directed the school to pay all the arrears with effect from January 1, 1996 but the teachers claimed that they were only paid with effect from  April  1997, after  15 month. 

Lawyer Ashok Agarwal, appearing on behalf the four teachers, told the court that many private schools are violating the recommendations of the Pay Commissions even though they have collected surplus funds from the students. 

Their audit records show that the private schools have crores of rupees lying as surplus which they collected from the students on the pretext of implementing the Fifth and Sixth Pay Commission, Mr Agarwal contended. 

He told the court that Section 10 of Delhi School Education Act, 1973 mandates that the employees of all the Unaided Private Recognised Schools are entitled to benefit of pay and allowances etc as per the Government school teachers. 

Senior Advocate, Sanjeev Sachdeva, appearing on behalf of the school, said the pay commission recommendations are only applicable to the government-aided schools and not to private schools. 



Ashok Agarwal, Advocate
M-09811101923
11 May 2012

Social jurist moves Delhi HC

Seeking 2 Years Pre-Primary classes in all schools

A camera view of a classroom : Courtesy photo

Social Jurist, A Civil Rights Group through Advocate Ashok Agarwal has today filed a PIL in Delhi High Court seeking directions against the Government of Delhi, and Local Bodies to start 2 years of Pre-Primary (Pre-primary & Pre-school) Classes in their formal schools from the academic year 2012-13 and no child of 3+ age in Pre-school and 4+ age in Pre-primary class is denied admission. The petition states that in terms of Section 11 of RTE Act, 2009, the respondents are obliged to start 2 years of Pre-Primary (Pre-primary & Pre-school) Classes in all their formal schools where children of 3+ in Pre-school. The PIL is likely to come up for hearing next week.
Ashok Agarwal, Advocate
M-09811101923
10 May 2012          

Manpreet Singh Badal announces party set-up

*Birdavinder appointed Chief Spokesman
*Bhagwant Mann will be YPP President

 Chandigarh: People’s Party of Punjab president  S. Manpreet Singh Badal has today announced his Party’s set-up. At the State level S.Birdavinder Singh Ex-Deputy Speaker Punjab  has been appointed Chief spokesman , Sh. Bhagwant Maan has been appointed President of the YPP ( Youth People’s Party)  while S. Yadwinder Singh Bhutter and S.Davinderjit Singh Dhose will be Vice-President of YPP.  Ex Senior additional advocate general Sh. S.S.Bhinder will head Legal Wing and Sh. Kuldeedp Singh Dhose will be President of the Kissan Wing.  Mrs. Ranjit Kaur Bhatti will head the Women Wing of the Party. In a press statement issued today by the Party’s Press Secretary S. Arunjot Singh Sodhi, Dr. Navjot Singh Dahiya has been made President of the Medico Wing and S. Nirmaljeet Singh Nimma, Ex-MLA is the head of SC/ST Wing. Sh. Sitar Bhatti will head Minorities’ Wing and Col. Surjeet Singh Firochechi will be President of Ex-Servicemen Wing. S. Amanpreet Singh Chhina will head NRI Wing and Sh. Vibhor Garg will be the President of the Parwassi Mazdoor Wing. Sh. Satpal Adampur, IRS (Retd.) will be the President of Retired Officers &Employees Wing of the Party.  
According to press statement S. Manmohan Singh Gumtala will be District president of Shri Amritsar Sahib , Kulwant Singh Lohgarh Barnala, Sukhdev Singh Chahal Bathinda, Pardeep Singh Sibiya Faridhkot, Jagmeet Singh Sahota ‘Bawa’ Fatehgarh Sahib,Sukhpreet Singh Randhawa Fazilka, Jai Jeet Singh Johal Ferozpur, Hardyal Singh Gajnipur Gurdaspur, Bhupinder Singh Pappu Azrram Hoshiarpur,Dr Navjot Singh Dahiya Jallandhar Urban, Baba Rajinder Singh Johal Jallandhar Rural,Kuldeep Singh Cheema Kapurthala, Er. Jagdeep Singh Jagraon Ludhiana Rural, Munish Gupta Ludhiana Urban, Dr Ranider Singh Bhana Moga,Jagjit Singh Honey Fattanwala Mukatsar, Dr Jaspal Singh Bhinder Pathankot, Avtar Singh Harpalpur Patiala Rural, Joga Singh Chaparr Patiala Urban, Balwant Singh Gill Ropar, Harmanjit Singh Dicky Sangrur and Vijaypal Chaudhary will be district president of Shri Tarn Taran Sahib.District presidents of Mohali , Mansa & SBS Nagar will be announced later. First meeting of all State and District presidents will be on 10th May at Chandigarh said Sodhi.  

RTE Breached

 Delhi Govt. schools reluctant to admit children

These 25 complaints regarding denial of admission in Government schools in Jahangirpuri, Delhi-33 written by the students/parents on 2/3 May 2012 are addressed to  Advocate Ashok Agarwal .  

S. No.	Name of Child with Address & Phone No.	Class  and School in which admission is sought
1.	Chanda  R/o. 19/23 Bhaghanand Colony, Bhalswa Jahangirpuri Delhi. M- 9899265805	Class-VI, D- Block, Govt.  School, Jahangirpuri, Delhi-110033.
2.	Khushbu R/o. 320 Kalander Colony, Bhalswa Dairy, Jahangirpuri, Delhi. M-  9868318503	Class-VI, D- Block, Govt.  School, Jahangirpuri, Delhi-110033.
3.	Neeta R/o. Sadhyanand, Jahangirpuri.     M- 8826122867	Class-VI, D- Block, Govt.  School, Jahangirpuri, Delhi-110033.
4.	Sanam R/o. 199-C-D Park, Jahangirpuri, Delhi. M- 8447124379	Class-VII, D- Block, Govt.  School, Jahangirpuri, Delhi-110033.
5.	Kripali R/o. 199, Bhalswa Dairy, Jahangirpuri, Delhi. M- 7503505200	Class-VI, D- Block, Govt.  School, Jahangirpuri, Delhi-110033.
6.	Uma R/o. Vinsnakpuri, Bhalswa, Jahangirpuri, Delhi. M- 9540022457	Class-VI, D- Block, Govt.  School, Jahangirpuri, Delhi-110033.
7.	Geeta R/o. Bhalswa Dairy-228, Jahangirpuri, Delhi. M- 7563565200	Class-VI, D- Block, Govt.  School, Jahangirpuri, Delhi-110033.
8.	Khushi R/o. 317, Kalander Colony, Bhalswa, Jahangirpuri, Delhi. M- 8860223395	Class-VI, D- Block, Govt.  School, Jahangirpuri, Delhi-110033.
9.	Saira R/o 193-C-D Park, Jahangirpuri, Delhi. M-9873419692	Class-VI, D- Block, Govt.  School, Jahangirpuri, Delhi-110033.
10.	Bhawna R/o B- Block, H No. 24, Gali No. 24, Bhalswa, Jahangirpuri, Delhi. M- 8750768854	Class-VI, D- Block, Govt.  School, Jahangirpuri, Delhi-110033.
11	Rukhsar R/o N/38 C-D- Park, Jhuggi No. 127, Jahangirpuri, Delhi-110033.	Class-VI, D- Block, Govt.  School, Jahangirpuri, Delhi-110033.
12	Zakir  R/o. N/38 C- D Park, Jhuggi No. 127, Jahangirpuri, Delhi-110033	Class-VI, D- Block, Govt.  School, Jahangirpuri, Delhi-110033.
13	Aarti R/o. 101 Sadhyanand Colony, Bhalswa , Delhi. M-9999219350	Class-VI, D- Block, Govt.  School, Jahangirpuri, Delhi-110033.
14	Shadab R/o. N/38 C-D Park, Jhuggi No. 152	Class-VIII, D- Block, Govt.  School, Jahangirpuri, Delhi-110033.
15	Rakesh R/o.	Class-IX, D- Block, Govt.  School, Jahangirpuri, Delhi-110033.
16	Kishan R/o. N/38 C- D Park, Jhuggi No. 146.	Class-IX, D- Block, Govt.  School, Jahangirpuri, Delhi-110033.
17	Sahil R/o. N/38 B 263 C-D- Park, Jahangirpuri, Delhi.	Class-VI, D- Block, Govt.  School, Jahangirpuri, Delhi-110033.
18	Deepika R/o. N/38 C-D- Park Jhuggi No. 128.	Class-VI, D- Block, Govt.  School, Jahangirpuri, Delhi-110033.
19	Rubina R/o. K-552, Jahangirpuri. M- 9891173273	Class-VIII, K- Block, Govt.  School, Jahangirpuri, Delhi-110033.
20	Tamanaa R/o. K- 552, Jahangirpuri. M-9891173273	Class-VIII, K- Block, Govt.  School, Jahangirpuri, Delhi-110033.
21	Shobha R/o 1157, K- Block, Jhuggi. M-9871285226	Class-VI, K- Block, Govt.  School, Jahangirpuri, Delhi-110033.
22	Shravan Kumar R/o. B-171, Jahangirpuri, M-9582747274	Class-VI, D- Block, Govt.  School, Jahangirpuri, Delhi-110033.
23	Radha R/o. A – 1528, Jahangirpuri, M-9278691740	Class-IX, D- Block, Govt.  School, Jahangirpuri, Delhi-110033.
24.	Nur Salim R/o. B-881, Jahangirpuri,	C-I, B-Block, MCD, Jahangirpuri, Delhi-110033.
25	Rashid R/o. B-496, Jahangirpuri,.	Class-VI, A- Block, Govt.  School, Jahangirpuri, Delhi-110033.