New Delhi: Angry traders staged a protest march today near Jantar Mantar to protest against VAT which they fear will increase their tax burden. The traders carried protest banners and children wore masks of demon during the protest. "We are demonstrating against VAT implementation. We want that government should take it back. Government is telling that VAT is going to reduce prices of product but I would like to ask how? Now the government has implemented 4 per cent tax on that product which previously had zero per cent tax, similarly on product with 4 per cent tax after VAT it will have 12.5 per cent tax. Government is trying to fool us. It is against businessman and consumers. If government is not going to take it back this protest will change into a major public movement. On 29,30 and 31 we will declare countrywide bandh," said Paramjit Singh Pamma,president of National Akali Dal. Business owners are worried that the implementation of VAT will adversely affect both traders and consumers. "VAT is not Value Added Tax but Vyapari Aaghat Tax. The government is now asking for advance tax of 12.5 per cent. The government is showing no faith in us," said Sunil Aggarwal, Vice President of Bori Market. Previously, VAT has been delayed five times in the past 10 years. The tax, which will cover about 550 goods, aims to create a uniform system, curb rampant tax evasion and increase revenue for the state governments.

BSF official denies allegations, justifies firing  (Go To Top)
by Pinaki Das

     Agartala: The Border Security Force (BSF) today denied the allegation of firing on innocent civilians in an inebriated condition by one of its Assistant Commandant, W Rajendra Singh. Singh, who is posted at the Ashabari border out post of 46 battalion, allegedly, started firing in an inebriated condition in which one person died and three others were seriously injured on Saturday morning. The alleged BSF officer today speaking to ANI said that he and his men were attacked by some unruly mob along with some transporters with sharp weapons, rods and sticks and even pelted bricks when they were on mobile patrolling near the Kalamcherra police station. He further said that after seeing the aggressive temper of the mob he along with his men took refuge in the police station where they were followed and attacked, however, police was unable to do anything, because of their number being few. The BSF vehicle was badly damaged in the attack and even the officer along with one of his men was assaulted and injured. Moreover, the people who attacked also tried to snatch his service pistol and in such a situation he was compelled to fire in self-defence, and in the defence of the government property. Four persons were seriously injured in the firing out of which one died soon after being admitted into the hospital. The incident became a high-profile case after the ruling CPM along with the locals demanded severe punishment for the BSF officer who had allegedly opened fire upon innocent people. A bandh was also called today to condemn the act f the BSF personnel. On the other hand, BSF authorities, who lodged an FIR with the Kalamcherra police station have ordered a high level Staff Court of enquiry for taking further action against the alleged officer and his men if found guilty.

She was optionless; she sold her baby for Rs 800 (Go To Top)

     Sundargarh (Orissa): In a gruesome incident, which tells the story of poverty of an Oriya family, a mother sold her six-day-old infant for Rs 800. Reportedly the mother sold her kid for a paltry sum of Rs 800. While the local administration denied the sale, the childless person who allegedly bought the child says that it a mere adoption. Sabita Munda, 28, was abandoned by her second husband while she was pregnant. One of her acquaintances extended her a helping hand and after the baby boy was born, reportedly paid Rs 400 and took the child from Sabita. The district administration says that the entire process was adoption and an illiterate Sabita did not follow the legal procedure. " We have enquired into the alleged sale of infant and initial investigation reveals that this is false. Sabita Munda a tribal woman was abandoned by her husband and a family she knew helped her during her pregnancy.

    When she gave birth to her third son, the head of the family which helped her, Mohan Lal Seth, adopted the child with Sabita's consent," said S K Bashist, District Collector. Mohan Lal who allegedly bought the child confesses that he had paid money to the mother and says he will bring up the child as his own. " I had given her Rs 400 when she was ill. She had promised me the child after his birth we took care of the baby and brought it from her. We will take care of the child as our own," said Mohan Lal.

     The locals opine that the poverty stricken people have no other option and offer their children to relatively well off so that the child can have a better future. They say that the funds meant for the poor never reach them. " Poverty is rampant here in Sundargarh. The government fund does not reach the needy. The poor sometimes have no other option and sell their children. They sometimes even give the child to be brought up by somebody else," said Bimla Pal, a local lady. The administration however hopes to formalise the adoption process with consent from both side. But the issue has generated a storm in the local circles.

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