Upbeat PM promises big boost to reforms
Looking into the future, Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee has promised to reform the reform process and thus sought to remove doubts about the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Government's policy on economy and business. "We cannot afford to play politics with the nation's economy" he said. He was addressing the annual session of the Confederation of Indian Industry.
CBI gets nod to prosecute Sukh Ram, Kaul & Thungon
It has taken the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) almost an entire year to obtain the crucial sanction for prosecuting three former Ministers -- Sukh Ram, Shiela Kaul and PK Thungon for corruption cases. Putting all speculation to rest President KR Narayanan has cleared the cases for charge-sheeting before he leaves for his two-week long foreign tour.
Govt asked to clarify stand on CBI powers
The Supreme Court has asked the Union government to inform the Court by May 5 what it proposed to do regarding the implementation of the Apex Court judgement in the Jain Hawala case of freeing the CBI from State interference regarding investigations. A three judge bench hearing the Indian Bank scam case said now that the government had accepted the judgement it should be able to respond to what it proposes to do regarding its implementation.
Govt plans to lift its shroud of secrecy
The Union government plans to dilute the Official Secrets Act to promote "openness, transparency and accountability" in administration. The Government is ready with the Freedom of Information Bill, 1998, which is likely to be introduced in the next session of Parliament.
Ceasefire extended; Naga-Govt talks soon
The Centre and the main Naga insurgent group have decided to extend their ceasefire for another three months and also begin "political discussions" for bringing peace in the region. The Home Ministry announced yesterday the Government and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah) had `mutually decided' to extend the nine-month ceasefire.
Samata MPs display leanings towards RJD
The Samata Party, with its 12 MPs in the Lok Sabha, seems headed for a crisis of sorts as about half of them are holding secret parleys with Rashtriya Janata Dal President Laloo Prasad Yadav. Over the past few days, Laloo is understood to have met senior leaders Abdul Ghafoor, Prabhunath Singh, Haridwar Singh and Shakuni Choudhary -- all Samata MPs from Bihar.
