Riots rape victim gets compensation

Nearly 11 years after the post-Godhra riots, the lone surviving rape victim from Naroda Patiya recently received a compensation of Rs 5 lakh, her husband who collected the money said at a press conference hosted by Citizen for Justice and Peace (CJP) in the city on Monday.

Naimuddin Ibrahim Sheikh, the victim's husband who is an embroidery worker, said though the compensation could not heal his scars, it had given him support to carry on his fight for justice.

Naimuddin's wife was allegedly raped at Naroda Patiya during the riots on February 28, 2002. "My wife was raped in front of several of my relatives who were helplessly watching the incident. I was lying injured with a sword wound on the other side of the road when attackers raped my wife. I felt ashamed that I could not help her," he said.

GCCI seeks abolition of VAT on CNG

The Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has submitted its wishlist to the state government ahead of the budget 2013-14, which will be presented in the Assembly on February 20.

In the pre-budget memorandum, the GCCI has sought abolition of VAT on CNG or at least cut it down from the current 15 per cent to 5 per cent. The Chamber has also sought additional allocation of Rs 1,100 crore in industries and mining, environmental technology research and technical education besides curbing non-planned expenditure, which it says has grown at 7.38 per cent annually after 2009.

The apex trade body has also sought abolition of professional tax citing its implementation being costlier than the realisation. "If this in not possible then at least increase the income limit of Rs 3,000 to Rs 15,000 to attract the Professional Tax provisions," the memorandum states.

Pointing out that tax on diesel in Gujarat is higher by 1.73 per cent a litre compared to other states, the memorandum says, "Great injustice is being done to Gujarat businessmen when the government cuts two per cent from input tax credit, because of which they lose competitive edge compared to traders in other states." GCCI has suggested that the government should have a positive approach in the implementation of Goods and Services Tax.

ALSO READ

Astronomy buffs geared up for meteor shower

Narendra Modi dials Lalu, enquires about health after car accident

From Ramdev stage in Haridwar, Modi swears by gurus of all hues

PIL puts Tata Motors, state govt in the dock over Nano deal