Date:11/06/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/06/11/stories/2007061108950400.htm

NCP celebrates foundation day

NEW DELHI: The Nationalist Congress Party celebrated its 9th Foundation Day at its party headquarters here on Sunday. On the occasion, party workers pledged to work towards strengthening the secular fabric of the country and countering the challenges posed by the communal forces. Senior party leaders including Tariq Anwar and Ramvir Singh Bidhuri were present on the occasion.

While Mr. Anwar said the NCP would thwart all attempts to divide the country along religious lines, Mr. Bidhuri asked the party workers to ready themselves for the Assembly polls that are due in Delhi next year.

Demand to reduce conversion charges

NEW DELHI: The Confederation of All India Traders has demanded reduction in conversion charges that were notified by the Centre last year to protect buildings in the Capital from sealing and demolition.

In a memorandum to Union Urban Development Minister Jaipal Reddy and his deputy Ajay Maken, CAIT urged them for an immediate decision on the matter as the last date for depositing conversion charges is June 30 and failure to do so attracts a huge penalty as per provision of the Master Plan for Delhi-2021.

A CAIT delegation had also met Mr. Reddy a few days ago on the matter.

Hafed to market `desi' wheat

NEW DELHI: Cashing in on the craze for "desi" wheat (C-306) among health conscious consumers, Hafed will market this wheat through its retail outlets in Delhi and its neighbouring towns.

Managing Director of Hafed Sudhir Rajpal said since Delhi and its satellite cities have a huge market for "desi" wheat because of its high nutritional content and better taste, it has decided to market this at its select outlets there. He said as against a market price of about Rs. 2,000 a quintal, the "desi" wheat will be available in the market at Rs. 1,750 per quintal. The wheat will be available in 25 kg packing.

Free eye camp

NEW DELHI: A free eye camp for senior citizens and slum dwellers will be held at Shankar Vihar on Vikas Marg here on June 16.

At the 65th eye camp, a medical team from St. Stephen's Hospital will check eye patients, provide them medicines and select patients for cataract operations at its hospital. All patients will be provided free medical treatment, medicines, boarding and lodging, meals and lenses.

The camp is being organised by Tarun Mitra Parishad.