Latest news with #2010
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Hindustan Times
Ludhiana MC commissioner served contempt notice by NGT over green belt encroachment
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued a contempt notice to the municipal commissioner of Ludhiana and directed him to appear in person before the tribunal during the next hearing. The notice was issued in response to a contempt petition filed by members of the Public Action Committee (PAC), accusing the commissioner of failing to comply with the tribunal's earlier orders regarding restoration of green belt land in Sarabha Nagar and Model Town Extension. In July, the tribunal had directed the commissioner to restore the green belt areas and submit a compliance report. (HT Photo) The tribunal warned that if the commissioner fails to justify the non-compliance, he may face prosecution under Section 26 of the NGT Act, 2010. The bench also said that arrest and detention in civil prison and imposition of environmental compensation on the MC could be considered for the damage caused due to encroachments and delay in remediation. PAC members Kapil Arora and Vikas Arora said they had initially filed a case highlighting illegal construction by the MC on the green belt of Leisure Valley in Sarabha Nagar, including a Zone-D extension office and a scrap yard. They also raised the issue of encroachments in Model Town Extension. In July, the Tribunal had directed the commissioner to restore the green belt areas and submit a compliance report. However, the residents' body alleged that only partial demolition took place and the report submitted was incomplete, leading the bench to reopen the case. On January 13 this year, the tribunal had already warned that failure to implement its orders was punishable under the law and could lead to coercive action. PAC also informed that another contempt petition is pending before the tribunal against the construction of a library on park land at Dholewal Chowk, and orders in that case are awaited.
Kuwait Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait praised for progressive steps in disability rights
KUWAIT: Chairwoman of the Kuwaiti Association for Parents of Persons with Disabilities and member of the United Nations Committee of Experts on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Rehab Borsley, has lauded recent decisions granting persons with disabilities — who are children of Kuwaiti women — lifelong treatment as Kuwaiti citizens. She described the move as a significant victory for the rights of persons with disabilities and a direct implementation of Article 3 of Kuwait's Disability Law No. 8 of 2010. In a press statement, Borsley emphasized that these decisions go beyond fulfilling legal obligations, representing a reaffirmation of Kuwait's humanitarian leadership in the field of disability rights. 'Kuwait has long enacted progressive laws that not only ensure rights and protections for persons with disabilities, but in many aspects, exceed the provisions of the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities,' she said. Borsley underscored the importance of continued collaboration between government institutions and civil society organizations to support and empower persons with disabilities. 'We must intensify efforts to provide an inclusive and supportive environment that enhances the quality of life for people with disabilities and ensures their integration as active members of society,' she noted. She also pointed to the global benchmarks set by the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of 2015 and the forthcoming Third Global Disability Summit in Germany in 2025, stressing the need for Kuwait to continue its pioneering efforts in line with these international aspirations. Borsley highlighted Kuwait's ongoing work to improve healthcare, social services, education, culture, and sports opportunities for people with disabilities, while also strengthening their psychological and social well-being. She affirmed that these efforts aim to unlock their full potential, empower them to achieve self-realization, and create an enabling environment that recognizes them as essential partners in building a 'New Kuwait.'
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Business Recorder
Punjab's ‘Green Tractor Programme': CCP may take suo motu notice of exclusion of imported tractors
ISLAMABAD: The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) is likely to take suo motu notice of the exclusion of certain categories of imported tractor models from the Punjab government's upcoming 'Green Tractor Programme,' a move that could potentially violate Pakistan's competition laws by limiting market access and reducing consumer choice. Sources confirmed Business Recorder that the CCP is legally empowered to check any move restricting competition in Pakistani market or abuse of domestic position as well as restricted choices to the consumers. According to reliable sources, the Government of Punjab has approved PC-1 for the provision of 9,500 subsidised tractors (ranging from 75 to 125 horsepower) to farmers during the fiscal year 2025-26 under the 'Chief Minister's Programme for Provision of High-Powered Tractors.' A pre-qualification meeting of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and importers was also held recently. Punjab launches green tractor distribution scheme under wheat initiative However, stakeholders have raised concerns that the scheme selectively includes only locally manufactured tractors in the 50–65 HP category, while excluding imported models of similar specifications. The basis for this exclusion remains unclear and may amount to discriminatory treatment in violation of Section 3 and Section 4 of the Competition Act, 2010, which prohibit abuse of dominant position and restrictive agreements, respectively. According to the Punjab Government's Portal, 'The Green Tractor Scheme' gives farmers a subsidy of Rs0.1 million per tractor. Through balloting, the scheme will provide 9,500 tractors to farmers at subsidised prices. Farmers can choose tractors with 50 to 85 horsepower, all manufactured in the country. Locally manufactured tractors and any other local tractor manufactures, Kisan Bhai can get these tractors by just selecting in the online available registration form, according to the Punjab Government's Portal. Sources note that imported tractors—especially those in the 50–65 HP range—often feature advanced fuel-saving technology and other competitive advantages. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Anti-competitive practices in power sector: CCP raids on offices of four companies suspected of bid rigging in tenders
ISLAMABAD: In a major enforcement action to curb anti-competitive practices in the power sector, the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) conducted simultaneous raids on the offices of four companies suspected of bid rigging in tenders for the supply of transformer reclamation material to power distribution companies (DISCOs). The coordinated raids were carried out by CCP's authorised officers in Lahore and Gujranwala, targeting suppliers who are alleged to have colluded in manipulating the bidding process. These companies were found to be quoting identical prices and engaging in tender rotation — a classic hallmark of cartel behaviour. The action follows a formal complaint lodged by the Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO), which observed suspicious bidding patterns in recent procurement cycles. LESCO reported that multiple firms submitted bids with identical rates for various items, raising red flags regarding possible collusion. In response, the CCP initiated a formal enquiry under Section 4 of the Competition Act, 2010, which prohibits agreements that restrict competition, including bid rigging under Section 4(2)(e). A preliminary analysis of the bidding data revealed that certain companies appeared to be coordinating their bids to ensure pre-determined outcomes in tender awards. In some cases, these suppliers were found rotating their wins while maintaining price parity, thereby undermining the competitive tendering process and harming public procurement efficiency. This is not the first time CCP has uncovered such practices in the transformer materials market. In 2020, the Commission concluded a similar enquiry involving bid rigging by multiple vendors supplying transformer bushings and reclamation items to DISCOs, including LESCO, MEPCO, and GEPCO. In that case, CCP found collusion among at least five firms, and imposed significant penalties. The recurrence of such practices underscores systemic vulnerabilities in the public procurement mechanisms of the power sector and the need for stronger oversight by procuring agencies. If the ongoing investigation confirms collusive conduct, the Commission is empowered to issue show-cause notices to the implicated firms and proceed with hearings. Upon establishing contravention, CCP may impose penalties of up to 10% of annual turnover or PKR 75 million, whichever is higher. In addition, the Commission can recommend structural or behavioural remedies to prevent recurrence and restore market integrity. The CCP has urged the public, including procurement officers, business insiders, and concerned citizens, to come forward with credible information about cartelization or bid rigging. The Commission's Whistleblower Reward Scheme offers cash rewards ranging from PKR 200,000 to PKR 2 million, based on the quality and value of the information provided. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
7 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
CCP raids transformer material suppliers over suspected bid rigging
The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) team has raided the offices of four suppliers involved in the provision of transformer reclamation materials to various power distribution companies (DISCOs). The raids were carried out simultaneously in Lahore and Gujranwala. These companies are suspected of being part of a cartel that manipulated bidding processes for transformer-related tenders. The CCP launched the raids as part of an ongoing enquiry into bid rigging practices in DISCO procurement. The enquiry was initiated after Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) raised concerns with the CCP regarding identical bids submitted by various suppliers. A review of bidding data revealed that the companies often quoted identical prices and appeared to rotate tenders among themselves. CCP imposes Rs1 billion in penalties on cartels, deceptive advertisers during FY2024-25 Such practices fall under Section 4(2)(e) of the Competition Act, 2010, which prohibits collusion in tendering. Bid rigging not only distorts fair competition but also causes significant financial losses to the public exchequer. If the ongoing enquiry confirms any form of collusion, the CCP will issue show-cause notices to the companies involved. The CCP has also urged the public to report any such anti-competitive behaviour. Whistleblowers may be eligible for cash rewards ranging from Rs200,000 to Rs2,000,000, depending on the value and verifiability of the information provided.
