10 MAY HERALD PUBLICATIONS PVT LTD

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O HERALD O Diplomacy is to do and say the nastiest thing in the nicest way.

— Issac Goldberg

IN BRIEF Six Maoists killed in Orissa gun battle At least six Maoists are anticipated to have been killed in a gun battle with security forces in Orissa’s Koraput district on Sunday, police said. Senior police officers engaged in the anti-Maoist operation at Podapadar area in Narayanpatna said, “On the basis of indications from the encounter site, we anticipate at least six Maoists have died.” – (PTI)

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Goa asks fishermen to stay off rough sea Tsunami alert sounded in Kerala, TN HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MAY 9

The Goa government has asked the fishing community not to venture into the sea as heavy waves were expected to hit the shore sometimes after Sunday evening following a high intensity earthquake at Aceh province in Indonesia.

“There is no tsunami alert but we have asked the fishermen not to venture into the sea as a precaution. They can wait for a day or two to judge the situation and later can go in,” a senior fisheries department officer stated.

The government machinery was put on alert and notices were issued to all the jetties asking them to be wary of high magnitude waves.

Mandovi Fisheries Cooperative Society Limited officer at Malim jetty confirmed that they have received the notice from the State government asking their members to be cautious.

“We have informed everyone.

I don’t think anyone will risk going into the sea after what we faced during Phyan cyclone,” he said.

PTI adds: An alert was sounded in coastal areas of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, with authorities asked to remain vigilant after a powerful earthquake struck an Indonesian province, setting off fears of a Tsunami.

Fishermen were advised not to venture into the sea and people living close to the shore

TSUNAMI FEAR: People rushing back from Marina Beach, in Chennai on Sunday after a strong earthquake in Sumatra in Indonesia.

asked to move to safer places in Tamil Nadu, where howe v e r, t h e a l e r t w a s w i t h drawn in the evening, police and officials said.

As the quake of 7.2 magnitude hit Aceh province in Indonesia at 12.59 pm (local time), authorities in both states were on alert after the Centre advised states concerned to take precautionary steps.

Marina beach in Chennai was declared out of bounds for public and traffic on roads leading to it was diverted. Later in the evening, traffic resumed.

Fishermen in Nagapattinam district, devastated by the December 2004 tsunami,claiming over 6000 lives, were asked not to put out to sea and to move away from the shores.

Fire services, revenue and police departments were also put on alert, District Collector C Munianathan told PTI. In coastal Kanyakumari town, tourists were evacuated from the beach and Vivekananda Rock Memorial, which is in the sea.

In Kerala, those living close to the sea in parts of Alappuzha district were asked to move to safer places as heavy sea erosion was reported from some places, official sources said.

“For time being, the people have been asked to move on their own to safer places like nearby school buildings or homes of relatives. If necessary, official arrangements would be made for their evacuation”, sources said.

Pak Taliban behind failed NY plot: US PTI WASHINGTON, MAY 9

US today said it has evidence that the Pakistani Taliban was behind last week’s failed attempt to detonate a car bomb at Times Square in New York and that terror suspect Faisal Shahzad was “working at their direction”.

The evidence has given new direction to the fight against terrorism, as investigations into the Times Square incident has revealed that the Pakistani Taliban has the “aim” and “capability” in carrying out attacks against the United States.

“We’ve now developed evidence that shows that the Pakistani Taliban was behind the attack,” US Attorney General Eric Holder told ABC television’s Sunday current affairs talk show “This Week.”

“We know that they (Pakistani Taliban) helped facilitate it. We know that they probably helped finance it, and that he (Shahzad) was working at their direction,”

We know that they (Pakistani Taliban) helped facilitate it. We know that they probably helped finance it, and that he (Shahzad) was working at their direction. he said.

30-year-old Shahzad was arrested on Monday last for attempting to detonate the car bomb in New York.

The FBI has said that Shahzad, son of a former Pakistani Air Force officer, has admitted to attending a terrorist training camp in Pakistan’s restive Waziristan tribal region.

“I think the investigation is proceeding at a good pace. We have developed, I think, a good amount of information in a relatively short period of time, but we will be continuing to work

on it,” Holder said.

US officials have been maintaining that Pakistani Taliban could be behind the failed attempt.

A video purportedly released by the Pakistani Taliban had claimed responsibility for the attacks, but the outfit rejected it immediately.

He said the Times Square incident has revealed that the Pakistani Taliban has both the aim and the capability to attack the US. “I’m not sure that we didn’t think they had that ability. We didn’t think that necessarily was their aim. We certainly have seen with the Shahzad incident that they have not only the aim, but the capability of doing that.

And that’s why they have taken on, I think, a new significance in our anti-terror fight,” he said.

President Barack Obama’s Homeland and Counter-terrorism adviser John Brennan also said US authorities believe that the Pakistani Taliban was behind the failed attempt.

Tories, Liberal Democrats inching closer to deal PTI LONDON, MAY 9

The Conservative and Liberal Democrats parties today cleared some of the hurdles coming in the way of the formation of the first ever coalition government in Britain since World War II but certain sticking points remained to be sorted out.

Indications that the two sides were yet to stitch a deal came when they announced that the talks would continue within 24 hours af ter reporting the progress to their respective leaders David Cameron (Conservative) and Nick Clegg (Liberal Democrats).

At the end of today’s round of hectic parleys, both sides described it as “very positive and productive”.

Senior Conservative leader William Hague, who is one of the key negotiators, told reporters after a marathon meeting that the two parties had agreed that economic stability

would be key to any deal.

The two leaders did not attend the meetings today but were in touch over phone.

Conservatives emerged as the single largest party with 306 seats in the 650-member House of Commons in the General Election which has thrown up a hung parliament. Labour got 258 seats, while Liberal Democrats won 57 seats.

For the record, interlocutors of both parties maintained that the talks were continuing in a spirit of goodwill and respect for each others’ positions.

Conservative leaders said a “deal” was unlikely to be reached before tomorrow.

Liberal Democrats leader Nick Clegg said “everyone was being constructive”, but maintained that he would be guided in the talks by his party’s key demands on electoral reform and taxation.

During the talks, the Conservative team had reportedly of-

fered some key portfolios - such as Home and Transport – to the Liberal Democrats.

Last night too, the two leaders had spent 70 minutes in faceto-face talks on the neutral ground of Admiralty House in Whitehall, the seat of the Government here, with both sides describing the encounter as “constructive and amicable”.

Clegg also spoke to Prime Minister Gordon Brown on phone at the request of the Prime Minister in a conversation which the Lib Dems again described as “amicable”.

Gordon Brown, who continues as prime minister until he resigns and a new government is sworn in, has offered the Liberal Democrats talks if no deal is reached with the Conservatives.

Clegg’s negotiating team includes Danny Alexander, home affairs spokesman Chris Huhne, and Andrew Stunnell.

NIA to indict Sanatan on May 17 HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MAY 9

National Investigation Agency (NIA) is getting ready to indict four of Sanatan Sanstha’s activists in Margao bomb blast case.

The NIA will be filing an indictment on all the four accused, involved in the blast, on May 17.

“The indictment will be filed before Judicial Magistrate First Class at Vasco and Margao,” an NIA official said.

The investigation had zeroed in on four accused, Vinay Talekar, Vinayak Patil, Dhananjay Ashtekar and Dilip Mangaonkar.

Last week, Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Vasco had granted bail to Vinayak Patil and Vinay Talekar, as NIA failed to file chargesheet despite having these accused for 180 days in the custody.

Meanwhile, there is a respite in store for the Sanstha as State Home Ministry is yet send the file proposing its ban.

Chief Minister Digamber Kamat today said that he was yet to receive the proposal from the Home Minister on banning the Sanstha.

“I cannot comment off hand… it’s up to the home minister to send the proposal to me… the government can think of banning only after that,” Kamat told reporters at the sidelines of the valedictory function of Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) in films and television.

Watery grave for Nuvem priest HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, MAY 9

Nuvem Church Assistant Parish Priest Fr Thomas Fernandes (38) drowned off Galgibaga beach on Sunday evening, after he made desperate bid to save three youth from drowning. The priest hails from Colva.

According to reports, Fr Fernandes was accompanying a group of some 60 youth from Nuvem parish for a picnic at Galgibaga beach.

Sources informed that the incident occurred at about 3 pm, when some youth ventured into the sea.

It is learnt that some locals had warned the group against venturing into the rough sea, but many members of the group ignored the warning and soon some girls and boys began to struggle in the tumultuous waters.

Sources informed that after seeing some youngsters struggling in the sea, one of the group members first jumped into the water, but soon he too began to struggle. It was at this time, Fr Fernandes is learnt to have jumped into the sea and helped some struggling youth to safety.

Sources further informed that Fr Fernandes lost control in the waters and could not be seen and the youth raised an alarm.

Responding to the cries of the youth, some locals rushed to beach and retrieved the body of Fr Fernandes.

The three youth, who were earlier saved from drowning by Fr Fernandes and others, were later provided first aid at Canacona Community Health Centre, before being shifted to a private

hospital in Margao.

The three youth are identified as Jasmi Fernandes (19), Neema Fernandes (17) and Lee Carvalho (18), informed CHC sources.

When contacted, CHC sources informed that the priest was brought dead to the hospital.

His body was shifted to Hospicio Hospital in Margao for autopsy.

Margao reporter adds: Nuvem Parishioners rushed to Hospicio hospital after news of the tragedy reached the village.

The Episcopal Vicar, South zone Fr Joseph Silva, Nuvem Parish Priest Fr Alvaro Martins and a large number of anxious villagers and well wishers were seen at the Hospicio hospital, where the body of Fr Thomas was preserved in the mortuary for post mortem examination.

Deacon Savio Moniz, who was part of the 56-member picnic party told Herald that Fr Thomas collapsed after rescuing the youngsters in the waters.

“We tried to administer first aid to Fr Thomas as he was almost breathless after he collapsed,” Deacon Savio said.

As his condition showed no signs of improvement, he was shifted to the Canacona health centre by the 108 ambulance, (Continued on page 10)

Two arrested Naxals sent to Orissa HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MAY 9

The two Naxal leaders arrested in Goa were today handed over to Orissa police while their accomplice would remain in the custody of Goa police.

Sambu Beck, a Naxal leader from Orissa, and his fellow Naxal Rajendra Barla were taken to Orissa on a transit remand this morning.

“While Beck and Rajendra are taken by Orissa police their accomplice, Anand is in local custody for further interrogation,” Superintendent of Police (ANC) Veenu Bansal told reporters.

A joint operation by Anti Narcotic Cell (ANC) and crime branch had zeroed in on Beck, who was wanted in several cases of armed dacoity, robbery and kidnapping for ransom in Orissa.

He was arrested at Mapusa on May 6.

Apart from these three, 17 others were also arrested by police for harbouring Beck. Except Rajendra and Anand, the other 15 were released after initial investigation.

I’m just following your orders ‘To be in high gear’ with regard to terror alerts.

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GOA, MONDAY, 10 MAY, 2010

GPCC GS denounces Hospicio functioning

Stalls selling liquor sans permits raided at Colva

fledged morgue of atleast 100 capacity to be constructed at the TB Hospital premises at the Monte as there was no space for constructing a morgue at the present Hospicio Hospital.

Sardesai also alleged that persons incharge of the blood bank were harassing the public and refused blood to the needy inspite of bringing donors. He said that it seems the Blood Bank was content in wasting blood after it has been spoilt rather than providing it to needy human beings in distress.

The GPCC General Secretary also highlighted the collapse of hygiene and sanitation at the Hospicio Hospital by pointing out that the recently commissioned Air Conditioners at the Casualty Ward were already leaking and the toilets from the 1st floor were leaking into the Casualty thus proving that hygiene had gone to the dogs at the Hospicio Hospital. He further pointed out that new toilets for the Gynaecology and Male Medicine ward constructed by the State Infrastructure Corporation were already blocked and

The Salcete taluka excise office on Sunday raided three establishments at Colva and found that they were selling liquor without permits from the Excise department.

The raids were carried out

by Sripad Talaulikar following complaints that the stalls were selling liquor in violation of excise rules.

Three establishments, which were raided were found in possession of beer crates. While one or two beer crates were found inside two establishments, the excise team seized around 10 beer crates from the third establishment.

This is the first raid conducted by the Excise department in recent times.

The excise department is further investigating the case, even as sources in the know informed that only one stall in the government-owned property is in possession of license from the Excise department.

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MAY 9

Goa Pradesh Congress Committee General Secretary Vijai Sardesai has denounced the functioning of the Hospicio Hospital in Margao and said the Congress workers from Margao and Fatorda want the CM to personally intervene to ensure that Hospicio Hospital’s functioning does not further collapse.

Sardesai said that the existing morgue at the Hospicio Hospital was always full and unclaimed bodies occupied most of the slots and the Goan public never benefited from the morgue.

Questioning the Government’s wisdom of spending crores to create medical infrastructure whilst bickering over constructing a full-fledged morgue for South Goa, Sardesai said that it appears that the Government’s priorities on the health sector especially when it came to people of South Goa appeared directionless.

He demanded that the Government seriously consider the demand for constructing a full

choked suggesting neglect in upkeep by the Hospicio authorities. Sardesai also castigated the rude non-Goan private security personnel employed by the Government at a high cost for being responsible for day light robberies that have been in the news at the Hospicio Hospital recently. He said it was strange that the antecedents of the staff employed by the agency were not sought by the Police before deploying them for security duty at the Hospicio Hospital.

Sardesai said that Congress workers from Margao and Fatorda are aware that free medicines which were made available to the common man in the yesteryears was now a thing of the past and raised serious questions on whether the Hospicio authorities believed in the interest of the ‘aam admi’, adding that it was high time that the CM who heads a Government with the avowed intention of protecting the common man’s interest needs to personally look into this matter before things go out of hand.

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MAY 9

Notification on hike in minimum wages soon, says Joaquim HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MAY 9

Saying that the government is committed to enhance the minimum wages of workers in the State, Labour Minister Joaquim Alemao has said he has put his signature on the notification increasing the minimum wages to Rs 150 per day.

Alemao’s stand assumes significance given that the various labour unions have called for an agitation if the government fails to effect a hike in the minimum wages. “I have put my signature on the notification few days back. The notification should be out this coming week”, he said.

The Labour Minister said the Labour

Board had taken a decision long ago to increase the minimum wages to Rs 150 per day in view of the inflation and the worsening condition of the labour class.

He, however, said the proposal to give the hike a retrospective effect did find favour with the Law department, causing further delay in the issuance of the notification. “I have made it categorically clear since day one that the government would increase the minimum wage to Rs 150 per day. There is no change in my stand on the matter”, he added.

Apart from the labour unions, who are anxiously awaiting the notification for a hike in the minimum wages, the Rural Development Agency too is hoping to make a

big headway in the implementation of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) with a hike in the minimum wages.

For, the NREG has failed to take off mostly in South Goa for the moment due to low minimum wages paid to the workers engaged for works under the scheme.

In fact, RDA Minister Churchill Alemao had been clamouring for a hike in the minimum wages to give a further boost for the NREG scheme, specially in Salcete and other parts of South Goa, where the employment scheme has hit a block, with workers showing little interest to take up jobs as per the current minimum wages.

Benaulim locals continue vigil, trace Colva hotel for waste dump

HERALD CORRESPONDENT QUEPEM, MAY 9

Bicholim farmers, locals ready for monsoon HERALD CORRESPONDENT MAYEM, MAY 9

Mother's unconditional love protecting her little one at Campal, Panjim.

Two die in Bicholim mishaps HERALD CORRESPONDENT MAYEM, MAY 9

Two persons died in two separate incidents in Bicholim in the last two days.

According to Bicholim police, one Premchand Guletsingh (30) of Uttar Pradesh was crushed to death by a truck near Sesa Goa gate, Sanquelim, on Saturday evening.

Premchand, who was also a truck driver, was crossing the road after parking his truck near the gate when he came under the wheels of another truck. Bicholim Police after conducting the panchanama have sent the body to GMC Hospital in Bambolim for autopsy.

In the second incident, one Pratibha Prakash Vaghurmekar (45) of Harvalem-Sanquelim succumbed to burn injuries at GMC Hospital in Bambolim on Sunday.

Pratibha sustained burn injuries while lighting firewood with the help of kerosene at her residence at Harvalem on Sunday morning. PSI Deetendra Naik conducted the panchanama.

Photo by Rozario Estibeiro

With monsoon fast approaching, traditional farmers and locals from Bicholim taluka are engaged in different works to face monsoon.

Locals and farmers are engaged in different traditional works like roof repair of houses and cattle sheds, collecting firewood, storing necessary food stuff required during monsoon, etc.

“In cities, such things have gone into oblivion. However for village people, all such things are important to safeguard his family during monsoon,” said a local.

Orlim villagers complain TCP favouring mega housing builder HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MAY 9

Questioning the rule of law prevalent in the State, the villagers of Orlim have complained that the Town and Country Planning Department has been dragging its feet and giving opportunities to a mega housing builder to regularise his land-filling by seeking leave under Section 17-A of the TCP Act. The villagers pointed out that when they contacted the Town Planner Rajesh Naik about the ongoing land-filling despite the violation and lack of permissions, they were told that due action would be taken on May 10 although the notice period to the builder from TCP expired on May 6 and the Courts are also already seized with the matter.

The villagers have further

pointed out that when the builder on Sunday took to alleged concrete filling activity in the paddy field which would irretrievably affect the field and the adjoining low lying area which has been a catchment pond, they contacted the Town Planner Rajesh Naik who in turn telephoned the police.

Orlimgaum Rakhonn Manch has taken strong exception to these delay tactics on the part of the Town Planning Authorities and the police in order to assist the builder lobby.

They have pointed out that this is a recurring scenario with no action taken so far by the police against the said builder on complaints of trespassing into fabrica property, pulling out saplings, etc.

The villagers have expressed concern that the fields in the village will irretrievably suffer if their continuous complaints are being disregarded in this fashion and will cause a catastrophe in the monsoons. They have wondered whether assurances of flying squads are merely lip-service when even during week-days, no prompt action is forthcoming.

LAND-FILLING ISSUE The villagers have pointed out that in following up matters at the Colva police station and Orlim outpost and at the site, it was apparent that there was a nexus between the police and the builder against whom they dithered to take action while leaking out information so that the workers could take flight and the site would appear deserted.

Salcete flat owners obtain first-hand information on rules, procedures HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MAY 9

Flat owners from Salcete taluka on Sunday expressed their determination to become selfaware of the rules and procedures applicable to themselves and spread the message of unity amongst other flat owners in their localities.

At a meeting held at Loyola High School Hall Margao, the second in the series as part of the Awareness Campaign organised by GOACAN, Coordinator Ro l a n d M a r t i n s g a v e a n overview of the purpose and scope of the awareness campaign on the rights of the flat owners.

He said while there is a need for flat owners to have a State Level Association, it is also important that a Salcete Taluka Association is set up to deal with the issues of Water Supply, Electricity, Garbage Management, Parking, Sewerage & Sanitation as well as the Outline Development Plans (ODP’s), Taxation by the State Government and local self-governing bodies.

He stated that the Registrar of Co-operative Societies must play a pro-active role in the defense of the rights of the flat

owners and that Government needs to put in place a legislation to protect the interest of the flat owners in Goa. Martins said that in view of the forthcoming Municipal Elections; Flat Owners, Residents Associations and Housing Societies must see themselves as active participants in making Democracy work at the local level. He assured the gathering that GOACAN and the Civic and Consumer Forums will extend all the support in this very important movement of Flat Owners for their Rights.

A concerned flat owner from Zuari Nagar, Vijay Kapoor, made a presentation on general guidelines for Flat Buyers and Owners.

The points he covered were things to do before buying a flat, after deciding to buy a flat, after the purchase of a flat and what to do in case of problems.

He also tackled queries related to the flat owner’s rights to parking facilities which is a bone of contention for the residents once they occupy the flats and use the building premises.

Anil C Devulker of Vailankinni Housing Complex in Fatorda described the ordeal he and other flat owners had to go through.

Although full payment for the flats was made, much of the incomplete construction had to be undertaken by them using their own personal funds, he added.

Amin Jiwani of Rijim Classic, Malbhat near Hari Mandir described in detail the problems of flat owners that arise when a builder is a family member or a relative. He further cautioned the other participants that many a time a builder might negotiate to install a mobile tower on the terrace of the building without consulting the flat owners.

Sanjay Dalvi of Aquem gave a detailed account of his 7-yearlong battle in the District Consumer Dispute Redressal Forum over the deficiencies in the building. He reminded the participants that litigation against the builder is a very arduous and long haul struggle which many times may end with a negative result for the consumer and demoralise the flat owner from going ahead in further litigation.

Godfrey Gonsalves of Hillside Apartments, Borda, Margao while stressing the need for legislation to protect the interest of Flat Owners in the State of Goa, pointed out that a draft bill that is available with the

Goa Legislative Assembly could be examined when preparing a comprehensive new Act. Judith Almeida of Colva Civic and Consumer Forum, narrated of a case where a builder has purposefully wrongly recorded the survey numbers of the land on which the building is constructed there by causing hardship to the Flat Owners, she also pointed out that Flat Owners could face problems when a part of a residential building is converted into a hotel complex.

Dr Govind G Kamat of the Jairam Complex Residents Association, Panjim, in his inspiring speech pointed out that his journey as a Flat Owner began exactly 13 years ago today, 9th May 1997 and his self learning of these issues although being a medical professional has contributed to providing leadership to the Core Committee in their ongoing agitation.

He called upon the flat owners at the meeting to put aside the small differences that may arise in their respective Housing Societies and be ready to face criticism during the struggle in the larger interest of achieving the goal of legislation to protect flat owners in Goa.

QMA confronts Quepem PI, demands arrest of burglars

The garbage that was dumped at Benaulim near St John the Baptist Church on Sunday.

Photo by Sidharth Mehta HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MAY 9

Vigil maintained by Benaulim villagers on unscrupulous hotel owners and garbage contractors disposing off their waste along road sides has once again paid dividends.

Even as the authorities, including the police seems to have turned a blind eye to the menace of waste disposal in the village, Benaulim villagers once again did the work of the authorities when they zeroed in on the hotel at Colva, which was allegedly involved in disposing off wet garbage and garden waste neat the St John the Baptist Church.

Cops recover seven more bikes from arrested gang HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARCEL, MAY 9

Ponda police on Sunday recovered seven more motorcycles from the gang arrested in connection with robberies along the highway.

With the recovery of seven more motorcycles, the number has risen to 17.

It may be recalled that Ponda police had arrested Derrick Rathos, Clinton Fernandes and Felton D’Costa at Farmagudi in the wee hours of Friday. Ronald, who had fled from the scene, was later arrested at Betalbatim.

All the four accused had threatened a truck driver at Dharbandora and had decamped with cash of Rs 1,500 and the mobile handset of the driver.

Ponda police informed that the accused also revealed about their involvement in motorcycle thefts and so far have succeeded in recovering 17 motorcycles from them. Police said more motorcycles are likely to be recovered.

In fact, exasperated over the continuous dumping of waste on the road leading to the Church, the agitated villagers directed their ire at the hotel owner when he was called at site Sunday evening.

The huge quantity of waste was found dumped at the road side this morning. Based on the letter heads and garden waste found at the site, local youngsters zeroed in on the hotel and traced the establishment to Colva.

Their investigations revealed that the plants at the hotel premises were recently trimmed and further found that the waste was disposed off at the site in the wee hours of Sunday.

When the hotel owner was called at the site, locals pounced on him and directed their ire on him, warning that such things would not be tolerated by the villagers. The owner was made to collect and lift away the waste dumped at the site.

This is the third time in the last one week that Benaulim villagers have successfully tracked the vehicles and the owners for disposing off waste in the village.

A week ago, a group of local youth had intercepted at van near the Church while in the process of discharging waste water and garbage along the road side.

Voicing concern over the growing burglaries in Quepem market over the past few days, the Quepem Merchants Association (QMA) on Friday conf ro n t e d Q u e p e m Po l i c e Inspector Sudesh Narvekar and demanded the immediate arrest of those involved in the burglaries.

Led by Remedio Rebello, Guru Gawas, Sandeep Dessai and others, the QMA informed that nine burglaries have taken place in Quepem town between May 3 and May 6.

PI Narvekar informed the QMA that the police had not been deputed on night patrol as they diverted for Nakabandis and other security work in view of the ‘high alert’ by the State government.

He assured the QMA delegation that he would look into the matter and would make every effort to nab the culprits. He also requested the aggrieved shop owners, who have been victims of the recent burglaries, to filed police complaints.

The QMA members then met Quepem DySP Rohidas Patre and apprised him of the situation in Quepem town.

Govt has ambiguous plan to meet demands of freedom fighters: CM HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, MAY 9

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat has assured the State’s freedom fighters that the government has an ambiguous plan to meet most of the demands put forth by freedom fighters.

Kamat was speaking at a short function organised by All Goa Freedom Fighters Association (AGFFA) at Poinguinim, where a cheque for Rs 50,000 was handed over to the Canacona Flood Relief Committee (CFRC).

Kamat handed over the cheque for Rs 50,000 as the AGFFA’s contribution to CFRC’s representatives Anant Agni and Ajay Prabhugaonkar, who are building houses to the last years October 2 flood victims in Canacona.

Earlier, AGFFA’s President Chandrakant Kenkre handed over a memorandum and appealed to the chief minister to resolve their long pending demands.

Responding to the memorandum, Kamat reiterated his government’s commitment to meet most of AGFFA’s demands.

“We had pruned the Freedom

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat hands over Rs 50,000 as Goa’s freedom fighters contribution to the Canacona Flood Relief Committee members at Poinguinim.

Photo by Kathy Pereira

Fighter’s board to a barest minimum now. Earlier, instead of solving problems, it used to be responsible for creating too much chaos in its functioning.

So we are heading in the direction of meeting most of your demands,” Kamat assured the freedom fighters.

Freedom fighter Vithal Prabhugaonkar was also present among the several other freedom fighters, while Sant Andre

MLA and Vice Chairman of Goa Infrastructure Development Corporation Francis Silveira and Canacona MLA Vijay Poi khot were also present on the occasion.

It is learnt that the freedom fighters have a charter of demands pending with government, which reportedly includes providing them with suitable land and government jobs to their children.

NREGS in Sattari taluka on a positive note HERALD CORRESPONDENT VALPOI, MAY 9

The National Rural Employment Guarantee Schemes (NREGS), introduced in Sattari taluka in 2008, has started showing positive results.

Sattari Taluka Programme Officer Shivdutta Munj has claimed that out of the 254 proposed works, 154 projects were sanctioned and they have completed 100 works under the scheme, while 15 were under execution.

“So far, 2,679 job cards have been issued to the locals in Sattari taluka and as many as 2,746 workers have benefited under the scheme,” said Munj.

“Since the inception of the scheme, over 2,500 people have been provided employment,” he added.

“Further, 154 works were started after the approval in various villages. Out of these, over 100 works have been completed and less than 50 works are in progress, out which 15 works are in the final phase of

completion,” he said.

“The works under the scheme includes construction of kuccha road, digging of ponds, construction and cleaning of drainages, lake cleaning, de-silting of ponds, rural connectivity, setting up of footpaths, shrub cutting, levelling of ground, etc,” said Munj.

He further informed that one of the major and finest works undertaken under NREGS was at Savorde panchayat area.

“The kuccha road built from Panchwada to Kudshe area has been completed in five phases by spending Rs 8,46,368,” said Munj.

Additionally, the officer also said that for the current year, the labour budget for 100 days in Sattari is Rs 8 crore as per the project and requirements. “The work of preparing the files for submission for the requisite is in progress,” he informed.

Munj said Rs 198.71 lakh was sanctioned and Rs 96 lakh had been utilised. “The scheme has attracted village people and

has gained good response, as here people earn their livelihood when there are no other avenues of employment in the vicinity,” he stated.

“Total, 29 staff are employed in which one PO and two assistant engineers with one accountant, 12 messenger-cum-peon and 13 Gram Sevaks,” informed Munj.

“With the support and hard work of sarpanchas and panchas of various villages, the scheme’s real objectives are fulfilled.” He said.

He further said they take utmost effort in creating awareness of the scheme, which become helpful in popularising the scheme in nook and corner of Sattari.

When contacted, some panchas owes the success of the scheme to the welltrained staff and the co-operative attitude of RDA staff. They also lauded the efforts and enthusiasm of programme officer, which help them to literally implement the scheme successfully.

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Mapusa bandh called in protest against faulty ODP on May 12 HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, MAY 9

All Goa Merchants Federation and Mapusa Merchants Association have called for Mapusa Bandh on Wednesday in protest against faulty Outline Development Plan of Mapusa prepared by Town and Country Planning department.

The bandh has also been called to invite the attention of Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) towards the problems being faced by merchants due to the increase in the number of vendors and hawkers.

In a meeting in Sirsat Hall at Mapusa, Mapusa Merchants Association President Yeshwant Gaundalkar stated that there has been considerable rise in the number of hawkers in Mapusa market due to which the Mapusa market has become congested.

“The MMC has not taken any action

against these hawkers despite repeated requests. There is absolutely no control of MMC over these vendors and hawkers,” said Gaundalkar.

“Further, during monsoon every year market gets flooded and water enters the shops, but MMC is yet to take steps to prevent flooding of market. The MMC is collecting several lakhs of rupees from the merchant’s community by way of taxes, but the merchants do not get any benefit in return,” claimed Gaundalkar.

All Goa Merchants Federation President Narayan Karekar said the Outline Development Plan of Mapusa prepared by Town and Country Planning department is chaotic and unbalanced.

“If adopted in its present form, it will defeat the principles and objectives of Town Planning Act which is meant for the regu-

lation of use of land. Hence to register our protest against the ODP not only merchant’s community, but also residents of Mapusa should observe bandh to invite the attention of MMC and concerned authorities,” he said.

Freedom fighter Prabhaker Yende, Chetan Salgaonkar, Rama Raul, Gurudas Dhekne, Jawahar Shetye, Suresh Kamat and Jitesh Dangui also spoke on the occasion.

Af ter detailed discussion, it was unanimously decided to observe bandh on Wednesday and stage a protest rally from municipal market to MMC and submit a memorandum to MMC chairperson and chief officer and urge them to attend to the problems on priority basis.

Mapusa Merchant Association Treasurer Rama Raul proposed the vote of thanks.

Shiv Sena opposes bandh call HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, MAY 9

Shiv Sena has strongly opposed to Mapusa bandh call given by Mapusa Merchants Association on Wednesday.

In a letter to the chairman/secretary of Mapusa Merchants Association, Shiv Sena (Bardez) Vibhag Pramukh Philip D’Souza has advised to close down the municipal council and not the Mapusa market.

“Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) runs on money gener-

ated from the Mapusa market and if the council cannot put to good use the money collected from merchants and hawkers, the councilors should step down and allow others to run the affairs more effectively,” stated D’Souza in the letter.

“The Mapusa market has seen enough bandhs for the last two years and bandhs only have adverse effect on the earnings of sons and daughters of the soil, who bring their perishable and

seasonal goods to sell in the Mapusa market,” stated D’Souza.

“Who will compensate for their losses resulting from the bandh? The main people who are interfering in the business of Mapusa merchants are the Lamanis, Tupkars and Biharis, who are selling their goods just outside their shops,” claimed D’Souza.

“The activities of these people should be closed down first and Shiv Sena is prepared to extend its assistance and sup-

38.45% voters turn out for Navelim ZP bye-poll

Policemen at work during the Navelim ZP bye-poll on Sunday.

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MAY 9

Bye-poll for the Navelim Zilla Panchayat witnessed a poor turn out of voters, with only 38.45 per cent of the electorate exercising their franchisee in Sunday’s polling.

Women outnumbered men as around 2791 female voters came out to cast their vote, while only 2231 males cast their votes.

Interestingly, the village of Navelim witnessed a turn out

of only 30.60 per cent as against 56.83 per cent in neighbouring Sirlim-Dramapur village.

Returning officer for Navelim constituency, Johnson Fernandes said of the total electorate of 13060, only 5032 voters has cast t heir votes in today’s polling.

He said Sunday’s polling passed off peacefully without any untoward incident, adding that his office received no complaint either from the candidates or from the police about any vi-

Govt dragged in court for miscalculation in electricity bill HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MAY 9

A mistake in calculation of electricity bill almost cost the government dearly. It had to fight it in the Court with appellant M/s Hira Film Distributors to maintain its claim of corrected bill amount of Rs 38,92,872 but will not be able to recover the arrears immediately as the appellant has finally agreed to pay Rs 26,20,772 within a period of one year in twelve monthly installments.

M/s Hira Films Distributors went in appeal when the State raised the bill amount claiming the calculations were not correctly made.

The appellant maintained that they are not responsible for the wrong calculations being made by the officers of the State.

It’s counsel R G Ramani also submitted that a sum of Rs 12,72,101 would not be recoverable in terms of sub-section (2) of the section 56 of the Electricity Act, 2003. Inspite of objections, he said, the appellants

would deposit the entire sum of Rs 38,92,872 in case they are given a time of about three years.

The proposal was not accepted by the State Government. Its counsel Manish Salkar however told the Court that the appellant could be given time of about a year to pay the entire amount of Rs 38,92,872.

In this regard, the Court observed that it would be just and proper in the case the appellants pay the sum of Rs 26,20,772 within a period of one year, in twelve months installments, which they have agreed to pay.

But Court said, they are also free to pay the sum of Rs 12,72,101 in case they desire, within a year, to avoid interest which they may be required to pay in case it is ultimately held that the said sum was also liable to be paid by them.

The appeal was disposed off with a instruction that the State shall not disconnect the supply to the appellant during pendency of the suit.

Photo by Sidharth Mehta

olation.

Five candidates were in the fray for the Navelim bye-polls after the elections were countermanded following the death of candidate Hermino Fernandes. The candidates in the fray are Soccorro Fernandes, Agnelo Da Costa, Casmiro Vierra, Edwin Cardozo and Wilson Viegas.

Candidate Edwin told newsmen that the poor turn out would go in his favour, exuding confidence of winning the polls by a comfortable margin.

Meanwhile, the Returning officer has said that counting of votes will be taken up at the government multipurpose hall on Monday hall at 8 am.

port to Mapusa Merchants Association in this regard,” says the letter.

D’Souza has urged Mapusa Merchants Association to withdraw the bandh call given on May 12, as it will not only cause harassment and loss to the vendors inside the market, but will also have negative effect on the business outside the market.

“They should resort to some other methods to get their grievances redressed,” added D’Souza in the letter.

ESG to promote local entrepreneurs in film equipment business HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MAY 9

After deciding to promote Goa as a film shooting destination, Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) has now began an exercise to promote local entrepreneurs to start film equipment related business in the State.

Nearly 49 local youth were part of the three-day long ‘Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) in films and television lighting and camera equipment’ jointly organised by ESG and Economic Development Corporation (EDC), which concluded on Sunday.

Presenting the welcome address at the valedictory function, ESG CEO Manoj Srivastava said that the basic idea behind this programme was to set up a film industry in the State.

“We have theaters, shooting spots, film finance scheme but we don’t have proper man

power to develop a good industry,” Srivastava said.

He said that the programme has given a basic perspective of how this business (renting our lighting and camera for films) is conducted.

The chief guest of the function Chief Minister Digambar Kamat appreciated the work of ESG and EDC for holding such a programme for the benefit of younger generation, who wants to step into this world of films.

“Film industries just don’t comprise of actor, director, producer or musicians. There is much more into it. I feel Goans have great

potential and with our help they can do wonders,” Kamat said.

“I have visited various film industries and seen film shootings in Mumbai. There are several Goans who are part of that industry in some or the other way,” he added.

Kamat has urged ESG to come out with more such programmes, which will benefit the youth in the world of entertainment.

Chief Minister was happy to see the participation from the rural areas. “I am very happy that youth from the rural parts of the State have also taken ben-

efit of this programme,” he said.

Vice Chairman of EDC Nitin Cuncolienkar said that we need to create opportunity to develop local talents.

“The state gets around 10 per cent of foreign tourists every year and huge amount of revenue is spent for creating infrastructure for them, which is not needed.

There is need that we spend these amounts on the development of our future,” he stated.

Cuncolienkar feels that the film line is great for Goans but there is need of proper direction.

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S H O RT TA K E S

Goa’s wildlife sanctuaries undisturbed: census HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MAY 9

Colin Levy (2nd from left) handing over the ownership of 42" plasma TV, 18" TV, 2 satellite systems, and a DVD player to Goa Animal Welfare Trust's (GAWT) Treasurer Charmian Byrne for the fundraising events. Also present are Grace Kare-GAWT, Wendy Dansie-GAWT, Charles Pereira, proprietor -Goodman's Restaurant, Colva, and Sheryl Rodrigues-GAWT.

NCC officials promoted

Savia

Mumtaz

Goa’s wildlife sanctuaries have remained undisturbed and healthy for wild animals, which is indicted in the primary findings of recently concluded census, says a senior forest officer.

The findings are against worries expressed by environmentalists about serenity of our wild.

“The recently held census has come out with some extraordinary findings. The animals which were not sighted in the wilds of Goa in the last censuses of 2002 and 2006, have been spotted in this census,” Deputy Conservator of Forest Debendra Dalai said.

“This indicates that the forest life is undisturbed in the State,” he added.

The animal census, which begun in the last week of April have shown presence of several animals like tiger, wild dog, mouse deer, sloth bear, leopards and many others. Most of the animals like wild dog, sloth bear and mouse deer have been sighted for the first time in the census.

“In the last two censuses, there were no signs of wild dog.

Even there were no indirect evidences. But for this time they

Shilpa

PANJIM (HND): Three Lady Associate Officers of 1 Goa Girls Battalion are promoted to the higher ranks. Lt Savia Mendes, ANO of 1 Goa Girls Battalion NCC has been promoted to the coveted rank of Captain recently by the Director General NCC New Delhi. This promotion comes after successful completion of a refresher course of Women Officers Training Academy, Gwalior.

Mumtaz Mendonca, ANO of 1 Goa Girls Battalion, NCC has been appointed to the rank of Lieutenant by the Director General NCC, New Delhi. This appointment comes after successful completion of three months Pre-Commission course at Women Officers Training Academy, Gwalior.

Shilpa Korde, ANO of 1 Goa Girls battalion NCC has been appointed to the rank of Lieutenant by the Director General NCC, New Delhi. This appointment comes after successful completion of three months Pre-Commission course at Women Officers Training Academy, Gwalior.

CME organised at GMC

Dr R GWiseman Pinto, Dr Lakshmi VAsudevan, and Dr P E Natekar at the CME organised at GMC recently.

PANJIM(HND): The Medical Education Cell of Goa Medical College organised a Continuing Medical Education programme at the Goa Medical College recently. The CME programme was held on Clinical Genetics and the guest Speaker was Dr Lakshmi Vasudevan, Senior Genetic Consultant, National Institute of Research and Reproduction, ICMR, Genetic Center, Parel, Mumbai.

She spoke on the topic "Future of Gene Therapy and the Clinitians Role".

The CME was chaired and Coordinated by Dr R G Wiseman Pinto, Dr P E Natekar and Dr V N Jindal.

The Goa Medical Council gave accreditation to the scientific programme which was largely attended by the doctors, says a press release.

Citation award for Percival HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, MAY 9

Percival Noronha was awarded the four way citation award by the Rotary Club of Panjim at Club Tennis de Gaspar Dias, Miramar, at the hands of Rotarian Dr Vijaykumar Raikar.

The felicitation took place in presence of club president Sanat Pilgaonkar and secretary Dinesh Sinari.

Percival, a retired class I officer has led a spotless public life in congruence with the Rotary 4-way test. The test states “Is it the truth, is it fair to all concerned, will it build good will and better friendship and will it be beneficial to all concerned”.

Percival started the Indian Heritage Society (Goa Chapter) and the association of Friends of Astronomy in Goa. He is also well versed in Indo-Portuguese history and heritage conservation, says a press release.

have been spotted in almost all the sanctuaries along with indirect evidences. We have even found a group of nine wild dogs,” Dalai informed.

However, he said, “Although the animal was not encountered in last two censuses, stray cases of their sightings were reported.”

Dalai explained that any carnivorous verity keeps up the health of the forest. “The sighting of wild dog, a carnivorous animal, indicates that their prey base is stable and habitat is intact,” DCF said.

The official said that the animal remains in group and hunt in a group as their main predicators are wild bore and spotted beer.

“They are not very much territorial animal. They move from one place to another,” Dalai said.

The census, which concluded on May 4, has also found good in-direct evidences of sloth bear in Bhagvan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary and Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary.

Mouse deer, a form of smallest deer, endemic to Western Ghat has also been sighted during the census. “The said animal was also not sighted in the last censuses. The sightings have proved that their habitats are

Gadkari accorded welcome

BJP President Nitin Gadkari being given a warm welcome on his arrival at Dabolim airport.

Photo by M Prabhav

VASCO (HR): State BJP workers accorded a warm welcome to BJP President Nitin Gadkari on his maiden visit to the State on Thursday morning.

Gadkari, who arrived in a special aircraft, was welcomed by State President Laxmikant Parsekar, Opposition Leader Manohar Parrikar, Fatorda MLA Damu Naik, Mormugao MLA Milind Naik, BJP Secretary Narendra Saviokar, former MLA Rajendra Arlekar, Avinash Koli, former Mormugao Municipal Council chairman Deepak Naik, Councilor Daji Salkar, Jayant Jadhav and BJP workers.

The BJP workers welcomed Gadkari in a traditional manner with an aarti and garlanding him, while BJP youth workers played the traditional music.

Gadkari convoy was halted near Shantadurga Temple at Sancoale, where Cortalim constituency workers welcomed him by offering him a garland.

Huge posters of Gadkari were seen from the airport junction at prime locations along NH-17A.

HERALD NEWS buREAu PANJIM, MAY 9

The All Goa Government Recognised Unaided Schools Association will conduct a seminar on ‘School Administration’ for the benefit of all the unaided schools at Hotel Orion, Porvorim, on May 21 from 9 am to 1 pm.

The main purpose of the seminar is to guide the managements of all the unaided schools in streamlining the administration of the school, as per the Goa State Education Rules and Regulations.

The seminar also aim to have interactive session on various issues like fee structure, salary scales for teachers and staff, implementation of Provident Fund and other social security measures for welfare of the staff and also provisions of Right to Education Act. Director of Education Dr Celsa Pinto will inaugurate the seminar and the concluding session will be graced by Deputy Director of Education (Acad) Gajanan P Bhat and Law Officer from Education Department Avinash Nasnodkar.

The seminar is open to all the heads of unaided schools of the entire State of Goa. Those who want to register for the seminar should contact President Deepak Khaitan (9822132182) or Secretary Vijay Shetti (9823158535).

Power sub-centre project at Bicholim nearing completion HERALD CORRESPONDENT MAYEM, MAY 9

Work on the 100-MW electricity sub centre at Navelim-Bicholim is nearing completion and the project is likely to be completed

by May end.

The sub-station is expected to resolve the frequent power cuts faced by residents of Bicholim, Sattari and Ponda talukas.

Pale MLA Pratap Gawas on Thursday visited the sub-centre to take note of the work in progress. He was accompanied

by Sanquelim Councillor Baba Desai.

The MLA interacted with electricity officials and was informed that the project would benefit villages like Amona, Pale, Velguem, Honda, Sanquelim and Bicholim.

The existing project will also

Sajawat Lifestyle Exhibition currently underway at Campal Parade grounds in Panjim is drawing large crowds of festive shoppers will conclude on Monday.

According to a press release, this is one of the biggest and major lifestyle shopping exhibition cum festival in the state of Goa and comes at a time when people are in summer vacations. Huge crowds witnessed on Sunday. Since the monsoons are approaching and the customers who want to make purchases should do so all under one roof.

Various lifestyle and household items by major market leaders in the corporate sector are on display and sale. Major furniture houses have put up designer furniture stalls with imported furniture at competitive prices besides antique fur-

niture.

The customers can choose from various brands of jewellery, home, office and children furniture, kitchenware, fitness equipments, cutworks, decorative wall hangings and paintings, office and complete home furniture, range of home appliances and electronics, health and herbal products, artificial flowers, magnetic health care products with money back facilities if unsatisfied, frames, ladies fashion items, garments, ladies purses, men’s wear, kids wear, suits, foldable plastic tables, Korean ladies hand bags, doormats, toys, shoes, paintings, Punjabi pulkaris, dress materials, Gujarat handicrafts, and lots of other indoor as well as outdoor lifestyle items.

This is the last exhibition before the monsoon and is open to the public from 10.30 am till 9 pm, says a press release.

Seraulim VP bags 1st prize PANJIM(HND): Seraulim VP bagged the 1st Prize in the State for the Rural Health Sanitation campaign due to the efforts put in by the Sarpanch of V P Members and Health Sanitation Committee of the Village who with the help of Dr Lizette D’Souza from Cansaluim Primary Health Centre conducted several plastic and cleanliness drives in the village, says a press release. They

were also assisted by Z P Member Nelly Rodrigues who besides helping in organizing plastic drive also donated plastic bins and organized monthly collection of plastic and other waste.

The certificates and cash prize was given at an award ceremony organized by the Directorate of Health Services Panjim at Kala Academy recently.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, MAY 9

Residents of Chaudi-Canacona have congratulated Canacona Municipal Council (CMC) chief officer for acting tough on an alleged illegal construction of a kiosk at Chaudi, which led to filing counter police complaints against a councilor and a villager.

According to sources, the concerned party who built the alleged illegal laterite bricks construction replacing an existing wooden kiosk over a septic tank of municipal residentialcum-commercial building at Chaudi was forced to demolish it after CMC Chief Officer Deepak Dessai took strong note of the alleged illegality.

It is learnt that Dessai last Friday directed the party to either demolish the laterite brick

stones structure within two days or face municipal action.

Accordingly, the structure was demolished on Sunday by the concerned party herself and restored it to its earlier form (with wooden planks).

In a letter, residents of Chaudi congratulated CMC chief officer for taking strong initiative against illegality and public health hazard nuisance.

It may be recalled that last week, Viraj Pai of Chaudi had filed a police complaint against CMC Deputy Chairperson and Chaudi Councilor Dilip Kenkre for allegedly assaulting him and issuing threats to kill.

In a counter-complaint, Kenkre alleged that he was abused when he had gone to take stock of an alleged illegal construction complaint at Chaudi.

Golden jubilee of Consua church celebrated HERALD REPORTER VASCO, MAY 9

Parishioners of Consua recently took part in the Eucharistic celebrations at Our Lady of Livre Febres church to mark the golden jubilee celebrations of the church.

The church was earlier a small chapel and villagers of Consua had to proceed to the Cortalim church for their spiritual needs.

“For various traditional and religious celebrations, villagers had travel across the Consua hill to visit the Cortalim church. Considering the spiritual needs of the villagers, the ‘Our Lady of Livre Febres’ church was built in 1960,” said Parish Priest Fr

Auxemio Monterio.

The main celebrant at the Eucharistic celebration was Vicar General Fr Jose Remedios Fernandes, while Fr Joaquim Fernandes, parish priest Fr Auxemio Monterio and large number villagers were also present at the mass.

On the occasion Fr Joaquim Fernandes addressed the gathering and congratulated the villagers and appreciated their efforts on the golden jubilee of the Church.

Later, Fr Jose Remedios Fernandes released the gold jubilee souvenir of the church and villager presented a cultural programme.

Poems invited for ‘Nandanvan’ MLA Pratap Gawas inspects the site of the electricity sub-centre at Navelim, in the presence of Sanquelim Councilor Bala Desai.

Photo by Vishant Vaze

generate employment facility to large number of unemployed people.

Gawas has requested the gov-

HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, MAY 9

HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, MAY 9

CMC chief officer acts tough on illegal construction at Chaudi

uPcOming EvEnTS

ernment to give priority to locals while employing people because of a large number of unemployed people in the area.

Community hall at Sajawat Lifestyle expo Davorlim soon: Alemao concludes today

Chodankar elected president

CALANGUTE (HC): Chandrakant Chodankar has been reelected as president of the Dipawali Celebration Committee of Prabhuwaddo, Calangute.

The newly elected office bearers of the committee will hold office for a three-year period.

Other members in the Committee are Krishnanath Nanodkar (Vice President), Chandrakant Kandolkar (Secretary), Ashok Sakhalkar (Treasuer), Ajit Govenkar (Asst. Secretary) and Sajjan Parshekar (Assistant Treasurer). Arjun Shirodker, Premanand Kalangutkar, Srikant Sakhalkar and Rajesh Kandolkar have been elected members in the Committee.

not disturbed,” Dalai said.

Apart from these animals, the department has also found the pugmarks and scats of tiger at two places in Mollem, Surla Ghat, Nandran, Mahavir sanctuary and two places at Anjunam Dam. “When you get solitary tiger pugmarks, there are chances that the sign may be that of a grown up leopard,” the official said.

Dalai said that there has been lot of leopard sightings during the census.

“In the last census, 41 leopards were sighted. This year, the number might be much more then that,” he stated.

Talking about the data collection and counting method, Dalai said that for this census the data analysis will be on sampling based on some scientific method.

“Earlier, data analysis was based on counting of animals.

This time, it’s not exactly counting. Various animals would be number-based on refraction equation,” he explained.

Dalai said that Wildlife Institute of India (WII)) have developed a software, which will feed in data related to areas, forest type and trend, inorder to get the proper number.

Seminar at Porvorim

Minister for RDA, Churchill Alemao said that the government proposes to construct full fledged community hall at Davorlim at the earliest.

Alemao was speaking as a chief guest at the function organized by five self help groups at Davorlim recently.

RDA Minister further said that there is need to upgrade, develop skills and techniques for the quality production. The self help groups should organized training programmes for their member to achieve better performance, he added.

The minister urged the self help groups to avail benefit of welfare scheme of various government agencies. The government is committed to safeguard the interest of local artisans and encourage local craftsmanship, he said handicraft corporation provides facility to the products made by artisans.

The Minister advised the self help group so introduce their craft products at the Goa Saras exhibition. On the occasion, RDA Minister felicitated Ratnakar Naik, retired manger of Goa state Cooperate Bank Ltd for assisting self help groups.

President of South Goa ZP

Maria Rebello, ZP member Maria Miranda, Rajani Raikar Asha Tilve, Leon Raikar, Sucorina Fernandes also spoke on the occasion.

Avinash Shirodkar welcomed while Ramnath Kharangte proposed the vote of thanks.

The existing Elect O&M, subdiv-I, Curchorem has been bifurcated into two sub divisions as ‘Elect O&M, sub-div-I, Curchorem (urban)’ and Elect O&M, sub-div-IV (rural) Pontemol-Curchorem’ with effect from May 3, and has started functioning respectively.

The Elect O&M, sub division, Curchorem (urban) will look after the maintenance of power supply to the consumers of areas coming under the jurisdiction of Curchorem-Kakoda Municipality and

Language courses

PANJIM(HND): Detroit Institute at Panjim will conduct crash courses in Portuguese, French and English for X and XII standards students starting from May 10.

The course will cover the syllabus of Goa Board for X and XII standard students. Classes will be held daily which will consist of 3 batches. Details are available on 9822131835, says a press release.

MLA of Aldona constituency Dayanand Narvekar addressing the Self Help Groups of Aldona at function held recently at Duler, Mapusa. Also present are Sushma Narvekar, Pramod Salgaonkar and ZP member Kunda Bagkar.

Curchorem electricity sub division bifurcated HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, MAY 9

PANJIM(HND): Poems are invited for the forthcoming issue of ‘Nandanvan’ (Paradise) periodical. Maximum 12 lined poems in English, Hindi, Marathi or Konkani should be sent on the theme of national integration, unity, secularism, patriotism, social life, local festivals, nature, humanity, historical character, virtues, etc.

Poems in other languages i.e. French, Portuguese, Urdu, etc., may be sent, but the text should be in Roman or Devnagiri script with its literal translation. The editor will try to arrange for the translation of the poem in other languages, provided a written permission is given to the editor.

Poems should be sent before May 25, addressed to Kulkarni Prakashan, 178/76, Narayannagar, post Pratapnagar, Sakhali, 403505.

Xelvona-Assolda areas and attend to the complaints/problems relating to the power supply and billing and other grievances. Public complaints and enquiries can be made on telephone number 2650501.

The Elect O&M sub-div-IV (rural), Pontemol-Curchorem will look after maintenance work of Panchayat areas of Sanvordem, Panchawadi, Dabal-Kirlpal, Collem, Mollem and part of VP Darbandora.

Public complaints and enquiries can be made on telephone number 2652893.

POWER SHUTDOWN May 10 SANCOALE: From 9 am to 2 pm. Areas affected are Chowgule garden, Zuarinagar, Alto-Dabolim, Hollant, Ranghavi Estate, JNVC Nagar, Bogmalo, Chicolna, Holy Cross Colony, Assoi Dongri, MES College andVillage Panchayat Chicalim.

TORXEM: From 9 am to 2 pm. Areas affected are VP Torxem, VP Ugvem-Mopa-Tamboxem.

BICHOLIM: From 9 am to 5 pm. Areas affected are Narva, Bhavkai, Sawanwada, Gaonkarwada, Vaiganem, Savnar, Ardhawada, Kumarwada, Gaonkarwada, Kelbaiwada, Chimulwada in Mayem village panchayats, Gaonkarwada Narva village panchayats, Muridiwada, Telewada Narva, Kesarkar factory, Vishwasnagar – Lamgao and surrounding areas.

PERNEM: From 9 am to 2 pm. Areas affected are VP Torxem, VP Ugvem-Mopa-Tamboxem.

CANDOLIM: Between 9 am to 5 pm. Areas affected are Fattowado, Dharwadkar and surrounding areas.

MARGAO: Between 9 am to 2 pm. Areas affected are Rawanfond, MES, Dicarpale, Lakaki and surrounding areas.

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M’rashtra panel to meet CCB Corporators should move PM over boundary dispute HERALD CORRESPONDENT BELGAUM, MAY 9

Maharashtra’s Expert Committee on Karnataka-Maharashtra Boundary Dispute has decided to meet legal experts before a delegation of leaders from Maharashtra led by chief minister Ashok Chavan meets Prime Minister Manmohan Singh next week.

“The committee, headed by Maharashtra advocate N D Patil, will consult advocates from Maharashtra in the Supreme Court to make the Maharashtra’s stand stronger in the boundary dispute case. The delegation will be fully prepared to make its stand clear to the prime minister,” says MES leader Malojirao Ashtekar.

At a meeting of the committee in Mumbai on Wednesday, N D Patil said the delegation from Maharashtra, which comprises MPs from Maharashtra besides all top politicians, will be meeting Dr Singh next week.

The committee would hand over the details on the boundary dispute case which have been submitted to the Supreme Court with regard to the boundary dispute case.

“The delegation will highlight problems being faced by the Marathi people on the border due to the inclusion of many Marathi-dominant areas with Karnataka,” said Ashtekar who attended the meeting, adding, “The Maharashtra government will exert pressure on the Centre to announce the ‘disputed area of Belgaum’ as a union territory.”

Members of the committee also met Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan before the meeting and apprised him on the importance of meeting the legal experts. Representatives from Maharashtra government’s department of law, revenue and several senior government officials also attended the committee’s meeting and presented their views on the dispute.

“The committee will suggest Maharashtra government to put pressure on the Centre to help expedite the boundary dispute case in the Supreme Court. The hearing of cases in the apex court would resume after the vacation on July 15 The Mahrashtra government will appeal to the Centre to submit the latter’s stand on the dispute to the supreme court at the earli-

Togadia threatens nationwide agitation against reservations HERALD CORRESPONDENT BELGAUM, MAY 9

Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) General Secretary Pravinkumar Togadia has threatened to launch an intensive agitation throughout the country against Centre’s proposal to grant reservations to Muslims and Christians in jobs and educational institutions.

“Extending reservations based on religions is against constitution. The Supreme Court has already given a verdict not to raise the level of reservations to more than 50 per cent,” stated Togadia while addressing a press conference here.

“The reservations given to people of various Hindu communities belonged to categories like SC, ST, OBC and general were being snatched by the government to appease Muslim and Christian communities,” claimed Togadia.

He further said the VHP would never make way for it and launch countrywide agitation to protect the rights and interests of Hindus.

“Union Ministers P Chidambaram and Salman Khurshid are in favour of giving reservations to Christians and Muslims, and already, the governments of Andhra and West Bengal are preparing to grant reservation to both these communities,” he said strongly criticizing the policy of reservation.

He also outlined the need to protect the rights of Hindus in the field of education and employment sectors.

“Various Hindu communities

should come under a single platform to fight against the injustice being meted out to them.

The VHP was working out a people’s movement in the country to bring justice to the majority Hindus with the help of youths.

The VHP’s movement would throw light on the possible huge unemployment problems to be faced by Hindu communities due to the reservation policies of the Centre,” he said.

To strengthen country’s economy, Hindu families preferred to have only two children while Muslims had about eight to ten children in a family.

“The VHP’s struggle would also focus on the rising population in the country,” he said adding that a debate on rising population of some communities in the country will be held by leaders of various Hindu communities across the country shortly.

Togadia welcomed the court’s decision to convict Ajmal Kasab in the Mumbai blasts case and said the verdict of the court in the case upheld the importance of Indian judiciary.

“In merely a year, the court had taken up the Mumbai blast case in a fast pace and put an end to it,” he said.

“The Centre is trying to gain political mileage by appeasing Muslims and Christians through its policies of reservations. The majority Hindu community which formed more than five crore population in the country will suffer badly due to the reservation policies of the Centre,” added Togadia.

'Raajneeti' bears no resemblance to Sonia's life: Jha PTI MUMBAI, MAY 9

Noted filmmaker Prakash Jha clarified that his upcoming film 'Raajneeti' has no resemblance to UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi's life, and that he was willing to organise a special screening for her if she demands.

"If Mrs Gandhi wants to watch the film, I would happily show it to her," Jha told reporters here last night.

"Sonia Gandhi's has been a life of struggle and she has achieved a lot. Her story is an inspiration. A separate film is required to make a story on her life. 'Raajneeti' and Katrina Kaif's character in particular has no resemblance to her," he said.

Praising the actress Jha said that people should appreciate actress Katrina, who has difficulty in speaking Hindi, for her efforts to improve her command over the language.

"We have to appreciate her efforts instead of finding faults in her accent," he said.

Jha described his film as a commercial, entertaining drama where politics happens to be the game every one is playing.

"It is not politics of governance, but politics that we indulge in everyday life. It deals

with personal loyalty, greed and betrayals. 'Raajneeti' is not preachy. I have tried to understand politics and shared my story with everyone," he said.

The filmmaker, who unsuccessfully contested the last general election, said that he was done with active politics and will not contest again.

"I contested the election because I wanted to have a platform for the work I am doing at an individual level," he said adding that even though he fought on a Lok Janshakti party (LJP) ticket, he has not joined any party and does not propagate any party ideology.

Jha said there was no connection to his decision to make a film on politics and him having contested an election.

The filmmaker will be having multi-city promotions for the film which releases on June 4.

"We will tour seven cities and interact with students from college campuses on issues centring around youth and politics ...like compulsory voting and reservations," he said adding that the cast and crew will travel to Bangalore on Monday to be followed by Delhi, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Kolkata, Ahmedabad and Indore.

est, so that the case could be taken up once the hearing resumes in the court,” Ashtekar said.

Most of the historical findings and statistics on Belgaum and other surrounding areas have been collected by the Expert Committee before a case was filed by Maharashtra with the Supreme Court.

The delegation would highlight the important aspects of these findings at its upcoming meeting with the prime minister to strengthen its claim on Belgaum.

The delegation would also highlight the hardship of Marathi people on the border ever since the reorganisation of the states and advantages of merging Belgaum with Maharashtra. ”The committee discussed the injustice meted out to Marathi corporators at the recent mayoral polls in Belgaum and opined that the Karnataka government did not allow for a free and fair mayoral polls to avoid the victory of MES corporators, who have ruled the civic body of Belgaum City Corporation for more than two decades,” Ashtekar said.

M’rashtra minister blames UP govt for migration PTI LUCKNOW, MAY 9

Maharashtra minister Naseem Khan today blamed the successive non-Congress governments in Uttar Pradesh for rise in migration from the state in recent times to more developed ones like Maharashtra in search of livelihood.

"Caste and communal politics of the successive non-Congress governments of Uttar Pradesh has led to dearth of employment opportunities and development forcing people to migrate to states like Maharashtra", minister for textiles, minority and ex-servicemen affairs, Khan told reporters.

To drive home the point, Khan, a native of Akbarpur area of the state, said there has been no development in his village and district.

"Under such a scenario what can the youth do except for going to developed areas though there too some political parties, indulging in politics of region and language, target them.

There had been no major industry or any other development in the state expect for parks and memorials in the recent times and these structres cannot compensate for employment or uplift the living standard of the people, he said taking a swipe at Mayawati.

court, says Pawar HERALD CORRESPONDENT BELGAUM, MAY 9

Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar has suggested the corporators of City Corporation of Belgaum to move the court to fight against the way elections were held to Belgaum mayor’s post.

It may be recalled that Pawar had taken lead in an agitation launched in Belgaum by a large number of Marathi leaders demanding the merger of all Marathi dominant areas of Karnataka with Maharashtra. Later, he did not support the MES which continued to fight for the merger.

In a memorandum submitted to Pawar, the MES called the plans of Karnataka government to develop Belgaum as the state’s second capital as illegal and expressed its opposition to the construction of Suvarna Soudha in Belgaum.

They urged the leaders to exert pressure on the Centre to prevent Karnataka going ahead with its plans about Belgaum.

Meanwhile, MES Working President T K Patil said a meet-

ing of all the MPs of Maharashtra to bring them on one platform to meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi. The meeting of the all party MPs in Maharashtra will be held within the next one week.

“Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan, his deputy Chagan Bhujbal and Home Minister R R Patil will also be part of the Maharashtra MPs’ delegation which is getting ready for its meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh shortly,” Patil confirmed.

Laser-tech park in Belgaum soon HERALD CORRESPONDENT BELGAUM, MAY 9

A first of its kind laser-tech park will shortly come up at the sports-cum-entertainment complex, to be raised at a sevenacre land in Belgaum at a cost of Rs 11 crore.

The first laser-tech park of Karnataka will have a capacity to house at least 500 people to be built on the lines of the laser-tech park of Hyderabad.

“It is one of the major projects being taken up by Belgaum City Corporation under the Rs 100 crore funds released to the corporation,” said Corporation Executive Engineer R I Naik.

The corporation will get the design and tenders for the park ready once its proposal to set up the laser park is approved by the government.

The park will be the main attraction at the sports-cumentertainment complex, which will also have a state-of-theart indoor stadium. Impressed by the laser park of Hyderabad, District Minister Basavaraj Bommai suggested the corporation to raise such a park in Belgaum to entertain the people.

According to Naik, entertainment and cultural pro-

grammes could be taken up on a regular basis at the park through laser technology.

Programmes on the historical importance of various tourist spots of the state could also be shown through laser beams. Such parks, which exist only in a few cities in the country have been a big success drawing a large number of tourists and people from all walks of life , said Naik. Within a year, the corporation wants to get the park ready at the complex.

“Already, the corporation has decided to raise the park in the first phase of the complex work, for which an amount of Rs 5 crore has been set aside.

Another Rs 7 crore will be released by the government to enable the corporation take up the complex work in two phases. The park will also have a posh swimming pool adjcent to it. The land for the project has been identified at Malmaruti area in the city,” said Naik.

The proposal sent to the government also contains a temporary blueprint of the entire complex. The corporation, which has developed the fort lake into a beautiful tourist spots, wants to make the park another tourist attraction in the city.

An international stadium is already being raised at Malmaruti by Karnataka State Cricket Association. The lasertech park will make Malmaruti into a high-tech sports locality.

Chikkodi district students excel at SSLC exams HERALD CORRESPONDENT BELGAUM, MAY 9

Chikkodi educational district, which is the part of Belgaum district, has made the region proud by securing top position in the state in the SSLC examinations.

Working its way to the top Chikkodi district secured the first place with 79.92 percent.

Belgaum educational district has secured 13th position 70.69 per cent. However, compared to 2009, the overall passing percentage of fresh students who appeared for the SSLC examination conducted by the Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board has come down from 75.77 percent to

68.77 percent this year.

A total of 8,20,778 students appeared for the exam including freshers, repeaters and private candidates, of which the overall passed candidates was 5,21,658 with girls faring better than boys and rural students recording a better performance than their urban counterparts.

Mandya came in third with a total of 79.12 percent while Bidar district has scored the lowest pass percentage with 32.27 percent.

Briefing the media on the results, Minister for Primary and Secondary Education Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri said “It was least expected that Bangalore rural would get the second po-

sition this year.

It is a remarkable achievement as last year it was placed 22nd The total fresh candidates was 68.77 percent repeaters 21.56 percent and private candidates have scored 619 marks which is the highest.

Eighty six schools have recorded zero percentage two of which are government schools. Centum marks were secured by 127 students in mathematics, 27 in science and 41 in social science.

The Minster also stated that students who have failed should be supported by their family members rather than de-motivating them. “Parents should prepare their ward for the supplementary exams which will be held on June 7,” he added.

HE RA LD

INDIA GOA, MONDAY, MAY 10,. 2010

Pg7 ‘Brain dead’ eve’s organs donated PTI

hyDERABAD, MAy 9

P Indira Reddy, a resident of Hyderabad, was declared “brain dead” a few days following an accident. But she lives on as her organs were donated to the needy.

Reddy (53), a mother of two sons, gifted her organs giving a new lease of life to several persons on the eve of Mother's Day. She was going to a temple near Lal Bahadur Nagar here on the morning of May 6 on a twowheeler driven by a relative.

The vehicle hit a ditch and she fell down and sustained severe head injuries. She was rushed to a nearby super-speciality hospital for treatment.

The doctors, however, informed her family members on May 7 that they were helpless and could do nothing as Indira was “brain dead”.

Mohan Foundation, an NGO working for promotion of organ donation, briefed the family members about how they can keep Indira Reddy alive by donating her organs.

“They knew what organ donation is. So, they readily agreed,” Mohan Foundation, CEO, Raghuram told PTI. Reddy's liver, heart valves, kidneys and eyes were retrieved yesterday and distributed among several hospitals in the city for donating to the needy.

“We are glad that we will be able to see her alive in the needy persons. After all, what is the point in burning her body with organs,” Ajay Kumari Reddy, sister-in-law of Indira Reddy, said.

Family members recall Indira as a hard working woman with high ideals. After her husband passed away 15 years ago, she worked in a private firm to bring her children up, they said.

Girl traceless in UP honour killing case PTI MUZAFFARnAGAR (UP), MAy 9

The girl, whose family had killed her boyfriend in a suspected case of honour killing, continued to remain traceless, police said today.

The girl Anshu Tomar, in early 20s, is yet to be found, police said adding efforts are on in this direction.

The police suspect that she has also been killed.

In a suspected case of honour killing, a BBA student Ajit Saini, who is in early 20s, was killed by the family of the girl with whom he had eloped two months ago and the two had returned home on April 19 after they were given assurance that their marriage would soon be solemnised.

The body of the boy was found in Mandi area here on Friday last. His throat was found slit and legs cut off.

The police have yet not succeeded in recovering the legs which were chopped off when he tried to free himself from his tormentors.

Scribe’s mum released PTI KODERMA (JhARKhAnD), MAy 9

The mother of scribe Nirupama Pathak, who was arrested last week in connection with the alleged honour killing of her daughter, was today released on parole for three days to attend the post-death rituals.

Koderma Jail Superintendent Martin Ranjan said that Subha Pathak was allowed to go to her Jhumritilaya home to attend the 'shradh' rituals following a local court's permission.

Subha Pathak had on Friday petitioned Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) N K Agarwal to allow her to attend the 'shradh' of her daughter.

22-year-old Nirupama Pathak, who was working for a business daily in Delhi, was found dead on April 29 in her parents' house in Tilaya in Koderma district under mysterious circumstances.

Her mother had alleged that it was a case of suicide. However, the post-mortem had revealed that Pathak died due to smothering. A 10 to 12 weekold foetus was also found during the autopsy.

Suspecting the death to be a case of honour killing, the police had arrested Subha.

It has been claimed that Nirupama and her boyfriend Priyabhanshu Ranjan were planning to get married but her parents did not approve of the match

OHERALDO

Edit Page Template:Layout 1 5/9/2010 10:53 AM Page 1

OPINION

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www.oheraldo.in

O HERALD O

Co-ordinating Development in Goa

Vol No CX No: 121 Goa, Monday 10 May, 2010

Tale of a tongue

O

n the weekend, the lobby of Romi Konkani backers made a point. They came out with a book specially focussed on the literature of this form of writing Konkani. The book is authored by the prolific government official-scholar, the late Prof. Dr. Olivinho Gomes, whose life unfortunately ended too early, not long after he got into retirement and was offering an consistent output of academic, popular and creative writing.

Dr. Gomes’ book is published by the Romi-supporting Dalgado Konknni Akademi, and is a must-read for anyone, whether a Romi supporter or not.

The fact that it is published in English makes it accessible to a wider audience, which is a good thing in itself. It is priced at a reasonable Rs 190, and is titled ‘Konkani Literature in (The) Roman Script: A Brief History’.

In his introduction written in March 2009, Dr Gomes uses strong words to say he took on this “daunting task” as a “labour of love, to dispel the cobwebs of ignorance and prejudice that have blinded the detractors of Konkani in the Roman script to heap scorn on it without even reading what is being written in it.”

The Romi-Devanagari dispute of recent years is unfortunate to say the least. Goa Today editor Vinayak Naik was outspoken, at the release function, in criticising those who were hostile to Romi getting its place under the sun.

In his usual, academically sound yet very reader-friendly style, the former acting vice-chancellor of the Goa University Dr Gomes makes his point strongly. Romi has been around for long, contributed much in adding to the diversity and richness of Konkani writing, and has indeed kept the community of Konkani speakers connected even in places like Karachi, Africa and Mumbai.

But, we believe a language cannot get ahead by antagonisms or by blocking others. If the Devanagari camp might be accused of the latter, the Romi supporters sometimes speak with the bitterness — maybe justified — that comes from years of feeling sidelined. As Dr Gomes put it, “No amount of crumbs of grants thrown at it, can undo this unconstitutional injustice that has banned it from government jobs and cultural institutions that are supposed to represent it, for the past twenty-one years now.”

Ironically — and this is not meant to be a criticism — using the government grants it has received of late, the Romi networks, such as the DKA and the Goa Tiatr Academy, have gone into an overdrive of activity. They’ve been holding cultural programmes, book releases, contests, theatre events and more. This is the way to go ahead, to make a language relevant to its speakers... and not just stop there, but to go beyond that.

At the programme on Saturday, some speakers felt Konkani needs to compete with languages like English. There was a fear voiced about the increasing role of English, whether it felt by way of birthday songs, or wedding invites. (Some years back, the target was English education.)

But can a language grow by raising we-are-in-danger slogans?

Does it make sense to focus on a state of siege, and raise linguistic Berlin Walls to keep out other languages?

Konkani — whether Romi or Devanagari — is rich in many ways. Specially in the spoken idiom, in the cultural field, in the creative sphere. But much is still lacking when it comes to encourage the production of new ideas, specially in non-fiction, through Konkani. Likewise, so much remains to be done by way of translations to and from Konkani.

Konkani cannot, and should not, remain an island. It needs to build bridges with other languages, exchange its riches with them, and grow in turn. One pressing task is the need for more language-learning material in Konkani, whichever script. Similarly, a lot remains to be done to boost the visibility of the language in cyberspace. On this front, Mangaloreans and Konkani communities from the south-west coast of India have probably done better. Besides this, given the fact that Goans have among the highest out-migration ratios in the world, building up bridges between Konkani’s “lost tribes” — new generations who have lost touch with the language — is an especially important task.

Goa is on a course of self destruction, collapsing under the weight of its own ‘development affirms AVERTHANUS L. D’SOUZA

W

hen people talk about development, they usually refer to physical development such as buildings, roads, bridges, schools, airports, residential houses etc. While this is not entirely incorrect, it is certainly incomplete. Physical infrastructure is definitely part of development – but only an important ‘part’ of development. Governments invest money, talent, organization and a lot of time to provide ‘development’ for their people. More often than not, they stop at physical infrastructures. This is too limited a vision of development. The level of development is not judged by the number of buildings- residential or commercial or the number of bridges or roads built. These can be counterproductive.

Physical infrastructure is meant to serve a ‘social’ and ‘cultural’ purpose. The prosperity of a given population is not judged by the physical assets that they have acquired, but by their ‘lifestyle.’ A peaceful population and a culturally rich society is more developed than an overcrowded town or city where crime is rampant and human life is degraded. Goa is a classic example of the migration of people from the big metropolitan cities escaping from the dehumanizing environment of big city life to the relatively sedate and peaceful atmosphere of a semi-rural environment. Unfortunately, they bring their urban mindsets with them when they come here.

They prefer to live in pigeon-hole-like flats in very large condominiums with many common facilities, just like the ones which they escaped from. Goa, very unfortunately, is making every effort to accommodate this mindset instead of resisting it. Goa is on a course of self destruction because it is mimicking precisely the atmosphere from which the immigrants are fleeing. We are seeing massive residential complexes without adequate parking spaces for vehicles; roads which cannot bear the load of traffic; towns where negotiating traffic has become extremely painful.

Municipal garbage has grown in volume beyond the capacity of the municipalities to handle. Sewerage cannot be treated because its volume is far beyond the capacity of the treatment plants and is therefore allowed to flow, untreated, into the rivers and seas. Goa is collapsing under the weight of its own ‘development.’ And the people who are responsible for this collapse are the citizens themselves and the incompetent representatives whom they have elected to the State’s Legislative Assembly.

Moral Considerations The planning infrastructure in Goa is like a bullock cart which the government is striving to drive like an SUV or a fourth generation motor car. It simply cannot happen. The pace of investment in so-called development activities in Goa is totally disproportionate to the available intellectual, cultural and social capital available to support development. The unfortunate result is that Goa is beginning to die before it even begins to live.

The lesson that we need to learn from this experience is that true development comes from the internal strengths of a society. It cannot be forced by external pressures –whether financial or technical. A simple example should serve to bring home this truth. Even with a small population in 1961, Goa was not able to produce sufficient vegetables, meat, eggs, milk and other basic necessities to feed itself. Most of it had to be imported from outside Goa. Instead of increasing our agricultural productivity and the land necessary to provide more vegetables, fruits, poultry and meat products, our government is allowing agricultural land to be converted for commercial and non-agricultural uses. In effect,

Wise Counsel

instead of providing the infrastructure to increase the food production in Goa, we are being driven to become even more dependent on imports from outside. A glaring example is fish. With a coastline as vast as Goa’s and with so many rivers flowing through it, we still cannot provide sufficient fish to our population. We need to import fish from outside Goa. The incompetence in planning and administration has reached its nadir. Our government and legislators are clueless about what is needed for the ‘development’ of Goa. They open up our lands and rivers to land sharks and gamblers who promise to create more jobs for the local population. Creating employment seems to be the only qualification needed for an industry or a factory to be allowed into Goa. Such short-sighted decisions on the part of the government are guaranteed to destroy the potential of Goa. The negative consequences of this unplanned and ad-hoc government are painfully evident.

It is not too late to put a moratorium on all further development activities in Goa and undertake a careful, systematic and rational exercise of creating the framework for all future development. This framework should consist of a legal,

an administrative and a technical component.

The legal framework should be the legislating of a new Act to be (preferably) called The Goa Development Planning Act. This Act will cover all aspects of development – physical, social, economic and cultural. It will bring under its purview all development programmes, including land allocations for industrial, commercial, residential and recreational purposes. The administrative component will consist of setting up appropriate command and control centres at the appropriate levels – talukas, districts and state. It will also ensure that all planning and execution will take place from the village level upwards. This will include the provision that village level plans will be subject to conformity with district level and state priorities. The existing Town and Country Planning structure has to be abolished as being totally irrelevant and retrogressive. A completely new structure has to be put in place to facilitate over-all development, including use of land for specific purposes.

Most importantly, the functions and the administrative structures of economic development and spatial allocations should be merged into a single structure with coordinated functions. This will bring about cohesion in planning and execution, and will remove all the overlaps and incongruities within the present systems. The existing systems are in conflict with one another and only create confusion in execution of projects – to take just one example: who is responsible for the treatment of sewage? – the Sewerage Board or the local Municipal body or the Pollution Control Board?

Such confusion can be multiplied for many sectors.

The present system is overburdened with a multiplicity of departments/ boards/authorities and a multiplicity of laws which only add to the confusion. What is urgently needed is a complete overhaul of the systems to make them rational, efficient and effective.

Most importantly, the State of Goa needs a clear VISION of what it wants to be in 2021 or in 2050. Unless we have a Vision to work towards, our planning will continue to be ad-hoc, blinkered and confused. The fact that our politicians are speaking in many contradictory voices is already indicative of the lack of a common vision for Goa. It is up to the citizens to force this common vision on their elected representatives. Drowning all of them in the Arabian sea (as has been proposed by some) is no solution to our problem. We need to have a more creative response.

God Cares For Us

M

any people wonder whether God does really care for them.

Yes, God cares about everyone. Even if you do not believe in God, or stray from Him, when you’re discouraged, just waiting for someone to pick you up and it seems like every person passes you by intentionally, when you’ve felt like all hope is lost and everyone and everything has given up on you, when the pit of despair has consumed us, and faithfulness has fled, when our world has not only been turned upside down, but been shattered and the pieces are scattered, He still cares about you and loves you, just as much as he does for people who devote their entire lives to Him. It’s just that we fail to understand Him and his ways. When we read the Bible we get to know about the awesome, amazing, indefinable God who simply spoke words to create our world. He is so perfect in His ways that if a human saw His face, that person would die. We are aware of God’s wondrous ways. It is hard to believe that God cares so deeply for us. Although at times we feel forsaken by God, He never forsakes us.

How often has someone said to you, "I know how you feel?"

Our first reaction is to think "no you don't". Suffering is so personal; no one could know the pain. Yet the truth is, we all suffer. We will all experience pain, that deep dark loss that leaves us breathless, curled up in bed never wanting to get out again. When we watch our loved ones wither before our eyes, twisted in pain, it's then that we know suffering, and it's then we curse God, don’t we?

Where is He when we really need him? It’s at times like these that God is closer to us than ever. How can a loving and just God ignore our suffering? Many see good in suffering, that there is some divine purpose in it. How true it is that glory so often comes through suffering and pain. Jesus knows well the path of glory through pain and suffering. It is impossible that God does not know our pain, that he has not suffered as we have. Does suffering somehow shape the divine within us, developing qualities fit for eternity, preparing us for glory? Mind you, after the journey of suffering, we shall be less able to find anything worthy in the pit of pain. That God is God, that good will prevail, that our experiences

By Arlette Azavedo through life, both good and bad, shape us, yes, but to know the reason, that's another matter.

So what do we say? The pathway of life is narrow and rockstrewn, we know not why. Often the way is clear and bright, but at times we stumble and fall and everything seems lost. There is reason to it, but that reason we know not. In the distance we see the light of eternity, and beside us we sense the hand of the Gentle Man Of Sorrows, laughing when we laugh, weeping when we cry.

Is this enough? When you wonder whether God cares and where He is, remember Jesus and how he cried when he felt abandoned

by His Father ust so that we could serve God and live eternally to worship Him. He has not forsaken us. Remember Jesus’ words: “And I am with you always, even to the end of the earth.” Since that is so, don’t lose heart. Run with patience the particular race in life that is set before you. Surmount the particular obstacles you are facing. Don’t let them get you down. There is a huge crowd of heavenly beings cheering you on. End with a line from a hymn “Oh yes He cares. I know He cares. His heart is touched by my grief.”

Letters to the Editor Drugs safety J. M. de Almeida, Alto Porvorim The nexus between the Goa Police and the drug mafia has been exposed with the arrest of police personnel. This needs a deeper probe by the CBI. The claims of the Goa home minister that there is no drug peddling has been falsied by the huge seizure of drugs by the then Superintendent of Police North Goa Bosco Jorge who had to pay a price by his unceremonious transfer to Cabo Raj Niwas.

Once the drugs are seized the police ought to have got the material duly examined by a competent agency and once the result is obtained further action should be initiated to penalize the drug peddler and dispose of the seized.

It is a pity that the high rank police officers miserably failed to follow the correct procedure and also to ensure the safety of the seized drugs resulting in the disappearance of drugs worth crores of rupees. In order to avoid such a sorry state of affairs, the

Goa government should constitute a committee headed by an army officer, collector, IGP, and superintendent of police as members, in whose presence the seized drugs should be disposed of and reported to the chief secretary of the Goa government.

No shelter Pravin Sardessai, Adpai In Ponda, many motorcycle pilots have been noticed occupying different locations in open areas. There is absolutely no shed of any sort which can serve as a source of protection for them. During summer season, they face great difficulties as they are totally unable to bear the heat. The situation turns miserable during the monsoons. Truly speaking, this is the only source of income for them to support their families. As the monsoon season is so close, I hope the concerned competent authorities erect the much needed sheds for the benefit of motorcycle pilots stationed in various locations at Ponda so that they remain happy and

Smile with Smitha

Smitha Bhandare Kamat

Letter of the Day

Paying respects Melson F.M. Louis, Margao This has reference to your news report, ‘Install portrait of Dr. Sequeira in MMC hall : UK group’ (Herald, April 30 ) where the president of the UK based international voice for Romi Konknni stated that South Goa has not yet given due respect to Dr. Jack de Sequeira, although the people of North Goa have already put up a portrait or named the road and junction after Dr. Jack Sequeira. The president of UK based group Francisco Floriano Fernandes may not be aware that the Velim panchayats and the villagers celebrated the 43rd anniversary of Opinion Poll Day by paying their respect to Dr. Jack de Sequeira, where a huge portrait was installed in the panchayat hall, on the occasion of the diamond jubilee of our republic this year.

Herald had published the news report with photograph of the occasion on February 8, 2010.

So also, in my earlier letter to the editor dated January 26, 2008 I had requested all village panchayats gram sabha members to put up proposal to their village sarpanch to have a portrait of Dr. Sequeira installed in the village panchayats hall and also requested the councilors of the Margao municipal council to pass a resolution to install a statue of Dr. Jack de Sequeira at a prominent place in Margao, because it was the people of Salcette who played a major role in the anti-merger campaign of Goa’s unique Opinion Poll in 1967, the only one in the history of independent India.

As Goa will be celebrating the golden jubilee of the liberation of Goa in 2011, the patriotic people of South Goa look forward to their leaders to give due honour to Dr. Jack de Sequeira, a distinguished son of Goa, who fought to retain the separate identity of this land, the Konkani language and laid the foundation of a separate State for our future generation. contended while continuing their trade.

A sympathetic consideration needs to be given for their welfare on a priority basis.

Discrimination

hide a bomb on their head?

It is time the Islamic Human Rights Commission needs to be involved in order to prevent prejudices against Muslims.

Murad Karol, Navelim

Be practical

With reference to the report ‘ Burqa-clad Russian grounds airplane’ and ‘Muslim woman fined for wearing burqa in Italy’ (Herald, May ).The fear of burqa or anything related to Islam is nothing but symptoms of Islamophobia.

It is common sense that clothing is cultural, but the need to cover oneself from head to toe is a religious obligation for Muslim women.

The veil does not cause discomfort to anyone. But Muslims are selectively being discriminated on the basis of religion and Islamic attire.What about those people wearing turbans and hats? Can not they

When the world around us is in a fast forward mode, some of us want to go back to our roots. Which is all very good but it should also be practical and in consistency with today’s needs. It been noticed that some people will oppose anything and everything that spells development. There is no doubt that opposition and agitations are required and important in order to keep the state government in check.

Issues such as the Regional Plan 2011, the absolutely unnecessary Panjim-Vasco sea-link, the cricket stadium, sports city etc need to be dealt with but one can’t oppose

Gary Fonseca, by email

all kinds of development.

The case in point is the opposition to the 4-lane highway. Opposition to the 4 laning of the national highway seems extremely unwarranted.

A four lane highway will ensure greater safety especially for bike riders and cyclists.

A pavement for pedestrians is crucial. We cant opposing all development in the State without a valid reason. Everyone uses roads and it is in the interest of the common man that we undertake the 4 lane highway project at the earliest.

Paths of Wisdom

Eco-friendly steps Agnelo Fernandes, Vasco We are seeing an extreme boom in housing projects these days. Whether we like it or not the fact is that housing facilities make life a lot simpler and safer as they have ample parking space, electricity back-up and 24 hr security among other facilities.

Seeing that housing projects are catching everyone’s eye it wont hurt to come up with projects that are environment friendly and which ensure the use of environment friendly measures.

The garbage problems around residential areas keep on increasing on a daily basis.

While people residing within the jurisdiction of a municipality have the facility of garbage collection at their doorstep, those residing in Goa’s villages are not so lucky. Hence it’s absolutely important that all developers set up waste management facilities and sewage treatment plants in their complexes. This should be made mandatory.

Other environment friendly options like the use of solar panels, smart architecture which utilizes natural lighting, use of CLF bulbs, increasing green areas and rain water harvesting projects should be included in the development plan of housing projects.

Letters should be 150 words or less in length, and should have the writer’s name, address and telephone number. The editor reserves the right to edit letters for size and readability, and to delete any personal attacks or libellous /objectionable matter.

Love for Enemies Luke 6: 27-36 27 “But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, and pray for those who ill-treat you. 29 If anyone hits you on one cheek, let him hit the other one too; if someone takes your coat, let him have your shirt as well. 30 Give to everyone who asks you for something, and when someone takes what is yours, do no ask for it back. 31 Do for others what you want them to do for you.

32 “If you love only the people who love you, why should you receive a blessing?

Even sinners love those who love them!

33 And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you receive a blessing? Even sinners do that!

34 And if you lend only to those from whom you hope to get it back, why should you receive a blessing? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount! 35 No! Love your enemies and do good to them; lend and expect nothing back. You will then have a great reward, and you will be sons of the Most High God. For he is good to the ungrateful and the wicked. 36 Be merciful just as your Father is merciful.

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HE RA LD

INDIA GOA, MONDAY, 10 MAY, 2010

OPinionatED

Moral policing: We don’t want it

M

By Sajla Chawla

orality is inherently a socially problematic issue.

What is morality? Is there one single set definition that can describe it? Is your sense of morality the same as your neighbour’s? Can we all live in a carefully crafted society, which regiments our lives and allows us no scope for individual expression? Is your sense of morality the same as your grandparents?

Moral values vary from individual to individual and from era to era. Yet in every ethos, there is a certain general, unwritten and unsaid sense of morality. Various groups and parties, which do not have a well-thought-of and well-defined ideology, play the card of public morality, hoping to get validation for their existence through it and hoping that the public will fall for the age old, self righteous do’s and don’ts of social behaviour. The moralistic agenda is a mere eye wash for the dire lack of ideology which all these institutions like Shiv Sena and Ram Sene suffer from. Political mileage and publicity is thus sought through, picking up the issue of women’s sexuality and its expression.

Something similar happened to Khushboo. Her spontaneous, off the cuff remarks were caught hold of, by some self righteously moralistic people and organisations, and a whole debate ensued about pre-marital sex.

Sex is such a personal experience and personal choice, that no amount of social regimentation can really kill the impulse, not even in the Taliban ruled states where the penalty of illicit sex is through stoning and all kinds of barbaric punishments. How then, in a democratic country, where men and women rub shoulders at work places, offices, colleges, or while commuting or on social occasions, can it be possible to monitor the personal lives of people and consequently their sexual lives?

It is a fact of modern existence that internet, phones, SMS make communication and accessibility between the sexes very easy. The actress Khushboo merely accepted this reality and remarked that it was fine for girls to indulge in pre-marital sex after taking precautions to keep unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases at bay. Later, she had justified her statement by saying no educated man could expect his partner to be a virgin. In no way does the statement encourage or discourage premarital sex. It only speaks of what is the evident reality of our times and hence the need to be careful.

However, the organisations which objected to this, deliberately misconstrued it, and implied that she, as an icon, was encouraging premarital sex, which according to society, is immoral for all, especially for women!

In a patriarchal society, women often have to bear the burden of morality, much more than men. From their childhood they are supposed to be demure, subservient and need to uphold the family honour by acting in a very socially acceptable way. Women’s sexuality is something, which still makes most people in our country, cringe with embarrassment. The socioeconomic inequalities inherent in our society make the women more vulnerable in all relationships. But now, when the women are coming out of their cocoons and making individual choices regarding careers, lifestyle, partners and social behaviour, society is suddenly at a loss at handling this liberation. People do not know how to react and all of us set our own limits to this liberation and satirize the ones who have set further limits than ours! In psychological terms too, people who are the least at ease with their own ‘self ’, talk and gossip the most, about others. If people are so sure about their own morality, why does that morality get so easily threatened by someone who embodies a different morality? And is that morality so shaky that, to protect it, you have to go on a witch hunt and public lynching, as was done to Khushboo?

Organisations, like the Ram Sene, have branded the ‘social choices’ for women as ‘social vices’?! Referring to the attack on women, in a pub, by his party workers Mr Muthalik says, “Women are being misused and misguided. We oppose this.

Women have to be protected, as the law has failed. We are the custodians of Indian Culture…”; “Their method was wrong.

I apologise for that. It should not have happened. But it was done to save our daughters and mothers from an alien culture,” a defiant Muthalik said.

We would like to ask Mr Muthalik what he is protecting us against. Is he voicing his concerns about feticide or going on a hunger strike against the practice of dowry or leading a campaign against rapes? No. His august Sene ignores all these hardcore issues, which are forced on women all through this country. Instead, it attacks women in a pub and physically abuses them. A similar impulse led to a fatwa against Sania Mirza for her short skirt. The ‘culture’ that Mr Muthalik seeks to protect, itself is so multifarious that one cannot ascribe a single monolithic definition to it. India is a country where different eras coexist simultaneously and often anachronistically.

We live in many Indias. There is the India of highly educated urban economically independent women, who get a chance to make their own choices in everything that matters.

There is another rural India, where women are on the wrong side of class, caste, gender and have almost no choices at all.

There is a liberal India, which almost mirrors the west in its lifestyle and values and there is the Feudal India, with extreme patriarchal set up, as evident in parallel law enforcers like the Khap panchayat. There is an India, where everything is commoditised in the great economic boom and there is the India that does not get two meals a day. In a country that shows no uniform development, there are bound to be clashes between one India and the other, be it moral, ethical, personal or social values. A country cannot move forward unless its entire people walk together. When they do not walk together, fundamentalist and moral brigades get a chance to exploit the sense of social, cultural and economic inequalities, and indulge in moral policing.

Any kind of relationship, especially sexual, makes an individual vulnerable – emotionally and physically. If all you want to do in your life is to jump from one sexual encounter to another, you obviously have deep unresolved psychological problems and that kind of behaviour can make an emotional wreck of a person. But for all the rest of the large majority like us, who live their lives without much sexual deviation or aberration or propensity, relationships are deeply emotional and personal along with being physical. Now, why in the world would we, as individuals, be influenced by the likes of Ram Sene, regarding our own individual sexual choices?

Khushboo has rightly made her triumphant statement as she emerged victorious after a long and traumatic battle against the moral brigades. Like her, we all hope that these people, who harangue about other people’s morality, have ‘Shut Up’.

Pg9 India bailed out China during climate talks: Ramesh PTI BEIJING, MAY 9

India bailed out China from isolation during the Copenhagen climate talks and saved it from getting ambushed by the US and EU which wanted it to sign an agreement on verification of emission levels much against its wishes, Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh said today.

“Chinese leaders continue to harp on Copenhagen spirit because we were critical to China during the climate negotiations.

At the Copenhagen talks Chinese in their heart of hearts know we saved them from isolation,” Ramesh, who is on a visit here, said addressing the Foreign Correspondents' Club of China.

Asked how India was critical to China for a sustained relationship, he said New Delhi had not yet reached a stage where it was critical to Beijing. But the Chinese leaders were well aware of benefits of friendship with

India as established during the last year's climate negotiations.

During the climate talks, both the US and EU countries were determined to ambush China and get it sign a legally binding treaty, the minister said.

“The strategy of the most of the countries was to ambush China because it is the largest emitter of green house gases,” amounting to 23 per cent of the global emissions, he said.

The US has not ratified Kyoto Protocol saying that they would not do unless the Chinese do so.

The strategy, Ramesh said, was to get China sign on “some international agreement to give legal status: but “it did not happen.”

“Given our English skills and our more cussedness in negotiating skills we bailed the Chinese out of many difficult situations. Chinese know India was absolutely essential for the fact that China did not get iso-

lated at Copenhagen,” he said, adding that but for the agreement which was signed by BASIC along with US President Barrack Obama, Washington would have launched a tirade against Beijing forscuttling climate talks.

“Had the agreement with Obama was not signed he would have gone back to the US and painted China a villain of peace.

The fact that he signed (accord), it gave Chinese a way out. They realised that," he said.

Ramesh also refuted allegations by European commenta-

tors that India and China scuttled Copenhagen talks. He said developing countries like India and China could have never signed a binding agreement without firm binding commitment from developed countries.

Part of the frustration of the Europeans was that they were completely bypassed by Obama and BASIC -- Brazil, South Africa, India and China -- during the climate talks, he said.

“Europe has not got used to the fact it completely got bypassed in the last two days of the talks. Frankly Copenhagen Accord was President Obama's accord with the BASIC group facilitated by India and China," the environment minister said.

Ramesh, who yesterday was openly critical of the Indian home ministry accusing it of stalling the import by India of the Chinese telecom equipment and raising “alarmist” security concerns, defended the emerging rapprochement between the

two countries.

The area of cooperation of climate change has given both India and China an opportunity to work together in a field that has significance across the developmental spectrum.

“When we are talking of climate, we are talking of energy, forestry, transportation and industry. Climate change is an entry point in a whole set of areas,” he said, adding that it has led to cooperation in the fields like forestry.

Ramesh also argued that while India may not be critical to China, India's massive expansion of infrastructure offered a big scope for Beijing to invest and reap benefits.

India would have been 'no use' for China had its GDP remained very low. But the fact that India too was developing rapidly with 8.5 per cent growth rate offering billions of dollars of worth of business for Chinese investment, which already

crossed USD 30 billion, made a difference, he said.

“We are offering a large market to Chinese companies …80 per cent of infrastructure by 2030 is waiting to be built. 20 per cent of power generating capacity to be built by 2012 will come from Chinese equipment. :We are not yet critical for them but they are critical to us,” he said.

India's leadership in software is also proving advantageous.

The Chinese have not yet figured out why India is continuing to lead in software,” the minister said.

“They are ahead of us in hardware, we are far ahead of China in software. If we are able to develop the leadership, they will come to us and we will be important,” he said, adding that some of the provinces close to Indian borders are also recognising the benefits of close relations.

IAF pilots rescue constable from rooftop PTI NEW DELHI, MAY 9

A chimpanzee climbs onto a tree to get protected from sun light in Lucknow zoo on Sunday..

Displaying remarkable flying skills, Indian Air Force pilots helped in evacuating a police constable, severely injured in an encounter with terrorists, from the rooftop of a house in Reasi area of Jammu.

“After being asked to evacuate the injured Jammu and Kashmir police constable, a Cheetah helicopter from our Udhampurbased flight was sent to Khor village near Reasi on Saturday evening,” IAF officials told PTI here.

Due to the fading light and step-farming in the area, our choppers were finding it difficult to land there, they added.

“Facing difficulties there, chopper's Captain Wing Commander S Chaturvedi decided to hover over the roof of an abandoned house while copilot, Squadron Leader H S Cheema skillfully slithered down to pick up the injured police personnel," officials said.

From there, the chopper flew to Jammu and the injured constable was then admitted to the

civil hospital for urgent medical attention, they added.

Placement cell: A job placement cell to help widows of airmen has been launced by the wives association of Indian Air Force (IAF).

The Air Force Wives Welfare Association (AFWWA) launched the portal www.afwwaservices.co.in last week that will act as an interface between a prospective employer and a willing job-seeker among the wives and widows of air men.

“Initially, the idea (of starting the cell) came to me as I was thinking about the widows of the IAF personnel. Because, most of their letters often say that they need some job as they cannot sustain with the meagre pension they get,” Air Chief Marshal P V Naik's wife Madhubaala Naik told PTI here today.

“We gave a thought to their plea and we came out with this job placement service," Madhubaala, who is also the AFWWA president, said.

About the kind of employment the women from IAF fam-

Tagore my dream man, says Riya Sen PTI NEW DELHI, MAY 9

She was famously linked to Booker Prize winner Salman Rushdie and it looks like Riya Sen has a thing for authors as she considers the Bard of Bengal, Rabindranath Tagore, the perfect man for herself.

The controversy-prone starlet, who is the grand-daughter of legendary actress Suchitra Sen says that she is a true Bengali at heart who adores the 'Gitanjali' poet.

“I grew up with Tagore and nobody ever expresses the emotion of love like he did and he understood women so well. He is the perfect man everybody dreams of, including me,” Sen told PTI. The actress who is as well known for her sultry good looks as her acting skills will be seen in a totally deglam avatar in Rituparno Ghosh's Nauka Dubi, based on a story of the same name by the Nobel prize winning poet.

“I am working with my sister Raima in the film, though we do not share any scenes in it.

The story is different from the one written by Tagore, but it is based on the same elements,” said the 29-year-old actress.

Sen too will join the celebrations of the 150th birth anniversary of Tagore in Kolkata today, a city which is dear to her heart.

“Kolkata will always be special to me. My family, mom, dad, grandmother all live there.

I am based in Mumbai and travel a lot, but Kolkata will always be home,” said Sen who made her acting debut as a

child-artiste with Vishkanya'in 1991.

Though her Bollywood career has gone cold, Sen is back in the limelight as the cover girl of men's magazine Maxim.

Dressed in a crocheted mini dress, Sen proves that she is a 'ten' when it comes to glamour, though she is not sure whether that worked for her in her showbiz career.

‘At times, I feel I could have done without it, but then again, I have realised that it's great.

There are so many people try-

ing to have such an image which has come naturally to me,” said the actress who has in the past grabbed headlines albeit for all the wrong reasons.

From a naked MMS clip with actor Ashmit Patel to her seminude photograph on lensman Dabboo Ratnani's annual calendar, Sen has had more than her share of controversies, though her career did not benefit from all the free publicity.

The actress' last outing on silver-screen was the multi-starrer comedy 'Paying Guest' released last year but she is optimistic that 'Nauka Dubi' will be a turning point in her life.

“I have been wanting to do a film like this for a long time and I enjoyed it's making thoroughly. It's a film which challenged me as an actor,” said Sen who made her debut in Bengali cinema with a small role in Ghosh's Abohomaan.

In Nauka Dubi, she shares the screen with her elder sister Raima, as well as Sharmila Tagore and Priyanshu Chatterjee.

The Bengali beauty has also

30 days info under RTI hard to obtain PTI NEW DELHI, MAY 9

Even four years after the Right to Information Act was enacted, getting information within 30 days as mandated under the law is not an easy task.

PTI filed 20 applications in a span of five months between November 1, 2009 and March 31, 2010 with different Union ministries and organisations.

Surprisingly, no department provided complete information within 30 day limit mandated under the Act. In three cases, applications were rejected within a month along with exemption clauses given under the transparency law.

Nine applications did not receive any reply in a month and the concerned Central Public Information Officers replied much after the mandatory period was over.

In the remaining eight cases, the CPIOs either transferred the application or sent incomplete responses. In four of these information was provided after the intervention of higher authorities.

The most brazen response was of sports ministry CPIO who

rejected two applications dated November 23 seeking details of travel expenses and expenditure incurred on snacks served during the meetings for preparations of Commonwealth Games.

The information was only provided after instructions of higher authorities. The application regarding travel expenses was replied on March 12 while that on snacks was replied after five months on April 7.

An RTI application dated March 24 directed to organizing committee of Commonwealth Games is yet to be answered by the committee.

One of the CPIOs of Rural Development Ministry claimed that application on Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act dated March 9 was received by him only after 21 days which he replied on April 23.

A person, under the RTI Act, can apply before a designated Central Public Information Officer of a government department, who is generally a director level officer in central ministries, with a fee of Rs 10.

The CPIO is mandated to provide requisite information, if it

does not come under the exemption clauses of the act, as expeditiously as possible and within 30 days of receiving it.

In case information is incomplete or not provide, first appeal can be filed in the department with higher official who are designated at First Appellate Authority.

The Central Information Commission has already made it clear that "information has to be provided within 30 days and that there is no provision of excluding holidays and weekends from the mandatory period."

If an official does not provide information to an applicant within 30 days, he or she may be fined at the rate of Rs 250 per day from the time the information became due to the time it was provided subject to maximum of Rs 25,000.

Leading RTI activist and Magsaysay award winner Arvind Kejariwal agreed that people were not able to get the information within 30 days as mandated under the law.

“The reason is that Information Commissioners are not penalising erring CPIOs. RTI Act

was the first law in the country which had provisions of the slapping penalty on a government official, if he or she did not perform their duties," he said.

Kejariwal said immediately after the act was implemented officials were scared of being penalised but now they are taking it for granted as they know penalties are rare.

‘The CPIOs are misinterpreting the Act itself. The Act says information should be 'as expeditiously as possible, and in any case within thirty days' but they start sending information only on 30th day which is the maximum limit," said Commodore (retd) Lokesh Batra, another RTI activist.

Information Commissioner Shailesh Gandhi agrees that information flow is often tardy but cites practical difficulties in imposing penalties.

“We have found that in many cases, CPIOs transfer the application within department as soon as it lands with them to shrug off responsibility. It becomes a chain and holding an official responsible for the delay becomes difficult to pin-point and this is just one of the reasons," he said.

ilies sought, she said the job could be from any field as the

women were qualified in different areas.

APPOINTMENTS

Pg10

HE RA LD GOA, MONDAY, 10 MAY, 2010

Thai PM sticks to plan REUTERS BANGKOK, MAY 9

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said today he would not abandon efforts to find a peaceful solution to a twomonth political crisis despite renewed violence in Bangkok that took the death toll to 29.

But he also appeared to be running out of patience with “red shirt” protesters, telling

them he wanted a reply within a day or two to his proposal to hold an early election on Nov 14.

The “red shirts” have been demonstrating in the capital since mid-March, at first demanding immediate elections, and have been camped out in a posh shopping area since April 3, forcing malls and luxury hotels to close at huge cost to the local economy.

FROM PAGE 1

Watery grave but was declared brought dead.

Moniz said the boys had gone for a swim where the river empties into the sea. “Fr Thomas rushed to the rescue of the youngsters after they were found struggling in the waters. Fr Thomas managed to rescue two of the boys before he collapsed,” he added.

Moniz was critical over the absence of any life guard at the Galgibag beach. He demanded that the government take a serious look at the requirements of life guards to man the beaches.

As it took quite some time for the 108 Ambulance to reach the spot, Moniz said the government should consider stationing these ambulances in close proximity to the beaches to attend to emergencies.

The Episcopal Vicar termed the demise of Fr Thomas as very sad and unfortunate. “Fr Thomas will be completing two years as Assistant Parish Priest of Nuvem on June 1. He was very active in all fields of activity,” Fr Silva recalled.

Fr Thomas was an active football player, having been a regular member and the captain of the football team of the Diocesan Priests of Goa.

HE RA LD

Pg11

GOA, MONDAY, 10 MAY, 2010

Russia offers olive branch as NATO joins parade REUTERS MOSCOW, MAY 9

President Dmitry Medvedev struck a conciliatory note at Russia's Victory Day military parade today, urging world powers to unite for peace and defending his decision to invite NATO troops to march on Red Square.

For the first time since Stalin began commemorating the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany, serving US, British Polish and French troops joined over 11,000 Russian soldiers to parade past the Kremlin's red walls in bright sunshine.

The opposition Communists and some Soviet war veterans condemned the move but Medvedev said in a speech that the lesson from World War Two was ''to urge us to unite in solidarity'' to counter present-day threats and ensure global security.

“Today, at the military parade, soldiers of Russia, of countries of the (former Soviet Union), and of the Allied powers will march together, in one column which is evidence of our common readiness to defend peace”, he said.

Welsh Guards from the British

military marched in their trademark black bearskin hats ahead of 70 troops from the US 170th Infantry Brigade in a section reserved for the Soviet Union's war allies.

Underlining the message of reconciliation, a 1,200strong military band closed the parade with a moving rendition of Beethoven's Ode to Joy as German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Chinese President Hu Jintao and other world leaders looked on.

Russia's Communists, still the country's biggest opposition party, held a demonstration after the parade, chanting “Glory to the great Stalin”, to protest against NATO forces for marching over the square, home to the embalmed body of Lenin.

Most of the Soviet war veterans attending the parade seemed unconcerned by the presence of NATO soldiers, though they did not applaud when they marched past.

“Why not? Let them see how we celebrate a solemn parade,” said ex-World War Two soldier Grigory Petrovich Zabuski. “I'm absolutely not against it. I met English troops myself on the

Elbe on May 4, 1945.”

But not everyone was happy.

“We veterans were against this from the beginning,” said one former naval officer, who declined to give his name. “The Americans have their interests everywhere, even in our country.

Remember when (then U.S. Secretary of State) Madeleine Albright said it was not fair that all of Siberia belonged to Russia?”

US President Barack Obama, unable to come to Moscow because of a scheduling clash, praised the historic invitation t o N AT O t r o o p s , s a y i n g Medvedev had shown “remarkable leadership in honouring the sacrifices of those who came before us”.

A poll by the independent Levada Centre last month showed that 55 per cent of Russians were wholly or partly positive about NATO troops at the parade, with only 28 per cent against.

The result may reflect better ties between Moscow and Washington since Obama's election and his “reset” of relations. Victory Day is one of Russia's most important public holidays and

Defence Minister Anatoly Serdyukov said this year's commemorations would be among the biggest, with over 102,000 troops marching in cities across this vast country.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy and Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi cancelled their attendance at the last minute to deal with the crisis surrounding the euro currency.

Russian leader Vladimir Putin revived two years ago a Sovietera tradition of parading tanks, missiles and military vehicles across the square and flying aircraft overhead.

This year's parade included 127 helicopters, fighters, bombers, reconnaissance aircraft and re-fuelling planes which screamed over Red Square at low altitudes in close formation.

Behind the ceremony and the celebrations, serious business was transacted. Putin, who is now Prime Minister, hosted a meeting and dinner at his country retreat for China's Hu. Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said afterwards only that discussions were substantive.

12 killed in Russian coal mine blasts PTI MOSCOW, MAY 9

Twin methane gas blasts ripped through Russia's largest coal mine in western Siberia, killing at least 12 workers and injuring 41 others, officials said today.

The explosions, one of which occurred last evening and the other this morning, took place in 'Raspadskaya' coal mine in the Siberian region of Kemerovo, about 3,500 kilometres east of Moscow. Twelve miners were killed and 41 others injured in the blasts, local officials said.

The fate of 84 people, including 20 rescuers, was unknown as the salvage work had been stopped amid fears of more explosions of methane gas.

"The rescue work will continue when the atmosphere in the mine is restored, but to conduct rescue work now means to send people to die," Aman Tuleyev, the Governor of Kemerovo, told Itar-Tass.

On the orders of President Dmitry Medvedev, Emergency Situations Minister Sergei Shoigu, along with a fresh team of rescuers from nearby Tula coal region, rushed to the site by air to personally supervise the rescue operations.

"According to new information, 359 people were at the bottom of the mine at the moment of the accident. Most of them have been evacuated," an Emergency Situations Ministry official was quoted as saying by the Interfax news agency.

It was not immediately known what set off the blasts.

Raspadskaya mine produces about 8 million tonnes coal annually year, according to the company's website. Many of the country's mines have poor safety records, and there have been calls for standards to be tightened.

Afghans wary of US end game REUTERS KABUL, MAY 9

Away from all the probable pomp, ceremony and firm handshakes in President Hamid Karzai's trip to Washington next week, many Afghans will be seeking a strong signal that the US will not cut and run from its 9-year-old war.

More than anything, US President Barack Obama's deadline to start withdrawing troops by July 2011 after a surge this year has reminded many Afghans of how Washington effectively abandoned the country in 198990 after the Soviet army were forced to retreat.

That feeling has been exacerbated by a public spat between Obama and Karzai this year, troubles in a stepped-up US-led offensive against the Taliban, as well as mutterings from the US ambassador that the Afghan leader is not a reliable partner.

It is a sentiment that some say could further pressure Karzai to reach early peace deals with the Taliban, something that worries the United States as its prepares an offensive involving at least 23,000 NATO and Afghan troops in Kandahar.

“We have to have a com-

mitment to ensuring strategic partnership,” said Defence Minister Abdul Rahim Wardak. “There should be no faltering. This is exactly what the enemy expects -- that the interest of the international community will wane.”

Washington has played down any deadline, saying they would withdraw troops only if conditions were right. Some Afghan experts see the deadline just as a way of Washington pressurising Karzai to get his act together.

But the perception among Afghans is different.

“When you start talking about exit strategies, these deadlines, these are interpreted by Afghans in another way and encourage the other side. Enemies expect a repeat performance. It makes Afghans remind themselves of `89, `90,” Wardak added.

Karzai had helped provoke a rift with Washington after a string of anti-Western statements, including accusing the international community of corrupting the presidential election.

Washington, on the other hand, is increasingly critical of corruption in the Afghan government and the ability of authorities to help implement

billions of dollars of aid.

Karzai knows he still needs the Americans, analysts say, if only to speed up a transition to fuller sovereignty and appease Afghans critical of US forces after they mistakenly killed scores of civilians in recent years.

“The quicker we get enablers, the quicker the transition,” Wardak said, referring to NATO help for the Afghan national army ranging from transport to reconnaissance capabilities. “But the transition cannot be premature.”

At the same time, Obama wants to stop Afghanistan from becoming a political obstacle ahead of congressional elections in November when voter anxiety over high unemployment and a fragile economy is already expected to take a toll.

“One of his achievements from Washington would be to buy time with the United States,” said Daoud Sultanzoy, a lawmaker. “Afghanistan is becoming an increasingly hard sell.” “The US government may be patient for now, but what about the US people, the European people?”

There is evidence that regional neighbours like India and Pakistan have already taken an end game for granted, and are juggling diplomatically to ensure

Maoists beat up journalists during anti-govt protest PTI KATHMANDU, MAY 9

Even after withdrawing their indefinite general strike, hundreds of Maoists today clashed with police and beat up journalists as they encircled the seat of government here in a bid to force the ruling coalition to quit, leading to injuries to at least 18 people.

Unified CPN-Maoist activists surrounded the Singhdurbar secretariat, the main administrative building of the government here, two days after calling off their week-old indefinite antigovernment general strike across the country.

During the protest today, a cameraman was severely beaten up by Maoist cadres as he tried to take a picture of policemen who arrived on a van at the restricted area at Maitigharman-

dala near Singhdurbar, police said.

T h e f o r m e r re b e l s a l s o thrashed another two TV crew members, forcing police to intervene.

The three journalists were among 18 people injured during the Maoist protest, which came after Maoist chairman Prachanda warned the media against criticising the former rebels. Among the three journalists was an Avenues television cameraman who sustained head injury and whose camera was also damaged during the Maoist attack. Another television cameraman belonging to Image Channel also sustained injuries.

Police had to intervene to rescue the journalists leading to a clash with the Maoists in which three policemen, includ-

Vatican official accused of abuse cover-up REUTERS VATICAN CITY, MAY 9

Internal Catholic Church bickering over the handling of its sexual abuse scandal has escalated to a new level, with one cardinal accusing another of a cover-up.

The accusations were levelled by Cardinal Christoph Schoenborn of Vienna against Italian Cardinal Angelo Sodano, who served for 16 years from 1990 to 2006 as secretary of state, the Vatican's second-most important position.

Schoenborn, in what was supposed to have been a private conversation with Austrian newspaper editors last month, accused Sodano of having blocked an investigation of former Austrian Cardinal Hans Hermann Groer.

Austrian Catholic news agency Kathpress published a summary of the conversation on Saturday, with Italian newspapers giving it prominent coverage in their Sunday edition.

Groer stepped down as archbishop of Vienna in 1995 after allegations that he had sexually abused young seminarians in the past. He died in 2003 never admitting guilt or facing charges.

Schoenborn told the journalists that Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who then headed the Vatican's doctrinal department and is now pope, wanted a full scale investigation of Groer in 1995 but was blocked by Sodano, according to Kathpress.

The spat made the front pages of many newspapers, with the conservative Il Giornale headlining its story “A war in the Vatican over paedophilia”.

According to Kathpress, Schoenborn criticised Sodano for dismissing reports of sexual abuse as ''petty gossip'' when he addressed the pope at the start of last month's Easter Sunday mass at the Vatican.

ing DSP Bhola Rawal, and a dozen former rebels were injured.

influence in a post-US world.

Afghans too believe this will eventually happen. “If Americans or NATO see that they can’t defeat the Taliban, they will run away as the Americans abandoned us after the Soviets departed and left us a legacy of war and bloodshed,” said Noor Mohammad, a government worker in Kandahar.

OHERALDO

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BIZ

Pg12

GOA, MONDAY, 10 MAY, 2010

Gulf states to scrap steel duty ReuteRs RIYADH, MAY 9

Gulf Arab countries are expected to abolish a 5 percent steel import duty within one to two months to ease a supply strain mostly felt in Saudi Arabia, an official from a regional Gulf bloc said on Saturday.

Finance ministers from the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) examined the proposed measure at a meeting on Saturday. A final decision is expected at a summit next week.

"There is consensus among GCC countries about this proposal. It will be approved without any problem but it will probably take a month or two for it to be implemented," an official from the GCC secretariat told Reuters before the meeting.

Saudi Arabia and five other Gulf Arab countries including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait have formed a GCC customs union which imposes a common external tariff for products imported from outside their bloc.

Mutual Fund Scheme Name

Key to abbreviations: R Price: Repurchase Price; S Price: Sale Price; (D): Dividend; (G): Growth NAVs (Rs)

A

AIG India Equity Fund - Regular Plan (D) 11.61 AIG India Equity Fund - Regular Plan (G) 11.61 AIG Infrastructure and Eco Reform Fund - Regular (D) 8.78 AIG Infrastructure and Ecoc Reform Fund - Regular (G) 8.78 Axis Equity Fund (D) 10.15 Equity Fund (G) 10.15 Tax Saver Fund (D) 10.65 Tax Saver Fund (G) 10.65

B

Baroda Pioneer ELSS 96 23.49 Growth Fund (D) 26.81 Growth Fund (G) 47.59 Bharti AXA Equity Fund - Eco Plan (Bonus) 17.28 Equity Fund - Eco Plan (D) 12.16 Equity Fund - Eco Plan (G) 17.28 Equity Fund - Eco Plan (QD) 13.28 Equity Fund - Retail Plan (Bonus) 17.21 Equity Fund - Retail Plan (D) 12.13 Equity Fund - Retail Plan (G) 17.21 Equity Fund - Retail Plan (QD) 13.23 Focused Infrastructure Fund (D) 10.19 Focused Infrastructure Fund (G) 10.19 Focused Infrastructure Fund (QD) 10.19 Tax Advantage Fund - Eco Plan (D) 12.22 Tax Advantage Fund - Eco Plan (G) 22.45 Tax Advantage Fund - Retail Plan (D) 12.21 Tax Advantage Fund - Retail Plan (G) 22.39 Birla Sun Life Advantage Fund (D) 85.88 Advantage Fund (G) 146.75 Basic Industries Fund (D) 29.18 Basic Industries Fund (G) 97.23 Basic Industries Fund - Trigger Plan (D) 10.50 Buy India Fund (D) 22.67 Buy India Fund (G) 37.35 Commodity Eq - Global Agri Plan - Retail Plan (D) 13.24 Commodity Eq - Global Agri Plan - Retail Plan (G) 13.24 Commodity Eq - Global Multi Commodity Plan - RP (D) 11.80 Commodity Eq - Global Multi Commodity Plan - RP (G) 11.80 Commodity Eqs - Global Precious Metals Plan -RP (D) 12.35 Commodity Eqs - Global Precious Metals Plan -RP (G) 12.35 Dividend Yield Plus (D) 13.86 Dividend Yield Plus (G) 73.85 Equity Fund (D) 68.92 Equity Fund (G) 245.09 Frontline Equity Fund - Plan A (D) 21.21 Frontline Equity Fund - Plan A (G) 78.68 Frontline Equity Fund - Plan B (D) 11.89 Frontline Equity Fund - Plan B (G) 11.89 India GenNext Fund (D) 13.45 India GenNext Fund (G) 20.69 India Opportunities Fund - Plan A (D) 18.57 India Opportunities Fund - Plan B (G) 50.99 Infrastructure Fund - Plan A (D) 12.74 Infrastructure Fund - Plan A (G) 16.40 Infrastructure Fund - Plan B (D) 11.76 Infrastructure Fund - Plan B (G) 12.26 International Equity Fund - Plan A (D) 8.18 International Equity Fund - Plan A (G) 8.18 International Equity Fund - Plan B (D) 8.51 International Equity Fund - Plan B (G) 8.51 Long Term Advantage Fund (D) 13.09 Long Term Advantage Fund (G) 13.09 Long Term Advantage Fund - Series 1(D) 11.57 Long Term Advantage Fund - Series 1(G) 11.57 Midcap Fund - Plan A (D) 24.59 Midcap Fund - Plan A (G) 104.84 Midcap Fund - Plan B (D) 13.23 Midcap Fund - Plan B (G) 13.23 MNC Fund (D) 77.59 MNC Fund (G) 180.30 New Millennium (D) 12.93 New Millennium (G) 18.61 Pure Value Fund (D) 14.42 Pure Value Fund (G) 15.39 Special Situations Fund (D) 9.50 Special Situations Fund (G) 9.50 Tax Plan (D) 43.49 Tax Plan (G) 12.40 Tax Relief 96 (D) 79.21 Tax Relief 96 (G) 10.69 Top 100 Fund (D) 13.78 Top 100 Fund (G) 19.85

C

Canara Robeco Emerging Equities (Bonus) Emerging Equities (D) Emerging Equities (G) Equity Diversified (Bonus) Equity Diversified (D) Equity Diversified (G) Equity Tax Saver (D) Equity Tax Saver (G) F.O.R.C.E Fund - Retail Plan (D) F.O.R.C.E Fund - Retail Plan (G) Infrastructure (D)

16.62 13.73 19.86 22.61 22.58 49.66 19.35 23.50 11.62 11.61 16.90

Infrastructure (G) Multicap (D) Multicap (G)

21.22 13.18 14.21

D

DWS Alpha Equity Fund - Regular Plan (D) 15.52 Alpha Equity Fund - Regular Plan (G) 71.31 Alpha Equity Fund - Wealth Plan (D) 12.41 Alpha Equity Fund - Wealth Plan (G) 14.85 Investment Opportunity Fund - Regular Plan (D) 24.81 Investment Opportunity Fund - Regular Plan (G) 35.81 Investment Opportunity Fund - Wealth Plan (D) 12.40 Investment Opportunity Fund - Wealth Plan (G) 16.21 Tax Saving Fund (D) 12.25 Tax Saving Fund (G) 13.10 DSP BlackRock Equity Fund - Regular Plan (D) 46.52 Equity Fund - Regular Plan (G) 14.72 India T.I.G.E.R. Fund - Regular Plan (D) 18.05 India T.I.G.E.R. Fund - Regular Plan (G) 44.28 Natural Res and New Energy Fund - Regular Plan (D) 12.61 Natural Res and New Energy Fund - Regular Plan (G) 12.61 Opportunities Fund - Regular Plan (D) 26.54 Opportunities Fund - Regular Plan (G) 76.11 Small and Mid Cap Fund (D) 14.42 Small and Mid Cap Fund (G) 15.72 Tax Saver Fund (D) 11.59 Tax Saver Fund (G) 15.57 Technology.Com - Regular Plan (D) 23.20 Technology.Com - Regular Plan (G) 31.76 Top 100 Equity Fund - Regular Plan (D) 19.86 Top 100 Equity Fund - Regular Plan (G) 88.33

E

Edelweiss Absolute Return Equity Fund (D) Absolute Return Equity Fund (G) Diversified Growth Equity Fund - Plan A (D) Diversified Growth Equity Fund - Plan A (G) Diversified Growth Equity Fund - Plan B (D) Diversified Growth Equity Fund - Plan B (G) Diversified Growth Equity Fund - Plan C (D) Diversified Growth Equity Fund - Plan C (G) ELSS Fund (D) ELSS Fund (G) Nifty Enhancer Fund - Plan A (D) Nifty Enhancer Fund - Plan A (G) Nifty Enhancer Fund - plan B (D) Nifty Enhancer Fund - Plan B (G) Escorts Growth Plan (D) Growth Plan (G) High Yield Equity Plan (Bonus) High Yield Equity Plan (D) High Yield Equity Plan (G) Infrastructure Fund (D) Infrastructure Fund (G) Leading Sectors Fund (D) Leading Sectors Fund (G) Power and Energy Fund (D) Power and Energy Fund (G) Tax Plan (D) Tax Plan (G)

10.50 10.50 12.65 12.66 12.69 12.69 12.72 12.72 17.56 17.56 10.31 11.31 11.23 11.23 12.54 75.76 12.94 11.38 12.92 8.63 8.63 10.73 10.73 13.75 17.14 11.24 47.93

F

Fidelity Equity Fund (D) Equity Fund (G) India Growth Fund (D) India Growth Fund (G) India Special Situations Fund (D) India Special Situations Fund (G) India Value Fund (D) India Value Fund (G) International Opportunities Fund (D) International Opportunities Fund (G) Tax Advantage Fund (D) Tax Advantage Fund (G) Fortis China-India Fund (D) China-India Fund (G) Dividend Yield Fund (D) Dividend Yield Fund (G) Equity Fund (D) Equity Fund (G) Future Leaders Fund (D) Future Leaders Fund (G) Opportunities Fund (D) Opportunities Fund (G) Sustainable Development Fund (D) Sustainable Development Fund (G) Tax Advantage Plan (ELSS) (D) Tax Advantage Plan (ELSS) (G) Franklin Asian Equity Fund (D) Asian Equity Fund (G) Build India Fund (D) Build India Fund (G) FMCG Fund (D) FMCG Fund (G) India Bluechip Fund (D) India Bluechip Fund (G) India Flexi Cap Fund (D) India Flexi Cap Fund (G)

19.40 30.65 10.64 10.64 14.94 16.47 10.23 10.23 11.81 11.81 16.98 18.92 8.02 8.03 11.01 15.83 10.16 30.02 8.62 8.66 9.06 17.42 10.51 11.54 10.02 12.58 9.56 9.56 11.31 11.31 33.84 53.92 37.64 188.04 14.36 28.36

India High Growth Companies Fund (D) India High Growth Companies Fund (G) India Opportunities Fund (D) India Opportunities Fund (G) India Prima Fund (D) India Prima Fund (G) India Prima Plus Fund (D) India Prima Plus Fund (G) India Smaller Companies Fund (D) India Smaller Companies Fund (G) India Tax Shield (D) India Tax Shield (G) Infotech Fund (D) Infotech Fund (G) Pharma Fund (D) Pharma Fund (G) Templeton India Equity Income Fund (D) Templeton India Equity Income Fund (G) Templeton India Growth Fund (D) Templeton India Growth Fund (G)

11.72 11.72 13.58 28.25 46.82 250.96 26.10 194.42 12.03 12.99 29.88 181.78 18.32 53.83 28.84 54.50 13.74 17.69 51.28 109.01

H

HDFC Capital Builder Fund (D) Capital Builder Fund (G) Core & Satellite Fund (D) Core & Satellite Fund (G) Equity Fund (D) Equity Fund (G) Growth Fund (D) Growth Fund (G) Infrastructure Fund (D) Infrastructure Fund (G) Long Term Advantage Fund (D) Long Term Advantage Fund (G) Long Term Equity Fund (D) Long Term Equity Fund (G) Mid-Cap Opportunities Fund (D) Mid-Cap Opportunities Fund (G) Premier Multi-Cap Fund (D) Premier Multi-Cap Fund (G) Tax Saver (D) Tax Saver (G) Top 200 Fund (D) Top 200 Fund (G) HSBC Dynamic Fund (D) Dynamic Fund (G) Emerging Markets Fund (D) Emerging Markets Fund (G) Equity Fund (D) Equity Fund (G) India Opportunities Fund (D) India Opportunities Fund (G) Midcap Equity Fund (D) Midcap Equity Fund (G) Progressive Themes Fund (D) Progressive Themes Fund (G) Tax Saver Equity Fund (D) Tax Saver Equity Fund (G) Unique Opportunities Fund (D) Unique Opportunities Fund (G)

23.32 96.28 20.07 35.31 43.51 236.72 29.06 74.20 11.13 11.13 34.37 117.42 11.61 14.03 13.20 13.20 14.44 25.46 56.93 202.65 42.78 180.96 9.25 9.25 8.53 8.53 26.48 92.58 15.46 31.02 13.28 21.64 10.81 12.71 12.43 13.48 10.00 10.00

I

ICICI Pru Banking & Fin Services Fund - Retail Plan (D) Banking & Fin Services Fund - Retail Plan (G) Discovery Fund (D) Discovery Fund (G) Dynamic Plan (D) Dynamic Plan (G) Emerging S.T.A.R. Fund (D) Emerging S.T.A.R. Fund (G) FMCG Fund (D) FMCG Fund (G) Focused Equity Fund (D) Focused Equity Fund (G) Fusion Fund (D) Fusion Fund (G) Fusion Fund Series - II (D) Fusion Fund Series - II (G) Fusion Fund Series - III Retail Plan (D) Fusion Fund Series - III Retail Plan (G) Growth Plan (D) Growth Plan (G) Indo Asia Equity Fund - Retail Plan (D) Indo Asia Equity Fund - Retail Plan (G) Infrastructure Fund - Retail Plan (D) Infrastructure Fund - Retail Plan (G) Power (D) Power (G) Services Industries Fund (D) Services Industries Fund (G) Target Returns Fund - Retail Plan (D) Target Returns Fund - Retail Plan (G) Tax Plan (D) Tax Plan (G) Technology Fund (D) Technology Fund (G) R.I.G.H.T. Fund (D) R.I.G.H.T. Fund (G) IDFC Classic Equity Fund - Plan A (D) Classic Equity Fund - Plan A (G) Enterprise Equity Fund - Plan A (D) Enterprise Equity Fund - Plan A (G) Enterprise Equity Fund - Plan B (D) Enterprise Equity Fund - Plan B (G) Imperial Equity Fund - Plan A (D) Imperial Equity Fund - Plan A (G) India GDP Growth Fund (D)

15.28 15.28 19.82 43.52 17.75 94.20 16.19 32.53 29.66 51.86 13.81 13.81 12.62 13.39 11.30 12.12 11.62 11.62 18.08 119.62 9.35 9.35 11.90 28.37 15.80 100.90 12.03 16.00 12.29 12.29 18.78 126.00 14.48 14.48 10.70 10.70 14.01 19.36 11.64 14.19 9.79 11.67 14.60 17.67 14.42

India GDP Growth Fund (G) Premier Equity Fund - Plan A (D) Premier Equity Fund - Plan A (G) Small & Midcap Equity Fund (D) Small & Midcap Equity Fund (G) Strategic Sector (50-50) Equity Fund - Plan A (D) Strategic Sector (50-50) Equity Fund - Plan A (G) Tax Advantage (ELSS) Fund (D) Tax Advantage (ELSS) Fund (G) Tax Saver (ELSS) Fund (D) Tax Saver (ELSS) Fund (G) ING C.U.B. Fund (Bonus) C.U.B. Fund (D) C.U.B. Fund (G) Contra Fund (B) Contra Fund (D) Contra Fund (G) Core Equity Fund (D) Core Equity Fund (G) Dividend Yield Fund (D) Dividend Yield Fund (G) Domestic Opportunities Fund (D) Domestic Opportunities Fund (G) Midcap Fund (D) Midcap Fund (G) OptiMix Multi Manager Equity Fund - Plan A (D) OptiMix Multi Manager Equity Fund - Plan A (G) OptiMix Multi Manager Equity Fund - Plan B (G) OptiMix Retireinvest Fund - Series I (D) OptiMix Retireinvest Fund - Series I (G) Tax Saving Fund (Bonus) Tax Saving Fund (D) Tax Saving Fund (G)

J

JM Agri & Infra Fund (D) Agri & Infra Fund (G) Basic Fund (D) Basic Fund (G) Contra Fund (D) Contra Fund (G) Emerging Leaders Fund (D) Emerging Leaders Fund (G) Equity Fund (D) Equity Fund (G) Financial Services Sector Fund (D) Financial Services Sector Fund (G) HI FI Fund (D) HI FI Fund (G) Large Cap Fund (D) Large Cap Fund (G) Mid Cap Fund (D) Mid Cap Fund (G) Multi Strategy Fund (D) Multi Strategy Fund (G) Small & Mid-Cap Fund - Regular Plan (D) Small & Mid-Cap Fund - Regular Plan (G) Tax Gain Fund (D) Tax Gain Fund (G) Telecom Sector Fund (D) Telecom Sector Fund (G) JP Morgan India Tax Advantage Fund (D) India Tax Advantage Fund (G) India Equity Fund (D) India Equity Fund (G) India Smaller Companies Fund (D) India Smaller Companies Fund (G)

14.42 22.63 27.92 13.62 16.51 12.59 12.73 14.19 17.71 13.20 13.20 16.10 11.76 16.10 15.15 12.93 15.15 17.93 33.88 18.78 20.66 12.66 33.54 15.53 19.55 10.13 10.13 10.34 11.55 11.54 26.12 12.87

26.08 2.90 2.90 12.29 17.61 5.54 5.54 7.83 7.82 13.65 33.52 8.93 8.93 5.43 5.43 12.70 17.27 17.57 25.64 13.25 14.24 5.72 5.72 7.08 7.08 7.51 7.51 12.98 16.03 10.73 11.56 6.99 6.99

K

Kotak 30 (D) 30 (G) Contra (D) Contra (G) Emerging Equity Scheme (D) Emerging Equity Scheme (G) Global Emerging Market Fund (D) Global Emerging Market Fund (G) Indo World Infrastructure Fund (D) Indo World Infrastructure Fund (G) Lifestyle Fund (D) Lifestyle Fund (G) Midcap Fund (D) Midcap Fund (G) Opportunities Fund (D) Opportunities Fund (G) Select Focus Fund (D) Select Focus Fund (G) Tax Saver (D) Tax Saver (G)

28.99 91.91 17.25 19.70 10.83 10.83 8.34 8.34 6.94 6.94 10.15 11.72 15.75 22.64 14.49 41.71 10.45 10.45 10.26 16.76

L

L&T Contra Fund (D) Contra Fund (G) Global Advantage Fund (D) Global Advantage Fund (G) Growth Fund (D) Growth Fund (G) Hedged Equity Fund (D) Hedged Equity Fund (G) Infrastructure Fund (D) Infrastructure Fund (G) Midcap Fund (D) Midcap Fund (G) Multi-Cap Fund (D) Multi-Cap Fund (G) Opportunities Fund (D)

9.59 9.59 6.88 9.91 16.16 34.21 8.77 12.36 7.29 7.29 21.02 36.43 13.85 17.37 17.94

GCC's Secretary General Abdulrahamn al-Attiyah said the finance ministers agreed to the custom duty abolition -- which would also extend to cement imports -- but did not set a timeframe for its implementation.

"This issue was discussed extensively

and there is consensus among all ministers on the priority of ... working towards achieving all the requested abolitions," Attiyah said.

After a relative lull, steel demand began soaring in the second half of Opportunities Fund (G) Small Cap Fund (D) Small Cap Fund (G) Tax Advantage Fund - Series I (D) Tax Advantage Fund - Series I (G) Tax Saver Fund (D) Tax Saver Fund (G) LIC Infrastructure Fund Series 1 (D) Infrastructure Fund Series 1 (G) MF Equity Fund (D) MF Equity Fund (G) MF Growth Fund (D) MF Growth Fund (G) MF India Vision Fund (D) MF India Vision Fund (G) MF Opportunities Fund (D) MF Opportunities Fund (G) MF Tax Plan (D) MF Tax Plan (G) MF Top 100 Fund (D) MF Top 100 Fund (G)

40.96 5.68 5.68 14.18 19.30 13.62 14.67 8.94 8.94 9.47 24.04 10.35 11.67 8.36 8.36 9.62 16.91 9.43 26.35 7.74 7.74

M

Mirae Asset Global Commodity Stock Fund - Regular Plan (D) Global Commodity Stock Fund - Regular Plan (G) India Opportunities Fund - Regular Plan (D) India Opportunities Fund - Regular Plan (G) Morgan Stanley A.C.E. Fund (Across Capitalisations Equity) (D) A.C.E. Fund (Across Capitalisations Equity) (G) Growth Fund (D) Growth Fund (G)

10.86 10.86 13.27 14.34 13.40 13.40 18.63 57.19

P

Principal Dividend Yield Fund (D) Dividend Yield Fund (G) Emerging Bluechip Fund (D) Emerging Bluechip Fund (G) Global Opportunities Fund (D) Global Opportunities Fund (G) Growth Fund (D) Growth Fund (G) Large Cap Fund (D) Large Cap Fund (G) Personal Tax Saver Fund Resurgent India Equity Fund (D) Resurgent India Equity Fund (G) Services Industries Fund (D) Services Industries Fund (G) Tax Savings Fund

15.29 20.72 22.92 28.97 14.88 14.88 22.22 49.04 18.89 25.51 87.80 11.88 83.65 12.11 13.66 71.09

Q

Quantum Long-Term Equity Fund (D) Long-Term Equity Fund (G) Tax Saving Fund (D) Tax Saving Fund (G)

R

19.17 19.01 19.06 19.07

Reliance Banking Fund (Bonus) 83.33 Banking Fund (D) 33.25 Banking Fund (G) 83.33 Diversified Power Sec Fund - Retail Plan (Bonus) 76.78 Diversified Power Sector Fund - Retail Plan (D) 45.32 Diversified Power Sector Fund - Retail Plan (G) 76.78 Equity Advantage Fund - Retail Plan (B) 11.30 Equity Advantage Fund - Retail Plan (D) 11.30 Equity Advantage Fund - Retail Plan (G) 11.30 Equity Fund - Retail Plan (Bonus) 14.32 Equity Fund - Retail Plan (D) 14.32 Equity Fund - Retail Plan (G) 14.32 Equity Linked Saving Fund - Series I (D) 12.94 Equity Linked Saving Fund - Series I (G) 12.94 Equity Opportunities Fund - Retail Plan (Bonus) 31.00 Equity Opportunities Fund - Retail Plan (D) 21.90 Equity Opportunities Fund - Retail Plan (G) 31.00 Growth Fund - Retail Plan (Bonus) 72.53 Growth Fund - Retail Plan (D) 53.60 Growth Fund - Retail Plan (G) 437.27 Infrastructure Fund - Retail Plan (Bonus) 10.94 Infrastructure Fund - Retail Plan (D) 10.94 Infrastructure Fund - Retail Plan (G) 10.94 Long Term Equity Fund (D) 14.30 Long Term Equity Fund (G) 14.30 Media & Entertainment Fund (Bonus) 26.37 Media & Entertainment Fund (D) 18.96 Media & Entertainment Fund (G) 26.37 Natural Resources Fund (Bonus) 9.53 Natural Resources Fund (D) 9.53 Natural Resources Fund (G) 9.53 NRI Equity Fund (Bonus) 34.95 NRI Equity Fund (D) 20.80 NRI Equity Fund (G) 34.95 Pharma Fund (Bonus) 48.94 Pharma Fund (D) 36.50 Pharma Fund (G) 48.94 Quant Plus Fund - Retail Plan (B) 11.37 Quant Plus Fund - Retail Plan (D) 11.37 Quant Plus Fund - Retail Plan (G) 11.37 Regular Savings Fund - Equity Option (D) 21.79 Regular Savings Fund - Equity Option (G) 27.96 Tax Saver (ELSS) Fund (D) 14.53 Tax Saver (ELSS) Fund (G) 18.63 Vision Fund - Retail Plan (Bonus) 41.34 Vision Fund - Retail Plan (D) 40.15 Vision Fund - Retail Plan (G) 246.15

2009 in Saudi Arabia, fuelled mainly by massive state spending by the world's top oil exporter on infrastructure to diversify the economy and counter the effects of the global economic downturn.

The finance ministers also discussed proposals from Qatar to set up a regional bank for international aid and a Bahraini proposal to set up a stabilisation fund to aid troubled GCC economies should the need arise.

The meeting will set the agenda for the GCC summit in Riyadh next week.

"There is no consensus over these two proposals. The monetary union council should decide whether there is a need for a stabilisation fund," the official said.

"As for the Qatari proposal, there are some voices within GCC that question the need for a new aid institution."

Saudi Arabia is home to the Islamic Development Bank while Kuwait hosts the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development.

Religare AGILE Fund (D) AGILE Fund (G) AGILE Tax Fund (D) AGILE Tax Fund (G) Banking Fund - Regular Plan (D) Banking Fund - Regular Plan (G) Business Leaders Fund (D) Business Leaders Fund (G) Contra Fund (D) Contra Fund (G) Equity Fund (D) Equity Fund (G) Growth Fund (D) Growth Fund (G) Infrastructure Fund (D) Infrastructure Fund (G) Mid Cap Fund (D) Mid Cap Fund (G) Mid N Small Cap Fund (D) Mid N Small Cap Fund (G) PSU Equity Fund (D) PSU Equity Fund (G) Tax Plan (D) Tax Plan (G)

S

5.92 5.90 6.78 6.78 13.12 16.92 11.12 11.12 11.43 14.78 11.71 11.71 11.25 11.25 7.95 7.95 12.70 12.70 12.51 12.51 10.09 10.09 12.96 15.65

Sahara Banking and Financial Services Fund (D) 16.37 Banking and Financial Services Fund (G) 25.88 Growth Fund (D) 27.86 Growth Fund (G) 74.31 Infrastructure - Fixed Pricing Option (D) 11.85 Infrastructure - Fixed Pricing Option (G) 16.21 Infrastructure -Variable Pricing Option (D) 12.26 Infrastructure -Variable Pricing Option (G) 16.68 Midcap Fund (Bonus) 27.88 Midcap Fund (D) 18.93 Midcap Fund (G) 27.88 Midcap Fund (Growth Auto Payout) 27.88 Power & Natural Resources Fund (D) 12.59 Power & Natural Resources Fund (G) 12.59 Star Value Fund (D) 11.42 Star Value Fund (G) 11.42 Super 20 Fund (D) 10.53 Super 20 Fund (G) 10.53 Tax Gain (D) 14.69 Tax Gain (G) 32.95 Wealth Plus - Variable Pricing Option (D) 18.77 Wealth Plus - Variable Pricing Option (G) 18.77 Wealth Plus Fund - Fixed Pricing Option (D) 18.17 Wealth Plus Fund - Fixed Pricing Option (G) 18.17 SBI Blue Chip Fund (D) 11.82 Blue Chip Fund (G) 13.56 Infrastructure Fund - Series I (D) 9.93 Infrastructure Fund - Series I (G) 9.93 Magnum Comma Fund (D) 15.58 Magnum Comma Fund (G) 23.06 Magnum Contra Fund (D) 24.76 Magnum Contra Fund (G) 53.97 Magnum Emerging Businesses Fund (D) 15.65 Magnum Emerging Businesses Fund (G) 35.29 Magnum Equity Fund (D) 29.35 Magnum Equity Fund (G) 38.90 Magnum FMCG Fund 22.81 Magnum Global Fund (D) 27.95 Magnum Global Fund (G) 50.00 Magnum IT Fund 19.85 Magnum Midcap Fund (D) 16.75 Magnum Midcap Fund (G) 21.84 Magnum Multicap Fund (D) 13.06 Magnum Multicap Fund (G) 17.19 Magnum Multiplier Plus (D) 53.38 Magnum Multiplier Plus (G) 75.19 Magnum NRI - Flexiasset Plan (D) 26.99 Magnum NRI - Flexiasset Plan (G) 26.89 Magnum Pharma Fund (D) 31.63 Magnum Pharma Fund (G) 38.27 Magnum Tax Gain Scheme (D) 38.11 Magnum Tax Gain Scheme (G) 55.91 One India Fund (D) 10.43 One India Fund (G) 10.43 Shinsei Industry Leaders Fund (D) 10.22 Industry Leaders Fund (G) 10.22 Sundaram BNP Paribas Capex Opportunities Fund (D) 12.73 Capex Opportunities Fund (G) 24.11 Equity Multiplier Fund (D) 10.74 Equity Multiplier Fund (G) 13.16 Financial Services Opportunities - Retail Plan (D) 13.22 Financial Services Opportunities - Retail Plan (G) 16.64 Growth Fund - Regular Plan (D) 11.02 Growth Fund - Regular Plan (G) 82.46 India Leadership Fund - Regular Plan (D) 11.16 India Leadership Fund - Regular Plan (G) 36.50 Media & Entertainment Opportunities - Retail (D) 11.58 Media & Entertainment Opportunities - Retail (G) 14.67 PSU Opportunities Fund (D) 9.84 PSU Opportunities Fund (G) 9.84 Rural India Fund (D) 12.03 Rural India Fund (G) 13.20 S.M.I.L.E Fund - Regular Plan (D) 12.09 S.M.I.L.E Fund - Regular Plan (G) 31.12 Select Focus - Retail Plan (D) 10.51 Select Focus - Retail Plan (G) 81.12 Select Midcap - Regular Plan (D) 16.58 Select Midcap - Regular Plan (G) 132.68 Select Small Cap Fund (D) 12.26 Select Small Cap Fund (G) 12.26 Select Thematic Energy Opportunities Funds (D) 8.02

BOARD@MEETINGS Aarey Drugs Ht Media Jubilant Org saurashtra Cem Bharat Fert Jubilant Food Celestial Biolabs shristi Infra Daiichi Kark Mcnally Bharat sterling tools Monnet Ispat technocraft OCL India torrent Cables elecon engr Orbit Corp unichem Lab essar sec usha Martin Pioneer Invest GIC Housing Puneet Resins Radico Khaitan Zicom elect Source: Indiainfoline.com

Select Thematic Energy Opportunities Funds (G) 8.02 Tax Saver (OE) (D) 10.78 Tax Saver (OE) (G) 40.22

T

Tata Capital Builder Fund (D) Capital Builder Fund (G) Contra Fund (D) Contra Fund (G) Dividend Yield Fund (D) Dividend Yield Fund (G) Equity Management Fund (D) Equity Management Fund (G) Equity Opportunities Fund - Plan A (D) Equity Opportunities Fund - Plan B (G) Equity P/E Fund (G) Equity P/E Fund - Trigger Option A 5% (D) Equity P/E Fund - Trigger Option B 10% (D) Growing Economies Infrae Fund - Plan A (D) Growing Economies Infra Fund - Plan A (G) Growing Economies Infra Fund - Plan B (D) Growing Economies InfraFund - Plan B (G) Growth Fund (Bonus) Growth Fund (D) Growth Fund (G) Infrastructure Fund (D) Infrastructure Fund (G) Infrastructure Tax Saving Fund (D) Infrastructure Tax Saving Fund (G) Life Sciences & Technology Fund (D) Life Sciences & Technology Fund (G) Mid Cap Fund (D) Mid Cap Fund (G) Pure Equity Fund (D) Pure Equity Fund (G) Select Equity Fund (D) Select Equity Fund (G) Service Industries Fund (D) Service Industries Fund (G) Tax Advantage Fund - 1 (D) Tax Advantage Fund - 1 (G) Tax Saving Fund Taurus Bonanza Fund (D) Bonanza Fund (G) Discovery Fund (D) Discovery Fund (G) Ethical Fund (Bonus) Ethical Fund (D) Ethical Fund (G) Infrastructure Fund (D) Infrastructure Fund (G) Star Share (D) Star Share (G) Tax Shield (D) Tax Shield (G)

13.24 14.19 14.77 15.67 20.54 28.85 12.42 13.38 21.26 76.02 43.64 38.24 38.67 10.88 10.88 11.49 11.49 36.53 18.05 40.19 21.16 32.14 16.14 16.14 34.73 65.23 15.68 16.66 35.16 88.60 43.01 59.96 18.78 23.40 14.23 14.23 41.68 38.32 38.08 14.73 14.71 21.19 15.89 21.21 14.02 13.97 35.06 49.80 18.72 31.58

U

UTI Banking Sector Fund (D) Banking Sector Fund (G) Contra Fund (D) Contra Fund (G) Dividend Yield Fund (D) Dividend Yield Fund (G) Energy Fund (D) Energy Fund (G) Equity Fund (D) Equity Fund (G) Equity Tax Savings Plan (D) Equity Tax Savings Plan (G) India Lifestyle Fund(D) India Lifestyle Fund(G) Infrastructure Advantage Fund - Series I (D) Infrastructure Advantage Fund - Series I (G) Infrastructure Fund (D) Infrastructure Fund (G) Leadership Equity Fund (D) Leadership Equity Fund (G) Long Term Advantage Fund (D) Long Term Advantage Fund (G) Master Equity Plan Unit Scheme Master Plus Unit Scheme (D) Master Plus Unit Scheme (G) Master Value Fund (D) Master Value Fund (G) Mastershare (D) Mastershare (G) Mid Cap Fund (D) Mid Cap Fund (G) MNC Fund (D) MNC Fund (G) Opportunities Fund (D) Opportunities Fund (G) Pharma & Healthcare Fund (D) Pharma & Healthcare Fund (G) Services Industries Fund (D) Services Industries Fund (G) Top 100 Fund (D) Top 100 Fund (G) Wealth Builder Fund (D) Wealth Builder Fund (G) Wealth Builder Fund - Series II - Retail Plan (D) Wealth Builder Fund - Series II - Retail Plan (G) Long Term Advantage Fund - Series II (D) Long Term Advantage Fund - Series II (G) Transportation and Logistics Fund (D) Transportation and Logistics Fund (G)

21.68 35.68 12.12 13.12 13.93 28.13 12.24 10.79 41.37 46.81 15.30 35.98 10.07 10.07 8.71 8.71 19.06 33.46 13.02 14.05 11.81 11.81 44.16 52.36 72.63 23.48 46.38 28.01 47.45 21.83 29.34 33.90 50.44 12.48 23.36 27.69 33.92 23.43 54.49 21.04 25.63 14.08 15.03 13.47 16.73 12.80 12.80 14.73 24.13

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GOA, MONDAY, 10 MAY, 2010

Tax and the economy

One of the many objectives of a tax system of a country is to spur economic development.

In India, companies are given several concessions by way of tax holidays, exemptions and deductions. Of course in order to avail of these deductions there are certain procedures to be observed. India is rich in natural resources, but it does not have the technology or the capacity to tap them. India has large reserves of coal and natural gas, but unless there are companies willing to invest in technology to exploit these reserves, we would not be in a position to make use of them. In the 200910 Budget, such companies were given a 7 year tax break. Naturally the Petroleum Ministry was seeking was a similar exemption in respect of the latest round of auctions. This time round the Finance Ministry has a different take. It believes that companies, who are successful bidders to these auctions, make sufficient profits. In the initial years because of their capital investments they suffer a loss, this loss is allowed as a business loss that is adjusted against subsequent profits. Therefore there is no need of special tax breaks for companies that exploit our diminishing natural resources. Why should companies be given tax breaks now that there are companies willing to come forward to bid in these auctions?

THE DTC The draft of the DTC is in the Ministry of Finance for a final revision after taking into consideration all the objections put forward by stakeholders. In selective leaks that are available to the public at large, it is learned from the media that savings will continue to be exempt even when they are repaid. Thus provident funds and superannuation funds will not suffer tax when their contributors decide to call back their savings. Thus the present regime will continue. Of course, the final draft is still being worked out, but will soon be available in the public domain. There is no news about the other controversial changes such as the asset basis for MAT. But officers in the department are sore about their position for a reading of the Act makes them merely a collecting agency, with the policy making functions left to Government. This will certainly see a change.

TO TAX OR NOT TO TAX The question whether TDS is required to be deducted in a case where a company outsources its products from another manufacturer has been an issue of dispute between the department and several companies. Many

Pavers to open 19 stores PTI MUMBAI, MAY 9

British footwear brand, Pavers England, plans to open 19 exclusive franchisee stores by the end of this fiscal, an official said. The company presently has six exclusive franchisee stores in Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad and Chennai.

"For us, India is the biggest opportunity and we plan to increase our number of exclusive franchisee stores to 25 by endthis fiscal," Pavers England chief, Stuart Paver said.

large established companies do not manufacture their own goods, but prefer to get them manufactured by other smaller players, while ensuring a certain level of quality control. The issue often comes up whether these contracts between the company and its local manufacturers require the deduction of tax at source.

The IT department takes the stand that since the local suppliers are required to make goods according to certain specifications the suppliers are merely under contact with the concerned company and therefore tax is required to be deducted when payments are made to these local suppliers. In a recent decision of the Mumbai High Court, it has been held that no tax is deductible since the transactions are sales between a principal and a principal. Even Section 194C has been amended with an explanation to provide that the expression ‘work’ shall not include the manufacture or supply of a product according to the requirement or specification obtained by a manufacturer from a third party.

TAXING TROuBLEs In Mumbai scores of salaried persons have received demand notices raising a demand for payment of interest u/s 234C. Interestingly this interest is payable for the failure to pay advance tax for a particular quarter. Salaried individuals however do not pay advance tax and therefore the question of interest for the failure to pay advance tax for the quarter does not arise. It appears that there was a technical glitch in the computer that generated this demand. But this demand that was sent out to several persons did cause a little worry since they were wondering as to how they were being given a demand notice when in many cases they were expecting a refund.

Talking about cyber crimes, the tax department has put out an alert telling the public that they do not send emails regarding refunds and do not call for any credit card details. Tax payers should be wary of any mail they receive that are said to have originated from the tax department.

Despite the introduction of the Unique Identification Number, the most popular number today is the PAN. I am a little amused to see little posters stuck to walls and trees stating ‘We make all kinds of PAN cards’ I always believed that there was only one PAN number allotted, but there were in the past persons who had several PAN cards.

(The author of the column is an Income Tax official.)

Ceramic tiles manufacturer, RAK Ceramics India, plans to set up a tile plant in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, at an invest Rs 600 crore over the next 18 months, a top company official said.

RAK Ceramics is a subsidiary of USD one billion UAE-headquartered Ras Al Khaimah (RAK).

"We will be setting up an unit in Ahmedabad with a production capacity of 10,000 sq mtr tiles per day. The investment will be over Rs 600 crore and the plant will be commissioned by early-2012.

We also intend to scale-up the capacity to 70,000 sq mtrs tiles per day in the next seven years," RAK Ceramics' Director, Sunil Malesha, told PTI here.

The funds would be a mix of debt and internal accruals, Malesha said, adding that company plans to raise Rs 300 crore debt from the World Bank.

PTI MUMBAI, MAY 9

With a view to garner a substantial overseas business and become a major global player in the offshore services segment, Great Offshore (GOL) is likely to ink a JV with a major foreign offshore player, a top company official said.

"We are looking for a JV partner amongst major global offshore companies. Such a tie-up will enable us to become one of the major players in the offshore services segment," the official said on strict condition of anonymity.

PTI MUMBAI, MAY 9

Mobile service provider, Reliance Communications (RCom) plans to launch its much-awaited Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) service in Delhi and Mumbai in the next three-months, an official said.

"We plan to start our proposed IPTV service initially in Delhi and Mumbai in the next three-months. In the second phase, we also have plans to introduce it in six other cities," RCom's chief executive officer

(DTH and IPTV), Sanjay Behl said.

IPTV operates on video signals received via the Net using a set-top box that will make TV viewing more interactive, Behl said.

Moreover, IPTV will offer the largest library of national, international and regional video content such as movies and music, among others. Besides, customers can have a choice of over hundred TV channels including High Definition (HD) channels and exclusive Reliance

This would be the company's second unit in India after the vitrified tiles plant in Andhra Pradesh, which has a production capacity of 30,000 sq mtrs of tiles per day.

The company, which plans to raise Rs 150-250 crore through an IPO by 2012, expects a 33 per cent growth in its revenue this year at Rs 40 crore, Malesha said, adding that the company expects a total turnover of Rs 1,500-1,700 crore in the next seven years.

The company also exports its tiles to countries such as Taiwan, Korea, Israel, the UAE, Sri Lanka and Australia.

The company plans to up its distribution network in the country in the view of the growth in the real estate sector, Malesha said.

"With the growth in the real estate sector we also plan to increase our distibution network to garner more sales. People these days have become more style-conscious," he said.

The company also recently en-

tered into a joint venture with Germany-based Kludi Group, a global player in the bath and kitchen fittings, to roll-out luxurious bath fittings in India.

"Bath fittings have really come of age from a mere necessity to a style statement and the segment is growing fast and we intend to tap the potential present in this segment," Malesha said.

The company targets a Rs 10 crore revenue in this year from the joint venture.

RAK Ceramics will offer a wide range of taps, showers, and faucets branded as JOOP, Espirit, KLUDI and KLUDI-RAK in India. The price of these products range from Rs 8,000 to Rs four lakh.

The company also plans to launch over 200 designs over the next couple of years in the country and is looking at expanding its dealer network as well as exclusive stores around the country. Currently, it has 750-dealers and 8O point of sales.

New inflation basket to have 676 items PTI NEW DELHI, MAY 9

The new wholesale pricebased inflation basket will have as many as 676 products, including LCD TVs, mobile phones, and packaged drinking water among others, and is likely to be rolled out in June or July.

In the new series there will be no obsolete items like typewriters and VCRs. The new index, with 2004-05 as the base year, will have 241 new items and is expected to provide a more realistic picture of price rise and its impact on

the common man. Currently there are 435 items in the WPI basket.

"We are making efforts to release the data according to the new basket and base year next month or in July," a senior official said.

"The existing series has some obsolete items. They will not figure in the new series," the official added.

With the addition of new items, data reporting would be more representative and give a better picture of the price situation, the official informed.

PTI MUMBAI, MAY 9

Fresh spell of snow in parts of Himachal Pradesh is making the state's hospitality sector smile. After all, some good weather and pristine natural beauty in the Himayalan hills promises to draw in summer tourists in hordes.

Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) general manager Yogesh Behl said several hill stations have become more

picture-perfect after fresh snowfall.

'We are advising tourists to come and enjoy the cool climes of the hill station and refresh their minds by watching snowclad peaks from the hotel window,'Behl said.

Behl said most tourists, mainly from the northern states, have been heading towards Shimla, Narkanda, Manali, Dalhousie, Dharamsala, Palampur and Sangla in Kinnaur district.

More than 50,000 tourists were expected across the state this weekend.

Sudhir Khimta of Dwarika Residency, a tourist bungalow in the interiors of Shimla district, said: 'The Chansal Peak overlooking the bungalow is wrapped in a thick blanket of white. Though these peaks remain snow-clad round the year, a fresh spell of snow makes them more picturesque.'

Likewise, the peaks overlooking the popular tourist re-

AGENCY NEW DELHI, MAY 9

India and Turkey share many things in common, including a parliamentary democracy and secular values, and a Free Trade Agreement between the two countries would be a valued development, Turkish Ambassador to India Levent Bilman has said.

Bilman said 'India and Turkey are coming closer together.'

India is studying the features of a proposed FTA and a fresh round of meeting between the two sides on the issue is to be held in Turkey, he said, adding that indications are very promising of the two sides inking the agreement.

Having achieved a substantial presence in urban markets, two-wheeler major, Yamaha, now plans a major initiative in rural India through launch of few models in the affordable price range this year, a top company official said.

"We are very strong in Tier 1 and Tier II cities. Now onwards, our focus will be rural India (Tier III towns). We will launch more models in the affordable price range to dominate the rural market," India Yamaha Motor's National Business Head, Pankaj Dubey said.

Presently, around 15 per cent of its sales comes from the rural market and Dubey sees this demand increasing substantially this year.

With around 70 per cent of bike sales in the country emanating from the rural market, Yamaha now plans a major initiative to capture a significant

Channels, Behl said.

IPTV uses standard networking protocols, which promises lower costs for operators and lower prices for users. Using set-top boxes with broadband Internet connections, video can be streamed to households more efficiently than current coaxial cable.

In the past, MTNL and BSNL have launched IPTV. The Asia-Pacific IPTV market revenues are projected to cross the USD 3-billion mark by 2013.

Birla AMC upbeat on power, infra PTI MUMBAI, MAY 9

Infrastructure funds are expected to fare well in the next three-years as investments in the sector will increase substantially during the period, a top mutual funds industry official said today.

"The infrastructure sector is expected to grow substantially in the next three-years. Within infrastructure, both power and construction hold an immense potential and huge investments are expected to flow into them," ICICI Prudential AMC's Equity, chief investment officer, S Naren said.

The Government has estimated that the country needs USD 514-billion poured into infrastructure in the five-years till FY 12, the year when the economy is expected to expand 9 per cent.

Naren was bullish on power and said that the total demand for electricity in India is expected to cross 9,50,000 MW by 2030.

marketshare in this segment.

"We are seeing a huge demand for Yahama bikes in rural India," he said, adding Yamaha has optimum resources to tap this demand."

The company plans to strengthen its network in Tier III destinations and increase its sub-dealers in these areas, he said.

The company launched its new motorcycle, YBR 110 for the rural markets last month and has already sold 4,000 units.

Its Crux model already enjoys a good demand in the rural market.

"Our main product Yamaha Crux is well accepted in the rural market and we are confident that the recently-launched YBR 110 will also contribute significantly to our sales numbers," Dubey said.

Both the models belong to the standard segment, which, Dubey described as "very crucial" in the company's strategy

to tap the rural market.

"It (standard segment) is one of the the main growth drivers for our company," he said.

The company's domestic sales in April jumped 11.51 per cent to 16,861 units as against 15,120 units in the same month last year.

The company plans to increase its compact dealerships named 'Yamaha Bike corner' from the present one to 250 by the end of this fiscal, which will help to improve its presence in Tier III cities.

"We have come up with a new initiative called 'Yamaha Bike Corner'(YBC) to reach out to customers in rural and semiurban areas. We will open 249 more YBC by the end of this fiscal," he said.

"We are also focusing on our 'Yes Yamaha' strategy to give -Yes products, Yes partners and Yes promotion to realise our goals. Getting customer smile at Yamaha is the key strategy," he said.

I-Pru posts maiden profit of Rs 258 cr

Qatar investor buys UK department store Harrods

PTI MUMBAI, MAY 9

Slashing costs and launching a slew of low-charge products contributed to life insurer ICICI Prudential Life Insurance's healthy top-line in FY 10 when it posted its maiden profit of Rs 258-crore, an official said.

"Our key focus for 2010 was profitability. We also tried to avoid infusing capital. We launched an array of lowcharge products that gave us a very good top-line revenue and also cut costs," ICICI Prudential Life Insurance's MD and CEO, V Vaidyanathan, said in an interview here.

Going forward, the life insurer is now confident of a growth in profits and eyeing a 10 per cent marketshare this fiscal, he said. The company had posted a loss of Rs 780 crore in the year-ago period.

Vaidyanathan said that cutting costs of over Rs 350 crore was a major factor that has contributed to the company's profitability in FY 10.

"Our good performance in FY 10 is the result of over 10years of work put in by many people. Our staff whole-heartedly worked in reducing costs and pushing new launches. We added new revenue-lines," he said.

Expense ratios were also brought down from 11.8 per cent to 9.1 per cent.

"Expense ratios are a direct indicator of efficiency in our industry. We have redirected the expense cuts to growth areas.

In some cases, this has helped," Vaidyanathan said.

The company also re-filed its products to make them more capital-efficient. "All this contributed to our profitability. We now have an efficient platform for a robust growth in the years ahead," he said.

REuTERs LONDON, MAY 9

The investment arm of Qatar's sovereign wealth fund has bought the famous London department store Harrods from Egyptian-born businessman Mohamed al-Fayed in a deal reported to be worth around 1.5 billion pounds ($2.3 billion).

Qatar Holding, the prime vehicle for strategic and direct investments by the State of Qatar, would not confirm the estimated figure reported by Sky News.

The country's prime minister, who is also chairman of Qatar Holding, said there were plans to upgrade the luxury store, popular with tourists and an historic landmark in the upmarket Knightsbridge area of London.

"What I can assure you is Qatar Holding will do their best to upgrade this monument, to make it even greater and better for the tourism and also for the British people," Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim al-Thani told reporters in an impromptu news conference at the store.

He said it will create a "road map" to upgrade Harrods in the next few months.

USE appoints 2 new directors PANJIM (HBD) -- United Stock Exchange announced the appointment of 2 new independent directors on their Board.

Arun Ramanathan, former Union Finance Secretary and Dipak Chatterjee, former Union Commerce Secretary have joined the board as independent directors.

It's snowing! Himachal readies its rooms with a view AGENCY SHIMLA, MAY 9

"While the existing system of inflation is accurate, the new series with bigger basket will be more credible as all major products have been included," he said.

The Reserve Bank is the major consumer of the inflation data as it helps them in formulating and monitoring policies.

The wholesale price inflation is at present calculated with 1993-94 as the base year. The government had earlier revised the base year for WPI in 195253, 1961-62, 1970-71, 1981-82 and 1993-94.

Turkey keen on FTA

Yamaha plans rural blitz through affordable bikes

R-Com to launch IPTV service in Mumbai, Delhi

RAK Ceramics to invest Rs 600 cr in tile plant PTI MUMBAI, MAY 9

GOL scouting for partner in offshore biz

sorts like Manali, Dharamsala and Palampur have got fresh snow.

'We are rather fortunate to come up here (Palampur) and see snow, though far away. It's nice, refreshing and soothing,' Charu Chibber, a tourist from Delhi, remarked while watching the majestic Dhauladhar range at Palampur.

Tek Chand Thakur, president of the Manali Hoteliers Association, said: 'Hills atop this town abound with snow. One can

easily enjoy the scenic beauty from this town or travel to Rohtang Pass (52 km from Manali) to enjoy the snow.'

He said fresh rain and snow during peak summer are always an added attraction for the tourists.

Manmohan Singh, director of the meteorological department here, said popular tourist destinations like Shimla, Narkanda, Kufri and Dharamsala have been experiencing pleasant weather due to rain.

He said higher reaches in Kinnaur, Chamba, Kullu and Lahaul and Spiti experienced mild snow. Shimla recorded a low of 13.2 degrees Celsius Saturday, whereas the maximum was 18.1 degrees Friday.

Likewise, Kalpa, a picturesque town 250 km from Shimla, recorded a minimum temperature of 4.6 degrees Celsius, Dharamsala in Kangra district recorded 12.5 degrees Celsius and Bhuntar in Kullu district registered 12 degrees.

The deal brings to an end 25 years of ownership by al-Fayed, who will become honorary chairman.

A COLOURFUL FIGURE "Mohamed al-Fayed has decided to retire and to spend more time with his children and grand-children," Ken Costa, chairman of Lazard International, said in a statement on Saturday. Lazard advised the alFayed family trust.

"Qatar Holding was specifically chosen by the Trust as they had both the vision and financial capacity to support the long term successful growth of Harrods," Costa added.

Qatar Holding is an arm of Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), which was founded by the State of Qatar in 2005 to strengthen its economy by diversifying into new asset classes.

QIA is one of the largest sovereign wealth funds in the world with an estimated $60 billion or more in assets under management.

"It is a privilege for us to acquire Harrods, a unique company that combines an iconic luxury brand and one of the most prestigious retail properties in the world with best-in-

class financial metrics," Ahmad M. Al Sayed, chief executive officer and managing director of Qatar Holding, said in a statement.

Qatar Holding has stakes in supermarket chain J Sainsbury, the London Stock Exchange and Credit Suisse.

The purchase followed interest by the Emir of Qatar, the prime minister said.

"Harrods generates good and stable returns as a business, it will add much value to our international portfolio of investments," Sheikh Hamad said in a statement.

Credit Suisse advised Qatar Holding.

Al-Fayed, who also owns English soccer club Fulham, bought Harrods in 1985 for about 615 million pounds at a time when the group also owned the House of Fraser department store chain, which was later spun off.

A colourful figure, al-Fayed waged a long campaign claiming his son Dodi and Princess Diana, who died together in a Paris car crash in 1997, were murdered in a conspiracy.

Qatar Holding will be the fifth owner of Harrods since its creation in 1840.

Prestige plans six new malls PTI MUMBAI, MAY 9

Bangalore-based real estate giant, the Prestige Group, plans to invest around Rs 1,5001,800-crore to develop six malls, scheduled to be operational by 2013.

Of these six, the company will construct four malls in a joint venture with Singaporebased CapitaMalls Asia.

"We are planning to develop six projects by 2013 at an investment of Rs 250-300-crore per mall. Of these, four projects are in a joint venture with Singapore-based CapitaMalls. With this, the total number of our malls will increase to nine by 2013," Prestige Group's CEO, S Raghunandhan said.

Fifty per cent of the funding would be from internal accruals and the rest through a mix of debt and investments from the JV partner, he said.

The new malls would be

coming up in Hyderabad, Kochi, Mangalore, Bangalore, Mysore and Shantiniketan, a township developed by the group near Bangalore.

Currently, the group has two malls in Bangalore – Forum at Koramangala and True Value Mall in Whitefield, which is a discount mall with anchors such as Pantaloons, Tommy Hilfiger, Megamart, Esprit and Louis Vuitton having their factory outlets.

The Group's third mall, Forum Vijaya, will be opened by mid-2011 in Chennai. The mall is being developed in a joint venture with Vijaya Productions and has a floor space of 7,00,000-sq ft.

Currently, the Group has developments spread over 20-million sq ft and about 13-million sq ft is under construction.

The company would be going for an IPO soon and plans to file its DRHP with Sebi soon, he said.

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OHERALDO

CAREERS & EDUCATION

GOA, Monday, 10 May, 2010

I

t can be an exciting career choice .The science of studying human cultures through the recovery, analysis and documentation of material remains and environmental data, like architecture, artefacts, features, landscapes and bio facts is known as Archaeology. The term is derived from the Greek words 'archaios' meaning ancient and 'logos' meaning knowledge.

Overview Archaeology is often a multidisciplinary subject, integrating the knowledge of history, geography and anthropology with geology, chemistry, art and literature. Archaeologists try to learn about previous generations especially those in the distant past stretching from those as far back in time as the Mesopotamia in Persia, Indus

T

Digging Up and Discovering History –I

valley civilisation to more recent historical periods like the Middle Ages in Europe.

Work An archaeologist tries to study historical periods in their time and find out about the lives of its people and the characteristics of its cultures. Archaeologists are driven by a passion for history and the cultures of the past. Archaeologists try to rediscover history and reinterpret history. Archaeologists are often required to travel to other countries to work on overseas projects.

Archaeologists working in private museums and galleries are also granted a high remuneration in comparison to most other jobs.

They spend a lot of time at the excavation site. Archaeologists camp at the site and stay there for months at a time while working on the project. The work in-

volves carefully excavating the artefacts, then cleaning them, preserving them and studying them.

Archaeologists must hence have some knowledge about the historical conditions of the time and place, the geographical conditions of the area both in the past and at present, anthropological matter, a bit of chemistry for safely excavating and preserving the artefacts. Study of the artefacts often requires the knowledge of other languages, some even dead languages as well as knowledge of the culture of that period including some knowledge of its artistic forms. The nature of work involves a lot of scientific work as well.

In order to become an Archaeologist, the aspirant need to spend several years training, taking tests and examinations, writing term papers and thesis and doing continuous research.

Apart from these, there will be field work where one should observe the excavation of sites, analyzing the relics and monuments, intern with a senior Archaeologist, learn new techniques of excavation and practice using GPS tools and digging and also drawing and photography.

Personality Archaeologists need to be of a tenacious personality.

They need to be patient enough to work very slowly and carefully at the excavation sites. Sometimes, entire buildings are cleaned with small brushes. Therefore, it can take years on one project.

Archaeologists need to have that tenacity to stay focussed on a project in spite of its length. The excavations are funded by other organisations. Sometimes, the funding may stop for a while.

Archaeologists also need to have the special personality to not be completely crushed under the suspension of a long project but rather have the mental strength to resume work as and when possible.

Key Skills The essential attributes needed for an Archaeologist are a perceptive and probing mind, keen observation, analytical and logical thinking, creativity and accuracy. They should be able to handle physical stress and strain since they may have to work outdoors in uncomfortable conditions.

Dedication and patience are required since researches in this field can take years on one project. Archaeologists must also be well versed with Geo-physical conditions.

Pre-requisites for Career Success

here are some fundamental pre-requisites for succ e s s i n y o u r c a r e e r, irrespective of the choices you have arrived at. These need to be understood well.

1. Good Communication and Expression.

These are not only critical but can make a great difference towards your success. For being able to express yourself well, you must understand the power of the language and work towards enhancing your abilities, both towards the written and spoken expressions. You should be well versed with Hindi and English, besides your regional language. In today’s global world, language binds us all.

You would have read or heard that one of India’s competitive advantages in the global trade with other nations is our command over English, which has today become the link language all over the world. At the same time Hindi as our National language makes the interaction possible with people amongst our different states and regions, where many languages and dialects are spoken.

2. Express yourself clearly, without choosing complicated and big sounding words or jargon. If you are shy or in confident in front of others, read a good newspaper loudly alone in front of a mirror for 20 min-

utes every day till you feel confident in expressing yourself freely in front of strangers.

Watch a good news program on the T.V every day for 30 minutes and try to follow the diction of a good newsreader (preferably the same one every day). Read a standard news magazine on regular basis. Speak to your parents and friends in the language they use, with confidence and clarity. If required you can read a good primer like the Rapidex English course and join a good language coaching school to enhance your abilities.

on regular basis.

4. Do not feel shy in admitting that you are trying to improve your expression.

5. Converse with your friends on the phone in a clear voice and with proper expression.

6. You can follow the same policy in your Internet and email communications, by not going for the abbreviated expressions and use full form.

7. This will allow you to keep talking or writing to your friends and at the same time enhance your abilities.

8. Continue doing this till it

3. Write small notes /articles in Hindi and English twice a week and show to your parents, teachers and friends whom you trust and use their feedback to improve. This should be done

becomes a second habit. Apart from improving your language and expression, this will increase your self-confidence and also provide you with updated information on the current affairs.

9. Clarity in your verbal expression is very important. Do not fumble and speak in a cheerful firm voice. You can learn by hearing pre-recorded messages of Banks and other service providers, using Indian voices.

Never try to copy any foreign accent. You must also try to achieve neutral accent while speaking in Hindi and English, i.e. the regional influence should not be pronounced. The tone should be full of warmth and enthusiasm.

10. The written expression should be simple, specific and purposeful. Do not use long or complicated sentences. While using simple words, keep improving your vocabulary on a daily basis, by learning new words and their appropriate usage. Consult standard Dictionaries for checking correct spellings and use of words.

11. Remember that ‘practice makes a man perfect’ and you need to keep working towards better expression on a continuous basis.

Conclusion Good command over languages will enable you to express yourself with clarity and confidence. This will help you in all spheres of life. Not only a salesman, but also a research scientist needs a good expression. It will also do wonders to your self-confidence and personality.

Beware Of Over-Spending

By Caetano de Abreu

T

his column is about job opportunities and also meant to warn the jobseekers that once they have obtained a job, they must scrimp and save. Any position requires a detailed and studied scrutiny, as post recession nothing is as pink as it seems or is made out to be, not only due to elements of loss ,but also due to the undertaken rote by the employed, which does not augur well in employment solution as it is evident from the balance sheet presented to concerned governmental departments. In other words, some companies are facing red pencilling. This is a major cause for concern ,as no one knows the tenor which the present crisis may deviate, and unemployment may rise again.

At the outset, when the economy was booming, there was a spate of innovative ideas to create job forums which could aggrandize one's financial situation as well as save a penny for a rainy day. Alas! all in vain, for when the finances took a reverse turn the dreams came crashing down and the workforce was left penniless with dreams gone astray. With no money kept in the Savings Account, the populace was seen struggling to make

the ends meet. However, the bad tidings are past gone, and a new world is fast emerging with people from all walks of life, ever cautious of their past deeds, having learnt a lesson in Savings. Although I must say that with moolah coming in, there is no earnest will to curb the unnecessary expenditure.

With a plethora of job opportunities, somehow the same people who were earlier seen struggling to cope with daunting circumstances, do not seem to have learnt their bitter lessons, so the splurge is on. Nevertheless, in the contemporar y episodes, I feel it is my duty to delineate the Pros and Cons which are eroding the marketable bonanza, as the same being necessary for the benefit of fellow Goans, because in the employment sector the opportunities are as not as easy as it seems.

We, tend to avail of the benefits of the employment, to squander away our hard earned money.

The case in point being that inflation is eroding our semistashed finances with unnecessar y expenses, all thanks to major advertising blitzkrieg which is veering our minds away from more mundane aspects.

I concur that basic necessities like having a refrigerator, a

car/vehicle, perhaps a cooler installed in the house, a new and presentable residence, to enhance a child's education adhered with high costs, having a high-frequency stereo and a plasma TV (within one's comfort limits), to purchase comestibles within the prescribed amount etc., are the day's bye-word.

However what I absolutely disagree with, is the splurge which is taking place in our Gen-Next ambit, as if there is no tomorrow, with people double spending on things which are all unnecessary to say the least.

And that is due to high-end salaries which is stimulating our fantasized employees. It is in this frame of mind, that the employees should foresee the future and act accordingly, as money is not grown on trees but availed thanks to our own efforts and stress, which might in the long run take a toll on our health.

Thus what will happen then when our resources have dwindled and when we can no longer afford to work any further.

Does it mean that fortune favours the brave or like Knute Rockne says - "When the going gets

tough, the tough get going".

There is perplexity in that saying as in the contemporary context, with the fallacy and dearth of jobs, and each one trying to vie against the each other, the new terminology coined is "when the hired get tired, the tired get fired", this paraphrase may have some relevance amongst Goans as we all know the penchant displayed by them to skittle the given job.

Considering that "money gained is money earned," I am of the opinion that whatever might be our salaries and perks, we must contemplate how to stretch our finances for the times when we are down, like being sick and infirm, as we all knows the cost of medication which is not easily available, thus what our faith be if we squander all the revenues instead of savings?

Think about it.

Specialization Like most other subjects, archaeology too has a large number of sub-disciplines. One can specialise in a particular field after doing the basics of an archaeology course. Some of these specialisation areas are characterised by a specific type of material (like archaeobotany, lithic analysis, music), chronological or geographical focus (like Medieval archaeology, Near Eastern archaeology), other thematic areas (like maritime archaeology, battlefield archaeology, landscape archaeology) or a specific archaeological culture or civilis a t i o n ( l i k e I n d o l o g y, Egyptology).

Some other specialisations of archaeology are as follows. Historical archaeology is the study of cultures with some form of writing. Ethnoarchaeology is archaeological study of living people. Experimental archaeology is the application of experimental methods to develop highly controlled observations of processes to create and impact archaeological records. Archaeometry aims to systematise archaeological measurement by emphasising application of analytical techniques from engineering, physics and chemistry.

Prospects The profession of Archaeology offers interesting job opportunities to those who have a fascination for the past. Since Archaeology is a specialised branch of study, the career prospects are very good. In India, archaeologists have a very rich field for work as Indian civilisation goes back thousands of years. Archaeology graduates have great scope abroad for jobs as well as research as various

colleges and universities are well furnished with research programmes. Here one can work as curators, heritage conser vators, archivists or even as teachers. Students who pass out from the Institute of Archaeology, the academic wing of the Archeological Sur vey of India, have brighter prospects because they are readily absorbed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Archaeologists can seek jobs in government sectors through examinations conducted by Union Public Service Commission or Staff Selection Commission and also in private environment monitoring companies or in similar organizations. They are employed in Defence services, museums, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, cultural centres and historical division of the Ministry of External Affairs.

A degree holder in Archaeology can work as tourist guides, heritage managers, interpreters, resource persons of trip organizers in the tourism industry. After obtaining Doctoral degree or suc-

cessfully clearing SLET (State Level Eligibility Test ) or NET (National Eligibility Test) one can take up teaching and research work. Ar-

The salary scale of the Director General varies between Rs.25,000 and 30,000. The minimum pay scale of Archaeologists working in colleges and universities is around 16,000 to 20,000/- per month. A doctoral degree

chaeologists can even seek employment in other disciplines as historians, linguists and surveyors.

Remunerations The pay scale for an Archaeologist depends on their education, level of skill and who they work for. Since the nature of job prospects is very diverse, the salary can vary tremendously. For archaeologists within the Archaeological Survey of India and the state archaeology departments, the remuneration is equal to that of civil servants. The basic pay scale of an Assistant Archaeologist employed with the Archaeological Survey of India is between Rs. 9,000 and Rs. 15,000 including other allowances. The promotion is based upon the performance.

in this field entitles one to reach higher pay scale and it is a must for a rise in this career.

For lecturers, the remuneration varies between Rs 15,000 and Rs 20,000. Readers and Professors are paid even more.

The initial pay scale in private firms can be much higher when compared to the government sector. The remuneration with time and experience expands to the advantage of Archaeologists.

For museum curators, the remuneration is very high.

Most archaeologists find jobs in governmental organisations.

Such government jobs are not only well paid but also come with a lot of perks.

Also, government jobs are seen as prestigious jobs.

BELIVE IT OR NOT

By Christine Machado fter class, my friends and I were heading to the canteen, when my friend Jayavanti began grumbling about her itchy nose. “Someone’s probably thinking of you”, I decided referring to one of the many beliefs that have been circulated and passed on over generations. As she suddenly sneezed, my friend Gwyn piped in,” There’s a saying I read somewhere, it says,’ if you sneeze once, it means someone is praising you; If you sneeze twice, it means someone is saying bad things about you; If you sneeze thrice, it means you are being scolded; And if you sneeze four times or more, well, it means you have a cold.’

Indeed even today, we refer to many such superstitions either in jest or out of belief in them. When I asked around for the most unusual superstition heard, I got some interesting responses “If you keep tasting the food while cooking, you are not going to be satisfied with just one guy, you’ll keep trying to find a better guy!”, says Marinelle D’souza who wondered what the advice for married women was.” Never carry an empty wallet when you are young or you will go bankrupt as an adult”, puts in Gwyn D’ Mello who adds gloomily,” that is assuming some of us have a choice to carry an empty wallet”.” Forward an sms or bad luck will follow,” says Alister Gomes bringing to fore one of the newest trends in today’s times.

A commonly held and unhealthy superstition in our society is the belief in the evil eye or as known in Konkani as ‘dixtt ‘.It is believed that singing high praises of another person could lead to the latter person’s misfortune. People use a variety of methods to prevent this evil eye. Mothers apply a spot of kohl on their children’s cheeks or foreheads to make them imperfect and ward off evil.

Limes and chilies are hung on the entrance of new dwellings and workplaces While many of us are familiar with a number of such beliefs, not many of us know where they came from Friday the 13th It is linked to Good Friday, with the number 13 signifying the number of people who sat down for the Last Supper Black cats A black cat crossing your path is considered unlucky as black cats were originally associated with witches. However in Britain and Australia, the black cat is considered to be lucky.

Touch wood We often hear someone saying, ‘I’ve never had an accident’ and then following it with a knock on wood. This custom originated in the practice of touching wood upon every occasion of happiness in gratitude and veneration to Christ who died upon a wooden cross.

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God bless you Roman citizens feared sneezing when a plague hit their city during the reign of Pope Gregory the Great. The sneeze was regarded as a sure sign of approaching sickness. Thus Pope Gregory instituted the use of the phrase "God bless you" to shield sneezers from any ill effects.

Crossing fingers This action is used when the person feels the need for good luck, courage or protection. It is believed that in doing so you are seeking protection from Jesus Thus, though our progress technically and scientifically has expanded manifold, our mental progress is still stunted by such superstitions. Jerusha Soares believes that such beliefs only add and extra burden to our minds. “Why simply tax your minds over such silly beliefs? Determining our success in this life solely based on such meaningless superstitions is a hindrance in our self development and confidence”.

While eradicating all of these silly beliefs is tedious, it is not an impossible task According to Jayavanti Loundo,” if we look positively towards life and not find comfort in superstitions and if we try to face facts and act accordingly we can live a relatively better life.”

SOME INTERESTING BELIEFS You must get out of bed the same side you got in otherwise you bring bad luck upon yourself!

To see a single crow is very unlucky! But two mean good luck! three mean health, four means wealth, five is sickness and six mean death!

Seeing an ambulance is very unlucky unless you pinch your nose or hold your breath until you see a black or a brown dog.

When making the bed, don't interrupt your work, or you will spend a restless night in it.

A loaf of bread should never be turned upside down after a slice has been cut from it.

To drop a comb while you are combing your hair is a sign of a coming disappointment Cows lifting their tails are a sure sign that rain is coming.

A fish should always be eaten from the head toward the tail.

It is bad luck to see an owl in the sunlight.

If you bite your tongue while eating, it is because you have recently told a lie. A yawn is a sign that danger is near.

Overcome Negative Beliefs – II

he inner feeling, which I’d been trained to trust as accurate, would deepen my conviction about my own undesirability. But was I really undesirable or was I just the victim of my misunderstanding of the original situation?

If I were to choose to change that belief, what would I have to face? Well, I’d have to face the feeling that the belief was true, and I’d have to face the voices in my head that would remind me of all the times that things happened which proved the belief to be true. To change the belief, I’d have to fly in the face of both historical evidence and bodily knowing in the form of emotions. That’s a lot of power! What’s the answer?

Where could I find the strength to overcome such powerful evidence?

The answer is something known as reframing. Reframing is a technique for looking at a particular situation or set of circumstances and challenging oneself to find the most empowering, resourceful interpretation of that situation. It often

requires creative thinking and is underlined by the idea that no situation has an inherently correct interpretation except that which we give it. In other words, there are many ways to view any circumstance and our charge is not to find the right interpretation but to find the most useful interpretation, the one that helps us meet our goals, the one that we will also accept as viable.

Suppose it’s my goal to be happy. Which is a more useful frame to put around the story I told about my childhood? That I was, in fact, fundamentally undesirable or that I was a perfectly normal child who happened to stumble into an unfriendly situation? Which evaluation would have served me more in my growth?

There are probably some among you who, like me in my past, feel that reframing a situation is inherently dishonest. If you’re one of them, let me suggest that you consider the underlying belief that your negative interpretation of a situation is correct. Just because

it feels true and has a historic context, does that make it true?

Is it not possible that your interpretation is really a misinterpretation? Perhaps you’re holding yourself back from thriving because of outmoded adherence to an indefensible view.

Whenever I feel that I must maintain my view of anything, I try to remember the words of Ram Dass, who says, “You’re not who you think you are.” If you’re not who you think you are, how can you defend your position?

Here are some powerful reframes, which, once adopted by your deep subconscious mind, will activate your enthusiasm, creativity, and sense of possibility: There are no problems, only opportunities.

Those who cause me emotional pain are my teachers, helping to point out the emotional addictions I need to overcome.

What I’ve failed to accomplish doesn’t prove my incapability but my lack of adequate knowledge to this point.

There is no failure; only feed-

back.

When I share my pain, I become more truly human.

Take a few minutes to make your unconscious beliefs conscious. Ask yourself what you believe about yourself, about your role in society, about your capabilities, about the world around you, about family and friends, about men, about women, about your past, about your future, about God, about life and death, and about the role of belief in your future.

Take these questions one at a time and spend one minute writing as many answers as you can to each as quickly as you can, without pausing to reflect. Look for ways of reframing your unresourceful beliefs, finding empowering ways to look at your situation without sacrificing your hold on reality. Be as diligent as you can. With time, you will find your life becoming more satisfying and manageable, even before you’ve actually done anything to change your life circumstances.

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Goa Monday 1010 May 2010 Goa Monday May 2010

www.oheraldo.in

LAZY, HAZY SUMMERTIME T

By Marc de Souza

he collective groan you hear is from moms and dads who realize they now face weeks and weeks of sons and daughters, morning to night. The collective sigh of relief comes, of course, from the teachers who have cared for students a good chunk of each day for months and months. Summer vacation is on us. The season of feasts and weddings, fruits, picnics and recreation. Hospitality is the hallmark of such gatherings. It is part of the outdoor style of life. No one counts the glasses of soft drinks consumed nor admonish their children not to have another ice cream. No short of rupees, as there is always the "reserve fund".

Having said this, be forewarned, summer mostly means being ready to hear: "There's nothing to do!" Are you ready for that?

I recall childhood and the once upon a time summers of the 1940s, when youth was refreshingly unsophisticated.

Those were the days when

most mothers did not have jobs outside the home and most fathers did not have jobs that often took them outside the city. And the whole family had their meals together.

Most mothers and many fathers had time to play games plan summertime outings and be there to kiss it and make it well.

Our childhood ambitions were modest. We played soccer bare-footed down in a paddy field or up on the pebbly play ground. That's when the ground was dusty but dried solid by the hot sun.

Usually the boy who owned the football picked his team and his position on the field.

The goal posts comprised two mounds of earth or two bamboo poles with a rope tied across the top as a crossbar.

When we came down the hill with pocket full of cashew seeds, the land tenant did not notice our bulging pockets, we gambled in the game of "botto". Unlike the game of "Godd'do", the cashew seeds were placed in a straight line within a circle,

A CAMEL RIDE David X Marcelo, Std II, Mushtifund Primary School

BEN10 Naveen P Tari, Std VII, Mushtifund Middle School, Panjim.

NAME:__________________________________________________ AGE: ______ STD: _______ Phone: ________________________ SCHOOL: _______________________________________________ HOME ADDRESS: ________________________________________

MONGINIS TWO BEST CREATIVE ME ENTRIES Laxvi D Chari (12), Std VI, Vidhya Vihar HS., Vasco wins a gift voucher of Monginis worth Rs. 125/-

 Livency Elsa Rodrigues (10), Std IV, St Aloysius HS, Benaulim, wins a gift voucher of Monginis worth Rs. 75/-

up and became the rule makers. Then society told us to forget rules. We had gone from the frying pan into the fire of indecision. The lazy, hazy summertime had turned into a winter of discontent!

Remembering Mother

By Alice Menezes Dear Mother: I’m writing this letter to say How things have changed since you have gone away.

So much has happened, but I shall tell Just the important events from my memory cell. and we took shots with a flat pebble to see who could win the most seeds by knocking them out of the circle. Our games were open to every kid in the village and the only prerequisite was basic skills and willingness to participate. At the fag-end of our vacation, when rains were threatening to come down, we would get to the seeds discreetly hidden and would roast these over burning dried leaves and twigs. We used to heap these roasted seeds and with tiny stones would start shelling them, as the white nut appeared. With "hi" and "hui" hot-hot on the tongue, relish the goodies.

This was the yearly ritual.

I literally devoured comics.

Friends and I exchanged works of Charles Dickens’ Tale of Two Cities and Alexander Dumas' Count of Monte Christo. Our analysis of the stories may have seemed like a casual critique of the authors' works, but they surely had a subliminal impact on our impressionable minds.

Sometimes we might long for those childhood days, when we could be safe and secure as long as we did what we were told. Parents told us

I’m married, you know, and have a girl and a boy, A home of our own which we all enjoy, A husband I love, who does so much for me, He is as fine a man as you want him to be.

You’d probably smile if you heard me preach To the kids, all that you used to teach.

No, I’ve not forgotten the things that I learned For the status of ‘Mother’ I too have earned.

The home-cooked meals with love you prepared, Together we sat at the table and shared; To begin and end, we said a prayer, But now, all this is so very rare.

For me, dainty dresses you did sew With lace and frills, perhaps a bow.

Today’s gal picks her clothes off store shelves And into their bargain-bins often delves.

No letters we write, no postman we see, For today, it’s all done electronically.

Website, online, internet, email To you, this must sound like a fairy tale!

Telephones are mobile, meals are instant, No destination is too far or distant.

The world is so small, so easy to travel, But we’ve innumerable issues yet to unravel.

No one visits like you used to do With friends and family for an hour or two; Those delightful evenings, how we enjoyed, But today, baby-sitters are invariably employed.

The week-end entertainment, the neighbourhood show, On Sunday evenings, we all used to go; O, those wonderful times I shall never forget, Sadly ousted by the video, computer and the TV set.

But whatever the changes, the style of clothes, The fancy hair-do’s, the fashion shows; Times have changed, dear Mother, it’s true, But one thing is constant, my love for you.

MY GARDEN Kyra D’Costa , Fatima Convent HS., Margao

A MERMAID Laxvi D Chari (12), Std VI, Vidhya Vihar HS., Vasco

ENTRY FORM MONGINIS Creative Me



where and when to go and whom we could go with. And the elders told us what was right and what was wrong, and were we would go if we did not obey and pray. But everything changed. We grew

Cherish Your Mother Hello Friends,

W

e are entering yet another week in May – a month that has been filled with events galore. How are you planning to spend the weekend? Are you wondering why I am suddenly questioning you about the weekend? Well, it’s because this weekend it extra special – it is being dedicated to one of the two very special people in every person’s life – our mother. Our mother, like our father, is irreplaceable in our lives. She is one very special being who nurtures us not only when we are conceived, but through all the stages of our lives, its joys and sorrows. When we are hurt or in pain, the first word we utter is ‘mama’ isn’t it? Whenever we need something the first person we think of is our mother. She can do anything – she can make all things right – even the impossible is certainly possible. The gratitude you show her for her love and care will never be adequate. But instead of fighting with her or grumbling a her, you can instead show your appreciation for her, in small and simple ways. Make her feel cherished, not with material goods, but with good deeds- gestures, kind words, or even the way you deal with others – for it reflects the way she has raised you. Your good behaviour, dress sense, will make her extremely proud of you – she will be able to hold her head high up- not hang her head down in shame and be insulted by others because of you.

But why only wait for this particular day to make your mother feel special – to show her how blessed you feel to have her in your life? Does she wait only for Children’s Day to do something thoughtful and special for you? Make everyday a Mother’s Day. Cheers to all the mothers of the world .

My Pavilion

Family: The Priceless Treasure

O

ur holidays are a time filled with opportunities to bond with our families.

Throughout the year, we are busy with so many of our individual activities – studies, extra-curricular activities, spending time with our friends. We come home only to change our clothes, eat our meals or sleep. We don’t have time to talk to our parents. And the questions they ask us out of loving concern are answered while on our way out. Is this what we must give them – what they deserve for all the loving care that they shower on us? In the week gone by we had two very special days – Mother’s Day(second Sunday of May) and International Day For Families ( May 15). But does that mean that we should give special consideration to our mothers or families on these special days only?

In today’s world where ‘no one else but me’ is the way of life, we must remember that we are because of our families – that means our parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts cousins and our extended families through marriage. The kind of bonds that we establish with the members of our family, in babyhood and which are maintained throughout our childhood and adolescence determine the person we become as adults. They are the ones who lend us the physical and emotional strength we require to get through the storms we will invariably and inevitably come across in life. Our family is our safe shelter come what may. They are like our backbone that helps us stand erect. Without our families we are nothing – we have no identity. So treasure your family – your ties with them. Love them unconditionally, as they love you. You will surely then be able to change the world. Pledge today, to start loving your families and take care never to harm or hurt them . Above all, spend time with them, pray together, eat together, share your lives with them. Open up. Life will be more meaningful then. Remember, a family that prays together, eats together, stays together. Here’s to all the loving families in the world.

Cheerio!

A PARROT Kimberley Soares (13), Std VII, Our Lady of Lourdes HS., Utorda s

LIVE IN HARMONY Livency Elsa Rodrigues (10), Std IV, St Aloysius HS, Benaulim

Colour Me

KIDS’ RANCH Jevel Goretty Fernandes (10), Std IV, St Aloysius HS, Benaulim

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SPORTS

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GOA, Monday, 10 May, 2010

St Cruz, Goa Velha, Remembering Benfica exactly Varca, SMT in semis HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, MAY 9

Donald Roucha’s hat-trick helped St. Cruz Club of Cavelossim to crush Sinquerim Sports Club 8-1 and enter the semi-finals of Kingfisher Beach Football Challenge tournament sponsored by Kingfisher at Colva beach on Sunday.

Elix Rodrigues and Remmy Colaco scored a brace while Shawn D’Costa added his name into the scorers list for St Cruz.

In other quarter-final match, Varca Sports Club defeated Faria Sports Management 3-2 in extra

time. At full time the teams were locked 1-1.

Sao Minguel de Taleigao trounced Vailankanni Arambol Sports Club 5-2. Vanancio Gonsalves 2, Cedric Pesto 1, Augustin Rodrigues 1 and Vandhan Hatlekar 1 scored for Taleigao.

Jason Fernandes and Jovito Fernandes reduced the margin for Vailankanni.

Goa Velha Sports Club got the better of Goa Police Sports Club 3-1. Joy Gonsalves scored a brace while Crux Gomes found the net for Goa Velha. Paresh Morje reduced the margin for Goa Police.

50 years today in Goa

Sai Avtar qualify HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, MAY 9

Sai Avtar, Anjuna overcame St Christopher Sports Club, Tivim 4-2 via the tie-breaker in the Bardez Zone finals of Coca Cola Celebration Cup soccer tournament organised by Goa Football Association and qualified for the zonal semi-finals at Dr. Gustavo Monteiro stadium, Candolim on Sunday.

In an exciting final, the teams played well but missed a couple of scoring opportunities. In the ensuing tie-breaker, Leston Martins, Akshay Dabholkar, Uday Gadekar and Jesmine Carvalho were on target for Anjuna while

Uttam Kambli and Abel Mathews found the mark for Tivim.

Earlier, in the semi-finals, Sai Avtar got the better of United Club 2-0. Leston Martins scored both the goals for Sai Avtar.

In the second semi-finals, St. Christopher Sports Club, Tivim had to sweat it out against Saligao United sponsored by Reira Eco Venture and Nazri 4-3. Vijeet Salgaonkar scored a hattrick for St Christopher while Abel Mathew added his name into the scorers list. Clyde Vales, Rory Rodrigues and Arishtro Fernandes scored for Saligao United. Desmond Oliveira compered.

Pune trounce Sporting Pune…4 Sporting…0 HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, MAY 9

Pune FC continued their fine form and their fight for 3rd spot is well alive after a 4-0 hammering of Sporting Clube de Goa in Pune tonight.

Edmar Figuera scored two as Dohou Pierre and Izumi Arata

added one each to humiliate Vishwas Gaonkar’s team.

With this loss and Air India winning at home against Chirag, relegation is all but certain for Sporting Club de Goa.

Air India win AI…3 Chirag…1 HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, MAY 9

Air India skipper Vijith Shetty didn’t succumb under pressure but indeed performed when his team needed the most scoring a brace in his team 3-1 win against Chirag United in a round 25 tie of I-league at Cooperage ground, Mumbai on Sunday.

The win helped Airmen to move out of the danger zone as they now have 28 points, while Chirag United’S dismal performance continued as they suffered yet another defeat in the return leg.

The opener came in the 18th minute through Vijith Shetty.

Eight minutes later, Edmilson Marques scored the equaliser for the Kolkata outfit.

Just before the hooter went off to mark the end of the first half, Shetty from almost same position gave the lead again to Air India.

After resumption, Air India sealed the match in their favour when ND Opara scored the third goal in the 54th minute.

JCT held

JCT…1 Bengal…1 HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, MAY 9

Impressive at home, JCT held East Bengal 1-1 in a round 25 match of ONGC I-League at Guru Nanak stadium, Ludhiana here on Sunday.

East Bengal took the lead in the 65th minute through manof-the match Abed Hammond.

But their joy was shortlived as JCT levelled terms nine minutes later through their Nigerian import Penn Orji.

With this draw, JCT moved to 6th place in the table with 32 points, while East Bengal find themselves at 8th place with 29 points.

The Goan Selection which played against Benfica on May 12, 1960.

BY ALDRID DA COSTA MAPUSA, MAY 9

Fifty years ago to the day, Goa witnessed the arrival of the soon to be legendary Portuguese football club Sporting Lisboa e Benfica.

The club more famously known today as just Benfica played three friendly matches in Goa, two in Margao and one at Vasco da Gama.

The first match was in Margao against a Military Selection side which they won 2-1 on May 10, 1960. In the second match on May 12, Benfica defeated Goa Selection comprising only Goans 4-0. In the final encounter Benfica overcame Goa Selection (mixed) by a solitary goal.

The eight-day tour, the first by a Portuguese Club, provided a big boost for football in Goa. The Goan Selection comprised Benzinho, Fernandes, Pedro, Peter,

nThe eight-day tour, the first by a Portuguese Club, provided a big boost for football in Goa. The Goan Selection comprised Benzinho, Fernandes, Pedro, Peter, Fanchu, Vassu, Arthur, Anthony, Alisab, Ivo. Goalkeeper Benzinho came in for lot of praise for his daring saves, while Ivo was singled out as the left back.

Fanchu, Vassu, Arthur, Anthony, Alisab, Ivo. Goalkeeper Benzinho came in for lot of praise for his daring saves, while Ivo was singled out as the left back.

It was Saturnino, Ramos and Palmela who excelled for the mixed selection.

Overall, the Portugeuse Club, which was their second string, had players between 20 and 22 years of age, with four being Angolans, one mixed, five from Lisbon and four from the interior of Portugal.

The referees for the matches were severely criti-

cised by the Press, most of them unable to apply the advantage rule.

Herald then brought out special features and writeups on the tour with special messages from the then President of Physical Education Board, Dr Lorindo dos Santos Garcia and the then president of Associacao de Futebol de Goa, Lt J de Aranha.

The following year Benfica ended Real Madrid's 5 in-arow succession of European cups by defeating FC Barcelona 3-2 in the final. In 1962 Benfica defended their

European title succesfully against Real Madrid winning 5-3. After the match, Benfica star Eusebio swapped shirts with his boyhood idol and footballing great Alfredo Di Stefano, paving a new era in European football.

The rise in progress of the Lisbon outfit is credited to a Hungarian coach named Bela Guttmann, who had helped to popularise the 4-2-4 formation in Brasil while coaching Sao Paulo FC. The Brazillian national team perfected the formation in 1958 when they won their first World Cup. On November 9, 2006, Benfica were acknowleged

by Guineess World Records as having the largest number of paying club members (socios) in the world, with 1,60,398 paid members.

On September 30, 2009, Benfica announced that it had reached the 2,00,000 mark for paid members.

Goa Selection (mixed) Arrantelo’s shot being saved by Benfica goalkeper Bastos in Margao on May 15, 1960.

Ambajim Altar Boys top HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, MAY 9

Sacred Heart of Jesus Altar Boys, Ambajim scored a solitary goal win over Our Lady of Merces Altar Boys, Colva, in the finals to emerge champions in Altar Boys soccer tournament organised by Our Lady of Rosary Church, Fatorda, at Rosary ground, Fatorda on Sunday.

Ambajim’s Agnelo Soares scored the match-winner.

Fr Bolmax Pereira, assistant parish priest, Saviour of the World Church, Loutolim was the chief guest and gave away the prizes.

Also present were, Fr Boulais D'Costa, parish priest, Our Lady of Rosary Church, Fatorda, Fr Milagres Dias, Fr Freddy Lobo, Milagres Soares and Agnelo.

Salgaocar in finals HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, MAY 9

Holders Salgaocar Veterans recorded an impressive 2-0 win over United Club, Fatorda to enter the finals of 10th Salgaocar memorial veterans soccer tournament organised by Prime Sports Club at Nagoa ground on Sunday. Salgaocar led 2-0 at the breather Salgaocar surged ahead through striker Domingos Vaz. The defending champions con-

solidated the lead before the lemon break through Lawrence Gomes.

In the U-16 semi-finals, a marvellous hat-trick by striker Brandon Fernandes and another goal

by Vishal Rodrigues enabled Salgaocar to drub Orlim Sports Club 4-1 to book a place in the finals.

Earlier, chief guest Rosario Colaco, former Salgaocar defender, was introduced to the teams by Remedios Ferrao.

GOA DIARY

Cuncolim in quarters HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, MAY 9

Cuncolim Union defeated Penha de Franca 2-0 to enter the quarter-finals of 17th Nerul Panchayat Cup inter-village football tournament organised by Nerul Sports Club at Nerul ground on Sunday.

Cuncolim shot into lead in the very first minute through Tyson D’Costa off Deepak Velip.

Ryan Colaco doubled the lead for Cuncolim off a Nilesh Velip free kick.

Soccer camp at Cortalim

PANJIM (HSD) – The football coaching camp for boys and girls organised by Cortalim Gymkhana will be held from May 10 to 15 at Cortalim church ground and May 17 to 23 at Kurpavaddo chapel ground, at 7 a.m. Details may be obtained from Peter Barretto, president, Cortalim Gymkhana.

Night cycle rally at Mira Mar

PANJIM (HSD) – The Goa Cycle Club will organise a night cycle rally for above 16 age group on May 11 from new high mast, Mira Mar, opposite Education Minister’s residence, at 7.30 p.m.

Cycle lights and reflector belts are compulsory. Details may be obtained on 9822166165.

Cuncolim Trophy from today

MARGAO (HC) -- Don Bosco Oratory, Fatorda will clash with Chandor Sports Club in the inaugural match of 2nd All-Goa Cuncolim Union Trophy inter-village football tournament organised

by Cuncolim Union on May 10, at school ground, Cuncolim.

St Anthony’s Sporting Club, Colva, Curtorim Gymkhana, Varca Sports Club, Ambelim Sports Club, Parish Youth, Nuvem, Betalbatim Sporting Club, Nerul Sports Club, St Rock’s Youth Club, Majorda, Union of Chinchinim Villagers, Sporting Club of Davorlim, Sao Miguel de Taleigao, Santa Cruz Club of Cavelossim, CAC, Cuncolim and Cuncolim Union, are the other teams participating. The final is slated on May 30. The winners and runners-up will receive Rs 30,000 and Rs 20,000 respectively.

All-Goa volleyball at Telaulim

PANJIM (HSD) – The Young Boys of Telaulim will organise their 1st all-Goa volleyball tournament from May 15 near first ward Telaulim, Bakery ground. The winners will take home Rs. 15,000 and the runners-up will receive Rs. 10,000. Details may be obtained from Lovel Carvalho on 9527211755.

7-a-side football at Goa-Velha

PANJIM (HSD) – The St Anthony Youth will organise their traditional all-Goa 7-a-side football tournament at Firguembhat ground, Goa Velha from May 15. Details may be obtained from Lesly on 9923296393 or Stanley on 9552275922.

U-19 I-League soccer: Dempo Sports Club v. Viva Kerala, Duler ground, Mapusa, 4.15 p.m.

17th Nerul Panchayat Cup soccer: Candolim Sports Club v. Nagoa Sports Club, Nerul ground, 4.30 p.m.

Lakhanpal Novino Gold Cup soccer: Adarsh Yuvak Sangh v. Arpora Sporting Club, Dr. Gustavo Monteiro stadium, Candolim, 4.30 p.m.

Arpora-Nagoa Village Panchayat Cup soccer: St. Savio Sports Club, Calangute v.

United Club of Nerul, Salt Lake ground, Arpora, 4.45 p.m.

All-Goa Cuncolim Union Trophy inter-village soccer: Don Bosco Oratory, Fatorda v. Chandor Sports Club, school ground, Cuncolim, 4 p.m.

Eslinda memorial soccer inaugural: SC Davorlim v. Rosemann SC Nagoa, Mandopa ground, Navelim, 4.45 p.m.

Cuncolim Union soccer: Chandor Club v. Don Bosco Oratory, Fatorda, Cuncolim ground, 4.30 pm.

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SPORTS Chelsea ePl ChamPs

Pg17

GOA, Monday, 10 May, 2010

John Terry and Frank Lampard of Chelsea lift the Trophy at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Hull 0 Liverpool 0 Man Utd 4 Stoke 0 Aston Villa 0 Blackburn 1 Chelsea 8 Wigan 0 Burnley 4 Tottenham 2 Arsenal 4 Fulham 0 Bolton 2 Birmingham 1 Wolverhampton 2 Sunderland 1 Everton 1 Portsmouth 0 West Ham 1 Man City 1 AGENCIES LONDON, MAY 9

Chelsea reclaimed the English Premier League title in style on Sunday, a 8-0 win over Wigan ensuring they pipped Manchester United by a single point after rack-

ing up a record haul of 103 goals.

As well as denying United what would have been an unprecedented fourth consecutive title, the stunning display ensured Carlo Ancelotti's first season in charge ends with the league trophy back in west London for the first time since Jose Mourinho masterminded back-to-back triumphs in 2004-05 and 2005-06.

The defending champions did their job by beating Stoke 4-0 at Old Trafford but there was never any prospect of Chelsea falling at the final hurdle.

Against injury-depleted opponents, it took Nicolas Anelka only five minutes to calm the Chelsea supporters' nerves with

the opener and any doubt over the destiny of the trophy disappeared just after the half hour mark when Gary Caldwell wrestled Frank Lampard to the ground inside the box.

The Scotland defender was given his marching orders and Lampard got up to fire in a textbook penalty for his 22nd league goal of the season.

Didier Drogba got involved in an unseemly spat with Lampard over who was taking that penalty but still finished the afternoon with a hat-trick, which ensures he takes the EPL's golden boot with a total of 29 league goals.

Anelka ended up with a double and Salomon Kalou and Ash-

ley Cole also got in on the act as Chelsea ran up their biggest ever victory in the top flight.

The only other outstanding issue was resolved in Arsenal's favour. A 4-0 win over Fulham ensured Arsene Wenger's men clinched third place, ensuring another money-spinning season of Champions League football at the Emirates.

The Gunners enter directly at the group stage while Tottenham's fourth place means they must come through a final qualifier to fully b e n e f i t f ro m their elevation to a place among Europe's elite.

Andrey Arshavin, Robin van Persie and Carlos Vela were on target for Arsenal, who also benefited from an own goal by Chris Baird against oppo nents who clearly had one eye on Wednesday's Europa League final against Atletico Madrid.

The atmosphere at Old Trafford was distinctly subdued as news from west London filtered through but United still performed effectively, with goals from Darren Fletcher, Ryan Giggs and Park Ji-Sung and an own goal by Danny Higginbotham delivering a convincing win.

A memorable season for Spurs ended with a weary wimper, Harry Redknapp's side conceding a two-goal lead to lose 4-2 at rel-

Barca close in on La Liga title AGENCIES SEVILLA, MAY 9

Barcelona moved to within a whisker of a second straight La Liga crown when Lionel Messi, Bojan Krkic and Pedro earned a nervy 3-2 win at 10-man Sevilla on Saturday.

Real Madrid kept the gap to one point with one match left when a late flurry of goals gave them a 5-1 victory at home to Athletic Bilbao, who also had a player sent off, but Barca now only need a win at home to lowly Real Valladolid next weekend to make sure of the title.

Barca beat arch rivals Real in both this season's "Clasicos" and have lost only once all season, scoring 94 goals and conceding 24.

They extended their record points tally to 96 from 37 matches with Real in second on 95 and Valencia, who lost 2-0 at Villarreal but are already assured of a Champions League spot in third, trailing on 68.

Sevilla are fourth on 60 and Real Mallorca fifth on 59 after their 1-0 defeat at Deportivo Coruna.

Real's final match is at Malaga, who are one place below Valladolid after a 2-1 reverse at sixth-placed Getafe and also fighting to avoid the drop.

Barca had already surpassed the previous La Liga record of 92 accumulated by Real under Fabio Capello in the 1996-97 season when there were 22 teams rather than 20.

Sporting Clube de Goa took revenge over Salgaocar SC for their 4-1 drubbing in Taca Goa league last week when they registered a 1-0 victory in U-19 I-League at Duler stadium, here on Sunday.

Sporting collected six points from two matches.

Sporting’s Pritam Ningthougam went from hero to villain after scoring the only goal, scoring from Joston Pereira’s cross. He was shown a straight red in the second half for violent conduct after getting himself involved in an off the ball brawl. This is Pritam’s second sending off in two weeks.

After playing a cameo role in Sporting’s win over Dempo on Friday, Pedro Gonsalves came into the first eleven for Sporting today in place of captain Mackroy Peixoto. Pedro, on loan from Goa

Georgia trophy

PANJIM (HSD) -- The Atlanta Georgia trophy All-Goa inter-village football organised by Enfermos SC will get underway on Monday with Chandor SC taking on Betalbatim SC, at Rosary ground, Navelim at 4.30 p.m.

Winners Rs 30,000 and runnersup Rs 20,000.

CRC Chinchinim, Verna SC, Curtorim Gym, DBO Fatorda, Davorlim SC, St Anthony, Colva, SJ Areal SC, PY Nuvem, YS Benaulim, Ambelim SC, Cuncolim Union, St Rock Majorda, Saligao United SC and Enfermos will participate.

Bayern clinch Bundesliga title

Michael Schumacher was fourth, the best result so far of the 41year-old's comeback season, with McLaren's Jenson Button unable to find a way past and forced to settle for fifth.

Button, Hamilton's team mate and reigning world champion, stayed top of the standings with 70 points to Alonso's 67 after five of the season's 19 races.

Ferrari's Brazilian Felipe Massa was sixth, Germany's Adrian Sutil seventh for Force Mark Webber celebrates on podium. India and Poland's Robert Kubica eighth for Renault.

REUTERS Williams returned to the BARCELONA, MAY 9 points with Brazilian Rubens BarAustralian Mark Webber won richello in ninth place and local the Spanish Grand Prix for ram- youngster Jaime Alguersuari pant Red Bull today after leading took the final point for Toro from start to finish at Formula Rosso at his home track and deOne's most predictable circuit. spite a drive-through penalty.

For a record 10th year in sucThe biggest challenge Webber c e s s i o n a t t h e C i rc u i t d e faced, after holding off Vettel's Catalunya, the driver who attempts to squeeze past at the started on pole position took start, was keeping alert as he the chequered flag as winner in lapped in splendid isolation and the Catalan sunshine. headed for a seemingly inSpaniard Alonso, celebrating evitable triumph. his first home race for the Italian Webber was the fourth difteam, inherited a crowd-pleasing ferent winner in five races. runner-up position when Hamilton's exit was the McLaren's hard-charging Lewis biggest shock of what had othHamilton crashed out when a erwise threatened to be a slowfront tyre suddenly deflated on burning afternoon after three the penultimate lap. thrill-filled races in the Far East.

Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel, Germany's Nico Rosberg, who who had started on the front had been second overall going row alongside Webber, finished into the weekend, finished out third despite suffering brake of the points and behind team problems. mate Schumacher for the first Seven-times world champion time this season.

Martinez stuns Jankovic to win Italian Open breaks in the second set but Martinez Sanchez clinched the biggest title of her career after breaking for the third time.

Former world number one Jankovic beat Serena and Venus Williams earlier this week but fell short in her bid for a third Italian Open title.

Martinez Sanchez, ranked 26th, played with courage and showed that drop shots and forays to the net can bring results on clay.

AGENCIES MUNICH, MAY 9

Lionel Messi celebrates with teammate after scoring a goal against Sevilla.

La Liga top scorer Messi put them in front in the fifth minute at the Sanchez Pizjuan when he controlled Maxwell's pass on his chest and drilled a low shot past goalkeeper Andres Palop for his 32nd of the season.

A sublime first-time pass from midfielder Xavi sent teenager Bojan clear to score a second for the visitors in the 28th and Barca looked to be cruising when Pedro added a third with a snap shot from the edge of the area in the 62nd.

Two Sevilla goals inside three second-half minutes from Frederic Kanoute and Luis Fabiano set Barca's nerves jangling,

coach Pep Guardiola at one point smashing the side of the dugout three times with his elbow in frustration.

The final whistle prompted wild celebrations from the Barca players and their knot of travelling fans high in the stands.

At the Bernabeu, a Gonzalo Higuain shot struck the hand of Fernando Amorebieta in the penalty area in the 20th minute and the referee showed the Bilbao defender a straight red card.

Ronaldo sent goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz the wrong way with the spot kick but Real were stunned four minutes before the break when midfielder Fran

Sporting down Salgaocar Salgaocar on HERALD REPORTER MAPUSA, MAY 9

egated Burnley. Gareth Bale and Luka Modric had put them in the driving seat but Wade Elliot, Jack Cork, Martin Paterson and Steven Thompson turned the match around in unlikely fashion.

A deeply frustrating season for Liverpool ended with a goalless draw at Hull that ensured Rafael Benitez's side could finish no better than seventh in the table.

Above them, in fifth place, are Manchester City, who were held to a 1-1 draw at West Ham, and Aston Villa, who held on to sixth place despite a l a t e R i c h a rd Dunne own goal resulting in a 1-0 defeat at home to Blackburn.

Those results mean Liverpool will have to come through a final qualifier as well as the play-off round to get into the group stages of next season's Europa League.

Everton finished their campaign with a 1-0 win over FA Cup finalists Portsmouth that was secured by Dinyar Bilyaletdinov's 90th-minute strike.

Birmingham went down to a 2-1 defeat at Bolton but Alex McLeish's side—tipped as favourites for relegation at the start of the season—still ended the campaign in a creditable ninth place, while Wolves edged their meeting with Sunderland 2-1.

Webber wins Spanish GP

Velha did not disappoint today after striking up a midfield partnership with Valerio Rodrigues.

They were the fulcrum which joined Sporting’s defence to attack with fluent passes and also doing defensive duty while the other broke forward to join the strikers. Salgaocar did not look like the team that had just won the Taca Goa title. Clifton Dias had a very quiet game today and strike partner Dawson Fernandes tried hard but could hardly penetrate the Sporting backline made up of Gary D’Mello and Joyner Lourenco. The Oliveria brothers Oilex and Gilbert switched wings throughout the match for Salgaocar but Sporting’s full backs Jovel Martins and Reliston Fernandes kept them in check.

After Sporting took an early lead through Pritam, Salgaocar went on the attack.

A minute later, Salgaocar’s goalkeeper pulled off a onehanded save from Pedro.

Salgaocar had the chance to get back in the game when Sporting were reduced to ten men. Salgaocar’s Alvito Miranda headed over a cross from Aliston Fernandes.

top with Sagun’s 151 HERALD REPORTER VASCO, MAY 9

A brilliant 151 from Sagun Kamat helped Salgaocar Sports Club to continue their dominance on the second day of Goa Premier League cricket tournament and secure a 324 first innings lead against Dempo Cricket Club at BITS ground, Sancoale, on Sunday.

In reply to Dempo’s 118, Salgaocar scored 442 in 97.5 overs.

Swapnil Asnodkar 40, wicketkeeper Keenan Vaz 56, allrounder Sherbahadura Yadav 50 off 34 balls (3x6, 4x 4), Hemant Shetgaokar 28, Vivek Kolamkar 38, Ninand Pavaskar 38 and Vidhayadhar Kamat 21.

For Dempo, spinner Arpit Vasavada took a five wicket haul while Amit Yadav claimed three wickets, A Wagji snatched two wickets.

Dempo in their second innings, were 11 for no loss with Alok Shirodkar and S Amonkar at the crease.

Vasco rout NISA

PANJIM (HSD) -- Vasco SC outplayed North Imphal Sports Association (NISA) 2-0 in a hard fought match of the ONGC 2nd ILeague at Bangalore. Vasco took control through Joy Ferrao in the 60th minute. In the 80th minute Koko made it safe for Vasco scoring the second goal.In the other match, HAL came from a goal down to thrash Mohammedan Sporting. Vasco line-up: Siddesh Morje, Biju Kumar, Remus, Agnelo, Queterio Pango, Prasanta, Sudheesh, Sibra (Mangut), Joel (Prajot), Joy, Koko (Chanchal).

Yeste burst clear and finished with aplomb past Iker Casillas.

With the score at 1-1 and Barca winning in Sevilla, Real's title hopes were slipping away but Higuain, Sergio Ramos substitute Karim Benzema and Marcelo struck four goals in the last 20 minutes to keep Real hot on Barca's heels.

Three points separate five teams battling to avoid the drop ahead of the final matchday.

Valladolid, Malaga, Tenerife and Racing Santander all have 36 and Xerez are hanging on by a thread on 33 after their 3 - 2 w i n a t h o m e t o Re a l Zaragoza.

Bayern Munich beat relegated Hertha Berlin 3-1 on Saturday to win the German championship for a record 22nd time and keep their treble hopes on track.

Arjen Robben, the champions' best player this season, struck twice after Ivica Olic had put them in the lead in the 20th minute and Adrian Ramos had equalised for the Berliners on the hour.

Bayern, who finished on 70 points, five ahead of secondplaced Schalke 04, are still in the running for an unprecedented treble for a Germany team, playing in the German Cup final on May 15 and the Champions League final a week later.

Dutchman Mark van Bommel became the club's first foreign captain to lift the Bundesliga trophy, in front of 75,000 spectators in the Olympic stadium, before he and his team mates chased coach Louis van Gaal around the pitch to pour beer on him.

Van Gaal, a renowned disciplinarian, tried to outsprint them, then gladly obliged and waved to the fans.

In a contrast of emotions, Hertha players quickly left the pitch after a disastrous season, with several of them set to leave and with fans in no mood to bid them farewell.

Inter milan win, but forced to wait for title serie a AGENCIES MILAN, MAY 9

Inter Milan will have to wait until the final weekend of the Serie A season to wrap up its fifth consecutive title, despite beating Chievo Verona 4-3 on Sunday.

Francesco Totti kept AS Roma’s hopes alive of overtaking Inter by scoring twice to help his team rally for a 2-1 win over Cagliari. That leaves Roma still two points behind Inter ahead of the final round.

Inter travels to play Siena, while Roma is away to Chievo next weekend. If both teams finish with level on points, Roma will take the title because of a better head-to-head record.

Inter seemed headed for a comfortable win when leading 4-1, but Pablo Granoche and Sergio Pellissier scored late for Chievo.

AC Milan remains in the third Champions League place despite a 1-0 loss to Genoa, while Sampdoria drew 1-1 away to Palermo to stay fourth.

At the foot of the table, Atalanta lost 2-0 to Napoli and is relegated along with Siena and Livorno.

Inter started in determined fashion, and Maicon and Dejan Stankovic came close with early shots, but it was Chievo which took the lead when Thiago Motta deflected in Michele Mar-

colini’s free kick.

Another own goal immediately brought Inter level. Samuel Eto’o crossed and Andrea Mantovani could do little to stop the ball deflecting off him and past Chievo keeper Stefano Sorrentino.

Cambiasso put Inter ahead in the 34th, volleying home a cross

by Maicon at the far post. Diego Milito scored the third five minutes later, chipping Sorrentino from the edge of the area.

Mario Balotelli scored Inter’s fourth and Jose Mourinho’s team appeared well in control and on course for the title, as Roma was level at 0-0 at the time.

Chievo didn’t give up, though, and goals from Granoche and Pellissier meant that Inter finished the match in a nervous, rather than celebratory, mood.

In Palermo, both sides struggled in the first half and only two headers from Edinson Cavani came close to opening the scoring.

Giampaolo Pazzini gave Sampdoria the lead in the 54th, striking home a penalty after Salvatore Sirigu brought down Daniele Mannini.

Palermo came back and after Luciano Mauri bundled over Fabrizio Miccoli, the Palermo captain got up and brought his side level.

Also Sunday, it was; Bologna 1, Catania 1; Fiorentina 1, Siena 1; Juventus 2, Parma 3; Livorno 1, Lazio 2; Udinese 3, Bari 3.

AGENCIES ROME, MAY 9

Unseeded Spaniard Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez produced a major surprise by beating world number seven Jelena Jankovic 76, 7-5 in the Italian Open final on Saturday.

The Serb, who frequently looked bewildered by her opponent's unorthodox style, pulled back from 4-1 down in the first set and had a set point on serve at 6-5 before losing the tiebreak.

Jankovic then twice recovered

Rajasthan Royals co-owners' plea rejected AGENCIES JAIPUR, MAY 9

The finance ministry is understood to have turned down, for the second time, a proposal of Jaipur IPL Cricket (JIPL), the joint owners of the Rajasthan Royals IPL team, to transfer its entire equity abroad in a cashless transaction.

The Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) has turned down the JIPL plea on objections from the sports ministry, the sources said.

The JIPL proposal was to induct 100 per cent foreign equity by issuing shares for consideration other than cash inflow was taken up at the FIPB meeting last week.

Indian women team qualifies for Uber Cup UNI NEW DELHI, MAY 9

Indian women's badminton team has qualified for the first time in the history of Uber Cup. According to the information received here, Saina Nehwal, Aditi Muttatkar, Sayali Ghokale, Trupti Murgunde, PV Sindhu, PC Tulasi, Jwala Gutta, Ashwini Ponnappa, Shruti Kurian and Aparna Balan will participate in 2010 Uber cup.

Whereas, Indian male shuttlers include B Chetan Anand, Parupalli Kashyap, Arvind Bhatt, Anup Sridhar, R M VGurusaidutt, V Dijju, Rupesh Kumar, Sanave Thomas, Akshay Dewalkar and Jishnu Sanyal. The 2010 Thomas and Uber Cup will be the 26th tournament of the Thomas Cup and 23rd tournament of the Uber Cup. The final rounds will be held from May 9-16 at Putra Indoor Stadium in Kuala L umpur, Malaysia.

Sharapova suffers setback on return REUTERS MADRID, MAY 9

Former world number one Maria Sharapova suffered a setback on her return from injury when she lost 6-4 6-3 to Lucie Safarova in the first round of the Madrid Open today.

Russian Sharapova, the 11th seed, was playing her first tournament since pulling out of the Sony Ericsson Open in March with an elbow injury.

Safarova broke Sharapova's serve four times on the clay and the Czech is on course for a possible last-16 clash with sixth-seeded Russian Elena Dementieva.

SPORTS

Remembering Benfica exactly 50 years today in Goa Pg. 16

GOA, MONDAY, 10 MAY, 2010

Pg 18

Chelsea EPL champs Pg. 17

VIVA DEMPO, INDIA KINGS AGAIN www.oherald.in

HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, MAY 9

Dempo have finally won their record fourth league title in history after beating Shillong Lajong 1-0 at Jawaharlal Nehru complex, Shillong on Sunday afternoon. Dempo thus claimed the top purse of Rs 50 lakh.

A first half goal from skipper Anthony Pereira turned out to be the winner as Dempo became only the third team to win away at Lajong.

Needing only a point to secure the title, Dempo started the game slowly and created very few chances in the opening stages. They suffered a big blow in the 15th minute when Climax Lawrence went off injured and was replaced by Peter Carvalho.

Hosts Lajong created the first real chance when James Giblee found himself some space in the Dempo box but he failed to hit the target.

The home side had more possession but struggled to get behind the Dempo defence with

striker Tuboi unable to cause trouble with his pace.

Eight minutes before the break, Armando Colaco’s side went in front after scoring from a counter attack, which started from a Lajong corner.

Nigerian striker Ranti Martins played a very good pass for Indian international winger Anthony Pereira, who slotted the ball past Gumpe Rimpe to silence the home crowd.

Lajong couldn’t find a response as Dempo went into the half time break leading 1-0.

In the second half, Stanley Rosario’s side had even more ball possession and unlike the first period, they did create a number of goal scoring opportunities.

Daniel Bedemi wasted a golden chance in the 63rd minute when he failed to find the target after finding himself unmarked in a corner.

Dempo were playing on the b re a k a n d h a d a f e w h a l f chances, which were created by

Beto , but Lajong goalkeeper Gumpe Rime had very little to do.

In the last 20 minutes, Dempo custodian Abhijit Mondal did make a couple of important saves to deny the north eastern club.

The Goan side also made two goal line clearances to stop Lajong from scoring, much to the disappointment of the passionate home fans.

In the end, Dempo did enough to keep the clean sheet and win the game, which makes them champions of India for a record fourth time in their history.

Meanwhile, Lajong dropped down to 12th place.

It would be fair to say that Dempo’s success in the past decade and the present one has been largely due to the one man who has believed in his players always – Armando Colaco from Curtorim.

“We have won the title against all odds,” stated Ar-

mando. “I have come under a lot of criticism from all quarters for not having signed the third foreign player or the Asian player. I stuck to my guns as I believed in my boys. Even when (Sunil) Chhetri left, I knew that (Joaquim) Abranches and Clifton (Gonsalves) would do the job for us. How do you promote football if you don’t give a chance to these boys?” questioned Armando.

Armando stated that one player who has improved by leaps and bounds this season had been Peter Carvalho who filled in for Beto while the Brazilian was injured and did more than a commendable job.

“Anyone would have been shattered with the number of injuries we had this season. I’m glad we have done it against all odds,” concluded Armando.

Dempo tallied 53 points from 25 matches with one match to go. They won 16, drew five and lost four having scored 53 goals and conceded 30.

India face exit from World T20 PTI BRIDGETOWN (BARBADOS), MAY 9

2007 Champions India were on the brink of elimination from the twenty20 cricket World Cup after suffering a 14-run defeat against West Indies in their Group F Super Eight match here today.

Chasing 170 to win, India made 155 for nine as their top order once against collapsed against sustained fast bowling.

Suresh Raina hit a 25-ball 32 but it was Mahendra Singh Dhoni (29) and Harbhajan Singh (14) who raised India hopes in the death overs, but some outstanding fielding and bowling

by Dwayne Bravo fizzled out India's challenge.

Bravo produced an outstanding direct hit from long on to get rid off Dhoni and then held a catch in the deep off Harbhajan before dismissing Ashish Nehra at short mid-wicket by Suleiman Benn to put the last nail in Indian coffin.

Earlier, Chris Gayle butchered the Indian bowlers with a whirlwind 66-ball 98 as West Indies posted a competitive 169 for six after India skipper Dhoni put West Indies to bat.

India would need a miracle to reach the semis now as a win for Sri Lanka over Australia in the other Group F match at the Kensington Oval would mean they no longer had a chance of reaching the final four.

If Australia defeat Sri Lanka and West Indies in their next two matches and India beat the Islanders in their last encounter, then it will come down to runrate which will be the only slight chance that India will have to make to the semis.

Earlier, Gayle slammed five fours and seven sixes and involved in three crucial partnership with Shivnarine Chanderpaul (23), Darren

Dhoni and Yusuf Pathan react after colliding to take a catch off Chris Gayle at the Kensington Oval on Sunday.

n If Australia defeat Sri Lanka and West Indies in their next two matches and India beat the Islanders in their last encounter, then it will come down to runrate which will be the only slight chance that India will have to make to the semis.

Sammy (19) and Keiron Pollard (17) to take his team to a competitive score.

Gayle lashed out at the bowlers with power and precision and showed scant respect

to Zaheer Khan, Ashish Nehra and Ravindra Jadeja as all his sixes sailed over the pickets to the utter delight of the local fans.

The Indian fielding lived up

West Indies: C Gayle run out sub (D Karthik) 98, S Chanderpaul c Dhoni b Nehra 23, D Sammy c Vijay b Jadeja 19, K Pollard c Pathan b Zaheer 17, D Bravo c Sharma b Nehra 1, R Sarwan c Sharma b Nehra 0, W Hinds not out 0, D Ramdin not out 4. Extras: 7. Total: 169 for 6. Fall of wickets: 80-1, 119-2, 160-3, 163-4, 164-5, 165-6. Bowling: Harbhajan 4-0-16-0, Zaheer Khan 4-0-36-1, A Nehra 4-0-35-3, Y Pathan 4-0-28-0, S Raina 2-0-23-0, R Jadeja 2-0-27-1.

India: M Vijay c Pollard b Sammy 7, G Gambhir c Ramdin b Roach 15, S Raina c Sammy b Gayle 32, Rohit Sharma c Ramdin b Pollard 5, Yuvraj Singh c Chanderpaul b Benn 12, MS Dhoni run out (DBravo) 29, Y Pathan c Hinds b Taylor 17, Harbhajan c Bravo b Roach 14, R Jadeja not out 5, A Nehra c Benn b Bravo 0, Zaheer Khan not out 0. Extras: 19. Total: 155 for 9. Fall of wickets: 12-1, 27-2, 38-3, 80-4, 81-5, 114-6, 139-7, 150-8, 152-9. Bowling: D Sammy 3-0-16-1, J Taylor 4-0-24-1, K Roach 4-0-382, D Bravo 4-0-28-1, K Pollard 2-0-23-1, C Gayle 2-0-23-1, S Benn 1-02-1. Man-of-the-match: C Gayle.

England march into semis PTI BRIDGETOWN (BARBADOS), MAY 9

Kevin Pietersen struck a blistering half century and shared 94 runs with Craig Kieswetter (41) as a England beat South Africa by 39 runs in a Group E Super Eight match and move into the semifinals in the Twenty20 cricket World Cup here.

Man-of-the-match Pietersen's classy 53 and his second-wicket partnership with Kieswetter laid the platform for England's 168 for seven against the land of his birth at the Kensington Oval yesterday.

Pietersen hit eight fours and a six during his 33-ball innings and Kieswetter slammed three boundaries and two sixes to accumulate 94 runs in just 63 balls after skipper Paul Collingwood elected to bat.

South Africa, in reply, suffered a dramatic top-order collapse to eventually fold out for to 129 with an over to spare.

Only Graeme Smith (19), Jacques Kallis (11), JP Duminy (39) and Johan Botha (12) could manage double figures against the clinical English attack.

Graeme Swann and Ryan Side-

IPL stars may lose one-fifth of earnings PTI NEW DELHI/MUMBAI, MAY 9

The Income Tax department which is probing all financial transactions of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has advised all foreign players to obtain PAN cards, failing which they will have to pay penal tax on their cricket related earnings in India.

Permanent Account Numbers are issued by the I-T Department to track all earnings and tax deductions. A new rule notified by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) and effective from April this year makes it mandatory for all foreign nationals to register for PAN cards.

All cricket players who have not procured a PAN card will have 20 per cent of their earnings deducted as tax. This is double the 10 percent TDS ( Tax

Deducted at Source) recovered from PAN card holders.

"The law will also apply to all non-residents in respect of payments or remittances liable to TDS," the notification states.

The new clause has to be read with section 115BBA of the Income Tax Act which ensures tax on non-resident sportsmen or sports associations where the total income of the player, who is not a citizen of India and is a non-resident, includes any income received or receivable by way of participation in any game in the country, a senior I-T officer said.

For example, West Indian all rounder Kieron Pollard who is paid Rs 3.42 crore to play for Mukesh Ambani's team Mumbai Indians, will have to pay almost Rs 64 lakh as penal tax for not having a PAN card.

bottom scalped three wickets each, while Michael Yardy and Stuart Broad picked two scalps apiece to help England's cause.

Chasing 169 to win, South Africa found the going tough and lost half their side inside 10 overs with the scoreboard reading 55 and if it wasn't for Duminy's 25-ball innings it could have been much more embarrassing for the Proteas.

Duminy added 37 runs with Mark Boucher (9) and shared 21 runs with Botha to provide some respectability to their run chase.

Muralitharan ruled out Sri Lankan spin wizard Muthiah Muralitharan, who was struggling with a groin injury during the ongoing World T20, has finally been ruled out of the biennial event with the ICC confirming Thilan Thushara as his replacement for the rest of the tournament.

The ICC has yesterday confirmed that the event's technical c o m m i t t e e h a s a p p ro v e d Thushara as replacement for the injured Murali.

Pietersen flying home England batsman Kevin Pietersen is flying home from the World T20 to be with his wife for the birth of their first child and is planning to jet back to the Caribbean in time for the semi-finals.

The confident strokeplayer then said he would be making an 8,000-plus mile, 17-hour roundtrip this week to be with pop singer and model wife Jessica.

to its billing. Ravindra Jadeja spilled Chanderpaul at 12 when West Indies had made 43 in 7.4 overs.

A little later, Gayle watched Dhoni and Yusuf Pathan collide with each other and drop what should have been a simple catch at short square. Gayle was on 46 in a score of 73 for no loss in 11.1 overs. He lived to flay the Indian attack in the death overs, adding 52 runs after the reprieve.

The jubilant players and officials of Dempo in Shillong on Sunday.

CM, Churchill, GFA hail Dempo HERALD SPORTS REPORTER PANJIM, MAY 9

Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat congratulated Dempo for annexing the prestigious National League crown for a historic fourth time in Shillong on Sunday.

PWD Minister, Churchill Alemao, patron of Churchill Bros and Urban Development Minister, Joaquim Alemao, GFA president also hailed Dempo’s triumph for a record fourth time.

Digambar stated: “Dempo proved yet once again, who the masters in Indian football are.

It is a matter of great pride that Dempo kept Goa’s flag flying very high and that too on a consistent basis. Chairman Shrinivas, the Dempo Group of Companies, the players and support staff and even their fans deserve a big pat on their back for their superlative effort.”

“Goan soccer at its best,” summed up Churchill. “Goa continues to be a force to be reckoned with in Indian football and once again we have proved that it is Goa and not Bengal that is the numero uno state in the beautiful game.” “Chairman Shrinivas and the Dempo Group deserve a special commendation,” added Churchill pointing out that his team was eyeing the runner-up place so as to cement Goa’s position at national level.

“The GFA and the entire State is proud of Dempo,” remarked Joaquim, president of Churchill Bros, who hailed Chairman Shrinivas and the team for their exceptional achievement. “We have reestablished our supremacy in Indian football. Goan football is the biggest beneficiary,” Joaquim said.

Man-of-the match, Dempo’s Beto was exhilarated in Shillong after the victory on Sunday.

“This has been the most difficult period for me. I had heard doubts about myself and I also felt that I couldn’t play anymore this season. During the injury lay off, so many things came to my mind as this was the first time I had been out for such a long time. I want to thank the players for standing by me and thank God as when I started to play, the goals came in,” said Beto.

“Dempo are an amazing place to be. Chairman Shrinivas believes in football and the whole company supports it. Dempo are moving in the right direction and their contribution towards Indian football in unquestion-

Title belongs to Goa: Dempo PANJIM: Shrinivas V Dempo, president of the club, who is presently in New York with his family on a vacation, stated: “I am humbled with this victory. This title belongs to Goa and fans of the club. My thanks to Armando and the boys. We have proven the superiority of Goan football once again in the National League.”

Asian competition,” said Beto.

GFA secretary, Savio Messias also congratulated the team.

“We are proud of you. You won the title with home grown players and with less foreigners which is a lesson to all.”

“Dempo deservedly won the crown. They put up a great spectacle of football,” stated Anil Kamat, Chairman of Union of Chinchinim Villagers and assistant general secretary, AIFF from New Delhi.

Congratulatory messages came also from Albino Vales, Peter Vaz, Elvis Gomes, Sandeep Jacques, John Dias, Vinod Parkkot, Jaju Fernandes, Francis Fernandes, Lavinio Rebello, Jayprakash Poulekar, Anju Albuquerque, Lawrence Gomes, Lovino Goes, Tonito Botelho, Anthony Pango, Rafael Pereira, Selwyn Botelho, Nelson Botelho, Dr Susana de Sousa (all GFA), Arnaldo Costa, Sabrina Dias, Johnson Fernandes, Nazareth Gomes, Sebastiao Barretto, Joe Manny Furtado, Oscar Martins, Schubert Furtado, Nelvy Gomes, Joseph Dias, Alvito Pereira, Anthony Rodrigues, Joaquim Fernandes, Amrish Kamat, Joaquim Fernandes, Benny D’Costa, Savio Viegas, Richard Fernandes, Pritam Fernandes, Severino Fernandes, Alex Rebello, Alex Dias (all Salcete), Cedric Fernandes, Lenox Fernandes, Eknath Naik, Preapie Dias (all Betul).

Raina to lead team India in tri-series PTI KODAIKANAL, MAY 9

Senior players were rested as India today named a second-string squad with Suresh Raina as the captain and Virat Kohli his deputy for the low-profile Zimbabwe tour starting later this month.

Regular captain Dhoni and senior players Sachin Tendulkar, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, Gautam Gambhir and Ashish Nehra were rested.

Dinesh Karthik has been

named the specialist wicketkeeper.

Once the tri-series is over on June 9, leg-spinner Piyush Chawla will join the squad for India's subsequent two Twenty20 Internationals against Zimbabwe on June 12 and 13.

The selectors also announced a 16-member India 'A' squad for a tri-series in England, naming Cheteshwar Pujara as its captain and Wriddhiman Saha his deputy.

India beat S Korea 3-2

TODAY’S MATCHES Pakistan v. South Africa 7 pm New Zealand v. England 11 pm

able. Everyone must look at them in India,” pointed Beto.

Armando Colaco has lifted the club from the time when the Chairman mulled disbanding the team to being the most successful side in the last decade or so. Their success is unrivalled and Armando deserves a special mention.

“Dempo are winning titles and it’s not easy to keep the same group for the last six-to-seven years. Armando deserves the credit as he knows how to get everyone together and work for the team. Every year when we get together at the start of the season, we believe that we can win trophies which is important.”

Dempo would now play the AFC Champions League play-off next season and if they do manage to clear that hurdle they would be the first Indian club to have entered the prestigious competition and this would be their second attempt at it.

“I hope the management begins to start thinking about trying to qualif y for the AFC Champions League. We believe that we can have a shot in the

azlan shan cup

IPOH (PTI) -- Defending champions India quelled a late Korean surge to eke out a narrow 3-2 victory and stretch their unbeaten run in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament here today.

The Indian scorers were Arjun

Halappa (10th minute), Tushar Khandker (45th) and Shivendra Singh (60th), while Korea scored through two penalty corner strikes by Nam Hyun Woo in the 12th and 70th minutes.

India will next challenge Australia tomorrow.

Zimbabwe Tri-series squad: Suresh Raina (capt), Virat Kohli (v-c), Murali Vijay, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Rohit Sharma, Yusuf Pathan, Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Umesh Yadav, Vinay Kumar, Ashok Dinda, Pankaj Singh, Amit Mishra, Pragyan Ojha, Naman Ojha.

T20 squad: Suresh Raina (capt), Virat Kohli (v-c), Murali Vijay, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Rohit Sharma, Yusuf Pathan, Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Umesh Yadav,

Vinay Kumar, Ashok Dinda, Pankaj Singh, Amit Mishra, Pragyan Ojha, Naman Ojha and Piyush Chawla.

India 'A' team: Cheteshwar Pujara (capt), Wriddiman Saha (v-c & wk), Abhinav Mukund, Shikar Dhawan, Ajinkya Rahane, Manish Pandey, Sourav Tiwary, Iqbal Abdulla, Sudeep Tyagi, Dhaval Kulkarni, Abhimanyu Mithun, Kedar Jadhav, Manoj Tiwary, Jaskaran Singh, Bipul Sharma and Jayadev Unadkad.