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Sports: Murray lifts Shanghai Masters title Pg 18 A fool’s bolt is soon shot.

—Shakespeare

IN BRIEF Geelani re-elected Hurriyat chief Hardline separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani has been re-elected as the chairman of his faction of the Hurriyat Conference for the third consecutive 3-year term.

Geelani was elected to the post unopposed during a Majlis-e-Shoura (advisory council) meeting in Srinagar on Saturday, a Hurriyat spokesman said on Sunday. – (Agencies)

Thackeray’s grandson enters politics PTI MUMBAI, OCT 17

Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray tonight introduced his grandson Aditya into politics by anointing him as the head of its youth wing at a Dussehra rally which also witnessed three generations of Thackerays sharing the podium.

Handing over a sword to Aditya to encourage him in his new endeavour—Yuva Sena, the 83-year-old Thackeray at the same time said he does not believe in “dynasty politics” in the Sena. 20-year-old Aditya, who is making his first major public appearance, is Sena Executive President Uddhav Thackeray’s son.

“I never brought Uddhav in Sena. He was made executive president by ‘Krishnakunj’ person (official residence of his estranged nephew and MNS chief Raj Thackeray). In fact, I opposed it, but all the party functionaries accepted Uddhav’s leadership,” he said.

Business: Pre-trading call auction to start today Pg 12

Valpoi goes to poll toDay

Election staff carry electronic voting machines and other material amidst tight security at mamlatdar office, Valpoi.

Photo by Ashraf Khan HERALD CORRESPONDENT VALPOI, OCT 17

Elaborate arrangements have been made to conduct free and fair by-election to Valpoi Assembly seat on Monday.

The elections officers, including presiding officers, have taken possession of their respective booths in all the 31 booths on Sunday evening. Besides, CISF Jawans were seen guarding the booths on Sunday.

According to Returning Officer Jayant G Tari, voters will exercise their franchise in all 31 booths, 27 polling stations and four auxiliary booths on Monday from 8 am to 5 pm.

The Poll Monitoring System

(PMS) would be implemented for the first time to avoid bogus voting and to facilitate smooth conduct of poll.

The voters, if any, require assistance or guidance could avail the benefits from voter’s facilitation centre, set up near each of the booths.

When contacted, Valpoi Police Inspector Sandesh Chodankar informed that no poll-related case has been registered till late Sunday evening and further said that intensive patrolling roundthe-clock was on to monitor the situation.

“As per the situation prevailing till Sunday, poll would be conducted peacefully as far as

law and order situation is concerned,” said PI Chodankar.

According to sources, a total of 17,920 voters (male – 9,107, female - 8,805, service voters 8) will exercise their franchise and average number of voters per polling stations will be 663.

The polling stations are located at Nanus, Valpoi, Velus, Brahmakadmali, Ambede, Dhave, Kodal, Kudse, Sanvordem, Kumtal, Velguem, Khotode, Sirsode, Gawane, Shelmelaulim, Murmune, Guleli, Dhamshe, Savorshe, Bironde, Padeli, Vante and Advoi.

The maximum distance the voters will have to travel to (Continued on page 10)

(air Surcharge rs 2.00) pages 18

India: Mallika in Murder 2, but Emraan not happy Pg 9 Headley, a double agent?

PTI WASHINGTON, OCT 17

David Headley, who confessed his involvement in the Mumbai terror attacks, may have been a double agent who worked for both al-Qaeda, through LeT, and American intelligence agencies, as he was receiving training at terrorist camps in Pakistan.

By letting Headley maintain contacts with Lashkar-e-Toiba and other al-Qaeda leaders in Pakistan – as reflected in the court papers submitted by the FBI – federal authorities have said that they hoped to reach the top al-Qaeda leaders.

But Headley went rogue and slipped out of their hands.

Those handling Headley’s account in the American intelligence agencies said that a decision to arrest him was taken only after he shifted his attention from India to Europe and Headley’s Pak handlers started using him for a Mumbai-type attack in European cities.

The information coming from various federal (American) and Indian sources coming out in bits and pieces indicate that at some level intelligence agencies in the US had information about the possible Mumbai attack in 2008 and the key role that he played in this massacre of innocent people by Pakistan-based LeT terrorists.

This is possible because federal officials hoped that once Headley’s handlers had full faith in him, they would be able to get access to the top al-Qaeda leaders inside Pakistan.

However, another official said that Headley gradually was brainwashed and was leaking out only selective information to the US and started playing only on behalf of LeT and alQaeda leaders who were his contact persons inside Pakistan.

India planning Mars mission in 2030: Kalam

PTI NEW DELHI, OCT 17

Open war broke out between leading lights of the Commonwealth Games with Suresh Kalmadi hitting back at Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit today declaring he would not want the Organising Committee, which he chaired, to be the “scapegoats any more.”

Kalmadi’s ire was promoted

by Dikshit’s comments to PTI yesterday that the “suspicion” of corruption in the just concluded mega sporting event is on the Games Organising Committee (OC).

The “real corruption seems to be with regard to the money given as loans (to the OC)”, she said. Central Government had given loans to the tune of Rs 1,600 crore.

Slamming Dikshit, a beleaguered Kalmadi, said her aspersions on corruption in the OC were “most disappointing and uncalled for” and that she must indulge in self-reflection on corruption in her own departments.

In a hard-hitting statement, Kalmadi said that keeping quiet should not be interpreted as a “sign of weakness”.

“But, on Dussehra day, I owe it to the Organising Committee that we speak out. We don’t want to be the scapegoats anymore,” he said.

“Delhi Chief Minister Sheila

PTI NEW DELHI, OCT 17

Effigies of Ravana, Meghnad & Kumbhakaran burning on the occasion of Dussehra celebration at Mohrabadi grounds in Ranchi on Sunday.

Fanfare marks Dussehra PTI NEW DELHI, OCT 17

Towering effigies of demon King Ravana, his son Meghnad and brother Kumbhakaran blazed and crackled in fiery splendour as Dussehra, symbolising the triumph of good over evil, was celebrated across the country with fanfare and traditional fervour.

Amid beating of drums, devotees, dancing frenziedly, also bid farewell to Goddess Durga as she returned to her

celestial abode.

As the skies darkened, the fire crackers-stuffed effigies, dotting grounds and open spaces in villages and towns, went up in flames amid deafening sound.

Fire crackers lit up the skies and crowds burst into cheers as the effigies went up in flames on ‘Vijayadashmi’, marking the slaying of demon king Ravana by Lord Rama.

Dussehra, which also marks the end of scorching summer

and heralding of winter, is preceded by nine auspicious days of Navaratri during which devotees pray, fast and feast.

Ramlilas, vivid enactments from the life of Lord Rama, were staged in large parts of the country during the nine days preceding the festival.

In Delhi, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress president Sonia Gandhi were among the dignitaries who watched the evil going up in smoke at the Ramlila Maidan.

cops to eye smoking at iFFi HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, OCT 17

Cigarette puffing heroes and heroines and creative minds will have to be wary this time when they light a smoke at International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2010.

Goa Government’s steering committee has decided to keep a close watch on those violating Anti-Tobacco Act during the forthcoming IFFI. Police in plain clothes will be posted at the venue, who will track the violators and compound the fine, on the spot.

Directorate of Health Services’ State Level Steering Committee on Tobacco Control in its recent meeting has decided that pamphlets would be distributed along with delegate

Look who’s talking, says Kalmadi

Coastlines to have radar sensors

PTI DEHRA DUN, OCT 17

Former President A P J Kalam today said that India is planning to send its mission to Mars in 2030.

“We hope that we will be able to send the mission to Mars in 2030,” he said at a school function here. Significantly, Kalam had made a similar announcement here in 2001 regarding the Chandrayaan-I mission to the moon when he was scientific adviser to the government.

Answering a question, he said the best way to eradicate corruption in the country is to start a campaign from the home.

“For a nation of a billion people, if you ask your father, in case he is unfortunately corrupt, to stop corruption, this is the best way to stop corruption from the home itself. If everybody does that, then corruption will stop,” Kalam told the school children.

He said he had been asked this question earlier also at a school function and his answer at that time was the same.

Later, Kalam also administered an oath asking the young students to fight corruption.

To another question, Kalam said he does not believe in the brain drain theory and said the Indians used to go to other countries to acquire knowledge and wealth in the past also.

Dikshit gets it back…

Notice to casino HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, OCT 17

cards to make IFFI visitors aware of No Smoking Zone.

“They can walk out of premises and smoke. We will not allow the law to be violated.

More care will be taken at Inox courtyard and at Kala Academy,” Dr Shekhar Salkar, member of the Steering Committee told

Herald.

Dr Salkar, who is also General Secretary of National Organisation for Tobacco Eradication (NOTE), said that last time NOTE had complained about couple of cases involving film stars, who were found smoking in the (Continued on page 10)

The State Level Steering Committee (SLSC) on tobacco control has issued notice to an offshore casino, for violating Anti Tobacco Act by permitting smoking even in the area where crèche for children exists.

Sources stated that the notice was issued after a visitor to the ship, who did not wanted to be identified, complained to SLSC about the rampant violation of Anti-Tobacco Act there.

The SLSC issued warning (Continued on page 10)

The Central government has launched Rs 350-crore project to set up radar sensors along the country’s coastlines for surveillance to prevent terrorists from entering the nation to repeat the Mumbai-type attack.

The chain of radar sensors along the entire 7,517-km coastline, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep is being set up by the Coast Guard under a Home Ministry scheme.

The radar sensors will be fitted on lighthouses at 46 locations, out of which 36 are in mainland, six in Lakshadweep Islands and four in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Dikshit’s aspersions on corruption in the OC are most disappointing and uncalled for. She must indulge in self-reflection on corruption in her own departments.

— Suresh Kalmadi Dikshit’s aspersions on corruption in the Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi are most disappointing and uncalled for. It is not right to deflect and point fingers at others when she must indulge in self-reflection on corruption in her own departments,” Kalmadi said.

He said the OC has already welcomed the Prime Minister’s decision to set up a probe panel and hoped that the Terms of Reference of the Shunglu Committee will include not just the scope of work undertaken by the OC at a budget of Rs 1,620 crore but also the Rs 16,000 spent by the Delhi Government.

India’s largest IPO opens today State-run Coal India’s $3.5 billion dollar initial public offering (IPO), the biggest in the history of corporate India, will open on Monday at a price band of Rs 225-245 a share. – (Agencies)

Inform all the builders that their buildings should be only green in colour. I will not compromise on ‘Green Goa’.

Panasonic Presents

OHERALDO

GOA

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GOA, MONDAY, 18 OCTOBER, 2010

CIVIC FORUM Killer divider at Verna NH-17 JEROmE mENDES, CHAiRmAN Of ROAD ACCiDENTS ViCTimS TRuST, VERNA

The recently installed road divider on the stretch from Sai Service to Agnel Ashram School is causing many accidents.

The divider is not visible since it has not been painted with reflector paint. On Ganesh Chaturthi a 65-year-old couple proceeding to Panjim hit the divider when they tried to avoid an overtaking car. A few days later, a tourist from Yemen hit the divider and damaged the car extensively. Then a truck smashed four parked vehicles at this junction. He had no licence. I phoned the PWD minister about these accidents; he said that it was the Transport Minister’s responsibility, not his. Our local MLA said the police would handle it. Who is responsible for these avoidable accidents?

Cuncolim power dept useless ViSHAL D’COSTA, CuNCOLim

Benaulim locals demand action against Colva businessman for dumping waste HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, OCT 17

Garbage disposal menace has come back to haunt the villagers of Benaulim on Sunday after they spotted waste dumped by a business establishment along the road leading to St John the Baptist Church.

Colva police rushed to Benaulim around noon after the local youth – who had been maintaining vigil against waste dumping near the Church – found that the waste came from the Colva-based establishment.

PSI Gawde late this evening told Herald that the police had arrested and released one person on bail for dumping waste in the area.

Benaulim ZP member Maria Rebello also rushed to the spot, even as the youngsters demanded action against the unscrupulous business owner from Colva for disposing off his waste at Benaulim.

Secretary of the Colva Civic and Consumer Forum Judith Almeida, who was present at the spot, strongly protested over the disposal of waste from Colva into Benaulim.

She lamented that the Colva Panchayat has no system to take care of the garbage generated in the village. “The village Panchayat has written to the high

Carambolim VP to set up vermi composting unit HERALD CORRESPONDENT OLD GOA, OCT 17

Electric poles are placed in the centre of the road at Cuncolim, posing danger to motorists. They need to be shifted to the side of the road. Light fixtures are dangling from their supply cords, ready to fall. Trees are leaning against the electric poles causing them to bend. The electric poles are used by cable operators for fixing their cable junction and signal amplifier boxes. The electricity department at Cuncolim is so lethargic; their lethargy is endangering the life of the people.

Kadamba corruption iSHA NAik, by EmAiL

I am a passenger from Ponda travelling every day to and from Panaji. There is open corruption in the Kadamba buses specially the Khethoda bus going from Panaji to Ponda at 6 PM. The conductors charge Rs 20/- or even more for a ticket to Ponda and issue a ticket of 18/- or 19/- and keep the change.

This has been a trend now and if questioned the conductor gets abusive. The concerned authorities need to look into this at the earliest.

Help! Mr Power Minister!

Carambolim Panchayat has decided to set up a Vermi Composting unit in the village.

According to sources in panchayat, about 8,000 sq mtrs of land has been identified for setting up the unit in the jurisdiction of Carambolim Panchayat.

The unit would be utilized only for composting garbage being collected from Carambolim.

Speaking to Herald, Carambolim Sarpanch Balchandra Usgoankar said the process of land acquisition is almost complete and the project will be taken up using panchayat funds.

“I will see that I complete the project before the end of my panchayat term,” said the sarpanch.

When asked whether the panchayat would recruit labourers for the collection of garbage in Carambolim jurisdiction, he said the panchayat would recruit labourers from Carambolim jurisdiction for garbage collection and also for the Vermi Composting unit through NREG Scheme.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT CORTALIM, OCT 17

The waste dumped along the road leading to St John the Baptist Church, Benaulim on Sunday.

Photo by Santosh Mirajkar

court stating that they have put a system in place to tackle garbage disposal. This only goes to shows that the Panchayat has no system”, she said, while appreciating the youth for maintaining a vigil against unscrupulous elements for dumping waste from other vil-

lages in Benaulim.

Almeida has further lamented that the cases lodged at the Colva police station has failed to deter the unscrupulous elements from dumping waste at Benaulim, adding that dumping waste in the open exposes people to various health hazards.

Reservation row: Damu has no right to demand my resignation, thunders Joaquim HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, OCT 17

Urban Development Minister Joaquim Alemao has said that Fatorda MLA Damu Naik has no right to demand his resignation on the controversial reservation of wards in the municipal areas.

Addressing voters of ward 3 of Margao Municipal Council after opening the election office of Joseph Silva, Alemao asserted that only the people of Cuncolim has the right to demand his resignation if the people thinks he has failed them on the developmental front.

“Damu should tell the people of Goa why should I quit as the Minister for Urban Development.

Am I responsible for reserving the municipal wards for OBCs and STs when the House took the decision in view of the calling attention motion. Can the Congress say no to reservations for the OBCs and STs when these communities have rallied behind

the party at all times”, he said.

Reminding the Fatorda MLA that reservations have been done by the Director of Municipal Administration and not by him or the Chief Minister Digambar Kamat or GPCC general secretary Vijay Sardessai, Alemao urged the people of Goa to vote and elect good candidates who would fulfill their aspirations in the municipal bodies.

Making an appeal to the people of ward 3 to support the candidature of Joseph Silva, the Urban Development Minister promised that he and his brother, PWD Minister Churchill Alemao would take up all pending works in the ward in the next two years.

In his address, the GPCC general secretary Vijay Sardessai lashed out at both the Fatorda MLA and the candidate Piedade Norohna for not ushering development work during their tenure.

ADELmO fERNANDES, VASCO

House collapse and sparks JONAS CORREiA, ALDONA

A house on the main road, right opposite the Mapusa Municipality partially collapsed over three months ago. The structure has further weakened during monsoons and unless the house is fully demolished, it poses a hazard to pedestrians and motorists alike passing this route daily. Also, the Municipality has kept a garbage bin near Janata School close to the electric transformer. The garbage is incinerated daily and sparks fly in the direction of the transformer. This is potentially dangerous for the students passing nearby. Immediate action by the Municipality will certainly help in averting any catastrophe.

Roadside garbage dump

(Do you have a complaint against some authority or service? Are there any violations of the law that you would like to bring to the notice of the public? Do you have any suggestions for improvement and/or redressal of services?

If you do, then write to us at editor@herald-goa.com. With the aim of improving the quality of our civic life, every Monday Herald will publish the best letters on these subjects received during the week. This is in addition to our regular ‘Letters to the Editor’ column.)

Candidate Purnanand Chari breaks the coconut to mark opening of his election office in Madel ward on Sunday.

Photo by Savio Dias HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, OCT 17

Campaigning for the Margao Municipal polls picked up momentum on Sunday with candidates opening their election offices and distributing voters cards to the electorate.

If writer, singer and Konkani activist Purnanand Chari opened his election office in ward 8 of the Margao Municipal council this morning, Urban Development Minister hit the campaign for the trusted lieutenant of his

N Goa taxi owners to take up grievances with CM HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, OCT 17

The North Goa Tourist Taxi Owners Association (NGTTOA) at its general body meeting at St Alex Church Hall, Calangute, on Saturday has resolved to take the matter of their pending demands with Chief Minister Digambar Kamat.

The Association members were of the view that the matter of renewal of permits for the 800 cc vehicles should now be taken up directly with the chief minister through Calangute MLA Agnelo Fernandes.

The NGTTOA members have decided to call on Fernandes to explain their position on the issue and intervene in their genuine demand of renewal of permits for the 800 cc vehicles without any further delay.

The NGTTOA felt that delay on part of the concerned authorities is killing their business and has decided to meet the chief minister to resolve the pending issue. The NGTTOA has also come to the conclusion that there is no reason in keeping their genuine demand pending when other states in the country issue permits to 750 cc

n The Association members were of the view that the matter of renewal of permits for the 800 cc vehicles should now be taken up directly with the chief minister through Calangute MLA Agnelo Fernandes. and 850 cc vehicles.

The NGTTOA also claimed that the State government should consider a minimal rise

in Cortalim. “We have National Highway 17A catering to traffic from Vasco-Ponda via Cortalim.

So it will not be possible to reduce the width to 35 mtrs in Cortalim,” the official told Herald.

However, in order to over-

come the crisis resulting from the road widening, Cortalim MLA Mauvin Godinho had demanded that a flyover be build right from the Cortalim junction to the Pazentar near Toyota showroom.

Candidates open election offices

In a bid to provide better transport facility to the villagers, Carambolim Sarpanch Balchandra Usgoankar has initiated plans to set up state-of-the-art bus stand, catering to the services of Carambolim bus transporters.

According to sources, the new bus stand is likely to be ready in two years time and will be situated close to the Carambolim Panchayat, which will also house over 10 shops.

Speaking to Herald, Sarpanch Balchandra Usgoankar said the panchayat has initiated plans to construct a bus stand, especially for Carambolim villagers.

“We have already initiated the land acquisition process for the bus stand, which is almost complete. About 2,300 sq mtrs of land has been identified for the bus stand with the help of our local Cumbarjua MLA Pandurang Madkaikar,” he said.

“I will see that the bus stand get to its completion as soon as possible. We will also approach the State government to sanction us funds for the construction of the bus stand in Carambolim,” he added.

The metal sign-board which stands on the pavement along the Swatantra Path near the Municipal Garden in Vasco is rusty and bent at an angle. The board poses a grave danger to pedestrians who could bang their heads on the corroded metal at night. The concerned authorities should either straighten the sign-board or remove it altogether as it serves no purpose.

Officials visiting a house at Cortalim on Sunday.

Photo by Alvaro Colaco

Campaigning for MMC polls gains momentum

HERALD CORRESPONDENT OLD GOA, OCT 17

Booby trap

WiLLiE SEVERES, mAJORDA

After a lull of about two months, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) officials began surveying the stretch which is likely to be acquired for 4/6 lane widening of National Highway 17.

About 3-5 field staff was seen visiting houses that are likely to be affected by the road widening of the National Highway.

Saying that this exercise had already begun in the State, field surveyor Vinay Naik said they had been directed to identifying structures falling between 35 to 45 mtrs of the National Highway.

According to earlier statistics, about 66 structures were likely to be affected in Cortalim which are mostly in 1st Arvale ward of the village if the road width had to be of 45 mtrs.

Thereafter, following opposition from various quarters, the State government had announced that the width of the NH would be reduced to 35 mtrs in areas where it would result in large-scale destruction of structures/houses.

An official from CPWD however ruled out the possibility of reducing the width to 35 mtrs

Sarpanch promises modern bus stand at Carambolim

TuLSiDAS mALkARNEkAR, mARgAO

Electricity bills no longer have the columns for delayed payment charges. They need to be included because if payment is not made in time the bank does not accept the bill. We have to waste time and money travelling to the Electricity Dept to get the delayed payment charges endorsed on the bill. This is a great hardship especially for senior citizens. The delayed amount and the amount payable after due date is calculated automatically by the computer, with no extra work for the seemingly overworked electricity dept clerical staff. Will the Power Minister remedy the situation?

A roadside garbage dumping site is emerging just a few meters away from the Majorda beach. Although there is a sign board put up prohibiting the dumping of garbage in this area, it seems that the prohibition has not been effectively enforced.

With the tourist season just starting, dumping of garbage is likely to increase with surrounding restaurants and shacks making full use of this area. Local panchayat authorities should seriously look into this matter at the earliest, before it becomes a nuisance.

NH17 widening: NHAI surveys affected houses in Cortalim

in hire charges due to steep hikes in petroleum products.

Others issues discussed at the meeting included insurance and discount on spares.

Vasudev Arlekar (president) welcomed the guests of Sai Service and LIC, while Vinayak Nanoskar (secretary) proposed the vote of thanks. The meeting was attended by Ravindra Vengurlekar (vice president), Pradeep Shirodker (treasurer), Vivek Korgaonkar (joint secretary), Rajen Palyekar, Sanjay Vengurlekar, Irenieu Gonsalves among others.

close aide and GPCC general secretary Vijay Sardessai.

Alemao accompanied by Sardessai opened the election office of candidate and Fatorda Block Congress president Joseph Silva in ward 3 Silva is locked in a battle with sitting councillor and former MMC Chairperson Piedade Norohna, who is seeking re-election from the ward.

In ward 8, Purnanand Chari, who is backed by the Madgao Loksamiti, opened his election

office by breaking the sacred coconut. Chari is locked in a straight fight against sitting councillor Gonzaco Rebello.

A cross section of his supporters from the ward were present during the office opening ceremony.

Some of the candidates have already opened their election offices and have kicked off their campaign in right earnest.

Amongst those who were the first to open the election office was Pratima Coutinho, wife of Margao Municipal Chairperson Savio Coutinho in ward 16 of the Margao Municipal council.

Many a candidates have already started their door-to-door campaigning, while many others are waiting for their voters cards for distribution to the electorate.

In Fatorda area of the Margao Municipal Council, corner meetings have already started by some of the candidates.

Incidentally, banners put by the candidates sans permission from the election and Municipal authorities were removed in a drive undertaken last week.

Ex-SMC chief releases manifesto HERALD CORRESPONDENT SANGUEM, OCT 17

The election manifesto of former Sanguem Municipal Council (SMC) chairperson Minguelinho D’Costa, who is contesting from Ward 2 (Khairikanttem/Pangulna) in the ensuing municipal elections, was released on Sunday.

The manifesto was released in the presence of D’Costa’ supporters and voters. D’Costa in his manifesto has 10-point agenda with focus on all-round development of Sanguem Municipal areas with support and co - operation from all the elected representatives from the council.

The manifesto also talks of bringing on track the administrative affairs at SMC, which is allegedly at cross roads and provision for payment of electricity bills of the poor and the needy subject to the limit of Rs 100 per month after due scrutiny and study of individual cases.

Other visions focused in the manifesto includes development of crematoriums of all religions on priority basis, allocation of shops at the SUDA complex under construction as per the need and choice of the affected

shopkeepers, formulation of schemes for safeguarding and protection of all religious structures in the municipal areas and timely payment of salaries working at the council which many a times is kept pending for months together for want of funds.

D’Costa in his manifesto has also chalked plans for the formation of a special cell in the municipal office which will deal exclusively with the power problems faced by the citizens.

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GOA, MONDAY, 18 OCTOBER, 2010

Majority of candidates in Cuncolim swear loyalty to Joaquim Alemao

The two banners of rival candidates contesting the Cuncolim Municipal polls with the photograph of Urban Development Minister, Joaquim Alemao.

Photo by Sidharth Mehta HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, OCT 17

Welcome to Cuncolim – where a total of 46 candidates are in the fray for the ensuing polls for the 10-member Cuncolim Municipal Council.

If you are a stranger to Cuncolim town, don’t be surprised to find most of the contesting candidates either swearing their loyalty to local MLA and Urban

Development Minister, Joaquim Alemao or are rest assured of his support for their candidatures.

In fact, banners put up by rival candidates in some of the wards would show that the candidates enjoy support of the local MLA. Photographs of the Urban Development Minister with the candidates is not uncommon on the banners of rival candidates

in some of the wards.

This was clearly evident in Ward no 2 when banners of rival candidates Pratima Gaonkar and Mangaldas Gaonkar were seen together with the photograph of the Urban Development Minister.

Incidentally, the Urban Development Minister has decided to play cool and not to intervene in the game of one-upmanship

over the game of banners or with candidates declaring publicly over enjoying support to their candidature.

It is learnt that most of the candidates – barring his vocal enemies – have sought Alemao’s blessing before filing their nomination papers. And, the rush to the Varca residence of the Cuncolim MLA by the candidates along with their supporters has not stopped as yet, sources said.

When contacted, the Urban Development Minister said that there is no opposition for him in Cuncolim. “This only shows that the majority of the contestants are my supporters. I did not discourage any of them from contesting since they had their ambition to enter electoral politics”, he said, adding “there may be 46 candidates in the fray, but you will see all the 10 Councilors belonging to me after the polls”.

Though Alemao says that most of the contestants are his supporters, it is learnt that the MLA certainly has his blue eyed boys in the fray and is expected to make his support known to his supporters only on the eve of the Civic polls.

Old Goa VP to hike rates for stalls at SFX feast HERALD CORRESPONDENT OLD GOA, OCT 17

Old Goa Panchayat in a bid to increase its revenue has decided to increase the rates for the stalls, which will be put up at Old Goa during the Novenas and Feast of St Francis Xavier.

According to sources in panchayat, from this year, stall of 2 mtrs each will be charged Rs 1,000 per day, while a stall of 4 mtrs will be charged Rs 2,000 per day. The stall rates were last increased two years ago.

Sources further informed that the forms are expected to be out from November 10.

It may be noted that hundreds of pilgrims from all over the world attend the Feast of St Francis Xavier at Old Goa during which over 500 stalls are put up at various places in Old Goa. During 10 days, Old Goa Panchayat earns huge revenue in the form of rent from stalls.

Speaking to Herald, Cumbarjua MLA Pandurang Madkaikar said the panchayat has decided to increase the rates of the stalls so that the panchayat could earn some extra revenue.

“The panchayat thought of increasing the rates, as the panchayat felt that the rates were too low,” said Madkaikar.

Calangute police arrest one, recover stolen goods HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, OCT 17

Calangute Police arrested a person and recovered electronic items worth Rs 2 lakh at Calangute.

Calangute Police team led by PI Nolasco Raposo achieved a breakthrough in theft related cases by arresting Rohan Salgaonkar on October 11 and recovering from him various items, including electronics goods.

Police further informed that the accused confessed of various thefts in the coastal belts of Calangute and Anjuna.

Calangute Police recovered four laptops, four mobile phones, three cameras and other items, all worth Rs 2 lakh.

The four laptops were stolen from a parked car in Anjuna.

Rohan Salgaonkar has been transferred to Anjuna Police station for further investigations.

As the tourism season nears, the work of erecting shacks is in full swing. In this photo, workers are busy in their job, at Vagator beach, on Saturday.

Photo by Rozario Estibeiro

Mixed reactions from buyers, sellers as ITM comes to end HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, OCT 17

Goa’s first ever International Travel Mart (ITM) culminated today with buyers and sellers expressing their mix reactions for the event.

The dates of ITM were questioned by many, who felt that it should have been little after Kerala Tourism Mart (KTM), which attracts huge international participation.

“ITM should be prior to KTM or after that. We should know that international buyers fly down for KTM annually and we can’t expect them to come again within two weeks for ITM,” said Mario Nazareth, General Manager, O Hotel, Candolim.

He said that he will be putting across to organizers suggesting them to shif t the

Fama of Menino Jesus to be celebrated in Colva HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, OCT 17

T h e Tr a d i t i o n a l Fa m a o f Menino Jesus will be celebrated at Colva Church on Monday on October 18.

The Eucharistic celebration will begin at 5.30 am on Monday at the hands of Parish Priest, Fr Diogo Fernandes, after which the image of Infant Jesus will be brought down from the glittering bullet proof vault on the Altar and taken in a procession, followed by kissing by the devotees till 10.30 in the evening.

Parish Priest Fr Diogo Fernandes said the entire village of Colva is geared up to celebrate the Fama of Menino Jesus. “The Fama has a magnetic power as the grand celebration grips the natives of Colva. People from different communities participate in the celebrations to thank Infant Jesus for the favours received as the Image is endowed with the power of performing miracles’, Fr Fernandes added.

Historically, many legends surround the statute of Infant Jesus as regards its origin, The record in the Church, illustrated by a couple of paintings on the wall of the sacristy, testifies to strange happenings in the 17th century.

‘Tobacco Free Beaches’ campaign Curtorim Comunidade calls off auction of Areal hills to be tried and tested at Miramar SHWETA KAMAT PANJIM, OCT 17

Sao Jose de Areal villagers with placards outside the Curtorim Communidade opposing auction of the hills for basalt stone extraction.

Photo by Santosh Mirajkar HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, OCT 17

In an interesting development, the Curtorim Communidade on Sunday cancelled the auction scheduled on Sunday and Monday for extraction of basalt stones and setting up of stone crushers in Sao Jose de Areal village.

Sao Jose de Areal villagers under the banner of Schedule Tr i b e s A s s o c i a t i o n , w h o marched to the Curtorim Communidade office this morning to protest against the auction, hailed the cancellation of the auction as a victory for the people.

The cancellation of the auction came for want of any bidders and also the fact that the Administration of Communidades, south told the Curtorim Communidade to keep the auc-

tion in abeyance.

The Curtorim Communidade will now meet on Wednesday to take decide on the applications received from the people opposing the auction of the hills for extraction of basalt stones and for stone crushers.

Around 300 Sao Jose de Areal villagers marched to the office of the Curtorim Communidade well ahead of the auction scheduled at 10.30 am. When the communidade attorney Dr Ernesto Rodrigues came to the office, the villagers questioned him on the auction and underlined to save the village hills for posterity.

Rodrigues explained to the villagers that his office has received a communiqué from the Administrator of Communidades asking the Communidade to keep the auction. He

later gave a note to the villagers stating that the auction stands cancelled.

A villager Freddy Travasso later told the villagers that the auction has been cancelled by the Communidade and reiterated the resolve of the people to protect the hills from further destruction. “Our only request to the Curtorim Communidade and other authorities is to just leave our hills alone and not destroy them for basalt stone extraction. We will never allow auction the land and hills of our forefathers to be destroyed by stone extraction”, Travasso added.

He said the villagers have told the Curtorim Communidade to inform the Sao Jose de Areal Church about future decisions on the auction or other issues affecting the village.

Nine rescued from drowning HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, OCT 17

Nine persons, including three foreign nationals, were saved from drowning by Drishti Surf Life team of lifeguards along the Candolim, Calangute and Arambol coasts.

According to Drishti reports, a Mumbai couple, Rounak Marfartia (25) and Gauri Kandira (25) were saved at Candolim by lifeguards Narayan Gauns and Rajendra Gaonkar, while at Calangute,

Sudesha Devi (40) from Bangalore and Renuka Barde (26) from Karnataka were saved by lifeguard Anil Gaonkar and others.

A Kerala duo of Rakesh and Sujit were also saved by lifeguards Arun Kumbharjuvekar and Amit Shinde.

At Arambol, a Kazakhstan trio of Lawrence Godwin (38), Ushtap Nuqthaiva (31) and Gulsim A Kulrary (26) were saved by lifeguards Sakharam Bandekar and Vijay Pednekar.

Miramar beach is likely to lead Goa’s shores in becoming tobacco free zones in near future.

Directorate of Health Service’s State Level Steering Committee (SLSC) has decided to take up pilot project of ‘Tobacco Free Beaches’ from Miramar.

Dr Shekhar Salkar, prominent anti tobacco activist and SLSC member said that the state health department’s tobacco control board has planned to strictly enforce the anti-smoking law in the popular beaches of Goa, which are thronged by tourists during the season.

“Proper boards would be displayed on Miramar beach which will prohibit smoking as well as consumption of other tobacco products on the beach.

Tourists visiting here will be informed in advance that use of tobacco is banned here as it is a public place.

“Tourism department and Police department has been roped in this ambitious project which will pave way for other beaches

to be tobacco free,” he said.

Voluntary Health Association of India (VHAI), Goa branch has been appointed as a party to undertake this ambitious project.

Dr Salkar said that the state government itself wishes to make Goa, a tobacco free state.

“During a recent function organized by Indian Medical Association’s (IMA) Goa branch, the chief minister Digamber Kamat had written on banner that it is his dream to have Tobacco Free State,” he said.

SLSC discussed implementation of the law during its recently held meeting. It was decided that tourism along with police will form a flying squad which will crack down the violations and fine the offender on the spot.

“The vigil will be kept round the clock,” he said adding that every 100 metres boards would be displayed warning the visitors against smoking.

State tourism department is expected to formally announce this pilot project through media.

annual date of ITM according to KTM. Nazareth, however, said that ITM put up a good show and the response was good.

Jack Ajit Sukhija, representing Welcome Heritage, Panjim Inn, said that KTM should be the deciding point for announcing dates of ITM. “It would have been better, if ITM was just after KTM,” he said.

Sukhija said that although being for the first time, infrastructure for ITM was good.

“We have to improve the buyers’ list,” he said adding that ITM has the capability to gain popularity like KTM. The participants, who have put up their stalls, feel that the organizers should unveil the list of buyers in advance so that the industry can start dialogue with them before

Goa has seen almost 80 percent implementation of the anti-tobacco law and actions are being taken to make the state tobacco free. The state government and the anti-tobacco group are working in tandem to make Goa a smoke free state.

SLSC which has decided to nail the violation at every public place had recently conducted a survey at Quepem on implementation of anti smoking act.

Salkar said that around 400 hotels were checked of which just 13 per cent lack implementation. “Rest 87 per cent has put up boards and ban customers from smoking in the hotel,” he added.

While smaller establishments have been holistically implementing the law, two of bigger hotels from Panaji are allegedly violating the law.

Salkar said that they have received complaints about Nova Goa and Fidalgo which lacks the implementation. “We will be issuing them notices shortly,” he said.

The statue of Menino Jesus was located by a part of shipwrecked sailors led by a Jesuit Missionary Fr Bento Ferreira off the coast of Mozambique in the 17th century.

On his posting to Colva, in 1648, Fr Ferreira had the statue grandly enthroned on a special altar, Soon, the statue invited hordes of devotees for an annual Fama ceremony when the image was exposed for public veneration. The popularity of the event in Colva spread beyond the borders of Goa.

they arrive here.

“The footfalls on the stalls are low compared to what we were expecting,” Atish Fernandes, Director (operations), First Class Holidays reacted.

He said that buyers list was kept confidential till the last which stopped us from contacting them.

“We are willing to participate next year. The organizers should also take the sellers and buyers into confidence before putting up the show next time,” Fernandes said.

Fernandes’ company is into inbound tour in Goa and Uttar Karnataka. “He said that 15 per cent of the people who interacted during the event were here to sell their own locations like South Africa and South East Asia,” he stated.

The four day long ITM which began on October 14 had various sections including knowledge sessions in which industry experts expressed their opinion on various issues.

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Parrikar confident of BJP’s victory in Valpoi

S H O RT TA K E S Programme on HIV/AIDS held

HERALD CORRSEPONDENT VALPOI, OCT 17

Sensitization programme on HIV-AIDS at Dharbandora.

CURCHOREM(HC): The Goa State AIDS Control Society in collaboration with Goa Institute of Rural Development Agency recently organized one-day sensitization programme on HIVAIDS to the self help groups of Dharbandoda and Sancorda Panchayats.

About 70 members were present for the function held at Dharbandoda Panchayat Hall.

Dharbandora Sarpanch Shamu Velingkar was the chief guest for the function. Project Manager Sanjay Naik, faculty of GIRDA Sarita Patil, Gram Sevika Nirmla Marathe and Secretary Khushalidas Gaonkar were present at the programme.

Velingkar in his speech urged the need to spread the message of HIV AIDS at the grass root level.

Resource person for the programme Sanjay Naik briefed about various issues of HIV AIDS, myth and misconceptions of HIV AIDS, services about HIV AIDS issues, stigma and discrimination, etc.

Earlier, many such programmes were organized for self help groups, anganwadi workers, panchayat members, elected members and government officers all over the State with the help of GSACS and GIRDA. Dr Pradip Padwal, Project director of GSACS, and Rekha Joshi, Assistant Director GIRDA, are the key persons behind the programme.

Sarita Patil welcomed the chief guest and other participants, while Sarita Patil proposed the vote of thanks.

‘Navtara’ opened at Porvorim

Opposition Leader Manohar Parrikar said he is confident that BJP candidate Santosh Haldankar will win the by-election, as Valpoi people are fully convinced with the issues BJP has taken up during house-to-house campaign.

Parrikar was addressing the press conference at Valpoi on Saturday evening.

Parrikar, North Goa MP Shripad Naik, Govind Parvatkar and other senior BJP leaders claimed that they have toured entire Valpoi constituency in the last few days and found that no big developments, as claimed by Vishwajeet Rane, have been carried out in Valpoi.

“Major projects like bus stand, market complex, up gradation of Dabose Treatment plant could not be completed.

The conditions of the interior roads in the villages are bad,” they claimed.

Parrikar stated that about 39 hectares of land has been converted into reserve forest in September, this year, and about 100 families from Karmali Budruk, who had cashew plantation, will be affected due to the conversion.

“Local MLA Vishwajeet Rane could not do anything to provide relief to the affected people.

Hence, all those families will back BJP candidate this time,” alleged Parrikar.

“I am confident that BJP candidate Santosh Haldankar will

BJP misleading people: Vishwajeet HERALD CORRSEPONDENT VALPOI, OCT 17

Congress candidate Vishwajeet Rane has accused the BJP of misleading people regarding his comments on mining activities.

Addressing a press conference on Saturday, Rane clarified his stand stating that no mining activities will be permitted within the limits of Valpoi Municipal Council (VMC) and no new mines will be allowed to operate in Valpoi constituency.

“I am with the people. Whatever the policy on mining, I will adopt and will be with the collective decision of the people,” stated Vishwajeet Rane.

Coming down heavily on Manohar Parrikar and other senior BJP leaders, who are campaigning in Valpoi since the last few days, Rane said that one BJP MLA and another ex-minister in the Parrikar cabinet had recently visited his office and blamed Parrikar for not doing any development work in their constituencies during his tenure as chief minister.

Rane claimed that he went to the people during his campaign with three issues, development, employment and women empowerment, and got overwhelming support from the people.

“It’s the people who will teach BJP a lesson on October 18.

I am confident that I will win the election with thumping majority. Whatever projects are incomplete, I will complete it as soon as possible,” said Rane. win, as Valpoi people are fully convinced with the issues BJP has taken up during house-tohouse campaign,” added Parrikar.

North Goa MP Shripad Naik accused Congress candidate Vishwajeet Rane of misleading the people by saying that North Goa MP has not done anything.

Naik clarified that he carried out 22 projects in Sattari taluka under MP funds, including 11

community halls in Poriem and five community halls in Valpoi constituency.

BJP candidate Santosh Haldankar said he is born and brought up in Valpoi and presently stays in Valpoi and will be available to people at any time on all the days unlike his opponent who stays in Panjim and most of the time remains out of the country.

Teachers visiting UK briefed on Indian festivals

upcOming EvEnTS

HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, OCT 17

PANJIM(HND): The ordinary gram sabha meeting of the Village Panchayat Cortalim-Quelossim for the month of October will be held on Sunday, October 24 at 9.15 am in the office of the Village Panchayat Cortalim-Quelossim.

The following agenda will be discussed: To read and confirm the proceedings of the previous gram sabha meeting, to place before the gram sabha the half yearly statement of accounts, to place before the gram sabha the list of name under Dhangar/ST/IAY/RAY/NREGS, to discuss on proposals received from the gram sabha members if any, any other subject with the prior permission of the chairperson.

Any person who desires to place any suggestions before the gram sabha meeting may be sent by him/her in writing addressed to the Sarpanch four days before the gram sabha meeting. If the required quorum is not found within the scheduled time, the meeting will be adjourned and the same will be conducted after half an hour on the same day and place, says a press release.

Holy Family Primary School organized a programme to depict festivals of India to the teachers who are leaving for UK on October 30 to visit the partner schools in Cornwall, UK. Speaking on the occasion, Holy Family High School Headmistress Fatima D’Sa said out of the eight teachers selected from Bardez to visit UK as part of Global Schools’ Partnership programme, two teachers Irene D’Souza Manuel and Reena Simoes are from their primary school.

“During their stay of one week, they will learn culture and observe the teaching techniques of schools in UK. This Global School Partnership programme will benefit the teachers of the schools in UK and Goa,” said D’Sa. Teacher Irene Manuel said the visit will enable the teachers of both the countries to share ideas, teaching experiences and thereby develop harmonious relationship between the partner schools.

“This will increase open mindedness and with the exchange of thoughts the change in education can be brought about,” added Irene Manuel.

Spring Valley High School, Pilerne, Headmistress Selena D’Souza said four schools from Bardez taluka have been selected to visit UK. This visit will help to develop joint curriculum and critical thinking.

Legal literacy camp held

Imelda Tavora inaugurates restaurant at Porvorim.

Photo by Anil Shankhwalker

PORVORIM(HC): Imelda Tavora inaugurated the Porvorim branch of Navtara, the pure vegetarian multi-cuisine restaurant on Thursday.

This is the third branch of Navtara in North Goa, the first two being in Panjim and Mapusa.

Speaking to Herald, Navtara proprietor Carlos Tavora said they have been receiving good response from customers in Goa. “I studied in Karnataka and during my stay for seven years, I happened to visit Udipi hotels and hence urge was developed to start such pure vegetarian restaurants in Goa,” informed Tavora. “Considering overwhelming response from the customers, I decided to open more branches. I plan to open two more branches, one each at Margao and Calangute shortly,” added Tavora.

Tavora further informed that about 300 dishes are being prepared in his restaurants and Derick Barnes is the architect of his restaurants.

Konknni compering workshop held

Dr Ajay Vaidya inaugurates the workshop in the presence of GKA Vice-President Vincy Quadros, DKA President Premanand A Lotlikar and Secretary Jose Salvador Fernandes.

PANJIM (HND): The second Konknni compering workshop was conducted recently by Dalgado Konknni Akademi (DKA) in Margao BPS Club. Dr Ajay Vaidya was the main resource person who guided the participants on various issues and skill that are required for competent compering. He also inaugurated the workshop in the presence of Goa Konknni Akademi's Vice President Vincy Quadros, DKA's president Premanand A Lotlikar and Secretary Jose Salvador Fernandes.

Certificates were presented to the participants by the guests.

DKA is plans to hold two more such workshops shortly; one in Ponda and another in Canacona.

Talk on career guidance held

Pradeep Joshi, Vivek Kerkar, Ashok Kerkar, Ashok Kenkre, Ajit Kolwalkar, and Vaman Gaitonde seen on the occasion.

PANJIM (HND): Progress HS recently organised a talk on ‘Personality and Career Guidance' for the SSC students and their parents. Vaman Gaitonde, the founder of the training centre called 'Make Over' was the guest speaker who spoke on the various careers which students could opt for and advised them oriented study towards their career and excel in the one they choose. He also underscored the importance of personality for a successful career. Chairman of the managing committee, Vivek Kerker, manager Ashok Kenkre, vice-chairman Pradeep Joshi and the headmaster Ajit Kolwaikar were also present. Maria Ribeiro compered and the vote of thanks was proposed by Satish Mhapsekar.

Tiatr ‘Kusovo’ at Margao PANJIM (HND): Ami Daizi – Fatorda, a newly formed institution, will stage a traditional tiatr titled ‘Kusvo’ on October 22 during the 36th Tiatr competition organised by Kala Academy, at 7 pm. A pre release show is scheduled to be held at Pai Tiatrist JAF Auditorium of Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, on October 17 at 10.15 am which will be followed by critical analysis of the presentation by drama critics.

Kusvo’ is scripted by Conceisao Fernandes, directed by Avinash Chari and has Rupesh Jogle in the lead role with Suzeta Pereira, John Marques, Ivy Pereira, Nazario Pinto and Pobre Dias. Singers include Francis Pinto, Bernardo Noronha, Mario Pinto, Alfred Colaco, Antonette Barbosa , Kareen Mascarenhas, Reema Dias, and Conceisao Fernandes.

Ami Daizi, a registered society, aims at preserving and promoting cultural heritage of the state, besides tapping talent and endearing them its rich culture, says a press release issued here.

World Food Day held at TSKK Porvorim HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, OCT 16

Organic Farming Association of India, GOACAN and Green Essentials along with Thomas Stephens Konkani Kendra (TSKK) celebrated World Food Day by organizing an exhibition in the premises of TSKK at Porvorim.

Students of Chubby Cheeks Green valley school, Pilerne, Holy Cross High School, Bastora and SFX High School, Siolim presented a demonstration on ways to detect food adulteration.

A number of local vegetables and garden tools were also on display at the exhibition, while farmers from Choaro held discussion on food security.

Additional Director of Organic Farming Association of India Miguel Braganza said the World Food Day is generally celebrated

HERALD CORRESPONDENT COLLEM, OCT 17

Sanguem Taluka Legal Service Committee and JMFC Sanguem jointly organized a Legal Literacy camp for the students of Std IX and X of Abhinav Vidyamandir High School Mollem at Mollem Panchayat Hall on October 6.

Adv Rupa Prabhu Gaonkar of JMFC Sanguem and Adv Pandurang Parab were the key speakers for the programme.

School Headmaster Sharad Chandra Khandeparkar and JMFC Head Clerk Elanna Alfonso were also present on the occasion.

Speaking on ‘Anti-ragging’, Adv Rupa Gaonkar said involvement in ragging activity in schools or educational institutes is a crime. Many students lost their career as well as their lives by committing suicides due to ragging cases. Adv Pandurang Parab spoke on Free Legal Aid.

Gram sabha at Cortalim

by the Agriculture departments and ICAR. "This year, NGO's decided to celebrate it with the involvement of people and students.

The prime objective of organizing this exhibition is to invite the attention of the people to the necessity of food and its production," said Braganza.

TSKK Director Fr Pratap Naik said the purpose of organising the exhibition is to create public awareness on ways to maintain ecology and open spaces, to free Goa from insecticides and nonorganic fertilizers and to cultivate vegetables using organic fertilizers.

"Every home should have a kitchen garden. People should grow vegetables or plant trees if open spaces are available in their residential premises," said Fr Naik.

The residents of Aivao, Dona Paula celebrating Dandiya Raas at Sateri Temple, Dona-Paula on Saturday.

14 councillors served as chairperson, dy in MMC HERALD REPORTER VASCO, OCT 17

Going by the performance of the previous council, most candidates winning elections to the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) will end up either serving as chairperson or deputy chairperson.

Such has been the ‘musical chair’ syndrome at the MMC during the previous council, that as many as 14 of the 19 councillors have either served as chairperson or vice chairperson in the last five years.

Though the council has 20 members, the strength was reduced to 19 following the resignation of Mormugao MLA Milind Naik as councillor.

While six councillors served as chairperson, all seven women councillors had the privilege to become the vice chairperson.

When barely three months were left for MMC to go to polls, the vice chairperson’s post was allotted to a male candidate and Kashinath Yadav was elected to the post.

According to sources, when the council began its tenure in 2005, the ruling group had mutually agreed that the chairperson would

serve for one year, while the term would be about eight months for the vice chairperson.

But after a year, the one-year "term" for the chairperson was reduced to six months.

Councillor Manesh Arolkar, recently elected unopposed to the new MMC, had the privilege to serve as chairperson for a maximum of nearly 15 months. Later, Carlos Almeida who took over as MMC chairperson was voted out of office within four months.

Councillor Anita Chopdekar served as vice chairperson for nearly one year, while Shanit Mandrekar occupied the same post for only 49 days.

The chairpersons in the MMC during the last five years have been Sharad Chopdekar (October 13, 2005 to December 21, 2006), Manesh Arolkar (December 21, 2006 to February 4, 2008), Carlos Almeida (February 19, 2008 to June 23, 2008), Kritesh Gaonkar (July 1, 2008 to April 24, 2009), Saifullah Khan (May 12, 2009 to November 25,2009) and Shekhar Khadapkar (December 8, 2009 till date).

The vice-chairpersons in the MMC during the last five years have been Kishori Haldankar (January 31, 2005 to July 8 2006),Lavina D’Souza

(August 1, 2006 to May 16, 2007), Anita Chopdekar (May 16, 2007 to May 6, 2008), Shanti Mandrekar (May 6, 2008 to June 23, 2008), Suchita Shirodkar (July 1, 2008 to November 12, 2008), Chitra Gawas (November 12, 2008 to April 2, 2009), Chitra Gawas (April 25, 2009 to July 8, 2009), Rohini Parab (July 28, 2009 to July 28, 2010) and Kashinath Yadav (July 13, 2010 till date).

The 'musical-chair' syndrome also affected the administration in the council, with six chief officers serving the council in the last five years. Moreover, the council functioned without a full time chief officer for nearly one-and-half year.

“Due to constant change in guard, development works were hampered and not a single project has been followed properly by concerned authorities,” admitted a senior officer in the council, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

“The new chairperson took his own time to know the affairs of the council and by the time he got involved in some serious business, he was replaced by another chairperson," the officer added.

A student demonstrates ways to detect adulteration in food items.

Photo by Anil Shankhwalker

Restrictions on misuse of vehicles for bye-poll

PANJIM (HND): The office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Altinho has issued directions for the use and hiring of vehicles during bye-election at 19-Valpoi Assembly Constituency, which will be in force on the polling day October 18 from 8 am to 5 pm.

Section 133 of the Representation of People Act, 1951 provides that free transportation of the voters by candidates or their agents to and fro from the polling station is a ‘Corrupt Practice’ and shall attract prescribed penalties. One vehicle each only shall be allowed to the candidate and his Election Agent on the day of poll and such vehicle should display the permission letter on the front wind screen.

Fama of Menino Jesus at Colva

I

Fr Diogo M Fernandes

ts October and once again its time for the Colva Parishioners to celebrate the traditional Fama of Infant Jesus popularly and lovingly known as ‘MENINO JESUS.’ Generally, the Fama of Infant Jesus at 'Our Lady of Merces Church, Colva is celebrated on the second Monday of October.

But, if the second Monday comes before twelfth, then it is celebrated on the following Monday. This year it will be celebrated on October 18, the theme being, "Let us imbibe the values of Infant Jesus in Our life.” The statue of Infant Jesus is endowed with the power to perform miracles and hence, thousands of devotees throng to this church irrespective of caste creed or religion to seek His blessings or to thank Him for the favours received.

On the morning of the great day a brass band announces the much awaited event with traditional music ‘Alvorada’ which means dawn in Portuguese.

As in the past, let me acquaint the devotees of the historical legends that surround the statue of Infant Jesus as regards its origin. The record in the church, illustrated by a couple of paintings on

the wall of the sacristy, testifies to strange happenings in the seventeenth century.

From 1498 to 1600, Portuguese naval fleets and merchant ship had the monopoly of the control and trade of the Indian Ocean.

Each ship had a small chapel with a statue of Jesus or a saint and always, at least one priest accompanied the fleet in order to enable the sailors or soldiers to perform their religious duties. Many a time these ships were caught in storms at sea and shipwrecks were common. One such took place off the coast of Mozambique, on the shores of Africa in 1640, involving a part of the sailors with a Jesuit priest accompanying them. The priest was Fr Bento Ferreira sj.

They all swam a shore and reached Sena in Mozambique, perhaps at night. When they got up in the morning, they saw a number of birds surrounding an object on a rock close to the shore. On closer scrutiny they were surprised to see that the object was a statue of the child Jesus, seated on the rock, dressed in fine clothes having gold ring on his finger with a diamond.

The statue may have floated from a Portuguese ship that had previously sunk and carried away at high tide by the waves and stopped on the rock as the

waves receded at low tide, The Jesuit, Fr Bento Ferreira brought the statue along with him to Goa. In 1648 when he was posted at Colva church, he had the statue solemnly enthroned on a special Altar in the church. Soon the statue became an object of veneration for the hordes of devotees that flocked the church.

Somehow the original statue reached Rachol Seminary church, while the original ring with the diamond remained in Colva.

There are popular legends which explain this event, but it is not known which one is correct. The first Legend is that a few years later Fr Bento Ferreira was transferred to Rachol church, attached to the then college of the Jesuits for Salcete, presently the Rachol Seminary.

On his transfer, he removed the statue from the altar at Colva, leaving there the original gold ring with the diamond that had slipped out. He took the original statue with him to Rachol church and mounted it on other altar. The legend seems plausible.

Another legend gives that the statue was robbed from Colva, but the Parishioners pursued the robber up to Sonsoddo, a place on the borders of Raia village, where the gold ring fell from the finger of the statue.

At this moment there is said to have been a dazzling light and a vision of the child Jesus, directing them to take the original diamond ring to Colva. This legend is popular amongst the villagers of Colva.

The Eucharistic celebration on the Fama day will begin at 5.30 am, with the main celebrant being the Parish Priest Rev Fr Diogo M Fernandes. This will be followed by bringing down the miraculous statue of Infant Jesus from the bullet proof vault on the altar. The image then will be carried in a procession followed by blessing of the flag pole bearing the banner of Infant Jesus. The image then will be thrown open for kissing by the devotees, even beyond 10 pm.

The novenas will begin from October 19, followed by the Feast of Infant Jesus on October 28. After the main mass, other masses on the Fama Day will be celebrated outside the church from 8 am to 12 noon and again in the evening from 3 pm to 8 pm.

On the Feast Day, masses will be celebrated at 6 am 7.15 am and the feast mass will be held at 9 am. This year the feast of Infant Jesus is being celebrated by the new committee and all the members of the Confraria of Colva.

Expo at Panjim HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, OCT 17

New Ayushi Craft and Weaves Promotion Society Bhopal (MP) has organized an exhibition "Cotton Fablo in India" at Club Nacional, Panjim, and today is the final day.

The society has been providing training, design and marketing facilities to the identified poor weavers and artisans.

The products on display are Chanderi Sarees, cotton suits, Baghprint suits, Butic Suit, Top, Fulkari Dress Materials etc. Products from Madhya Pradesh, Chhatisgarh, Rajasthan, Gujrat, Maharashtra, Patiala, Hariyana Andhra Pradesh, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh and Kashmir.

The Pearls and Stone Jewellery from Hyderabad, wooden toys, Masoor Chandan Agarwati from Karnataka, Saharanpur Furniture, Japur and many more products are on display. 20% discounts on handlooms and 10% discount of handicrafts are available, says a press release.

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Fama of Infant Jesus at Colva Maria de Lourdes Bravo da Costa Rodrigues

D

own South of Goa there is a beautiful village named Colva, where exists the Church of Our Lady of Mercy, in which is installed the idol of a Miraculous Infant Jesus.

The Fama marks the beginning of the celebrations and an announcement to the devotees about the ensuing festivity. On the day of the fama, people from all over Goa throng to this church to pay obeisance to the Infant.

Before celebrating the feast, preparatory novenas are held.

A day prior to the beginning of the novenas the Fama is held.

On this day a Maddi (areca nut pole) is put up in the open space of the church, facing the church.

On this pole is hoisted the banner with the picture of the deity whose feast is to be celebrated.

It remains there till the feast day. The feast is celebrated with great pomp. However, it is very interesting to note that the Fama of the Menino de Jesus of Colva is the only one that is celebrated with great pomp and gaiety.

The Fama of Menino Jesus is held on second Monday of the month of October. It is so popular that the schools in South of Goa declare a local holiday on this day to enable the students attend the Fama.

However, if the Monday is before the 12th then it is on the third Monday.

When Rev Fr Bento Ferreira, a missionary belonging to the Jesuit Order, was going from Mozambique to Sena in the year 1640; the ship on which he was

travelling got wrecked, so that he and the other passengers were obliged to swim to an island nearby, from where they continued their journey by foot. Reaching the shores of Sena they saw from a distance a number of birds encircling a huge rock on which rested a curious and indistinct object. Being all keen sportsmen and thinking it might be game of some rare sort, they hurried to the spot to investigate, but found a statue of the Child Jesus which with great reverence Fr. Ferreira took possession of.

In 1648 Fr. Bento Ferreira was appointed the first Vicar of the Church of Our Lady of Mercy at Colva, and later was made the Rector of the College of Rachol.

With him he brought the image which he had found on the rocks and kept it in a niche in his room. He found that he was nightly disturbed by a strange supernatural light, which shone from it and flooded his chamber.

Realising then that the statue was no ordinary one, he had it fixed on the main church altar for public veneration. So filled with gratitude and love for the Infant who had taken up his abode in their midst and generously dispensed his favours and blessings on them, the people constituting the four villages of Colva, Sernabatim, Venelim and Gaundalim, belonging to the parish of Our Lady of Mercy, raised funds through subscription and got a magnificent altar erected especially for the statue

to be placed.

The Jesuits meanwhile, who had Christianized the area of Salcete and taken control of all the churches of this province, were in 1834 banned from Portugal and her provinces by D.Maria, the Queen of Portugal.

The Rector of Rachol Seminary took the Menino Jesus from the Church, claiming that the Menino was found by a Jesuit priest, the late Fr Bento Ferreira.

This action was taken on 11th of September, before the then Vicar Fr Jose Figueiredo left the Church. He not only took the Menino, but all the jewelry that adorned the image, and the money of the treasury. It was the faith of destiny that while carrying away the Image, a gold diamond ring which adorned one of the Infant’s finger, fell into the niche of the altar and remained there.

On hearing this people of Colva and surrounding areas were sad, that they had lost the miraculous Infant, for whom they had fervent devotion.

Together they sent a letter to the Superior of the Jesuit Order.

However, his reply was not

Colva Fama celebrated like a feast

W

By JOEGOAUK

hich one is most popular? Maddi/Famna or Salvi or Vespr or Fest?

The answer of course, is the ‘Fest' or feast, with vhodlem mis, sutt-boott, Feri beri, Poskotte boskotte, Kaddio boddio, kermes bermes, chonnern bonnern, Cheu Risam bheurisam, housie bousie, goddgodo boddgodo, Soirim Dairim, Tiatr Biatn Dans Bans, Dhirio Bhirio, Muzg Buzg, Soro Boro, Sannam bannam, Dukor Bukor, Gai Bai, Nustem Bustem, Verddur Berddur, Undde Bundde, Kellim Bellirn, Apol Bapol, etc.

But this one is different. The Traditional ‘Colva Fama', where the Fama is celebrated with pomp and gaiety with high mass early in the morning at 5.50 am.

Fama day here is like the ‘Fest‘, everything usually seen for the feast (like above), you see on ‘Fama‘ day too.

The traditional Fama of miraculous Infant Jesus (Menino Jezu) is celebrated today at Colva. The statue of Menino Jezu is brought down as usual at 530 am.

Followed by the procession, then the statue is kept open for kissing by devotees throughout midnight. Another peculiarity of the Fama/feast is the ‘Betina‘ black and yellow striped blessed holy cords. Nowhere else do you see this type of ‘betina'. People usually tie it around their wrists or their gold chain or around their necks (it‘s about half a metre long).

Although the miraculous statue of Infant Jesus (known for its healing powers] is about 170 years old, the golden ring with diamond it has on its finger is about 358 years old.

As the original statue, of l648, ms taken to the Rachol Seminary in 1836, the said ring had slipped off home the original statue and was mounted on the new one.

We saw all types of people Christians, Hindus and even non Goans. We also saw a large number of people playing goddgodo on the main road, with plenty of police marnas around. As it was late, we quickly had chourico pao, veg patties, cro quettes and been then gorrom gorrom chorrrrnem, and we were back home just before midnight.

So, this time if you go there and meet some Colvakars, how would you wish them? Happy Feast or Happy Fama? I guess Happy Feast will do. Happy feast to all Colvakars!

favourable, as he said that the image was found by a Jesuit priest, as such it belonged to the Order. The reply did not satisfy the devotees of the village and the surrounding areas.

The people once again got together, and made an appeal to the Viceroy, Francisco Jose Sampaio, who advised them to follow the usual procedure as he was powerless to help them. They then sent a petition to the king of Portugal, Dom Joao V, who on the 18th of April, 1835, wrote a document to the Viceroy and the Counselor of the State ordering that the Image, together with all its jewelry and funds, should be restituted to the church of Colva and without any further delay.

Inspite of the Royal edict, the Menino continued in the Seminary of Rachol and the villagers and the devotees gave up any hope to recover them and instead started collecting funds to buy a new statue.

The new statue was installed on May 2, 1836, and the ring that belonged to the original image, and was found in the same niche where it was installed was put on the Infant. It is important to note that while the original Image existing in

the Rachol Seminary does not effect miracles, the new one installed to replace the one taken by the Jesuit rector, continues to do miracles till date. The people of Colva believe that the Miraculous Menino was theirs, that even when taken away by force, He chose to leave behind for them all His virtues and powers in the ring He dropped.

A large number of devotees attend the fama, not only from Colva, but from all over Goa. On this occasion the Infant is taken out from the niche, and is covered with regal robes and jewelry and taken in a solemn procession, around the church, in which hundreds of devotees participate The clothes on the Image are then removed and the Image given a bath, and the water collected by the devotees.

It is then exposed for public veneration, when thousands queue up to kiss the Infant.

Childless parents who were bestowed with a child, to fulfill the vow made by them, bring the baby for the fama and deposit the child on the altar of the Menino, as thanksgiving.

Others who had vows to fulfill offer their thanksgiving to the Infant. Near the altar of the Infant in the Church a huge box collects offerings in wax like arms, legs, eyes, ears and stom-

achs as promised by the devotees, who pledged to make the offerings if they were free from the ailments they suffered. The wax of the offering and that of the thousands of the candles is sold and the income deposited in the treasury. Another peculiarity of the fama is the sale of medidas. These are cords, olive

green and light green in colour and entwined, measured to the size of the Menino touched to the miraculous statue and carried away by almost all devotees as souvenirs.

These are tied to the wrists by the devotees or worn on the chains or escapularios, which are also sold on this day. It is a sign of protection and good luck.

OHER-

OPINION

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www.oheraldo.in

O HERALD O

The farmhouse at Porvorim which runs Goa

Vol No CX No: 262 Goa, Monday 18 October, 2010

I

Terrorism & religion

t is good that the Margao Narkasur parade will be held this year, as usual, in the heart of the city. That is the most fitting reply to the terrorists that attempted to derail last year’s Narkasur parade and simultaneously spark a communal riot. Let it be seen that Goa will not be intimidated into abandoning its traditions because of religious extremists and terrorists – of whatever hue.

Apparently, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) does not like the term ‘Saffron or Hindu terror’. Speaking at the its traditional annual ‘Vijayadashami’ (Dussehra) rally in Nagpur, RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat said: “Terrorism and Hindus are an oxymoron and can never be related.” Home Minister P Chidambaram’s reference in Parliament about ‘Saffron Terror’, he said, was an attempt to weaken the strength of the Hindus and, at the same time, to appease the Muslims. Just a handful of incidents involving Hindus were reported, and for that to blame the entire Hindu community was improper and unjust, Bhagwat said.

Mr Bhagwat is absolutely correct. When just a handful of people – not just Hindus but of any religion – resort to terrorism, it is completely unfair to blame the entire community.

But isn’t this a lesson that the RSS itself needs to learn first?

It has never, ever thought twice about shouting from the rooftops against ‘Islamic Terrorism’. Neither has its political alter-ego, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), nor the myriad organisations that go under the conveniently collective appelation of ‘Sangh Parivar’. They don’t feel at all awkward about asking provocative questions like: “All Muslims may not be terrorists, but why are all terrorists Muslims?” Now that the latter part of that famous question is no longer true, it is time the Parivar became more ‘Sangh‘-uine about terms like ‘Hindu Terrorism’.

But, jokes aside, if they want to be taken seriously, the RSS and the BJP must clearly distance themselves from that “handful” of their co-religionists who have adopted the path of terror.

They cannot adopt double standards. They demand ‘tougher’ anti-terror laws – like TADA and POTA – which make confessions made to police officers (everyone knows that these are obtained by torture and other forms of extreme coercion) admissible in the courts of law. At the same time, they accuse the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) of ‘torturing’ Sadhvi Pragya Thakur and the other ‘Abhinav Bharat’ terror-accused in the Malegaon blast case. Are they saying it is alright to torture Muslims but not Hindus?

Meanwhile, Goa’s only case of terrorism is floundering. Saturday 16 October was the anniversary of the attempted bombing of the Margao Narkasur procession, allegedly by activists of the Sanatan Sanstha. A full year has passed, but the state government is yet to set up a fast-track court to hear the case on a day-to-day basis, and the trial is being conducted by the South Goa Sessions Court. The high-profile National Investigation Agency (NIA), which is probing the case, is yet to arrest all the accused, and has chargesheeted only four of the six arrested. But its biggest lapse is that it has said nothing about whether the Sanatan Sanstha was involved in the blast.

This does not inspire any confidence in the minorities about the seriousness of the authorities in this matter. In fact, if the BJP is really serious about its declared aim of wooing the minorities in Goa, it should pressurise the government and the NIA to get cracking on these cases.

T

Vote wisely

he people of Valpoi and the taxpayers of Goa have been subjected to an expensive and unnecessary by-election, thanks to the power struggles in the ruling coalition government. Nevertheless, they should not waste this opportunity to exercise their franchise wisely and well. May the best man win!

Slavish electorate Arwin Mesquita, UAE Many Goans sing praises of their MLAs/Ministers who help them with specific favours.

Surely, if the system of governance was efficient at the macro level there would be no need for the MLAs to ‘assist’ the people at the individual level. It is lethargic, corrupt, inefficient governance which force Goans to approach the MLAs for assistance and then be forever enslaved to their ‘savior’. Literacy makes for better democracy, but in Goa’s case it has not.

Advice to Goans Stephen Dias, Dona Paula My friend visited Goa after 25 years. He saw the dirt and degradation of Calangute, the Russian grannies in Baga being massaged by beggars, Anjuna loaded with trinkets and thrash. Israeli clubs with signs that said, “No Indians allowed” and he asks what are Goans doing? Beach after beach decimated; miners rape the hills and not a

C

harles Darwin in his essays on Evolution had asserted: In the process of evolution, the fittest survive and propagate. Thus, the natural process of selection and elimination involves a process of adaptation and mutation to counter the forces of extinction which are directed towards inhibition and elimination.

I do not wish to delve into details on the finer aspects of evolutionary biology, but only wish to make a point that virulence, toxicity and aggressiveness are not the only ways by which the stronger species overcome and overpower their prey.

They can also achieve it by remaining passive, dormant or using the aggressive behaviour of the opponent to subdue or counter, which is also a very important trait employed in the battle of wits for survival. While the snake can be venomous and kill an aggressive tiger, a clever mongoose which is a far too small a creature, is able to kill the deadly snake.

I would like to reflect on these three years of Digambar Kamat’s rule as the Chief Minister of Goa using the evolutionary approach to the Goan political scenario.

A pessimist sees the glass half-empty; while the optimist considers the same glass as halffull. The glass of Digambar Kamat’s reign is 70 per cent full and now only 30 per cent of his five year term still remains to be completed. The three turbulent years of Digambar’s rule were threatening to overturn his cup of governance at least on two major occasions.

The farmhouse our elected representatives inhabit at the Goa Assembly complex has seen how 5-star hotels, the mining lobby and the drug mafia prosper and grow. Goa Assembly complex is devoid of those who exhibit the traits of the stately tigers, and the graceful lions. There are however a few who are faithful dogs, cats and horses, reared both by the major political parties and the Chief Minister himself. These have helped him survive and overcome the political turbulence during the last three and half years.

The common man of Goa is forced to accept all that happens at the farmhouse at Porvorim. There are those who are harsh and declare that Digambar is a chief minister whose rule is lacklustre and

Pic: courtesy Outlook

Jungle RaJ unproductive. The state of Goa, his detractors claim, is full of chaos, crime and corruption.

There are those others, who are generous and objectively state that the three years of Digambar’s rule were filled with concrete actions and decisions. Be it the stalling of the Regional Plan 2011, abolishment of the SEZs brought in by the Rane government, or the recently established Flying Squads, to bring down the growth of mega building projects, rampant hill cuttings and the destruction of our ecology. But, are they effectively functional? This is not easy to address.

Looking objectively under the ecosystem prevailing around the Goa Assembly complex, Digambar in my viewpoint assumes the role of the ‘humble mongoose’, taking cover under duress of the pestilence and the virulence, which is all around.

The Aam admi in Goa is not expecting much from Digambar Kamat, who is surrounded by the poisonous reptiles in Goa governance, who have paralyzed our society with crime, corruption and draining our public exchequer. Needless to say, if Digambar uses his ‘mongoose instinct’ to strike the poisonous snakes or against the political scorpions dominating the seat of power in Goa Assembly, the rodents in the farmhouse and the bulls in the Assembly complex, would gang up to ensure Digambar is eased out of his chair, causing even more havoc in Goa.

A

fter three years of writing for Herald, I suddenly had this impulsive desire to go and meet the editor and the staff with whom I had been interacting only over email and telephone.

What is Internet communication compared to actual human-tohuman interaction? So I set out to connect with the Herald people, with mighty expectations of a warm welcome and a plush office.

First of all, my swank big office car did not fit too well on the tiny road where the Herald office is located. But in my zeal I persisted, and the car somehow squeezed in, like they do in Mario Miranda’s cartoons. I got out and entered. A befuddled security guard looked at me and made me feel I did not belong.

Presently, he gave directions and up I went to the second floor, panting. My perpetual sanguinity has often led me into great shocks. Yet I never learn. So I entered the Herald office with my best smile; which rapidly froze, gradually widened into openmouthed shock, and then frowning dismay.

The office looked dilapidated. I felt it might crumble right under my feet and I might find myself back before the befuddled security guard downstairs. So I walked as gingerly, diffidently and softly as I could, lest I damage this well-worn structure; like an old stately woman with wrinkles and grey hair, who had once known youth and beauty. Whatever, but there I was, finally,

No politicos in sports Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar There should be a total ban on politicians holding posts in sports organizations. Having corroded the political sphere they drag the same rot into the sports arena. We have been seeing sports organizations going down the tubes due to such bad influence. Let the sports field be managed by sportsmen and sportswomen. We have so many of them and they will do us proud.

Tourist security force J M de Almeida, Alto Porvorim In the past one year Goa has witnessed serious crimes against tourists. Our fair name has been shaken. The World Travel and Tourism Council, India initiative, proposed the creation of a Tourist Security

Smitha Bhandare Kamat

In the animal farm Digambar does not pose as a lion or a power hungry tiger, for he knows that he would soon be the victim of a bite or sting from lethal colleagues sucking the blood of the common man. Through sins of omission, commission and manipulation, Digambar survives.

Goans know full well about contractors giving commission for infrastructure projects and that illegal gratification is the order of the day in all ministries and government departments. Licenses are granted for a price whether it is mega projects, destruction of forest land, excise scams, illegal mining, power pilferage, health scams.

It is not about live and let live. It is about eating or cheating together as along as one does not cut off the hand that feeds you. For Goans, corruption is the way of life today. The big brother from Delhi often brokers stability for Goa through suitcase diplomacy, using the carrot and stick system to ensure discipline at the animal farm at the Assembly complex. The Aam admi is left watching the circus and paying for the shows with high taxes.

As you sow, so shall you reap; as you give, so shall you receive. You cannot expect donkeys to perform like stallions. We have elected those who live by corruption and expect Digambar to deliver mangoes on blades of grass. Come on Goans, be practical and realistic. University doctorates and High Priests are not representing

you. Those who swear at or scream against Digambar Kamat should realize that you get the government you deserve. The Aam admi in Goa does not see beyond his home comforts.

Digambar’s has had to deliver steadily under stress and strain of a fractured mandate, under the dubious Congress framework where nominations for party tickets are based not on loyalty or performance, but on price.

Some may give Digambar bouquets for his three and half year rule. There are others who would shower him with brickbats, but I, in all humility, would encourage him to better his performance under serious constraints, threats and severe handicaps. We must learn to count our blessings and also appreciate the consequences of our own passive outlook. As Digambar rightly says, Goans do not want to pay parking fees in Goa, but once in Belgaum, they meekly pay Rs5 per hour.

As of today, we do not have the Regional Plan 2011. Would we have the dubious SEZs flooding Goa with hordes of migrants? The notorious camel in the MPT is still actively pursuing the goal of changing the face of Goan coastline and our traditional occupations. Digambar has played his role to retard the rate of degradation of Goa and reduce the adverse impacts in a limited way.

Goa is degrading slowly, but the aam admi too, is at fault. We are today in the Golden jubilee year of Goa’s Liberation. May I wish Digambar well that he may profitably use the funds released by the Centre to his government to help improve the quality of life of the people of Goa, which is deteriorating alarmingly in all aspects.

It has been a growing trend in Goa to condemn and criticize the government of the day, but to do precious nothing to stem the rot and offer a constructive approach. Give me blood and I will give you freedom was Netaji’s call to the nation, while the British were ruling India. Goa today requires sweat and blood and not a lackadaisical acceptance from Goans. Digambar Kamat would require support through positive actions of the common man directed towards saving himself from the growing menace inflicting our society without expecting the Chief Minister alone to deliver.

The ‘Herald’ office

Changing Perspectives

peep from Goans. He said East Indians in Mumbai are protesting against a Special Entertainment zone which will destroy their culture and environment.

SMILE WITH SMITHA

We cannot elect donkeys and expect stallions says Dr Joe D’Souza

in the Herald office, my desire fulfilled and rapidly getting satiated.

I saw one big hall with a long table along the wall on which several dusty old computers sat menacingly. Next to them were plastic chairs that too must have seen better days. There was no adornment – not a single picture or painting – on the walls. At several places the paint was peeling, and there were some unseemly cracks.

I saw the Editor’s small cabin, waved at him through the glass door, and he nodded at me to come in. He smiled. That was the first positive thing I saw in that building. He seemed quite sensible; a quick-witted and well-rounded personality. I guess managing a newspaper that is bold and fearless in its approach, which appears to be unbiased and has a certain broadness of perspective, is not a simple task.

I soon warmed up to him and, from his conversation, gathered he was very deeply interested in sailing. A sailor editor? That was a first! As he spoke, I was worried that the book cases behind him might fall on his head. All the while the old air-conditioner in the cabin made a continuous, rumbling sound, like an ancient steam engine.

He obviously did not find me as interesting, for he never offered

Letters to the Editor

Letter of the Day CWG Australian hooligans must be punished

Nelson Lopes, Chinchinim

The Australian athletes might have assumed, that just like sanitation, we have different standards of vandalism in India. The washing machine that they threw out from their 8th floor luxury apartment in the Commonwealth GamesVillage could have had fatal consequences. Australia is supposed to be a civilized nation. India has shown extreme tolerance towards the visitors by not even ordering a preliminary inquiry nor protest. When the news was flashed much after the incident, Australian authorities were in denial mode deflecting the blame on other nations. The citizens of Australia and the government should carry out their own investigations and take stringent action against those who resided on the 8th floor of the apartment block.

This behaviour is unacceptable. The External Affairs Minister has assured that the matter will be settled amicably, hushed up more likely. The dastardly attacks on Indians on Australian soil and our mild response might have been wrongly interpreted.

If this precedent goes unpunished the spirit of friendship and participation in true sportsmanship is a write-off. The media has rightly assumed the role of a watch dog by bringing the incident in the public domain Force manned by ex servicemen to patrol beaches and arterial roads, markets, beach party venues, to keep tourists safe. 20 four-wheeled SUVs equipped with modern gadgets and l5 Hero Honda motor cycles were donated to the Tourism Dept. As usual, due to red tapism the said vehicles are yet to start their operation despite the fact that the tourist season has already begun.

Lorna owes Chris Perry Diogo A. Rodrigues, Majorda Late Chris Perry, music wizard and composer, first groomed and introduced Lorna in his band, recorded his songs and introduced her to the Konkani stage. They fell out and never came together again. His songs with other singers never clicked. A very close friend of mine, Chris showed me a written contract signed by Lorna to sing exclusively for him. Till his death, she never came back to record songs for others or appear on stage. The public crave to listen her voice on stage. When the cat is away the mice will play. Lorna has been again making waves on stage with Chris Perry songs. Her mentor is no more, but he must be certainly looking on with some derision.

By Sajla Chawla me a cup of tea, not even considering the readership I had for my articles! Not even for the way I look! Well, I guess, maybe, that I need a new hairstyle…

Outside, I met the two ladies I had been interacting with on the phone. They were really warm and it was a pleasure to meet them.

But again my mind wandered to the nondescript crumbling hall. I felt sad that the office of the largest-selling daily of the state was not in the best state.

I was sad for myself too. Because I would have to delete the plush, swanky picture that I had created of the Herald office in my mind, and replace it with… this! But then I realised these were rooted, humble, self-respecting people who had diligently, day after day, been the source of so much news, the flux of so many ideas and the ‘heralds’ of so much entertainment.

Even if today’s paper is tomorrow’s fish wrap, they have given me a chance at self expression that none of my highly paying corporate jobs ever did. Money, aesthetics, buildings, offices; they’re just structures. The essence is the people. The Herald people, anonymously, reach out to so many in Goa; the thousands who avidly read the newspaper every morning. Because of them, I have been able to touch so many people’s lives too. And I am grateful...

Clean air is our right Agnelo D’Souza, by email This has reference to the news item ‘Ore transportation via Quepem will not be allowed’ (Herald, 15 Oct). Breathing dust free air is the fundamental right of Quepemkars as much as it is of Sirvoicars and all other Goemcars and Kawlekar should understand that he cannot please his voters by causing permanent hardship to others. He began dumping Quepem garbage in Sirvoi only after Sirvoi became part of Curchorem Constituency. Let the mining by-pass issue be settled on sound reasoning and in the larger interest of Goas future. As Satardekar said, it needs to be solved by co-operation and not thinking of one’s individual benefit.

GBA and the RP2021 P L Fernandes, Old-Goa First of all our CM should make promises which can be kept. Just putting away things won’t work because people are waiting with bated breath. If the CM, who is a deified figure is perceived as lying through his teeth, then all that ‘aura’ and charm of that Chair is lost and bodes ill for the future.

And the Goa Bachao Abhiyan, will not cease to exist after their achievement of the RP-

21. There is another major issue of strengthening the Gram Sabhas at local levels, ending corruption and giving a boost to suggestions made by Arvind Kejrival in respect of Goa?

Brand campaign needed Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco The four-day Goa International Trade Mart will go a long way to attract tourists and make Goa a leading holiday destination.

The Goa Government should create a promotional video clip for international travel channels like TLC. Gujarat Tourism has an effective campaign with Amitabh Bachchan as their brand ambassador. We should do the same with ours.

What’s ails our youth?

Moon Charles Afonso, Vasco What a waste of life entering teens and dying. Is it the fast age or the easy availability of death-defying machines gifted to our youth in appreciation or as a status symbol?

We can always encourage our children but not compete with the wealthy. When things go wrong, what legacy do we leave behind for our children? They are young and we need to impart knowledge, wisdom and advise them on the realities of life. We parents should give them our time and care for them as youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow.

Don’t target shack owners John Lobo, General Secretary, Shack Owners’ Welfare Society This has reference to ‘Letter to Tourism Minister’ by Rui Ribeiro da Gama (Herald, 14 Oct), saying that action should be taken against the shack owners for sunbeds on beaches. Sun beds and tables were seen on all the beaches of Goa for the last two months. Permits for shacks were only granted last week.

No person is allowed to put a shack before obtaining all permissions. The sun beds and tables on the beaches right now are by private parties. The authorities should act against them and not just blame the shack owners. Rui Gama should come and see for himself.

CWG scam investigation Cedrick Fernandes, Margao All is not well just because the Games ended well. All states should also get the same kind of infrastructure. More importantly, will the Congress-led UPA government stick to their word on investigating the CWG scam on a fast-track basis?

Will action be taken on the Central Vigilance Committee Report and their earlier comments of sub-standard work? Or will it just be denial mode and blame game as has been the procedure in the past until people forget about it?

GBA leaders for Goa Ramdas Naik, Siolim Is it time for a political change? If those who spoke at the Goa Bachao Abhiyan meeting on bringing a change in the Government are really serious then it could be a possibility. But will Goans vote for a political change?

This question fills me with anxiety, but again I start wondering where are the good leaders to take on the might of the old jockeys so firm in the saddle. If the GBA is serious then it has to in tandem with other serious people and groups start looking for probable leaders who are smart and intelligent. Can we vote for a change? We still have the time.

Hang bride burners Marcos Alemao, Varca The strong worded judgment of the Supreme Court of India against the killers of young brides is most welcome (Herald, 10 Oct). In the absence of such judgment, thousands of bride killers went scot-free.

This type of judgment is very much needed to save the lives of young brides from the hands of greedy husbands and their murderous families. Similar judgment should also apply to murderers and criminals.

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.

Printed and published by Vinayak Pai Bir for and on behalf of Herald Publications Pvt Ltd. Printed at Herald Publications Pvt Ltd, Plot No: L-135, Phase II, Verna Industrial Estate, Verna, Salcete, Goa. Published at PO Box 160, Rua Sao Tome, Panjim, Goa - 403001. Editor-in-chief: Mr R F Fernandes. Editor: Ashwin Tombat (Responsible under PRB Act). Regd Office: St Tome Road, Panjim, Goa. Tel: 2224202, 2228083, Fax: 2222475 (all Editorial); 2230535, Fax: 2225622 (Advertising); Margao: 2737689. Mumbai Office: 16-A, Bell Building, 2nd Floor, 19 Sir PM Road, Fort, Mumbai - 400001 (Tel: 22840702/22844908). RNI No: 43667/83.

HOW TO CONTACT US: mail@herald-goa.com — For press notes, general queries. junioryouth@herald-goa.com — Junior Herald & Careers. heraldmirror@herald-goa.com — Sunday Mirror. reporters@herald-goa.com — For Reporters. business@herald-goa.com — For Business news. editor@heraldgoa.com — For Letters to the Editor. sports@herald-goa.com — For Sports news. advt@herald-goa.com — For Advertisements. 2day@herald-goa.com — For Herald 2day. tiatr@herald-goa.com — For Tiatr Reviews and Reports. Disclaimer: Except for the editorial above, articles and letters in Herald represent the views of the concerned authors, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Herald editor, publisher, and/or owners.

OHERALDO

Pg9

GOA, MONDAY, 18 OCTOBER, 2010

opinionated Aam Aadmi unfurls flag of revolt against CM

By Cedric da Costa

A

fter coming to power in the last Assembly elections the Congress coined a slogan for the common man called, Aam Aadmi. Our Chief Minister Digambar Kamat then went to town with the term Aam Aadmi using it anywhere and everywhere to promote himself as the Chief Minister of the common man.

Barely two days after being sworn in as a compromise Chief Minister between the Ravi Naik and Pratapsing Rane factions, he began to remake his image. In the week he was sworn in the front pages splashed pictures of Goa’s Chief Minister wearing shorts and colourful T-shirt, who promised on the Sonsodo grounds that the landfill problem would be resolved within a few days. At the time I was in Dubai and the entire NRI community in Dubai was upbeat. The NRIs from neighbouring villages like Curtorim and Raia were also happy as were the residents of Margao and Fatorda. But like the tall promises of any politician – this too turned out to be a hollow promise of our new Chief Minister with a yen for the media. Sonsodo has deteriorated from the day the Chief Minister visited the site almost three monsoons ago.

Soon the Cidade-de-Goa situation happened when the Chief Minister showed he was influenced by the Group who are allegedly the main patrons behind his success in Margao. The hurriedly passed Ordinance wherein a part of the hotel was regularised shook the faith of the Aam Aadmi.

Now the façade has begun to slip. The conditions of Margao are literally going to the dogs – street dogs, malaria, clogged drains, road side eateries, pollution, traffic jams, prostitution, overflowing garbage bins and bad roads continued to be the rule. There was more politics than business in the Margao Municipal Council.

There were many tall and empty promises made and deadlines set to remove the River Princess which is destroying an entire beach in the northern coastal belt. Although, the main corroborator Anil Salgaocar and the CM broke bread together at the Goa Legislative Assembly dining table, the CM showed no bone to order the owner of the River Princess as he was one of the main conspirators in the two toppling bids against the CM. The chair had to be saved at any cost. Today as the Congress government in Goa and the CM celebrate three years in power, issues like Sonsodo and the River Princess threaten a major catastrophe on the Aam Aadmi of Goa. By now the younger generation of Goa have begun criticising the CM on networking sites like Orkut and Facebook. Every day there are posts by individuals expressing resentment against the functioning of the CM which by now has turned out to be more anti-Aam Aadmi than pro-Aam Aadmi. The Chief Minister has now issued a warning that these sites may be permanently blocked or banned in the tourist state of Goa. The irony is the Goa Traffic Police have a Facebook account inviting Goan users to lodge complaints and even upload photographs as proof of corrupt traffic cops and hazards on the roads.

How will the CM ever try to rid corruption when he himself is deeply embedded in controversy through the mining lobby of Goa? Even the voices of the village groups were silenced through the use of police force when they wanted to meet the CM who allegedly told them off saying he had no time to meet them.

During the recent All India bandh, all the petrol pumps in Margao were closed. I called up the CM, who promptly told me that the petrol pump owners had decided to support the bandh against the price rise. When asked if the common man would get the petrol he replied saying he didn’t know what was happening in Margao as he was in Porvorim.

Even though the municipal elections were far off, several cronies of the CM began to do some ‘social works’ in certain wards. Almost a year ago these individuals knew which wards would be reserved and which would not. This is evident from the fact that some of these close buddies of the CM actually began work in select wards which today have been saved from the reservation quota to accommodate these ‘social workers’.

There is firm evidence to prove that the municipal elections and the reservations of wards is a ‘fixed’ game at least in Margao and in certain wards where the Aam Aadmi has already unfurled the flag of revolt against the CM. One such prominent casualty was the brother of the sports minister. The others were BJP councillors. It is also surprising to note that except for North Goa MP Shripad Naik, not much has been said by the BJP top brass in Goa against the alleged ‘fixing’ of the municipal wards.

Most of the CM’s men who are contesting the elections are going overboard to announce themselves as ruling party candidates and explaining to the people that they enjoy the patronage of the CM. In some wards there are more than two candidates who are openly canvassing as the CM’s men. The CM himself has said in the dailies this week that he supports clean and healthy competition.

None of the councillor aspirants are even voicing the ground realities of the mess in Margao under the current MLA, and despite his long years as the representative of the city, not much progress is evident. Telephone lines and the internet connections are bad. The electricity fails as much as five times a day on an average. At night and even during the day, swarms of mosquitoes make life miserable as the Municipal Council has long stopped spraying the open drains with pesticides. Daring day light robberies go on close in the vicinity of the residence of the Chief Minister and there is nothing anyone can do.

Drive along the roads of Margao, and one finds filth strewn across the roads, potholes at every nook and corner and overflowing drains which have long been cleaned.

The only progress that Margao is witnessing is colourful fountains and air conditioned toilets allegedly under construction at the Margao Municipal Gardens. The Municipal garden which once used to attract Goan families, today it is full of pickpockets and unwanted elements. Card gambling and other nefarious activities go on rampantly in the garden and to top it all we are now going to have air conditioned toilets.

The Aam Aadmi in Margao is suffocating just as Digambar Kamat once declared that he was suffocating in the BJP – a party that made him, till the lure of Congress power consumed him. With the Municipal elections round the corner, I hope the Aam Aadmi wakes up to reality and realises that the promises of a dream world are only on paper or on the electronic media by publicity hungry politicians.

The many dreams of Goenkars and Margaoites are fading… going…going…gone!

Mallika in Murder 2, but Emraan not happy AGENCIES MUMBAI, OCT 17

Hot Mallika in Murder 2 but Emraan is not too happy. The actress is a “strong contender” but her hero Emraan is none too happy about it.

Six years after scorching the screen in Murder, Emraan Hashmi and Mallika Sherawat are expected to reunite for the sequel. Mohit Suri will direct.

A source from producer Vishesh Films says, “Since her return from Los Angeles, the actress has been frequenting the Bhatts’ office in Juhu.

The source adds, “After Murder, producers Mahesh and Mukesh Bhatt and the film’s lead hero Emraan had been very upset with Mallika for telling the media that she was solely responsible for the success of the film.”

She further alienated her mentors by saying outrageous stuff about them.

The source further adds that Emraan is not too happy about Mallika being in the sequel.

“They never got along, even during Murder and he was most upset when she took the entire credit for the film’s success.”

Advani lambasts Omar claiming J&K not merged with india HERALD CORRESPONDENT NEW DELHI, OCT 17

Bhartiya Janata Party veteran Lal Krishna Advani has dubbed as “an unpardonable gaffe” of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for his claim in the State Assembly that “J&K State has acceded to India; it has not merged with India.”

In his latest 3-page blog on Internet that also covers corruption and the Prime Minister ordering probe into corruption and financial mismanagement in the Commonwealth Games, Advani demands Omar’s resignation, saying he has indeed made history.

“No other Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir has ever taken exception to anyone saying that J&K State is an integral part of India,” while Omar made the assertion over which both the separatists in the State as well as the Pakistani media have gone into raptures.

Advani points out the fact that 500 princely States, including Hyderabad and Junagarh which Omar specifically mentioned as being different from J&K, have become integral parts of India after Independence and had signed the same Instrument of Accession that Jammu and Kashmir signed.

Recalling Parliament’s unanimous 1994 resolution that “Jammu and Kashmir has

been, is and shall be an integral part of India and any attempts to separate it from the rest of the country will be resisted by all necessary means, the BJP veteran noted that the same resolution asked Pakistan to vacate the areas of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir occupied by it.”

While Omar’s resignation was sought so far for totally failing to deal with the stonepelting mobs attributed to his administrative inexperience, his latest speech reveals that he is not just an administrative failure, but that in so far as J & K is concerned, he is totally out of tune with the national mood.

“The earlier he quits the better it would be for Jammu and Kashmir as well as for the nation,” Advani said.

On Omar referring critically to BJP’s demand for repeal of Article 370 in the same speech, he said: “Since the days of Dr S P Mookerji, we have been committed to Ek Pradhan, Ek Nishan and Ek Vidhan (One President, One Flag, and One Constitution).”

The Kashmir movement launched by Dr Mookerji and his death in detention accomplished the first two objectives, namely

One President and One Flag, while the third objective, One Constitution, is still to be achieved “and we are determined to achieve it,” Advani stressed.

He said not many may be aware that even in the separate Constitution that J&K State has by virtue of Article 370, Section 3 reads: “Relationship of the State with the Union of India – The State of Jammu and Kashmir is and shall be an integral part of the Union of India.”

Advani refers in this regard former Chief Justice of India A S Anand’s book “The Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir,” in which he describes that in 1951 the State constituent assembly was convened to give “its reasoned conclusions regarding accession” and to end the uncertainty about the future of the State, it ratified the State’s accession to India in 1954.

In 1956, when the drafting of the State Constitution was being finalised, it was deemed necessary to incorporate the ultimate position of the State in respect of the sphere of its accession as a “permanent provision” in the State Constitution as reflected in Section 3, Justice Anand has noted.

Justice Anand went on to state: “The words used in this section are ‘is and shall be.’ These leave no ground for thinking that the people of the State ever had a doubt about their affiliations with India.

The section is merely the affirmation of their desire to be integral part of the Union of India.”

Wants thorough probe into CWG HERALD CORRESPONDENT NEW DELHI, OCT 17

Noting as highly gratifying Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s announcement immediately after the conclusion of the Games to probe allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement, BJP veteran Lal Krishna Advani hoped the probe would be thorough, no wrong doer would be spared and there would be no search just for scapegoats.

Writing in his latest blog on the Internet on the euphoria in the country on the rich haul of medals by Indian players and successful spectacular functions on the opening and closing days as somewhat compensating months of negative publicity, he says: “But judging by what Indians living abroad have had to

tell, the sum total of the publicity overseas has been very negative.”

He says all sports lovers felt great that day on October 14 from a very happy coincidence of India placed at Rank 2 after Australia with the three-fold triumph of India in Cricket: Victory over Australia in the 2-test series; ranking of India as number one among the cricketing teams of the world and Sachin Tendulkar’s peerless performance.

Advani went on to comment on two headlines of the week, one quoting CAG that Telecom Minister A Raja ignored PM and Law Ministry’s advice on 2G spectrum and the Supreme Court regretting that “nothing moves without money.”

He noted that these headlines

relate to news reports about corruption – the first involving a Union Minister, and the second summing up the Supreme Court’s severe strictures about the horrible corruption prevalent in the Central Government.

Advani points out the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reporting that A Raja’s Telecom Ministry carried out the entire spectrum allocation in 2008 in an “arbitrary manner” ignoring the advice of the Law Ministry, the Finance Ministry and even the Prime Minister.

"So for as the second news item is concerned it does not involve any top ranking politician as does the first one. But even though it relates to a middle ranking governmental official, the Supreme Court’s comments

reflect how angry and exasperated even the country’s highest court feels when it repeatedly runs into corruption cases.

"The SC Bench comprising of Justices Markandeya Katju and T S Thakar said: “It is very unfortunate that there is no control over corruption in the country.

There is rampant corruption particularly in the departments of Income Tax, Sales Tax and Excise.

Nothing moves without money.”

“With unconcealed sarcasm, the Bench added: “Why not government legalise corruption so that a specific amount is fixed for every case. Let us say if a man wants his case to be settled, he can be asked to pay Rs 2,500.” That way every individual will know how much bribe he has to pay,” Advani added.

22 more CWG works under CVC scanner PTI NEW DELHI, OCT 17

Women playing with Sindoor on the occasion of Vijaya Dashmi in Ranchi on Sunday.

Bangladesh team gets acquainted with Belgaum development HERALD CORRESPONDENT BELGAUM, OCT 17

A delegation of Bangladesh’s government from Dhaka, which is in Belgaum during its ongoing ‘Exposure Visit’ to India, visited the City Corporation of Belgaum to know about its various developmental works in the city.

The delegation was impressed by the 24x7 water supply project of Belgaum City Corporation (BCC). The concerned authorities detailed about the project and its advantages. They said it is Public Private Participation (PPP) project which can serve water round-

11 drown in boat capsize PTI PATNA, OCT 17

Eleven persons drowned and 15 others were missing when their overcrowded boat sank in the Punpun river near Behrampur village in Patna district on Sunday.

DGP Neelmani said the boat was carrying 55 passengers from Bharochokia village in the Pipra police station area to a fair at Naubatpur in Patna district.

All the 11 bodies, including those of four women and three children, have been fished out from the river bed. The rest of the passengers other than the 15 missing swam to safety, the DGP said.

the-clock and has many other benefits.

The delegation headed by Santosh Kumar Adhikari, Chief Executive Officer, Gopalganj, comprised Fazlul Karim, Fariduddin Akhter Khan, Md Nazmul Hoque, Khaleda Ahsan, Md Delwar Hossian, Tushar Mohon Shadhu Khan, Md Abdul Kaium and Mohammad Shaikh Sadi Rahmatullah.

Commissioner S G Patil and senior officials of BCC explained the delegation about various pilot projects. The authorities informed that non-demo zones of the project receive water once in three days, whereas in demo

zones, water supply is roundthe-clock and the water force is enough to reach the second floor of any building, they added.

The authorities also spoke about open well project which is providing drinking water to about 1.18 lakh people.

They said that a well at Tilakwadi alone supplies water to about 15,000 to 20,000 people.

It is a low cost project, they said.

The authorities spoke about sanitation projects and waste management. They said that door-to -door collection of garbage through self-help groups was a failure.

Widening its probe, the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) is looking into at least 22 more Commonwealth Games-related construction and procurement works carried out by different government agencies here for alleged financial irregularities.

Besides, the CVC has found alleged misuse of official position by Raj Kumar Sacheti, Joint Director General of Commonwealth Games, who is considered a close aide of Organising Committee Chairman Suresh Kalmadi.

According to the information received in response to an RTI application, out of the total of 22 projects, a highest of six were being carried out by Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, four

by Delhi Development Authority, three by Organising Committee and two each by Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Central Public Works Department, Government of Delhi.

One work each relating to Department of Commerce, Indian Meteorological Department and New Delhi Municipal Council is also being probed, the reply said.

An analysis by Chief Technical Examination Wing of CVC earlier found alleged financial and administrative irregularities in 16 construction and procurement projects.

Six of them were done by P WD, three by MCD, two each by CPWD, DDA, NDMC and one by RITES, a Government of India Enterprise, the CVC report said.

14 J-K politicians face charges of corruption, misusing power PTI SRINAGAR, OCT 17

As many as 14 politicians, including two Congress ministers in the Omar Abdullah-led government and nine former ministers, are facing cases of corruption or misuse of power in Jammu and Kashmir’s defunct State Accountability Commission (SAC).

However, they are yet to face the law as eight of them have obtained stay on proceedings from the High Court, while complaints against others are pend-

ing as the state Government has not been able to appoint the Chairman and the members of the commission, official sources said.

There are a total of eighteen complaints against them.

Two complaints each have been registered before the commission against Public Health Engineering Minister Taj Mohiuddin, Education Minister Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed (both from Congress) and former Agriculture Minister and opposition Peo-

ples’ Democratic Party (PDP) leader Abdul Aziz Zargar, they said.

Other Congress politicians who have complaints pending against them include former Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma, his colleague in Mufti Mohammad Sayeed-led council of ministers Suman Lata Bhagat, former ministers Ramesh Kumar and Abdul Majid Wani, they said.

Among these leaders, only Wani is a member of the current Legislative Assembly.

France pitches for India to join military operations overseas PTI NEW DELHI, OCT 17

Ahead of French President Nicolas Sarkozy’s visit to India in December, France has made a pitch for the two nations to cooperate in operations where their armed forces are deployed, including in the anti-piracy efforts in Gulf of Aden.

French Defence Minister Herve Morin also wants to enhance consultations between the two counties on regional issues such as terrorism and situation in Afghanistan.

“As I had the opportunity to convey to Defence Minister A K Antony during my visit in December 2009, we can go even further in enhancing our consultations on the regional situation – I am specifically referring to Afghanistan, where France is engaged – but also on major international issues,” he said.

“We could also intensify our cooperation at the theatres of operation where both our armed forces are deployed, piracy in the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden being such a case.”

“Lastly, we could develop more armament programmes that are efficient and adapted to the needs of both armed forces,” Morin said to a question on how Indo-French strategic partnership could be improved in the defence sector.

His remarks in an interview to defence journal ‘Indian De-

fence Review’ coincides with the four-day visit of French Chief of Defence Staff Admiral Edouard Guillaud here.

Referring to Sarkozy’s emphasis on several occasions that Indo-French partnership contributed to stability and peace not only in the region but globally, Morin said the French President’s December visit would enable progress in bilateral relations in all its facets, “be it facing common threats, or intensifying operational cooperation, or bringing the projects for equipping the Indian armed forces, launched together, to their fruition.”

He said the cooperation between the two nations “concerns the very heart of our security: counter-terrorism.”

“This is even more indispensable as we often face similar kinds of threats in Afghanistan, in Europe and in India, as borne out by the attacks in Mumbai in November 2008. Further, we have a very promising operational cooperation, be it regarding anti-piracy, joint exercises or officer exchanges,” the French Defence Minister added.

He also pitched for France’s ‘Rafale’ fighter jet that was a competitor in the USD 11 billion Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) ‘mother of all deals’ tenders, saying it was “an exceptional aircraft” which met the needs of the Indian Air Force.

HC turns into fortress for Kasab’s hearing PTI MUMBAI, OCT 17

A thick security blanket has been thrown in and around the Bombay High Court which will hear from Monday the arguments on confirmation of death sentence awarded to Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Kasab for his role in 26/11 attacks.

Kasab, who has challenged his conviction and sentence, is currently reading holy 'Koran' in a bomb and bullet proof cell at Central Prison which is guarded by a strong posse of Indo Ti-

betan Border Security (ITBS) men, sources told PTI. The hearing, on a day-to-day basis, would begin in the court of Justice Ranjana Desai and Justice R V More where arrangements for video conference have been made so that Kasab is not brought from jail in view of threat perception to him.

At both the ends – in jail and in court – screens have been put up for the video conference in keeping with a court directive.

APPOINTMENTS

OHERALDO

Pg10

GOA, MONDAY, 18 OCTOBER, 2010

Philippines braces as Megi becomes super typhoon Reuters MANILA, OCT 17

A super typhoon bore down on the northeastern Philippines today packing winds of more than 250 kph (155), and evacuations began before it makes landfall tomorrow morning.

Typhoon Megi would be felt tonight in the north of the main island Luzon, a rice and corn growing area, and the government advised up to 7 million people in its direct path to stock up on food and medicine.

Government forecasters said waves off the east coast could be greater than 14 metres (46 ft), and advised against travel to the region as Megi could bring flash flooding, landslides and storm surges. Manila was not expected to be affected by the typhoon.

Tr o p i c a l S t o r m R i s k (http://www.tropicalstormrisk.co m) said Megi had intensified into a category 5 super typhoon, the highest rating, with winds of more than 250 kph, and would retain that strength as it crossed north Luzon on Monday.

The governor of northern Cagayan province, Alvaro Antonio, told Reuters the typhoon could cause great damage to the rice

crop.

“Based on our estimates, about 50-60 percent of our rice production could either be destroyed or damaged. We are the top producer of rice,” he said.

The Cagayan valley produces about of a third of the country's rice. The head of the state grain agency said last month that rice output would be about 3.2 million tonnes short of a projected 17.4 million tonnes this year.

Last year, the country lost 1.3 million tonnes of paddy rice following three strong typhoons in September and October, prompting it to go to the market early to boost its rice stocks.

Megi, the 10th and strongest tropical storm to hit the country this year, was about 390 km (240 miles) east of northern Luzon on Sunday afternoon and moving at 22 kph towards Cagayan, one of 20 provinces placed on alert, government forecasters said.

It was expected to make landfall by 8 am Monday and cross north Luzon during the day. By evening it was expected to be over the South China Sea and heading towards China.

Megi, known locally as Juan, was estimated to have rainfall of about 20 mm (8 inches) per

Turkey eases headscarf ban

Reuters ISTANBUL, OCT 17

Freshman Busra Gungor won't have to wear a wig to cover her Islamic headscarf, as many pious relatives and friends did to avoid getting kicked off campus.

In a landmark decision, Turkey's Higher Education Board earlier this month ordered Istanbul University, one of the country's biggest, to stop teachers from expelling from classrooms female students who do not comply with a ban on the headscarf.

It was the latest twist in a long political and legal tussle in Turkey between those who see the garment as a symbol of their Muslim faith and those who view it as a challenge to the country's secular constitution.

“I was ready to wear the wig, just like my cousin did,” said Gungor, a 18-year-old student wearing a pastel-coloured headscarf. “This is about my freedom. I don't see why my headscarf should be seen as a threat to anybody.”

The debate is not unique to Turkey -- France and Kosovo, for example, ban headscarves in public schools, and parts of Germany bar teachers from wearing them.

But it goes to the heart of national identity in this country of 75 million Muslims whose modern state was founded as a radical secular republic after World War One. Disputes over the headscarf and other public symbols of Islam are part of a wider debate over how to reconcile modernity and tradition as Turkey tries to achieve its decades-old ambition to join the European Union.

Together with the courts,

Turkey's army -- which has a long history of intervening in politics and has ousted four elected governments -- has long seen itself as a bulwark against any roll back towards Islamisation. Easing Turkey's secular laws would have been unthinkable a few years ago.

But reforms aimed at bringing Turkey closer to the EU have clipped the generals' power. In a sign of how influence and attitudes are shifting, the latest change on headscarves happened with more of a whimper than a bang.

“This is the same fight Turkey has had for 80 years over the secular-pious issue,” writer Mehmet Ali Birand commented in an article entitled “Let them dress the way they want”.

“The world has changed.

Turkey has changed. Let's close those old books and look into the future,'' Birand said.

A bid by the ruling AK party to lift the headscarf ban three years ago sparked a major political crisis and almost led to the party being closed by the Constitutional Court for antisecular activities.

But the rise of a new class of observant Muslims to form the backbone of the AKP, which has its roots in political Islam and has held power since 2002, is challenging old notions.

Opponents of the headscarf ban -- in place since a 1982 military coup -- say it is a violation of individual freedoms and incompatible with a modern democracy. Supporters say the prohibition is necessary precisely to defend Turkey's democratic values.

hour, the forecasters said. People living along the coast, near river banks and low-lying areas in the northern Cagayan and Isabela provinces have started moving to higher grounds, Benito Ramos, head of the national disaster agency, told reporters.

Trucks, rubber boats, amphibious vehicles and generators were sent to the north to help in the rescue and relief operations, he added. Schools in the north will be closed on Monday.

Graciano Yumul, head of the weather bureau, called on people to take precautions and stock up on food, fuel and water as well as emergency power because electricity services might be affected.

“This is a very strong typhoon and we’re asking our people to be vigilant,” he said, adding strong winds could uproot trees and damage houses made of light materials. “We don’t want any casualty.”

In July, a typhoon killed 102 people. It unexpectedly changed direction and sliced through Manila, cutting power across the sprawling metropolis of 12 million people, prompting President Benigno Aquino to sack the chief weather forecaster.

Iranian youth to have hand chopped off for stealing chocolate UNI DUBAI, OCT 17

An Iranian judge has sentenced a 21-year-old youth accused of stealing chocolate and cocoa from a candy shop to have his hand chopped off, the semi-official Fars News Agency reported.

“Considering the confession of the defendant and the fact that he was found guilty of breaking and entering the shop, according to the Quran, he deserves to have his hand cut off,” Fars quoted the judge as saying yesterday.

The man, whose name was withheld by the court, was arrested in May while driving in a suspicious manner, the News Agency reported.

During the arrest police recovered cash as well as chocolates and cocoa.

Police told Fars the man later confessed to robbing the store.

In addition to the amputation sentence, the man was ordered to spend six months in prison for destruction of property and an additional six months for resisting arrest, according to the Agency.

Such an amputation sentence is often handed down to habitual thieves in Iran who have prior convictions for theft and robbery.

Malaysian ethnic Chinese walk on burning charcoal on the last day of the Nine Emperor Gods festival in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. During the celebration, temples are packed with worshippers, hawkers sell religious items outside and Chinese operas performance are held for the Nine Emperor God who are believed to control the prosperity and health of worshippers. The festival of the Nine Emperor Gods falls on the ninth day of the ninth moon in the Chinese lunar calendar.

Thai ‘red shirts’ rally to demand leaders be freed

Reuters AYUTTHAYA, (Thailand), OCT 17

Thousands of anti-government “red shirts” demonstrated in the old Thai capital of Ayutthaya today to demand the release of their leaders and scores of comrades detained since bloody protests in April and May. By 5 p.m. (1530 hrs IST), witnesses estimated a crowd of some 10,000 had assembled in the town, 76 km north of Bangkok, for the group's third big rally since September 19 and the latest sign of its revival since a military crackdown in May. Hundreds of police were deployed near a football stadium where the main rally was taking place.

“We don't have leaders today.

We are here on our own, the CRES can't arrest us,” one speaker said from a makeshift stage, referring to the Centre

for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation set up to coordinate the authorities' handling of the Bangkok protests.

The capital, unlike Ayutthaya, is still under a state of emergency after 10 weeks of paralysing protests in April and May that ended with 91 people killed and nearly 2,000 injured.

Political gatherings are banned under the emergency.

Some 2,400 troops and police were reported to have been deployed in Bangkok earlier as the red shirts had threatened to hold a “mobile rally”, with supporters riding around town before heading up to Ayutthaya.

No incidents were reported.

The red shirts are demanding that those behind the deaths in April and May be brought to justice. The authorities accuse the red shirt leaders of terrorism for the deaths and rioting. Red

shirt supporters in the crowd in Ayutthaya called for an amnesty for their leaders, detained without trial since May. Analysts say the revival of the red shirts and the vacuum in its leadership raise the risk of deepening a violent, five-year political crisis.

The government is concerned that radicals could emerge from within the movement to create unrest, pointing to a recent deadly blast in a suburban Bangkok apartment rented by an activist, which was packed with bomb-making material.

The Department of Special Investigation, Thailand's equivalent of the FBI in the United States, said last week that 11 men held under witness protection and allied with the red shirts had confessed to a plot to assassinate ministers.

‘Tony Blair took 76 gifts while leaving Downing Street’ AGENCIES LONDON, OCT 17

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair took with him a total of 76 gifts while leaving 10 Downing Street three years back, including 12 expensive wrist watches and three electric guitars given to him by rock stars.

The full catalogue of 76 gifts handed over and which he chose to keep during his time in office was made public after a 10month Freedom of Information campaign, the `Sunday Express’ reported.

It was already known he had kept 22 gifts, including two 350pound watches received from Italian Prime Minister Silvio

Lawmaker says Ershad killed Ziaur Rahman PTI DHAKA, OCT 17

Stirring a controversy, a lawmaker of Bangladesh's Jatiya Party has claimed that its leader, the ex-military dictator Hussain Muhammad Ershad had killed former president Ziaur Rahman in 1981.

"Ziaur Rahman was killed by (the then army chief) General Ershad and not General Manzur" as is widely believed, Nasim Osman, was quoted as saying by the Samokal newspaper.

Osman's comments came at a function in his suburban Narayanganj constituency and reportedly surprised the audience present.

Osman also justified the killing of Rahman, an army generalturned politician who floated the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), in an abortive coup on May 30, 1981, as he had 'masterminded' the 1975 assassination of Bangladesh's founding father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

"Bangabandhu murder trial was actually done on May 30, 1981 with the killing of Zia (Ur Rahman) as he was the man behind the killing of the Father of the Nation," he said.

Osman's family is known to be a strong supporter of the ruling Awami League and one of his brothers is a former ruling party lawmaker.

"Do you know why I'm in Jatiya Party of Ershad? It's because the work I was to do, was done by him (Ershad as he had killed Rahman)," he said.

Ershad, whose Jatiya Party is now a crucial ally of Awami League, hung up the phone when he was approached for comments by PTI. His press secretary and party secretary general also kept their phones switched off apparently to evade questions from newsmen.

Ershad took over power in a bloodless coup months after Rahman's assassination in an abortive army putsch. 12 army officers were hanged under a controversial court martial following the coup. The main suspect, Major General Abul Manzur, was killed allegedly by angry soldiers soon after the putsch.

The leaders of BNP, which is now headed by Rahman's wife Begum Khaleda Zia, in private discussions allege that Ershad was the killer of the ex-president. Zia, at least once, has publicly accused him of killing her husband.

Hasina and her party leaders too in oblique references frequently accuse Rahman of killing Bangabandhu. They also accuse the subsequent regime of Ziaur Rahman for enacting a controversial indemnity law, which had protected Sheikh Mujib's killers.

Berlusconi which Blair had paid 200 pounds each for.

The newly published list includes another 54 items, among them 12 more wrist watches -- nine of them also from Berlusconi, and three electric guitars.

One of the instruments was handed over by guitar-making firm Fender, another came from Canadian singer Bryan Adams and the third was signed and presented by U2 frontman Bono, the report said.

Presents handed over by guests, including visiting heads of state become the property of the government, but ministers can keep any that are worth less than 140 pounds or buy

them for their market value, minus a 140-pounds discount.

"The guitars could be worth a great deal if they are vintage, were used in any major recordings or on tours or if they were owned previously by Bono or Bryan Adams," Stephanie Connell, from auction house Bonhams, was quoted as saying.

Other gifts Blair held on to include jewellery, vases, rugs and daggers handed over by officials from Yemen, Oman and Bahrain. He also took with him a nativity scene from the late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and an iPod from California's Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

From Page 1 Valpoi goes to poll today

reach the station is within 2 kms from their residence area.

It may be recalled that for the first time, Valpoi constituency has experienced ‘so-called’ silent campaigning by both the candidates, Vishwajeet Rane (Congress) and Santosh Haldankar (BJP) till Saturday evening, as no public meetings, no banners or posters were displayed anywhere in the constituency throughout the campaigning period, which ended peacefully on Saturday at 5 pm.

Counting of votes will be taken up at the Home Science College in Panjim on October 21.

In a bid to maintain law and order during the polls on Monday, authorities have deployed 85 CISF Jawans and 400 personnel of the Goa Police in the constituency.

In addition, eight section magistrates along with eight PSIs have been deployed to supervise the elections.

Dry days have been declared by the Excise Department from Saturday evening till Monday and also on counting day on October 21.

Cops to eye smoking

premises.

“Rajat Kapoor and Radhika Apte were found smoking at the venue,” Salkar said adding that their pictures had appeared in the local newspapers.

State Government has decided to take Entertainment Society of Goa’s (ESG) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Manoj Srivastava and Crime Branch into confidence to launch tirade against the violators.

“We have already written to the Crime Branch and Srivastava over the issue,” he said. Police officials from across the State will be oriented from November 15 to 22 on Anti-Tobacco Act. IFFI kicks off in Panjim from November 22 onwards.

DHS’ State Level Steering Committee is formed to implement Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) 2003, which is operative in Goa since October 2, 2008.

Notice to casino

letter to the Casino management asking them to adhere to the law.

“It is decided that surprise checks would be conducted by po licemen in plain clothes to ensure that they respect the law,” Dr Shekhar Salkar, SLSC member said.

He said that a committee formed by State Government to check affairs on casino can be designated to have frequent raids.

“Raid by policemen bears no fruit as even before they reach the vessel, the message about the raid reaches. There is no surprise element left in it,” Dr Salkar said.

Doctor said that not just this casino but a surprise check would be also done of other casinos operating in the State.

“We are very much sure that violation of Anti-Tobacco Act is been done in almost all casinos. We have just received complaint against one,” he added.

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GOA, mOnDAY, 18 OctObER, 2010

Two of Headley’s 3 wives forewarned FBI of Mumbai attacks, says report PTI WASHINGTON/NEW YORK, OCT 17

Two of the three wives of "passionately anti-Indian" David Headley had forewarned FBI of the Mumbai attacks, the media here reported, even as the US today said it had shared with India the general "threat information" it had received at that time.

50-year-old Headley's American wife had given the FBI in New York a tip-off about his LeT links in 2005 while his young Moroccan wife had told authorities in the US embassy in Islamabad, less than a year before the 2008 Mumbai attacks, that the Pakistani-American was plotting a terror strike.

"Despite those warnings by two of his three wives, Mr Headley roamed far and wide on Lashkar's behalf between 2002 and 2009, receiving training in small-caliber weapons and counter surveillance, scouting targets for attacks, and building a network of connections that extended from Chicago to Pakistan's lawless northwestern frontier," 'The New York Times' said.

Mike Hammer, spokesman of the National Security Council, White House, told PTI: "Had we

known about the timing and other specifics related to the Mumbai attacks, we would have immediately shared those details with the government of India."

He made the remarks when asked about an investigative report on Mumbai attacks published by ProP ublica, an independent, non-profit newsroom that produces investigative journalism in the public interest.

He said the US "regularly provided threat information" to Indian officials in 2008 before the attacks in Mumbai. "It is our government's solemn responsibility to notify other nations of possible terrorist activity on their soil," he said.

Another US official denied that the US did not share any terrorist-attack related information with Indian authorities.

"US authorities took seriously what Headley's former wives said. Their information was of a general nature and did not suggest any particular terrorist plot," the senior Administration official told PTI. Separately, an Indian source, who was involved in the investigation of the Mumbai terrorist attacks, told PTI on the condi-

tion of anonymity, that India did receive the information, which was general and not specific in nature.

Headley's 27-year-old Moroccan wife, Faiza Outalha, claims she even showed the US embassy officials in Islamabad a photo of Headley and herself in the Taj Mahal Hotel, where they stayed twice in April and May 2007. "Hotel records confirm their stay," the NYT reported.

Outalha said that in two meetings with officials at the US embassy in Islamabad, she told them that her husband had many friends who were known members of Lashkar-e-Taiba.

"She said she told them that he was passionately anti-Indian, but that he travelled to India all the time for business deals that never seemed to amount to much," the report said.

Headley, who has pleaded guilty to all 12 terror charges under a plea bargain, was known both to Pakistani and American security officials long before his arrest as a terrorist, the daily said.

An examination of PakistaniAmerican Headley's movements in the years before the Mumbai attacks, based on interviews in Washington, Pakistan, India and

Morocco, shows that he had overlapping, even baffling, contacts among seemingly disparate groups — Pakistani intelligence, terrorists and American drug investigators, the NYT said.

Headley's Moroccan wife said she also told the US officials that her husband assumed "different identities: as a devout Muslim who went by the name Daood when he was in Pakistan, and as an American playboy named David, when he was in India," the newspaper said.

"I told them, he's either a terrorist, or he's working for you," she recalled saying to American officials at the US embassy in Islamabad. "Indirectly, they told me to get lost," she was quoted as saying by the newspaper.

The texture of the meeting was that her husband was involved with "bad people" and they were planning `jihad’, a US administration official was quoted as saying. "But she gave no details about who was involved, or what they planned to target," the official added.

Given that she had been jilted, Outalha acknowledged she may not have been composed, the report said. "I wanted him in Guantanamo'," she was quoted as saying.

Indian army chief's remarks unwise: Pak PTI

ISLAMABAD, OCT 17

Pakistan has termed as "jingoistic" and "unwise" Indian Army chief's remarks describing the country as a major irritant for India's security and about the possibility of a war in a nuclear scenario.

Pakistan's Foreign Office also reacted angrily to what it called "uncalled for" remarks on the country's internal affairs.

Rejecting the allegations made by Army chief Gen V K Singh, Foreign Office spokesman Abdul Basit said in a statement: "The government of Pakistan takes a serious exception to the reported statement of the Indian Army chief about his threat perception from Pakistan, war under a nuclear scenario and uncalled for and gratuitous comments on the internal affairs of Pakistan."

The repetitive mentions by Indian Army's high command "about war under the nuclear scenario is not only irresponsible but also jingoistic and unwise," Basit said.

"Such statements and grandstanding by India are evidently unhelpful to the cause of promoting peace, security and stability in South Asia," he added.

Israeli air raid kills militant in Gaza Reuters GAZA, OCT 17

A villager, who has been displaced by floods, pulls a rope as he leads his buffalos through the floodwaters while returning to his town of Khairpur Nathan Shah from Dadu in Pakistan's Sindh province.

Pope canonizes first Australian saint AGENCIES Vatican City, OCT 17

Pope Benedict XVI gave Australia its first saint on Sunday, canonizing a 19th century nun who was briefly excommunicated and also declaring five other saints in a Mass attended by tens of thousands of people.

Speaking in Latin on the steps of St Peter's Basilica, Benedict solemnly read out the names of the six new saints, declaring each one worthy of veneration in all the Catholic Church.

"Let us be drawn by these shining examples, let us be guided by their teachings," Benedict said in his homily, delivered in English, French, Italian, Polish and Spanish to reflect the languages spoken by the church's newest saints.

A cheer had broken out in the crowd when Mary MacKillop's name was announced earlier in the Mass. evidence of the significant turnout of flag-toting Australians celebrating the humble nun who was briefly excommunicated in part because her religious order exposed a pedophile priest.

Even more MacKillop admirers_ an estimated 10,000 — converged Sunday at the Sydney chapel where she is buried and at Sydney's Catholic cathedral, where a wooden cross made from floorboards taken from the first school that MacKillop established was placed on the steps.

Thousands of others in Australia spent their Sunday evenings watching live broadcasts of the Vatican ceremony on television in homes and on large outdoor screens in Sydney, in Melbourne where she was born, as well as in Penola where she established her first school.

Born in 1842, MacKillop grew up in poverty as the first of eight children of Scottish immigrants.

She moved to the sleepy farming town of Penola in southern Australia to become a teacher, inviting the poor and the Aborigines of the area to attend free classes in a six-room stable.

Pregnant Pak woman burnt to death AGENCIES LONDON, OCT 17

A 23-year-old pregnant Pakistani woman, who had moved to Britain early this year after marriage, was burnt to death here, though it was not yet clear if it was a case of suicide.

Asiyah Khan had arrived in the country earlier this year and was living with her husband Naveed, mother-in-law and two sisters-in-law.

The family of the woman which went out for shopping yesterday, found the house locked when they returned home.

The girl's husband then climbed over the gate only to find his wife's charred body in the back garden, the Daily Mail reported.

One of the family's neighbours said the victim's husband came screaming for help and she rushed with him to his house and found the body in garden but there were no flames.

Hillary to run for US Prez office in 2016?

AGENCIES London, OCT 17

Speculation is rife that Hillary Clinton may run for the US president's office in 2016, as her husband Bill is back on the campaign trail -- offering thanks to those who backed her in 2008 against Barack Obama, a media report said.

According to Britain's 'The Daily Telegraph', former President Bill Clinton has been laying the foundations for the Secretary of State's another try in 2016, by campaigning for Democratic politicians who helped his wife Hillary run for the president's office against President Obama two years back.

In fact, Bill, now a globe-trotting philanthropist, went to Espaola, New Mexico, the site of the first European colony in America, last week to campaign for Diane Denish, the Democratic candidate for the governor.

Denish had supported Hillary against Obama in 2008 and Bill was back to repay the debt; he made crystal clear who he was representing on the campaign trail -- and it wasn't Obama, the report said.

"I planned to do about one stop for everybody that helped Hillary run for president because she's one of only two members of the president's cabinet who cannot participate in politics," he told a gathering of 4,000 people.

As Secretary of State, he reminded people, is not permitted to campaign. "Then I got out here and started stirring around and realised that a lot of people were mad and even more confused and I didn't want it on my conscience so I just loaded up and started strolling around," Bill said.

Bill's energetic reappearance on the campaign trail comes just as rumours, some of them eagerly fuelled by the Clinton camp, swirl that Hillary might replace the hapless Joe Biden as Obama's vice-presidential running mate in 2012 or even challenge the President for the Democratic nomination if his popularity continues to slide.

An Israeli air strike killed a Palestinian militant in the northern Gaza Strip today when he and others attempted to launch a rocket or mortar shell towards Israel, the Israeli army and Palestinian medics said.

Palestinian medical officials at a Gaza hospital said the dead man had been identified as a member of the Islamic Jihad militant group.

“Men were targeted in an air strike after they were spotted preparing to fire a rocket or a mortar shell at Israel and we identified a hit,” said an Israeli military spokeswoman.

Israel often carries out strikes against militant targets in the Gaza Strip, which is controlled by the Islamist group Hamas.

The strikes generally target tunnels that militants use to smuggle in weapons from neighbouring Egypt.

Pakistan PM, 400 lawmakers have fake degrees?

AGENCIES ISLAMABAD, OCT 17

Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi are among over 400 lawmakers whose graduation degrees are yet to be verified by the Higher Education Commission (HEC).

According to the Dawn, the verification is yet to be done, as the copies of the ministers’ matriculation and intermediate certificates are not submitted.

A list sent by the HEC to the Election Commission has the names of 23 senators, 138 members of the National Assembly, 153 provincial legislators of Punjab, 21 of Sindh, 83 of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and 11 of Balochistan.

Important people on the list include Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira, Environment Minister Hameedullah Jan Afridi, Railways Minister Ghulam Ahmad Bilour, Communications Minister Arbab Alamgir Khan, Population Minister Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan and Youth Affairs Minister Shahid Hasan Bhutto.

It is believed that scores of Pakistani lawmakers may lose their seats for lying about their academic credentials.

The Supreme Court has ordered the Elections Commission to vet the credentials of nearly all of the some 1,100 federal and provincial lawmakers.

If enough lawmakers are found ineligible, there are rumblings that a midterm election may be needed.

It is worth mentioning here that former President Pervez Musharraf had imposed a law in 2002 which required candidates to hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent for a post.

Somali pirates seize boat AGENCIES SEOUL, OCT 17

A South Korean fishing boat with 43 people on board has been seized by Somali pirates off the coast of Kenya, the foreign ministry said Sunday.

The 241-ton crab fishing vessel, which was carrying two South Koreans, two Chinese and 39 Kenyans, was hijacked on October 9 near the Kenyan island of Lamu in the Indian Ocean, the ministry said in a statement.

"We are investigating the exact circumstances surrounding the incident by setting up an emergency team at our embassy in Kenya," it said, without revealing whereabouts of the vessel and crew.

YTN news channel reported that the fishing boat and its crew

had been taken to a pirate stronghold in northern Somalia, citing South Korean sources in Kenya.

The latest hijacking came as South Korea increases efforts to counter piracy in international waters.

South Korea has an anti-piracy warship patrolling Somali waters because of a rise in hijackings near the Horn of Africa, a key route leading to the Suez Canal.

In April, a South Korean oil tanker with 24 crew members was hijacked by pirates off the coast of Somalia and has been held since then.

The 300,000-ton ship, the Samho Dream, was on its way from Iraq to the US state of Louisiana with a crew of five South Koreans and 19 Filipinos.

‘Kayani calls shots, Zardari despised in Pak’ AGENCIES WASHINGTON, OCT 17

Describing Pakistan's powerful army chief Ashfaq Parvez Kayani as a "complicated figure," a top US expert on South Asia has said the General along with ISI's Ahmad Shuja Pasha is the one who calls the shots in that country while President Asif Ali Zardari is "absolutely despised and loathed."

“It’s interesting that the United States claims to want a democratic Pakistan, but whenever there's a Congressional delegation that goes to Pakistan, they don’t meet their counterparts in the National Assembly.

They all want to meet General Kayani and General Pasha, because they understand that's where the power lies,” said Christina Fair of the Georgetown University.

“What Pakistan is doing visa-vis the terrorist groups that target India as well as us, like Lashkar-e-Taiba, what Pakistan is doing vis-a-vis the Afghan-Taliban, those policies are all going to be negotiated by General Kayani and General Pasha," she

said in an interview to the popular National Public Radio.

It will be very difficult for the US to achieve its objectives in the war against terrorism and nuclear proliferation by alienating the Pakistani army, Fair said.

“But in some sense, that’s exactly what it has to do if it wants to secure a future for Pakistan that is democratic and where the civilians have control over the military, not the military having control over the civilians,” she said in response to a question.

Kayani is an interesting fellow, Fair said, adding that interestingly enough, the United States is always besotted by the newest chief of army staff. “They're convinced that he’s a democrat, that he means well, all of these things. But the reality is he’s a much more complicated figure,” she said.

"He was the director of the ISI, which is the all-important intelligence agency, during the time when Pakistan began its U-turn... against the Taliban. So, it's interesting that we herald

him now as the saviour of Pakistan in some measure, when it was his policies when he was the ISI chief that brought about some of the most precipitous conflicts in US-Pakistan relations over Afghanistan," she said.

Zardari wields very little power, Fair said. "His powers were largely stripped after the passage of the 18th Amendment, which took many of the powers that (former) President (Pervez) Musharraf arrogated to the position of the President, and redistributed them back to the Prime Minister. So, he is constitutionally weakened, but he is also very problematic domestically, because he is absolutely despised and loathed."

"Equally importantly, he's failed to deal with corruption for obvious reasons. He is really not perceived to have managed ver y effectively the crises of the floods and the rehabilitation and reconstruction following the Pakistan army's counter-insurgency operations in Swat and elsewhere," she said.

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BIZ

Pg12

GOA, MONDAY, 18 OCTOBER, 2010

China moots radical economic overhaul PTI BEIJING, OCT 17

China may undertake a radical economic overhaul soon to bring about a shift from a largely export-driven growth model to an economy driven by domestic consumption with the meeting of its top leadership sparking speculation that major changes, including in the political sphere, are in the offing.

China is abuzz with expectations of major economic, political and leadership changes as the top leadership of the ruling Communist Party is set to end its four-day marathon meeting tomorrow after finalising the 12th five year plan and deliberating measures to bridge the widening gap between the rich and

Mutual Fund Scheme Name

poor.

Besides grappling with unprecedented open demands to lift censorship by activists from both within and outside the party, the plenary session of the 17th CPC Central Committee was expected to pave way for the new generation of leadership to succeed President Hu Jintao and Prime Minister Wen Jiabao in 2012.

The five-year plan for the period of 2011-15 being finalised by the meeting is expected to bring about a seismic shift to change China’s growth model from an export-driven economy to a domestic consumption driven one. State television is full of reports that shift was imminent as China cannot rely on exports alone in view

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) India Equity Fund - Regular Plan (G) Infrastructure and Economic Reform - Regular (D) Infrastructure and Economic Reform - Regular (G) Axis Equity Fund (D) Equity Fund (G) Tax Saver Fund (D) Tax Saver Fund (G)

12.83 12.83 9.94 9.94 11.88 11.88 11.82 12.90

B

Baroda Pioneer ELSS 96 28.47 Growth Fund (D) 32.24 Growth Fund (G) 57.24 Infrastructure Fund (D) 10.73 Infrastructure Fund (G) 10.73 Bharti AXA Equity Fund - Eco Plan (Bonus) 19.25 Equity Fund - Eco Plan (D) 13.55 Equity Fund - Eco Plan (G) 19.25 Equity Fund - Eco Plan (QD) 12.79 Equity Fund - Retail Plan (Bonus) 19.14 Equity Fund - Retail Plan (D) 13.49 Equity Fund - Retail Plan (G) 19.14 Equity Fund - Retail Plan (QD) 12.71 Focused Infrastructure Fund (D) 11.37 Focused Infrastructure Fund (G) 11.37 Focused Infrastructure Fund (QD) 11.37 Tax Advantage Fund - Eco Plan (D) 13.80 Tax Advantage Fund - Eco Plan (G) 25.34 Tax Advantage Fund - Retail Plan (D) 13.76 Tax Advantage Fund - Retail Plan (G) 25.25 Birla Sun Life Advantage Fund (D) 94.24 Advantage Fund (G) 173.94 Basic Industries Fund (D) 31.31 Basic Industries Fund (G) 113.50 Buy India Fund (D) 26.70 Buy India Fund (G) 46.87 Commodity Equities - Global Agri - Retail Plan (D) 16.42 Commodity Equities - Global Agri - Retail Plan (G) 16.42 Commodity Equities - Global Commodity - RP (D) 13.09 Commodity Equities - Global Commodity - RP (G) 13.09 Commodity Equities - Global Metals Plan -RP (D) 14.14 Commodity Equities - Global Metals Plan -RP (G) 14.14 Dividend Yield Plus (D) 16.75 Dividend Yield Plus (G) 93.68 Equity Fund (D) 82.36 Equity Fund (G) 292.90 Frontline Equity Fund - Plan A (D) 24.02 Frontline Equity Fund - Plan A (G) 94.15 Frontline Equity Fund - Plan B (D) 14.23 Frontline Equity Fund - Plan B (G) 14.23 India GenNext Fund (D) 15.84 India GenNext Fund (G) 26.11 India Opportunities Fund - Plan A (D) 19.64 India Opportunities Fund - Plan B (G) 57.66 India Reforms Fund (D) 11.70 India Reforms Fund (G) 11.70 Infrastructure Fund - Plan A (D) 14.07 Infrastructure Fund - Plan A (G) 19.16 Infrastructure Fund - Plan B (D) 13.75 Infrastructure Fund - Plan B (G) 14.33 International Equity Fund - Plan A (D) 8.89 International Equity Fund - Plan A (G) 8.89 International Equity Fund - Plan B (D) 9.89 International Equity Fund - Plan B (G) 9.89 Long Term Advantage Fund (D) 14.28 Long Term Advantage Fund (G) 15.45 Midcap Fund - Plan A (D) 26.89 Midcap Fund - Plan A (G) 121.65 Midcap Fund - Plan B (D) 15.35 Midcap Fund - Plan B (G) 15.35 MNC Fund (D) 87.90 MNC Fund (G) 217.52 New Millennium (D) 13.85 New Millennium (G) 21.21 Pure Value Fund (D) 17.66 Pure Value Fund (G) 18.84 Small and Midcap Fund (D) 13.87 Small and Midcap Fund (G) 13.87 Special Situations Fund (D) 11.13 Special Situations Fund (G) 11.13 Tax Plan (D) 49.30 Tax Plan (G) 14.63 Tax Relief 96 (D) 94.39 Tax Relief 96 (G) 12.74 Top 100 Fund (D) 16.58 Top 100 Fund (G) 23.88

Canara Robeco EmergEquities (Bonus)

of the slow recovery in Europe and the US, which are the main destination of exports.

There is intense pressure on China to appreciate its currency, and if done, it would significantly cut the viability of cheap exports. Yuan appreciated 2.5 per cent this week. This year’s plenary session is also being watched with interest for any indication on whether the widely expected succession of Vice President Xi Jinping is on track.

As per the tradition, the senior Vice President would succeed the President and Party Chief. But Xi, so far has not been appointed as the Vice Chairman of the powerful Central Military Commis-

C 20.53

EmergEquities (D) EmergEquities (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) Infrastructure (G) Large Cap+ Fund (D) Large Cap+ Fund (G) Multicap (D) Multicap (G)

16.93 24.53 26.31 26.27 57.77 22.81 27.70 13.74 14.74 19.50 24.49 10.49 10.49 15.67 16.89

D

DWS Alpha Equity Fund - Regular Plan (D) 18.91 Alpha Equity Fund - Regular Plan (G) 86.88 Alpha Equity Fund - Wealth Plan (D) 15.12 Alpha Equity Fund - Wealth Plan (G) 18.09 Investment Opportunity Fund - Regular Plan (D) 29.78 Investment Opportunity Fund - Regular Plan (G) 42.99 Investment Opportunity Fund - Wealth Plan (D) 14.88 Tax SavFund (D) 14.66 Tax SavFund (G) 15.68 DSP BlackRock Equity Fund - Regular Plan (D) 56.95 Equity Fund - Regular Plan (G) 18.01 Focus 25 Fund (D) 11.45 Focus 25 Fund (G) 11.45 India T.I.G.E.R. Fund - Regular Plan (D) 20.22 India T.I.G.E.R. Fund - Regular Plan (G) 52.67 Micro Cap Fund - Regular Plan (D) 10.86 Micro Cap Fund - Regular Plan (G) 17.89 Opportunities Fund - Regular Plan (D) 32.78 Opportunities Fund - Regular Plan (G) 94.02 Small and Mid Cap Fund (D) 18.08 Small and Mid Cap Fund (G) 19.72 Tax Saver Fund (D) 13.93 Tax Saver Fund (G) 18.70 Technology.Com - Regular Plan (D) 25.51 Technology.Com - Regular Plan (G) 34.94 Top 100 Equity Fund - Regular Plan (D) 22.55 Top 100 Equity Fund - Regular Plan (G) 106.28

E

Edelweiss Absolute Return Equity Fund (D) Absolute Return Equity Fund (G) Diversified Growth Equity Top 100 Fund -A (D) Diversified Growth Equity Top 100 Fund -A (G) Diversified Growth Equity Top 100 Fund -B (D) Diversified Growth Equity Top 100 Fund -B (G) Diversified Growth Equity Top 100 Fund -C (D) Diversified Growth Equity Top 100 Fund -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) Nifty Enhancer Fund - Plan C (D) 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) LeadSectors Fund (D) LeadSectors Fund (G) Power and Energy Fund (D) Power and Energy Fund (G) Tax Plan (D) Tax Plan (G)

11.49 11.49 15.20 15.20 15.46 15.26 15.30 15.31 21.12 21.12 12.60 13.83 13.90 13.73 12.23 14.26 86.17 15.91 13.52 15.88 9.45 9.44 12.82 12.82 15.04 18.76 11.80 54.92

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)

23.95 37.85 13.07 13.07 18.20 20.07 12.39 12.39 14.20 14.20 21.15 23.55 9.63 9.63 11.96 19.41

ICEX to launch ore futures contract by Dec PTI MUMBAI, OCT 17

Indian Commodity Exchange (ICEX) is expected to launch iron ore futures contract by December after it receives permission from the market regulator, Forward Markets Commission (FMC), a top exchange official said here.

“We are awaiting FMC approval, which is expected shortly.

Within month’s time after the approval, we will be able to launch iron ore contract,” ICEX’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sanjay Chandel said here. This will be the world’s first iron ore futures contract, whereby traders, miners and importers are expected to participate in a big way, Chandel said, adding that this iron ore contract is export grade as well, therefore lot of importers have also shown keen interest in the contract.

ICEX has joined hands with Federation of Indian Mineral Industries (FIMI) to promote an efficient iron ore futures contract.

sion (CMC), sparking speculation over whether there was any change of script in the succession plan.

Remarks by the party’s top ideologue that the meeting may set off new comprehensive political and economic reforms which included providing an opening to a democratic system involving elections, have set off speculation that the Communist Party may allow some opening for democracy.

Yu Keping, a “prominent theorist” and deputy director of the CPC Central Compilation and Translation Bureau said democracy was essential for good governance and the party meeting was expected to consider reforms in this regard.

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)

12.23 36.15 10.57 10.62 10.95 21.04 12.64 13.88 12.15 15.25

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)

28.34 117.00 24.88 43.76 54.53 296.71 36.35 92.81 13.52 13.52 42.45 145.01 14.28 17.26 16.53 16.53 17.71 31.23 70.19 249.84 53.09 224.60

I

ICICI Pru Bank& Financial Services Fund - Retail Plan (D) Bank& Financial Services Fund - Retail Plan (G) Discovery Fund (D) Discovery Fund (G) Dynamic Plan (D) Dynamic Plan (G) EmergS.T.A.R. Fund (D) EmergS.T.A.R. Fund (G) Equity Opportunities Fund (D) Equity Opportunities Fund (G) FMCG Fund (D) FMCG Fund (G) Focused Bluechip Equity Fund (D) Focused Bluechip Equity Fund (G) Fusion Fund (D) Fusion Fund (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 15.07 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) Equity Fund - Plan A (D) Equity Fund - Plan A (G) Equity Fund - Plan B (D) Equity Fund - Plan B (G) Imperial Equity Fund - Plan A (D) Imperial Equity Fund - Plan A (G) India GDP Growth Fund (D) 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)

19.87 20.37 22.38 51.64 19.53 109.29 18.84 37.85 13.28 14.24 38.59 67.48 17.09 17.09 15.10 16.02 13.66 13.66 19.19 141.73 11.17 11.17 12.99 32.24 19.23 122.75 14.25 18.95 (D) 15.07 22.58 151.44 18.04 18.04 12.93 12.93 16.47 22.77 14.11 17.20 11.87 14.14 17.12 20.72 15.52 17.97 28.81 35.55 16.56 20.07 15.68 15.85 17.18 21.45 15.95 15.95 19.25 14.05 19.25 17.55 14.97 17.55 21.67

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 Retireinvest Fund - Series I (D) OptiMix Retireinvest Fund - Series I (G) Tax SavFund (Bonus) Tax SavFund (D) Tax SavFund (G)

40.95 22.91 25.21 15.24 40.37 18.37 23.12 11.89 11.89 13.48 13.48 31.97 15.75 31.92

J

JM Agri & Infra Fund (D) Agri & Infra Fund (G) Basic Fund (D) Basic Fund (G) Contra Fund (D) Contra Fund (G) EmergLeaders Fund (D) EmergLeaders 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)

Kotak 30 (D) 30 (G) Contra (D) Contra (G) EmergEquity Scheme (D) EmergEquity Scheme (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)

3.07 3.07 12.70 18.19 6.45 6.45 9.80 9.78 16.52 40.58 11.83 11.83 6.34 6.34 15.43 20.98 20.19 29.47 15.61 16.78 6.56 6.56 8.22 8.22 8.56 8.56 15.87 19.60 13.24 14.26 8.51 8.51

K 34.71 110.04 19.12 23.73 13.49 13.49 13.12 15.15 20.15 28.97 16.40 50.70 12.85 12.85 12.53 20.45

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) 21.15 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)

11.59 11.59 7.91 11.41 19.94 42.22 10.82 15.25 8.40 8.40 26.00 45.06 16.64 20.87 48.30 6.26 6.26 17.22 23.44 16.61 17.89 10.51 10.51 11.52 29.23 12.62 14.23 10.01 10.01 11.64

Pre-trading call auction to start at bourses today PTI MUMBAI, OCT 17

The nation’s two premier bourses, National Stock Exchange and Bombay Stock Exchange, will start the 15-minute pre-open session call auction from October 18 to reduce price volatility and better price discovery.

“The NSE has commenced mock trading for pre-open call auction and we are ready to launch it on October 18,” NSE’s Chief Technology Officer, Ravi Apte told reporters here.

The introduction of preopen session with a call auction mechanism is expected to

reduce the quantum of volatility, typically visible in the first few minutes of a trading session.

The call auction helps reduce price volatility due to multiple matching of orders at a single price, provides greater liquidity due to deeper demand supply schedule, leads to better price discovery, reduced market impact and simultaneity of trades eliminates possibility of front-running customer orders, Apte said.

Securities and Exchange Board of India had asked the exchanges to introduce call auction in pre-open session.

Initially call auction session will be held for shares included in the Nifty and SEBI will decide to add more scrips for preopen call auction after about three months, he said.

The pre-open call auction session will be for 15 minutes between 9am and 915am.

While the first eight minutes will be reserved for order entry, modification and cancellation, the next four minutes will be kept for order matching and trade confirmation. The remaining three minutes will be the buffer period to facilitate the transition from pre-open session to the normal market.

Haryana to set up state data centre PTI CHANDIGARH, OCT 17

The Haryana Government is setting up a State Data Centre (SDC) here at a cost of Rs 12.38 crore.

The main benefits of the project include having a central

MF Opportunities Fund (G) MF Tax Plan (D) MF Tax Plan (G) MF Top 100 Fund (D) MF Top 100 Fund (G)

20.44 11.50 32.11 9.07 9.07

M

Mirae Asset EmergBluechip Fund (D) EmergBluechip Fund (G) 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)

11.52 11.52 12.70 12.70 16.03 17.28 16.46 16.46 22.65 69.51

P

Principal Dividend Yield Fund (D) 18.88 Dividend Yield Fund (G) 25.58 EmergBluechip Fund (D) 27.43 EmergBluechip Fund (G) 34.68 Growth Fund (D) 25.98 Growth Fund (G) 57.34 Large Cap Fund (D) 21.06 Large Cap Fund (G) 30.74 Personal Tax Saver Fund 106.61 PNB Long Term Equity Fund - 3 Yrs - Series 1 (D) 12.44 PNB Long Term Equity Fund - 3 Yrs - Series 1 (G) 12.45 Resurgent India Equity Fund (D) 13.91 Resurgent India Equity Fund (G) 97.90 Services Industries Fund (D) 14.06 Services Industries Fund (G) 15.86 Tax Savings Fund 83.41

Q

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

23.68 23.49 23.46 23.47

R

Reliance BankFund (Bonus) BankFund (D) BankFund (G) Diversified Power Sector Fund - Retail (Bonus) Diversified Power Sector Fund - Retail Plan (D) Diversified Power Sector Fund - Retail Plan (G) Equity Advantage Fund - Retail Plan (B) Equity Advantage Fund - Retail Plan (D) Equity Advantage Fund - Retail Plan (G) Equity Fund - Retail Plan (Bonus) Equity Fund - Retail Plan (D) Equity Fund - Retail Plan (G) Equity Linked SavFund - Series I (D) Equity Linked SavFund - Series I (G) Equity Opportunities Fund - Retail Plan (Bonus) Equity Opportunities Fund - Retail Plan (D) Equity Opportunities Fund - Retail Plan (G) Growth Fund - Retail Plan (Bonus) Growth Fund - Retail Plan (D) Growth Fund - Retail Plan (G) Infrastructure Fund - Retail Plan (Bonus) Infrastructure Fund - Retail Plan (D) Infrastructure Fund - Retail Plan (G) Long Term Equity Fund (D) Long Term Equity Fund (G) Media & Entertainment Fund (Bonus) Media & Entertainment Fund (D) Media & Entertainment Fund (G) Natural Resources Fund (Bonus) Natural Resources Fund (D) Natural Resources Fund (G) NRI Equity Fund (Bonus) NRI Equity Fund (D) NRI Equity Fund (G) Pharma Fund (Bonus) Pharma Fund (D) Pharma Fund (G) Quant Plus Fund – Retail Plan (B) Quant Plus Fund - Retail Plan (D) Quant Plus Fund - Retail Plan (G) Regular Savings Fund - Equity Option (D) Regular Savings Fund - Equity Option (G) Small Cap Fund (Bonus) Small Cap Fund (D) Small Cap Fund (G) Tax Saver (ELSS) Fund (D) Tax Saver (ELSS) Fund (G) Vision Fund - Retail Plan (Bonus) Vision Fund - Retail Plan (D) Vision Fund - Retail Plan (G) Religare AGILE Fund (D) AGILE Fund (G)

118.65 47.34 118.65 88.81 52.42 88.81 14.14 14.14 14.14 15.96 15.96 15.96 15.87 15.87 39.46 27.87 39.46 87.93 64.98 530.08 12.25 12.25 12.25 18.08 18.08 31.30 22.50 31.30 11.09 11.09 11.09 43.28 25.75 43.28 55.90 41.69 55.90 14.66 14.66 14.66 26.90 34.51 10.16 10.16 10.16 18.43 23.64 51.21 49.73 304.87 7.10 7.08

data repository, secure data storage, online delivery of services, citizen information or services portal, state internet portal, disaster recovery, remote management and service integration, an official spokesman said here today.

AGILE Tax Fund (D) AGILE Tax Fund (G) BankFund - Regular Plan (D) BankFund - 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)

8.01 8.01 17.59 22.60 13.34 13.34 13.49 17.45 13.66 13.66 13.70 13.71 9.12 9.12 13.23 15.97 15.91 15.92 12.28 12.28 15.73 19.00

S

Sahara Bankand Financial Services Fund (D) Bankand Financial Services Fund (G) Growth Fund (D) Growth Fund (G) Infrastructure - Fixed PricOption (D) Infrastructure - Fixed PricOption (G) Infrastructure -Variable PricOption (D) Infrastructure -Variable PricOption (G) Midcap Fund (Bonus) Midcap Fund (D) Midcap Fund (G) Midcap Fund (Growth Auto Payout) Power & Natural Resources Fund (D) Power & Natural Resources Fund (G) Star Value Fund (D) Star Value Fund (G) Super 20 Fund (D) Super 20 Fund (G) Tax Gain (D) Tax Gain (G) Wealth Plus - Variable PricOption (D) Wealth Plus - Variable PricOption (G) Wealth Plus Fund - Fixed PricOption (D) Wealth Plus Fund - Fixed PricOption (G) SBI Blue Chip Fund (D) Blue Chip Fund (G) Infrastructure Fund - Series I (D) Infrastructure Fund - Series I (G) Magnum Comma Fund (D) Magnum Comma Fund (G) Magnum Contra Fund (D) Magnum Contra Fund (G) Magnum EmergBusinesses Fund (D) Magnum EmergBusinesses Fund (G) Magnum Equity Fund (D) Magnum Equity Fund (G) Magnum FMCG Fund Magnum Global Fund (D) Magnum Global Fund (G) Magnum IT Fund Magnum Midcap Fund (D) Magnum Midcap Fund (G) Magnum Multicap Fund (D) Magnum Multicap Fund (G) Magnum Multiplier Plus (D) Magnum Multiplier Plus (G) Magnum NRI - Flexiasset Plan (D) Magnum NRI - Flexiasset Plan (G) Magnum Pharma Fund (D) Magnum Pharma Fund (G) Magnum Tax Gain Scheme (D) Magnum Tax Gain Scheme (G) One India Fund (D) One India Fund (G) PSU Fund (D) PSU Fund (G) Shinsei Industry Leaders Fund (D) Industry Leaders Fund (G) Sundaram BNP Paribas Capex Opportunities Fund (D) Capex Opportunities Fund (G) Growth Fund - Regular Plan (D) Growth Fund - Regular Plan (G) India Leadership Fund - Regular Plan (D) India Leadership Fund - Regular Plan (G) PSU Opportunities Fund (G) Rural India Fund (D) Rural India Fund (G) S.M.I.L.E Fund - Regular Plan (D) S.M.I.L.E Fund - Regular Plan (G) Select Focus - Retail Plan (D) Select Focus - Retail Plan (G) Select Midcap - Regular Plan (D) Select Midcap - Regular Plan (G) Tax Saver (OE) (D) Tax Saver (OE) (G)

17.43 34.59 33.07 88.21 13.06 17.86 13.56 18.45 34.86 18.67 34.86 34.86 12.82 15.03 12.89 14.03 12.31 12.31 18.43 41.35 20.11 24.11 19.28 23.25 13.94 15.99 11.20 11.20 18.40 27.24 25.19 63.17 19.42 43.76 34.97 46.35 30.38 33.34 59.65 22.90 19.87 25.90 15.02 19.76 57.23 90.47 31.00 30.88 36.17 43.76 44.63 65.47 12.17 12.17 10.98 10.98 12.51 12.51 14.33 27.24 13.63 102.04 13.98 45.58 12.46 15.52 17.04 14.61 37.60 12.72 98.20 21.02 168.18 13.05 48.69

He said that the project of state portal and State Service Delivery Gateway (SSDG) was also proposed to be implemented aiming at utilising the National e-Governance Plan (NeGP) Core Infrastructure.

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) GrowEconomies Infrastructure Fund - Plan A (D) GrowEconomies Infrastructure Fund - Plan A (G) GrowEconomies Infrastructure Fund - Plan B (D) GrowEconomies Infrastructure Fund - Plan B (G) Growth Fund (Bonus) Growth Fund (D) Growth Fund (G) Infrastructure Fund (D) Infrastructure Fund (G) Infrastructure Tax SavFund (D) Infrastructure Tax SavFund (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 SavFund 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)

15.40 16.49 16.74 19.03 22.97 35.45 13.56 15.69 23.25 88.66 51.68 40.83 40.67 12.37 12.37 13.18 13.18 43.80 19.28 48.20 24.99 37.94 17.58 18.58 36.01 71.65 16.54 19.26 40.91 108.74 50.48 70.37 20.38 27.32 17.26 17.26 49.28 46.43 46.13 17.97 17.95 25.34 19.00 25.35 14.80 15.79 43.73 62.11 23.36 39.39

U

UTI BankSector Fund (D) BankSector 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) Long Term Advantage Fund - Series II (D) Long Term Advantage Fund - Series II (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) Transportation and Logistics Fund (D) Transportation and Logistics 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)

28.05 48.31 14.34 15.53 16.42 34.23 13.63 12.03 50.63 57.29 18.51 43.52 12.28 12.28 9.84 9.84 21.42 37.60 15.63 16.86 13.78 13.77 15.37 15.37 52.83 64.19 89.05 26.41 57.56 33.74 57.15 24.04 35.27 39.27 60.83 15.08 28.24 31.86 39.05 27.50 63.96 23.59 30.37 16.70 30.58 15.11 17.35 16.12 20.04

OHERALDO

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BIZ

GOA, MONDAY, 18 OCTOBER, 2010

Of festivals, sports and a reality

W

e are entering the season of festivals, a time for rejoicing and gift giving in India.

This is the time when businessmen give and receive gifts from friends, relatives and wellwishers. Government officers are also known to receive gifts of value from those who come to them for favours. Many of those who receive gifts are unaware of a little provision in the income tax law: Section 56, which holds that where the receipt of any property from unknown donors over Rs 50,000 is subject to tax, is treated as income from other sources.

This provision was brought into statute, as several politicians had accumulated several crores of rupees from their allies, stating that this money came from their party workers.

Much of this amount was, in fact, slush funds that have been illegally received although they have claimed that it was out of donations from admirers. With increasing inflation, several of the gifts given to senior bureaucrats and politicians or bug businessmen would be over the statutory limit of Rs 50,000. How would the tax department treat these gifts and bring them under purview of tax? Those who read this would do well to remember this while accepting Diwali gifts!

INCREASING TAx PARTICIPATIoN Income tax is gradually making it easier for the tax payer to track the progress of their files with the department. One of the major hindrances was giving of credit for tax paid at source. In collaboration with the NSDL, the income tax department has a website where tax payments, be it advance tax, tax deducted at source, or taxes collected at source, could be viewed and verified. All that one needs to do is to register the PAN number online and have a verification of your identity. You could then view your payments made either by you or tax deducted at source by your company or bank.

This helps especially when your tax officer sends you a notice stating that tax is not paid.

The collaboration with the NSDL has helped the tax department in several ways. NSDL also provides for the facility of obtaining PAN, – the permanent account number, which is now one of the most widely held cards for identification, the TAN, – the number required by those companies and other institutions that require to deduct tax at source, the TIN – the tax information network, that coordinates tax payments received from banks and deposited into the account of the tax department. Today, electronic communications have, indeed, helped both the tax payer and the tax depart-

ment. To give you a little history, the earlier physical method of collection was both cumbersome and labourious. The earlier system involved payment of money at a designated bank. At first, it was only State Bank of India or the Reserve Bank, but was later extended to other nationalised banks too. Today, several private banks also collect tax payments. These banks send their tax receipts to their nodal banks who, in turn, send the amounts to their designated bank at Nagpur, where the money is transferred to the Reserve Bank of India at Nagpur. The entire process takes over a month. Several discrepancies have occurred both in the amounts collected and reported.

Many banks, especially at the end of the financial year, hold on to tax collections to increase their profitability and transfer the balances only in the middle of April. The tax department has maintained a central processing unit that receives scrolls of payment from different banks. These scrolls contains physical challans of payments. The challans are sorted ward wise and transferred to the different commissioner charges.

This system invariably led to the misplacement of challans.

Several challans have been lost in transit. Assessees would then visit the tax offices, since tax credits would invariably not be given and many a time, and instead of a refund, persons would be issued a tax demand notice. Hopefully, with the facilitation of the NSDL, tax payments made at banks and the tracing of credits at the tax department will now available on the computer at a click of the mouse.

TAx CAmPAIGNS The tax department is on a publicity drive.

During the Commonwealth Games, it published an advertisement advising the nation’s citizens that the tax it pays helps give the country the necessary infrastructure and also churns out world class sportswomen; of the likes of Saina Nehwal.

Most of those who viewed this advertisement were left wondering as to where their tax money went. The stories of rampant corruption involving contracts granted in the build up to the CWG had led them to believe that the tax payers money may have found its way into the pockets of corrupt politicians and their bureaucratic companions. Sometimes campaigns lead to negative publicity – where the tax paying public reacts in a cynical manner under the given circumstances.

The author of this column is a retired Chief Commissioner, and the views expressed, his personal.

SBI Life launches Saral Maha Anand HERALD BUSINESS DESK PANJIM OCT 17

Following the introduction of Smart Performer and Unit Plus Super, SBI Life, the leading new generation life insurer, has launched third new Unit Linked Insurance Plan (ULIP) – Saral Maha Anand.

Available at an affordable yearly premium starting from Rs 15,000 onwards, the product has been designed to cater to investment and protection needs of the middle and low-income segments. It is also exempted from medical examination.

M N Rao, MD and CEO, SBI Life Insurance said, “The product offers simplicity and affordability so that a larger section of society can participate and benefit by systematically investing over a long term horizon.

SBI Life Maha Anand can be availed of by investors from a minimum of 18 years upto a maximum of 55 years of age. The maturity age is

upto 65 years. Premiums can be paid yearly, half yearly, quarterly or monthly depending on customer convenience.

The plan has a minimum yearly premium of Rs 15,000, a maximum yearly premium of Rs 29,000 and a fixed sum assured, which ranges from ten to twenty times of the annual premium, restricted to a maximum of Rs 7,50,000 The scheme offers four fund options – index, equity, balanced and bond fund enabling the investor to opt for a fund depending on his or her risk appetite.

In compliance with the new IRDA guidelines, Saral Maha Anand is equipped with enhanced features such as benefits of higher protection, switch options and a rider option offering additional protection.

Guaranteed additions, lower charges and premium redirection are the other key benefits of Saral Maha Anand.

‘MMTC out of 2010 disinvestment list’ AGENCY NEW DELHI, OCT 17

New Delhi: With many public issues hitting the market in the second half of the current fiscal, the finance ministry has decided to defer disinvestment in the trading firm MMTC for the next financial year. “The disinvestment in MMTC will not happen this fiscal. The stake sale in the company would be done sometime in the next year,” a finance ministry official said.

Earlier, both commerce minister Anand Sharma and commerce secretary Rahul Khullar had said that follow on public offer (FPO) of MMTC is likely to be in the current fiscal.

He said that the company will split its stock and announce a bonus share before the public offer. The trading firm, in which government holds 99.33% equity, has received mandatory EGM approval for splitting each share of face value of Rs10 into 10 scrips of rupee each and issuing one-to-one bonus shares.

A R Rahman is brand ambassador of Toyota Etios HERALD BUSINESS DESK PANJIM, OCT 17

Toyota Kirloskar Motor recently announced two-time Oscar award winner and musical genius — A R Rahman as its official brand ambassador for the Toyota Etios. The much-awaited Etios will be launched in December this year, and Rahman as the brand ambassador will endorse the products through various marketing campaigns of the company.

About roping in the music maestro as the face of the Etios campaign, Hiroshi Nakagawa, Managing Director, TKM, said, “We are extremely happy to sign on A R Rahman as the brand ambassador for the Etios. There is a very strong connect between the product and its brand ambassador, with both being, ‘Global’, ‘Innovative’, ‘Reliable’, and a ‘class-above qual-

ity’.

Sandeep Singh, Dy Managing Director, Marketing, said, “A R Rahman is the pride of the nation and we are delighted to have him as our brand ambassador. In an effort to establish an instant connect between the Etios values and the Indian masses; Rahman was the perfect fit to synergise with the brand. The Etios is very important and close to us at Toyota, therefore it is but pertinent that its brand ambassador symbolises what the product stands for.

Staying in line with our ongoing marketing campaign, this association with Rahman will open up a whole new world of higher quality. We are confident that with his musical talents and popularity transcending boundaries and languages, the Toyota brand in India will only get stronger and far-reaching with Rahman

PTI MUMBAI, OCT 17

PTI MUMBAI, OCT 17

In what can bring cheer to the country’s diamond trade, a top official from a global industry today said there has been considerable improvement in consumption worldwide on the back of increased demand from Brazil and China.

“The recession had hit us hard but we would end 2010, 20 per cent lower than what we did in 2007 which is fairly good. Demand has been steadily rising from Brazil and China as people are consuming more,” President of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses, Avi Paz, told reporters here.

The year 2007 was the best for global diamond industry during which United States had directly consumed 50 per cent of the total polished diamonds, he said. In 2008, the demand had fallen marginally as the meltdown started in September but 2009 was the peak of the slowdown which saw demand falling by 50 per cent of 2007 levels, Paz said.

Though US’ share has fallen, demand from emerging market economies like Brazil, China and India are providing succour to the international trade, Paz said after the inauguration.

The Indian capital market remains fundamentally strong, concerns over high FII inflows are uncalled for and the muchfeared flight of capital, if it at all happens, will only result in a short-term volatility in the market, domestic fund managers said.

“Why are you worried about the scenario of selling by FIIs? Let the foreigners sell so that we can buy our own stocks cheap,” Reliance Mutual Fund’s Head of Equity Investments, Sunil Singhania, said at an event here. Both Singhania and Sanjay Sinha, Chief Executive Officer of L&T Mutual Fund, opined that market-prospects were bright both in the medium-and-long-term and that a pull-out by FIIs, if at all, would only result in a short term volatility.

An 18-month rally has seen the BSE Sensex gaining over 150 per cent, rising from 8,000 points to reach the 20,000 mark this month.

Unlike the pre-slowdown rally, domestic institutions and

Tantra Designs launches ‘Devasthali’ AGENCY PANJIM, OCT 17

The city-based Tantra Designs has diversified into the hospitality sector by launching a condo five star resort – ‘Devasthali’ in Goa. Claiming to be the very first such venture of its kind in the country, Devasthali’s Managing Director, Manish Jain, said, “Devasthali is a unique concept which has been launched recently. For the first phase, we have made an operational partial zone where 36 apartments have been

opened, purchased by NRIs from the US, UK and UAE. These have been leased back to us for managing them. The entire resort will be developed in different phases covering an area of eight acres.”

The condo apartments are of three types viz Studio (24 units in superior and deluxe categories), executive suite (eight units of one BHK) and four units of two BHK apartments in the high-end category. The second phase of expansion will be operational by Oct 2012 and an-

other 85 rooms will be added to main hotel block. Ownership of these rooms will remain with the group. The company has forged a tie-up with Best Western International for popularising Devasthali.

The USP of the resort is tipped to be its location near Hollant beach, in Mormugao taluka, which has a hilly terrain and paddy fields. The company also has plans to have an international tie-up for its Spa, which is being planned in the next phase of operations.

Vodafone selects 3G network partners HERALD BUSINESS DESK PANJIM, OCT 17

Vodafone Essar, one of India’s leading cellular service providers, recently announced Nokia Siemens Networks and Ericsson India as partners for its 3G network across India.

These allies will enable swift 3G deployment; create synergy between GSM and 3G networks, and maintain leading edge HSPA (High Speed Packet Access) networks in nine of Vodafone’s 3G license circles.

These circles include Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh (East) and West Bengal and cover over 60% of the company’s current customer base.

Vodafone will utilise the latest HSPA technology to deliver new services like video telephony, mobile broadband, mobile TV and others.

Vodafone selected Ericsson

to provide exclusive 3G HSPA services in India’s largest metropolitan cities of Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata.

Vodafone has also acquired the services of Nokia Siemens to implement and manage its 3G HSPA network in the 6 circles of Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, UP (East), Rest of Bengal and Haryana. Both network partners will collaborate with Vodafone to improve the end user experience.

Marten Pieters, Managing Director, Vodafone Essar, said, “Globally, Vodafone provides enhanced 3G experiences to a large base of customers. India is now ready for 3G, and we are

committed to offer similar high-quality 3G services to our Indian customers. Ericsson and Nokia Siemens are specialists in this area and we view this as a very strategic alliance, in order to deliver and maintain a high quality network which customers will expect from Vodafone.”

While Urs Pennanen, Head of India, Nokia Siemens commented, “We are committed to implement a smart 3G network for Vodafone Essar, based on our global experience and local expertise and resources in India.

We are fully geared for a speedy implementation of the 3G network, utilizing existing GSM investments for reduced total cost of ownership to the operator.

The subscribers will enjoy exciting new mobile broadband services and a seamless interoperability between 2G and 3G.”

Tourism hit India Inc’s PAT to hard by decrease in FY11: CMIE rains in strict the profit growth to 6.8 cent.

Uttarakhand India Inc’s Profit After Tax per“We expect the growth in PTI MUMBAI, OCT 17

PTI DEHRA DUN, OCT 17

in our multi-media campaigns.”

Speaking about his relationship with Toyota, A R Rahman said, “I believe real quality is created when skill meets dedication, when insight meets inspiration, when passion meets perfection.

This is why I am happy to be associated with Toyota. The same values drive Toyota in whatever they do. Together, we aim to delight India!”

MF chiefs mollify FII inflow fears, bullish on infra

Demand for diamonds picks up globally

The tourism sector in Uttarakhand which bore the brunt of the heavy rains during the monsoon, is yet to recover from the loss incurred during that period.

S P Kochar, President of Uttarakhand Hotel Association, said that the rains had caused huge losses to the hotel industry in the state.

The occupancy rate has fallen sharply from 80 per cent to 10-20 per cent in most of the hotels, he said. The Chardham yatra, the mainstay of Garhwal’s economy, has also come to a halt due to heavy landslides in the region. Roads continue to remain blocked there.Hotels in Uttarakashi district, therefore, have been hit hard by the disruption of the yatra this season. “We are not getting any fresh booking,” said a hotelier from Uttarkashi.

(PAT) margins are likely to shrink to 8.1 per cent in the current fiscal as against 8.9 per cent in the year-ago period, an economic think-tank forecast in its report.

The domestic corporates profit growth is also likely to be restricted to 6.8 per cent in FY 11, owing to the fall in profits in Q2 of the 2010-11 fiscal, it said.

“The PAT margin will contract to 8.1 per cent in 201011 from 8.9 per cent last fiscal,” the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) said in its latest report on the state of domestic economy.

According to CMIE, while profits are expected to rise by 23.3 per cent and 16.6 per cent, respectively, over the remaining two quarters of the fiscal, the fall reported in the June quarter would re-

corporate profit to pick up in the second-half of 2011. The petroleum products and sugar industry will return to profit from the December 2010 quarter,” CMIE said.

This would bring an improvement in the profit performance of Corporate India, the report said, adding, “However, the fall reported in June quarter will restrict the growth in corporates’ profits in FY 11 to 6.8 per cent.”

Sales are, however, likely to rise by 18.3 per cent in the reporting fiscal, much faster compared to the 5.9 per cent which India Inc registered in FY 10, CMIE said.

Both the manufacturing sector and non-financial services would show acceleration in growth at 20.5 per cent and 15.2 per cent, respectively, during the year, it said.

retail investors have not participated in the surge, primarily driven by heavy FII buying. The inflows have resulted in a steady appreciation in the Rupee, giving rise to concerns over the price competitiveness of the country’s exports which, in turn, has led the Reserve Bank to announce that it may intervene in the forex market.

The rally has also jacked-up the valuations of Indian assets but Sethuram Aiyer, Chief Investment Officer of Shinsei Asset Management, said they are not high “if we factor in the growth potential.

Currently, everybody is raising concerns over the PE multiples to be in the region of 24.

But if you take into account the 20-30 per cent growth by a company for two-years, you get to a PE of 15 in March 2012 which is very reasonable,” he said.

He, however, flagged fiscal and current account deficits and high inflation as areas of concern on which concrete action is needed. Going forward, infrastructure sector stocks will perform well, Sinha said.

careers & education:Layout 1 10/17/2010 8:53 PM Page 1

CAREERS & EDUCATION

OHERALDO

Pg14

GOA, Monday, 18 October 2010

C

Travel and Tour Through Life –II

areer opportunities exist both in the public and private sector. The hierarchy that exists in the Travel & Tourism industry is as follows:

Hierarchy

• Counter Clerk/Counter Assistant - deals with designing itineraries, handling ticketing, reservations, suggesting suitable routes etc.

• Senior Assistant - supervises the counter clerks' work.

• Junior Executive - In charge of counter work as well as certain marketing and sales projects of the agency services.

• District Sales Manager Regulates the marketing and sales of all the agencies in a particular zone or region.

• Deputy General Manager Assistant to the GM of the department or agency.

• General Manager - manage the agency or departments in a particular company.

• Vice President - Executive head of agency or organisation; designs policies in consultation with the managers, devises plans and projects to expand the agencies' services; has a responsibility towards the other employees and is answerable to a Board of Directors.

Officers in the Directorate and Departments of Tourism are recruited from among the candidates who have done civil service, drawn from the Civil/administrative services of the State and Central governments. A degree in travel and tourism is required for operational jobs in government organisations. Information assistants at the office of the Tourism departments are selected through competitive examinations held by the Staff Selection Commission. These vacancies are advertised through the employment news.

Remuneration:

Personnel get good returns

to Rs.12000/- per month.

Counter clerk, Rs. 1500/- onwards.

Assistant, Rs. 2000/- onwards.

Junior executive, Rs. 3000/onwards.

Regional manager, Rs. 3800/onwards.

General Manager, Rs. 5000/onwards.

Airhostess, Rs. 6000 basic salar y for domestic to Rs. 40,000/- in international airlines.

S

Eligibility:

The eligibility for admission to Travel and Tourism courses at the undergraduate level is, higher secondary examination pass. At post-graduate level, eligibility is graduation in any field along with a pass in the entrance test followed by group discussions and interview conducted by the institute. Proficiency in history and languages is preferred. A diploma in public relations or advertising is helpful from the career point of view.

It is also possible to gain these qualifications through correspondence courses. The duration of training varies between one and two years, depending on the course. For certification courses the duration maybe below one year.

* Master of Tourism Administration (MTA), * Post Graduate Diploma in Tourism Management (PGDTM), * Post Graduate Diploma In Travel And Tourism Industry Management (PGDTTIM), * Diploma in Destination Management (DDM) *PG Diploma in Airlines *PG Diploma in Cargo operation and Management *Bachelors Degree course in Airlines, Tourism & Hospitality Courses *IATA: International Air Trans- Management *Bachelor of Tourism Adminport Association (LATA) is a istration world orgnisation of transport *Bachelor of Tourism Studies BTM (Hons) *PG diploma course in Tourism Studies *Post Graduate

By Maria de Lima Pereira Diploma in Management (Tourism & Travel) *Post Graduate with head offices at Geneva.

IATA provides travel, tourism D i p l o m a i n M a n a g e m e n t and cargo industry recognised (Tourism & Leisure) *PG programme in Travel and standard in training. *IATA/UFTAA Standard, Ad- Tourism *Master of Business Adminisvanced & Travel Agents, Martration in Tourism and Hospiketing Courses. *IATA/FLATA Cargo Agents In- tality Management *Master of Tourism Managetroductory, International Air Cargo Rating, Dangerous Goods ment *Travel and Tourism Management Associate's Degree

Institutes:

as well as perks including opportunity to see many locales at low prices. Jobs in the travel and tourism industry offer good remuneration and perquisites, which include free travel for employees and their families.

Salaries may vary within the industry and are higher in foreign airlines and agencies. Basic pay scales at different levels are approximately: Expected starting salaries in fresher jobs in travel and tourism range from Rs. 5000/-

Refresher Courses.

A Post graduate degree can be helpful in getting into managerial and administrative positions in the industr y. To succeed one has to be knowledgeable about this industry, competitive and willing to work overtime when required, especially during season.

Courses are offered at the graduate/postgraduate level by several universities. Short term diploma courses can be pursued for commercial services.

1. Trade-wings Institute of Management Ltd. Mumbai: Plot No. 171/173, 2nd Floor, Gauridutt Mittal Vidyalaya, Sion (East), Mumbai - 400 022.

INDIA. Tel.: 022 - 66627193 / 94 Fax : 022 - 24086430 Emails : headoffice@twinstitute.com; timheadoffice@gmail.com Goa 1st Floor, Naik Bldg, Opp Don Bosco High School, Panjim, Goa - 403 001. Tel: 08322228376 / 6647681 S-1, 2nd Floor, Casa Alia Dos Building, Behind Gomant Vidya Niketan, Abade Faria Road, Margao, Goa – 403601 Tel: 2734995, 6573201. Mobile: 9881635665

D-11, Anant Viswas Hsg Soc., Near Santosh Garage, Aquem, Margao, Goa - 403601. Tel: 2750385 2. Sophia College Polytechnic Sophia Shree B.K. Somani Polytechnic Bhulabhai Desai Road Mumbai - 400 026 INDIA Tel: 022- 2351 3157, 2351 4147 Fax: 022- 2351 5596 E m a i l : sophiapolytechnic@sophiacampus.com W e b s i t e : www.sophiacampus.com 3. University of Mumbai M.G. Road, Fort Mumbai - 400 032 Maharashtra-400032 Phone : 022 - 2265 2819 / 2265 2825. Fax : 22 - 2652832 Website : www.mu.ac.in 4. Shreemati Nathibai Damodar Thackersey (S.N.D.T.) Women's University Mumbai Churchgate Campus 1, Nathibai Thackersey Road, New Marine Lines Mumbai400020, Maharashtra(India) Te l N o s . 0 2 2 - 2 2 0 3 1 8 7 9 , 22032159, 22032328, 22032025 Email: sndt@bom2.vsnl.net.in Website: www.sndt.ac.in Mumbai JUHU Campus Sir Vithaldas Vidyavihar, JUHU Road, Santacruz (West), Mumbai 400049 Te l : 022-26608493, 26608462, 26604164, 26606648, 126603961, Pune Campus Maharshi Karve Vidyavihar Karve Road, Pune 411038 Tel No. 020 – 2542 1678 5. Goa University Taleigao Plateau, Goa, India, 403206 Tel: 2451345-48, 2456480-85 6. Frankfinn Institute Of Air Hostess Training Panjim : 2nd Floor, Sf-4/5/6, Rani Pramila Arcade, Next To Bombay Bazar, 18th June Road, Panaji, Goa – 403001 Tel: 2428031, 2428032, 2428033, 2428035 M a r g a o : 2 n d F l o o r, E Wing,Osia Commercial Arcade, Near Kadamba Bus Stand, Margao Goa – 403601

Master Your Time

By ShivAnAnd PAndit

What is Time?

T

ime has different meaning to different people. Time escapes definition. Time is a relative concept. As St.Augustine remarked long ago “I know what time is until someone asks me.” Time is an everlasting and indestructible marvel. Time is more valuable than diamond or gold since diamond or gold could be preserved and its value be recovered at any time; but TIME has to be utilized then and there. Time and Tide wait for none. As Baltasar Gracian rightly said “Nothing really belongs to us but TIME, which even he has who has nothing else.” The famous trend setters have accomplished incalculable creative things in spite of their hectic schedule. Their lives teach us one lesson-Time Management.

As Henry Ford said “The busy person has time for everything.”

people try to spend more time on trivial matters and spend very less time on vital jobs. n Uncontrolled events-most people are unsystematic and disorganized and waste lot of time on searching, on telephone, meetings with drop-invisitors. n Lethargic approach-many

ples or tools of competent time management which have been enumerated as below:-

Prioritize Activities

A priority is composed of two elements in various mixtures: urgency and importance. One has to brainstorm a list of priorities and execute the most ur-

Make the best use of your best time

The Pareto principle can be remembered in this context. It pronounces that ‘The significant items of a given group from a relatively small part of the Total.’

20% of our time produces 80% of our high-quality output.

Therefore, we should put more effort to manage well that crucial 20% of our time. The other 80% can be done later or delegated.

Delegate Effectively

What is Time Management?

To manage means to control.

It comes from Latin word Manus: a hand. Mary Parker Follet defines management as “the art of getting things done through people.” Management refers to productive employment of deficient means. Time being a scarce resource needs to be used efficiently. However, major hindrances or obstacles to fruitful Time Management are as follows:n Attitude problem-most people waste their time and that of others. n Lack of planning-some people want to attain too many things in too short a time. n Reckless decisions-many

orities of others. Much valuable time can be saved by saying no with care and thoughtfulness avoiding expression which evoke anger.

people don’t know how to use time wisely; they waste time by sleeping, gossiping or doing improvident activities. n Postpone action-procrastination is often a common problem with many people because they put things what they should do now. n Absence of delegation-many people don’t delegate nor assess what they can do. Stretching beyond limit yield negative or adverse results.

After identifying major time robbers one can make a wholehearted attempt to manage time by deploying some of the well accepted and respected princi-

gent and important assignments first. In the words of Benjamin Franklin “Let all your things have their places. Let each part of your business have its time.”

Powerful Planning

The longest journey begins with a single step. One has to set time for all tasks. By failing to plan you are planning to fail.

One can save a lot of time by proper planning before any type of communication/conversation.

Know to say No

We have to learn to say NO, other wise we will become merely the servant to the pri-

Delegation is a fine balance between control and responsibility, and giving away freedom and accountability. Leading managers tend to have answerabilities for more work than they can possibly execute themselves.

They need to delegate some of it to others, together with some of their own positional authority.

Conclusion

Time Management is a constant activity. It requires little monitor solutions. It requires strong will power and supreme confidence in one’s ability to do so. One has to develop a keen sense of awareness about how important time really is and invest it only in those activities that truly count.

As someone rightly said “the winners of the world are time optimizers.” No one can deny the relevance of time in our life.

Remember, “TIME is GOD to which all Mankind must submit with humility.”

PERCEPTION DIFFERS FROM PERSON TO PERSON

ome, rather most organizations reject his CV today because he has changed jobs frequently (10 in 14 years).

My friend, the ˜job hopper™ (referred here as Mr. JH), does not mind it. well he does not need to mind it at all. Having worked full-time with 10 employer companies in just 14 years gives Mr. JH the relaxing edge that most of the ˜company loyal™ employees are struggling for today. Today, Mr. JH too is laid off like some other 14-15 year experienced guys “ the difference being the latter have just worked in 2-3 organizations in the same number of years.

Here are the excerpts of an interview with Mr. JH: Q: Why have you changed 10 jobs in 14 years?

A: To get financially sound and stable before getting laid off the second time.

Q: Can you brief on what happened between January 2003 and 2009.

A: Well, I had learnt my lessons of being ˜company loyal™ and not ˜money earning and saving loyal™. But then you can save enough only when you earn enough.

So I shifted my loyalty towards money making and saving “ I changed 8 jobs in 6 years assuring all my interviewers about my stability.

Q: So you lied to your interviewers; you had already

Q: What have you gained by doing such things?

A: That’s the question I was waiting for. In Jan 2003, I had a fixed salary (without variables) of say Rs. X p.a. In January 2009, my salary was 8X. So assuming my salary was Rs.3 lakh p.a. in Jan 2003, my last drawn salary in Jan 2009 was Rs.24 lakh p.a. (without variable). I never bothered about variable as I had no intention to stay for 1 year and go through the appraisal process to wait for the company to give me a hike.

Q: So you knew you would be laid off in the year 2009?

A: Well I was laid off first in the year 2002 due to the first global economic slowdown. I had not got a full-time job before January 2003 when the economy started looking up; so I had struggled for almost a year without job and with compromises.

Q: Why do you say so?

A: My salary in the first 8 years went up only marginally.

I could not save enough and also, I had thought that I had a ˜permanent™ job, so I need not worry about ˜what will I do if I lose my job™. I could never imagine losing a job because of economic slowdown and not because of my performance. That was January 2002.

Q: So are you debt-free now?

A: Yes, I earned so much by virtue of job changes for money and spent so little that today I have a loan free 2 BR flat (1200 sq.. feet) plus a loan free big car without bothering about any EMIs. I am laid off too but I do not complain at all. If I have laid off companies for money, it is OK if a company lays me off because of lack of money.

Q: Who is complaining?

A: All those guys who are not getting a job to pay their EMIs off are complaining.

They had made fun of me saying I am a job hopper and do not have any company loyalty.

Now I ask them what they gained by their company loyalty; they too are laid off like me and pass comments to me “ why will you bother about us, you are already debt-free.

They were still in the bracket of 12-14 lakh p.a. when they were laid off.

Q: What is your advice to professionals?

A: Like Narayan Murthy had said “ love your job and not your company because you never know when your company will stop loving you. In the same lines, love yourself and your family needs more than the company’s needs.

Companies can keep coming and going; family will always remain the same. Make money for yourself first and simultaneously make money for the company, not the other way around.

Q: Which number of job was that?

A: That was my third job.

Q: So from Jan 2003 to Jan 2009, in 6 years, you have changed 8 jobs to make the count as 10 jobs in 14 years?

A: I had no other option. In my first 8 years of professional life, I had worked only for 2 organizations thinking that jobs are deserved after lot of hard work and one should stay with an employer company to justify the saying ˜employer loyalty™. But I was an idiot.

complete.

planned to change the job for which you were being interviewed on a particular day?

A: Yes, you can change jobs only when the market is up and companies are hiring. You tell me “ can I get a job now because of the slowdown? No. So one should change jobs for higher salaries only when the market is up because that is the only time when companies hire and can afford the expected salaries.

Q: So you decided on your own hike?

A: Yes, in 2003, I could see the slowdown coming again in future like it had happened in 2001-02. Though I was not sure by when the next slowdown would come, I was pretty sure I wanted a ˜debtfree™ life before being laid off again. So I planned my hike targets on a yearly basis without waiting for the year to

Q: What is your biggest pain point with companies?

A: When a company does well, its CEO will address the entire company saying, ˜well done guys, it is YOUR company, keep up the hard work, I am with you. But when the slowdown happens and the company does not do so well, the same CEO will say, “It is MY company and to save the company, I have to take tough decisions including asking people to go. So think about your financial stability first; when you get laid off, your kids will complain to you and not your boss.

The Blessing And Gift of Life

By CAetAno de ABreu he gift of life bestowed on us from the time of our birth is a blessing for our lifetime. It is the flower that blooms in all in its magnificence and fragrance, that we are endowed with, when lovingly caressed by its freshness. It is that bright ray of hope which wakes us up to savour the joy of early morning sunrise. It is the moonlight which casts upon us that unfolded radiance, which can be deciphered only those who care; it is the expression which gratifies and enables us to solve the unsolved mysteries of the Universe; it is the gentle wave which makes fishes run amok with glee while frolicking in the serene and placid waters of the vibrant brook. It is the nuance of the wilderness, chanting merry songs when everything seems to be lost but yet it is not. It is the song of the birds chirping with gusto to pander to the desire within one’s soul and tell us how beautiful life is. It i s t h a t u n re quited love that endows unlimited joy within our tormented soul.

When nothing seems to be going right. All of these things and more are the unbound, written and experienced ecstasies that makes one say that that they are our inane prerogatives that life can usher in this world where seemingly hypocrisies are the order of the day in, and day out.

I may sound like a demurred poet seeking sympathies when not required, as for me , life in all of its contingencies is as beautiful as it could ever be and there could never be any constraints for me to enjoy life to the fullest. After putting in prose what life is all about, it does makes me rationalize that the entire world might not be in sync with me, as there are

T

umpteen cases where young and budding flowers have put an end to some claimed miseries without giving so much as an iota of a chance to explicate why they have wasted away the precious gift of life duly given by the Almighty through the loving intercession of our parents.

A child, in contemporary circumstances, wastes his/her precious life due to some peer or parental pressure which engulfs the child precariously, with no outlet to vent that frustrating feeling which is corroding his/hers internal innards. And, to make the matters worse there is no one in whom a child can confide. There are cases where, a child due to parental pressure, undertakes that drastic step to

world to carry that unnecessary weight which is unexplainable in the contemporary predicament of things when we are competing with the world with some presumed updated system of education.

Education by all means should begin from home. We cannot expect schools to impart education from within the confines as our teachers are constantly harassed by a class numbering over 30 children.

Thus in retrospect, I feel that education acquired in the ambience of the home, is constructive and thus can break any barriers - for the wellbeing of the child. I do realize that global parents are more intense to make money for some futuristic

examination results when they realize that they did not score as per parental expectations with the ultimate result being one more life wasted.

The other dilemma that a child faces is due to physical disabilities. I fail to understand how that God given deformity can affect a child’s psyche when God has given all the powers to overcome that obstacle and become a success story. I must say that even bird does not feed its nestlings, it just provides in the nest with whatever food, and leaves the young ones to help themselves. So can the child even if its physical attributes be a hindrance he can overcome them by just ignoring the taunts and mocking gestures and stand

end the unwarranted miseries in which case I put the entire blame on the parents.

I agree that every parent wants their child to succeed, but there are no clear cut guidelines to achieve the impossible.

Primarily, a child is targeted with knapsacks, replete with books whose weight, is presumed that only Charles Atlas can be laden with. I suppose, the books are necessary towards a successful curriculum. But is it fair for the child to bear that load when the subject can be explained with due care at the school itself? All seems to be fair, although it is poignantly pointed out that there are no lockers available at schools to offload that weight. It seems as if, a child is born in this

development. However, what is the use when the child is brought up individually with no proper care, attention nor any compartmental guidance given but only playing to the galleries, and if something goes wrong in the school due to arrogant misbehaviour of the child the teacher takes the rap, why should that be so?

I know that parents feel harassed with the misdemeanours of the child and ensuing tantrums, whose fault is it anyway? With the conflicting and confusing situation emerging from careless parents a child is at the mercy of internal syndrome which may ultimately lead to suicide. This paranoia is taking place amongst the wellto-do children on getting the

reasonably well in the chosen discipline, thus it definitely does not require to waste a life away which is precious in every sense.

The act of wasting one’s life away glamorizes cowardice. It is said that a fallen man does not require a helping hand to stand up again because he can get up all by himself. Thus in the same vein I state that it is futile to deliver your life to the devil when you can battle your wars alone and honor the Creator who has delivered you into this world and make your family proud that you have overcome your deficiencies by braving the world all alone which I can add that luck and diligence favours the brave, not forgetting that a bit of counselling goes a long way.

Pg 16

SPORTS GOA, Monday, 18 October, 2010

Chinchinim Villagers down Davorlim HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, OCT 17

Union of Chinchinim Villagers defeated Davorlim Sports Club 4-2 in GFA Third Division League at Curtorim ground on Sunday. They were leading 3-1at half time.

Chinchinim enjoyed the lion share of exchanges but it Davorlim who took the lead in the 15th minute when Domnic Borges punished the rival goalkeeper with a deft placement.

Unfazed, Chinchinim dominated the remaining period and made a couple of attempts to score. Wayne Colaco put his team on level terms in the 25th minute.

The equaliser spurred Chinchinim to pile on the pressure which Davorlim failed to contain.

Chinchinim made several forays and Sanford Faria regained the lead in the 32nd minute.

Jeetendra Bhise made it 3-1 in favour of Chinchinim at the stroke of lemon break.

There was no let up after the break and Chinchinim went into the attacking mode. However,

their shoddy defence conceded another goal when Stanley Gomes beat the Chinchinim goalkeeper with a placement in the 70th minute.

Chinchinim retaliated and Joe Cliff Rebello rounded off the tally in the 76th minute.

At Dramapur ground, Social and Welfare Club, Zaino downed Dramapur Sports Club 2-0.

Third Division football: Xetrapal Sports Club v. Holy Cross Sports Club, Arambol, BITS Pilani v. Patrong SC Tilak ground, Vasco; Salgaocar SC (Jrs) v. Cort a l i m V i l l a g e r s S & S WA Cansaulim ground; Aivao YC v.

Aivao United FC, Taleigao ground; Siridao SC v. United Club of Mardol, University ground, Taleigao; Xetrapal SC v.

Holy Cross SC, Arambol, Siolim ground; St Anthony's SC, Assolda v. Sao Jose de Areal, Curtorim ground; Dicarpale SC v. Canacona Sports Academy, Dramapur ground. Kick off 4 p.m.

37th Candolim Panchayat Cup soccer: Navelim Villagers v.

Pilerne Sports Club, Dr. Gustavo Monteiro stadium, Candolim, 4.30 p.m.

Sporting hold Sesa goalless HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, OCT 17

A fiery encounter produced a goalless result between Sporting Clube de Goa and Sesa Football Academy in the Kingfisher Pro League at Duler Stadium, here on Sunday.

Five players received yellow cards - Vivek Singh Karia, Jayganesh Goltekar, Gabriel Fernandes and Don Bosco Andrew were the four Sesa players booked with Fulgencio Cardoza being the only Sporting player to go into the referee’s book.

Sporting dominated the first half but could not break the deadlock, playing with Agnelo D’Souza as their lone striker upfront in the absence of Emmanuel.

Sesa were missing key players, but their midfield worked hard to break down their opponents.

Sporting’s best attempt fell

to Agnelo Colaco whose shot was saved by Sesa custodian Shayan Roy after Jovel Martins did well to beat his marker and send in a good cross.

Sesa made a change to the forward line after half an hour, bringing on Gabriel Fernandes for Charles Miranda.

Sesa’s best chance of the first

half fell to Lesley who played a wall pass with Gabriel before shooting but Sporting custodian Felix D’Souza did well to save.

Five minutes into the second half, Sporting brought on Joshua Maguire for Mackroy Peixoto in midfield to try and open up the opposition.

In the 55th, Freiman Peixoto

struck a fine volley from outside the box where Sesa’s keeper did well to tip over the crossbar.

In the closing stages, Sporting continued to advance forward but Sesa did well to keep them out. In the end, both teams had to be content with a draw.

HERALD REPORTER VASCO, OCT 17

lowing a solo effort scored with a 25-yard shot that struck the nets beating the rival keeper hands down.

However, the intensity was raised in the second half, when Vasco desperately went in search of a goal, and in the process two players from both teams were given marching orders by referee Chandrashekhar Shirodkar.

Vasco found the equaliser in the 70th minute, when Remus

Gomes was brought down by a rival defender and the referee was quick to point to the dreaded spot. Salgaocar’s Ryuji Sucoka retaliated and pushed the referee, thus inviting the red card.

Vasco striker Koko Sakibo made no mistake to score the penalty. Later, Vasco skipper Prajot Naik too was ordered out for dangerous tackle against Salgaocar’s Gilbert Oliveira.

Salgaocar, Vasco share spoils

Salgaocar Sports Club drew 1-1 with Vasco Sports Club in the Kingfisher Pro League at Tilak Maidan, here on Sunday.

Salgaocar were the first to open the account through Ryuji Sucoka in the first half while Koko Sakibo equalised via a penalty in the second half.

Salgaocar marched ahead in the 4th minute, when Ryuji, fol-

S M Taleigao lift Verna Panchayat Cup HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, OCT 17

S a o M i n g u e l d e Ta l e i g a o swamped Betalbatim Sporting Club 3-0 to lift the Verna Panchayat Cup inter-village football tournament organised by Verna Sports Club at Verna ground, recently. Taleigao were leading 1-0 at half time.

Taleigao held the upper hand throughout repeatedly raiding

The players of Clube Sao Miguel de Taleigao receiving the trophy from Mickky Pacheco, MLA after the finals of Verna Panchayat Cup inter-village football tournament organised by Verna Sports Club at Verna ground in the presence of Nelly Rodrigues, Wilfred D’Sa, Freda D’Sa, Anthony Pango.

the rival citadel. Their aggressive approach paid dividends when Gavin Araujao opened the account with a snap shot.

A lot was expected from Betalbatim, but they disappointed.

Crossing over, Taleigao continued in the same vein with their forwards having a field day.

Velencio Peixoto doubled the lead with a stiff grounder soon after resumption and Gavin Araujao rounded off the tally midway in the second half.

Sao Minguel de Taleigao were richer by Rs 30,000 while Betalbatim Sporting Club had to set-

tle for Rs 15,000.

Mickky Pacheco, MLA was the chief guest and gave away the prizes in the presence of Zilla Panchayat members Nelly Rodrigues, Wilred D’Sa, GFA member Anthony Pango and Freda D’Sa, Nuvem Panchayat member.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, OCT 17

sion and made several forays into the Utorda territory. They went into the lead in the 15th minute when striker Jaison Pe re i r a u n l e a s h e d a s t i f f grounder which caught the rival goalkeeper napping off a Domnic Cabral pass.

Utorda tried their best and got more chances but inept shooting by their forwards prevented them from neutralising the lead.

The second half saw Utorda dominating with their midfield-

ers and forwards putting up tremendous pressure. They did not have to wait for long to level the score as Allister Monteiro fired home off a pass from Russel Monteiro. From then on, it was all Utorda with Russel Monteiro slotting past the rival goalkeeper following a solo run.

Navelim struggled to contain the rampaging Utorda strikers with Russel driving the last nail into the Navelim coffin off a pass from Renedious Baretto.

UC Utorda crush Navelim

United Club of Utorda came from behind to crush Navelim Sporting Club 3-1 to enter the finals of 2nd Dalton Fernandes memorial inter-village football tournament organised by Sarzora Sports Club at Government School ground, Sarzora on Sunday. United Club of Utorda were trailing 0-1at half time.

Navelim enjoyed better ball possession in the opening ses-

Youth of Alto Guimareas, Panjim, winners of one-day soccer tournament organised by Jolly Boys of Mala.

They defeated KFC Boys in the finals at Mala, Panjim on Sunday.

Narrow win for Cuncolim HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, OCT 17

Cuncolim Union beat St Sebastian Youth Club, Fatorda 2-1 to move into the quarter-finals of Nagoa Cup football tournament organised by Rossman Cruz Sports Club at Nagoa ground on Sunday. Cuncolim Union were leading 2-0 at half time.

Cuncolim Union dominated

the first half exchanges and kept their opponents on the backfoot. They shot into the lead through Rosario Carvalho in the 5th minute.

Cuncolim Union consolidated the lead as striker Rosario struck the second time.

Cuncolim Union relaxed after the break and St Sebastian fully exploited the situation with Paul Miranda reducing the margin.

The captain of I-3 Boys, Nagoa collecting the winner’s prize of Rs 6,000 from Michael Lobo, ZP Saligao constituency in the 3-a-side soccer organised by Galaxy Boys Parra in the presence of Nicholas Quiterio. Peddem Bom won the runners-up prize of Rs 4,000.

Pg 17

SPORTS GOA, Monday,18 October, 2010

High-quality Aussies U-10 football project vital for GFA, says Tonito

Australian Minister for Sport, Mark Arbib with Savio Messias, GFA secretary and Antonio (Tonito) Botelho, chairman, GFA-ASOP under-10 football programme at the meeting of ASOP Indian partners in New Delhi during the Commonwealth Games.

HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, OCT 17

The Goa Football Association's under-10 programme which from 2010-11 will be funded by Australian Sports Outreach Program (ASOP) resumed at various centres in Goa, stated GFA spokesman Tonito Botelho.

The programme started in April 2009 as preparation for GFA's participation in Vision India pro-

gramme of Asian Football Confederation (AFC). The AFC team had visited Goa in July 2009, and been impressed with the grassroots development programme conceived and the quantum and level of youth competitions in Goa, Tonito expressed.

The other Indian partners of ASOP are Magic Bus, Special Olympics, Rashtriya Life Saving Society, and Naaz Foundation,

all of which use sport as a tool for social development.

Tonito disclosed that ASOP will disburse a total of five million Australian dollars to its Indian partners during the initial five years of collaboration.

The ASOP invited GFA representatives Savio Messias and Antonio Botelho for a meeting with the other Indian partners in

Delhi on October 6, which was preceded by a function and meeting with the Australian Minister for Sport, Mark Arbib at Australian High Commission in New Delhi.

In addition the committees at various centres in Goa, village panchayats, schools and GFAaffiliated clubs have been requested to join in a collaborative community effort for the mass propagation of high-quality football coaching at a proper age, where more importance will be paid to the teaching of skills instead of only open play, which tends to result in inadequacy in skills at a later age.

For this, the quality of coaching imparted will be regularly monitored and evaluated, disclosed Tonito.

Individual meetings are being held at each centre by the GFA, and the first such meeting was held on Saturday for CalanguteCandolim centre at Poriat ground, Calangute. The attendees were briefed on the main aspect of the programme which is that of correctly teaching football skills to all participants by licenced coaches and the fun aspect instead of a competitive aspect of play until the comple-

Unity High School, Valpoi, winners of Taluka level under-17 inter-school football tournament at Valpoi Municipal ground after defeating Government High School, Thane-Sattari 6-0 alongwith Headmaster Mustafa Aga, manager Mubarak Khan, PE teacher Akram Shaikh and coach Rafik Khan.

Photo: Ashraf Khan

Clifford stars for Clube Athletico; Nerul win; Jawahar rout Carambolim

Candolim thrash PVC HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, OCT 17

Hosts Candolim Sports Club trounced PVC Parra 4-0 to move into the quarter-finals of 37th Candolim Panchayat Cup intervillage football tournament at Dr. Gustavo Monteiro stadium, Candolim on Sunday.

Dominating the proceedings, Candolim shot into the lead in the 29th minute through Roy Das. Changing over, Candolim doubled the lead in the 40th minute when Vincy Rebello found the mark.

Parra tried to bounce back into the game but were undone by another goal in the 50th minute through Manuel Lopes.

Samir Naik rounded off the tally for Candolim in the 52nd minute.

HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, OCT 17

In the final match of Group E, in the Bardez Zone of the GFA Third Division League, Clube Athletico de Parra defeated Pilerne Sports Club 6-1 at Anjuna ground on Sunday.

Clifford Cardoza netted a hattrick and Melwyn Rebello scored a brace for Parra. Fortunato Soares also got his name on the

scoresheet for Parra. Reagan Fernandes scored a consolation goal for Pilerne.

Sangolda Lightning finished top of the group on nine points with a slightly better goal average than Candolim Sports Club who also finished on 9 points.

Nerul Sports Club finished third with seven points.

Clube Athletico de Parra finished on four points while Pil-

Benedict Villa win

Wilred Leisure sail into finals HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, OCT 17

Verna advance HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, OCT 17

Verna Sports Club outplayed Chandor Sports Club 2-0 to enter the quarter-finals of Lourdes soccer Utorda at SAG ground, Utorda on Sunday.

Anthony Rego and Vijol Rego netted for Verna. Chandor SC had their chances for the equaliser, but their forwards could not penetrate the rival defence. Excellent saves from the Verna keeper also contributed to their victory.

erne Sports Club finished last having lost all their matches.

In a match played on Saturday, it was Nerul Sports Club who defeated Candolim Sports Club 3-0 and not the other way.

Jawahar Club of Ponda hammered Carambolim 7-1 at University ground, Taleigao. Alwyn Miranda 2, Tony Clemente 2, Angelo, Bahadur and Patrick scored for the Ponda team.

Benedict Villa captain Sandeep Chawan receiving the trophy from Nasser Munjee and Ernesto Braganza.

HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, OCT 17

Benedict Villa Sports Club, Chorao won the 8-a-side football tournament organised by Benedict Villa Sports Club at Saude ground, Chorao on Thursday. In the finals, they defeated Simran Boys, Mayem 7-2. The winners

took home a trophy and Rs 15,000 while the runners-up had to be content with Rs 10,000 and a trophy.

Nasser Munjee was the chief guest. Ernesto Braganza was the g u e s t o f h o n o u r. S h a m b a Chodankar proposed the vote of thanks.

Wilred Leisure Sports Club, Curtorim sailed into the finals of F&C Cup, organised by Verem Boys, in memory of Caetano Piedade Colaco with a 4-0 win over Sangolda Lightning at Verem ground on Sunday.

At the breather, Curtorim were leading 3-0. In the 5th minute, a long ranger by Johnson Noronha crashed into the far corner of the Sangolda goal.

As the match progressed, Jessy Fernandes and Sentoro Monteiro pumped in two more goals through a fine placement.

On resumption, Jessy Fernandes netted his brace following a misunderstanding between the keeper and the defender.

Man City close gap at top

AP BLACKPOOL, OCT 17

lNew

Manchester City closed the gap on leader Chelsea to two points after David Silva’s late goal helped secure a 3-2 victory over Blackpool in the Premier League on Sunday.

Carlos Tevez chipped Silva’s low cross to put City ahead in the 67th minute and the Argentina striker sent a deflected drive into the net 11 minutes later— soon after Marlon Harewood had headed Blackpool level.

Silva looked to have settled the match when he curled in City’s third in stoppage time, but Gary Taylor-Fletcher still found time to pull one back for Blackpool. Second-place City took full advantage of defending champion Chelsea being held

Hodgson as he berated Liverpool era begins with 2-0 loss Roy sloppy Liverpool play from the

0-0 by Aston Villa on Sunday.

Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham are a further three points behind City.

Liverpool rid itself of unpopular owners but not relegation form as local rival Everton inflicted a 2-0 loss on the side in front of new owner John Henry.

Goals from Tim Cahill and Mikel Arteta either side of the break left Liverpool off the bottom of the Premier League standings only on goal difference after eight matches.

Liverpool looked devoid of guile and attacking threat at Goodison Park, quickly banishing hopes that ousting Tom Hicks and George Gillett Jr. in favor of the owners of baseball’s Boston

Red Sox would solve their troubles. While Liverpool’s legal team won a week of court battles to oust the previous regime, the players couldn’t replicate their success on the pitch.

And the extent of Liverpool’s troubles was all too apparent to the watching Henry and New England Sports Ventures chairman Tom Werner.

They saw a side contained inside its own half from the outset as Everton confidently piled on the pressure. The home side squandered the best of its early chances when Phil Jagielka shot over after Arteta’s free kick came off the wall.

Managing his first Merseyside derby was becoming an uncomfortable experience for manager

sidelines. Werner had earlier said that Hodgson’s job was safe.

It took almost 25 minutes for Liverpool to get sight of goal, with struggling striker Fernando Torres flicking in a header that was turned over by United States goalkeeper Tim Howard.

Henry had his head in his hands and the joy from completing the takeover on Friday was fast diminishing when in the 34th minute Cahill broke the deadlock.

Pepe Reina’s low diving save had thwarted a Yakubu Ayegbeni shot, but he couldn’t stop Cahill from lashing the ball inside the near post. Liverpool remains in the bottom three with just one win from eight matches, while Everton move up to 11th.

tion of the age of 14 by the participants.

Tonito explained that the salient details of the collaboration with the ASOP were also explained, including systematic data collection of the progress of the trainees and the centre, constant and comprehensive monitoring and evaluation of the coaches and the centre communities. Aspects of technical inputs that would be provided by the Football Federation of Australia were also explained.

Meetings will be held on week-ends at the other centres - Ponda, Panjim, Aldona, Tivim, Bicholim, Curchorem, Curtorim, Verna, Mandrem and Arambol in the next few weeks, Tonito added.

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SPORTS

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Man City close gap at top Pg 17

Sporting hold Sesa goalless Pg 16

GOA, MONDAY, 18 OCTOBER, 2010 www.oheraldo.in

Rain Gods cast spell: Kochi ODI called off

The groundstaff covers the ground making it sure the pitch remains undamaged.

PTI KOCHI, OCT 17

The first one-dayer between India and Australia was today called off without a ball being bowled due to heavy rain here.

Incessant rains for the last few days resulted in a wet outfield and fresh downpour in the morning, forced match referee Chris Broad to abandon the match.

The umpires inspected the conditions at 9 am but found the areas near the bowlers runup and a few parts near the boundary lines quite damp.

They were scheduled to carry out a second inspection at 11am but after the fresh drizzle hitting the port city at around 10.20 am, Broad decided to abandon the opening encounter.

The officials were of the view that with all the water already on the field, it was impossible to play.

Though, it was not raining at the time of toss, but the wet outfield caused due to persistent rain in the last few days, delayed the start of play at Jawaharlal Nehru stadium.

Groundsmen were making efforts to make the field dry for play but the heavy downpour a g a i n m e a n t c o v e r s w e re brought back on the ground.

Both India and Australia players were indoors at the hotel and it was decided that after second inspection of the pitch and outfield by match referee Broad, they would be asked to leave the hotel for the ground.

The teams now travel to Visakhapatnam for the second one-dayer on October 20.

The organisers have decided to refund the cost of tickets bought by the 30,000-odd spectators.

Kochi has been witnessing heavy downpour since last Thursday which washed out the practice sessions of both the teams.

The Indian and Australian team members had reached here on Thursday after the second Test in Bangalore, which the host won. India had also won the first Test at Mohali.

Meanwhile, the abandonment of the first ODI between India and Australia in Kochi on Sunday has given South Africa a chance to briefly move into second place on the championship table.

For this to happen, they will have to beat Zimbabwe in the second ODI in Potchefstroom.

However, if they lose the match, the Proteas will drop to as low as fifth -- one point behind fourth-placed England.

Proteas sink Zimbabwe AGENCIES POTCHEFSTROOM, OCT 17

Rusty Theron took five wickets and Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers hit centuries as South Africa crushed Zimbabwe by eight wickets in the second one-day international at Senwes Park today.

Theron took five for 44 as Zimbabwe were bowled out for 268. Amla hit 110 and De Villiers 101 not out to propel South Africa to a series-clinching win with 11 overs to spare.

With two runs needed to win, De Villiers, on 95, danced down the pitch and hit Brendan Taylor for six over long-off to raise his century.

Tatenda Taibu made a polished 78 for Zimbabwe but none of his teammates was able to capitalise on reasonable starts on an easy-paced pitch.

Theron, 25, used clever variations of pace and length as he claimed five for 44 to take his haul of wickets to eight in his first two one-day internationals.

Theron had originally been picked only to play in two Twenty20 internationals against Zimbabwe but was added to the one-day squad following a succession of injuries to South Africa's pace bowlers.

Amla hit his fifth one-day international century and his fourth in his last seven innings with another fluent performance against a weak Zimbabwe bowling attack.

In repeating the score he made in the first match in Bloemfontein on Friday, Amla faced 103 balls and hit 10 fours.

The third and final match of the series is in Benoni on Friday.

Bangla complete clean sweep AGENCIES DHAKA, OCT 17

Paceman Rubel Hossain stunned New Zealand with four wickets to help Bangladesh beat the tourists by three runs on Sunday and complete a 4-0 series sweep.

New Zealand were bowled out for 171 with just three balls remaining and just shy of their target of 174, with Rubel taking the final wicket when he bowled Kyle Mills in a dramatic finish at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium.

Rubel finished with four for 25 -- his best figures in limitedovers internationals -- as Bangladesh successfully defended what was a meagre total.

It was the fifth and final onedayer of the series. One match was rained off. Rubel removed dangerman Brendon McCullum and helped reduce New Zealand to 20-5 with his fierce opening spell of 3-13 before Daniel Vettori and Grant Elliott put on 86 for the sixth wicket.

Vettori, the New Zealand cap-

The Bangladesh players pose with the trophy after beating New Zealand 4-0.

tain, made 43 and Elliott topscored with 59 as the tourists recovered before the momentum shifted back. Captain Shakib Al Hasan had earlier top-scored for Bangladesh with 36 off 47 balls. Opener Imrul Kayes made 34 as the home side were bowled out in 44.2 overs. Vettori took 3-32 and Mills 3-36.

T he sho c k ing d r ubbing pushed New Zealand to the seventh spot behind Pakistan in the

Murray lifts Shanghai Masters AGENCIES BEIJING, OCT 17

Britain's world number four Andy Murray romped to a 6-3, 6-2 win over Switzerland's Roger Federer to claim the Shanghai Masters title on Sunday.

The 23-year-old Scot was in impeccable form throughout the one hour 25 minute contest, breaking the third seed's serve four times to dismantle the 16 time Grand Slam champion and claim his second Masters title of the season.

"I have had a great week and played some of my best tennis, which I had to, to beat Roger," Murray said at the trophy presentation of an event where he did not lose a set.

The contest was the third meeting in a final between the pair this season with Murray losing at the Australian Open at the start of the year before gaining some revenge at the Toronto Masters in August.

Federer appeared to run out of steam in the second set as Murray repeatedly sent the 29year-old scurrying from side-to-side with an array of pinpoint cross-court winners.

"Andy didn't give me many chances to pull off the really big shots today," Federer said.

Andy Murray smiles while holding the trophy.

latest ICC one-day rankings issued in Dubai.

On the other hand, the upset series triumph helped Bangladesh earn 13 rating points but the team remained ninth alongside the West Indies.

Bangladesh are still placed behind the Caribbean side when the ratings are calculated beyond the decimal point. The West Indies have 67.06 ratings points while Bangladesh have

66.68 ratings points.

Bangladesh had started the series on 53 rating points.

New Zealand has plummeted to 96 ratings points after starting the series on 112.

Bangladesh next host Zimbabwe in a five-match ODI series from 1-15 December and can aim the number-eight position as the West Indies will play five ODIs against Sri Lanka from December 9.

Paes-Melzer doubles champs AGENCIES BEIJING, OCT 17

Beginning their partnership on a fantastic note, Leander Paes and Jurgen Melzer clinched the Shanghai Masters title with a 7-5, 4-6, 10-5 victory over Poles Mariusz Fyrstenberg and Marcin Matkowski in the final in Shanghai on Sunday.

The third seed Austrian-Indian duo had ended the 20-match winning streak of Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan en route to the summit clash. Paes, 37, won his second title of the season, and the 44th of his career. The Indian teamed with Lukas Dlouhy to win the Miami Masters earlier in April.

"I have tremendous respect for Jurgen. I think that he's one of the most hard working and talented tennis players I've seen over the past 20 years that I've been on the tour," Paes said.

"He's beaten two No. 1's in the same week: Rafael Nadal (in the singles third round), then the Bryan brothers last night. For me it's a big honour to play with Jurgen. Not only is he a Grand Slam champion at Wimbledon this year, but I consider him one of the great talents in tennis and a good guy," Paes added.

"As Leander said, beating two No. 1's in the same week is great. But finishing it off with a title, it's my first title in a Masters 1000 event," said Melzer.

Ponting’s reign over by April: Chappell UNI MELBOURNE, OCT 17

Former Australian skipper Ian Chappell thinks by April either Ricky Ponting will be removed or reach a right point to step down following a tight schedule.

After the just concluded Test series against India, Ponting will be leading his side in the high profile Ashes series and the 2011World Cup. ''The conclusion of that hectic period could well bring down the curtain on his extremely successful captaincy reign,'' Chappell wrote in this month's edition of Inside Cricket magazine. ''If he fails in all three of the enormous challenges facing Aus-

tralia, the selectors will probably be looking for a new leader. If he succeeds -- that would be the perfect time to call it a day,'' he added.

Though Ponting has failed in the first assignment -- Test series against India -- but Chappell is hopefull that he will pull off the next two.

He believes Australia can exploit weaknesses in England’s armoury after they ''suffered a few confidenceshattering blows against Pakistan'' and while their bowling attack adjusts to Australian conditions.

He also expects Australia to enter the World Cup ''surrounded by an aura emanating from not having lost a match at the last two tournaments''.

However, regardless of the results

and his form, the World Cup would be his last assignment as captain. ''If Ponting is not mentally drained after that lot then either he's a genius, the opposition is not up to much or Australia has been thoroughly outplayed,'' Chappell wrote. ''That is when Ponting’s day of reckoning will come. If he is successful, not only would he go out a hero, the timing for the team would be right.” ''There comes a time when an ageing captain looks around the dressing room and discovers most of his mates have moved on. They have been replaced by a younger bunch who, whilst you might enjoy tutoring them, are from a different

generation that have interests outside the game which are as foreign as a French dictionary.” ''Despite a fast-changing world and a cricket environment where the decision to retire is more difficult than when the pay was paltry, ageing is still a valid obstacle for a skipper.” ' Captains have a use-by-date where their effectiveness starts to wane no matter how successful they have been.

Eventually, the younger players are more comfortable with one of their own generation leading.''

According to Chappell, whether Ponting would like to continue as a batsman under another captain is his decision and he would be facing this question very soon.

No need to quit my post: Hooper AGENCIES WELLINGTON, OCT 17

Commonwealth Games Federation Chief Executive Mike Hooper on Sunday said he had done all he could to make the Delhi Games a success and any talk of his standing down from his post was "silly".

Hooper received criticism even from New Zealand Olympic Committee president Mike Stanley for his perceived inaction in the lead-up to the Games but was adamant that he has done his job.

"That is a silly question. It is my job and I've done it well, despite what others might think.

It was my role to point out and highlight things (that needed improvement) and I did it con-

sistently," Hooper said.

Hooper, who spent three years at the Indian capital, said he was upset by people burning his effigies.

"The burning of the effigy upset me but let's put that into context. It was based on a totally false premise. I am alleged to have made certain remarks about the population of India which I didn't. It was scurrilous reporting," he was quoted as saying by New Zealand Herald.

Despite the controversial lead-up, Hooper said the athletes were not affected.

"I'm pleased with how it panned out ... we got the Village, catering and transport right for them (athletes). You'd have to say the venues got there

in the end too. It was reassuring to see so many happy smiling faces at the closing ceremony," he said.

Hooper said Delhi has a much-improved infrastructure legacy as a result of the Games.

Questions have been raised about the future of the Games but Hooper said that with 71 members, the CGF justifies its existence.