1 MARCH,2011 HERALD PUBLICATIONS LTD

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What CoMes DoWN

sPorts: adulteration of tech with human thinking bad - Dhoni Pg 15

• ‘Green’ Automobiles (Battery-run, Hybrids, CNG gas kits) • Housing loans up to Rs 25 lakh • Sanitary napkins & Disposable diapers • Homeopathic medicines • Agarbattis • Pistachio • Solar lanterns • LED lights • Silk • Syringes and needles • Inkjet & Laser printers • Agricultural machinery, irrigation equipment, cattle feed • Refrigeration system • Mobile phones • Battery driven vehicles

(air surcharge rs 2.00) pages 16+4

What Goes UP

• Medical treatment in A/C hospitals • A/C restaurants with Bar • Hotels charging more than Rs1,000 per room per day • Lawyers’ fees • Air tickets • Branded jewellery • Branded clothes • Life Insurance

Goa’s heartbeat: Men have lower attention spans than women Pg 4

OLD STRIKES GOLD FM bats for senior citizens, plays safe on reforms

Significant benefits for senior citizens, higher tax exemption limit for individuals, retention of service tax at 10% and withdrawal of some duty exemptions were some of the major tax-related highlights of the Budget 2011-12 presented by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee Monday.

serVICe taX Net WIDeNeD Hotels, five-star restaurants and airlines will scream Service tax stays at the same level as before at 10 per cent, but several new services have been brought within its ambit. Among them: hotels with tariffs above Rs 1,000 (5 per cent service tax), restaurants with bar and A/C (3 per cent), hospitals with more than 25 beds and with A/C (5 per cent), and air travel (Rs 50 more for domestic, Rs 250 for international). Business class air travel will attract a full 10 per cent service tax.

IroN ore eXPorts hIt

Rate of Export Duty for all types of iron ore enhanced and unified at 20 per cent ad valorem. Full exemption from Export Duty to iron ore pellets.

Goa’s mining industry upset

reLIeF For taXPaYers

Goa’s mining industry is upset over the Union budget hiking export duty on iron ore by five per cent when the industry had pleaded to scale it down. (Report on page 3)

Individual taxpayers get a higher basic deduction of Rs 1.8 lakh from the existing 1.6 lakh; every taxpayers get minor relief of Rs 2,000. No special benefit for women below 60 years whose basic exemption limit remains at Rs 1.90 lakh.

soPs For hoUsING LoaNs

Small sops have been offered to housing, especially low-cost housing. The 1 per cent interest rebate will be applicable for loans upto Rs 15 lakh on houses costing upto Rs 25 lakh. Loans upto Rs 25 lakh will qualify as priority sector loans (against Rs 20 lakh now).

No FILING oF retUrNs For soMe

Salary earners having an income of less than Rs 5 lakh will not have to file tax returns from this year. In case such a salary earner has income from other sources like dividend, interest, etc and does not want to file returns, he will have to disclose such income to his employer for tax deduction. The Form 16 issued to salaried employees will be treated as Income Tax Return. The announcement will come into effect from June 1, 2011.

eXCIse DUtY oN More IteMs

An excise duty of one per cent is imposed on 130 specified items which will, however, exempt food and fuel.

Petrol prices may go up

State-run oil firms may raise petrol prices by up to Rs 4 a litre this week to offset rising crude oil costs as the Budget has ignored their demand to cut duties.

boNaNZa For seNIor CItIZeNs

Apart from an increase in the exemption limit to Rs 2.5 lakh, the entitlement age for senior citizens is now 60, not 65. A new class of Very Senior Citizens aged above 80 gets an even higher I-T exemption limit of Rs 5 lakh.

FooD bILL oN the CarDs

The government will introduce the proposed National Food Security Bill, that seeks to provide a legal guarantee for cheaper foodgrains to the poor, in Parliament this year. The Centre is close to finalisation of the Bill after detailed consultations with all stakeholders, including states.

CorPorates breathe easY

Corporates get some relief as the current income tax surcharge of 7.5 per cent on domestic companies is reduced to five per cent but the Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT) is hiked from 18 to 18.5 per cent including developers of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in it.

the FINe PrINt

While direct tax changes are expected to result in a revenue loss of Rs 11,500 crore, the net revenue gain on account of indirect taxes is likely to be Rs 11,300 crore, including an additional Rs 4,000 crore on account of service tax changes.

FarMer-FrIeNDLY

In a relief to the farming community, loans will be available at interest rate of 4 per cent – three per cent less than market rate – for farmers who pay their dues in time.

What’s INsIDe

aNGaNWaDI WorKers

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Remuneration of anganwadi workers raised from Rs 1,500 to Rs 3,000 a month. Helpers to get Rs 1,500 from that of Rs 750.

For the aaM aaDMI

In an effort to curb diversion of subsidised items like kerosene, LPG and fertilisers, the Budget proposes to introduce from March next year a scheme that will move towards direct transfer of cash subsidy to people living below poverty line.

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MUtUaL FUNDs oPeN to FIIs

Foreign institutional and noninstitutional investors get more options for investment.

While the total ceiling on debt is raised to US$40 billion, individual investors who are KYC (know-your-customer) complaint can now invest in Indian mutual funds.

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taX-Free boNDs to staY

Many sops for infrastructure have been announced. While Rs 30,000 crore worth of tax-free bonds will be on offer next year, the Rs 20,000 additional tax deduction available for investing in infra bonds will be retained for another year.

PaGe 2 budget analysis: taxes simplified

PaGe 12 body blows to industries in Goa a balanced budget, says GCCI PaGe 13 better than expected: India Inc Disappointing and directionless, says opposition l addresses inflation, boosts reforms: Pranab

The King’s Speech bags top honours at Oscars PTI LOS ANGELES, FEB 28

British drama ‘ The King’s Speech’, about George VI’s struggle to overcome his stammer, walked away with four major Oscars at the 83rd Academy Awards ceremony on Sunday.

Indian musician A R Rahman’s hopes to repeat his 2009 double Oscar glory were dashed as he lost out in both the Best Original Score and Best Song categories while another contender, NRI editor Tariq Anwar, too failed to bag the Best Film Editing trophy for the British drama ‘The King’s Speech’, which went to Angus Wall and Kirk Baxter of ‘The Social Network’.

The honours: The King’s Speech Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Colin Firth) and Best Original Screenplay.

The Social Network Best Adapted Screenplay, Best

Original Score and Best Editing.

Inception Best Cinematography, Best Sound Mixing, Best Sound Editing and Best Visual Effects.

Black Swan Best Actress (Natalie Portman).

The Fighter Best Supporting actor (Christian Bale), Best Supporting Actress (Melissa Leo).

Toy Story 3 Best Animated Feature Oscar In a Better World Best Foreign Film Oscar Alice in Wonderland Best Costume Design award The Wolfman Makeup award Inside Job Best Documentary Feature award Strangers No More Best Documentary (short subject) The Lost Thing

Civic, panchayat candidates will have to declare assets, disclose criminal cases!

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, FEB 28

(From left to right) Best Supporter Actor winner Christian Bale, Best Actress winner Natalie Portman, Best Supporting Actress winner Melissa Leo and Best Actor winner Colin Firth pose together with their Oscars at the 83rd Annual Academy Awards held at the Kodak Theatre on Sunday in Hollywood, California.

Best Animated Short Film God of Love Best Live Action Short Film.

Honorary Oscars to film historian and preservationist Kevin Brownlow, director-producer

Francis Ford Coppola, director Jean-Luc Godard and actor Eli Wallach.

There will be new rules in force for candidates seeking to contest municipality and panchayat elections as the State Election Commission (SEC) now wishes to make changes to the existing rules.

The State Election Commissioner Dr M Modassir informed Herald on Monday that he will move an amendment to the Municipalities Act as well Goa Panchayati Raj Act that candidates contesting civic polls will have to file an affidavit declaring their assets as well as the number of criminal cases pending against them.

Under the existing CCP Act, 92 candidates presently have not filed any such affidavits since

there was no provision made on nomination form.

Currently, those candidates contesting parliamentary and assembly election have to make declaration of the assets as well criminal cases pending against them. But it is not so in the case of civic and panchayat polls.

OHERALDO

Pg 2

GOA

GOA, TUESDAY, 1 MARCH, 2011

South Goa truckers’ panel protest RTO harassment HERALD CORRESPONDENT CURCHOREM, FEB 28

The South Goa Truck Owners Association (SGTOA) on Monday staged a rally in protest against alleged harassment by the RTO officials.

Over 200 truck owners participated in the rally, which commenced at Tisk-Sanvordem to Curchorem market. The truck owners raised slogans against the transport department. Later, the truck owners called on Curchorem MLA Shyam Satardekar in his office.

The truck owners apprised the Curchorem ML A about the alleged harassment meted to them by the RTO officials.

“Nowhere in the High Court directives is it mentioned that we have to remove the planks fitted to the trucks. If these planks are removed, then there will be spillage of ore and people

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, FEB 28

The South Goa Truck Owners Association takes out a rally in Curchorem.

Photo by Suresh Naik

will suffer,” the stated.

The truck owners further told the MLA that the decision of the RTO to remove planks should be deferred.

SGTOA President Prakash Raut Dessai claimed that there

are 100 per cent response to the call given by the Association.

“Now, after meeting the Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, future course of action will be decided,” said Dessai.

Overloaded trucks in Vasco to face action HERALD REPORTER VASCO, FEB 28

After tightening the grip on overloaded trucks in the mining belts, the transport department is now set to crack down on trucks violating laws in the port town while transporting coal and coke.

Though the department booked a few trucks plying in broad daylight with overloaded consignment coal, but it appears that it is just ‘lip service’ as trucks ply along the crowded roads of port town immediately after sunset.

However, officer at Assistant Director of Transport Vasco, Digamber Savoi Verekar informed that they would inform the port authorities to stop overloading trucks plying in the port town.

“We have initiated action right at mining areas rather than stopping trucks on road. Similarly, we will ask the Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) to stop overloading trucks in the port to solve the problem,” said Savoi Verekar.

He further informed that recently they issued memos to overloading trucks.

Pollution caused by coal dust is once again fuelling protests in the port town of Vasco with residents alleging that the pollution control meas-

Casino case involving Mickky adjourned HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, FEB 28

The Judicial Magistrate First Class, Margao has fixed March 30 as the date for the appearance of former tourism Minister Mickky Pacheco in the Casino case.

Pacheco was issued summons by the Court for his appearance in the court on Monday afternoon. He, however, could not make it to the court room, prompting the Judge to adjourn the case to March 30, informed Pacheco’s lawyer, Adv Srikant Nayak.

The electricity junior assault case also came up for hearing before the JMFC, Margao on Monday. The matter was later adjourned to March 14, informed Adv Nayak.

Rider killed

MARGAO (HR): A 30-year old two-wheeler rider was killed in a road accident on the NH-17 at Cuncolim on Monday evening.

Cuncolim police said the deceased Ratnakanth Chari (30) was proceeding on his scooter when he was run over by a minibus heading towards Canacona.

N Goa mining trucks adhering to law: Dept

ures suggested by Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) are not enforced by the Director of Transport.

The recently concluded winter session had deliberated the issue of coal dust particles pollution and spillage of coal from overloaded trucks along the road in Vasco passing from thickly populated area, but the ground reality is worse in Vasco even though the issue was deliberated in the House.

However, GSPCB sought a compliance report on January 17, 2011, from the Director of Transport to file compliance report u/s 31 (A) of Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution Act 1981.

During GSPCB inspection, it was observed that trucks, carrying coal and coke, are overloaded without proper covering in Vasco city and other areas, resulting in increase of suspended particles, causing dust pollution.

Savoi Verekar admitted that GSPCB had asked them to file compliance report, which they submitted.

When informed that trucks have started plying during night, Savoi Verekar said they would take the action shortly and seek help of the enforcement department.

NCP opposes KA expansion HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, FEB 28

Youth wing of the Nationalist C o n g re s s Pa r t y ( N C P ) o n Monday submitted a memorandum to the chief minister protesting against the proposed expansion of Kala Academy.

The members contend that the project will destroy the trees and vegetations in the premise and hence the proposed expansion be relocated to ESG building.

“Expansion of Kala Academy will destroy the environment, greenery and vegetation which form the part of the natural beauty of the institution. It is estimated that around 40 fully grown trees along with green vegetation, small trees, shrubs, showy plants will be destroyed in the name of expansion,” President of the party youth wing Tanvir Khatib said in the memorandum copy.

He has demanded that the budget of Rs 9 crore allotted by the government to Kala Acad-

nExpansion of Kala Academy will destroy the environment, greenery and vegetation which form the part of the natural beauty of the institution.It is estimated that around 40 fully grown trees and other tress will be destroyed in the name of expansion.

-- Tanvir Khatib

emy be diverted for other development activities relating to the youth.

Copy of the three page memorandum has also been submitted to the Kala Academy chairman and others.

The NCP youth wing have launched campaign ‘Stand Firm – call out to the public and the youth at large to oppose the cutting of trees and our environment.’

After massive crack down on violation by mining trucks, the transport department today found all the trucks in North Goa adhering to the law.

“I have been informed by my respective officials that all the trucks in North Goa carried ore as per permitted capacity. There was no violation in any form,” Director Transport Arun Desai said.

Meanwhile, the truck, carrying ore in South Goa remained off road protesting transport departments drive against overloading.

“My only request to the truckers is to abide by various decisions and directives by the Supreme Court and High Court of Bombay at Goa. They should not do any activity which might amount to contempt of Court,” Desai said adding that the operators are demanding Chief Minister Digamber Kamat intervention in the matter.

The extensive drive, which kicked-off on Saturday against overloaded trucks in the mining belt managed to detain around 23 trucks in North Goa itself registering 103 cases.

Desai said many truck operators had approached us with valid documents and receipts from the mines department.

“Some have also paid the fine as per motor vehicles act. The department has released around eight trucks, which were detained on Saturday,” he said.

The department has also registered 119 cases in South Goa of which 42 were booked for overloading alone. After much protest on trucks overloaded with ore, the transport department has swung in action.

The department on February 22 had issued notices to the mining firms asking to abide by the High Court directives on overloading of the trucks failing which department would confiscate the trucks, laden with ore.

child dies after fall from staircase window HERALD REPORTER VASCO, FEB 28

A 3-year-old child died, after he accidentally fell from the second floor building staircase at Anand Tower, Chicalim, on Sunday.

According to Vasco Police, the incident occurred at about 4.30 pm when Akbar Ali Khan, who was playing along with his sister on the second floor of building staircase, accidentally fell from the staircase window.

Khan was rushed to a nearby private hospital. However, doctors referred the child to GMC when his condition started deteriorating. Khan succumbed to injuries on Sunday.

House burgled HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, FEB 28

In a daring daylight robbery, an unknown robber barged inside the house of one Reshma Ramesh Naik on Monday morning when and decamped with gold ornaments worth Rs 1.40 lakh.

Researchers suggest measures to tackle floods in State SHWETA KAMAT PANJIM, FEB 28

The team of researchers who studied the flood possibility for Goa has recommended various measures including mapping of areas vulnerable for landslides in the state.

The committee headed by National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) Director Dr Satish Shetye submitted its report on February 18 to the state government keeping in focus the preparedness to avoid further calamities due to floods in the state.

The committee was formed soon after state witnessed massive floods on October 2, 2009 at Canacona taluka, on state’s southernmost border. The taluka registered 271 mm of rain between approximately 9.30 AM and 4.30 PM on the fateful day.

In broad recommendations, the committee has said that the areas vulnerable to mudslides should be mapped and sitespecific disaster management plan to face them should be in place at each location with high vulnerability.

“Areas with high vulnerability to flooding due to an intense precipitation event should be identified and a disaster management plan should be evolved at locations that are particularly vulnerable,” it has said.

The committee has also said that a mechanism for keeping a careful watch

should be in place whenever a situation arises with high potential for an intense precipitation event in a vulnerable area.

“The Meteorological Centre of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Panjim should form the nerve centre of such a watch,” the report said.

The researchers from NIO through their report have said that the IMD infrastructure in the state needs to be strengthened to give forewarning of such incidence.

The non functional IMD infrastructure came into limelight after Canacona taluka was hit by a flood followed by Phyan cyclone that almost missed the Goa coast.

“The State of Goa should make IMD’s ‘Cyclone Warning Dissemination System (CWDS)’, which is no operational since years now, need to be functional in the state,” the report suggest.

“An examination of the pattern of rainfall during the flood event suggests that the existing network of automatic weather stations (AWSs) needs to be augmented,” it further recommends. Sites vulnerable to flooding and damage were identified and some were selected as sites for locating AWSs. The committee has suggested that there should be a Doppler radar in place to look far, up to a range of 400 km from the base, to forewarn the watch keepers of the approach of any convective system.

However, the idea of installing Doppler radar for state might take yet another year now as the department is yet to go ahead with the proposal for Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) radar for Goa. It’s been now almost two years since IMD is in process of installing radar in the state. Earlier, last year IMD received a major blow when security reasons scuttled their plan to install China made radar.

Meanwhile, IMD Goa in-charge K V Singh has said that the department is in process of replacing its old CWDS by a Digital Cyclone Warning Dissemination System (DCWDS), which will be installed in the state soon.

DCWDS service is first of its kind in the State where the receivers will be kept under standby mode and will get automatically activated on receipt of the weather warnings messages. The system will be connected to cyclone warning centers at Mumbai and Chennai.

“It will be a verbal communication which can be heard and noted down by the staff,” Singh said adding that since it requires a person who should be next to it round the clock, it was installed in the police control room.

Singh said that this is a broadcast service, where the cyclone warning will be given verbally in the local language along with English and Hindi.

Canacona highly susceptible to landslides: study HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, FEB 28

Almost after a year, the study

by NIO researchers has revealed that Kuskem hill, which crumbled in the floods and overall Canacona region have a high susceptibility for the landslides.

The detailed study conducted by NIO scientists after the October 2, 2009 Canacona flash floods has revealed that steep slopes, high elevations and the sharp contact of the overburden with the base rock were the major factors that made this region susceptible to landslides.

The researchers have pre-

sented their detailed report to the state government on February 18, 2011.

“The intense rainfall event of October 2, 2009 served as a trigger for the landslides in Canacona,” the report mentions.

Two hills – Kuskem dongor and another hill situated 2.5 k m s a w a y f ro m k u s ke m dongor were studied using Landslide Potential Index (LPI) method.

The report titled ‘Proposed landslide mapping method for Canacona region’ is a comprehensive study by researchers including P M Kessarkar, K Srinivas, K Suprit and A K

Chaubey.

The research team had to cross a partially dry river to reach to Kuskem dongor. “The river bed was filled with large sized boulders and loose material. The boulders varied in size and were angular in shape,” the details of the report mentions.

The team also noticed that near the foothill, the river bed was filled with rock boulders.

“In the lower reaches, the bedrock of the hill was covered by thick overburden and the vegetation consisted of cashew trees. In the higher reaches, vegetation was either absent

or scanty,” the team observed.

The researchers have concluded that in Canacona slope of the terrain, height of the terrain, vegetation, bedrockoverburden contact, soil type, and drainage pattern attributes for the landslides. ]In broad guidelines, the researchers have said that the landslide susceptibility and LPI map, along with a watch-keeping mechanism for the rainfall can be used to provide a useful warning for rainfall triggered landslides.

“The methodology can be easily extended to estimate LPI over the rest of Goa,” it adds.

Census: Officials enumerate houseless populace but oversees Goans excluded HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, FEB 28

Census officials fanned out to the nook and corner of the state on late Monday evening to enumerate the houseless population.

In Margao, Deputy Collector Johnson Fernandes and his team of officials descended in the migrant inhabited Gandhi market at around 8.15 pm and went round the area tracking down the houseless.

The team managed to enumerate a few persons from the locality under the houseless population head, before they moved on to another migrant inhabitant area at Cine Lata for the houseless.

“The exercise to enumerate the houseless population is part of the census operations carried out across the country. The houseless population is enumerated on the last day of the exercise”, he said.

The census team comprised of Manoj Kamat, Cynthia Nevis Joao, Vijay Sawant, Teja Naik under the supervision of Rajen-

Census officials interacting with a migrant family in the Gandhi market as part of the houseless population enumeration on Monday.

Photo by Santosh Mirajkar

dra Gaonkar.

The Deputy Collector was later seen at the Margao railway station as part of the ongoing exercise and were scheduled to head towards the Khareband area of the city.

Salcete Mamlatdar, Paresh

Faldessai was in the Gudi-Paroda area of Salcete taluka with a team of officials, as part of the exercise to enumerate the houseless.

The Guddi area of Paroda village has a sizeable floating migrant population, especially working on the stone

crushers and quarrying. It is against this backdrop that the Salcete Mamlatdar descended in the village late this evening.

Incidentally, while the census officials has enumerated the houseless population as part of the exercise, many Goans working on board cruise liners and merchant Navy, besides working in the Gulf were left out from the exercise by the census authorities.

Under directions from the national census authorities, the local census officials have omitted large number of Goan youth working abroad from enumeration.

The problem will be felt the most in Salcete taluka where minimum one member of a family is employed on board the ships and return home every 69 months depending on the contract.

Local officials feared that the census will not dish out the correct information on the population with a large section of the society left out in the exercise.

Taxes simplified, major bonanza for senior citizens

B

ARVIND PINTO MUMBAI, FEB 28

udgets nowadays do not create much excitement, and Budget 2011 was no exception. Aided by buoyant tax revenues and non tax receipts like income from 3G spectrum auctions, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee was able to give us a budget that did not raises taxes significantly, provides substantial amounts for several crucial sectors – to ensure inclusive growth in the country.

Emphasis on Growth The Finance Minister described his budget as a process towards simplifying administrative processes in taxation, trade and tariffs, free of discretion and bureaucratic delays.

Last year there was an allround GDP growth of 8.6 per cent, aided by a rebound in agriculture of 5.4 per cent, 8.1 per cent in industrial production and 9.6 per cent in the service sector. The FM projects a growth of 9 per cent this year, aided by a higher domestic savings rate, significant capital flows and hopefully a bountiful monsoon.

The growth trajectory looks

possible – there is an upward trend in most sectors. This has allowed the FM to provide greater spending on many key programmes like Bharat Nirman, Right to Education, and Health Care.

No major new project is envisaged, but several ongoing projects have got fresh funds.

Besides the flagship educational program Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, increased amounts are given for the educational needs of Scheduled Castes and Tribes. The only interesting innovation is the National Innovation Council, to prepare a roadmap for innovation. Increased funding for education and innovation is vital if India has to take its place as a developed nation; we must have quality educational facilities for all sections of society.

Direct Taxes Pranabdada, with his eyes on coming elections both in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, has raised the exemption bar for personal Income Tax from Rs 1.60 lakh to Rs1.80 lakh. This will provide uniform tax relief of Rs 2,000 for every taxpayer.

There is good news for senior citizens. The age limit for sen-

iors has been brought down from 65 years to 60 years and the exemption limit raised from Rs 2.40 lakh to Rs 2.50 lakh.

‘Very senior citizens’ over 80 years will pay no tax up to Rs 5 lakh.

This is a wonderful gesture.

Senior citizens have no further earning capacity, and with the rising cost of living, the reduction in tax rates will be welcome.

Most of the time of tax officers is spent on issuing refunds and processing returns of small tax payers. An excellent innovation of the budget is that those whose tax is deducted at source by employers will not have to file tax returns. Small and medium taxpayers whose entire tax is deducted at source will no longer have to go through the tedious process of filing tax returns.

Plus, with the reduction of work load, tax officers would be able to pay more attention to the cases of bigger tax payers.

The government wants annual returns to be processed electronically, and more funds have been allocated to set up more electronic processing units. But there is a need to ensure that

the staff in these units, are sufficiently motivated. Senior officers are not interested in serving in these units, since there is little public contact as most of the work, including the issue of refunds, is automated!

There is also some relief for the corporate sector. Corporate surcharge has been marginally reduced from 7.5 per cent to 5 per cent, while the rate for companies that pay Minimum Altern a t e Ta x ( M AT ) h a s b e e n

deduction of Rs 20,000 under 80CCF for investment in long term infrastructure bonds is extended for another year, to allow Infra sector companies to raise funds. Many were hoping that the current savings deduction of Rs1 lakh would be raised; but the FM did not oblige.

Several Indian residents and companies do not bring home income from foreign dividends and interest received abroad. To encourage

government do not easily provide such information unless a strong case is made that the funds are from fraud or criminal activities. The government has a long way to go before it can tackle Indians who have money abroad.

Many were expecting another amnesty scheme for black money in this budget. It seems they forget that during the last amnesty programme, the government had given an under-

increased from 18 per cent to 18.5 per cent. Now even developers of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and units in these zones will have to pay MAT. Our export units have matured, and there is no reason why these units should not pay tax.

To raise funds for infrastructure projects, the withholding tax on special vehicles to provide funding for infrastructure debt funds is down to 5 per cent from 20 per cent in the past. Simultaneously, the additional IT

these funds back to India, the budget prescribes a lower tax rate of 15 per cent on foreign dividends brought back into the country.

But does the government have information on residents who get foreign income? Not really. Despite claims that it has agreements with various countries to provide information on Indian income stashed abroad, there is little actual information available on which the tax authorities can act. It is now posting tax officers abroad, but most

taking to the Supreme Court that there would not be any more such schemes.

The focus was on the Direct Tax Code (DTC) to come. This bill is before the Standing Committee of Parliament and the FM promised it would be brought to Parliament during this financial year, to become law by next year.

Indirect Taxes The FM moved towards aligning indirect tax rates to the forthcoming Goods and Services Tax (GST), to be rolled out next

BUDGET ANALYSIS

year; that is, if there is consensus with the states. Withdrawing the economic stimulus, the base excise rate has been raised to 10 per cent, probably in anticipation of next year’s GST rate of 12 per cent.

Of 370 items in the exemption category, 130 items (mainly consumer goods) will be taxed this year at 1 per cent, while the remaining 240 items will be brought into the tax net with t h e i n t ro d u c t i o n o f G S T. Prices of these goods will increase.

The peak rate of Customs Duty has been kept at 10 per cent, while middle rates of 2, 2.5 and 3 per cent have been unified at 2.5 per cent. To improve cold chain food storage, full exemption is given for airconditioning and refrigeration equipment for cold chain infrastructure.

Export Duty on iron ore has been raised to 20 per cent of the price. This will seriously impact mining companies – there are several in Goa – but there is a simultaneous exemption for iron ore pellets, to encourage value addition. This will encourage firms to convert ore into

pellets.

Most excise duty proposals are to synchronise them with GST, which will hopefully be brought in next year.

Service Tax With the impending GST, all services will be taxed, and the FM brought several more services into the tax net.

Hotel tariffs over Rs 1,000 per day, air conditioned restaurants with bars, air conditioned hospitals with more than 25 beds, domestic and international air travel (Rs 50 and Rs 250 respectively), investment services by life insurers, and legal services provided by firms and companies.

Hopefully with the growth predicted and buoyancy in tax revenues, the budget proposals will ensure that India’s development keeps pace with the FM’s expectations.

How would one categorise the budget? Well, there were no bold initiatives; in an era of coalition politics, Pranabdada is no conflict creator, but one who finds consensus. This is a budget that Parliament would readily pass!

OHERALDO

GOA

Pg3 GOA, TUESDAY, 1 MARCH, 2011

20% export duty on iron ore to hit business: GMOEA

wants low grade ore to be exempted from hike HERALD NEWS BUREAU PANJIM, FEB 28

Goa Mineral Ore Exporters Association (GMOEA) Secretary Glenn Kalavampara has claimed that the high export duty of 20% on iron ores from the Central Government would severely affect the economy of Goa. He has urged that low grade ores, prevalent in the State, should be exempt from the current increase in export duty.

"The Central budget announced on Monday leaves Mining Industry from Goa groping for hope to correct a flat increase of 20% on Fines and Lumps Iron Ore indicated by the minister of finance," Kalavampara said.

"A flat increase of 20% across iron ore fines and lumps is the highest levy that has ever been imposed by the Ministry. The Ministry of Steel in the past have been pressing for this increase."

"Currently, the prevailing duty applicable for Iron fines was 5% and Iron ore Lumps was 15% ad valorem. Although duty was applied in the past for iron ore fines, it was the view of the Industry that surplus fines which

Probe into juveniles escape

nWith this high export duty @ 20% on Iron ores from the Central Government, the economy of Goa would be severely affected as the receipts of income to the state government alone was by the Mining industry from Goa. -- Glenn Kalavampara

have no other domestic requirements were the ones which were exported from India."

Kalavampara stated that in the case of Goa, 100% of iron ore do not have any domestic requirement and hence export is the only option.

"Further nearly 90% of Goan ores are Fines and low grades below 62%. Only from the state of Goa, exports of ores as low as 50% were being exported due to a limited demand for such low grade ores," he said.

"Value addition of Goan Iron ores to pellets also does not have much promise as the raw material itself create limitations," Kalavampara added.

He claimed that in the present budget, by imposing a flat increase of 20% across the board, an increase of 300% from the existing level, it would result in making the low grade iron ore exporters crippling and would have a large dent felt on ancillary activities immediately.

"A large amount of activities would be rendered unviable due to limited offtake, thereby creating an negative impact at ground levels. Some mining companies have indicated drastic reductions in their volumes," he said.

"It may be noted that decrease in exports due to such forceful measure would result in lower taxes for the state Government as royalties and other incomes generated by the State Government from the Mining industry would reduce."

Kalavampara pointed out that Goan ores have a lower Iron Grade as compared to the rest of the iron ores from India.

"With this high export duty @ 20% on Iron ores from the Central Government, the economy of Goa would be severely affected as the receipts of income to the state government alone was by the Mining industry from Goa," he said.

"In the FY 2010-11, incomes from Mining industry would have crossed 900 crores by way of Royalties and other state Government taxes alone, which would decrease in the next year if this anomaly of a high export duty is not corrected soon by the Centre."

"It may be noted that the Foreign exchange earned by the Mining industry of Goa is over Rs 10000 crores apart from generating a large employment in rural Goa." "The Mining industry strongly urges the Government to reconsider its present proposal and hopes for a favorable response to low grade iron ores below 62% which have no demand from any steel sector in the country.

As such low grade ores ores should have been exempt from the current increase in export duty," Kalavampara added.

Cipriano did not die in custody, suspended PI tells court driver.

“I came back to the police station at 2am on January 8 for District night patrolling duty. On checking the station diary, I learnt that Cipriano was arrested under section 151 CrPC…” he said admitting that he had seen Cipriano in the police station earlier.

He claimed that he was however not informed about Cipriano’s arrest.

“I inquired from head constable Sandip Shirvaikar as to why Cipriano was arrested for a non-cognizable complaint to which he said that Georgina was insisting to pick him up (Cipriano) as she feared he might slap her,” he added.

Cipriano, 38-year-old seafarer on his vacation back in Goa, was arrested after his lady friend complained that he threatened her. He was arrested on January 7 and died on January 9 after being referred to Goa medical college and hospital (GMCH).

Police had refused custodial killing initially claiming that Cipriano suffered from epilepsy.

Chodankar also confirmed that even as no bail application was filed for Cipriano’s release, the police submitted a ‘chapter

case’ against Cipriano to the SDM. “Since he was admitted in the GMC, we could not produce him before the SDM. Based on Shirvaikar’s report, the SDM granted him bail,” he further added.

He said that the seafarer’s death was informed to him at 8am on January 9 after which Georgina and Cipriano’s paternal cousin Cosme Fernandes were called for inquiry.

Three policemen including Chodankar, sub inspector Radhesh Ramnathkar and hawaldar Shirvaikar are already suspended for procedural lapses by the department.

The statement by SDM came in as a further nail in the coffin as the inquiry proved that Cipriano was badly assaulted with blunt object in police custody.

So also, the autopsy report confirmed that he died due to two fatal injuries on the head.

The Crime Branch is meanwhile investigating a case of murder registered against several police officials attached to Panjim police station in the custodial killing.

JMFC has adjourned Chodankar’s further deposition to March 4.

Contamination of wells: Fuel tanks ordered to be shut down

One held in Merces murder

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, FEB 28

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, FEB 28

Director Women and Child Welfare Sanjiv Gadkar has ordered inquiry into the two subsequent escapes of juveniles from Apna Ghar protective home, last week.

“I have asked Apna Ghar Superintendent to submit me an inquiry report on Tuesday after which any action can be taken,” Gadkar told Herald.

The department has once again come under fire with the recent escapes of juveniles from the Merces protective home.

The suspected attitude of the staff is said to be one of the reasons resulting in the series of escapes.

Gadkar, when questioned, admitted that this could be one of the reasons for frequent escapes. “The friendly relation between the remand home staffers and inmates is lacking. This could be one of the reasons for frequent escapes from the remand home,” he said.

Official figures reveal that eight juveniles have escaped from this remand home in the last six months.

Two boys, one 16-year-old and the other 17, attempted escape from Apna Ghar while being taken back to the dormitory from the board hearing on Friday.

Suspended Police Inspector Sandesh Chodankar on Monday flatly denied that Cipriano Fernandes died in the Panjim police custody.

In his statement before the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Panjim, Chodankar said that he saw Cipriano “sleeping” in the ‘officers room’ in the Panjim police station on January 7 evening.

Next morning on January 8, he stated, Cipriano was “sitting on the bench” in the police station’s ‘officers room’.

“I was attending crime meeting at Porvorim with other police officers till about 8:15-8:20pm on January 7. I received a phone call from the police control room that Georgina is stabbed by somebody at Caranzalem. I immediately phoned the police station and asked a team to rush to Caranzalem,” he said further.

In a two and half hour deposition, the suspended police officer stated that on reaching the police station he got involved investigating a murder case till about 9:30pm.

He was later dropped at his Dona Paula home by the police

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, FEB 28

Deputy Collector, Margao Johnson Fernandes on Monday directed the owners of two petrol pumps to shut down the fuel tanks in a bid to check any seepage, even as panel of experts got down the business of ascertain the exact cause of contamination of Comba wells by an oily substance.

The Deputy Collector said the owners have been told to find out the quantity of fuel with a gauge to rule out the possibility of seepage of petrol underground.

“This is being done as a matter of abundant caution. Though the exact source of the contamination is yet to be ascertained, the checking of the tanks is being done to rule out the theory of underground tank seepage”, he said.

Meanwhile, a panel of experts, including the Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences, BITS Pilani, Dr Srikanth Mutnuri said only detailed analysis of the water samples of the contaminated wells will help throw light on the source.

Officials of the Goa State Pollution Control Board, besides representatives of oil companies participated in the inspection exercise.

The team also inspected the waters of Ana Fonte spring since the waters flows down towards Comba. Incidentally, the team found that the drinking wells on the eastern side of the Abade Faria road are unaffected by the

HERALD CORRESPONDENT OLD GOA, FEB 28

Deputy Collector Johnson Fernandes along with members of the expert panel examining water samples from a contaminated well at Comba.

Photo by Santosh Mirajkar

contamination, while only those located on the west of the road are the worst hit.

A local resident Govind Ghode said the wells in COmba locality have been left contaminated since the beginning of this month and pointed fingers at the nearly petrol pump as the source of the pollution.

The deputy collector informed that the analysis report from BITS Pilani as well as from the Goa State Pollution Control Board is expected early next week, which will help throw light on the mysterious contamination of the wells.

“The experts said that the

source of water contamination can be other than the petrol pumps. But, we are examining the issue from all angles”, Johnson said.

He said the the task before the expert panel is to locate the source of pollution and then to identify the polluter before taking further action as per law.

It’s nearly a month since a cluster of drinking wells were hit by water contamination, and the worst fears of the local residents were confirmed when the report from the Goa Pollution Control Board stated that the w e l l w e re h i t b y o i l a n d grease.

Having arrested a 21-year-old resident of Indra Nagar-Chimbel, the Old Goa Police seems to have made a breakthrough in the murder case of Amitabh Borkar, who was found murdered at an isolated place in Merces on February 2.

Old Goa Police has arrested Hyder Ali Badekar in connection with the murder case of Borkar (19) of Kirlawada-Chimbel.

According to Old Goa PI Francis Corte, Hyder was arrested by the Old Goa Police late Saturday night from his residence, after Old Goa Police came to a conclusion that Hyder was the last person who had taken Borkar along with him before committing the murder.

“Hyder has confessed to committing the crime and the reason behind committing the murder was previous enemity between him and Borkar, where the deceased had earlier slapped Hyder at Panjim bus stand over an issue. Hyder was waiting to take revenge of it,” informed PI Corte.

Over 50 people, which included family members, relatives and friends of Borkar were interrogated and even Hyder was questioned twice over the matter. During the course of investigation, the Old Goa Police had detained a 19-year-old boy from Chimbel on suspicion.

Hyder has been remanded for 14 days police custody for further investigation.Incidentally, according to the police, Hyder is the brother of Asif Ali Badekar, who is one of the co-accused in the attack case on Adv Aires Rodrigues.

Babush-backed panel accused of poll violation HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, FEB 28

Members of the BJP supported panel on Monday complaint to State Election Commission (SEC) about incidences of distribution of goodies and money allegedly by the rival panel Corporation of the City of Panjim Development Front (CCPDF) which is headed by Taleigao MLA Babush Monserrate.

Herald in its Sunday edition had published a detailed report about how and which goods such as refrigerators, washing machines, TVs, bicycles, sewing machines have been distributed to voters in certain pockets of the city in utter violation of the election code of conduct.

Panel head of Panjim First Ashok Naik told Herald on Monday evening that they have lodged their complaint to the Commission demanding that this trend of influencing voters on the strength of money power should be urgently stopped.

Meanwhile, State Election Commission (SEC) has appointed two election observers and two expenditure observers to see that no such irregularities are conducted by the candidates.

Ganja seized at Margao HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, FEB 28

The Margao police on Monday evening arrested a resident of Sadolxem-Canacona and seized 116 gram of Ganja from his possession.

The raid was conducted by a team led by PSI Ravi Desai at the SGPDA market t h i s evening.

The value of the seized drugs is around Rs 2000 in the market.

The police has arrested the accused Benedito alias Boney Fernandes under the NDPS Act.

HC Bar Association demands stop to victimisation of judges HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, FEB 28

The High Court Bar Association, Goa on Monday unanimously resolved that selective victimization of Judges be stopped.

The resolution was adopted following a high level meeting in reference to suspension of two Judges - South Goa Additional Sessions Court Judge Desmond D’Costa and Industrial Tribunal Judge Anuja Prabhudesai.

Sources said that copy of the resolution, which includes other issues as well, will be submitted to the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court. Association president Advocate Surendra Desai confirmed the meeting but refused to divulge the discussion.

While suspension of the D’Costa, who acquitted serial killer Mahanand Naik in a murder case for want of evidence, sparked protests here with lawyers and

social activists seeking ‘justice’ and demanded his re-instatement, Judge Prabhudessai who was suspended in a similar fashion like D’Costa was also rendered full support.

Lawyers’ had boycotted majority of the lower courts for

three days and social activists rallied behind the two suspended Judges resolving to fight against the ‘injustice’ meted out to them.

The suspensions have triggered a lot of discontent among people and the legal fraternity.

R

APPEAL

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OHERALDO

GOA

Pg 4

GOA, TUESDAY, 1 MARCH, 2011

s H O Rt tA K e s Tiatr contest opened at Taleigao

Financial aid to vegetable vendors in Canancona taluka HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, FEB 28

Antonio Xavier Fernandes lighting the traditional lamp in the presence of Rev Fr Aquileo Gomes, Parish Priest of Taleigao.

PANJIM(HND): Antonio Xavier Fernandes, senior tiatrist from Taleigao and Proprietor of Jimron Sales Corporation inaugurated the First All Goa Invitational ‘Tiatr Competition’ organized by Michael of Taleigao Socio–Cultural Association in the presence of Rev Fr Aquileo Gomes, Parish Priest of Taleigao, Olga Martins, Former Director of Information and Publicity, I C Viegas, Jose Maria Martins, Custodio Cabral and Carmin Joseph Vaz at the Taleigao Church compound, later followed by a Tiatr ‘Morosor’ written and directed by Salvador Alfonso.

Agnelo Fernandes said that the function is organized to keep the tradition of tiatr alive in the village. The judges for the competition were Sandep Kalangutkar, Fr Bernard Cotta, Bernard Pinheiro and Bernard Fernandes.

Canacona Shigmotsav panel elected CANACONA(HC): Canacona Municipal Council (CMC) Chairperson Ratnakar Dhuri was on Thursday elected as chairman of Canacona Shigmotsav Samiti.

Canacona’s both MLAs are appointed as president and working president of the reception committee in a meeting at Chaudi-Canacona on Thursday evening.

The meeting attended among others by MLAs Vijay Poi Khot (Canacona) and Ramesh Tawadkar (Poinguinim) took several other decisions including registration of the Samiti with the government, besides organising various competitions and bring out a souvenir on the day of Shigmo floats.

The office bearers elected are CMC Chairperson Ratnakar Dhuri (chairman), Dhiraj Naik Gaonkar, Subhash Mahale and Omkar Dessai (vice chairmen). Vijay Poi Khot was elected president of the Reception Committee, while the Poinguinim MLA was elected as working president. Shashikant Painguinkar (treasurer), Venkatrai Naik (secretary) and Suraj Komarpant (joint secretary).

Members elected are Omu Dhuri (social worker), Bipin Prabhugaonkar (deputy sarpanch Poinguinim), Shamsunder Dessai (CMC ex-chairperson), Vishant Gaonkar(Panch and exsarpanch Gaondongrim), Saplesh Dessai, Sandesh Gaonkar (deputy chairperson CMC), Councillors Simon Rebello and Hemant Gracias, Madhukar Dessai, Diwakar Pagui and Darshan Naik Gaonkar.

Advisors are elected are Shantaji Naik Gaonkar, Ramesh Komarpant, Ranghanath Naik Gaonkar, Santosh Tubki and Anil Faldessai.

In two different recent sanction orders, the Directorate of Social Welfare has approved Rs 9.90 lakh for disbursal to 198 vegetable vendors in Canacona taluka.

Handing copies of the sanctioned orders, Poinguinim MLA Ramesh Tawadkar claimed that with the latest sanction memos, he is instrumental in distributing Rs 1 crore during the current term to various vegetable vendors from the whole of Canacona taluka.

“Previously, Rs 5,000 each has been distributed to over 1,800 vegetable vendors through the Block Development officer Canacona at different points of time,” informed Tawadkar.

Under the scheme, vegetable, flower, coconut vendors, motorcycle (taxi) owner and rickshaw (taxi) owner gets financial assistance of Rs 5,000 as one-time payment. This scheme has been approved by the government in February 2008 for the purpose of upgradation of existing business activities/repairs of the vehicle/purchase of tyre and tubes, etc, as the case may be.

The latest two different lists sanctioned by director of Social Welfare and ordered for disbursal of Rs 5,000 to each beneficiary through BDO Canacona

n The latest two different lists sanctioned by Director of Social Welfare and ordered for disbursal of Rs 5,000 to each beneficiary through BDO Canacona has 198 vegetable vendors with maximum of which 114 recipients belong to ST Community alone. has 198 vegetable vendors with maximum of 114 recipients are from ST Community alone. OBC (29), General (19) and 36 beneficiaries non-categorized in both the lists .

Panchayat-wise, Gaondongrim village tops with 69 vegetable vendors, followed by Shristhal (40), Poinguinim (34), Loliem-Polem (32), Khola (13) and Cotigao (10).

Interestingly, no beneficiary from Agonda Panchayat figures in the recent sanction lists.

Roque Afonso elected Avedem-Cottombi sarpanch HERALD CORRESPONDENT QUEPEM, FEB 28

Roque Alleluia Afonso was on Monday elected unopposed as sarpanch of the seven-member Avedem-Cottombi and Chaifi Panchayat. Since Afonso’s was the only nomination for the post of sarpanch, he was elcted unopposed. It may be recalled that the post of sarpanch was lying vacant since January 13, 2011, as the then sarpanch Sarita Hari

Naik resigned. Deputy Sarpanch Pushpa Naik was acting as the sarpanch of the panchayat.

Culture and Traditions The culture of Brazil finds its roots in that of Portugal. Portuguese immigrants and settlers brought with them, the language, the Catholic faith, and several customs and traditions that determine modern-day Brazilian life.

Brazil is a multi-racial country, having become so after absorbing various cultural traits of different communities. For instance, the Amerindian people shaped Brazil's language and cuisine; the Africans, initially brought as slaves, had an enormous influence upon Brazil's music and dance traditions.

Brazilian Carnival

were held, and people refrained from eating rich foods, such as meat, dairy, fats and sugar. The forty days of Lent, recalling the biblical account of the forty days that Jesus spent in the wilderness, serve to mark an annual time of turning. In the days leading up to Lent, rich food and drink was disposed of; the consumption of this, in a giant party that

The Origin of Carnival

The Lenten period of the Liturgical year, being six weeks directly, Easter, was marked by fasting and other pious or penitential practices. Traditionally during Lent, no parties or other celebrations

involved the whole community, is thought to be the origin of Carnival.

The Brazilian carnival dates back to Rio de Janeiro in the 1830s, when the city’s bourgeoisie imported the practice of holding balls and masquerade parties from Paris. It originally mimicked the European form of the festival, over time acquiring elements derived

from African a n d Amerindian cultures, and thereby evolving into the unique festival it is today.

In the late 19th century, cordoes

(‘laces’ in Portuguese) were presented in Rio de Janeiro. These were groups of people who would proceed through the streets playing music and dancing. More recently, there are blocos (blocks), which consist of a group of people who dress in costumes according to certain topics or to celebrate the Carnival in a particular way. Blocos are generally associated with specific neighborhoods or suburbs, and usually include both a percussion or music group and an entourage of revelers. During the period of the Carnival, a fat man is elected to represent the role of Rei Momo, the "king" of Carnival.

The carnival in Brazil is very colorful and its parades are extremely elaborate, making it a huge tourist attraction

6-year-old girl needs medical aid HERALD CORRESPONDENT CORTALIM, FEB 28

Putala Kame, a six-year-old girl, has developed a serious heart disease due to Streptococcal infection. Putala now needs an operation to repair Mitral valve and Aortic valve of the heart, which is likely to cost Rs 2 lakh.

Presently, Putala is being treated at GMC Hospital in Bambolim. Putala has to take an injection after every three weeks to prevent her heart from further infection and damage. Dr Jagdish and Dr Vaishali have been treating Putals’s case in GMC ward no 135, where she is brought every three weeks.

When contacted, Dr Amerja H Karande from Paediatric Section of Ward No 135 of GMC Hospital confirmed that the patient is suffering from severe heart disease and needs operation. This operation is not performed at GMC, but is advised at leading hospitals like Wockhardt or Manipal.

This operation can cost anything between Rs 1.5 and Rs 2 lakh depending on the severity of the damage to Putala’s heart.

Putala’s parents are from economically weaker section and cannot afford cost of the operation and other expenses and so have appealed to the public for generous donations.

Those who wish to donate for this noble cause can deposit donations in the form of cheques or cash, directly in Putala Kame’s bank account in Punjab National Bank (Vasco). Her Account No is 340400 1700000553.

MPT aiming to transform into multi-commodity port: Chairman

Chairman of Mormugao Port Trust, P Mara Pandiyan, IAS addresses the Trade meet held at Belgaum on Thursday. Also present are President of Mormugao Stevedores Association, Ashsih Machado, President Belgaum Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Jaidip Siddannavar, Jt Commissioner (Commercial Taxes) Belgaum, Ajay Nagabhushan, CFTM, SWR Hubli, A S Rao, and GM CONCOR, Vasudev Rao. HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, FEB 28

Mormugao Port Trust is making a distinct effort to transform into a multi-commodity port from a mono-commodity one,” the Chairman P Mara Pandiyan, IAS, said while addressing a trade meet in Belgaum.

“In the process, MPT is initiating a number of measures including the development of various port infrastructure projects such as WOB iron ore terminal with a capacity of 7.2 million tonnes, an import coal terminal at Berth No 7 by Adani Group with a capacity of 5 million tonnes and the mechanisation of coal handling at Berth No 11. A container terminal, multi-cargo berth and an oil berth have also been planned in the Vasco bay,” he added.

The trade meet was organised

by MPT in association with the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Belgaum Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) at Belgaum on Thursday.

Also present were Dy Chairman of MPT Biplav Kumar, Belgaum Chamber President Jaidip Siddannavar, Jt Commissioner (Commercial Taxes) Ajay Nagab-

HSSC exam seating arrangements HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, FEB 28

Seating arrangements at Cuncolim Centre for March HSSC Examination of Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education is as follows: At Cuncolim United HSS (main centre), seat Nos for Commerce: 51065- 51286 and 63762, for Vocational: 51347- 51464. At Maria Bambina HSS (sub centre) seat Nos for Arts: 50883- 51064, Science: 51287- 51346. Conductor for exams will be Tilroy Fernandes (9822061968).

CURCHOREM CENTRE (HC): Seating arrangement for Curchorem Centre is as follows: At Smt C T Naik Higher Secondary School, Curchorem, Arts (new syllabus) whole Set Nos 51325 to 51463, with exemption 51464-51493, with exemption (old syllabus) 51494. Science (new syllabus) whole Set Nos 51804 to 51957, with exemption 51958-51968.

At Guardian Angel Higher Secondary School, Curchorem, Commerce (new syllabus) whole 51495-51768, with exemption 51769-51803. Vocational (new syllabus) whole 51969-52169, with exemption 52170-52189.

BiCHOLiM CENTRE(HC): Seating arrangements for Bicholim centre is as follows: Arts (Seat Nos 50001 to 50210) at Our Lady of Grace High School on March 12 for the English paper.

On March 14, Seat Nos 50144 to 50210 for Accountancy paper and for on all other days, they are to seat for the exams at the Shri Shantadurga HSS. Arts (Seat Nos 50001 to 50143) in Shri Shantadurga HSS (except on March 12) on all days of the exam.

Commerce (Seat Nos 50144 to 50380, 60143) in Shri Shantadurga HSS (except on March 14 in Our Lady of Grace High School), Seat Nos 50144-50210 on all days of the exam.

Science (Seat Nos. 5038150486, 60373, 60376 and 60378, 60381-60388, 60466, 60504-60508, 60509-60511, 60514) in Shri Shantadurga HSS on all days of the exam.

Vocational (Seat Nos. 5048750543 in Shri Shantadurga HSS on all days of exam.

Chief conductor of the HSSC Examination G V Awakhale has requested students to take the note of the seating arrangements.

ACGL reviews Q3 results HERALD CORRESPONDENT MAYEM, FEB 28

Board of Directors of Automobile Corporation of Goa Ltd, Honda, recently convened a meeting at Mumbai to review company’s financial results for third quarter of the year ending on December 31, 2010.

The company’s turnover improved from Rs 87.53 crore (October-December 2009) to Rs 105.11 crore during the quarter under review.

Profit before tax for the quarter December 2010 was Rs 15.82 crore, corresponding figure for the previous period (OctoberDecember 2009) was Rs 4.26 crore. During April-December 2010, profit on sale of assets was Rs 1.12 crore and other income was Rs 3.43 crore.

The Board also reviewed and discussed company’s performance for nine months (April-December 2010) and noted that the turnover and PBT were Rs 293.81 crore and Rs 32.88 crore respectively, corresponding figures for the previous period (April-December 2009) were Rs 159.90 crore and Rs 6.38 crore (loss) respectively.

The company sold 3,787 buses during nine months as against 1,575 buses during the corresponding previous period.

The company recently participated in the Bus World Exhibition in Mumbai, where three buses manufactured by the company were displayed. Company’s stall received overwhelming response from the customers, resulting in a healthy order-book position and generation of interest in company’s products.

Looking at the quality and price tags, customers bought two of the three exhibited buses during the show itself.

Company Managing Director V Krishnamurthy, highlighting the performance, stated that the performance was among the best ever achieved from last 30 years and dedicated it to the whole-hearted support of company’s employees at all levels.

Considering the strong Q3 and nine months performance, the Board of Directors has decided to reward the shareholders by declaring an interim dividend of 25% (Rs 2.50) per equity share of Rs 10 each.

hushan, Chief freight traffic Manager South Western Railway A S Rao and CONCOR Group GM Vasudev Rao. Pandiyan stressed that MPT aims to offer efficient and costeffective services to trade. It also facilitates round-the-clock trade facilitation and is considered a ‘theft free’ port by providing adequate security measures. MPT is looking at an investment of Rs 2500 crores to improve its overall infrastructure. The Chairman added that the trade meet was an opportunity to develop a one-to-one relationship and a personal rapport with the captains of industry, while initiating a single window system. He also stressed that he would be personally available to solve any problems.

With Dharwad becoming a huge industrial hub with the starting of the new Tata Marcopolo bus-body factory, MPT is looking forward to collaborating with TMML for export of these vehicles from the port.

Accessibility will also be improved along with the clearing up of bottlenecks following the widening of the Goa-Belgaum

highway into a four-lane road concluded Pandiyan.

Siddannavar, President of BCCI, in his address, welcomed the MPT initiative, which looks at Belgaum as a potential business opportunity. He said that if all plans went through smoothly, Belgaum would definitely look at MPT as a favoured port of call. A dedicated facility at MPT catering to certain operations should also be made available, he added.

Presentations were also made

by Ajay Nagabhushan, A S Rao and Vasudev Rao. In his presentation, the Traffic Manager of MPT, N Vaiyapuri suggested MPT’s intends to increase awareness of its various facilities and projects along with the benefits of using the port to potential importers, exporters and other users in the hinterland of northern Karnataka and south Maharashtra.

MPT port users Meera Kumar of M/s Aspinwal and Co Ltd and President of CHA Goa Amit Kamat, made presentations for the industry at the trade meet.

The meet ended with an interactive session.

UPCOMiNG eVeNts Budget talk PANJIM (HND): Goa Chamber of Commerce in association with Institute of Chartered Accounts - Goa Chapter, will organise a ‘Budget Talk’ on the budget provisions on March 1 in the Surendrababu Timblo Hall, Narayan Rajaram Bandekar Bhavan, Panjim, at 5.30 pm. A team of Direct and Indirect Tax experts from KPMG, Mumbai will present a detailed analysis of economic performance, key macro initiatives, key provisions on Direct and Indirect Taxes and sectoral analysis.

The KPMG team will consist of Director Hasnain Shroff , who will speak on direct tax proposals and Managing Partner, Parind Mehta, will talk on Indirect Taxes. The KPMG team has wide experience in advising domestic and multinational clients on risk management, financial and business advisory, internal audit, corporate governance, and tax and regulatory services. The programme is open for public. People have to register with Programme Officer GCCI, Melane Rodrigues, on ph 2424252.

Demo of ‘Chotukool Thunder’ PANJIM (HND): India Post in collaboration with Godrej and Boyce Manufacturing Ltd has launched the scheme of sale of ‘Chotukool Thunder’ through Post Offices. The demo of Chotukool Thunder will be held on March 1 at Nalanda, EDC House, Dr Atmaram Borkar Road, Panjim from 9.30 am onwards.

‘Arab Platter’ at Cidade PANJIM (HND): Cidade de Goa’s, Café Azul presents exotic culinary journey with ‘Arab Platter’ from March 1 to 31 for lunch and dinner. Executive Chef, Prasad Paul has conjured gastronomic delights that range from Moutabal to Kibbi Bi Lahem to the Shish Tawook and more. For details call 2454545.

Fishing canoe handed over to widow at Dona Paula

HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, FEB 28

Women and Child Development Minister Ravi Naik handed over a fishing canoe to a poor widow, Vitor Martins at Havai beach, Dona Paula, on Monday.

The boat fitted with outboard m o t o r c o s t i n g a ro u n d R s 60,000 was donated by the

Lions Club of Fontainhas, Mala, Panjim and co sponsored by Ms Helena.

President of the Club Barnabe Sapeco, Secretary Anand jadhav, Dr M N Pal, Chairperson of Goa State Women’s Commission, Ezilda Sapeco, Adriano Godinho and others were present on the occasion.

tides March 1

High tide: 0829; 2203 Low tide: 0310; 1456

OHERALDO

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Pg5 GOA, TUESDAY, 1 MARCH, 2011

Change in Mapusa street names anger locals HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, FEB 28

Visit Mapusa and be prepared to find new street names.

St Francis Xavier Street has now been renamed to Hutatma Bala Dessai Road, while Monsignor Rodolfo Dalgado has been changed to Raghunath Tople road.

Mapusa Municipal Council's decision to change street names in the municipality has sparked off outrage in the town.

The Mapusa Nagrinkacho Ekvott (MNE) has strongly protested against the Mapusa Municipal Council's decision to change street names.

The MNE has demanded that the new names be removed immediately and substituted with the old names, failing which MNE will be "compelled to take such steps as may be deemed fit to rectify the disrespectful behaviour on the part of the council."

In a memorandum to MMC, MNE Convenor Adv Antonio J B Lobo has stated that there was no need to change the name of street at Feira Alto, which bore the name of Monsignor Rodolfo

n The MNE has demanded that the new names be removed immediately and substituted with the old names, failing which MNE will be compelled to take such steps as may be deemed fit to rectify the disrespectful behaviour on the part of the council.

Dalgado to Raghunath Tople road.

“Monsignor Rodolfo Dalgado was a towering personality of Goa, who due to his erudition and knowledge of languages was appointed professor of Sanskrit and Hindi at the University of Lisbon, Portugal,” states the memorandum.

“Monsignor Dalgado also wrote a dictionary of Konkani to Portuguese and vice versa as well as a Luso-Asiatic glossary.

His photo can be seen displayed in MMC hall,” adds the memorandum.

“Similarly, it is not known the logic behind changing the name of “Rua de Sao Francisco Xavier” (St Francis Xavier Street) to Hutatma Bala Dessai Road.”

“Nobody or very few know who these people like Bala

Dessai or others, whose names are given to the roads/streets, are. However, even if such persons were known, MNE protest in no uncertain terms that the change of name should not take place without the public being taken into confidence,” states the memorandum.

The change of the name of St Francis Xavier street has also hurt the religious sentiments of the Catholic population.

“Moreover, the MMC under the existing law, only has the power to name a street which has no name, but cannot rename a street which already bears a name and as such MMC should remove forthwith the new names and replace with old names,” states the memorandum.

Disabled children need special attention: Sardinha HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, FEB 28

S o u t h G o a M P Fr a n c i s c o Sardinha has stated that caring for a child with a disability is more challenging than caring for a child who is in perfect health.

Sardinha was speaking as the chief guest at the annual school day function of Sanjay Centre for Special Education at Pundalik Devasthan, Porvorim.

“Children, whether disabled or not, all have a basic right to be cared for, fed and clothed and educated,” said Sardinha.

He further said physically handicapped students are aware of the fact that they are physically different from most others and that there are certain things they cannot do.

“Physically handicapped children want to succeed and participate as much as they can and this needs to be encouraged and fostered by the teachers,” he said.

“The focus needs to be on what the child ‘can do’ – ‘not can’t do’. Find out what the child’s strengths are and capitalize on them. Teachers need to ensure that the child’s self image is positive,” added Sardinha.

Sardinha said the dances performed by the students indicate that the physically disabled children are in no way inferior to normal children.

Students of Sanjay Center perform at the annual school day function.

Photo by Anil Shankhwalker

“What is required for them is special attention and caring.

Peers can be cruel to physically handicapped children. It is, therefore, not only the duty of the parents and teachers but also of the society to attend to the needs of these children and provide them the necessary support and strength to lead a good life,” said Sardinha.

Sanjay Center Chairperson Vijayadevi Rane said the Sanjay School was started 1980 with a handful of students. Initially, the parents were hesitating to identify with the school because of stigma attached to it.

“Now, there are 696 students on the roll. The Sanjay

Center has two branches, one each in Curchorem and Vasco, and we are planning to open one more at Sanquelim,” informed Rane.

Rane said due to technical advancement, it has now become possible to provide the best of education to physically disabled children and make them competent enough to face the challenges of life.

On the occasion, the best students of Sanjay Center were awarded prizes by Columbia Sardinha. The students presented the cultural pro gramme. School Principal A Viegas proposed the vote of thanks.

Students’ symposium stresses on environment protection

Reopening of closed Cavrem mine flares up tension HERALD CORRESPONDENT QUEPEM, FEB 28

Tension flared up at Cavrem on Monday, after a mine in the area, which was closed by Goa Pollution Control Board, reportedly started its activities.

According to sources, the mine owner had hired two contractors, including a sitting councillor of Quepem Municipal Council, who was earlier actively agitating against the mining transportation plying via Quepem town. The other contractor is a businessman from Pirla Panchayat.

Sources further informed Herald that the contractors last week filed a false complaint against four prominent leaders of the village, who are fighting against the mine.

The four leaders, who were summoned by Quepem Police, along with a group of villagers went to Quepem Police station on Monday morning. However, taking advantage of the absence of the villagers, the contractor with the support of some people allegedly started the mining operations.

“No sooner the villagers learnt that the mine started its operation of lifting the rejection, the villagers got together and stopped it,” said sources.

It is learnt that one of the contractors, who was allegedly harassing the villagers, was assaulted by the village women folk. However, the people who were hired by the contractor noticed that their leader was being assaulted they escaped in the forest.

Meanwhile, Quepem Executive Magistrate Sudin Nato and police teams from Curchorem and Sanguem visited the site.

Speaking to Herald, villagers alleged that the activities of the contractor were well-planned in collusion with the administration, particularly the police, which were foiled by the villagers.

Decomposed body recovered at Curchorem HERALD CORRESPONDENT CURCHOREM, FEB 28

Curchorem Police on Monday recovered a decomposed male body in the bushes at Morangon-Marutigad, Curhcorem.

According to Curchorem Police Inspector Bhanudas Dessai, the body was found in highly decomposed state and beyond recognition. “Some parts of the body were eaten by the animals,” informed PI Dessai.

PI Dessai further informed that the deceased was wearing a grey coloured short pant. Besides, sandals and a bunch of three keys were found in his pant pocket.

“After the receipt of postmortem report on the deceased, whose body has been sent to Hospicio in Margao, we will come to know whether it is a natural death or a murder,” stated PI Dessai.

HERALD NEWS BUREAU PANJIM, FEB 28

The Pilar Theological College at Pilar, keeping in mind the theme of the formative year ‘Peace with God, Peace with Creation’, organised a students’ symposium on Saturday.

Milton Rodrigues, a first year student of Theology presenting a paper on ‘Ecological Problem in Goa’, called Goa and nature the unprinted book and challenged the listeners to read.

Rodrigues from Sanguem discussed five problem affecting Goa, stating that Goa is living in ‘GARB-AGE’, a paradise for mining leading to water crisis, concretized mountains in agricultural lands, named pollution as a slow killer and question the killing of wild animals in Goa. Speaking on the occasion, moderator, Fr Eremito Rebello, the Rector of the Sanctuary of Blessed Joseph Vaz, said: “The only option remaining before us is to come on the streets and go on hunger strikes to stop the environmental destruction.”

“No other means work to convince our politicians and lawmakers to take care of the environment,” said Fr Rebello.

Reagan Fernandes presented a paper on ‘Eco-mission: a paradigm shift in the Church’s mission of evangelization’.

“The comprehensive vision for the future salvation should not only include a radical inclusiveness and leveling down of hierarchy, but should entail re-

15x3

Student of Theology, Milton Rodrigues, presents a paper during the symposium in the presence of Fr Eremito Rebello (Rector of the Sanctuary of Blessed Joseph Vaz) and others.

newal of creation to link the spiritual with the physical, personal with the social and human with the cosmic,”s said Fernandes.

Gaby D’Costa while presenting his paper on ‘Science for survival and sustainable development’ voiced the concern to act intelligently and collectively on how to use the treasures of the natural resources.

“Although Science is not the sole master of the sustainable development, but is at the service which can lead to sustainable development through its sophisticated use of techniques and proper planning,” he said.

Santosh Mendonca in the paper ‘Ecology and Science: care for Mother Earth’ spoke about how religion and science care for Mother Earth and who is responsible for the destruction religion or science.

Proposing a model to restore nature, Santosh stated there is a need for conversion from selfcenteredness to other centeredness and for renunciation of greed and fulfillment in the minimum needed for life.

Fr Anselmo De Souza, the Rector of All India Mission Seminary, Rev Lino Florindo, the Dean of Pilar Theological College, professors and staff members were present on the occasion.

Narvekar threatens agitation over River Princess scrap HERALD NEWS BUREAU PANJIM, FEB 28

Aldona ML A Dayanand G Narvekar has threatened to agitate along with the people of Aldona constituency if the State government fails to scrap its decision on dumping scrap of River Princess at Brittona.

In a letter to Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, the Aldona MLA has expressed surprise over State’s government move to dump the scrap of the grounded vessel ‘River Princess’ at Brittona in Aldona constituency due to the expected damage to the environment in Candolim.

Narvekar has stated that the Mandovi River is heavily polluted due to the large discharge of sewage and other pollutants by casinos, fishing trawlers and tourists’ boats.

“The spilling of iron ore from the barges, plying from Sirsaim to Panjim via Aldona, has already silted the river and dry island patches are visible in Aldona River. There is no fish available to the fishermen in these areas as there is heavy movement of barges,” stated Narvekar.

“Dumping of scrap will further endanger the already very fragile eco-system in Betim and Brit-

tona, causing damage not only to the river, but also to the lives of people and habitation,” added Narvekar.

“I strongly oppose such a move to dump the scrap on the river line area at the cost of environment,” stated Narvekar in the letter.

“Perhaps, Colvale will be ideal place as there are number of scrap yards already in existence, covering lakhs of square metres of land,” suggested Narvekar.

“Similarly, the mining companies transporting ore from outside Goa, especially from Maharashtra, may be giving the government transportation cess of Rs 4-5 crore a year, but the 30-km stretch of road used for transportation will require almost Rs 6 crore for repairs and maintenance every year,” he said.

Works worth Rs 2 cr approved for Poinguinim HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, FEB 28

Po i n g u i n i m M L A Ra m e s h Tawadkar claimed to have got government approval for several maintenance works worth about Rs 2 crore in his constituency spread over four panchayats.

Displaying copies of work details he got approved from PWD, Tawadkar said: “These are just maintenance works, which will be taken up shortly.” However, he got several other developmental works too for his constituents, while some more are in the offing.

Interestingly, works worth above Rs 76 lakh will be taken up alone in Poinguinim Panchayat area, Loliem Polem will have works worth over Rs 68 lakh and Cotigao about Rs 43 lakh. However, Gaondongrim Panchayat will have works worth above Rs 11.5 lakh.

Cotigao Panchayat area will be the beneficiary of about Rs 43,42,425 worth maintenance works, which mostly pertains to repair of roads at Baddem, construction of protection wall near Baddem roadside, repair of retaining wall at Baddem, repair of gutter at Avali and repair of a drain at Sheshewal.

The works that will be taken up in Poinguinim Panchayat are repair of retaining wall near Shridhar Poinguinkar house, providing

protection wall at Dharvatem, construction of drain near Maruti Temple, a protection wall and drain near Dhakan Devata Temple, a drain in front of Partagal Math, black topping of road at Sadolxem, construction of protection wall at Chiplem, repairs of drain at Sadolxem, a retaining wall at Partagal and road rep a i r a t K o l s a r, w o r t h R s 76,70,413.

Works that will be taken up b y P W D i n L o l i e m - Po l e m Panchcyat area under maintenance heads are construction of protection wall to village road upto market, two more protect walls at Kajalkar and Dahvafond, repair of road by providing protection wall near Damodar Devasthan, repair of main road at Damodar Devasthan, construction of retaining wall at Aryadurga Temple, repair of road at Aruyadurga Te m p l e , a l l w o r t h R s 68,12,357.

There are just two works to be taken up in Gaondgorim Panchcyat area. They are repair of an internal road at Kinalkatta and maintenance of Maand at Indrawada, both worth Rs 11,59,900.

Speaking to Herald, Tawadkar said these works already approved by the government will be shortly tendered and works will be executed preferably before onset of monsoons.

“Due to increase in barges along the Sirsaim-Aldona route, a lot of bunds have been broken along the rivers at Sirsaim, Quitla, Aldona, Calvim, Ecoxim, Pomburpa, which are visible.”

“I request you to stop the mining trucks coming to Karaswada-Mapusa, which are proceeding towards Sirsaim from Maharashtra and also recover the amount of damages caused to various bunds in Aldona constituency,” Narvekar stated.

Similarly, Narvekar has also requested the chief minister to direct the mine owners to contribute Rs 8 crore for new bridge at Quitula-Aldona to convert the pipeline, failing which the river route from Sirsaim to Aldona/Panjim will be closed to traffic by the voters of Aldona constituency.

"Besides, stop dumping of scrap of River Princess at Brittona, failing which there will be an agitation and people will come on the roads," warned Narvekar.

‘Aprant Maand’ to be held at same venue in Sanquelim HERALD CORRESPONDENT MAYEM, FEB 28

The special meeting convened

by Pale MLA Pratap Gawas on Friday unanimously decided to organise ‘Aprant Maand’ festival at the earlier scheduled place on the Sanquelim ground.

It may be recalled that some differences had cropped up among the organising group led

by Pale MLA Gawas and Sanquelim Municipal Council authorities over the venue for the festival at Sanquelim ground, due to which a special meeting was convened at Shivaji Hall Sanquelim.

However, since not a single person from the opposing group remained present for the meeting, the members present unanimously decided to organise the festival at the same venue as decided.

The festival will be organized at Sanquelim ground from March 4 to 15, which would give exposure to the artistic items prepared by women from self help groups to encourage their art.

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O HERALD O

The Congress lemming plunge

Vol No CXI No: 059 Goa, Tuesday, 1 March, 2011

T

No pain, no gain

PM Manmohan’s re-arrangement of cabinet deck chairs gives the growing impression of a collective mass drowning rush, says antHony SIMoES

hose who are addicted to eating out and travelling by air are going to have to pay more. For the rest of us, it’s business as usual, with an unremarkable budget that conceals more than it reveals. Industry, which was dreading that it would get hit by its worst nightmare – a ‘populist’ budget – since five state assembly elections are coming up, has sung paens of praise to Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, for not raising subsidies or announcing any ambitious new social sector or anti-poverty programmes.

So strong was this sense of relief in the denizens of India Inc, that they ignored even glaring snafus in budget estimates for the current year. A plain look at the budget outlay estimates for subsidies in 2011-12 shows that in nearly all cases, they are lower than the revised estimates for 2010-11 (which, in due course, may turn out to be lower than the actuals for this year).

How does our Pranab-da hope to reduce the outlay on subsidies? He does not say, except to generally claim that sale of broadband spectrum and the Rs40,000 crore he expects to raise from disinvestment in public sector units (PSUs) will create a cushion to balance the books. Industry pundits seem content to go along with this Chinese accounting. They say the man has a track record. If optimism about projected financial cushions is adequate for our brightest and best, so be it. The problem is, ultimately, the aam admi that has to lie in the bed the FM makes.

The income tax exemption for individual taxpayers is up by Rs20,000 to Rs1.80 lakh. This will result in a tax saving of just around Rs2,000 a year, or Rs167 per month; about enough to finance a modest meal at a restaurant for one, provided it isn’t air-conditioned! It’s older taxpayers that have the most to cheer about. Those 60 years old will now be considered ‘senior citizens’, and will not have to pay tax on an income up to Rs2.50 lakh. And ‘very senior citizens’ 80 years or older are exempted from taxes for income up to Rs5 lakh. That there are very few in this category is quite another matter.

The good news is also for those who have only a salary, all of whose tax is deducted at source. They no longer have to file an income tax return, and will save on payment of Rs500 to Rs1,000 to their CAs. If you fall sick, be prepared to pay more; air-conditioned hospitals and clinics with 25 beds or more will now have to pay a 5 per cent service tax. Government hospitals are exempted.

However, things don’t look too good for the iron ore mining industry in Goa. A blanket 20 per cent tax has been imposed on iron ore exports. It is supposed to conserve Indian ore, so it can be used by Indian steel plants. But this state produces only low-grade ores, which are not used by the Indian steel industry. If they cannot be exported, they are of no use. To tax these ores so heavily is unfair.

This is an issue that Goa’s MPs must take up in Parliament and the state government must raise it with the Finance Ministry.

The other issue that affects Goa is the imposition of service tax on hotels with room tariffs of Rs1,000 and above, and 3 per cent on air-conditioned restaurants with bars. These sectors are already heavily taxed, and the additional burden is really quite unfair, not only for the trade but also for the consumers in a tourist state.

Pet Sachin ok Claudius Fernandes, Quepem This is in reference to the letter ‘Disgraceful Coach’ by Adelmo Fernandes (Herald, 28 Feb). Condemning the South African bowling coach Vincent Barnes for naming his dog as Sachin, is absolutely wrong. Dogs are being treated with utmost care and respect in South Africa and in the western world. Unlike in India, one will not find any stray dogs in South Africa. They are given proper dietary food which even humans do not get. Besides that, one has to obtain a licence from the respective council, to possess a dog. So naming a dog Sachin

100 Years Ago

PRIMEIRO DIARIO NAS COLONIAS PORTUGEZAS

1 March 1911 Royal Sanitary branch

Affiliated to Royal Sanitary Institute from London was launched by the Indian Government the branch of the same, but under the name of Sanitary Surveyors of India to look into the matters concerning health and hygiene.

Quepem M’pality illuminated The renowned Municipal Committee of Quepem decided to illuminate its headquarters with chandeliers with the brand name Keelson.

Exposition of venerable relics

Was extolled the committee entrusted with the preparatory works of the exposition of the venerable relics of our glorious Apostle of Indies St Francis Xavier. This was held was held in the months of November/December 1910.

Portugal republic recognised

The Government of Italy recognised the new provisional republic of Portugal.

OPINION

O

ne of the longer-lasting myths created by the media is the one about the suicidal tendencies of the lemmings. The myth is that of mass-suicide amongst lemmings, the little rodents that live mostly within the limits of the Arctic Circle. Two generations of impressionable young children have been regaled, in films and documentaries, with scenes of large numbers of lemmings migrating and marching mindlessly off a cliff to their doom in the freezing water at the bottom of the cliff. The mass-migration is a response to rapid increase in numbers. In many rodents, physical proximity breeds tension, like it does amongst humans, which often leads to cannibalism.

This, combined with the reduced food availability causes the mass-exodus. These rodents see major migrations when they multiply rapidly and their population goes to the point when demographic dividend becomes demographic disaster. This is when there is no longer security in numbers. The other myth of mass-suicide is demolished by the fact that the lemmings are good swimmers and any drownings are only incidental.

It is the result of accident, rather than design.

Unfortunately, these myths have become the origin of the political slang, ‘Lemming-like behaviour’ to describe a political course of action that results in political hara-kiri and potentially political oblivion.

Political scientists in India 2011 can now be forgiven a re-think on the whole fraud. You begin to wonder if there was some truth in it, after all.

The ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA) seems determined to prove that this instinct of the little creatures, was no myth. The race off the cliff is real, with Congress Lemmings leading the charge of the light-footed brigade. The massive hike in petrol prices at a time of raging food-inflation, was merely one among such efforts. In just 7 months, the price of petrol has gone up by over Rs10. The new hike came even as the government announced that it was taking the price rise seriously and has formed yet more panels and Groups of Ministers to study the problem. Lemmings, after all, mostly act in larger groups.

The ruling dispensation insists in wearing its blinkers and keeping its ear-plugs well and truly imbedded. When Ram Naik of the NDA was the Union Petroleum Minister, he made grandiose promises about abandoning the Administrative

PolItIcally IncorrEct Prices Mechanism, adopted then, for the floating prices of petroleum products, based on market forces. Almost a decade and a half later, we find the government invoking all kinds of bogus arguments to justify their ad hocism. Unfortunately, this entire fraud is being perpetrated in the name of the poor and economically downtrodden.

Nobody knows the real cost of petroleum products, because the OMCs (Oil Marketing Companies) operate under so many constraints and variables. Firstly, they buy their crude oils from so many different sources and at so many different prices. Sometimes they are even forced to buy on the spot market. Secondly, because of the different ages of their refineries and commensurate differences in refining technologies, they finish up with a variety of recovery efficiencies and GRMs (Gross Refining Margins). This results in a variety of costs for the end products. Thirdly, they rely on transport infrastructure (rail, road and pipeline) over which they have no control whatsoever.

All of this places our OMCs in the unenviable position of not knowing how to track their costs.

From the moment the crude oil appears at their tank farms/SBMs/ports, to the moment fuel flowsout of a bowser-spout into the fuel tank of an automobile or truck, the OMCs are trapped in a

It takes all types!

Faces and Places

I

stopped at the newspaper vendor, on my morning walk. and before I could pick up the paper, there was a guy reading aloud the day’s headlines as though well versed with India’s and world affairs, but wasn’t dressed to deserve the ranking. Then, under his breath, he whispered something to the vendor who looked sheepishly around.

Another customer answered his query, which was the matka number. He then asked me for my pen to so that he could scrawl it on his hand. Poor guy, I thought he could not even remember it. Wonder what number he’d play today.

The thing about matka is that it is so popular that almost everyone plays it. In Goa, the news vendor again comes around distributing newspapers and numbers to those who count the minutes before he arrives. He is like the morning sentinel, number before news.In the distant 1970s, I was one of them and at parties, I would bring up the subject which most guests pooh-poohed, as if they would not touch it with a barge pole. Then gradually as the party developed, yours truly would admit to being a player. In a twinkling of an eye, most of the guests, at least half of them,

was very fair on his part. However, we in India term it as derogatory. It’s a cultural misunderstanding. My friend in the neigbourhood had a dog by the name of Don. The Aussies should condemn this since it has the first name of Australia’s legendary cricketer Don Bradman. Adelmo should instead commence writing on stray dogs with Maneka Gandhi’s permission.

GRA’s clarion call Freddy Agnelo Fernandes, Dubai GRA has come up with a cause to fight corruption and are organising a meet on 15th March at Panjim. This is a mass movement aimed at weeding out corruption in politics.

A lot of people are disappointed as it is on a weekday, as people are tied up with their routine duties. In such a large movement, every individual’s participation is of utmost importance. I am not trying to discourage GRA’s efforts, but history speaks for itself. The GBA meeting last October was a good example of people’s response on a weekday, and people should realise their mistakes.

I pray that every Goan pays heed to the clarion call made by the GRA and takes part in this movement. Goa Jai Ho.

Contaminated wells Jose Maria Miranda, Margao There is nothing surprising about the wells in Comba, Margao being contaminated.

Though most houses in Margao have wells and they may be running into hundreds, many do not use well water because of contamination. The well in our family building was retained with much difficulty, but we are unable to use its water despite having had the well emptied on a couple of occasions and getting the water treated.

Water shortage is already felt in many of our cities. The position will aggravate further, in years to come, due to indiscriminate mining, deforestation, absence of a determined effort at rainwater harvesting and, of course, population increase. Maintenance of private wells by government would go a long way in restricting use of government water. Such pleas made to the government have fallen on deaf ears. Now, the problem

maze of costs. This does not even take into account various delays and bottlenecks caused by inadequate/deficient infrastructure. And yet in the face of all this, our politicians rely on some faceless mandarin of a bureaucrat to work out a just price. That’s how we have such a ridiculous pricing mechanism which allegedly brings equity in protecting the poor.

I call this ridiculous for a number of reasons:Today there is a spread of Rs50 per litre between the price of petrol at the gas station bowser and the price of kerosene (for the poor) at the fair price shop. This is an open invitation to every scamster, crook, fraudster, adulterator, fair price shop owner, civil supplies minister and his goons to make a quick buck. So, everyday millions of litres of kerosene are used for adulterating petrol or for smuggling across our porous, contiguous borders. Various tricks are used to deprive the poor of their quota of kerosene so it can be diverted into the adulteration market.

Shamelessly, our politicians take the votes of these same poor people to get elected and re-elected.

Built into this racket, is another one. Fair price shop owners generally own private shops of their own, registered in someone else’s name. So fair price/BPL kerosene is diverted to these shops and sold to poor itinerant/migrant labour, who don’t have ration cards, at Rs25-30 per litre. That’s

200% profit!!! Over the last 25 years, this kerosene fraud has generated approximately Rs5 lakh crore of unaccounted money. This might look like a huge fraud, but by present UPA- 2 standards, this is petty cash. Not just 2G, CWG, 3G, rotting food grain and land scams like Lavasa, but also Rs5 lakh crore of tax-breaks in 2009-2010 for the corporates controlled by the richest people, in this land. In 2010-2011, this fraud continues. Balance this against a once-off write-off of Rs72,000 crores of farmers’ debts!!! Which only came after the suicides of 50,000 farmers. This can only happen when the country is ruled by a Sardarji clown, controlled by an Italian Empress.

In all this, we are missing out a huge unaccounted cost being incurred year in and year out, for at least the last 30 years. The adulteration of petrol with kerosene, causes billions of rupees worth of damage to millions of petrol engines, throughout the country. The cost of labour, spare parts, down time, environmental degradation and loss of faith in our system, must surely make us sit up and think.

Now that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has re-arranged the deck-chairs on the Titanic, the impression of a collective rush to mass drowning only grows. Handing the rural development portfolio to a man, just trashed by the Supreme Court for protecting money lenders in Vidharba while he was chief minister of Maharashtra, has a Kamikaze-like courage about it. Not only did the court admonish Vilasrao Deshmukh in scathing terms, it also enhanced the fine levied by the Bombay High Court’s Nagpur bench on the government of Maharashtra, in the same case, from Rs25,000 to Rs10 lakh. Now, in normal and non-lemming circles, this would have lead to his un-accompanied exit off the Cabinet Cliff.

Obviously, in Dr. Singh’s view, the perfect candidate to preside over the destiny of rural India and its development. A man during whose 8 years as chief minister of Maharashtra, well over 30,000 farmers took their own lives in the state – a feat unrivaled anywhere else in the country.

Dr Singh and Montek Ahluwalia have also bought into the George Bush Food Doctrine: the huge price rise in food items suggests that the poor are doing better, eating more and causing food-inflation. The cliff runway is free and the lemmings have been cleared for take-off.

Or is this the one that flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest???

would also admit to being hooked on to the game. Thank God for the emergency rule, it put an end to my vice. That’s the only good thing the emergency did.

But it takes all types to make a world, some simple and quite sincere, others crafty and devious. Some hard working, others hardly working. There is that usual cliché, all fingers are not equal. Neither are all men, naturally. But should one strive to improve oneself or leave it to the genes? Obviously, different folks react differently.

Then there was this guy on a bicycle, a regular conman. If he caught your eye, he’d switch on that “long time no see” smile.

Give him any sign of recognition, and he stops dead. “Weren’t you in Nariman Point, he asks. The best thing to do is to say “no.” and a firm one before carrying on. If you make the mistake of saying “yes” you’ve had it because he’d spin you a long tale of woe. “My wife died a couple of days ago. I cremated her but now have no money.” Then came out the inevitable hand for cash. One’s normal reaction would be to feel sorry for him and dig into your pocket.

But I put up a stern front and said I didn’t have any to spare. A few weeks later, he did the same thing, not realising he had touched

Dispelling wrong impressions

Annand Madgavkar, by email

This has reference to the six line comment published in your newspaper (Herald, Goa Mirror, 27 Feb) which gives the impression that I approve of the style of functioning of Babush Monserrate. I DO NOT but to give him his due, I also stated, as part of my conversation with your reporter, that he is a very capable person and if he put his skills into good use, he could do a lot of good for the people.

Although, I do not approve of his politics, I do not approve of his dictatorial ways of handling the Taleigao Panchayat or the Panaji Corporation, nor do I not approve of his panel for this election of the Corporation. I did not approve his action of leading a mob to attack the Police station. I do not approve of his bulldozing ways, around Taleigao and at Gram Sabha meetings. I had expressed my opinion during my conversation with the reporter who gave me six lines and suggested that I vouch for Mr Monserrate. I CANNOT. At the same time, on occasions like handling the garbage problem at Taleigao, rampant constructions that are being allowed without adequate infrastructure and many such issues that concern Taleigao, our committees call on Mr Monserrate and try and get proper redressal from him and the Panchayat. We also try to work to get things done for Taleigao, as they should be done. My association with Babush ends there.

This clarification is to dispel the wrong impression about my views on this topic, so that they stand corrected. has surfaced at Comba. Will government take some steps in this direction?

Contaminated voters

Enforce this in Goa

With reference to the recent report of the Monserrates giving all sorts of goodies ie electronic items, bicycles, etc., this is outrageous. Where are all the election monitoring laws and authorities? Does India really have true democracy or is it a big farce? Whilst this politician is trying to buy off voters, his colleague in the South is distributing rice, sugar, water tanks etc.

The main culprits here are not the corrupt ministers, but those in the electorate, who gladly accept goodies from the conniving politicians. In actual reality, these people are being ripped off in a big manner, via excessive corruption, lack of opportunities in Goa, rising prices etc., and then their godfathers give them back some of the loot, in the form of goodies. The foolish electorate is blind not to see that their actual losses are higher.

The Union Law Ministry has recently rightly directed the Attorney General and the Solicitor General of India not to directly entertain any requests for legal opinion without the matter being referred by the Law Ministry. All ministries, departments, public state undertakings and autonomous bodies have also been directed not to seek any legal opinion or advice directly without consulting the Law Ministry.

Such a system needs to be enforced in Goa where all sorts of files are being directly sent by departments and other authorities to Goa’s Advocate General for legal advice.

So routing all files to the Advocate General through the Law department may bring about the much needed legal discipline.

me before. This time I cut it short at source. It pays to remember these tricks. But he’s still seen on a bicycle with the hope that “each day a sucker is born.” As long as it isn’t you, it’s quite okay Living in a tough city like Mumbai, you learn not to wear your emotions on the sleeve. Keep them well below the surface and use them at rare times, when they are really needed.

On my morning walk again, one sees a lot of kids trudging to school, some joyfully, others drudgingly. Some with the parent, others alone. This time, I saw a young mother with two of her wards in tow. One happily, the elder boy but the younger one, hardly four years of age, was crying bitterly and the mother scolding him. “If you continue crying like this your teacher too will beat you,” she told the sobbing child.

It took me back to my tender school days and my hair kept rising on my hand. As I went past the trio, I couldn’t help patting the child on his cheek, consoling him, or at least trying to. She smiled a knowing smile, but at least, she did not upbraid me.

Thank God for that. Yes, it truly takes all kinds to make up this world.

Letters to the Editor

Letter of the Day

Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar

By Ervell E Menezes

Arwin Mesquita, UAE

Give ‘em a shot of GenX! Agniyah Shaikh, Dubai This is the need of the hour. We need more of young blood into main stream politics who think they can really make a change.

As we grow older, and experience increases; so does the tendency to get corrupt. The youth with a principle of their own, and a far vision will surely make a difference in the arena. To change according to the times, we need internet browsing, music loving but religiously straight Gen X to catapult our political system into the next generation.

Public co-operation sought Blossom Cabral, Nagoa Though the second phase of ‘Census-2011’ is being carried out on a massive scale, it will be a rather cumbersome task for the enumerators to garner the necessary information from the individual or the public at large.

The individual/public should co-operate by furnishing adequate details required by the enumerators thereby enabling them to conduct the census work efficiently and quickly. It is hoped that this extensive and hectic exercise is conducted in the best manner possible, pan India.

Script controversies Stephen Dias, Dona Paula This refers to Herald news report of 27 Feb 2011 entitled “To save Konkani teach English” by Tomazinho Cardozo.

Fr Mousinho de Ataide and Uday Bhembre have ridiculed Tomazinho Cardozo’s remarks who have said that Konkani will be saved if English is been taught in Church schools at primary level.

I personally feel that the views expressed

by Tomazinho appear to have some sense and hopefully the Church authorities will follow this suggestions for implementation, in the near future. This difference of opinion among themselves may jeopardise promotion of Roman Konkani script in primary schools.

At this crucial juncture, we hope that both these giants advocating the language scripts unite and see that Konkani language does not suffer a setback. May better sense prevail, for our Mother Tongue’s sake.

Paths of Wisdom

Safdarjung Fort

The Safdarjung Fort is located near the Safdarjung Airport in Delhi.

Nawab Shuja-ud-Daulah built it. His father Mirza Muqim Abuk Mansur Khan was popularly known as Safdarjung. He was the governor of the Awadh province under the rule of Muhammad Khan. His son raised the fort as a memorial to him.

It was built between 1753 and 1754 and is about 300 square meters in area. It is situated at Lodi road.

It is built along the lines of Mughal architecture. It is almost like a scaled-down version of the Humayun Tomb in Delhi.

There are extensive gardens that are spread over the whole 300 sq meters.

The tomb is set up in the middle of these gardens.

An imposing entrance leads to the enclosure, which is two levels high. In the expanses of the gardens there is also a mosque situated. The other notable structures found in the premises of the Safdarjung Fort are the “Moti Mahal”, “Jangli Mahal” and “Baadshah Pasand”.

There are two tombs built here. One is of Safdarjung while the other is most probably of his wife. Red sandstone is used to build the burial chamber. It stands centrally in the garden and also has marble inputs.

The Safdarjung Fort is one of the last architectural works that the Mughals undertook before the fall of their empire.

It was again an exemplary example of rich and tasteful structural design. It is one of Delhi’s more visited tourist places. Due to its close proximity to the airport, it is easily accessible to most visitors to the city.

It indeed reflects the grandeur and style of the Mughal period and it takes the visitors or tourists back through time to that era.

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HOW TO CONTACT US: mail@herald-goa.com — For press notes, general queries. junior@herald-goa.com — Junior Herald; junioryouth@herald-goa.com — Careers. heraldmirror@herald-goa.com — Sunday Mirror. reporters@herald-goa.com — For Reporters. business@herald-goa.com — For Business news. editor@herald-goa.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.

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BHOPAL GAS TRAGEDY

SC to examine compensation hike plea PTI NEW DELHI, FEB 28

The Supreme Court today decided to examine expeditiously the issue of enhancement ofcompensation from Rs 750 crore to Rs 7,700 crore for the victims of 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy.

The apex court issued notices and sought response from Union Carbide Corporation (UCC), Dow Chemicals Company (which owns UCC since 2001), Mcleod Russel India having 50.9 per cent share-holding of UCIL, and UCIL, which is currently known as Eveready Industries Ltd, on a petition filed by the Centre seeking payment of additional damages from them.

However, the court said it will first hear the curative petition filed by CBI in the criminal case in which it has sought restoration of the stringent charge of culpable homicide not amounting to murder against the accused, which attracts a maximum punishment of 10 years' jail term, against them for the world's worst industrial dis-

aster that left over 15,000 people dead and thousands maimed.

We will keep the criminal matter first and then the civil matter of compensation will follow,” a five-judge bench headed

by Chief Justice S H Kapadia said while deciding to hear both the petitions in an open court. Curative petitions are generally heard in chambers of judges.

“We propose to sit on a dayto-day basis from April 13 to hear the criminal matter,” the bench, also comprising Justices Altamas Kabir, R V Raveendran, B Sudershan Reddy and Aftab Alam, said.

The court also issued notices to the four companies on the petition filed by the government seeking transfer of the writ petition pending before the Madhya Pradesh High Court in which the issue relating to the environmental damage caused due to the leakage of the poisonous gas has been raised.

The petition in the High Court

has raised the issue as to who is liable to pay compensation for the environmental damage as Dow Chemicals Company's owes UCC since 2001 and Attorney General G E Vahanvati said "a comprehensive view can only be taken by this (SC) court”.

“We want to know in the High Court who is the successor of UCC. Whether Dow Chemical is the successor of UCC and who will pay the compensation for environmental damage. This aspect of damage has not been determined in the 1989 settlement. It is better you (SC) deal than the High Court”, Vahanvati said when the Bench wanted to know from him about the petition in the High Court.

“We are just issuing notice”, the bench said after the attorney general made it clear that he was not pressing for stay of hearing before the High Court which is scheduled to hear the petition on March 17.

Senior Advocate Harish Salve, appearing for Dow Chemicals, said the company was opposing the Centre's plea seeking transfer of the petition from the High Court to the apex court.

The bench, which had issued notices in the criminal case, said it was granting three weeks to the parties to file any document before it commences the hearing on April 13.

The bench had on August 31 last decided to re-examine its own judgement that led to lighter punishment of two years imprisonment for the accused including former Union Carbide India Chairman Keshub Mahindra.

The light punishment had triggered a nationwide outrage.

The court had sought a response from the seven accused on the CBI plea seeking restoration of the stringent charge of culpable homicide.

Besides Mahindra, Vijay Gokhale, the then Managing Director of UCIL, Kishore Kamdar,

then Vice President, J N Mukund, then Works Manager, S P Choudhary, then Production Manager, K V Shetty, then Plant Superintendent and S I Quereshi, then Production Assistant were convicted and sentenced to two years' jail term by a trial court in Bhopal on June 7 this year.

The curative petition in the criminal case was filed after a nationwide outrage over the trial court judgement in the 26year-old case following which the Centre appointed a group of ministers (GoM) to recommend steps including ways to get the punishment enhanced.

The charge under section 304 part-II was diluted to section 304A by a bench comprising the then Chief Justice A M Ahmadi and Justice S B Majmudar on the plea of the accused in the 1984 gas disaster case.

CBI has sought reconsideration of the apex court's September 13, 1996, judgement which had whittled down the charge to 'causing death due to rash and negligent act' against Mahindra and six others.

INDIA

Nearly a third of Indians in Libya to be evacuated today PTI NEW DELHI, FEB 28

Nearly a third of 18,000 Indians, stuck in strife-torn Libya, would have been evacuated by tomorrow through air and sea.

While two special Air India flights - AI 800 (Airbus 330) and AI 171 (Boeing 744) are likely to ferry back around 600 passengers from Tripoli, up to 3000 Indian nationals, including 400 who have travelled across from Al Kufrah by road, will be evacuated by Scotia Prince and La Superba, the chartered passengers ships, Ministry of External Affairs said here today.

It said Scotia Prince, which will pick up the evacuees, will return to Alexandria on March 2.

“Two Air India flights with evacuees flying into Delhi from Tripoli today," Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao tweeted.

“All 68 Indian nationals who had crossed over to Salloum (Egypt) reached Mumbai by GF056 this morning... Another 82 Indians crossed over to Salloum late last evening. They are also

being taken to Cairo and expected to leave by Gulf Air flight (GF-056) via Bahrain on Tuesday, so as to reach Mumbai on Wednesday 2nd March at 0505 hours," the ministry said.

A help desk at Mumbai airport has been set up by the Ministry

of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) in coordination with Government of Maharashtra and other State Governments, to render all assistance to the passengers including for further travel to their hometowns.

APPOINTMENTS

Key documents on 2G case missing, CBI informs court PTI NEW DELHI, FEB 28

Bollywood actors Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan (L) arrive at the 83rd Academy Awards in Hollywood, California .

Some crucial documents of a telecom firm given to Department of Telecom for allocation of 2G spectrum to it and forming key evidence in the scam has gone missing from the Department, CBI told a court here today.

“The documents submitted by one telecom company to DoT for allocation of spectrum, on the basis of which their (telecom firm's) priority was to be determined, are reported to be untraceable and could not yet be traced or recovered,” CBI told Special CBI Judge O P Saini.

CBI made the submission in its reply opposing the bail plea of former Telecom Secretary Siddhartha Behura who was arrested with former Telecom Minister A Raja on February 2 for his alleged role in the 2G

spectrum allocation scam.

CBI opposed the bail plea also saying “some more documents are yet to be recovered” be them.

Detailing the alleged role of Behura in the 2G scam, CBI said Raja and Behura had abused their official position as “public servants” and approved the file relating to verification of eligibility conditions of Swan Telecom Pvt Ltd. “Raja and Behura, by abusing their official positions as public servants and thereby ignoring the serious issues raised by the concerned section for further verification of eligibility conditions of Swan Telecom Pvt Ltd, have dishonestly approved the file on January 9, 2008 for issue of Letters of Intent (LoI) for 13 telecom service areas," CBI said.

CBI said Behura, in conspiracy

with Raja's former personal secretary R K Chandolia and others, had made arrangements for distribution of LoIs and responses of DoT in an unfair manner.

Government of India

Smt. Sonia Gandhi Chairperson, UPA

Dr. Manmohan Singh Prime Minister

“Earlier we used to search for work,

davp 22111/13/0046/1011

now jobs come to us”

5 years of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)   



In 2010-11 employment was provided to 4.1 crore households upto December 2010 .

Participation of women and SC/STs has increased upto 47%.

A total of ` 1,12,861 crore has been released by the UPA Government since inception, out of which ` 74,677 crore has been distributed in the form of wages.

Over 10 crore bank/post office accounts opened making MGNREGA the world's largest financial inclusion initiative.

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Pg 10

GOA, TUESDAY, 1 MARCH, 2011

Police arrest suspects in NRI murder case PTI LONDON, FEB 28

Two persons have been arrested in connection with the death of 21-year-old NRI Gagandip Singh who was found dead in the boot of a burnt out car in Blackheath, police said today.

Singh from Bexleyheath was discovered dead after a fierce blaze ripped through the dumped Mercedes in south London.

Detectives are questioning a woman and a man – both 19year-old -- on suspicion of murder, Scotland Yard said in a statement.

Officers on patrols discovered the burning vehicle in Blackheath in the early hours of Saturday morning and called the fire brigade.

The young man was found inside a short while later and his next of kin have been informed.

Police do not believe it was a random killing, they confirmed today.

US puts on hold Bangla ties over Yunus harassment AgencIes DHAKA, FEB 28

The US officials have told Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina that “there will be no further high-level diplomatic interaction” until the “harassment” of Grameen Bank founder Muhammad Yunus ends, a media report claimed on Monday.

This could include Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s impending visit to Dhaka after she completes her India visit in April, the New Age newspaper said, quoting a senior western diplomat with direct knowledge of these conversations.

Hasina was told that her government must not “force Yunus out” of the Grameen Bank and that he should be “allowed to leave the bank gracefully and be given reasonable time to find a successor”, the newspaper said.

Hasina, planning to visit Washington in April to take part in the World Islamic Forum, has

also been informed that “she will not be given a meeting with the US President, Barack Obama, unless Yunus is personally agreeable to the terms of any compromise”, the newspaper said.

The Prime Minister’s press secretary Abul Kalam Azad said he could not comment since he was unaware that these conversations had taken place. He added that he did not know there was a possibility that Hillary might come to Bangladesh.

Yunus, awarded Nobel Peace Prize for his pioneering work in micro-credit for rural women, has been criticised by the Bangladesh government and sections of the country’s media since the broadcast of a Norwegian documentary in December 2010 alleging that Yunus had

“quietly tapped” the Grameen Bank for USD 48 million of Norwegian aid money.

Although the Norwegian government found this allegation was false, Hasina reportedly called Yunus a “blood sucker” and set up a wide-ranging inquiry into the bank.

Three criminal cases involving defamation, fraud and food adulteration have also been filed against him although the high court in the past week stayed the adulteration case for six months.

Several eminent personalities across the world have formed “Friends of Grameen” to express support for Yunus.

Headed by former Irish prime minister and UN official Mary Robinson, it includes former chief justice of India JS Verma.

American operatives suspend activities, some leave Pakistan PTI ISLAMABAD, FEB 28

At least 30 suspected covert US operatives have suspended their activities in Pakistan and 12 have left the country following the arrest of CIA contractor Raymond Davis late last month, according to a media report today.

In the wake of Davis’ arrest in Lahore on January 27 for gunning down two men, Pakistan’s intelligence agencies began scrutinising records of Americans living in the country and discovered “several discrepancies”.

This caused “many suspected American operatives to maintain a low profile and others to leave the country altogether”, The Express Tribune newspaper quoted its sources as saying.

The Foreign Ministry states there are 851 Americans with diplomatic immunity in Pakistan, of whom 297 are not working in a diplomatic capacity. Sources in the Interior Ministry told the daily that the number of US nondiplomats is 414.

The majority of these “special Americans”, as the Interior Ministry refers to them, are concentrated in Islamabad, while others live in Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar.

Interior Ministry records state most of the “special Americans” live in upscale neighbourhoods in Islamabad and Lahore, with smaller presences in Karachi and Peshawar, the report said.

Most of these Americans are “suspected of being operatives of US intelligence agencies who

are on covert missions in Pakistan” and report to the US Joint Special Operations Command, according to the sources.

Davis was arrested after he shot and killed two armed men he claimed were trying to rob him. Pakistani leaders, fearful of a public backlash due to rising anti-American sentiments, have rebuffed US demands to release him on grounds of diplomatic immunity and said his case will be decided by the courts.

Pakistani counter-intelligence agencies have long suspected a covert US espionage presence in the country and the first internal investigation into suspicious activities by American citizens was conducted in March 2009.

This “revealed some significant gaps in the implementation of laws concerning foreign citizens”, the report said.

Under the Foreigners Act of 1946, foreigners are not allowed to live in cantonment areas in Pakistan.

However, a majority of suspected American intelligence operatives in Lahore are reportedly “living in the Officers’-Generals’ Colony on Sarwar Road and Cavalry Ground in the Lahore Cantonment,” the report said.

Several senior retired army officers of the rank of brigadier to lieutenant general have rented out their homes to Americans at rates “astronomically higher than the rents of similar homes in the area,” the report said.

US security contractor’s bail application rejected PTI PESHAWAR, FEB 28

A Pakistani court today rejected the bail application of suspected US security contractor Aaron Mark DeHaven, who was arrested in this northwestern city last week for not possessing valid travel documents.

Magistrate Qudratullah Khan Marwat rejected DeHaven’s bail plea and said in a brief judgement that available records proved the American national’s visa had expired in October last year and that he had been illegally living in Pakistan since that time.

The judge also pointed out that DeHaven was aware that his visa had expired.

No one appeared in court on DeHaven’s behalf during the

proceedings. DeHaven was arrested in Peshawar on Friday.

A court remanded him to judicial custody for 14 days on Saturday. DeHaven’s counsel had filed a bail application in which he said he had been running a private business in Peshawar and there was no apprehension of his absconding.

The American has been described in media reports as a security contractor.

His firm, Catalyst Services, offered services like secure residences, protective surveillance and armed security.

DeHaven was detained almost a month after CIA contractor Raymond Davis was arrested in Lahore for shooting and killing two armed men he claimed were trying to rob him.

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Pg 11 GOA, TUESDAY, 1 MARCH, 2011

Opposition forces close to Tripoli; US mulls no-fly zone PTI CAIRO/WASHINGTON, FEB 28

Opposition forces today stormed close to the Libyan capital Tripoli for a final showdown with militia still loyal to beleaguered strong-man Muammar Gaddafi, as US and its European allies readied plans for a possible imposition of a ‘no-fly zone’ over the embattled country.

Three areas close to the east of the capital fell to the opposition forces advancing from AzZawiyah, just 50 kms west of the capital, Al-Jazeera channel reported.

Quoting its correspondent moving with the opposition forces, the channel said heavily armed Gaddafi’s forces were manning check-posts between Az-Zawiyah and Tripoli.

It said there were also reports of Gaddafi loyalists demonstrating in small towns on the periphery of the capital.

“Gaddafi was reported to be holed up in the heavily fortified Bab al-Aziziya area of the capital with his mercenaries militia men ringing him,” the channel said.

It claimed that Gaddafi loyalists were also venturing to launch probing attacks outside the capital and said that at the

Laden’s deputy incites Tunisians, Egyptians

moment “the capital was still in his control”.

As Gaddafi and opposition forces seemed to be locking into a final battle, US and its European allies appeared to be stiffening their attitude to fast paced developments in Libya.

Obama administration officials were in talks with European and other allied governments for a possible imposition of ‘nofly zone’ over Libya to prevent further killings of civilians by troops loyal to Gaddafi, New York Times reported.

US officials are also discussing whether the American military could move to disrupt communications to prevent Col Gaddafi from broadcasting in Libya.

The paper also said Washington was also pondering to set up ‘safe corridors’ leading from Libya into neighbouring Tunisia and Egypt to assist the refugees, whose numbers are multiplying.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon was scheduled to meet US President Barrack Obama in White House to discuss the deteriorating situation in Libya.

France today declared it would send “massive” aid to opposition held territories in Libya and did not rule out supporting the NATO

enforcement of a no-fly zone.

The French Prime Minister Francois Fillon said the country’s air force plane would start leaving for Benghazi to start a massive humanitarian and relief operations.

The French announcement followed as British and German military planes flew clandestinely into the Libyan desert rescuing hundreds of civilians stranded in the country.

The dramatic rescue by planes came after a secret commando raid by Britain’s famed SAS which plucked 150 oil workers from multiple locations from the remote Libyan desert, ‘The Sunday Telegraph’ reported.

The paper quoting unnamed Whitehall officials said the secret military mission into the strife torn country signalled the readiness of western nations to disre g a rd L i b y a ’ s t e r r i t o r i a l integrity when it comes to the safety of its citizens.

Three British Royal Air force C130 Hercules Aircraft swooped into the eastern Libyan desert to pluck out 150 stranded civilians and flew them to safety to Malta yesterday, the British Defence Secretary Liam Fox said in a statement.

No refuge for Gaddafi in UK PTI LONDON, FEB 28

Egyptian residents in Libya wait in an evacuation area after fleeing unrest in Libya, at a military field hospital run by the Tunisian army at the Ras Jdir border post, near the Tunisian city of Ben Guerdane.

Leave Libya at the earliest, Clinton to Gaddafi PTI WASHINGTON, FEB 28

In a tough message hours after the UN slapped “biting” sanctions on the Libyan regime, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has told a bellicose Muammar Gaddafi to leave the country and end his regime as soon as possible.

“We think he must go as soon as possible without further bloodshed and violence,” Clinton told reporters as she headed towards Geneva to attend the UN Human Rights Council meeting today.

“We want him to leave and we want him to end his regime and call off the mercenaries and those troops that remain loyal to him. How he manages that is obviously up to him and to his family,” Clinton said.

“We have consistently in many conversations

Oman protesters maintain roadblocks Thousands of Yemenis protest,

AgencIes CAIRO, FEB 28

Osama bin Laden’s deputy is urging Tunisians and Egyptians to continue their uprisings and revolt against the interim governments set up after the ouster of their autocratic presidents.

Ayman al-Zawahri claims the United States watched the developments in Tunisia for a long time, only deciding to support president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali’s removal after realising his regime no longer served Washington’s interests.

Al-Zawahri also says the US made intentionally vague statements on Egypt because the Obama administration wants to see if Hosni Mubarak would be able to suppress the popular uprising against his rule.

The message is al-Zawahri’s third audio since the uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt. The 15minute recording was posted on a militant Web site late Sunday.

over the last week sent messages, and along with partners in the region and beyond have made it clear we expect him to leave. But we’re not involved in any kind of negotiation with him over that,” she said in response to a question.

Clinton said what will follow Gaddafi is just at the beginning.

“First we have to see the end of his regime with no further violence and bloodshed, which is a big challenge in front of all of us,” she noted.

“But we’ve been reaching out to many different Libyans who are attempting to organize in the east and as the revolution moves westward there as well. I think it’s way too soon to tell how this is going to play out, but we’re going to be ready and prepared to offer any kind of assistance that anyone wishes to have from the United States,” she said.

Britain, which has already revoked Muammar Gaddafi’s diplomatic immunity today ruled out giving refuge to the Libyan dictator who is “responsible for deaths of hundreds of civilians.”

UK has already frozen assets of the leader and his family. Foreign Secretary William Hague said if Gaddafi wants to flee to Britain, he will have to apply for a visa but will be denied entry.

“This means that Colonel Gaddafi and those forming part of his household will not be able to enter the UK,” a Foreign Office official said.

Speaking after Britain’s successful mission to rescue 150 nationals from the Libyan desert, the British prime minister David Cameron said: “All of this sends a clear message to this regime: it is time for Colonel Gaddafi to go and to go now.”

“There is no future for Libya that includes him,” he added.

Britain earlier froze the assets which Gadhafi and his family have held here and also revoked the embattled leader’s diplomatic immunity.

“We are now putting serious pressure on this regime,”

Cameron said. “The travel ban and the asset freeze are the measures we are taking against the regime to show just how isolated they are.”

Describing the situation in Libya as a matter of “grave concern”, the directive said the UK has determined not to provide a refuge for people like Gaddafi due to their association with the “deaths of hundreds of civilians and the incitement to hostility and violence against the civilian population made from the highest level of the Libyan government.”

Britain has also taken action to freeze assets of the Libyan regime, and to impose export controls on Libyan banknotes.

Over the years, many rebels and disgraced or out-of-power leaders of various countries have taken refuge in London and Britain, but the David Cameron government has decided not to allow Gaddafi entry or refuge in the country.

In a directive issued yesterday, Hague removed the exemption from normal UK immigration controls that applied previously to Gaddafi, and members of his household, as the Head of State of Libya.

Smoke rises from the Lulu hypermarket in Sohar, after protesters allegedly set it on fire during protests calling for political reforms.

AFP SOHAR (OMAN), FEB 28

Protesters demanding jobs and reform remained on the streets of Oman today, a day after police

killed at least two as the turmoil rocking the Arab world reached the normally calm Gulf sultanate.

The mostly unemployed demonstrators continued to

man roadblocks in the key industrial area of Sohar, over 200 kilometres northwest of the capital Muscat, despite the announcement of new benefits for

the jobless and more powers for an elected advisory council.

The protesters have been keeping a vigil at Earth Roundabout, a key intersection on the main road to the capital, for three straight days, defying efforts by police to remove them.

The security forces were nowhere to be seen today after the previous day’s deadly violence.

A security official said that the demonstrators attacked a police station near the roundabout and police responded with tear gas and rubber bullets killing two and wounding around five.

But the protesters gave a higher death toll. “I saw five killed at the police station yesterday,” said Abdullah alMeqbali, 25.

State news agency ONA said only that there had been casualties.

“Police and anti-riot squads confronted this group of wreckers in a bid to protect people and their property, which caused casualties,” it said.

unrest high in south

AgencIes SANA’A, FEB 28

Tens of thousands of protesters demanding the end of President Ali Abdullah Saleh’s 32-year rule of Yemen joined demonstrations on Monday, while skirmishes in the south killed three soldiers and a policeman.

Witnesses said around 5,000 protesters who have camped out nightly in the streets near Sana’a University, shouted “We have one demand: the fall of the oppressor.”

Protests against Saleh, a US ally against an al Qaeda wing based in Yemen, have spread across the impoverished Arabian Peninsula state in more than a month of protests.

“Leave and take your corruption with you,” the protesters in Sana’a shouted.

In the northern cities of Ibb and Hudeida, thousands of protesters gathered while at least 10,000 took to the streets in Taiz, 200 km (125 miles) south of the capital.

Opposition to Saleh, who was previously confronting an onoff Shi’ite Muslim revolt in the north and a secessionist insurgency in the south, has now spread across the country, galvanised by successful uprisings in Egypt and Tunisia.

Yemen is already teetering on the brink of state failure. One in two people own guns, 40 percent of the population lives on less than USD 2 a day and a third face chronic hunger.

Violence against security forces has spiked in recent days, though it is unclear who has been behind the attacks.

A local official said two sold i e r s w e re k i l l e d a n d 1 1 wounded on Monday in two attacks by armed men in Makhzan in the flashpoint Abyan province. The gunmen attacked a security checkpoint, killing a soldier and wounding seven, he said.

A second attack on a car carrying the wounded away killed another soldier and wounded

four. The official blamed al Qaeda.

In the province of Hadramout, an official said the head of a local intelligence branch was shot dead on Saturday by men on motorcycles who sped off after the attack.

In further unrest, prison riots broke out in the southern province of Mahra, near the border with Oman on Sunday.

One inmate was killed in clashes with police. Four prisoners escaped. Two guards suffered burns.

Sana’a protests that have gained steam under student and activist leadership in recent weeks were swelled on Monday by members of several tribes, which are at the heart of Yemen’s social system. Islamist groups also joined the sit-in.

The protesters formed separate groups around the campus, with some waving Yemen’s white, red and black striped flags while others sang and danced, witnesses said.

US, S Korea launch war games amid N Korea threat

Pak gunmen torch two NATO trucks

2 judges kidnapped in Balochistan

phancy” towards Washington and said the war games increase the risk of nuclear war on the peninsula.

The North routinely issues such warnings before military drills in the South, which has a defence alliance with the United States dating back to the 195053 Korean War. Some 28,500 US troops are based there.

But tensions are high after the island attack, which killed two marines and two civilians.

The South also accuses its neighbour of torpedoing a warship near the disputed Yellow Sea border in March 2010 with the loss of 46 lives, a charge it denies.

Military talks aimed at thawing icy relations broke down in February. Seoul’s unification ministry said Pyongyang’s latest comments were “not at all helpful” in improving ties.

The North’s regime is also trying to block news of popular revolts that have swept away despotic regimes in North Africa.

The South’s military has been floating balloons into the North carrying news of the uprisings along with basic household

AgencIes QUETTA, FEB 28

PTI ISLAMABAD, FEB 28

Gunmen in southwestern Pakistan attacked two trucks carrying supplies to NATO troops in Afghanistan and set them on fire on Sunday, officials said.

The incident took place near the town of Mangocher, 120 kilometres (75 miles) south of Quetta, the capital of the restive oil and gas-rich Baluchistan province, which borders Iran and Afghanistan.

“Unknown gunmen on motorcycles intercepted two trucks carrying supplies for NATO troops in Afghanistan and set them on fire,” tribal police official Munir Ahmed said.

“Before setting ablaze the trucks, the attackers asked the drivers and helpers to abandon their vehicles,” Ahmed said.

Muhammad Ashraf, another security official in the area, confirmed the attack.

NATO trucks and oil tankers are regularly targets of arson attacks blamed on insurgents attempting to disrupt two key supply lines that cross western Pakistan bound for foreign troops fighting in neighbouring Afghanistan.

Two judges have been kidnapped in the restive Balochistan province of southwest Pakistan days after the abduction of four senior lawyers, triggering protests by lawyers’ associations.

District and Sessions Judge Jan Mohammad Gohar Yasinzai and Civil Judge Mohammad Ali Kakar were travelling to Usta Mohammad by road to attend a wedding when they were reported missing in Jaffarabad district yesterday.

Officials told the media they believed the two judges, who were accompanied by a police guard, had been kidnapped. The car in which the judges were travelling was found in Nasirabad district.

Jaffarabad Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Ayub Jaffar told the media that a search operation had been launched to trace the judges and their guard.

Four senior lawyers of the Balochistan High Court were kidnapped five days before the judges. Lawyers’ associations today boycotted courts in Balochistan and warned they would organise protests if the kidnapped judges and lawyers are not traced.

No group has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping of the judges or lawyers.

AFP SEOUL, FEB 28

US and South Korean troops on Monday launched major annual land, sea and air exercises, amid North Korean threats to turn Seoul into a “sea of flames” in the event of any provocation.

The Key Resolve/Foal Eagle drills are the first of their type since the communist state’s deadly shelling of a South Korean border island last November.

The US and South Korea said the exercises are defensive in nature while training their forces “to respond to any provocation”.

North Korea habitually denounces them as a rehearsal for invasion.

“If the aggressors launch provocation for a ‘local war’ the world will witness unprecedented all-out counteraction on the part of the army and people of the DPRK (North Korea),” Pyongyang’s military said Sunday.

“It will also see such merciless counteraction as engulfing Seoul in sea of flames...”

Ruling party newspaper Rodong Sinmun Monday accused Seoul of “despicable syco-

goods that are in short supply in the impoverished nation, a lawmaker said last week.

Private activists also frequently launch propaganda leaflets, suspended in bundles under the balloons.

On Sunday the North’s military threatened to open fire at sites from where “rotten videos” and other propaganda material are launched.

The two sides halted their official cross-border propaganda barrage under a 2004 deal, but the South said it would partially revive the campaign in response to the warship sinking.

A unification ministry official confirmed the military has been launching leaflets.

“Our government will not retract what it has to do because of protests by North Korea,” he told reporters on condition of anonymity. “The government will decide on the level of its action by considering various circumstances.”

A senior government official said the North appears to see the leaflets “as a considerable threat to its system”.

The drills launched Monday

Pope Benedict XVI waves to believers at Saint Peter’s square as he celebrates the traditional Angelus prayer in Vatican City. During a plenary meeting of the Pontifical Academy for Life in Rome, Pope Benedict XVI reaffirmed his strict opposition to abortion, warning that ‘abortion solves no problem.’

Carnival accident kills 17 in Brazil AgencIes SAO PAULO, FEB 28

Brazilian police say 17 people were electrocuted during a freak accident during a large pre-Carnival parade.

Police said on Monday that fireworks lit by partygoers

caused a power line to fall on a tightly packed crowd dancing behind a large sound truck.

The accident happened late Sunday in the small town of Bandeiro do Sul in Minas Gerais state north of Rio. Such street parties are com-

China campaigners plan new rallies after clampdown AgencIes BEIJING, FEB 28

Organisers of an online campaign to pressure China’s government on Monday condemned Beijing’s tough security response to their call for weekly rallies nationwide and announced new action on March 6.

The anonymous campaigners behind the socalled “Jasmine rallies” -- a reference to the “Jasmine revolution” in Tunisia that sparked unrest across the Arab world -- said their movement had support in dozens of cities.

The new statement -- posted on Facebook, Twitter and other foreign social networking sites officially blocked in China -- came one day after security personnel turned out in force to thwart

gatherings in Beijing and Shanghai.

“According to the feedback we received, on Feb 27, 2011, this movement spread to over 100 cities, largely exceeding our initial expectations of 27 cities,” it said, calling for people to “walk” for change again on March 06.

“We send our salutations to all Chinese citizens supporting and participating in this noble movement!”

Online protest appeals have urged citizens to gather for subtle “strolling” demonstrations each Sunday in cities across China to highlight public anger with the government.

Hundreds of uniformed and plainclothes police smothered Beijing’s designated rally site on the Wangfujing shopping street on Sunday, aggres-

sively pushing away foreign reporters with cameras and briefly detaining several.

Similar scenes took place at the Shanghai protest site near the city’s People’s Square.

Bloomberg News said one of its correspondents in Beijing was kicked and punched by at least five men in plainclothes -- apparently security personnel -- who also took his video camera. The journalist required medical treatment.

Those behind the call for Chinese “Jasmine rallies” have not urged participants to take any overt protest action, but merely to turn out in force.

Chinese authorities have reacted nervously, rounding up more than 100 known dissidents and rights advocates while blocking references to the rallies on websites and search engines,

rights groups and activists have said.

“We issue our strongest condemnation of the Chinese government; the government arrests innocent people and obstructs global information flow,” said the statement from the organisers.

“We believe these deeds cannot stop the development of the Chinese Jasmine Revolution.”

Ahead of Sunday’s events, Premier Wen Jiabao promised action on top public concerns including soaring inflation, runaway economic growth, and official corruption in an online chat with Internet users. China has a history of inflation-triggered public unrest, and Wen vowed the government would ramp up supplies of affordable housing, punish property speculators, and ensure output of grains and other key goods.

mon across Brazil and involve a crush of people following behind a sound truck as it belts out music.

A police spokesman, who spoke on condition of anonymity as he wasn’t authorised to discuss the matter, said most of those killed on the street were hit directly by the downed power line.

He says dozens of others were hurt. Carnival officially begins on Friday.

Biz12:Pg12 2/28/2011 10:40 PM Page 1

OHERALDO

Pg 12 Body blows to industries in Goa HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, FEB 28

State’s mining and tourism industry has termed Union Budget as a ‘brickbat’ as it has failed to address their grievances and instead has added salt to their wounds.

The mining industry is hit hard by the Union budget which has hiked the export duty on the iron ore by almost five percent.

Talking to reporters after the Union budget presentation, Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industries (GCCI) Vice president Manguirish Pai Raikar said, “We are in for a brickbat.

The export duty on iron ore is hiked from 15 percent to 20 percent. This move will affect the industry to a large extend.”

Adding further Raikar said that the introduction of service tax on the restaurants will also hit the tourism industry.

GCCI, an apex industrial body, in their pre-budget memorandum had requested with the centre to cut down the ex-

port duties which are charged ad voleram.

Narayan Bandekar, Goa’s leading mine owner and member of GCCI said that the unified duty on the iron ore export was unwarranted. “Goa has a low grade ore which cannot be used for steel industry.

There should be exemption from the hike for low grade ores. The export has been already affected. Now with hike in duty, the export will severely affect in coming days,” he said.

When asked, GCCI President Cesar Menezes said that they

will raise the matter with the union ministry demanding roll back of the enhanced export duty and also request them to review their decision to impose sales tax for restaurants.

However, the industrial experts have welcomed the overall budget terming it as a’ balanced’ budget.

“The budget for the first time recognized the menace of corruption. There are several good factors that are in the budget including strengthening of the network that will curb spoiling of the food

grains,” Menezes said.

The officials were seen unhappy as there was no specific budget as far as Goa was concerned.

“Goa cannot expect much in the union budget because size of the state is similar to that of any district. The concentration of the budget is to develop the under developed regions,” he clarified adding that it is sad to see that the state which contributes much to the country’s GDP has been neglected in many cases.

INDUSTRY REACTIONS “The imposition of service tax will severely affect the tourism industry. The implementation of service tax will also increase the expanses by almost 10 percent for the consumers. We will demand to roll back the tax as the hoteliers have to earn during the season and has to meet the expanses during monsoon.”

-- Ralph D’Souza of Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) “The hike in iron ore export duty by five percent will impact Goa’s economy. If export is less then government will gain less royalty.

The union ministry has given a big blow to the industry.”

-- Swaminathan Sridhar, executive director, Goa Mineral Ore Exporters Association (GMOEA).

“Hike in the export duty and also service tax on the restaurants will severely affect bothmining and tourism industries, which are backbone of Goa’s economy.”

-- Laxmikant Parsekar, BJP Goa unit president “It’s a welcome sign that fertilizer industry is classified as an infrastructure industry

but the budget does not specify what would be the government policy towards the industry.”

-- Binayak Datta, VP, Zuari Industries Limited “With the current budget we hope that the cement prices will go down. However, we are disappointed as the budget does not highlight anything for steel. We are also happy that the interest rate will be kept low for housing loan upto Rs 25 Lakhs” -- Dutta Naik, Builder “Like last year, government has given much importance to the small scale industries. Government decision to unchanged central excise duty (10 percent) is welcomed.”

-- Atul Naik, former president Goa Small Scale Industries Association “The Union Budget 2011-12 has been largely in line with industry expectations. We appreciate government’s commitment to bring down the fiscal deficit to 4.6 percent.

The increased allocation on infrastructure, health and agriculture reiterates Government’s focus on inclusive growth. However, more could have been done for the education and health sectors.”

-- Arun Nanda, Chairman, CII (WR)

Excellent Budget: CM HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, FEB 28

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat on Monday claimed the union budget as ‘excellent budget in the present world economic scenario’.

“In the present time, when inflation is posing serious challenge to growth of Indian economy, the Union Finance Minister has focused on fiscal consolidation,” Kamat has said in his reaction.

“Containing the fiscal deficit to 5.1 per cent in 2010-11 and 4.6 per cent in 2011-12, will have great impact on controlling inflation,” the Chief Minister added.

He further observed that the finance minister has also focused on supply-side issues, including expenditure management. “During 2011-12, economy is expected to grow at 9 percent which will be amongst highest in the world,” the reaction reads.

“Spending on infrastructure has been increased by 23 per cent to Rs 2,14,000 crore,” he observed.

The Chief Minister further mentioned that the increase in infrastructure spending will certainly facilitate higher growth.

“The other two sectors where spending has been increased considerably are healthcare and education,” he said.

“While healthcare allocation has been increased to Rs 267.6 billion, the education outlay has been increased to Rs 520.5 billion,” he mentioned adding that this will help in much more inclusive growth.

A balanced budget, says GCCI

HERALD BUSINESS DESK PANJIM, FEB 28

This Budget was an acid test for the Finance Minister, given the fact that the Government was facing a lot of flak on account of inflation and rising prices of essential commodities, high profile corruption and high fiscal and current account deficit.

“To his credit he has firmly dealt with all these three principal challenges in front of the government today and he has used the budget as an instru-

PTI NEW DELHI, FEB 28

Air travel and hotel stays will be expensive as the government raised service tax air travel in economy class by up to Rs 250 and brought hotel accommodation, among others, under the tax net in the Budget unveiled today.

The measures would result in a net revenue gain of Rs

Markets yo-yo on Budget PTI MUMBAI, FEB 28

The stock market zoomed past the 18,000-level on a slew of investor-friendly Budget proposals like higher FII investments in corporate bonds and a cut in tax surcharge, but frenetic profit-booking washed away a big chunk of gains with the Sensex closing only 122 points up. The BSE benchmark Sensex shot up 600 points intra-day on various positives, but a rise in MAT dampened the sentiment. Besides, marketmen said that investors remain concerned over rising current account deficit and high inflation. The Bombay Stock Exchange 30-share barometer Sensex surged past the 18,000 mark to a high of 18,296.53, on proposal to cut surcharge for companies from 7.5 per cent to 5 per cent.

ment in addressing all these issues,” said Cesar Menezes, President of GCCI. For tackling inflation, he has focused special attention to promote agricultural output by increasing credit at a low interest rate and with specific incentives to rice growing, oil palm plantations, vegetables, cereals, meat production etc.

He is constituting a Group of Ministers to consider measures for tackling corruption. The country is signing a lot of tax treaties with many countries

and those who are not signing such treaties may be penalized by imposing heavier tariffs on imports from such countries.

There have been some tax relaxations given to the individual tax payers. The corporate world expectations are not full addressed. The minor decrease in surcharge on corporate tax has been nullified by the increase in MAT from 18 to 18.5%.

For Goa the budget will result in higher taxes. The increase in export duty on iron ore from 5% on fines and 15%

on lumps to 20 % for both will result in huge tax burden on Goan ore exporters particularly considering the fact that Goa has high percentage of fine ore exports where the increase is 300%. Increase in service tax on hotel rooms and hospitals having more than 25 beds will adversely affect the tourism industry which is one of the mainstays of the Goan economy. The chamber will hold consultations with the mining and tourism sector and present Goa’s case.

Ashvek Vintage World: hobby turned business BHARATI PAWASKAR

We all have hobbies – some of them expensive. Pradeep is no exception to this. He collects vintage cars – especially Mercedes Benz models. “The joy of owning a Mercedes Benz and sharing the enjoyment with Mercedes Benz car lovers is unique. I am experiencing this blissfully for the last couple of years,” declares Pradeep Naik, the Proprietor of Ashvek Vintage World, Nuvem. A look at his collection drives one crazy with the vivid models and designs of this prestigious car of the world class.

Pradeep made it to the headlines and cover stories of magazines with the Carlsberg Mercedes Benz Enthusiast’s Meet 2010 – organised by his Ashvek Vintage World in October. It was exclusive rally and a gathering organised for the proud owners of Mercedes Benz fan. The vintage and Classic category comprised of 6 cars, 4 of which belonged to Pradeep himself. A red 1938 Mercedes Benz 170 and white 1983 Mercedes Benz 3000D limo, also a fleet of modern cars from the Mercedes stable were lined up for the rally.

Aakash Khaunte, Proprietor of Goa’s Mercedes showroom supported and participated in the rally. Total 45 cars participated.

How did the idea to invest in vintage cars drive him? “I was inspired by my uncle’s collection when he bought his first vintage car. Initially I thought it is a criminal waste to invest or spend on vintage cars. But when I studied his craze, I got fascinated by these cars myself and longed to own some. After developing interest I slowly started buying such cars one by one. My first car was that of Maharaja Satam’s Peugeot in 1985. Deepak Kesarkar, an MLA today, helped me get this car. I paid Rs 3000 for it and more Rs8000 road tax,” recollects Pradeep. “I insist on documents while buying to avoid complications later,” says Pradeep. His cars often are hired for film shoots. Ashutosh Gowrikar had taken his 9 cars and 2 motorcycles for his film – Khele hum ji jaan se!

From January this year Pradeep has ventured into exhibiting his collection. “The cars need maintenance. So I have started charging Rs100

Air travel, hotel stays to be costlier

4,000 crore. The government, however, retained the rate of service tax at 10 per cent.

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee today proposed raising the service tax on air travel by Rs 50 to Rs 150 in the case of domestic air travel and

by Rs 250 to Rs 750 on overseas journeys by economy class.

The service tax on travel by Aban Offshor, 550, 561.6, 542, 548.4 Abb Ltd., 674.7, 688, 661.65, 666.65 Abg Shipyard, 346, 352.7, 336.75, 346.1 Acc Limited, 987, 1000, 962.4, 969.35 Adani Enterp, 584.05, 627.5, 584.05, 611.1 Aditya Birla, 760.1, 786.55, 757.15, 774 Allahabad Ba, 199, 202.95, 195, 198.3 Alstom Proje, 520.05, 526, 506, 508.7 Ambuja Cemen, 122.25, 124.1, 116.25, 117.85 Andhra Bank, 138, 140.45, 135.2, 135.7 Ashok Leylan, 47.35, 49.8, 46, 46.75 Asian Paints, 2364, 2450, 2364, 2400.7 Axis Bank Li, 1233, 1293.3, 1212, 1218.55 Bajaj Hindus, 67.4, 70, 66.35, 68.2 Bank Of Baro, 969, 969, 858.55, 870.75 Bank Of Indi, 446.9, 465.9, 434.7, 439.55 Beml Limited, 616.1, 627, 605.35, 620.45 Bharat Elect, 1692, 1705, 1650, 1659.4 Bharat Forge, 302.1, 312.9, 302.1, 306.15 Bharat Petro, 541.6, 564.9, 538.2, 553.45 Bharti Airte, 330, 334, 324.65, 331.3 Bhel, 1991.7, 2044, 1961.35, 2001.1 Bhushan Stee, 378, 381, 365.05, 376.2 Biocon Limit, 311.75, 319, 307.05, 311.25 Bombay Dyein, 321.8, 337.7, 320, 325.6

higher classes on domestic sector would be at 10 per cent to bring it on par with journeys by higher classes on international air travel, he said.

The Budget proposes to include sectors like hotel accommodation with a room tariff of over Rs 1,000 per day and airconditioned restaurants serving liquor under service tax

Bosch Limite, 6045, 6070, 5970, 5999.3 Brigade Ente, 96, 97.5, 94.5, 95.6 Cairn India, 330, 341, 329.9, 339.2 Canara Bank, 595, 623, 592.15, 614.15 Central Bank, 148.5, 155, 148.05, 153.9 Century Text, 310.1, 317.85, 302, 304.1 Cesc Ltd, 297.95, 302.5, 295.2, 299.1 Chambal Fert, 68.8, 72, 66.75, 67.3 Chennai Petr, 186.1, 192, 185.95, 187.5 Cipla Ltd, 302, 305, 298.15, 299.65 Colgate Palm, 809.9, 828.1, 809.9, 821.3 Container Co, 1126, 1149.8, 1094, 1111.75 Crompton Gre, 243.65, 251.5, 242.8, 244.7 Cummins Indi, 654.1, 670, 640.1, 650.6 Dabur India, 98.15, 101, 98.15, 99.75 Deccan Chron, 62, 62.45, 55.5, 57.2 Dish Tv Indi, 58.8, 59.55, 57.75, 58.65 Divi’s Labor, 599.8, 605, 585.15, 589.5 Dlf Limited, 215, 219.85, 209.6, 211.85 Dr. reddy’s, 1534, 1558.5, 1515, 1546 Edelweiss Ca, 35.85, 38.15, 34.65, 36.65 Educomp Solu, 502, 503.7, 464.25, 467.75 Eih Limited, 81, 82.25, 80, 81.1 Engineers In, 284, 291.75, 281.55, 283.4 Essar Oil Lt, 103.5, 108.45, 102.3, 106.95

BIZ

GOA, TUESDAY, 1 MARCH, 2011

ambit.

"My proposals relating to service tax are estimated to result in net revenue gain of Rs 4,000 crore for the year," Mukherjee said.

"It will mostly affect the airline and hotel sector. They may go for rate hike. But I think the fallout will be shortterm and the sectors will not face any serious problems,"

Essar Shippi, 70.7, 74.9, 70.7, 73.3 Exide Indust, 135.1, 138.2, 133.75, 136.75 Federal Bank, 342.65, 352, 332.4, 348.7 Financial Te, 795.05, 799.75, 762.85, 768.5 Gail (india), 441, 443.05, 425, 426.55 Gammon India, 116.9, 119, 114.3, 115.1 Glaxosmithkl, 2222, 2265, 2198.05, 2208.55 Glenmark Pha, 277, 281.45, 241.1, 251.3 Gmr Infrastr, 40.5, 42.8, 40.1, 41.05 Godrej Indus, 167.8, 168, 161.1, 161.85 Grasim Indus, 2250, 2280, 2217, 2255.15 Great Offsho, 233, 234.5, 225.6, 228.75 Gtl Infra.Lt, 36.85, 36.85, 35.7, 36.1 Gujarat Mine, 109, 115.9, 109, 114.5 Gujarat N R, 42.5, 43.8, 42, 42.55 Gujarat Stat, 91.5, 92.9, 89.1, 89.9 Gvk Pow. & I, 26.25, 27.95, 25.6, 26.35 Hcl Technolo, 447.3, 462, 435, 442.45 Hdfc Bank Lt, 2064, 2120.95, 2035, 2052.25 Hdfc Ltd, 630.1, 652.9, 623.1, 629.2 Hero Honda M, 1486.5, 1530, 1440.2, 1465.2 Hindalco in, 201.5, 209.35, 196.1, 201.35 Hindustan Co, 34.4, 35, 33.75, 33.9 Hindustan Ma, 61.15, 63.65, 59.3, 59.7 Hindustan Pe, 313.8, 327.8, 313.8, 320.3

KPMG Executive Director Vikas Vasal said.

Other experts also expressed similar views. "The hotel and airline sectors are areas generating larger revenues and the majority of the intended Rs 4,000 crore would come from it," an expert of Deloitte said.

The Finance Minister also said the actual collections of

Hindustan Un, 279.85, 289.4, 278, 282 Hindustan Zi, 1268.05, 1286.55, 1250.4, 1265.8 Housing Dev, 154.45, 162.85, 151.9, 157.75 Icici Bank L, 997.8, 1006.45, 962.1, 970.85 Idea Cellula, 58.5, 58.85, 55.7, 57.55 Ifci Ltd, 50.9, 52.65, 49.75, 50 India Cement, 88.5, 89.5, 84.2, 85.4 India Infoli, 74.55, 76.4, 73.05, 74.65 Indiabulls F, 140.1, 151.9, 140.1, 147.45 Indiabulls R, 104.4, 108, 102.7, 103.9 Indian Bank, 205, 208.6, 199.5, 204.4 Indian Hotel, 80, 81.8, 77.4, 78.45 Indian Oil C, 295, 304, 293.6, 298.95 Indian Overs, 127.9, 134.4, 127.4, 133.25 Indus Dev Ba, 130.4, 134.65, 129.3, 131.75 Indusind Ban, 218, 226.4, 211.3, 219.15 Infosys Tech, 3022, 3134.8, 2967.4, 2997.1 Infra. dev., 141, 148, 140.1, 145.2 Ispat Indust, 22.3, 23.05, 22.15, 22.25 Itc Ltd, 156.05, 170, 154.4, 169 Ivrcl Infras, 70, 72.65, 68.6, 69.4 Jai Corp Lim, 162.05, 171.3, 160.5, 163.3 Jaiprakash A, 80.5, 84.5, 76.15, 77.2 Jet Airways, 422, 431.7, 408.05, 417 Jindal Saw L, 201, 203.9, 195.05, 198.35

Pradeep Naik, proprietor of Ashvek Vintage World, with his Mercedes Benz car at his showroom in Nuvem.

for visiting my showroom at Nuvem. Earlier it was free. People enjoy vintage cars and love taking photographs with the rare pieces. Abroad such fees are high and visitors pay happily even 10 Pounds to have a look that comes to Rs800. I am quoting minimal. Foreigners visiting my showroom do not hesitate to pay fees as they enjoy the cars. These cars were lying in my house, so I thought of exhibiting them. Lot of people own vintage cars but they

are not open for public. I have exclusive collection of 15 Mercedes Benz models, including the one I use, that cost me Rs35 lakh. 1938 model to the latest one in – 2010 – Morris Minor, Peugeot 301 of 1931, Standard Herald, Ford Prefects, DKW Munga, Tempo – two engine car (front and rear), Morris 8 convertible 1939, Morris Minor Pickup, Morris Minor Salon, NSU Fox motorcycle, BSA Bantam, Enfield Crusader, Vijay Super, Lambretta Inocentie...” There is special reason why Pradeep loves Mercedes – “We were the dealers for it in Goa. My grandfather – Narcinva Damodar Naik used to sell Mercedes Benz during Portuguese times.”

Friends like Rajesh Timblo, Jaiwant Chowgule also support Pradeep as they all share a common interest – Vintage cars. “I now plan to start an exhibition wherein I could showcase the collection of badges, key chains, lighters, belt buck-

service tax do not reflect the full potential of this sector.

"I seek to achieve a closer fit between the present service tax regime and its GST successor by bringing in a few new services into the tax net to expand the tax base while ensuring that the impact is predominantly on sections of society that have the ability to pay," he said.

Jindal Steel, 642.25, 680, 642.25, 657.75 Jsw Steel Li, 871.6, 908.7, 859, 870.3 Kotak Mahind, 408, 427.75, 402, 405.05 Lakshmi Mach, 2010, 2065, 2010, 2050.8 Lanco Infrat, 37.65, 39, 37.4, 38.15 Larsen & Tou, 1532, 1594, 1518.35, 1527.95 Lic Housing, 186.1, 193.3, 185.6, 188.05 Lupin Limite, 412, 412, 373.9, 381.2 Mahanagar Te, 40.25, 41.35, 39.45, 40.35 Mahindra & M, 593.5, 642.5, 585, 615.75 Maruti Suzuk, 1171, 1228, 1158.5, 1208.2 Max India Lt, 142.7, 149.8, 140, 141.15 Moser-baer (, 39.5, 40.2, 37.8, 38.55 Mrpl, 57.1, 58, 55, 56.9 Nagarjuna Co, 99.25, 103.45, 98.1, 100.9 Nagarjuna Fe, 27.6, 28.6, 26.7, 26.85 National Alu, 430, 430, 401.05, 424.45 Neyveli Lign, 95.3, 98.9, 95.05, 96.25 Ntpc Ltd, 170, 175.8, 169.15, 169.85 Oil And Natu, 263.75, 275, 263, 270.35 Omaxe Limite, 130.45, 134.95, 130.45, 134.05 Oriental Ban, 322.55, 331.85, 314.5, 324.55 Pantaloon Re, 285, 297, 253.25, 261.85 Parsvnath De, 30.5, 30.75, 29.2, 29.45 Petronet Lng, 109.95, 112.4, 108.5, 110.05

les, cigarette cases, visiting card holders, watches, cufflinks etc. These are the accessories linked with the cars. I have collected them from my visits to all over the world,” says Pradeep.

Friends laughed at Pradeep’s hobby initially. Now they envy his collection and go out of way to help him get more cars.

“I bought some cars just for investment and plan to dispose them to interested collectors.

Vintage care collection is my hobby, which now I am trying to give a commercialised form, and open the collection for vintage car lovers,” says Pradeep.

After BA Pradeep completed Business Management course from St Xaviers Institute, Mumbai. Trying to carve a separate niche in the family business, he zeroed on selling vehicles. A Suzuki dealer for motorcycles his showroom was inaugurated by the then Joint Managing Director of Suzuki India – Mr Tanaka. I was the Kinetic Honda dealer prior to be linked with Suzuki and boasted to be one of the 5 top dealers in India,” Pradeep tells us.

Born in 1957 Pradeep is 53 today and still going strong.

Though split today Naik family is one of the oldest in Margao and has contributed immensely to the economic and educational field. Adarsh Vanita High school, established by his visionary grandfather, Narcinva Damodar Naik was one of the top leading schools in good olden days. It had a hostel, library, music facility. “And in our ancestral home at Damodar Sal where I live today, we still preserve the room where Swami Vivekananda rested. Devotees flock in on every Monday at the Sal for ‘darshan’ of Lord Damodar – the ‘grampurush’ of Madgaon. We are blessed,” smiles Pradeep. Thanks to him for allowing this writer a smooth drive to get the feel of today’s Mercedes Benz, a name that is tagged to legacy and luxury linked with the first car ever on earth.

BOARD MEETINGS

Power Fin Co, 249.15, 255, 246.2, 248.2 Power Grid C, 100.3, 104.4, 97.7, 98.95 Praj Industr, 64.5, 66.2, 63.6, 64.05 Punj Lloyd L, 62, 63.2, 59.5, 59.95 Punjab Natio, 1074, 1086.7, 1048.4, 1062 Rajesh Expor, 126.25, 128.75, 123.2, 124.8 Ranbaxy Labs, 451, 453.3, 428.75, 434.65 Rashtriya Ch, 82, 84.85, 78.25, 79.15 Reliance Cap, 457.4, 512.85, 455.15, 475.45 Reliance Com, 89.3, 89.9, 85, 85.75 Reliance Ene, 1089.5, 1089.5, 1036.05, 1059.86 Reliance Ind, 624, 675.4, 624, 639.3 Reliance Ind, 970.2, 994.3, 960, 964.25 Reliance Pow, 110.5, 112.3, 109.5, 110.35 Rolta India, 141, 142.9, 138.1, 140.15 Satyam Compu, 62.7, 63.35, 61.2, 62 Sesa Goa Ltd, 285.45, 285.45, 258, 261.2 Shipping Cor, 100, 102, 99.05, 99.45 Siemens Ltd, 837.5, 851.95, 837.5, 847.35 Sintex Indus, 143.2, 149, 141.95, 146.85 Sobha Develo, 242, 261.9, 241.85, 249.65 State Bank O, 2590, 2662.15, 2583.65, 2630.45 Steel Author, 155.8, 156.55, 151.5, 152.55 Sterlite Ind, 160, 166.5, 159, 164.05 Sun Pharmace, 419.8, 432.25, 416.05, 423.5

Federal Mogul MVL India Infoline Paraan Source: Indiainfoline.com Sun Tv Netwo, 390, 409.9, 390, 405.75 Suzlon Energ, 46.45, 48.45, 46.4, 46.65 Tata Communi, 217, 217, 209.85, 211.45 Tata Consult, 1101.2, 1148.25, 1100, 1110.25 Tata Motors, 1115, 1126.4, 1055, 1082.75 Tata Power C, 1180, 1187.5, 1138, 1150.15 Tata Steel L, 614, 616.6, 599.3, 607.15 Tata Teleser, 14.8, 15.1, 14.5, 14.7 Tech Mahindr, 623, 658.5, 623, 645.25 The Ge Shpg., 248, 259.7, 245, 255.1 The Phoenix, 171.05, 183, 171.05, 177.1 Thermax Ltd, 608, 608.7, 536.55, 556.15 Titan Indust, 3354.8, 3434, 3294.05, 3327.85 Torrent Powe, 225, 232, 225, 230.25 Triveni Engg, 87.4, 90.95, 87.25, 89.9 Tv18 India L, 72.9, 73.7, 69.8, 70.5 Uco Bank, 97.4, 101.6, 96, 97.7 Ultratech Ce, 942.2, 974.8, 925, 930.8 Union Bank O, 318.35, 322.4, 312, 314 Unitech Ltd, 33.85, 35.2, 33.35, 33.85 United Phosp, 131.35, 137.3, 131.35, 136.05 Videocon Ind, 188.95, 196.9, 183.3, 189.65 Vijaya Bank, 77, 78.5, 74.95, 75.8 Voltas Ltd, 160, 167.9, 160, 164.6 Wipro Ltd, 434, 450.8, 432.65, 438.2 Yes Bank Lim, 258.25, 264.4, 253.05, 256 Zee Entertai, 115.2, 120.2, 115.2, 118.75

OHERALDO

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BIZ

GOA, TUESDAY, 1 MARCH, 2011

HIGHLIGHTS

Here are some more announcements: l A simpler I-T return form 'Sugam' for small tax papers. l Service tax, peak customer duty rates retained at 10 per cent; duty exemptions to be withdrawn on various items. l Total expenditure estimated at Rs 12,57,729 crore for the current fiscal; gross tax receipts at over Rs 9.3 lakh crore. l Fiscal deficit target at 4.6 per cent for 2011-12, down from 5.1 per cent estimated for current fiscal. l Disinvestment target for the next fiscal at Rs 40,000 crore. Proceeds for the current fiscal at 22,144 crore. l RBI final guidelines for issuing new bank licences to private players by March-end;Bill for amendments this session. l Financial sector reforms to move forward. l Bills on Insurance amendment,LIC and Pension Development Authority, Banking Laws amendment, SBI subsidiaries and BIFR in the current session. l Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission, to be headed by former Supreme Court judge B Srikrishna, to complete its work in 24 months; to overhaul financial regulations. l New Companies Bill to be introduced in current session. l Discussions on to further liberalise FDI policy. l Constitution Amendment Bill for introduction of GST regime in this session. l Direct Tax Code Bill likely to be passed by Parliament next financial year. l A new scheme to be introduced for refund of service tax on lines of drawback of duties. l A self-assessment of customs duty to be introduced for importers and exporters to enable them to assess duty payment. l Compensation of Rs 9 lakh to be given to defence and Central paramilitary forces for permanent disability and discharge from service. l Net loss from direct tax proposals at Rs 11,500 crore. l Excise, customs duty proposals to provide net gain of Rs 7,300 crore; revenue gain of Rs 4,000 crore from service tax. l Net revenue loss on account of taxes and duties will be Rs 200 crore for the year. l Standard rate of central exercise duty maintained at 10 per cent; no change in CENVAT rates. l Some legal services to be brought under service tax net; service by individual to another individual exempted. l Services provided by life insurance companies in the area of investment are also proposed to be brought into tax net, on the same lines as ULIPs. l Government to put in place framework for safeguard of small borrowers in microfinance sector. l Corruption, inflation and current account deficits identified as major areas of concern. l PSU banks to get Rs 6,000 crore for maintaining capital-to-risk asset ratio norms. l To give Rs 300 crore for promoting pulses cultivation in rain-fed areas; another Rs 300 crore to promote farm product cultivation. l Credit flows to farmers raised from Rs 3.75 lakh crore to Rs 4.75 lakh crore. l Existing interest subvention scheme on short term farm loans at 7 per cent interest to continue.

Cong hails Budget PTI NEW DELHI, FEB 28

Hailing the Union Budget as "balanced, progressive, inclusive, growth-oriented and dynamic", Congress said the exercise addressed all segments of society from common man to corporates. Dismissing Opposition's criticism, spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said that this budget cannot be criticised "unless the mindset is to just criticise for the sake of criticising".

He said that the budget has addressed all sections at micro, macro and medium levels "starting from the foremost Aam Admi" but not at the same time forgetting small and medium segments.

Budget better than expected, India Inc hails Pranab PTI NEW DELHI, FEB 28

The industry today welcomed the Budget terming it as "positive" and "growth-oriented" and some leaders were pleasantly surprised with the unchanged excise rate in major sectors.

"Overall, the Budget is a growthoriented and a good one and it has not taken the last year's growth for granted," CII President Hari Bhartia said.

He, however, said the Finance Minister should have given more stress to the health sector and the "demand for treatment of healthcare as infrastructure has been overlooked".

Bhartia said the targetted subsidy on kerosene and food will reduce the wastage of subsidy.

"Also the digitisation of I-T system will expand the tax base. Compliance and self regulation will reduce human interaction," he added.

Expressing similar views, Kotak Mahindra Bank vice-chairman and MD Uday Kotak said: "Budget is

positive for the equity and bond market. A 4.6 per cent fiscal deficit is looking like a very good number."

He said the auto sector was expecting a hike in excise, which has been kept unchanged at the existing levels.

"Budget has positively surprised us," he said, adding the "Budget has done better than normal expectation".

He, however, said that the income tax relief provided to general tax payers as "marginal move" as it has been increased by only Rs 20,000 to Rs 1.80 lakh from current limit of Rs 1.60 lakh.

Commenting on the proposal to launch a national mission for hybrid and electric vehicles, Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) President Pawan Goenka said: "This is a very welcome move.

It will allow advanced technologies to be developed in India rather than importing technology."

Although there were no specific measures, such as allowing FDI in multi-brand retail, Future Group

Chief Kishore Biyani said the government is showing its recognition through the Budget what the modern retail has been saying so far.

"The announcements made to strengthen the farm sector, cold chain investments and recommendations to amend the Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) Act are all indicative of the government's will," he said.

"All the measures announced today are a precursor for things to come," Biyani added.

ENAM Securities Chairman Vallabh Bhansali: "He (Mukherjee) has succeeded in fighting all populist forces I am happy with what he has done."

Expressing satisfaction over the various proposals of the Budget, Godrej Group Chairman Adi Godrej said: "I think it was a very well balanced Budget and growth oriented. It will be very good for the economy. The decision to formally introduce the constitutional amendment for GST is a very good one."

He said increase in limit for in-

come tax exemption for tax payers will add to consumption "which is desirable".

While welcoming the reduction in surcharge for companies from 7.5 per cent to 5 per cent, Godrej, however, said: "It is desirable, although I would have liked to see surcharge completely removed.

"I didn't see any thing negative in the Budget. But what I like the best is that the widely expected increase in excise duty was very sensibly not resorted to," he added.

Terming the Budget as balanced, HSBC India Country Head Naina Lal Kidwai said: "The finance minister has allowed the growth agenda to stay on track."

She also said the Budget has also set the direction for financial sectors reforms with Mukherjee promising take forward many pending Bills in Parliament soon.

FICCI President Rajan Bharti Mittal said the Budget is balanced and will sustain the growth momen-

...very disappointing and directionless, says Opposition PTI NEW DELHI, FEB 28

Opposition parties today came down heavily on General Budget 2011-12 dismissing the exercise as "very disappointing and directionless" and said it has failed to address the problems of unemployment and price rise affecting the common man.

The Left and the Right saw nothing much to write home about the budget, which they said was an exercise of "nominality" given the

elections in five states round the corner.

Leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj regretted that the budget did not have even the mention of the word 'unemployment' nor has any plans for controlling price rise.

"It is a very very disappointing budget, which has not done justice to the common man, woman and the youth," the BJP leader said, adding that the only thing good was the rise in remuneration of An-

ganwadi workers and helpers.

CPI leader Gururdas Dasgupta said Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee had not mentioned what is the additional tax on the "affluent middle class and millionaires" at a time when the rich are growing richer by the day.

"This is a budget of nominality with elections in five states on the mind of the finance minister," Dasgupta said adding the exercise showed that there has been no change in the policies of the ruling

Signals reform oriented nature of govt, says PM PTI NEW DELHI, FEB 28

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said the Union Budget was aimed at fiscal consolidation and moderation of taxes to match the challenges the economy faces and signalled that his government was reform-oriented.

"This budget meets all the challenges that our economy and our polity faces in the next fiscal year. We need to sustain a high rate of growth and therefore this budget builds upon the good performance of the current fiscal year's 8.6% growth rate to a projected 9%," Singh said.

Hailing Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee for doing a "commendable" job, he said while rapid growth was certainly one factor but equally important was greater tax compliance and for that moderate rate and simplified system were essential.

"And the Finance Minister has walked on both these legs," the Prime Minister said in an interview to Doordarshan.

On the controversial black money issue and lack of any amnesty scheme to bring it back in the budget, he said there have been such schemes in past but with a little success.

"Well amnesty schemes have been implemented in the past. I don't think they have succeed in providing permanent cure for black money. We need to have a systems reform in a holistic manner to deal with this menace," he said.

Replying to a question that the budget failed to provide any additional relief to women by increasing the income tax exemption limit, he said "you cannot please all the people. Finance Minister has done as good a job as possible."

By increasing the exemption limit for the people at the lowest rung of the ladder from Rs 1,60,000 to Rs 1,80,000 will benefit all men and women and for older citizens, Mukherjee has done much more, Singh said.

"This is a budget that matches the challenges that our economy faces---sustained growth, inclusive growth, equitable growth and thus, a determined effort to curb inflationary expectations," he said.

Noting that "quite a lot" has been done to encourage foreign direct investment, Singh said the Finance Minister has reduced the surcharge from 7.5 percent to 5 percent.

"I think, the signals are that this is a government which is reform oriented. He has promised that he will come with legislation with regard to insurance, with regard to pension fund. In totality, if these promises are converted into solid Acts of parliament, they will provide a boost to the capital market as well as to the corporate sentiment all around," he said.

He said considering the international financial system, maintaining a high growth rate was something for which Mukherjee and the government deserved to be congratulated.

Elderly biggest gainers, tax payers to save more PTI NEW DELHI, FEB 28

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee has given a saving of Rs 2,060 per annum to male income tax payers by raising the exemption limit from Rs 1.60 lakh to Rs 1.80 lakh.

For women, Mukherjee has not given any benefit by retaining the exemption limit at Rs 1.90 lakh per annum.

The impact on tax liability for different income slabs for male, female, senior citizen and very senior citizen are given in the following tables as calculated by global advisory firm KPMG.

Income

Men Below 60 yrs

Sr Citizens 60-80 yrs(MALE)

Vry Sr Citizen above 80 yrs

Old Slab New Slab Saving

Rs 35,020 Rs 32,960 Rs 2,060

Rs 5 lakh Rs 35,020 Rs 25,750 Rs 9,270

Rs 26,780 Rs --Rs 26,780

Old Slab New Slab Saving

Rs 96,820 Rs 94,760 Rs 2,060

Rs 8 lakh Rs 96,820 Rs 87,550 Rs 9,270

Rs 88,580 Rs 61,800 Rs 26,780

Old Slab New Slab Saving

Rs 15 lakh Rs 3,13,120 Rs 3,13,120 Rs 3,11,060 Rs 3,03,849 Rs 2,060 Rs 9,270

Rs 3,04,870 Rs 2,78,099 Rs 26,780

dispensation.

Terming the budget as "timid", former Finance Minister Yashwant Sinha said, "the budget is exactly according to the personality of the Finance Minister as the budget is completely devoid of reforms. It is not tackling any reforms."

BJD MP Jay Panda described it as "mixed budget" but rued "no steps were taken by the government to contain the inflationary trend in the budget."

Asked if the budget was aimed

No step to check high prices: Left PTI NEW DELHI, FEB 28

The Left parties today accused the government of not taking any step to check high prices, poverty, unemployment or corruption, saying the budget was aimed at burdening the poor and subsidising the rich.

The CPI(M) said Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee promised to bring in or amend seven legislations to liberalise the financial sector and attract FDI which the UPA-I govt could not do because of Left opposition.

"These measures would provide greater access to foreign finance capital to domestic financial sector which will be disastrous. Removal of protection to domestic sector will lead to its increased dependence on foreign markets and their volatility will impact us," senior party leader Sitaram Yechury said. While direct tax concessions of Rs 11,500 crore have been given to primarily benefit the corporates, a hike of Rs 11,300 crore through indirect taxes would affect the vast masses of people, he said.

He said the government voluntarily did not collect taxes worth Rs 1,38,921 crore from the corporates in 2010-11. Similarly, the tax foregone in 200910 was Rs 1,18,930 crore.

"The govt has thus given away about Rs 4 lakh crore in the last three years," Yechury said, adding if this amount was collected and spent on building infra, it would have generated employment and thereby domestic demand by increasing the purchasing power of the people.

On corruption, he said there was nothing concrete on the blackmoney issue barring "an intention of joining the global crusade" against it. "This falls short of even what has been promised in the President's address to Parliament," he said.

On the other hand, there has been no mention in the budget on rolling back the hikes in petro-product prices and nothing on banning or even suspending forward trading in foodgrains.

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Lion's share of Central Plan outlay for Infraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; PTI NEW DELHI, FEB 28

Energy and transport will get a massive chunk of the central Plan's outlay in the next fiscal even as Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee today announced several key initiatives for giving a boost to the infrastructure sector.

The central Plan provides for Rs 2.72 lakh crore for energy and transport sectors out of its total size of Rs 5.92 lakh crore for 2011-12. The outlays for the sectors account for 45.95 per cent of the Plan outlay.

This marks an increase of

tum, while giving main emphasis on agriculture and manufacturing.

However, not all industries were happy with the Budget proposal, specially those in the iron ore mining sector which will now have to pay 20 per cent export duty.

"Iron ore industry will not be able to absorb it (export duty 20 per cent).

It will affect export earnings of the country," Roongta Mines Ltd President Siddharth Roongta said. Principal Economist for Deloitte in India Shanto Ghosh said: "Overall, the policy prescriptions outlined in the Budget were lacklustre and can be considered more of tinkering around the edges without ushering in radical reforms."

Ghosh, however, said the commitment to refrain from additional borrowing to fund the fiscal deficit will certainly help retain the momentum in terms of private investment that is critical to sustained growth.

Motilal Oswal Joint MD Ramdeo Agarwal said no increase in excise rates has boosted market. "Auto and banking sectors are clear winners in Budget."

9.68 per cent over the Budget estimates of the previous year.

However, since the full outlay of Rs 2.48 lakh crore could not be spent last year, the increase in outlay in 2011- 12 was 21.43 per cent compared to the revised estimates for 2010-11.

Since investment in infrastructure is critical for maintaining the growth trajectory of the economy, the government intends to continue its focus on the sector.

Besides raising the outlays in the central Plan, the Budget announced other important ini-

tiatives for funding the projects, including those in the private sector and the PPP models.

"Infrastructure is critical for our development," Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said while tabling the Budget in Parliament today.

The major initiatives include creation of an infrastructure debt fund and raising the limit of FII in corporate bonds.

The government also announced issuance of tax-free bonds worth Rs 30,000 crore and extending income tax exemption on tax-saving infra-

structure bonds up to a maximum of Rs 20,000 for one more year.

The Budget proposes to take the FII limit for investment in corporate infrastructure bonds to USD 25 billion and also permits foreign portfolio investment in SEBI-registered mutual funds.

With raising FII limit, Mukherjee said they will be eligible to invest up to USD 40 billion in corporate bonds, including a total of USD 25 billion in the infrastructure sector. "... the FII limit for investment in corporate bonds, with

residual maturity of over five years issued by companies in infrastructure sector, is being raised by an additional limit of USD 20 billion taking the limit to USD 25 billion," he said.

"This will raise the total limit available to the FIIs for investment in corporate bonds to USD 40 billion," he added.

Besides, Mukherjee said since most of the infrastructure companies are organised in the form of SPVs, FIIs would also be permitted to invest in unlisted bonds with a minimum lock-in period of three years.

at the forthcoming elections in states, SP spokesperson Mohan Singh said, "it may be even aimed at the Genera Elections also."

RJD Chief Lalu Prasad said he was "happy" about the budget.

He described revolutionary step providing cash subsidy in fertilisers, LPG and kerosene directly to consumers.

Congress, however, hailed the budget saying the Finance Minister did not take any "cheap populist step" and the exercise was a reflec-

tion of an India aspiring to become super power.

Party spokesman Manish Tewari said, "concrete steps have been taken to strengthen the economic fundamentals in the budget," adding the Finance Minister's exercise was futuristic.

CPI (M) leader Sitaram Yechury described the budget as "regressive" which will burden people more by giving concessions to corporates and disinvestment in Public sector undertakings.

...addresses inflation, boosts reforms: FM

PTI NEW DELHI, FEB 28

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee today said his Budget proposals address the problem of high inflation and give a push to economic reforms.

"I had to place the Budget in a situation where there is uncertainty in the international world (and) high food inflation - though in terms of percentage it has come down from 20.2 to 9.3 - but still it is unacceptable level," he told reporters after unveiling the Budget for 2011-12 in the Lok Sabha.

Through the Budget proposals, Mukherjee added, he also tried to signal reforms without making any dramatic announcements.

"I wanted to convey a strong signal towards reforms ... reforms not in dramatic announcements but (by) addressing those issues (which can improve) governance and delivery," Mukherjee said.

Referring to rising inflation, the minister said, he tried to address the problem by allocating resources and come out with schemes to augment supplies of pulses and edible oil.

"We have taken special programmes - about six-seven programmes - to be implemented under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojna. I have allocated resources and schemes are being worked out for pulses, edible oil, providing fodder for the cattle, green revolution in Eastern India."

To check high prices, he said, "we have to remove the supply bottlenecks and therefore the agriculture response should be to improve the supply bottlenecks".

The minister further said that use of information technology in dealing with issues concerning income tax would "bring revolutionary changes in the tax compliance, tax admin-

istration".

The Budget, Mukherjee said, also sought to move ahead on the path of fiscal prudence by controlling expenditure and reducing fiscal deficit. The minister proposed to reduce fiscal deficit to 4.6 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product in 2011-12 from 5.1 per cent estimated for the current fiscal.

"I have conveyed the message in this Budget that we shall have to resort to fiscal prudence and fiscal consolida-

tion should take place," he said.

On implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), the minister said, "It would be possible (to implement it) with the cooperation of my colleagues in the states. We would be able to move towards GST." "It is not just for casual mention. We shall have to go to GST and we shall have to address the concerns of the states. I am not insensitive to the concerns of the states," he added.

Pg 14 GOA, Tuesday, 1 March 2011

SPORTS

nd It’s official – 9 for Bardez Zone 2 Div Saligao Sporting and Co’s compromise before Arbitration Tribunal l

JOVITO LOPES PANJIM, FEB 28

The Bardez Zone Second Division League will finally have nine teams and not seven as was decided by the Executive Committee of Goa Football Association (GFA). This landmark decision was arrived at, at the very first sitting of GFA’s Arbitration Tribunal here on Monday.

The Tribunal which consisted of retired Chief Justice of Gujarat High Court G Das Kamat, retired District Judge Noronha Ferreira, Advocates Albino Vales, Francisco Sousa and Mahesh Rao, heard all the parties connected with the ticklish issue – Saligao

United, who had filed the appeal being aggrieved with GFA’s Executive Committee’s decision to have seven teams, Saligao Sporting, Laxmiprasad, Milagres, Benny, St Savio, Sesa FA Jrs, Penda da Franca and former GFA general secretary Savio Messias.

Peddem Bomm were not present.

The impasse was finally resolved by the same people who initiated it, ostensibly on the grounds to safeguard the interest of the players which were already registered with two clubs that were to be thrown out finally by the GFA Executive Committee – Saligao United and Laxmiprasad. It was a case of better late than never. It was a virtual climbdown by Saligao Sporting and Co, though Tony Remedios took pride in initiating the compromise.

The overall reaction from football enthusiasts was: “If it could be done now, it could have also been done earlier. One needs to look if the teams had 18 players registered 48 hours before the first match schedule.

And, one thing was clear, that Laxmi Prasad could not have been accommodated beyond the deadline for renewal.”

Some legal experts highlighted that the Executive Committee did not consider the advise tendered by Adv Subodh Kantak in its totality and had only agreed to Point No 20 that the Bardez Second Division league be conducted with seven teams.

It has been pointed out that under Point No 21, Adv Kantak had said: “Before parting, may I say it is necessary that either the Executive Committee of GFA or the General Body apply its mind and consider this issue in more detail by considering various situations that may arise and provide some power/discretion to the Executive Committee to take appropriate steps in such type of eventualities.

Ultimately, development of football is the aim of the GFA and more and more teams competing is healthier for the game of football.”

The solution to have nine teams ultimately was a victory for those Executive Committee members – Savio Messias, Welwyn Menezes and Lavinio Rebello - who had voted against the reduction of teams from nine to seven at the GFA Executive Committee meeting presided over by president

Shrinivas V Dempo. It was a great, personal triumph for Savio, who was being unnecessarily targeted for having included both Saligao United and Laxmiprasad through backdoor methods when he was the general secretary of the previous committee. “I stand fully vindicated,” Savio thundered and added that truth prevails in the end.

For Elvis Gomes, senior GFA Vice-President, today’s outcome will be exhilarating for he had clearly stated that the Bardez Zone Second Division league should be played with nine teams in the interest of all and especially the football players of the two teams. What is to be highly appreciated is Elvis’ parting shot in his letter, “In case the decision is to reduce the number of teams, then I will not be a party to such a decision.”

Indeed, commendable. Guts, is what I call it.

Lavinio Rebello, GFA vicepresident, will also be on a high after the setback as his draw with nine teams was given scant respect as the clubs sought postponements of the scheduled fixtures even when the two venues – Poriat and Duler were booked for the matches. And, when the

decision to have seven teams was arrived at following voting at the Executive Committee meeting it must have been a demoralising one for him, for he was kept out by the conclave of the so-called Bardez Clubs group right from the time when elections were announced.

The issue raised by Saligao Sporting and Co to scratch Saligao United dominated for most of the part of the four or five Executive Committee meetings. What took so long time, was ultimately sorted out in nearly one-and-half hours time today. One will be glad that real sporting spirit surfaced at last, which is the essence of sports. At one point, it looked like it was becoming a prestige issue.

As per the compromise arrived at, under the Arbitration Tribunal, which met for the first time today, the nine teams have been divided into two groups: Saligao Sporting, Laxmiprasad, Benny XI and Saligao United will form one group. Sesa FA Jrs, Penda da Franca, Peddem Bomm, Milagres, St Savio will make up the second group. Two top teams from each group will play crisscross and decide the winner to be promoted to the

First Division. The two last teams will be demoted, but the final decision will be arrived at the general body meeting.

It was Saligao United who filed the appeal before the Arbitration Tribunal on February 19 stating that the decision of GFA Executive Committee to reduce the teams from 9 to 7, which affected them was arbitrary and without any application of mind and against the principles of natural justice, fair play and good conscience.

Saligao United had also pointed out that the GFA Executive Committee did not consider the points that they had already issued 25 players cards to the club thereby putting the careers/opportunities in total jeopardy. Moreover, they had said, “The Executive Committee did not consider the opinion of Adv Kantak in proper prespective.”

Most importantly, Saligao United had stated that the Executive Committee did not consider the point that keeping them out from Second Division would result in Saligao United not participating in any GFA tournament during the 2010-11 season.

Diocesan Priests rout Candolim HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, FEB 28

Diocesan Priests trounced Candolim Veterans 4-2 in a friendly football match organised by Candolim Parishioners at Dr Gustavo Monteiro Stadium, Candolim on Sunday.

Diocesan Priests enjoyed an upper hand in the initial stages and succeeded in breaking the deadlock in the 17th minute through Fr Noel D'Costa. Fr Jason had a golden opportunity to double the lead but he failed to score. Candolim keeper Xavier too came to his side's rescue time and again.

Changing over, Diocesan Priests continued their dominance and doubled the lead through Fr Valentine Alvares in the 50th minute. Fr Valentine once again netted in the 15th minute.

Down by three goals, Candolim fought back and reduced the margin through Shankar Palienkar in the 67th minute.

St Caetano soccer: Pogo Boys v. Sinquerim Boys, A L ua ground, Merces 5 p.m.

Laxmi and Subha soccer quarter-finals: Calangute Association v. Navelim Villagers Union, Nerul ground, 4.30 p.m.

St Rock super soccer: Curtorim Gymkhana v. Don Bosco Orator y, Fatorda, St Rock ground, Majorda, 4 p.m.

Nagoa panchayat soccer: Nuvem SC v. Maina SC, Nagoa panchayat ground, 4.30 p.m.

The captain of Diocesan Priests receiving the winners trophy from Fr Tony Salema and Agnelo Fernandes, MLA at Candolim.

Fr Valentine scored his third goal to complete a hat-trick and give Diocesan Priests a comfortable 4-1 win.

Candolim did not give up the fight and kept attacking the rival citadel but their ever agile keeper Fr Benjamin Victoria kept the rivals at bay with brilliant saves. With time ticking out, Candolim scored another goal through Manuel Lopes to narrow the defeat margin to 24.

Following individual prizes were awarded: Fr Noel D’Costa (first scorer). Fr Valentine Alvares (man-of-the-match). Fr Tony Salema, Rector, Saligao Seminary was the chief guest and gave away the prizes in the presence of Agnelo Fernandes, EDC chairman and MLA, Calangute.

The teams were introduced to the chief guest in the presence of Fr Tony D'Mello, Sr Neomi Castelino, Agnelo Fernandes, Sandra Fialho, deputy

sarpanch of Candolim, panch members and other dignitaries.

Fr Romualdo Robin Rodrigues, parish priest, Our Lady of Good Hope Church, Candolim kicked off the match. A live band, Micky Mouse and Donald Duck provided good entertainment. The event was witnessed by a large Sunday crowd.

Fr Victor Rodrigues, assistant parish priest, Our Lady of Good Hope Church, Candolim proposed the vote of thanks.

MPT down St Rock’s Fatrade HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, FEB 28

MPT Sports Council defeated St Rock’s Sports Club, Fatrade, Varca 2-1 in GFA’s First Division League at Raia panchayat ground, on Monday. MPT were leading 2-0 at half time.

MPT began on an impressive note and found success in the 15th minute when Joe Colaco bulged the net off a pass from Rexon Fernandes.

Stung by the setback, St Rock’s took the fight to the rival camp with striker Columban Noronha trying his best and tested the rival goalkeeper with sorties but his efforts proved futile as MPT stopper back Shaikh Abbo was rock solid in the rearguard and did not allow their rival attackers to look at the rival goal with neat tackles.

MPT had scoring chances but their forwards squandered easy sitters. Joe had a chance to double the lead but his attempts at

Sai Avtaar win HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, FEB 28

Sai Avtaar, Anjuna scored a solitary goal victory over Nagoa Sporting Club to move into the semi-finals of 1st All-Goa intervillage football tournament for Laxmi and Subha memorial trophy at Nerul ground on Monday.

After failing to score in the first half, Anjuna scored the winner in the 4th minute through Ligorio Noronha off Elvis Fernandes. Nagoa tried their level best to restore parity but their forwards failed to find the net.

Premnath Gadekar was declared man-of-the-match.

the rival goal was well blocked

by St Rock’s goalkeeper Dulio Andrade.

MPT doubled the lead at the stroke of the lemon break when captain and midfielder Zico Fernandes’ snap shot hit the cross bar and the rebound midfielder Wilfred Gomes nicely headed in beating Dulio under St Rock’s bar.

Crossing over, St Rock’s were a transformed side with their midfielders and forwards showing better understanding to trouble the rival defence with well orchestrated raids. St Rock’s nearly found the equaliser soon after resumption but Xamaro Rodrigues well measured shot was thwarted by MPT goalkeeper Juje Siddi. St Rock had a golden opportunity to reduce the margin but striker Melvin Fernandes ballooned over from close range with only rival goalkeeper at his mercy. St Rock were let down badly by their

forwards. Midway, Freddy Fernandes headed out an open chance after he being fed by striker Columban.

On the other hand, MPT had scoring chances but Haysin Velho’s and Joe Colaco’s tries were well blocked by St Rock’s Dulio.

After umpteen forays into the rival penalty area, St Rock scored the consolation goal in the 74th minute when striker Columban unleashed a fierce shot beating the MPT goalkeeper veteran Juje Siddi off a pass from Xamaro Rodrigues. St Rock were unlucky when Melvin Fernandes’ rasping volley was well blocked by the MPT keeper. In the dying minutes, striker Melvin was the worst culprit as he ballooned over from hand shaking distance.

With this win, MPT collected 16 points from ten matches while St Rock’s Sports Club have four points from the same number of encounters.

Goa karatekas shine HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, FEB 28

The WSKA-World Shotokan Karate-Do Acadamey, Goa team which participated in 1st AllGoa karate championship organised by All-Goa karate at Sports Authoity of Goa, indoor stadium, Campal, Panjim excelled bagging 17 medals - 9 gold, 2 silver and 6 bronze medals in different events and categories.

Results – U-8 and U-9 brown belt - Rajat A Morajkar (2 bronze in Kata), Shriyash Korgaonkar (gold in kata and bronze in ku-

mite).

Above 18 years open - Madhura Chari (gold and silver in kata), Nikita Chari (bronze in kata), Ashikesh Shirgaonkar (gold in Kumite), Rohan Shirodkar (2 bronze in kata and kumite).

12 years - 13 years brown and black belt - Anushka Kanulkar (2 gold in kata and Kumite), Saeesh Korgankar (gold in kata), Joston Jonnas Cardoz (1 gold in kumite), Sachin Verlekar (silver in kata).

14 to 15 years - Joel Dhupdale (gold in Kata).

Betalbatim oust Carmona

HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, FEB 28

Betalbatim Sporting Club got the better of Carmona Sports Club 2-0 to move into the quarter-finals of 22nd St Rock super soccer in memory of Nazario Dias organised by St Rock Youth

Club at St Rock ground, Majorda on Monday. There was no score at the lemon break.

Changing ends, Betalbatim shot into the lead through Hayston D’Costa in the 65th minute while Dickson Rogtao doubled the lead in the 70th

minute.

Earlier on Saturday, Davorlim Sporting overcame strong contenders, Parish Youth, Nuvem 10 to qualif y for the quarter-finals.

The match-winner was netted

by Anthony Figuereido.

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GOA, TUESDAY, 1 MARCH, 2011

Fielding not India’s strength: Dhoni Says ‘adulteration of technology with human thinking is bad’ PTI BANGALORE, FEB 28

Miffed with the controversial Umpire Decision Review System and his team's fielding, Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said he was left with mixed feelings after the thrilling tie against England in a Group B World Cup match here.

"Adulteration of technology with human thinking is bad.

That's why we didn't get that wicket. Hopefully, next time it will be either technology or human intention," Dhoni said last night referring to England batsman Ian Bell's close shave.

Bell was ruled not out by onfield umpire Billy Bowden as well as the third umpire despite TV replays clearly showing the ball hitting the stumps, at the Chinnaswamy Stadium here.

When Yuvraj Singh struck Bell on the pads with the final ball of the 26th over, Bell was on 17.

He later went on to score 69, thanks partly to the DRS that went in his favour.

"If the Hawkeye says it's going to hit the stumps, then there is no reason (why an appeal should be turned down)."

Riding on Sachin Tendulkar's record fifth World Cup ton, India piled up a mammoth 338, but despite setting a stiff asking rate, they nearly gave it all away

last night.

Dhoni hoped the tie would help his team realise the importance of fielding.

"With this tie everyone in the team will realise that even one run can be important. India has many strengths but fielding is not one of them," he said.

"We cannot improve the fielding. There are some slow fielders. But we have got the talent to improve the bowling," Dhoni said when reminded about India's fielding and bowling.

Asked about the penultimate over that nearly paved the way for an England win, Dhoni said he had no other option but to bring in Piyush Chawla.

"There were not many op-

tions. Viru (Virender Sehwag) didn't bowl, and Yuvraj was there. But I would have always preferred to go with a specialist bowler," Dhoni said after Andrew Strauss' magnificent 158-run knock nearly gave England a historic win.

"Yuvraj always loves to bowl but that was a crucial juncture, and Chawla has the wrong one which was needed at that time," he added.

Graeme Swann and Tim Bresnan plundered 15 runs in the penultimate over off Chawla to bring England within sniffing distance of a win.

"I am not disappointed, not excited. I have got mixed feelings. There were times when

Strauss edged it twice but Indians didn’t appeal!

Zaheer Khan appear to have gone unnoticed in the debate and discussion over the tied match.

E n g l a n d s k i p p e r A n d re w Strauss, who was the architect of India's agony by hitting his highest ODI score of 158, should have been out when he has scored a mere 13 if wicket-keeper Dhoni, Zaheer or close-in fielders had appealed for a caught behind at that point. Strauss clearly nicked a Zaheer delivery but there was no appeal by the Indians.

98 runs later, the England skipper had another stroke of luck when he again edged Zaheer to Dhoni

PTI BANGALORE, FEB 28

The Indian team seems to have a ‘hearing problem’ in addition to its bowling and fielding woes which led to its failure to defend a strong score of 338 in the match against England here last night.

Much been spoken and written about how poor bowling and fielding in addition to a late batting collapse that resulted in the fall of India's last seven wickets for 33 runs and nearly enabled England to win.

But two huge blunders committed by skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his bowling spearhead

Referee clears Rooney REUTES LONDON, FEB 28

Wayne Rooney will not face any FA action for elbowing Wigan Athletic’s James McCarthy during Manchester United’s Premier League game on Saturday after the referee confirmed that he had seen the incident.

England striker Rooney caught McCarthy off the ball in an innocuous situation on the halfway line a few minutes into the game at the DW Stadium, which United won 4-0.

Referee Mark Clattenburg awarded a free kick against United but did not caution Rooney.

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez was furious and said Rooney should have been sent off, while analysts and TV pundits lined up to condemn the action which has been replayed repeatedly on TV. The FA said on Monday that Clattenberg confirmed that he had seen the incident and taken what he considered appropriate action, leaving the FA powerless to take any further action should they have wanted to as video evidence can only be used in incidents unseen by match officials.

Last-gasp Martins goal sinks Arsenal

Birmingham win League Cup final AFP LONDON, FEB 28

A last-minute goal by Obafemi Martins saw Birmingham score a stunning 2-1 League Cup final upset over Arsenal here Sunday as the Gunners' six-year trophy drought continued.

Martins pounced in the 90th minute after a dreadful mix-up between Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny and defender Laurent Koscielny gifted a chance to the Blues' Nigerian striker.

The last-gasp winner was no less than Birmingham deserved after a gutsy display at Wembley that saw them make a nonsense of Arsenal's pre-match status as heavy favourites.

Victory was especially sweet for Birmingham's Hong Kongbased owner Carson Yeung, celebrating his 51st birthday with the club's first piece of silverware since 1963.

But it was a disastrous result for Arsenal, who had been des-

perate to lift some silverware this year for the first time since their 2005 FA Cup final win over Manchester United.

Birmingham manager Alex McLeish said that it was a remarkable result given several of his players hadn't been able to train all week.

"This feels like the best ever win of my life," said 52-year-old McLeish, who won seven trophies during his spell as manager of Scottish giants Rangers.

"In relative terms for us to put one over Arsenal is a titanic result."

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger spoke of his "bitter disappointment" after the loss, revealing that Szczesny and Koscielny were "destroyed" by their howler.

"I'm bitterly disappointed, like the whole team," a shattered Wenger said, declining to criticise Szczesny and Koscielny.

"Both of them are destroyed. I don't think it's a good moment for me to add to that."

Gauns Brothers winners of 7-a-side soccer tournament organised by Addinth Brothers receiving the trophy from Kanta Shirodkar (social worker), Ladu Gauns, Anant Martins and Addinth Brothers.

Gauns Brothers defeated Dulo Seven.

Churchill Alemao, PWD Minister handing over the trophy to the captain of Crown Club in the presence of Victoria Fernandes, MLA; Rudolf Fernandes and Armstrong Braganza, VP member.

Del Potro triumphs in Delray AFP DELRAY BEACH, FEB 28

Juan Martin del Potro won his first title since his 2009 US Open triumph Sunday, beating Janko Tipsarevic in the final of the $442,500 Delray Beach International Championships.

Argentina's Del Potro defeated the sixth-seeded Serbian 6-4, 6-4 to pass another milestone in his injury comeback.

A former world number four, del Potro saw his 2010 campaign derailed by a right wrist injury that required surgery and limited him to just three tournaments.

He needed 1hr 54 min to fashion the victory, and left Tipsarevic still seeking a first career ATP title.

Del Potro had been building toward the victor y, having reached back-to-back semi-finals in San Jose and Memphis the past two weeks.

The Argentinian, who admitted he was tired after his semifinal victory over second-seeded Mardy Fish, quickly fell behind 1-4 in the first set.

Crown spike Police in finals HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, FEB 28

Crown Club, St Cruz defeated Goa Police 25-23, 22-25, 25-21, 25-23 in the finals of All-Goa floodlit volleyball tournament organised by Stars of Molloca at Molloca court, Merces on Wednesday.

Kaylesh, Pappu and Anil excelled for Crown Club while Rohan, Elka and Atikesh did well for Goa Police.

Crown Club were richer by Rs 10,000 and a trophy while Goa Police had to be content with Rs 8,000 and a trophy.

Following individual prizes were awarded: Promising player – Atikesh. Best player – Rohan Elka. Best defender - Rupesh (Goa Police). Best lifter – Abu. Player of the tournament - Ram (Crown Club).

Churchill Alemao, PWD Minister was the chief guest and gave away the prizes in the presence of Victoria Fernandes, MLA; Shaya Naik, ZP member; Rudolf Fernandes, PCC member and Armstrong Braganza, VP member.

Earlier, Miguel Fernandes welcomed. Paulo Dias proposed the vote of thanks.

with his score at 111 but none of the Indians on the field appealed.

Some of the television commentators, who heard the replays of the clear nicks, thought that the Indian players probably did not hear the edges because of the crowd noise -- an unconvincing argument given the fact that Indian cricketers are used to noisy, boisterous crowds everytime they set foot on the field.

No cricket ground in the world has as vocal spectators as Kolkata's Eden Gardens where over one lakh fans turn out for big matches.

we could have lost, and times when we could have won the match," Dhoni summed up his mood.

"It was a thrilling match because both the teams were facing defeat or victory at some point. All credit to England for the way they batted," he added.

Asked about his frequent interactions with Sehwag during the England innings, Dhoni said he was thinking about taking the best decisions for the team.

"There are quite a few decisions you have to make. We have some experienced guys and we are always trying to make the best decisions for the team," he said.

AFP BANGALORE, FEB 28

England seamer Tim Bresnan has been reprimanded by the International Cricket Council for hitting his stumps with his bat during the dramatic World Cup tie with co-hosts India.

And England have been fined for a slow over-rate in the thrilling encounter at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore on Sunday.

Bresnan, who had earlier taken career-best figures of five for 48, was looking to see England home when he was bowled by leg-spinner Piyush Chawla for 14 at the end of the 48th over.

He then hit the stumps with his bat, seemingly in frustration with himself.

Bresnan pleaded guilty to contravening the International Cricket Council (ICC) code of conduct.

"While giving my verdict, I took into account that Bresnan admitted his mistake, apologised for his action and that it was his first offence," said match referee Roshan Mahanama.

Bresnan received the minimum penalty -- he could have been fined up to 50 percent of his match fee.

The England team were fined for a slow over-rate, deemed to be one over short of their target at the end of the match when time allowances were taken into consideration.

England skipper Andrew Strauss, who made a career-best 158, was fined 20 percent of his fee while his players received 10 percent fines.

I was lucky to survive: Bell PTI BANGALORE, FEB 28

England batsman Ian Bell today said he was lucky to be ‘pushed back to the crease’ by the Umpire Decision Review System when he was most certainly out LBW against India in the thrilling World Cup match that ended in a tie here.

Bell survived the LBW appeal when he was on 17. He was adjudged not out by the on-field umpire as he had taken quite a few strides down the pitch.

The Indians appealed against it under the UDRS but the third umpire did not change the decision as under the rules, there was a more than 2.5 metre distance between the point of impact and the stumps.

Kenya in turmoil ahead of Sri Lanka clash AFP COLOMBO, FEB 28

Kenya face double trouble ahead of their all-important World Cup Group A match against Sri Lanka here on Tuesday, as they counter formidable opponents and differences between players and coach.

Kenya have lost both their matches at the tournament, going down by 10 wickets against New Zealand, after being shot out for just 69, before slumping to a 205-run loss to Pakistan.

Adding to their problems, reports have emerged of internal divisions within the squad.

Cricket Kenya chief Samir Inamdar on Sunday blamed differences between the players and West Indian coach Eldine Baptiste for their lacklustre performances.

But Kenya captain Jimmy Kamande brushed aside the re-

Inter beat Sampdoria 2-0 AGENCIES ROME, FEB 28

Wesley Sneijder curled in a free kick and Samuel Eto’o also scored as Inter Milan won 2-0 at Sampdoria on Sunday to move into second place in Serie A. Sneijder wound his shot around a wall in the 73rd minute and Eto’o found the target in added time to end Inter’s fourmatch winless streak against Sampdoria at Luigi Ferraris stadium.

“I’m extremely satisfied. The victory today is worth extra for the difficulties involved—it’s been a while since Inter won here,” said Inter manager Leonardo.

In the second half, Sneijder was especially sharp, with the Netherlands playmaker nearly making it 2-0 with another free kick that bounced off the post in the 80th.

Likewise, Sampdoria midfielder Andrea Poli hit the post in the 43rd, as the hosts created more than Inter in the first half.

Inter goalkeeper Julio Cesar was also sharp after taking the blame for the Champions League loss to Bayern Munich on Wednesday.

Inter moved within two points of city rival AC Milan, which hosts third-place Napoli on Monday.

ports, saying his team is united.

"There is no fighting, no worries," said Kamande. "Maybe there is miscommunication, but I can assure you we are all here as a family and are happy. We will show some improvement

TODAY’S MATCH Sri Lanka v.

Kenya 2.30 p.m.

in future games."

Kenyan cricket has been dogged by political problems since the famous run to the 2003 World Cup semi-finals.

It was in that World Cup where Kenya beat Sri Lanka in Nairobi, but that is their only win in five clashes between the two nations.

Kenya have four survivors from that match -- Steve Tikolo, Collins Obuya, Thomas Odoyo and Peter Ongondo -- but the team looks

a pale shadow of that side at the current tournament.

Kamande said every member of the team needed to perform in Colombo.

Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara urged his team not to panic after slipping to defeat against Pakistan.

"We have Kenya, followed by Australia, so we will look back on the defeat and learn from our mistakes which is very important," said Sangakkara.

"There are a few things we can learn. Bowling a better line and length is important and when we bat partnerships are important and we shouldn’t panic," added the skipper, who scored 49 against Pakistan.

The top four teams from each group will qualify for the quarter-finals and Sangakkara stressed the need to keep improving as the tournament progresses.

Athletic beaten

by Valencia Levante 2 Osasuna 1 Hercules 0 Getafe 0 Racing Santander 2 Villarreal 2 Athletic Bilbao 1 Valencia 2

la liga AFP MADRID, FEB 28

Valencia boosted their Champions League hopes with a clinical 2-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao who dominated the encounter on Sunday.

The visitors anticipated a rough ride at San Mames which has been a fortress for Athletic this season and that's how it turned out with Fernando Llorente giving them the lead.

Athletic looked comfortably in control and Pablo Hernandez and David Lopez had further chances before Llorente hit the post.

However, against the run of play a fine move down the rightwing saw Joaquin Sanchez cross for Juan Mata to equalise and then while Athletic were still reeling, Tino Costa struck a powerful shot which the keeper Gorka Iraizoz couldn't hold and substitute Jonas Goncalves scored.

An injury time strike from substitute Nilmar Honorato

England fined, Bresnan rapped

earned Villarreal a 2-2 draw against Racing Santander and avoided their third defeat in four games.

Having clung onto the shoulders of the top two for most of the season, February has proved to be a tough month for Villarreal with the added effort of playing in the Europa League having taken its effect.

Ariel Gerardo put Racing ahead after just three minutes and while Villarreal pushed forward, they lacked a cutting edge.

The home side had the better chances before Marco Ruben equalised mid-way through the second half.

Just two minutes later though substitute Giovani Dos Santos appeared to have given Racing all three points until Nilmar pounced in the dying moments.

Levante came out 2-1 winners in their relegation battle with Osasuna and have opened up a three-point cushion over the bottom three.

Osasuna have failed to win away in over a year but they did go ahead from their first real opening with Walter Pandiani heading home a Masoud Soleimani cross.

I'm gay, declares England keeper Davis

AFP LONDON, FEB 28

England wicketkeeper Steven Davies publicly announced Monday he is gay, becoming, it is believed, the first active professional cricketer to out himself.

The Surrey gloveman, 24, told The Daily Telegraph newspaper that he wanted it to be more acceptable to come out.

"I just felt it was the right time for me," he said. "It's something that I've obviously wanted to do for a long time. I've probably been comfortable with it now for a couple of years.

"The reason why I've decided to make it public is simply because I think the more people who do it the more acceptable it becomes."

Davies, who was part of England's victorious Ashes squad, said he decided to reveal his sexuality to his team-mates before the tour of Australia and received the full support of his colleagues.

Davies was in England's provisional 30-man World Cup squad but did not make the cut.

"To speak out is a massive relief for me, but if I can just help one person to deal with their sexuality then that's all I care about," he said.

Davies said he told his family five years ago.

"I hope it's all going to be fine with the fans," Davies added.

"If there is any abuse or anything then I don't need to worry about those people giving it out.

"The people that matter to me are family, friends and my teammates, and everyone has been so amazing, that's what counts."

He admitted that he was partly inspired to make the announcement by Wales rugby international Gareth Thomas, who also went public about his homosexuality in 2009.

Cup to Sehwag in ODI AGENC NEW D 28 Virende and Sac dulkar ro and tent tively in one-day following formance

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GOA, TUESDAY, 1 MARCH, 2011

Roach ‘tricks’ as Windies humble Dutch

Windies skipper dedicates win to injured Bravo AFP NEW DELHI, FEB 28

West Indies cricketer Kemar Roach (right) celebrates with captain Darren Sammy after taking his hat-trick at The Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium in New Delhi on Monday.

AFP NEW DELHI, FEB 28

West Indies: D Smith c Barresi b Loots 53, C Gayle c Kervezee b ten Doeschate 80, D Bravo c Kervezee b Seelaar 30, R Sarwan lbw b Westdijk 49, K Pollard c ten Doeschate b Bukhari 60, D Sammy c Kervezee b Seelaar 6, S Chanderpaul b Seelaar 4, D Thomas lbw b Bukhari 13, N Miller not out 11, S Benn not out 3. Extras: 21. Total: 330 for 8.

Fall of wickets: 1-100, 2-168, 3-196, 4-261, 5-278, 6-290, 7-312, 8-326. Bowling: Bukhari 10-1-65-2, Westdijk 7-056-1, ten Doeschate 10-0-77-1, Loots 7-0-44-1, Cooper 60-37-0, Seelaar 10-1-45-3.

Netherlands: A Kervezee st Thomas b Benn 14, W Barresi c Gayle b Roach 0, T Cooper not out 55, R ten Doeschate lbw b Benn 7, B Zuiderent b Roach 1, T de Grooth lbw b Benn 1, P Borren c Pollard b Sammy 10, Mudassar Bukhari b Roach 24, P Seelar lbw b Roach 1, B Loots lbw b Roach 0, B Westdijk b Roach 0. Extras: 2. Total: 115 all out. Fall of wickets: 1-2, 2-26, 3-34, 4-35, 5-36, 6-56, 7-113, 8-115, 9-115, 10-115.

Bowling: Benn 8-1-28-3, Roach 8.3-0-27-6, Miller 7-0-23-0, Sammy 7-033-1, Pollard 1-0-2-0.

Man of the match: K Roach

Kemar Roach grabbed six wickets, including a hat-trick, while Kieron Pollard smashed 60 off 27 balls to help West Indies thrash the Netherlands by 215 runs in the World Cup on Monday.

Pollard built on the platform laid by Chris Gayle, who made 80, as the Caribbean side posted 330-8 before bowling out their hapless opponents for 115 off 31.3 overs in the Group B game at the Feroz Shah Kotla stadium.

The West Indies' total was the highest at the ground, which is coming off a 12-month suspension over a dangerous playing surface.

The Netherlands hardly posed any threat in the lop-sided encounter, crumbling to 36-5 by the 11th over after early strikes

Taibu, Price shine as Zimbabwe rout Canada Zimbabwe batsman Tatenda Tabu hits a shot during their World Cup match against Canada in Nagpur on Monday.

Kumar, 16, youngest World Cup player

AFP NAGPUR, FEB 28

Sixteen-year-old schoolboy Nitish Kumar made history on Monday when he became the

youngest ever World Cup player.

The Ontario teenager, aged 16 years and 283 days, was named in the Canada team to face Zimbabwe in the Group A game.

Bangladesh's Talha Jubair, who was 17 years and 70 days old when he featured against the West Indies in the 2007 World Cup, had been the previous youngest player in the tournament.

Before the World Cup, Kumar had played five ODIs for Canada, making his debut against Afghanistan in Sharjah in February 2010.

from Roach, who took 6-27, and left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn (3-28).

Roach, 22, returned to collect only the sixth World Cup hattrick and the first of this tournament, sealing an emphatic win for the former world champions.

Dutch hope Ryan ten Doeschate, who scored 119 against England, failed to repeat his magic this time, trapped leg before wicket for seven by Benn.

Tom Cooper provided the only resistance with an unbeaten 55 off 72 balls.

Earlier, Gayle put on 100 runs for the opening wicket with Devon Smith (53) after the West Indies were put in to bat on a placid wicket in the day-night clash.

Pollard, who plays for Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier

AFP NAGPUR, FEB 28

Tatenda Taibu just missed a maiden World Cup century while Raymond Price grabbed three early wickets as Zimbabwe crushed hapless Canada by 175 runs for their first win in Group A on Monday.

Zimabwe were indebted to former captain Taibu (98) and Craig Ervine (85) for posting 298-9 before dismissing Canada for a paltry 123, with left-arm spinner Price finishing with 316 off eight tight overs.

The African nation, who lost to Australia in their opener, virtually reduced the match to a no-contest when Price, sharing the new ball for a second successive game, took three wickets in his opening three overs.

The spinner bowled John Davison, the oldest player in the tournament at 40, before accounting for 16-year-old Nitish Kumar, the youngest player to feature in a World Cup, and skipper Ashish Bagai as Canada teetered at 7-3.

Kumar, who needed permission from his school to take a month off for the event, con-

Taibu in debt to Ponting, Ganguly AFP NAGPUR, FEB 28

Pint-sized Tatenda Taibu smashed 98 as Zimbabwe kept their World Cup quarter-final hopes alive on Monday, paying tribute to lessons learned from Ricky Ponting and Sourav Ganguly.

Taibu played with the Australian and Indian in his time with Indian Premier League side Kolkata Knight Riders and he believes his short spell alongside them made him a better player. tributed just one before offering a return catch.

Leg-spinner Graeme Cremer (3-31), and off-spinners Prosper Utseya (2-24) and Greg Lamb (229) then built on Price's superb effort as Canada continued to struggle against spin to suffer their second successive defeat.

Zubin Surkari (26), Ruvindu Gunasekera (24) and Jimmy Hansra (20) were the main scorers in Canada's dismal batting performance.

Zimbabwe: B Taylor lbw b Chohan 0, C Coventry lbw b Baidwan 4, T Taibu c Davison b Rao 98, C Ervine c Bagai b Rao 85, E Chigumbura c Bagai b Cheema 5, S Williams c Bagai b Rao 30, G Lamb b Rao 11, P Utseya c Hansra b Chohan 22, G Cremer b Baidwan 26, R Price not out 10, C Mpofu not out 3. Extras: 4. Total: 298 for 9. Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-7, 3-188, 4-193, 5-201, 6-219, 7-240, 8281, 9-284. Bowling: Chohan 10-0-44-2, Baidwan 9-0-472, Hansra 4-0-41-0, Cheema 9-0-51-1, Rao 10-0-57-4, Davision 8-0-56-0.

Canada: J Davison b Price 0, N Kumar c and b Price 1, R Gunasekera b Lamb 24, A Bagai c Williams b Price 0, J Hansra st Taibu b Utseya 20, R Cheema c Cremer b Utseya 14, Z Surkari st Taibu b Lamb 26, T Gordon lbw b Cremer 7, K Chohan lbw b Cremer 8, H Baidwan not out 13, B Rao b Cremer 1. Extras: 9. Total: 123 all out. Fall of wickets: 1-1, 2-7, 3-7, 4-50, 5-50, 6-66, 7-78, 8-97, 9-122, 10-123. Bowling: Mpofu 5-1-12-0, Price 8-4-16-3, Utseya 7-0-24-2, Lamb 8-0-29-2, Cremer 9.1-1-31-3, Williams 5-0-11-0.

Man of the match: T Taibu

League, hammered five fours and four sixes on his way to the third-fastest World Cup half-century before Ramnaresh Sarwan chipped in with a 42-ball 49.

Gayle overcame a subdued start to unleash seven fours and two sixes in his 110-ball knock, which was cut short by ten Doeschate (1-77) during a batting powerplay.

Smith scored at a quicker pace than his more famous partner, racing to his fourth one-day half-century off 45 balls with the help of nine fours.

Just when Smith looked set to go on to a bigger score, he edged behind off medium-pacer Bernard Loots to give the Netherlands their first breakthrough in the 17th over.

The promising Darren Bravo, with 30, then joined in the party

briefly, dispatching Australianborn Cooper to the stands before hitting another six off left-arm spinner Pieter Seelaar who finished with 3-45.

But Seelaar took his revenge in his very next over, tempting Bravo to charge down the pitch and offer a simple catch to Alexei Kervezee at long-on.

Kervezee also took two more catches which accounted for Gayle and captain Darren Sammy, who made just six, in an otherwise sloppy performance in the field by the non-Test playing nation.

The win put life back into the West Indies campaign after they lost to South Africa in their opener.

For Netherlands, it was the second defeat on the trot after the six-wicket reversal against England in Nagpur last week.

Captain Darren Sammy hailed a vital win for his West Indies side after their disappointing opening defeat to South Africa, dedicating the victory over the Netherlands Monday to the injured Dwayne Bravo.

Seamer Kemar Roach grabbed a hat-trick as the Caribbean side crushed the minnows by 215 runs in a Group B fixture to get their World Cup campaign up and running.

Roach, who became the sixth bowler to take a World Cup hattrick, finished with 6-27 as the Dutch were dismissed for 115 in 31.3 overs.

"That's what we've been asking for and it's good to see us do that with ball and bat," said Sammy.

"We all know how it's important for a player to play in a World Cup. To see the pain on his (Bravo's) face, most of the guys agreed that we're going to lift up our spirits and use Dwayne Bravo as an inspiration to the team."

"This win was for Dwayne," he said.

Bravo, the side’s leading all-

rounder and talisman for the past four years, suffered a major injury to his left knee during the defeat against South Africa last Thursday.

He has been ruled out of the tournament and is expected to be out of the game for a minimum of four weeks.

Speaking about hat-trick star Roach, Sammy said: "It was great, it was brilliant. His role in the team is to be a strike bowler for us and it was important that he went out and did it."

"It's important to see us winning but not only winning but winning convincingly and Roachy came out and put his hand up and doing what he came to do for the team," he added.

A delighted Roach said the win would give the West Indies much-needed confidence ahead of their next match against Bangladesh in Dhaka on Friday.

"The surface was kind of slow so our plan was to bowl straight at the stumps," he said, putting his improvement over the past year down to "ability to keep my pace up and be as accurate as possible."