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India: Rajnikant is like Pa Pg 7 — Aishwarya

The Voice of Goa — Since 1900 panjim, monday, september 27, 2010

Business: 3G launch to boost VAS revenue — DoT Pg 12

priCe rs. 3.00 (air surcharge rs 2.00) pages 18

Sports: Pak cricketers are cheats, liars — Hair Pg 18

CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS Since good, the more communicated, more abundant grows — Milton

IN BRIEF Overhead panel in flight collapses An overhead panel in an Air India flight from Port Blair to Chennai collapsed during landing at the airport here today but no one was injured.

The panel in the economy class of flight IC-550 gave in but some alert passengers immediately held the falling panel preventing further damage.

A team of journalists from Bangalore were among the passengers travelling on board the A-320 aircraft. — (PTI)

IBSA navies hold jt drill off SA coast PTI CAPE TOWN, SEPT 26

India, Brazil and South Africa, the three emerging economies which form IBSA, are engaged in hectic naval activities along the South African coast as part of a joint exercise aimed at achieving inter-operability and fostering synergy among them during maritime emergencies.

The second edition of the biennial IBSAMAR (India-BrazilSouth Africa maritime) exercise with India as the lead country this year had kicked off on September 13 off the coast of Durban with the participation of four Indian warships, two from Brazil and five from the South African navy and will conclude here tomorrow.

Briefing reporters on board SAS (South African Ship) Amatola frigate, which is being docked at the port here, Rear Admiral R K Pattanaik, Flag Officer Commanding, Western Fleet, Indian Navy, indicated that the IBSAMAR exercises may be held in India or Brazil at a later stage.

However, he made it clear that the third edition of IBSAMAR to be led by Brazil will be held in 2012 on the South African coast.

The victorious Chennai Super Kings team with the Champions League Trophy.

Chennai Super Kings scripted history by being the first Indian team to win the Champions League Twenty20. They beat the Warriors by 8 wickets in the summit clash on Sunday.

Chennai won a $ 2.5 million jackpot and completed a notable double after they won the IPL-3 earlier this year.

The Warriors took home $ 1.3 million.

Now, CWG gives room for snake!

PTI NEW DELHI, SEPT 26

Just as things were beginning to look up for the crisis-hit Commonwealth Games, fresh criticism hit the Games Village with South African envoy here claiming that a snake was found in one of the rooms even as four more top athletes today pulled out of the mega event.

A snake was found in a room in the residential towers, earmarked for the South African athletes, High Commissioner Harris Mbulelo Mejeke said.

“We can’t go and stay till things are fixed up. We have very grave concerns. If snakes are found we can’t ask our teams to stay there. Yesterday we found a snake but I don’t know whether it was an Indian snake. But it was there in one of our rooms,” Mejeke said before entering the Village.

“That was a threat to the lives of our athletes. Very disappointing. Basically, the basement was full of water and the staircase was also damp,” he said.

However, the South African envoy said there team will not withdraw from the controversymarred event.

Citing and health and security concerns, Scottish tennis star Elena Baltacha, ranked 50th in the world, withdrew along with Australian cyclist Travis Meyer, table tennis player Stephanie Sang and Malaysian sprinter Siti Zubaidah Adabi.

Adding to the misery of the organisers, the Malaysian and Botswanian teams complained about the poor state of the residential blocks.

A day after Federation boss Mike Fennell spoke about sharing the blame for Delhi’s shoddy preparations; its CEO Mike Hooper sang a different tune saying the CGF cannot be held responsible for the Organising Committee’s failure.

Launching a fresh offensive against the OC, with which he has had a strained equation, Hooper said even the government agencies in India did not act in time and delayed the handing over of the venues.

“We’re at the hands and the mercy of, effectively, the Government of India, the Delhi government, the agencies responsible for delivery of the venues. They consistently failed to meet deadlines,” he said.

170 dogs caught PTI NEW DELHI, SEPT 26

Even as the Commonwealth Games Village gets dogged by problems, the MCD has launched a special drive, catching about 170 canines from the complex and the surrounding areas in the last few days.

MCD dog catchers have been deployed in the Games Village and the chief of its veterinary department R B S Tyagi was camping there to oversee the operation.

About 170 canines were caught in the last few days, 40 of them today, officials said adding, they were being sent to a shelter of Friendicoes SECA (Society for the Eradication of Cruelty to Animals) in Defence Colony from where the animals were being shifted to a sterilisation centre in Ghazipur.

Some dogs have also been caught from Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and other venues.

Delhi Mayor Prithvi Raj Sawhney said a drive had been launched by the veterinary department to keep dogs away from the venues and CWG Village and the civic body is trying its best to deal with the issue of stray animals.

Ravichandran Ashwin got the golden wicket award for topping the list of bowlers with 13 scalps in the tournament.

He also won the man-of-theseries.

Elusive Atala hiding in Israel: portal HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, SEPT 26

In yet another disgrace, police measures have failed to stop Israeli drug peddler Yaniv Benaim alias Atala from countr y ’s boundaries. He has already reached his home town in Israel and is hiding.

According to an Israeli news portal - www.Ynet.com, 36-yearold Atala, accused of organising major drug cartel in Goa, was spotted in Rishon Lezion.

The report titled “Goa drug king hides in Rishon - Letzion” has given chronological details of his arrest to Goa government’s reaction after his missing. The report has claimed that the 36-year-old drug dealer is back in his town ‘after escaping from house arrest by the Indian authorities.’

“Indian authorities reported in the last few weeks that Yaniv Benaim is missing, but now it seems that the Israeli drug dealer is in Israel and is hiding in Rishon Letzion,” the report reads.

Atala, arrested 6 months ago in Goa on suspicion of drug trafficking, ran away from Goa 3 weeks ago from a house arrest,

Luizinho says no to Greater Goa HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, SEPT 26

Firmly opposing any moves for a Greater Goa by merging Konkani speaking areas into the State, former Chief Minister, Luizinho Faleiro has said he doesn’t want the ghost of merger to come through the back door in Goa and asked all the champions of lost causes to stop misguiding G o ans on the agenda for a Greater Goa. ‘The people of Goa will not like to lose their identity. We have already lost much of our identity. The agenda of the champion of lost causes for a Greater Goa will be like another step when some people launched a movement to merge Goa into Maharashtra saying Marathi is the language of Goans. At that time, the people fought for their identity and we

would not like the champions of lost causes to again misguide Goans”, he said.

Faleiro was reacting to demands in some quarters, including PWD Minister, Churchill Alemao, for merger of Konkani speaking areas of Karwar to make Greater Goa. Saying that Goa has got a unique identity, culture and a unique place on the map of India, Faleiro said “for historic reasons, Konkani loving people migrated to Karwar, Mangalore, and many parts of the world.

That does not mean that all these areas should be merged with Goa”.

Asserting that he does not subscribe with the idea of Greater Goa, Faleiro said that he doesn’t want the ghost of the merger to come through the back door in Goa and spoil the peace and tranquility of Goans.

“For historic reasons, Konkani loving people migrated to Karwar, Mangalore, and many parts of the world.

That does not mean that all these areas should be merged with Goa” Replying to a question on special category status for Goa,

Murali Vijay of Chennai Super Kings won the golden bat with a top tally of 294 runs. He also won the man-of-thematch for his 58 runs.

Faleiro said “We had made various wrong moves at the time of Liberation. I cannot talk of what has happened then as I was just 10 years old”.

Faleiro said it is not too late to ask for benefits from the Centre as are being enjoyed by o t h e r S t a t e s . “A s a C W C member incharge of some States which are enjoying special category status, there are lot of benefits they enjoy.

These States enjoy 90 per cent grants and only 10 per cent loan.

In the case of Goa, we receive 80 per cent loan and only 10 per cent grants”.

Replying to a question, Faleiro said that the people, who were demanding merger of Goa into Maharashtra, ought to have asked for special category status, adding that it is still not too late to ask for Central benefits for the State.

BJP names Santosh for Valpoi by-poll HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, SEP 26

Santosh Haldankar, an entrepreneur and brother of former BJP MLA, Narahari Haldankar will take on Congress candidate Vishwajeet Rane in Valpoi byelection on BJP ticket.

The BJP State President Laxmikant Parsekar announced the candidature of Haldankar at press conference on Sunday here in the presence of in-charge of Goa desk Bharti Mehra, Opposition Leader, Manohar Parrikar and BJP Spokesperson Govind Parvatkar.

The Central Committee has also accorded its approval and Haldankar will file his nomination papers next week, said Parsekar.

Taking pot-shots at Rane, the BJP President said, Haldankar is a resident of Valpoi and is available at all times. It must be recalled that the BJP has been critical of Rane’s unavailability in his constituency allegedly due to his frequent foreign trips.

In response to a question whether BJP would highlight about Rane securing government jobs only to his constituents, Parrikar said, there are more than three thousand unemployed youth in Valpoi.

Jobs are given to only 300-350 in government hospitals as Class D workers and mostly as patient attendants, which they are now finding difficult to cope with.

He further said most of the projects taken up in Valpoi constituency on the initiative of Rane are yet to be completed.

The BJP may put up a brave front against Rane, this time, as it has lost much ground since its loss to Rane in the 2007 polls.

Rane contested and won the Valpoi seat as an independent candidate after he was denied ticket by the Congress.

A report titled “Goa drug king hides in Rishon - Letzion” has claimed that the 36-year-old drug dealer is back in his town after escaping from arrest. The report says that Atala is now hiding in Rishon Letzion in Israel. as he was sentenced by the court in India and since then his trails were lost, the Ynet.com says.

The tattooed-arm man jumped bail in July after Narcotics and Drugs Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Court at Mapusa granted him bail on June 21.

However, no Goa Police officials were available to confirm the development. While, calls to DIG Ravindra Yadav went unanswered, when contacted, DySP C S Salgaonkar directed Herald to speak to SP Mangaldas Desai.

“SP Desai is investigating

Goa second in fighting air pollution SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT PANJIM, SEPT 26

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has adjudged Goa as the State which was second in the country in taking steps to curb air pollution under the Nat i o n a l A m b i e n t A i r Monitoring Programme (NAAMP).

Mizoram was named the best State in fighting air pollution, while Kerala and Pondicherry followed Goa. These grades were given after examining and investigating the tasks carried out by the States for the cause of a clean environment.

For the year 2010-11, the Planning Commission has announced incentives of Rs 1,849.84 crore for States that are environmentally aware.

Atala’s case. Speak to him,” Salgaonkar said.

When contacted, SP Desai refused to reply to any queries relating to the news report. “I don’t know anything...” he told Herald and abruptly hung-up the call.

Atala’s sudden disappearance came to light when he failed to respond to Crime Branch’s summons on August 7. A look-out circular was issued only after 18 days on August 25.

JMFC Mapusa has already issued a non-bailable warrant against him, as he failed to reply to Court’s summons in the overstaying trial in July 2010.

Lane-1 will be occupied by stray cattle, lane-2 for stray dogs, lane3 exclusively for beggers, lane-4 to dump garbage...How about vehicles sir?

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GOA, MONDAY, 27 SEPTEMBER, 2010

CIVIC FORUM Exposed transformers pose danger

Kashmir issue should be resolved from humanitarian angle: Sri Sri HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, SEPT 26

Pravin U Sardessai, Adpai

A transformer situated near Kurtarkar Commercial Arcade complex in Ponda has been lying exposed. Gusty winds have been cited as the reason. There are more examples like the one near the Goa State Co-operative Bank at Sadar, one near the Fire station at Varkhande and the Lokvishwas Pratisthan at Dhawali. Open transformers are a danger to lives of passersby and all those who may go close to these electrical devices out of curiosity. A quality locking system would solve the issue of open transformers. Otherwise, the Electricity Department may find it difficult to resolve this issue. Human life is precious and electrical machinery should be effectively maintained in an area which is out of reach of humans.

Hopefully, the Electricity Department will look into this issue and arrange to close the transformers with immediate effect.

Blaming politicians for the mess in the Kashmir valley, world spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has said that the Kashmir imbroglio should be resolved taking into account the humanitarian angle.

“I would soon speak to the leaders towards settlement of the Kashmir problem”, he said, during an interactive session with the students at the Ravindra Bhavan here on Sunday morning.

Incidentally, he received a call from the authorities in Kashmir to counsel the prisoners as and when they are released from prison.

Replying to a question, he said that Art of Living signifies a happy society, a violence free society, a society where there’s freedom from confusion, trauma and sorrow.

When he was asked what parents should do to get children on the right path, Sri Sri said “do every thing what they like to do with them”, and after coming down from the dais into the auditorium, said “This is the right path and get close to them make them happy”.

When a student sought to know what he should do as his parents don’t want him to join the Art of Living, the spiritual leader said “well, the concern is that your studies should not get affected. So convince her that you will not compromise on your studies. Have a balanced job that you will do this but not at the cost of the studies”.

When he was asked about the State of the nation considering the way the Commonwealth Games are being organised, he asked “is it really a common wealth. It’s the com-

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, SEPT 26

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar at the Ravindra Bhavan, Margao on Sunday.

Photo by Sidharth Mehta

moners’ wealth for the games.

Common wealth is in the hands of the few and they

think it’s a game, it’s certainly a shame. Shame on our country”.

By-poll: SGF to consult party leaders in Valpoi

Hand cart obstruction

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, SEPT 26

The Save Goa Front under the leadership of former MLA Antonio Gaonkar met at Arlem-Raia on Sunday and discussed the Valpoi by-poll.

After the meeting, SGF President Antonio Gaonkar told Herald that the party will decide on fielding of candidate for the Valpoi by-poll after consulting party workers in Valpoi.

He said a SGF delegation will go to Valpoi on Monday and consult the party leaders before taking a final decision within a day or two.

Replying to a question, he said that the SGF headed by him has received all correspondence from the Election Commission on the Valpoi bypoll. “The final decision whether the contest or whom to field as the party candidate would be decided in a day or two”, he added.

Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco

Handcarts are seen occupying the road at the Vasco fish-market.

This makes it difficult for motorists to use the road during peak hours. It is a hindrance to shoppers too as the presence of handcarts obstructs them from making purchases, when the market place gets crowded.

Sovita Almeida, Assolna

Assolna is a small village and the market is very famous for fish. It has now become very filthy with garbage strewn all around. An unbearable odour has been emanating from the piled up garbage which, incidentally, has become an excellent breeding place for mosquitoes. The situation has assumed alarming proportions which is very dangerous to health. There is every chance that diseases like malaria will spread. I fail to understand as to why the people of Assolna allow this to go on when one is confronted with a situation which involves the health of all concerned.

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, SEPT 26

Expressing resentment over the Central legislation Ancient Monument and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment and Validation) Act 2010, villagers of Chandor on Sunday have resolved to call on South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha and urge him to take up with the Centre the adverse effect the legislation would have on development within 300 meters of the archaeological site in the village.

Saying that the new legislation will prohibit the locals from even renovating their decade old houses, the villagers further resolved to ask the MP to seek special concession for

Hazardous Comba Road Everette Telles, Margao

Francis announces his candidature for Benaulim

Sardinha, Faleiro shower praises for contribution to society

Oppose pay parking Bosco Fernandes, Panjim

It is very ridiculous that the Panjim Corporation is going ahead with pay parking in most of the places in Panjim. This will definitely be a burden to a common man who sometimes may spend just half an hour to do his purchases, but will be landing up paying daily parking fees. Just imagine the plight of those who go about their daily needs. How much they will have to pay by the end of the month?

People are already paying road tax and other taxes. Why can't these funds be utilised to provide better parking facilities in town? The corporation in conjunction with the traffic police must solve this problem. The Goa traffic police are only interested in obtaining revenue by fining motorists by issuing challans. They are hardly interested in controlling traffic and solving parking issues.

Citizens should object to pay parking which is nothing but money making racket of the CCP. It is hoped that better sense prevails and corporation cancels plans of introducing pay parking.

Do you have a complaint against some authority or service?

Are there any violations of the law that you would like to bring to the notice of the public? Do you have any suggestions for improvement and/or redressal of services?

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

S o u t h G o a M P Fr a n c i s c o Sardinha has told retired seafarers on Sunday that the committee constituted by the National Welfare Board of Seafarers will soon submit its report on the hike in the monthly exgratia monetary assistance.

He told this to a large gathering of retired seafarers who called on him at his residence on Sunday to discuss the future course of action following their meeting with NUSI General Secretary Abdulgani Serang last week.

The MP produced a letter he received from Union Shipping Minister G K Vasan where the Minister has promised to take necessary action after receiving report of the committee constituted by the National Welfare Board of Seafarers.

In his letter, the Union Minister said that he had got the matter examined in detail, adding that the payment of the ex-gratia relief is made from the interest generated out of the corpus fund to the tune of Rs 1528.50 lakh. “The corpus fund is insufficient to meet the MEMA assistance to about 20,000 beneficiaries. The deficit under this head is about Rs 300 lakh on an average per year.

Hence, the corpus itself is being utilised resulting in its depletion. It is expected that the scheme would run with the present quantum of assistance for another 3-4 years only”, the Union Minister said the Committee constituted by the Nat i o n a l We l f a r e B o a r d o f Seafarers has been asked to review the scheme.

Saying that the demands of

the retired seafarers are genuine, Sardinha told newsmen that the fight would continue till they get justice. “I have asked the retired seafarers to depute two persons to Delhi to call on the concerned officials. If necessary, NUSI General Secretary Abdulgani will also be called to Delhi to discuss the matter”, he said and exuded confidence that the genuine demands of the seafarers will be addressed soon.

Referring to the statement by PWD Minister, Churchill Alemao that he is fooling the seafarers that he could not fulfill his promise to legalise the bull fights, Sardinha said he did his best to get the bull fights legalised. “I tried my best to legalise the bull fights. The Bill came up for discussion and it got defeated”, he added.

On the Vailankani train, Sardinha said all the three MPs, besides Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat and CWC member Luizinho Faleiro can take credit for starting the direct train to Vailankani, but not certainly Churchill Alemao. “Alemao is saying that he had demanded the train when Laloo Prasad was the Railway Minister. Today, the railway minister is Mamta Bannerjee. Only the MPs, besides the CM and Faleiro can take credit for the train”, he asserted.

The president of the retired seafarers, Afron Dias thanked the South Goa MP for taking up their cause with the right people in Delhi. “The seafarers know in their heart who is working hard to get their grievances redressed. We stand by our demand for a monthly exgratia relief of Rs 5000”, Dias asserted.

Development near archaeological sites: Chandor seeks special concession

Garbage in Assolna bazaar

The 25 metre stretch of road leading from Virgincar Garage to Monte Silva Canning Factory has assumed dangerous proportions. Groups of mechanics, who have set up cubicles in a Co operative Housing society in this area, ply their unlicensed trade. This results in a chaotic traffic snarl. Exhaust fumes from repairs carried out to silencers of vehicles render the air, which has become polluted. The place is also littered with oil, grease and cotton waste. These mechanics work throughout the day.

Carbon monoxide levels have reached alarming proportions.

Residents of the Indira Apartments are exposed to toxic fumes.

Repairs to vehicle horns are also undertaken by them. The blare emanating from such repair exceeds the prescribed decibel limit. One wonders whether the Shops and Establishment Act applies to them or not.

The mechanics are apparently out to steal business from the well established Virgincar garage as they undertake low cost repair. Virgincar garage should realise that their business is suffering and should bolster their competitiveness with regard to automobile repair work. By giving their competitors a run for their money, this can be made possible. Virgincar repair facility at Comba should provide quality service so that unauthorised repairers who ply their illegal trade face severe competition. It will also put an end to their nuisance value and will ensure smooth flow of vehicular traffic.

I hereby urge the Margao Municipal Corporation, the Pollution Control Board, the Health Department and all those concerned to take cognisance of the menace created by these automobile mechanics. Remedial steps should be taken to relocate them or serve an eviction notice.

Unfortunately, this has been happening in our Chief Minister Digambar Kamat’s constituency. He should use his good offices to good effect.

Sardinha vows retired seafarers to look into hike in ex-gratia

South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha addressing the function of Congress vice-president Francis Sequeira at Colva on Sunday.

Photo by Santosh Mirajkar HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, SEPT 26

Salcete’s political heavyweights – MP Francisco Sardinha and CWC member Luizinho Faleiro – on Sunday descended in Benaulim constituency at a birthday celebration of South Goa Congress Committee Vice-President Francis Sequeira, who has announced his candidature for the Benaulim seat.

That Sequeira has set his eyes on the Benaulim seat was evident from the fact that he opened his office and publicly declared his intention from the constituency – more than a month after PWD Minister Churchill Alemao’s daughter Valanka opened her office in Benaulim.

The function was attended by Faleiro, Sardinha, Congress leader M K Shaikh and Colva Parish Priest Fr Diago Fernandes.

Both Faleiro and Sardinha

showered praises on Sequeira for his contribution to society and urged him to continue with the work with same zeal and enthusiasm saying that success will come sooner than later. In fact, Sardinha said that Sequeira should continue with the social work and the ticket will come to him.

Sequeira later made it amply clear that the Congress high command has not promised ticket to any candidate so far.

“I have stake my claim for the Congress ticket in Benaulim. My information reveals that the high command has not promised ticket to anyone”, he said.

Replying to a question, he said that he looks like a good candidate given the social work he has carried out in the constituency over the years.

Saying that he would contest the polls if given an opportunity by the Congress party, Sequeira

expressed confidence that the Congress high command will give ticket to a new face who is working hard for the welfare of the people. “I have started working for the Congress party in a big way. I am a congressman and would remain a congressman”, he said, when asked whether he would contest as an Independent if denied the party ticket.

Asked to react to the claim put by Valanka for the Congress ticket, Sequeira said that “this is a democratic country, anyone can contest the polls. I have intention to stand for election.

Right now, Valanka and Dr Hubert Gomes have announced their plans to contest from Benaulim. Many others may join the fray as the time comes”.

Replying to a question, he said that he would accord priority to unite the people of Benaulim constituency for their welfare and betterment.

Chandor taking into account the ground reality and the fact that Goa is celebrating the golden jubilee of its liberation.

The villagers contended that any kind of development will be frozen in the area around Cotta ward of the village if the new legislation comes into effect.

Panch member Jose Cardozo said that many houses are existing around the 11th century temple at Cotta, adding that many of the houses were built before Goa’s liberation.

He demanded to know how the Central government’s legislation be made applicable for Goa when the State was under the Portuguese yoke.

The houses were constructed as per the rules in force”, he added.

The Panch member contended that that new legislation would literally ban construction activity within the archaeological site, forcing the people to leave the village of their ancestors and settle elsewhere.

Sources said the new central Legislation stipulates no development within 100 meters around the archaeological site, while permission from the National Monument Authority is mandatory for development between 101-300 mts around such sites. Besides, the law prohibits mining and digging and development within 300 mts of the archaeological sites.

Calconda local waylaid, attacked at Margao HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, SEPT 26

A 61-year-old resident of Calconda Cantu Velip was waylaid and attacked late Sunday evening while he was crossing the railway tracks near the old railway station, Margao.

A gold chain, wallet, mobile and cash, all amounting to Rs 50,000 was stolen by the four miscreants.

When the victim was about to cross the tracks from the old station side, four miscreants, who were hiding in the bushes, suddenly surfaced and attacked Velip on his face and other parts of the body, before lifting his gold chain and other items.

The miscreants spoke in Konkani and escaped under the cover of darkness.

Residents, who gathered at the spot, after the incident said this is the not first time that miscreants has attacked residents

The victim Cantu Velip who was attacked by robbers at the Margao railway tracks late Sunday evening.

Photo by Santosh Mirajkar

crossing the tracks to get to Calconda. They demanded early completion of the footbridge and illumination of the entire area to keep the miscreants at bay.

As the news of the attack on the 61-year-old resident spread, personnel of the Konkan Railway

police station also rushed to the spot. The victim narrated the story to the men in uniform, even as the local residents demanded action against the miscreants before more persons become victims at the hands of the robbers.

Curtorim meet witnesses uproar over private road construction HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, SEPT 26

The gram sabha of Curtorim Village Panchayat witnessed an uproar over the NOC given by the panchayat for the construction of a private road in the village.

The issue dominated the gram sabha as members sought to know from the sarpanch the reasons behind issuing NOC for the 160-meter road.

Agitated villagers contended that the private road is leading towards Moti Dongor and sought to know whether the road is being built for the benefit of the property owners.

Gram sabha members demanded revocation of the NOC for the private and asked the sarpanch to place the matter before the next gram sabha for

discussion. Some members also demanded that the matter be kept in abeyance before it is discussed threadbare at the next meeting.

A suggestion was also put forth to constitute a committee comprising of the Sarpanch, secretary and a surveyor to demarcate the area to find out whether the road goes to Moti Dongor or not.

Former ZP member J Santano Rodrigues sough to know from the chair the projects proposed by the Panchayat for the year 2010-11 and the proposals taken up under the Tribal sub-plan by the Panchayat.

He also placed before the meeting the matter of bifurcation of the village Panchayat of Curtorim into Maina and Curtorim for better administration

and development. This matter is likely to come up for discussion at the next gram Sabha, Rodrigues said.

Telaulim BPL list: Members of the Telaulim gram sabha on Sunday urged the panchayat body to ensure that only the deserving people are included in the Below Poverty Line (BPL) list.

Inclusion of families in the BPL list came up for discussion at the Sunday gram Sabha with members demanding to know the number of families from the village included in the BPL List.

When the Sarpanch pointed out that the Panchayat had forwarded to the authorities around 80 cases and that only four stands approved till date, the members said that only the deserving cases should be given priority in the list.

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Battle continues between private bus owners, Transport Dept AGBOA against transport director conducting meet, threatens boycott

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, SEPT 26

Tourists make merry on a sunny day at Baga beach as World Tourism Day was observed on Sunday.

Photo by Rozario Estibeiro

All’s not well in CCP over move to build waste plant at Taleigao!

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, SEPT 26

Though the Government during Monsoon Session of the Assembly had told the House that the Corporation of the City of Panjim (CCP) is in the process of setting up an integrated municipal solid waste management facility at the acquired site in Bainguinim, reality is something odd.

No progress has been made to build the facility at Bainguinim but steps have been taken to build the facility at a site located in the jurisdiction of Taleigao Village Panchayat (TVP).

What’s appalling is that the government handed over the site to TVP where it wants CCP to have waste treatment facility build.

A CCP official who did not want to be identified said the government has not done anything at Bainguinim site but on the initiative of Taleigao MLA and Education Minister, Babush Monseratte it wants CCP to build its facility at a site located on Taleigao Plateau.

The official is miffed over the fact that the government has given possession of the site consisting of about 20,000 sq mts of land to TVP after acquiring it from Goa University. “Why couldn’t the government hand over the land to CCP directly?” he poses a relevant question.

But it’s not hard to fathom what’s in the offing with CCP accepting proposal from TVP to take care of Taleigao garbage.

The CCP in its general meeting on Friday took a decision to provide solid waste management services to TVP from October 1.

Beginning with next month, eight to ten labourers of the Corporation will lift waste bins in Taleigao and dispose the contents at a site in Taleigao which is also used by the CCP to bury its residual waste in the absence of its own site.

The additional workload will increase CCP’s expenditure to the tune of Rs 1 lakh a month. It needs to be prepared to incur more expenditure when it undertakes waste segregation exercise for Taleigao Panchayat.

However, larger question is whether CCP can afford to patronise TVP in this fashion when it itself is fund starved?

Once again the battle lines have been drawn between the private bus owners and the Transport Department with latter warning to boycott Monday’s meeting called by the government to discuss their demands.

The All Goa Bus Owners Association (AGBOA) has also decided to go on indefinite hunger strike from October 4 if their demands are not met.

The AGBOA members had a meeting at T B Cunha Hall in Panjim on Sunday afternoon and decided to boycott the meeting if it is conducted by Transport Director Arun Dessai.

Taking objection to transport director holding the meeting, Sudeep Tamankar, General Secretary of AGBOA, said Arun Dessai has been appointed as Managing Director of Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC).

The main grouse of AGBOA has been KTC and has alleged harassment by KTC claiming that it has been running its buses beyond schedule than what it has been permitted by the Trans-

port Department.

It is also opposed to nationalisation of routes by the government.

However, speaking to Herald Transport Director Arun Desai clarified that grievances of the private bus owners have been effectively dealt with. In fact, there is no truth in their allegation against KTC and he has checked the records to see if there were any violations by KTC. He said, private bus owners are probably feeling the pinch now because they have been busted.

The Association taken objection to exercise conducted by the department to check overcrowding in the buses claiming harassment.

The transport director however said after checking the buses at entry and exit points of the bus stands, they have discovered that more than 50 per cent of buses were over loaded.

But no challans were issued as this was just monitoring exercise.

However, next time they will

Modern storages needed to secure Association to fight against tourism-related projects in Vaxim rotting grains: Prof Swaminathan HERALD CORRESPONDENT OLD GOA, SEPT 26

HERALD REPPORTER PANJIM, SEPT 26

In continuation with their opposition against the upcoming tourism-related project at Ilhas de Capao Island, residents of Capao-Vaxim on Sunday formed Ilhas de Vaxim Association, which will be headed by Margaret Silveira.

The Association has been formed to continue with their fight against parties who have proposed to set up tourism-related projects at Illhas de Capao Island by taking over the land of Vaxim Island.

The newly formed Association at the meeting on Sunday decided to move the High Court to fight against the parties, who are trying to take over the land.

For that purpose, the Association has decided to raise funds appealing to the locals and others.

“If villagers want to start cultivating their fields once again, then I ask them to come out in large numbers on October 2 to cultivate some type of crop in their fields, which will send a signal that Vaxim villagers do not want their fields to go to those who are up in arms to grab it,” stated Margaret Silveira.

She further said there was no response from the Governor, as villagers had recently submitted a memorandum to him, raising objections over forced illegal displacement of villagers of Ilhas De Vanxim.

“The newly formed Association will try to meet the Governor over the issue once again,” she added.

Goencho Xetkaracho Ekvott member Fr Bismark Fernandes said: “If the Church had sold this property, then it’s a mistake on the part of the church, as this land was given for the service of the church.”

“If this land had to be sold, then it should have not been sold for business purpose, but

“There is a need to establish fifty modern grain storages in different parts of the country each with a capacity for strong one million tonnes of food grains,” said Prof M S Swaminathan, a renowned agricultural scientist and Rajya Sabha member while delivering a public lecture at National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) on Sunday here.

Speaking on “Safeguarding national food security in an era of climate change,” Prof Swaminathan deliberated on the issue of rotting food grains for want of adequate storage facility.

“With precious food grains left rotting,” he said, there has to be reverence towards food if we need to see a change. Taking about larger issue of food secu-

Residents of Vaxim Island at a public meeting at Vaxim Island on Sunday.

Photo by Kanzil Rodrigues

for setting up a hospital or a school,” said Fr Fernandes.

“If hotel project comes, then it will not only spoil Vaxim Island, but also Diwar, Chorao and other islands too,” he added.

The newly formed Association consists of Cosme Alphosnso (coordinator), Jose D’Mello (sports secretary), Jerry Fernandes (cultural secretary), Natalian D’Souza (vice president), Savoi Vaz (joint secretary), Joe Marshall (joint treasurer) and John Fernandes (treasurer).

Executive members elected are Bertha Marshal, Verodian Silveira, Zuzay D’Mello, Jelton Fern a n d e s , M a r y a n D’ M e l l o , Devidas along with members Mohan, Nityanand, Tecla, Simon, Reginaldo, Nelima, Devanand and Edgar.

Meanwhile, speaking on behalf of the owners, a representative through a press note stated that the facts are quite contrary to the claims being made by some, as it a fact that much before the Church assigned its ownership rights, most of the residents of Capao had already assigned their rights to cultivate fields to a builder from Mapusa in 1995-96.

“It is apparent that the Church had clearly divided and segregated all the properties, where residential houses are located to enable the residents to continue occupying them and all such properties continue to be owned by the Church,” states the press note.

“It is observed that there has been a continuous migration from this land due to lack of facilities or any avenues of employment locally. The current owners have been exploring various options to start some tourism-related recreational facilities by consulting the local residents and it has been our endeavour to see that the local people are made stakeholders in any such proposal,” adds the press note.

“The primary concern is to allow the land to retain its unique natural character while creating opportunities for employment or self-employment,” stated the press note.

“This clearly indicates that there is no intention to displace the residents of their houses and any attempts by few people to create fear in the minds of the local people is clearly a distortion of the truth,” says the press note.

With State’s tourism mainly limited to beaches and religious places with little or no hope to expand further, the days are now literarily numbered for the people looking at different tourism avenues, as a harmonious and most prolific eco-tourism project is on the anvil in the hinterlands of Canacona taluka.

The Eco and Organic Tourism Project as it is basically called, will be in the likes of internationally acclaimed ‘Shilp-Gram’ situated at Udaipur-Rajasthan. The project is taking its shape at Cotigao under the aegis of Balram Gram Vikas Saunstha.

Preliminary works on the project is already taken up and outlined in a sprawling land admeasuring about 1 lakh sq mtrs under Poinguinim MLA Ramesh Tawadkar, who is president of Balram Gram Vikas Saunstha, which was launched recently on the occasion of his birthday.

The entire required land for the project is taken up from Tawadkar’s family with the blessings of family

elders and if Tawadkar is to be believed, more donors offering their surrounding land for the project have reportedly come to the saunstha.

Involving every other stakeholders, including government departments, the working unit has engineers, architects, educationists, cultural artists, traditional artisans, botanists, museum-water sports-adventure sports experts, etc, amongst several others.

The team already had its one of several intended study tours and recently visited ‘Shilp-Gram’ Udaipur and got apprised of various pros and cons of that project, which came up in one year’s time during Rajiv Gandhi’s tenure at New Delhi.

In the second meeting of the working committee on Sunday, which incidentally took place at the proposed site of Eco-Tourism project at Cotigao, different sectional live presentations were given by the team leaders and invited suggestions and corrections.

Over 200 people having interests in various manners took part in the

to maintain “genetic variability” whether it is of food grains or animals.

Moreover, through his lecture he highlighted the need for sustainable development while drawing attention to grave instance of destruction of natural resources thanks to exploitation by man.

Referring to “mining” he said, it is important to restore the destruction of nature happening through excavations in search of minerals. One can look at Canada that has stringent rules for mining. Though, he maintained that it is not yet proved that global warming is responsible for natural calamities such as floods witnessed in some countries, “metrological scientists are finding it difficult to predict such calamities.”

CMC beats poll code, appoints, promotes staff HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, SEPT 26

Beating the election Code of Conduct ahead of the municipal elections, the Canacona Municipal Council (CMC) appointed two new staff, promoted another two and requisitioned a head clerk on deputation from the government.

According to municipal sources, the council’s Departmental Selection Committee (DSC) and Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) in its sittings on September 21, approved the appointments of one lower division clerk (LDC), one motor driver (MD), upgraded two LDCs to the post of Upper Division Clerks (UDCs) and decided to seek from the government the dep-

Eco-tourism project on anvil in Canacona HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, SEPT 26

rity, he warned “if farm ecology goes wrong nothing else will go right. Over exploitation bore disaster,” he said emphasising the relevance of maintaining biological diversity.

Referring various studies that have revealed grim reality of under nutrition and hunger existing in the country, he said this proves that existing policies and programmes of the government are not making significant dent. Food availability, access and absorption,” are central to food security.

In his talk he also emphasised on the policy for nutrition security for farm animals and foodcum-drug approach in order to achieve bigger target of food security.

Stressing the need for preservation of biodiversity, he explained why it is so important

meeting.

The meeting was presided over by writer Kamlakar Mhalshi, while Balram Saunstha Secretary Devendra Tawadkar presented previous meeting report.

Speaking on the occasion, Poinguinim MLA Tawadkar said every government authority, which will matter in the project, was consulted, as this will be an exclusive and first project in the entire State.

He also explained various factors and assignment, what individuals had to attain in the days to come. He assured that money will never be a thing of concern, as the project has full government backing and support.

Engineer Govind Gawade gave his point of view and pointed out drawbacks of Udaipur’s ‘Shilp-Gram’, which will be overcome at Cotigao’s project.

Architect Jayesh Phadte sought maximum suggestions and views from the concerned sections and promised to present it in his paper so that the Eco and Organic Tourism project becomes an attractive project for the visitors and tourists.

utation of a head clerk for the council’s administrative works.

The CMC appointed Augusta Sucorrina Fernandes (LDC) post in the reserved category for OBC and Premanand Naik Gaunkar. The two promoted staff from LDC to UDC are Bharati Madganvkar and Namrata Dessai.

Incidentally, both the new appointees to their respective posts are from the existing working municipal staff earlier engaged on daily wages.

Interestingly, sources informed that a few previous DSC and DPC sittings has been marred with postponements due to the absence of either committee chairman or boardmembers, throwing a serious

doubt in the councilors mind, whether these appointments will be a reality before their present term end.

The DSC and DPC are under the chairmanships of CMC Mayor Shyamsundar Dessai and members consist of Assistant Director of Municipal Administration (ADMA) and the CMC chief officer. Since the LDC post was reserved for OBC, a member from the OBC Panel is nominated on the DSC. It is learnt that earlier, due to reported plans to upgrade a municipal inspector to the post of head-clerk, the councillors resorted to passing of a resolution to stop the same and instead sought a headclerk from government on deputation.

not be lenient – strong action will be taken against erring bus operators. Also, non-wearing of uniforms by the conductors and driver, non issuance of tickets to passengers, will be strongly

dealt with.

On the other hand the Association of bus owners have warned to expose corrupt RTO by catching them live on camera accepting bribes.

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shOrt takEs World Peace Day observed

Executive Director of SAG V M Prabhudessai flags off a cycle rally from Panjim to Old Goa and back, organised by State Ex-cadets NCC Organization to commemorate World Peace Day.

PANJIM (HND): The State Ex-Cadets NCC Association (SENA) observed International Day of Peace, also known as the World Peace Day, recently at Dijva junction in Panjim.

The International Day of Peace, established by UN General Assembly and observed each year on September 21, is an annual day of non-violence.

Executive Director of the Sports Authority of Goa V M Prabhudessai was the chief guest and flagged-off the Word Peace Day rally organized on the occasion.

Prabhudessai said that the world is increasingly getting aggressive. “Despite millennia of religion, civilization and culture, peace among people and nations remains elusive. But for the future of humanity, peace deserves a chance. With the soaring incidents of violence and terrorist activities, the day has its own significance in current scenario,” he said.

SENA President Adv Avinash Bhosle said that that terrorism has to be strongly condemned in all its forms and manifestations, committed by whomever, wherever and for whatever purposes, as it constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security John Aguiar said that the theme of the 'International Day of Peace' 2010 is ‘Youth, Peace and Development’. He also called for remembering all those who have suffered from violence and armed conflict.

SENA Secretary Pramod Naik, Pralhad Mayekar, home guard and civil defence volunteers attended in large numbers.

Seminar on study skills held

Eminent Goans Day celebrated at Calangute HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, SEP 26

The Goa Cultural and Social Centre, Panjim and Little Flower of Jesus High School, Calangute, felicitated two noted Goan personalities on Eminent Goans Day celebrations at Calangute on Saturday.

The chief guest, Candolim PHC Health Officer Dr Sachin Govenkar felicitated Tomazinho Cardozo in recognition of his contribution to education, social issues and the Konkani stage and Dr Susana De Souza in recognition of her contribution to education and sports.

Dr Sachin Govenkar presented them with a shawl and a token of appreciation in the presence of a large gathering, which included students of Little Flower of Jesus High School Hall, Calangute.

While expressing gratitude on his felicitation, Cardozo felt that Goan identify is being eroded to some extent and called on Goans to maintain the Goan identity at all costs.

Dr De Souza also thanked the Goa Cultural & Social Centre and Little Flower of Jesus High School, of which she was once part of the teaching community.

Students who excelled in Konkani at the State level as well as meritorious students from schools in Calangute at the recent Goa board examinations were also felicitated.

Camp held for SCs, STs at Collem

HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, SEPT 26

Eminent personalities Dr Susana de Souza and Tomazinho Cardozo who were felicitated on Eminent Goans Day celebrations at Calangute.

Also present are Goa’s top ranking students in Konkani, who were also felicitated, Dr Sachin Govekar, Francisco Noronha, Sr Lumen Pereira, Filipe Dias and others.

Photo by Rozario Estibeiro

Students felicitated for excelling in Konkani were Varsha Damodar Bandodkar (Holy Rosary Convent High School, Nuvem-Salcete), Anushka Vinay Shirodkar (Mary Immaculate Girls High School, Panjim) and Gauri Shivdas Gaunekar (S S Samitis Higher Secondary School, Kavlem-Ponda).

Meritorious students from schools in Calangute felicitated were Prachi Divkar (Little

Flower of Jesus High School, Calangute), Komal Naik (St Thereza's High School, Candolim), Viraj Sawant (Mark Memorial High School, Calangute), Felix Dias (Don Bosco High School, Calangute), Shubham Dipu Malvankar (St Joseph High School, Calangute) and Yesh C Surve (Vidhyaniketan High School, Calangute).

Dr Sachin Govenkar, Francisco A de Noronha, Damian

Simoes, Nelson Fernandes, Dr Bicaji Ganekar, Sandra D'souza, Gemma De Souza and Ophelia Braganza also spoke.

Earlier, the Eminent Goans Day began with the lighting of the traditional lamp by Dr Govenkar, Little Flower of Jesus High School Headmistress Sr Lumen Monteiro, Goa Cultural & Social Centre-Panjim President Francisco A. de Noronha and Goa Cultural & Social Cen-

Dr Blanche Barnes, director of Komalsparsh, at the seminar on effective study skills organised by Lions Club of Colva alongwith Manuel D' Costa, Santaninho Braganza, Alexander Fernandes, Sharon Goes e Rodrigues and Dinkar Vernekar at Lions Club of Colha hall.

PANJIM (HND): A seminar on effective study skills for Std X school students of Infant Jesus High School, Colva and St Jude High School, Betalbatim was organised by Lions Club of Colva in collaboration with Komalsparsh Center for Psychological Consultancy at Lions Club hall, Colva recently.

In all, 92 students were guided by Sharon Goes e Rodrigues, Yulana D'Costa and Mefra Severes through a power point presentation, workshop, group studies and games.

The programme was inaugurated by Dr Blanche Barnes, director of Komalsparsh in the presence of Alexander Fernandes, president of Lions Club of Colva and other office- bearers of the club.

Dr Blanche distributed certificates to the participants. The function was compered by chairman of the project, Manuel D'Costa. Santanino Braganza proposed the vote of thanks.

Merces Sarpanch Deepika Shirgaokar releases a special souvenir published by Merces Sanskruti Trust on the occasion of Ganesh Utsav.

Prester wins drawing contest

PANJIM (HND): GVM’s Raiturcar College will organise a Silver Jubilee lecture series as part of its Silver Jubilee celebrations. The first lecture will be held on September 29 in the college auditorium at 5 pm. The college has invited Dr Girish Jakhotiya to speak on ‘Let us lead the world’. The lecture will be followed by interactive session.

Dr Jakhotiya is a renowned management consultant, educator, author and speaker. He has offered consultations to more than sixty Indian and multinational companies and banks, some of which are Siemens, M&M Group, Tata group, L&T, World Bank, IDBI, Sesa Goa group, Dempo group, etc. He has also conducted workshops abroad.

Architect Ooty Soares presents the first prize to Prester Estibeiro, winner of All Goa YMCA (Panjim) pencil and charcoal drawing competition in junior college/college category at a function held at YMCA, Campal. Also present are YMCA President P M Vaz and vice-President Luigi Ferrao.

PANJIM (HND): Prester C S Estibeiro of Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Panjim bagged the first prize in the junior college/college category, at the All Goa YMCA (Panjim) charcoal and pencil drawing competition held at YMCA International hall, Campal recently.

The second and third prize went to Avishya Shetty of DCT Vasantrao Dempo college and Deepika J Chari of Thivim respectively.

All together 93 participants took part in the competition from different schools/colleges in Goa as well as in open category comprising of drawing lovers.

In the high school category the first, second and third place went to Pauras Pankaj Narvekar, of Altinho-Panjim, Vrushab Sanzgiri of Manovikas, Sonsodo-Margao and Raiee Galgali of Our Lady of Rosary High School. In the open category the first three prizes were awarded to Alston Rodrigues from Campal, Santosh Parodkar from Corlim and Jeetu Sumanta Ahire from Panjim. Consolation prize was awarded to Malcolm S Rebello of Aldona. Renowned architect Ooty Soares who was the chief guest gave away the prizes to the winners.

Meet on foster care scheme Former ‘Navaprabha’ Editor Suresh Walve releases books written by D V Talavnekar.

Photo by Anil Shankhwalker HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, SEPT 26

Former ‘Navaprabha’ Editor Suresh Walve said one act play is an effective medium of presenting social issues before the public.

He was speaking as the chief guest at a function organized

by Goa Marathi Academy at Porvorim to release two books of one act plays ‘Suryaratna’ and ‘Ghoda’ written by D V Talaunekar.

“The constraint in one act play is the length of time. One act play has to be performed within short duration ranging from 30 to 90 minutes,” said Walve.

“Like dramas, one act play is also an independent form of literature. A few years ago, there used to be lot of one act play competitions in Goa and this competitions had produced good stage artistes,” said Walve.

“Books, ‘Suryaratna’ and ‘Ghoda’, contains one act plays, which deals with the relationship between parents, teachers and students. Since Talaunekar is a teacher by profession, he could see the problems of the students very closely and hence he could highlight their problems nicely in his one act plays,” added Talaunekar.

Sadanand Mayekar said parents should not impose their wills and wishes on the children, but should allow them to choose the career of their choice.

“If a student joins a course which he is passionate about, then his desire, dedication, enthusiasm and effort will be of the highest order and he will be successful in his career.

Some parents scold and punish their children if they do not perform in the examination as per their expectations,” said Mayekar.

“Due to this, children get depressed, frustrate and even commit suicides. Talaunekar has presented these issues of the students in his one act plays for which he deserves compliments,” added Mayekar.

Naryan Mahale and Gomantak Maratha Academy President Narendra Azgaonkar also spoke on the occasion.

Earlier, students of Wagle High School sang an invocation song. Goa Marathi Academy Vice President Vitthal Gawas welcomed the gathering.

Writer of the books ‘Suryaratna’ and ‘Ghoda’ explained about the contents in the books.

On the occasion, Sachin Pilarnker and Manguesh Dhavliker were felicitated with shawl and ‘shreephal’ by the chief guest. Bhushan Bhave compered the function, while Narayan Dhargalker proposed the vote of thanks.

G S Amonkar HS wins Leadership camp held for scouts, guides Saraswat Talent Hunt HERALD CORRESPONDENT BICHOLIM, SEPT 26

Saraswat Vidyalaya High School recently organized inter-school ‘Saraswat Talent Hunt’.

The programme was held as part of the centenary celebration in the school. In all, 10 on stage and off stage events were held. The purpose of the event was to bring out the hidden talents among the students. In all, eight schools from Mapusa city participated and 160 students participated in the event.

G S Amonkar High School (Mapusa) was declared winners and was awarded a cash prize of Rs 3,100. The runner’s up was Janata High School (Mapusa), who got Rs 2,100, while the third prize of Rs 1,100 was bagged by Dattaram Mantravadi Memorial High School.

Results of various competitions held during the day are Poetry recitation competition Afrin Ballari, Janata High School, (first), Achala Sacchan, St Mary’s High School (second), Mark D’Souza, St Britto’s and Thabassum Kamaod, St Anthony’s (third).

Story telling competition Vishwaja Naik G S Amonkar (first), Jenny Pereira, St Francis Xavier (second) and Akansha Shinde, Dattaram Memorial (third). Face Painting - Shrikrishna Mandrekar and Somesh Chodankar from

tre General Secretary Thomas C Fernandes.

Students of Little Flower of Jesus High School later presented a devotional dance and a welcome song, highlighting the qualities of the two noted Goan personalities, Dr De Souza and Cardozo.

The Eminent Goans Day celebration ended with the traditional Goan Mando by Sr Bernadeth and her students.

The Drishti Surf Life Saving Team of lifeguards saved six tourists from drowning off Calangute coast on Wednesday and Thursday, while another tourist was saved from drowning at Morjim.

According to Drishti reports, a group of three tourists from Mysore, Babu Pasha (21), Barkhat Pasha (24) and Sabrez Pasha (28) and a duo from Bangalore Gajendra G (22) and Navin Kumar R (21) were saved from drowning at Calangute on Wednesday, while a minor boy from Mysore was saved on Thursday.

Drishti lifeguards rescued one Ritesh Singh (25) from Chattisgarh from drowning at Morjim.

The Drishti Surf Life team comprised Captains Krishna Halankar and Ajit Satardekar, Supervisor Shashibhushan, lifeguards Sunil Goankar, Pradip Halankar, Siddhesh Dhargalkar, Siddhesh, Minguel, Parag and Sachin Naik.

‘One act play is effective medium upCOMInG EVEnts for highlighting social issues’ Dr Jakhotiya to lecture

HERALD CORRESPONDENT SANGUEM, SEPT 26

The Central Board of Education organised a two-day camp for the Schedule Caste and Schedule Tribe communities at Tambdi Surla in Collem.

The camp was participated by over 40 villagers and was conducted by the Education officer Mohan Chand Sen. During the camp, villagers were provided basic knowledge of various topics on health, education, hygiene and also on AIDS. A session was also conducted for participants on the benefits of forming SelfHelp Groups in villages and preparation of budget for family savings.

Darbandora ZP Rashmi Lambor gave details of the various schemes formulated by the government for the benefit of Schedule Caste and Schedule Tribe which could be availed by the villagers.

Incidentally, this was for the first time in Tambdi Surla village that an extensive camp for two days was held in the village since.

Many locals credit this effort to ZP Rashmi Lambor who has been recently organising several programme in the remote villages of her jurisdiction.

6 tourists saved from drowning in two days

Dattaram Mantravadi Memorial HS (first), Kashinath Kinlekar and Chetan Gawas from G S Amonakr (second), Aniket Naik and Gaurang Shirodkar from Dyanprasarak HS (third).

Greeting card competition – Prakash Lamani from Janata HS (first), Shamli Bhatle from St Anthony’s (second) and Nidhi Banaulikar from G S Amonkar (third). Wealth out of waste – Hazrat Mulla from St Anthony’s (first), Anjali Kumari Jha from Janata HS (second) and Merilyn D’Souza from St Francis Xavier (third).

Origami competition – Vishal Joshi from Dnyanprasarak (first), Dean Jose Pinho from St Anthony’s (second) and Diksha Nagvekar from G S Amonkar (third). Pot Painting – Divesh Naik from Dattaram Mantravadi HS (first), Sarvesh Naik from G S Amonkar (second) and Rahul Naik from Dnyanprasarak (third).

Quiz competition - Cristine Saldana and Rhea Rodrigues from St Mary’s (first), Akshay Paes and Aniket Chauhan from St Britto’s (second). Fancy dress competition – Saheel G Lawande from G S Amonkar (first), Tejas Takkekar from Dnyanprasarak (second) and Sajana Mandrekar from Janata HS (third).

Folk dance competition - G S Amonkar HS (first), Janata HS (second) and Dattaram Mantrawadi HS (third).

PANJIM (HND): Chief Secretary Sanjay Srivastava will inaugurate a round table meeting on September 28 at the conference hall of the New Secretariat at Alto-Porvorim on ‘Developing a Foster Care Scheme in Goa – Ensuring the best interests of the child’, organised by Children’s Rights in Goa (CRG) in collaboration with the Department of Women and Child Development (DWCD).

Secretary for Women and Child Development V P Rao will preside over the day-long programme, which will be held from 9.30 am to 5 pm.

The government is taking the welcome step of formulating a scheme for foster care under Section 42 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2000, and the meeting will examine what the components of such a scheme should be.

NLP program at Calangute PANJIM (HND): Goa NLP will hold a new Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) accredited and certificated practitioner programme to be held in Calangute. The programme will be facilitated by Dr David Lincoln an international Master Trainer of NLP and will be conducted from October 2 to 7.

For more information, visit website www.nlpgoa.comor or call Dr David on 9822146435. The course is accredited

by ANLP (India), the premier accreditation body for NLP in Asia. NLP is the new science of the mind and is probably the finest understanding of how the brain works that is available today. Knowledge is power. The application of knowledge is awesome. NLP is the tool that enables the individual to apply knowledge.

Retreat at Parra PANJIM (HND): Fr Jerry Sequeira of Divine Mission Society of Mangalore will conducting a retreat at Emerald Lawns, Parra on October 4 and 5 from 10.30 am to 4.30 pm. Free buses available from Margao bus stand via Nuvem, Verna, Cortalim, Agassaim, Pilar, from Aldona bus stand via Nachinola, Bastora (near Jagbhai Temple), Mapusa and also from Old Goa at Gandhi circle via Ribandar, Panjim and Porvorim. Contact 9823055659 for further details.

‘Magic of Energy Chips’ HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, SEPT 26

Around 180 Bharat scouts and guides from 18 schools of Salcete converged at Majorda for a 3 day leadership camp, which was coordinated by the District Commissioner Mario Pereira, Secretary Regina Faleiro, Guide Captain Rita, organising secretary Russel Coutinho, treasurer Mariano Valadares, joint secretary Bertyl, Valanka and Vishal .

As part of camp, scouts and guides in collaboration with Cansaulim Health Centre and Goa Panchayat Mahila Shakti Abhiyan organised a plastic drive and had an anti-malaria and H1N1 talk by Doctor Lyzette, nurse Clara and Staff of Cansaulim PHC. Nelly Rodrigues, President of

Salcete Bharat Scouts & guides welcomed the gathering. Chief guest and Sarpanch Visitation D'Silva appealed to the students to gain leadership skills and draw maximum benefits from the camp.

Guide Captain Rita compered the programme.

At the valedictory function ZP member Nelly Rodrigues congratulated all the teachers who stayed and sacrificed their holidays to make the camp a success. She later gave away the prizes. Bertyle Rodrigues, Mariano Valadares, Mario Pereira, Russel Coutinho and others spoke on the occasion.

The Cubs and Bulbuls headed

by Tisha Pereira also participated in the camp. Secretary Regina Faleiro then proposed the vote of thanks.

PANJIM (HNB): Dr Cliff Saldanha will conduct a course on ‘Magic of Energy Chips’ on October 10.

Dr Saldanha is an internationally acclaimed teacher/trainer and practitioner of paranormal healing and higher spiritual and meditation practices and has trained several thousand people in these arts and sciences.

Last date for registration is October 5 and further details are available with Dr Anjali Shackleton on 2451080 or 9987062209.

Meanwhile, Dr Shackleton will also conduct a free Pranic Healing Session and Group Meditation at Club Gaspar Dias at Miramar on October 9 from 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm.

pOwEr shutDOwn SEPTEMBER 29 CURTORIM: From 8 am to 3 pm. Areas affected are VP Curtorim, VP Macazana, VP Raia (Colleandongor, St Xavier, Backhbhat, Uddo).

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Sesa Goa’s mining pit in Bicholim Trench dug to stop illegal truck parking develops cracks, poses threat

dents,” said Shaik.

“Building a truck terminus will surely solve this problem. I urge the panchayat to expedite the process of truck terminus,” added Shaik.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARCEL, SEPT 26

HERALD CORRESPONDENT MAYEM, SEPT 26

The mining pit of Sesa Goa at Lamgao-Bicholim has developed cracks, posing a serious threat to residents of Lamgao.

When contacted, the officials of the mining company have, however, claimed there is no danger and assured that hundred per cent precaution is being taken for the safety of the villagers.

Local Councilor Adv Manohar Shirodkar has requested the mining authorities to stop the work in the area, as it may cause serious danger.

It may be recalled that the mining company carried out high-level digging activity at the top of the Lamgao village, while dumping the excavated ore to the side of the pit.

However, this dumped ore has now developed cracks and there is a possibility that entire heaps of mud may collapse down towards the Lamgao village at time, due to which muddy water along with the mining silt may enter into

The mining pit that has developed cracks.

houses, besides posing danger to human lives.

Councilor Manohar Shirodkar brought the matter to the notice of company officers, Reddy and Shanbag, who have assured providing all possible help to avert danger.

They also expressed confidence that the company has taken due care to avoid such incident.

Photo by Vishant Vaze

It may be recalled that muddy water along with the mining silt had entered into plantations at Mulgao last year, causing tremendous loss to the villagers after one such heap of dumped mud collapsed towards Mulgao.

It may also be recalled that three persons died, after one such Bundh breached at Vhashim 18 years ago, besides

loss of lakhs of rupees.

Councilor Shirodkar has demanded with the mining company to take due care to avoid such incidents.

Meanwhile, company officials have claimed that they have already stopped digging activity and are ferrying the dumped mud to some other place as a precautionary measure.

Lamanis throng Palolem beach, outnumber tourists HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, SEPT 26

Even though the tourism season is yet to officially commence, about a hundred lamanis, largely outnumbering the tourists, have swarmed the Palolem beach since the last fortnight.

The lamani women and men folks are seen making their presence felt in large groups or individually, showing no concern for any authorities and are seen freely going after almost all the foreign tourists.

“The lamani menace is so strong at Palolem that over 100 of them are presently descending on the beach sands and target each and every foreign national pestering them to no end,” a lifeguard attendant told Herald.

“In fact, when the lamanis began to descend on the beach in large numbers only a couple of days ago, some policemen came and sent away all the lamanis from the shore, but the lamanis appeared back on the beach within two hours time and resumed their activities, which continues now also,”

Lamanis at Palolem beach.

said the attendant.

“Now, neither policemen nor anybody is bothered to send these illegal traders away, but they are freely carrying on their activities.”

Locals alleged that the lamanis under the garb of selling fake apparels, clothes and pretending to work as masseurs, also indulge in other nefarious

Photo by Kathy Pereira

activities like selling drugs and robbing things from the unsuspecting visitors.

Jack Fernandes, who in the past spearheaded movements to drive away lamanis carrying illegal trade and harassing tourists although unsuccessfully, said: “If authorities fail to take action on the lamanis’ illegal trade activities, we will

Supporting stand of immersed idol washes ashore at Palolem beach HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, SEPT 26

It may look strange, but a supporting stand of an immersed idol of a Sarvajanik Ganeshosthav washed ashore at Palolem beach has come handy to the visitors visiting the beach.

Sources informed that the idol holding stand was washed ashore at the main entrance of the beach, after a huge idol worshipped at one of the Sarvajanik Mandals in Canacona was immersed in Palolem Sea. The stand, made up of some wood and heavy iron bars, since then has been lying untouched by authorities, including the municipal council, providing a sore sight to the visitors.

Incidentally, many tourists, especially domestic visitors, are seen using the stand to hold their belongings like clothes.

According to sources, even though no traces of immersed

Dr Amit Dias, lecturer in Preventive and Social Medicine, Goa Medical College, Bambolim, said dieticians are an important part of the health care team.

He was speaking as a keynote speaker at the Dieticians Meet organized by Goa College of Home Science to flag the activities of the National Nutrition Week (September 1 – 7),which is commemorated every year.

Dr Dias also outlined the role of nutrition in the treatment of various disorders while emphasizing the importance of dieticians in the health care team.

He also advised the dieticians to impart nutrition edu-

Training on oyster mushroom production HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, SEPT 26

The large iron bar stand washed ashore at Palolem beach, is now used by visitors to hold their clothes and other belongings while entering the sea.

idols are seen anywhere, about four large sized idols fitted onto such big stands are immersed at Palolem since Sunday.

Some locals are not pleased

to see the stranded stand, once used to hold Ganesh idol, now sadly used by unknown visitors to hold their belongings, including footwear.

‘Dieticians are important part of healthcare team’ HERALD NEWS BUREAU PANJIM, SEPT 26

not lag behind to approach all the avenues.”

“These people with the blessings of someone are largely responsible for earning a bad name to the locality, as perhaps Palolem is the only beach, down South Goa, where they carry their illegal trade freely and the concerned authorities have blindfolded their eyes,” alleged Fernandes.

Another local, Manuel Lobo, threatened that if the same trend continues after commencement of tourism season, locals may also not hesitate to take on the lamanis to drive them away.

Lobo in the past had lodged several oral complaints with the authorities from entertaining such menace at Palolem.

Agonda and Patnem-Colomb beaches in Canacona since the last three years don’t allow any lamani movements on their shores and have specially engaged people to drive away the troublemakers, after which visits by foreign tourists have doubled in the respective areas, informed sources.

cation to the community by way of simple and effective techniques.

Dr Dias emphasized the importance of breast feeding, role of antioxidants, low glycemic index foods, trans fatty acids, artificial sweeteners and the importance of exercise.

He concluded his session by advising dieticians to update themselves with recent research, organize continuous education programmes and develop low cost nutritious recipes.

The session was followed by sharing of experiences by the dieticians and demonstration of healthy recipes by Jaya Karpe, Culinary Assistant, Nestle.

Principal Rajal K Shinkre in-

troduced the keynote speaker and briefly informed about the activities of the National Nutrition Week. Varsha Tople compered the programme, while Zimaida D’Costa, lecturer, proposed the vote of thanks.

Suresh elected president PANJIM (HND): Suresh Chodankar has been elected as President of Help-in-Time Trust of Pomburpa-Arao.

Other members in the committee are Lily Faria, Jyoti J Fernandes (treasurer), Edwin Fernandes, Mariette Fernandes and Domnic Britto. The office bearers of the committee will hold office for three years.

Training on oyster mushroom production will be conducted on September 29, from 10 am to 1 pm for the benefit of farmers, at the office of Assistant Director of Agriculture (Farmers Training) at Ela, Old Goa. The training will cover all the aspects of oyster mushroom cultivation. The trainees will be provided with one training kit for oyster mushroom cultivation at the end of the training.

Interested farmer may register their names at office of the Assistant Director of Agriculture (Farmers Training) at Ela Old Goa at least one day prior to the training programme. The contact numbers are 2285325 and 2284119.

Training will be very useful to participants venturing in oyster mushroom cultivation on home scale or commercial scale production.

Desperate times called for desperate measures, especially when the Curti-Khandepar Panchayat wanted to stop the illegal parking of trucks along the highway at Curti.

In a novel approach to the situation, the panchayat along with the Ponda Police Traffic Cell simply dug a trench along the route.

The drive comes in the wake of recent gram sabha, where villagers were assured to solve the illegal truck parking issue at Curti.

Parked trucks were ordered to be removed from the area and the entire area, which was flooded with inter-state trucks soon deserted.

It may be recalled that on several occasions, the villagers had raised concern over haphazard parking of trucks along the route.

According to the villagers, parked trucks caused a lot of inconvenience to commuters and even resulted in accidents.

“This has been the only issue often raised by villagers during gram sabhas and as per the assurance given to villagers, the panchayat has acted,” said former sarpanch and Panch John Pereira.

“Parking of trucks won’t be allowed henceforth. At night, there are several trucks parked and it becomes difficult to drive. Accidents have also occurred due to this parked trucks,” added Pereira.

Adds Sarpanch Suraj Naik: “Trucks parked along the route was nuisance. It caused a lot of hardships to the people travelling along the route. People were complaining about the issue and finally we have taken

Earth mover digs a trench in the presence of Curti-Khandepar Panchayat authorities and Ponda traffic personnel.

Photo by Amresh Parab

a stern action against it.”

“We are digging trench along the route so that no heavy vehicle can be parked. No parking signboards will be installed along the road,” said Naik.

“Along with the truck parking issue, the area is also used illegally for pay parking and there are illegal transport offices. We will conduct a survey and take stern action against those having no permissions from the panchayat,” added Naik.

“We have stopped issuing NOCs to transport offices since the last three years. We will issue notices to all the transport offices,” said Naik.

Ponda Traffic Cell PI Salim Shaik said trucks parked along the route were issued challans, however it did not deter the violators.

“We had issued challans to numerous trucks parked along the route, but this has not acted as deterrence. Trucks parked along the route are disturbing the smooth flow of traffic, which results in acci-

Kingfisher Airlines to resume Belgaum to Bangalore service by Oct HERALD CORRESPONDENT BELGAUM, SEPT 26

After a year’s suspension of air service from Belgaum to Bangalore, Kingfisher Airlines has decided to resume air service from the city by October end this year.

The resumption of these air services will cater to the growing number of air passengers from Belgaum and its surrounding areas, who otherwise take flights from Goa or Hubli.

A team of officials from Kingfisher Airlines surveyed Sambra airport located 12 kms from Belgaum city and took note of the available infrastructure and facilities before resuming the air service.

Sambra Airport Controller A Haridas briefed the officials about the facilities at the airport and its readiness to make way for the air service.

The flights which were flown from Belgaum, Bangalore and Mumbai last year were suspended by the Kingfisher due to poor turnout of passengers.

However, one flight from Belgaum-Bangalore and Bangalore-Belgaum was being flown by the airlines for sometime by the Kingfisher last year, but that too was stopped abruptly due to poor passenger response.

In the recent times, it has been noticed that a large number of passengers from Belgaum and its surrounding areas, who take flights from Hubli or Goa. To cater to their needs, the Kingfisher has decided to resume the facility.

In the near future, the Airport Authority of India has plans to fly bigger plans from Belgaum to other major cities

once the ongoing total up-gradation of Belgaum airport is over.

Already, the terminal building of the airport is totally upgraded and the extension of runway is likely to be completed in the near future. The district administration has acquired the land required for the up-gradation of the airport at Sambra and handed it over to Airport Authority of India.

According to sources, the Kingfisher has not yet decided whether to introduce one or two flights to Belgaum.

A large number of people, including industrialists and businessman, travel to parts of Maharashtra, mainly to Mumbai, Pune and Kolhapur on regular basis. Similarly, many industries of Goa are largely dependent on Belgaum to run their business.

Political leaders from Belgaum are putting pressure on the government to provide air service to Mumbai and Goa also, besides Bangalore city.

Belgaum MP Suresh Angadi has met Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel and Chief Minister Yeddyurappa on the issue and briefed them about the importance of having flights to parts of Maharashtra and Goa also, besides to Bangalore.

He said the industrial development in Belgaum will never take place until a proper air service is provided from Belgaum.

During his visit to Belgaum late last year, Praful Patel had assured that the flights would be resumed from Belgaum to other places within three months, but it never happened.

OHERALDO

INDIA

Pg 7

GOA, MONDAY, 27 SEPTEMBER, 2010

‘India has no intention to exchange barbs with Pak’ PTI NEW YORK, SEPT 26

India would maintain a restrained posture and has no intention of indulging in a "mud-slinging match" with Pakistan on the issue of Kashmir over which Islamabad has recently stepped up its rhetoric.

"India doesn't think getting involved in a mud-slinging match... (it) is either necessary or desirable right now," an Indian official said, requesting anonymity.

The official was responding to Pakistan's needling of India over the tensions in Kashmir.

During the past week, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has raised the question of Kashmir at several public forums in New York.

Addressing a gathering at the Asia Society, Qureshi described Kashmir as the "festering sore of South Asia" and urged the US to play a facilitating role in resolution of the issue.

"The United States, as the

world leader, has special responsibility towards finding a just and peaceful solution of Kashmir," the minister said.

The final document of the Organisation of Islamic Conference's meeting this year, held on the sidelines of the opening week of the UN General Assembly also, "urged the international community to play its due role to settle this long standing dispute on UN agenda for the overall improvement of the relations between Pakistan and India as well as to promote regional peace and stability".

Foreign Minister S M Krishna, who is also in New York to attend the UNGA session and a host of other forums, has maintained that Kashmir is a unilateral matter and rejected any interference from outside.

He, however, noted that all issues including Kashmir would be discussed when Qureshi comes to Delhi for talks at a yet to be fixed date.

"Everything that they want to

UPA govt bowed before separatists, says BJP PTI JAMMU, SEPT 26

Denouncing the eight-point package of the Centre, the BJP in Jammu and Kashmir today accused the UPA government of bowing before the separatists and charged that the initiatives have nothing for Jammu and Ladakh regions. "...the Centre has again bowed before the separatists and anti-national elements and continued its appeasing policy towards Kashmir while ignoring Jammu and Ladakh regions," BJP State President Shamsher Singh Manhas told reporters here.

"Requesting state government to immediately convene a meeting of the Unified Command and to review the deployment of security forces and the notification of areas as 'disturbed areas' is unfortunate and just to accede to the demands of separatists..," he said.

Manhas said during the recent meeting with the all-party del-

Women’s quota: civic polls set to create history in Kerala PTI THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, SEPT 26

Kerala is set to script yet another chapter in its electoral history in the local body polls slated to be held next month, with 50 per cent of seats in corporations, municipalities and panchayats reserved for women, for the first time in the state.

Political parties are working overtime to get their act together for the elections, scheduled for October 23 and 25, as it is seen as a dress rehearsal for the assembly elections due in May next with the main fight between the ruling CPI-M led LDF and opposition UDF spearheaded by Congress.

Though parties are finding it hard to get the right candidates for the seats reserved for women as most young women in the state are career-oriented, the quota is certain to bring in a major change in the state's political scene. The election is an acid test for the LDF which suffered a drubbing in the Lok Sabha polls last year when the Congress and allies grabbed 16 of the 20 seats.

It would be a tough task for the LDF to retain its hold over majority of local bodies which it won last time since the ministry is facing a host of problems, mainly linked to Finance and Education departments, and questions are being raised about the lack of collective responsibility.

egation that visited the state facing unrest for the last over three months, the BJP had "categorically" raised the issue of discrimination but unfortunately the Centre again "snubbed" Jammu and Ladakh regions.

"The Union government has attempted to be-fool the people of Jammu and Ladakh by announcing the constitution of Task Force for the two regions while real benefits have been showered to the Valley. The BJP will not accept yet another instance of discrimination," Manhas said.

Condemning the Centre's decision to release stone-pelters and withdrawal of cases against them, the BJP leader wondered "What message does the Centre and State want to give to the nation by according leniency to those who break the law?"

He added that this comes even as those participated in the 2008 Amarnath land agitation are still facing charges.

discuss and everything we want to discuss with them will be discussed," he said.

Both the Indian and the Pakistani ministers are here to attend the opening week of the General Assembly.

A little exchange of words on Kashmir notwithstanding, both have underlined the need for talks as the only way forward in resolving outstanding issues.

"Today there is a realisation that a negotiated solution is the only sensible way," Qureshi said.

Krishna echoed the sentiment when he said: "India wants to keep Pakistan engaged in talks because we do not see any other alternatives... talks are the only way to take this forward".

A bilateral meeting between the two ministers is also on the sidelines of the UNGA. They already had had a "chance encounter" at the UN, last week, and may also run into each other at a meeting of the foreign ministers of the Commonwealth countries today.

Mother not likely to exclude son from will: HC PTI MUMBAI, SEPT 26

A mother, in the ordinary course of events, is not likely to exclude her only son from her will, Bombay High Court has said in a case pertaining to the validity of the legal document. The will, made in favour of daughter, could not be proven because it was "unnatural" the High Court held in a recent ruling.

At the same time, the court refused to validate another will, in son's favour, because he could not produce the witnesses who had attested it. Prithviraj Patel and Meena Patel's mother passed away in July 1990. Upon the death, two wills were found.

First will was made on May 24, 1989, when UK-based Meena was visiting her mother. This will completely excluded the son, Prithviraj, from inheritance on the ground that he had mismanaged his father's properties. By this will, daughter got all the property.

The second will was produced by the son, which gave him mother's flat in upscale South Mumbai locality, among other things. This will bore the date March 9, 1990.

In Ayodhya, Muslim artisans weave garlands for Hindu devotees PTI AYODHYA, SEPT 26

As all eyes are riveted on the emotive Ayodhya issue, Muslim artisans here continue to make floral decorations for Hindu devotees as they have done for several generations and believe that the court verdict will not affect the ties between the two communities.

Weaving bonds of communal amity, around 15 Muslim families in the Asharfi Bhawan area of Ayodhya have been involved in making floral garlands and decorative offerings for Hindu devotees.

"We have been doing this for several generations. Muslims making garlands for Hindu gods and goddesses may be a strange thing for an outsider but not for residents of Ayodhya," Abdul Qayyum, a Muslim artisan, said.

Mohammad Shafeeq, another Muslim artisan, says the work means much more to them and is not just a source of livelihood.

"It's true, it is a source of livelihood for us, but you just can't ignore the responsibility that comes along with it. We consider ourselves lucky as the almighty has assigned us the job of helping the devotees," said Mohammad Shafeeq, an-

other Muslim artisan.

Muslim families involved in the garland-making business earn around Rs 200-250 daily, but their income increases during festive seasons due to higher demand.

"Normally we have a fixed number of clients to whom we supply garlands and floral decorations. But whenever there is a Hindu festival, our daily income increases to around two times the average," added Shafeeq.

Asked what they think about the verdict on Ayodhya issue in the long-pending title suit, Muslim artisans said irrespective of the outcome of the judgement they would continue with their business to help Hindu devotees.

"We just pray for peace and believe the judgement will not affect Hindu-Muslim brotherhood and unity," Shafeeq added.

The Supreme Court had on Thursday deferred by a week the pronouncement of verdict in the Ayodhya title suits by the Allahabad High Court, which was expected to deliver the vedict on September 24, and decided to hear the plea for postponement on September 28.

Rajnikant is like Pa: Aishwarya PTI MUMBAI, SEPT 26

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has dismissed scepticism about her pairing with superstar Rajnikanth, two decades her seni o r, s a y i n g t h a t h e l i k e father-in-law Amitabh Bachchan is an actor who has defied age.

"Rajni sir, like Pa (Amitabh) is a professional and humility personified. There was no age factor. They are both legendary actors due to their body of work.

Hence, their cinema becomes exciting to the viewers. Rajni sir's humility is a lesson to learn,"

Aishwarya told PTI. The 60-year-old Tamil cinema legend had thanked the former Miss World for working with him at the music launch of the film last month and Aishwarya said that the film was a difficult but fun ride.

The 36-year-old actress said, "Director Shankar and myself were attempting to do a project for quite a while now.

The opportunity came with 'Robot'. This is not an easy film to make and is technically way ahead."

The actress plays a young student Sanaa in the film and described her character as a

livewire.

"So far, I have done character driven roles and not been part of conventional commercial genre for a long time. Sanaa is not a difficult character. It is what leading ladies in an entertainer do. In my case, such roles have been rare," said the actress.

"But, Shankar has given her grain, roots. She is a student who is doing further studies in medicine. There is degree of logic why she is in the film.

Shankar has taken entertainment to the next level," she added.

OHERALDO

OPINION

Pg8

www.oheraldo.in

O HERALD O

Combating conjunctivitis

Vol No CX No: 243 Goa, Monday 27 September, 2010

Have you spoken up for Goa?

D

eputy Speaker and Cortalim MLA Mauvin Godinho has spoken up for Goa. He has opposed the Navy’s bid to acquire the islands off Goa and the Bimbvel beach on the specious pretext of ‘security’. The Navy can beef up patrolling around the islands or post security personnel, he says, and there is no need to acquire them.

Rajya Sabha MP Shantaram Naik too has spoken up for Goa. He said that the Navy’s grabbing land in Goa must be opposed tooth and nail, and that it takes the cover of ‘security’ for land grabbing that has no provision in the Land Acquisition Act. He has asked Chief Secretary Sanjay Srivastava to take a tough line, and promised to take up the matter with Union Defense Minister A K Antony.

Mormugao BJP MLA Milind Naik has spoken up. “We will definitely not allow any such acquisition,” he said. Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) Chairperson Shekhar Khadapkar has urged people to “vehemently oppose” the acquisition of the islands. “They are Goa’s heritage, and we should preserve them,” he has said.

No security considerations whatsoever are involved. For years now, the Navy has not posted any personnel on the island that is already in its possession. After the 26/11 Mumbai attack, the Navy did step up patrolling in the sea using hired trawlers and its own patrol boats. But it still did not think it important to post personnel on its island. Neither did it repair the broken Portuguese jetty there, so that its patrol boats could reach the island.

It is a comical sight when Navy or Coast Guard boats go to the Navy island. They can neither go to the jetty (it has collapsed) nor reach the beach (too shallow). They wait outside at anchor till a tourist or fishing boat comes along, and then take a ‘lift’ to the island. Ironically, their duty is to make all the picnickers and fishermen leave, but they cannot do this without the help of those they want to evict!

When the Navy finds it unnecessary to secure the one island it already has, why does it want to acquire two more?

MP Shantaram Naik cites another case where ‘security’ reasons cited to refuse land for the expansion of Dabolim Airport turned out to be a ruse. The Navy used the 69,000 sq metres of land it said was ‘vital’ for ‘security’ to build 245 residential apartments (323 more are under construction) for families of those who are not working in Dabolim!

Why has Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, or his ministers, not spoken up for Goa in this matter? And why is Leader of the Opposition Manohar Parrikar, who has recently been so vocal on matters of land acquisition, completely silent on this issue? The people of Goa are eager to hear from them...

S

‘Samaj’ semantics

uppose you were a member of a committee, but bunked more than three-fourths of its meetings. If you were then dropped from that committee, would you consider it an injustice? Strangely, supporters of writer Vishnu Wagh seem to think his exclusion from the organising committee (OC) of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) this year (Wagh did not attend most OC meetings last year) is an ‘injustice’ to the Bahujan Samaj...

Let us not confuse caste with commitment. Wagh has his hands full with the Department of Information and Publicity, the OBC Commission and the Rajiv Gandhi Kala Mandir. He has no time for IFFI. Putting him on the OC will be an ‘injustice’ for the festival!

Goa is currently experiencing a spell of viral conjunctivitis says fReddY diAS

I

nflammation of the conjunctiva — conjunctivitis (commonly called ‘sore eyes’) is the most common eye disease worldwide. It is reflective of a wide variety of etiologic agents — bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, allergens, toxins and mechanical insults. The eye is protected by the normal flora and several defence mechanisms, including the flushing action of tear flow cleansing the conjunctival sac, the bactericidal action of lysozyme in normal tears, the action of phagocytosis in removing bacteria from the conjunctival sac, and finally, the mechanical barrier to invasion of bacteria provided by an intact epithelial lining of the conjunctiva. Breakdown of one or more of these mechanisms, with invasion of micro-organisms often leads to conjunctival hyperaemia, with a watery, mucopurulent or purulent discharge.

According to eye-care experts, a foreign body sensation accompanying the characteristic complaints of conjunctivitis (red eyes, discharge, blurred vision, mild discomfort) indicates involvement of the corneal epithelium, typical of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis and other adenovirus infections. Conjunctivitis is usually bilateral, since infections that began unilaterally spread easily to the other eye. The presence of unilateral conjunctivitis raises the possibility of several disorders, such as lid molluscum, obstructed tear duct, etc. Typically, the character of the discharge is watery in viral infections and allergic reactions, mucopurulent in sub acute bacterial and Chlamydia infections, and purulent in acute bacterial infections. Dried exudate may cause eyelids to stick together. Conjunctival inflammation associated with severe pain, blurred vision and enlarge pupil indicates probable acute narrow-angle glaucoma.

Normally, most cases of conjunctivitis are mild and self-limited, requiring symptomatic therapy only. But in some cases, physicians are confronted with serious decisions in diagnosis and management, where early identification and treatment is imperative.

Clinical data available indicates that most cases of viral and purulent bacterial conjunctivitis present acutely allergic conjunctivitis. Fungal and parasitic conjunctivitis is slow in developing. Information obtained from the patient’s medical history and a physical examination may suggest certain diagnoses. For example, a history of conjunctivitis during the spring, summer or fall periods may suggest allergic conjunctivitis; or an upper respiratory infection. Cough and fever with follicular conjunctivitis may indicate a viral infection, as would a report of conjunctivitis among family

Sound of Silence members or of multiple cases at work. Similarly, a history of atopic dermatitis, or seborrheic dermatitis suggests the chronic keratoconjunctivitis, characteristic of these dermatologic disorders.

In some cases, chronic conjunctivitis follows repeated attacks of acute inflammation. In such cases, prolonged self medication with topical agents may have produced toxic effects on the conjunctiva and cornea. Here is the most common conjunctivitis which infects people, especially those who are living in warm climatic conditions in the world:Bacterial Conjunctivitis Bacterial conjunctivitis is the most frequent type of infectious disease, commonly caused by certain gram positive and gram negative organisms which are constant inhabitants as part of the normal flora of the conjunctiva. Infections are inhibited by ocular defence mechanisms, but bacterial conjunctivitis may develop when any of the protective mechanisms break down.

Viral Conjunctivitis Viral conjunctivitis is relatively common, caused primarily by herpes simplex viruses and adenoviruses. This type of conjunctivitis is usually a recurrence of an established infection and may be acute or chronic, without corneal disease. The conjunctival infection may be acquired by direct contamination of the eye.

Allergic Conjunctivitis Allergic or hypersensitive reactions of the conjunctiva account for the majority of the patients with complaints of burning, itching and redness of the eyes. Most are related to chemical irritants found in the air and respond to a topical agent with antihistaminic effect. Hypersensitivity reactions may be immediate or delayed, depending on the time elapsed between allergen exposure and reaction.

Immediate hypersensitivity reactions are typified by hay fever conjunctivitis, wherein the allergen comes in direct contact with most cells of the conjunctiva to release histamine. Delayed hypersensitivity reactions affecting the skin of the lids are caused by a variety of chemicals and topical medications. The specific allergen is often difficult to determine and may be one or more chemicals in hairsprays, hair colouring agents, cosmetics, or nail polishes.

Fungal Conjunctivitis Fungi rarely becomes pathogenic, as evidenced by the fact that fungi has been isolated in the eyes of almost 50 per cent of asymptomatic individuals who live in warm climates and work in rural farm areas. However, various fungi can produce corneal ulcers and other ocular diseases in debilitated individuals, including those with serious systemic diseases or who are receiving high

dose medications for cancer, or topical antiviral medications.

Presently, Goa is experiencing a spell of conjunctivitis which is more of a viral in nature, local eye care specialists say. The highly infectious disease has affected a large number of people across the state, and increasing number of such cases are being reported daily at various public Health Centres and hospitals as well as private health care centres and hospitals in the last two weeks.

The authorities of the Directorate of Health Services (DHS) have advised the people to maintain personal hygiene as a primary precaution to avoid being affected. Those who have already been diagnosed with conjunctivitis are advised to remain at home for a minimum period of one week till they have completely recovered from the contagious disease, so as to prevent its spread.

As conjunctivitis delivers red eyed misery throughout the state, the only smiles are on the faces of sunglasses salesmen who are doing a brisk business of selling their wares after stationing themselves at strategic locations in Panjim and various other towns. Street corner peddler Rajesh who plies his trade at the KTC bus stand in the city’s capital says that he has been selling around 30-35 pairs of imitation ‘designer’ models now when he earlier could hawk only five or six pairs a day.

Most of Rajesh’s customers are freshly infected office goers and find his cheaply priced models — strung up on a board — convenient because they can be discarded once the infection subsides The conjunctivitis bug has not only brought a quick buck to street peddlers but also to the swanky opticians in the upmarket areas for the virus does not discriminate between the rich and the poor. Opticians reported a marked increase in their sales of designer makes and say their clients demand the best in the hope of soothing their inflamed eyes.

Sunglasses do nothing to the conjunctivitis bug which, like other viruses, must run their course once the infection gains hold, but a good pair could cut out the glare and lessen the irritation, according to state Health service officials.

People are also cautioned against the use of steroidal preparations of quack remedy manufacturers, which may worsen the condition although they do lessen irritation while antibiotics can prevent secondary infections but can cause eye damage. All medication should be taken in consultation with a competent eye specialist, local health officials warn that spurious medicines have invaded the market.

Mending our broken fences

Wise Counsel

R

eal contentment can only be found through Jesus Christ though everyone is seeking some kind of contentment in this world. Some seek it through purchasing a new house or a fancy car, or as many other items as their hearts desire. Others seek to find contentment by sacrificing possessions and living a simple life, free from temporal things. Some equate contentment with happiness, others with simply being resigned to the fact that we won’t ever get everything we desire. It is not our strength that makes us holy; it is not our effort that brings righteousness. We must work and we must act but we also must realise that the only reason we are able to work and act is because the Spirit of God has given us life and filled us with strength. True happiness to me lies in being content. True happiness is thanking God at the end of every day and having utmost faith in him. Happiness depends on what you want in life, and the way you undertake in achieving it. Happiness lies within; it is just a matter of discovery. Earning lakhs of rupees will give you the bed but not the sleep; happiness,

but not the satisfaction!

Broken hearts, broken relationships, broken down cars… this world is full of brokenness. We throw away broken toys and computers. Sometimes we keep hoping it will simply fix itself and work again, but every time we try to turn it on, it’s still broken. You and I are the same way. We are helpless to fix our brokenness. And often in our Christian life, God works in many ways that break us.

He uses persecution, financial hardship, sickness, loneliness and many other trials to break us of our self-sufficiency, pride, arrogance, unbelief and selfishness. He brings trials into our lives to break us of our self-dependence and to conform us to the likeness of Jesus.

Thankfully, God does not leave us broken. God gives promises to the broken. He said, “The Lord is near to the broken hearted; and saves the crushed in spirit.” He promises joy and gladness as we repent our sins and look to Him as our hope. God wants us to know that whatever it is, we ask for in prayer, we will receive as long as we have faith and believe our prayers will be answered.

By Arlette Azavedo

We just need to keep asking and not give up if it does not happen right away. Sometimes God does not answer our prayers exactly the way we wish because He wants to give us something even better than we have asked for! He breaks us of these things to restore us and create us as a vessel He can use for his glory. Did you know that God promises to always protect us? Well He does!

God wants us to know His name is like a strong tower. When we run to Him we can feel like we are in a safe, high place that is strong and can’t be attacked. God is also like a giant bird that spreads His wings, covering and protecting us from harm or danger.

God loves us so much that He will never forget about us or leave us all by ourselves. If we are afraid we should call on Him and He will deliver us from our fears. He specially wants us to know this is one of His promises for children because fear can be a very scary thing without God around. When love is lost, do not bow your head in sadness; instead keep your head up high and gaze into heaven for that is where your broken heart has been sent to heal.

Letters to the Editor Kashmir, a part of India

others a stern lesson.

Edgar Martins, Chinchinim

Lorna deserves award

India’s independence in 1947 from British rule saw the formation of Pakistan. Muslims left India for Pakistan and Hindus did vice versa. Some Muslims, however, remained in India as our country tolerates all religions.

If all states belong to India, how can Kashmiris say that they want Kashmir as a separate nation? How can Pakistan make false accusations and say that they wish to help the people of Kashmir? It must be remembered that the maharaja of Kashmir acceded to have the state become part of India.

Is India interfering with the Chinese or the Pakistanis? Therefore, these countries have no right to meddle in our internal affairs. Kashmir is and must remain part of India. India is a peace loving country and abhors violent means of solving problems.

It appears that military conflict will teach

Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco Lorna has been the voice of Konkani music for several decades. She has done a lot to popularise Konkani songs in her own way.

Teaming up with Chris Perry, they were a musical duo to reckon with, in the world of Konkani music. Indeed, Lorna is a living legend and is back in business. Her voice is as good as ever. Unfortunately, the Goan nightingale did not get the recognition which is due to her. Lorna deserves to be made Goa’s brand ambassador. Our government should recommend her name for the Padmashree award. Her contribution to popularising Konkani music is immense.

Crack the whip Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar Private buses blatantly violate the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act. They match the

Smitha Bhandare Kamat

Letter of the Day

Oppose caste census William M Gomes, Mapusa Have our country’s politicians gone completely crazy?

The caste census is an affront to basic human dignity and a blot on our country’s image. Don’t our politicians realise that all men are created equal before God? The caste system needs to be abolished as it only creates unnecessary and unfair divisions among men and women of our country. Our land has many different cultures, languages, and different ways of living.

It is time for the common man to stand up and assert his right to equality. All Christians and men of goodwill must oppose the draconian caste census.

KTC in reckless driving. However, the KTC needs to be brought on track.

Whilst travelling on the Panjim-Mapusa route, I also noticed that the private transport service was not up to the mark. There were many lame excuses. I was informed that tickets were under the process of printing. The conductors had no uniforms and badges. The buses were not road worthy.

The transport department and the traffic cell of the Goa police needs to crack the whip so that all outstanding issues are sorted out.

Pay parking and CCP P L Fernandes, Old Goa For anything to be successful, one’s heart must be in it. The latest announcement to make pay parking in the city will have its deterrent effect. It may fill CCP coffers, but is certainly not a complete solution. The income should, however, be spent in improving parking facilities. The Panjim MLA may be right in his comments about how the situation exacerbated. All concerned must work together on the issue of pay parking.

CWG: Mockery of austerity Cedrick Fernandes, Margao How many Indians can be positive and optimistic about the CWG 2010 success? This is because the question of austerity, credibility and accountability has been severely

dented. The numerous issues of unhygienic conditions, incomplete work, and corruption, only shows the dismal approach in making the venue ready for the mega event.

If the Government of Delhi was interested in handing over the Games venue complete in all respects, it had to be done long ago and not at the last moment.

In my opinion, CWG 2010 is a story of scams, high level corruption, failure to meet deadlines, health issues and shoddy work. It appears that the common man has been taken for a ride. Let us, for a moment, keep credibility and accountability aside, shall we? But what about austerity?

It is non existent.

Boxing hero David Furtado, Candolim This refers to your column ‘100 years ago’ (Herald, 21 Sept). For the information of our readers, Jack Johnson was the first ever Negro to win the world heavyweight boxing championship, when he knocked out Canadian Tommy Burns in Sydney on Boxing day in 1908.

Johnson openly boasted that no white boxer could take away his title in the ring.

James J Jefferies, himself a former champion, came out of retirement in 1910 and all things considered, did marvellously well in staying on his feet for fourteen rounds, before going down only in the final round to the smirking Johnson. The champ, however, lost his title to Jess Willard in 1915.

Cheap publicity Marcos Alemao, Varca Trajano D’Mello’s challenge to GYPC chief Sankalp Amonkar is uncalled for. Now he has withdrawn his complaint against Amonkar on the Canacona Flood Relief issue. (Herald 23 Sept). Trajano’s cheap publicity will do him no good.

The NCP in Goa is waging a war against the Congress party and has decided to go solo in ensuing Municipal election and also the next assembly election to be held in 2012. But it declares its support to the Congress candidate in the Valpoi by election. Is this not contradictory to the challenge of Trajano?

Real reasons Hubert Saldanha, Dona Paula It comes as no surprise that the Goa cabinet has recently gone back on its commitment to the people to shift the so called offshore casinos to the Aguada bay.

The reason is that most of them serve as a convenient means to launder their ill gotten gains — kickbacks from road contractors, pay parking, real estate shop allotment scams, and protection money from the drug trade, etc.

It is rumoured that a couple of these casinos are owned and controlled by political heavyweights based in New Delhi.

Everyone knows that our local politicians will never raise a finger to upset their masters in New Delhi.

So it is highly unlikely that any real action will be taken against these casinos.

Unless, of course, if the Honourable High Court orders them out. Only time will tell.

Decline in agriculture Efigenio Dias, Colva The centuries old Comunidades of Goa or Agricultural Societies formed in most of the Goan villages are run or administered according to the code of Comunidades and other legislations. After introduction of the various acts, the Comunidades have been affected. As a result, most of the Communidade land was taken away for different purposes and tenants, (mundkars) became owners of the land. Some tenants are now

not cultivating paddy fields, and some of them have illegally sold the land for construction purposes.

At present, the policy or intention of the Government is to —directly or indirectly — liquidate or take over the Comunidades, including rights of joneiros, share holders, etc., for ulterior motives. In the process, import of agricultural produce from neighbouring states is being encouraged which is sold in the open market for a high price.

Production is Goa is insufficient and decreased. It is, therefore, not surprising that given the government’s policy, it is not economically viable and agriculturists have abandoned the same.

Promote a good cause K K Swami, Panjim I do not understand why the Sangh Parivar, VHP, RSS, Bajrang Dal and the Sanatan Sanstha get excited over minor issues like the exhibition of Dr Jose Pereira and Subodh Kerkar. Don’t they have better work to do?

Wasn’t Sanatan Sanstha responsible for last year’s blast at Margao? The blame was then shifted on to other religions. Yet, no government action was initiated.

What’s the difference between saffron terror and Islamic terror? These so called organisations should come forward and work in hand in hand with other religions to promote a good cause. They should treat everyone as brothers and sisters.

Arise Goa, unshackle us Maria P Mascarenhas, Cansaulim Kudos to the Editor of “Herald” for his editorials on 21st and 22nd September which are very emphatic and revolutionary in giving a clarion call to all Goans to stand up for the truth in a confident, bold and loud voice. The casino cancer needs to be arrested before it proves lethal to our existence.

Keep up the good work, sir. May your tribe increase. Arise, awake, Goa and act fast! You have nothing to lose. Unshackle us from the slavery of corrupt politicians who are out to derail Goa’s progress.

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

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OHERALDO

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GOA, MONDAY, 27 SEPTEMBER, 2010

opinionated Judicial reforms needed

By Arun R Upponi

W

hen a controversy breaks out pertaining to any Judge of the higher Judiciary, (s)he must be kept away from judicial work till the charges levelled are cleared.

The Judiciary is the pillar of the Indian state. Its job is to soundly interpret the Constitution of India and the laws enacted by the Legislature, and to mete out justice without fear or favour.

Who is doing this? It is honest judges, appointed to uphold the ivory tower of the temple of Justice. But then, how can one judge the righteousness of a Judge; by an upright performance, delivering sagacious judgements, or because of an honest nature? Is it fair qualities that disassociate a Judge from any kind of disrepute, before or after appointment?

We have a majority of honest and upright judges in the superior courts, who are fully deserving of the unique respect they command. We are proud to say that our High Courts (HCs) and the Supreme Court (SC) are the custodians of the Constitution and protectors of our fundamental rights. Our nation fully appreciates the greatness of our lofty Judiciary and its salutary achievements for civil society.

But no one is perfect. Due to some unpleasant incidents in our Judiciary, the people are not so happy today.

If the Judges of the lower courts indulge in abominable behaviour, then the superior Judiciary is there to punish them.

But if the judges of higher Judiciary are involved in any similar acts, impeachment is the only ‘solution’. This process is heavily time consuming, and requires a vote with a two-third majority in Parliament.

Consequently, most attempts at impeachment have been unsuccessful. Have we not seen how the then Supreme Court Judge V Ramswamy escaped impeachment, the vote against him not getting a two-third majority because the Congress remained absent while the voting was taken up in Parliament?

The former Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court P D Dinakaran’s case became very difficult. He faced serious charges of grabbing public land in Tamil Nadu and possession of assets disproportionate to his known sources of income. But, he simply refused to quit, or even to go on leave, despite being directed to do so by the SC Collegium of the seniormost judges.

A Judge of the Kolkata High Court, Soumitra Sen, was also accused of being involved in financial misconduct involving the misappropriation of Rs32 lakh, deposited by one of the parties in a case before he became a High Court Judge. He too did not resign despite being advised to do so by the Chief Justice of India. Now, in the case of these two Judges, impeachment has been recommended. In one case it has not been initiated, in the other it has not been followed up, possibly because prospects of success are tenuous.

The stories don’t end here. Just two years back on 13 August 2008, a sum of Rs15 lakh in cash was mysteriously delivered at the residence of Justice Nirmaljit Kaur of the Punjab & Haryana High Court in Chandigarh. She promptly informed the police and handed over the money, stating that she had no idea what it was for.

The case was handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigations (CBI), which concluded that the money had been mistakenly sent to her and was instead intended for Justice Nirmal Yadav; the confusion arising from the similarity of their first names and the fact that both were women.

The CBI says it found evidence to prosecute Justice Yadav in the Rs15 lakh cash case, and including evidence of alleged forgery and abuse of official position by Justice Yadav in land purchase in Solan. But both the Indian government and the then Chief Justice of India K G Balakrishnan refused to grant sanction to prosecute.

There was even more shocking news involving 36 judges – a then sitting Judge of the Supreme Court (SC), seven then sitting Judges of the Allahabad High Court, 12 Judges of the subordinate courts and six retired High Court judges – in a massive scam of illegal withdrawal of crores of rupees from the unclaimed general Provident Fund (PF) account in the Ghaziabad treasury. After the main accused – in his early 40s – died nearly a year ago at UP's Dasna district jail under highly mysterious circumstances, proceedings have moved very, very slowly.

In 1990, four Bombay High Court Judges were accused of being corrupt by the Bar Association of the court. Thankfully, all four resigned after lawyers said they would boycott their courts. In 1995, the then Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court Anandamoy Bhattacharjee was accused of getting $80,000 (Rs37.60 lakh) in royalty from a publisher for publication and overseas publishing rights of a book authored by him, ‘Muslim Law and the Constitution’. There was also mention of an inconclusive negotiation for $75,000 (Rs32.25 lakh) for the overseas publishing rights of another book: ‘Hindu Law and the Constitution’. Both were suspiciously huge amounts for books that had a tiny niche circulation at best.

Section 197 of the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1898 (CrPC) requires sanction to prosecute a judge or a “public servant” for any offence committed “while acting or purporting to act in the discharge of his official duty”. On the face of it, there’s noting wrong with this; officers must be protected from vexatious litigation in the discharge of their duties.

But taking bribe surely does not fall within ‘official duty’.

In any case, that is irrelevant. For, in 1991, the Supreme Court directed that no criminal case shall be registered under Section 154 CrPC against a Judge of the High Court, Chief Justice of the High Court or Judge of the Supreme Court, unless the Chief Justice of India is consulted in the matter. This gives the Chief Justice a double veto – before investigation is started as well as before prosecution is started.

The question is whether this assumes judicial infallibility.

In a state that functions in three broad pillars that operate under a system of checks and balances, does it not undermine the very foundations of the system if any one branch of the state were to declare itself beyond reproach?

In the last two decades, four Chief Justices of India have come under a cloud when leading members of the bar have levelled charges against them. At present, the legal fraternity is agog with the allegations of former Law Minister Shanti Bhushan that eight of the last 16 Chief Justices of India were “corrupt”, that six were “definitely honest” and that he did not have a specific opinion about the probity or otherwise of the remaining two. Bhushan has openly invited charges of contempt of court.

Now, judicial reforms are the only possible remedial steps to curb such ugly controversies in the judiciary. The Law Ministry headed by Veerappa Moily needs to move fast to avoid erosion of credibility in the judiciary. The Chief Justice of India and/or the SC Collegium must be given robust powers to take stern action against dishonest judges through an effective legislation. A National Judicial Commission needs to be set up, responsible for both appointment of Judges and disciplining of errant Judges, if they are found guilty.

Mumbai cops spoil Delhi police's party PTI MUMBAI/NEW DELHI, SEPT 26

Turf war between the elite Crime Branch and Anti Terrorist Squad of Mumbai Police is believed to have spoiled Delhi Police's investigations into the suspected terror attack outside the historic Jama Masjid in the national capital.

A three-member team of Delhi Police had visited Mumbai after the incident on Sunday last with some specific leads provided by the central security agencies about the email and the technique used by banned Indian Mujahideen only to find that everything had been leaked to media, sources privy to the probe said.

They also found interesting developments that the operator -- Tata Doccomo -- had been approached by the two elite forces of the Mumbai Police separately and details of the phone number were taken and were leaked to media.

The matter was shared with the Union Home Ministry, which asked the two wings of Maharashtra to maintain utmost secrecy in the matter.

jama masjid case The Delhi Police team which had gone to investigate into the leads of the case returned empty handed because of lack of coordination, the sources said.

However, officially there was no word either from the Delhi Police or Mumbai Police on this.

Two unidentified motorcycleborne attackers had on Sunday last today shot and injured two Taiwanese nationals outside the Jama Masjid here which was followed by a crude pressure cooker bomb blast in a car in the same area.

The Indian Mujahideen claimed responsibility for the

attack in an e-mail sent to PTI and some other news organisations and threatened terror strikes during the Games.

In a related development, Department of Telecom has again come under attack for its failure to maintain discipline among the operators to verify the SIM cards.

In this case, the youth identifying himself as Purva Shinde procured an activated SIM card on absolutely fake documents and got the General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) activated.

Using this technology, the accused IM cadre surfed into a server based in Norway.

The email was already saved in draft folder of "al.arbi999123 @gmail.com" and was accessed using the GPRS phone at 13:37 hours on September 19 and sent to various media houses.

The authorities have now asked for stringent action against the offenders for issuing an activated SIM card.

PM celebrates 78 b’day PTI NEW DELHI, SEPT 26

It was a quiet birthday for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh who celebrated 78 years on September 26.

President Pratibha Patil and Vice President Hamid Ansari sent flowers and wished the Prime Minister on the occasion.

Congress President Sonia Gandhi, her son Rahul Gandhi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati telephoned Singh and greeted him.

Among those who wished the prime minister on the occasion are Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, Union Ministers and Congress leaders.

Last year, Singh had celebrated his birthday mid-air while returning from G-20 summit in Pittsburgh in the US. Singh was born on September 26, 1932 in Gah, west Punjab, now in Pakistan.

Woman mauled by leopard in J&K PTI SRINAGAR, SEPT 26

A woman was mauled to death by a leopard in south Kashmir's Anantnag district today in yet another incident of man-animal conflict.

"Aasiya was attacked by a leopard at Frislan in Aishmuqam area of the district, resulting in her death on the spot," a police spokesman said here.

The body was handed over to her family members after completing all legal formalities, he said.

Yesterday, a man was killed when a bear, which had descended the human habitation from nearby forests, attacked him at Batkote in Anantnag.

Bear attacks in Kashmir Valley have been on rise in the past few months as the animals are coming down to human habitation due to low temperature and scarcity of food in the forests.

Dal dwellers approacing the road while travelling on a shikara in world famous Dal Lake in Srinagar during curfew relaxation period on Sunday.

Curfew lifted in many parts of Kashmir Valley

we have four non-Kashmiri students. One belongs to Bihar, one from Andhra Pradesh and other two pupil are from Jammu."

When asked about curfew, he said the things were manageable during hartal but the curfew imposed by the government has created serious problems for the varsity.

Since two days before the Id festival, the entire University "came to a standstill", he said.

He said the varsity could hold 6-7 lectures per course and it has just nine teachers, out of which four are retired professors and five are freshers.

Terming the on-going violence in Kashmir as a "temporary set back", Qureshi expressed hope that the visit of 36-member all-party delegation to the state last week will yield some results shortly.

"It is too early to expect things to happen. We should not expect a spontaneous response.

Definitely, something would come out," Qureshi said.

"It (violence) will not last for very long. I also had an opportunity to express my views very freely before the all-party delegation. I strongly feel

Curfew was today lifted from many parts of Kashmir Valley while authorities announced relaxation in Srinagar city, where curbs had been reimposed in the wee hours following incidents of stone pelting, and areas of Kupwara district.

Curfew has been lifted from Anantnag, Pulwama, Kulgam, Shopian and Awantipora towns in South Kashmir and Handwara town in north Kashmir, a police spokesman said.

While curfew has been lifted from Budgam district in central Kashmir, restrictions under section 144 CrPC, which prohibits assembly of four or more persons, continue to remain in place in the district, he said.

The spokesman said curfew has been eased from South, East and West Zones of the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir from 11.00 am to 3.00 PM while it will be relaxed from 1.00 PM to 5.00 pm in North and Hazratbal zones of the city.

The spokesman said there were no reports of any major incident from any part of the Valley so far.

The ongoing unrest in Jammu and Kashmir has not only claimed more than 100 lives in four months, it has also cast its dark shadow on the newlyopened Central University of Kashmir.

Classes have been hit and the university's dream of getting students from outside remains a mirage, but Vice Chancellor Prof Abdul Wahid Qureshi believes that things will turn around.

The university opened on August 25 and classes have been hit since then because of the unrest in the Valley.

"There were applicants from outside Kashmir but due to the unrest, the net result was that not many applicants from outside Kashmir took admission," he told PTI. Qureshi said he expected 30 per cent admission of non-Kashmiri students in each course, but due to violence the number of eligible students stayed just four out of total 90 in three courses.

"I was expecting easily 25-30 students from outside Kashmir out of 90. But still I am happy

some members of the delegation are sincere vis-a-vis the problem.

"But because of pre-occupations of Government of India with matters like the upcoming Commonwealth Games, Ayodhya-Babri Masjid verdict and floods, New Delhi has lot of pressure. Once the things calm down. The (delegation) should be able to give recommendations to the government."

The students were admitted to the University after the All India Level Entrance Test conducted in collaboration with Central Universities in other states, including Bihar and Rajasthan, at 30 centres in the country.

At present, the University Grants Commission has granted permission for teaching three courses -- MA in English, IT and MBA. Four other Masters degree programme are in the pipeline.

The varsity is temporarily located at Sonwar near the Cantonment area.

The vice chancellor said he hopes that the location would be shifted to Ganderbal -- the constituency of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

Many Indians still find sex to be dirty: Author PTI NEW DELHI, SEPT 26

A considerable section in urban India may be enjoying sexual freedom but for majority of Indians, sex is still a dirty word, says writer Richard Crasta, author of the novel 'Revised Kama Sutra'.

"One of the curious things I have noticed is that for lot of Indians, sex is still a dirty word.

So it will take time for them to remain relaxed and enjoy the experience," says Crasta, who has come out with a republished version of his raunchy comic novel "The Revised Kama Sutra", published 20 years ago.

"There is considerable sexual freedom seen among the urban Indian crowd, they are more liberal in talking about sex. But 95 per cent of the lower middle class

PTI MUMBAI, SEPT 26

Preparations are underway in the high security Central Prison here for a video conference link to enable Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Kasab hear proceedings in Bombay High Court pertaining to confirmation of death sentence imposed on him for his role in the 26/11 attack.

The High Court would conduct a daily hearing of the matter from October 18 and has directed the state to provide a video conference facility in the court and in the jail so that Kasab can attend proceedings without being physically present.

"We are making arrangements for a video conference facility near the cell of Kasab so that the security provided to him is not exposed to any risk," official sources said.

Already there exists a facility of video conference for prisoners in the jail but for Kasab special arrangements are being made separately so that the security measures are not compromised, they added.

In the High Court, video conference arrangement would be made by MTNL, according to Government counsel Ujjwal Nikam.

Kasab is lodged in a special high security cell which is bullet and bomb proof and is segregated from other cells in the

prison. The cell has been specially constructed along with a courtroom in adjacent barrack to try anti-terror cases.

Meanwhile, the Court would hear arguments on September 28, a plea made by Kasab for an interview with his lawyers Amin Solkar and Farhana Shah "within the sight (of police) but not hearing distance".

After hearing the state and Kasab's lawyers, the High Court may pass order on this plea.

On September 20, the court had asked Kasab's lawyer Farhana Shah to meet her client in jail and find out whether he wanted to attend the proceedings.

However, state's counsel Ujjwal Nikam objected to Kasab's presence in the court on the ground that he had a threat perception and police would have to take a big risk of bringing him to the Court from Central Jail every day.

Kasab's lawyer informed the Court that the convicted terrorist was interested in attending the proceedings in person but the bench did not allow his plea in view of the threat to his life and instead suggested video conference to allow him to hear the matter.

Kasab's lawyers said they are expected to file an appeal against his conviction before October 18 so that it can also be taken up for hearing.

appointments

Unrest in valley casts shadow on Kashmir central varsity PTI NEW DELHI, SEPT 26

Video conference link in jail for Kasab underway

still has reservations," he told PTI. According to Crasta, who divides his time between US and India, virginity is very important for Indians but the biggest problem is hypocrisy.

"A major section of the society is still repressed," he says. On the recent trend among young couples to remain childless and instead concentrate on careers and property, he says, "Money has become a displacement for repressed sex."

One of the funniest and most talked-about novels, 'The Revised Kama Sutra', with its distinctive voice and its hilarious story of an Indian boy growing into manhood, has garnered rave reviews from readers and critics alike and has been translated into languages as diverse and exotic as Latvian and Hebrew.

It has been published in 11 countries and in eight languages. It tells the story of Vijay Prabhu, a smalltown, middle-class Indian boy, a survivor of assorted Jesuit boarding schools and the ‘five pillars of oppression’ - bells, canes, penis shame, girl shame, and sports.

Filled with erotic longing and a deep desire to be free of conservative Mangalore, Prabhu embarks on a sexual and spiritual odyssey that finally ends in the US, the land of free sex, free speech, greenbacks, and Campbell's Cream of Chicken Soup.

On the book’s title, he says, "It is an ironic title, very subversive.

India is the land of the Kamasutra and we are experts in the art of seducing women. The characters in the novel make fun of the Kamasutra."

PTI SRINAGAR, SEPT 26

Man asked to serve animals for marrying minor girl PTI NEW DELHI, SEPT 26

In an unusual order, a Delhi court has released a convict on probation asking him to serve injured and sick animals for a year as a punishment for kidnapping and tying nuptial knot with a minor girl after concealing his married status.

"I direct that convict Rajpal be released on probation of good conduct for a period of two years on furnishing a personal and surety bond of Rs 10,000 each and with a further condition that he shall render service to the sick and injured animals particularly the strays for a period of one year...," Additional Sessions Judge Kamini Lau said.

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Miliband backs ‘cautious’ cuts in budget deficit REUTERS LONDON, SEPT 26

Britain's new opposition leader Ed Miliband said today he supported ''cautious'' cuts in the budget deficit, saying government plans for spending cuts were economically dangerous and could inflict huge damage on society.

Miliband, who beat his older brother David by a wafer-thin margin in an election to lead the Labour Party yesterday, also called for higher taxes on banks and said the former Labour government's backing for deregulation of banks had been wrong.

Miliband, a former cabinet minister, said he accepted the need for some cuts in public

spending.

He said he saw the proposal on which Labour fought and lost the May election -- to halve Britain's record peacetime deficit in four years -- as a ''starting point'' but indicated he would give more of a role to tax rises rather than spending cuts.

The Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition, which took office in May, ending 13 years of Labour rule, has gone much farther than Labour, setting out plans to virtually eliminate the deficit by 2015.

The coalition's plans were ''economically dangerous and there are warning signals in our economy,'' Miliband said, adding he did not agree with Prime Minister David Cameron that the Britain was out of the danger zone. ''They (the coalition) want to say the only thing that matters in our society is to eliminate the structural deficit over the next four years,'' Miliband said in an interview with the BBC's Andrew Marr. ''I don't agree with that because ... that will inflict huge damage on our communities.'' ''Deficit reduction 'yes', but at a cautious pace and in a way that is going to help our economy not hinder it,'' he said.

Asked about former Labour finance minister Alistair Darling's

plan to cut the deficit in half over four years, Miliband said: ''Broadly I think it is the right starting point.

I am not going to oppose every cut that the coalition comes up with ... It wouldn't be responsible and it wouldn't be credible to say we oppose every cut ... I will look at each of their proposals on its merits.'' ''As far as Alistair Darling's plan is concerned, I think we should keep looking at that perhaps to see how we can improve it, so for example, I think we can do more on taxation from the banks,'' he said. ''There will have to be reductions in public spending ... Alistair Darling's plan is our starting point as to the timing of the deficit reduction,'' he said. ''Why is that important to take more from the banks? They caused the crisis, but also the government should be doing everything it can to protect people up and down this country who are relying on public services ...,'' he said.

Deregulation advocated by the former Labour government was ''absolutely not the answer'' for the banking system, he said. ''Now we've got to be reformers of the banking system, big reformers, and that is going to require a role for government in my view.''

Venezuela vote: Chavez may retain parliament REUTERS CARACAS, SEPT 26

Venezuelans vote in a parliamentary election today with President Hugo Chavez expected to keep control of the National Assembly in a poll testing his support ahead of a presidential ballot in 2012.

Opposition parties in South America's biggest oil producer are guaranteed to make big gains, however, after boycotting the last legislative election five years ago.

The focus is on whether the opposition can take more than a third of the 165 seats up for grabs, which would mean the socialist leader would need support from his foes for major changes to laws or to make appointments to important institutions.

Chavez is not on the ballot but his larger-than-life personality has dominated the campaigns -- and exposed sharp political differences in a country with a huge gap between rich and poor, despite its vast oil and mineral wealth.

Hailed by supporters as a champion of Venezuela's many poor but denounced by critics as a boorish dictator, Chavez's popularity is in the 40 percent to 50 per cent range, polls say. That is well below his highs of previous years but probably enough to ensure his ruling Socialist Party retains a majority. ''The opposition are very confident this time but they do not understand how the people feel,'' said Carlos Cristiani, 44, wearing a Chavez T-shirt and selling newspapers in Sebucan, one of the capital Caracas's most affluent neighborhoods. ''Chavez has problems, that's clear, but nobody wants these other (opposition) people. They will be very disappointed.''

In addition to the 56-year-old former paratrooper's polarizing personality, the peaceful campaign has focused on Venezuela's shocking crime statistics and its economic woes. A second year of recession has been worsened by high inflation.

Chavez, in a televised broadcast, spoke out against opposition leaders. ''They will never come back here,'' he said from the Miraflores presidential palace. ''They will never enter here again, the immoral ones, the mobsters, the state-less ones, the traitors. I am going to say this until the last day of my life.''

According to polls, the Socialists are a couple of percentage points ahead of a newly united opposition umbrella group, Democratic Unity. Combined with changes to voting rules and the electoral map that favor the government, analysts say that means Chavez's party enters the vote as favorite.

Opponents, however, say there is a wave of disenchantment with the president that will prove the polls wrong. ''We need to get rid of this crazy guy right now,'' said housewife Valeria Mendes, 37, walking with pro-opposition friends on the Avila mountain that towers above Caracas. ''We've put up with him for too long. He's ruining our country.''

Investors will be paying close attention to the outcome, particularly because debt issued by the government and state oil company PDVSA offers very high yields for those willing to bear what some consider a significant chance of default.

Venezuela's yield spread over US Treasuries remains the widest among nations listed on JP Morgan's Emerging Markets Bond Index Plus (EMBI+).

Its benchmark dollar-denominated 2027 global bond has risen 6.73 percent to 70.56 on Friday from 66.13 two weeks ago, thanks, analysts say, to the nonviolent run-up to the vote and increased investor appetite for risk.

Sahara army chiefs meet to draft anti-Qaeda strategy REUTERS ALGIERS, SEPT 26

Military chiefs from four Saharan countries met today to set out a joint strategy for fighting al Qaeda's north African wing, the group holding seven foreigners hostage in the Sahara desert.

Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) seized the foreigners, who include five French nationals, in Niger this month in an operation security analysts said showed the group posed a growing threat to security in the resource-rich region.

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Japan PM wades into China row, refuses to apologise REUTERS BEIJING/TOKYO, SEPT 26

Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan waded into an acrimonious dispute over Japan's detention of a Chinese fisherman today, dismissing China's demands for an apology and compensation as out of the question.

The row has bounced back and forth between the two sides with demands for an apology and rejections, illustrating the fragility of ties between Asia's two biggest economies troubled

by Chinese memories of wartime occupation and maritime territorial disputes.

Fishing trawler captain Zhan Qixiong was released and arrived back in China yesterday after his boat collided with Japanese patrol ships on Sept 7 near disputed islets, known as the Diaoyu in Chinese and Senkaku in Japanese. His trawler and crew had earlier been freed.

The waters are believed to

be rich in oil and natural gas.

Kan reiterated his government's stance that the Chinese demands for an apology and amends were groundless. ''Senkaku is a Japanese territory. From that point of view, apology or compensation is unthinkable,'' he told reporters. ''I have no intention at all of meeting (the demand).''

Tokyo came under criticism from domestic media for ''caving in'' to Chinese pressure by releasing the captain after China detained four Japanese citizens, although Japanese officials have denied the linkage.

The four were detained on suspicion of violating the law regarding protection of Chinese military facilities, though the exact offence is not clear.

Japan's former foreign minister yesterday that international perceptions of China would be hurt by its refusal to back down. ''It was our territory and there

China repeats apology demand after Japan frees fisherman REUTERS BEIJING/TOKYO, SEPT 26

China pushed its demand for an apology from Japan for detaining a Chinese fishing trawler captain, showing no sign of an end to the row after Japan released the captain and said no apology was necessary.

The dispute illustrates the fragility of ties between Asia's two biggest economies troubled by Chinese memories of Japanese wartime occupation and territorial disputes over parts of the East China Sea that could hold rich reserves of gas.

Tokyo came under criticism from domestic media for ''caving in'' to Chinese pressure by releasing the captain after China detained four Japanese citizens, although Japanese officials have denied the linkage.

The four were detained on suspicion of violating the law regarding protection of Chinese military facilities, though the exact offence was not clear.

Fishing trawler captain Zhan Qixiong arrived back in China yesterday after his boat collided with Japanese patrol ships on September 7 near disputed islets, known as the Diaoyu in Chinese and Senkaku in Japanese. His trawler and crew had earlier been released.

was no fault in arresting him in accordance with the law,'' Katsuya Okada, secretary-general of the ruling Democratic Party and foreign minister until a September. 17 cabinet reshuffle, told public broadcaster NHK. ''There have been views that this affair was a complete defeat for Japan, but this was a loss for China. China showed the world what kind of a country it is.''

A Japanese man was arrested in Nagasaki, western Japan, on Sunday after he threw what appeared to be a smoke flare into the grounds of the Chinese consulate general, Kyodo news agency said.

The consulate general was unstaffed, and no one was injured, Kyodo said, adding that police believed the incident could be related to the territorial spat.

Freed captain Zhan told China Central Television he was eager to return for more fishing.

US senator presses for more help on Mexico border REUTERS WASHINGTON, SEPT 26

A photographer puts a python on a sunbather for a snapshot on a beach outside Russia's Black Sea city of Sochi.

Abbas says no immediate halt to peace negotiations REUTERS JERUSALEM, SEPT 26

Palestinians would not immediately end peace talks with Israel if it did not extend a 10-month limited settlement moratorium expiring today, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas was quoted as saying.

In another sign that a way could be found out of a crisis threatening negotiations that began less than a month ago, Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak said there was more than an even chance the peace process would continue.

Abbas has said repeatedly he would walk out of the talks with Israel unless the partial halt to building remained in place.

Palestinians view Israel's settlements as a formidable obstacle to statehood.

The moratorium, which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said would not be extended, expires at midnight (2200 GMT).

Asked in an interview with the pan-Arab newspaper alHayat whether he would declare an end to the negotiations if the freeze did not continue, Abbas said: ''No, we will go back to the Palestinian institutions, to the Arab follow-up commit-

Hungary to focus on jobs REUTERS BUDAPEST, SEPT 26

Hungary will focus on economic recovery and Roma integration when it takes over the rotating presidency of the European Union in January, State Secretary for EU Affairs Eniko Gyori said today.

Some of the goals of the new Hungarian government, such as job creation, coincide with the priorities of the EU, Gyori told the national news agency MTI. ''There is a fragile recovery in the European Union, but not until it translates into jobs will people believe that it makes any sense,'' she said.

Hungary has submitted its priorities to fellow member states, and Budapest will formalise the key points of its EU presidency after passing the package in parliament in October. Gyori said social inclusion, geared to finding a solution to the Roma issue, would also be an important item on the agenda.

tee.''

He was referring to an Arab League forum that gave him the go-ahead to pursue US-brokered direct peace talks with Israel that began in Washington on September. 2.

Nabil Abu Radainah, an Abbas spokesman, told the Palestinian newspaper al-Ayyam that Abbas had called for a meeting of the follow-up committee ''within days'' in Cairo.

The al-Hayat interview, published today, was conducted on Friday. Abbas and Palestinian officials with him, due in France for an official visit on Sunday, were not immediately available for comment.

US PRESSURE US President Barack Obama has urged Israel to continue the freeze, but Netanyahu, whose coalition is packed with pro-settler parties, has offered only to limit the scope of renewed building. ''I think that the chance of achieving a mutually agreed understanding about (a) moratorium is 50-50,'' Barak said in a BBC interview in New York. ''I think that the chances of having a peace process is much higher.''

Israeli officials, including Barak, and Palestinian officials

met US diplomats in New York at the weekend to try to find a solution and to prevent the much-heralded negotiations falling at the first hurdle.

State Department spokesman PJ Crowley said Washington was ''doing everything we can to keep the parties in the direct talks''. He said US special envoy on the West Asia, George Mitchell, met Abbas for 30 minutes yesterday.

Some of Netanyahu's allies, including members of his Likud party, are planning to mark the end of the moratorium at sundown today, by holding a cornerstone-laying ceremony for new homes in the remote Revava settlement in the northern West Bank.

More than 430,000 Jews live in well over 100 settlements established across the West Bank and East Jerusalem on land that Israel captured from Jordan in a 1967 Middle East war.

The World Court deems settlements as illegal, although Israel disputes this.

Palestinians say they will make it impossible for them to create a viable state and the issue is one of the core problems standing in the way of any peace deal.

The Obama administration should provide additional resources to help Mexico as the two countries try to root out drug traffickers along their shared border, according to a senior US Senate Republican.

Senator Richard Lugar, the influential top Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, called on Obama to consider using the US military and intelligence community to provide more surveillance assets to h e l p i n t e rd i c t d r u g s a n d weapons crossing the border to and from Mexico. ''Transnational drug trafficking organizations operating from Mexico represent the most immediate national security threat faced by the United States in the Western Hemisphere,'' he said in prepared remarks for a Mexican prosecutors conference today in Indiana, which were provided to Reuters. ''The United States should undertake a broad review of fur-

‘Matthew’ drenches Guatemala PTI GUATEMALA CITY, SEPT 26

Tropical Depression Matthew churned over Guatemala soaking already waterlogged sugar and coffee farms, and the government warned that mudslides could occur in the coming days.

Guatemalan President Alvaro Colom told people to stay home and urged communities in mountains and near rivers to take shelter inland as fast-moving Matthew looked set to slow and hang over Guatemala and Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula.

The storm lost force as it came in from the Gulf of Honduras and its maximum sustained winds decreased to near 55 kph late yesterday. The US National Hurricane Center said the danger had not yet passed. ''We must emphasize that despite the expected weakening of Matthew, torrential rains will continue over most of Central America during the next several days,'' the center said.

The storm was moving westnorthwest and could become almost stationary by today night.

China offers hope of easing one-child policy REUTERS BEIJING, SEPT 26

China marked the 30th anniversary of its controversial onechild policy with talk of relaxing rules, at least in some provinces, that have reined in population growth but caused heartache for millions of couples.

With a population expected to peak at 1.65 billion in 2033, China has been cautious about dropping an unpopular policy that was originally supposed to last one generation.

Central planners say the onechild policy has spared China from the pressures of hundreds of millions of additional people that would have strained scarce water and food resources as well as the nation's ability to educate and employ them.

Critics cite forced abortions and sterilizations, punitive enforcement and a widening gen-

der gap as the unwelcome legacy.

Millions of baby girls are believed to have been aborted in a country which traditionally favours male heirs.

China already allows a number of exceptions to the policy, including allowing rural families a second child if the first is a girl, and permitting couples in some cities a second child if both parents had no siblings. ''If population control reaches the expected goal, Guangdong is likely to let couples in which one of the two is an only child to have a second child after the Twelfth Five-Year plan,'' Zhang Feng, director of Guangdong Population and Family Planning Commission, told the Southern Metropolis Daily on Friday.

Near Hong Kong, Guangdong is home to about 100 million people and the Twelfth Five-Year plan

runs through 2015. After 2030, Zhang said, any Guangdong couple could have two children.

As China's population ages and wages slowly rise, the government is becoming more concerned about who will take care of the elderly than about a destabilising surge of young people unable to find jobs.

The rising cost of housing and education leaves many urban couples uninterested in the big families of their ancestors, but many would still like a second child. ''Should there be a difference between giving birth to a first child and the second one? If there is, then are our two children unequal?'' asked Yang Zhizhu, 44, a former law professor at the China Youth University for Political Sciences, who was fired after his wife had a second daughter last year.

ther steps the US military and the intelligence community could take to help combat the Mexican cartels in association with the Mexican government,'' Lugar said, suggesting aviation, surveillance and other intelligence assets.

Lugar, from Indiana, is one of the Senate's most-respected voices on foreign policy.

The United States and Mexico have been trying to beef up border security to halt the flow of illegal weapons and drugs, but drug cartels have waged a fierce and violent battle to protect their operations and business.

More than 26,000 people have been killed in drug violence in Mexico since President Felipe Calderon launched a war against the cartels in 2006.

Earlier this year, the Obama administration began deploying more National Guard troops to patrol the border, and this month an unmanned surveillance aircraft began operating along the porous border that stretches nearly 3,200 km.

Merkel says German unity a success after rocky start REUTERS BERLIN, SEPT 26

Chancellor Angela Merkel said German unification had been for the most part a success in the past 20 years even though there are major gaps between the east and west.

Merkel, who was raised in Communist East Germany, said in an interview today in the magazine Super Illu many easterners initially felt a certain estrangement in reunited Germany. ''All in all, I'd say the results of 20 years of unification have been for the most part positive,'' Merkel told the eastern weekly ahead of the 20th anniversary of unification on October 3. ''There are so many eastern success stories.''

There are, however, still major gaps between the formerly communist east and the west. Wages in the east are lower, unemployment is higher. The eastern population has shrunk by two million as mostly young people move west in search of jobs.

Some easterners complain

westerners -- or ''Wessies'' – treat them like second-class citizens while westerners sometimes moan about ingratitude of ' Ossies'' and the high unification costs. ''After reunification there was a certain estrangement because everyday life in the east changed completely -- everything from the bureaucracy to the job market,'' Merkel said. ''The easterners have accomplished a lot since 1990.''

Merkel's party, the conservative Christian Democrats, were at first the most popular party in the east -- in part thanks to promises made by then-Chancellor Helmut Kohl. He said the

east would turn into ''flourishing landscapes'' in united Germany.

But when unemployment soared as eastern plants failed in the face of competition from the west, many easterners mocked Kohl's words of ''flourishing landscapes''. The situation in some areas of the east has since gradually improved. ''I thought then it was a good target to have,'' Merkel said, referring to the ''flourishing landscapes'' comment. ''But when unemployment rose in the early 1990s I was shocked by the derision about that vision and the man who created it.

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India, Russia agree to work on corporate accounting PTI MOSCOW, SEPT 26

India and Russia, which are key constituents of BRIC and G-20, have agreed to cooperate in the field of corporate accounting as they underlined that intensive collaboration between the two sides would bring tremendous economic and social benefit to them.

The Institute of Cost and Works Accountants of India (ICWAI) and Institute of Professional Accountants and Auditors of Russia (IPAR) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) here in this regard.

The MoU was inked by ICWAI President B M Sharma and his IPAR counterpart V V Skobara in the presence of R Bandyopadhyay, Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, who was on an official visit to Russia with a delegation of accounting professionals from India, an Indian embassy state-

Mutual Fund Scheme Name

ment said.

Following the signing of the MoU, both sides expressed confidence that this would pave the way for sharing of experiences between the two accounting bodies.

Bandyopadhyay along with his delegation had parleys with Russian Deputy Minister of Finance S D Shatalov and senior Finance Ministry officials about the status of corporate sector in both the countries and prospects for mutual cooperation.

Responding to the Russian Deputy Minister's observations on the status of development of financial institutions in Russia as per global standards, Bandyopadhyay emphasised the need for sharing of experiences between India and Russia, particularly in the context of both countries being important constituents of BRIC and

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

A

AIG India Equity Fund - Regular Plan (D) 12.87 India Equity Fund - Regular Plan (G) 12.87 Infrastructure and Ec Reform Fund - Regular Plan (D) 9.94 Infrastructure and Ec Reform Fund - Regular Plan (G) 9.94 Axis Equity Fund (D) 12.03 Equity Fund (G) 12.03 Tax Saver Fund (D) 11.77 Tax Saver Fund (G) 12.85

B

Baroda Pioneer ELSS 96 28.30 Growth Fund (D) 31.95 Growth Fund (G) 56.72 Infrastructure Fund (D) 10.71 Infrastructure Fund (G) 10.71 Bharti AXA Equity Fund - Eco Plan (Bonus) 19.17 Equity Fund - Eco Plan (D) 13.49 Equity Fund - Eco Plan (G) 19.17 Equity Fund - Eco Plan (QD) 14.73 Equity Fund - Retail Plan (Bonus) 19.07 Equity Fund - Retail Plan (D) 13.44 Equity Fund - Retail Plan (G) 19.07 Equity Fund - Retail Plan (QD) 14.66 Focused Infrastructure Fund (D) 11.30 Focused Infrastructure Fund (G) 11.30 Focused Infrastructure Fund (QD) 11.30 Tax Advantage Fund - Eco Plan (D) 13.70 Tax Advantage Fund - Eco Plan (G) 25.17 Tax Advantage Fund - Retail Plan (D) 13.67 Tax Advantage Fund - Retail Plan (G) 25.08 Birla Sun Life Advantage Fund (D) 94.23 Advantage Fund (G) 173.92 Basic Industries Fund (D) 30.80 Basic Industries Fund (G) 111.68 Buy India Fund (D) 26.61 Buy India Fund (G) 46.71 Commodity Eq- Global Agri Plan - Retail Plan (D) 15.59 Commodity Eq - Global Agri Plan - Retail Plan (G) 15.59 Commodity Eq - Global Multi Commodity Plan - RP (D) 12.41 Commodity Eq- Global Multi Commodity Plan - RP (G) 12.41 Commodity Eq - Global Precious Metals Plan -RP (D) 13.67 Commodity Eqs - Global Precious Metals Plan -RP (G) 13.67 Dividend Yield Plus (D) 16.28 Dividend Yield Plus (G) 91.06 Equity Fund (D) 82.64 Equity Fund (G) 293.87 Frontline Equity Fund - Plan A (D) 23.87 Frontline Equity Fund - Plan A (G) 93.53 Frontline Equity Fund - Plan B (D) 14.14 Frontline Equity Fund - Plan B (G) 14.14 India GenNext Fund (D) 15.91 India GenNext Fund (G) 26.23 India Opportunities Fund – Plan A (D) 19.24 India Opportunities Fund - Plan B (G) 56.49 India Reforms Fund (D) 11.59 India Reforms Fund (G) 11.59 Infrastructure Fund - Plan A (D) 14.04 Infrastructure Fund - Plan A (G) 19.12 Infrastructure Fund - Plan B (D) 13.72 Infrastructure Fund - Plan B (G) 14.29 International Equity Fund - Plan A (D) 8.64 International Equity Fund - Plan A (G) 8.64 International Equity Fund - Plan B (D) 9.85 International Equity Fund - Plan B (G) 9.85 Long Term Advantage Fund (D) 14.25 Long Term Advantage Fund (G) 15.43 Midcap Fund - Plan A (D) 26.67 Midcap Fund - Plan A (G) 120.65 Midcap Fund - Plan B (D) 15.23 Midcap Fund - Plan B (G) 15.23 MNC Fund (D) 86.16 MNC Fund (G) 213.21 New Millennium (D) 13.67 New Millennium (G) 20.93 Pure Value Fund (D) 17.35 Pure Value Fund (G) 18.52 Small and Midcap Fund (D) 13.54 Small and Midcap Fund (G) 13.54 Special Situations Fund (D) 11.14 Special Situations Fund (G) 11.14 Tax Plan (D) 48.84 Tax Plan (G) 14.49 Tax Relief 96 (D) 93.93 Tax Relief 96 (G) 12.67 Top 100 Fund (D) 16.51 Top 100 Fund (G) 23.78

C

Canara Robeco Emerging Equities (Bonus) Emerging Equities (D) Emerging Equities (G)

G-20 blocs of the world's emerging and developed economies.

He made a detailed presentation on the role being played by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs in India in the area of investor education to seek development of a healthy capital market, promotion of a corporate governance framework, activating corporate social responsibility, administration of anti-trust laws and regulation of accountancy bodies such as the cost accountants and chartered accountants.

Shatalov expressed the hope that Russia will soon overcome the economic crisis and its efforts to develop Moscow as a major financial centre would also meet with success.

Both sides agreed that intensive cooperation between the two economies would bring tremendous economic and social benefit to both the coun-

20.10 16.58 24.02

Equity Diversified (Bonus) Equity Diversified (D) Equity Diversified (G) Equity Tax Saver (D) Equity Tax Saver (G) F.O.R.C.E Fund - Retail Plan (D) F.O.R.C.E Fund - Retail Plan (G) Infrastructure (D) Infrastructure (G) Large Cap+ Fund (D) Large Cap+ Fund (G) Multicap (D) Multicap (G)

26.71 26.66 58.63 22.95 27.87 13.55 14.54 19.48 24.46 10.55 10.55 15.73 16.96

D

DWS Alpha Equity Fund - Regular Plan (D) 18.73 Alpha Equity Fund - Regular Plan (G) 86.08 Alpha Equity Fund - Wealth Plan (D) 14.99 Alpha Equity Fund - Wealth Plan (G) 17.93 Investment Opportunity Fund - Regular Plan (D) 29.30 Investment Opportunity Fund - Regular Plan (G) 42.29 Investment Opportunity Fund - Wealth Plan (D) 14.64 Investment Opportunity Fund - Wealth Plan (G) 19.15 Tax Saving Fund (D) 14.43 Tax Saving Fund (G) 15.43 DSP BlackRock Equity Fund - Regular Plan (D) 56.12 Equity Fund - Regular Plan (G) 17.76 Focus 25 Fund (D) 11.28 Focus 25 Fund (G) 11.28 India T.I.G.E.R. Fund - Regular Plan (D) 20.23 India T.I.G.E.R. Fund - Regular Plan (G) 52.70 Micro Cap Fund - Regular Plan (D) 10.71 Micro Cap Fund - Regular Plan (G) 17.64 Natural Resources and New En Fund - Re Plan (D) 15.39 Natural Resources and New En Fund - Reg Plan (G) 15.39 Opportunities Fund - Regular Plan (D) 32.86 Opportunities Fund - Regular Plan (G) 94.26 Small and Mid Cap Fund (D) 17.56 Small and Mid Cap Fund (G) 19.15 Tax Saver Fund (D) 13.90 Tax Saver Fund (G) 18.67 Technology.Com - Regular Plan (D) 25.52 Technology.Com - Regular Plan (G) 34.96 Top 100 Equity Fund - Regular Plan (D) 22.42 Top 100 Equity Fund - Regular Plan (G) 105.70

E

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

11.48 11.48 20.97 20.97 12.51 13.73 13.63 13.63 12.14 13.89 83.93 14.91 12.67 14.88 9.35 9.34 12.56 12.56 14.90 18.57 11.65 54.21

F

Fidelity Equity Fund (D) Equity Fund (G) India Growth Fund (D) India Growth Fund (G) India Special Situations Fund (D) India Special Situations Fund (G) India Value Fund (D) India Value Fund (G) International Opportunities Fund (D) International Opportunities Fund (G) Tax Advantage Fund (D) Tax Advantage Fund (G) Fortis China-India Fund (D) China-India Fund (G) Dividend Yield Fund (D) Dividend Yield Fund (G) Equity Fund (D) Equity Fund (G) Future Leaders Fund (D) Future Leaders Fund (G) Opportunities Fund (D) Opportunities Fund (G) Sustainable Development Fund (D) Sustainable Development Fund (G)

23.88 37.74 13.01 13.01 18.01 19.86 12.24 12.24 13.94 13.94 21.08 23.48 9.39 9.40 11.88 19.28 12.22 36.13 10.47 10.52 10.85 20.84 12.52 13.74

tries.

The Indian delegation also had meeting with senior officials of Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry during which issues relating to corporate governance and corporate social responsibility were addressed.

Prior to his engagements in Moscow, Bandyopadhyay visited St Petersburg, where he addressed the Annual Colloquium of the European Academy of Business in Society. In his address, he presented the role being played by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs in India pertaining to corporate governance in the context of an emerging market.

He also addressed the students of St Petersburg School of Management as well as the faculty of St Petersburg University of Economics and Finance.

Tax Advantage Plan (ELSS) (D) Tax Advantage Plan (ELSS) (G) Franklin Asian Equity Fund (D) Asian Equity Fund (G) Build India Fund (D) Build India Fund (G) FMCG Fund (D) FMCG Fund (G) India Bluechip Fund (D) India Bluechip Fund (G) India Flexi Cap Fund (D) India Flexi Cap Fund (G) India High Growth Companies Fund (D) India High Growth Companies Fund (G) India Opportunities Fund (D) India Opportunities Fund (G) India Prima Fund (D) India Prima Fund (G) India Prima Plus Fund (D) India Prima Plus Fund (G) India Smaller Companies Fund (D) India Smaller Companies Fund (G) India Tax Shield (D) India Tax Shield (G) Infotech Fund (D) Infotech Fund (G) Pharma Fund (D) Pharma Fund (G) Templeton India Equity Income Fund (D) Templeton India Equity Income Fund (G) Templeton India Growth Fund (D) Templeton India Growth Fund (G)

12.07 15.15 10.77 10.77 13.34 13.34 43.78 69.75 45.02 224.88 17.65 34.86 14.08 14.08 16.23 33.78 46.78 300.24 31.58 235.19 14.63 15.80 35.80 217.75 21.42 62.94 32.05 60.56 15.95 21.44 61.42 130.57

H

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

I

28.52 117.72 24.67 43.38 54.53 296.68 36.70 93.72 13.62 13.62 42.73 145.98 14.32 17.31 16.27 16.27 17.83 31.45 70.12 249.59 53.18 225.00 10.99 10.99 29.86 110.63 18.51 37.14 16.26 26.49 12.93 15.20 14.66 15.89 12.05 12.05

ICICI Pru Banking & Fin Services Fund - Retail Plan (D) 20.12 Banking & Fin Services Fund - Retail Plan (G) 20.12 Discovery Fund (D) 22.11 Discovery Fund (G) 51.02 Dynamic Plan (D) 19.40 Dynamic Plan (G) 108.54 Emerging S.T.A.R. Fund (D) 18.58 Emerging S.T.A.R. Fund (G) 37.31 Emerging S.T.A.R. Fund - Institutional Option - I 15.21 Equity Opportunities Fund (D) 13.08 Equity Opportunities Fund (G) 14.03 FMCG Fund (D) 39.50 FMCG Fund (G) 69.06 Focused Bluechip Equity Fund (D) 16.81 Focused Bluechip Equity Fund (G) 16.81 Fusion Fund (D) 15.00 Fusion Fund (G) 15.91 Fusion Fund Series - III Retail Plan (D) 13.59 Fusion Fund Series - III Retail Plan (G) 13.59 Growth Plan (D) 19.01 Growth Plan (G) 140.38 Indo Asia Equity Fund - Retail Plan (D) 10.89 Indo Asia Equity Fund - Retail Plan (G) 10.89 Infrastructure Fund - Retail Plan (D) 13.02 Infrastructure Fund - Retail Plan (G) 32.33 Power (D) 19.10 Power (G) 121.94 IDFC Classic Equity Fund - Plan A (D) 16.57 Classic Equity Fund - Plan A (G) 22.89 Equity Fund - Plan A (D) 14.04

3G launch to boost VAS revenue: DoT official

India likely to import 95 lakh tonnes veg oil PTI

PTI

MUMBAI, SEPT 26

MUMBAI, SEPT 26

The country is likely to import up to 95 lakh tonnes vegetable oil in 2010-11 (November-October), which is five lakh tonnes more than the previous year due to rise in consumption, Godrej International Director Dorab Mistry said today.

For the next oil year (November 2010 to October 2011) Indian vegetable oil imports will expand further to between 9.3 million and 9.5 million tonnes (93-95 lakh tonne), Mistry said while speaking at 'Globoil India 2010' here.

“If you recall I have been projecting India's total vegetable oil imports for the Indian oil year (November 2009 to October 2010) at 9 million tonnes (90 lakh tonnes)... I am very pleased that my forecast has proved to be fairly accurate once again,” he said.

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

17.12 11.81 14.07 17.09 20.67 15.55 18.01 28.62 35.31 16.27 19.72 15.54 15.71 16.82 21.01 15.74 15.74 19.08 13.93 19.08 17.48 14.92 17.48 21.35 40.34 22.65 24.92 15.13 40.07 18.38 23.14 11.81 11.81 13.47 13.47 31.69 15.61 31.64

J

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

3.07 3.07 12.82 18.36 6.24 6.24 9.68 9.66 16.24 39.88 11.50 11.50 6.20 6.20 14.95 20.33 19.64 28.67 15.12 16.26 6.50 6.50 8.11 8.11 9.06 9.06 15.83 19.56 13.22 14.24 8.47 8.47

K

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

34.70 110.02 19.19 23.81 13.40 13.40 9.60 9.60 8.05 8.05 13.08 15.10 19.83 28.51 16.46 50.88 12.81 12.81 12.43 20.29

L

L&T Contra Fund (D) Contra Fund (G) Global Advantage Fund (D) Global Advantage Fund (G) Growth Fund (D)

11.40 11.40 7.79 11.23 19.67

The share of the high margin value-added services (VAS) for wireless operators will rise to 12-13 per cent of total revenues after the introduction of superior 3G networks, a Telecom Department officer said.

Currently, VAS services contribute only for Rs 11,00012,000 crore or 10 per cent of revenues under the older 2/2.5G network technology, Member-Finance of Department of Telecom, Vijayalakhsmi Gupta, said here at a conference.

“3G Technology will drive the next round ofsustainable growth for the Indian (telecom) market through convergence of entertainment, infotainment and voice communications into one single device," Gupta said, after inaugurating the '3G India

Growth Fund (G) Hedged Equity Fund (D) Hedged Equity Fund (G) Infrastructure Fund (D) Infrastructure Fund (G) Midcap Fund (D) Midcap Fund (G) Multi-Cap Fund (D) Multi-Cap Fund (G) Opportunities Fund (D) 20.73 Opportunities Fund (G) Small Cap Fund (D) Small Cap Fund (G) Tax Advantage Fund - Series I (D) Tax Advantage Fund - Series I (G) Tax Saver Fund (D) Tax Saver Fund (G) LIC Infrastructure Fund Series 1 (D) Infrastructure Fund Series 1 (G) MF Equity Fund (D) MF Equity Fund (G) MF Growth Fund (D) MF Growth Fund (G) MF India Vision Fund (D) MF India Vision Fund (G) MF Opportunities Fund (D) MF Opportunities Fund (G) MF Tax Plan (D) MF Tax Plan (G) MF Top 100 Fund (D) MF Top 100 Fund (G)

41.64 10.75 15.14 8.26 8.26 25.46 44.12 16.45 20.64 47.34 6.15 6.15 16.99 23.13 16.38 17.63 10.48 10.48 11.35 28.80 12.42 14.00 9.88 9.88 11.51 20.22 11.35 31.70 8.94 8.94

M

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

11.32 11.32 11.91 11.91 15.85 17.08 16.26 16.26 22.46 68.93

P

Principal Dividend Yield Fund (D) 18.74 Dividend Yield Fund (G) 25.39 Emerging Bluechip Fund (D) 27.22 Emerging Bluechip Fund (G) 34.41 Global Opportunities Fund (D) 16.83 Global Opportunities Fund (G) 16.83 Growth Fund (D) 25.90 Growth Fund (G) 57.16 Large Cap Fund (D)21.03 Large Cap Fund (G) 30.70 Personal Tax Saver Fund 106.24 PNB Long Term Eq Fund - 3 Year Plan - Series 1 (D) 12.39 PNB Long Term Eq Fund - 3 Year Plan - Series 1 (G) 12.39 PNB Long Term Eq Fund - 3 Year Plan - Series II (D) 12.84 PNB Long Term EqFund - 3 Year Plan - Series II (G) 12.84 Resurgent India Equity Fund (D) 13.88 Resurgent India Equity Fund (G) 97.71 Services Industries Fund (D) 13.92 Services Industries Fund (G) 15.70 Tax Savings Fund 83.17

Q

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

R

23.74 23.55 23.53 23.54

Reliance Banking Fund (Bonus) 111.45 Banking Fund (D) 44.47 Banking Fund (G) 111.45 Diversified Power Sec Fund - Retail Plan (Bonus) 87.95 Diversified Power Sector Fund - Retail Plan (D) 51.91 Diversified Power Sector Fund - Retail Plan (G) 87.95 Equity Advantage Fund - Retail Plan (B) 13.99 Equity Advantage Fund - Retail Plan (D) 13.99 Equity Advantage Fund - Retail Plan (G) 13.99 Equity Fund - Retail Plan (Bonus) 15.76 Equity Fund - Retail Plan (D) 15.76 Equity Fund - Retail Plan (G) 15.76 Equity Linked Saving Fund - Series I (D) 15.69 Equity Linked Saving Fund - Series I (G) 15.69 Equity Opportunities Fund - Retail Plan (Bonus) 38.65 Equity Opportunities Fund - Retail Plan (D) 27.30 Equity Opportunities Fund - Retail Plan (G) 38.65 Growth Fund - Retail Plan (Bonus) 84.83 Growth Fund - Retail Plan (D) 62.69 Growth Fund - Retail Plan (G) 511.40 Infrastructure Fund - Retail Plan (Bonus) 12.22 Infrastructure Fund - Retail Plan (D) 12.22 Infrastructure Fund - Retail Plan (G) 12.22 Long Term Equity Fund (D) 17.50 Long Term Equity Fund (G) 17.50 Media & Entertainment Fund (Bonus) 31.78 Media & Entertainment Fund (D) 22.84

2010' summit here.

“After 3G rollout, while video-on-demand and other live streaming services may gain prominence amongst the high ARPU (average revenue per user) customers, enhanced bandwidth may also lead to increased usage of existing mobile VAS services," she said.

Media & Entertainment Fund (G) Natural Resources Fund (Bonus) Natural Resources Fund (D) Natural Resources Fund (G) NRI Equity Fund (Bonus) NRI Equity Fund (D) NRI Equity Fund (G) Pharma Fund (Bonus) Pharma Fund (D) Pharma Fund (G) Quant Plus Fund – Retail Plan (B) Quant Plus Fund - Retail Plan (D) Quant Plus Fund - Retail Plan (G) Regular Savings Fund - Equity Option (D) Regular Savings Fund - Equity Option (G) Small Cap Fund (Bonus) Small Cap Fund (D) Small Cap Fund (G) Tax Saver (ELSS) Fund (D) Tax Saver (ELSS) Fund (G) Vision Fund - Retail Plan (Bonus) Vision Fund - Retail Plan (D) Vision Fund - Retail Plan (G)

S

31.77 10.81 10.81 10.81 42.83 25.48 42.83 53.56 39.95 53.56 14.32 14.32 14.32 26.20 33.61 10.01 10.01 10.01 18.00 23.08 49.92 48.48 297.22

Sahara Banking and Financial Services Fund (D) 16.92 Banking and Financial Services Fund (G) 33.58 Growth Fund (D) 33.26 Growth Fund (G) 88.73 Infrastructure - Fixed Pricing Option (D) 13.15 Infrastructure - Fixed Pricing Option (G) 17.99 Infrastructure -Variable Pricing Option (D) 13.65 Infrastructure -Variable Pricing Option (G) 18.58 Midcap Fund (Bonus) 33.83 Midcap Fund (D) 18.11 Midcap Fund (G) 33.83 Midcap Fund (Growth Auto Payout) 33.83 Power & Natural Resources Fund (D) 12.67 Power & Natural Resources Fund (G) 14.85 Star Value Fund (D) 12.33 Star Value Fund (G) 13.42 Super 20 Fund (D) 12.29 Super 20 Fund (G) 12.29 Tax Gain (D) 18.03 Tax Gain (G) 40.44 Wealth Plus - Variable Pricing Option (D) 23.65 Wealth Plus - Variable Pricing Option (G) 23.65 Wealth Plus Fund - Fixed Pricing Option (D) 22.82 Wealth Plus Fund - Fixed Pricing Option (G) 22.82 SBI Blue Chip Fund (D) 13.87 Blue Chip Fund (G) 15.91 Infrastructure Fund – Series I (D) 11.35 Infrastructure Fund - Series I (G) 11.35 Magnum Comma Fund (D) 17.85 Magnum Comma Fund (G) 26.44 Magnum Contra Fund (D) 25.24 Magnum Contra Fund (G) 63.30 Magnum Emerging Businesses Fund (D) 19.18 Magnum Emerging Businesses Fund (G) 43.23 Magnum Equity Fund (D) 35.10 Magnum Equity Fund (G) 46.52 Magnum FMCG Fund 30.98 Magnum Global Fund (D) 33.87 Magnum Global Fund (G) 60.59 Magnum IT Fund 22.63 Magnum Midcap Fund (D) 19.67 Magnum Midcap Fund (G) 25.65 Magnum Multicap Fund (D) 14.96 Magnum Multicap Fund (G) 19.69 Magnum Multiplier Plus (D) 63.77 Magnum Multiplier Plus (G) 89.82 Magnum NRI - Flexiasset Plan (D) 31.01 Magnum NRI - Flexiasset Plan (G) 30.89 Magnum Pharma Fund (D) 34.41 Magnum Pharma Fund (G) 41.64 Magnum Tax Gain Scheme (D) 44.60 Magnum Tax Gain Scheme (G) 65.43 One India Fund (D) 12.10 One India Fund (G) 12.10 PSU Fund (D) 11.10 PSU Fund (G) 11.10 Shinsei Industry Leaders Fund (D) 12.32 Industry Leaders Fund (G) 12.32 Sundaram BNP Paribas Capex Opportunities Fund (D) 14.21 Capex Opportunities Fund (G) 26.99 Equity Multiplier Fund (D) 12.27 Equity Multiplier Fund (G) 15.05 Financial Services Opportunities - Retail Plan (D) 17.71 Financial Services Opportunities - Retail Plan (G) 22.28 Growth Fund - Regular Plan (D) 13.54 Growth Fund - Regular Plan (G) 101.36 India Leadership Fund - Regular Plan (D) 13.91 India Leadership Fund - Regular Plan (G) 45.36 Media & Entertainment Opportunities - Retail (D) 13.24 Media & Entertainment Opportunities - Retail (G) 16.77 PSU Opportunities Fund (D) 12.10 PSU Opportunities Fund (G) 12.10 Rural India Fund (D) 15.08 Rural India Fund (G) 16.56 S.M.I.L.E Fund - Regular Plan (D) 14.37 S.M.I.L.E Fund - Regular Plan (G) 36.96 Select Focus - Retail Plan (D) 12.62 Select Focus - Retail Plan (G) 97.44

The government had auctioned spectrum for 3G networks earlier this year which was bid aggressively by companies, resulting in receipts of over Rs 65,000 crore. Successful bidders have currently setting up their networks and expect to launch services towards the end of this year.

Select Midcap - Regular Plan (D) Select Midcap - Regular Plan (G) Select Small Cap Fund (D) Select Small Cap Fund (G) Select Thematic Energy Opportunities Funds (D) Select Thematic Energy Opportunities Funds (G) Tax Saver (OE) (D) Tax Saver (OE) (G)

20.45 163.62 14.75 14.75 9.02 9.02 12.94 48.26

T

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

15.30 16.39 16.56 18.82 22.65 34.97 14.55 15.68 24.23 88.62 50.66 41.74 43.28 12.32 12.32 13.13 13.13 43.13 18.99 47.47 25.04 38.03 17.67 18.67 35.04 69.71 16.45 19.16 40.93 108.80 50.34 70.17 20.03 26.85 17.16 17.16 48.97 46.27 45.97 17.87 17.86 25.20 18.89 25.21 14.79 15.77 43.10 61.21 23.20 39.13

U

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

27.46 47.31 14.15 15.33 16.27 33.92 13.81 12.19 50.15 56.74 18.31 43.05 12.57 12.57 9.81 9.81 21.51 37.77 15.57 16.79 13.89 52.26 64.00 88.78 23.59 34.61 38.59 59.78 15.08 28.22 30.40 37.25 27.43 63.79 23.59 30.37 18.16 29.75 15.21 17.46 16.02 19.92

OHERALDO

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GOA, MONDAY, 27 SEPTEMBER, 2010

Tax filing and more

Government offices are always associated with loads of brown discoloured files, tied with the invariable red bands, from which the apt metaphor, ‘red tape’ comes from. But over the years, with the dawn of the electronic age, government offices have also shifted much of their documentation onto computers. The tax departments both direct and indirect have undertaken massive computerization programs.

This enables taxpayers to sit within the luxury of their homes or offices and file their returns.

As per the current law, all company returns and those cases subject to audit are required to file their returns online. Further all returns regarding tax deduction are to be filed electronically. Even taxes can be paid online. The advantages of filing online are that it ensures a highly accurate return. Further the taxpayer can always verify the status of his return. On the side of the department, there is absolutely no chance of the return being misplaced, since it will always be available electronically. Earlier, there was the danger of missing data and data being erased by certain unscrupulous elements. Over the years, the tax department has built several checks into their system. Further data is being held in different modes at different places and the danger of data being lost is a thing of the past. The departments encourage taxpayers to file online. You can also verify whether your tax credits are in the system.

The income tax department has already a central processing unit at Bangalore and the last budget has provided the setting up of two additional units. Once these are operational, much of the processing of returns will be done at these stations. It is not yet clear whether; refunds would be issued by these central units. The employees unions are protesting against such a move, since much of the influence of the clerical staff came from their power to physically hand over refunds to taxpayers. In the past there were instances where an empty envelope would go to the taxpayer – a sign that if he wanted his refund, he was required to meet with the dealing clerk. With the present Refund Banker scheme, with refunds being credited into the bank account of the taxpayer, this interface between the staff and the taxpayer is slowing becoming a thing of the past. Much of the negative publicity of the income tax department was in the area of refunds. Many of the grievance petitions pertained to non receipt of refunds. But with the growing electronic processing and the issue of direct credits into the bank accounts, much of this negative publicity would cease.

INFORMATION GATHERING Slowly but steadily, tax departments are using computerization to collate data on high net individuals. Yes there is the AIR information network. But much of this data is not being used, since by the time the information is passed on to the concerned officers, it is already outdated. The investigation wings of the department have now realised that unless they are able to have a computer profile of the bigger taxpayers, they would not be in a position

to make much headway in investigation; since the transactions are often voluminous and spread over several parts of the country as also in the hands of many tax entities. The investigative wings of the department believe that unless they build complete dossiers of top taxpayers, trying to make any progress is like attempting to find the proverbial needle in a haystack.

One of the outcomes of computerization is that government offices now have a total makeover. They have a more professional and corporate look with little of the files on the tables of the officers. However not all the offices have reached to this state. I was recently in Delhi and did go to the tax office. Sad to say, it still is dirty and grubby with files stacked all over the place. The Delhi office has been sanctioned new office space that would be world class; let us hope that it is!

MOVING UPWARDS The tax department has recently released figures of tax growth rates. Corporate tax has registered a 17% growth rate while individual income tax is up by 9.5 %. The interesting aspect of this growth shows that middle level towns have shown an increase in growth. Much of the growth has come from Bihar and Jharkhand. This is interesting since many of these states were not known to have great tax collections. This is indicative of the fact that industrialization is slowly picking up in these states. Of course, the reasons could be many. In Bihar and Jharkhand, many of the mining companies are now making profit and thereby paying more tax.

But the rise in corporate profits is a sure indicator that the economy is on the upward trend. Several of the major companies have also paid a higher amount of tax in their second instalment that was due on the 15th September. This is a positive sign and an indication that the recession is a thing of the past and with a good monsoon, the economy will be able to sustain its growth target of 8.5% or even higher!

FILING OF CORPORATE RETURNS. The D day for the filing of audited returns has come. September 30th is the last day for the filing of returns for companies, and those firms where audit is to be carried out. These returns have to be filed electronically’ therefore there will be no rush to the income tax offices, but there is usually a heavy traffic on the wires, as C.A’s ensure that all company returns are downloaded by the due date. As a measure of relief, to the citizens of Kashmir, the Board has extended the time for the auditing of accounts and the filing of returns in Kashmir for two months more, till the 30th November 2010. A small gesture towards those suffering in Kashmir, but in a region where the Indian state is perceived as an aggressor, there is little collection by way of central taxes. The culture of tax payments come when people believe that what they pay will bring about some common benefit!

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

IBA gets cracking on fin Dabangg film nets inclusion with campaign Rs 41 lakhs in Goa PTI mumBAI, SEPT 26

To give a decisive thrust to meet the financial inclusion goals, the bankers body IBA is all set to launch an 18-monthlong national communication blitzkrieg involving every marketing tool like street plays, puppet shows besides the regular mass media to pull in the rural folk.

“It is going to be a huge, countrywide campaign and will be very localised. We want to create awareness about financial inclusion and tell the benefits of opening a bank account (to the rural masses),” Indian Banks Association (IBA) Chief Executive K Ramakrishnan told PTI here.

“We will be really indigenous. The campaign will be as localised as possible. The idea is to be top-down and touch every section of the society with this effort, even those who have a bank account," another senior IBA official said, adding a large part of the initiative will be “visual” in nature, considering the low literacy

levels of the target group.

The IBA will act as the coordinator for the campaign which will be launched in the third week of October and continue till March 2012 -- the deadline set by the government to meet the goal, he said. However, senior IBA officials are tight-lipped about the budget of this 18month-long campaign as also about the creative agencies that will be executing this multimedia blitzkrieg.

But, it is learnt that the IBA has already called for pitches from agencies and they are burning the midnight oil to bag this mega account.

People will be told about the inherent benefits of financial inclusion like receiving government payments or getting small loans, besides the business correspondent (BC) concept and no-frills account, Ramakrishnan said, adding it will reach each of the 60,000 villages.

In the FY11 Budget speech, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee had set banks a target of taking financial services

PTI mumBAI, SEPT 26

A large number of bankers are very optimistic about using the ubiquitous mobile to reach out to the unbanked sections of the society to achieve the government's and the Reserve Bank's goal of achieving financial inclusion for a large majority of the population, says a recent survey on mobile banking.

to question the efficacy of this tool. However, very few of these bankers are confident of making profits from financial inclusion project, according to the survey.

As of July 2010, the country had a mobile penetration of 55.4 per cent or 652.42 million subscribers, while there 60,000 villages with over 2,000 population in the country, which are under the purview of financial inclusion.

The FY11 Budget had proposed that the 60,000 villages having 2,000 populations have to be brought under the ambit of banking and financial services by March 2012. Since then, the government and the RBI have been pushing bankers to work towards achieving this objective.

“To reach the benefits of banking services to the 'Aam aadmi', the Reserve Bank had set up a high level committee on the lead bank scheme. After careful assessment of the rec-

From left to right are Shashank Todwal, head of the Goa State Google Technology User Group; Prof Bharat M Deshpande, group leader of Computer Science and Information Systems at BITS-Pilani K K Birla Goa Campus; Anirudh Dewani, developer programs engineer at Google India and Rajdeep Dua, developer advocate and India lead, Developer Relations at Google India.

ommendations of this committee, and in further consultation with the RBI, it has been decided to provide appropriate banking facilities to habitations having population in excess of 2000 by March, 2012.

It is also proposed to extend insurance and other services to the targeted beneficiaries.

These services will be provided using the business correspondent and other models with appropriate technology back up.

By this arrangement, it is proposed to cover 60,000 habitations,” Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee had said in his FY11 Budget speech.

As mobile penetration has been rising rapidly, telcos have been demanding that RBI allow them to introduce mobile banking.

Following, this in October 2008, RBI had issued the final mobile banking guidelines and capped daily fund transfer at Rs 5,000 and purchases at Rs

even if you charge me two per cent higher interest,” Khut said.

Over a decade old bank in Rajkot district of Gujarat, RPCB since inception has a clause that empowers the management to terminate the services of employees who are found indulging in any kind of tobacco consumption.

“The bank does not recruit any persons who has any kind of tobacco addiction. We at present have a strength of 74 employees,” Khut said.

"As a rule we can terminate the service of an employee if he is found consuming tobacco in any form. Even a board of director has to submit his resignation if found consuming tobacco,” Khut said.

The bank, with network of

Nestle India is investing Rs950 crore to set up two units to manufacture instant noodles and infant foods in Karnataka and Haryana. The Karnataka unit will be up and running in the first quarter of next calendar year, while the Haryana unit will begin commercial production by the end of next of next calendar year. It also plans a fifth facility to manufacture instant noodles, which will be put up for approval in the next two months.

Confirming the development, a Nestle India spokesperson said: “The new facilities will support and grow our business in these segments, where we require more capacity. We already have three units to manufacture instant noodles in Punjab, Uttarakhand and Goa.”

AHmEDABAD, SEPT 26

Spearheading a 'No tobacco' campaign from the banking sector, Rajkot People's Cooperative Bank, is the sole bank from Gujarat to have enforced a policy that discourages tobacco usage at all levels of operations.

“As a policy, we charge one per cent higher interest from loan seekers who happen to be tobacco chewers,” Founder Chairman of Rajkot People's Cooperative Bank (RPCB) Shamji Khut told PTI. “The bank's board had passed a resolution to this effect around two and a half years ago, and since then its in force,” he said.

“Till now only one customer has refused to take loan from us stating that I cannot quit tobacco chewing

Superhit Bollywood film ‘Dabangg’ earned Rs 41.50 lakh from Goa in the first week, say industry sources. Belgaum, which was once considered ‘the place’ for Goans to go and see films, earned the film only Rs21.50 lakh in comparison.

The film is enjoying an unchallenged run, as no other film wants to take on this week, owing to the Babri Masjid judgment scare. Consequently, Dabangg is still smoldering during the second weekend across India and in overseas circuits.

The first week's distributors' share in India is a whopping

Rs46 crore. This includes Rs12 crore from Mumbai, Rs3.10 crore from Ahmedabad, Rs60.25 lakh from Nashik, Rs13.25 lakh from Hubli, Rs21.50 lakh from Belgaum, Rs4 lakh from Dharwad, Rs8.75 crore from Delhi, Rs1.20 crore from Kolkata, Rs1.65 crore from Hyderabad, Rs90 lakh from Bangalore, Rs15.25 lakh from Mangalore, Rs2.50 lakh from Chennai and Rs3 lakh from Kochi.

The Abhinav Kashyap-directed, Salman Khan and Sonakshi Sinha starrer is also a hit in the overseas market, grossing £570,566 from the UK and $1.07 million from US till the second weekend.

PTI

Nestle to invest Rs 950 crores

five branches in Rajkot district, has 30,000 customers, and total deposits of over Rs 96 crore. It has sought RBI's nod to open five new branches, one each in Jamnagar, Junagadh, Gondal, Morbi and Jasdan.

“During recruitment of staff, we will give preference to candidates who shun tobacco,” Khut said adding nearly 30 persons shall be recruited for the proposed new branches.

Our 11 board of directors are also very much supportive of this anti-tobacco campaign, he added.

“I was inspired by my school teacher Jayant Acharya who was a firm believer that people without addiction are better performers in life than those who have addiction,” Khut further said.

PAnjIm, SEPT 26

mumBAI, SEPT 26

Tobacco chewer? This bank charges you higher interest PTI

HERAlD BuSInESS DESk

L&T shipping arm to develop Kadipully unit

Bankers optimistic on mobile banking: survey A recent survey conducted by the Boston Consultancy Group for the Indian Banks Association among 13 public sector lenders, seven private sector one, and four foreignorigin lenders have found an overwhelming support for the concept of mobile banking among them.

A high 57 per cent of the respondents from public sector banking space expressed their “high optimism” about the efficacy of mobile banking, 43 per cent are “optimistic” about it, and nobody is unoptimistic about the efficacy of the mobile phone to take financial services to the 55 per cent unbanked populations of the country.

Among the private and foreign lenders, a good 55 per cent are “very likely” to adopt this tool to reach out to the far flung areas, with 45 per cent of them saying that they are “likely” to do so. Significantly here again, no banker is ready

to each of 60,000 villages with a population of over 2,000 people.

Concerns of viability have resulted in banks being given the permission to appoint a BC who will offer all the banking services using ingenious technologies like mobile phones, portable bio-metric machines and printers.

“We are currently in the planning stages and soon, (ad) agencies will be selected for implementing the campaign,” Ramakrishnan said, adding a tie-up with national, regional and local television channels is also being considered.

The campaign is a concerted effort at spreading the word about financial inclusion and hence will use conventional media like newspaper and television ads.

The below-the-line (nonmass media) part of the campaign will involve massive use of street plays, puppet shows and roadshows and a mobile vans which will have audio-visuals and staff canvassing ideas.

HERAlD BuSInESS DESk PAnjIm, SEPT 26

10,000.

But even after this, the RBI desisted from issuing licences to telcos as it was apprehensive of it being misused by nefarious elements and also wanted it to be driven not by telcos but by banks.

Even this July, Reserve Bank Governor D Subbarao had said, “The RBI has a clear preference for the bank-led model, given the growing concerns about money laundering and financing of terrorism, a bank-led model is decidedly safer and more sustainable than one being pushed by telcos."

He, however, had admitted that a mobile operator-led model helps accelerate financial inclusion.

However, on September 15 this year, the RBI Bharti Airtel was issued the licence to launch mobile banking services but without cash withdrawal or redemption.

Engineering major Larsen and Toubro (L&T)'s shipping arm, L&T Shipbuilding, has earmarked around Rs 1,500 crore to develop around 800 acres of land at Kadipully near Ennore in Chennai for expanding its vessel building capacity.

The Kadipully project, to make vessels primarily for defence, would be developed in phases and the first phase will start by mid-2011, the official said on condition of anonymity.

“This would be our second manufacturing facility after Hajira (in Gujarat). We plan to make large vessels in Kadipully which cannot be made in Hajira. The facility will cater mostly to the Indian Navy,” he said. L&T has acquired about 1,200 acres of land there, of which 800 acres would be used for shipbuilding activities.

Remove barriers to bolster trade, says German minister PTI mumBAI, SEPT 26

Advocating for free trade between the two countries, German Economics and Technology Minister Rainer Bruderle has said there is a need to remove all barriers that impede the bilateral trade between India and Germany.

“Despite economic crisis, the bilateral trade between both the countries are good...Let us pull down the barriers for free trade and we will both be winners,” Bruderle said while addressing an Indo-German Chamber of Commerce function last evening here.

Bruderle is here on a twoday trip to have high-level meetings with Indian ministers and business leaders.

The minister also said there

The Indo-German trade during the first half of this year stood at about 7.2 billion euros. During the january-june this year India imported goods worth 4.3 billion euros, according to data given by the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce. is a need to tap opportunities especially in fields of infrastructure, education and vocational training.

The Indo-German trade during the first half of this year stood at about 7.2 billion euros. During the January-June this year India imported goods worth 4.3 billion euros, according to data given by Indo-German Chamber of Commerce.

The Indian exports to Germany reached 2.9 billion euros during the first half of the year.

The trade volume between both the countries stood at 13.1 billion euros during 2009, which was almost at same levels as 2008.

Indian Foreign Direct Investment in Germany, which is currently estimated at about 4.125 billion euros as of mid August, is also on the rise.

To further boost the bilateral trade between both the nations, the Chamber is also organising German year in 2011-12 in India, which will include roadshows, seminars, exhibitions and business meetings to create awareness about the opportunities present in the European nation, Indo-German Chamber of Commerce President Wilfred Aulber said.

This will be followed by an India year in Germany in 201213, Aulber, also the MD and CEO of Mercedes-Benz, added.

Backpacker tourism better than charters: research

raise Rs 250 crs

Research in Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia since the mid-1990s shows that as backpackers tend to consume local products (food, coffee, beer, cigarettes, etc), stay in small guest houses, eat in small restaurants and use locally-owned ground transport, more of their expenditure is retained in-country than in conventional mass or charter tourism.

Economic leakages from backpacker tourism are also significantly less than for charter (foreign-owned) tourism, since backpacker businesses are usually locally owned and profits tend to be retained within the country rather than flowing overseas to international hotel groups. Local people have often been very positive about how having

NSL Power Limited, part of citybased Nuzuveedu Seeds Limited (NSL) Group, is aiming to raise Rs 250 crore private equity (PE) fund before it goes to an IPO next year, a top company official said today.

The company presently has about 100 MW wind power plant fully operational in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka and another 50 MW project will come up in the next year.

NSL Power is planning to set up another 400 mw capacity wind power plants in various parts of the country besides three hydro power plants totalling 155 mw capacity in Himachal Pradesh.

“For our total projects, we will invest around Rs 100 crore from our internal accruals and will raise up to Rs 250 crore through private equity.

HERAlD BuSInESS DESk PAnjIm, SEPT 26

Despite the social problems associated with backpackers at full moon parties in Goa, Thailand and elsewhere, there are significant, positive economic impacts from backpacker tourism. A growing body of research shows that for many low-income communities in the developing world, the economic benefits of hosting backpackers outweigh the negative (often social) impacts.

This local economic development aspect is also now being actively recognised by some more prescient governments such as Malaysia and South Africa, which are actively encouraging backpackers and supporting locally owned businesses and ‘homestays’.

their own backpacker business has changed their lives for the better.

Backpacker tourism is not a silver bullet for developing countries, but it can play an important role in international tourism in the global south.

The present backpackers are virtual inheritors of the traditions of their hippie forebears, who first set up the Goa-Kathmandu circuit in the 60s and 70s. The numbers now “on the road” are much higher, especially since they increasingly use low-cost airlines like Malaysia's AirAsia. No reliable international data exists, but it is likely that thousands are travelling in the developing world, with routes through Asia, the ‘gringo trail’ in Latin America, and increasingly in southern Africa.

NSL Power to PTI HYDERABAD, SEPT 26

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CAREERS & EDUCATION

OHERALDO

Pg14

GOA, Monday, 27 September 2010

Sick? Stay Home From Work, Please!

BRAGG - ART W

By Christina Pinto

W

ithout promotion, something terrible happens – nothing. P.T. Barnum American showman, businessman, and entertainer There are various techniques one can wield to attain the job position one yearns for. One of the new-fangled tool is bragging, the art which is distinguishable from a typical braggart behaviour.

A candid self-evaluation will benefit your personal resume immensely; learn your potential by jotting down your skills, abilities, accomplishments, strengths and weaknesses. When you are aware of your capability, you can develop it to chart the course of your career.

If you want appreciation and acknowledgement, bragging is the channel by which you garner it; you are entitled to what you deserve. Initially, discomfort and nervousness will be a hindrance, nothing practice cannot dissipate if you work to overcome your inhibitions. Especially when seeking a job, your representation will peak interest only if you specify what you have to offer, your promise strengthened with past accomplishments.

Help others as you promote yourself.

It’s one thing to get your work done early and let your boss know that you’ve beat another deadline. Even more effective than that is saying to your boss-and to your peers-that you’re available to help other people get their work done, too, says Jim Anderson, the IT

consultant. This technique is effective because it wins you friends and demonstrates your value to your boss.

Be a stand out, not a shut in When you speak, focus should be on your accomplishments, the mode is confidence and amiability. Exuding a personality that has the right amount of charm, wit and humility will underline your motivation and enthusiasm. Being loud does not equal proud and bragging does not mean exaggerating or overemphasizing your experience. Learn to intimidate wisely and validate your personality in subtle tones, without coming across as the high-pitched villain, whose hubris will lead to his downfall.

Judge every small opening be it an office meeting, group gathering or an elevator ride, take it upon yourself to brag with panache and create a persona of diligence. When there is a need for someone, speak up in meetings, volunteer and learn for extra responsibilities to make you indispensable.

Make known your accomplishments, not with a derivative list but through funny stories, anecdotes, interesting occurrences in the office etc, talk about the obstacles you have overcome, compliments received, extra work undertaken - arrange it in a story that conveys your triumph. It is not a strenuous effort to recreate the scenario in the correct context while minimizing blame and slanderous comments.

Be sure to keep track of your stories to avoid repetition unless it is relevant to the underlining message and be

sure to update your list, adding and subtracting to what you wish to relay. Moreover, adding a personal touch by narrating personal stories or talking about mutual interests can keep the conversation from becoming monotonous. Finally, when polishing your presentation, know both the job and the person to better prioritize your work, venture to meet the expectations of the person you are aiming to impress otherwise why should they be inclined to listen to you? Quite honestly, at the start everyone is uninteresting.

Careful of the words you use; ultimately they are the ammunition for which people form their opinion. Create an impression that has people seeking you out rather than avoiding you. Also, weaknesses should be given a mention as it speaks of a reliable, self-knowing person, commit-

that you need to succeed.

Seize opportunities to selfpromote.

Why try?

You can invest your everything but recognition is something that only show performers with a 24x7 audience can account for, so unless you are

Don’t embellish, elucidate

Self-promotion is just networking without the Facebook and the delete button, so it is prudent to be careful with how you set your image. To ensure you are taken seriously, ignore temptations to complain or exaggerate, it will look as bad as those televised marketing advertisements.

Own your accomplishments; do not be average and then expect recognition, be memorable like you have a special flavour that others lack. There are 100 flavours of ice-cream for a reason. Strike a balance and stand-out as the self-assured individual with talents that gets the job done.

Don’t inflate for success, unlike a peacock, you will appear insincere and untrustworthy, people will think twice to trust someone with even a hint of arrogance. Honesty will build your credibility and lend further credence to your work; moreover it is a lot easier to remember facts than to be caught in a web of your own invention.

ted to perpetual growth to succeed in the demands of the job. Anyone can name their faults, but formulating a plan to counteract the limitations demonstrates a driven personality.

At the end of each week, what can you point to as the outcome of your efforts?

What have you done that you can point to as a major milestone or major progress towards your goal? What have you done that is worth bragging about?

Your time is short, and even though we are only three weeks into the quarter, the quarter will end before you know it—and in some cases, before you are ready. You have to take the actions each day that move you closer to your goals and closer to the results

vocal, you might as well be the invisible cog in the machine that will ultimately be replaced because of downsizing, newer recruits etc. Risky behaviour like nonchalance can derail or threaten the foundation of your career.

Gossip is a common occurrence in the office and none too flattering snippets may be about you. Hence you need to endorse yourself because no one is going to do you any favours. If you are enticed by rewards like more interviews, job offers, promotions, highprofile assignments, and extra remuneration, you need to take an active interest in what is said in the office. Furthermore, the right people can help you further your career; build contacts and be a verifiable source for the work that

is yours and the people involved in its success, canvassing for deserving colleagues brings their own favours. A good book that will give you some wise advice on how to be good at the art of bragging and getting a good outcome from doing it is, BRAG! The Art of Tooting Your Own Horn Without Blowing It by top communication and leadership coach Peggy Klaus. She introduces the most effective ways to sell our best asset— ourselves—without turning off those we’re trying to impress.

Klaus’ proven techniques help readers overcome the common misperceptions of bragging to sell themselves without feeling or sounding like a walking billboard. “People either avoid bragging at all costs because they don’t know how to do it gracefully, or they attempt to sell themselves like a PowerPoint presentation, making those on the receiving end want to hide,” Klaus writes.

Filled with personal and professional self-promotion dilemmas and solutions, the book teaches readers how to put their best foot forward— while keeping it out of their mouths!

When you take the initiative, force people to confront your qualifications, you will get what is owned to you.

If you want to determine the direction of your control, to have control when there are so many impediments; the mastery of bragging gives you what you need. It enables you to outmanoeuvre the competition and highlight your role in the organization. It is a continuous process but it is worth fighting for the results owed to your performance.

A Sickie Litmus Test e’ve all been there.

Yo u r a l a r m c l o c k sounds and you feel like you have just gone 10 rounds with Mike Tyson. You can’t stop sneezing or coughing, your eyes are streaming and your nose is so red that you could be cast as Rudolph in the nativity play. You have a common cold or, it could be even worse – man-flu! So what do you do about it?

Do you drag your lurgee-ridden soul into the office and risk

passing on your germs to alland-sundry? Or, do you spend the day watching “Trish” and “This Morning” on the television? As we enter the traditional cold and flu season, many of us will inevitably face this dilemma.

If you are infected with a cold, you will barely have the energy to wipe your running nose, let alone put in a good day’s work but, at least you can say that you came to work no matter what. Well done, you.

Offices are breeding grounds for bacteria and no matter how hard others will try to avoid breathing in your germs, they will inevitably catch whatever it is you have. And regardless of how many doses of Beecham’s we ram into our bodies, it isn’t going to stop others from becoming infected.

The problem is that Britons work longer hours than any of our European neighbours. And, as such, many of us feel obliged to our employers to turn up to work regardless of how dreadful we feel. But, once you get to work, your self-sacrificing approach will be nothing more than counter-productive, leaving

your colleagues to mop up after you.

And, the amount of time that you take off work is also determined by the whether you are employed in the public sector or the private sector.

“A factor contributing to this is the clear difference in organisational structure between how absence is managed in the public and private sectors.”

But just how many of us will be honest about why we are taking time off work?

In a recent survey, one in five British workers admitted that they had made up an excuse to call in sick. The survey, conducted by BUPA, also revealed that food poisoning or a cold was top of the list of excuses.

A similar report looked into the real reasons why people called in sick. It found that onethird of all respondents cited suffering from a hangover as their main reason and one in five said that they took the day off work to attend a job interview.

Not surprising, less than one third of managers actually believed staff were genuinely ill and nine out of 10 workers claim that they are unhappy when colleagues take sickies, mainly because of the extra work they would have to do in their absence.

However, if you are genuinely ill, the solution is simple: stay at home. Listen to what your body is telling you and concentrate on improving your health instead of impressing your boss.

And as tempting as it is to get someone else to do it for you, don’t feel guilty about telephoning your boss to tell him that you are sick and won’t be able to make it into work. Give yourself the time needed to rest and fully recuperate and, if you need, if you can’t switch off from work when ill, then make yourself available via email or phone.

T h e S t r e n g t h o f a W o m a n Eight Habits That Can Being Feminine and Graceful, does not lessen or obliterate a woman’s inner strength of character, her real liberation or freedom believes MARIA DE LIMA PEREIRA

H

ave you ever noticed and then wondered what makes the women of your grandmother’s generation so regal and elegant – their faces those of classic beauty, that no longer can be found? And they were no royal princesses.

and spiritual beauty - being emotional (but stable with a balanced view and not letting emotions blind your judgement), demure, affectionate, sympathetic, sensitive, soft-spoken, warm, tender, childlike, gentle, pretty, willowy, submis-

grace, charm style, intelligence and humanism – but despite everything she never lost her deep humility and charisma, but this actress, a woman of great beauty, grace, charm style, intelligence.

Jacqueline Lee Bouvier

GROOMING

You don’t need to be rich or famous or in the glamour world to be elegant. Anyone can achieve grace and poise. Here’s how

Visual Poise

S

Sabotage Your Career

omeone wisely said that “decisions made ver y quickly can be every bit as good as decisions made cautiously and deliberately”. Indeed, the ‘job for life’ culture has long gone and today people are losing their jobs following the managements restructuring of their organisations.

But, despite this air of uncertainty in the job market, many people are continuing to put their jobs in jeopardy without realising it.

So, what are the things that

work to do?

If you are overloaded with work, there are different ways of saying ‘no’. And, try to remember that the person making the request probably has no real understanding of what your existing workload might be or even appreciate the time involved for you to carry out their request.

In circumstances such as these, the key is patience and communication. A blunt refusal to help will simply burn bridges and damage goodwill. Instead,

can sap your personal resolve and, if you are not careful, you can easily become just like them.

So, you need to keep your own attitude in check and focus on the things that make you happiest instead of dwelling on the bad elements at work – the neg-heads will soon tire of coming to you for a whinge when they see that they are not affecting you.

Don’t be a brown-nose

It’s OK to let your boss know who you are and what you do

job effectively.

And, be honest and admit if you don’t have the answer being asked of you and say “I will find out for you” or “I suggest that you ask so and so” – you will earn respect and be viewed as someone who isn’t simply a ‘yes’ man.

Technologically un-savvy

In the 1990s, PowerPoint, Excel and the Internet were applications at the forefront of business. But are you still struggling to get to grips with them? If so then get some training, fast!

Failing to attend staff development courses

Was it their clothes and carriage or was it both, combined with humility, serenity, intelligence and humanism?

Elegance

What is Elegance? Elegance is a very rare quality. It requires a measure of grace and dignity.

Another word that comes to mind when describing elegance is loveliness Elegance is being genteel and timeless. It means having ethereal chic and refinement. Natural and unpretentious sophistication. Delicacy and class. It means being self –confident and having a high self-esteem. It means having the courage and aptitude to be yourself – and refuse to follow others – instead conduct yourself in ways that others admiringly follow you. And, to achieve elegance and poise you must be feminine and proud to display its qualities.

Real Femininity

It does not need to be invented – it is radiated from natural nobility and aristocratic elegance; beauty, charm, unsurpassed class.

It forms a woman’s womanly personality. Contrary to what people now believe, femininity builds a woman’s esteem by enhancing her own interpersonal relationships. Feminine traits include achieving both physical

sive yet affirmative and assertive, understanding and compassionate. Bring a sense of style and class to everything you do.

A true lady balances power and grace. She is a virtuous woman who possesses poise, finds a win-win solution without hurting others in the process, avoids male bashing, is compassionate, is generous, and knows when saying nothing is better.

And who smiles even in adversity. Always have a smile on your face and let it come through, not only on your mouth and face but your eyes too.

CLASSIC ELEGANCE

Grace Kelly One of the most admired women in the world, Grace Kelly (1929–1982) is remembered for her beauty, innocence, freshness, unspoiled charm, grace, aristocratic bearing - seem to entirely explain her popularity, poise, elegance, dignity and style. She was one of the few women ever to be beautiful body and soul, without being rarefied. She was a kind and caring person despite her privileged status. And then this girl with regal bearing became a real-life princess.

Audrey Hepburn Like Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn (1929-1993) was known for her poise, extraordinary

Kennedy (July 28, 1929 – May 19, 1994) was the wife of the 35th President of the United States, John F. Kennedy, and served as First Lady during his presidency from 1961 until his assassination in 1963. Following her graduation, Bouvier was hired as the Inquiring Photographer for The Washington Times-Herald.

Like any First Lady, Kennedy was thrust into the spotlight and while she did not mind giving inter views or being pho tographed, she preferred to maintain as much privacy as possible for herself and her children.

Kennedy is remembered for reorganizing entertainment for White House Social events, seeking to restore several White House interiors, her taste in clothing worn during Kennedy’s Presidency, her popularity among foreign dignitaries, and leading the country in mourning after her husband’s assassination in 1963.

The restoration of the White House was Jacqueline Kennedy’s first major project. As First Lady, Kennedy devoted much of her time to planning social events at the White House and other state properties. Kennedy ranks among the most popular of First Ladies. During her husband’s presidency, Jacqueline Kennedy became a symbol of fashion for women all over the world.

Proper sitting, standing, walking and pivoting techniques are not just for models, but for all young ladies who want to be poised and graceful.

Social Etiquette

You must know how to act and what to say in all social situations – at the theatre or sporting event. how to eat various foods and the proper ways to set a table- when, why, and how to write a thank-you note, as well as how to extend and reply to an invitation;

you need to avoid in order to disaster-proof your career?

Spruce-Up

Lack of clear goals

Skin care, hair care, hand care, nutrition and exercise, brushing, scrubbing and polishing from head to toe. Indeed there is a difference between being well dressed and just being dressed.

Dress Sense

Choose your dress according to the ocassion, time of day, climate, place, your figure, and the color that suits your skin color and texture – above all, dress modestly to be complemented on.

Conduct And Character

Conduct, carriage of oneself with respect to propriety or morals, deportment, and an expression of external appearance, speech or action all describe behaviour.

We are told that if you fail to plan, then you are planning to fail. If you don’t have a clear goal for where you want to be, then you could end up anywhere. You will simply drift along and be reliant on the tide (your employer) to carry you to where it pleases.

A survey undertaken discovered that the top 10 per cent performers worked to a plan and, as a result, were also the happiest workers.

Saying ‘no’

If the to-do pile of work on your desk doesn’t show any signs of getting smaller and your boss walks into your office and asks you to a ‘little’ job, do you bemoan his request and complain that you already have too much

simply explain your existing commitments - and perhaps propose another way or another time that you could offer assistance.”

Surrounding yourself with the office ‘negheads’

Most of the time you don’t get to choose the type of people you work with and your colleagues come as part of the package deal when you take a job. In a recent study, threequarters (73 %) of workers claimed that a good working relationship with their colleagues was the primary reason for enjoying work.

But, the whiners and moaners are as familiar a feature in the office as the water cooler, and there is very little refreshing about them. Instead, their constant complaining and negativity

and expand your current role and take on extra responsibility.

But, be mindful that volunteering for a big task may arouse the suspicion of your colleagues, especially if you proposition yourself as the boss’s new lapdog.

You certainly won’t get any respect from your colleagues and your boss will not want to be seen as having his ‘favourites’. Which means that it could be you who is first to go when the redundancies come.

Arrogance

Do not delude yourself into thinking that you are not irreplaceable. You are. Of course, you want to be seen as a valuable asset.

So be mindful not to pretend that you are an expert on things when you are not or that you, and only you, can perform your

As an employer, we have a responsibility to provide all of our employees with the opportunities to develop their skills and knowledge. Some training courses are mandatory to fall in line with new governmental legislation. Others are voluntary.

“Failing to attend these courses can and does affect their careers in the long term – if an employee applies for another internal position, their loyalty and commitment to the College will be questioned because they refused to undergo the previous training that they was offered.

Ultimately, employers are running a business and they want to get the maximum return on their investment i.e. you.

You hate your boss

If that’s the case then you may as well dust off your CV and start looking for a new job because your days are numbered.

Career coach and author of “Corporate Confidential: 50 Secrets Your Company Doesn’t Want you To Know – And What To Do About Them”, suggests: “You don’t have to love your boss, but you’d better figure out a way to get along with him.”

If redundancies come knocking on your organisation’s door, who do you think will lose their job first – you or your boss?

Remember, this is your career that you are saving and if it came down to a choice between you and one of your colleagues, employers will save the one who has the competitive edge. Will that be you?

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OHERALDO

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www.oheraldo.in

My Little Birdie Nest

Men Of the Forest

heir eyes hold a story that is impossible to read… and yet, intuitively we relate to them. Just one look into those eyes and we are hooked. They are the “people of the forests” – the Orangutans.

RANGE They are the only ape species to live outside Africa - in southeast Asia (on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra).

These apes mostly live in trees and swing from branch to branch using their arms.

Orangutans spend their lives in the tropical forest canopy 20 to 100 feet off the ground.

Hidden in the dense tropical rainforests, they are unique among apes for being truly forest-dwelling.

Jezu zai

by Peter Mendes Soglo dis sogli rat Jezu zai Koxttanchea vellar Jezu zai Akantachea vellar Jezu zai Sogleach vellar Jezu zai.

Jezu nam tor jivitan kaim borem goddchenam Sonvsar kitei diet tum dadoxi zaunchonam Patkacho ghulam zatolo jivitant magnnem nam Jezucher patieum rav Jezu kednanch sanddchonam.

Jezuk argham sodanch diumia utt’tta bostanam Povitr Pustok sodanch vachum-ia visro nastanam Khasgi magnnem korum-ia visronk favo nam Jezuk poilo zago dium-ia jivit jietanam.

Povitr atmean borounk sodanch poilem magnnem kor Devan girestkai dilea Devacher bhavart dor Devacho mog kortai tosoch peleachoi mog kor Dusmanank ami bhogsumia kitloi dukoit tor.

By Nicole Travasso (7), Std II, Childcare School, Margao

PHYSICAL FEATURES:

fore it is fully grown.

They have medium long orange-brown fur, large heads and sturdy bodies, long arms, short bowed legs, and no tails. Their hands are similar to human hands with four long fingers and a thumb.

Orangutans walk on legs and arms, but are able to stand and walk short distances on two legs. Orangutans have senses very similar to ours.

HUMAN LIKE In times past the indigenous peoples of Malaysia and Indonesia they would not kill them because they felt the orangutan was simply a person hiding in the trees, trying to avoid having to go to work or become a slave.

Fast Facts Lifespan/Longevity: In captivity they could reach 60 years, but live for a shorter time in the wild. * Range: Lowland and hilly tropical rain forest, including swamp forest. * Length: Male: 54 in.; Female: 45 in.

•Weight: Male: 130-200 lbs.; Female: 80-110 lbs.

HABITS With the exception of adult males, orangutans rarely descend to the ground. Adult males though, come down and spend up to about 5per cent of their time on the forest floor, to move from one stand of trees to another.

Sometimes orangutans, go into the water (but not to swim).

Considering their size and weight, their move from one tree or branch to another is graceful and agile, yet slow.

An orangutan seldom covers more than a kilometre in a day, SLEEPING They often nap in the afternoon after a morning spent obtaining food.

Orangutans build two nests a day; a sparse one for a short nap and a stronger sleeping nest every night which is constructed from branches with leaves on them, 40 to 60 feet above the ground. The sleeping nest takes about 5 minutes to construct.

Occasionally orangutans will sleep in an old nest.

SOLITARY BEINGS Orangutans are shy, solitary animals that are active during the day. They live alone in large territories -because they need a large area to get enough food, and too many orangutans in one area

might lead to starvation.

They fight to defend their territories.

FOOD & FEEDING Orangutans eat more than 200 kinds of fruit, nuts, leaves, bark, insects, and eggs. They also eat small animals (like birds and small mammals. They don't leave their tree branches to drink water. They drink water that has collected in the holes between tree branches.

INTELLIGENCE Orangutans are highly intelligent with an ability to reason and think and are highly skilled puzzle-solvers. They have the ability to memorize the geography of their surroundings. They have been known to use found objects as tools; If it is rainy enough, they will fashion a cover to help keep them dry. It is not uncommon to see them holding a large palm frond over their head – as an umbrella if it is raining heavily. They also use leaves as cups to help them drink water.

BREEDING A dominant male orangutan may have large breeding territory and mate with several

females. Mating occurs yearround and females give birth to a single offspring every 3to6 years. Females do not mate again until an offspring is at least 3 years old. Females are pregnant for 8.5 to 9 months and give birth to a single baby. Twins are extremely rare.

Patriotism:

Love for our motherland

GROWING UP Baby orangutans are similar to human babies and need the care and protection of their mother to survive.

From her they learn everything they need to know about surviving in the tropical rainforest, how to build a day nest, how to climb, which trees have the best leaves or fruit to eat, and which areas of the forest to avoid.

Orangutan babies may stay with their mothers for up to eight years before striking out on their own, though it will be another six or seven years be-

By

Maria Carla De Melo, Std VII, Our Lady of Rosary H S., Dona Paula, India is our beautiful country which founded trigonometry. previously ruled by the British people now by sovereign democratic rulers It is a lovely country with plains and hills and loving people who work with a will to serve their beautiful motherland with unity, diversity & a helping hand So Diverse yet so united! to join us everyone is invited.

With our beautiful culture and amazing history some of which still remains a mystery.

As a citizen of a country full of beauty, to make it proud do your duty And help improve the poverty And make this country A happy place to live in and make move in a faster pace, and make it a more enjoyable place to be in, the happiest place to live in.

O

n June 1st this year, I was sitting outside my house with my family. My brother said it was lovely looking at the rainfall.

I brought hot tea and two chocolate biscuits. Just then I spied a small bird with another small bird, with dried grass in their beaks. That meant they were building a nest. How exciting! And when I took a close look, I realised that they were the same little cuckoo birds that had built their nest in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and now in 2010.

I sipped my tea and watched them. Many days passed and slowly the nest was made. It grew bigger for the mother cuckoo to lay eggs. The next day was 17th June. I was so excited because it was my birthday, and my brother’s too. I was turning seven years old and my brother Rahul was turning five years old. My birthday party was at 5:30 in the evening. We called our friends Keisha, Jason, Alicia and so many other friends.

And the party began. The grasshoppers in the grass joined in the music band and everyone admired the cuckoo nest. We played Blind Man’s Buff and Things To Remember. What fun we had! My friends and everyone at the party said that dinner was wonderful. And after that we had a lovely time, singing and dancing to the music of the band and the grasshoppers.

When the party was over, we all said goodbye and my friends went home, and then we went to sleep. In the morning before going to school,

I looked inside the nest. And what a surprise I had. The mother cuckoo had just laid a new egg with blue and pink marks. And aren’t they a beauty! I went to school all excited, and everyone wanted to know why. But really, I didn’t tell them why.

No, I didn’t want to away my secret. When I got home, again I went to see the eggs.

The day after that day, the eggs hatched. Their mother and father took turns feeding them. It really was fun watching them. Just then, the first two cuckoo baby birds flapped their wings a little, but the last one didn’t. The day after that, I went to see the three baby cuckoos, but they were not in their nest.

We could only see the mother and father cuckoo sitting on the nest. They were crying bitterly because they

could not find their little ones, just as we didn’t.

It was Sunday afternoon and Rahul and I did not give up searching for them, because we loved looking at them.

Just then we heard the sound of a tiny cuckoo. Cuckoo, cuckoo it went. My brother Rahul, and I followed the sound. I thought it came from behind the tree, and there we found the youngest cuckoo. So we put it into its nest and went to get some food for it. Poor thing, the little one cuckooed for its mother and father. They flew to the nest in delight. I was so full of delight too, you know. I went inside and thought, “ Oh where can I find the other two?” Then I remembered the other two flapped their wings a little.

Then I knew they had flown away together. The next morning was Monday. I saw the small cuckoo flying about happily. Its nest is still there . I kept it as a memory.

So just look in your garden and see of you can find a nest just like mine. If you find one look after it carefully and tell me about it.

Happy

Ganesh Chaturthi

Aldrin Rodrigues (13), Std VIII, Mount Mary HS., Chinchinim

Pravit Tirkey , Std VII, Don Bosco’s HS, Tuem

Kamal Thapa (12), Std V, Infant Jesus HS, Colva

Colour Me

Adhira, Std IV, Vidya Vikas Academy, Margao

MONGINIS TWO BEST CREATIVE ME ENTRIES l

Aldrin Rodrigues (13), Std VIII, Mount Mary HS.School wins a gift voucher of

Monginis worth Rs. 125/l

Kamal Thapa (12), Std V, Infant Jesus HS, wins a gift voucher of Monginis worth Rs. 75/-

Manju Rathod (11), Std V, Infant Jesus HS, Colva

SPORTS

Pg16

GOA, Monday, 27 September, 2010

GOA DIARY Alvernaz volleyball at Navelim PANJIM (HSD) – The Piety SC will organise their 2nd all-Goa Alvernaz Alemao memorial volleyball tournament from October 23 near Buticas Primary Health Centre, Navelim. The winners will be richer

by Rs. 20,000 and the runner-up will take home Rs. 15,000. Details may be obtained from Leon Dias

on 9890841680 or Charles Gomes on 9766726452.

Mohun Bagan hammer Salgaocar 6-1

Football tourney at Camurlim M Bagan 6 Salgaocar 1 PANJIM (HSD) – The Youth of Camurlim will organise an all-Goa 11-a-side football tournament at Camurlim, Salcete. Details may be obtained from Dan Vaz on 9049847899 or Charles Dias on 9822686132. Entries close on September 29.

HERALD SPORTS REPORTER PANJIM, SEPT 26

It was just a matter of one point for the Karim Bencherifa coached side, but it turned out to be disaster for Salgaocar as they went down fed to Mohun Bagan 1-6 in the crucial Group D Federation Cup encounter at Barabati Stadium, Cuttack on Sunday.

Jose Ramirez Barreto led from the front when it mattered

Portais down Bhagwati HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, SEPT 26

A brace from Nitesh Haldankar helped Portais Sporting Club hold onto victory as they overcame Bhagwati Sports Club 43 in GFA’s Third Division at Santa Cruz ground on Sunday.

Portais led 4-0 at the lemon break.

Nitesh put Portais ahead after just 13 minutes. Two minutes later Suyod Chowgule doubled the lead for Portais.

In the 36th Nitesh added his second goal. Anil Naik punted in five minute before half time to see Portais sail into the break with a commanding lead.

After the change of ends Bhagwati got their act together.

Pradeep Konkonkar netted a brace in the 59th and 61st to bring Bhagwati back in contention.

With nine minutes to go Anil Martins scored Bhagwati’s third goal but it proved too little too late.

the most and the Bagan’s talismanic striker scored a superb hat-trick in the very first half, while Muritala Ali too scored his first hat-trick in Mohun Bagan’s colour before Ryuji Sueoka netted a consolation goal for Salgaocar. cup The 12th minute marked the beginning of the rout as Barreto headed in captain Ishfaq Ahmed’s corner, while he doubled Bagan’s lead ten minutes later. One present there expected a neck-

l Second semis against Dempo

to-neck encounter, but it became a one-sided affair as Muritala Ali made it 3-0 a minute later.

Bagan’s Brazilian prolific striker then completed his hattrick in the 34th minute before Muritala completed his brace in the 40th minute to score the green and maroons fifth goal.

Barreto was replaced by Ashim Biswas in the 50th

minute but Muritala continued his devastating form and bagged his third down the wire before Ryuji Sueoka, who came in for Subhas Singh scored the only goal for Salgaocar in the 83rd minute.

With strikers on rampage, Mohun Bagan naïve defence too showed a great character which is welcome sign for Stanley Rozario before the crucial semifinal.

Adarsh edge out Guirim, qualify gfa 3rd div

HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, SEPT 26

Sandesh Chopdekar scored the only goal in the 61st minute to secure a play-off place for Adarsh Yuvak Sangh (Saligao) which enabled them to defeat Guirim Youth Association 1-0 in GFA’s Third Division at Anjuna ground on Sunday. The match was goalless at the breather.

Adarsh only needed a draw to qualif y for the play-off.

Guirim, who had lost all their previous matches, were looking to close their 3rd Division adventure with something to show for it.

Adarsh were missing five key players from their usual line-up and their captain Francis Fernandes, who usually leads the defence, had to play in the goal.

He did well to keep a clean sheet but was not really tested by the opponents.

Guirim played well and had improved from their earlier performances where they had conceded 25 goals in four matches and only scored four before this match. Their main difficulty has been finding enough players.

For this match they only had eleven and did not have any substitutes to replace tired legs which hindered their performance.

Adarsh started brightly and raided the rival goal. Sandesh Chopdekar came close as he tried to chip the ball over the goalkeeper.

Guirim were reduced to ten men momentarily when Sandesh Bhaine had to go off injured but returned after five minutes.

In the 16th Luke D’souza net-

ted for Guirim but his effort was ruled off-side. Guirim had a number of chances to score but could not break the deadlock.

After the interval Adarsh attacked more furiously as they sensed that if they just sat back and looked for a draw they may get hit on the counter. Their breakthrough came in the 61st when Sandesh Chopdekaer jumped highest in the box to head home a corner which looped over rival custodian Reagan Sanpayo’s head.

Holiday Sports Club topped the group with 12 points. Adarsh also finished with 12 points but had an inferior goal difference.

St Sebastian, Mapusa finished on 9 points, followed by PVC Association on 7 points. Sai Avtar finished fifth with 4 points while Guirim failed to register a point.

This win also marks Mohun Bagan’s biggest victory over Salgaocar. Mohun Bagan will play I-League champions Dempo SC in the second semifinal to be played on September 30.

In another match, Shillong Lajong played a goalless draw.

Standings: Mohun Bagan (7), Salgaocar (4), Shillong Lajong FC (2), Mumbai FC (2).

Schools chess selection HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, SEPT 26

Following chess players have been selected for the coaching camp to select the Goa schools team for 56th National School Games to be held in Goa from November 10-15.

U-14 boys: Anirudah V Bhat, S h u b a m S a v a i k a r, S u y a h Balurkar, Kapil Pause, Ritiz Parab.

U-14 girls: Riya Sawant, Umvi Bandekar, Riddhi Zantye, Hauri Hadkonkar, Aditi Prabhu Gaonkar.

U-17 boys: Niraj Saripally, Mhamal Anuragh, Cyrus Pereira, Vipul Kulkarni, Ahuja Rohan.

U-17 girls: Sayani Kerkar, Sakshi Naik Gaonkar, Sonali Kerkar, Aishwaraya Thorat, Vidula Dempo.

U-19 boys: Umang Kaisary, K Avinash, Shetye Vivek, Audi Amey, Adrian Almeida.

U-19 girls: Nandini Saripalliy, Diksha Chawan, Celianne Carvalho, Sukanya Chari, Supryia Shanbag.

They have been asked to contact P D Naik Desai at Multipurpose hall, Fatorda for South Goa students or Gurudas Bandodkar at DSYA office, Panjim for North Goa students on September 27 at 3 p.m.

Don Bosco Sulcorna champs

India win, but fail to qualify HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, SEPT 26

HERALD CORRESPONDENT QUEPEM, SEPT 26

India U-19 thrashed Bangladesh 6-0 in their third and final group league match of AFC U-19 women’s championship Qualifiers at Kamalpur Stadium, Dhaka.

After scoring a facile 2-0 victory against Jordan in the last game, the Indian girls were once again too good for their opponents right from the outset.

Bindyarani opened the scoring for India in the 39th minute, while Rinaroy Devi Salam bagged four goals in the second half before Nimalamhu put the final nail in Bangladesh’s coffin to mark a great victory.

India, thus finished second in the standings with six points, while Iran qualified for the main round winning all their three matches.

PWD Minister Churchill Alemao releasing the football referees jerseys sponsored by Urban Development Minister Joaquim Alemao in the presence of Mario Menezes, Benjamin D’Silva, Fr Eremita Coutinho, Dionisio Sardinha, Filomeno Barreto in Margao recently.

Don Bosco High School, Sulcorna won the first Quepem and Sanguem taluka level under-16 girls football tournament organised by Nehru Yuva Kendra (South ) at Tilamol ground Quepem.

Don Bosco defeated Fatima High School, Rivona 2-0 in the finals. Gudia Horo and Sumitra Gaonkar scored.

Earlier, Don Bosco defeated Government High School, Ambaulim and Fatima defeated Our Lady of Poor High School, Tilamol.

In all 8 schools from Quepem and Sanguem participated.

Don Bosco High School, Sulcorna, winners of NYK’s Quepem and Sanguem taluka level under-16 girls football tournament.

GCA finish runners-up

moin-ud-dowla gold cup HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, SEPT 26

Hyderabad Cricket Association President's XI won the Coromandel King All-India Moinud-Dowla Gold Cup cricket tournament by virtue of first innings lead against Goa (GCA) in the three-day final at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium here on Thursday.

The final's play was delayed by 45 minutes due to a wet outfield following heavy overnight rain. President's XI scored 188 for eight in their 40 overs

with opener Benjamin Thomas (46, 69b, 3x4, 1x6) and Arjun Yadav (47, 68b, 3x4, 2x6) batting with freedom and authority.

For Goa, Amit Yadav returned with impressive figures of five for 60.

Chasing an improbable 329 runs from 40 overs, Goa scared the Hyderabad camp early in the innings rattling up 102 for one in 11 overs thanks to some lusty hitting by opener Shagun Kamat (31, 18b, 3x4, 2x6) and breezy knocks by Saurabh Bandekar (38, 36b, 4x4) and Robin D'Souza (42, 25b, 1x4, 3x6).

But, President's XI captain Ravi Teja struck two crucial blows, sending back Saurabh and Robin in quick succession with his legspin.

Later, the advent of 18-year-old left-arm spinner B. Sandeep, who scored an impressive 90 in the first innings, effectively dashed Goa's hopes as he first cleaned up Amit Yadav and then in his next overforced Sher Bahadur Yadav to hit straight to D.B. Ravi Teja at mid-on.

Rakesh Singh gave away the trophies and Rs. 3 lakh to the winners and Rs. 2 lakh to Goa.

Goa Diocesan Priests and Holy Spirit Parish Youth teams alongwith chief guests Fr. Anasio Mota and Fr. Tino Fernandes at priestly vocation promotion football match in Margao on Sunday. Diocesan Priests beat Holy Spirit 5-1. Alison Fernandes put Holy Spirit ahead but Jorge Fernandes equalised. George Ratos snatched the lead for the Priests and thereafter George Dias (2) and George Ratos scored. In the friendly match, St. Jose De Areal girls defeated Rosary College girls, Navelim. Fr. Ventura Lourenco, Fr. Caetano, Fr. Nascimento Mascarenhas, Fr. Seby Dias, Miguel Miranda, Croydon Medeira, Erissa Faleiro were present. Alexander Mota compered. Fr. Jorge Fernandes, Youth Animator, Holy Spirit Parish Youth proposed the vote of thanks.

Photo: Savio Dias

Goa cagers in pre-quarters nat basketball HERALD SPORTS REPORTER PANJIM, SEPT 26

Goa girls topped Pool E and qualified for the pre-quarter finals of 37th Sub-Junior National Basketball Champioship at Kangra (HP).

In the first match, Goa defeated Chandigarh 19 -8. Rose Rhea Rebelo scored 7 and Sherlaine Fernandes 4.

Later, Goa defeated Manipur 24-17. Rose Rhea Rebelo scored 8, Conceicao Fenandes 6 and Jesida Fernandes 4.

Rosary register hat-trick tennikoit

HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, SEPT 26

Rosary College, Navelim won the inter-college tennikoit championship for the third consecutive year organised

by Goa University at university sports complex, Taleigao.

In the finals, Rosary beat Shree Mallikarjun College 2-0.

Savira Pires beat Arpan Naik 219, 21-8 and Savira Fernandes

beat Sanjitha Shet Dessai 1821, 21-19, 21-11.

Results: Mallikarjun beat Don Bosco 2-0. Carmel College beat Zantye College 2-0. GVM’s beat Government College, Quepem 2-1. Rosary’s defeated V. M. Salgaoncar College of Law 2-0.

Mallikarjun beat Carmel’s 2-0 and Rosary defeated GVM’s 20.

Dr. Gopakumar, librarian, Goa University was the chief guest and gave away the trophies and medals.

Third Division League: Canacona Sports Academy v.

Davorlim SC, Dicarpale ground; Quitula SC v. A. A. de Moira, Quitula ground; CDJ Ribandar v. Aivao United FC, Taleigao ground; Cabesa Sports & Cult Club v. Nauxim SC, Santa Cruz ground; Arlem Youth Association v. Raitura SC, Loutolim ground; Patrong SC v. Cross Boys, Tilak ground, Mandopa SC v. Carmel SC, Navelim ground. Kick off 4.15 p.m.

Pg17

SPORTS GOA, Monday, 27 September, 2010

Last chance for India to develop football

Mohammed Bin Hammam

n The success of FIFA and AFC is due to the fact the presidents are full timers as per the constitutions, who are totally devoted and committed for the cause and they have no other job side-by-side. They, exclusively work for football, unlike our AIFF president who is a full time Civil Aviation Minister.

AGENCIES NEW DELHI, SEPT 26

Sepp Blatter’s been here, Mohammed Bin Hammam’s been here, CEOs of some of the biggest clubs have been here.

Everyone agrees that India has a lot of potential in the world of football but has to ‘wake-up’ from its slumber and at least start working towards the process of progress.

But has anything happened since in the last four years or so since the FIFA president first visited the country? “I haven’t seen much things happening,” replied Hammam candidly.

Of course, he went on to highlight as to how the All India Football Federation (AIFF) is just one of the stakeholders in the game here which is exactly the problem as the basic set-up is idiocy personified. Yes, the words used are quite mild given the current state of affairs.

Not that absolutely nothing has happened but it's more like rowing a boat whose anchor hasn't been removed!

Technically speaking the ‘brain of the AIFF’ which is the Executive Committee, which is responsible for taking all the key decisions, has people who basically have very less knowledge of the game

anyways. While some may opine that it’s a little harsh to say so, but it’s a reality of Indian football which none can escape.

To substantiate the above, one can cite the instance when one of the vice-presidents of the AIFF questioned the National team coach Bob Houghton in the Executive Committee meeting of October 2009 as to why the five foreigner rule was introduced for the 2009-10 season when in fact it was them who approved the rule!

And who are these AIFF Executive Committee members?

It primarily constitutes of five vice-presidents and ten members from five zones.

Time and again we get to hear that the State associations need to professionalise and organise youth leagues or even have their State leagues in some cases.

Haven’t we heard of the deadline to change the constitution of State associations to be in line with that of FIFA, AFC and AIFF by the end of the present year?!

How many States are actually in the process of doing so or have done it? Goa and Kerala have already done it. As far as the others are concerned, many have been apprehensive about changing it as it may harm their

personal interest of remaining in the chair for several more years. And mind you, the Executive Committee members pass the decisions and by the time they reach their respective States, it’s long forgotten.

The AFC has been taking a keen interest while we have been lethargic in many ways in not ensuring that all those involved follow the criteria and get themselves straightened up. An Ad-Hoc Committee for professionalising Indian football came into existence at the behest of Hammam where they have time and again stressed on fulfilling the club licensing criteria.

However, one of the members of the committee had to be replaced as the club in question disbanded while another high profile member’s club has been one of those working with an archaic mentality.

The president of the AIFF, Praful Patel has been time and again stressing in his media address that those who don’t fulfil the necessary criteria shall not be part of the I-League starting next season. The seriousness shown by him has to be reflected by the clubs if they want to be part of the set-up and provided the AIFF puts its foot down for once to see that the rules are followed.

For the last few years, deadlines have been agreed upon but not conformed. If India continues to work in a state of stupor, it shall even disenchant Hammam and company sooner or later.

What’s important to realise is that this is our last opportunity to undo the mistakes of the past and take a step forward for a bright future. As Freddie Mercury puts it in Queen’s ‘Under Pressure’: ‘Can’t we give ourselves one more chance?’

The success of FIFA and AFC is due to the fact the presidents are full timers as per the constitutions, who are totally devoted and committed for the cause and they have no other job side-by-side. They, exclusively work for football, unlike our AIFF president who is a full time Civil Aviation Minister.

Of course, the FIFA, AFC presidents are backed up by general secretaries who discharge the duties as directed by the respective presidents thus not allowing the general secretary to wield any extra-constitutional authority, thereby there being just one and only one power centre, which is not the exact case with the AIFF. (With inputs from Goal.com)

FC Porto’s sixth win

UFC lift SFX Unity Cup in Kuwait

AP LISBON, SEPT 26

FC Porto made it six wins out of six in the Portuguese league by beating Olhanense 2-0 with goals from Nicolas Otamendi and Hulk on Saturday. The win puts Porto on 18 points, seven clear of Academica, Braga and Guimaraes, all level on 11.

Also, champion Benfica continued its improved recent form with a 1-0 win at Maritimo, with Fabio Coentrao scoring the only goal. Benfica’s first away win of the season leaves the Lisbon side fifth on nine points.

In the day’s other game, Academica beat Guimaraes 3-1. In Friday’s game, Braga beat Naval 3-1.

Barcelona beat Bilbao, Real draw AP MADRID, SEPT 26

Barcelona beat 10-man Athletic Bilbao 3-1 to move ahead of Real Madrid in the Spanish league standings on Saturday.

Madrid was held to 0-0 at Levante, as Valencia went clear at the top of the standings with a 2-0 win at Sporting Gijon.

Barcelona’s David Villa played a pass from Andres Iniesta on to Seydou Keita, who placed the ball past Gorka Iraizoz in the 54th minute.

In the 74th, Xavi Hernandez received the ball on the edge of the area and his shot deflected off a defender into the net.

Igor Gabilondo cut the deficit in the 90th for Bilbao, tapping in from close range, then Sergio Busquets shot into the top left corner for Barca’s third.

Fernando Amorebieta was unlucky to be sent off for a late sliding tackle on Iniesta in the 34th. Villa was sent off in the closing minutes for pushing Carlos Gurpegi in the face during an altercation.

The win means Barcelona is second in the standings on 12 points after five games, one point behind Valencia. Madrid is third on 11 points.

United Friends Club (UFC), winners of inaugural St. Francis Xavier Unity Cup football at Digital ground, Kuwait.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT KUWAIT, SEPT 26

United Friends Club (UFC) continued their good showing when they edged out strong contenders DHL 1-0 to lift the inaugural St. Francis Xavier Unity Cup in an exciting eight-a-side football tournament final at Digital ground, here.

Duler Boys beat Livrament Boys in the tie-breaker after normal time had ended goalless for the third place.

UFC beat NavelimYC in the first round with Teotinio, Edwin and Hemant being outstanding.

Goalkeeper Martin pulled off great saves to keep his team in contention.

DHL, despite fielding the likes

of Calado, Godfrey, Elvis and Terry could not make any inroads in the UFC defense.

The lone goal for UFC was scored by Godwin Fernandes.

UFC captain, Teotinio received the glittering trophy from chief guest, John Alcott, headmaster, English School, Salmiya.

Fr. Lionel Braganza, guest of honour, hoped that soccer in the community would flourish and the youth encouraged. Tony Gonsalves was the special invitee.

The organising committee consisted of Albert Pinto, Nazy Azavedo, Mariano Fernandes and Joe Pereira. IFRA referees supervised the tournament.

The event was supported by Mariano Fernandes, B. M. Viegas, Raymond D’Sa, Manuel D’Çosta, Dominic Mendes, Caje (Sky net Raiders), Albert Pinto, Rubin Fernandes, Manoj Pai, Jovleena Pillay, Tony Dias (AlShuwaikh Electrical Co.), Sydney Furtado, UFC, NYC, UGC, CRC, AVC Kuwait, Curtorcares United, Veterans, Mario (DHL), Livrament Boys, Xavier (Nana), Fidelis Fernandes (KIFF president), Lino Fernandes, Gaspar Almeida of Goa world.com.

The organizers decided to forward the proceeds of the tournament to a charitable institution in Goa. The event was hosted by Manuel D’Costa.

Fo l l o w i n g p r i z e s w e r e

awarded: UFC and DHL - gold biscuits as well as trophies.

Duler Boys and Livrament Boys trophies. Fair Play CRC Chinchinim. 1st goal Hemant of UFC. Upcoming player Schubert Norohna of UG. Most promising player Sandy of Duler Boys. Best player of tournament Martin of UFC. Best goal of tournament Steven Correia of SFX. Oldest player of tournament Casmiro D’Souza of Veterans. 1st goal of final Godwin Fernandes of UFC. Best goalkeeper of final Joaquim Pillay of DHL. Best defender Godfrey Aguier of DHL. Best midfielder Calado of DHL. Best forward Edwin of UFC. Surprise gift (last touch) Calado of DHL.

Moore fined AP DUBAI, SEPT 26

Media reports in the United Arab Emirates say former Australia football captain Craig Moore has been fined over a drunken dispute with a taxi driver and isn’t expected to face jail time.

The National and Gulf News newspapers reported online Sunday that Moore pleaded guilty and was fined 1,000 dirhams ($272) to the misdemeanor charge of illegally consuming alcohol.

PWD Minister Churchill Alemao releasing the football referees jerseys sponsored by Urban Development Minister Joaquim Alemao in the presence of Mario Menezes, Benjamin D’Silva, Fr Eremita Coutinho, Dionisio Sardinha, Filomeno Barreto in Margao recently.

Aussie pacers dominate PTI CHANDIGARH, SEPT 26

Santa Cruz Married, winners of 4th Remigio de Araujo memorial married soccer tournament organised by Boys of Santa Cruz. They beat St Anthony Married of Goa Velha 5-4 via the tie-breaker after they were locked in a 2-2 draw at full time. The team alongwith Victoria Fernandes, MLA, Richard Pinto, MD Anchor Jobs Goa, Maria Fernandes, Sarpanch Rosy Fernandes, Antoneta Araujo, panch Amit Andrade, organising chairman Minguel Fernandes.

The Goa under-20 girls team selected by Goans Hockey for National Under-20 hockey championship to be held in Pune from September 28.

Squatting Ganga Khadka, Krutika Shirodkar, Diksha Kirlekar, Lavita Shirodkar, Rashmi Shettigar, Divya Dharghalkar, Myra Faria, Marvjila Mathkar. Standig (first row) Lloyd Macedo (vice-president), Valanka D’Sousa (manager), Arlene Mendes, Mabel D’Sousa, Steffi Abranches, Kalisa Bogati, Farrel Furtado e Gracias (secretary), Monica D’Sousa, Gulzar Shaikh, Pradnya Maulikar, Aparna Shetgaonkar, Sonaya Leitar, Zeena Soares, Victor Albuquerque (coach), Dexter Pereira (treasurer). Second row Alexandre Remedios (DSYA coach), Benny Viegas (executive member).

The Australian pace trio of Ben Hilfenhaus (three for 28), Mitchell Johnson (one for 20) and rookie Peter George (two for 15) bowled to a disciplined line and length to reduce Board President's XI to 143 for six at stumps, on the second day of their three-day warm-up tie, at the Sector-16 stadium, in Chandigarh.

The Australians piled up 505, courtesy a brilliant century from Marcus North. North punished all the Board President's XI bowlers as he scored 124 in only 128 deliveries before retiring.

His innings was studded with 19 boundaries and two sixes.

When the home team batsmen came out to bat, the Australian pacers put up a better performance than their Indian counterparts. Suddenly the track that was termed ‘lifeless’ by Board President's XI captain Gautam Gambhir looked like having a lot of pace and bounce.

By the 15th over, Board President's XI were reduced to 53 for five. Then it was Piyush Chawla (64 batting) and wicketkeeperbatsman Wriddhiman Saha (14)stemmed the rot with a 37run sixth wicket partnership. Then Chawla along with S Sreesanth (6 batting) added 53 runs for the unbroken seventh wicket stand.

Chawla hit nine fours and two sixes in his 73-ball knock.

Skipper Gautam Gambhir would have liked to get some serious batting practice before the first Test but was out scoring only eight when he edged a short ball from Hilfenhaus to wicketkeeper Tim Paine after scoring only eight.

Mumbai batsman Ajinkya Rahane was dismissed for nought when he was caught by Shane Watson off Hilfenhaus' bowling.

Gambhir's Delhi teammate Shikhar Dhawan hit three boundaries in his knock of 17 before he edged a George delivery to Paine behind stumps.

Owen header earns Man United a point l

Stoke rally to beat Newcastle 2-1

AGENCIES BOLTON, SEPT 26

Substitute Michael Owen headed a goal with his first touch of the game to give Manchester United a point from a 2-2 draw with Bolton in the Premier League on Sunday.

The former England striker came off the bench in the 71st minute and glanced home Nani’s free kick three minutes later to put United second in the table— three points behind Chelsea and one above Arsenal.

Portugal winger Nani’s superb solo goal had earlier canceled out the opener scored by Zat Knight, but Martin Petrov put United’s northwest neighbor Bolton in the lead again with a deflected shot in the 67th minute.

Bolton opened brightly and took the lead in the sixth minute when Petrov’s left-wing corner was flicked in by center back Knight, who got to the ball just ahead of Jonny Evans.

Conceding that early goal sparked United into life and the visitors laid siege to Bolton’s goal, with Wayne Rooney and Darren Fletcher forcing saves from Jussi Jaaskelainen.

United deservedly equalized through Nani, who picked the ball up on halfway and set off on a run through the Bolton defense before shooting low into the corner from 20 yards.

United remained in charge but Bolton held out until half time and started the second half impressively.

Petrov fired just over from 25 yards and Bolton’s physical front pairing of Kevin Davies and Johan Elmander gave United center backs Nemanja Vidic and Evans no peace.

The ineffective Rooney was

taken off by Ferguson Perch tried to clear in the 61st and Bolton a corner from went ahead for the secMatthew Etheringond time six minutes ton in the 85th later. Petrov cut inside minute but instead and saw his right-foot sent the ball into shot flick off Fletcher his own net with an and past goalkeeper unstoppable diving Edwin van der Sar at his near header. post.

Magpies captain Kevin Nolan Owen was then introduced had put Newcastle ahead in the for Fletcher and made an im- 43rd with a penalty after Andy mediate impact when he made Carroll was brought down by a darting run to the near post Robert Huth in an off the ball and headed Nani’s free kick off the far post for his 200th career goal.

Elmander had a chance to win the match for Bolton but the Sweden striker dragged an 84th-minute shot across the face of goal.

Ferguson added that Ryan Giggs, who was substituted in the second half, would be out for two weeks with a hamstring injury.

In another match, Former England striker Emile Heskey scored a late winner as Aston Villa beat Midlands ri- Manchester United's Serbian defender Nemanja vals Wolverhampton Vidic (down) and Bolton Wanderers' English for2-1 at Molineux on ward Kevin Davies compete for the ball at The Sunday.

Reebok Stadium in Bolton on Sunday.

Heskey, who retired from internationals after incident. Nolan sent the penalty the World Cup in South Africa, low to the left of Stoke goalstruck with two minutes remain- keeper Thomas Sorensen. ing with his third goal in four Stoke equalized in the 67th matches. with a header from Trinidad and Later today, Stoke rallied to Tobago international Kenwyne beat Newcastle 2-1 in the Pre- Jones, his third league goal of mier League on Sunday, helped the season. Jones scored from by a spectacular own goal. close range after a headed pass Newcastle defender James from Huth at the far post.

pg18_Layout 1 9/27/2010 1:32 AM Page 1

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Don Bosco Sulcorna champs Pg 16

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Owen header earns Man United a point Pg 17

Chennai lift Champions trophy AGENCIES JOHANNESBURG, SEPT 26

The Chennai Super Kings created history by winning the Champions League Twenty20 event, the first by any Indian side, after beating the Warriors by 8 wickets in the summit clash on Sunday.

Murali Vijay (58 off 53) and Michael Hussey (51 not out off 46) chased down the 129-run target set by the opponents with an over remaining.

Though, Warriors' bowlers created few jitters at the end of Chennai's in-

nings, but the home side was fighting a lost battle since the time their batters finished up with a below-par score.

Super Kings' skipper MS Dhoni (17 not out off 12) provided the finishing touch as he hit a huge six and two fours in the penultimate over of Juan Theron.

Earlier, Wickets, including the price scalp of skipper Davy Jacobs, at regular intervals derailed the once stedy looking Warriors' innings as the home side struggled to put up a challenging total in the summit clash.

For the IPL champions, Chennai, the spin combination of R Ashwin and Muttiah Muralitharan proved a lethal weapon as the duo shared five wickets between them.

Even though, Chennai Super Kings knew what Davy Jacobs could do once he gets going, and that is what the Warriors' skipper did, hitting a flurry of boudaries from the beginning.

Jacobs took the attack straight away to the opposition, hitting two boundaries off Doug Bollinger in the very first over. The Warriors' skipper fol-

Chennai Super Kings batsman Murali Vijay plays Chennai Super Kings Ravichandran Ashwin tries to catch out Warriors Justin Kreusch at Wanderers stadium in Johannesburg a shot from Warriors bowler Nicky Boje. on Sunday.

Major problems in over 100 apartments PTI NEW DELHI, SEPT 26

As fresh criticism hit the Games Village following the ‘snake episode’, top officials looking after ‘clean-up operation’ today indicated ‘severe problems’ in over 100 apartments at the complex and said it may take a few days to make them ‘livable’.

They said there were major problems pertaining to the electricity connections and water pipelines in these apartments and the workers at the site were struggling to get things on track.

"The Village has 1,168 apartments spread across 34 towers and out of these apartments there have been major problems in electrical and water connections in over 100 apartments," top sources told PTI. Admitting ‘problems’ in several other apartments also, the officials, however, said the Village will be able to accommodate all the players even if the problematic blocks were kept out.

The plumbers and electricians who have actually done the fittings at the Village have al-

ready left the site, and the new workers are finding it difficult to understand the structure and the systems there, they said.

"The developer of the complex as well as DDA which was responsible for constructing the Games Village are not cooperating in addressing the problems," a senior official said.

Security issues were also hindering the progress as police was not allowing workers inside the Village without accreditation, he said.

Claiming that substantial improvement has been made in the Games Village after Delhi Government was handed over the responsibility of the complex from DDA, the official said the ‘massive clean up operation’ have resulted in a total turnaround.

Amid strong criticism by the international officials who dubbed the Village as "filthy and uninhabitable", the PMO on Wednesday night had directed Delhi Government to take control of the complex from DDA which functions under Union Urban Development Ministry.

Road caves in at KG Marg AGENCIES NEW DELHI, SEPT 26

With just seven days before the Commonwealth Games, one of the Capital's busiest road's — Kasturba Gandhi Marg — caved in on Sunday evening. Two more cave in were reported from East Delhi on Sunday, which caused massive traffic jams on the roads. According to Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Satyendra Garg, "The cave in was at least 6 ft deep and 1 mt long. The cave in caused massive traffic jams on the road."

While Anand Tiwari, spokesperson, New Delhi Municipal Corporation said: "The breach was small and we have barricaded the area.

Since there is still movement of vehicles, we will carry out the repair work during night hours.”

"We got a call around 7.50 pm about the cave in at KG Marg. We immediately mobilised our men and informed NDMC. They encircled the area,” said traffic control room sources.

Just a week to go, authorities are in a mad scramble to give finishing touches to Jawaharlal Nehru stadium -- the main venue of the Commonwealth Games - and hand it over to police for a complete security lockdown.

The authorities have missed at least five deadlines for handing over the stadium to Delhi Police, the nodal security agency for the Games, the first being September three which is exactly a month before the event commences.

"The work is on. We are yet to get full control of the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium. We now

l

No police lockdown yet

hope to get the stadium on Sunday midnight. But there is nothing to worry as the security apparatus is well in place," a senior police official said.

Authorities have blamed heavy rains that lashed the capital in the past two months for the delay in completing the works.

Union Home Minister P Chidambaram had on September 23 issued a stern warning to organisers to complete the work at stadiums by Friday night and hand them over to Delhi Police, the nodal security agency for

the Games, for lockdown at midnight.

While the first deadline was September three, it was subsequently extended to September 15, September 20, September 22 and September 24. Ideally, a complete security lockdown should have been put in place a month before the event was to begin.

The Games Village has become operational without a complete lockdown as athletes have started arriving, the official said, adding they have, however, sanitised the area before the

delegates came.

"We have taken control of tower by tower. Some work is still on at the Games village also.

The towers were the work was over were taken over," the official said adding they hope to take full control of the Village by tomorrow morning.

A large number of armed policemen, including paramilitary personnel, have been deployed across the stadia and village. Sophisticated gadgets have also been installed at the stadia.

Security has been stepped up across the city after Sunday's

Ferrari's Fernando Alonso held off the charging Red Bull of Sebastian Vettel to win an incidentpacked Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday.

Championship leader Mark Webber finished third in the sec-

ond Red Bull to increase his advantage from five to 11 points in the standings after the Australian had collided with McLaren's Lewis Hamilton and forced the Briton to retire.

With four races remaining, Australia's Webber has 202

points, Spaniard Alonso is on 191 and Hamilton lies a further 10 points adrift in third place.

Adrian Sutil brought Force India back among points after finishing eighth in the actionpacked Singapore Grand Prix, the only night race on the Formula One Calender.

It was a mixed day for Force India as Sutil, who started on

16th from the grid, held his nerves to pocket four points from the race in which eight drivers including Sutil's teammate Vitantonio Liuzzi crashed out.

With this result, Sutil has moved up a place to ninth with 45 points in the drivers' championship and Force India are placed sixth in the constructors' championship with 62 points.

Residents of Delhi will have to pay a huge price for the development work carried out for the Commonwealth Games, claims a study conducted by an NGO. According to the study conducted by Hazard Centre, "within the next 25 to 30 years, each resident of the city will have to pay a debt in form of increased prices of land, basic commodities and petrol."

The consequences of mega events are years of locked-up investments, low returns and long term debts -- all of which have to be eventually paid by the citizens through increased taxes, prices and cesses, the report claimed.

Prices of land, housing and rent rates

firing incident at Jama Masjid that injured two Taiwanese nationals.

Delhi Police have conducted various drills, including anti-sabotage checks once they take over possession of the venues, the official said.

Concerns were earlier raised about the delay in handing over venues to security agencies as some quarters felt that it would hamper the security preparations.

Heli-borne snipers, four-layered security cordon around Commonwealth Games venues and exclusive lanes for Games vehicles were among the components of the mammoth security plan for the event.

In the Italian Grand Prix, Force India had returned emptyhanded.

It is for the third time that Sutil has managed an eighth position after a similar performance at Monaco and British Grand Prix.

Liuzzi, who began from P17, now has not earned a point in six of the last seven races.

Pak cricketers are ‘cheats, frauds, liars’: Hair l Criticises ICC for not taking action against Shoaib

AGENCIES LONDON, SEPT 26

The controversial former Australian Test umpire Darrell Hair termed the Pakistan cricketers as ‘cheats, frauds and liars’ and criticised the International Cricket Council (ICC), the world governing body, for refusing to act despite apparent evidence that Shoaib Akhtar tampered with the ball, during the ODI against England at the Rose Bowl, last Wednesday.

Hair, who stood in 78 Tests and 135 one-day internationals,

also told a British daily that he feels vindicated following Pakistan`s troubled tour of England, which was overshadowed by the "spot fixing" scandal when players were accused of deliberately bowling no-balls. Pakistan`s Test captain, Salman Butt, and his team-mates Mohammed Amir and Mohammed Asif were suspended and returned home early.

The Australian`s career was ruined by his stance in the controversial Oval Test in August 2006 during Pakistan`s last tour

of England, when a Test match was forfeited for the first time, following accusations that Inzamam ul-Haq`s team had tampered with the ball.

Hair retired in 2008 because of the fall-out from the incident.

The Pakistan players returned home late last week after the most troubled tour in modern cricket history. Ijaz Butt, the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), reiterated his refusal to apologise for smearing England players` reputations.

Butt said there had been "loud

and clear talk in bookies` circles that some English players were paid enormous amounts of money to lose the third one-day international."

He made the allegations after the ICC said they were investigating the third ODI for suspicious scoring patterns by Pakistan. Nadeem Sarwar, the PCB media manager, told a Pakistan newspaper that there was no question of Butt apologising.

Hair said of the tour: "The fans, viewers and crowds have been watching cheats and liars.

Warriors: D Jacobs lbw b Ashwin 34, A Prince b Bollinger 6, C Ingram c Raina b Morkel 16, J Kreusch c Raina b Muralitharan 17, M Boucher b Muralitharan 5, J Botha c Anirudha b Ashwin 7, C Thyssen c Anirudha b Muralitharan 25, N Boje not out 8, R Theron not out 2. Extras: 8. Total: 128 for 7. Fall of wickets: 39-1, 45-2, 73-3, 81-4, 82-5, 111-6, 125-7. Bowling: D Bollinger 4-0-33-1, A Morkel 4-0-31-1, R Ashwin 4-016-2, L Balaji 4-0-28-0, M Muralitharan 4-0-16-3.

Chennai: M Hussey not out 51, M Vijay c Kreusch b Boje 58, S Raina c Botha b Ntini 2, MS Dhoni not out 17. Extras: 4. Total: 132 for 2. Fall of wickets: 103-1, 107-2. Bowling: M Ntini 4-0-30-1, L Tsotsobe 3-0-14-0, R Theron 4-0-40-0, J Botha 4-0-18-0, N Boje 4-0-29-1.

Man-of-the-match: M Vijay Man-of-the-Series: R Ashwin

PTI NEW DELHI, SEPT 26

Alonso holds off Vettel for Singapore win AGENCIES SINGAPORE CITY, SEPT 26

Chennai as Colin Ingram (16 off 23) lofted a full-length delivery of Morkel which was neatly taken by Suresh Raina while running backward.

Warriors would have expected a lot from Mark Boucher (5 off 11), but the seasoned wicket-keeper stuck in the web created by spin legend Muttiah Muralitharan.

Raina took the second blinder of the day as he dived in the mid-wicket region to sent Justin Kreusch (17 off 17) back to the dug out.

Craig Thyssen, with his big hitting, damaged the bowling figure of L Balaji as the right-handed batsman hit two fours and a six off the medium pace bowler.

He was foxed by Muralitharan and with that the Warriors innings finished with 128/7.

The winning Chennai team had a Goa connection in spinner Shadab Jakati.

CWG -- all set to drain Delhiites’ wealth?

Mad scramble to finish work at Nehru stadium PTI NEW DELHI, SEPT 26

lowed it up with a spanking cover drive in the next over of Albie Morkel.

He further dented Chennai's plans with four more boundaries in the subsequent overs. But Chennai got the breakthrough in the form of Ashwell Prince (6 off 9), who was castled by Bollinger.

Ashwin, who has been a revelation for the Chennai side in this tournament, provided the wicket of Jacobs (34 off 21) as soon as Dhoni brought him into the attack. The Warriors' skipper misjudged the line of the offspinner and was caught in front of the wicket while trying a reverse sweep.

After Jacobs' wicket, the tussle for survival started for the Warriors' batsmen as they struggled to decode the spin of Aswhin and seam-up deliveries of L Balaji.

The pressure did the trick for

How long will they continue to part with their money to watch manipulated matches and players cheating. The ICC should be ashamed to allow these matches to take place." Shoaib was apparently caught on camera interfering with the ball and Hair said: "Regardless of irrefutable evidence of ball tampering the ICC still choose not to take action, which is unsurprising given their record and inability to control their own game. `The game must always go on` seems to be their motto.

shoot up sharply along with increase in the average cost of living due to hike in prices of transportation, food and basic commodities, the report titled 'Heritage Games' said.

It said cities hosting largescale events like Olympics, World Cup and Commonwealth Games have plunged into huge debts after suffering losses and attributed the economic crisis in Greece to its 16,600-million dollar ‘adventure’ of Athens Olympics six years ago.

Mexico, Seoul, Barcelona and Sydney are among cities that have incurred huge losses after hosting mega sports events, it said.

The report claimed that the costs of most Games projects have tripled and has even gone up by 40 times in certain cases in the four years between 2006 and 2010.

‘Foreign athletes making lots of fuss’ PTI NEW DELHI, SEPT 26

Legendary Milkha Singh lashed out at the foreign athletes for making too much noise about the living conditions at the Commonwealth Games Village, saying that they can stay at hotels if they don’t like the accommodation.

“I think we are getting dominated by our guests. I have also been to number of countries and there have been times when the arrangements were not very good but we never made such a fuss out of it,” Milkha told a news agency.

“I think India is giving in to the demands of our guests a little too much. The guests cannot dictate us. If they (foreign athletes) don’t like the arrangements they should go and stay in the hotels,” said the 81-year-old.

Milkha, the only Indian who

has won a gold in Commonwealth Games track and field event, however, said the controversy surrounding the CWG has tarnished the image of India.

“What should have been ready three years ago is still not complete. We waited till the last moment to finish everything, hence bringing disrepute to the nation,” fumed the ‘Flying Sikh’, a name given to him by Pakistan General Ayub Khan in 1962.

“Wherever I go with my son (ace golfer Jeev Milkha Singh), people speak so highly about India and talk about the progress the country has made over the past few years.

But all this mess in the Commonwealth Games has dragged the country back. The nation has lost its respect,” the gold medallist in the then 440 yard race in the 1958 British Empire and CWG.

Pg18 Injury scare for Gambhir, Sehwag AGENCIES CHANDIGARH, SEPT 26

In an injury scare, Indian opener Gautam Gambhir was on Sunday rushed to a local hospital in Chandigarh after being hit on his right wrist by a delivery during Board President XI's game against Australia only to be discharged later without any problem.

At the nearby PCA Stadium at Mohali, which is to host India's first Test against Australia from October 1, Gambhir's opening partner Virender Sehwag was hit on his knee by an Ishant Sharma delivery.

The two incidents relating to the Indian cricket team members just days before the Mohali Test caused a minor scare, but things ended on a happy note.

The first incident occurred inside the Sector 16 cricket stadium in Chandigarh, where Australia is playing a three-day warm up game against the Board President's XI. Leading the B P XI side, Gambhir, who is making a comeback after an injury, got out to a rising delivery from Australian speedster Ben Hilfenhaus. The ball hit him near the right wrist and he tried to shake off the pain as he walked back to the pavillion.

However, soon after there was a commotion of sorts as a medical team at the Sector 16 stadium, comprising senior government doctors who were kept standby, rushed after being summoned.

CGF not to be blamed for errors: Hooper PTI NEW DELHI, SEPT 26

CWG Federation boss Mike Fennell might talk about sharing the blame for poor preparations of the Delhi mega-event but its CEO Mike Hooper says the CGF cannot be held responsible for the Organising Committee`s failure to meet deadlines.

"I take responsibility for my areas of responsibility, and that has been working very hard with the organizing committee to get things done. Now, at the end of the day, I’m not a construction engineer.

I’m not a builder," Hooper said.

Hooper said the developers of the venues did not hand them over to the OC on time and this has led to the current crisis.

"We`re at the hands and the mercy of, effectively, the Government of India, the Delhi Government, the agencies responsible for delivery of the venues. They consistently failed to meet deadlines," he said.

‘I’ll clean toilets myself’: SA Olympic boss AP JOHANNESBURG, SEPT 26

The president of South Africa's Olympic committee defended New Delhi's right to host the crisis-hit Commonwealth Games, saying today he is willing to clean any toilets himself to help ensure it goes ahead.

With organisers the target of widespread criticism for a lack of cleanliness in the athletes' villages, construction issues and security problems, SASCOC president Gideon Sam said there would be no complaints from the South Africans.

"As developing nations we must stand together," Sam said, according to the South African Press Agency. "We cannot allow developed countries to go out there and take the last seat in the hall."