2 MARCH,2011 HERALD PUBLICATIONS PVT LTD

O HERALD O

Visit us at: www.oheraldo.in

The Voice of Goa — Since 1900 panjim, wednesday, march 2, 2011 postal reg. no. Goa 101 price rs. 3.00

Goa’s Heartbeat: Salman the most expensive Khan Pg 4 It is easier to suppress the first desire than to satisfy all that follow it.

— Franklin

in BRiEF

DeaTh for 11, lifer for 20 PTI AHMEDABAD, MARCH 1

Yoga students offer a garland on the statue of Lord Shiva during the inauguration ceremony of the international Yoga festival at Parmarth Niketam Ashram at Reshikaish on Tuesday.

Panel for death rap to hijackers Supporting death penalty for hijackers, a parliamentary committee has said capital punishment must be awarded to conspirators and abettors whose actions result in death of hostages or security personnel. At the same time, it raised questions as to whether opportunities for any negotiation or settlement to save lives would be foreclosed if the hijackers knew they would in any case get capital punishment for the offence. – PTI

CBI searches bank lockers of Kalmadi A CBI team from Delhi searched some bank lockers of former chairman of Commonwealth Games Organising Committee Suresh Kalmadi, sources close to the Congress MP said. An officer at CBI office in Pune, however, refused either to confirm or deny the report, saying “we are not aware of this. There is an ongoing investigation... and our Delhi team functions independently”. – PTI

SC refuses stay disqualifying MLAs The Supreme Court refused to stay the disqualification of five independent Karnataka legislators for allegedly violating the anti-defection law or permit them to vote during the March 4 Rajya Sabha election in the state. A bench of justices Altamas Kabir and Cyriac Joseph, however, issued notices to the Speaker and the chief whip of the state’s ruling BJP party on the plea by the five MLAs challenging a Karnataka High Court ruling which had upheld the Speaker’s action. – PTI

Colleagues killed Joshi: Chargesheet RSS activist Sunil Joshi was eliminated by fellow Hindu hardliners including Malegaon blast accused Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur for his “highhandedness and the fear” that his arrest would unmask rightwing plotters of explosions in several parts of the country.

This has been stated in the 432-page chargesheet filed by the police before Judicial Magistrate Padmesh Shah. – PTI

Business: Diesel price deregulation to depend on inflation Pg 13

Nine years after the Godhra train carnage, 11 people were Tuesday sentenced to death and 20 awarded life imprisonment by a special court here for the 2002 incident that left 59 ‘karsevaks’ dead and triggered communal riots in Gujarat killing over 1200 people, mainly Muslims.

Terming the incident as “rarest of the rare”, special judge P R Patel awarded death sentence to 11 of the 31 convicts and ordered they be “hanged by the neck till dead”.

This is perhaps the first case in the country in which 11 people have been awarded capital punishment, special public prosecutor J M Panchal said after the

GOdHRA TRAin cARnAGE

RAREST OF THE RARE

Terming the incident as “rarest of the rare”, the Special Judge awarded death sentence to 11 of the 31 convicts and ordered they be “hanged by the neck till dead”.

court pronounced the punishment inside Sabarmati Jail. The death penalty will have to be confirmed by the High Court.

The court while sentencing 20 others to life imprisonment said, “The sentence of imprisonment shall run concurrently...

The accused shall be entitled to benefit of set-off, of the period of their detention as an undertrial prisoner during the investigation and trial.”

The court also imposed a fine of Rs 17,000 on each of the 31 convicts under various IPC sections.

On February 22, the court had convicted 31 people while accepting the prosecution’s contention that there was a (Continued on page 11)

(air surcharge rs 2.00) pages 16+4

Sports: Malinga hat-trick helps Lanka win Pg 16

Five states go to polls in April-May PTI NEW DELHI, MARCH 1

West Bengal will have six-phased assembly polls beginning April 18 and the two-phased elections in Assam will be held on April 4 and 11 while voters in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry would exercise their franchise on April 13.

Counting of votes in all the five states will take place on May 13.

With parts of West Bengal affected by Maoists activities and frequent clashes between rival political groups, the polling in the state have been staggered— April 18, 23, 27, May 3, 7 and 10.

Asked why EC has gone for a six-phased polls in West Bengal, Chief Election Commissioner S Y Quraishi, who announced the poll schedule, said a decision was taken keeping in view the “ground realities”. EC had already sent two teams to the state to study the law and order situation.

While Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry will have a singlephase polling on Apri1 13, Assam’s two-phased poll is scheduled on April four and 11, according to the schedule announced by the Election Commission setting in motion the

largest electoral exercise since 2009 Lok Sabha polls.

The model code of conduct has come into force immediately, Chief Election Commissioner S Y Quraishi said announcing the schedule.

While West Bengal has 294

assembly constituencies, Tamil Nadu has 234, Kerala 140, Puducherry 30 and Assam 126.

The elections would involve over 14.39 crore electorate in the five states with West Bengal having the largest number of (Continued on page 11)

Govt unveils ‘toolbox’ to Pollution board orders counter black money closure of Cavrem mine PEOPLE’S POwER PREvAiLS

THE cURB

PTI NEW DELHI, MARCH 1

Unveiling the “toolbox” of counter measures to check black money, the government Tuesday has said the payments made to entities located in countries and tax jurisdictions which refuse to share tax-related information will attract a TDS(Tax Deduction at Source) of 30 per cent or more. “...any payment made to a person located in the notified jurisdictional area shall be liable to deduction of tax at the higher of the rates specified...or at a rate of 30 per cent”, says the ‘toolbox’ of counter measures which will be incorporated in

Ed confiscates 2 plots from Brit national HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 1

Enforcement Department has confiscated two properties belonging to a British national and has slapped a penalty of Rs 5 lakh under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).

The information procured by RTI activist Rajan Ghate shows that Carol Elizabeth Ashby had purchased two plots of land – total area 1,525 sq mtrs and 1,775 sq mtrs respectively at Assagao village in Bardez taluka.

ED deputy director Samir Bajaj penalised the Britisher for having purchased ‘agricultural land’ and that she purchased it while on tourist visa.

“On investigation it was found that the purpose of her stay in India was for a definite period of six months or one year which was periodically renewed and she was on tourist visa. It appeared that the purpose of her visit to India was not for an uncertain period and it did not (Continued on page 11)

“...any payment made to a person located in the notified jurisdictional area shall be liable to deduction of tax at the higher of the rates specified... or at a rate of 30 per cent”. the Income Tax Act. The G20 leaders at Seoul summit last year had asked each country to develop a toolbox of counter measures against noncooperative jurisdictions.

Under proposed provisions, the government will notify the countries and jurisdictions

which are reluctant to share banking information and other details with it.

The provisions, proposed by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee in the Budget for 2011-12, are in line with the commitments made by India at G-20 meetings that it would

come out with its own ‘toolbox’ of countermeasures to deal with tax havens.

These measures are aimed at discouraging transactions by “a resident assessee with persons located in any country or jurisdiction which does not effectively exchange information with India,” said the Memorandum explaining the provisions of the Finance Bill 2011.

It further said that the persons dealing with entities in notified jurisdictions will not be entitled for any tax benefit unless they authorise the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) to seek financial information from the overseas bodies.

Software firm blames govt for ‘shock’ bills SHWETA KAMAT PANJIM, MARCH 1

A firm that provided software to the Power department on Tuesday said that department’s reluctance to renew contract with them coupled with the lack of trained staff with the government is creating problems in the billings.

“Our contract with the Infotech Corporation of Goa (ITG), which has provided the software to the Electricity Department, expired on March 2010,” Sanjiv Nadkarni, Vice President (Sales) NE Technologies India Private Limited told Herald.

He said that ITG had asked the Electricity Department to extend the contract but the department delayed to renew the contract following which NE Technologies withdrew

their support on April 19, 2010.

The software developed by NE Technologies was commissioned in the department in June 2009. Nadkarni said that although the agreement signed with the ITG was just to install the software, the firm went ahead and even trained the staff.

Herald had exposed consumers from Panjim and sur-

rounding localities were getting excessive bills due to softw a re e r ro r s . E l e c t r i c i t y Department had shirked off their responsibility claiming that it was ITG and software firm that was to be blamed.

Nadkarni said that till March 2010 when NE’s engineers were deputed at Electricity Department, there were no complaints of excess billing or software error. “All the problems were reported only after we withdrew the support,” he added.

The firm had trained 20 Electricity Department’s staff to handle the software and they were led by a coordinator, attached to the department. But the main coordinator was transferred from Panjim division to elsewhere and she was (Continued on page 11)

Testing time for plagiarism of PhD thesis HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 1

Goa University (GU) will join a league of Indian universities that has embarked on the mission to curb increasing trend of plagiarism of PhD thesis.

Dr Jagdish Arora, Director, INFLIBNET (Information and Library Network), an initiative of UGC, said that GU will soon sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with them.

As a part of MoU, the antiplagiarism software will be installed in GU, which will enable it to have access to various PhD thesis. The University will also have to upload its thesis in Dmat format on the software.

The director said that currently there are 1250 thesis online which are uploaded in the D-mat format. Goa University has 468 thesis which will now be the part of the data base.

Arora was talking to the press on the eve of 8th international Caliber 2011 (Convention on Automation of Libraries in Education and Research) conference schedule to begin at NIO auditorium Dona Paula from March 2 to March 4.

He said that in all 14 universities have already signed a MoU and more are in pipeline. UGC chairman has already asked all the universities to be the part

of the initiative, which will act as a deterrent for the plagiarism in the PhD thesis.

Arora opined that plagiarism has been a prime worry for the academicians. Till now the data extending upto bibliography of the thesis is available for the academicians while the research details are not accessible through conventional systems.

“At times, there are several PhDs on the same subject. For

instance there are 300 thesis on writer Nirala (Suryakant Tripathi) and even four thesis on Shoba De’s writings,” Arora said pointing out to the complex problems in the tracking of the plagiarism.

“The issue is that you just don’t know whether same thesis is already worked on. The guide just certifies it as a virgin topic,” he said adding that once thesis is available online the students themselves will be able to know whether someone has copied their research.

He said that INFLIBNET’s initiative of `shodhganga’ does not only help to track down the thesis but also enables online submission of thesis and dissertations by research scholars in the digital repository set up.

UGC’s another ambitious initiative `National Library and In(Continued on page 11)

Cavrem locals in Panjim demanding closure of the controversial mine.

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 1

The 12-hour-long ordeal of the residents from Cavrem in Quepem taluka in the capital city of Panjim was capped with the order of Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) which ordered to cease all the activity at the controversial mining site.

The order which was issued late night by GSPCB’s assistant environment engineer has asked Quepem police to strictly ensure that all activities including developmental, remedial, extraction activity at M/s Devapan ou Devadongor Iron and Man-

ganese mine are stopped or suspended with immediate effect.

Around 150 residents under the banner `Cavrem Adivasi Bachao’ samiti had refused to move from the Mines Department office till late night demanding a sealing order from the department along with the instructions to shift the machinery immediately.

Earlier in the day, the protestors had met Chief Minister Digambar Kamat at his private l

On PAGE 2

Locals march to cM’s residence

Photo by Sachin Ambadoskar

residence in Margao and later arrived in Panjim to meet GSPCB officials.

The residents who were not happy with the replies given by GSPCB marched to the office of Mines and Geology Department and laid siege there for almost eight hours.

The protestors had claimed that inspite of closure order on December 2, 2010, the mine owner was carrying out extraction of ore under the guise of complying with the directions

by GSPCB, which were issued on February 01, 2011.

Councillor, M.M.C.

(Continued on page 11)

OHERALDO

Pg 2

GOA

GOA, WEDNESDAY, 2 MARCH, 2011

From e-ticketing to inter-state buses, KTC goes hi-tech HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MARCH1

Planning a trip to the Pilgrimage centre of Shirdi or the City of gardens in Bangalore by the KTC buses. Hold on. You need not visit the ticket counters at the depots any more, but can book the bus tickets well from your home.

For, the Kadamba Transport Corporation went hi-tech on Tuesday, with Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat launching the e-ticketing project, the Corporation’s website, besides luxury inter-state buses at Margao.

The Chief Minister also inaugurated spanky Volvo buses on the Goa-Shirdi route, besides a Mercedes Benz on the GoaMumbai sector. Besides, brand new buses were inaugurated on the Margao-Panjim route to cater to the growing requirements of passengers.

“The introduction of luxury buses will benefit the public and help the KTC compete in this modern age with modern vehicles”, the Chief Minister said, while offering his government’s full support to the Corporation to not only tide over the finan-

The CM inaugurating a new Volvo bus on the Goa-Shirdi route in the presence of MLA Damu Naik and KTC officials.

Photo by Santosh Mirajkar

cial problems, but to replace the ageing buses.

Saying that attempts are made to make the KTC stand on its own legs, the Chief Min-

ister appealed to the workers and staff to think that these buses and the corporation belongs to them.

KTC Chairman Deepak Dhav-

likar said the Corporation is set on the course to replace the ageing buses and introduce luxury buses on inter-state routes.

Besides, he said air conditioned

buses will be deployed on the shuttle service between Margao and Panjim.

“We have set up two counters at the Margao bus stand. An ATM will take shape at the bus stand shortly”, he added.

Expressing his gratitude to the Chief Minister for extending full support to the Corporation, Dhavlikar said the KTC could deploy 40 buses last years and plans are afoot to bring in 50 additional buses in the coming financial year.

“Within three months, passengers will feel the difference on various routes, including inter-state routes”, he said, adding that the Corporation has asked the government’s nod to hike the fare of the shuttle service by one rupee.

On the nuisance posed by the garbage at the KTC bus stands, the KTC chairman said that the Margao Municipality has been entrusted with the responsibility to lift garbage generated at the bus stand. “An arrangement is being worked out with the Margao Municipal Council to solve the garbage menace”, he added.

KTC’s e-ticketing gets good response HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 1

Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited (KTCL) launched its eticketing service on the interstate bus routes from Tuesday onwards, which according to the officials received encouraging response.

KTCL managing director Venancio Furtado said, “The first day of the e-ticketing registered

around 16 tickets for inter-state long distance route especially for Mumbai.”

The online ticket reservation is available from Panjim, Margao, Ponda, Vasco, Mapusa Pune, Mumbai and Banglore booking offices.

Furtado said the corporation’s online services will provide a transparent and convenient tariff structure to the customers as

against the fluctuating fares charged by the private bus operators.

“Online booking through KTCL website will enable the passenger to book the seats even from remote places where we don’t have our offices or agents,” he said.

The buses plying within the state are seen advertising the newly launched website of the

c o r p o r a t i o n www.goakadamba.com.

“Soon, the same will be displayed on inter-state buses,” he said.

Meanwhile, the corporation today re-introduced its GoaMumbai service with the first Mercedes Benz A/C bus leaving the state from Margao, this evening.

Apart from this, the KTCL

has introduced new Volvo and Mercedes benz buses for Shirdi.

Furtado said that the corporation has now set its sight on extending its services to Hyderabad and Tirupathi besides non - stop services to Karwar and Belgaum.

“Services on the Goa - Hyderabad route were suspended in 2009,” he stated.

‘No plans of PPP model for Margao bus stand’

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MARCH 1

Firmly ruling out building an ultra modern bus stand for Margao on the Public Private Partnership model, Chief Minister Digambar Kamat on Tuesday asserted that the government would build the proposed bus stand with its own funds.

“The proposed bus stand at Margao will be one the best not only in Goa, but the entire country. It will be built on land admeasuring 60,000 sq mts. This is prime land whose value runs into crores of rupees. The government certainly has no plans to go in for the PPP model”, he said emphatically.

The Chief Minister said the ensuing state financial budget will provide an indication on the allocation for the proposed bus stand at Margao.

He said once the ultra modern bus stand is put in shape, the KTC can hope to earn handsome revenue from the activities.

Escort Cell men to work on rotation HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 1

In the backdrop of ‘indisciplined’ performance by the Escort Cell of Goa police, Prisons department has suggested that personnel assigned duty to handle prisoners be on rotation basis.

It has also asked Goa police to deploy competent police personnel, so as the past incidents of prisoners escape are not repeated.

The suggestions were set forth a week ago when four constables attached to Vasco Escort Cell were suspended for dereliction of duty in treating two undertrials.

On February 22, hours before two Escorts personnel were caught sharing ice-cream with murder undertrial Balesh Desai, notorious gangster Michael Fernandes escaped from the Escorts custody while being ferried in police van from Sada sub-jail to Goa Medical College.

“We have asked Goa police to deploy competent officers on the job while treating jail inmates outside the jail jurisdiction,” Inspector General of Prisons Mihir Vardhan told Herald. Vardhan said that they have also asked the police department to regularly monitor the performance of its Escort personnel.

Highly placed sources said that senior Jail and police officials will shortly convene a high level meeting to review the frequent escape incidents.

The discussion will also be centered on the correspondents of jail authorities which have gone unanswered by Goa police in few of the recent escape incidents. On January 5, 2011

noted criminal Ralph Fernandes escaped from the GMCH in the day-light right under the nose of the guarding policemen.

Prisons officials had sought a detailed report from the Superintendent of (Training) Police on whether Ralph was traced or not and whether any action was taken against the responsible Escort team. But there has been no reply till date.

Goa police had recently contended that lack medical facilities within jail premises were an issue and that prisoners were taking undue advantage of medical referral facilities to flee from the jail.

Senior police officers also said that undertrials are not handcuffed on their way to Court or medical examination, which also gives them scope to run away.

Many such issues are likely to be discussed at the meeting.

When questioned, IGP Vardhan refused to admit that there is any communication gap between the Prisons and Goa police.

Highly placed sources stated that when Michael dramatically escaped from police van, the prison authorities were informed threehourslater.Policeclaimed that ‘they tried to search accused before informing to the authorities.’

“As long as prisoners are in the jail premise, they are our responsibility but soon as they step out, it becomes the responsibility of the police. Michael’s escape and ice-cream expose were police responsibility.

Nonetheless we had registered a complaint after which action was taken against the erring policemen,” he said.

BATTLE FOR PANJIM – WARD 15 Voters have no problems, candidates differ HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 1

A youth working on a float in Panjim which will parade at the canival festival which begins from Saturday.

Photo by Rozario Estibeiro

Cavrem locals march to CM’s house, force closure of mine

Ward 15 falls in the middle of the city and appears alienated but no so with respect to problems and issues that afflict other wards of the city. Nevertheless, the residents of this ward located which is in St Inez area with voter population of 853, hardly find anything wrong with their ward.

When enquired with two– three residents about the problems in the ward and what kind of development they expect from their elected member, very surprisingly, they had nothing to say.

In fact, two-three residents with whom we enquired said there are no problems in the ward as they set idly in the evening.

Singbal who has been staying in this ward for number of years when asked had to really think hard to remember if anything was wrong with her ward.

Interestingly, the candidates contesting from this ward appeared to be more concerned than the voters. Shekar Degvekar, a BJP support candi-

Photo by Sachin Ambadoskar

date who is contesting from this ward, is apparently, very clear as to what is lacking.

“This ward needs retaining walls as the area is located on the slope. Also, many of the old houses do not have sewage facilities,” says Degvekar.

Mangaldas Naik, a candi-

date from Babush panel, also found that the ward has to have more retaining walls as also sewage problem has to be dealt with effectively. In fact, absence of adequate sanitary is a major problem here like many other wards of the city.

According to Degvekar rain

drains of the area needs to be improved and repaired which he said have not been touched for ages.

While some residents of the area are content to believe that every thing is perfect in their ward - the candidates contesting from here believe otherwise and rightly so.

PINC takes up cudgels for ‘clean’ CCP candidates HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 1

Cavrem villagers stopped by Margao police outside the Margao residence of Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat.

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MARCH 1

Agitated residents of Cavrem village descended at the Margao residence of Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat on early Tuesday morning, demanding an immediate closure of a mine in the village.

The residents, including a large number of women activists, took out a morcha to the residence of the Chief Minister and impressed upon him the need to close down the illegal mine.

After giving the residents a patient hearing, the Chief Minister reportedly called up officials of the Goa State Pollution Control Board to issue order for the closure of the

Cavrem mine.

After the Chief Minister telephonically issued instructions to the Board to close down the mine, the residents headed to Panjim and promised waiting newsmen that they would not leave the Capital city till the mine is closed down by the Board.

“The Chief Minister told the Board official to issue an order today itself to close down the mine. Earlier too, orders were issued in that directions, but the mine was started within two months”, informed activist Nilesh Gaonkar.

He said that Cavrem village will be destroyed by the rampant illegal mining activities and threatened to resort to an in-

definite hunger strike to press for their demand for the closure of the illegal mine.

Incidentally, the activists told the Chief Minister that they will never return to him again with their long pending grievances, but will chalk out their future course of action in their own way.

The activists alleged that the contractor has deployed goons and bouncers at the site and came down heavily on mining officials for turning a blind eye to the illegal mining activities.

“Last season, the mining officials did not initiate action against the mine. Even the machinery attached by the officials was later released for reasons

Photo by Santosh Mirajkar

best known to the authorities”, the activists maintained, adding that no authorities have showed interest in curbing the illegal activity.

Another protestor Anish Velip told newsmen after the meeting with the Chief Minister that illegal mining activity would completely destroy their village and its rich natural resources if the mine is not closed forthwith.

“Our village will be totally destroyed within two years. The government should act today or we will be forced to take our own action from tomorrow”, she warned, adding that patience is running out in the village since the future of the children is at stake.

Last election of the Corporation of the City of Panjim had been literally a cake walk for Taleigao ML A, Babush Monserrate panel -Corporation of the City of Development Front (CCDF) when it won nineteen of the thirty seats.

But this time around, it appears, Monserrate panel will have to struggle to keep up with its last tally as forces have gangedup against Monserrate to defeat his non-performing panel.

Panjimites’ Initiative for Change (PINC), an initiative of prominent citizens of Panjim has flexed its muscles in support of candidates which it believe sincere and noncorrupt.

It has identified and declared support to candidates contesting from panels other than Babush panel, and some independent candidates, to defeat the ruling panel.

nWe have identified sincere, upright and dynamic individuals for all wards to clean the augean stables and the rot that has sunk in our capital. These are candidates who in our opinion are in the best position to defeat the Babush panel. We promise to keep them on a tight leash, if elected, to obey peoples’ mandate.

-- Dr Oscar Rebello “We have identified sincere, upright and dynamic individuals for all wards to clean the augean stables and the rot that has sunk in our capital. These are candidates who in our opinion are in the best position to defeat the Babush panel. We promise to keep them on a tight leash, if elected, to obey peoples’ mandate,” announced Dr Oscar Rebello along with Dr Arvind Bhatikar at a press conference on Tuesday here.

He said they are concerned about the condition of Panjim.

Citizens are disillusioned and completely disgusted at the

state of affairs.

“During the entire tenure of the erstwhile Babush panel, despite repeated and sincere attempts by the citizens of Panjim, we have comprehensively failed on the issues of garbage, sewage disposal, parking, traffic congestion, planning and zoning.

Add to that naked abuse of power in various scams and our despair is completed,” said Dr Rebello. A list of twenty-nine candidates which they have selected to support will work for the betterment of Panjim, claimed PINC. This include Kiran Zambaulikar –ward I, Evaristo Fer-

nandes – ward II, Barreto Sebastiano – ward III, Prabhakar Dongrekar – ward IV, Sheetal Naik -- ward V, Alez Felizado ward – VI, Shweta Lotikar VII, Tukaram Chinawar – ward VIII, Surendra Furtado –ward IX , Ruth Furtado ward X, Ashley Rosario – ward XI, Veidehi Naik – ward XII, Seema Pednekar – ward XIII, Ashok Naik ward -XIV, Shekar Degvekar ward – XV, Nina Silimkhan ward - XVI, Nilesh Khandeparkar -- ward -XVII, Sameer Chari – ward XVIII, Deodita D’Cruz ward – XIX, Avinash Bhonsle ward XX, Mahesh Chandekar ward - XXI, M a y a Ta l ka r w a rd – X X I I , Shailesh Ugadekar ward XXIII, Diksha Mayekar ward XXIV, Shubhada Dhond ward -- XXV, Oscar Cunha -- ward XXVI, Shubham Chodankar - ward XXVII, Nivedita Chopdekar ward 28 and Aires Rodrigues ward 30.

The PINC, however, is not endorsing any candidate in ward 29.

Juveniles escape report submitted HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 1

Superintendent of the State-run protective home on Tuesday submitted a report to the Director Women and Child Welfare into the twosubsequentescapesofjuvenilesfrom Apna Ghar in Merces.

Disciplinary action will follow only after studying the preliminary report, Director Sanjiv Gad-

kar told Herald.

Apna Ghar is facing constant embarrassment as juveniles housed there often flee from the remand home. The suspected attitude of the staff is said to be one of the reasons resulting in the series of escapes.

“The friendly relation between the remand home staffers and inmates is lacking. This could

be one of the reasons for frequent escapes,” Gadkar admitted.

The director had ordered an inquiry into the recent escapes on Saturday. “We will certainly take disciplinary action against Apna Ghar officials depending on the preliminary findings. A detailed inquiry will subsequently follow,” he said.

Official figures reveal that

eight juveniles have escaped from this remand home in the last six months.The latest escape in a row was reported on Friday-Saturday, last week, when three boys managed to slip away from Apna Ghar premise.

Two were caught by police later on. One juvenile is believed to be the same who had earlier tried to escape from the home.

OHERALDO

GOA

Pg3 GOA, WEDNESDAY, 2 MARCH, 2011

Comba wells contamination not due to petroleum factor: Expert HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MARCH 1

In a new twist to the Comba well water contamination row, the Assistant Professor, Biological Sciences, BITS Pilani Dr Srikanth Mutnuri has concluded that the scum that is seen on top of well waters in Comba area is not due to any petroleum products, but is due to iron bacteria and iron content in water.

In his observations submitted to inquiry officer, Deputy Collector, Margao Johnson Fernandes after a day-long inspection of the wells on Monday, Dr Mutnuri has recommended treatment of the affected wells by aeration and shock chlorination as the initial step, adding that the affected wells can be analysed again after above initial treatment to decide upon requirement of further treatment.

Saying that the problem is not very serious as initially thought and can be resolved easily, Dr Mutnuri observed that oil like layer was found in well not in use in recent times, while no oily layer was noticed in wells

Sonia told of NRI census omissions

Forum asks CM to probe HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MARCH 1

The Comba Residents Forum has urged Chief Minister Digambar Kamat to look into the water contamination issue and initiate necessary action against those responsible for the pollution as per law.

Demanding that the well be restored for the use of future generations, the Forum has asked the Chief Minister to probe into the suspected leakage of petroleum products from a petrol pump.

“Once the source of this pollution is investigated and stopped, there is urgent need to clear these wells of contamination. Health department has found bacteria and Goa Pollution Control Board has found contamination of petrol and grease in the well water”, the Forum said while calling early steps for cleaning of wells and treating it chemically. which are in use.

“When samples were taken in sampling bottles, precipitate was observed after 20-30 minutes. The precipitate was found in the samples from unused wells and not in used wells”, he said.

Reasons: “The above observation indicates the presence of iron bacteria which was observed as slime on the ouster walls of the container with which water from contaminated wells were drawn”, he said, adding that iron bacteria are red

Official suspended for water shortage in Bicholim taluka

HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, MARCH 1

HERALD CORRESPONDENT MAYEM, MARCH 1

A delegation of Congressmen comprising General Secretary of GPCC Altinho Gomes, Vice President of Goa Khadi Board Dr Ulhas Parab, and Chief Organiser of Goa Congress Seva Dal J T Vaz met Congress President Sonia Gandhi in New Delhi on Tuesday and complained that census authorities in Goa are refusing to record the names of Goans working on board ships, in the Gulf and in other countries.

They told Gandhi that this class of Goans are out of their homes only temporarily, and there is no reason why they should not be counted as part of Goa’s and India’s population.

Gandhi said that she had not been informed by anyone of this, and asked the delegation to send her a note on the subject.

Parliament has amended the Representation of the People’s Act, 1951, to confer voting rights on citizens of India who are absent from their place of ordinary residence in India owing to employment, education or otherwise, whether temporary or not.

Taking serious cognizance of acute water shortage in Bicholim taluka, PWD Minister Churchill Alemao on Tuesday suspended the technical assistant (TA) of the Padoshe water purification plant.

Besides suspending Sambhaji Rane, Alemao also repimanded the workers for negligence in their duty, during his visit to inspect the water problem at the Padoshem Plant.

Residents of Bicholim continued to face acute water shortage on Tuesday. Moreover, most of the wells here have also become dry, causing severe hardship to residents.

Villagers from Bicholim have demanded the immediate suspension of Executive Engineer Kamladini, who they claimed was negligent in his duties.

Meanwhile, the issue of workers working at Padoshe plant was later handled by BJP youth wing, where BJP State Youth President Dr Pramod Sawant along with Opposition Leader Manohar Parrikar, Bhagwan Har-

PWD Minister Churchill Alemao interacts with workers at Padoshe plant at Assonora.

Photo by Vishant Vaze

malkar, Bhalchandra Narvekar and delegation of four workers visited Principal Chief Engineer Rego and informed him about the state of affairs of the workers.

After giving a hearing to the delegation, Rego assured to look into the matter. Rego assured that the workers will be paid wage arrears from January 2011 along with implementation of ESI, PF and other

Canacona BJP MLA to join Congress soon?

HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, MARCH 1

There has been hectic political activity in Canacona taluka, amid reports that one of the two Canacona BJP party MLAs is likely to resign and join the Kamat-led ministry sometime next week.

Even though the ML A is known to be very close to Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, his close family members are learnt to have finally given their nod to resign and become a minister in the present ministry before the State plunges into assembly elections.

March 7 is reportedly chosen as an auspicious date for resignation of the concerned MLA. It is learnt that the MLA concerned has been assured that he need not fight a bye-election to get re-elected, as a general election will be called sometime between September-October 2011 period. He would then be allotted the Congress ticket to

orange in colour and caused smell that resembles fuel oil or sewage or that of some decaying matter and are greasy to touch.

These bacteria are common in wells which has been idle for a while”.

Saying that the source of iron in these wells might be due to laterite soil, Dr Mutnuri said this might occur naturally as part of rock weathering process, adding “The walls o f t h e w e l l s a re l a t e r i t e which are rich in iron”.

“The reason for observing precipitate in sample bottles when well water (contaminated) was drawn is due to oxidation of dissolved iron which settled down as precipitate”, he observed.

Inquiry officer, Johnson said the panel appointed to probe the well contamination will treat the wells as recommended by the Dr Mutnuri, adding that the panel is also awaiting report from the Goa State Pollution Control Board on the joint inspection early next week.

contest assembly elections of the delimitated Canacona constituency.

Interestingly, the political buzz became active since Sunday when a BJP delegation visited the MLA, apparently on getting wind of the latest political moves.

What exactly transpired in the meeting is not known, but it is reliably learnt that when the issue was raked up and discussed by the visitors, the local MLA reportedly agreed to the rumours.

He apparently claimed that if the BJP ticket is not likely to be allotted to him, anything could happen.

However, when this correspondent contacted both MLAs of Canacona, they denied any such moves to resign and join the Congress ministry.

Canacona MLA Vijay Poi Khot said: “There is no such move and you must be habitual in hearing such stories in the past

as well, so nothing should be taken seriously.”

However, the MLA declined to answer whether a BJP team had visited him or the other MLA in the taluka on Sunday.

When told that past reports were true but had only not taken place due to circumstances, the MLA said: “There is no truth in these reports now also.”

Poinguinim ML A Ramesh Tawadkar was however straightforward in responding to the question, saying: “I am not aware of any such moves now.

In the past, I was indeed approached by present government emissaries to switch sides, but not now and I’m completely in dark over any such developments in recent times.”

Some party functionaries and close aides of the MLAs also refused to divulge further details, but one person said: “Whenever it happens, it will take place in full knowledge of BJP party bosses.”

facilities.

Pale MLA Pratap Gawas was also present at the Padoshe plant who requested Alemao to treat the workers on humanitarian basis.

Meanwhile, about 100 women from Bicholim took out a rally at PWD office Bicholim in protest against scarcity of water and demanded with the officers to release the water as early as possible.

Coconut plantation gutted HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, MARCH 1

Coconut plantation worth about Rs 50,000 was gutted in a fire at Galiem-Loliem on Tuesday.

According to Canacona fire service personnel, after they received intimation at about 1.30 pm on Tuesday from Canacona Police that fire engulfed a coconut plantation at Galiem-Pedem in Loliem, they rushed to the site.

The fire assisted by dried grass had already destroyed a number of coconut trees, besides causing destruction of water pump and supply pipes in the plantations.

However, the fire personnel controlled the further spread of fire and stopped more damages in the area. According to fire service personnel, the plantation belonged to one Lydia Alfonso and the expected losses is in the range of Rs 50,000.

“It is however not known how the fire has reached the plantation,” informed the fire personnel.

Row over venue threatens ‘Apraant Maand’ exhibition HERALD CORRESPONDENT BICHOLIM, MARCH 1

The ongoing tussle between the Sanquelim cricket players, Sanquelim Municipal Council (SMC) and the Pale MLA has threatened the ‘Apraant Maand’ event on the Bodke Ground, Sanquelim.

The GHRDC is scheduled to organise a 15-day ‘Apraant Maand’ on the Sanquelim ground from March 4. The locals and cricket players from Sanquelim have strongly opposed the move of Pale MLA Pratap Gawas, who has stated that the exhibition would be held on the same ground despite the opposition.

Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, SMC Chairman Anand Naik said they are not against the exhibition, but its venue.

nWe are not against ‘Aprant Maand’ to be held in Sanquelim, but we don’t want it at the Bodke ground. SMC has already revoked the NOC given to the exhibition, but the Pale MLA is still adamant and want to have it on the ground.

-- Anand Naik “ We a r e n o t a g a i n s t ‘Aprant Maand’ to be held in S a n q u e l i m , b u t w e d o n’ t want it at the Bodke ground.

SMC has already revoked the NOC given to the exhibition, b u t t h e Pa l e M L A i s s t i l l

adamant and want to have it on the ground,” said Naik.

“We will not stop it, but if the people create any problem on the day, then we should not be held responsible as the players and all the people from Sanquelim are against the exhibition being organised on the ground,” stated Naik.

“The MLA was communicated about the decision, but he did not pay heed to the pleas of the people,” added Naik.

It may be recalled that the Bodke ground at Sanquelim is used by the people to play cricket and other matches. The SMC received two applications for March 4 concerning the ground, one was that of the ‘Aprant Maand’ moved by the Pale MLA, while the other was that from a local club.

But instead of calling both the parties, Chief Officer Bhanudas Naik allegedly under the pressure of the MLA gave NOC for the exhibition and the controversy started.

“The women and all the selfhelp groups should know that we are not opposing the project and we want that their talents should be displayed, but we only demanded that the exhibition be held on a different venue,” said Councillor Sunita Verekar.

Meanwhile, Pale MLA Pratap Gawas through a meeting has already declared that the exhibition would be held on the same ground from March 4 to 15, which would give exposure to the artistic items prepared by women from self help groups.

Goa third in number of ‘enemy properties’ SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT PANJIM, MARCH 1

Goa has the third-largest number of ‘enemy properties’ (forme r l y k n o w n a s ‘e v a c u ee properties’) in the country after Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.

Out of a total 3,329 enemy properties in the country, Goa has 122. While UP has 2,462, West Bengal has 386. This information was given by Minister of State for Home Gurudas Kamat in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.

State-wise distribution of the other enemy properties is: Andhra Pradesh-25, Assam17, Andamans-1, Bihar-41, Chhattisgarh-1, Delhi-67, Diu1, Goa-122, Gujarat-53, Haryana2, Jharkhand-3, Karnataka-15, Kerala-26, Madhya Pradesh-28, Maharashtra-25, Meghalaya-17,

Rs 8 lakh stolen from car in Panjim HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 1

Unidentified persons stole huge amount of money from a businessman’s car, which was parked in the Kala Academy parking lot, on Tuesday afternoon.

Vasant Naik, a resident from Bogmalo was in a rude shock to see that his car’s windowpanes were broken and envelop containing cash of rupees eight lakhs was missing from underneath the car seat.

Earlier, Naik withdrew the cash amount from a private bank at Mala and proceeded for a business meeting with one of his clients at Kala Academy during the lunch hours.

Police sub-inspector Baban Powar said that the complainant had parked his car in the parking area and on returning back after few minutes, he saw that someone had stolen the envelop containing cash by breaking his car’s windowpanes.

A complaint was filed at the Panjim town police station. The police is investigating the case under sections 427 (mischief) and 379 (theft) of the Indian Penal Code.

nSeven enemy properties in Delhi were fraudulently sold for Rs 5 lakh with the connivance of officers in the Delhi government, and an inquiry is on.

Rajasthan-14, Tamilnadu-7, Tripura-1 and Uttarakhand15.

Seven enemy properties in Delhi were fraudulently sold for Rs 5 lakh with the connivance of officers in the Delhi government, and an inquiry is on, the minister disclosed.

He said the central government has written to Chief Secretaries of all states last February

ht TO Nig

BBhQ t Nig

at

Fadte Vaddo, Nerul, Bardez, Goa. Tel: 0832 - 6451775/6 For booking contact: 9765527770/ 9420415967

regarding preservation and management of enemy properties in India.

There should be no registry/ mutation of any transfer or general power of attorney for

enemy properties, and the name of the ‘Custodian of Enemy Property for India’ should be entered in all revenue and other property records, the minister said.

OHERALDO

GOA

Pg 4

GOA, WEDNESDAY, 2 MARCH, 2011

s H O Rt tA K e s

Pilar seminar stresses on religious tolerance HERALD NEWS BUREAU PANJIM, MARCH 1

Roque Alleluia Alphonso after his re-election as the Sarpanch of Village Panchayat Avdem-Cotombi-Chaiffi.

Nisha attends parade at Delhi

R D Sahay, Director, Central University, Ministry of HRD, Department of Higher Education awarding the certificate to Nisha.

PANJIM(HND): Nisha Pereira, who hails from Aldona and a MSc, BEd teacher at St Thomas Boys’ High School, Aldona, was invited to view the Republic Day parade at Rajpath, Delhi from the Prime Minister’s Box. She topped BEd Examination in Goa and earned her degree from Nirmala Institute of Education, Altinho, Panjim, in April, 2010. For this honour, she was awarded a certificate by R D Sahay, Director, Central University, Ministry of HRD, Department of Higher Education.

She felt humbled by the rare opportunity and honour. She hopes that many more students are motivated to work hard and they will be rewarded for their sincere efforts one day.

Youth giving colourful touches to their carnival float preparations in Quepem.

The committee for the apostolate of Inter-Religious dialogue in the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman organised a seminar on Inter-Religious Dialogue in the mission of the church at Pilar Retreat Centre on February 26 and 27.

Over 45 participants, three from every deanery participated in the inter-religious seminar.

“In fact, I was very reluctant to come for the seminar, but it was an eye opener how to deal with other religions. The little bias I had towards other religions was removed and now I have a much boarder vision for India and the world,” stated a participant, Eutemia Fernandes, an assistant professor at Nirmala Institute of Education (BEd College).

Another participant, a housewife, Nirmala Andrade, said: “I found the inter-religious seminar was very relevant and need of the hour. To promote harmony in society specially be-

KR to run special trains HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, MARCH 1

In co-ordination with Western Railway, Konkan Railway will run Special Trains between Ahmedabad - Madgaon during Summer. Train No 09401 will run from Ahmedabad to Madgoan on 10 Fridays starting from April 1 till June 3. The train will leave from Ahmedabad at 4 pm and arrive at Madgaon at 2.30 pm.

Train No 09402 will run from Madgaon to Ahmedabad for 10 Saturdays starting from April 2 till June 4. The train will leave from Madgaon at 3.20 pm and reach Ahmedabad the next day at 1.35 pm.

The train will halt at Vadodara, Surat, Valsad, Vapi, Vasai Road, Panvel, Roha, Khed, Chiplun, Sangameshwar, Ratnagiri, Rajapur, Kankavali, Kudal, Sawantwadi Rd, Pernem, Thivim and Karmali.

n I found the interreligious seminar was very relevant and need of the hour. To promote harmony in society specially because there are people who are tearing apart religion and society. cause there are people who are tearing apart religion and society.”

Main resource person, Fr Ivon Almeida, a Pilar Father, currently pursuing his doctoral studies in inter-religious dialogue at University of Madras, Chennai, spoke on the ‘What, Why and How of Dialogue’ and pointed out to Mary as a model for dialogue.

Pointing out that Jesus was engaged in dialogue with per-

From 1962 the band primarily consisted of John Lennon (rhythm, guitar and vocals), Paul McCartney (bass guitar and vocals), George Harrison (lead guitar and vocals) and Ringo Starr (drums and vocals).

Arguably, one of the most successful entertainers of the 20th century, they made significant contributions to music, film, literature, art, and fashion. They made a tremendous impact on popular culture and lifestyle; an influence that lingers through several generations.

Headmaster of Government High School, Keri, Shivaji Patil has stated that Science is the powerful way of investigating and understanding the world.

He was speaking after inaugurating the Science and Maths exhibitions organised by DEd trainees of District Institute of Technical Education (DIET) at Porvorim.

“The purpose of organising science exhibitions is to develop scientific attitude in the young generation, to make them realize the interdependence of science, technology and society and the responsibilities of sci-

expanded into psychedelic experiments and classically-inspired compositions. Their creative search covered a range of styles from jazz and rock to a cosmopolitan crosscultural and cross-genre composition.

In early performances the Beatles included popular songs from the 40s and 50s. They played rock-n-roll and R&B-based pop songs, while they gradually worked on developing a style of their own. Their mixture of rock-n-roll, skiffle, blues, country, soul, and a simplified version of 1930s jazz resulted in several multi-

genre and cross-style songs. Some of their influences included Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley, Little Richard and other entertainers of the 40s, 50s and early 60s.

By 1965 their style had also absorbed ethnic music influences from India and other Oriental cultures, and later

Bollywood actress Amisha Patel will attend the Fatorda Carnival Fest organized by the Vijay Sardessai’s Charity Foundation `We For Fatorda’ on March 8 at the SGPDA grounds.

Amisha Patel, who has also won critical acclaim for her performance in "Gadar Ek Prem Katha" alongside Sunny Deol including several other Bollywood blockbusters, will grace the occasion as a guest for the Carnival Fest. In addition to a musical bonanza featuring Goa's top music bands, the Fatorda Carnival Fest will also have programmes related to women empowerment to commemorate the International's Women's Day on March 8.

Sardesai accentuates that reviving age-old Goan tradition whilst planning varied programmes for adults and children alike will be the focus of this year's Carnival Fest. “An attempt has been made to revive the now-abandoned Adeus Carnival which was a regular traditional feature of Goa's carnival festiv-

HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, MARCH 1

The Lads from Liverpool

our guitar-playing English boys from Liverpool joined together in 1960, and went on to become internationally famous. They were the Beatles, and their songs are still considered rock classics.

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MARCH 1

‘Science exhibitions help youth to be creative’

Sound of Music

F

sons of other faiths such as Samaritans, Canaanites and Romans, Fr Simiao Fernandes spoke on ‘Jesus the Dialogist’.

‘Glimpses of CBCI and Synod Guidelines’ were presented by Fr Mario, while Fr Agnelo Pinheiro focused on the ‘Catholic Church Teachings on Dialogue’.

Speaking on the occasion for the inaugural ceremony, Fr Amandio Valadares, the Episcopal Vicar of North Zone for the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, said: “It is not enough to know our faith, we must live and practice our faith, we must enter into dialogue. All of us are marching towards this end. We must not fight but respect other religions.”

Fr Agnelo Pinheiro, the convenor of the committee, stated that the purpose of this seminar was to form lay-leaders who eventually would promote interreligious dialogue in their respective parishes and deaneries, thereby collaborating in building a society of peace, harmony and love respective parishes and deaneries.

Amisha to be star attraction at Fatorda Carnival fest

The Beatles made impact on human history, because their influence has been liberating for generations of men living in misery beyond the Iron Curtain. A certain quality in their songs and images appealed to people yearning from freedom. Their songs carried powerful ideas of love and peace, while firing the imaginations and evoking creativity.

The band broke up in 1970 and each member went on to be individually successful. Even after the break-up decades ago, their music still inspires musicians today and, for some have become the embodiment of ideals associated with cultural transformation.

ities on the final day of Carnival for the past several years. Musical performances by Forefront, Sonia Sirsat & Status Four,

Archies and Swingers will be held to entertain the audience during the night. Performance by p ro f e s s i o n a l d a n c e troupes "The One,” the fire dancers from Manipur and acrobats from Africa will also be part of the schedule”, he said.

Since 8th March is commemorated as the International Women’s Day, a program to felicitate outstanding women leaders o f Fa t o rd a h a s a l s o b e e n planned.

UPCOMiNG eVeNts Bro Anil’s retreat PANJIM (HND): Bro Anil of Salvation Ministry will conduct a retreat on March 3 at Emerald Lawns, Parra, from 10 am to 5.30 pm. The service will stress on the Word of God, Healing, Deliverance, Word of Knowledge and Prophecies. For further information, call 9226387098 / 9763553575. Free transport can be availed by calling 9823055659.

Salvation Ministry services can be watched on Rophe TV daily from 7 am to 7.30 am and 6 pm to 6.30 pm and on Saturdays from 9.30 pm to 10 pm.

Cotton, silk fair PANJIM (HND): Exhibition cum sale organised by Sarthak Silk Handloom Welfare Society New Delhi is underway at Clube Nacional, MG Road, Panjim, till March 6. Weavers and crafts persons have come from various parts of the country to display and sell their handlooms and handicrafts at the exhibition.

Sarees of various fabrics and designs are a special attraction along with other traditional prints and apparels such as batik prints, Lucknow chikan, Kota doria suits, tops, suits, Jaipuri kurti, bed sheets, Bombay chicken material. Handicrafts include Polki jewellery, Hyderabad pearls, Jaipur stone, lac jewellery, intimation jewellery and more.

20 per cent discount on handloom and 10 per cent on handicraft is being offered. All debit and credit cards are accepted.

Sarthak Silk Handloom Welfare Society, New Delhi, is registered Society that helps artisans by reducing the intermediary cost and eliminating middleman.

Workshop on Right to Information The students view the exhibition.

Photo by Anil Shankhwalker

entists of tomorrow,” said Patil.

Patil further said that science exhibitions provide a forum for youth to pursue their natural curiosity and inventiveness to quench their thirst for creativity and to develop critical thinking about global issues to maintain healthy and sustainable societies in today’s environment.

While addressing the teachers, Patil stated that all children are not good at studies. Therefore, it becomes the responsibility of the teacher to unearth hidden talents in the students and motivate him to pursue the career in the field he is passionate about.

“The role of the teacher is to make the student sensitive and responsible citizens by imparting quality education,” said Patil.

Prof Pradeep Masurkar said Psyco-Science Laboratory of DIET in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology conducted 22 pro grammes of science popularization all over the State along with DEd trainees.

“The programmes were organised in schools in six talukas – Sattari, Canacona, Bicholim, Pernem, Mormugao Harbour and Salcette. The aim of these programmes was to eradicate superstitions prevailing in the society about various things,” said Masurkar.

Earlier, DIET Vice President Govind Hawaldar welcomed the gathering, Archana Gawas compered the programme, while Suvarna Gaonkar proposed the vote of thanks.

CMM opens Kapoor lamp store in Merces HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, MARCH 1

The new Kapoor lamp store in Merces has on display one of the widest ranges of lighting products in Goa. There are numerous designs of wall lights, ceiling lights, table lamps, floor lamps, picture and mirror lamps, chandeliers, outdoor lighting etc, for homes, offices and hotels.

CMM Megastore is open from Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm and on Sundays from 11am to 6 pm. The megastore is located in Renovadi, Merces, 1km from the Panjim Kadamba bus stand.

The venture was launched by Poonam Desai, the lifestyles head of CMM Retail, who when questioned said that "Goa will finally have a lighting store to match the elegance of our homes. Our customers expect quality products from CMM and we believed that Kapoor lamp-

shades was perfect for their needs" Kapoor Lampshades is not only a renowned brand in India, but it has also carved a niche for itself in the European and American markets as well. The company is a leading manufacturer of lamp holders, lighting accessories and brass components.

The organisation is a member of Lighting Association of India for two decades and its products are certified by CE, UL and ENEC are full ROHS compliant. Also, the products are produced in state-of-the-art, computerized machines as part of a Danish joint venture company - which follows a comprehensive system of quality assurance under ISO 9001:2000 (DNV) certification for lamps and shades.

For more information e-mail: poonam.dessai@cmmgroup.in or call 6456296/9850951266.

GOACAN awareness drive

BY HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MARCH 1

GOACAN is observing a Consumer Rights Awareness Fortnight which is underway with the theme "Assert Rights, Pursue Remedies" The Awareness Fortnight will conclude on World Consumer Rights Day on 15th March on the eve of the Budget session of the Goa Legislative Assembly.

During the fortnight GOACAN will highlight the need for "Consumer Literacy" in the Towns, Villages and Campuses of the State so that consumers make a determined effort to read their

rights and write their complaints.

Special focus will be given during the fortnight to the grievance redressal mechanisms of public sector undertakings providing for LPG, Posts & Telecom and the State Govt. service providers of Road transport, ferry services, electricity and water supply.

Consumer Forum volunteers will organise a 'phone in' with the Departments of Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Legal Metrology, Food & Drug Administration, Reserve Bank of India, Goa Police Economic Offences Cell and the Public Works Department.

PANJIM (HND): Associacao Academica de Moira and Asha Family Responsibilities & Rights Association will conduct a Workshop on ‘Right to Information’ in Konkani and English, on March 6 at AA Moira Club Hall, from 5 pm to 6.30 pm. Registration is free. For any details contact: Mob-9822166876, 9623454450 Email: trustasha@yahoo.co.in.

Research publication released at GMC HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, MARCH 1

The Department of Pathology in collaboration with the Indian Academy of Cytologists has recently released a Medical Research Publication at the GMC. This has been edited by Dr R G Wiseman Pinto and Dr F Couto.

This publication contains articles written by Dr Aileen Wee, Professor and Head of Pathology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Dr M Z Rahman, Professor and Head of Pathology, Chittagong Medical College, Chittagong, Bangladesh, Dr A Pradhan, Assistant Professor of Pathology, B P Koirala Institute of Health and Sciences, Dharan, Nepal, Dr K K Prasad, Professor and Head of Gastroenterological Pathology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, Dr P Agarwal, Professor in Transfusion Medicine, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute ( SGPGI ), Lucknow Dr A Verma, Professor of Transfusion Medicine, SGPGI,

Lucknow, Dr R K Chaudhary, Professor of Transfusion Medicine, SGPGI, Lucknow, Dr M Suresh, Assistant Professor of Pathology, Sri Ramachandra University, Porur, Chennai, Dr K Susheela, Head of Pathology Department, Indo Americaln Cancer Hospital, Hyderabad and Faculty and Residents of Medical Colleges from Ahmedabad, Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Guwahati, Ambala, Ujjain, Mangalore Aligarh, Nagpur, Ujjain, Bilaspur and Goa. The Publication contains articles on the topics, Liver Biopsy, Liver Fibrosis, Myopathies of the Gastrointestinal Tract, Pancytopenia, Filaria, Hydatid Cyst, Breast, Ovary, Thyroid, Thalassemia screening, scrape cytology, brush cytology, Liquid Based Cytology, Angiogenesis, Round Cell Tumors, Auramine Rhodamine staining in TB, Burns and Blood Banking Techniques.

The Medical Research Publication is available in the GMC Pathology Department Office, Bambolim.

Curtorim singing audition results HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, MARCH 1

The results of the auditions of All Goa Singing contest held at St Alex Hall Curtorim on Saturday for short listing 10 finalists for the grand finals to be held on March 8 at Curtorim Market Square from 7 pm onwards are as follows: In the All Goa Singing competition, the winners are Abraham Fernandes, Anselmen Fernandes, Snehaketa Shet, Divino Almeida, John Rodrigues, Melbon Noronha, Tavia Machado, Rossane Fernandes, Evola Marcelo, Roy Colaco.

The winners of All Goa Jive Dancing competition are Vivian & Jason, Anthony& Penny, Roy & Florence, Staci & Roque, Tanya

& Samuel, Melvin & Nisha.

In Voice of Curtorim Junior, the winners are Chrisen Estiberio, Kelly Fernandes, Shenon Sequera, Rienne Barretto, Leondra Katleen, Samantha Dias In Voice of Curtorim Senior, the winners are Merle Dias, Lester Mascarenhas, Chrysanne Dias, Marvin Noronha, Stacy Mascarenhas, Santana Menezes.

Dancing Stars of Curtorim: (Seniors) Niz Goenkar, Wacky, Devil Dancers.

Dancing Stars of Curtorim:(Seniors) Rising Stars of Trinity, Elson Quency, Ida's group. The contest is organised by Curtorim Cultural Committee as part of their Carnival celebrations.

tides March 2

High tide: 0922; 2231 Low tide: 0353; 1539

OHERALDO

GOA

Pg 5 GOA, WEDNESDAY, 2 MARCH, 2011

Door-to-door hotel waste collection begins in Margao

BY HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MARCH 1

After many an unsuccessful attempts in the past, the Margao Municipal Council on Tuesday evening once again embarked on collection of hotel waste door-to-door on an experimental basis.

The latest drive kicked off from the restaurant of C P Jaggi, the president of the South Goa Hotel Owners Association at Comba this evening, with the former offering full cooperation to the Civic body to lift the hotel waste door-to-door.

A municipal truck along with five daily wage workers went round the hotels, collecting waste. These workers will be paid overtime for the next one month before a system is put to place to collect the waste on a regular basis. The drive will be carried out on a daily basis between 6.30 pm to 11 pm.

While thanking Margao Municipal Chairperson Sushila Naik for reviving the door-to-door waste collection from the hotels, Jagi said that the hotel owners will revert back to the system of dumping waste in the bins if the Civic body fails to streamline the system.

“We will extend all our cooperation to the Civic body. We

MMC workers collecting waste from a restaurant on day one of the drive to collect door-to-door hotel waste collection from the city.

Photo by Santosh Mirajkar

have been told that the Civic body has sought the assistance of contractor undertaking similar work at Panjim and Vasco to implement the scheme in Margao”, he said, adding that the waste collection fees will be worked out within one month.

The MMC Chairperson solicited support from the hotel owners and citizens alike for the success of the scheme. “My motto is to keep the city clean and green. Let us all join hands

to achieve the objective”, she added.

Door-to-door hotel waste collection scheme was being implemented by the Margao Civic body for over a decade now, but in vain. Last year, outgoing Margao Municipal Chairperson Savio Coutinho had worked out a scheme with the assistance of the hotel owners, but the scheme was shot down by unscrupulous Municipal officials before it could take off.

Oppose govt moves to privatise hospitals: Narvekar HERALD CORRESPONDENT BICHOLIM, MARCH 1

Aldona MLA Dayanand Narvekar has called upon the people from Bicholim and Sattari talukas to remain alert and not to allow government hospitals from the taluka to fall prey to PPP project.

Narvekar was addressing a public meeting at Amona-Bicholim to oppose mining and PPP projects in the State.

“Be alert and oppose any such moves by the health minister and the State government to privatize hospitals from Bicholim, Sanquelim and Valpoi,” stated Narvekar.

“These projects are coming up only because I am not in the ministry. There are plans to privatize the famous Mayem Lake and if this happens, then the entry fees will soar high,” said Narvekar.

“The lake belongs to the Goans and the government has no right to privatize it for its own purpose,” added the Aldona MLA. He also came down heavily on the government and said he government has no moral right to be in power.

“In Margao, Rs 200 crore is spent on development, but why not even Rs 40 crore spent in Pale constituency even if the

Aldona MLA Dayanand Narvekar addresses the meeting at AmonaBicholim.

Photo by Samir Umarye

MLA is that of the Congress,” he asked.

Speaking on mining, Narvekar asked the government to increase the transportation cess and divert that income for the development of the common people. He termed the government’s move to fine the trucks a “drama” and that only common people suffered due to it.

“If the government is really concerned about the environment and mining, then they should fine the mine owners. Why there is no complaint registered against the mining company for illegal transportation of ore

worth crores of rupees,” he asked.

In his speech, NCP Vice President Prakash Phadte said there is at least one case against every Congress minister and the government is against the people.

“They claim that the government is of the ‘aam aadmi’, but no government benefit goes to the people and this is the reason we see agitations everywhere,” said Phadte.

Former Velgaum sarpanch Dinesh Sahastrabuddhe, ex-MLA Adv Vishnu Rama Naik, Amona Sarpanch Shankar Naik and Khemlo Sawant also spoke on the occasion.

87-year-old dies in road mishap HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, MARCH 1

An 87-year-old pedestrian died, after he was knocked down by a speeding car near Vrundavan Hospital at Mapusa on Monday night.

According to Mapusa Police, the accident occurred when S Pathan, who was proceeding towards Gujarat in his Swift car, knocked down pedestrian Bhima Shinde and then dashed against Alto car near Vrundavan Hospital at about 8 pm.

However, instead of shifting the injured to the hospital, the Swift car driver tried to flee from the site. But a youth from Dharagal, Sayeed Ismail, noticed him and followed him on his motorcycle and managed to nab the driver at Insuli-Maharashtra.

Driver S Pathan was handed over to Mapusa Police late night.

Meanwhile, the injured pedestrian Bhima Shinde who was shifted to GMC Hospital at Bambolim for treatment succumbed to injuries.

Police have registered an offence against Pathan on charges for rash and negligent driving and have obtained 14 days police remand. Police Inspector Rajesh Kumar is investigating the case.

Anti-corruption meet held at Bicholim HERALD CORRESPONDENT MAYEM, MARCH 1

The special anti-corruption public meeting held recently unanimously resolved to make the Central Government pass the Lokpal Bill in the Parliament to retain the universal stronghold of India.

The meeting was called by Bharat Swabhimaan, Patanjali Yog Samiti, Sanatan Prabhat and other associations at Shri Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Maidan Bicholim.

The meeting was attended by Dr Madhav Lele, Kanta Patnekar, Amrutsingh, Govind Chodankar, Parish Khanolkar, Jitendra Sawaikar and others who unanimously resolved to teach a lesson to the corrupt politicians who are keen to sell the nation to the corrupt people without bothering to the hardships faced by the common men.

The speakers at the meeting unanimously resolved to root out corruption on all levels by throwing out Congress party from ruling the nation and also to bring back the black money which has been deposited in the Swiss Bank, thereby helping the nation to gain the original status.

Earlier, a protest rally was staged throughout the town which culminated at Shivaji Maidan.

Nadkem first to have solar energy, wind mill FREDDY REBELLO POINGUINIM, MARCH 1

This remote village in Canacona taluka may lack conventional electrification, but Nadkem has an unusual distinction of being the first village in the State to have solar energy and a wind mill to provide power supply to 15 houses.

According to sources in electricity department, the cost of the project is estimated at about Rs 8 lakh and has a generating capacity of 2 kilo watts.

Each house has been given two electricity points and they will be provided with watt hour metres.

Nadkem is one of the remotest places of Goa and falls in the wildlife sanctuary of Cotigao in Poinguinim constituency.

This village, inhabited by about 80 people and residing in a hamlet, consists of people from the Schedule Tribe (ST).

They are predominantly into agriculture and had been demanding a bridge to connect them from Eda in Cotigao to their village since decades.

However, officials in the forest department did not understand the hardships faced by villagers residing on the hilly terrain.

In 1999, then MLA Isidore Fernandes took the task of linking the people with a concrete bridge after learning that two school going children had slipped off a bridge made of dried wooden planks and had drowned in the waters at Nadkem.

His letters to forest officials

fell on deaf ears and it was during a visit by then chief minister Fransisco Sardinha that the hurdles were cleared.

Then chief conservator of forest Richard D’Souza cleared the files and paved the way for the construction of the concrete bridge.

The bridge was tendered at a cost of Rs 15 lakh and the contractor did a shoddy job taking into advantage that the tribal

community who are mostly illiterate would not take note.

But while laying the concrete, two labourers fell down and suffered grievous injuries.

After a report in Herald, the bridge was reconstructed but no action was taken on the erring persons.

Thereafter, when Digambar Kamat was the power minister, he ordered for electrification of the village and RCC poles were

laid in 2004 to link this village with electricity power.

Once again the forest department refused permission stating that it was in wildlife sanctuary zone.

After mediation by Isidore Fernandes, a way was found to electrify this hamlet with a Non Conventional Energy Source.

Solar energy technology is employed now with batteries and a wind mill has been installed in the village to provide power connection to 15 houses.

However, while power supply through Non Conventional Energy Source is already functional, it is awaiting an official inauguration.

Nadkem is the first village to be electrified by this method and according to the Chief Engineer of Electricity Nirmal Braganza, other villages in the darkness will also be undertaken under a phased manner.

However, locals are apprehensive over the capabilities of the power supplied to them through Non Conventional Energy sources.

“The 2,000 watts of power for these 15 houses will not be sufficient,” said the locals, who feel that only two bulbs of 10 watts will not suffice their needs.

Says the village elder, Bhairo Gaonkar, “When RCC poles and conductors were dumped along the road from Eda-Cotigao, we had brought mixers, TVs and other electrical equipment. We were eagerly anticipating fullfledged power supply to our village.”

Faleiro neglected Navelim, says Churchill Furtado given green signal to contest polls HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MARCH 1

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MARCH 1

PWD Minister Churchill Alemao has lashed out at former Chief Minister, Luizinho Faleiro at Aquem-Baixo village, blaming him for the neglect of the constituency for the last 25 years.

Alemao took the platform of a Mahila Mandal function to take pot shots at Faleiro saying what he has done in Navelim during the last three years and half was not seen in Navelim during the long tenure of the former Navelim MLA and charged him for putting spokes in the development of the constituency by filing cases through his supporters.

The PWD Minister also announced cash of Rs 50,000 from his pocket to the Mahila Mandal

Supporters of Avertano Furtado have given him the go-ahead signal to contest the forthcoming Assembly polls from Navelim constituency.

At a get together held at Navelim to celebrate Furtado’s birthday last night, the supporters from Navelim constituency, mostly from Navelim, Sinquetim and Nagmodem told him not to look back and offered their full support to his candidature for Navelim constituency on grounds that he is the son of the soil.

Former Tourism Minister, Mickky Pacheco is also believed to made his presence felt at the birthday celebrations and offered his best wishes to Furtado.

Sources in the know said the supporters told Avertano that he should contest the polls against the PWD Minister Churchill Alemao, irrespective of whether former Chief Minister, Luizinho Faleiro is in the fray or not.

The Furtado’s from Navelim have been the close ally of the former chief minister over the years. It is believed that young Avertano has started preparing his ground for the electoral battle in Navelim after Faleiro reportedly showed no interest in contesting the elections. and urged women to form Self Help Groups to avail various government schemes which will make them independent in life.

Speaking at the Mahila Mandal melavo at the Aquem Baixo hall, Alemao said that women can achieve a lot through the

self help groups and promised to give the second installment of the funds to the mandals shortly.

On the occasion, former MLA Farrel Furtado e Gracias was felicitated at the hands of the PWD Minister.

Vascoites endure hardships for want of elevator in Power dept HERALD REPORTER VASCO, MARCH 1

Power consumers in Vasco have been facing hardship at the electricity department in the absence of an elevator in the building.

It has been more than fourand-half years since the electricity building behind Kadamba bus stand was inaugurated by then power minister Digambar Kamat with much fanfare. However, installation of elevators is yet to see the light of the day due to faulty designing of the building by the PWD (building division).

As per the plans, the contractor built the elevator room on the terrace of the five-floor electricity building, but installation of heavy machinery of elevators is yet to materialise.

The electricity department was reluctant to take over the building without the elevators, but the department had to bow down to ministerial pressure that the building cannot be kept idle in the absence of elevators.

Surprisingly, the PWD (building section) is yet to install the elevators, as they had recently commenced the work after constant reminders from the electricity department.

The material for the elevators brought long ago has been collecting dust, while few heavy materials have showed signs of

The non-functional elevators in the electricity department.

Photo by M Prabhav

corrosion.

“Most of the consumers, especially the elderly people, who come to pay electricity bills, complained about the inconvenience they have to face, as they have to climb three floors to come to the electricity department,” informed Assistant Engineer Gopinathan Pillai.

“By the time the consumers reach the cabin, they are out of breath and have to sit for some time to regain from the tiredness,” said Pillai.

PWD recently constructed additional area to fit the pulley in elevator room, as till date they failed to assemble and operate

the facility.

He further said there was no provision to take elevator material in the elevator room, which has been constructed on the terrace. “Recently, the PWD (building section) broke down the terrace slab of the building to make access to the elevator room to install the machinery,” he said.

When contacted, Assistant Engineer PWD (building division) Nagarchie said since there was no access to lift the material to the elevator room, but now the work has commenced and it would be completed in another few months.

Elephant herd moving in dense jungles bordering Goa, K’taka man versus animal conflicts.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT BELGAUM, MARCH 1

With the dense jungles bordering Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra encouraging the movement of elephants, Belgaum Deputy Conservator of Forests Girish Hosur has claimed there are about 20 elephants moving in herds of four to five each.

According to Hosur, their movement is between Dandeli, Londa, Castle Rock, Chorla, Kankumbi, Jamboti and Tilari covering a distance of about 200 kms in three states.

“The issue was discussed at Belgaum during a recent meeting of the three senior most forest officials from three neighbouring jurisdictions,” Hosur said adding that fresher initiatives are necessary to control the encroachment of the tuskers as earlier attempts did not yield much results. “They proved to be smarter than the humans,” he added.

The farmers in Khanapur and Western Belgaum taluka who have already suffered heavy losses due to delayed rainy season are going through turmoil again due to the rising menace of the elephants that are encroaching in their fields and making merry on the lush green second crops.

While crores of rupees of crops are being destroyed by the tuskers, thousands of farmers in the region are facing the question of their livelihood.

Though Karnataka Minister for Agriculture Umesh Katti tried

to review the situation in the recently held KDP meeting at Belgaum, no concrete steps were ascertained to save the farmers from the elephant menace.

Situated in the rich biodiversity region of the Western Ghats, Khanapur taluka bordering Goa is known for as the paradise for many of the wild and rich species of flora and fauna.

The Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary set amid dense forests is known to house some extinct species of animals, birds and trees. Apart from Bisons, leopards pugmarks indicating existence of tiger have been also traced by the forest department in the forest region where the boundaries of three states meet.

Meanwhile, the menace continues to haunt the farmers in the region as rigorous initiatives must be initiated by the state authorities in this regard to avoid further complications that may lead to a

Golden jubilee celebration HERALD REPORTER VASCO, MARCH 1

Our Lady of Candelaria High School, Baina-Vasco, will celebrate its golden jubilee on March 3.

In June 1961, then Chaplain Fr Jose Lourenco Vital dos Reis Fernandes took the initiative to organise a primary school in Portuguese medium for the benefit of the local population with an enrollment of 68 students.

After liberation, the Portuguese language began loosing its ground to English, which was steadily becoming the lingua Franca of Goans. Fr Vital Fernandes, having grasped the pulse of the times, decided to change the medium of instruction from Portuguese to English.

This proved to be a decisive move in the progress of the school, as a number of admissions increased gradually with 700 students presently pursing education in the school. The school has produced professionals, including pilots, engineers, doctors, architects, politicians and the like.

Success could not be achieved without the backing of its headmasters Oscar Gonsalves, M J Joseph, Reginald Diniz, Rudolph D’Mello, Fr Antonio Fernandes, Argentina Gomes, Orlando Madre Deus and present headmaster Ramila Barros.

Efforts of Fr Simpliciano Fernandes bore fruit in completion of the new building that presently houses the students.

Mapusa couple arrested for trespassing HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, MARCH 1

Mapusa Police have arrested a couple from Feira Alto-Mapusa on charges of trespassing into a flat belonging to a builder at Alto Duler, Mapusa.

In a complaint filed with Mapusa Police on February 15, Sanjay Yeshwant Nayak had stated that Lawrence Dias and his wife broke open the lock of the front door of his flat on the ground floor at Xavier Complex, Feira Alto, and took possession of the flat illegally.

On conducting the investigation, Mapusa Police arrested Lawrence Dias and his wife and were later produced before the Judicial Magistrate First class, who released them on bail of Rs 5,000 surety each. Police Inspector Rajesh Kumar is investigating the case.

Police registered the complaint under Section 448 of Indian Penal Code.

OHERALDO

Pg 6

www.oheraldo.in

O HERALD O

Goan ‘innovators’: Topsy-turvy tale of greed

Vol No CXI No: 060 Goa, Wednesday, 2 March, 2011

I

Numbers game

ndian industry is so ecstatic about the Union Budget mainly because of the low fiscal deficit (the extent to which the government’s total expenditures exceeds its total revenue, excluding money from borrowings). This figure indicates how much the Finance Minister will draw on private savings to fund current and capital expenditures.

The higher the deficit, the less funds available for corporates, plus higher inflation and higher interest rates.

Quite against expectations, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee has projected a fiscal of just 4.6 per cent. For this, he expects tax revenue to rise faster and expenditures to ease. But how realistic is this?

In the current year tax revenues are expected to go up by 29 per cent, against the budgeted 19 per cent. But the main reason for higher revenue was not underestimating India’s GDP growth; last year’s Budget grossly underestimated the rate of inflation. Consequently, the fiscal deficit, projected at 5.5 per cent, came down to 5.1 per cent.

Mr Mukherjee expects much more of the same this year.

But lightning does not strike twice. If his Budget projections are to hit the bulls-eye, the buoyancy in revenues will have to continue, and both growth and inflation will have to be higher.

But this year’s Budget expects GDP to grow by 9 per cent, and inflation to stay at a modest 5 per cent. Will that be sufficient to bring the deficit down to 4.6 per cent? Unlikely. Unless the ratio of tax revenues to GDP goes up by half a per cent – which will take a big boom – it is doubtful if the fiscal deficit will go below 5 per cent.

Around 35 per cent of total tax revenue comes from the Corporate sector. Lately, the earnings of companies have been shrinking. India’s industrial output was at its slowest in December, just 1.6 per cent up year-on-year. This is not a big surprise, considering that there have been seven interest rate hikes in 12 months, to tackle runaway food inflation. If Mr Mukherjee’s Budget expectations are to come true, India Inc will have to increase industrial output at over 20 per cent. If not, tax buoyancy is unlikely to rise.

But that’s not all. The 2011-12 Budget provides for an increase in expenditure by just 3.3 per cent. In the current year, expenditure increased by nearly 19 per cent. In fact, all projected increases in expenditure in the 2011-12 Budget is Plan expenditure. Non-Plan expenditure is actually expected to go down…!

Subsidies have been cut by Rs20,583 crore. Petroleum subsidies are bound to be lower owing to deregulation of petrol prices, but won’t other subsidies increase? Expenditure on Agriculture, Industry, Power, Education, Health, etc, has been reduced by Rs27,873 crore. It is these highly optimistic increases in tax buoyancy and even more optimistic cuts in expenditure that have enabled Mr Mukherjee to bring down the fiscal deficit to the dream level of 4.6 per cent. If the former does not materialise, the fiscal deficit may go up to 5 per cent. If the latter also follows suit, it could jump to 5.5 per cent. That will put us right back at square one.

M

SEC it up!

ore power to the State Election Commission’ (SEC) move to change the rules and make it compulsory that candidates for municipality and panchayat elections declare their assets as well as the number of criminal cases pending against them. Dr M Modassir should waste no time in moving amendments to the Municipalities Act and the Goa Panchayati Raj Act required for this. With the stakes in these elections rising, it is the need of the hour.

People’s power Allwyn George, Carmona The recent events in Egypt and the present situation in Libya, Bahrain, Yemen and other Arab countries is an eye-opener to all governments that people’s power is supreme.

Governments of these states were functioning in an autocratic manner and democracy was simply not existent. Anyone expressing dissent is put behind bars, without any trial, and in many cases, people disappear without any trace. India should praise the martyrs of these countries who have sacrificed their lives in revolting against oppressive regimes and openly support the revolution in these countries.

100 Years Ago

PRIMEIRO DIARIO NAS COLONIAS PORTUGEZAS

2 March, 1911 Tribunals get recognition

The Supreme Court of Portugal recognised the competence of the ordinary Tribunals to decide over the matters of justice to be meted to the ex-ministers of the erstwhile regime.

Remuneration law

The new law states that no individual will be allowed to receive from the State any remuneration which might be deemed to be above 4000 reis per year.

Temporary suspension

Was temporarily suspended the publication of ‘O Correio de Manha’, a popular Catholic daily from 0 Porto.

However it will make its appearance very soon under the administration of still unknown.

New asteroid viewed

At the Observatory of Mount Wilson of California at the beginning of the current year was seen through a powerful telescope a new asteroid in formation.

OPINION

Goa is extremely rich in innovative minds who are responsible for Goa’s destruction, says Dr JOe D’SOuSA

D

r Raghunath Mashelkar dreams of Goa being the happiest state in the world by 2035. Each and every individual has a right to dream and for Dr Mashelkar, who has realised his dreams positively, surely has the attitude of the “dangerous optimist”, as he himself feels and says so.

While elucidating his personal story of becoming a serious and a successful scientist through sheer hard work, Dr Mashelkar has extrapolated his vision to the Goa of his dreams and has deduced Goa to become the happiest state in the world by 2035. Goa requires missionaries who will make sacrifices, to save Goans from annihilation and destruction. Then, there are others like me, who may have worked equally hard under trying and challenging conditions and have not tasted success stories and fairy tale rise to stardom as Dr Mashelkar did. They realistically do not feel that Goa would become a happy state. Those who listed to Dr Mashelkar and have read this essay and would live till 2035, would see Goa lose most of its verdant hills to unscrupulous mining activities and lopsided tourism.

The dreaming and innovation mantra described

by Dr Mashelkar is an age-old phenomena, nothing novel. From times immemorial, man has progressed from the Stone Age to the present information technology era. Now is the time for emergence of nanotechnology and radiation informatics, to deliver us into the 21st century by pursuing our exploration efforts for other earth like planets in our universe. All men successful in their own field, and with ways of their own, have had their own dream vision and were innovative.

Dr Mashelkar has used his creativity to generate patents, but his patents have not generated wealth and prosperity for India, as in the case of Dhirubhai Ambani. The latter with his innovative mind has done much for the Indian people. This essay is not to undermine or belittle Mashelkar’s contribution, but to challenge his “dangerous optimism”, without field study and experimentation needed of a research scientist. Being an active field worker, and a laboratory person well conversant with the socio-political and the economic development of Goa, I dare declare that by 2035, the ill-effects of unscientific mining will be there for all to see. Water shortages, water purification and harvesting for human use, would be a major challenge requiring efforts on redressal. The river

Tongue in cheek

C

BleAk FuTure beds and seas choked with plastic litter, mining dust and tar balls would make Goans unhappy and the need to extend activities to sustain fisheries through shrimp and fish prawns would be a challenge. Today, the prawn seed farm near Betul is a sick unit, and the closure of the loss making prawn farming nursery is driving the employees into strikes and agitations.

Dr Mashelkar, today, seems to be totally oblivious of the fact, that in Goa, we have several politicians who also have their own style of success stories. Innovative Luizinho Faleiro’s rags to riches story is available in print. Churchill Alemao often declares that from being a waiter/cook on a ship, he was Goa’s Chief Minister. Take the case of Ravi Naik, who once upon a time, served as a bar boy, but he not only controls a real estate empire, but is also in charge of educational institutes.

In golden Goa, we have smugglers, illegal mining magnates, real estate swindlers, money lenders, drug dealers, all holding positions of authority in the Goa government by using their innovative minds. Our police, bureaucrats and politicians are today, a success story of creativity, innovation and the ability to make the impossible possible. Dr Mashelkar do you realise that police inspector Gudlar, whose father is still a motor cycle pilot, whom I still hire to ferry me up the Altinho hill, used his innovative mind to make possible, the drugs seized in police store house

How jail birds become free birds

onvicts and under-trials from all over India, probably have a feeling that the jails in Goa are the best in the country. It is because if they do not find it comfortable to be holed up in a cell, they can easily walk out, probably with a little help. The modus operandi resorted to by inmates may differ from one jailbird to another. Taking a clue from seniors, the juveniles have also started to escape from Apna Ghar at Merces. The numbers of convicts that have escaped from Goan jails only go to show that if given a choice, a most hardened criminal would prefer a transfer to one of the jails in Goa. Prison inmates do have only one thing in mind, viz., an escape. Why? Simply because they probably feel that a life behind bars cannot make them better humans. I am reminded of a poem by Oscar Wilde. “The vilest deeds like poison weeds, Blossom well in prison air: It is only what is good in man, That wastes and withers there.”

Just for the record, in the past seven months about eight jailbirds have escaped from Aguada jail and Sada sub-jail. Well, you cannot blame the cops on duty at these jails. The instinct among prisoners

Governments of these countries must realise that the time has dawned to surrender to the will of the people.

Why Ban Ratol?

Willie Severes, Majorda Churchill Alemao has called on the CM for a ban on the sale of Ratol in the state, citing reasons that this poisonous substance has claimed the lives of many youth last year.

Drugs, a silent killer that it is, has been sold and consumed openly in the state.

Many Goan families have been destroyed by drugs, as it is used rampantly in colleges and schools. Drug lords have been captured, and have escaped, thanks to the Goa police.

However, our government has been lackadaisical in its approach, over this issue.

If Ratol is the cause for suicides, so is kerosene, ceiling fans and nylon ropes. Can Churchill call for a ban on these items too?

Drunk Swimmers: Wrong mix Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco The authorities concerned are making a lot of effort to see that people are educated on the fact that it is dangerous to drive after a drink. The slogan used is “Drinking and Driving – Do Not Mix”. But then it must be said that it is equally dangerous not to venture into the sea for a swim, after a drink. Most of the tourists who died from drowning probably went into the water after being high on drinks. It seems necessary for the government to put up warning boards on our beaches which read “Drinking and Swimming – Do Not Mix”.

The life-guards stationed at beaches should dissuade inebriated tourists from going for a swim. Or, better still, hand them over to the police.

Census fallout Ayres Sequeira, Salvador do Mundo It is presumed that the census of India 2011 isn’t going to be informative. Certain flaws have been pointed out to make it incomplete. But the whole exercise has crippled administrative work, be it at the panchayat level or at the mamlatdar’s office.

No staff is in place, as it has been forced to do field work. Irate citizens visit the re-

to be recycled to drug new drug peddlers and consumers?

Dr Mashelkar, by sitting in New Delhi, it is not easy to draw a dream plan for Goa’s development via the innovation module. If innovations lead to development, we all would be like you Dr Mashelkar. However, Goa today, is extremely rich in innovative minds, which are responsible for Goa’s destruction. This is the sad reality. The temples and churches are robbed in Goa, by innovative individuals, capable of duping the police on duty. The police in Goa use their brains exploit the common man. The police performance in Goa is like the fence eating the crop; aimed at killing those whom they should protect.

What Goa truly needs is the development of value system to inculcate an all inclusive growth.

Corruption today has adversely degenerated our society. What we require today is the realisation of holistic growth and sustainable development, as tools for quality life. Goa has been battered and shattered by innovative pollution.

In today’s Goa, right from a job of a sweeper to an office peon or a clerk, a police constable or an inspector, to be a teacher or a professor or even a scientist, you would have to make payments and use your innovative methods to succeed in the competitive world of bribe giving and taking. As a University professor, and being actively involved in social work, I have a duty to

recommend youth for employment opportunities in industries, as well as in government. During the regime of Mrs Shashikala Kakodkar, many of my recommendations were successful, sans any form of gratification. But in the India of today, let alone a job, a mere license, a work contract, a transfer, a even a national award, is out of political consideration and ridden with sins of omission, commission and full of the flavour of scam.

I have, for about three years from now, stopped attending the annual lecture programmes of both Mashelkar and Kalam, as they are a regular repetition each year on. However, as columns of newspaper dailies faithfully print out the text of their messages, I do glance through and get myself reminded of their famous television serial “Mungerilal Ke Hassein Sapne”.

Both Kalam and Mashelkar, by their tall talk on innovation, have sent me into a dream world hoping that Goa would be the perfect and shining example of prosperity by 2035. But Goans must now realise that it is my humble prediction, as a result of sheer “unrecognised hard work”, through field studies laboratory experimentation and analysis, and sociological understanding of Goa, have been proved right. I have scientifically shown Goan hills destroyed by mining, over the last 25 years. It would also result in water shortages, pollution and destroy Goan agriculture and fisheries. Sustainable development will take a beating.

I have experimentally proved that garbage and sewage over loads have destroyed our springs, polluted our ground water, choked our mangroves, suffocated our rivers, thus degrading the quality of life of Goans by ushering diseases like cancer, water borne diseases and respiratory illnesses.

I boldly assert by 2035, Goa would be the land where survival of the fittest, in terms of exploitation and corruption, would be at its peak and Goans, by and large, would be left high and dry by those whom they elect to represent. I would be lucky to be in the grave, and sadly, many skeletons would be tumbling and trembling to see Goa gone by then. The year 2035 will tell us whether the innovative mantra of Dr Mashelkar and Dr Kalam has really made Goa a shining state.

Unless Goans usher self righteousness, sacrifice and spirituality, Goa and Goans would be doomed by then. Goa requires sacrificing missionary zeal and fervour. I don’t see it for the moment and as I am a realist, I do not see Goa’s future to be shining, as of now.

to taste freedom is very strong and the jailors kept the cops guessing and a bit confused. But then, it must be said that for many prisoners, a visit to the hospital could well turn out to be the most important leg of their road to freedom. Therefore, falling sick could be a blessing in disguise, as it could be the passport to freedom. Well, if they are in the pink of health, they can always feign sickness. It is understood that two criminals escaped from the Central jail at Aguada by spilling chilly powder into the eyes of the jail guards.

I never knew that the inmates are allowed to cook in the cell. If not, how did the criminals manage to get their hands on chilly powder? Now, don’t tell me that the food served to the inmates is so sweet, that they (the inmates) are left with no other option other than to store chilly powder. It will not be a surprise, if the next time some inmates throw pepper powder onto the jail guards and escape, while these guards sneeze non-stop. Well, well, it must be said that the jailbirds come out with innovative ideas to escape.

Exemption at 80 – Unbelievable, yet true

Nelson Lopes, Chinchinim

Perhaps the Finance Minister is taking great care of himself and those of the septuagenarians, octogenarian politicians and others mostly in government. These include the captains of industry, and bureaucrats, who have no retirement age and enjoy all the free medical facilities in India and abroad. Ordinary Indian citizens cannot expect to live up to that age. It is a tailor made scheme, deliberatively to benefit an exclusive class of individuals, who have enough resources to care of themselves and their kin outside the purview of tax consideration.

This is how those ruling kingly class feather their own nests, thus giving it a social dimension It would have meant something, if this limit was reduced to 70 years and above, which would have been meaningful and benefited a larger and more representative population. Senior citizens age must be uniform all over India.

Railways have now reduced it to 58 years, government employees now stands at 60 years, while airlines maintain 65 years. It is reasonable to fix this age with respect to average age of retirement and has to be uniform for all purposes and avoid the confusion of different numbers. How many of those survive the age of 80 or more? Your guess is as good as mine.

Black bovine nightmare Michael Vaz, Merces The problems encountered by the commuters in manoeuvring the stray cattle on our dangerous roads has been pinpointed endlessly. The authorities, however, seem to be least bothered about this hazard.

The fatal accident on the road at Naibag in Pernem, which claimed the life of a middle-aged person when his vehicle dashed against cattle squatted on the road, is yet another grim reminder of the sordid state of affairs dominating our roads. Needless to say, that after sunset it becomes difficult to spot the cattle on the roads particularly

A well known service-provider uses the catch-phrase “An idea can change your life.” For the jail-inmates, an idea can mean freedom. Jailbirds can really be imaginative. From house breaking to committing thefts and making holes in the wall to escape from prison, these criminals have come a long way. Not long ago, three inmates escaped from the Sada sub-jail by making a hole in the wall of the toilet, and walking along the railway tracks to freedom. It was definitely not a rat-hole. One can only imagine how big a hole should be for a fully grown adult male to pass through. If a prisoner is travelling in a police vehicle on the way to the jail, the easiest mode of escape would be to jump out through the window and go pillion-riding on a waiting two-wheeler. And I always thought that these vehicles transporting criminals and under-trials have iron grills for their windows.

An escape from jail would not be possible, if not for a little help from ‘friends’. So why should anyone object if ‘friends’ go out for a treat of ice-cream in the middle of the night?

Letters to the Editor

Letter of the Day

spective offices only to return home frustrated with no work done. The government staff too complains of extra work and express helplessness to deliver services.

The government has enough funds to waste on unwanted entertainment, celebrations and hi-fi projects forced on the people. The same must be utilised to employ temporary staff when needed for purposes of enumeration, election process, etc.

By Adelmo Fernandes

if the illumination on the roads is poor.

Vote, and the M-factor Irineu Gonsalves, Verna The GPCC president Subhash Shirodkar has confirmed Aleixo Sequeira’s ticket for the Nuvem constituency. In Aleixo’s case, the degree of success will depend on the Mfactor.

At a function in in Nuvem, I was quite amused to know that Aleixo and Mickky Pacheco pitched in with a sum of money.

Let them spend as much as they desire.

But we the voters have to recognise that the right to vote gives one the privilege and power akin to that of a king.

One should be proud of one’s identity as a voter and ensure that it is preserved rather than sold for a price.

We are with you, Churchill Marcos Alemao, by email My heartiest congratulations to Churchill Alemao, Hon PWD Minister and MLA of Navelim constituency for the construction

of one of the three bridges. He lived to his promise thereby making the dreams of the people of Varca and Telaulim come true.

Mr Churchill Alemao’s actions has greatly benefited the people of his constituency which even his predecessor couldn’t achieve. It is hoped that the two other remaining bridges will be completed before the next Assembly election to be held in 2012.Thank you Chuirchill Alemao, carry on with the good work.. We, the people, are with you.

Addendum to GRA demands Jose Maria Miranda, Margao There is nothing strange about Portuguese passport holders’ names being deleted from the electoral list in Goa, since it is only Indian citizens who are entitled to vote. But one would expect the same zeal that is being seen here to be witnessed also in case of migrants who are enrolled both here as well as in their original place of residence.

Far from this being done, politicians are known to be directing the Mamlatdars to enroll migrants. Mamlatdars are known to oblige for fear of delay in promotions. Will the Mamlatdar of Salcete, tell us that the new entrants in the voters’ list, who are not originally from Goa, are being scrutinised and that they are no longer voters elsewhere?

Will the Electoral Officer do likewise? This is another demand that the Goenchea Rakhondarancho Avaz needs to make at the rally on 15th March.

Goan v/s outsider Jerry Fernandes, Saligao This is with regards to the letter ‘The real outsider, yaar!’ by Srikantha Rao (Herald, 21 Feb). Well, if people from Punjab, Haryana, Maharashtra and Karnataka had really sacrificed and laid their lives (as being claimed by Srikantha Rao) during 50s and 60s, then why did the Indian army liberate Goa? Goans have definitely settled in some Indian states from 1510 to 1600, but have we ever seen them fighting for extra privileges, grabbing huge lands through manipulations or bossing the people of other states like all these non-Goan settlers in Goa. Long live secular Goa.

Paths of Wisdom Mere adulation is poor adoration Akbar as we all know, is one of the greatest Moghal Emperors. He was a lover of mankind and respected the great and pious souls of all religions.

He desired to welcome Guru Nanak and honour him in his court. So he sent word to him through his minister, paying his respects and requesting him to grace his court. Guru Nanak replied to the minister: “I shall only respond to the call of God, the Emperor of Emperors and shall enter only His court.”

The minister conveyed this message to the Emperor. Akbar’s respect for Guru Nanak increased and so he sent word again to meet him at the mosque at least. Nanak consented. Both Akbar and Nanak were welcomed by the mullah with due honour. According to the custom, the mullah should say the prayers first. So he sat on his knees and prayed loudly. Nanak laughed loudly. All the muslims in the temple got angry but dared not say anything because of the Emperor’s presence.

Then Akbar sat on his knees and prayed.

Nanak at once laughed even more loudly. The atmosphere in the mosque was becoming tense. The faces of the devotees became red and their lips twitched to pounce upon Nanak. Akbar controlled them by way of silent gesture.

Guru Nanak replied: “Oh king, how could I withhold my laughter when I could see clearly that neither the mullah nor your majesty where thinking of God while praying. The mullah was thinking of his ailing son and you were thinking of the pair of beautiful Arabian horses that were gifted to you. Is it worthy of either the mullah or your majesty to call that prayer? Is it not hypocrisy?

The mullah and emperor sought pardon from Nanak and thanked him for opening their eyes to their own weakness.

(Source : Oka Chinna Katha)

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

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

pg7a:Layout 1 3/1/2011 11:01 PM Page 1

OHERALDO

Pg 7 GOA, WEDNESDAY• 2 MARCH 2011

Rail roko halts Telangana train services PTI HYDERABAD, MARCH 1

Train services across Telangana region were paralysed today as TRS, TDP, BJP workers along with other Telangana supporters began a dawn-to-dusk 'rail roko' agitation in support of the separate statehood demand.

Scores of activists of various political parties blocked the trains at several places in various Telangana districts of Nalgonda, Warangal, Mahabubnagar and also Hyderabad as per the 'Palle Palle Pattala Paiki' (villages on railway tracks) agitation called by the Telangana political joint action committee (JAC).

Telugu Desam leaders from Telangana region resorted to ‘rail roko’ at the Secunderabad Railway Station here, the headquarters of South Central Railway, since 6 am and were taken into custody by the security personnel.

“Our intention is not to inconvenience the people. This is

Pro-Telangana supporters shout slogans as they block the way of a passenger train during a protest at a railway station on the outskirts of Hyderabad.. Hundreds of suppor ters on Tuesday protested demanding a separate Telangana state carved out of the southernn State of Andhra Pradesh, supporters said.

to send a message across to the Centre that it should form separate Telangana,” senior TDP trict.

The TDP, she alleged, has not made sincere efforts to achieve separate Telangana.

TRS chief's son and party MLA K T Rama Rao took part in the agitation at Moula-Ali Railway Station in the city.

JAC Convener M Kodandaram participated in the rail blockade at Ghatkesar.

557 Indians evacuated from strife-torn Libya PTI

NEW DELHI, MARCH 1

A total of 557 Indians returned home in two batches by air from strife-torn Libya in the wee hours today taking to 1,083 the total number of people evacuated so far by the four Air India special flights.

The fourth Air India flight( AI170) landed at Terminal 2 of Indira Gandhi International Airport(IGIA) here at around 4:30 am, bringing 331 passengers, an airport official said. The plane took off from Tripoli airport at around 8:30 pm IST. The third special flight with 226 Indians on board arrived in the capital a little earlier at around 1:30 am from the north African nation, Minister for Civil Aviation Vayalar Ravi said.

Ravi, also the Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs, received the passengers of the third special flight, an Airbus 330, at Terminal 2 of the IGI Airport.

The AI-800 was originally a Jeddah-Mumbai flight, but it was

converted into a special ferry aircraft and diverted to Tripoli to evacuate Indians who are stranded in Libya, which is rocked by massive anti-government protests that has left around 1,000 persons dead.

Three more planes -- two Boeing 747-400 and Airbus 330 -- left this morning for Tripoli to airlift Indians who are still there.

Ravi said 1,100 people have been evacuated from Benghazi and ferried by a ship to Alexandria in Egypt.

“Out of 18,000 Indians, 10,000 are stranded in Tripoli,” he said.

One of the passengers of the fourth flight Dinesh Kumar Sahni, working in Libya with a construction firm for two years, said “Situation in Libya is not good. The condition in Tripoli during day is normal, but it is not safe to venture out in night.”

But for Dinesh Diwedi, who is living in Libya for 27 years and presently working with the country's National Oil Corpora-

tion, “life is normal”. He claimed that “no Indian was harmed”, but feared “situation may get worse.”

The first two special Air India planes had brought back 526 Indians.

While the first flight evacuated 291 Indians from Libya and brought them back here on Saturday night, another Air India plane carrying over 235 people landed in the wee hours of Sunday.

Ravi praised the efforts of Indian embassy officials in Libya for helping Indians in getting out of the country and said his ministries are working in co-ordination with other ministries for evacuating Indians from Libya.

“We are committed to bring back all the Indians stranded in Libya,” he added.

With government intensifying the evacuation drive, nearly a third of 18,000 Indians in Libya would have been evacuated through air and sea by tomorrow.

In a bid to mount pressure on the Centre for formation of separate Telangana, the JAC has called for the rail blockade agitation across the region today.

CPI workers are also taking part in the protest.

Police stop Geelani from leaving Delhi PTI NEW DELHI, MARCH 1

Kashmiri separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, facing probe in a hawala case, was today stopped by Delhi Police from going to Srinagar after he tried to leave the city despite a notice by police against him.

The Delhi Police had served the notice to Geelani asking him not to leave the capital but he allegedly proceeded this morning for the airport to catch a flight to Srinagar.

Geelani, who had been given the notice last month, was served a fresh notice last night.

On the way, he was stopped by the police and was takenor questioning, official sources said.

“He has been called in to join investigations related to a hawala case. Our investigating officials questioned him over the matter,” P N Aggarwal, Special Commissioner of Police (Special Cell said. The recentlyunearthed hawala trail in the Kashmir Valley has put the spotlight on some senior leaders of the Hurriyat conference.

SC stays order in Rizwanur murder case PTI NEW DELHI, MARCH 1

The Supreme Court today set aside a Calcutta High Court order for registration of murder case against prominent industrialist Ashok Kumar Todi and some police officers in the mysterious death of computer graphics teacher Rizwanur Rahman.

However, the court upheld the earlier orders of the High Court for a probe against the accused by the CBI under section 306 IPC (abetment of suicide).

The court also permitted the CBI to proceed against the accused police officers and the other accused in accordance with law.

A bench of Justices P Sathasivam and B S Chauhan termed as “unacceptable” the division bench order of May 18, 2010 for registration of cases under

302 (murder) and 120-B(criminal conspiracy) IPC against the accused.

The apex court passed the judgement on the cross appeals filed by the CBI and the Todis challenging the direction of the High Court for registration of murder cases against them despite the agency earlier registering cases under section 306 IPC and other relevant sections.

Rizwanur was found dead near railway tracks in Dumdum area of Kolkata on September 21, 2007, just a month after his marriage to Ashok Todi's daughter Priyanka on August 18, 2007.

Ashok Todi, owner of the Rs 200-crore Lux Cozi hosiery brand, his brother Pradip and brother in-law Anil Sarogi are accused in the case along with senior IPS officers then serving in the Kolkata Police.

The High Court had asked the CBI to probe the matter after

n A division bench of the High Court had ordered fresh investigation after setting aside the CBI investigation earlier ordered by a single bench and directed the agency to complete the probe within four months. registering a case of murder in connection with the incident.

A division bench of the High Court had ordered fresh investigation after setting aside the CBI investigation earlier ordered by a single bench and directed the agency to complete the probe within four months.

Challenging the High Court

order, Solicitor General Gopal Subramanium, appearing for CBI, had submitted that a fresh probe was not required in the case as the agency had earlier conducted the detailed probe and arrived at the conclusion that an offence was made out for abetement of suicide against Ashok Todi and his relatives.

Todi pleaded he was ready to face the trial on the basis of findings of CBI and there was no need to conduct a fresh investigation in the three-and-halfyear-old murder case.

The GRP (Government Railway Police) was first entrusted with the investigations, following which the State government ordered a CID probe.

After this, the State instituted a judicial probe by a retired high court judge, which was withdrawn after the CBI probe was ordered by the Calcutta High Court on October 16, 2007.

OBCs now more than caste champs HERALD CORRESPONDENT NEW DELHI. MARCH 1

In an image changeover, the backward (OBC) leaders on Tuesday demonstrated in the Lok Sabha that they were just not the caste champions as they sought the caste census slated from June to go much beyond to record disparities in the entire society, covering even the forward castes, Muslims and Christians.

They held up the house with two adjournment and ultimately won the battle when house leader Pranab Mukherjee and Home Minister P Chidambaram spoke to expand scope of the proposed census, inviting them to provide the ingredients to be covered.

“We will look into them,” Mukherjee said while Chidambaram said the government was “open to suggestions” on how to go ahead and that “all suggestions will be carefully considered and appropriate decision (will be) taken.”

The issue was brought into focus a day after Mukherjee referred to the 15th Census completed on Monday in his budget

speech and went on to declare to canvas "caste" as a separate time-bound exercise from June to September "in response to the overwhelming demand for enumeration of castes."

The question hour was washed out on this and other issues but the adjournments helped the government and the OBC leaders come to a consensus, reflected in a half-hour impromptu discussion at noon during the 'Zero Hour.'

Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, Rashtriya Janata Dal supremo Lalu Prasad and Janata Dal(U) president Sharad Yadav asserted that they did not press for a separate census not to just count Yadavs and other OBCs but a broad-based count that shows economic, so-

cial, educational and political status of each and every community to enable the planners address the anomalies of disparities.

They said such a count will bring out even the backwardness in some respects among those who otherwise come from the high castes.

The census may even cover the land ownership status and many other aspects that are not reflected in the regular census conducted every decade, they stressed. Lalu Prasad pointed out that the exercise will also identify the "creamy layer" to deny it the government largesses.

As Mulayam pointed out, there are poor even among the forward classes and Muslims and a census covering everybody and not just the OBCs and a census covering all people of the country alone will give a correct picture of the Indian society. Sharad Yadav said the very purpose of their demand for a separate census will be defeated if it were limited to give figures of the OBCs. BJP backward leader Gopinath

Munde, deputy leader of party, too pointed out that there are backwards in all communities, including the upper castes, and hence better to find out the status of people from every possible angle.

Those who joined the chorus for the census to cover everybody and not just OBCs included former prime minister H D Deve Gowda (janata Dal-Secular), T R Baalu (DMK), M Thambidurai (AIADMK), Basudeb Achariya (CPM), Sudipto Bandopadhyay (Trinamul Congress), Sanjiv Nayak (NCP), Rama Nageshwar Rao (TDP) and B Mehtab (Biju Janata Dal).

There was a bit of noise even after Chidambaram assured to carefully consider all suggestions and that the government has got sense of the House.

It, however, died down after Mukherjee intervened to point out that he had spoken to the Yadav trio during the adjournment and he gives a word on floor of the House that he had sought all possible ingredients of the census they want and "we will look into them."

The JAC convener has appealed to the workers of all parties and all the residents of villages living along the railway tracks to squat on the tracks from 6 am to 6 pm.

“They will cook and eat on the tracks itself. Instead ofliving in their respective homes, the villagers would live on the tracks for a day,” he told reporters yesterday.

To avoid any kind of trouble, the South Central Railways has cancelled over 23 Express trains, partially cancelled several trains and regulated others in the region today.

The State police and the RPF have made elaborate security arrangements to face the situation caused by the rail blockades.

State DGP K Aravinda Rao warned that action would be taken as per the Railway Act for holding up rail traffic and other relevant laws for any violation of the law.

US nod for consulate in Atlanta PTI WASHINGTON, MARCH 1

US State Department has informed the Indian Embassy here that it has no objection to the establishment of Indian Consulate in Atlanta, a development welcomed by the Georgia State government.

“This is excellent news and represents the culmination of several years of hard work by the State of Georgia, the City of Atlanta, the Metro Atlanta Chamber and many others," said Georgia Governor Nathan Deal.

The announcement in this regard was made in October 2008 following a meeting between the then US President George W Bush and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Following the meeting the then Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon had announced that two new consulates would be opened in the US – Atlanta and Seattle.

The fate of the second consulate is not known yet.

63 persons under scanner in 2G scam PTI NEW DELHI, MARCH 1

Sixty-three persons, including promoters and CEOs of 10 telecom firms have come under its scanner in the 2G spectrum case, the CBI today told the Supreme Court which expressed satisfaction over the ongoing probe.

The central government, which is also party to the case, informed a bench of justices G S Singhvi and A K Ganguly that it is in favour of setting up a Special Court to try the accused in the 2G case and the law minister has written a letter to the Delhi High Court chief justice asking him to constitute a court and identify a judge for this purpose.

“The matter is under consideration,” Additional Solicitor General Indira Jaisingh told the bench, which wanted to know about the progress of investigation into the case.

Senior Advocate K K Venugopal, representing the CBI, apprised the bench about the progress by the CBI and placed the probe status report in a sealed cover. “?63 persons including promoters and CEOs of 10 compa-

nies have come under the scanner of the CBI in its probe into the 2G spectrum scam,” Venugopal said.

The bench asked the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate to place before it their reports about the investigation by March 10 and posted the matter for further hearing on March 15.

Senior advocate Harish Salve, appearing for Tata group of companies, meanwhile, pleaded for in-camera proceedings.

Earlier on February 10, while hearing a plea by Centre for Public Interest Litigation for probe into the 2G case, the Supreme Court had asked the CBI to widen its probe ambit and include into it high flying corporate honchos without getting influenced by their status.

While giving the CBI a free hand to probe the case, the court had also asked the government to set up a special court to exclusively try the spectrum scam case accused.

“We have a large number of persons who think themselves to be the law. Law must catch them. It should be done with greater expedition, the bench had remarked.

Rahul suffers leg fracture Rahul Gandhi has suffered a fracture in his right leg that kept him away from attending the presentation of 2011-12 Union Budget in Lok Sabha yesterday.

Gandhi will take some time to recover from the injury and he has been advised complete rest, sources said today.

The AICC general secretary's absence from the lower house yesterday was noticed by many as he is known to diligently attend all important events.

APPOINTMENTS

Rahul had attended parliament on Friday during the Railway Budget presentation even after hurting his leg but was seen having some trouble while moving.

Later, he underwent an X-ray which showed he had a fracture in his right leg, sources said.

He is reported to have hurt himself during an exercise session a few days ago. (PTI)

APPOINTMENTS

INDIA

HP aware of clean chit to Karmapa

Himachal Pradesh government today said it has not received any information from the Centre regarding any 'clean chit' given to Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorji in connection with the recovery of foreign currency.“We have not received any official intimation from the Union government," Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal said while replying to a question during Question Hour. (PTI)

APPOINTMENTS

Pg 10 GOA,WEDNESDAY, 2 MARCH, 2011

NEWS

Record 241 candidates for Nobel Peace Prize AFP OSLO, MARCH 1

A record 241 candidates have been nominated for this year’s Nobel Peace Prize, the Nobel Institute in Oslo said Tuesday, with WikiLeaks and people linked to revolutions in the Arab world known to be in the running.

“It increases almost every year,” Nobel Institute director Geir Lundestad told AFP, pointing out that in 2010, the recordbreaking number had been 237 candidates.

The names of nominees are kept secret by the institute for 50 years, but the Nobel Institute revealed that the list this year is made up of 53 organisations and 188 individuals.

Without disclosing the name of the candidates, Lundestad acknowledged that the 2011 list of nominees was influenced by the popular uprisings in the Arab world.

“We have received several proposals that reflect the situation we are seeing,” especially in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya, he said.

Those who are entitled to nominate are allowed to reveal the name of the person or organisation they have proposed, if they wish to do so, and it is already known that WikiLeaks are on this year’s list.

Thousands of people are eligible to submit nominations, including members of parliaments and governments worldwide, university professors, previous laureates and members of several international institutes, who had until February 1 to propose candidates.

Gunmen leave 15 girl students wounded AFP PESHAWAR, MARCH 1

Gunmen on motorbikes wounded 15 girls when they opened fire with pistols and lobbed grenades at a college party in northwest Pakistan on Tuesday, police said.

Some of the victims were in a critical condition after the attack on the state-run girls-only institution in the town of Mardan, 40 kilometres (25 miles) northeast of the regional capital Peshawar. All the girls were aged 18 to 20, police said.

“Gunmen hurled two grenades and then opened fire with pistols. Fifteen girl students have been injured, some of them were in critical condition,” Khalid Nasim, a senior police officer in the town, told AFP. An intelligence official in Peshawar said the attackers fled the scene afterwards.

There was no claim for the attack, but Islamists opposed to co-education and advocating sharia law have destroyed hundreds of schools, mostly for girls, in northwest Pakistan in recent years.

OHERALDO

Pg 11

WORLD From Page 1 Death for 11, lifer for 20

conspiracy behind the train burning incident in which 59 ‘karsevaks’ returning from Ayodhya were killed in February 2002 and acquitted 63 other accused in the case.

All the 31 men were convicted under various IPC sections like 302 (murder), 307 (attempt to murder) and 120B (criminal conspiracy).

Besides, they were also convicted under IPC sections 147, 148 (rioting with deadly weapons), 149 (unlawful assembly) 323, 324, 325, 326 (causing hurt), 153A (promoting enmity between different groups on religious grounds), various provisions of the Indian Railways Act, Prevention of Damages to Public Property Act and Bombay Police Act. Those awarded capital punishment are Bilal Ismail Abdul Majid Sujela alias Bilal Haji, Abdul Razak Mohammad Kurkur, Ramjani Binyamin Behra, Hasan Ahmed Charkha alias Lalu, Jabir Binyamin Behra, Mehboob Khalid Chanda, Salim alias Salman Yusuf Sattar Zarda, Siraj Mohammad Abdul Meda alias Bala, Irfan Abdul Majid Ganchi Kalandar, Irfan Mohammad Hanif abdul Gani Pataliya and Mehbub Ahmed Yusuf Hasan alias Latiko.

GOA, WEDNESDAY, 2 MARCH, 2011

Gaddafi’s attempt to break Tripoli siege repelled

Five states go to polls

over 5.60 crore electors followed by Tamil Nadu 4.59 crore.

Kerala has 2.29 crore electors, Assam 1.81 crore and Puducherry merely over eight lakh.

Polling will be held through Electronic Voting Machines (EVMS).

A highlight this time is that Overseas Indians could exercise their franchise in person and instructions have been issued to facilitate their voting.

Software firm blames govt

replaced by untrained coordinator, who could not handle the crisis.

Nadkarni said that Electricity Department did not work out succession plan well.

He stated that in August 2010, ITG offered service contract to NE with the conditions like support after office hours, Sundays and others at normal rates knowing well that Goa government rules stipulate that additional amount needs to be paid to staff to work on holidays.

“We requested ITG to change the contract, which they refused.

We fail to understand unreasonable stand taken by them,” the vice president added.

Nadkarni said that the complaints of the excess billings are actually the accumulations of the dues that have been pending over the years from the consumers.

He commented that the Electricity Department had not noticed these pilferages over the years resulting in the revenue lose. “All these loses were tapped by the software,” he said.

The NE senior official said that the software was prepared considering various gazettes and rules of the Electricity Department.

Nadkarni said that they are ready to sign another support contract, which may be for the short term, so that the staff can be trained properly.

Pollution board orders...

They claimed that GSPCB had kept on hold, the mine owner’s plea to renew the licence to extract the ore.

The board had informed the mine owner that `his submission would be processed only on satisfactory compliance of the various directions given by them.’

As the residents refused to move from Panjim streets and insisted that they will not budge till Mines Department gives them a written assurance to close the controversial mining site, the GSPCB authorities held last minute discussions.

After much of the reluctance, the board at 9:30 pm faxed the order to the Mines Department where the delegation of 15 protestors was sitting in the director’s office since afternoon.

The GSPCB directives came under section 31 (A) of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and under section 33 (A) of the water (prevention and control of pollution) act, 1974.

Director of Mines Arvind Lolienkar has passed the order that by Wednesday 5 pm all the machinery will be removed from the site.

He sought two days time with the protestors to move the file for the necessary procedures to cancel the mining lease.

After the assurance and issuance of order the protestors left the office of Mines and Geology Department where they laid siege for several hours.

ED confiscates 2 plots

appear that she was involved in any business, profession or employment before purchase of property…”, an extract from the order copy reads.

After several hearings, the ED in November 2010 ordered to confiscate her properties and asked to deposit the amount to the Mumbai ED within a period of 45 days.

In her defense, Carol, a retired teacher said that she had made payments towards these properties and ‘was interested in voluntary work with local dogs.’

She claimed that she arrived in Goa in 1998 along with her husband and that after his death in 1999, she stayed alone and constructed a house on the purchased plot.

With this seizure, the ED has confiscated a total of six properties in Goa which includes three properties of Russian firm True Axis Resort Pvt Ltd and a property belonging to Swiss national August Thommen.

Plagiarism of PhD thesis

formation Services Infrastructure for scholarly content’ (N-LIST) is also proving beneficial to several thousand colleges.

Arora said that the project can benefit 6,000 colleges but till now 1150 colleges are connected and they are having access to 51,000 electronic books and 2,100 Journals.

In a similar initiative, the journal ‘Chemical Abstracts’ which was published since the year 1900 will be available to the college libraries through innovative programme Sci Finder Scholar.

A vandalised billboard of Libyan leader Mummar Gaddafi still stands outside the airport of the eastern city of Benghazi.

PTI CAIRO, MARCH 1

Wary of US and NATO buildup off the Libyan shores, Mummar Gaddafi today attempted to break the encirclement of his capital Tripoli using tanks and anti-aircraft artillery but his army was repelled in six hours of intense fighting by the opposition forces.

Throwing in his ultra loyal elite Khamis brigade and mercenary militiamen, Gaddafi attempted to

Iraq violence toll drops by quarter AFP BAGHDAD, MARCH 1

The number of Iraqis killed in violence in February fell by a quarter compared to the previous month, figures released on Tuesday showed.

A total of 197 people — 119 civilians, 45 policemen and 33 soldiers — died as a result of attacks last month, according to data compiled by the ministries of health, interior and defence.

Tuesday’s figure was 24 percent down on the toll for January, when 259 people were killed, the most in four months.

A further 330 people were wounded in February, including 200 civilians, 65 policemen and 60 soldiers. The data also showed that 36 insurgents were killed and 250 arrested.

Last month saw several violent bomb attacks, with the deadliest occurring when a suicide bomber detonated explosives inside a bus filled with Shiite pilgrims near the Iraqi city of Samarra, north of Baghdad on February 12, killing 33 people and leaving 28 others wounded.

Five days later, a car bomb killed 13 people in the town of Muqdadiyah, in restive Diyala province, the worst in a string of attacks in which 16 died. And on February 24, a suicide bomber killed 11 people who were commemorating the birth of the Muslim Prophet Mohammed in the western city of Ramadi.

retake the towns closest to the capital, launching a six-pronged attack with the support of jet fighters, al Jazeera reported.

But the rebels buoyed by defections from the Libyan army used tanks, mortars and machine guns to push back the attack on al-Zawiya town, 50 kms west of Tripoli.

There was no word on casualties, the Arab channel reported. Reports also said that Gaddafi’s air force jets bombed

ammunition depots in the eastern part of the country which has totally switched sides to his opposition.

“We repulsed the attack. We damaged tanks and the mercenaries and the army troops fled after that,” al Jazeera reported quoting local fighters.

Gaddafi even called the city’s influential tribal leader Mohammad al-Maktouf and said that if the rebels did not quit the city, they would be hit by fighter jets.

The opposition forces now labelling themselves as the ‘New Libyan Army’ is growing in strength by the day because of defections of tens of thousands men from Gaddafi’s forces.

But the opposition commanders said it was impossible to say how many of Libya’s 76,000 personnel strong army has defected.

They said they have now access to large stores of weapons from looted military stockpiles or smuggled across the border.

The channel said the rebel soldiers had become much more organised and had set up a unified military council in the East.

“Small groups of rebel soldiers have volunteered to infiltrate into Tripoli to cause havoc and bolster pro-democracy groups,” the channel said.

Speaking in the House of Commons, the British Prime Minister said “a no-fly zone” can be imposed anytime and his troops could be involved in peacekeeping in the strife-torn nation.

Cameron told the House that Britain and his allies were considering using fighter jets to impose a ‘no-fly zone’ over Libya to patrol and shoot down Libyan aircrafts ordered to attack protesters.

The British media said the warning came amid growing concerns that the crumbling regime could use chemical weapons against its own people.

German defence minister in plagiarism row quits

German Defence Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg (CSU) gives a statement to announce his resignation on Tuesday at his ministry in Berlin.

PTI BERLIN, MARCH 1

Germany’s star defence minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg quit the cabinet today, a week after a plagiarism scandal led to his doctoral degree being snatched away.

Guttenberg’s resignation is being seen as a major blow to the

Angela Merkel led government as he was considered as the most popular minister in her cabinet and even a potential successor to her.

“I informed the chancellor in a very friendly conversation that I’m resigning from political offices and requested to be re-

lieved,” the 39-year-old popular figure who also served as the economy minister before being given the defence portfolio told reporters here.

He said the decision to resign was the “most painful” step of his life.

“I was always ready to fight.

But I have reached the limits of my strength,” he said.

He profusely thanked the Chancellor for her support and for showing trust and understanding in him.

Guttenberg was stripped of his doctorate degree by the University of Bayreuth last week even as he admitted the mistake and apologised “from the bottom of my heart” to the parliament for errors he blamed on a busy workload.

He, however, had insisted that he had not deliberately deceived anyone after it emerged that he copied “numerous” passages in his dissertation.

“Plagiarism assumes that one has consciously and deliberately cheated. And I have said in all my statements that I neither consciously nor deliberately cheated, but that I did make grave mistakes.

“It was obviously a very faulty doctoral dissertation. I was so rash as to believe that I could combine my political enthusiasms and work with academic and intellectual challenges while raising a young family. Obviously it was overloading,” Guttenberg told German Parliament after the plagiarism row hit him.

Royal wedding sick bags making a splash AFP NEWCASTLE, MARCH 1

If the British royal wedding is too much to stomach and you’re fed up of Wills and Kate being rammed down your throat, then a souvenir sick bag could be just to your taste.

Graphic artist Lydia Leith has produced the special item to help those who risk being nauseated by all the pomp and ceremony when second-in-line to the throne Prince William marries Kate Middleton at Westminster Abbey on April 29.

In the splendidly British colours of postbox red or royal blue, the screen-printed bags bear a picture of the happy couple, topped off with a crown and the words “Throne up”.

Beneath the outline image, the novelty items read “Sick bag” and “Keep this handy on April 29th 2011”.

Leith, who hopes her brainchild will be taken in the lighthearted manner she intended, had the idea of producing a Valentine’s Day sick bag but then turned her attention to the wedding.

What started out with a few bags being sent to graphic design magazines ended up as a popular viral on the Internet —

Artist Lydia Leith poses with examples of her printed 'Royal Wedding Sick Bags,' produced to commemorate the wedding of Britain's Prince William to Kate Middleton, at a printers in Newcastle, north-east England.

and now people around the world have got the bug.

“It’s gone everywhere, it’s crazy,” Leith told AFP. “It started off with America, Canada and New Zealand and now there’s so many different countries. It’s gone worldwide very quickly. It’s spread like wildfire.”

The 24-year-old, based in Newcastle, northeast England, is struggling to cope with the rush of orders.

“I keep getting so many nice emails from people saying thank you for coming up with this idea, it’s just what we need.”

But not everyone gets the joke.

“Some of the comments are saying I should be dragged around the streets of London but most people have understood it’s a joke,” she admitted.

The items, costing three pounds ($4.90, 3.50 euros) each, are genuine air sickness bags, with the added royal twist.

Bahrain-freed opposition activist warns of violence AFP MANAMA, MARCH 1

A leading opposition activist jailed for six months and released last week warned of more bloodshed in the Gulf state ruled by a Sunni dynasty if popular demands for greater democracy were not met.

“My anticipation is that the situation will lead to more bloodshed if they (the regime) continue to turn a blind eye on the protesters in the street,” said Abduljalil Singace, a leader of the hardcore opposition Haq movement and one of 25 Shiites who were granted royal pardon last week.

Protesters in the kingdom, who have been demonstrating against the government since February 14, “will go into activities which will not be welcomed,” he said.

Sporting a T-shirt that read, “Ready to die for Bahrain,” Singace told AFP in an interview at his home late Monday that the AlKhalifa monarchy’s offer for dialogue was “too little, too late,” as anger continues to rise in the streets of the capital Manama.

“I do not call that dialogue...

The game is over,” said Singace, who was detained in August on charges of terrorism and released last week.

Discontent is rising in the Shiite community of Bahrain, a Saudi-allied, majority Shiite archipelago which has been ruled

for two centuries by the Sunni Al-Khalifa dynasty.

Inspired by popular uprisings in Egypt and Tunisia, protesters have since February 14 been staging street protests against what they say are decades of discrimination and oppression.

Embattled King Hamad last week offered a concession to the anti-government camp, granting royal pardon to 308 Shiite activists.

Some of the freed prisoners including Singace, who suffers partial paralysis, have accused Bahraini authorities of torture, saying they used methods that include electrocution, solitary confinement and sleep deprivation.

The government has said it would launch a probe into the allegations. Placing his crutches aside, Singace calmly recounted the details of his torture.

“I was in solitary confinement for 45 days at first, during which time I was deprived of my glasses and my crutches except when I was allowed to visit the toilet,” he said.

“For the first 10 days, I was made to wear a black mask over my eyes and could not tell how much time had passed until later.

“Others were subject to worse, from insulting their confession to sexual humiliation and threatening to rape their wives and daughters,” he said.

N Korea threatens military response to war games AFP SEOUL, MARCH 1

North Korea Tuesday threatened a military response to ongoing US-South Korean military drills, blasting them as preparations for a nuclear war of aggression against it.

Seoul and Washington say the annual war games which began Monday are routine and defensive in nature, but Pyongyang calls them a rehearsal for invasion.

A foreign ministry statement carried by the official news agency said the North had done its best to open dialogue without preconditions. But its army and people were expressing “irrepressible resentment” at the manoeuvres.

“Inevitable is the physical counter-action on the part of the army of the DPRK (North Korea) for self-defence,” it said.

“The hard-won opportunity of dialogue and detente is fading away. The US should be wholly

accountable for all the consequences to be entailed by its military provocations. The DPRK is ready for both dialogue and confrontation.”

The North accused the United States of sparking tensions on the peninsula to set up an alliance with South Korea and Japan and establish military dominance in the region.

The ruling party newspaper Rodong Sinmun said separately the North would react to the “US and the South Korean warmongers’ vicious moves to escalate confrontation and their war racket with a decisive counter-action”.

On Sunday the North’s military had threatened to turn Seoul into a “sea of flames” in the event of any provocation from the exercises.

Biz12:Pg12 3/1/2011 9:23 PM Page 1

TALK BUSINESS

Perfect Solutions appointed distributor for Zicom

OHERALDO

Pg 12 Bosch to invest Rs 39 cr in Goa HERALD BUSINESS DESK pANJIM, MARcH

The Proprietor of Perfect Solutions Gina Chodankar accepting the distributor certificate from Zicom regional head Sanjyot Phadke.

pANJIM (HBD) -- Zicom Electronic Security Systems Ltd, the security and fire equipment division of the Zicom Group launched its exclusive Security Equipment Showroom at 501, Edcon Towers in Panjim, recently.

Zicom recently tied up with the German Group Schneider Electric and Finnish based Assa Abloy Group, the world’s largest lock manufacturer.

Zicom manufacturers security and safety equipment which include CCTV surveillance systems, access control systems, fire alarm systems, fingerprint locks, video door phones, wireless alarm systems and has now moved into integrated technologies and with the tie up with Abloy locks revolutionized the lock making industry in India.

Perfect Solutions has been appointed the sole stockist and distributor for Goa.

Bilsoft IT bags award

Shaikh Bilal, director-Bilsoft, receiving award.

pANJIM (HBD) – All India Achievers Foundation (AIAF) and Indian Economic Development and Research Association (IEDRA) have conferred Bilsoft Information Technology for its outstanding contribution in IT in India. IEDRA plays a significant role in the country's economic and social development.

The award recognizes Bilsoft Information Technology outstanding business performance, its emphasis on value engineering and development of cutting edge technology in its IT training and solutions.

The award was presented at a national seminar and awards function on "National Economic Development and Social Responsibilities" organized by IEDRA & AIAF.

LIC unveils Samridhi Plus pANJIM (HBD) -- LIC has launched a new plan ‘Samridhi Plus’, which is a guaranteed NAV plan on the new ULIP platform. The plan offers insurance protection, safety and growth for investments. It is a unit linked plan that safeguards policyholders’ investment from market fluctuations, so that policy holders get the best of stock market through investing in Samridhi Plus fund. This plan will be available for sale for a limited period.

In this product there is a guarantee of the highest NAV recorded on a daily basis, in the first 100 months of the policy, subject to a minimum of Rs 10/-, or the NAV as applicable on the date of maturity, whichever is higher. The guarantee will be applicable only for units available in the policyholder’s fund at the end of the policy term.

In case of death of the Life Assured within the policy term, when the cover is in full force, the nominee shall get higher of the Sum Assured under the Basic Plan and the Policyholder’s Fund Value. However, if partial withdrawal has been made during the last two years from the date of death, the Sum Assured under the Basic plan shall be reduced to the extent of the amount of partial withdrawals made. Accident benefit Option is also available under this plan. The benefit would be equal to the life cover up to a maximum of Rs 50 lakhs, subject to certain conditions.

Sensex shoots up 623 points ptI MUMBAI, MAR 1

In post-Budget rally, the Sensex shot up 623 points - biggest gain in 21 months - to close well over 18,000 mark, bolstered by strong growth data for auto sales, exports and infrastructure industries, amid firm global cues.

The BSE benchmark Sensex resumed higher at 17,982.28 and remained in the positive terrain throughout, to close at 18,446.50, gain of 623.10 points or 3.50 per cent -- biggest since May 2009.

The NSE index Nifty spurted 189.05 points to 5,522.30.

Buying was so strong that all 13 sectoral indices ended up, gaining 1.71 per cent to 5.64 per cent with auto, banking, realty, capital goods and metal stocks leading the gains.

Bosch Limited, supplier of technology and services in automotive, industrial and consumer goods, said it plans to invest more than Rs 1300 crore over three years and expected its capex to touch Rs 400 crore mark by 2011 end.

The company had invested Rs 302 crore in capex in 2010, a 109 per cent growth over 2009, V K Viswanathan, MD , Bosch Limited told reporters a day after the company's results were announced.

"We plan to invest more than Rs 1,300 crore over the next three years from 2011 to 2013," he said.

Viswanathan said out of the capex for 2010, Bangalore accounted for 65 per cent of the investment, followed by Nasik at 25 per cent, Jaipur at five per cent and Goa and Naganathapura at three and two per cent, respectively.

On the firm's results, he said, "It has been a good solid performance."

"Buoyed by sound and sustained economic growth backed by an even stronger growth in the automotive market, Bosch Limited performed exceptionally well through its innovative technology and market relevant products and solutions across all business values," he said.

The company registered a revenue growth of 39.6 per cent for the year ending De-

Goa firm wins US Biz plan contest SpEcIAL coRRESpoNDENt PANJIM, MARCH 1

cember 2010. It posted net sales of Rs 6630 crore in 2010 with a net profit of Rs 859 crore, a growth of 45.4 per cent over the previous year.

"Exports grew by 44.5 per cent on the back of a smart rebound in demand from exports markets, notably Europe", he said. Power and tools and Security technology division recorded a growth of 28.3 percent and 19.7 per cent respectively.

The packaging technology division grew by 6.2 per cent.

Going forward Bosch, expected its business to grow with the automotive sector in general expected to see a "double digit growth".

In terms of export for Bosch Limited, Europe accounted for 60 per cent,Asia accounted for 30 per cent, Latin America four per cent, US five per cent and Africa one per cent.

In the last 10 years, exports had witnessed a 18 per cent CAGR growth, he said.

Bosch in India had 22,500 employees and added almost 1,000 employees in 2010. He said the labourers 'go slow drive' had impacted its customers briefly, but the situation was brought under control subsequently.

The company, he said, had cash reserves of Rs 3,000 crore.

Globally,Bosch Group which is celebrating 125 years of its existence registered net sales of Euro 47.3 billion in 2010, a 24 per cent increase from the previous year.

Kallows Inc, a US subsidiary of Goa-based IT company Kallows Engineering Pvt Ltd based in Ponda, has won the $7,500 prize in a University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee New Venture Business Plan Competition. Its entry was a device that acts as an electrocardiogram (ECG) monitor and measures the user’s heart rhythms and other activity while they are exercising. The monitor uses smart phones or tablets to capture and track the data.

The company was founded

by Kevin Scott Kreger and Gajanan Satish Nagarsekar, who met in India when Kreger was teaching software design at the Padre Conceicao College of Engineering (PCCE) in Verna.

Nagarsekar and Kreger started the company as a vehicle to teach students and establish local expertise in embedded programming and mobile phone development.

Kallows has provided free educational services and technical presentations for PCCE, Goa University, Rayeshwar Institute of Engineering at Shiroda, and D-Link.

Kallows, Inc. was established in Milwaukee, Wisconin in 2008 as a subsidiary. It has been working on the development of Magnetic Resonance (MRI) systems for GE Healthcare, and also developing peripherals for mobiles phones and media players.

ICERP 2011 opens at Mumbai today HERALD BUSINESS DESK PANJIM, MARCH1

The Indian composites industry has appealed to the government to increase the usage of composites in public and infrastructure projects to protect the environment at large.

Composites find applications in almost all industry sectors and, if the ministry wants, it can bring about the required changes to address the environmental issue at large, said Pradip Thakkar, chairman, FRP Institute while announcing the forthcoming event, ICERP 2011 to be held at Bombay Exhibition Centre, Goregaon, Mumbai from March 2 to 4.

“We as an industry want that the Finance Ministry should exempt composites products from excise duty and capital investments in composites products from Income Tax (100% depreciation),” added Pradip Thakkar.

He added that the Ministry of Commerce should include composites products and raw materials in its focused product scheme for exports, to benefit the industry at large.

Thakkar justified this by adding that the present consumption in India is only 0.25 kg compared to that of USA Aban Offshor, 552, 574, 552, 571.85 Abb Ltd., 665, 689.65, 661.65, 684.45 Abg Shipyard, 347, 363.9, 347, 361.6 Acc Limited, 974.2, 998, 974.2, 982.2 Adani Enterp, 621.4, 624, 614.5, 617.65 Aditya Birla, 755, 797.5, 755, 793.75 Allahabad Ba, 199, 209.9, 199, 208.95 Alstom Proje, 517, 539, 511.5, 536.55 Ambuja Cemen, 120, 122.75, 118.05, 121.75 Andhra Bank, 137, 143.4, 136.8, 142.2 Ashok Leylan, 46.5, 52.65, 46.5, 52.2 Asian Paints, 2424.75, 2547.9, 2410, 2532.8 Axis Bank Li, 1235, 1299, 1233.45, 1288.8 Bajaj Hindus, 68.8, 71.65, 68, 71.3 Bank Of Baro, 879.9, 899, 874, 891.65 Bank Of Indi, 445.1, 465.8, 442.6, 463.1 Beml Limited, 629, 645.5, 620, 642.85 Bharat Elect, 1675, 1700, 1664.45, 1695.5 Bharat Forge, 308, 336.7, 307.5, 333.5 Bharat Petro, 558, 586.95, 558, 584.35 Bharti Airte, 331.1, 338.9, 322.2, 337.6 Bhel, 2018, 2065, 2010, 2058.05 Bhushan Stee, 380.8, 403.95, 380.25,

which is 10 kg. This gives enormous growth opportunities for the existing players as also for the new entrants thereby providing employment in this labour intensive Industry.

Composites materials have excellent characteristics like corrosion resistance, electrical insulation combined with superior strength to weight ratio when compared to conventional materials like wood, metals, etc. These characteristics of composites makes them materials of choice for many demanding applications across Industry sectors like Wind energy, mass transport, infrastructure, automotive, building and construction, chemical, electrical, aerospace, defense, marine etc.

“With the use of composites increasing in various industry the government should set up state-of-art research and development centers for composites across the country for more innovations in order to further increase its usage in the industry,” said Satish Kulkarni, Immediate Past chairman, FRP Institute.

Endorsing this, Dr Subhash Lakkad, Conference chairman, added that the government should include composites

398.75 Biocon Limit, 314, 331.3, 312.05, 329.2 Bombay Dyein, 325.1, 343, 325.1, 340.1 Bosch Limite, 6005, 6130, 5950, 6082.95 Brigade Ente, 96.5, 97.9, 95.6, 97.2 Cairn India, 339, 344.8, 335.6, 343.85 Canara Bank, 619.7, 630, 615, 620.5 Central Bank, 154.95, 163.2, 154.95, 161.15 Century Text, 306, 324, 305, 320.45 Cesc Ltd, 299.6, 311.4, 299.1, 308.4 Chambal Fert, 68, 71, 66.15, 70.65 Chennai Petr, 189.8, 192.9, 186.5, 191.9 Cipla Ltd, 300, 306.4, 300, 305.9 Colgate Palm, 824.3, 825.95, 811.1, 821.2 Container Co, 1132.85, 1156.2, 1108.4, 1147.05 Crompton Gre, 245.5, 251.5, 245.5, 249.95 Cummins Indi, 662, 667, 651.1, 661.85 Dabur India, 100, 101.8, 99.75, 100.75 Deccan Chron, 58.75, 61.2, 57.75, 60.4 Dish Tv Indi, 59, 60.6, 58.3, 59.9 Divi’s Labor, 592.15, 612, 581.75, 606.55 Dlf Limited, 214, 222.9, 213, 222 Dr. reddy’s, 1540.1, 1589.9, 1530.05, 1582.25

BIZ

GOA, WEDNESDAY, 2 MARCH, 2011

subjects in academic curriculum to increase the interest in this sector.

Composites companies are expanding their capacity and capabilities to meet the anticipated demand for composites materials. Improvements in raw materials and quality characteristics of composites products, adoption of mechanized manufacturing processes would increase customer confidence and fuel higher growth rate witnessed in recent years.

The global composites market is likely to grow at nearly 4 per cent over the next five years. The Indian Composites industry could grow at 20 - 22 % over the next five years. Current Indian production of composites is estimated at about 3 lakh tons per annum. Hence the projection for 2015 is approximately 7.5 lakh tons per annum, which would be about 3per cent of global volumes and 1/3 of present volumes in China. Pipes & Tanks, Transportation and Wind Energy are the front runners for growth in India with predicted growth rates in these sectors at 33 %, 26% and 15% respectively.

ICERP 2011 will be an ideal platform for making business contacts with composites raw

Edelweiss Ca, 37.2, 39.25, 36.7, 38.45 Educomp Solu, 473, 480.6, 467.8, 475.3 Eih Limited, 80.15, 81, 78.5, 79.8 Engineers In, 288, 288, 283, 286.45 Essar Oil Lt, 107.5, 110.4, 106.75, 109.9 Essar Shippi, 75.75, 75.75, 72.5, 73.95 Exide Indust, 137.95, 138.4, 134.6, 135.95 Federal Bank, 351.95, 365.95, 351.5, 364.85 Financial Te, 774.2, 789, 754, 784.35 Gail (india), 429, 447, 427.5, 444.95 Gammon India, 115.1, 128.5, 115.1, 126.15 Glaxosmithkl, 2205, 2222, 2190, 2198.05 Glenmark Pha, 261.1, 291.4, 261.1, 287.65 Gmr Infrastr, 41.35, 41.5, 40.3, 41 Godrej Indus, 163.65, 169.4, 162.15, 168.65 Grasim Indus, 2260, 2300, 2260, 2293.5 Great Offsho, 234.85, 245.7, 231, 241.1 Gtl Infra.Lt, 36.35, 37, 35.8, 36.85 Gujarat Mine, 116, 127.65, 116, 122.65 Gujarat N R, 43.35, 44.9, 42.85, 44.3 Gujarat Stat, 90.4, 93.65, 90.4, 93.2

Gvk Pow. & I, 26.65, 26.9, 26, 26.7 Hcl Technolo, 445, 472.8, 436.7, 468.75 Hdfc Bank Lt, 2074.8, 2150, 2059, 2139 Hdfc Ltd, 637.2, 654.85, 635, 650.75 Hero Honda M, 1475.2, 1510, 1470.55, 1491.85 Hindalco in, 203.15, 213.35, 202.8, 212.45 Hindustan Co, 34.8, 35.75, 34.1, 35.3 Hindustan Ma, 60.7, 61.95, 60.3, 61.45 Hindustan Pe, 327.95, 330.5, 322.3, 328.2 Hindustan Un, 283.5, 288.55, 282.7, 287.45 Hindustan Zi, 1274, 1326, 1261.6, 1308.25 Housing Dev, 159, 168.9, 157.1, 166.85 Icici Bank L, 983.9, 1030, 978.3, 1026.2 Idea Cellula, 57.55, 60.3, 56.8, 59.65 Ifci Ltd, 51.2, 52.9, 50.25, 52.55 India Cement, 86.25, 88.4, 86.25, 88 India Infoli, 75.45, 79.45, 73, 79.15 Indiabulls F, 149.7, 150.6, 146.35, 147.85 Indiabulls R, 104, 109.8, 104, 109.1 Indian Bank, 206, 211.6, 205.4, 210.7 Indian Hotel, 78, 82, 78, 81.35

material manufacturers, composites product manufacturers, machinery manufacturers, suppliers, etc. The exhibition will have a mix of International and domestic companies show-casing and demonstrating materials equipments and finished composites..

A special display cum showcase of Composites products is being organized for the first time at ICERP 2011 to provide an overview of different applications and the capabilities of the composites Industry. The show case of Composites products will help visitors form the end user Industry, consultants, Govt agencies, Research institutes, architects, designers looking for new alternate materials for a better understanding of Composites and the numerous applications they can be put in use for. In addition to all this,áprocess demonstrations are also planned by leading companies from India and abroad.

ICERP 2011 is the second largest event on Composites in Asia and the largest in south Asia.

The ICERP event is well recognized by the global composites fraternity as an important international event.

Indian Oil C, 301, 311.65, 301, 310.9 Indian Overs, 134.9, 137.5, 134, 136.85 Indus Dev Ba, 133.05, 137.5, 131.9, 137.15 Indusind Ban, 222.1, 236.35, 222.1, 232.7 Infosys Tech, 3030, 3108, 3008, 3082.4 Infra. dev., 146.7, 154.4, 146.15, 153.5 Ispat Indust, 22.5, 23.2, 22.25, 22.95 Itc Ltd, 170.8, 174, 170.6, 173.6 Ivrcl Infras, 69.9, 76.6, 69.9, 75.25 Jai Corp Lim, 165, 168.75, 163.6, 166.8 Jaiprakash A, 78.25, 83.4, 78, 83 Jet Airways, 415, 448.9, 404, 444.9 Jindal Saw L, 195.3, 204.6, 190.2, 202.4 Jindal Steel, 665.5, 675.5, 660.35, 671.55 Jsw Steel Li, 880, 956.75, 878.95, 944.2 Kotak Mahind, 410.75, 419.8, 407.3, 414.4 Lakshmi Mach, 2097, 2170, 2059.95, 2145.75 Lanco Infrat, 38.8, 39.9, 38, 39.25 Larsen & Tou, 1543.2, 1623, 1540, 1611.25 Lic Housing, 190, 198.5, 189.4, 197.5 Lupin Limite, 381, 396.5, 377.95, 395.8 Mahanagar Te, 40.5, 41.6, 40.25, 41.35 Mahindra & M, 624, 670.9, 619.8, 664.3

Bangalore I-T CPC praised HERALD BUSINES DESK PANJIM, MARCH 1

The centralized processing centre set up in Bangalore to handle Income-Tax returns is a big success. The centre, operated

by Infosys Technologies, increased its daily processing capacity from 20,000 to 1.5 lakh returns in 2010-11, finance minister said in the Budget. It is the same center which handles Goa. He noted this project has won a gold award for e-governance in 2011. He said two more centralized processing centres would become operational in Manesar and Pune by May 2011 and a fourth CPC in Kolkata in 2011-12.

The Bangalore CPC was set up for bulk processing and processses all electronic returns from the entire country and physical returns of Karnataka and Goa regions. At its dedicated call centre, taxpayers can enquire about status of returns and refunds. It also has a remote record storage unit to reduce congestion at I-T offices. The Bangalore centre was approved by the Union cabinet at a total cost of Rs 255 crore over a 5-year period.

Maruti Suzuk, 1209.1, 1312.7, 1206, 1290.75 Max India Lt, 142.4, 143.9, 141, 143 Moser-baer (, 37.8, 40.9, 37.8, 40.7 Mrpl, 57.4, 59.25, 57.05, 58.9 Nagarjuna Co, 100.9, 105.9, 100.9, 105.25 Nagarjuna Fe, 26.85, 27.8, 26.5, 27.7 National Alu, 413.1, 430, 413.1, 428.2 Neyveli Lign, 95.25, 101.9, 95.25, 101 Ntpc Ltd, 172.05, 182, 170.7, 181.35 Oil And Natu, 273, 275.5, 269.2, 274 Omaxe Limite, 137.35, 139.75, 133.8, 138.55 Oriental Ban, 326, 343.4, 325, 339.25 Pantaloon Re, 260, 269, 255, 266.05 Parsvnath De, 30.6, 30.75, 29.8, 30.2 Petronet Lng, 111.45, 117.5, 109.05, 117.1 Power Fin Co, 248.8, 256.8, 248.15, 255.05 Power Grid C, 99.5, 100.1, 98, 99.5 Praj Industr, 64.7, 67.15, 64.7, 66.75 Punj Lloyd L, 59.95, 63.65, 59.9, 63.3 Punjab Natio, 1065, 1106.05, 1055, 1093.85 Rajesh Expor, 127.25, 129, 123.65, 124.4

Kreger has a Juris Doctor degree in Patents and International Business and a masters degree in Electrical Engineering. He holds four patents in MRI. An adjunct professor at the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, he travelled to Goa in 2007 and taught at PCCE, Verna.

Nagarsekar is a graduate from Manipal Insitute of Technology with a masters degree in Biomedical Engineering and worked for GE Healthcare in Bangalore doing research in Genetic Algorithms applied to Image Registration.

He then worked as a lecturer at his alma-mater PCCE, where he helped found Kallows. He recently completed an exchange research scholar position at the University of San Diego, California, working on spiral MRI sequences. His research has been published by the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine, 2009.

The UWM business plan contest was funded by LaMacchia Enterprises, the parent company of Mark Travel and Trisept Solutions.

Canada Tourism eyes Goa HERALD BUSINESS DESK PANJIM, MARCH 1

Having chosen cine star, Akshay Kumar as Canada Tourism’s brand ambassador for India market, Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC), the agency for the marketing and promotion of Canada as a tourism destination, is hopeful of using his image and fan following in the market to increase outbound from India to Canada in the coming years.

A mega B2B road show with participation of 50 suppliers from Canada is being organised

by CTC in Goa this month.

CTC is also going to step up its promotion and marketing activities in India and has earmarked two million dollars for destination promotion in India this year.

BOARD MEETINGS Jyoti Standard chartered Source: Indiainfoline.com

Ranbaxy Labs, 436.25, 454.9, 435.4, 451.8 Rashtriya Ch, 81.1, 81.7, 79.3, 81.25 Reliance Cap, 483, 486.8, 463.7, 480.2 Reliance Com, 87.05, 91.3, 84.25, 90.35 Reliance Ene, 1070, 1090, 1061, 1061 Reliance Ind, 647.2, 658.45, 635.1, 648.8 Reliance Ind, 973.7, 992.7, 967.2, 988.85 Reliance Pow, 111, 114.5, 110.1, 113.4 Rolta India, 143.1, 147, 140, 146.55 Satyam Compu, 62.15, 63.35, 61.6, 63.15 Sesa Goa Ltd, 263.1, 272.35, 256.75, 270.55 Shipping Cor, 99.45, 104.5, 99.4, 103.95 Siemens Ltd, 851, 854.5, 844.25, 850.25 Sintex Indus, 148.95, 154.5, 143.8, 151.7 Sobha Develo, 249.9, 264.9, 249.9, 263.2 State Bank O, 2657, 2718, 2647.45, 2705.35 Steel Author, 153.9, 159.45, 153.35, 158.6 Sterlite Ind, 164.75, 172.5, 164.75, 170.9 Sun Pharmace, 426.3, 450, 426, 446.2 Sun Tv Netwo, 409.35, 416, 404.45, 413.05 Suzlon Energ, 47.2, 50, 46.95, 49.65 Tata Communi, 213.1, 220, 212.6, 218.25

Tata Consult, 1113, 1132, 1097.6, 1124.5 Tata Motors, 1099, 1146, 1097.15, 1141.85 Tata Power C, 1162, 1166.65, 1132.6, 1151.2 Tata Steel L, 611.15, 635.8, 609.2, 634.45 Tata Teleser, 14.95, 15.4, 14.75, 15.3 Tech Mahindr, 650, 679.9, 642.05, 675.95 The Ge Shpg., 254.1, 265, 254.1, 263.8 The Phoenix, 178, 182.15, 176.1, 180.6 Thermax Ltd, 571.1, 608, 571.1, 601.6 Titan Indust, 3350, 3420, 3345.05, 3402.3 Torrent Powe, 232.85, 236, 230.3, 233.8 Triveni Engg, 91.8, 99.85, 90.2, 98.25 Tv18 India L, 70, 75, 70, 73.4 Uco Bank, 98.1, 102, 97.1, 101.65 Ultratech Ce, 925, 965, 925, 955.85 Union Bank O, 315, 325.6, 314.25, 324.85 Unitech Ltd, 34.25, 35.3, 33.85, 35 United Phosp, 137.5, 141.05, 136.7, 140.5 Videocon Ind, 190.1, 192.1, 187.5, 189.4 Vijaya Bank, 77.15, 79.1, 76.2, 78.75 Voltas Ltd, 166, 168.45, 163.8, 165.3 Wipro Ltd, 440, 445, 433, 443.45 Yes Bank Lim, 264.5, 275, 257.4, 272.15

OHERALDO

Biz13:Layout 1 3/1/2011 9:28 PM Page 1

Pg13

BIZ

GOA, WEDNESDAY, 2 MARCH, 2011

Exports up 32%, may touch $225 b PTI NEW DELHI, MAR 1

Driven by a pick-up demand in the US and Latin American markets, India's exports rose by 32.4 per cent year-on-year to USD 20.6 billion in January, in line with projections that overall shipments will touch USD 225 billion this fiscal.

During the April-January period of 2010-11, outbound shipments grew by 29.3 per cent to USD 184.63 billion visà-vis the year-ago period, Commerce Ministry data released today showed.

Apex exporters' body FIEO said the country's exports are increasing in new markets of Latin America and Africa, along with the US and especially within Asia. "The January number is a huge jump. Strategy of going beyond the traditional markets of the US and Europe is paying rich dividends," the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) said.

The government incentivises exporters to explore African

Iron ore export duty hike, its fallout REUTERS MUMBAI, MARHC 28

India will quadruple export duty on iron ore fines as it seeks to curb exports, mostly to China, in a budget move announced on Monday that hit domestic producer shares and could push spot prices to new record levels.

The world's third largest iron ore exporter wants to conserve supply for domestic steel makers, who play a vital role in building growing infrastructure.

India plans to raise the duty to 20 percent from 5 percent on fines and to 20 percent from 15 percent on lumps. Fines are dust form ore with a lower iron content than lumps.

"This will make the exports of (Indian) iron ore uncompetitive in the global market," said R K Sharma, secretary general of the Federation of Indian Mineral Industries (FIMI).

Almost all of India's annual 100 million tonnes of iron ore exports head to China. Its overseas sales compete with the world's top two exporters, Australia and Brazil.

"This could tighten up the market further," said Henry Liu, regional head of commodity research at Mirae Asset Securities in Hong Kong.

"This will increase the floor price for Indian prices and if Indian prices increase then that will push prices to China higher."

Shares in Indian iron ore miner Sesa Goa extended losses on the duty imposition, hitting a 52-week low.

Steelmakers welcomed the move.

"The increase in export duty on iron ore will increase its availability in the domestic market, thereby stabilising price and helping domestic steelmakers," said Nittin Johari, chief financial officer of Bhushan Steel.

MORE PRESSURE The move was widely expected as India tries to underpin its rapidly-growing economy with investment in infrastructure.

China said it could pinch their margins as steel prices fall.

"Steel mills can't take costlier raw materials at the moment as steel prices were heading downward recently on weak demand," said an iron ore official a mid-sized Chinese steel mill, owning annual crude steel capacity of around 5 million tonnes.

But with iron ore miners in Australia and Brazil running flat out to cash in on prices near $200 a tonne, and little spare capacity elsewhere in the world, Chinese buyers have a difficult choice -- pay the additional tax, or cut production.

Iron ore was offered at around $189-191 per tonne with freight in China on Monday with little immediate impact seen by traders from the duty hike in a market where contracts are on a quarterly basis. The record high hit earlier this month was near $200 per tonne.

Shipping freight rates could be adversely affected by any

further fall in exports from India.

"Freight rates will come under more pressure on this," said a Singapore-based shipbroker. "Rates are already at two-year lows on oversupply problems and this will only add to the problem."

India's iron ore exports have already slumped on the ban of shipments by the southern state of Karnataka -- contested by exporters in the Supreme Court -- with sales down 24.8 percent in December to 9.7 million tonnes from a year ago.

Exports during the April-December period fell 17.02 percent from a year earlier to 64.4 million tonnes. India usually exports around 100 million tonnes per year. China buys over 96 million tonnes, making India its third-biggest supplier.

Two other Indian states, leading producer Orissa and Chhattisgarh, which accounts for 5 percent of India's shipments, have asked the federal government to allow them to ban exports.

The government would prefer states to focus on improved regulation of the sector and incentives for increased domestic use of the resource. That would better target illegal production instead of export bans which hurt all producers.

India's steel minister, Beni Prasad Verma called for curbs on exports of iron ore on Friday.

India hiked freight rates for iron ore exports by 50 percent to 1,500 rupees per tonne on Jan. 27 but kept it unchanged

Pranab is India Inc's Sachin: FIccI

PTI NEW DELHI, MAR 1

India Inc today described Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee as industry's Sachin Tendulkar saying the veteran leader was steering the economy "with ease of a seasoned player" in difficult times.

"Just as India is looking at Sachin Tendulkar to bring smiles to our faces at the end of this World Cup cricket, business is looking at you to steer the Indian economy through the rough patches," FICCI President Rajan Bharti

Mittal said at the 83rd Annual General Meeting of the chamber.

Comparing Mukherjee with cricket legend Tendulkar, the Ficci chief said, the Minister is "carefully picking the opportunities that match out strengths and negotiating the challenges with the ease of a seasoned player".

"As Tendulkar has succeeded in all phases of evolution of cricket...you (Mukherjee) have engaged in the dramatic evolution (of the economy) in all its multifarious phases. We look forward

to continued success under your wise leadership," he added.

Legendary cricketer Tendulkar has scored 51 centuries in test matches and 47 tons in One Day Internationals and is still going strong.

There have been demand from cricket fans that Tendulkar be honoured with Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award in the country.

Mukherjee has been credited for successfully steering the Indian economy through the global financial crisis, faster than anticipated.

‘Diesel price deregulation to depend on inflation’ PTI NEW DELHI, MAR 1

The government today said a decision to free diesel prices from government control will depend on the inflation situation.

"We had announced last year that the decision would be taken at an appropriate time to deregulate diesel, the government hasn't changed their decision... We have to see how the inflationary pressures go and take a decision," Revenue Secretary Sunil Mitra told reporters on the sidelines of an Assocham function.

On rising global crude prices, Mitra said the government would react as the situation unfolds.

"It would have been inappropriate for us to take a stand (in

the Budget) on how much petroleum is going to cost," he added.

Crude oil prices in the international market are ruling above USD 100 a barrel and with the crisis worsening in Libya and other Middle East countries, they may go up further.

Although food inflation declined from 20.2 per cent in February, 2010, to 9.3 per cent in January, 2011, it still remains a concern for the government.

Headline inflation in January, at 8.23 per cent, is above the comfort level of around 5-6 per cent.

Mitra said it is impossible to assess the ramifications of the current crisis in the Middle East. "... It is impossible to say

now where it is going to go, whether it will affect Saudi Arabia or Iraq and other sources from where we get oil. So this is something that we will have to react to as the situation unfolds," he added.

Mitra said if global crude prices increase, petrol prices will also increase, as it is deregulated.

Answering queries on GST, Mitra said that as the Budget is over now, he would talk to the Empowered Committee of State Finance Ministers to take the issue forward.

"We have been more tied up with the Budget, we will now sit down and work on that...

We will have to discuss this, have a talk with empowered committee and take a decision," he added.

in Friday's Railway Budget.

The increase in export duty would bring in around $1.6 billion annually to New Delhi's coffers on the basis of the volume and price of exports to China in 2010. That is a fraction of the government's total expenditure of 12.58 trillion Indian rupees (nearly $278 billion).

and Latin American markets.

However, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee today said there are several external factors that pose challenges to the Indian economy.

"Global recovery remains fragile... There is also the danger of sovereign debt crisis in peripheral euro zone countries spilling over to financial markets," Mukherjee said.

As per the data, imports grew by 13.1% during the month to USD 28.58 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of USD 7.98 billion.

Commerce Secretary Rahul Khullar recently said India is likely to cross the USD 200 billion export target for the fiscal in February and total shipments during the year are likely to touch USD 225 billion.

The Commerce Ministry has also sought public comments on its strategic paper to double India's exports to USD 450 billion in the next three years.

As per the ministry, the sectors that performed well dur-

ing the April-Jan period of the current financial year include gems and jewellery (up 9.3%), engineering (up 70%) and petroleum and oil lubricants (up 36%). Exporters are seeing huge demand for engineering products from Latin American countries such as Colombia, an official said.

On the import front, oil imports grew by 7.8 per cent to USD 7.85 billion in the month under review, taking the import bill during April-January, 201011, to USD 79.95 billion.

Non-oil imports grew by 23.8 per cent to USD 20.73 billion in the month under review.

Imports of non-oil items were up 19.2 per cent during AprilJanuary to 193.64 billion from USD 162.4 billion in the same period last year.

Oil and non-oil imports totalled USD 273.59 billion in April-January, thus taking the trade gap to USD 88.96 billion.

This is marginally lower than the USD 89.84 billion deficit recorded in the same period of 2009-10.

Pg 14 GOA, Wednesday, 2 March 2011

SPORTS

Dempo down Yemen’s Al Tilal 2-1 AGENCIES PUNE, MARCH 1

I-League champions Dempo Sports Club began their AFC Cup campaign with a 2-1 win over Yemen's Al Tilal here on Tuesday.

There was no score at half time.

Dempo scored through Brazilian midfielder Roberto Mendes Silva (53rd) and Nigerian striker Ranti Martins Soleye (67th) while Al Tilal striker Tafese Tesfaye pulled one back in the 75th

Nuvem, Verna advance

nagoa panchayat cup HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, MARCH 1

EBRATIN EL

G

C

Nuvem Sports Club subdued Maina Sports Club 2-0 in Nagoa panchayat cup soccer organised

by Pax of Nagoa Sports Club at Nagoa panchayat ground on Tuesday. Both the goals came in the first half.

Nuvem shot into the lead in the 10th minute through Rexon Quadros while Albino Pereira helped Nuvem double their lead.

Changing ends, Maina tried hard to score but all in vain.

Joe Colaco was cautioned for unsporting behaviour.

Yesterday, Verna Sports Club beat Arlem Youth Club 1-0. Verna got their match-winner through Anthony Rego.

Arlem worked hard to equalise and looked dangerous many a times, but full credit goes to Verna's rock solid defence that kept all the raids at bay, giving no chance to the rivals.

th PRODUCTION

minute in the Group A encounter.

Just two minutes into the game at Shiv Chhatrapathi Sports Complex, Mhalunge-Balewadi, the visitors threatened to surge ahead but an alert Dempo goalkeeper Subhasish Roy Chowdhury made a fine save off an effort from Ruffin Motshumba.

Dempo took time to settle down and once they did that,

the Goans were clearly the better side in the opening session.

Dempo, who were playing in Pune as their home ground at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda in Goa does not have floodlight facilities for almost ten years now, had Ranti Martin's go close in the 14th minute. Running well to a Peter Carvalho's feed from the right flank, Ranti caught the Al Tilal defence unaware. A rightfooted attempt from inside the

Group A AFC Cup box was, however, blocked by defender Al-Khamri.

The game thereafter settled into midfield play and both teams did not have any clear chances.

On resumption, Dempo took eight minutes to go one up as

Beto scored a gem of a goal.

Defender Samir Naik, moving into Al Tilal's half on the right, sent in a long cross and Mendes connected it powerfully past goalkeeper Farag Mabrook into the net.

Dempo grew in confidence and they doubled the lead in the 75th minute when Ranti capitalised on a defensive lapse by Al Tilal midfielder Amr Najib Farag.

Curtorcares United emerge champs HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, MARCH 1

Curtorcares United defeated Goa Maroons 2-1 via the tiebreaker in 15th 7-a-side soccer tournament organised by Kuwait India football Federation to commemorate Kuwait’s National Day at MOH ground, Shuwaikh on Friday.

Both teams tried hard to score, but all attempts proved futile.

In the penalty shoot-out, Zico Fernandes and Minguel shot on target while Joe Pereira was the lone scorer for Goa Maroons.

Earlier, Curtorcares United beat United Friends Club, Kuwait and Goans Association and DHL while Goa Maroons overcame United Goan Strikers, YRC Rising Stars and Rangers Football Club (FC Sparx).

In all 15 teams participated.

Reginaldo Lourenco, MLA, Curtorim constituency, was the chief guest and gave away the prizes in the presence of guest

Calangute Association enter semis HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, MAR 01

Winners Curtorcares United alongwith Reginaldo Lourenco, MLA, Arnaldo Costa of Curtorim (ex-GFA member), Amaldo Fernandes, Victor Misquita, Rene Jose, Carmo Santos and others in Kuwait.

of honour, Victor Misquita, Global Express, Arnaldo Costa (former GFA member and Youth Development head - Salcete) of Curtorim, Rene Jose, Atlas Commercial Company, Kuwait and Carmo Santos.

Following individual prizes were awarded: Man-of-thematch and best goalkeeper Francis Fernandes (Curtorcares

United). Best defender - Seby Oliveiro (Curtorcares United).

Best midfielder - Gabriel Fernandes (Goa Maroons). Best disciplined team - Rangers Football Club (FC Sparx).

Earlier, Amaldo Fernandes, president, Curtorcares United welcomed. Tommy Fernandes and Nicole Rebello, cultural secretaries, Curtorcares United

Vasco shaping well: Gavin

MAPUSA (HSR) --“I am happy with the way my team is shaping up,” stated Vasco Sports Club coach Gavin Araujo after returning back from Assam on Monday after playing in their second out of station tournament.

“Our goalkeeper, Xavier Estrocio won the best goalkeeper award at the Oil India tournament, which is particularly pleasing.” Xavier was filling in for the absence of Milagrio Maderia who was away

Ranti intercepted the Al Tilal medio's aimless pass sent from 30 yards out and finished past a helpless keeper.

Down 0-2, Al Tilal pulled one back nine minutes later when striker Tafese Tesfaye Sege ran well to receive Lami Itana Geleta's quick exchange to beat a hesitant Mahesh Gawli, who called for off-side, before sending the ball past a hapless Dempo custodian.

doing duty with the Goa National Games team. Captain Prajot Naik, Joy Ferrao and Joel Sequeira were also in the Goa team which won the bronze medal.

Now Gavin has all his players

back under one roof and is planning to have a small party to recognise their achievements, but he assures his players will not be resting just yet as they get ready to battle for promotion to the I-League.

compered. Nicholas Rebello, vice-president proposed the vote of thanks.

The main sponsor of the tournament was Atlas Commercial Co, Shuwaikh and Victor Misquita, Global Express was the co-sponsor, supported by Lucio Brian Menezes, Tom Gracias, Caitano, Carmo Santos, Agnelo, Antonio Rebello, Victor.

A fine brace by Francisco Fernandes helped Calangute Association beat Navelim Villagers Union 2-0 to move into the semifinals of Laxmi and Subha intervillage soccer tournament organised by Nerul Sports Club at Nerul ground on Tuesday.

There was no score at the lemon break.

After failing to score at half time, Calangute shot into the lead in the 58th minute through Francisco Fernandes. Calangute doubled the lead through Francisco header off Vijay’s cross in the 67th minute.

Down by two goals, Navelim tried to bounce back but their forwards were unable to find the net. Newton D'Sousa of Navelim won the man-of-thematch award.

Gurudas, Deepashri top HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, MARCH 1

Gurudas Gaonkar and Deepashri Naik were adjudged best athletes in boys and girls categories respectively at 18th annual athletic meet of S S Angle HSS at Maxem.

While Deepashri Naik hogged the limelight in the girls category, she also emerged fastest athlete while Gurudas Gaonkar took ho-

nours in the boys category.

Natasha Kalgutkar, international baseball player and exstudent was the chief guest and gave away the prizes.

Acting principal Hemant Kamat welcomed. Shudhir Pai compered.

The meet was conducted under the supervision of PE teacher, Sharendra Naik. Gymkhana secretary, Arnav Phaldessai proposed the vote of thanks.

GOA DIARY

20-20 cricket at Campal

PANJIM (HSD) – Stamina Cricket Club will organise their 20-20 season ball Sandeep Satardekar memorial cricket tournament sponsored by Francisco Colaco, deputy sarpanch, Reis Magos from March 7 to 20 at SAG ground, Campal, Panjim. The winners and runners-up will take home Rs 30,000 and Rs 20,000 respectively. Details may be obtained from Pramod Naik on 9822140203, Rohan Naik on 9923081234 or Shashi Kumar on 9011608878.

Archery demonstration

PANJIM (HSD) – The Amateur Archery Association of Goa in collaboration with the Sports Authority of Goa and Narayan Zantye College, Bicholim will conduct a demonstration programme in archery on March 4 at Narayan Zantye College, Bicholim at 10 a.m. Those interested may report at 9.30 a.m. Details may be obtained from Satyavan Harmalkar, director of PE and sports, Narayan Zantye College, Bicholim.

Beverly Marie Mendonca secured a gold medal in free style and breaststroke at All-Goa U-9 girls swimming open water competition at River Mandovi on Sunday alongwith her coaches Lorretto Cardozo and Domnick Fernandes.

BITS Pilani in finals HERALD REPORTER VASCO, MARCH 1

Hosts BITS Pilani will take on SSN Chennai in the finals of cricket tournament at the 4-day National festival ‘Spree’ on Wednesday.

BITS made their way into the finals defeating MITM Indore by 148 runs.

Though, BITS lost both openers at an early stage while bating first, an attacking display by Shiv Sharma 70 off 42 balls (3 sixes and 8 fours) and Himanshu Yadav’s swashbuckling innings of 56 off 16 balls (4 sixes and 6 fours) along with captain Aditya Agarwal’s 18 off 8 balls made BITS Pilani to set a high target for MITM. In reply, MITM Indore were bundled out for 49 in 10.3 overs, with deadly spell from Piyush Kaslikar

GFA First Division: Corps of Signals v. Santa Cruz Club of Cavelossim, Navelim (3MTR) ground; Salcete FC v. Margao SC, Nehru Stadium, Fatorda. Kick off 4 p.m.

St Caitan soccer semi-finals: XYZ v. BABA MARC, A Lua ground, Merces, 5 p.m.

Nagoa panchayat cup soccer: Betalbatim SC v. Davorlim SC, Nagoa panchayat ground, 4.30 p.m.

Laxmi and Subha soccer quarter-finals: Nerul SC v.

Sangolda Lightning, Nerul ground, 4.30 p.m.

for four wickets and Pushkar who finished with three wickets.

In another semi-final, SSN Chennai defeated NIT Trichy by four wickets.

SSN Chennai restricted NIT Trichy to 84 for 9 in 20 overs, while Srivatsan scored an unbeaten 21 along with Vinoth 17.

Vijay Govind took four wickets for Chennai.

Chennai reached the target in 18 overs, losing six wickets.

Anand Kumar scored 36 off 28 balls, while Balaji Raman took three wickets.

The former Indian spinner Venkatapahty Raju will be the chief guest at the prize distribution ceremony on Wednesday.

BCCI match referee Youraj Singh will be the guest of honor. Prof.

B. N Jain, vice-chancellor BITS Pilani will also be present.

Youth basketball team

PANJIM (HSD) -- The following girls have been selected to represent Goa at 28th Youth National Basketball Championship in May. Laxmi Prabhu, Prunela Cardozo, Piola Mendes, Josipa Dias, Sherlaine Fernandes (All Presentation Convent, Margao). Swizel D’Silva, Anjali Hasotikar, Stancy Luis, Swidha Jadav (All Fr Agnel Ashram, Verna), Sandra Joao (Our Lady of Rosary, Dona Puala), Cherifa Pereira (St Mary’s, Chinchinim) and Hannah Abreau (Fatima Convent, Margao).

Sub-junior basketball squad

PANJIM (HSD) -- The following girls have been selected to represent Goa at 38th sub-junior National basketball championship in June.

Charmaine Fernandes, Nikita Braganza (both Our Lady of Rosary, Dona Paula), Kim Pereira, Freya Pereira (St Mary’s, Chinchinim), Kinski Fernandes (Presentation Convent, Margao), Ankita Raimana (Fr Agnel Ashram, Verna), Franzila Rodigues, Jesida Fernandes, Gayle Gomes, Leandrie Rodrigues, Rachel Raposo, Rose Rhea Rebelo (All Fatima Convent, Margao). The coaching camp will be held after the Std X and XII exams end at Fatima Convent High School, Margao from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.

SAG swimming classes

PANJIM (HSD) – The Sports Authority of Goa will organise their learn-to-swim classes at Peddem swimming pool, Peddem, Mapusa from March 2 to 20. Morning session: 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. (gents and children), 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. (ladies and children). Evening session: 3.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. (children), 4.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. (children), 5.30 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. (mixed batch ladies and gents).

Details may be obtained from SAG reception counter between 6.30 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. or on 2257981.

Fr Basilio Andrade Memorial Higher Secondary School, Majorda winners of State Level inter-higher secondary U-19 boys hockey tournament organised by DSYA at Peddem, Mapusa recently. Standing (l to r): Maxwel Faleiro, Mckanzie D’Costa, Menino Gracias, Velington Fernandes, Michael Jabarson, Clinton Fernandes, Valinton D’Costa, Steve Severes, Kelvin Dourado, Shane Pereira, John Dias, Samson Braganza, Preston Antao and Jerry Braganza. Sitting (l to r): Markco Gracias, Trevor Vaz Barretto (principal), Fr Urbano Menezes (manager), Lallasab Toraglla (PE teacher) and Sanford Joanes (captain). They defeated St Xavier HSS, Mapusa 1-0.

www.oheraldo.in

Pg15

GOA, WEDNESDAY, 2 MARCH, 2011

Rampaging England to take on Ireland PTI BANGALORE, MARCH 1

England cricketer Stuart Broad (right) alongwith captain Andrew Strauss jog during a training session at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore on Tuesday.

After snatching a thrilling tie against favourites India, a rampaging England will look to mow down minnows Ireland and pocket the crucial two points when they meet in a group B match of the cricket World Cup here tomorrow.

After an unconvincing victory against Holland in their opening match, England were in sniffing distance of a memorable win over India on Sunday but the English team almost threw the chance before holding on to an astonishing tie.

Having three points from two matches, England are placed just behind India in the table with the only thing separating them being the run-rate. Andrew Strauss' men would hope to notch up a huge win tomorrow to get to the top.

England's batting has fired in both their previous encounters where they chased down 292 against Holland and scored 338 against India and skipper Strauss would want another solid performance from his batters.

However, the bowling has been a bit lacklustre as they have been leaking runs galore.

James Anderson produced the worst World Cup performance by and Englishman when he gave away 91 runs in 9.5 overs,

Dalmiya accuses ICC of double standards PTI KOLKATA, MARCH 1

Taking his battle a step further, a miffed Jagmohan Dalmiya today accused the International Cricket Council of double standards and claimed that the Wankhede Stadium, venue for the World Cup final, cannot get clearance by means of hosting a Twenty20 match.

Reacting to reports that ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat was s a t i s f i e d w i t h Wa n k h e d e ' s progress after it hosted a T20 match recently, the Cricket Association of Bengal chief argued it's not a yardstick as per the Stadium Agreement of World Cup. Having already accused ICC of conspiracy to take the India-England match away from the Eden Gardens, Dalmiya said, "It's in a bad taste to criticise. But the fact remains that they are yet to host a Test, ODI or a first class match. You all know what is a first class match."

"It's a question of damage of prestige. What is this, we all want to know. Be man enough and come forward," Dalmiya told reporters, challeng-

ing ICC's stand on Wankhede which will host the final on April 2.

"I challenge the ICC's stand.

One cannot do it. I've all the records with me to substantiate it. Let them come forward and take my challenge. We want to know who are the (ICC) experts, from where they have come."

"People who live in glass houses, should not throw stones at others. That's the only thing that haunts me. It's a case of double standard."

Dalmiya also shot off a letter to BCCI secretary, N Srinvasan, yesterday.

"According to the ICC's Stadium Agreement, at least two Tests or ODIs or an entire season of first class cricket or matches at the highest level will be played minimum six months prior to the commencement of the event," he stated.

"Twenty20 matches at the local level were certainly not a yardstick and that too the matches were played only in February this year. Surprisingly, the ICC experts cleared the venue, going beyond their ambit."

while Stuart Broad's replacement Ajmal Shahzad bled 53 in eight overs against India.

Save for Tim Bresnan, who took 5-48, none of the other bowlers, including spinners have been very successful.

Ian Bell, however, defended the bowlers and said England team are now a genuine World Cup contender.

"I think the conditions have

TODAY’S MATCH England v.

Ireland 2.30 p.m.

been very hard for the bowlers.

The batting team has to score heavy to defend. It was a fantastic performance by Tim (Bresnan) on a surface like this. He is in incredible form," Bell said.

"We were chasing 338 and I do not think so many teams in the past would have done that.

We have got the quality in bowling and we were 100 per cent right in our fielding too.

"We can be a threat to the other teams in the World Cup if we start playing collectively as a group. As a team we can match anyone," Bell said.

Ireland, on the other hand, didn't have much to take home from their matc h against

Australia-Zimbabwe match probed AGENCIES AHMEDABAD, MARCH 1

The International Cricket Council (ICC) carried out a scrutiny of the World Cup Group A match between Australia and Zimbabwe played in Ahmedabad last week after Australian openers Shane Watson and Brad Haddin batted slowly in the first 10 overs.

The two openers scored just 28 in 11 overs and 53 in 15 overs in a match that Australia eventually won comfortably but the slow rate of scoring in the first two overs was scrutinized by the ICC Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ASCU).

The sources aware of developments said the ICC ACSU had carried out a quiet review of the match after questions were raised over the slow start taken

by Watson and Haddin.

With the threat of spot-fixing now looming over international cricket, sources said the ICC ASCU is keeping a vigilant eye on all matches in the World Cup and

Super sub Vela saves West Brom again premier league AFP STOKE, MARCH 1

AC Milan's Brazilian forward Pato (2nd left) scores during the serie A match in San Siro stadium in Milan on Tuesday.

Pato inspires Milan to crucial win serie a

AFP MILAN, MARCH 1

A brilliant performance by Brazilian striker Pato saw AC Milan inflict what could prove to be a fatal blow to Napoli's Serie A title hopes here on Monday as the leaders cruised to a 3-0 win.

The 21-year-old - a somewhat controversial omission from last year's World Cup finals squad set up Ghanaian Kevin-Prince Boateng for Milan's second goal and then added a glorious third two minutes later to give them a five point lead over champions Inter Milan while Napoli are six points adrift of the leaders.

Swedish international striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic had opened the scoring for Milan early in the second-half from the penalty spot - a harsh call by referee Gianluca Rocchi for handball on Napoli defender Salvatore Aronica, who while the ball clearly hit his arm it did not seem to be deliberate on his part.

Manovikas High School, Margao winners of State U-17 girls handball.

Standing (l to r): Akanksha Gehlaut, Jollyn D’Silva, Serneja Pereira, E n i d A g u i a r, A n n a James, Arantxa Mascarenhas, Shreya Jain, P r u t h a Ve r e n k a r, Anushka Lobo, Kajal Verenkar, Charmaine Crasto, Senniel Gomes and Noopur Mathrawala.

Sitting (l to r): Rowan Colaco, Perpetual Pires (PE teacher), Fatima Oliver (principal), Kanchan Gaunkar (PE teacher).

Bangladesh, their first match of the World Cup. Ireland's bowlers fared better than the batsmen as they dismissed Bangladesh for 205. But the team was let down by the batsmen as they failed to chase down the total and it would take a mammoth effort if they have to salvage any hope of an upset tomorrow.

"We have to bounce back. We can't let it (defeat against Bangladesh) bother us. We have to leave the batting here and move on to Bangalore," Skipper William Porterfield said.

Interestingly, Ireland will have the services of some of the regulars of English county circuit such as Ed Joyce, who was granted special dispensation by the ICC to play for the country of his birth at the last moment.

Joyce, who was dropped by England after the side's dismal showing at the 2007 World Cup, will be joined by Somerset spinner George Dockrell tomorrow.

Bell also reckoned there are some dangerous players in the Ireland side who can spoil their party.

"We know a fair bit (about Ireland). These days a lot of those guys are respected on the county circuit. They have earned respect in international one-day cricket and there is a lot of experience in their side from county cricket.

Mexican international striker Carlos Vela grabbed relegation-threatened West Brom another point with another late goal here on Monday as they drew 1-1 with Stoke City in their Premier League clash.

Vela - on loan from Arsenal - had only been on the pitch two minutes before he made his mark just as he did in the 1-1 draw with fellow strugglers Wolves over a week ago.

Irishman Rory Delap had put Stoke 1-0 up early in the second-half in a match that got significantly better as it went on.

The point saw West Brom who have kept just one clean sheet this term and have garnered only 14 points from their last 19 matches - move out of the bottom three to fourth bottom, a point clear of Wolves who occupy the first relegation place.

Malaga win la liga

AFP BARCELONA, MARCH 1

Malaga came from behind in a relegation thriller to beat nine-man Almeria 3-1 and give themselves a survival lifeline on Monday.

Enzo Maresca, Jose Rondon and Juanmi Callejon scored for Malaga while Sofiane Feghouli scored the lone goal for Almeria There was plenty of tension in the air ahead of the derby between the bottom two sides in the table and it was Malaga, who had not won in seven games, who began the more nervous as passes went astray.

the slow start by the Australian openers caught their attention.

"They are taking no chances at all and all matches are under the scanner for possible indications that any spot-fixing has taken place," one source said.

Shane WatsonAustralian team coach Tim Nielsen defended his openers saying they played slowly according to the situation.

"I thought they played well in game one. Everyone had this perception that they went slowly. But if Zimbabwe were going to be competitive against us, they needed to take early wickets with their spinners.

We're playing the way we think is the right way to play," said Nielsen after the match.

We are better than Bangladesh: Roach PTI NEW DELHI, MARCH 1

West Indian pacer Kemar Roach, who registered the first hat-trick of the tournament, said the emphatic win over the Netherlands has given the side the muchneeded confidence after the

beating it took at the hands of South Africa in their World Cup opener.

Roach, who starred with a sixwicket haul including a hat-trick, the sixth in the history of World Cup, made a statement of intent yesterday when he said that

West Indies is better than Bangladesh, the two-time champions' next opponent.

"We will take a lot of confidence from here to the next game. We will go forward from here. And we are better than Bangladesh," Roach said.

pg16:Layout 1 3/1/2011 11:46 PM Page 1

www.oheraldo.in

Pg16

Contact us on: sports@herald-goa.com

GOA, WEDNESDAY, 2 MARCH, 2011

Malinga hat-trick helps Lanka maul Kenya AFP COLOMBO, MARCH 1

Lasith Malinga recorded his second World Cup hat-trick and a career-best 6-38 to spark Sri Lanka's crushing nine-wicket win over Kenya in the World Cup here on Tuesday.

The 27-year sling-action bowler, who missed Sri Lanka's opening two matches due to a back strain, trapped Tanmay Mishra (nought) lbw with the last ball of his seventh over.

At the start of his next, he bowled Peter Ongondo and Shem Ngoche in successive balls to complete his

hat-trick, finishing the innings at 142 in 43.4 overs, by bowling Elijah Otieno (0) to complete a four-wicket burst off six balls.

Sri Lanka polished off the runs in just 18.4 overs with Tillakaratne Dilshan (44) and Upul Tharanga (67 not out) giving the co-hosts a flying start with a firstwicket stand of 72 by the ninth over.

Even after Dilshan's 30-ball knock, which was spiced with eight boundaries, skipper Kumar Sangakkara (27 not out) and Tharanga polished off the runs with more than 31 overs to spare, com-

Sets record with two WC hat-tricks AGENCIES COLOMBO, MARCH 1

Sri Lanka's Lasith Malinga became the first man to pick up two hat-tricks in World Cups when he skittled out three Kenyan tailenders in their Group A match on Tuesday.

Malinga, who missed his side's opening two matches with a sore back, fired back with 6-38 including the wickets of Tanmay Mishra (0), Peter Ongondo (0) and Shem Ngoche (0) with successive, full deliveries - the latter two clean bowled.

In 2007, Malinga grabbed four in a row against South Africa.

It is the second hat-trick of the 2011 World Cup after Kemar Roach took the last three Canadian wickets in West Indies' victory in Group B on Monday.

pleting another miserable day for Kenya.

Tharanga hit 12 boundaries during his rampaging 59-ball knock, his fifth World Cup halfcentury.

The win put Sri Lanka back on track in Group A after losing to Pakistan by a narrow 11-run margin on Saturday.

The 1996 champions, who won their first match against Canada by 210 runs, now have four points from three games.

They next play defending champions Australia here on Saturday.

It was all Malinga in the afternoon after Kenya, who chose to bat, were on track for a near200 total but lost their last eight wickets for a mere 40 runs with Malinga the destroyer-in-chief.

Malinga's previous best of 534 was recorded against Pakistan at Dambulla last year.

His hat-trick is the seventh in all World Cup matches and came just a day after West Indian Kemar Roach took three-in-three against the Netherlands in New Delhi.

But the curly-haired Malinga is the only man to have two hat-

tricks in World Cup history, his first coming against South Africa at Guyana in the 2007.

Kenya, shot out for 69 against New Zealand and 112 against Pakistan, started disastrously with Nuwan Kulasekara dismissing opener Morris Ouma (one) in the second over before Malinga had Seren Waters (three) lbw in the next.

Brothers Collins Obuya (52) and David Obuya (51) steadied the innings during their snailpaced, 94-run partnership which came off 178 balls before Malinga broke the family association, by bowling Collins Obuya.

Collins Obuya, whose five wickets helped Kenya upset Sri Lanka at the 2003 World Cup, hit four boundaries during his sedate 100-ball knock. His elder brother hit three fours during his 106-ball innings.

With Malinga firing all cylinders, four of the last seven batsmen failed to score.

Kenya, who have no points after three matches, now face fellow minnows Canada in New Delhi on March 7.

We’re back in business: Sangakkara AFP COLOMBO, MARCH 1

Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara Tuesday hailed his strike bowler Lasith Malinga for destroying Kenya, saying his team had proved they were back in business after defeat to Pakistan.

Kenya crawled to 142 all out off 43.4 overs at the R. Premadasa Stadium with Collins Obuya scoring 52 and his brother David Obuya reaching 51.

But Malinga destroyed any hopes the Africans had of setting Sri Lanka a challenging total, taking 6-38 in a devastating spell of fast bowling, including his second World Cup hat-trick.

"I thought it was important the way we came back from Saturday," said Sangakkara, refer-

the ball reversing, did a job for us," the and we were unfortunate great skipper added. to have lost that but here "Saturday's going to be a big game for us and we showed we're still a hopefully we can keep good side, mentally improving, make sure we strong and we came out have a lot more energy on the field and hopeand finished the game fully do well enough to pretty well beat Australia," he said.

-- Kumara Sangakkara Malinga, who missed the first two games with ring to their 11-run defeat at a back injury, said: "Every time the hands of Pakistan.

"It was a good close game and the captain gives me the ball, we were unfortunate to have lost he asks for a wicket." that but here we showed we're Disappointed Kenyan captain still a good side, mentally strong Jimmy Kamande said he had been and we came out and finished hoping to set Sri Lanka a score of the game pretty well."

230 to win but they failed to make "We tried to stop as many the most of good positions. runs as we could and keep them Speaking about the Obuya down so that the wickets would brothers, he said: "They played come at the end and Lasith as very well but they could have usual, the champion that he is, been there until the end because

n It was a good close game

I rejected WC berth: Samuels l Bishoo replaces Bravo

PTI KINGSTON (JAMAICA), MARCH 1

Make winning a habit: Afridi tells Pakistan PTI COLOMBO, MARCH 1

Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi today asked his unpredictable team to be more consistent and make winning a habit if it hopes to go all the way in the ongoing cricket World Cup. Pakistan had a tumultuous build-up to their World Cup campaign, which was ridden by captaincy issues and a spot-fixing scandal.

But once the World Cup kicked off, Shahid Afridi's men zoomed to top of Group A after notching up a 205-run victory over Kenya and an 11-run triumph against Sri Lanka.

The green brigade will next take on Canada on Thursday, looking for another two points and Afridi ordered his team to carry on the momentum.

"We must show consistency because we are not known for that. We need to keep the momentum going in the Canada match because we still have a long way to go in the tournament," said Afridi, after practice today.

"We had a very good win against Sri Lanka, so we want to keep the momentum going," said Afridi.

Sehwag to see doctor over injury

ICC slams Dhoni for UDRS remark AGENCIES NEW DELHI, MARCH 1

AFP NEW DELHI, MARCH 1

Big-hitting Indian opener Virender Sehwag is seeing a doctor in New Delhi after being struck in the ribs during a net session last week, a report said Tuesday.

"He is going to see a personal physician and is expected on Wednesday," Ranjib Biswal, the India team manager, said, according to the Hindustan Times.

"There is no major concern as such, but it seems he doesn't want to take a chance."

Sehwag is also carrying a shoulder problem that has prevented him from bowling, the report said. Biswal said he had a "niggle in his shoulder."

Sehwag, who hammered 175 in India's opening win over Bangladesh, was struck by a delivery from a net bowler on Friday before India's dramatic tie with England on Sunday, in which he scored 35.

The International Cricket Council on Wednesday slammed MS Dhoni's remarks questioning the efficacy of UDRS following the controversy surrounding Ian Bell's decision in the tied India vs England World Cup match on Sunday.

Talking to CNN-IBN exclusively, ICC's General Manager, Dave Richardson, said Dhoni should be aware of the rules that "assist in making the decision when UDRS is implemented."

"There are a set of rules along with the hawkeye to assist in making the desicion when UDRS is implemented...Most of the time, a player is not fully aware of all the rules," said Richardson.

"If MS Dhoni is made aware of the specifications of these rules, then I am sure that he will accept the decision that was made," he added.

In the post-match conference following the tie with England, the Indian skipper had said, "Adulteration of technology with human thinking is bad.

West Indies batsman Marlon Samuels today confirmed that he has refused an offer to replace the injured Dwayne Bravo in the Caribbean team's World Cup squad in the sub-continent.

Samuels, who was banned for two years for passing on information to bookmakers, said he was approached by selectors to replace Bravo but turned down the offer because he is not yet ready for a comeback to international cricket.

"First of all, I want to say thanks to the regional selectors for sitting down and thinking about selecting me for the World Cup. I am honoured to get such a phone call," Samuels was quoted as saying by a Caribbean FM radio station.

"But as I had said in interviews before the start of the tournament, I want to, at this moment, focus on four-day and not oneday cricket, and try to be out there in the sun for hours on top of hours. I am doing that at the moment.

"However, despite this, I still don't think I am 100 per cent ready and I want to be honest with myself. I hope the selectors understand and respect my decision," added the 30year-old.

However, according to a report in 'The Trinidad Express', the tainted Samuels rejected the opportunity as he feared being arrested in India, one of the co-hosts of the mega-event

along with Sri L anka and Bangladesh.

Samuels represented West Indies in 29 Tests and 103 ODIs before being slapped with a two-year ban by the ICC in May 2006 for his alleged involvement with bookmakers.

Guyana leg-spinner Davendra Bishoo replaced Bravo in the squad and when contacted, the West Indies Cricket Board neither confirmed nor denied the reason for Samuels' refusal.

Samuels, who has so far scored three centuries and a 50 since returning to regional fourday cricket, however said that he was looking forward to playing against India and Pakistan in the upcoming Digicel home series.

"I am definitely looking to play in the upcoming Digicel homes series, so hopefully, I will continue on the road that I am and continue to score centuries," he said.

Jayawardene mulls action over corruption allegation AFP COLOMBO, MARCH 1

Sri Lanka's former skipper Mahela Jayawardene is reportedly considering suing a state-run television network for hinting he may have helped fix a World Cup match against Pakistan.

Jayawardene, who lost his middle stump for just two runs in a game that Sri Lanka lost by 11

runs, was mulling legal action against the station for implying he was guilty of corruption, the BBC said.

Jayawardene's manager told AFP on Tuesday that they were not commenting because "a formal process has been initiated."

The state television commentary said a local businessman had placed an $18,000 bet on Sri

Lanka losing the game.

The TV channel speculated over whether Jayawardene and Thilan Samaraweera, dismissed for one, had "changed the game" by getting out cheaply and said the outcome would have been different had the pair scored more runs.

Despite high hopes coming into the match, 1996 champions Sri

Kenya: M Ouma lbw b Kulasekara 1, S Waters lbw b Malinga 3, C Obuya b Malinga 52, D Obuya c Samaraweera b Muralitharan 51, S Tikolo c Dilshan b Mathews 7, T Mishra lbw b Malinga 0, J Kamande run out 1, N Odhiambo not out 8, P Ongondo b Malinga 0, S Ngoche b Malinga 0, E Otieno b Malinga 0. Extras: 19. Total: 142 all out.

Fall of wickets: 1-4, 2-8, 3-102, 4-120, 5-127, 6-128, 7137, 8-137, 9-137, 10-142. Bowling: Malinga 7.4-0-38-6, Kulasekara 9-1-18-1, Mathews 7-0-20-1, Mendis 9-2-230, Muralitharan 8-0-24-1, Silva 3-0-12-0.

Sri Lanka: U Tharanga not out 67, T Dilshan c Ouma b Otieno 44, K Sangakkara not out 27. Extras: 8. Total: 146 for 1. Fall of wickets: 172. Bowling: Ongondo 3-0-28-0, Odhiambo 5-0-26-0, Ngoche 4-0-390, Kamande 1-0-14-0, Otieno 4-0-26-1, C Obuya 1.4-0-13-0.

Man of the match: L Malinga

Lanka fell short of Pakistan's total of 277-7, leaving thousands at a packed R. Premadasa stadium in Colombo devastated.

Governing body Sri Lanka Cricket said they had not received a formal complaint from the two players.

"We are not aware of the issue," Sri Lanka Cricket chief executive officer Ajith Jayasekera told AFP.

Three Pakistan Test players -Salman Butt and pace bowlers Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer -- were last month banned on charges of corruption relating to last year's Lord's Test against England.

Many Sri Lankan players have been investigated by the International Cricket Council over matchfixing in the past.

they were settled in there.

"It's always going to be hard work for the new batsmen coming in so once they got out we crumbled again. It's like a habit f o r u s n o w. O n e b o w l e r gets....four, five in every game we have played so far in the tournament."