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Goa’s Heartbeat: My dad does not fight my battles: Sonam Kapoor Pg 4 Man is not the creature of circumstances, Circumstances are the creatures of men.

— Disraeli

IN BrIeF Big B to be part of documentary Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan will shoot a documentary-interview on Indian Cinema for the Cannes Film Festival. “There is a delegation of makers coming over to speak and react and churn ideas and content for a documentary on Indian Cinema, which they profess the Cannes Film Festival wishes to exhibit in this year’s celebration of International cinema”, Big B wrote in his blog. -- (PTI)

Business: Govt concerned over food cartelisation Pg 12

CVC appointment illegal, rules SC PTI NEW DELHI, MARCH 3

Dealing a big blow to UPA Government, the Supreme Court today quashed the appointment of P J Thomas as Central Vigilance Commissioner, holding that the recommendation made by the high-powered panel — headed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh — did not consider the relevant material and therefore its advice “does not exist in law”.

Sixty-year-old Thomas, facing a corruption case in a Kerala court relating to Palmolein import scam, resigned immediately after the apex court gave its keenly awaited verdict, just six months after the former bureaucrat was appointed as the 14th CVC. “He has resigned. The Supreme Court has also held his appointment as illegal”, Law Minister Veerappa Moily told reporters.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice S H Kapadia and Justices K S Radhakrishnan and Swatantra Kumar said, “We declare that the recommendation made by

Libyan jets bomb oil hubs

PTI CAIRO/WASHINGTON, MARCH 3

A belligerent Muammar Gaddafi struck hard carrying out fresh air attacks today to regain control of rebel-held oil export hubs in the east as the International Criminal Court (ICC) announced a probe against the Libyan leader, his sons and senior aides for crimes against humanity.

Libyan fighter jets pounded rebel-held oil terminal in eastern town of Brega, a day after clashes between the two sides left at least 14 people dead in the region.

The warplanes swooped down on the town this morning, according to eyewitnesses, as the crucial meeting of the Arab League said it could consider enforcing a ‘no-fly’ zone over Libya if the aerial attacks continued.

Sending a tough message, the chief prosecutor of the ICC Luis Moreno-Ocampo said in the Hague that no one had the right to massacre civilians. He said Gaddafi, his family and close aides would be investigated.

‘Thomas has not quit’ PTI NEW DELHI, MARCH 3

We declare that the recommendation made by the high-powered committee is non-est in law. Which means that the recommendations made on September 3, 2010 does not exist in law.

Consequently, the appointment of Thomas goes.

— Supreme Court the high-powered committee is non-est in law. Which means that the recommendations made on September 3, 2010 does not exist in law. Consequently, the appointment of Thomas goes”.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said he respected the Supreme Court verdict on the quashing of the appointment of P J Thomas as Central Vigilance Commissioner.

Contradicting Law Minister Veerappa Moily, Central Vigilance Commissioner P J Thomas’s counsel Wills Mathews said that Thomas has not resigned from his post. “It is incorrect. Thomas has not resigned. We have not even received the copy of the judgment. We have to go through the judgment and study it in depth. After that we will think of the future course of action,” Mathews said.

After the Court verdict, Moily said, “Thomas has resigned...the Supreme Court has also held his appointment as illegal”.

In comments that came as an embarassment for the prime minister, the Bench severely criticised the committee for not considering the relevant material including the pending crim-

inal case against Thomas in the Palmolein import case and the recommendations of the DoPT between 2000-04 for initiating d i s c i p l i n a r y p ro c e e d i n g s against him.

I respect SC verdict: PM PTI NEW DELHI, MARCH 3

Sexual offence against kids may attract jail for life PTI NEW DELHI, MARCH 3

A pathbreaking Bill dealing exclusively with sexual offences against children was passed by the Union Cabinet today providing for a jail term up to 10 years or even life imprisonment.

The Protection of Children Against Sexual Offences Bill, 2011, also legalised consensual sex with a person aged between 16-18 years.

The new law will cover all new aspects of sexual offences against children not covered elsewhere.

The proposed legislation aims at protecting children against offences of sexual assault, sexual harassment, pornography and provide for establishment of special courts for trial of such offences.

The bill provides for treating sexual assault as “aggravated offence” when it is committed by a person in position of trust or authority over a child including a member of the security forces, police officer, public servant, management or staff of a children’s home, hospital or educa-

NO CHILD’S PLAY THIS!

Aggravated penetrative sexual assault against a child victim may lead to rigorous imprisonment for not less than 10 years.

The bill has provision to extend the penalty to imprisonment for

life, including fine.

Sexual assault also includes fondling the child in an inappropriate way which will invite a penalty of minimum three years in jail.

Special provision in the bill preventing abuse of children for pornographic purpose or possessing pornographic material involving children. tional institution.

As per the draft bill, aggravated penetrative sexual assault against a child victim may lead to rigorous imprisonment for not less than 10 years. The bill has provision to extend the penalty to imprisonment for life, including fine.

It will be treated as an aggra-

vated offence where the child victim is below 12 years or has mental or physical disability or the sexual offence causes grievous hurt or injury to the child with long term adverse effect on the child’s mind and body.

The punishment for such an offence would be imprisonment of upto seven years with fine.

(air Surcharge rs 2.00) pages 16+4

Sports: Zaheer only bright spot in Indian bowling Pg 15

Full day school may not take off for now!

SHWETA KAMAT PANJIM, MARCH 3

Full day schools in the State may not be reality from the forthcoming academic year even though heads of schools have agreed to go in for this concept.

Education Department officials said that though preparation for implementation of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009 had started, it is very difficult to say whether the full day school concept would be implemented from the academic year 2011-2012.

“The State Government is yet to adopt a policy decision in this regard, which will cease the tradition of having half day schools in the State”, officials said adding that Department of Education is already in possession of the Act but the Recruitment Rules for the same are still pending with the State Law Department for vetting purpose.

The National Policy on Education has made it mandatory to have full day schools in the country. While many States converted their half day schools into full day, Goa is yet

TCP to finalise Ponda, Quepem plans today HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 3

The Town and Country Planning (TCP) Board will finalise the surface utilization plan for Ponda and Quepem talukas in a meeting scheduled on Friday.

TCP sources stated that both the plans do not have eco-tourism hubs while micro industrial spaces are notified at certain places.

The State Government has already notified Regional Plans for Canacona and Pernem talukas while the plan for Sattari taluka is yet to be notified.

The Board had decided to notify all the plans for talukas affected with mining in a bunch.

The plans for Bicholim and Sanguem taluka will follow next.

Regional Plan 2021 has been facing lot of suspicion from the activist groups, who had said that there was no need for ecotourism zones and several industrial zones in the backward talukas.

Police cases are also filed against State level committee headed by Chief Minister Digambar Kamat accusing them of (Continued on page 11)

SuPreMe COurT TAke ON BLACk MONeY

What the hell is going on?

PTI NEW DELHI, MARCH 3

Lambasting the Centre for not having the “will power” to act against black money hoarders, the Supreme Court today asked why stud farm owner Hasan Ali Khan and others were not subjected to custodial interrogation despite the probe agencies possessing sufficient material.

“What the hell is going on in this country”, the court asked, while virtually snubbing Solicitor General Gopal Subramanium when he tried to make certain submissions. The court also said the alleged offenders were a “pampered lot”.

Expressing strong displeasure at the manner in which Khan and other alleged offenders were given repeated opportunities for adjournments by the Enforcement Directorate, the Bench said the authorities were “hoodwinking” everybody and wondered whether the same leniency would have been extended to other petty offenders.

The court also ordered that three key ED officials allegedly transferred midway into the probe in a case of alleged foreign exchange violation by Hasan Ali Khan, the Pune-based businessman, be reinstated forthwith.

A Bench of Justices B Sudershan Reddy and S S Nijjar also

Labelling the offenders as a ‘pampered lot’, the Bench said the authorities were ‘hoodwinking’ everybody and wondered whether the same leniency would have been extended to other petty offenders. indicated that if the Government fails to act, it would be compelled to appoint a special officer for supervising the probe against the offenders.

The Bench granted time till Tuesday to the Centre to file its response failing which it said the court would be constrained to pass necessary orders.

Subramanium’s repeated efforts to convince the court about the Government’s efforts to take action against the offenders

proved futile as the Bench repeatedly queried him as to why no custodial interrogation had so far taken place.

Khan, who is alleged to have stashed around USD 8 billion in foreign banks, had been earlier served a notice for a tax demand for about Rs 50,000 crore in 2009.

“There are instances when minor offenders are shot down for violating Section 144 CrPC (unlawful assembly), but you don’t take any action against these people. We are very sorry. All these people are now free,” the Bench remarked voicing its dismay.

The apex court on February 10, while hearing a PIL by noted lawyer Ram Jethmalani and some former bureaucrats for recovery of black money stashed

by Indians had asked the Government to ensure that Khan does not leave the country.

The court gave vent to its fury after senior counsel Anil Divan appearing for Jethmalani submitted that the ED was not taking steps to interrogate Khan and others, but was instead giving them repeated adjournments.

“This manner they are hoodwinking everyone and giving various reasons. Would you give the same facility to accused in lesser criminal cases? the Bench asked adding “What the hell is going on this country.

LeSSONS TO LeArN

n

Govt yet to adopt policy decision

n

Recruitment Rules pending with Law Dept

n

No proper playground, toilets, canteens etc.

n

Some schools run in two sessions

to comply with the policy.

Going by RTE, the teaching hours may have to be seven and half, which will increase to 45 per week. A minimum 200 days a year will be made instructional days for primary and 220 days for secondary.

Officials, however, stated that managing committees of various schools are opposing the new concept as they did

not have the required infrastructure like playground, toilets, canteens and other facilities.

Moreover, there are some schools which run in two sessions. The second batch of students occupy the classrooms only when first leaves for the day.

Meanwhile, the Goa Headmasters Association (GHA) has (Continued on page 11)

Fate of 40 mines to be decided today HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 3

The fate of 40 mines in the State, that had sought permission for consent under Air and Water Acts, would be decided on Friday by the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB).

GSPCB Chairman Simon de Souza said that 40 mine owners had applied for renewal of licences but the Board had held them back because they either lacked forest or wildlife clearances.

“We had called these operators for hearing wherein they were asked to produce valid documents and licences”, De Souza said adding opinion has also been sought from the Board’s legal counsel over the matter.

De Souza, who heads the GSPCB Board of Directors, will place all documents along with the legal advice before the members on Friday.

The 17-member Board comprises public representatives and Government officials.

The Chairman said that there were several mines in the State which were operating without the Board’s consent. He, however, refused to elaborate.

Mines operating sans proper consent under air and water pollution Act had come to light after GSPCB in September, last year, had received applications from several of the 104 mining lease holders seeking ‘renewal of consent to operate under these acts’.

Also many other applications were pending before the Board

There are several mines in the State operating without the Board’s consent. We had called these operators for hearing wherein they were asked to produce valid documents and licences. Also many other applications are pending before the Board for various reasons.

— Simon de Souza for various reasons.

The Board had received direction from the State Government to clear all the applications. The issue had also figured in the State Legislative Assembly session.

Following initial scrutiny, the Board had issued show cause notices to 26 mining companies in the first batch. These companies did not have supporting documents like clearance from forest and wildlife and few others had not paid the proper fees. The Board later went on issuing notices as it scrutinized more applications.

The decision of the Board on Friday will decide the fate of these mines, many of which are already facing severe opposition from the locals.

In the latest case, locals from Cavrem-Pirla had laid siege of Director of Mines office demanding shutting down of the mine, which was operating without GSPCB consent.

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GOA, FRIDAY, 4 MARCH, 2011

Truck owners raise anti-govt slogans at Satardekar’s birthday function Disperse after CM’s assurance on their demands

HERALD CORRESPONDENT CURCHOREM, MARCH 3

Tempers ran high at Curchorem when hundreds of truck owners tried to disrupt the birthday function of Curchorem MLA Shyam Satardekar at the Government Sports Complex Ground, near Sateri Temple here on Thursday.

According to reports, the formal function of birthday celebration was going on, when hundreds of truck owners gathered outside the Government Sports Complex and raised antigovernment slogans.

The atmosphere became tense, as Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, Home Minister Ravi Naik and several others dignitaries were present at the function. Besides, a large number of well-wishers of Satardekar were seated in the pandal.

Fearing law and order problem, a police force was summoned to avoid any incident.

However, the agitators became silent when they were assured that the chief minister would hear their grievances after the formal function.

After the function, Kamat met a delegation of the truck owners

The agitating truck owners outside the Government Sports Complex, Curchorem. Photo by Suresh Naik

and assured them that their grievances will be considered sympathetically and only after that the crowd dispersed from the site.

Incidentally, the indefinite strike by truck owners entered the fourth day on Thursday. The truck owners have been striking to protest against alleged harassment meted out to them by

the RTO officials citing High Court orders in respect of ore transport.

Meanwhile, the truck owners on Thursday morning had convened a special meeting in the CADA Hall to constitute the Truck Owners Action Committee. Subhash Phal Dessai was elected president of the committee.

The truck owners at the meet-

ing decided to start the ore transport from Friday carrying 10.5 tonnes of ore, but they have stuck to their decision not to remove the plank fitted to the body of truck.

The truck owners have also decided to block all highways in the State with empty trucks if RTO officials insist on removing the plank.

Goa needs Lokayukta: Justice Hegde HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MARCH 3

Former Chief Justice and Karnataka Lokayukta Justice Santosh Hegde has said that Goa would be far better than what it is today if the people get a powerful, honest and fearless person as Goa Lokayukta.

“I am very, very sorry that Goa has no Lokayukta in place.

A Lokayukta has been functioning in Karnataka since 1984. We have asked for certain procedural powers to suo moto prosecute senior officials without anybody’s sanction. Every minister has promised, but no one has given them”, he said while delivering a lecture on “Indian Democracy” as part of Late Adv M P Shinkre lecture at the Govind Ramnath Kare college of law, Margao on Thursday.

Justice Hegde said that education has not brought honesty with it, saying there is probably something wrong the present system of education. ‘Questions are being raised whether the present mess in the country is because of illiterate people or the educated class elected to the Assembly. Take the case of the scams. In the 2-G scam, the Minister who took the decision was not illiterate. He had a law degree. The man who was responsible for the CWG scam was in the Air Force. Take any scam, or any other thing, which is today democratically unacceptable, the man behind is an ed-

Goa developing into a hub for victimised children?

VIBHA VERMA PANJIM, MARCH 3

Goa is becoming a hub for street children being used for begging, en-cashing on the high income level and flourishing tourism business in the State, activists have said.

This is even as police have begun intensive drive to rescue the victimized children.

Nearly 41 children have been rescued by the Goa police in a major crackdown on the misuse of children after Goa Commission for Protection of Child Rights (GCPCR) issued directions in January.

The directions were issued after NGO Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN) on two occasions brought to the notice of the Commission that children along

the coastal belt and other areas are being exploited.

“We also put forth 2007 study by the Central government stating that most of the children are sexually abused.

So far, Goa police and SCAN launched two rescue operations and liberated 41 children but more than 100 managed to slip away,” Emidio Pinho, SCAN coordinator said.

As per the order, the crackdown is presently centered in tourism hub of Calangute, Anjuna and capital city of Panjim after which other areas will also be covered.

Taking serious cognizance that children of illegitimate age are exposed to susceptible and hazardous situations, GCPCR issued directions under the Goa

Daman & Diu Prevention of Begging Act. “Several children are exposed to vulnerable situations and are without parents or guardians supervision. They are prone to abuses…we therefore issued instructions to rescue them,” Commission’s chairperson Sameera Kazi told Herald.

Interestingly, all 41 rescued child beggars’ hail from the States like Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh.

These children have been produced before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) for ‘care and protection’ till the completion of inquiry after which they will be repatriated to respective States.

“We have shifted these children in the State home and simultaneously conducting inquiry. We have got in touch with the respective States CWC, parents of the children and also school to produce certificates to release them to legal custodian,” CWC member Meenaxi Martins said.

The committee is besides produced evidences showing children begging and harassing foreigners. The authorities suspect that several children are victims of ‘begging racket’.

“It is learnt that racketeers force children into begging and collect daily remuneration from them. These children are also rented out by their own parents, which is a major crime, not only against the humanity

but also against law,” said a police officer.

It is also a known fact that child beggars (including those who do schooling) along with other beggars come down to Goa during tourist season. With the absence of beggars’ home, Goa has turned out to be central location for begging.

States like Chennai, Karnataka and Maharashtra have beggars home wherein anyone found begging are picked up by authorities and sent to the remand home. But Goa lags behind in such facilities.

“Children used for begging may be victims of trafficking and it can be ascertained once CWC in their native States conducts inquiry,” Pinho suggested.

tins.

Goa police in collaboration with NGO SCAN have rescued 41 child beggars and those who worked in hazardous situation, in the last two weeks. They are being produced before the CWC for care and protection.

The group of agitators all of whom hail from neighbouring States contended that they are the legal guardians of the rescued children. Martins alleged

that they have even produced morphed photographs showing their relation with the rescued children.

To determine the veracity of their claims, the committee is coordinating with its counterparts in other States in order to obtain each of the children’s credentials, besides, simultaneously carrying out an independent inquiry.

According to Juvenile Justice

Act, there is a four month inquiry period to conduct special inquiry of a child.

Depending on the outcome of the inquiry, the children will be repatriated to their respective States.

“We have seen ladies ill-treating ‘their children’. If she is the mother of the child, how can she ill-treat her own child?

Moreover, a lady is seen carrying different babies every day.

This is suspicious,” questioned Martins, adding that there may be racketeers involved in running such a nefarious activity.

During the raid, nearly 17 children, who came under the working age were rescued but sent back to their work place after verification of their age.

“We also found that they were not working in hazardous circumstances,” she said.

Child welfare committee members claim threats

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 3

The Child Welfare Committee (CWC) which is conducting daily hearing of the rescued child beggars claimed they were being mobbed and threatened by outsiders.

“We were mobbed and threatened for the last two weeks. Since then we have been conducting hearings under police protection,” said CWC member Meenacshi Mar-

PWD chief threatens to terminate contract HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MARCH 3

Public Works Department, Principal Chief Engineer, J Rego has threatened termination of the contractor for renovation of the Margao Police headquarters if the contractor fails to complete the works within a time frame.

Rego along with Public Works Departmen officials inspected the police headquarters on Thursday after senior police officials complained of incomplete work and the inordinate delay in completing the work schedule.

After inspecting the building, Rego told Herald that he has asked the Public Works Departmen officials to call the contactor for a meeting in his Panjim office next week.

“At the meeting, we will set the contractor a deadline, failing which the contract will be terminated”, he added.

Saying that 60 per cent of the work on the renovation work stands complete till date, he said that 40 per cent balance work pertains to internal painting, repairs of toilet block etc.

“I have personally inspected the building after the Superintendent of Police (SP), South Allan De Sa and others spoke to me on the incomplete works”, he said, adding that the inspection was to take stock of the situation and to initiate further action.

Margao to host 2-day carnival HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MARCH 3

Chief Minister’s home town of Margao will play host to two days of government-funded Carnival festivities, beginning with a colourful float parade on Sunday.

And, unlike other towns and villages, the Civic body has decided not to rope in any Bollywood stars, but will lay stress on reviving the traditional “Intruz” in the city.

When questioned why the Margao Carnival Committee has limited the festivities for two days, unlike other places, the MMC Chairperson initially said the SGPDA grounds have been booked by a private party on the last day of Carnival. Incidentally, the PDA grounds have been reserved by Vijay Sardessai’s Foundation We For Fatorda, which is organizing Adieus Carnival in a big way with Bollywood star Amisha Patel being

the star attraction.

Naik denied that the festivities have been curtailed because of paucity of funds, saying the Chief Minister was kind enough to increase the funds from Rs five lakh to Rs 15 lakh.

Replying to a question, the MMC Chairperson said that Bollywood stars have not been roped in by the organizers for the simple reason that the Civic body is trying to revive the traditional Intruz in the city.

When newsmen asked the Chairperson over the fate of the payments due to the directors of traditional Khell tiatr for their performance last year, Naik said the present Carnival committee has nothing to do with the payments, adding that the previous committee should submit the bills to the Tourism department for clearance of the payments.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson said that the Carnival float pa-

rade will be flagged off by the Chief Minister and Patron of the Margao Carnival Committee 2011 Digambar Kamat on March 6 at 3 pm from the Holy Spirit Church square. “This year, Carnival will also be celebrated with traditional Intruz with a one day fun fare at the SGPDA grounds on March 7”, he said.

Besides, the Chairperson pointed out that the Khell Tiatr will be staged by various khell groups in all the 20 Margao Municipal wards as part of the Traditional Intruz.

“In an attempt to revive the traditional Intruz, a special cultural program comprising of fancy dress competition for kids, DJ music, African Acrobats, fire eaters, UK Mania and a Konkani musical program by Konkani melody king Lawry Travasso have been planned on PDA grounds on March 7 at 5.30 pm”, she added.

‘Come out with clear carnival policy’ HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 3

Carnival orgnisers in Panjim today demanded that the government should come out with a clear policy as well funds should be made available in advance for the festival so that they have sufficient time to organise the festival.

"The government should play a supportive role but also the funds should be made available at least a month in advance." said Joaquim Teles, President of Panjim Carnival Committee while addressing a press conference on Thursday here.

They also demanded there has to be a clear cut policy and organisation of the festival must be handed over to the Panjim Traditional Festivals Committee, which had been organising the festival for several years.

This year, the orgnisers were given a very short time to prepare for the carnival and they were also not aware if the government would increase the funding.

Funding was hiked just four days before the parade day after the organisers made noise that funds were insufficient.

"This is an indicator that there is a move to kill the Carnival.

Even if the government had not to increase the funding, we would have gone ahead albeit on a smaller scale," said Teles.

The government has increased the funds for Panjim carnival from Rs 4 lakh to Rs 30 lakh last week. The float parade will be flagged off from the old secretariat at 3 pm by the Governor Dr S S Sidhu and it will conclude at the Kala Academy," Teles said.

The character of King Momo will be played by Cesar D’Mello,

an employee of the department of Art and Culture. "The Panjim Carnival Committee will put up a Queen Momo float. This year, we have already given out 90 forms, while spot entries will also be accepted," he added.

"As part of the festival entire parade route will be illuminated.

The lights will stay on till March 8 as the festivities will continue," he said.

This year, the Panjim Carnival Committee has increased the prize money from last year’s Rs 3.48 lakh to Rs 3.75 lakh.

When questioned about the commercialisation of floats, organiers said the floats in this category have been asked to have a minimum of 40 participants and a live band. Though promotional material will be allowed on these floats it cannot be the main theme.

Hike in seafarers pension demanded DELHI BUREAU NEW DELHI, MARCH 3

Seamen contribute $100 per month that has been recently hiked to $200 while working, but they get a paltry pension of Rs 200 per month after retirement.

Goa Congress MP Shantaram Naik on Thursday b ro u g h t o u t t h e i r p l i g h t through a special mention in the Rajya Sabha, demanding that their pension be raised to atleast Rs 1500 per month.

The onus of payments falls on the National Union of Seafarers in India (NSUI) that collects the seamen fund, but it seems not interested in improving the financial condition of the retired seamen, Naik said, urging the Shipping Ministry to intervene.

He pointed out that he was seeking a pension of Rs 1500 per month that was p ro m i s e d b y l a t e D r L e o Barnes, then general secretary of NUSI and NUSI also lately agreed in principle to enhance the pension but nothing happened.

The NUSI has invested in commercial activities like building a hospital in Goa and buying a plot in Panvel, Mumbai, but have no time or money to solve social problem faced by Seamen, Naik regretted.

He urged the Shipping Ministry to start a scheme for financial assistance to the retired seamen.

Former Chief Justice and Karnataka Lokayukta Justice Santosh Hegde delivering a lecture at the Kare College of Law on Indian democracy.

Photo by Santosh Mirajkar

ucated person”, he lamented.

Narrating his four and half years experience as Karnataka Lokayukta, Justice Hegde said the biggest culprit today is the society itself, with society accepting wealth as the only yardstick of success.

Lamenting over the deterioration of the moral values in society, Justice Hegde said that youth can change the values in society to bring the much needed change. “You have to change the thinking of society, try and understand the true meaning of satisfaction, contentment”, he said, and appealed to the young student to develop an attitude of enjoying wealth that is purely within the legitimate means.

He said the youth can also bring about a change by participating in the voting process.

“Today, the people who really want to serve the society and who does not have to depend on the elected office for his food are no more contesting polls.

They can’s contest against those who are investing in elections.

It is sad that we have allowed politics to become a profession today”, he said and asserted that the people should demand a change in law to demand the right to recall an elected person.

Justice Hegde further said “in politics today, one cannot take a decision which is consciously accepted by you. The Prime Minister admitted that in coalition dharma, you have to make adjustments”.

On the various scams and the reactions of the political parties, Justice Hegde said “in the present democratic system, it seems the only defense they have is

“have you also not done it.

There is no defense that I have not done it. This seems to be a new criminal Jurisprudence in existence”.

Asserting that the Constitution has not contemplated a political executive, but an independent executive, Justice Hegde said “the executive has to follow the directions or policies made by Parliament, beyond that no Minister or MLA can have his say”.

Referring to scams surfacing in the Judiciary, Justice Hegde said “we were saying the Legislature is bad, the Executive is bad and that the Judiciary will protect us. But, I think we put a false façade. The scams were all swept under the carpet, but the carpets have now burst with the scams coming out in the open”.

Raheja’s project: Villagers demand independent EIA HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MARCH 3

Villagers of Carmona on Thursday demanded an independent Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) vis-à-vis Raheja’s housing project in the village, even as the housing site came under the scanner of the panel of experts constituted under the Ministry of Environment and Forests.

The four-member panel comprising of J Noronha, Michael D’Souza, Member secretary, Science and Technology, Dr Utawle of the National Institute of Oceanography and Dr Mohan of Science and Technology inspected the project site accompanied by Carmona Panch members Orlando Da Silva and Jerson Figueiredo. The Raheja’s was represented by their Public Relations Officer and the Project in charge.

The inspection comes against the backdrop of a complaint filed by Carmona villager under

the leadership of ward member Orlando Da Silva and Victor Gestler Souza Egipsy calling for the inspection of Raheja’s property vis-à-vis Environment Impact Assessment.

The media was barred from covering the inspection, but Orlando later told newsmen that the team was shocked to see the activity in violation of the forest and environment rules and regulations, especially within the CRZ no-development zone. “I submitted to the panel a VCD copy of the destruction of forest along with a coloured picture copies of Google images taken during 2008-09 prior to the destruction of the thick forest cover, besides photograph of the RCC pipeline”, Orlando said.

The team is believed to have questioned and warned the company to consider the issue of protection of environment and treatment of garbage seriously. “The team orally directed

the company to remove the RCC pipeline and submit fresh plans for the re-plantation of trees as per the orders of the Forest department. They also questioned the company officials on the size of the construction in each of the plots and submit with plans the demand and sources of supply of basic infrastructure of water and power”, he said.

Orlando pointed out that Raheja’s decision to construct only fifteen bungalows now as against 700 apartments is an act to hoodwink the authorities and bypass existing rules and laws.

According to them each plot having area of approx 2000 sq. mts has a bungalow proposed of minimum 1700 sq mts.

Saying that the villagers were pleased with the inspection carried out by the panel, Orlando demanded that the team propose and constitute an Environment Impact study before granting any approvals.

Yuva samiti’s statement on milk price hike condemned HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARCEL, MARCH 3

The Akhil Goa Dudh Utpadak Utkarsh Sanghatana has condemned Yuva Sangharsha Samiti’s statement against the recent milk price hike.

It may be recalled that the Yuva Sangharsha Samiti had recently organised a protest rally against milk price hike and demanded that the State government support Goa Dairy to lower the milk prices.

They had also claimed that the Dairy’s selling and purchase price has difference of over Rs 10 and added that the government could have controlled milk price hike.

At a press briefing in Ponda on Thursday, Akhil Goa Dudh Utpadak Utkarsh Sanghatana took strong objection to the statement of the Yuva Sangharsha Sammittee, where they had claimed that there was difference of over Rs 10 in purchase and selling price.

“We are not speaking on behalf of the Goa Dairy, but we felt that certain facts have to reach public. The people who are making such allegations should first do a proper survey and then issue such statements,” said Akhil Goa Dudh Utpadak Utkarsh Sanghatana President Babu Komarpant.

seminar on music at KA today HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 3

The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM), London will hold a seminar on March 4, from 4.30 pm to 6.30 pm at the Black Box, Kala Academy.

The Topic of the seminar is “Developing Musical Skills: Exploring sight-reading, aural ability and technical work” and will be presented by Tim Arnold.

Tim graduated from the University of Surrey and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

As a performer Tim’s career included working as a soloist, accompanist and chamber musician.

“There is no sense in what they have said. It baseless and misguiding,” claimed Ko marpant. Akhil Goa Dudh Utpadak Utkarsh Sanghatana Treasurer Vikas Prabhu said: “I would like to question them, whether they met any of the farmers to know the ground reality or are they making this issue only for the sake of it.”

“I feel what they are claim of Rs 10 difference is total false, as the Dairy provides farmers facilities like veterinary services, cattle feed at their doorsteps and even collection of milk from source. If we calculate, we are getting indirectly around Rs 28 per litre,” added Prabhu.

The Sanghatana claimed that the State government has neglected milk farmers, who have urged the State government to increase subsidies.

Farmers have also requested government to provide support price of about Rs 10 per litre on trial basis and stop Kamdhenu scheme during this scheme. This they feel will surely increase milk production.

“There are heavy subsidies in agriculture, however for milk farmers, it is not so. For example, there is a subsidy of 75 per cent on procurement of machinery, whereas we get only 25 per cent subsidy towards a milking

machine. Government should seriously think on this,” said Komarpant.

Pg3 GOA, FRIDAY, 4 MARCH, 2011

former cop to stir against illegal sand extraction

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 3

After the agitation by CavremPirla tribals demanding shutting down of a mine, Mines and Geology Department will see another protest infront of its office in Panjim from March 7 onwards.

Former assistant sub inspector (ASI) Narayan Sopte Kerkar on Thursday told reporters that he will resort to indefinite hunger strike before the Mines and Geology department from March 7, protesting against the uncontrolled illegal sand extraction activity in his Keri village, in Pernem taluka.

“With the rampant sand extraction, the saline water has entered the village wells. Almost half of the village is submerged w i t h w a t e r g u s h i n g f ro m

Headless murder case: accused seeks bail HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MARCH 3

Accused Govind Naik and Nitin Dicholkar have moved the South Goa Sessions court for bail in the headless body murder case.

Arguments on the bail applications will be heard in the Sessions court on Friday, sources said.

The duo have moved the Sessions court for bail, nearly a week after their bail plea was rejected by the Judicial Magistrate First Class, Margao for want of jurisdiction.

The duo along with Rajesh Naik and Jayesh Naik had moved the Judicial Magistrate First Class court for bail last week.

The JMFC court however rejected the bail since the case of murder are triable exclusively by the Sessions court.

nHunger strike will continue till the mines department implements its order dated September 8, 2010, which states that ‘extraction and stacking of sand within two kilometers upstream of Terekhol River was not permitted.

--Narayan Kerkar Terekhol River,” Kerkar said adding that even the sand bars are destroyed due to this activity.

Kerkar said that the hunger

strike will continue till the mines department implements its order dated September 8, 2010, which states that ‘extraction and stacking of sand within two kilometers upstream of Terekhol River was not permitted’.

“The strike is just to save the village from being destroyed. If the sand extraction activities go on like this, there will be a day when entire village will be submerged,” he said.

Kerkar informed press that during the site inspection carried out by the department it was revealed that the said area belongs to the state Fisheries department and sand stacking is been done and also the hutments of the labourers have

come up, which released waste in the water.

“None of the two departments are ready to execute this order,” he said.

Kerkar said that as per the record mines department has issued six licences for sand extraction in the area but actually there are more than 60 canoes engaged in the river beds.

“There are around 2,000 to 3,000 labourers from the s t a t e s o f B i h a r, A n d h r a Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and few from Bangladesh, who are staying here,” Kerkar alleged.

The former policeman alleged that the traditional fishermen have now turned into sand extractors.

Poll violation: Yet another complaint against govt staffer HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 3

The Goa State Election Commission has received another complaint about a government employee campaigning with a candidate for CCP polls.

The complaint has been filed by Menino D'Cruz, outgoing corporator on behalf of his wife Deodita Da Vianna Da Cruz who is contesting from ward 19.

The complaint is against one army employee Rupesh Rama Naik, who works as a cook for Military Engineering Services (MES) at Altinho.

Speaking to Herald D'Cruz said he has filed a complaint against one Rupesh Rama Naik, who works a cook for Military Engineering Services (MES) at Altinho .

"He was actively canvassing on behalf of his wife, Maria Rita Fernandes. We have found him distributing money door to door,

" alleged D'Cruz.

He said, he has lodged a complaint to SEC, Panjim town police station, returning officer as well as MES headquarters.

Meanwhile, the SEC has referred the complaint to Returning Officer (RO), State Election Commissioner Dr M Modassir told Herald on Thursday.

Acting on the earlier complaint, Modassir said that the SEC had directed the Customs department to initiate action against their employee Michael Fernandes, who has transferred their employee to Margao.

Adv Aires Rodrigues who is contesting from ward 30 had filed a complaint against Fernandes saying despite being a government employee, he was canvassing for his wife Vivina Nasnodkar who is contesting from the same ward.

The SEC had directed Customs to transfer Fernandes to Margao. However, for want of

jurisdiction the Customs has not been able to transfer outside the State.

Taking strong cognizance of report published in Herald on February 27, about TVs, fridges, washing machines and bicycles have been distributed to voters in various wards of the CCP to bribe voters ahead of CCP polls, the State Council of CPI has also lodged a detailed complaint with SEC. Chirstopher Fonseca, Secretary of the State Unit has requested the office of SEC to take immediate cognizance of the news item and enquire into the matter by lodging an appropriate police complaint against all those persons and candidates who are responsible for bribing the voters.

It has also demanded disqualification of all those candidates against whom prima facie case is being established in the present matter.

Mock drill passes test in Ponda HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARCEL, MARCH 3

As part of disaster management programme, Ponda district administration on Thursday conducted a mock drill at IDC Kundaim.

The mock drill started at 10.15 am and concluded at about 12 noon.

“It was a total surprise drill to check the preparedness of all emergency services and also to rectify any shortcomings,” said incident commander and Ponda Deputy Collector Jayant Tari.

Tari said that such an activity was conducted for the first time in Ponda taluka.

“In Ponda taluka, there are two Most Accident Hazardous (MAH) units, one located at Kundaim IDC and other at Usgao. We conducted this drill at Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd, Kundaim,” said Tari.

During the drill, vehicular traffic from Banastarim Bridge to Farmagudi fort was stopped for about an hour.

“All the departments acted swiftly, however some shortcomings which were identified after the drive will be rectified.

We successfully evacuated

Incident command post at IDC Kundaim.

around 370 workers from and around HPCL units. About 70 villagers were also evacuated from the nearest village to IDC Bhoma at the TapobhumiKundaim,” added Tari.

“We also had medical teams attending to the patients. Some patients were shifted to PHC’s and some to GMC Hospital,” said the deputy collector.

Entire drill activity was monitored by the incident commandant at the incident commandant post at makeshift arrangement in the IDC.

GHA: reinstate headmaster HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 3

Goa Headmasters Association (GHA) today stood by its vice president Abdul Aziz Mulla, who was suspended by the management allegedly for giving corporal punishment to a pupil.

Mulla, the headmaster of Anjuman Nurul Islam High School, Panjim, was placed under suspension for assaulting 14-yearold student studying in the eighth standard.

GHA’s executive committee, which met today under the presidentship of Jose Mario Quadros, resolved that “Mulla should be allowed to join duties as the suspension order has lapsed.”

The meeting resolved that Mulla was suspended by his school management on the charge of corporal punishment, without going into the merits of the case.

“The director of education has to confirm the suspension order within a period of 15 days as more than 20 days have passed since the order was issued and the same was not confirmed,” the resolution reads.

The Headmasters felt that Mulla should be allowed to join his duties and the inquiry should continue and he should be punished if found guilty.

The GHA also expressed its displeasure over uncertainty in implementing the Right to Education (RTE) by the state Education Department.

Quadros said that the RTE 2009 was passed by Parliament and sent to all the states including Goa and three years’ time was given to implement the same. “A copy of the act was sent to all the schools by the Directorate of Education asking for comments, “he recalled. He said that the comments were sent and nothing more was heard.

“Inquiries with the Directorate of Education, the secretar y of education and the minister of education have all drawn a blank leaving us all in doubt as to when it will be implemented although it has got some very good proposals like mass promotion full day school et al,” the GHA has added in its resolution.

“From here, we monitored every activity from evacuation to final stage. There were two telephone sets, one mobile phone and a walky-talky to com-

Photo by Amresh Parab

municate. After the drill, we had de-briefing where observer identified some shortcomings which needs to be looked into,” said Tari.

Borim murder: lookout for suspects HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARCEL, MARCH 3

Ponda Police are on the lookout of two suspects in connection with the murder of Imitiaz Mallik, whose decomposed body was fished out from the Zuari River at Musher-Talap, Borim-Ponda, On Wednesday.

Ponda Police informed that the autopsy report has revealed that the deceased died due to strangulation, which could have taken place some five days ago.

Police has registered murder case and PSI Deepak Pednekar is investigating the case.

Motorcycle pilot killed in mishap HERALD CORRESPONDENT OLD GOA, MARCH 3

A 50-year-old motorcycle pilot from Indiranagar-Chimbel died in a collision between two vehicles at Kubarwada-Merces on Thursday evening.

According to Old Goa PSI Sadashiv Hunashaktti, Mastan Jagirdar, who was proceeding on his motorcycle (GA-01-T6048) from Merces towards Chimbel was hit by a Omni Maruti van (GA-07-E-1929).

The impact was such that the motorcycle pilot was dragged few metres away from the main road.

Police further informed that Maruti van driver hit the motorcycle pilot after hitting the front tyres of a tipper truck while the van driver was moving out from his residence to the main road in Merces.

“The van driver first hit the front tyres of the tipper truck and after he lost control over the vehicle, the van driver instead of applying the brakes applied the accelerator, due to which the van hit against the oncoming motorcycle,” informed police.

CID interrogates Cipriano’s cousin HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 3

CID/Crime Branch investigating into Cipriano Fernandes custodial killing on Thursday questioned Cosme Fernandes for nearly six hours.

Cosme, paternal cousin of the deceased seafarer was asked about Cipriano’s overall behaviour, his childhood, studies, job, relation with the family members and other details.

Cipriano was picked up by the Panjim police on the night of January 7 under a preventive arrest provision. He was beaten up in the police vehicle and at the Panaji police station, before he was taken to the Goa Medical College where he succumbed.

A woman friend of Cipriano, who was based in Britain and worked on a cruise ship, witnessed the beating. Three police officials including police inspector Sandesh Chodankar, sub inspector Radesh Ramnathkar and

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UPCOMING EVENTS St Sebastian feast

Kankumbi locals threaten to halt Kalsa-Bhandura work If work on Kankumbi-Chorla road not commenced

HERALD CORRESPONDENT BELGAUM, MARCH 3

The St Sebastian Church at Aquem, Margao

PANJIM (HND): The 10-day novenas in honour of St Sebastian are underway in the St Sebastian Church, Aquem-Alto, Margao.

Masses are held at 6.15 am, 7.30 am and the evening services begin at 5.30 pm with the traditional salve and litany in honour of St Sebastian. The feast will be celebrated on March 6 with Masses at 5 am 6 am, 7 am, 8 am and the high mass at 9.30 am.

The preacher for the first three masses will be Spiritual Director of Rachol Seminary Fr Polly Lobo, and the for later masses preacher will be Manager of Guardian Angel Catering College Sanvordem, Fr Henry D’Souza, This year the feast is celebrated by the parishioners of the St Sebastian Church.

Art of Living course

PANJIM (HND): Art of Living course will be held at Mapusa from March 4 to 8 at Saldhana complex (GF), opposite old St Mary’s School, Alto-Mapusa, from 6.30 pm to 9.30 pm, to impart training in Sudarshan Kriya, Pranayam, Yogasanas, meditation and spiritual knowledge. For registration and details, those above 19 years, may call Ganesh Zantye on 9326123654/9421194343.

Vendor development program

PANJIM (HND): MSME Development Institute under Ministry of MSME, GoI, in association with Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry will conduct Vendor Development Programme on March 9 at GCCI, Narayan Rajaram Bandekar Bhavan, Rua de Ormuz, Panjim, at 10 am, for engineering and allied sector.

Goa Shipyard Ltd and Mormugao Port Trust will explain their requirements to participating prospective and existing entrepreneurs. Participation is free and registration can be done by e-mail to msmedigoa@gmail.com or at the venue.

Passport Adalat

PANJIM (HND): Passport Office, Panjim will hold a Passport Adalat for both South and North Goa districts, from 10 am to 1.15 pm on March 5. The Adalat will be held at Passport Office, Passport Bhavan, Patto. The applicants are advised to be present on the day of the Adalat, with all their original documents.

Classical guitar clinic

PANJIM (HND): The Indo-German Educational and Cultural Society and Guitar Guild Goa will organise a classical guitar clinic by Shyamant Behal on March 5 at Kala Academy Black Box from 3 pm to 5.30 pm. For registration call Rui Lobo on 9921372036. Fee of Rs 200 per participant will be charged.

People from Kankumbi have warned the Karnataka Government of halting the work on the controversial Kalsa-Bhandura project, if it failed to commence the work on the Kankumbi-Chorla section of the Belgaum-Goa road.

The residents have alleged that Karnataka Government and authorities who are working on the war footing for the preparations of the forthcoming three-day World Kannada Meet (WKM) that will commence on March 11, have completely neglected the developments on this road.

The people through a mem-

orandum submitted to Deputy Commissioner Dr Ekroop Caur have also warned of a ‘Rasta Roko’ on March 4 in case the authorities turn a blind eye to their demand.

The work on the Rs 75 crore 51 km project commenced in 2007, however, due to certain hiccups like strong objections from the environmentalists and a rather deliberate delay from the contractor, the road that would have been ready by now is still facing uncertainty.

Thus, looking at the slow pace at which the work has been carried out showing various reasons, it may be impossible for the contractor to meet the deadline of March 2011.

The people including the members of the gram panchayats in the area, who are facing tough time due to the incomplete road, had last year too brought the work on the Kalsa Bhandura project to a grinding halt.

Only a small stretch between Jamboti and Kankumbi is on the way of completion, whereas the entire stretch between Kankumbi and Chorla has still remained untouched.

If the authorities do not yield to the demand of taking up the work on the road immediately, the people from the area have resolved to bring the work on the Kalsa-Bhandura to a grinding halt.

Dy Speaker launches Bandolem Lake beautification HERALD CORRESPONDENT CORTALIM, MARCH 3

Bandolem Lake, which is the lifeline of Sancoale village, finally received the much-needed attention with the government tendering the de-silting and building of the retaining wall of the lake.

Cortalim MLA and Deputy Speaker Mauvin Godinho on Thursday formally launched the first phase of the work estimated at Rs 95 lakh.

Expressing satisfaction over the progress of the works, both in Cortalim and Dabolim constituencies, Godinho said these works were possible only because he had the backing of the panchayats and his people.

Stating that the lake would be also beautified with a fountain, Godinho said it would be in the interest of the villages to have beautified spots to attract visitors.

“One day, the mines will get over. So it is also necessary to give boost to tourism so that

Cortalim MLA and Deputy Speaker Mauvin Godinho unveiling the plaque to launch the work on desilting the lake in the presence of Acting Sarpanch Ramakant Borkar and others. Photo by Alvaro Colaco

our locals can have a dependable source of income,” Godinho said.

“Give me land and I will provide all the facilities which the villagers need,” Godinho added while expressing the need for a jogger’s park for both the Cortalim and Sancoale residents.

Godinho also recalled that the Sancoale village had people of great eminence and said that Blessed Joseph Vaz was one of

Around the World

Fun Facts about Countries in Europe (Part 3):

Italy • Parmesan cheese originated in the area around Parma, Italy. Italians also created many other cheeses, including gorgonzola, mozzarella, provolone, and ricotta. No one knows when the pizza was invented, but the people of Naples made it popular.

Hungary • Hungary is home to Dohány Street Synagogue. This colossal structure is able to house 3000 people, stretches 44 metres high and has an area of over 2000 metres square. It is the second largest synagogue in the world, after one in New York. The synagogue is made up of various temples and gardens and was built in the mid 19th century with a design based on Moorish architecture from northern Africa.

Latvia • Just like Czech Republic and Slovakia celebrating independence of country that no longer exists, Latvia celebrates its independence from the year 1918, even though they were occupied

by Germany and Soviet Union and became a separate country again in 1991.

Iceland • Many Icelanders believe in elves. Certain roads in the country have been re-routed to avoid disturbing areas where elves are thought to live.

Ireland • Ireland has won the Nobel prize for literature on four occasions with George Bernard Shaw, William Butler Yeats, Samuel Beckett and Seamus Heaney.

them. “Once the Vatican canonises Blessed Joseph Vaz you will see people visiting the village,” Godinho said.

In his speech, Sancoale Acting Sarpanch Ramakant Borkar while thanking Godinho for taking up the long-pending work of de-silting the lake said this development will not only give boost to agriculture but also help beautify the place.

Borkar said that the panchayat would do everything which is necessary to provide infrastructure which the government cannot provide.

Sancoale ZP member Aparna Naik also spoke. Panch Bhoj Naik while proposing the vote of thanks, praised Godinho for all his help. Cortalim Quelossim sarpanch compered the function.

Other present at the function were Cortalim Block Mahila President Ujwala Naik, Panch Premanand Naik, Rocky Vales, WRD engineers and the farmers.

Fermino is Candolim Sarpanch HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, MARCH 3

Fermino Fernandes was on Monday elected unopposed as sarpanch of the 11-member Candolim Panchayat.

In the election held to elect the new sarpanch, Fernandes’s was the only nomination received for the post. G A Bandekar, who was the observer for the elections, declared Fernandes elected unopposed as sarpanch.

Fernandes succeeds Anand Shettigar who had stepped down from the post of sarpanch based on a mutual power sharing agreement. Panchayat Secretary Eknath Talkar assisted B a n d e ka r i n t h e e l e c t i o n process.

Awareness camp organised HERALD NEWS buREAu PANJIM, MARCH 3

The Goa College of Home Science in collaboration with Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) Goa, recently organized an KVIC-PMEGP awareness camp in the college premises.

The awareness camp focused on developing skills and facing challenges that create a better future for women and enabling self sufficiency in the modern society.

Around 75 participants from different backgrounds, including entrepreneurs, teachers from higher secondary schools, students and lecturers from different colleges attended the Camp.

The awareness camp comprised sessions on self-employment avenues by Suvarnagowri Yadappanavar, Convenor of the Awareness Camp from Goa College Home Science, followed by a presentation on Self-employment Schemes of KVICPMEGP Scheme and their benefits by Mr A Mohanty, State Director, KVIC. Each session was followed by an interactive session.

Bhaisar of KVIC-Panjim spoke about the eligibility conditions of the beneficiaries, terms and conditions of the schemes and modality of the PMEGP. Ramnarayan of the KVIC-Panjim spoke on various aspects of marketing, channels of marketing of the goods produced and challenges faced by self-employed people. He also encouraged the participants to sell the goods produced by them at Khadi Bhandars.

At the valedictory function, KVIC State Director A Mohanty addressed the gathering.

Rectification of HSSC seating at Margao HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, MARCH 3

The date with respect to seating arrangement for HSSC exam for Margao centre at Smt Parvatibhai Chowgule College Sub centre should read as March 7 to 18 instead of March 11 to March 18.

Also the date for seating arrangement for Government Multipurpose Higher Secondary School Sub centre should read as March 7 to 16 instead of March 11 to 18.

SFX hall opened at Divine Retreat Centre

Liechtenstein • It’s one of only two (the other is Uzbekistan) “doubly landlocked” nations, that is, bordered entirely by other landlocked nationsAlso, it’s the smallest German-speaking country in the world and the only one that doesn’t share a border with the fatherland.

Erratum

Whoops! We made a mistake in Tuesday's column. The first sentence of the third paragraph should read: "The Lenten period of the Liturgical year, being six weeks directly BEFORE Easter..."

GOA

S H O RT TA K E S Legal awareness camp held

PANJIM (HND): The Ponda Taluka Legal Services Committee recently organised an awareness camp in relation to women and children in need of care and protection at Madkaim Panchayat Hall, Ponda.

Adv Bhavesh Parab welcomed the gathering and explained the aim of holding the camp and also spoke on Mundkar and Tenancy Act and Adv Sudhir Tari spoke on ‘Right to Information Act 2005’.

The programme was compered by Adv Bhavesh Parab and Shanti S Sawant co-ordinated the camp.

Opposition Leader Manohar Parrikar releases Cyril Almeida’s CD ‘Hoch Inam Mhozo’ in presence of Agnelo Silviera, Sidharth Cuncolienkar and Deepak Mapshemkar.

Eye check-up camp held

COLLEM (HC): Mata Mamata and Sukhada Trust organised an eye check-up camp for residents of Udalse-Sacorda at Vittal Rukamini Temple Hall, Udalse, on February 20.

Industrialist and social worker Arjun Salgaonkar was the chief guest at the inaugural programme of the camp.

Dharbandoda Sarpanch Anand Gaonkar, Mollem Sarpanch Janu Suzare, Dabal Sarpanch Rama Gaonkar, Sanvordem Sarpanch Sudhakar Naik, former Collem sarpanch Raju Khandeparkar and Dr Kusta were the special guests for the programme. Sacorda Sarpanch Yogita Naik presided over the programme.

The Mobile eye clinic van of Mukta Opticians, an eye checkup association, was also inaugurated by Salgaonkar.

Social worker Girish Tendulkar welcomed the chief guest and gathering and later gave an introductory speech, while Kamalakant Dessai proposed the vote of thanks.

Thereafter, a team of doctors examined the patients and free medicines and spectacles were also distributed to the patients. A eye check up camp will also be held at Mollem Panchayat Hall on February 27.

‘Jashne-Miladun Nabi’

VALPOI (HC): Valpoi Sports Club - Dubai and Citizens Sports Club Valpoi jointly organised ‘Jashne-Miladun Nabi’ at Unity High School Multipurpose Hall Valpoi.

Children from all over Valpoi performed ‘Nate Sharif ’ and ‘Takreer’ during the two-hour function which was recently organised to mark the significance of birthday celebration of Prophet Mohammad.

Chief guest Ashraf Hamid Khan spoke on ‘Life of Prophet Mohammad and his teachings’.

Citizens Sports Club Valpoi President Nasir Khan, Valpoi Sports Club - Dubai Secretary Javeed Shaikh and special invitee and VMC Vice Chairperson Famida Khan also spoke on the occasion.

The function was largely attended by residents from HathWada, Nanus, Bhainskamad and Valpoi town.

Sadic Beig compered the function, while Farid Khan proposed the vote of thanks.

Parents Day celebrated

CALANGUTE (HC): The students of St Anthony’s Pre-Primary School, Monte de Guirim, recently celebrated Parents Day in the school premises.

The students put up various cultural items like dances, skits, etc, in honour of their parents. St Anthony’s High School Manager Fr Gabriel Fernandes was the chief guest for the function, Headmaster Fr Paul Alvares was the guest of honour, while Adv Felcy Zuzarte and Sr Gloria were the special invitees for the function.

Earlier, the students of Pre-Primary Section extended a warm welcome to the guests and the gathering. Ezekial, Shikha Vimesh and Shankar compered the function, while Dilanne proposed the vote of thanks.

Entrepreneurship awareness

SANGUEM (HC): The Career Guidance Cell of Government College, Quepem, in collaboration with Agnel Entrepreneurship Development Institute, Verna, recently organised a oneday ‘Entrepreneurship Awareness’ camp in the college campus.

Project Coordinator Anthony Gomes focused on self employment schemes of Central and State government, while Counsellor Amresh Naik spoke on career opportunities after graduation.

Prashant Shinde gave an account of his personal experiences as a successful entrepreneur.

In all, 67 students attended the camp which was organised

by Prof Constancio Fernandes, Olivia Soares, Smitha Fernandes, Paresh Vernekar under the guidance of Prof Bhaskar Nayak, Principal Government College Quepem and Director of Higher Education.

POWER SHUTDOWN

Blessing and inauguration of the newly constructed St Francis Xavier hall at the Divine Retreat Centre.

HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, MARCH 3

Fr Augustine Vallooran, Director of the Divine Retreat Centre announced that the newly constructed St Francis Xavier Hall for the retreat in Konkani in the Divine retreat centre was blessed and inaugurated recently by Bishop of Mangalore, Aloysios Paul D'Souza.

The Bishop said that the elders of the Divine Retreat Centre have given this Chapel as a gift to the Konkan people. The newly erected statue of St.

Francis Xavier was consecrated

by Bishop of Sindhudurg, Allwyn Barretto. The hall has a seating capacity of 1500.

The Divine Retreat centre has been functioning for the past 25 years; the weekly retreat in Konkani was started 19 years ago. Every week an average of 500 people travel to Kerala to attend retreats.

The centre run by the Vincentian Fathers is characterized by powerful preaching, miraculous healings and liberation from crippling addictions.

MARCH 4 PORVORIM: From 9 am to 5 pm. Areas affected are Haliwada, Martin’s Laser, Mendes Car washing centre, Qurbani bar and surrounding areas.

TALEIGAO/DONA PAULA: From 9 am to 4 pm. Areas affected are Taleigao Oitean, Model Splendour, Sapna, Nagali, Kevnem and surrounding Taleigao areas. Caranzalem, Petrol Pump, Models Meredian, Kerant, Syndicate Bank and surrounding areas. In Donapaula La Bela Vista Colony, Nagali and Eden wood, Mschado Cove, Manipal Hospital, Vaguniuim Valley, Bay View, NIO Institute, Models Status, Odxelm NIO Circle, Marvel Colony, NIO Colony and Rajbhavan and surrounding areas.

MARCH 5 PONDA: From 9 am to 2 pm. Areas affected are Tiska- Usgao, Pansule and surrounding areas.

TIDES March 4

High Tide: 1040; 2315 Low Tide: 0457; 1647

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Pg 5 GOA, FRIDAY, 4 MARCH, 2011

Belgaum police bust betting racket

The arrested trio.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT BeLgaum, maRCH 3

Belgaum Police late monday evening busted a betting racket and arrested three persons for their alleged involvement in the racket.

The links of the network is far and wide reaching Hubli and other places in north Karnataka, south maharashtra and goa.

Photo by Louis Rodrigues

acting on a tip-off, DCIB Police conducted a raid on a house at new gandhinagar coming under the mal maruti Police station late monday evening and arrested three persons.

Police have recovered attached Rs 2 lakh in cash, sony TV, five mobile handsets and other writing material. speaking at a press confer-

ence Tuesday morning, sP sandeep Patil informed Inspector sunil savadi and team acting on specific information conducted the raid. gaus abdul aziz Bepari, shabbir mehboob sasanwale and mansoor anwar Baig Todewale all residents of gandhinagar area were arrested.

The police who was on the track of the accused followed shabbir and mansoor who went to the house of gaus where they were caught red handed. The betting was being carried out on the India versus england cricket match. sP Patil said the links of the notorious network is far and wide reaching Hubli and other places in north Karnataka, south maharashtra and goa.

Police has access to all the contact numbers called from the cell phone numbers and is investigating the matter that may have deeper roots.

MNREGS successful in Sattari

UTAA to organise Former minister lays emphasis on importance of education ST convention at Ponda

Former minister Fatima D’Sa addresses the gathering at Assagao.

Photo by Anil Shankhwalker HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIm, maRCH 3

Former minister Fatima D’sa has stated that education is very important for each and every individual, as it provides knowledge of the world around us. she was speaking as the chief guest at the function organised by g4s securities India Pvt Ltd, Porvorim, to celebrate the 3rd ‘Happy Day’ with the children from el shadai assagao. “education is the basis of culture and civilization. It is instrumental in the development of our values and virtues. education cultivates us into mature individuals, individuals capable of planning for our futures and

taking the right decisions,” she said.

“The future of a nation is safe in the hands of educated individuals. Hence, every student should try to learn to earn. The more you learn, the more you will earn,” said D’sa.

D’sa further said that there exist a lot illiteracy and poverty in the country. The children are starving for food. some are surviving on the food thrown in dust bins. The underprivileged and disadvantaged children need personal touch and care to bring smiles on their faces, to infuse positive thoughts and energy in them.

“It is the duty of each and every member of society to

share their happiness with these children and make their lives meaningful,” said D’sa.

In his welcome speech, assistant Vice President of g4s securities Pvt Ltd Lt Col K V g nambiar said Happiness is the ultimate dream of every human being. nambiar said ‘Happy Day’ is his company’s annual presentation of its commitment to society and seeks to spread happiness to underprivileged and orphan children.

“Happy Day is celebrated on march 3 every year across 20 countries in India over 50 cities internationally,” he said.

“The fact that only a section of country’s children actually have an opportunity to celebrate their existence has spurred g4s to institute and organise a special day to celebrate the spirit of childhood with the deprived and give them a reason for smile and feel happy,” added nambiar.

“Happy Day is conceived to extend a personal touch to the underprivileged children,” said nambiar.

The day-long activities included singing, dancing and games. The children were awarded prizes by chief guest Fatima D’sa. as many as 75 children from el shadai participated in the event. Branch In-charge of g4s securities north goa Crescento Zuzarto proposed the vote of thanks.

‘Booth Sampark Abhiyan’ reaches Loliem-Polem HERALD CORRESPONDENT CanaCOna, maRCH 3

Labourers working under MNREGS at Cotorem-Sattari.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT VaLPOI, maRCH 3

The mahatma gandhi national Rural employment guarantee schemes (mnRegs), which was introduced in sattari taluka in 2008, has been showing good results. according to sources, Rs 67,33,390 has been utilized during 2009-10 on the scheme which includes wages, material and skilled labour. manpower of 1,336 was in use to carry out different works under the scheme.

In 2010, of the 133 proposed works, 77 projects were sanctioned, of which 37 works were completed under the scheme, while 13 are under execution.

“In 2010, as many as 1,336 workers benefited from sattari taluka under the scheme,” in-

formed an official. sources further informed that construction of Katcha road from Jamblicha Temb Pal to Chorla ghat highway phase 1 to 6 in Dongurli-Thane is the major work undertaken and the total expenditure incurred was Rs 9,08,837. under the scheme, works including construction of Kuccha road, digging of ponds, construction and cleaning of drainages, lake cleaning, de-silting of ponds, rural connectivity, setting up of footpaths, levelling of ground, etc, are undertaken.

In sattari, works of most of the Kuccha roads are undertaken besides, construction of protection wall and drainages are also completed. meanwhile, as per the guidelines of Central government, the

Photo by Ashraf Khan

Block which was receiving low wages are now upgraded.

Taking cognizance of the low daily wages, government with effect from september 23, 2010 increased the slab and unskilled labourers are paid Rs 157 per day, while the skilled labourers are paid Rs 200-300 per day per head as per the work.

The scheme has attracted large number village manpower and has evoked good response in all the 12 panchayats (nagargao, Thane, guleli, savorde, Honda, Keri, mauxi, Pissurle, Poriem, Bhironde, morllem and Cottorem). according to sources, 30 staff are employed including two assistant engineers, one accountant-cum-programme officer, 14 messengers-cum-peons and 13 gram sevaks.

Workers finally return to work at carpentry unit in Canacona HERALD CORRESPONDENT CanaCOna, maRCH 3

sawing is in full swing at the government’s oldest carpentry unit in Canacona taluka, after a short lay-off and refusal of the unskilled workers to work on the newly acquired machine.

It may be recalled that sawing at the carpentry-cum-carving unit came to a standstill after the faulty old machinery was replaced some seven months ago and the regular man was retired. some unskilled workers refused to work on the newly acquired sawing machinery citing safety norms.

Forest contractors, who were availing the services of this ancient carpentry, then started to complain, as non-operation was taking the toil on their business. according to reports, the carpentry centre was initially under the industries department, but later handed over to crafts training centre (Industrial Training Institute). even the ITI students studying the trade were provided field training at the carpentry unit.

It is learnt that the depart-

Work in full swing at the government’s carpentry unit at Poinguinim.

Photo by Kathy Pereira

ment in an order dated may 25, 2006 had deployed a skilled carpenter and four workmen to the sawing job. The workmen were paid special carpentr y allowance, besides departmental insurance coverage of Rs 15,000 for any untoward incident while working on the machinery.

However, since the department insurance coverage was for a meagre amount, there was

no other security for the workmen and accordingly staff were demanding better insurance coverage in case of drastic eventualities.

The carpentry unit has however, finally became operational five days ago, after which the local forest contractors expressed happiness and are seen making bee line to get their sawing works done.

Hundreds attend Lord Paikdev procession HERALD CORRESPONDENT sanguem, maRCH 3

Hundreds of devotees took part in the procession of Lord Paikdev, which was taken from Pa i k d e v D e v a s t h a n , Te m chowaddo-sanguem, to all wards of sanguem municipal Council (smC) on Tuesday.

The procession which was attended by hundreds of devotees started early Tuesday morning, covering all the 10 wards of

smC. The procession of Lord Paikdev is being taken once in every three years during which people all the way through the procession perform ‘aarti’ and other religious rituals once the procession passes their houses.

The main and internal roads in sanguem town wore a festive look with road being interspersed with Rangoli and other decorative items put by the

devotees which also included Catholics. at the sanguem Police station, it was a threat to watch when the men in uniform offered respect to Lord Paikdev by standing in line with guns in their hands as the procession passed the police station.

The procession also marked the end of three-day Paikdev Zatra which had commenced on February 21.

The ‘Booth sampark abhiyan’, unique concept launched by Poinguinim mLa Ramesh Tawadkar to understand and an attempt to resolve residents’ problems and necessities, has now reached Loliem-Polem Panchayat area. addressing a press conference, Tawadkar explained how he successfully organised 11 such Booth sampark abhiyan in Poinguinim, gaondongrim and Cotigao, where people attending in large numbers put forth their individual difficulties and put forth demands for community needs.

“I was successful in reaching out and knowing people’s issues, where residents between 150 and 200 participated in a day-long exercise in each and every meet that were conducted in three villages,” he said.

“I accordingly took up the issues to the concerned departments and at government level wherever required, after which some issues have been resolved and others are in pipeline.”

“Today, I have launched the Booth sampark abhiyan for Loliem-Polem village areas,” he informed. addressing media in the midst of beginning of Booth sampark abhiyan for all the six booths in Loliem-Polem on Wednesday, Tawadkar informed that it will continue till march 7.

He further informed that a general meeting will be organised at shri Damodar Hall, Loliem, on march 8 and 9, where issues and demands will be conceptualized as how to go about in execution process of people’ aspirations will be finalized that too with people participation.

Tawadkar informed that 28 different maintenance works worth Rs 2.54 crore are taken up or already executed in Loliem, besides non-plan works worth Rs 72 lakh are under tendering process.

He furthered informed that the works on the immediate awaiting list are hot-mixing of Loliem internal roads worth Rs 3.15 crore, while minor works of pipe laying worth Rs 14.5 lakh by PWD (water supply) and works worth Rs 1.71 crore by irrigation department have already been executed in the village due to his intervention.

Agostinho elected Arpora Sarpanch HERALD CORRESPONDENT CaLanguTe, maRCH 3

agostinho D’souza was on Tuesday elected unopposed as sarpanch of the seven-member nagoa-arpora Panchayat.

D’souza succeeds former sarpanch agnelo D’souza, who had stepped down as per the power sharing agreement.

During his interaction with voters in concerned booth meetings held earlier, Tawadkar had claimed that most of the issues are related to individual problems like non-grant of Dss financial assistance, benefits for vegetable vendors, financial assistance under Rajiv awas Yojna for repairing or house building, besides non-registering of several eligible families under

Below Poverty Line (BPL).

“In recent times, out of 127 files submitted for financial assistance under Rajiv awas Yojna, 31 files awaits sanction after its clearance at local level, while 39 cases out of 150 applications of vegetable vendors for grant submitted through his office are cleared and 150 new Dss cases on various standards are approved,” he informed.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT maRCeL, maRCH 3

The united Tribal associations alliance (uTaa) will organise a schedule Tribe awareness convention at azad maidan, mardol-Ponda, on sunday at 4.30 pm. uTaa President Prakash Velip, mLa Ramesh Tawadkar, Dr s Kardoz and uTaa Convenor govind gaude will speak at the convention. uTa a Convenor govind gaude has urged the people to participate in large numbers and know the rights of sT’s. addressing a press conference

at Farmagudi-Ponda, gaude said: “We have been organising meetings to mobilise people so that they are aware of our rights and support us in our fight against government inaction in agreeing to our charter of demands. This meeting will focus on our constitutional rights which government has distanced us.”

“Two mLas from Ponda taluka are rallying so that our sT awareness convention does not succeed. They have organised a women programme at Farmagudi, but I urge the people not to fall prey to such tactics,” alleged gaude.

OHERALDO

Pg 6

O HERALD O Vol No CXI No: 062 Goa, Friday, 4 March, 2011

I

Poll ‘panels’ in perspective

n India, ‘panels’ and polls are inseparable. From the very first time a citizen is exposed to any election, be it at college or university level, or for a cooperative society, the ‘panel’ is inevitable. Voters are presented a choice of two or more panels of which, presumably, they must choose one.

Why? In Panjim, the ruling dispensation of the Corporation of the City of Panjim (CCP) has been a veritable nightmare. It was not only a non-performer, but a scam-riddled non-performer. And, even as the ruling corporators were making hay, Panjim lost out on crores of rupees in funds from the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), which could have been used to make Goa’s capital a much better place. The corporators were, presumably, too busy looking after their own interests to bother about the city.

The MLA for Panjim, Manohar Parrikar, could have made a difference here by taking the initiative and making a very public hue and cry, to force the hand of the recalcitrant corporators and the slothful CCP administration. Regrettably, he did not. But then, bitter rivals though they may be officially, off the record, and especially between elections, Mr Parrikar has a distinct soft corner for Mr Atanasio ‘Babush’ Monserrate, the leader of the panel that ruled the CCP during its last term, when it won 19 of the 30 seats.

This time, we have two principal panels. One is led by Mr Monserrate and the other by Mr Parrikar. Though elections to municipalities are supposed to be apolitical, and parties are not allowed to contest the polls, there is no such stipulation for municipal corporations. The Brihan Mumbai Municipal Corporation, for example, has parties contending.

At present, it is ruled by the Shiv Sena supported by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Why the CCP elections are still fought over by panels we do not know, but in fact they are roughly on party lines.

While Mr Monserrate’s panel is the Congress panel, Mr Parrikar’s panel is obviously the BJP panel. There is third panelof-sorts, led by Mr Avinash Bhonsale of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), but it does not extend to all the wards.

But should one’s choice be restricted to one panel or the other? That is the question being raised by the Panjimites’ Initiative for Change (PINC), an initiative of prominent citizens of Panjim, led by Dr Oscar Rebello and Aravind Bhatikar. PINC says it will support candidates that it believes are sincere and non-corrupt.

“We have identified sincere, upright and dynamic individuals to clean the Augean Stables of the CCP and stem the rot in Goa’s capital city... We promise to keep them on a tight leash, if elected, to obey the peoples’ mandate,” Dr Oscar Rebello announced at a press conference on Tuesday.

He said the initiative had come about because citizens are disillusioned and completely disgusted at the ongoing state of affairs in the CCP. Dr Oscar is right. The Babush panel in the CCP has comprehensively failed on issues of garbage, sewage, parking, traffic congestion, planning and zoning. It has openly abused its power, as seen in numerous scams. That is why the candidates supported by PINC does not include even a single person from the Babush panel.

That does not mean they support the Parrikar panel.

Many of the candidates on the PINC list are genuine independents, like Ashley Rosario. Or, like Surendra Furtado, they are veteran corporators not presently attached to any party. Given the present circumstances, they offer the voter a third ‘panel’, even though it is not acually one. Panjimites should give this list serious consideration.

Budget bungle Marcos Alemao by email The Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee has not done a great thing by reducing the age of senior citizen from 65 to 60 years. As per the report in Herald (1 Mar), he now intends to raise petrol prices by Rs4 per litre. When petrol prices go up, the cost of every item will correspondingly go up.

With regard to his proposal to supply subsidised items like LPG, kerosene, fertilisers for the people living below poverty line, it is very doubtful whether the people living under this category will get this, because the word BPL is grossly misused and

100 Years Ago

PRIMEIRO DIARIO NAS COLONIAS PORTUGEZAS

4 March 1911 Beira port operational

It is reported that due to initiatives of a new Shipping Lines, the Port of Beira (Mozambique) will commence its liner services touching the ports in Gothenburg, South Africa and Australia.

www.oheraldo.in

Doctor-patient relations - A WHO initiative O the meeting sought to dispel growing deterioration in doctor-patient relationship, says Dr GLADStoNE A D’coStA

n the 15th and 16th of February the WHO South-East Asia Regional Office (SEARO) organised a “Meeting of Experts on DoctorPatient Relationship” in New Delhi. This was in recognition of the general feeling in the region that the doctor-patient relationship was currently under severe strain due to various reasons. Even though there was not enough evidence about the current status of the relationship, it was generally perceived that the deterioration was caused by increased specialisation, over dependence on technology, commercialisation of the profession and the effects of private insurance coupled with escalating costs of health care. This eventually translates into increased litigation or violence against health care professionals, or both. The ensuing apprehension on part of the physician results in the practise of defensive medicine, which in turn, affects the quality and cost of health care and a further deterioration of the relationship. As a consequence, the need for intervention was considered imperative.

The meeting of experts was, therefore, convened by the Regional Director, Dr Plianbangchang, inviting delegates from Myanmar, Bangladesh, Nepal, Indonesia, Thailand, Bhutan, Maldives, Sri Lanka and the WHO observers and secretariat. India was represented by Professor Ranjit Roy Choudhary from the board of governors of the MCI, Bejon Misra, a consumer expert, Keshav Desiraju, additional secretary, MOHFW, Shruti Pandey, legal expert, and myself. The preliminary brief circulated by the WHO identified the objectives as:General Objectives: - To agree on measures for strengthening doctor-patient relationships that enhance the quality of care.

Specific Objectives - 1) Review the draft Strategic Framework for Strengthening Doctor-Patient relationship in South East Asia. 2) Discuss experiences in strengthening the relationship. 3) Identify measures for strengthening the relationship.

The document further described the relationship between patients and their physicians as fundamental to the practise of medicine and a key to the delivery of quality health care. The concept is not new. It finds mention in the Egyptian Papyri of 1,600 BC and even the classical Chinese writings of 3,000BC. The Babylonians devised an elaborate code of rules and set fees according to social status. The Greeks with Aesculapius established the principles of quality

those under the category of ‘Above Poverty Line’ or APL enjoy the benefits of those below the poverty line. This is happening in the Congress government’s administration in Goa.

Vote bank ‘Moti Dongor’ Joel Morais, Cuncolim It’s a matter of concern that our present Chief Minister is taking great interest in the development of his vote bank at Monti Dongor in Margao than niz goemkars, as a whole. A few years back, there was nothing at Monti Dongor. It all started with shanties. Later on, with the help of Diggu bab, the same was legalised.

Now one can witness similar shanties at the Margao district hospital construction site near KTC. The assembly elections are fast approaching, and Digambar Kamat will not mind legalising them too. Such slums are always considered very important by our present Chief Minister and soon, they will be given VIP treatment to get the voters cards done at the earliest. Long live such Goan ministers, who are known to sell our rights to the migrants of Goa.

Hail Indian justice system Franco Fernandes, Mapusa

Illegal mining at Cavrem

It was reported from Lisbon that a conspiracy theory is doing rounds.

The Military is put on an emergency alert and their leaves being cancelled.

Richie Luis, Margao Cavrem Adivasi Bachao Samiti’ underwent a heroic 12-hour ordeal which led to the Mines Director issuing an order to mine owners to withdraw all the mining machinery and equipment from the site, which

by research, the harsh ground reality is that 60% of patients feel that the doctor has only a superficial or no interest in their welfare at a personal level, and that they are treated without dignity or respect for their time.

The reasons for this dissatisfaction can be summarised as:- i) Patient related factors. ii) Doctor related factors. iii) The actual doctor-patient encounter.

Patient Related Factors: - The patients’ religion or cultural beliefs may come into conflict with the recommendations of modern medicine and can influence attitudes and behaviour. The patient may even reject the recommendations of the physician in preference to traditional medical practices. The educational status, access to information and past experiences with the health care system plays an important part in the success or failure of the relationship and therefore, the therapeutic outcome.

The financial status of the individual and the extent of peer influence also matters. Last but not least, expectations by the patient may have been raised by unjustified claims or inappropriate information or advertisement. In this respect it is worth mentioning that the internet, a popular source of information can be a double-edged sword. A devious tactic used by unscrupulous elements with vested interests, is to flood the search sites with favourable

“reports”. I was exhorted to consider recommending a product “because there were favourable reports on the internet.” On checking this claim, I, indeed, discovered that the first genuinely scientific (and unfavourable) report on the product came up only after 45 falsely favourable reports were looked at.

Doctor Related Factors: - Contrary to popular belief, surveys have shown that only 5% of cases of litigation were ultimately proven to be a result of a deficiency on part of the doctor. The remainder were either a result of a systems failure or inadequate communication. Fully 50% of complaints could have been avoided if the doctor had spent a few minutes talking to the patient and the relatives; or if the doctor had come to see the patient as promised.

Doctors in the public sector, in particular, are overworked and cannot spare the time required to talk to patients. In most cases, the doctors just do not know how to communicate with patients because they have never had any training in communication skills. The importance of eye contact, touch and the use of models are not standard procedure for them. All of this is reflected in the attitude, empathy and bedside manner the doctor exhibits; which in turn, has a strong influence on the relationship. Very occasionally, is the training and professional skill of the physician brought into question.

Doctor-Patient Encounter: - Availability and access are the most important considerations. Patients expect to be treated with dignity and therefore, the reception, attention, personal comfort and waiting times are significant factors in laying the foundation for a healthy relationship. With the emergence of health insurance, cost containment can work against the interests of the patient. There may be pressure on the doctor to make the costs work to the advantage of the insurance company or the corporate hospital, resulting in a disgruntled patient. In the unfortunate event of dissatisfaction, the manner in which the first complaint is handled is of utmost significance. In many cases, a little time spent with the patient and an explanation will defuse the situation. There has to be a patient-centred model rather than a profit-centred or doctor-centred culture, backed up by appropriate redressal mechanisms.

The conclusions and recommendations made as a result of this group study, will be presented in the final instalment. The author acknowledges the WHO input for this article.(The author is a member, National Executive Committee, Voluntary Health Assn of India.)

Bloody budget

R

Military put on emergency

Presidency of committee

of service to the rich and the poor; and eventually, the Hippocratic Oath prevailed till the present time.

The professional relationship between the doctor and the patient is considered to be a social relationship with rules and rituals governing the initiation, maintenance and ending. This may remain so at a specialist level; but at the general practitioner or “family doctor” level, it usually evolves further into a “personal” relationship. This is the key to patient-centred medicine with a therapeutic element to the relationship resulting in a satisfactory outcome of the encounter. The therapeutic element starts with the first session and continues through future encounters. Research has indicated that it hinges on the patient’s feeling that he has been treated with dignity, with due respect for his time and a sense of having participated in the decision making processes of the treatment. Amazingly, it has been demonstrated that when the doctor-patient relationship improves, it translates into a 30% reduction in health care costs. This is because of the patient’s improved treatment compliance and better motivation in taking care of themselves. Patients are more comfortable and willing to seek advice and help when problems arise. All of which end in improved clinical results. However, it is a sad reflection of our times that whilst all of the above have been established

ecently the great Baba Ramdev of the Patanjali Yog Seva Samiti was in the news for all the wrong reasons. But it was for no fault of his own. As usual, the media got it all wrong. Senseless scribes reported wrongly that Baba Ramdev went mad at a heckler for using the term ‘Bloody Indian’. Later, a spokesperson for the venerable Baba did clarify the whole misunderstanding and smoothed all the ruffled feathers.

The venerable Baba, it was clarified, takes women’s causes very seriously.

And he was under the impression that the heckler was using a downright derogatory description of the 355 million menstruating women in India, of whom apparently only 12 per cent use sanitary napkins. This figure is abysmal. Even in comparable upcoming countries like China, we are told, a majority of women use sanitary napkins.

According to a survey conducted by the leading global information and measurement company (formerly known as the more pedestrian ‘market research’) A C Nielsen, and endorsed by leading NGO Plan India’s Executive Director Ms Bhagyashree Dengle, almost 68 per cent of rural women cannot afford sanitary napkins today. Ms Bhagyashree has a huge reputation to protect, and used the services of A C Nielsen so she could ‘Stayfree’ from even a ‘Whisper’ of controversy and be reasonably ‘Carefree’ about the whole thing.

At a hurriedly called press conference at the International Centre

Lord Roseberry accepted the presidency of a parliamentary committee for the reception of all the delegates of the Parliament who are representing in the English Parliament.

The Steamship ‘Benguela’ arriving from Bombay remained quarantined at Suez Canal due pestilence reported from aboard.

HippocrAtic oAtH

Breakfast of Champions

Thanks to the Indian judiciary, the tug of war between the public seeking justice has shown that the government adamantly, unilaterally and shamelessly took the side of the corrupt. This has ended with the Supreme Court striking down the appointment of a CVC. Indians can take heart that this is the beginning of better things to follow. Unfortunately, the Aam Admi may struggle as the expensive judicial system is beyond his reach. Unless the judicial system comes within the reach of the poor aam admi, the sad stories of the rich and powerful who continue to rule, exploit and harras him will persist.

Steamship quarantined

OPINION

in Dona Paula, Ms Bhagyashree held forth knowledgeably. She said: “Menstruation is a subject that has culturally been considered a taboo, and is entrenched with misconceptions and disregard, with little cognisance of the hazards of inadequate menstrual protection. The survey has highlighted how the subject of feminine hygiene is being grossly neglected at all levels.”

“Over 30 per cent of girls surveyed,” she continued, “said they dropped out from school after they started menstruating. Adolescent girls in rural India are unable to attend up to 50 days of schooling in every year owing to inadequate menstrual hygiene and care. They cope with sub-optimal alternatives like cloth, sand, husk and even ash, which have severe consequences on the education, as well as physical and reproductive health of growing girls.”

Obviously, words uttered in Dona Paula have made their way to distant Delhi. As if in response, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, in the Annual Budget for 2011-12, has granted sops that will bring down the prices of sanitary napkins. But that is not the only benefit.

Cotton farmers are looking forward to a big bonanza, having got bumper cotton crops for two years in a row. Just imagine 355 million women, each using approximately 60 sanitary napkins during the coming financial year! As Prime Minister Manmohan Singh would say

Save trees

Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco

The state government reportedly plans to increase the facilities available at the Kala Academy, by improving the infrastructure. It is true that Kala Academy needs to give more opportunities to our local artists to showcase their talent. The need to expand is, therefore, of utmost importance.

It is understood that more than 40 trees in the complex have to be cut down to make way for construction work. The forest department comes down heavily against offenders for felling trees, cutting branches and even clearing the bushes, by booking them under the Tree Preservation Act. But they do not feel the same way and plan to cut more than 40 trees at the Kala Academy complex. This is absurd.

Developmental work is necessary, but not at the cost of nature. One has to strike a balance between the two. It must be said that the forty-odd trees at the academy add natural beauty to the complex. There is a need to preserve these trees at all costs.

This in response to the letter by Stephen Dias, (Herald, March 2) appreciating the concept of disseminating Konkani through the Roman Script.

Tomazinho Cardozo and all those involved in popularising Konkani in Roman Script needs to be applauded for their vision. I was involved in popularising Goan culture amongst Goans abroad. I understand Tomazinho Cardozo and Stephen Dias’s concern on Roman script as they are educationists as well as scientists, both focused and practical. Teaching Konkani through the strengthening of English, is an excellent idea.

jungle and would understand the need to protect the state from land sharks and speculators.

But what about the severe penalty of property confiscation and a fine on a foreign national, who purchased a property for personal use in full compliance with prevailing laws? So can the Goan authorities justify property confiscation from a British national (Herald 2 March) as an instance of the former category and not the latter?

The fact is FEMA regulations make no mention of the type of visa needed for purchase and phrases such as ‘indefinite period’ are open to interpretation. Indeed, they have been interpreted differently now.

There are estimated to be 1.5 million Indians living in Britain and several Goans living in one town alone in south-west England. Many have purchased property. Imagine the international outcry if the UK government retrospectively changed their property ownership rules and confiscated them.

I will press the UK government representatives in India to seek assurances from the authorities that this ruling by the Enforcement Directorate is fair and just.

Property confiscation

Dispiriting PM

Script controversies Dr Joe D’Sousa, Panjim

David Bodley, UK I am sure most British visitors to Goa would not wish to see Goa turned into a concrete

or rather Whisper: “It’s good for our Gross Depravity Parameters and other sundry deficits.”

If everyone including the Prime Minister is so happy, why am I alone feeling so sad? Opposite my house is a small ‘Open Space’, where the Electricity Department has installed a transmission/distribution node. The land around is overgrown with bushes. The good, bold and beautiful women of the area, all of whom belong to that 12 per cent who can afford sanitary napkins even before Pranad-da’s Budget kicks in on 1 April, use this spot to dispose of their used napkins.

I can look out of my bay windows and see crows sitting on the power/distribution wires with one or more of these napkins in their beaks, trying to unravel its secrets. Thanks to the animal rights people, I get to see puppies running out of these bushes in pairs, pulling at the opposite ends of these used napkins, engaged in a playful, lovable little tugof-war. Just like the children of the people responsible for these sanitary napkins do with bon-bons at their fancy birthday parties.

How will the country dispose off 2,130 crore used sanitary napkins per year Ms Bhagyashree? Can the animal rights groups produce so many puppies? Can the Electricity Department install more transmission lines, so the crows have a convenient perch on which to conduct their investigations? Where is the bloody infrastructure…?

Letters to the Editor

Letter of the Day

will ultimately stop illegal mining activites in Deva dongor. The sensational march in Panjim has sent a message or signal to the rest of Goa that the power of people prevails. Hats off to the people of Deva dongor, Cavrem , for being courageous and fighting for a just case. Let us all unite for the protection and preservation of Amchem Goem.

By Anthony Simoes

S Kamat, Alto-Betim There was a time when our leaders would

set examples for the nation particularly the youth. These included Rajendra Prasad, Vallabhai Patel, Jawaharlal Nehru, S Radhakrishnan and others.

An example of dispiriting leadership was again Manmohan Singh who, in Parliament over the last week, blamed the commercial arm of ISRO, Antrix Corporation for the Devas Multimedia S Band scam and A Raja for the 2G scam. He was clearly looking to personally bail himself out of any criticism.

In addition, Manmohan Singh has been criticising the media in the manner they have been giving coverage to the various scams saying that the country’s image is getting tarnished and FDI be affected. The distorted priority is clearly visible here.

Should we not put our house in order first before we think of what opinions the international institutions and agencies have of us? What we need is a firm Prime Minister who can lead an aggressively strong and vibrant India.

Jobs for Goans Rocky Dias, Raia The facilities prevailing in Goa encourages the rich or poor youth to qualify and build their skills in various fields to be selfmade men. Even after achieving the same through hard work, the end result is they do not get jobs in Goa. They have no other option other than to leave Goa, in search of jobs. The same youth could have been accommodated in hotels, or even tourism industries, besides other departments like PWD, Power, RTO, and Communications or at various other places.

However, even though they are excellent in their duties, a job cannot be obtained as exorbitant bribes are the order of the day. Under such circumstances, where are the poor Goans supposed to go?

In all government departments, jobs must compulsorily be routed through employment exchanges only and the candidates be interviewed by a panel of qualified people for job selection.

This can only happen if we all unite and get the right candidates to rule Goa after the next elections. We must free our bleeding Goa from corrupt politicians.

Paths of Wisdom A wise Person

By Samir Khan Abu Y’ala bin Shaddad bin Aus relates the Holy Messenger Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessing of Allah be with him) as saying: “A wise person is one who keeps a watch over his bodily desires and passions, and checks himself from that which is harmful and strives for that which will benefit him after death; and a foolish person is one who subordinates himself to his cravings and desires and expects from Almighty Allah the fulfillment of his futile desires.” (Tirmidhi) In this hadith (Saying of the Prophet) the Holy Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be with him) draws a clear line of distinction between the qualities of wise person and those of a foolish one.

A wise person from among the believers thinks and plans for his total life- his life on earth as well as the hereafter.

But a foolish person thinks of only what is present without keeping in view its consequences. This hadith enjoins the believers to check his desires and passions and do what can bring ultimate good to them.

On one hand, a wise person introspects himself and keeps a tab over his desires and activities. He never makes such desires as are of no use to him.

His desires are always in conformity with the will of Allah.

On the contrary, a foolish person busies himself in the mundane life to the hilt and does whatever he desires.

He never ponders over their evil consequences in this world and in the hereafter. During his infrequent prayers, he wishes the fulfilment of such desires as push him to the wrong path.

In the present society, attempts are scarcely made to nip the evil in the bud.

When its evil effects come to the fore and begin to affect the society, people wake up and take some measures which are of no benefit to them at that moment.

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INDIA

GOA, FRIDAY,• 4 MARCH 2011

opinionated Telangana issue rocks parliament, MPs forget differences PTI

Can Goa go the Bihar way?

By Colin Savio Coelho

R

ecently, I had the privilege of visiting Patna. Many would wonder why I would call it such a visit a privilege. Bihar and its capital Patna have not been spoken about too kindly by people in general. Yet, I would vouch and say that I particularly enjoyed my three-day stay in Patna.

The Bihar, and more particularly, the Patna of today has changed drastically. The taxi driver who drove us from the airport to the hotel, the cobbler (whose services I had to avail of in an emergency), the shop owners, the hawkers and even some prominent doctors and law professionals in Patna are all praises for the change. In the last few years, special attention has been paid to decrease the crime rate, provide education for all, improve infrastructure and develop health-related facilities as well.

The results are there for all to see. I was roaming the streets of Patna at 11pm; a walk, which considering one’s own safety, was impossible around five years ago, I was told. The roads are a treat to drive or walk on. There is so much that has been done to improve the conditions of roads and other facilities as regards travel. The city of Patna is being developed in a much organised manner. I was surprised to see the number of malls that seem to be sprung up. Of course, if you consider cleanliness and the airport, there is a lot left to be desired.

The former Advocate General of the State is now its Education Minister. This is an example of the firm commitment the government has made to keep the Education Ministry alive with a highly educated individual, who knows the intricacies and the importance of education. Also, people of integrity are holding top positions in various government corporations and commissions. A retired high court judge of Patna heads the Law Commission. There are many professionals involved in the process of developing Bihar. The state is pretty big, but the development is moving at a steady pace, ensuring overall sustainable development.

In contrast, I look with great concern over my state, my beloved Goa. Every minister has been appointed with ‘political compulsion’ as the only criteria. The Law Commission is headed by a politician. Politicians, though qualified, are known to be biased. The trend of giving experts ministerial posts started with our present Prime Minister Manmohan Singh being given the Finance Portfolio that triggered off economic reforms in the early 1990s. These reforms have benefited us in a big way, though many have thought otherwise.

In Goa, unfortunately, no importance is given to professionalism. Every minister is appointed to ensure that the Chief Minster does not lose his ‘Kodel’. The few MLAs who have not much vocal power and/or cannot pull strings strongly enough are left in the lurch. We have the only woman legislator in Goa, who is vociferous and yet cannot find a cabinet berth even now, though some first time MLAs with ‘God Fathers and Fathers’ at the top, find berths so easy to come by. Also, these first-timers are there because they can so easily pull the ‘Kodel’ away from behind when the Chief Minister’s back is turned. He does not want to be surprised by these stunts, lest he finds himself tottering on the floor! They have not got over playing those childish games! This forces the Chief Minister to play to the ‘Kodel’ removers. And these childish games lead to an ineffective government, that are being witnessed at the present time.

Does Goa need a ‘benevolent dictator-cum-Chief Minister’? I would say we need to put aside those so-called party affiliations; it is the person and his deeds that matter. When a person understands the needs of the people who installed him, development can take place much quicker and with the faith of the people.

In Goa, we have the habit of working in fits and starts. It is so sad to know that nothing goes by any planning. A plan is made and implemented without taking into consideration, the near future or even worse, the distant future. There are clear signs that ‘other considerations’ go into these developmental works. While we see the tar being put on the road, another stretch with newly laid tar is already falling victim to some digging activity. Basically, there seems to be no co-ordination.

This surely comes from lack of leadership.

Well, in conclusion, none of those who are in power are really interested in development of the state. Their motto is self-development. It is obvious, but most of the time nobody cares.

Are we in Goa, so blind that we cannot see?

I recently received an SMS that spoke of leadership. It goes like this and I agree: “A group of sheep led by lions will always defeat a group of lions led by a sheep.” The truth is there for all to see. A mild leader does not get anywhere, but he can survive his ‘Kodel’ even without doing anything for his people. He does not require our votes, he has publicly proclaimed. What will our stand be?

With Goa being just a fraction of the size Bihar is, can development at a sustainable pace, be planned and implemented here.? Maybe it is time for us citizens, to bring about the answers. Our elected representatives seem to have lost their thinking power while they’re being led by an ineffective leader.

Minor raped by handicapped man

JAIPUR: A six-year-old girl was allegedly raped by a handicapped man near the Rajasthan Vidhan Sabha here, police said today.

The incident occurred last evening when the accused Heeralal Regar lured the daughter of an MLA's servant on the pretext of giving her a toffee and took her to an isolated area near the Vidhan Sabha building where he allegedly raped her,” SHO Jyoti Nagar Lakhan Singh said.

The girl was playing in the MLA quarter premises with her younger brother. The accused took both the kids on his tricycle and later raped the girl, he said.

NEW DELHI, MARCH 3

Parliament today witnessed repeated adjournments following uproar over demands for separate Telangana, an issue which saw members from TRS, BJP and Congress coming together despite their divergent political leanings.

Both houses of parliament were rocked by the demand as soon as they met for the day.

In the Lok Sabha, TRS chief K Chandrashekar Rao and his colleague M Vijayashanti rushed to the well, chanting ‘Jai Telangana’ and ‘We want Telangana’.

They were supported by BJP members.

A section of Congress members from Andhra Pradesh too were seen in the aisle raising slogans for a separate Telangana, while TDP members were seen waving placards favouring ‘United Andhra Pradesh’.

A Congress member went across to the TDP members and snatched the placard and joined his protesting colleagues.

Speaker Meira Kumar repeatedly pleaded with the agitated members to allow the Question Hour to continue, but when they did not relent, she adjourned the House till noon.

MAYHEM IN THE HOUSE

n Both houses of parliament were rocked by the demand as soon as they met for the day. n In the Lok Sabha, TRS chief K Chandrashekar Rao and his colleague M Vijayashanti rushed to the well, chanting ‘Jai Telangana’ and ‘We want Telangana’. They were supported by BJP members. n A Congress member went across to the TDP members and snatched the placard and joined his protesting colleagues.

Same scenes were repeated when the house re-assembled.

The Speaker requested the members to let the house function and allow taking up debate on the Railway Budget but the pleas went unheeded.

Amidst the din, Shahnawaz Hussain (BJP) raised the issue of the Supreme Court verdict on

‘MPs should not be made to stand in queue at IGIA’ PTI NEW DELHI, MARCH 3

A TDP member in the Rajya Sabha M V Mysura Reddy, supported by several others, today demanded that MPs should not be asked to stand in queue for check-in at Terminal-3 of the Indira Gandhi International Airport here.

Raising the issue through a special mention, Reddy said the problems for the “VIPs” at the IGIA start right from collecting boarding cards.

“There are no separate boarding counters for them, even VIPs have to stand in queue,” he said, complaining that personal assistants are also not being permitted to enter the airport along with the MPs. He said neither the Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) is providing the staff to help VIPs up to flights nor is it allowing PAs of MPs to get the boarding passes. “This has to be changed,” he said.

Reddy, who was supported by several members, including from the Congress, said the MPs have also to stand in queue for security check where only 30

per cent of the counters are functional.

He said while the Terminal-3 is the joint venture of the Airport Authority of India and GMR, the airport is being used by GMR at its private property.

He asked the government to direct the DIAL operator to “strictly adhere to the principles of protocols and courtesies towards VIPs”.

In his mention, D Raja (CPI) said the government should monitor the Coast Guard to ensure that it protects fishermen in Tamil Nadu who are being “harassed” the by Sri Lankan navy.

He said Tamil Nadu fishermen are frequently harassed by the Sri Lankan navy and there are occasions where they have been shot and killed.

Raja said the government has invested huge sums in the Coast Guard which is supposed to guard the country's fishermen.

“It is surprising that they are nowhere in the picture whenever the Sri Lankan Navy drags our fishermen and boats away,” he said.

Bachchan to recite his father’s poems

PTI BHOPAL, MARCH 3

Bollywood superstar, Amitabh Bachchan, who is shooting for director Prakash Jha's film “Aarakshan” here, will recite his father Harivansh Rai Bachchan's poems at a special programme tomorrow.

The programme, “Bachchan recites Bachchan”, is being jointly organised by Prakash Jha and the Oriental Group of Insti-

tutes.

“The students at the college (run by the Institute) where we were shooting were most cooperative and I thought as a gesture of my appreciation, I would give them an evening of “Kavya Paath”, Amitabh wrote on his blog.

“I need to prepare for the recital of my father's works. I need to rehearse. I need to get it correct,” he said.

In the blog-post, Amitabh also referred to Madhya Pradesh government's controversial move to rename Bhopal as Bhojpal, endorsing it indirectly.

“There is a move in this city to christen it as Bhojpal, instead of present Bhopal. Bhojpal was apparently its original name, a name it got from the great warrior king, Raja Bhoj. A thousand years have passed and the city celebrates his stature and contribution as not just a valiant ruler, but one that excelled in literature and the arts and culture too,” Amitabh has written.

CVC and said the matter should be taken up in the house considering its serious nature. He was supported by his party members.

In view of the uproar, the Speaker adjourned the house for 30 minutes.

When the house met again at 12.30 pm, TRS members and

some from Congress were again on their feet. Rao and Vijayshanti were again in the well.

The speaker said she would allow members, including the TRS chief, to speak briefly on Telangana issue to ensure that the house functions properly.

JD(U) chief Sharad Yadav also requested Rao and Vijayashanti

PTI

The process of reconciliation among the splintered Naga groups appeared to have run into a rough weather when two signatories of the Covenant of Reconciliation today claimed that they would not take part at the highest level meeting if hostilities against them by the NSCN(I-M) were not stopped.

Close on the heels of NSCN(IM) chairman Issac Chishi Swu's reiteration for his group's desire for the highest level meet with top leaders of other groups, NSCN(K) and NNC/FGN asserted that such a summit was not possible until “military offensive and territorial expansion mis-

sion” in Eastern Nagaland (Naga inhabited areas of Myanmar) are called off by NSCN(I-M).

Two groups of NSCN and NNC/FGN had signed the Covenant of Re-conciliation (CoR) in June 2009 in Thailand at the initiative of Forum for Naga Re-conciliation (FNR) and as part of the on-going peace and re-conciliation process, the FNR was trying to arrange a highest level meeting among top leaders of the three signatories for which Chishi has arrived in Nagaland.

In a joint statement here, the two signatories said that while the proposed highest level summit was supposed to be the most awaited event and perhaps

the most decisive one, the NSCN(I-M) cadres led by a commander launched an offensive against NSCN(K) in Eastern Myanmar last month.

Claiming that NSCN(K) and NNC/FGN top leadership were making all necessary arrangements to facilitate their respective chiefs', S S Khaplang and S Singnya’s safe arrival for the proposed summit, the date for which was yet to be fixed, the statement regretted to inform the Naga public that that they would not be participating in the highest level meeting till the NSCN (IM) stopped its offensive.

“It is their ( Khaplang and Singnya) appeal that the highest

level summit be deferred until military offensive and territorial expansion missions are called off by NSCN (IM),” the joint statement said.

The statement alleged that brushing aside the Covenant of Reconciliation and the FNR's appeals, in the first week of February 2011, NSCN (IM) dispatched a large number of its military to Eastern Nagaland to intercept and prevent Khaplang and Singnya's possible journey to Nagaland.

While appreciating Isak Chishi Swu's call for reconciliation through local media, it said that the arrival of NSCN(I-M) cadres in eastern Naga home-

to resume their seats, saying people of Telangana want statehood through an act of parliament.

Leader of the opposition Sushma Swaraj took strong objection to the speaker's offer to members to speak briefly.

“The government is already aware of what the members want to say. The government should act. Why is this drama being enacted? We want the government to commit that the Telangana bill be brought in the current session," Swaraj said.

She said, “The government is responsible for this 'tamasha' (drama).”

As the din continued, the chair adjourned the house till 3 pm.

The Rajya Sabha was also adjourned twice in the Question Hour following uproar by BJP members on the issue.

When the house met for the day, BJP members including Venkiah Naidu were on their feet seeking to know from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who was present in the house, the status of creation of a separate Telangana state.

PJ Thomas: First CVC to lose his job PTI

60-year-old Polayil Joseph Thomas had the reputation of being an honest and non-controversial bureaucrat who rose to become the chief secretary of Kerala by dint of his sincerity and diligence.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, MARCH 3

The palmolein import case in Kerala has haunted P J Thomas for nearly two decades and the former bureaucrat had to bear the ignominy of being the first Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC) to lose his job after the Supreme Court today quashed his appointment.

But for the taint after being listed as the eighth accused in the palmolein case that pertains to alleged corruption, 60-yearold Thomas had the reputation of being an honest and non-controversial bureaucrat who rose to become the chief secretary of Kerala by dint of his sincerity and diligence.

Polayil Joseph Thomas is the country's 14th CVC and was appointed under controversial circumstances on September 7, 2010 by a three-member panel headed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Senior BJP leader Sushma Swaraj, who was a member of the panel, had opposed his appointment and had given a dissent note. Union Home minister P Chidambaram was the other member of the panel.

An IAS officer of 1973 batch of Kerala cadre, the Thomas was

Phone tapping AIADMK MPs seek probe

listed as the eighth accused in the palmolein case that pertains to alleged corruption in import of 1,500 tonnes of palm oil from Malaysia through a Singaporebased firm when Congress stalwart late K Karunakaran was chief minister in 1992.

Karunakaran was listed the first accused in the case and the then Food Minister T H Mustaffa the second accused.

The case, still pending in a special court in Thiruvananthapuram, was registered after a Vigilance probe established the CAG’s preliminary finding that the State exchequer suffered a loss of Rs 2.09 crore as the deal was cleared without going through the proper bidding route.

Thomas was made an accused in the case as he was the

PTI

PTI

CHENNAI, March 3,

NEW DELHI/MUMBAI, MARCH 2

Days after raising in the parliament the issue of alleged tapping of telephone lines of their party leader J Jayalalithaa, the AIADMK today asked Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to order a judicial probe into the issue and initiate action against police officials conducting surveillance of her residence.

“It is learnt from reliable sources that there have been incessant violations of human rights by the DMK government by tapping the telephonic conversation of our leader from her mobile phone and land lines at her residence,” AIADMK MPs said in a memorandum submitted to Singh at New Delhi.

They alleged that this was being done by the State police under the instructions of Chief Minister M Karunanidhi and that the police had placed mobile vans in and around her 'Poes Garden residence' to tap the calls in order to monitor her political activities and negotiations for assembly polls.

land nearly a month back and their military offensive motives could not be ignored.

“To those who genuinely cherish peace and reconciliation in Naga homeland, it is unthinkable to preach reconciliation in one part of Naga homeland and allow innocent blood to flow in another,” the statement said.

“Chairman S S Khaplang and Kedahke Brig.(Retd) S Singnya, the two signatories of the CoR, despite the on-going military operation in eastern Nagaland

by IM, believes that at an opportune time and hour, the will of the Naga people will come to the fore,” it stated.

Meanwhile, expressing serious concern over the plight of

food secretary then and a director of the State Civil Supplies Corporation.

He was charged with alleged criminal conspiracy with other accused and issuance of government order flouting certain norms of the time.

Thomas’s civil service colleagues back home have repeatedly asserted that he was an officer of “impeccable integrity and honesty” and a “victim of political circumstances and deeply flawed and motivated investigative processes.”

A statement issued by the Kerala IAS Officers Association in support of Thomas recently said he was also subject of delayed judicial process and media trial that have besmirched his reputation before the eyes of the public.

Evacuation of Libyans picks up pace The evacuation of Indians from strife-torn Libya today picked up pace with 1,045 nationals returning home and another 1,050 people headed back on board three Air India flights even as private air carriers joined the exercise.

India has chartered four flights from Egypt Air to start bringing back 1,188 Indians, who have been evacuated by a ship Scotia Prince from Libya to the Egyptian Black Sea resort of Alexandria, from tomorrow, Foreign Secretar y Nirupama Rao tweeted.

“1050 passengers boarded Air India flights at Tripoli this evening. No hitches. Everything proceeded smoothly,” she said on the microblogging site Twitter, adding that the flights will reach Delhi tomorrow morning.

Nearly 33 per cent of the estimated 18,000 Indians would be pulled out of Libya by tomorrow.

Naga reconciliation process runs into rough weather KOHIMA, MARCH 3

to go to their seats but they did not relent.

Yadav also wanted Congress members, who were vociferously demanding separate Telangana State, to end slogan shouting.

“We are in favour of Telangana state. But all the members want debate on Rail Budget," the JD(U) leader said. This triggered angry protests from Congress members. He said heshould be allowed to complete what he wanted to say but Congress members did not listen.

The speaker's offer to members to speak caused a division among the Congress members who were favouring Telangana.

K Rajgopal Reddy of Congress wanted to speak but he was stopped by other pro Telangana party members.

As the din continued, Meira Kumar adjourned the house till 2 PM. After the adjournment, Reddy and some of his party colleagues were seen engaged in heated exchanges among themselves.

Uproar over the issue was again witnessed when the house re-assembled.

Senior BJP leader L K Advani requested Rao and Vijayashanti

Naga villagers across the border, Eastern Naga Students’ Association (ENSA) has appealed to both the NSCN groups to cease all kinds of offensive against each other.

Condemning the on-going factional clashes between two groups in Eastern Nagaland, the ENSA in a statement received here said that many precious lives were lost during the gunbattle and many innocent vill a g e s w e re h a r a s s e d a n d tortured by both the faction by ordering them to move out from their villages even during this peak season of seeds sowing in the fields.

ENSA president Michael Kaita said it was unfortunate on the part of the "Naga national workers to display their bitterness within the Naga family especially in front of innocent eastern Nagas.

His supporters have corroborated their faith in Thomas’s honesty citing the fact that he was promoted as chief Secretary by the present the LDF government, regardless of the fact that it was previous LDF ministries that probed the palmolein scam and pursued it up legally.

The UDF government led by Oommen Chandy in 2005 decided to withdraw the case on the ground that the State had actually benefitted from the deal, but it could not complete the legal formalities as assembly polls were declared in early 2006.

Thomas served as chief secretary from September 2007 to January 2009, after which he opted for the central deputation and became secretary for parliamentary Affairs and later as secretary of Telecommunication and IT. Thomas belongs to a middle class family from Alappuzha district. A brilliant student right from his school days, Thomas is a post-graduate in physics and later took an MA in Economics also.

Apart from initial district postings and department level assignments, he had worked as chief electoral officer of Kerala for long.

APPOINTMENTS

Three special Air India flights – two Boeing 747s and one Airbus-330 – went to Tripoli yesterday and brought back 1045 Indian nationals early today and another three flights were headed back home, External Affairs Ministry said.

It said three daily flights to Tripoli shall continue over the coming days and may even be stepped up further.

Private carriers Jet Airways and Kingfisher Airlines said they will be flying to Djerba in Tunisia and Alexandria in Egypt respectively to bring back the Indians following instruction from the government.

APPOINTMENTS

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Obama, Clinton outraged at assassination of Bhatti PTI WASHINGTON, MARCH 3

US President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton joined the international community in expressing their outrage at the assassination of Pakistan's Minister for Minority Affairs Shahbaz Bhatti.

"I am deeply saddened by the assassination of Pakistan's Minister for Minority Affairs Shahbaz Bhatti in Islamabad and condemn in the strongest possible terms this horrific act of violence," Obama said in a statement.

Pakistan's only Christian cabinet minister Bhatti, a vocal critic of blasphemy law, was shot dead yesterday by Taliban militants in Islamabad, just two months after Punjab Governor Salman Taseer was gunned down for opposing the harsh act.

Demanding guilty be brought to justice, Obama said Bhatti was "clear-eyed" about the risks of speaking out, and despite innumerable death threats, he insisted on his duty to defend equal rights and tolerance from those who preach "division, hate, and violence."

He most courageously challenged the blasphemy laws of Pakistan under which individuals have been prosecuted for speaking their minds or practicing their own faiths, Obama said.

Pak announces 3 days of mourning PTI ISLAMABAD, MARCH 3

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Thursday announced three days of official mourning for Minority Affairs Minister Shahbaz Bhatti, who was assassinated by Taliban militants for opposing Pakistan's controversial blasphemy law. Gilani further announced that the national flag would remain at half ma st on Friday.

"The white portion of the flag represents minorities, which shows Pakistan's commitment for their rights and welfare," Gilani said in a brief statement issued by his office.

Bhatti, 42, was shot dead by at least four militants, a short distance from his home in Islamabad on Wednesday.

The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan claimed responsibility for the assassination, saying Bhatti was killed for calling for changes in the blasphemy law.

The killers left pamphlets at the site of the attack that warned others opposing the blasphemy law would be killed too.

Bhatti was the only Christian member of Gilani’s cabinet and a vocal campaigner for the rights of the country’s minority communities.

He earned the ire of militants and religious hardliners last year after he called on the President Asif Ali Zardari to pardon Asia Bibi, a Christian woman sentenced to death for allegedly insulting the Prophet Mohammed.

US Secretary of State Clinton also condemned the assassination.

"I was shocked and outraged by the assassination, reportedly by al-Qaida linked terrorists, of Pakistan's Federal Minister for Minorities Affairs Shahbaz Bhatti," Clinton told Senators at a Congressional hearing of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee..

"I think this was an attack not only on one man but on the values of tolerance and respect for people of all faiths and backgrounds that had been championed by Mohammed Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan," she said in response to a question from John Kerry, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Clinton recently had met Bhatti.

"He was a very impressive, courageous man. He was a patriot. He was a man of great conviction. He cared deeply for Pakistan, and he had dedicated his life to helping the least among us," she said.

"When I spoke with him, he was well aware of the drumbeat of threats against him. Despite those threats, when the Pakistan government was recently reshuffled and the cabinet shrunk, he agreed to continue his work as the minister for Minorities Affairs."

In a statement, Kerry said Bhatti was a brave defender of all of Pakistan's religious and ethnic minorities and his death is a loss to his country and his family.

"Coming so soon after the killing of Punjab Governor Salman Taseer, another strong advocate for tolerance and moderation, today's act of terrorism is particularly chilling," he said in a statement.

Iran trying to influence uprisings in West Asia PTI WASHINGTON, MARCH 3

Christians in Lahore mourn the death of Shahbaz Bhatti, Pakistan's only Christian cabinet member

Church offers abuse victims compensation Pope lifts blame from Jews for Christ’s death AFP VATICAN CITY, MARCH 3

AFP BERLIN, MARCH 3

Germany's Roman Catholic Church on Thursday offered 5,000 euros in compensation to victims of child abuse, a figure dismissed as 'stingy' by victims' representatives.

Germany's Bishops' Conference said 5,000 euros would be offered although in some cases the figure could go higher.

"In especially serious cases, other payments are possible," a statement said.

It said it had already informed a government panel set up to combat child abuse concerning the plan and victims were in-

Pope Benedict XVI exonerates the Jewish people as a whole from responsibility for the crucifixion of Jesus Christ in a new book due to be published this month, prompting praise from Jewish groups.

The pope wrote that the condemnations of Jesus Christ came from the "aristocracy of the temple" in Jerusalem and from the "masses" who acclaimed Barabbas instead of Jesus -- not from "the Jewish people as a whole".

Extracts from the book, the second volume of a biography of Jesus Christ, were published by the Vatican's official Osservatore Romano daily on Thursday. vited to file claims from March 10.

Dioceses and religious orders were already paying for the cost of therapy for victims and the church would set up a 500,000

The World Jewish Congress in a statement praised the pope "for unequivocally rejecting the argument that the Jewish people can be held responsible."

Congress head Ronald Lauder said: "2,000 years after the event it really was high time that the head of the Catholic Church made a clear statement on this.

"It sets an important marker against anti-Semitism in the Church," he said.

"Jews suffered from brutal persecution and anti-Semitism because Christians held them collectively responsible for the killing of Jesus Christ, even though he was himself a Jew and was crucified by the Roman rulers," euros fund to finance abuse prevention programmes, the bishops said.

The church had said last September it intended to compensate victims but had not set a

Gaddafi’s wealth spread across globe: US report PTI NEW YORK, MARCH 3

Libyan despot Muammar Gaddafi has spread his wealth, estimated to run into hundreds of billions of dollars across at least 35 nations on four continents, as Western bankers at-

tempt to unravel his financial tentacles.

His bizarre mix of investments range from luxury real estate and publishing companies in Britain to hotels in the Middle East and a prized stake in Italy's famed Juventus football franchise, the CNN reported.

These, the channel said, were his well known investments, but the Libyan strongman in recent years has turned away from the West and is believed to have poured hundreds of billions of dollars in unstable African nations, with reports that Gaddafi even holds a major stake in a Zimbabwe's giant commercial bank.

All these come on top of billions of dollars that Libya has stashed away in the United States' largest and most influential investment banks.

Libya and its maverick leader are sitting on huge stockpiles of cash dollars and according to Western estimates they are using this money to hire mercenaries from North Africa to keep the dictator in power.

The CNN said when UN lifted its economic sanctions on Libya in 2003, Gaddafi and his financial experts created a sovereign wealth fund, which today ranks among the world's largest and reported to be worth USD 60 billion. Compiling details of Gaddafi's assets, the CNN said that the Libyan leader had about USD 32 billion in liquidity stored in US banks.

he added.

Marco Politi, a Vatican expert at Italian daily Il Fatto, said the pope's words were "a positive signal for the Jewish people, showing that Benedict XVI absolutely does not consider the gospels as a basis for any anti-Judaism."

Tensions between Judaism and Catholicism have been high for centuries because of Catholic blame of the Jews for Christ's death.

A Vatican Council in the 1960s that exonerated the Jews failed to end tensions, which have resurfaced in recent years under Benedict's papacy.

In 2007, the pope reinstated a "prayer for the conversion of Jews". figure for claims.

Germany's Jesuit order and the Benedictine Abbey of Ettal in Bavaria have already proposed compensation of 5,000 euros per victim.

However an association representing victims, the Eckiger Tisch (Square Table), denounced the compensation scheme.

"It is shameful," a "stingy" offer, spokesman Matthias Katsch told German media.

The group says the level of compensation should be 80,000 euros per victim while an ally of Chancellor Angela Merkel, the Liberal party's Christian Ahrendt has backed a minimum 25,000 euros payout.

Germany has faced revelations over the past year that hundreds of children were physically and sexually abused in institutions throughout the country, all but a handful run b y t h e Ro m a n C a t h o l i c Church.

The Church in Germany has said it failed to investigate properly claims of abuse and that in some cases there was a coverup, with paedophile priests simply moved elsewhere instead of being disciplined and reported to the police.

It has also faced accusations of foot-dragging on reparations for victims, most of whom suffered their abuse several decades ago, too long ago for criminal charges to be

Pak court rejects Davis’ claim about diplomatic immunity PTI LAHORE, MARCH 3

In a setback to US efforts to seek early release of its national Raymond Davis arrested for double murder, a Pakistani court today rejected his claim that he has diplomatic immunity and said it would go ahead with his trial.

During the last hearing of the case, 37-year-old Davis, a suspected CIA contractor, had filed an application in which he insisted that he had immunity.

Lawyers representing the families of the two men shot dead by Davis in Lahore in January and the prosecution counsel today presented their arguments during proceedings conducted behind closed doors at Kot Lakhpat Jail by Additional District and Sessions Judge Yousuf Aujla.

After hearing the arguments of defence and prosecution lawyers, Judge Aujla said no authentic document had been presented by Davis or the Pakistan government to show that the American national had diplomatic immunity.

The judge said a note provided by the US embassy was

Italian police did not believe Berlusconi!

AGENCIES ROME, MARCH 3

Italian police did not believe Silvio Berlusconi when he told them that a teenage belly dancer in their custody was "the granddaughter of Hosni Mubarak", according to evidence gathered by investigators.

But the officers claim they were compelled to release the 17-year-old anyway because of the intense pressure they came under from the prime minister.

The teenager, Karima El Mahroug, also known by her stage name of Ruby the Heart Stealer, was arrested in Milan on May 27 last year after being accused of stealing 3,000 euros from a female friend.

She was questioned for a few hours but then released without charge around midnight allegedly after a flurry of phone calls from the prime minister, in which he told them that she was the granddaughter of Egypt's president, who was toppled from power last month.

But police knew by 7pm that evening that far from being a relative of a head of state, Miss Mahroug was in fact a 17-yearold Moroccan who had run away from home and worked as a dancer in nightclubs.

They ran checks on a police database which showed that she had left a sheltered community in Sicily.

Ermes Cafaro, the first officer to interview the teenager, told investigators that when he asked her to identify herself, "she replied she was

The US today accused Iran of trying to "influence" a series of uprisings in the West Asia through its "proxies" like Hezbollah and Hamas, as it said that Tehran is involved with the opposition movements in Bahrain and Yemen.

"Either directly or through proxies, they are constantly trying to influence events. They have a very active diplomatic foreign policy outreach," US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told lawmakers at a Congressional hearing.

"We know that, through their proxy, Hezbollah and Lebanon, they are using Hezbollah -- which is a political party with an armed wing to communicate with counterparts in Egypt, in Hamas who then, in turn, communicate with counterparts in Egypt.

We know that they are reaching out to the opposition in Bahrain. We know that the Iranians are very much involved in the opposition movements in Yemen," she said.

Clinton said the US is delivering on the aid that these countries are seeking without looking as though the Americans are trying to take over their revolution is the challenge. "But it's also the challenge for the Iranians.

You know, they don't have a lot of friends, but they're trying

to curry more friends. So it's a constant effort on our part.

I have to have the resources and the flexibility to be able to move people around and try to figure out the best way for us to be successful," she said.

We were also not only conscious of but advised by people from within and outside of Iran that it was very important for them not to be seen as though they were in any way directed by, affiliated with the US, Clinton added.

That this needed to be viewed as an indigenous Iranian movement, she said.

"I think we struck the right balance. But obviously, what we have seen in the year and a half or so since is the brutality of the Iranian regime; its absolute commitment to repressing any kind of opposition.

And I have been upping, certainly, you know, my rhetoric. We have under the legislation passed by the Congress the ability to designate human rights abusers.

We've been using that very dramatically," she said.

Senator Patrick Leahy, chairman of the a subcommittee of the Senate Appropriations Committee said that in many ways it's hard to see how the government of Iran doesn't come out stronger as a result of all this upheaval, and that concerns everybody here.

not sufficient to prove Davis' diplomatic status.

He rejected Davis' application claiming diplomatic immunity and said the court has the jurisdiction to go ahead with his trial.

When defence lawyers told the judge that they had not been provided all the documents related to the charges levelled against Davis, Aujla directed the prosecution to ensure this was done and adjourned the case till March 8.

Lawyers representing the families of the two men killed by Davis said they expected the court to formally indict Davis at the next hearing.

Davis was represented at

today's hearing by three lawyers, including Zahid Hussain Bukhari, a former judge of the Lahore High Court.

US Consul General Carmela Conroy observed the proceedings that were held in the heavily-guarded Kot Lakhpat Jail for security reasons. Davis is being held in the same prison.

At the last hearing, Davis had refused to sign the charge-sheet that was given to him and insisted that he had immunity. He also contended that Pakistani courts could not take action against him.

Davis was arrested in Lahore on January 27 after he shot and killed two armed men he claimed were trying to rob him.

Police rejected Davis' claim that he acted in self-defence and booked him for murder.

The case has been complicated by reports in the US media that Davis was working as a security contractor for the CIA. The Pakistan government has rejected repeated US demands for Davis to be freed on the grounds of diplomatic immunity and relations between the two countries have plunged to a new low.

Yemen prez offered ‘smooth exit’ Yemen's opposition and clerics have offered President Ali Abdullah Saleh a smooth exit from power this year, but protesters staged a new demonstration Thursday to demand his immediate ouster. The proposal calls

for a "peaceful transition of power" from Saleh, insists antiregime demonstrations that broke out over two weeks ago will go on, and demands a probe be launched into a deadly crackdown on the protests.

FROM PAGE 1 Full day school

Granddaughter of Hosni Mubarak Karima El Mahroug.

Karima El Mahroug, born in Morocco on 1 November 1992, and a belly dancer at various Milan clubs."

The officer's testimony, obtained by the Italian press on Wednesday, casts further doubt on Mr Berlusconi's claim that he intervened to have Miss El Mahroug freed in order to avoid an embarrassing diplomatic incident with the Egyptian government.

The officer also claimed Miss El Mahroug told him that Mr Berlusconi had "made ap-

proaches of an intimate nature" towards her when they first met at his mansion outside Milan and that he gave subsequently gave her 15,000 euros in cash in an envelope.

She denies that she had sexual relations with the prime minister.

Mr Berlusconi, 74, is due to stand trial on April 6 accused of abuse of office, by applying pressure on the police, and of paying for sex with an under age prostitute. He denies both allegations.

vehemently supported full day schools in the State. According to them, the full day school concept can work well to eradicate several issues concerning the current educational system.

“We are in favour of the full day schools. The Education Department was informed that we have no issues with the changeover”, Jose Mario Quadros, Chairman, GHA, told Herald.

He said the Association had asked the State Government to implement the full day school system.

GHA’s Vice President Abdul Aziz Mulla said that the changeover from half to full day schools could be implemented in phases.

“If you want to have a school for full day you require proper infrastructure for that. The school managements can be given time for proper infrastructure”, he said.

The GHA had proposed that the transition could be done over a period of three years. “Schools which had infrastructure in place could go in for full day schooling from next academic year”, Mulla said.

With this, the issue of private tuitions by teachers could also be resolved to a great extent as students can do their homework under guidance of the teacher and the teachers in turn would not have time to take tuitions, Mulla said.

The GHA Vice President said that many a times students are enrolled for tuitions only because parents are not at home and they want their child to study under proper guidance.

Ponda, Quepem plans today trying to rob the greenery of the State.

The activists had claimed that RP 2021 was an attempt to give backdoor entry for the Special Economic Zones (SEZs).

The TCP officials, however, have rubbished all the allegations claiming that the plans are meticulously done exercise to ensure that the development reaches every nook and corner of the State.

Biz12_Pg12 3/3/2011 9:42 PM Page 1

OHERALDO

Pg 12 Govt concerned over food cartelisation PTI NEW DELhI, MAr 3

Decline in vegetable and cere-

als prices pulled down food inflation by more than one percentage point to 10.39% for week ended February 19 over the previous week, as a top government functionary called for steps to prevent cartelisation by traders.

Food inflation stood at 11.49% in the previous reporting week and 21.62% in the corresponding period a year ago.

While a government data re-

leased today showed decline in prices of onions, potatoes and pulses, rates of fruit, milk and vegetables as a group continued to remain high.

Prices of potatoes declined by 12.66% year-on- year, while pulses fell by 5.02% during the period. Onions and wheat fell by 3.64% and 2.06% respectively. The items that became dearer during the week ended February 19 vis-a-vis the corresponding year-ago period were fruits (16.34%), egg, meat and fish (14.5%), vegetables (14.29%) and milk (11.07%).

"The current inflation in food is unacceptably high. We have to work towards bringing this down," chief Economic Advisor Kaushik Basu said.

Basu stressed on using the provisions of the competition law to prevent cartelisation by traders to jack up prices of essential food items.

"There is a need to invoke anti-competition law," he said while calling for measures against cartelisation to bring down the prices.

The competition watchdog ccI is already probing the role of traders' cartel in the sudden spike in onion prices in December last year.

Experts said though declining prices of certain food items will have a favourable impact on headline inflation in February, yet fuel prices will be something that needs to be watched.

"Inflation, not just food inflation, is an immediate challenge the country is facing... We have to see how fuel prices become volatile and how it impacts our import bill," IcIcI Bank MD chanda Kochchar said.

Inflation declined marginally to 8.23% in January from 8.43% in the previous month, as prices of certain commodities like wheat, pulses and sugar eased. commenting on the food inflation figures released today, crisil's chief economist D K Joshi, said "that was expected.

This is an indication of a downward slide in inflation. We could soon see it in single digits."

BIZ

GOA, FRIDAY, 4 MARCH, 2011

iBall mobile phones now in Goa HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MArch 3

After the launch of iBall’s mouse about 10 years ago, the company today forayed into the mobile phone space in Goa. With innovation as its differentiator, the company has as many as 35 first-of-its-kind products in India across multiple categories from mice to mobile phones. “In the mobile phone segment we have the first floating mobile phone, the slimmest QWErTY phone, SOS feature and Sr citizen friendly phone,” said Lakhan Dangi, Sr GM Sales, Best IT World (India) Pvt Ltd. “The size of the market today is about 18 crore handsets per annum. In terms of value it is around rs 40,000 crore business per annum. The mobile subscriber base is

growing at 10-15 million every month. And 600 million people in India use mobiles. With figures like this we could not miss out on the opportunity,” said Dangi “We have priced our products very aggressively between rs 1250 for an entry-level phone and rs 4850 for a Wi-Fi touch-screen phone,” he said Apart from dealer which we have appointed, the company will have self owned service centers. “We have 2 such centers in Goa and we plan to have a total of 600 all across India,” said Dangi “Based on the strength of our product range, our pricing and our service, we are looking to capture between 12% in phase 1,” he concluded The product range which is based on segmentation based

stratergy: iBall Shaan: the entry level phone, a value for money proposition.

iBall Waterproof: The USP as the name suggests is a waterproof phone, but it also floats

Lovable Lingerie IPO price band Rs 195-205

a manufacturing facility, brand promotion and retail expansion.

Anand rathi Financial Services is the sole manager to the issue.

REUTERS MUMBAI, MArch 3

Lovable Lingerie Ltd has fixed a price band of 195205 rupees, for its intial public offering to raise up to 932.8 million rupees, it said in a newspaper advertisement on Thursday.

The issue, which opens on March 8 and closes on March 11, would constitute 27.08 percent of the post issue paid-

on water. It is also dust proof and rugged. iBall Flip: for the ones who want a style quotient. iBall Posh: a premium offering. iBall Sleec: It is the thinnest QWErTY phone in India (8mm).

Other QWErTY phones are atleast 60% thicker. It is also loaded with features, got a dual battery, dual camera and dual SIM. iBall Touch: soft touch with 3MP camera, Yamaha sound card, dual speaker, Wi-Fi connectivity etc. iBall Senior: It has large fonts, high sound quality and fluorescent screen. It also has a special SOS button. In case of an emergency, 7 seconds after pressing the SOS button a siren rings to let surrounding people know of the problem.

Simultaneously, the phone sends SMS to predefined 5 numbers and starts dialing those numbers automatically one after another till one call is attended.

BOARD MEETINGS up capital of the company.

Last month, the company had raised 200 million rupees via a pre-IPO placement, by placing 1 million shares with ScI Growth Investments.

The company plans to use the proceeds from the IPO for

TALK BUSINESS

PFC public issue of infra bonds opens on Feb 24 PANJIM (HBD) -- Power Finance corporation Limited, one of the leading public financial institution dedicated to financing the power sector, will open its public issue of infrastructure bonds on February 24, 2011.

The bonds will be of face value of rs 5,000 each and will be listed on the BSE. The issue shall not exceed 25% of the incremental infrastructure investment made by the company during fiscal 2010.

The main object of the infrastructure bond issue is to provide financing to the infrastructure sector. Under this bond issuance, an investor can avail a deduction up to rs 20,000 in the taxable income for the current financial year under section 80ccF of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

This deduction is over and above the rs 1 Lakh deduction that can be availed under section 80c of the Income Tax Act. The company is offering the bonds which shall have a fixed rate of interest up to 8.5% and shall be payable on annual or cumulative basis. The bonds offered will be in maturities of 10 years and 15 years with a buyback option after 5 years and 7 years respectively.

IcIcI Securities Limited and SBI capital Markets Limited are the lead managers to the issue.

CII’s Yi Goa Chapter to hold annual Carnival Cruise PANJIM (HBD) -- The Goa chapter of cII's Young Indians is organising its first Annual carnival cruise on March 4, 2011 aboard the Princesa de Goa cruise boat to raise funds for the various social development initiatives planned for this year.

Young Indians (Yi) is an integral part of the confederation of Indian Industry (cII), India’s premier business association, formed with an objective of creating a platform for young citizens to realize the dream of a developed nation.

The fundraiser event to be held on March4, 2011 will have boarding from Boat centre, below Mandovi Bridge, Panjim at 7pm sharp and return by 10:30 pm.

Adults will be charged rs 1000, child (aged 5-12 years) - rs 500 and child below 5 years free. (children should be accompanied by at least one of their parents).

Tickets include entry, dinner buffet, a welcome drink, and special carnival entertainment on board including King Momo's troupe, fire eaters, limbo dancers, and more. There will be special attractions for kids, as well as game and spot prizes.

The cruise tickets are available at selected outlets like Baskin robbins (Panjim) and cII Goa State Office. For details please call 0832 - 2422790 / 2422796 / 9822982505.

Excel Info PNB Source: Indiainfoline.com

Mkts end with moderate gains AGENCY MUMBAI, MArch 3

Indian equity benchmarks closed the session with moderate gains amid consolidation on Thursday, especially after a sharp spike up of 3.5% seen in equities on Tuesday. The Nifty has seen a big swing of 103 points in intra-day trade due to Libya worries.

The 30-share BSE Sensex gained 43.26 points at 18,489.76 and the 50-share NSE Nifty rose 13.90 points, to end at 5536.20.

Aban Offshor, 570, 584.8, 564, 573.75 Abb Ltd., 679.95, 709.95, 661.7, 688.55 Abg Shipyard, 360, 363.6, 352.5, 359.3 Acc Limited, 978, 997.4, 978, 990.15 Adani Enterp, 605, 620, 599.95, 605.75 Aditya Birla, 790, 799.5, 778.1, 789.2 Allahabad Ba, 205, 210.7, 203.75, 205.9 Alstom Proje, 534.75, 542, 524, 532.25 Ambuja Cemen, 121.8, 125.4, 120.75, 123.15 Andhra Bank, 142.1, 143.95, 141, 141.95 Ashok Leylan, 53, 53.8, 50.85, 53.2 Asian Paints, 2501.1, 2563.65, 2485, 2537.95 Axis Bank Li, 1278, 1320, 1261.1, 1309.8 Bajaj Hindus, 70.8, 72.65, 70.2, 72.3 Bank Of Baro, 890, 910.7, 880.05, 887.5 Bank Of Indi, 460, 461.8, 446.65, 458.35 Beml Limited, 640, 657, 628.6, 646.6 Bharat Elect, 1670, 1700, 1670, 1675.35 Bharat Forge, 333.1, 340.5, 325.8, 331.65 Bharat Petro, 569, 592.5, 561.25, 570.8 Bharti Airte, 335.5, 338.4, 327.1, 330.15 Bhel, 2054.65, 2135, 2044, 2126.45 Bhushan Stee, 400, 405, 389.1, 402.3 Biocon Limit, 320, 331.4, 320, 327.35 Bombay Dyein, 338, 354.45, 334, 349.25 Bosch Limite, 6149.9, 6666.3, 6020, 6140.7 Brigade Ente, 96.15, 98.8, 96.1, 97.8 Cairn India, 345, 356.6, 344.15, 350.35 Canara Bank, 620.5, 631.6, 614.1, 618.65 Central Bank, 158.3, 164.4, 157.25, 161.2 Century Text, 320.5, 328, 312.5, 322.4 Cesc Ltd, 305.15, 315.85, 305.15, 312.8 Chambal Fert, 70, 72.25, 69.45, 71.65 Chennai Petr, 194.55, 194.55, 189.1, 191.85 Cipla Ltd, 306.25, 309.25, 303, 305.8 Colgate Palm, 823, 832, 821.1, 827 Container Co, 1149, 1218, 1146, 1209.5 Crompton Gre, 251.6, 253.65, 247.05, 251.3 Cummins Indi, 651.1, 683, 650.05, 665.1 Dabur India, 101.5, 103.2, 100, 101.1 Deccan Chron, 61.4, 70.8, 60, 69.35 Dish Tv Indi, 59.9, 62.55, 58.45, 61.8 Divi’s Labor, 602.05, 611, 597.1, 603.7 Dlf Limited, 220.9, 229.2, 220, 223.15 Dr. reddy’s, 1575.1, 1592.7, 1548.95, 1579.35 Edelweiss Ca, 38.75, 38.9, 37.8, 38.05 Educomp Solu, 474, 479.45, 461, 463.85 Eih Limited, 78.5, 80, 78.1, 79 Engineers In, 287, 289.9, 281.3, 284.65 Essar Oil Lt, 109, 111.25, 107.9, 109.55 Essar Shippi, 74.8, 81.35, 74.8, 81.35 Exide Indust, 136.4, 142, 134.6, 140.05 Federal Bank, 359.85, 367, 354.55, 360.6 Financial Te, 780, 794.9, 770, 781.7 Gail (india), 438.55, 456.9, 438.55, 455.25 Gammon India, 134.4, 141, 125.75, 127.05 Glaxosmithkl, 2198.05, 2198.05, 2175, 2178 Glenmark Pha, 283.9, 303.95, 276, 300.35 Gmr Infrastr, 40.8, 41.4, 40, 40.35 Godrej Indus, 168.65, 177.65, 167.05,

175.35 Grasim Indus, 2290, 2305.9, 2276.15, 2283.6 Great Offsho, 239, 248, 236.1, 238.4 Gtl Infra.Lt, 36.95, 37.35, 36.2, 36.35 Gujarat Mine, 122, 124.9, 120.5, 124.25 Gujarat N R, 44, 46.95, 40.05, 46.7 Gujarat Stat, 93.25, 93.95, 91.35, 91.95 Gvk Pow. & I, 26.75, 28, 26.6, 26.8 Hcl Technolo, 460.2, 465, 453.1, 460.45 Hdfc Bank Lt, 2134.9, 2222.3, 2130.05, 2193.15 Hdfc Ltd, 644.05, 679, 644.05, 672.1 Hero Honda M, 1497.5, 1517.4, 1482, 1506.4 Hindalco in, 210.05, 212.6, 205.85, 210 Hindustan Co, 35.3, 36.4, 34.8, 35.75 Hindustan Ma, 61.9, 62.4, 60.9, 61.6 Hindustan Pe, 325, 335.8, 317.15, 323.45 Hindustan Un, 287, 292, 285.7, 290.8 Hindustan Zi, 1306.9, 1329.8, 1300.1, 1308.15 Housing Dev, 165.5, 169.4, 162.2, 163.5 Icici Bank L, 1009, 1035.7, 996.05, 1019.55 Idea Cellula, 59, 60, 58.1, 58.55 Ifci Ltd, 52.75, 52.75, 50.8, 51.4 India Cement, 88, 90.9, 87.4, 90.25 India Infoli, 78, 82.7, 78, 81.7 Indiabulls F, 147, 149.95, 145.2, 146.2 Indiabulls R, 109, 113.5, 107.3, 110.15 Indian Bank, 209.7, 220.6, 207.4, 218.7 Indian Hotel, 80.7, 82.55, 79.2, 82.1 Indian Oil C, 300.55, 315.7, 300.55, 312.35 Indian Overs, 135.5, 140.5, 134.1, 139.85 Indus Dev Ba, 135.9, 140.1, 135.55, 138.4 Indusind Ban, 242, 242, 227.1, 232.35 Infosys Tech, 3058.1, 3059, 3001, 3026.1 Infra. dev., 151.95, 151.95, 146.05, 148.05 Ispat Indust, 22.8, 23.65, 22.8, 23.35 Itc Ltd, 172, 176, 171.2, 173.55 Ivrcl Infras, 75.1, 77.75, 74.05, 76.6 Jai Corp Lim, 164.1, 174.9, 163.05, 170.05 Jaiprakash A, 82, 86.95, 81.15, 85.95 Jet Airways, 435.45, 454.8, 422.05, 443.75 Jindal Saw L, 200.6, 204.4, 196.2, 198.1 Jindal Steel, 663.55, 677, 660, 668.8 Jsw Steel Li, 939.5, 971.2, 920.1, 960.2 Kotak Mahind, 414.5, 426, 405, 414.85 Lakshmi Mach, 2062, 2178.95, 2062, 2170.1 Lanco Infrat, 40.5, 40.5, 37.4, 37.9 Larsen & Tou, 1604.55, 1676.7, 1584.95, 1664.75 Lic Housing, 195.5, 202, 194, 198.55 Lupin Limite, 395, 399.9, 390.25, 397.8 Mahanagar Te, 41, 41.9, 40.55, 41.25 Mahindra & M, 657, 676.9, 653.45, 671.85 Maruti Suzuk, 1281.15, 1334, 1271.05, 1322.25 Max India Lt, 144, 148.7, 143.5, 147.65 Moser-baer (, 40.5, 41.15, 39.7, 40.35 Mrpl, 58.9, 59.75, 58.05, 58.9 Nagarjuna Co, 103.1, 106.75, 102.1, 106.05 Nagarjuna Fe, 27.95, 27.95, 27.1, 27.5 National Alu, 425, 454.8, 420, 442.7

Neyveli Lign, 99.4, 101.9, 99.4, 100.65 Ntpc Ltd, 180, 183.7, 175.1, 178.05 Oil And Natu, 273.5, 275.6, 267.2, 269.85 Omaxe Limite, 138.4, 139.9, 136.4, 138.4 Oriental Ban, 337, 353.7, 335, 347 Pantaloon Re, 266.05, 270.8, 262.7, 268.2 Parsvnath De, 30.3, 30.55, 28.85, 29.4 Petronet Lng, 117.5, 117.5, 114.05, 115.55 Power Fin Co, 254, 261.95, 252, 259.75 Power Grid C, 98.55, 100.9, 98.55, 99.3 Praj Industr, 66.75, 67.9, 65.1, 67.55 Punj Lloyd L, 62.65, 67.1, 61.95, 66.25 Punjab Natio, 1097, 1119, 1074, 1088.6 Rajesh Expor, 124, 125.1, 121, 123.8 Ranbaxy Labs, 451.85, 463, 446.75, 459.1 Rashtriya Ch, 80.8, 82.25, 80.1, 81.15 Reliance Cap, 476.4, 492.3, 472.75, 482.65 Reliance Com, 90, 95, 88.2, 93.35 Reliance Ene, 1061, 1144.35, 1061, 1081.69 Reliance Ind, 594.2, 670.7, 594.2, 652.2 Reliance Ind, 975.2, 985, 968.1, 977.4 Reliance Pow, 112.85, 115.45, 111.95, 113.6 Rolta India, 145.75, 148.5, 142.35, 146.85 Satyam Compu, 62.05, 63.75, 62.05, 63.4 Sesa Goa Ltd, 267.9, 276.8, 266.5, 274.2 Shipping Cor, 103.4, 106.15, 102.65, 105.3 Siemens Ltd, 850, 858, 846.95, 856.45 Sintex Indus, 147.8, 153.9, 147.8, 151.4 Sobha Develo, 265, 283.5, 259.1, 279.95 State Bank O, 2690, 2719.15, 2655.6, 2682.5 Steel Author, 158.35, 158.8, 155.5, 157.5 Sterlite Ind, 169.15, 170.65, 165.75, 167.55 Sun Pharmace, 440, 445.4, 427.2, 430.4 Sun Tv Netwo, 416, 419.9, 410, 418.75 Suzlon Energ, 49.3, 49.75, 47.55, 48.4 Tata Communi, 217.35, 217.35, 208, 211.35 Tata Consult, 1119.9, 1155, 1107, 1150.2 Tata Motors, 1137.8, 1184.7, 1120, 1176.5 Tata Power C, 1147.6, 1202.85, 1145, 1191.6 Tata Steel L, 630, 632.4, 618.1, 624.4 Tata Teleser, 15.05, 15.5, 15.05, 15.15 Tech Mahindr, 670, 690, 656.8, 685.5 The Ge Shpg., 262.75, 269, 260.4, 266.55 The Phoenix, 178, 183.05, 177, 181.15 Thermax Ltd, 605, 607, 580.25, 599.5 Titan Indust, 3402, 3489.95, 3375.1, 3452.85 Torrent Powe, 234, 235.9, 228, 228.85 Triveni Engg, 97.55, 106.8, 95.15, 104.05 Tv18 India L, 73.85, 74.8, 72.9, 74.3 Uco Bank, 101, 103.3, 100, 101.55 Ultratech Ce, 930.6, 983, 920.3, 973.95 Union Bank O, 321.05, 330.9, 315, 324 Unitech Ltd, 34.85, 35.85, 34.3, 35.1 United Phosp, 140, 143.35, 137, 141.8 Videocon Ind, 188.85, 190.65, 186, 189.35 Vijaya Bank, 78.95, 79.4, 77, 78.2 Voltas Ltd, 166.05, 168.9, 159.55, 161.8 Wipro Ltd, 435, 445.9, 435, 444.3 Yes Bank Lim, 274, 277.9, 268.7, 273.65 Zee Entertai, 121, 122.6, 119, 122

Pg 13

SPORTS

Afridi gives Pak high five PTI COLOMBO, MARCH 3

Skipper Shahid Afridi led from the front with a scintillating fivewicket haul to help Pakistan notch up a 46-run victory over Canada in a Group A World Cup match here today.

Inspired by Afridi's exploits, Pakistan shot out Canada for 138 in 42.5 overs after folding for a modest 184 batting first at the R Premadasa Stadium here.

Afridi, who grabbed 5-16 and 4-34 against Kenya and Sri Lanka respectively in their last two matches, became the first bowler to take three consecutive four-wicket hauls in World Cup history.

Apart from dismissing Ashish Bagai (16), Jimmy Hansra (43), Rizwan Cheema (4), Tyson Gordon (9) and Harvir Baidwan (0) in his 10 overs, Afridi also produced a brilliant direct throw to sent back Balaji Rao at the

MCC beat Nayal HERALD CORRESPONDENT MASHEM, MARCH 3

Margao Cricket Club beat Nayal Borim by 8 wickets to enter the semi-finals Nanda J. Lolyekar 30th rolling trophy cricket at Nirakar Maidan Dapot, Mashem.

Nayal Borim 94 all out in 25.1 overs. Amey Dhamsekar 34, Prasad Gaunekar 21, Kuldeep Sharma 3/10, Bhavik Gor 3/21, Aditya Kesarkar 2/14.

Margao Cricket Club 98/2 in 15 overs. Rajesh Ghodge 32, Aditya Angale 26, Swapnil Naik and Nilesh Naik 1 wicket each.

Sportsweek will meet Goa Police on March 6.

fag end of the match.

Chasing 185 to win, Canada were off to a disastrous start as they slipped to 44 for three in 17.1 overs. Zubin Surkari (27) and Jimmy Hansra (43) added a fighting 60-run partnership to lift Canada to 104.

But with Saeed Ajmal trapping Surkari in front of wicket in the 34th over and Afridi tak-

ing two wicket in consecutive deliveries meant Pakistan was back in the game.

Afridi first sent Rizwan Cheema's off stump for a walk with his googly and then disturbed HS Baidwan's woods with his quick ripper to reduce Canada to 114 for seven.

The skipper returned again to dismiss TG Gordon with

Pakistan: Mohammad Hafeez lbw b Osinde 11, Ahmed Shahzad c Gordon b Baidwan 12, Kamran Akmal c Kumar b Cheema 16, Younis Khan lbw b Baidwan 6, Misbah-ul-Haq c Bagai b Rao 37, Umar Akmal lbw b Rao 48, Shahid Afridi c Kumar b Cheema 20, Abdul Razzaq lbw b Hansra 8, Umar Gul not out 2, Wahab Riaz c Rao b Hansra 0, Saeed Ajmal b Baidwan 0. Extras: 24. Total: 184 all out. Fall of wickets: 1-16, 2-42, 3-55, 4-67, 5-140, 6165, 7-181, 8-181, 9-181, 10-184. Bowling: Chohan 3.3-0-100, Osinde 7-1-25-1, Gordon 0.3-0-1-0, Baidwan 8-1-35-3, Cheema 8-0-33-2, Rao 10-0-50-2, Hansra 6-1-23-2.

Canada: R. Gunasekera lbw b Gul 8, N. Kumar b Razzaq 2, Z. Surkari lbw b Ajmal 27, A. Bagai lbw b Afridi 16, J. Hansra b Afridi 43, Rizwan Cheema b Afridi 4, T. Gordon c Riaz b Afridi 9, J. Baidwan b Afridi 0, Khurram Chohan not out 5, B. Rao run out 1, H. Osinde b Riaz 0. Extras: 23.Total: 138 all out.

Fall of wickets: 1-16, 2-16, 3-44, 4-104, 5-111, 6-114, 7-114, 8-130, 9-134, 10-138. Bowling: Razzaq 7-2-16-1, Gul 7-1-20-1, Afridi 10-0-23-5, Riaz 5.50-23-1, Ajmal 8-0-31-1, Hafeez 5-0-21-0. Man-of-the-Match: S Afridi.

Venkateshwara Engg College, Delhi beat Goa Engineering College, Farmagudi 2-1 in the finals of Salgaocar Sports Club sponsored annual sports meet Spree 2011 of BITS Pilani.

Salgaocar’s Japanese striker Ryuji Sueoka who was specially invited by popular demand from the students expressed happiness over the fan-following of Salgaocar after the team’s per-

formances.

After a barren first half SVC, Delhi drew first blood scoring through Mohammed in the 62nd minute. The Delhi boys doubled the lead through Sanil Sinha eight minutes later. The consolation goal for GEC was scored

by Barsen in the 90th minute.

The final event was managed

by Dr. Bharat deshpande, HOD of Computer Science Dept, Murtuza Khutub, student event organizer and Abhijit Patil, media

Pakistan’s cricket team captain Shahid Afridi celebrates after he dismissed Canada’s Harvir Baidwan (unseen) at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Thursday.

Wahab Riwaz taking a superb catch to complete his second five wicket haul here.

Earlier, Canada had conjured up hopes of an upset when their bowlers bowled out the former champions Pakistan for 184 in their World Cup group A match.

Pakistan found the disciplined Canada attack to hot to handle as, after opting to bat, they lost wickets at regular intervals to be finally bundled out inside the 200-run mark in 43 overs.

If not for the 73-run fifth wicket stand between Misbahul-Haq (37) and Umar Akmal (48), Pakistan could have folded up for a lesser total as they lost their last six wickets for just 44 runs.

India-born medium-pacer Harvir Baidwan was the pick of the Canada bowlers with figures of three for 35 runs while Hansra (2/23), Cheema (2/33) and Rao (2/50) snared two wickets apiece to spell Pakistan's doom.

Venkateshwara Eng College triumph HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, MARCH 3

GOA, Friday, 4 March, 2011

manager of Salgaocar Sports Club.

2-a-side tie-breaker

PANJIM (HSD) -- The 25th 2-aside tie-breaker organised by Rosary Boys of Agonda will be held on March 3 opposite Perpetual Succour Chapel, Agonda, Belloy, Nuvem, Salcete from 8 p.m.

On the spot entries will be accepted. Rs 8000 (winners), Rs 7000 (runners-up) will be awarded.

Cuncolim cricket league HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, MARCH 3

The Cuncolim Cricket League for the 3rd All-Goa nine-a-side limited overs tennis ball cricket tournament organised by United Boys of Cuncolim at Kalta ground, near Kadamba Bus Stand, Cuncolim will be held on March 12 and13.

After successfully organising the tournament for the last three years, the club is all set to give cricket fans a treat to watch.

Videsh Dessai, president of United Boys of Cuncolim, said the main of the club is to set a platform for cricketers to hone their skills and play for big clubs. The club also planned to give financial aid to the needy students of Cuncolim.

The winners and runners-up will walk away with Rs 31,111 and Rs 21,111 respectively besides trophies, cash prizes for losing semi-finalists, best bowler, best fielder, best batsman and best disciplined team.

Videsh disclosed that on March 12 only teams from Cuncolim will be eligible and on the second day teams from other parts of will participate.

The club will felicitate veteran players Luis Lima, Narayan Kharade, ex-State players Kushesh Dessai, Badal Singh, Nitin Kalekar and Vpul Kalelar.

The tournament is being backed by local MLA and Urban Development Minister Joaquim Alemao. Rajesh Dessai, chairman of United Club of Cuncolim, Prakash Dessai (secretary) and Vinay Dessai (treasurer) were also present. Entry forms are available with Nilesh Kunde, newspaper agent, Cuncolim. Details may be obtained on 9527319606, 9422390229 or 9823961183. The final is slated for March 13 at 5 p.m.

O’Brien dreams of IPL riches after blitzkrieg PTI BANGALORE, MARCH 3

With the fastest World Cup hundred under his belt, Ireland batsman Kevin O'Brien is now hoping to catch the attention of an Indian Premier League franchise for a lucrative stint in the Twenty20 league.

"Who wouldn't (want to play in the IPL)? A lot of people have said that Twenty20 suits me, the way I swing the bat and hit a few sixes," O'Brien said after striking a 50-ball hundred to guide Ireland to an upset threewicket win over England last night.

"If something comes of that, even better. If not, I'll just concentrate on Sunday's game against India and see what happens," he added.

The 26-year-old, who made 113 off 63 balls, said beating England is one of the biggest highs for the Irish be it any sport. " Fro m a p e r sonal point of view, and I think I speak for a lot of Irish teams not

O'Brien said without doubt, last night's hundred was the best of his career.

"That's a long way the best innings I've ever played," said O'Brien, who struck six sixes and 13 fours. It even eclipses playing in the back garden with Niall (his brother who also plays in the Ireland squad), where hitting

it out of the garden was out," he joked.

"I think anyone is going to struggle to beat that innings. A World Cup hundred off 50 balls, in front of a billion people under lights against England. It doesn't get any better," he said.

Ireland's dramatic World Cup win over England proves that the smaller nations deserve a place at cricket's biggest tournament, captain William Porterfield said.

The sensational win comes after a decision by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to cut the number of teams in the 2015 World Cup to 10 from the current 14 -- infuriating the second tier, or associate, nations.

They fear a carve-up that will see a competition dominated by the Test teams and their chances of qualifying drastically reduced.

"The ICC have made a decision and it's out of our hands," Porterfield said. "It's pretty disappointing cutting the teams to 10.”

"I personally think there needs to be some kind of qualification," he added.

just cricket, beating England in any sport is always a fantastic occasion."

Ponda Footballers meet SFX Borim HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, MARCH 3

Ponda Footballers were lucky to enter the finals of Madkai Cup football tournament when they came from behind to defeat Sharp Shooters Madkai via the tie-breaker 7-6. SFX Borim defeated Mapa Sports Club 1-0

goal in the other match at Madkai Panchayat ground. The finals will be played on March 6 at 4.30 p.m.

Ponda Footballers were down by two goals in the first half.

Madkai opened the score when a weak clearance from Franky deflected off a player and New-

ton scored. Then off a corner kick, Domnic scored off a header.

Gautam reduced the margin.

Ponda captain Naresh made it 2-2.

In the tie-breaker Ponda managed to score all five kicks through Simon, Naresh,

Minguel, Bobby and Pasha while for Madkai, Newton, Domnic, Agnelo and Johnny scored. Orlando missed.

Francis scored the all-important goal off Minguel for SFX. SFX goalkeeper saved the day denying Abel, Armstrong and Manuel.

Steffi Cardozo, assistant project officer athletics, who won a bronze medal at 34th National Games in Ranchi being felicitated by V M Prabhudesai, executive director, SAG in the presence of Navin Acharya (assistant secretary, programme SAG), Chetan Kavlekar (secretary, manager, athletic team), Dr Dev Prakash (Delhi) and Patrick Soares (athletic coach).

Manuel Colaco, trustee and chairman of Quepem Municipal Council, presenting a bouquet to Subhash Shirodkar, president, Goa Olympic Association on behalf of late Shubham Cricket Trust at Shirodkar’s residence on Saturday in the presence of Ulhas Naik was also present.

Fergie charged

LONDON: Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was charged with improper conduct by the Football Association on Thursday following his criticism of referee Martin Atkinson in the defeat at Chelsea.

Ferguson appeared to question Atkinson's impartiality following United's 2-1 loss at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, which saw the Red Devils manager hit out at Atkinson's failure to dismiss Blues defender David Luiz.

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GOA, Friday, 4 March 2011

Mangesh, Rachel for Nationals HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, MARCH 3

Mangesh Kuttikar and Rachel Selva Dhanaraj have been selected by Goa Paralympic Association to represent Goa at Senior National Para Archery Championship in Amravati from March 5 to 7.

Manguesh, Goa’s ace archer, will representing the State for the first time in the 1st FITA (international equipment) round National para-archery championship. He had won a bronze at 2nd National para-archery championship in Bhuwaneshwar, Orissa from January 29 to 31 last year and represented team India at IWAS World Games in Bangalore in December 2009.

Manguesh is an employee of Mormugao Port Trust.

In the women’s section, Rachel Selva Dhanaraj, an employee of Goa Engineering College, Farmagudi will also represent Goa.

ACOLOP (Associacao dos Committees Olimpicos de Lingua Official Portuguesa) president, Vong Iao Lek (third from left) who arrived with the delegation of Macau Coordination Committee, Jose Tavares, Lam Lin Kio and Chao Kook Wai alongwith Subash Shirodkar, Goa Olympic Committee president, Gurudatta Bhakta, GOA secretary and Savio D’Sousa of Goa Boxing Association at Dabolim Airport, Vasco, Thursday.

The ACOLOP officials and members of the executive committee from Brazil, Mozambique, Angola, Cabo Verde, Guinea Bissau will inspect the facilities for hosting the 3rd Lusofonia Games in 2013 in Goa. The executive committee meeting will be held in Goa and the officials will inspect the indoor stadium Campal, Don Bosco indoor stadium, Panjim, Nehru stadium, Fatorda, Peddem ground, Mapusa, Community Hall at Taleigao where the events are being proposed to be hosted.

Photo: Jovito Lopes

Salgaocar eye 13th victory HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, MARCH 3

Table toppers Salgaocar Sports Club coach Karim Bencherifa is determined to record their 13th win on the trot when they clash with Bangalore’s HAL in a 17th round match of the 4th I-League at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda on Friday at 4 p.m.

“The morale of the players is very high and I am confident that they will play to win,” said Bencherifa after the team had a training session in Vasco on Thursday.

“The three points are very crucial as it will take our tally to 40 points to occupy the highest position. We cannot underestimate our rivals and we have to work hard to put them under pressure,” Bencherifa said even though they held a psychological advantage over HAL having

MST triumph HERALD CORRESPONDENT MAYEM, MARCH 3

EBRATIN EL

G

C

MST Sankhalim Sports Club defeated Ajoba Sports Club by 66 runs to claim Shevanti Gawas memorial cricket tournament organised by Poriem Youth Club at Bhumik ground, Poriem, Sattari on Thursday.

Winning the toss, MST elected to bat and scored 173 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in 20 overs with Sankalp Pednekar (44), Kapil (23), Siddhesh Amonkar (22).

In reply, Ajoba managed to score only 108 runs for the loss of seven wickets. Sushant (11) and Satyawan (34). In bowling, Pravin took two. Sankalp Pednekar was the man-of-the-series while Siddesh Amonkar was the man-of-the-match. th PRODUCTION

I-League: Salgaocar v. HAL Bangalore, Nehru Stadium Fatorda, 4 p.m.

GFA First Division: Raia SC v. MPT, Raia ground; St Rock's SC v. Calangute Association, Assolna ground. Kick off 4 p.m.

Laxmi and Subha soccer semi-finals: Sangolda Lightning v. Candolim SC, Nerul ground, 4.30 p.m.

beaten them in the first leg.

Bencherifa was optimistic about their chances. “The team has been playing consistently well so far in the league. The boys know what is expected of them and are confident of delivering,” added Bencherifa, who expects a win.

Except for defender Jaspal Parmar who is injured, the team will be at full strength and have the wherewithal to break down the rival defence.

Any slipup against HAL on Friday would mean Churchill Brothers, East Bengal and Dempo will have a chance to catch up on them and coach Bencherifa is conscious of the importance of the match and also confident that his boys will be able deliver the goods on Friday.

Japanese import Ryuji Sueoka

and Ghanaian workaholic veteran striker Yakubu Yusif are in form and will lead the attack.

Both the strikers’ nippy runs and subtle moves will surely keep the HAL defenders on their toes.

Salgaocar supply line also looks good with Tomba Singh operating in a central midfield and upcoming Golbert Oliveira who struck a brace against ONGC will be on the right wing.

On the other hand, HAL are not willing to let the home side call the shots. Having a creditable win over Mumbai Football Club in the last match, they are confident of maintaining their winning run. The Bangalore side is keen to keep Salgaocar’s Ryuji Sueoka and Yakubu Yusif in check. They are likely to beef up the defence with S Shankar, R Srikanth, Rohit Chand and

Lilyan Kenneth who will form t h e b a c k f o u r. J M u r a l i , Bengkhok Namenakpam and P Rajendra Prasad will be the key players in the midfield while Joseph Adeola will spearhead the attack.

HAL will be without experienced key striker R C Prakash who is suspended due to a double booking. Well aware of the threat posed by Salgaocar, HAL coach R Thyagaraj said that Salgaocar will come into the match with huge wins against ONGC but he remains confident.

“Salgaocar are one of the best teams in the country, so we have to play really well and we have some plans in mind alongwith home advantage. We have been playing well and the boys require to stay focused throughout,” concluded Thyagaraj.

Fantastic chance to win League: Reyuji HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, MARCH 3

League leaders Salgaocar Sports Club striker Reyuji Seoka and a sensation at the I-League felt that he did not sense a feeling of going down when he turned his back on Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan last year to sign for the green brigade. The diminutive goal scorer’s decision of joining the Goan outfit which had a difficult season was nothing less than curios but it proved very wise for the Japanese forward.

“I have heard lots of things about Salgaocar, that the team had fine pedigree and my belief turned true. We are on the top of the league and what else can a player want? We can go from here and take the title as we have a fantastic chance to do it, so my decision proved right and perfect. I appreciate Mohun Bagan as it’s a big club in India but at the moment, it’s my team that’s on top and I am very happy about it,” Seoka explained. Seoka followed his coach Karim Benchrifa and the Japanese blossomed under the Moroccan trainer to net 14 goals just one less than leading scorer Odafe Okolie of Churchill Brothers.

“It’s very satisfying to get the goals but our coach has the ability to identify the strength of

his players, he understands each one of us, he’s an amazing coach and a lovely person. Whenever I feel the need I don’t hesitate to talk to him, I am very pleased to play under him and if I am doing well for my team it gives me immense satisfaction,” Seoka disclosed.

Salgaocar will be facing arch

rivals Dempo Sports Club, Churchill Brothers besides Mohun Bagan and East Bengal in the later stages of the league and these four outings could be very crucial for the Goan League leaders but Seoka insists that every match is vital for the former NFL champions. “It’s not that we should look at the bigger games, every match is important for us and we should concentrate on winning the matches, we must concentrate on the next match, take it match by match, try to win and consolidate our position. At the moment we are on the right track and it’s necessary for us to remain focused and maintain the momentum and I am sure my teammates are also thinking on this line,” asserted the experienced Seoka who had plied his trade in Thailand, Singapore and his home country, Japan before coming down to India.

Calangute in finals HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, MARCH 3

Calangute Association prevailed over Sai Avtaar, Anjuna 5-4 via the tie-breaker after both teams were involved in a goalless draw to move into the finals of Laxmi and Subha inter-village soccer tournament organised by Nerul Sports Club at Nerul ground on Thursday.

Dominating the initial proceedings, Anjuna had a couple of scoring opportunities but their forwards failed to score.

Anjuna could have taken the lead in the 9th minute but a power-packed shot by Shekar Kerkar kissed the crossbar and went out.

Changing over, Calangute

fought back and could have moved ahead in the 51st minute but a Francisco Fernandes shot missed the mark narr o w l y. A n j u n a L i g o r i o Noronha’s header missed the mark narrowly in the 53rd minute.

In the penalty shoot-out, Calangute kept their nerves to prevail over Anjuna 5-4. Bruno Coutinho, Rajkumar Naik, Domnic Fernandes, Francisco Fernandes and Alber Gonsalves converted for Calangute while Shekar Kerkar, Cristopher D'Sousa, Saprem Diukar and Gautam Diukar found the mark for Anjuna.

Gautam Diukar was declared man-of-the-match.

Dragon Martial Arts excel HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, MARCH 3

Dragon Martial Arts bagged a gold, four silver and four bronze medals at the recent 31st All-India open karate championship organised by International Shotokan Sports Karate-Do Association (ISSKA) in collaboration with Japan Shotokan Karate Association in Kerala.

Results: 8-10 years girls colour belt – Anushka Shah (gold in kumite and bronze in kata).

U-14 balck belt – Antara Samant (silver in kumite and

bronze in kata).

U-14 black belt – Swagata Kudtarkar (bronze in kata).

Below 45kgs colour belt – Sampath Jampula (bronze in kumite).

13-15 years team kata black belt – Anushka Shah, Alisha Samant and Deepika Kudtarkar (silver).

13-15 years team kata colour belt – Saikumar Jampula, Sampath Jampula and Shubham Toraskar (silver).

Men team kata black belt – Vaibhav Raul, Vishal Prasannavar and Nikhil Berde (silver).

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Zaheer only bright spot in Indian bowling AGENCIES NEW DELHI, MARCH 3

Pace bowler Zaheer Khan's triple-strike against England, which helped India salvage a dramatic tie in Bangalore, remains the only high point of the co-host's bowling as it prepares to face Ireland this weekend.

As a result of the unimpressive bowling, India has failed to justify the tag of hot favorite in its opening two games, with the team depending too much on Khan to break set partnerships as well as to contain the run flow.

India conceded 283 runs to Bangladesh in an 87-run win and then failed to win against England despite posting a huge total of 338.

India will have to be wary in Sunday's match against a belligerent Ireland side that completed a World Cup record chase against England in Bangalore.

The chase, led by Kevin O'Brien's magnificent 113, will be especially worrying for India because it came in Bangalore, where India failed to contain England, and where it plays Ireland on Sunday.

Also of concern will be the fact that Brien's 63-ball innings helped overhaul a total of 327 despite the team struggling at 111-5 at one stage, displaying both depth and the ability to control the mid overs.

Zaheer has done well so far with figures of 2-40 and 3-63 in the two matches to date, but others have failed to really support him.

Munaf Patel has been consist e n t

Bangla wary of Windies backlash their first two Group B games.

"The West Indies did not have Bangladesh captain Shakib Al their main players in that series, Hasan will not take victory for but they are back now which makes granted when his home team them a very good side," he said. clashes with the West Indies in "We will have to be at our best a must-win World Cup match to beat them. I am confident we on Friday. can win, but for that to happen The West Indies, who have we must play good cricket." not played on Bangladesh TODAY’S MATCHES Bangladeshi came back after soil since New Zealand losing the tourna2002, suffered v. Zimbabwe ment opener to a 3-0 defeat India by 87 runs to 9.30 a.m. by the Tigers down Ireland by 27 Bangladesh v. runs despite being at home two years ago bowled out for a West Indies when the top modest 205.

2.00 p.m. players went The West Indies on strike due to a pay dispute. bounced back in even greater Shakib ruled out another easy style after the seven-wicket dewin in the day-night match at feat to South Africa, thrashing the Sher-e-Bangla stadium, which the Netherlands by a massive neither team can afford to lose 215 runs in New Delhi on Monafter securing one win each from day.

AFP DHAKA, MARCH 3

Kiwis eye quarters AFP AHMEDABAD, MARCH 3

New Zealand will be desperate to boost their World Cup quarter-final hopes with a convincing win over Zimbabwe in a crunch clash on Friday.

The Kiwis cantered to a 10wicket victor y over lowly Kenya in their opening match before going down to Australia by seven wickets in a manner unworthy of their reputation as a doughty oneday side.

Zimbabwe suffered a 91-run defeat at the hands of holders Australia but regrouped in time

to thrash Canada by a 175-run margin in their second Group A clash on Monday.

With one defeat and a win apiece, New Zealand and Zimbabwe are tied on two points and trail Pakistan and Australia who have four points each from two matches.

Sri Lanka also have four points but they have played three games, winning two and losing one.

Zimbabwe thrived on fine performances by their spinners against Canada and will look to rattle the spin-wary Kiwis with a similar plan.

without inspiring confidence, Harbhajan Singh has yet to take on an attacking role, Shantakumaran Sreesanth and Piyush Chawla have gone for too many runs while Yuvraj Singh and Yusuf Pathan have only looked the parttimers that they are.

India generally believes in playing four specialist bowlers and fills up for the fifth bowler with part-timers. But in this tournament, the problem has been the fourth bowler's spot behind Zaheer, Patel and Harbhajan.

A wayward Sreesanth, who had gone for 53 runs off five overs in the match against Bangladesh was replaced by legspinner Chawla in the hope he would cause a few surprises for the England batsmen.

But he was smashed for 71 runs in his 10 overs, including 15 in the penultimate over of the match.

Former India captain Chapel Dev feels bowling is an inherent weakness in the current team.

"In comparison to the batsmen we have, (our) bowling is weak," the 1983 World Cup winning captain told reporters in Mumbai on Wednesday. "But just because they played one match badly does not mean that they cannot bowl because these bowlers have won us many matches too."

Dev said India had lost a good opportunity against England.

"It felt bad. England won according to me. They played better cricket. It is a tie. We are happy; something is better than nothing but after 338 we should not have lost or tied a game," he said.

Dhoni defended his bowlers as well as the move to bring in Chawla toward the end.

"We have got the talent in bowling and can improve," Dhoni said after the thrilling tie. "Our bowling attack is not bad."

Of the untried bowlers in the tournament, left-arm seamer Ashish Nehra and offspinner Ravichandran are the two options.

Nehra is nursing a sore back, while Ashwin has been reduced to a third-choice spinner because he is of the same stock as Harbhajan Singh.

But one of them will have to settle in nicely into the fourth bowler's slot if India is to have a rounded attack in the tournament.

Hussey bats for brother AFP COLOMBO, MARCH 3

Australian batsman David Hussey said Thursday his brother Mike was "desperate" to get back into the World Cup squad after being controversially omitted.

Cricket Australia said they would not rush to find a player to fill the void left by pace bowler Doug Bollinger, who returned home with an ankle injury.

"He's (Mike's) desperate to get back and play for Australia. He's

back playing (domestic) Shield cricket at the moment. Mike would love to come over here and play," Hussey, 33, told reporters in Colombo.

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GOA, FRIDAY, 4 MARCH, 2011

Proteas peel Orange

South Africa cricketer A B DeVilliers plays a reverse sweep on his way to scoring a century against The Netherlands.

South Africa: H Amla c Cooper b ten Doeschate 113, G Smith b Loots 20, J Kallis c Barresi b ten Doeschate 2, AB de Villiers run out 134, F du Plessis not out 18, JP Duminy c Borren b ten Doeschate 40, M van Wyk not out 0. Extras: 24. Total: 351 for 5. Fall of wickets: 1-51, 2-58, 3-279, 4283, 5-349. Bowling: Bukhari 10-0-44-0, Westdijk 9-0-760, ten Doeschate 10-0-72-3, Loots 9-0-60-1, Seelaar 10-0-74-0, Cooper 2-0-18-0.

Netherlands: A Kervezee c and b Kallis 10, W Barresi st van Wyk b Duminy 44, T Cooper c Steyn b Kallis 9, B Zuiderent lbw b Peterson 15, R ten Doeschate lbw b Steyn 11, T de Grooth run out 12, P Borren lbw b Peterson 3, M Bukhari b Tahir 0, P Seelaar not out 2, B Loots lbw b Tahir 6, B Westdijk lbw b Tahir 0. Extras: 8. Total: 120 all out. Fall of wickets: 1-26, 2-46, 3-81, 4-83, 5-100, 6-109, 7-109, 8-110, 9-120, 10120. Bowling: Steyn 6-1-26-1, Morkel 5-0-18-0, Kallis 6-0-19-2, Tahir 6.5-0-19-3, Peterson 5-0-22-2, Duminy 6-0-16-1. Man-of-the-Match: AB Villiers.

AFP MOHALI, MARCH 3

AB de Villiers and Hashim Amla smashed centuries against the hapless Netherlands bowlers on Thursday to set up a thumping 231-run win for South Africa.

De Villiers scored 134 for a second successive ton while opener Amla made 113 as the Proteas posted a mammoth 3515 before dismissing the Dutch for a paltry 120 for their second consecutive win in Group B. The Netherlands lost wickets at regular intervals against South Africa's disciplined pace-spin combination before being bowled out in the 35th over, slumping to their third consecutive defeat.

Seamer Jacques Kallis rattled the top order with two wickets before Pakistan-born leg-spinner Imran Tahir (3-19) and left-arm spinner Robin Peterson (2-22) did more damage. Wesley Barresi, dropped on 21 by Morne Morkel at mid-on off Kallis, top-scored with 44 in a dismal Netherlands

Irish win a warning for others: Sammy AFP DHAKA, MARCH 3

Ireland's sensational win over England showed no team could be taken lightly at the World Cup, West Indian captain Darren Sammy said on Thursday.

"It's a lesson for all, you just can't take anyone for granted," Sammy said.

"That was a very entertaining game, and like I always say everything depends on the cricket a side plays on the day.

"I am not surprised Ireland won. Nothing has changed by that game. Every team came to the World Cup to win."

batting performance.

"It wasn't easy up front. There was a little bit of juice in the wicket," said South African skipper Graeme Smith, praising Amla and de Villiers.

"Once we set the platform it was about making it count and the two of them definitely did that."

Losing captain Peter Borren said such a thumping defeat was hard to take but his side were still learning by playing against the top sides.

"I think we learn more from playing against this type of opposition... than playing against each other as associates," he said.

In the South African innings de Villiers and Amla dominated the Dutch attack after South Africa were put in to bat in overcast conditions before a few thousand spectators in Mohali.

The Proteas lost Smith (20) and Kallis (two) to slip to 58-2 before de Villiers and Amla put on 221, South Africa's best for the third wicket in a World Cup. De Villiers raced to his 11th one-day hundred off just 88 deliveries, while Amla completed his eighth ton off 121 balls.

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Three all-rounders, two genuine bowlers ideal for India: Kapil PTI NEW DELHI, MARCH 3

Former Indian captain Kapil Dev today said that a combination

of three all-rounders and two genuine bowlers would have been an ideal combination but the team can still win the ongo-

ing World Cup with hard work.

"Ideally there should have been three all-rounders and two genuine bowlers but since we

don't have them we have to work hard to win. If you don't think you can win, then you must stop playing," Kapil said.