8 Feb,2011,HERALD PUBLICATIONS PVT LTD

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Sports: Ganguly finally calls it quits Pg 16

Failure is not the only punishment for laziness; there is also the success of others.

—Jules Renard

IN BRIEF Air India pilots threaten to strike Toughening its posture against the deferment of payment of January salary to February 14 by Air India management, a section of its pilots today threatened to go on a flash strike to protest the move.

“We demand that our salaries should be disbursed by 5pm of February 10, failing which we will go on flash strike,” Indian Commercial Pilots Association General Secretary (ICPA) Capt Rishabh Kapoor said in Mumbai tonight. — (PTI)

Karmapa trust stashed Rs 20 cr A trust backed by Karmapa Ugyen Trinley Dorje could have amassed benami property and illegally stashed foreign currency worth Rs 20 crore, investigators claimed here. — (PTI)

Business: Excellence key to survive in market — PM Pg 13

(air surcharge Rs 2.00) pages 16+4

Goa’s Heartbeat: Singing with Enrique was great — Sunidhi Pg 4

New spectrum scam hits government PTI NEW DELHI, FEB 7

Government was today faced with another suspected scam which can cost the exchequer upto Rs 2 lakh crore concerning a deal between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and a private company and in a quick response it was announced that the pact was under review.

After a news report this morning that ISRO’s commercial arm — Antrix Corporation — has entered into a deal with Devas Multimedia Services that allegedly confers unbridled use of 70 MHz of scarce S-band spectrum over a 20 year-period, the Department of Space came out with a late night statement.

“The Department (of Space) wishes to clarify that the agreement entered into by Antrix, the commercial arm of ISRO, and M/s. Devas on January 28, 2005 is already under review by the DoS and the government will take whatever steps are necessary to safeguard public interest.

A decision on the matter is likely to be taken soon,” it said.

Devas is owned by M G Chan-

drasekhar, former scientific secretary, ISRO. The DoS statement climaxed a day of strong attacks by opposition parties which targetted the government and demanded a clarification from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The DoS comes directly under the Prime Minister.

Earlier in the day, the comptroller and auditor general (CAG) said its attention has been drawn to reports appearing in the media regarding the audit being undertaken by the Audit

Mauvin picked to lead Cong poll campaign HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, FEB 7

In what could be termed as a move to control his tirade against the government, the Congress party has decided to appoint Cortalim legislator and Deputy Speaker of the Goa legislative assembly Mauvin Godinho as the party’s campaign manager for the assembly polls to be held next year.

The decision to this effect was taken at a meeting between Chief Minister Digambar Kamat and Congress General Secretary in-charge of Goa desk B K Hariprasad.

Sources in the Congress said that Hariprasad was in Goa for a brief visit on Sunday and met the chief minister at his official residence.

Initially, the Congress had decided to appoint Mauvin as the working president of the party.

The Cortalim legislator rejected the post, sources said.

However, sources added, it is still unsure whether Mauvin will

and Accounts Department of DoS. The report said according to preliminary estimates by CAG this spectrum “largesse” to a private party could cost the exchequer in excess of Rs 2 lakh crore.

“The news item gives the impression as if our audit has been finalised. This office clarifies that audit of certain activities of DoS is under way.’

“Very preliminary queries have been raised which are yet to be replied by that department. Since the audit is at very preliminary stage, it can by no stretch of imagination, be concluded that information as given in the media reports are findings of this department,” the CAG statement said.

Reacting to the media report, political parties attacked the government saying the matter was “very serious” and demanded a thorough probe into the “new scam”.

BJP spokesperson Nirmala Sitharaman told reporters at the party briefing that the this was a “very serious scandal as it involves a very unique and rare spectrum.

Teenager murdered at Merces HERALD CORRESPONDENT OLD GOA, FEB 7

A teenager from Kirlawada, Chimbel was found murdered at Zarikade, Merces on Monday.

The deceased has been identified as Amitabh Borkar (19).

The incident came to light after Old Goa police were informed by a person about an unknown body lying at Zarikade.

(Continued on page 11)

accept the post of campaign manager.

When contacted by Herald Mauvin refused to comment saying he was busy in a meeting.

Efforts to contact him late thereafter proved futile.

However, Goa Pradesh Congress Committee President Subash Shirodkar admitted there is such a possibility.

“That possibility is there,” Shirodkar told Herald when asked whether Mauvin would be appointed campaign manager.

(Continued on page 11)

MHA team postpones visit to Goa HERALD REPORTER VASCO, FEB 7

A top-level Ministry of Home and Affairs (MHA) team has reportedly postponed its scheduled visit to the State on February 9 to work out modalities to take over the charge of immigration chores from the State police.

According to a news agency, a State Home Ministry official had said the delegation, led by Anil Goswami, additional secretary (MHA) in charge of the foreigners section, and Anuj Sharma, director (Immigration), were to meet Goa Chief Secretary Sanjiv Srivastav Wednesday to discuss the details.

It is learnt that the Union Home Ministry wants to finalise and adopt an action plan before (Continued on page 11)

Aleixo, Alemaos clash at meeting HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, FEB 7

MAKING A POINT: The Dalai Lama addressing a gathering during D D Kosambi Festival of Ideas at Kala Academy in the city on Monday. (Report on pg 3) Photo by Rozario Estibeiro

Levying capitation fee to soon be an offence PTI MUMBAI, FEB 7

The government will soon bring a bill which will make levy of capitation fee by educational institutes a cognisable offence, Union Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister Kapil Sibal said today.

Educational Malpractices Bill proposes to prosecute institutions who provide wrong information and levy capitation fee, he said, delivering the 8th Nani A Palkhiwala Memorial Lecture on ‘Emerging scenario in the field of education’.

Sibal said he was for opening up of the education sector and ending the license raj.

“The new bill does not propose for inspection of educational institutions. Instead, at the start of the academic year, the institutions have to themselves declare on their website information about infrastructure, fees, faculty and the kinds of service they provide. The in-

formation will be stored in the HRD Ministry and if the facts are wrong, the ministry shall prosecute the institutions,” he said.

The Centre will announce the national vocational qualification framework in May. The framework will provide vocational courses for students from Std 9 to 12th, he said.

Stating that education was all about expanding one’s mind, Sibal said Foreign Education Providers Bill envisages collaboration with Indian universities

and investment in the skill development courses.

The minister lamented that a large number of politicians’ own educational institutions was standing in the way of reforms in the key sector.

Education policies needed to be developed on what the children want and not what the government wants, he said. “I believe democracy is freedom in the classroom.”

Sibal said he favours continuous and comprehensive evaluation of the attributes of a child rather than a board exam to test his/her memory. “We need to change the way we teach our children.”

Stating that the Right to Education Act cannot be enforced overnight, the minister said it needs three years for implementation and five years in the context of teachers acquiring minimum qualifications.“We need the co-operation of the civil society and all the stakeholders in education.

The House committee meeting on the national highway today was postponed without any decision after heated arguments between Power Minister Aleixo Sequeira and the Alemao brothers.

The meeting was scheduled to discuss the new alignment for the NH17, which has been drawn by a joint committee.

However, a comment by the Sequeira that people were losing faith in government started the argument, sources told Herald.

Sources stated that Sequeira’s statement did not go down well with Public Works Department Minister Churchill Alemao and Urban Development Minister Joaquim Alemao.

Joaquim and Churchill immediately stood up and asked Sequeira “Why did you not say this in the House?”

There was no further discussion and the meeting was postponed for February 12.

When contacted PWD Minister Churchill Alemao neither confirmed nor refuted the developments at the meeting.

Shameless!! You need not be so transparent in politics. Shower can be taken behind the curtains.

OHERALDO

Pg 2

GOA

GOA, TUESDAY, 8 FEBRUARY, 2011

Govt reluctant to rehab Khariwaddo slums?

HERALD REPORTER VASCO, FEB 7

The State government appears to have overlooked the rehabilitation of fishermen when the opportunity knocked at the door not once, but thrice.

In the case of Khariwaddo slums rehabilitation, reluctant attitude of the State government has forced the MPT to approach the High Court to ensure that slums which are major hurdle for port’s expansion gets cleared as early as possible.

MPT had worked out a rehabilitation plan without burdening the State exchequer and a consultant was appointed to work out the rehabilitation under the Integrated Housing Slum Development Programme (IHSDP) Scheme of Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and Poverty Alleviation.

But due to delay tactics, things remained stranded.

Khariwado slums have grown substantially in the last couple of decades, as some structures are located on the shoreline and during high tide, the waves struck slums.

The lethargic attitude of the State government was evident during the March 17, 2010, meeting, which was organized by Union Secretary of Shipping P Mohandas.

Minutes of the meeting states how government remained silent on rehabilitation of slum dwellers.

Despite this, the MPT paid the entire cost of land acquisition of 23,553 sq mts at Adarshnagar-Chicalim and agreed to relocate Khariwado slums under Integrated Housing Slum Development Programme (IHSDP), scheme of Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and Poverty Alleviation.

MPT had agreed to rehabilitate 194 structures as mentioned in the tripartite Memorandum of Understating (MoU), which was inked in 1998. Later, MPT had also agreed that besides 194 structures, remaining structures of the total 379, as per MPT’s list, should also be provided land at Adarshnagar.

As per the IHSDP scheme, the Union government will bear 60 per cent cost, 20 per cent by Goa Government, 10 per cent by the local body and 10 per cent by benefici-

aries, although MPT agreed to bear government and beneficiaries share, but despite of that there is no response from the government, states the minutes of the meeting.

“MPT had agreed that it would provide lands to all the inhabitants of Khariwaddo at Adarshnagar in its meeting on March 17, 2010. Thus, why the hurry for demolishing before the rehabilitation,” asked MMC Councillor Pascoal D’ Souza, who is also member of Goa State Rehabilitation Board.

“We are ready to go, land at Adarshnagar should be handed over to the people,” added D’Souza.

Goa Fishing Boat Owner Association (GFBOA) insisted: “We have never rejected the rehabilitation offer as we still insist that demolition should proceed only after rehabilitation.”

However, MPT is insisting that despite paying all dues to the State government for land acquisition at Adarshnagar, the government was reluctant to hand over the land for rehabilitation and has been delaying the matter.

KTCL working PCI revises media guidelines on HIV on revenue generation plan HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, FEB 7

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, FEB 7

The Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited (KTCL) is working on revenue generation plan spread over next five years that would pull the corporation out of red.

KTCL Managing Director Venancio Furtado said that the corporation is already on the job to prepare a comprehensive plan for next five years and it would be submitted to the State government within three months.

“The plan will take shape in next three months. Goa will get to see change in the services of KTCL not just on papers but on roads,” he said.

KTCL coffers are shrinking with the implementation of sixth pay commission to its 3900 workers. With the introduction of pay scale, the corporation has to shell out additional liability of Rs 1.75 crore per month.

As a step to improve the financial status of the corporation, the State Finance Department had directed KTCL to submit a detailed plan for next five years specifying the measures to increase the revenue and decrease the expenditure.

Furtado said that the corporation is making all efforts to prepare a report, which will take KTCL at number one position in near future.

“We are trying to identify the profitable routes and those going under losses. We are also trying to figure out on workers front where we are planning to go for more mechanical techniques, which requires less manpower,” he said adding that the officials are also giving visits to nearby States to see the functioning of government transport.

KTCL also plans to restart its Mumbai-Goa route, which was discontinued since 2008. The popularity of Konkan Railway and increasing presence of private operators had forced the State-run corporation to freeze its operation on this crucial route.

“This was one of the profitable routes for us. The corporation is planning to ply few buses on this route, which will help us in fetching much income,” Furtado said.

The State-run corporation dependent on the government grants over the years had received nearly Rs 32 crore for last three years in form of subsidy, gratuity and funds under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM).

The data available from the transport ministry figured out that for 2007-08, the corporation received Rs 8 crore as subsidy while in 2008-09 it went upto Rs 9.75 crore.

However, for the year 2009-10, the government paid a grant of Rs 20 crore to the corporation as subsidy, gratuity and funds under JNNURM. The statistics reveals that KTCL has also received around Rs 3.85 crore from the Central Government under JNNURM in 200910.

The data also states that the corporation has already received Rs 4.04 crore from the government for the year 2010-11 for the upgradation of bus stands as sanctioned by the government during the financial year 2009-10.

In its revised guidelines to the media, the Press Council of India (PCI) has stipulated against using the term “scourge”, nor hidden cameras to show people living with HIV/AIDS, while reporting on the issue.

Further the PCI in its guidelines has directed the media not to use images of the sick and dying, or graphics of skulls and crossbones.

It has also stipulated that journalists should not disclose the identity of the people infected with HIV. The council clarified that since “HIV is not synonymous with AIDS, ‘HIV/AIDS’ as a term is no longer considered accurate”.

The 1993 guidelines were revised after a writ petition was filed by the National Network of Positive People in the Juvenile court in Thiruvananthapuram, objecting to visuals shown by the media of two children suffering from the condition and the subsequent false reporting of the death of one of them.

The court then directed the PCI to issue fresh directions to the media. The council held meetings with the UNAIDS and activists working in the field and issued its revised guidelines Sunday. India is home to 2.5 million HIV-positive patients, including 70,000 children below the age of 14.

The councils’ “don’ts” to the print and electronic media are: Not to sensationalise the story; avoid alarmist reports and images of the sick and dying; not to use skull-and-crossbones or snakes as graphics; avoid references to caste, gender or sexual orientation; and not to reinforce

stereotypes about sexual minorities like lesbians, gays or transgenders.

“Uphold confidentiality and obtain informed consent. Journalists should not disclose the identity of the person infected with HIV unless they have specific permission to do so. Whenever possible, they should get written consent,” the guidelines said.

But the Council added that to “minimise damaging repercussions, it would be best to avoid identification even when written consent is obtained. This can be done by changing names and locations in the story”.

It also made clear that the identity of children affected by HIV should not be revealed and their photographs should not be published.

“This includes orphans and children living in orphanages and juvenile homes,” the council stressed.

Media must “ensure their story is objective, factual and sensitive” and should give their stories a human face.

“The focus should be on facts.

Distortion of facts in any manner to make the story salacious and, therefore, more saleable is unacceptable,” it added.

It said that the media should take care not to promote myths related to prevention and transmission of HIV. The visual media must “deal sensitively and ethically with the identities of those who have HIV and AIDS as well as their families and associates.”

“Hidden cameras should never be used. Try to show people living with HIV in a positive light by portraying them as individuals instead of ‘victims’.”

2 more held in headless body murder case

They came, shook hands, said ‘No politics involved’

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, FEB 7

The Maina Curtorim police have arrested two more suspects, Nitin Bhosle and Krishna Anjuti, in connection with the headless body murder case.

Margao Sub-Divisional Police Officer, DySP Umesh Gaonkar informed that both the suspects, residents of Housing Board, have been arrested today, taking the total number of arrests in the case to nine so far.

“We have not verified what is their exact role and connection with the murder. We have picked them up since the police have got their link with the case”, he said.

Replying to a question, DySP Gaonkar made it categorically clear to all and Sunday that the police are investigating into the cold blooded murder and not in any Temple case.

He said that investigations into the murder case are progressing in the right directions.

The police have already arrested alleged prime suspect Jayesh Naik and his two brothers, besides six others in connection with the murder of Sultan Bellary, whose headless body was found abandoned at Nessai in Sao Jose de Areal on January 11.

The Maina Curtorim police are investigating the case.

Kamat govt has fooled Goans: BJP HERALD CORRESPONDENT MAYEM, FEB 7

BJP National Spokesperson Aarti Mehra is determined to bring BJP back to power in Goa as well in other states.

Addressing a press conference here, Mehra stated that the 3-and-half-year-old Digambar Kamat government has not left any stone unturned to become specialised in wellplanned corruption in all the areas by fooling the people of Goa. “The common man has now realised the ploy of the Congress party to sell the entire nation and Goa state to the corrupt people, who will then dominate,” stated Mehra.

She highlighted the areas like mining, drugs trafficking, deforestation, law and order, in which the Kamat-led government was in the forefront, finishing the voice of aam admi.

She claimed that the people in the entire nation are burning under the tyranny of Congress leaders and as such they cannot raise their voice before public on realizing that they might become the victims of politicians and police, who are guiding the corrupt people.

MONTE MUSIC FESTIVAL

Paranjoti Choir enthrals

Mickky offering peddas to Churchill after the launching of road hot mixing.

Photos by Santosh Mirajkar HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, FEB 7

They shook hands, offered coconut and incense before the hot mix machine and shared peddas in full public glare at Majorda-Utorda on Monday morning.

Though both PWD Minister Churchill Alemao and Benaulim ML A Mickk y Pacheco said there’s no politics involved, many an eyebrow was raised amongst those assembled for the launching of the road hotmixing work this morning.

That’s not all. While leaving the venue, the PWD Minister told newsmen that he has issued instructions to his officials to undertaken whatever works suggested by Pacheco.

The Alemao-Pacheco impromptu meeting took place at the launching of the hot mix works at Majorda-Utorda at a cost of Rs 91 lakh, covering a stretch of 2.2 kms.

Before Alemao could make his presence felt at the venue, the Benaulim MLA was already present with Nuvem ZP member Wilfred D’Sa and his supporters, apparently to question the PWD Minister for not inviting him and the people for the launching ceremony.

When the PWD Minister finally arrived, he shook hands with Pacheco and told the MLA that the officials might have forgotten to invite him for the launching function, and requested him to break the sacred

Supervise police-drug nexus cases for proper probe: NSUI HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, FEB 7

The Goa Unit of the National Students Union of India (NSUI) today prayed to the Bombay High Court at Goa to supervise the policedrugs nexus cases for a proper investigation.

Advocate General Subodh Kantak told the Court that Goa Government has handed over the cases - Police Sub Inspector Sunil Gudlar allegedly selling drugs to two foreigners and Israeli drug dealer Yaniv Benaim alias Atala and seven police officials - to the Central Bureau of India (CBI). The Congress student frontal organization has sought official confirmation from the Government that the cases are handed over to the CBI. “We have said that we do not know which cases have been transferred to CBI. Government has said that they would give details of cases to CBI so that we could find out what is to be done in the matter.

One of the prayers my client has made is that after the investigation is being handed over to CBI, it should be under the supervision of High Court for proper investigation,” Surendra Desai, counsel representing NSUI told reporters outside the Court. The matter will be next heard on February 14. NSUI on January 14 had moved High Court pleading a CBI probe into the policemen-politician-drug mafia nexus case in the State. In the petition, NSUI Goa Chief Sunil Kawathankar demanded that the case be handed over to the central investigation agency as the conduct of the police officers probing it was doubtful.

“There’s doubt in the integrity of the police officers investigating the case as some of the accused in the case have been released,” Kawathankar had said in his petition. NSUI said it had to move Court as the investigating agencies failed to properly investigate into the nexus.

c o c o n u t .

While Pacheco offered the sacred coconut, Alemao offered incense sticks, while another coconut was offered by Pacheco’s close aide and ZP member Wilfred D’Sa. In turn, Pacheco offered peddas, which was readily accepted by the PWD Minister.

When the Benaulim MLA told the PWD Minister to sanction pavers and others works in the village, Alemao was kind enough to immediately issue instructions to his officials to carry out whatever work requested by the MLA. After Alemao’s exit, the former Tourism Minister told newsmen that there’s nothing politics over the road hot mixing works, saying he was simply present at the launching since he had proposed these work three and half years ago.

Pacheco further said that his road development files pertaining to his constituency were all held up in the last three years and exuded confidence all works would be completed in all respects by May this year. “I had moved the proposal three-andhalf years ago. I personally monitored the file movement”, he said, adding that he was present at the launching ceremony since this was the first road work executed in the last three years.

“This is pure development and no politics involved. Development is the need of the hour”, Pacheco remarked.

Incidentally, though the road work inaugurated today falls in Majorda-Utorda, a part of Benaulim constituency, the Majorda-Utorda village now forms part of the new Nuvem constituency where Pacheco has firmly set his eyes to contest the coming Assembly polls against Power Minister.

Skull found at Malim HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, FEB 7

Porvorim Police on Monday recovered a male skull, which was found hanging to a tree at Malim.

According to Porvorim Police, police received a call from a shepherd at about 4 pm that human skull was found hanging to the tree at Malim. DySP Mapari, PI Devendra Gad along with his staff rushed to the site found the skull hanging to the tree, while the remaining part of the body was eaten by the animals.

Bones were lying scattered all over the place. Police have also found a bag containing clothes beneath the tree.

PI Gad said that prima facie, it appears that the deceased has committed suicide more than two months ago.

“It is very difficult to identify the body as no documents have been found in the bag,” said PI Gad. The skull and the bones collected have been sent to GMC Hospital in Bambolim for examination. PI Gad is investigating the case.

‘Subsidised vegetables Bangalore scheme will not be affected’ air show may HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, FEB 7

The Paranjoti Academy Chorus performing at the annual Monte Music Festival 2011.

CYRIL D’CUNHA OLD GOA, FEB 7

Oozing with elegance and grace, Coomi Wadia has that magical something that lifts her to the very top; a conductor with a dominant presence.

Waving her baton with a minimal swish, this silver-haired lady brought out the best in the 27member Paranjoti Academy Chorus at the annual Monte Music Festival 2011 on Saturday 5 February.

The acoustics of this centuries-old chapel suited the choir to perfection, and complemented their awesome reputation as one of India’s best capella groups. Having taken over as Music Director and Conductor of the choir since the death of Dr Victor Paranjoti 35 years ago, she proved that she is one who lays a finger upon perfection.

Moving from the mystical ‘Poili Santa’, an ovi from the Konkan arranged by Victor Paranjoti, the harmony of voices struck an immediate chord with the packed audience, which overflowed beyond the chapel’s doors. The maestro’s unsurpassed mastery over dynamics, particularly the pianissimo, had an immediate impact. The strong tenors and sopranos gave ‘Asato-ma-Sat-Gamaya’

and ‘Hodie Beata Virgo Maria’ ample scope for high voices, while the altos hung on to the basses in perfect unison.

By this time, the choir had already begun to sweat, not from tension but from the stifling indoor heat. But that did not prevent them from showing just how good they are. It was a real turn-on when they sang a ‘Hymn to St Francis Xavier’. It brought back memories of maestro Paranjoti himself; he presented this piece in Goa in the early ’60s. ‘Mary had a Baby’ and Kodaly’s double-chorus ‘Jesuz es a Kufarok’ – an interpretation of an angry Jesus – followed.

The divine ‘Kyrie Eleison’ next fell under the spell of Coomi Wadia’s baton and the group came out with strong emphasis in ‘Joshua Fight the Battle of Jericho’, made famous as a black spiritual.

And what better way to end than with ‘He’s got the Whole World in His Hands’, which metaphorically came as a reality with the audience, which listened with rapt attention as the choir sang from memory, blending voices and intonation for a sound and compact self-orchestration.

Karnataka vegetable traders have once again attempted to sabotage Goa State Horticulture Development Corporation’s (GSHDC) scheme of subsidisation.

Belgaum Traders Association on Sunday threatened to stop vegetables supply to corporation’s carts across Goa. The corporation has however assured that its subsidised vegetables scheme will not be affected. “We will discuss the matter with chief minister and in no way the supply would be allowed to be affected,” GSHDC chairman Sankalp Amonkar said.

The corporation has allayed fears that the supply to its carts and mobile vans would be disrupted. “We have ensured that vegetables are made available at all corporation carts and mo-

bile vans,” he added.

He has termed the wholesalers move to blacklist the corporation as unwarranted.

Amonkar will be seeking police protection to the trucks commuting vegetables from Belgaum to Goa. In the same breath, he said that if the protest continues, it would reroute imports from other neighbouring places like Nashik, Kolhapur, Sirsai and Mumbai.

The corporation gets around 120 tonnes of vegetables from Belgaum market which is sold at subsidised rates through 350 outlets.

“We pay around 20-lakh to get the vegetables at the wholesale sale while the Government bears Rs 80-85 lakh on subsides per month,” he said.

A month ago, Belgaum traders stopped supplying vegetables to Goa.

1000 Goans would be left jobless, fears Corporation HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, FEB 7

Corporation sources have raised apprehensions that if its subsidised scheme comes to a halt, nearly 1000 Goans employed would be rendered jobless.

“Some 1000 Goans are directly or indirectly employed through the scheme. But if the scheme stops, then it would affect their earning. The Corporations had launched the scheme for the benefit of Goan families, especially in the rural areas,” said an official.

hit Goa flights HERALD REPORTER VASCO, FEB 7

A five-day air show hosted by Aero India, country’s most prestigious air show scheduled at Bangalore from February 9 is expected to affect some flights from Bangalore to Goa. According to reports, Bangalore International Airport (BIAL) will be partially shutting down air space for almost five hours on a daily basis.

However, eight flights operate daily along the Bangalore-GoaBangalore route, while it is reduced to seven on the weekend.

Kingfisher operates daily four flights, morning and afternoon, on the Bangalore-Goa-Bangalore sector, Jet Airways in the afternoon Bangalore-Goa-Bangalore sector, while Indian Airline flies four times in a week.

Sources at Dabolim airport informed that they have not yet received any intimation about the air show.

“Even though if the airspace is closed in Bangalore, it won’t affect the departures flight from Goa, though there might be some rescheduling of arrival flights from Bangalore,” added sources.

OHERALDO

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Pg3 GOA, TUESDAY, 8 FEBRUARY, 2011

Action more Tawde clears proposal to issue important than prayers: Lama show cause notice to BPCL AMBORA TANKER MISHAP

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, FEB 7

Taking serious cognizance of the fiasco in attending the ill-fated Aviation Turbine fuel tanker at Ambora-Loutolim by the oil officials, the Chief Executive Officer of South Goa District Disaster Management Authority has cleared a proposal to issue show cause notice to Bharat Petroleum company officials for their alleged criminal negligence in tackling the tanker disaster.

SGDDMA CEO Y B Tawde has cleared the note put up by Deputy Collector Johnson Fernandes on Monday to issue a notice on the oil company officials to further show cause why they should not be made to bear expenses amounting to Rs 29.54 lakh in salvaging the ill-fated tanker transporting Aviation Turbine fuel as well as to aver a major disaster at Ambora-Loutolim on Sunday.

The decision assumes significance given that the deputy collector’s report speaks of damage caused to khazan land admea-

suring 1.72 lakh square meters, besides the environment.

“I have cleared the note put up by the deputy collector. Appropriate action will now be initiated against the oil company officials”, Tawde told Herald.

In his note, the deputy collector said that BPCL was duty bound to immediately take action following the mishap, saying “in any eventuality, especially pertaining to hazardous chemicals and fuel tankers, the company is responsible for the entire journey from the starting point till the destination”.

Johnson has named four officials, including Executive officer Rajesh Jain, Station Manager, Mahavir Kerketa Territorial Manager, Rajnikant Pate and the driver of the ill-fated tanker for action, saying they are may be jointly and severally, liable, upon conduct of investigations.

The report said that in spite of having knowledge about the incident, the BPCL

Locals complain of vomiting, nausea; group rushed to PHC HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, FEB 7

A day after thousands of litres of Aviation Turbine fuel flooded the khazan fields at Ambora-Loutolim following Saturday night’s mishap, residents of the locality complained of vomiting and nausea.

While a group of 4-5 persons were rushed to the Loutolim Primary Health Centre, health officials later conducted a survey of the locality to examine patients suffering from vomiting, nausea.

Loutolim PHC health officer, Dr Succoro Quadros told Herald that the drive was undertaken after some people complained of vomiting, nausea and irritation in the eyes. “Doctors and staff of the Loutolim Primary health centre have examined around 164 persons in the locality after visiting around 40 houses today.

The people have complained of vomiting and nausea, besides burning sensation in their eyes”, he said.

Replying to a question, Dr Quadros said there is absolutely no need to panic, adding that the doctors and staff of the Loutolim Primary Health Centre will again visit the locality on Tuesday and examine the people.

Fatorpa man held for sexual assault on minor HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, FEB 7

The Cuncolim police on Monday arrested a 29-year old resident of Bomblamol-Fatorpa for allegedly sexually assaulting a 15 year old minor girl from the village since July 2010.

Cuncolim police said the accused Vinesh Faldessai has been arrested for rape and under the Goa Children’s Act. The police said the accused had been allegedly sexually abusing the minor girl since July, 2010 till January 26 this year.

Acting on a complaint, the police arrested the accused and is presently cooling his heels in the lock-up. Both the victim and the accused were subjected to medical examination.

The police are investigating.

officials have failed to respond in time nor did they take appropriate steps to remove the tanker. “Had it been anything else, it could have resulted into a major catastrophe. Nevertheless, the ATF which has spilled into the nearby paddy fields has damaged land admeasuring 1.72 lakh square meters. The khazan land over the past many years has been used traditionally for fishing purpose and the spillage of ATF into the same has resulted in damage to the eco-system as well as causing loss to the fish bred in the khazan land”, the report stated.

The report has called for penalizing the BPCL officials for the acts of omissions and commissions under the Environment Protection Act, under the Disaster Management Act and under the IPC for having destroyed the paddy fields, who have failed to responds as per the off site disaster management plan and for playing with the lives of the people.

District authorities push blame on State HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, FEB 7

Caught on the wrong foot over the delay in arranging a heavy duty crane to tow away the ill-fated tanker at Ambora on Sunday, district authorities sought to push the blame on the state authorities for sitting on a file to make available a dedicated crane at the disposal of the district disaster management authority.

In fact, a senior district official told Herald that the proposal towards the purchase of a dedicated heavy duty crane is pending with the State authorities since the last two years. The official further said the district authority has enough funds at its disposal to make the purchase without seeking any grant-in-aid from the government.

“A dedicated heavy duty crane is a dire necessity when incidents involving hazardous chemical tankers have become a routine phenomenon, especially in South Goa. Is it not for the State government to take appropriate decision”, remarked the official.

In fact, various agencies associated with the Disaster Management Plan have supported the proposal for a dedicated heavy duty crane. Incidentally, the district administration is sitting on another suggestion to explore the possibility of directing all hazardous chemical tankers to take Konkan Railway Corporation’s Rail On Rail Off Service to reach their destinations in Goa in view of the road mishaps in recent times.

It’s a male’s skeleton found at Colva, reveals test HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, FEB 7

Examination of the skeletal remains recovered from a field at Colva on Saturday night has revealed that the skeleton was that of a male person.

In this connection, the Colva police have registered a case of murder against unknown persons, even as the police have identified two suspects behind the murder.

Sub-Divisional Police Officer, DySP Umesh Gaonkar informed that the report has confirmed that the skeletal remains were that of a male person. He pointed out that the police have managed to obtain some leads sin the case, adding “we have tentatively identified the deceased and the two suspects in the case”.

He, however, said the police would lay their hands on the two accused persons after con-

The skeletal remains of the male person which were recovered from a paddy field at Colva on Saturday.

Photo by Santosh Mirjakar

clusively establishing the identity of the deceased.

A case under Section 302 of the IPC for murder, besides section 201 of the IPC for destruc-

ASI hits out at church, action group HERALD NEWS BUREAU PANJIM, FEB 7

Dismissing allegations levelled by the Save Old Goa Action Committee as “baseless,” the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has also hit out at the church authorities for its “deplorable actions”.

Commenting on the recent protests at Old Goa, ASI Superintending Archaeologist Shivananda V in a press note stated that on January 24, a mob led by the local priest from Old Goa threw away the official materials from the office of the Horticulture Assistant and locked the room.

“Since then, the official material of that office is lying outside and the official is running his office from outside,” stated the press note.

“To cover up the illegal removal of the office of the Horticulture Assistant on January 24, a demonstration was organized to put ASI into pressure. Here I would like to add that cutting trees and destruction of environment going on around Old Goa as stated in the news item does not fall within the purview of ASI,” stated Shivananda in the press note.

“As far as the development around Old Goa is concerned, the ASI has issued show cause notices to all the illegal constructions/encroachments around the monuments with a copy marked to the local State government authorities,” adds the press note.

“As far as illegal occupation of the rooms by the ASI in the Archbishop’s Palace as mentioned in the daily, I would like to clarify that these rooms were in possession of the ASI for the last 30 years and Horticulture Branch was functioning form here,” said Shivananda.

“Without the permission of the ASI, the church authorities have opened the Kristu Art Gallery

behind Se Cathedral and Sound and Light show in the Basilica of Bom Jesus,” states the press note.

“The Bom Jesus authorities have dismantled the original laterite compound wall despite instruction by the security personnel that there should not be more than one entry and opened a gate.”

“More recently, during the novena, the open space opposite the Basilica was levelled by the church authorities and laterite pavement was provided for pay parking even after this office has issued notice for stopping the work.”

“This work does not suit the ambience of the World Heritage Site. The church authorities have also trespassed into the property of the local MLA and dismantled the compound wall for which also the ASI has issued notice to local MLA. Hence, the action by the church authorities in removing the office of the Horticulture Branch is highly deplorable.”

“Activists should have gone to the press after analyzing the facts and knowing fully well about the World Heritage Site at Old Goa and the works being done by the ASI for its protection and preservation.”

“The church authorities or the Save Old Goa Action Committee who talk of the World Heritage Site at Old Goa are intentionally parking the vehicles in the vicinity of Se Cathedral and Basilica of Bom Jesus on Sundays especially, in spite of the objections from the ASI authorities.”

“When all these unauthorised things are carried out by the church authorities, they have no moral ground to allege ASI and the allegations appeared in the press do not form part of the duties of the ASI. Hence all the allegations made against the ASI are baseless,” added the press note.

tion of evidence stands registered at the Colva police station.

The Colva police are investigating the case.

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, FEB 7

What could help man to follow righteous path as the world around teaches him lessons in treachery?

Is it possible to fine tune between materialism and societal needs? Moreover, is it possible to strike a balance between inner peace, as man works towards achieving material needs?

Why not? Keep your “conscience” alive and you will not get bogged down by the material world. This is how Tibetan leader and Buddhist luminary his holiness the Dalai Lama tried to explain “Ethics for the New Millennium” while addressing a large gathering during D D Kosambi Festival of Ideas at Kala Academy in the city today.

He, however, said “conscience” would not come through teachings in the Church or a temple.

Advocating a revolutionary thought, he said, it will come through education in the regular schools by highlighting purpose of education.

“Purpose of education is to ignite warm-heartedness, to develop well-being of self,” as he explored his subject.

Without belittling achievements of man in the field of science and technology, the advocate of peace and Tibetan Leader however said, modern science has ignored “power of inner world.”

In the process of development of man, he said, the inner world is so important that it just can’t be wished away.

Answering volley of questions, the Tibetan leader also advised the gathering that “prayers are not sufficient to achieve the desirable.”

“Action is more important than prayers,” he remarked nonchalantly, surprising one and all.

While he emphasised that

Duo held for theft cases in Ponda HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARCEL, FEB 7

Ponda police arrested two persons in connection with two different theft cases reported within Ponda police jurisdiction.

In the first case, one Sameer Shaikh from Ashoknagar in Gokak- Belgaum was arrested in connection with a theft case reported at Tisk-Ponda last month, where gold ornaments worth Rs 80,000 were reported stolen. He has been remanded to 4 days police custody.

In another case, one Mushtafa Akundi of Karnataka was arrested in connection with a theft case reported in 2004 at Panditwada-Ponda.

Police say the accused had disappeared after committing theft and was residing at Curti.

He was arrested from CurtiPonda on Monday and has remanded to 14 days judicial custody.

‘Decision to re-tender HSRP contract soon’ HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, FEB 7

Transport Minister Ramkrishna Dhavlikar today said that the decision over re-tendering of High Security Registration Plates (HSRP) contract would be taken within a fortnight.

Talking to Herald, the minister said that government is yet to take any decision over the retendering of the contract.

“The decision over the matter would come within a fortnight after discussing with the Chief Minister,” Dhavlikar said.

The State government last month had terminated HSRP contract awarded to M/S Shimnit Utsch taking in account all the irregularities pointed out by the government appointed Srivastava Committee.

The high level committee headed by chief secretary Sanjay Srivastava had recommended that the contract should be retendered.

“Contract would be awarded to Indian company as it has been proved that the rates could be scaled down using Indian technology,” the minister said.

The termination notice issued to the company mentioned that a company has done some changes in its Board of Directors (BoDs) without intimating the

State government. Government also stated that the company in its financial bidding had figured that a premium of 48 percent would be charged on plates.

The contract, which received strong opposition from several quarters, was also terminated taking into account public interest.

Dodamarg man ends life HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARCEL, FEB 7

A 39-year-old man from Dodamarg, but residing at Cuncoliom-Priol ended his life in a city hotel at Ponda.

The incident came to light when housekeeping person was on a routine duty.

When Prakash Naik did not respond to the housekeeper, the hotel staff opened the door and found the body hanging to the fan. The hotel manager then alerted Ponda police.

The police said deceased, who is survived by a wife and a child, had left a suicide note.

The note stated that no one should be blamed for his action and that he had taken the drastic step as he was fed up with life.

“man must act” and advised to value materialism, he warned, also not to worship materialism.

Addressing a larger issue of economic growth of society, he said, growth has to be healthy and it will be achieved when rural India or left out sections also get to taste fruits of economic growth.

To a question, whether discarding religion will make world a better place to live as it has been a cause of many a discords in the society? His Holiness replied that not all conflicts in the world can be attributed to religious discords.

Wars and struggles have happened even without religion at the centre stage. “ Some wars have been fought for economic supremacy while others for attaining power,” he said but at the same time pointed out that people attain too much importance to religious sentiments and allow themselves to be manipulated.

“Too much attachment to religious faith makes one biased,” he said.

Margao SDM probing Borda woman’s death HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, FEB 7

The SDM, Margao Johnson Fernandes is conducting a probe into the death of a woman from Borda, who succumbed to her burn injuries at the Goa Medical College hospital, Bambolim.

The SDM is conducting the probe since the death of the 26year old woman has occurred within seven years of her marriage.

SDM Fernandes on Monday headed to the GMC hospital to conduct the inquest panchanama. Further investigations are on.

HC denies bail to drug dealer

PANJIM, FEB 7 (HR) The Bombay High Court at Goa today rejected bail application of the alleged drug dealer Sadanand Chimulkar alias Bhui who was arrested in January 2010 with drugs worth Rs four lakh from Anjuna.

According to police records Bhui had more than 21 known bank accounts, over a dozen life insurance policies and properties in several parts of Goa and Maharashtra.

OHERALDO

Pg4 GOA, TUESDAY, 8 FEBRUARY, 2011

S H O RT TA K E S Minguel is Cansaulim sarpanch

CORTALIM (HC): As expected, Minguel D’Costa was on Friday unanimously elected as sarpanch of Cansaulim-Arrosim-Cuelim Panchayat.

According to sources, the election is as per the understanding reached to rotate the post at the time of the formation of the ruling panel. D’Costa will occupy the post for the remaining term of the panchayat.

Cansaulim-Arrosim-Cuelim Panchayat is a nine-member panchayat body. All the panchas were present for the election.

SMC’s market work begins

SMC Councillor Deepak Marathe inaugurates the concrete work of the new market complex at Sanguem in the presence of Chief Officer Vassant Parwar.

Photo by Alfred Fernandes

SANGUEM (HC): Councillor of Sanguem Municipal Council (SMC) Deepak Marathe inaugurated the construction work of the market-cum-office complex undertaken by SMC under the Urban Development Agency at Sanguem on Friday.

The foundation stone for the construction was laid some four months ago by Minister for Urban Development Joaquim Alemao. The market-cum-shopping complex is constructed at the cost of over Rs 2 crore to house numerous shops who were operating their establishments in the old market complex.

The new complex which is also planned to house a multiplex is constructed after the demolition of the Portuguese era building which had become old and dilapidated. All the shop owners who had their shops in the old complex are assured of a place in the new building which will also create space for housing commercial offices and banks.

Cleanliness drive undertaken

COLLEM (HC): Patanjali Yog committee from South Goa in association with Bharat Swabhiman Trust recently undertook a cleanliness drive at Collem.

Collem Nagarik Committee Santosh Masurkar and member of Shivasena Shetye also joined the members of Patanjali Yog and Swabhiman while collecting plastic at Bazarpeth and different wards of Collem.

About 12 gunny bags of plastic and other waste were collected during the cleanliness drive.

Collem Sarpanch Sandip Dessai appreciated the work by the two association and said this effort would encourage residents to come forward and undertake such drives in their wards with their members.

“It is the duty of everybody to keep their surroundings clean,” said Dessai and he urged residents not to throw waste,plastic bottles, bags and other things on the road.

Site inspection at Nagoa

Locals left fuming as HO does vanishing act HERALD cORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, FEB 7

The Health Officer attached to Primary Health Centre at Candolim failed to inspect a controversial site at Nagoa-Arpora on Monday, leaving residents stranded for over three hours.

According to residents, Health Officer Dr Sachin Govekar had arrived at the approach road of the site inspection, but reportedly drove back due to political pressures.

The Nagoa-Arpora Panchayat members, who had come to inspect the site at Nagoa, too confirmed the arrival of Dr Govekar at the premises of Nagoa-Arpora Panchayat.

The residents were furious over the disappearance of the health officer, who, they say, have thus put their lives to risk by succumbing to political masters.

The villagers were kept waiting for the health officer in presence of panchayat members led by former sarpanch Agnelo D’Souza, Panchas Agostinho D’Souza, Asha R Palyekar, Mahesh Korgaonkar, Cleofas Fernandes and Panchayat Secretary Krishnakant Govekar.

Saligao ZP member Michael

Vinayak elected president

Lobo was also present at the inspection site.

Lobo condemned the political interference in sabotaging the site inspection, thus playing with the lives of the residents.

Lobo also blamed the Congress Government who has been taking people for granted least caring about their sentiments.

Panchayat members led by former sarpanch Agnelo D’Souza, Agostinho D’Souza, Mah e s h Ko rg a o n ka r, A s h a R Palyekar and Cleofas Fernandes assured their whole-hearted cooperation to the villagers and promised to initiate action as per the provisions of law.

The site inspection of the illegal structures at Nagoa-Arpora was called by the then sarpanch Agnelo D’Souza as per the demands of the residents of the area, as the occupant of the illegal structure has been discharging their waste in the paddy fields and surrounding areas.

The over 200 residents also signed a memorandum demanding immediate action on eight other illegal structures, which have cropped up after serving a demolition notice for a single

structure and stoppage of dirty waste in the paddy fields posing a threat to lives of the villagers.

Former sarpanch and panchayat members assured the villagers to back them to the hilt to oversee the demolition of the illegal structures.

Lobo assured to help the villagers with the required lawyer to pursue the case of demolitions.

A large Anjuna Police force was present to avoid any untoward incident.

When contacted, Health Officer Dr Sachin Govekar said: “I was asked to report immediately by the Director of Health Services for some urgent work with the health minister in connection with new PHC at Calangute.”

Dr Govekar further said he had informed that he would not be able to carry out the inspection and denied any political interference.

When reminded that the villagers see it as a political sabotage, Dr Govekar said: “I do not know about the political pressure.” He denied any such tactics worked on him in not attending the site inspection.

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HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, FEB 7

The Goa Traffic police in information furnished to lawyer activist Aires Ro drigues has claimed that it has collected around Rs 3.50 crore by way of fines in year 2010.

“Superintendent of (Traffic) Police Arvind Gawas has informed that 3,49,57,800 rupees was collected by way of fines by the traffic police in the year 2010,” Rodrigues stated in his press release to the media today.

The information further revealed that of the total 2,63,239 persons challaned for various traffic related offences, those booked for drunk driving were only 1141 while 5901 for rash and negligent driving.

“A mere 0.43 percent of the total persons booked in 2010 for traffic related offences by the traffic police were for drunken driving,” Rodrigues said adding that a total of 4572 accidents were reported of which 327 were fatal during the same period.

St John Bosco feast celerated

MAYEM (HC): Vinayak Govekar was unanimously elected as president of Konkani Sewa Kendra Bicholim for 2011-12 in a meeting which was convened recently at Shri Shantadurga High School hall, Bicholim.

Other office bearers elected are Deelip Dhargalkar (vice president), Yeshwant Khadye Kamat (secretary), Vidhyadhar Raut (joint secretary) and Anil Sawant (treasurer).

Sadashiv Warde Walaulikar was the election officer. Vinayak Govekar compered the programme, while Narayan Betkikar proposed the vote of thanks.

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UPCOMING EVENTS Condolence meet

PANJIM (HND): TAG has organised a condolence meet in order to condole the death of late Rosary Ferns, a prominent tiatr personality who expired recently in his village at Benaulim. The condolence meet will be held on February 10 in the Pavillian Hall of BPS Club Margao at 5 pm.

In Rosary’s death, the tiatr stage has lost a dedicated artiste who served tiatr and its song and music for almost 30 years. He was very much instrumental in promoting Late Rosary Ferns Goan tiatr in the Gulf especially in Kuwait where he was employed. He was a good lyricist and singer too. He has many audio albums to his credit.

He has written and staged many tiatrs too. All the tiatr artistes and tiatr lovers are invited to attend this condolence meeting.

Healing Mass at Sancoale

PANJIM (HND): Holy Mass for the sick with special prayers for a Miraculous Healing will be held at the shrine of Blessed Joseph Vaz, Sancoale on Friday, February 11.

The service will begin at 7.45 am followed by Mass at 9 am.

The sick will be prayed over for a Miraculous Healing through the intercession of Blessed Joseph Vaz, the Patron of Archdiocese of Goa and Daman.

Mass for the sick with special prayers for a miracle is organised on every 2nd Friday of the month. People with all kinds of sicknesses can participate in the service.

Friday Masses are as follows: 7 am and 8.45 am at the Sanctuary and evening Mass at the Oratory of Paternal House of Blessed Joseph Vaz at 4 pm. Childless couples and pregnant mothers and kids are prayed over on every 3rd Sunday of the month at 9 am. Sunday Masses are held at the Sanctuary at 7 am and 9 am and weekdays at 7 am.

Shantadurga Zatra

PANJIM (HND): The Zatra festival of Shree Shantadurga of Kawlem will be celebrated at the Shantadurga Devasthan, Kawlem on February 8. Hundreds of devotees throng the devasthan annually for the darshan of the deity.

The Zatra festival will be marked with religious ceremonies like kirtans, aartis, suvarna shibika and Maha Rahthotsava early morning of February 8.

Situated 33 kms from Panjim, Shree Shantadurga temple has an impressive idol of Goddess Shree Durga who mediated between Shree Vishnu and Shree Shiva and stopped the fierce full war going on between the two. She is flanked by Vishnu and Shiva on both the sides.

Shree Shantadurga Prassana is considered to be the deity of peace and this has reflected in the temple area over which she presides.

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Around Rs 3.5 cr collected by way of fines: Traffic police

GOA

Lovely, smiling people gathered as a community to celebrate the feast of St John Bosco on January 31.

The main celebrant Fr Ian Figueiredo, the Provincial, gave a touching homily, with stirring words. His words emerged from the deepest recesses of his being.

Don Bosco, a giant mind, a massive intelligent, a most lovable person went to devote himself to the lives of youngsters, the street children and others. There were occasions he was considered insane, just the way Jesus Christ too was considered even by his own relatives.

Don Bosco believed in freedom, the freedom to live happy and productive lives, a gift most children are born with. His frown was an event, his smile

a happening, his concern obvious to the needy boys. His heartbeat pulsed. Others joined him, drawn by his magnetism and the way of life.

The youth now had a model.

Otherwise, they were growing up to be nobodies. The joy of Lord’s exquisite gift to Don Bosco, illuminated his whole being and warmed those around him with the glow.

For a life like Don Bosco’s, there is not a period big enough to end. The Salesian family grows and grows with multitude institutions around the globe.

The cultural programme that followed was a huge success.

Many hands went into the effort. Zareena Fernandes and the rest were awesome. They all gave what they could! Austin Paes was excellent with his singing and dancing.

Goa Tourism wins award for best publicity

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Painting exhibition

PANJIM (HND): ‘Aangan’, an exhibition of paintings by Pune based artist Gopal Pardeshi will be inaugurated by fashion photographer Prasad Pankar on February 8 at Kala Academy’s art gallery at 11 am.

An alumnus of Abhinav Kala Mahavidyalaya, Pune, Pardeshi’s works are in acrylic and oil and seek to invite a viewer into his world of imagination, inspired by ancient villages and lifestyles of the people residing there.

Over 11 paintings depicting various facets of the rural ancient village life will be on display at the exhibition, which will continue till February 10. This is Pardeshi’s third successive exhibition in Goa.

Pathology conference PANJIM (HND): The Indian Academy of Cytologists in collaboration with the European Federation of Cytology Societies and the International Academy of Cytology will hold an international conference in pathology, histopathology and cytopathology at the Goa Medical College auditorium on February 10, 11 and 12.

The faculty includes Dr Jerzy Klijanienko, Professor and Head of Pathology, Curie Institute, Paris, France; Dr Fernando Schmitt, Director and Professor of Pathology, Porto University, Porto, Portugal; Dr Aileen Wee, Professor and Head of Pathology, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Dr Arun Chitale, Professor and Head of Surgical Pathology, Bombay Hospital Institute of Medical Sciences and Dr K M Mohandas, Director of Clinical Epidemiology, Tata Memorial Hospital-Mumbai.

The conference will be chaired and coordinated by Dr R G Wiseman Pinto.

The topics that will be covered include soft tissues, thyroid, retroperitoneum, liver fibrosis past, present, future, approach to liver biopsy, breast cancer, therapeutic targets, molecular cytopathology, lung cytology, polyps of the gastrointestinal tract, urinary bladder biopsies and personalised medicine in cancer, the way forward.

In addition there will be 34 oral papers and 27 poster presentations. Registration for the conference has to be done in the pathology department office of GMC.

Blood donation camp

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Deputy General Manager of GTDC Sanjay Chodnekar speaks after receiving award for the ‘Best Publicity Material’ for Goa Tourism during TTF Bangalore.

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, FEB 7

Goa Tourism was awarded coveted award for ‘Best Publicity M a t e r i a l ’ a t t h e Tr a v e l & Tourism Fair held at Bangalore recently.

Department of Tourism & GTDC has designed and printed different promotional material like Goa Information brochures, tourist directories, tourist leaflets, tariff leaflets,

Goa maps, desk calendars and attractive dockets.

The publicity material pertaining to Goa Tourism was displayed in the Goa Tourism stall at the fair in Bangalore, and was visited by many delegates and people from tourism and travel industry.

S a n j a y V P C h o d n e k a r, deputy General Manager-Mktg accepted the award on behalf of GTDC.

PANJIM (HND): This Valentine’s Day the Goa Tourism Development Corporation Ltd will celebrate Valentine’s Day in a unique way by organising a blood donation camp onboard the Santa Monica vessel.

The blood donation camp will be held on February 13, from 10 am to 1 pm. Onboard, romantic music will be played throughout. Besides this, Valentine’s Day trivia and stand-up comedy will also be organized to add cheer to the atmosphere.

Goa’s all time favorite snacks/dessert like ice cream, piping hot mirchi, kappa and samosas will be served with tea to all blood donors. To make the noble act rewarding 3 blood donors will stand a chance to win 2 days stay at GTDC’s Mayem Lake View Residency and 4 donors will win 1 dinner cruise ticket each.

There will also be a crèche/children’s play area on board the boat so that parents can leave their children in caring hands while donating blood.

The GTDC will accept donor registrations from locals, tourists and government officials till February 12 latest by 11 am across all GTDC residencies and the head office.

POWER SHUTDOWN FEBRuARy 9 PERNEM: From 9 am to 2 pm. Areas affected are VP Ozarim.

OHERALDO

GOA

Pg 5 GOA, TUESDAY, 8 FEBRUARY, 2011

Verna meet deliberates on Forest dept not convinced waste management on presence of tiger!

Tiger adds to the risk of living in wild for Fale family SAMIR UMARYE BICHOLIM, FEB 7

Even as the buffaloes are being killed by a Tiger, the life of the lone family at Kudal-Mal in Charavne seems to be at risk.

When this correspondent went to the spot, it was found that the Fale family is living in the wild Chorla Ghat without electricity or water facility. The family in all has only three members, Babu Manu Fale who lives along with his parents.

Their house is in fact a small hut with thatched roof. The family leaves here since the last 60 years and their only source of income is their buffaloes. They have about 20 buffaloes and they tie them at night in the same hut in which they live.

Every day, the family has to climb down the hill and supply milk to a dairy at Thane-Sattari.

To add to this, the hut does not have doors and not only the animals, but the Fale family also runs the risk of being attacked by the Tiger.

The area on the Chorla Ghat is about 10 kms from Keri and is still preferred by them, as they claimed that their animals get required fodder in the area. In the absence of electricity, the family depends upon fire and water from the nearby spring.

“Since last over 60 years, we are staying here and we have been spotting Tiger, but just recently it started attacking the animals.” Manu Fale told Herald.

“This is the third time that we have suffered loss because of the tiger attack, as the first

HERALD NEWS BUREAU PANJIM, FEB 7

SAMIR UMARYE BICHOLIM, FEB 7

The lone Fale family leaving in a hut at Chorla Ghat.

Photo by Samir Umarye

was in 2004 and now this week, the tiger has killed two of our animals,” claimed Babu Fale.

“We are not given any compensation neither the government is bothered to relocate us to a safer place away from the Tiger habitat,” said Babu.

Sighting threat to the life of Fale family, RFO wild life Vishwas Chodankar, who visited the area, urged the family to move to a safer place for some days, as the tiger seems to be still hungry and it would be a risk in the area.

“We have asked them to go down to Keri or some other area at least at night, as the Tiger has already killed two of their cattle, but was unable to eat them. If it is still hungry, it might attack them once again,” said Chodankar.

Sighting the problem, animal lovers and Forest Department have kept the body of the dead

buffalo at the same spot so that the tiger would not harm other animals.

The animal lovers have also urged the government to take appropriate steps to relocate the family.

“We strongly demand to relocate the Fale family and also to protect the tiger,” said environmentalist Rajendra Kerkar.

“The tiger that was killed earlier in Keri was only because of the irresponsibility on the part of the forest department and if the same thing happens again, then we will not keep quiet and the entire responsibility would be that of the department and the government,” warned Kerkar.

“We also demand compensation to the Fale family, as it is seen that the government is not too serious about the issue. We will also try to compensate them with the help of our organisation,” added Kerkar.

Tension flares at Terekol over trespass on tenants’ land

The Forest Department seems to be turning Nelson’s eye to the presence of Tiger in Mhadei Wildlife sanctuary, even as the family living here has verified and have already suffered blunt of the wild animal.

It may be recalled that through a notification, the government had declared Mhadei as a wildlife sanctuary in 2009.

Some environmentalists and animal lovers tried to prove that there is a presence of tiger in the forests. Several pug marks were found at Keri-Sattari, but the forest department did not accept to the fact that the sanctuary has the presence of a tiger.

Even the killing of a tiger by the locals in the area some two years ago did not prove of its existence or to say at least the forest department did not agree to it.

“The work of the forest department will increase in the area if they prove that there is a tiger in Mhadei Wildlife sanctuary,” Animal Rescue Squad Chief Amrut Singh told Herald when asked about the possible rea-

EDC to host seminar on Women’s Reservation Bill

son behind the same.

“They will have to abide by several restrictions if it is claimed as Tiger reserve and even the workload will increase and that is the possible reason why the forest department are not accepting the fact,” claimed Singh.

It was in January after repeated efforts by the animal lovers that Chief Conservator of Forest Shashi Kumar visited Keri on the news that pug marks were found in the area.

Due to mounting pressure from all sides, the CCF at last accepted the Tiger’s presence and sent the samples of the pug mark for scientific analysis. He still did not accept the fact and informed that the picture would be clear only after the scientific report.

But for the Fale family, who lives alone at Charvane, there is no need of scientific report as they are well aware about its presence.

The tiger showed its presence on Thursday when it killed a buffalo belonging to one Babu Manu Fale from Char vane- Chorla within Thane-Sattari Panchayat. The

tiger injured the buffalo, which later succumbed to injuries. Before the news of the killing could be flashed, the tiger once again struck another bull belonging to the Fale family.

Speaking to Herald, Babu Fale said the bull was attacked by the tiger in the wee hours on Sunday.

The incident took place some 100 mts away from their hut and when the family members came running, the Tiger fled from the scene.

“We just heard two cries of the buffalo and we rushed to the spot at about 5.30 am, but within no time the Tiger had injured the buffalo on its neck. We just saw the buffalo on the ground and after some time it died due to injuries,” recalled Fale.

The animal lovers from Keri and ARS Bicholim immediately swung into action and went to Charavne-Thane (Chorla ghat) and were able to spot the pug marks which were about 7 cms long.

“The wounds on the buffalo’s neck are deep and it can be no other than a tiger, who killed the buffalo,” Amrut Singh told Herald.

Better infrastructure will help build civilised society: Rane Sudhir Kandolkar and councilors were present on the occasion.

Earlier, Shri Anand Naik welcomed the gathering, Vijaykumar Verekar compered the function, while Sunita Verekar proposed the vote of thanks.

HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, FEB 7

Residents block a JCB from proceeding towards a proposed hotel site at Terekol.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT PERNEM, FEB 7

Tension flared up at TerekolPernem, after locals stopped exc a v a t i o n m a c h i n e r y f ro m passing through a tenanted property on Monday evening.

According to reports, St Anthony Tenant Association of Terekol and tenants of the land informed Pernem Police about the illegal trespass of JCB machinery in their property.

Seminar to throw light on need for reforms in judiciary HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, FEB 7

Justice (retd) Suresh Hosbet, Mumbai High Court, will inaugurate the one day seminar on ‘Accountability and Transparency in the Judicial System and Reforms in Law’, jointly organized

by G R Kare College of Law and South Goa Advocates Association on February 12 from 9.30 am at the Kare law college auditorium.

The seminar will be graced

by Law Secretary Pramod Kamat, Rajya Sabha MP Shantaram Naik, and senior advocate from Mumbai High Court Joaquim Reis.

The seminar will deliberate on the importance of having accountability and transparency in judicial system and the need to reform some of the existing legislations.

Eminent speakers, including Adv Radharao Gracias, editor and well known journalist Sujay Gupta, president of Goa Union of Journalist Prakash Kamat, Prof Maria Goretti Morais, Shantaram Naik, senior advocate Saresh Lotlikar, member of Law Commission Adv Cleofato Coutinho, will express their views on various topics.

Those interested in participating for the seminar are requested to fill the registration forms available at G R Kare College or contact Adv Pritam Morais on 9422386656.

PSI Dattaram Raut along with other police personnel rushed to the site and stopped the machinery, which was proceeding through the tenanted property belonging to one Paulu Rodrigues. The JCB machinery was moving towards a proposed hotel project at Terekol.

Pernem Police informed that they have not seized the JCB machine, as the complainants

had failed to appear at the police station with legal documents of the land ownership.

Police further informed that they have not registered any case in the incident.

When contacted, Tenant Association President Francis Rodrigues told Herald that they had alerted the police and had stopped the machinery from moving forward to the proposed hotel site.

‘Conclave of Ideas’, a seminar on Women’s Reservation Bill, will be held at EDC Conference Hall (Nalanda) on February 9, from 9.30 am to 5 pm.

The seminar is divided into two sessions. In the morning session Dr Shaila de Souza, lecturer incharge women studies, Goa University and Dr Marian Pinheiro, Principal, Salgaoncar Law College will speak on Women Reservation: Issues and Perspectives and Legal Aspects of Women’s Reservation Bill respectively.

The afternoon session will comprise of a panel discussion which will include well known names in the field of women’s issues including Adv Aires Rodrigues, Dr Radhika Nayak, Dr Sabina Martins, Adv Albertina Almeida, Adv Pratima Coutinho and Tara Kerkar. The panel discussion will be chaired and moderated by Sandesh Prabhudessai, Chief Editor, Prudent Media. The event is organized by Pilar Society’s Fr Agnel College, Pilar.

Canacona Cong drums up support for local candidates HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, FEB 7

The Canacona Block Congress meeting sent a stern warning to the party high command against allotting party tickets to outsiders at the cost of its dedicated leaders.

Some leaders gave a call inviting applications from new faces to stake their claim for party ticket to contest the forthcoming assembly elections.

The meeting was attended among by top leaders like former ministers Sanjay Bandekar and Isidore Fernandes, ZP member Daya Pagui, CMC Chairperson Ratnakar Dhuri, GPYC Vice President Janardhan Bhandari and other local leaders.

Canacona Block Congress Committee President Elvis Fernandes called the meeting on two-point agenda, to hold a taluka convention and to discuss the fast approaching assembly elections in the State.

Speakers at the meeting shot a salvo at the State leadership of Congress party.

“Let the Congress leadership consider any of us (Isidore and myself) including Janardhan Bhandari, Daya Pagui, Sanju Naik and others for the party’s ticket to contest the forthcoming elections,” said Bandekar.

“We have no problem and everyone of us will back that candidate to our might of our capacity, but at no cost we will accept an outsider if forced on us at the last moment,” warned

Pagui, Isidore get into a verbal brawl HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, FEB 7

The Canacona Block Congress meeting turned stormy at the fag end, as at least two of its leaders began to trade charges against each other.

While speaker after speaker had their say in the meeting, Poinguinim ZP member Daya Pagui’s views without naming anyone that “expired tablets should be thrown out and new stock should be considered,” unquestionably targeting former Congress ministers.

His comments did not go Bandekar.

Former CMC chairperson Rajendra Dessai said: “We hear lot of noise over plans to induct a sitting MLA from the taluka into Congress fold so that he is allotted a Congress ticket. But this will not be acceptable to us, let the party declare candidate six months in advance.”

“Such backdoor entry will not only deny Congress party an important seat, but will also wipe out Congress from the turf of Canacona politics,” stated other leaders.

PCC member Sanju Naik, who unsuccessfully contested the last

well with his ex-mentor and former minister Isidore Fernandes.

On his turn on the podium, Fernandes led his ire straight on Pagui, who unfortunately reacted from the seat on the dais that almost caused a commotion of sorts.

There was a virtual brawl between the two with each trading charges and counter charges.

Including the Congress District President Subhash Faldessai and the horde of others present, none could do much, as the verbal brawl cooled down on its own.

ZP elections for Khola seat, however, gave a clarion call to youngsters to come forward and stake their claim for party ticket to contest the forthcoming assembly elections.

“Let the sincere Congress worker get the ticket and we all will rally behind him for his win and strengthen the party,” Naik said.

Congress workers complained that they are being sidelined in the taluka and opposition MLAs and their supporters are given undue umbrage of the benefits of Congress-led government in the State.

The Verna Gram Sabha on Sunday deliberated on the problem of waste management and issue of granting construction license for a residential project.

In a press note, the members of the gram sabha said they had put forth several complaints like village dustbins not being cleared by the contractor, no adequate disposal measures including burning of plastics.

It appeared that some panchas themselves were against setting up of composting pits and placing the collection bins for paper, bottles and plastic near the panchayat office. One member pointed out that if the panchas themselves are not convinced of the viability of such a project, there would be no solution to the problem. The members were asked to suggest a suitable place for a waste management site.

The issue of granting construction license for a high density residential project was also discussed, highlighting the fact that despite resolutions being taken in January 2009, no such projects being taken to the Gram Sabha for discussions.

The sarpanch stated that the file was inwarded at the panchayat one day after the gram sabha. The sarpanch also stated that she was unaware that the construction license was issued.

Speaker Pratapsingh Rane inaugurates garbage treatment plant at Sanquelim.

Photo by Vishant Vaze HERALD CORRESPONDENT MAYEM, FEB 7

Speaker Pratapsingh Rane has stated that providing better infrastructure for development of village will help to build progressive civilised society.

He was addressing the gathering after inaugurating 10 MT garbage treatment plant at Harvalem-Sanquelim on Saturday.

Sanquelim Municipal Council (SMC) has constructed the shed and internal roads at the cost of Rs 39 lakh. M/s Vikat Enterprises from Maharashtra has set up the plant at an estimated cost of Rs 20 lakhs. The company will look after the operation and maintenance work of the plant for one year at the cost of Rs 10 lakh.

The company has also installed garbage treatment plant at Bicholim, Cuncolim and other parts of Maharashtra.

Rane inaugurated the garbage treatment plant in the presence of Minister for Urban Development Joaquim Alemao and Pale MLA Pratap Gawas.

Speaking on the growth of Bicholim and Sattari talukas, Rane said both the talukas have

achieved remarkable progress.

“However, much has to be done. People should remain united to achieve greater progress in socio-economic area,” he said and added that people’s participation in development programme is necessary.

Joaquim Alemao said the pace of development has accelerated in Bicholim and Sattari talukas by taking up various development projects in the area of health, water resources, roads, transport and other areas.

Speaking further, Alemao said the government uses its funds judiciously. He appealed to the public to participate whole heartedly in the development process and ascertain for themselves the efforts which are being taken by the government for the development of the State.

MLA Pratap Gawas also spoke on the occasion.

SMC Chairperson Anand Naik, Deputy Chairperson Deelip Dessai, Valpoi Municipal Council Chairperson Umesh Gulelkar, Bicholim Municipal Council Chairperson Anisha Vernekar, Mapusa Municipal Council Chairperson

CSJP calls for proper census of disabled HERALD NEWS BUREAU PANJIM, FEB 7

As the country is at the threshold of the Census 2011, starting on February 9 and continuing till February 28, the Council for Social Justice and Peace Goa (CSJP) has appealed that every disabled person be enrolled to ensure proper statistics of the disabled.

“Several local school teachers, anganwadi workers and other nominated personnel have been engaged for the task.

Since they will visit each house, it will be important that those who provide the information do not miss on the Question 9 from among the 30-odd questions, which specifically deals with the enrollment of the disabled,” states the CSJP in the press note.

“It should be noted that one

does not require producing a medical certificate or National ID card or any other document to verify the disability. In fact, the 40% disability criterion for entitlements to government benefits is not applicable for enrollment. Even elderly people with any impairment or disability can also be counted as disabled people.”

“It is important to note that Census information is only for planning purpose and is saved with confidentiality according to the law.”

The press note further states that in case of any difficulty of grievance of any sort concerning the Census process, one may contact the State Census Officer on 0832-2438613, 08322438615 or visit their office at Census House, Plot No 22, EDC Complex, Patto-Panjim.

The panchas reiterated the sarpanch’s stand that they were not aware and the license was issued by the secretary without putting it forward to the gram panchayat meeting.

When questioned the secretary, he stated that he acted as per the orders of the Deputy Director who conveyed the granting of license and also stated that he had put it at the panchayat meeting.

However, further questioning brought to light the fact that many rules had been flouted and that no site inspection had been carried out at any stage.

Enraged that orders/licenses were passed in contravention of the Panchayati Raj Act 74, the members then took a resolution that the panchayat take necessary steps to issue a stop work order till the matter was considered by the higher authorities and that accountability be established as to ‘who’, ‘how’ and ‘when’ the license was issued.

Members pointed out that it was obvious that the panchayat had made no effort to attend to the genuine grievances and objections of the people who are already suffering the socioeconomic effects of an already existing high density residential building in the same ward.

The villagers questioned the panchayat whether action against procedural violators as per the Panchayati Raj Act 1974 would be bypassed for extraneous considerations.

Villagers also discussed the expansion of the highway which would destroy the environment, rich cultivatable fields, livelihoods, Goa’s only River Sal and people’s homes.

A resolution was taken to call the MLA of the constituency at a special meeting convened by the panchayat to discuss the matter with the people about the alignment plans.

OHERALDO

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www.oheraldo.in

O HERALD O

Who will guard the guardians?

Vol No CXI No: 038 Goa, Tuesday, 8 February, 2011

Fight against the vegetable mafia

P

rices of vegetables are soaring all over the country.

But in Goa, they are even higher than elsewhere. That is because our vegetables are not grown at home, but come from Belgaum. It is not just the vegetables that are grown outside. Most of Goa’s vegetable sellers are also from neighbouring Karnataka. Goan vegetable sellers are completely marginalised; they mostly sit outside markets with their limited wares.

There appears to be a cartel of wholesale vegetable traders in this state. These people buy veggies by the truckload in Belgaum and re-sell them to traders in Goa. They have a very tight link with big vegetable merchants in Belgaum. Those who try to enter the vegetable business in Goa quickly get isolated; the big suppliers simply refuse to deal with them. The complete monopoly of the vegetable trade by this cartel ensures that vegetable prices in Goa are kept very high.

A cartel that uses such extra-legal means to keep out competition is no different from a mafia.

When the Goa Horticulture Corporation began to set up outlets selling vegetables at reasonable prices, people in Goa heaved a sigh of relief. It appears that the Horticulture Corporation’s fair trade in vegetables, which it has now extended to fruits, has begun to hit the super-profits of Goa’s vegetable mafia. Corporation Chairman Sankalp Amonkar has complained that Belgaum-based wholesale vegetable traders in Karnataka have begun a non-cooperation drive with his Horticulture Corporation.

Mr Amonkar says he is determined that regardless of the attitude of the Belgaum wholesale traders, he will not allow the supply of vegetables to the corporation’s outlets to get affected. That is the right kind of attitude to take. Why shouldn’t Goans get vegetables at reasonable rates? Except for the subsidised onions sold during the ongoing crisis – which has cost the state government over Rs2 crore – the Corporation’s other vegetables are not sold at a loss.

The actual problem is that Goa’s vegetable traders can no longer make the windfall profits they used to, thanks to the corporation’s outlets. And if Belgaum’s traders want to throw in their lot with the profiteers by blacklisting the Goa Horticulture Corporation, it is time the corporation showed them that they are not the only possible source of vegetables for this state, and that other traders in other wholesale markets would be more than happy to sell to Goa.

K

That’s the way!

udos to the Indian Navy and Coast Guard for leading the global fight against piracy. Over the past six months and more, Somali pirates have widened their areas of operation, targeting the busy shipping lanes of the Arabian Sea off Goa and the Lakshadweep islands. A number of ships have come under attack just a few hundred miles off the Indian coast in the past few months.

But aggressive action by the Navy and the Coast Guard has now all but broken the back of the pirates, who have been using three Thai deep sea fishing trawlers that they hijacked off Somalia’s coast in April 2010. All named ‘Prantalay’, they were being used as ‘mother ships’, while the fast skiffs that they carried were used to attack passing ships.

‘Prantalay 14’ was sunk by the Goa-based Navy jet boat INS Cankarso off the Lakshadweep islands just over a week ago. A few days later, ‘Prantalay 11’ was captured, pirates, hostages and all. That leaves only ‘Prantalay 12’, if it hasn’t already decided that discretion is the better part of valour.

Taking the fight to the pirates is the way to do it!

Questions that need answers Elvino Rodrigues, Navelim Linette Rebello’s letter (Herald, 31 Jan “Strange Games”) has raised some interesting and serious questions regarding Cipriano’s custodial death. The complaint from his woman friend that stated because she refused to go with him to his house, he threatened her with knife, was only reported and mentioned by her to the police, but was it the real complaint? If that was the only complaint, then why was he mercilessly beaten up to the extent that he lost his life? That there was more to it, only shows that there was another undisclosed mysterious hand that advised the police to beat him up till he passed out, and the woman friend must have selectively hidden the influential higher-up’s name to whom she complained, about his threat to her. Another question that can be raised here is: was she his real friend, and was Cipriano her only friend, or did she have

100 Years Ago

PRIMEIRO DIARIO NAS COLONIAS PORTUGEZAS

8 February 1911 Proposal on national flag

In the Geographical Society of Lisbon was approved the proposal of Dr. Lopes de Mendonca on National Flag.

Tax on overseas money transfer

The ‘Banco Nacional Ultramarine’ has requested the Government to levy a minor tax on money transfer to Overseas.

Meet on mining regulations

Met the Colonial Mining Council to analyze the mining regulations which is hindering the working conditions.

Reforms of Primary Education

The Home Minster is actively working in the Reforms of Primary Education so as to make the same available to the entire country.

OPINION

Democratic societies have experienced that law enforcers have violated law, says aVertHanUs l D’soUZa

T

he question of policing the police is as old as history. In the Second Century A.D. Juvenal, the Roman writer had queried “quis custodiet ipsos custodes?” The problem of the guards becoming a law unto themselves has plagued civilised society for as long as humankind can remember. When entrusted with the task of enforcing the law, the custodians of the law ought (ideally) to be very discerning that they are, in fact, implementing the law, and not using their powers arbitrarily or vindictively. Democratic societies have long been confronted with the phenomenon of law enforcers themselves violating the law. The common man in India is all too familiar with the beat policeman who turns a blind eye to the encroachment of the footpath (in big cities) by petty shopkeepers or sellers of items without proper licences. As long as he gets his regular bribe (hafta) he allows the encroachment to continue. He sets his own terms as to the rate of the hafta and the period for which it is valid.

The petty seller simply has no recourse to any higher authority simply because he is aware that he himself is in violation of the law. This extracurricular violation of the law moves upward even in the bureaucracy and is clearly visible in the manner in which all levels of bureaucrats perform their tasks. The corruption in the system is so deeply ingrained now that a citizen does not even have to go to the government office to get his work done. He simply meets the petty clerk or the superintendent of the department in his house and makes his payment for the “favour” to be done.

Att higher levels of the bureaucracy, the system has taken on its own elaborate rituals. A Public Relations Officer of a large corporate house or a business establishment is paid handsomely to cultivate particular bureaucrats to keep them in good humour and in generous spirits (pun intended). Expensive dinners or parties are the normal ways of ‘winning friends and influencing bureaucrats.’ In addition, there are also the generous gifts coming along at the times of special festivals such as Diwali and Christmas. Many a bureaucrat enjoys a lifestyle which is clearly beyond his financial capacity to sustain. At even higher levels, it is known that some “key” officers of the government(s) even have their children educated abroad at the cost of their generous clients. The expression “greasing the palms of officers” has taken on even wider connotations.

Now the entire system is greased to make it pliable to the preferences of the business estab-

Moral ConsiDerations lishments and confederations of business and industry.

The subtle manner in which the government is influenced to serve the interests of business and industry becomes evident on occasions like the formulation of the Regional Plan for Goa with the perspective of 2021. The government goes through an elaborate façade of appointing a “high level” task force to formulate the plan, but when the draft of the report is submitted to the government, it is secretly whetted by representatives of industry, who have their own preferences with regard to what is good for the state and who seek to ensure that their own interests are safeguarded – not the interest of the common man.

What is then officially “notified” by the government surprises even the members of the task force who promptly proceed to register their protests at the ‘unauthorised’ changes made in their report. Public outcry then results at the fact that the government has manipulated the report and introduced elements which were not even considered by the task force. So the government (with an eye to the forthcoming elections) forms another “high level” state level committee to re-

Goa’s memories of yore

Eroding unity

A

fter liberation, many educational institutions came up.

Chowgule College, Dhempe College, Carmel College and St Xavier’s College were the first few. Smt Parvatibai Chowgule College of Arts and Science in Margao is where I studied. At that time, it was the best college. Students came from all over Goa. Prof D B Wagh was the Principal and Prof Malkarnekar was the Vice-Principal. All the best teachers in their subjects, were found in this college. We were encouraged by our teachers to bring out our best. Prof Wagh allowed me to join the science stream even though I had taken only elementary mathematics, general science and physiology and hygiene, with the condition, that I must reach the standard of other good students of my class, by the end of the first term. I agreed. I would not have been able to keep up to my promise, if it were not for two of my seniors, Sudha Tai and Manik Tai. Manik Tai had the highest marks in physics in the Bombay University and she used to call me to see the experiments she did, the theory of which I was learning. So my learning of physics

some other influential and more intimate friend in a influential post, who got so infuriated that he advised the police to beat him up that much?

The law has to investigate who that might be that someone, because the police will simply not beat up a simple person, and that too based on a mere complaint.

Yes there is some mysterious reason for all this, and it has to be investigated.

Pranab: Bring down inflation S Kamat, Alto Betim Pranab Mukherjee has been yet again nominated to head the GoM on coal mines.

Given the number of GoMs that he is heading and with rampant inflation, it is quite clear that he is unable to do justice to his portfolio of Finance Minister. Therefore, for the rest of 2011, it is suggested that Pranab Mukherjee be divested of all his other involvements in the government, except those related with his ministry. This is being written in the context of his latest comment that he does not have a ‘magic wand’ to bring down inflation. The least we can do is to request the PM and Sonia Gandhi not to bother about other things, until he has brought our economy back on its rails.

Discrepancy in voters’ list Stephen Dias, Dona Paula It is found that there is a discrepancy in the voters list as their names are still listed in the Panjim Municipality elections even though the houses fall in the Taleigao panchayat area, and their house taxes payment are made for Taleigao panchayat for nearly 10 years. Why are such discrepancies not corrected by government? This is possibly because the houses fall in the limits of Panjim and Taleigao constituency.

In spite of repeated complaints by voters of Bay View Colony, Dona Paula, the list is yet not been updated by the Tiswadi Mamlatdar. The voters have now decided not to vote in the forthcoming municipal election as they belong to the Taleigao panchayat area. It only goes to show that there are no proper checks while preparing the list.

study the report of the task force and to submit another report to the government. In effect, the original work of the task force has been nullified and the hard work put in by the members, the elaborate research conducted and the careful formulation of the report, has been rendered useless even before the citizens have had a chance to study the report of the task force. The newly constituted state level committee has simply replaced the task force, which, in effect, has been rendered toothless. It is no wonder that the citizens are furious at the duplicity of the government which claims that it ‘represents’ the common man. The common man is acutely aware that the notified report simply does not represent the views expressed during the original process of submission of views by the people. Is this simply a maladroit bungling by the government, or is it a deliberate attempt to pull the wool over the eyes of the citizenry?

Another example of the duplicity of the government is the manner in which it is processing the Goa Police Bill, 2008. The insincerity of the government and its utter failure to follow the participative process of formulating important

legislation is clearly evident in the way it has progressed so far. Ideally, the first draft of the proposed legislation should have been widely published in the media and the opinions of the citizens should have been solicited on the draft.

Since the power of the police force is felt most by the citizens, it is imperative that their views should be taken into consideration. It has also to be borne in mind that the police force is not meant to be used as an instrument of coercion in the hands of politicians, especially the Minister for Home Affairs, under whose control it is usually placed. The maintenance of the “Rule of Law” is not the exclusive concern of the Police Force; nor is it the prerogative of the administration.

The rule of law is the concern of every citizen to whom both the police administration and the government should be accountable.

This is the reason why the Goa Police Bill, in particular, should be widely debated by the citizens, and the government should not move ahead without ensuring that there has been the widest participation of the citizens in the formulation of the bill. The Council for Social Justice and Peace has made a very reasonable demand that the provisions of the Bill be open for debate by the citizens of Goa, who are supposed to benefit from this piece of legislation. The reluctance of the government to have such an open debate is indicative of mala fide intentions. The ministers and some powerful members of the legislative assembly have shown an unhealthy interest in the functioning of the Goa police force. Each member wants that the officers and men of the police force to do his/her bidding. They even interfere in the admission process to ensure that only “their” men and women are recruited, even if these persons do not meet the minimum standards stipulated for induction into the police.

Of late, the police force in Goa has covered itself in dishonour and disrepute. The blame rests not only with the police administration alone but also with the political establishment. It is not easy to reach the healthy balance between obedience to the lawfully constituted authority of the State and the inviolable rights of the citizens. The police force is placed in the unenviable position of balancing the rights of the citizens against the maintenance of law and order in society. In this difficult task the wholesome participation of the citizens can be a great asset. The government has a serious responsibility to ensure that the citizens are comfortable with a piece of legislation which affects them closely.

was made interesting. She was my teacher and guide in the hostel.

Sudha Tai had taken mathematics for her subject, and had a sister in the first year. She made both of us solve problems and attended to our difficulties. I could cope with Chemistry on my own.

There were 16 students in our hostel. I was the only Catholic.

The other 15 were Hindus. We were very happy together. By living here, I learnt many of their customs and habits. I used to eat whatever food, the cook prepared. We called her Pori. Our warden was also a nice person. She slept in our hostel. She encouraged us to study well. My mother used to bring a whole bunch of bananas whenever they ripened at home, in our garden, to give the hostelites. At Ganesh Chaturti time, each of my 15 friends brought a tin of ‘neureos’ and ‘ladoos’ for me. During Diwali, we lit the lamps all round the hostel.

We respected each other’s religions, but they never imposed anything on me. On Sundays, the Mass used to take place before sunrise. So two hostelites used to accompany me and sit outside

Letters to the Editor

Sending shivers up spines

Michael Vaz, Merces

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that the rate of rise of road accidents in Goa is directly proportional to the fine collected by police from the traffic violators. If you are in doubt, look at what the Ponda traffic police had to convey.

They have been boasting that fines collected during the year 2010 was over Rs37 lakh, which is more than what was collected during the previous year. The irony is that the number of accidents has also progressively increased, in comparison to the previous year. The imposition of a nominal fine has not made any significant impact on the violators. It is a common sight seeing the riders scrupulously adhering to rules only when the traffic police are in sight, only to flout the law thereafter. Their driving speed and the way they zigzag through traffic, coupled with wrong overtaking, gives normal motorists the shivers. No wonder accidents will keep on mounting.

Only CCTVs at various points, and their regular monitoring and imposing stringent fines can be envisaged to contain the road rage.

It’s now or never Francisco F Fernandes, Middx UK After putting my views and having discussions with my Goan friends and those in the UK, I have come to one suggestion and that is Goa can still be saved for Goans, during the next coming general election.

It is suggested that we have some of our own wonderful brilliant politicians and celebrities who can bring a revolution in days to come. A year is not far off to prepare the ground work, but what we require is that these few great people have to sacrifice and compromise, and our people should get ready to forgive them. This will be the last chance to save Goa for Goans.

These leaders have the capability and ability to mobilise the Goan public, if the Opinion Poll and the Konkani language agitation of yesterday, was any indication.

Let them rise above the party politics for only one five year term and then after by cleaning and formulating the required policies let them go to their parent political parties or organisations. But let us sacrifice and compromise on one common platform, and a common goal, that is to save Goa for posterity. It is now or never.

Navy in expansionist mode Nelson Lopes, Chinchinim Every one who touches Goa does not want

By Dr Flora Miranda

till the Mass was over and walk back together to the hostel. Every year, the warden used to have a Satyanarayan pooja in her house.

I was invited and used to attend the same along with the other hostelites. We used to celebrate Christmas at my house.

Today I am pained to see what is going on in Goa. Nobody seems to respect other people’s religion. God is one for all religions.

Our paths of reaching him may be different. We all are the children of one God. The sooner we realise this fact and stop fighting, the better it is for everyone. Killing of Hindus, Christians and Muslims in the name of religion must stop. There should be respect for all religions. Are we going to stop this madness of claiming tooth for a tooth and eye for an eye, and turn the whole world blind?

Gandhiji asked this question many years ago. It is so relevant today.

May the great Goan tradition of loving all communities carry on for posterity.

(The author is the Ex-Professor and Head of the Skin Dept GMC.)

to leave and wish to settle down permanently in its idyllic surroundings, Navy establishment is no different. The airport with its defence orientation is a great hindrance for civilian use and the much desired expansion. The long overdue plans and sanction for improvement are a cause for concern.

The adamant, arrogant attitude, defiance of the state government and demands of the people are abhorrent. The Navy appears to be a law unto itself without sensitivity to the aspirations of the people. It is not only releasing the space needed, but laying further claims of stretch of Bimbel beach and additional two islands . No body has convincingly explained as to why the Navy is digging its feet in Dabolim, when there are facilities at Mumbai. The Anjediva island is also occupied and the faithful is denied an entry to perform the traditional worship to the faithful. Very soon, the Navy may think that the whole of Goa is more secure for defence purposes.

Get a grip on faith Bernard Simoes, Dona Paula I write this with reference to the letter, ‘Was he aware?’ by Milagrio Rodrigues. (Herald, 25 Jan).What gives the author the authority to accuse the hierarchy of the Catholic Church of ‘misleading the laity’? No one in the Catholic Church is making anyone ‘dance to

the tune of the Vatican orchestra’. Neither the Pope nor the Vatican requires the dancing of people to non-existent notes of the ‘Vatican Orchestra’.

The author had better get a grip on his faith. The Catholic Church isn’t there to make people dance to its tune but to guide them.

Increase number of buses Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco Long queues are seen at the ticket counter of the KTC shuttle bus service at Panjim, Vasco and Margao, even during non rush hours. This is due to tremendous increase in the number of commuters, who use the service. The long queues cause considerable inconvenience to the public. It seems necessary for the state-owned KTC to introduce more buses in the shuttle service, especially on routes connecting these three main cities. To cope up with the increase in the number of commuters, the mini buses need to be replaced by big buses, during rush hours. If need be, two buses could be made to leave the bus stop simultaneously, instead of one, by increasing the number of buses on these routes.

A healthy development P L Fernandes, Old Goa A few years ago, a party MLA, raising issues against his or her own government, would be considered, indiscipline. But, in the last few sessions of the august House, party’s own MLAs are up in arms against government’s wrongdoings. Clearly, this shows that all the members of the ruling benches have not been confided in, or just sidelined.

On the flip side, this is healthy for the state, because now the electorate will be more trustful of the question raisers, as their popularity will increase.

The people marches on the government, with the support and blessings of ruling party members and MLAs, can rescue the people from the clutches of land grabbers. (of all people, the Central Naval authorities with regard to the two islands and MPT about land for expansion and even setting up of marinas elsewhere), by displacing locals. Let them all work with one goal in mind, do not hurt your motherland and Goa will ever be faithful.

Paths of Wisdom The blind lead the blind

F

By Sri Swami Sivananda

ifty blind men were sitting in a Dharmashala. They were born blind. They all wanted to go to a distant place of pilgrimage.

Four other blind men came along and joined this group. They said they were also going to the same place.

“Friends,” said the leader of the fifty, “we are blind and cannot find our way to the sacred shrine. Will you be able lead us? Do your eyes see?”

“Yes, my dear friends,” replied the four, “we have heard a lot about the sacred city and the way to reach it.

We have a clear mental picture of the route. Though we do not see it with our eyes, we are confident that we shall not only reach our destination, but lead you all there with us.

Follow us.” They tied one another with a long rope. The best one among the four led the way.

He had a mental idea of the way, no doubt; it was not of much avail. He was misled. Soon he fell into a deep ravine.

Bound to him, the other blind men, not knowing where he was leading them, also fell into the ditch, one by one. All of them perished.

In the meantime a few other blind men arrive there. They have heard a lot about the Kingdom of God. They have great intellectual understanding. They think they know the way, and not only that, they can lead others also. They are the scientists and scientific philosophers.

They promise to lead the masses to the Kingdom or Immortal Bliss. They go where their cravings and Vasanas and desires lead them.

Hearken ye, all men; follow not the blind misleaders. Follow the sages who have the eye of intuition and attain the Abode of Supreme Bliss.

(Source : Parables of Sivananda)

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OHERALDO

INDIA

GOA, TUESDAY, 8 FEBRUARY, 2011

oPinionateD Goa in trouble

G

By JAmES mORAES

one are the days when Goans lived in peace and harmony and enjoyed a trouble free existence. Today, Goa is being looted by the Indian Navy, in the name of security, by MPT in the form of expansions plans, and land accusations and by the government of Goa, in the name of infrastructure and development.

We see Goans fighting in groups as those from Vasco, Mormugao, and Chicalim that are fighting with the MPT and the Indian Navy to save their surrounding land, islands and seafronts, those from Navelim and Davorlim for their fields being acquired for sewage treatment and community projects, Nuvem and Ponda for displacing Goans, for roads and highways, Verna and Cuncolim for pollution by industrial estates, water contamination, and Pilerne and Canacona for flaws in the Regional Plan 2021. Some other villages have opposed the Mopa airport, sports city etc.

The entire coastal belt has numerous problems like drugs, garbage, sewage, and illegal land occupation. We have lamanis in plenty and the walkways and roads are being blocked by hoteliers etc. All over Goa, there are robberies and murders by migrants. We are responsible for all this mess, as we, the educated Goans, are a little ‘susegad’ by inheritance and are fighting in individual groups. We are involved in a disunited battle, and have failed to reason out during elections, thus creating problems for our own selves. We have allowed politicians to create a migrant vote bank by giving them jobs, privileges by way of free land, water and electricity, which, in the process, has created unemployment amongst Goans.

If we put up an united front, like in the case of Opinion Poll and the Konkani language agitation, the issues will be well resolved. Then the roaring Navy and MPT will stay in their capacities, as also the politicians will be set on the right track. There will also be an improvement in the judiciary with new laws to speed up the process to convict culprits and politicians. Can we have such guidelines to save Goa? Alas, the answer is ‘no’ as Goa is controlled by Delhi babus.

Our problems are on an increase; first we had only the ‘River Princess’ creating obstructions on the beach front. Now there is talk about another ship named ‘Casino Leela’ which was forcibly driven out from the River Sal and has endangered the safety of other vessels due to severe technical failure.

This has led to abandon and a loss to the public exchequer.

All the business houses take away the profits and keep the mess for the government for clearing thanks to support of corrupt politicians.

Goans have always been kind to Indian Navy and industrialists; we gave our islands, huge tracts of land and maintenance of Dabolim airport to the Indian Navy. What we got in return was that we were robbed of our obligation to celebrate the feast of our Lady of Springs.

The MPT has leased the Goan jetties to non Goan industrialists, who employ non-Goans. Government says that the SEZs are being scrapped, then why is the land not taken back. These days we hear about a visionary plan, namely Goa-2035. But in a situation when migrants outnumber Goans, and the control has shifted to Delhi babus, what vision can we expect?

Kalam: Country needs to get rid of corruption

India, Pak optimistic about taking dialogue process forward PTI THIMPHU, FEB 7

A day after their meeting here aimed at restoring the dialogue process, Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao and her Pakistan counterpart Salman Bashir today struck a note of optimism and talked about taking the engagement process forward through a "vision" for the bilateral relationship.

Both Rao and Bashir described their 90-minute meeting as useful and expressed satisfaction over their discussions which covered a broad range of issues.

"We had a good meeting, useful meeting. We were able to discuss a number of issues of relevance with the (Indo-Pak) relationship," Rao told reporters here.

She said her discussions with Bashir were not dominated by any one issue "but we talked about the (dialogue) process and charting the way forward, what the best modalities would be" in this direction.

"All in all it was a useful meeting," Rao said, adding that both the sides had adopted an open and "constructive attitude." "I'm satisfied."

Asked about the next step,

HERALD CORRESPONDENT BELGAUM, FEB 7

Former President Bharat Ratna Dr APJ Abdul Kalam has stated that the country needs a ‘political chemotherapy’ to get rid of corruption and bring back good governance as more than 40 per cent of the houses in the nation with a population of 80 million persons are involved in corruption at different levels.

He was addressing the youth convention for college students that was organized at the Ramkrishna Mission Ashram here on Monday.

Dr Kalam also interacted with the schools children at a function at the Gomtesh Vidyapeeth here and distributed FRO calipers to the 40 polio ridden and physically challenged boys and girls.

Apart from enlightening the youth for nurturing unassuming

ambitions in life, he also administered the anti-corruption oath to all present students and parents.

“By 2020, India will be economically advanced and an altogether new nation as 540 million youth with enlightened and ignited minds will take over the nation by then,” Dr Kalam ascertained.

“Rural and urban divide would minimize, agricultural and industrial sectors will work in symphony, education and value system will be at the helm, governance will be transparent,” he added describing his vision for 2020.

Giving the mantra of accomplishment in life, Dr Kalam said youngsters must set individual goals and dream, acquire knowledge, work hard and persevere to attain the desired goals in life.

PTI THIMPHU, FEB 7

India is "cautiously optimistic" on charting a way forward in the dialogue process with Pakistan and would like to see the process to mature keeping in view ground realities, Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao said today.

"We had a good meeting, useful meeting. We were able to discuss a number of issues of relevance with the (Indo-Pak) relationship," Rao told reporters here, a day after meeting her Pakistani counterpart Salman Bashir.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT BELGAUM, FEB 6

Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa has refuted all corruption charges made against him by opposition parties and disapproved allegations made by Prof G Venkatsubaiah against the State government on Friday.

Prof Venkatsubaiah, in his presidential remarks on Friday on the occasion of the inauguration of the 77th All India Kannada Sahitya Sammelana in Bangalore, had strongly criticized the Karnataka government and politicians in the state.

Prof Venkatsubaiah had said Karnataka has become infamous as the most corrupt state in the country and that people of the state are repenting for electing incompetent politicians as their representatives.

Addressing a press conference after arriving at Belgaum airport on Saturday morning, Yeddyurappa said Prof Venkatsubbaiah was misled and that he would hold a meeting with him in the next few days to brief him about the phenomenal rise in the state's GDP and developments in other fields.

Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa addresses a press conference at Belgaum airport in the presence of ministers Umesh Katti and Govind Karjol.

Photo by Louis Rodrigues

“All allegations made against me and my government is baseless and motivated by opposition,” he said, adding that he would submit details of his assets to the party high command.

“Let them not make baseless charges against me or my cabinet colleagues. In case if they have any details about my illegal assets, let them submit the same to the Lokayukta,” he said, challenging the Congress and JD(S) leaders, who have been continuously making strong allega-

tions of corruption against him.

Stating that he is innocent, Yeddyurappa alleged that Deve Gowda’s family owns 34 sites in Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) and several ‘Gomala Lands’, which they have usurped misusing power.

Setting aside rumours about his stepping down as the Karnataka chief minister, Yeddyurappa said he will complete his remaining two years in office and face the people’s mandate where he would prove his mettle in the next elections.

UDF walkout over letter of CPI-M leader

Priyanka thinks she’s the best

Congress led UDF Opposition members in Kerala assembly today walked out of the house in protest against Speaker K Radhakrishnan's decision to reject a discussion on an adjournment motion that Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan, then LDF convener, had tried to influence a Judicial commission that looked into a liquor tragedy case in 2000.

Congress leader Arayadan Muhammed raised the issue based on a letter written to CPIM state leadership by P Sasi then political secretary of Chief Minister E K Nayanar, complaining that Achuthanandan had tried to influence Justice Mohankumar Commission that looked into the Kalluvathukal liquor tragedy for refusing to follow Achuthanandan's direction in the case.

Replying to the notice for the motion, Achuthanandan out rightly rejected the allegation and said it was an attempt to divert the attention of people from the ice cream parlour sex scandal allegedly involving IUML leader P K Kuhalikutty that had

Janata Party chief Subramanian Swamy today sought the Tamil Nadu Governor's sanction for prosecution of Chief Minister M Karunanidhi for allegedly allotting land to a "favoured few" under discretionary quota in "violation" of rules.

"He (Karunanidhi) has violated every rule and allotted to a favoured few", Swamy told reporters after submitting his petition to office of Governor Surjit Singh Barnala, a day after the DMK chief issued him a legal notice for linking his name to the 2G spectrum allocation scam.

Swamy claimed he had

enough evidence on the issue.

"I will never say anything without proof. I have done it always and have won my cases," he said.

He alleged that the Tamil Nadu Housing Board has earmarked 15 per cent of the land to the Chief Minister for discretionary allotment. The allotment

by Karunanidhi was in violation of Section 11 and 13 of the Prevention and Corruption Act. "Hence Karunanidhi must resign and be prosecuted", Swamy said.

Swamy said he has mentioned the names of those who benefited, but refused to disclose them.

"I have given names of people who don't deserve to get it. It includes civil servants, judges, police Officials and a variety of

people", he said.

Asked about Karunanidhi's legal notice issued to him, he said he had not received it yet.

"No, I have not received any legal notice. If it comes I will put it only in the wastepaper basket. What is there for notice.

He has no guts. Let him go to court. He is only sending legal notices only to terrorise the media", he said.

Karunanidhi had yesterday issued a legal notice to Swamy, demanding retraction of his 'statement' linking him to the 2G spectrum allocation scam within 24 hours.

In his notice to Swamy, the DMK patriarch had dismissed the allegation as being "moti-

Asked whether 2007 Samjhauta Express blast issue came up during the meeting, Bashir was evasive. Rao said "all" outstanding issues were discussed.

Bashir pointed out that when the Prime Ministers of the two countries met in Thimphu in April last on the sidelines of SAARC Summit, they had agreed on three things.

"One was to have frequent contacts. We have had frequent contacts. The second was that we should make effort to bridge the trust divide. I think, we have to a considerable extent been able to do that. And third was that everything should be discussed. That is the format that we are pursuing," he said.

He said there is consensus at the leadership level and between the two foreign ministries that "that is the practical way forward." Asked whether any new initiatives had been discussed during his talks with Rao, Bashir said the meeting was "about how we proceed ahead in terms of the engagement. If you want to get into specific issues, this was not an opportunity for that."

against his conviction.

Justices Ranjana Desai and R V More said that they were ready with the judgement even today but because of bulky paper work and heavy compilation they would pronounce the verdict a fortnight later.

PTI MUMBAI, FEB 7

The Bombay High Court today said it would deliver its verdict on February 21 on confirmation of death sentence awarded to Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Kasab for his role in the 26/11 terror attacks and also on his appeal

APPOINTMENTS

BJP sticks to demand on 2G scam PTI JAMSHEDPUR (Jharkhand), FEB 7

resurfaced recently.

Achuthanadan said if any such attempts had been made, Justice Mohan Kumar himself should have brought the matter to the state government. 'As nothing like that had happened, the allegations are baseless', Achuthanandan said.

Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan also said that it was an effort to tarnish the image of Achuthanandan who was waging a relentless struggle agaisnt 'sex mafia' in the state.

Balakrishnan also said that government had not come across any such letters written by Sasi.

Muhammed wanted government to either register a case against Achuthanandan for influencing a Judicial Commission or against P Sasi, who was also former secretary of party's Kannur District Committee for levelling false charges.

After the reply of Achuthanandan and Home Minister, Speaker refused leave for the motion following which Opposition walked out of the house led by congress deputy leader G Karthikeyan. Though, Sasi was recently removed from the post of Kannur

Swamy seeks sanction to prosecute Karuna PTI CHENNAI, FEB 7

she said, "We need to wait and see."

"We have to wait for this process to mature. We should be optimistic, cautiously optimistic because there are many issues that remain to be resolved," she said.

Pointing out that the nature of India-Pakistan relationship had been complex, Rao said, "We have to remain realistic. We should be aware of the realities."

She emphasized the need for a "vision" for the future of the relationship and noted that this was the feeling of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Bashir, she said, had told her that his government also was committed to taking forward the dialogue process on outstanding issues in a constructive way.

The Pakistan Foreign Secretary separately told reporters that "there was a broad meeting of minds" during his meeting with Rao and he had "every reason to be quite satisfied".

"We have had very productive exchange of views. We will be reporting respectively to our governments and then take it from there," he said.

Yeddy refutes graft charges Claims they are motivated

PTI THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, FEB 7

Dr APJ Abdul Kalam interacts with a polio-ridden child during a function at Belgaum.

Delhi cautious, says Rao

HC to pronounce verdict in Kasab case on Feb 21

vated by your personal malice, political rivalry and clamour for cheap publicity."

The DMK chief's notice came two days after Swamy's plea in a Delhi Court for continuance of his private complaint in the 2G spectrum case, seeking to claim that it covered a wider canvas of "involvement" of Karunanidhi.

Appreciating Karnataka Governor H R Bhardwaj for sanctioning prosecution of Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa, Swamy said, "He did not hesitate and did it overnight. I do not know whether Barnala will do it (like him). But the final matter is I expect him (Barnala) to give sanction.."

AGENCIES NEW DELHI, FEB 7

With 7 Khoon Maaf ready to hit the theatres next week, Priyanka Chopra is all confident about her performance and thinks she's the best in Bollywood.

I can't be objective about my films. For me, it is the film! It is perfect," when quizzed about 7 Khoon Maaf, Priyanka Chopra told Times of India.

She has been receiving a lot of appreciation for her performance as a wife of seven husbands in her upcoming film. So do compliments matter to her? "Yes of course they do. You feel good when someone says something good about you, your work. But at the same time, I know what I am. I know my work and I know where I stand," she told the daily.

NCW slams UP govt PTI NEW DELHI, FEB 7

In the backdrop of the brutal attack on a Dalit girl in Uttar Pradesh, National Commission for Women chairperson Girija Vyas today slammed the state administration and police for their handling of the rape and abduction cases.

Vyas said there were no signs of justice being delivered to the victims and also blamed the police for conducting "shoddy" investigations and implicating innocent persons. The Mayawati government is facing criticism over a number of cases including the Banda case involving the rape of a Dalit girl.

Sticking to its demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to probe the 2G spectrum scam, BJP today said arrest of former Union Telecom Minister A Raja was not enough as the party wanted his Godfathers to be exposed.

National General Secretary of BJP, Dharmendra Pradhan, exMP, said the action initiated against Raja was too little and too late but BJP wanted the government to initiate concrete action to unearth Raja’s Godfathers involved in the scam.

"Why Congress is so fearful about JPC?" he said.

Pradhan, who was in Steel City here after he campaigned for Jharkhand Chief Minister Arjun Munda yesterday for Kharswan assembly by-poll staled for February 10, claimed that the opposition rallied around BJP, which has effectively rake up issues such 2G, CWG scam, price rise, black money in and outside the floor of the house.

Asked whether Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa issue had any adverse impact on the image of the party fighting corruption, Pradhan, who is also the in-charge of party affairs in Karnataka, said it was not at all an issue in the state as people were very much aware that the opposition were indulged in "misinformation campaign" against Yeddyurappa.

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OHERALDO

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obituaries

GOA, TUESDAY, 8 FEBRUARY, 2011

more obituaries on page 11

OHERALDO

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WORLD

GOA, TUESDAY, 8 FEBRUARY, 2011

Obama plays down Brotherhood getting a major role in Egypt PTI WASHINGTON, FEB 7

Backing a move for a "representative and responsive government" in Egypt, US President Barack Obama has played down the prospects of Muslim Brotherhood taking a major role in the new set up in the strife-torn Arab nation.

In clear indications that US feels there is no role for embattled President Hosni Mubarak, Obama said that there can be no going back to pre-protest era in Egypt.

"I think that the Muslim Brotherhood is one faction," Obama said. "They don't have majority support in Egypt."

Even so Obama, appearing in Fox television, acknowledged that the outlawed Brotherhood was well organized and had "strains of ideology that are antiUS".

But he exuded confidence that a representative govern-

ment would emerge in Egypt from the ongoing turmoil and Washington could work with it.

"What Egypt needs is a peaceful and orderly transition," he said.

"But here's the thing that we have to understand, there are a whole bunch of secular folks in Egypt, there are a whole bunch of educators and civil society in Egypt that wants to come to the fore as well," he said in his first comments on the role of Brotherhood, long dubbed a extremist organization.

"It's important for us not the say that our only two options are either the Muslim Brotherhood or a suppressed Egyptian people," Obama said.

Elaborating on the banned Egyptian group, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said she would not pre-judge who should or should not participate in the political process.

"They have to decide who is going to be eligible to run. What we want is to see an inclusive process," she said when asked about Brotherhood joining the political process, on her way back from the Munich security conference.

Obama, in his interaction with Fox TV, also refused to be drawn into predicting whether Mubarak would step down and said "only he knows what he is going to do."

He said US cannot forcefully dictate in Egypt, but "what we can say is that the time is now for you to start making changes in your country. Mubarak has already said he is not going to run again."

But in a turnabout, Clinton said "forcing Mubarak to leave in a hurry could complicate the already enormous challenges Egypt faces in transforming itself from autocracy to democracy."

Musharraf named accused in Bhutto’s assassination PTI ISLAMABAD, FEB 7

Pakistani prosecutors today asked a trial court to declare former president Pervez Musharraf as an "absconder" in the 2007 assassination case of former premier Benazir Bhutto, saying he had refused to cooperate in the probe and also named him as an "accused".

An interim challan or chargesheet filed by the Federal Investigation Agency in an antiterrorism court in Rawalpindi said Musharraf, who was President at the time of the assassination, had refused a request to cooperate in the investigation into Bhutto's death.

Following the lack of cooperation by Musharraf, he was named as an "absconding accused", FIA prosecutor Chaudhry Zulfiqar told the court.

Zulfiqar indicated that further action could be taken against Musharraf if he continued to refuse to cooperate in the probe, TV news channels reported.

The anti-terrorism court is conducting the trial of five terror suspects, including alleged members of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pa k i s t a n , w h o h a v e b e e n charged with planning and facilitating the assassination.

Bhutto was killed by a suicide bomber shortly after she addressed an election rally in Rawalpindi on December 27,

n The FIA's charge against Musharraf is the latest in a long list of legal and criminal cases against the former military ruler, who resigned in August 2008, and it could cause problems for his planned return to Pakistani politics.

2007.

The interim chargesheet further said that former Rawalpindi Police chief Saud Aziz and former Superintendent of Police Khurram Shahzad – recently arrested by the FIA on charges of negligence in providing security to Bhutto – were acting on the orders of Musharraf.

The chargesheet also included a report on the forensic analysis of one of Benazir Bhutto’s BlackBerry mobile phones.

Two BlackBerry phones used

by Bhutto at the time of her assassination were recently found by staff at her home in Karachi and handed over to the FIA. The FIA's charge against Musharraf is the latest in a long list of legal and criminal cases

Khanal set for Nepal’s top post PTI KATHMANDU, FEB 7

Jhalanath Khanal, leader of the Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxists-Leninists (UML), was set to become prime minister this weekend.

He is supported by the Maoists, the former foes of the government during the civil war, so there is some optimism that Khanal's leadership could breathe new life into the dead-

locked peace process.

Born in 1950 in eastern Nepal, Khanal graduated in 1968 from Nepal's Trichandra College where he studied history and politics, and led the student union.

During his early career as a school teacher, he was a founding member of the Communist Part of Nepal (MarxistLeninist) in 1978, going on to serve as its general secretary until 1990.

from page 1 Mauvin picked to lead...

Justifying the decision, the GPCC president said, since the polls are fast approaching we need to create such posts.

“We are going to elections and as such we have to create responsible posts in all 40 constituencies for the success of the party,” Shirodkar said.

He, however, denied that the offer to Mauvin is to stop his outbursts against government.

“He is a responsible party man and the party has recognized his efforts,” was how Shirodkar reacted to the question.

Teenager murdered According to Old Goa Police Inspector Francis Xavier Corte, the police rushed to the site and found the body in a pool of blood with stab injuries on the face and neck.

Police after conducting the inquiry and post mortem in connection with the case registered an offence of murder under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) against unknown persons.

Later in the evening, the deceased was identified as Amitabh Borkar, after Amitabh’s sister lodged a missing complaint of her brother with the Old Goa police.

The complainant stated that her brother had left the residence on Sunday at about 7 pm.

Old Goa Police further informed that nothing was found on the deceased’s body at the time of the incident.

MHA team postpones visit fully taking over the management of these immigration desks by Immigration Bureau officials.

When contacted, Superintendent of Police ( Immigration) Tony Fernandes told Herald that the programme scheduled on February 9 has been postponed.

The MHA was reportedly irked by complaints about corruption at the immigration counters at Goa’s seaport and the only military-operated airport, due which the MHA wanted to visit Goa to discuss the modalities for taking over the immigration, the news agency report stated.

“We received complaints from various consulates about the inefficiency and the unprofessional behaviour of the state police when it came to handling the huge rush of foreign tourists who visit Goa each tourist season,” the official was quoted in the report.

“A sense of professionalism will prevail once seasoned immigration officials are posted at the immigration check posts.

Fernandes rubbished claims that MHA officials were planning to take charge of Goa’s immigration due to inefficiency by Goa Police.

“The Intelligent Bureau (IB) mooted a proposal that all airports in the country should be managed by the MHA and hence, it was in this light that Goa airport would be handed over to the MHA officials,” said Fernandes.

“In a phased manner, all airports in county would be managed by the MHA. Metro airports in the country are already under the control of the MHA. In the second phase, Goa airport along with other small airports would also by controlled by MHA,” said Fernandes.

“We have no problem with this arrangement. Even though the airport is managed by the MHA officials, they would need the assistance of Goa Police and most staff would render their service on deputation,” added Fernandes.

In the recent past, Goa has emerged as a soft entry point for several criminals.

The immigration desk, manned by the Goa Police, has been in the news for all the wrong reasons — ranging from corruption to turning a blind eye to a fake passport racket that was unearthed a few years ago.

against the former military ruler, who resigned in August 2008, and it could cause problems for his planned return to Pakistani politics.

Musharraf, who has been living in self-exile in Britain since April 2009, has said that he intends to return to Pakistan before the next general election in 2013.

He has also formed a new party, the All Pakistan Muslim League, with an eye to the next polls.

A UN Commission which probed Bhutto's assassination had held Musharraf responsible for failing to provide adequate security to the former premier after her return to Pakistan from self-exile in October 2007.

‘Indian-origin man found guilty in pregnant wife's death’ PTI TORONTO, FEB 7

A Canadian court has found an Indian-origin man guilty of murdering his pregnant wife in 2006.

Mukhtiar Panghali, who was charged a few months after his school teacher wife Manjit Panghali's charred corpse was found near a waterway at Delta, British Columbia in 2006, will be sentenced on March 17.

Justice Heather Holmes convicted Mukhtiar Panghali of second-degree murder and interfering with bodily remains, the Globe and Mail reported.

31-year-old Manjit was strangled and likely died before her body was burned, it said.

The prosecution also presented evidence that Mukhtiar purchased a lighter and a newspaper from a gas station hours after his wife was last seen. The judge said she studied the images carefully and had "no doubt" the man pictured was Mukhtiar.

The couple also had a daughter who was in preschool when her mother died.

"We were just relieved that this part of it is finally over and we can move on with our lives and we can start the healing process," said Jasmine Bhambra, Manjit's sister.

Bhambra, who now takes care of the couple's daughter, called Mukhtiar a "sick and twisted and evil monster."

Sikh youth family weighs legal options after his hair cut off PTI KUALA LUMPUR, FEB 7

The family of the Malaysian Sikh teenager, who had complained that his hair was cropped off while he was asleep at a national service camp, is considering legal options to pursue the case.

The youth, who woke up to find his hair shorter by 60 cm, said he will resume his training today.

Basant Singh, 17, had left the Sungai Bakap camp in Penang after his controversial claim, which the National Service officials had denied.

The Sikh youth had claimed that his metre-long hair, which has not been cut since birth, was snipped while he and 10 other trainees were asleep in the dormitory.

NS Department director-general Abdul Hadi Awang Kechil said that Basant would not be exempted from training but could switch to another camp or could defer his training in the light of the incident.

It is understood that the teen's family was seeking legal advice on the matter, Star newspaper said today.

Sikh Naujawan Sabha Malaysia president Amarjit Singh

Floods fury returns to Sri Lanka AFP COLOMBO, FEB 7

People in Sri Lanka are going hungry as a fresh wave of floods has hit the east, centre and north of the island.

Some 320,000 people have been forced to take refuge in makeshift camps in schools, temples and mosques.

The floods have affected 1.25 million people. Officials say 11 people have been killed and three more are missing.

L a s t m o n t h , m o re t h a n 300,000 were displaced by the floods which killed at least 40 people, ruined crops and killed livestock.

In what is normally known as Sri Lanka's dry zone, people are once more getting around by boat.

Most people in this part of the country live in basic, singlestorey houses built of simple materials.

Vast numbers of these are now inundated and the consequences are serious.

The government says each flood-affected person is entitled to regular dry food rations.

But they are not reaching everyone.

Shanmuganathan Kirubanandan, a teacher near Batticaloa in the east, went to the shop which was supposed to give out food for him and his family.

He came away emptyhanded and has no cash to buy food either after weeks of heavy rain.

said the community viewed the "assault" on Basant seriously.

"Many Sikhs are angry with the assault and are asking the status of the police probe," he said yesterday.

Sikhs, he said, were also concerned with the increasing number of incidents involving Sikh schoolchildren being asked to trim their hair, shave their beard or moustache or remove their steel bangle (called kara, another requirement under Sikhism), the paper said.

Khalsa Diwan Malaysia president Santokh Singh said many headmasters and teachers had claimed ignorance when told that Sikhs were not allowed to cut, trim or shave hair from any part of their body.

Citing a recent example, he said a middle school student was ordered to shave his beard and moustache in early January, although his parents had written to the headmaster on the matter.

"The principal rejected this and maintained that the boy should shave," he said.

He said it was resolved by the Perak Education Department, which said it was wrong for the headmaster and school to issue the directive, the paper quoted Santokh Singh as saying.

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GOA, TUESDAY, 8 FEBRUARY, 2011

GDP will stand at 8.6%: FM AGENCIES NEW DELHI, FEB 7

Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Monday said that India's Gross Domestic product (GDP) for fiscal 201011 would stand at 8.6 per cent.

When compared to the previous year in which GDP stood at eight per cent, the point six per cent increase is attributed to smart recovery in farm output as well the growth rate of over 8 per cent in sectors such as manufacturing, construction, trade, hotels, transport and communication, financing, insurance, real estate and business services.

This GDP growth is higher than what the Reserve Bank Of India (RBI) and the Finance Ministry had predicted earlier.

According to data released, agriculture and allied activities are projected to grow by 5.4 per cent this fiscal as against 0.4 per cent a year ago.

Mukherjee has said that the economy would grow by 8.5 per cent despite rising inflation.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had projected that the economy would expand by 8.5 per cent in it’s quarterly monetary policy review last month.

The growth in this fiscal is likely to be driven by 8.8 per

cent in the manufacturing sector, the same as in the pervious year.

According to the advance estimates, mining and quarrying is likely to grow by 6.2 per cent, while electricity, gas and water production will grow up by 5.1 per cent.

BOARD MEETINGS BEML Ltd Mangalore Refinery Ltd Power Grid India Ltd Adani Power Ltd PTC India Ltd Source: Indiainfoline.com

BP wants to buy stake in Reliance gas

RBI to issue coins of Rs 10 denomination PTI CHANDIGARH, FEB 7

The Reserve Bank of India will soon put new coins of Rs 10 denomination into circulation to felicitate its Platinum Jubilee. The front face of the coins will have the Ashoka Pillar embossed in their centre, an RBI release said. The reverse will bear the emblem of the Reserve Bank of India, a palm tree tiger, along with the year "1935-2010" below the emblem, it said.

Meanwhile, the RBI said the government of India, in exercise of powers conferred by Section 15-A of the coinage Act, 1906 (3 of 1906), has determined to call in from circulation coins of denomination of 25 paise and below with effect from June 20, 2011.

From this date, these coins

UK visa curbs to hit Indian MBA students REUTERS LONDON, FEB 7

Britain’s move to abolish the visa that allows Indian and other non-EU students to take up employment in the UK for two years after the completion of their courses is likely to reduce the number of Indians coming here for MBA degrees, an industry body has said.

The London-based Association of MBAs, which accredits business management courses in 70 countries, including the UK, said the proposed move was of ‘significant concern’, and would restrict enrolment of international students from India and elsewhere.

In a speech last week, immigration minister Damian Green said that nonEU students could not be allowed unfettered access to the UK labour market amidst growing unemployment in Britain.

He said: "The post study work route was intended to form a bridge between study and skilled work, allowing all international graduates to remain for two years after graduation... To allow unfettered access to the jobs market for two

years to anyone with a student visa from abroad is putting an unnecessary extra strain on our own graduates".

Noting that India and China are two of the UK's biggest markets for international students, the association said in its response to the consultation on the student visa review that the UK must do all it can to remain competitive in the highly skilled business education sector.

"Turning students away by restricting their access to post-study employment puts their reputations at stake and threatens future viability," it said.

PTI NEW DELHI, FEB 7

shall cease to be legal tender for payment, as well as on account.

Accordingly, such coins may be exchanged during working days and business hours at the authorised banks branches by July 1, 2011, after which they will not be accepted, it said.

PTI NEW DELHI, FEB 7

India's leading paint company, Asian Paints, today announced it has commenced operations partially, at its two manufacturing units in Egypt.

The company had shut down operations at the two manufacturing units last week, in the wake of the ongoing political crisis in Eygpt.

"The two plants of the company's subsidiary, SCIB Chemicals SAE, Egypt, which were shut due to prolonged curfew, have restarted the operations partially with effect from February 6, 2011," Asian Paints said in a filing to the Bombay Stock Ex-

BP Plc is in talks with Indian energy major Reliance Industries to buy a 30 to 45 per cent stake in the D6 hydrocarbon block in a basin off India's east coast, the Mint newspaper reported on Monday citing a person with knowledge of the development.

Officials at Reliance and BP could not immediately be reached for a comment.

The government is likely to challenge the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal ruling on Bofors case in the Delhi High Court for its remarks against the Income Tax department.

Though government was not a direct party in the case, based on the opinion of At-

torney General Ghoolam Vahanvati, the Law Ministry is understood to have asked the Finance Ministry to challenge the ITAT ruling as it contained certain remarks against the Income Tax department.

The tribunal had said that commissions were paid to late Win Chaddha and Italian busi-

change.

According to sources, the company's decision to re-start the operations, however, did not suggest any improvement in the situation in the country.

Asian Paints' two manufacturing units are located at an industrial area about 50 kilometres from Cairo.

Other leading FMCG companies, Dabur and Marico, have temporarily shut down their plants in the Arab nation.

According to Anand Shah, Research Analyst, Elara Securities India, Egypt contributes significantly to the sales in the Middle East (ME) region for Asian Paints.

The ME region witnessed a turnover of

Rs 650 crore out of the total international revenues of Rs 1,215 crore registered by the company in 2009-2010, said Shah.

Last fiscal, consolidated revenue of Asian Paints had stood at Rs 5,125 crore.

In 2002, the company had acquired controlling stake in SCIB Chemicals, one of the top five paint companies in Egypt.

Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets of Cairo and other cities of Egypt demanding the end of President Hosni Mubarak's 30-year rule.

The company's scrips were trading at Rs 2,519.9 per share during the afternoon trade, up 1.59 % from the previous close on the Bombay Stock Exchange.

Cairn-Vedanta deal: Scramble to get govt nod PTI NEW DELHI, FEB 7

With time running out, a scramble as began to find a solution on how London-listed mining group Vedanta Resources can get government approval for its USD 9.6 billion deal to acquire majority stake in Cairn India.

The deal, involving Vedanta acquiring 40 to 51 per cent stake from UK's Cairn Energy Plc and thereafter making an open offer to buy for an additional 20 per cent from minority shareholders of Cairn India, is to be completed by April 15.

For Vedanta to complete the open offer well within the deadline approved by its and Cairn Energy shareholders, the government must this week give its approval to the transaction.

The deal is facing a challenge from ONGC over royalty payments on Cairn India's mainstay Rajasthan oilfields.

Sources in know said Oil Secretary S Sundareshan cancelled his February 911 trip to Calgary (Canada) for promoting oil blocks offered for bidding in the IXth round of NELP in order to meet chief executive of Vedanta Resources and Cairn Energy again.

D N Narasimha Raju, Joint Secretary (Exploration), who was to accompany Sundareshan for the roadshow in Calgary and then proceed to Houston for another promotional show, too will stay back to discuss the finer points of the deal.

Market regulator SEBI has not permitted Vedanta to make the open offer to Cairn India shareholders in absence

Sensex up 29 pts PTI MUMBAI, FEB 7

In volatile trading, the BSE benchmark Sensex managed to end in the positive terrain, gaining 29 points to finish at 18,037.19 on fresh buying in realty, FMCG and auto counters, as government pegged a higher economic growth rate for the current fiscal compared to 2009-10.

Besides, cues from the European markets were firm. However, shares of consumer durables, capital goods and Healthcare declined on persistent selling pressure.

The government today announced economic growth for the current financial year at 8.6 per cent, as against 8 per cent a year ago, boosting the sentiment to some extent.

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee today said the 8.6 per cent economic growth estimated for the current fiscal was satisfactory in the wake of rising inflation and trade imbalances.

The association added: "The focus on student immigration and the blanket restriction of visas across the entire student population poses significant risks to UK's ability to remain competitive in global education and business". "We urge the government to recognise that there are different categories of international students".

Green's proposed restrictive measures on the student visa system have already raised a welter of protest from the education sector. Professor Edward Acton, vice-chancellor of the University of East Anglia, and a spokesman for Universities UK, said the Government's plans amounted to a 'hostile act'.

Professor David Wark of Imperial College London, also warned against plans to weaken the link between study and work. "If we get an opportunity to pick the cream of the crop, we shouldn't pass that up," he added.

Professor Steve Smith, president of Universities UK, said the Government's plans could cause 'unintended damage' to the university sector and Britain's international reputation.

Govt likely to challenge ITAT ruling on Bofors case

Asian Paints re-starts Egypt operations

REUTERS MUMBAI, FEB 7

The association said that MBA courses have high fees, and does not attract the type of migrants which the David Cameron government was seeking to deter from entering and abusing the student visa system.

Moreover, MBA international students bring "a high level of income for UK universities at a time when they are struggling for funding", the association said. In British universities, MBA tuition fees range from 10,000 pounds to 50,000 pounds per year.

The Association of MBAs surveyed 47 accredited business schools in the UK in early January 2011. Of the 34 who responded, 97 per cent said that they believe continued restrictions on student visas are likely to impact their enrolment numbers in the future. Of these, 56 per cent said that the impact was highly likely.

"This supports deep concerns voiced in focus groups among business schools that prospective students will look elsewhere to competitor countries including Canada, the United States and Australia", it said.

of government approval to its deal with Cairn Energy.

As per SEBI regulation, an open offer requires 55-60 days to complete and Vedanta was expecting the nod by today so as to have a small buffer for any contingency.

But the approval is stuck as ONGC by virtue of its stake in 8 out of the 10 oil and gas properties held by Cairn India, claims pre-emption rights.

It wants the issue of excess royalty it has to pay on Cairn India's mainstay Rajasthan block to be addressed before giving its no-objection.

Sources said oil ministry has made resolution of the royalty issue one of the 11 pre-conditions for giving its nod.

Sundareshan had yesterday met chief

Aban Offshor, 660.85, 664.9, 647, 653.05 Abb Ltd., 704, 709, 658.7, 664.8 Abg Shipyard, 345.5, 348.65, 336.2, 339.75 Acc Limited, 974.2, 995, 968.5, 989.25 Adani Enterp, 590.7, 610, 582, 588.2 Aditya Birla, 771, 775.5, 754.15, 759.7 Allahabad Ba, 204.9, 205.7, 198.2, 199.4 Alstom Proje, 583, 583, 563, 568.1 Ambuja Cemen, 120.6, 122.15, 118.05, 119.55 Andhra Bank, 141, 142.5, 138.65, 140.45 Ashok Leylan, 52.7, 54, 51.6, 52.8 Asian Paints, 2487.05, 2531, 2481, 2501.55 Axis Bank Li, 1242.4, 1242.4, 1215.25, 1228.55 Bajaj Hindus, 81.2, 83.5, 79.8, 82 Bank Of Baro, 825, 842.7, 825, 826.3 Bank Of Indi, 443.1, 447.7, 431, 432.85 Beml Limited, 820, 820, 756, 759.85 Bharat Elect, 1715, 1715, 1678.1, 1683.15 Bharat Forge, 333, 337.5, 329.5, 332.95 Bharat Petro, 595.15, 603, 585.1, 594.9 Bharti Airte, 335, 344.25, 332, 333.85 Bhel, 2190, 2221, 2161, 2193.65 Bhushan Stee, 405, 407.15, 398.5, 401.9 Biocon Limit, 339, 345.5, 335.2, 336.3 Bombay Dyein, 392, 397, 385, 391.55

Bosch Limite, 6014.95, 6118.4, 6010, 6034.9 Brigade Ente, 112, 112.5, 98.25, 100.5 Cairn India, 324, 326.75, 320.15, 324.5 Canara Bank, 568.45, 575.7, 555.25, 568.2 Central Bank, 165, 166.75, 153.7, 154.95 Century Text, 322, 323.85, 315.95, 319.8 Cesc Ltd, 299.05, 302.95, 296.8, 298.55 Chambal Fert, 76.4, 76.75, 73.75, 74.6 Chennai Petr, 213, 225, 208.1, 212.9 Cipla Ltd, 313.1, 319.9, 308.5, 314.55 Colgate Palm, 812, 822, 800, 812 Container Co, 1199.95, 1199.95, 1150, 1160.8 Crompton Gre, 268.5, 269, 262, 264.95 Cummins Indi, 649.9, 649.95, 617.15, 631.35 Dabur India, 92.45, 93.55, 91, 92.85 Deccan Chron, 86.25, 86.9, 83.55, 84.2 Dish Tv Indi, 58.4, 58.95, 57.45, 57.9 Divi’s Labor, 665, 673.85, 646.1, 650.85 Dlf Limited, 238.1, 245.8, 237.1, 242.8 Dr. reddy’s, 1581.45, 1588, 1551, 1565.15 Edelweiss Ca, 38.5, 39.9, 37.6, 38.05 Educomp Solu, 456.8, 461.15, 444.7, 446.85 Eih Limited, 100.25, 101, 97, 98.15 Engineers In, 289, 291.95, 283.05, 286.85

executives of Vedanta and Cairn, who opposed three of the 11 conditions, they said.

Cairn/Vedanta are opposed to ONGC's demand for recovering the royalty before profits from sale of Rajasthan oil as it will lower Cairn India's profitability and valuation.

Sundareshan was to meet the Cairn Energy head Bill Gammell, Cairn India CEO Rahul Dhir and Vedanta officials M S Mehta (Group CEO) and Tarun Jain (CFO) again today but the meeting could not take place, sources said.

The Rajasthan block, which gives Cairn India 90 per cent of its valuation, is a losing proposition for ONGC, as it has to pay 20 per cent royalty to the state government on the entire output.

Essar Oil Lt, 118.25, 119.85, 117.3, 118.1 Essar Shippi, 98.45, 98.45, 95, 95.85 Exide Indust, 131.4, 132.15, 129.5, 131 Federal Bank, 341.55, 356.2, 341.55, 348.1 Financial Te, 749, 772.7, 742.2, 758.8 Gail (india), 458.7, 458.7, 440.1, 445.15 Gammon India, 128, 131, 127.1, 128.5 Glaxosmithkl, 2231, 2258, 2213.15, 2233.5 Glenmark Pha, 293.1, 299, 285, 296.9 Gmr Infrastr, 39.9, 39.9, 38.2, 39.05 Godrej Indus, 169.4, 170.7, 165.65, 166.85 Grasim Indus, 2301, 2317.5, 2270.05, 2301.55 Great Offsho, 289.75, 291.9, 283.25, 287.15 Gtl Infra.Lt, 40.2, 40.2, 39.1, 39.5 Gujarat Mine, 118, 118.35, 115.65, 116.4 Gujarat N R, 55.3, 56.15, 53.5, 54.65 Gujarat Stat, 102.25, 102.25, 100.45, 101.05 Gvk Pow. & I, 30.3, 30.8, 29.6, 29.75 Hcl Technolo, 483, 486.95, 468.2, 477.7 Hdfc Bank Lt, 2045, 2060, 2020.2, 2038.85 Hdfc Ltd, 615, 615, 586.55, 590.65 Hero Honda M, 1540, 1599, 1540, 1583.2 Hindalco in, 236.8, 238.7, 227.95, 232.25 Hindustan Co, 36.4, 36.8, 35.55, 35.95 Hindustan Ma, 66, 66, 62.9, 63.4 Hindustan Pe, 343, 348.95, 337, 347.55

nessman Ottavio Quattrocchi in the Bofors gun deal in the nineties.

"In our view, to enforce the rule of law, these steps were desirable to bring all the relevant income tax violations to the logical end by the income tax department. Inaction in this regard may lead to a nonexistent undesirable and detri-

mental notion that India is a soft state and one can meddle with its tax laws with impunity," the tribunal had said in its 98-page order.

Vahanvati is learnt to have told the Law Ministry that the Income Tax department, which comes under the Finance Ministry, should challenge the ITAT order in the Delhi High Court

for removal of the remarks by the tribunal against the Income Tax department in its December, 2010 order.

The appeal will be restricted to the strictures against the I-T department only. It will not touch upon the issue of any private person who had approached the tribunal on taxation matters.

Global demand boosts Copper, nickel prices PTI NEW DELHI, FEB 7

Copper and nickel prices rose

by Rs 5 per kg in the local nonferrous metal market today on rising demand from consuming industries amid firming trend at London Metal Exchange.

Traders said rising demand from consuming industries and firming trend at London Metal Exchange on hopes that global economic recovery would boost demand outlook, mainly pushed up copper and nickel prices.

Meanwhile, copper for three-month delivery climbed 0.5 per cent to $10,097 a metric tonne on the London Metal Exchange.

In the national capital, copper wire scrap, copper wire bar and copper mixed scrap were up by Rs 5 each to Rs 518, Rs 541 and Rs 502 per kg, respectively.

Nickel (4x4) followed suit and traded higher by the same margin to Rs 1,057-1,059 per kg.

Following were today's quotations in Rs per kg: Tin ingot 840, zinc ingot 133.50, nickel plate (4x4) 1,057-1,059, gun metal scrap 226 bell metal scrap 228, copper wire scrap 518, copper wire bar 541, copper mixed scrap 502, Utensil scrap 224, Chadripital 175 Lead ingot 138 and lead imported 140.

Hindustan Un, 277, 277, 271.5, 274.35 Hindustan Zi, 1289, 1290, 1260.05, 1266.8 Housing Dev, 138, 144.35, 137.9, 143 Icici Bank L, 985, 995, 974.35, 978.75 Idea Cellula, 70.3, 71.5, 68.65, 68.9 Ifci Ltd, 53, 54.75, 52.15, 54 India Cement, 89.3, 91, 88.2, 89.55 India Infoli, 77.8, 77.8, 70.15, 71.4 Indiabulls F, 153.4, 155.4, 149.75, 151.65 Indiabulls R, 117.5, 119.25, 116.1, 118.45 Indian Bank, 218.8, 219.9, 207, 208.95 Indian Hotel, 92.75, 93.85, 90.65, 90.95 Indian Oil C, 323.25, 333, 319.6, 322.4 Indian Overs, 124.8, 126.7, 121.5, 125.4 Indus Dev Ba, 136, 136.9, 132.4, 132.95 Indusind Ban, 221, 224.85, 218.05, 222.65 Infosys Tech, 3074.9, 3113.9, 3061, 3087.45 Infra. dev., 138.05, 138.7, 134.35, 135.8 Ispat Indust, 25, 25, 24.05, 24.25 Itc Ltd, 155.8, 158.75, 153.3, 157.1 Ivrcl Infras, 75, 75, 66.2, 72.3 Jai Corp Lim, 170, 171.5, 164.1, 165.85 Jaiprakash A, 84.85, 86.85, 83.9, 85.65 Jet Airways, 511, 516.9, 484, 488.05 Jindal Saw L, 214.95, 217.6, 207.6, 211.85 Jindal Steel, 640, 650.4, 633.45, 643.45 Jsw Steel Li, 896.05, 913.95, 881.55, 898.1

Kotak Mahind, 361.75, 366.5, 358.1, 359.8 Lakshmi Mach, 2135, 2165, 2125.1, 2150.05 Lanco Infrat, 48.5, 50.05, 45.8, 46.3 Larsen & Tou, 1580, 1585, 1535.7, 1539.25 Lic Housing, 178, 182.5, 178, 179.35 Lupin Limite, 421, 423.1, 408.55, 410.25 Mahanagar Te, 46, 47.45, 45.4, 45.95 Mahindra & M, 679, 681.8, 663.3, 669.2 Maruti Suzuk, 1201, 1201, 1180, 1189.75 Max India Lt, 151, 153.7, 147.75, 149.5 Maytas Infr., 174.9, 176.65, 174.25, 175.1 Moser-baer (, 50, 50.8, 48.5, 48.85 Mrpl, 68, 69.6, 67.25, 69.3 Nagarjuna Co, 102, 105.4, 97.2, 100.45 Nagarjuna Fe, 29.8, 30.1, 28.85, 29.45 National Alu, 420, 425.8, 419.5, 420.2 Neyveli Lign, 103.8, 104.5, 101.6, 102.65 Ntpc Ltd, 178, 180.15, 176.8, 179.6 Oil And Natu, 1200, 1218, 1190, 1194.55 Omaxe Limite, 134, 137, 134, 136.35 Oriental Ban, 331.05, 332, 313.65, 316.2 Pantaloon Re, 287.9, 287.9, 278, 279.75 Parsvnath De, 43, 43, 40.4, 41.45 Petronet Lng, 127, 132.4, 125.3, 129.6 Power Fin Co, 258.6, 264, 255.1, 262.1 Power Grid C, 97.35, 98.5, 96.5, 97.8 Praj Industr, 73, 73.95, 72.2, 73.3

Punj Lloyd L, 91, 91, 87.25, 87.7 Punjab Natio, 1073, 1073, 1015, 1021.85 Rajesh Expor, 130.5, 131.9, 129.5, 130.75 Ranbaxy Labs, 531.9, 531.9, 508.2, 510.85 Rashtriya Ch, 86.9, 87.8, 84.15, 85 Reliance Cap, 497.85, 502.8, 484.1, 493.85 Reliance Com, 114.9, 118, 114.75, 115.6 Reliance Ene, 1076, 1076, 1001, 1022.9 Reliance Ind, 559, 560, 541, 546.8 Reliance Ind, 925.7, 938.8, 914.4, 929.05 Reliance Pow, 131, 131, 127.3, 127.95 Rolta India, 140, 142.85, 137.2, 141.45 Satyam Compu, 60.35, 61.4, 59.8, 60.3 Sesa Goa Ltd, 319, 323.3, 316.15, 319.4 Shipping Cor, 115, 116.55, 113.8, 114.2 Siemens Ltd, 854.9, 856, 841.1, 844.3 Sintex Indus, 147.85, 157.7, 147.85, 154.55 Sobha Develo, 227.35, 229.35, 216.55, 218.05 State Bank O, 2659.7, 2687.8, 2634.55, 2663.45 Steel Author, 161.9, 162.75, 159, 160.4 Sterlite Ind, 169, 171.9, 168.5, 169.4 Sun Pharmace, 416, 418.7, 406.35, 410.1 Sun Tv Netwo, 460, 468.6, 370.35, 411.75 Suzlon Energ, 47, 50.25, 45.6, 49.6 Tata Communi, 233.5, 233.5, 228, 229.3

Tata Consult, 1173.5, 1173.5, 1126.5, 1131.15 Tata Motors, 1141.1, 1159.85, 1110.8, 1146.35 Tata Power C, 1183, 1208.7, 1156.1, 1194.2 Tata Steel L, 639.7, 645.5, 634.1, 640.4 Tata Teleser, 16.95, 17, 16.55, 16.65 Tech Mahindr, 637, 642, 626.15, 629.5 The Ge Shpg., 294, 296.7, 288.2, 289.85 The Phoenix, 194, 194, 185, 190.15 Thermax Ltd, 660, 660, 625, 630.6 Titan Indust, 3510, 3534.7, 3432.1, 3448 Torrent Powe, 214.8, 222, 211.5, 220.05 Triveni Engg, 94, 96.6, 92.4, 95.8 Tv18 India L, 77.5, 78.6, 72.3, 76.05 Uco Bank, 105.25, 106.6, 102.6, 103.35 Ultratech Ce, 1011, 1024, 986.1, 993.35 Union Bank O, 327.5, 335, 323.4, 326.05 Unitech Ltd, 43.4, 46, 43.4, 44.25 United Phosp, 141.8, 143.6, 138.75, 140.45 Videocon Ind, 201.05, 205.6, 198.2, 202.15 Vijaya Bank, 87, 87, 84.05, 84.4 Voltas Ltd, 172.85, 174.8, 170.05, 171.1 Wipro Ltd, 435.75, 440.95, 425, 426.9 Yes Bank Lim, 260.15, 264, 257.15, 259.4 Zee Entertai, 114.95, 118.1, 113.9, 115.25

OHERALDO

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GOA, TUESDAY, 8 FEBRUARY, 2011

Egypt turmoil may worsen India’s c/a deficit: Citi REUTERS NEW DELHI, FEB 7

A prolonged political turmoil in Middle Eastern countries, led

by Egypt, may further deteriorate India's current account deficit and dent investment flows to emerging markets, Citi said in a research note on Monday.

The crisis in Egypt could result in oil prices trending higher, which will impact India's already deteriorating current account deficit, leading to higher subsidies and inflation, analysts Rohini Malkani and Anushka Shah wrote.

India's current account deficit in the September quarter widened to a record high of $15.8 billion as booming domestic consumer demand

sucked in imports and service sector exports suffered from weak global demand.

Events in Egypt will have an impact on Indian monetary policy, the country's central bank deputy governor told reporters on Sunday, underscoring the worries about headline inflation above 8.4 percent.

India's economy, Asia's thirdlargest and a driver of the world recovery, is expected to grow 8.6 percent in the year ending in March, but at the risk of high commodity prices widening the trade gap and exacerbating inflation.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has increased its end March inflation forecast to 7 percent from the earlier 5.5 percent.

India's central bank has raised rates seven times since March, although monetary policy is expected to have only a limited impact on reining in supply-side driven food inflation.

The turmoil in Egypt has raised concerns of a disruption to supply of Middle East oil shipped through Egypt, and of unrest spreading across the Middle East and North Africa, which combined produce more than a third of the world's oil.

North Sea Brent crude oil futures jumped back above $100 on Monday.

The Middle East accounts for more than half of India's remittances of $52 billion and is also India's largest export market, the Citi report said.

ASBA mandatory for non-retail investors: Sebi PTI MUMBAI, FEB 7

Market regulator Sebi today made it mandatory for non-retail investors to apply for shares in public and rights offers through ASBA facility -where money is debited from investor's account only after share allotment.

"The ASBA (Application Supported by Blocked Amounts) facility shall be mandatory for non-retail investors making applications in public/rights issues with effect from May 1, 2011," Chairman C B Bhave said after a Sebi board meeting here.

The new norm would be applicable to all non-retail investors -- qualified institutional buyers and non-institutional investors -- bidding for shares in public offers of the companies

India raises visa fee hike issue with US PTI NEW DELHI, FEB 7

India on Monday raised the issue of visa fee hike by the US, emphasising the Obama administration not take any step detrimental to the interest of Indian IT professionals.

The issue, which has an impact on the Indian IT industry, came up for discussion between visiting US Commerce Secretary Gary Locke and Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma here.

Locke is leading a 24-member high level US business delegation, which will also visit Mumbai and Bangalore. "We hope that there will not be any measures which negatively impact on the movement of professionals between the two countries,, particularly, our IT professionals in the US," Sharma told reporters here after the meeting.

We hope that there will not be any measures which negatively impact on the movement of professionals between the two countries.

-- Anand Sharma When asked whether India would drag the US into the WTO on the issue, Sharma said: "I don't think we have reached that stage."

Supplementing, Commerce Secretary Rahul Khullar said that the two countries are trying to work out a solution.

"Give us some time to see if we work out a solution. We do not go and rush into court everytime," Khullar said.

The US has recently hiked visa fees in certain categories of H1B and L1, which was

Excellence key to survive in market: PM Tata Motors launches new Manza car PTI NEW DELHI, FEB 7

In the face of intense competition, Indian enterprises need to adopt a culture of excellence to survive and flourish in the global market, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said today.

While several multi-national enterprises have set up R&D facilities in India, the country has a "far way to go in institutionalising the culture of excellence embedded into the working processes of Indian enterprises," he said.

Singh was addressing an international conference on productivity and quality here.

"We live in times of intense competition and rapid technological change. Technology is eliminating or at least significantly reducing entry barriers in many industries and increasing the number of providers of goods and services," he said.

Singh said the techniques for improving

quality and productivity were not only useful for private enterprises but also for de-

Mercedes-Benz sales up 59 per cent in Jan

PTI NEW DELHI, FEB 7

Luxury car-maker Mercedes-Benz India today reported a 58.81 per cent jump in sales to 640 units in January, 2011, its highest-ever tally for the month in any year.

The company sold 403 units in the corresponding month last year, Mercedes-Benz India said in a statement.

The Germany-based car-maker saw sales of its C-Class sedans jump to 265 units, while E-Class models found 252 buyers in India.

Mercedes recorded sales of 46 premium S-Class sedans in January, 2011, it added.

The entire range of sports utility vehicles - M, GL and R class cars -

witnessed 67 units of sales last month.

“2010 was an exciting year for us. While the market grew at 60 per cent, we at Mercedes-Benz India managed a growth of 80 per cent. This clearly shows that our exciting products, strong brand traction and ownership experience continue to be highly appreciated by our customers,” Mercedes-Benz India Managing Director and CEO Peter T Honegg said.

Meanwhile, another luxury carmaker, Audi, sold 480 units in January, 2011 - its highest-ever monthly sales in India - as against 306 units in the same month last year, translating into a 56.86 per cent increase.

livery of public services.

"In fact they can be used to design government services optimally so that service delivery becomes much-more cost effective and reliable," he said.

Giving example, the Prime Minister said that the productivity technique could be used to enhance agricultural production and improve overall supply chain management.

"Today the use of technology in planning and supply chain management has enormous potential to improve productivity, reduce cycle times as well as inventory levels drastically", he said.

India's agriculture which feeds about 70 per cent of its people suffers from supply chain management, leading to bouts of food inflation now and then.

This area is receiving attention of the government after the weaknesses in the food supply management have come to the fore.

Pak competition may hit India’s basmati rice exports PTI NEW DELHI, FEB 7

Aromatic basmati rice exports from India may dip by 10 per cent to 1.8 million tonnes in the 2010-11 fiscal due to the increased competition posed by neighbouring Pakistan’s produce in Europe, a trade body said on Monday.

“Total basmati rice export in both volume and value terms are expected to fall by 10 per cent from a year earlier.

Exports volume may fall to 1.8 million tonnes,” All-India Rice Exporters Association President Vijay Setia told reporters.

Setia attributed the slump in exports to growing competition from neighbouring Pakistan in Europe due to pesticide concerns. “Indian farmers are spraying pesticide even after the flowering stage of the crop. And the EU is objecting to this,” he said.

In addition, Indian exporters are not keen to export basmati to Iran -- one of their biggest markets -- due to delays in receiving payment for shipments on account of sanctions imposed by the U.S. and United Nations against the Middle East nation over its suspected nuclear programme, said Mr. Setia.

“Iran payment is coming very slowly as it is being routed through Dubai. As a result, it is affecting our market and realisation,” he said.

In the 2009-10 fiscal, the country shipped 2.01 million tonnes of basmati rice, mainly to the UAE, Iran, Saudi Arabia and, Europe . and the US. The export realisation from overseas shipments of Indian basmati was Rs. 10,838 crore last fiscal, he said.

In terms of value, exports were down by Rs 2,500 crore in the review period. The value realisation was $ 1,060/tonne in the first ten months of the current fiscal, compared to $ 1,160/tonne in the same period last year, it said.

PTI MUMBAI, FEB 7

Tata Motors today introduced the new Tata Manza. With a fresh new look of premium dual tone interiors and an exterior make-over, the new Tata Manza delivers a driving experience which is a class apart in the sedan market. The range will be available across all Tata Motors (Q,N,C,F) dealerships from Feb 7, 2011.

Top of the line safety and security features like ABS, airbags, multistage drive away auto locking, rear demister,

Mahindra ventures into construction PTI MUMBAI, FEB 7

India's largest tractor and sports utility maker, Mahindra and Mahindra (M&M) today announced its entry into the construction equipment business with the launch of the first indigenously developed - Mahindra EarthMaster-backhoe loader.

"With the launch of EarthMaster backhoe loader, we have entered into a large, fast growing and profitable construction equipment business.

We have an engineering ability and we are hopeful of launching more products in earth moving segment in the near future”, Pawan Goenka told reporters.

India world’s best outsourcing hub REUTERS BOSTON, FEB 7

India remains the favourite back- office of the world thanks to its "first-mover advantage" and deep skill base, as per global management consulting firm AT Kearney's ranking of the best outsourcing destinations.

The top three slots in AT Kearney's 2011 Global Services Location Index (GSLI) are occupied by three Asian countries: India, China and Malaysia.

The three countries have enjoyed the top three rankings since the inception of the GLSI in 2003, demonstrating "remarkable staying power, thanks to their deep talent pools and cost advantages".

"India is the all-around standout, able to provide manpower for any type of off-shoring activity. With its first-mover advantage and deep skill base, it still maintains the lion's share of the IT services market," the report said.

Furthermore, the report says India has proven itself adept at competing in all dimensions of the industry, being the "preeminent destination and leader" in all fields of offshore services.

India has excellence in IT, thanks to its elite educational institutions, in BPO because of the large annual output of qualified graduates and in voice, because of the English language capabilities of its population.

"With its first-mover advantage and deep skill base, India remains the unquestioned leader in the index - a half point ahead of China and a full point in front of Malaysia.

"On top of that, India's IT services stalwarts are moving up the value

chain," the report said, adding that companies such as Infosys and Wipro are developing their R&D capabilities and expanding well beyond their traditional vendor roles.

Asia ranked highly throughout the rest of the top 10, which features Indonesia (5), Thailand (7), Vietnam (8) and the Philippines (9).

China has begun offering specialised skills not only in English, but also Korean, Japanese and Chinese.

However, China may not make a great impact in the call centre arena, the report said, adding that China's most attractive avenues are high-end analytics and advanced IT, where it is an alternative to Russia and Eastern Europe.

Nevertheless, it can be a strong competitor to India in the BPO sector.

Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand

have not yet devoted as much as they can to promoting information and communications technology, but they score highly in the index because of their vast talent pools and competitive wages.

The Philippines, an early entrant into the service sector, is also relatively wellrounded.

It has had more than a decade to hone its capabilities and has now moved into IT operations from being primarily a contact-centre hub.

The Middle East and North Africa have also become increasingly attractive because of their proximity to Europe and their vast talent pools.

The United Arab Emirates climbed to 15th overall, serving as a regional services hub.

Other countries on the list of 50 are Germany (26), Singapore (32), Canada

(39), France (44) and Australia (46).

While many European countries were badly hurt by the financial crisis, Estonia (11), Latvia (13) and Lithuania (14) saw their ratings climb.

These countries engaged in a process of "internal devaluation", cutting wages and expenditures, and as a result were able to offer highly competitive cost structures.

The UK was also able to benefit from a sharp drop in wages and climbed to 16th in the ratings from 31st in 2009.

The United States is the top customer for outsourcing services, accounting for 63 per cent of global IT outsourcing spending.

Its tier-2 locations rank 18th as outsourcing locations, thanks to a combination of talent and accessibility. Latin America continues to serve the US market well and is expected to grow in importance.

Mexico, in 6th place worldwide, leads the region, due to a sharp drop in wages over the year, the increased attractiveness of "near-shoring" and a well-developed talent pool.

Chile dropped to 10th place from 8th, while Brazil was number 12 for the second straight year.

The Global Services Location Index analyses and ranks the top 50 countries worldwide for locating outsourcing activities, including IT services and support, contact centres and back-office support.

The rankings are based on a country's performance in categories such as financial attractiveness, people and skills availability and the business environment.

collapsible steering, energy absorbing steering wheel, door intrusion beam for side impact ensure complete safety.

The new Tata Manza series, despite its premium features, has been competitively priced, starting from Rs 5.14 lakh for the Safire petrol range and from Rs. 5.91 lakh for the Quadrajet diesel range (exshowroom, Delhi).

Shares of Tata Motors declined Rs 20.50, or 1.78%, to trade at Rs 1,129. The total volume of shares traded was 4.39 at the BSE (12.13 a.m., Monday).

mainly used by Indian IT professionals, to fund security measures along the US-Mexico border.

According to software industry body Nasscom , the Indian IT-BPO sector is estimated to grow 19 per cent in revenue terms during 2010-11 to USD 76 billion. The US is an important destination for Indian ITBPO sector.

Both the sides also discussed the issue of market access, reduction of trade barriers and technology transfer for solar power plants. The bilateral trade between the countries stood at USD 50 billion in 2010.

Sharma also said that the US has removed Indian Space Research Organisation ( ISRO )) and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) from its restricted entities list.

IDBI revises base rate AGENCIES MUMBAI, FEB 7

Bank has decided to increase the retail term deposit rates by 25 -125 basis points (bps) in different maturity buckets.

The ALCO of IDBI Bank reviewed the interest rates on retail term deposits and keeping in view credit demand, inflation and liquidity scenario, the Bank has decided to increase the retail term deposit rates by 25 -125 basis points (bps) in different maturity buckets.

The revised interest rates are effective from February 8, 2011. Additional Interest rate for Senior citizens is 50 - 75 bps above the normal interest.

The step would enable the said firms in the sector to import high-end technologies and engage in sensitive items without a license which was mandatory till now. The US has decided to remove nine India space and defence related companies from its Entities List, the move which would help in boosting high technology trade between the countries. "...they have removed all export controls...Gary Locke was confirming that they (the US) have completed all their internal procedures and they (Indian companies) now stand removed from those list," Sharma said.

Pg 14 GOA, Tuesday, 8 February, 2011

SPORTS

Margao squeeze past Cavelossim gfa 1st div HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, FEB 7

Margao Sports Club registered a narrow 1-0 win over Santa Cruz Club of Cavelossim in GFA’s First Division League at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda on Monday.

There was no score at half time.

Both teams preferred the attacking approach but a goal eluded them. It was Cavelossim who nearly broke the deadlock early but Margao’s keeper Agnelo Gomes came to his side’s rescue when he blocked striker Djohn Fernandes’ rasping volley off a cross from Josley Miranda on the left.

On the other hand, Margao had a couple of excellent

Bhakti draws

HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, FEB 7

WIM Bhakti Kulkarni drew with Farago Sandor (2292) of Hungary in the second round of First Saturday Round Robin IM Budapest Chess Tournament in Hungary.

She is now on one point after two rounds.

GFA Second Division South play-off: Mangor SC v. Wilred Leisure SC, Tilak Maidan, Vasco, 4 p.m.

GFA Second Division: Goa Police SC v. Young Boys of Tonca, Taleigao ground, 4 p.m.

GFA U-14: United Boys of Palolem v. Young Strikers, Agonda ground, 4 p.m.

GFA U-16: Macasana Welfare Club v. Ave Maria AWC, Curtorim ground, 4 p.m.

St Sebastian soccer: Carmona Boys v. St Anthony, Goa Velha, Greenfield ground, Santa Cruz 7 p.m.

chances with midfielder Paryson Rebello harassing the rival defence with darting runs and also taking pot shots which were dealt with effectively by Cavelossim keeper Colaco. Colaco also prevented Fredric Endro alias Dotor from scoring with his fine anticipation and reflexes.

Midway in the opening session, Margao came close in surging ahead but striker Fredric Endro was the culprit as he muffed a sitter with only Cavelossim keeper Colaco to beat.

Thereafter, Cavelossim’s waistline was ineffective and striker Levino Fernandes was struggling to trouble the rival defence as Margao’s stopper back Mariano Fernandes was

alert in frustrating the rival attacks.

With time running out for the breather, Margao nearly found success but Jaison Pereira’s free kick just outside the box missed the mark narrowly.

After change of ends, the teams went all out in search of t h e m a t c h - w i n n e r. I t w a s Cavelossim who went into the attack but Parryson Rebello moved inside the rival penalty box and Cavelossim defender John Barretto thwarted him with neat tackles.

The all-important goal came in the 77th minute following Cavelossim keeper Flyod Colaco’s goalkeeping error. Jaison Pereira’s goal bound cross saw Cavelossim keeper Colaco al-

lowing the ball to slip from his hands and Rome Fernandes flicked the ball on the path of Gammy Costa, who placed the ball to the far corner of the net.

Stung by the reverse, Cavelossim tried their best but failed to get past the rival defence.

Santa Cruz Club of Cavelossim’s winning streak was snapped today and they suffered their first defeat. They have 16 points from seven matches while Margao Sports Club collected ten points from seven matches.

Cavelossim’s coach Severino Fernandes said, “I am happy with the performance of my boys. We missed a couple of chances but I believe in my boys and we will always play for a win.”

Don Bosco Oratory in semis wilred leisure cup HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, FEB 7

Don Bosco Oratory, Fatorda downed Fr Agnel Youth Club, Paroda 2-0 to storm into the semi-finals of 3rd All-Goa Wilred Leisure Cup inter-village football tournament organised by Wilred Leisure Sports Club at Curtorim ground, on Monday. Don Bosco led 1-0 at half time.

Don Bosco began on the attacking mode and forged ahead in the 21st minute when Maxon Pereira picked up the ball from

his own half and unleashed a right footer beating the rival keeper hands down.

The goal spurred Don Bosco to pile pressure and created many forays into the rival territory but their forwards missed scoring chances in ideal positions.

At the other end, Fr Agnel had scoring chances but their forwards messed up inside the rival penalty area.

Don Bosco continued to enjoy a lion share of exchanges with their forwards repeatedly at-

UC Margao, Babu Bros in quarters union trophy t20 HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, FEB 7

Union Club of Margao and Babu Brothers Sports Club scored fluent victories in Union Trophy T20 cricket tournament organised by Union Club of Margao at Nehru practice ground.

In-form Babu Brother’s of Quepem scored a comfortable nine-wicket win over New Vadem Sports Club of Vasco to enter the semi-finals while Union Club of Margao beat AlAmin of Margao by six runs on the way to the quarter-finals.

Brief score: Union Club of Margao, 113 for 9 in 20 overs (Sanman Shaikh (42), Ketan Desai (20), Sayed Masood (12).

Yogesh Moradgikar 3-22, Paul

Fernandes 3-29. They beat AlAmin Club, Margao 107 all out in 20 overs Aftab Ahmed (22), Shailesh Naik (19), S Sarvan (16). Sayed Masood 3-22, Evashish Bagchi 2-18. Man-of-the-match: Sanman Shaikh (Union Club of Margao).

New Vadem Sports Club, Vasco, 110 all out Kalol Maitra (22), Achit Shigwan (19), S Ashish (17). Kevin D’ Sousa 2-22, Wasim Shaikh 2-19, Vasudeo Kundaikar 1-19.

They lost to Babu Brother’s SC, 111 for 1 in 14.4 overs.

Santosh Satarkar (44), Vasudeo Kundaikar not out (41), Rohit Dhamsekar not out (14).

Abhishek Patil 1-23. Man-of-thematch: Vasudeo Kundaikar (Babu Brothers).

Somesh excels for BAFF HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, FEB 7

Somesh Gawas netted four goals in the first half as BAFF overcame Saligao Sporting Club 6-0 in GFA’s U-16 League at Saligao sporting ground on Monday.

BAFF led 4-0 at the breather.

After the lemon break Devesh Raut added a brace.

BAFF topped the group and have qualified for the play-offs with 18 points. United Club of Nerul qualified earlier with 16 points.

In a U-16 match at Sarzora ground, Jonathan Cardoza scored a brace as Sirlim Sports Club defeated Sarzora Sports Club 3-1.

Benson Fernandes was also on the score sheet for Sirlim.

Sanford Fernandes pulled a consolation goal back for Sarzora.

Delbert Fernandes netted a hat-trick as Salgaocar Sports Club thrashed Cortalim Gymkhana 7-1 in GFA’s U-14 League at Tilak Maidan, Vasco.

Jess Vaz scored a brace, Stanny D’Sousa and Danny Fernandes were also on target.

At Betalbatim ground, Betalbatim Sporting Club overcame Rossman Cruz Nagoa Sports Club 3-0.

On Sunday, Guardian Angel Sports Club defeated Guirdolim Club 2-1 in GFA’s U-16 League, while in the U-14 League, Ave Maria AWC overcame AA de Majorda 3-1 and Wilred Leisure Sports Club defeated Raia FC 2-0.

Sirlim oust Sarzora

NARGAO (HC) -- Sirlim Sports Club were good enough to grab a 3-1 victory over Sarzora Sports Club in GFA U-16 League at Sarzora ground, on Monday.

After a barren first half, Sirlim went into an aggressive mood with their forwards attacking the rival citadel with a barrage of attacks. The highlight of the day was a brilliant brace by striker Jonathon Cardozo.

Benson Fernandes rubbed salt on Sarzora’s wounds by adding his name on the scorer list.

tacking the rival citadel and tested the rival keeper with snap shots.

Don Bosco scored the insurance goal soon after resumption when Vincent Barbosa headed home off a cross from Maxon Falerio.

Fr Agnel were unable to strike rhythm as their defenders failed to keep a check on the rival attackers.

Maxon Faleiro of Don Bosco and Manush Oliveira of Fr Agnel were awarded the best player trophies.

Ricardo stars in TFA’s victory HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, FEB 7

Goa’s goalkeeper Ric a r d o Cardozo, son of form e r Dempo Sports Club goalkeeper Eug e n i o Cardozo played a stellar role for Tata Football Academy to lift the Biju Patnaik memorial football championship trophy organised

by Rourkela Sports Association at Ispat Stadium, Rourkela on February 6.

Ricardo exhibited fine anticipation and reflexes bringing in some superlative saves, which enabled TFA defeat Sonali Shibir of Kolkota 5-1.

Six-footer Ricardo is the lone Goan presently being trained by Tata Football Academy, Jamshedpur.

In all ten National teams participated.

Vaddy Merces too good for St Mathew HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, FEB 7

Vaddy Sports Club, Merces defeated St Mathew Sports Club of Azossim 4-0 in GFA’s Second Division at Dr Remigio Pinto ground, Taleigao on Monday.

Vaddy led 1-0 at the interval.

Amol Velikar opened the scoring in the 10th minute. Changing over, Vaddy stepped on the gas and pushed their opponents harder. Paul Joao netted in the 57th and Raju Kalu punted in a few minutes later. Milton Negredo sealed the win in the 67th.

Maclin Marcel, Jesmon Afonso and Salvador Gracias were booked for St Mathew, while Amol Velimkar and Francis Fernandes were booked for Vaddy.

In a GFA First Division match on Sunday, Raia Sporting Club defeated Mormugao Port Trust 2-1.

Don Bosco, Damodar, Quepem, GEC ahead inter-college cricket HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, FEB 7

Don Bosco, Shree Damodar, Government College, Quepem and Goa Engineering College entered the second round of inter-college cricket championship organised by Goa University at University ground, Taleigao Plateau on Sunday.

In the first encounter, Don Bosco College beat Ayurveda College by 5 wickets. Winning the toss, Ayurveda decided to bat first and scored 97 runs. Ajit Tukaral (26), Gitesh Rane (16), Rahul Pangotra (15) and Aniket Redkar (11). Mahesh Choudhary 5-24, Siddhesh Chopdekar 2-20, Dipesh shetkar 1-21.

Don Bosco College won in the 15th over with 5 wickets in hand. Milind Naik (40), Daulat Valvaikar (28). Laxman Prabhu 3-27. Rahul and Ajit took 1 wicket each.

Shree Damodar College beat Goa Medical College by 119 runs.

Batting first, Damodar scored 183 for 6. Darshan Karekar (86), Virendra Naik (36), Rakesh Prajapat (14). Dattaram Gawas 336, Shashank Pandey 2-42.

GMC scored 64 runs. Vasudev Gad (14), Sanil Kamat (12). Virendra Naik 2-6, Aquib Sayed 2-11, Sandesh Gaonkar 1-14.

Government College, Quepem beat CES College, Cuncolim by 169 runs.

Quepem after winning the toss elected to bat and scored a huge score of 234 for 5.

Saurabh Kakodkar (67) and Aditya Naik (62) put together 172 runs for the first wicket.

Akash Phaldesai (13), Dhuiraj Devidas (12). Gajendra 2-45.

Sunil and Muzzamel claimed 1 wicket each.

Cuncolim scored 65. Mahadev batting at number 10 scored 22 not-out for Cuncolim.

Goa Engineering College beat Fine Art College by 10 wickets.

Fine Art College scored 91 for 5 in 20 overs. Pandurang Redkar (22), Pranesh Desai (20), Mahadev Pawar (22). Ritesh Sharma, Madhum Kamat and Gauresh Naik took 1 wicket each. Goa Engineering College won in the 10th over without losing a wicket. Siddharth Dhamaskar (62) and Anitej Dabholkar (18).

Pg 15

SPORTS

Kansas City releases Chhetri PTI NEW DELHI, FEB 7

Sunil Chhetri h a s b e e n re leased by Major League Soccer side Sporting K a n s a s C i t y, shattering the Indian striker’s great American dream af ter playing just one official match and without being fielded in an MLS fixture.

Chhetri, who became only the second Indian footballer of post-Independence

era to join a professional league side abroad - the first being Bhaichung Bhutia - when he signed for Sporting Kansas City in March last year, has not been picked for the 2011 season by the club.

"Sporting Kansas City did not pick up Sunil Chhetri,'' Sporting Kansas City vicepresident Rob Thomson told PTI. Thomson did not give any reason for Chhetri''s release but

American media reports suggest that coach Peter Vermes was not keen to continue with the Indian striker because of the limit imposed on the number of international players in a team.

The future of Chhetri, who failed to break into Sporting Kansas City roster last year, had been in doubt ever since he was placed on the transfer list during the MLS Drafts last month as one of the nine unprotected

players from the club.

Chhetri made only one official appearance for Sporting Kansas, starting in the team's L amer Hunt Open Cup qualifier against Colorado Rapids a month after his signing. He picked up a yellow card and was substituted at half time as Sporting Kansas lost 1-2.

Meanwhile, Dempo officials said there was no plan to bring Chhetri back as of now.

rates Sports Foundation.

"It feels great to be a part of such an event although I have done such charity appearances even earlier but it is always special. It is great that I scored but in such an event where the aim is to raise funds for a good cause, it does not really matter whether you score or not...just being a part of it is a big thing," said Bhutia.

Bhutia turned out for a team which had the legendary Sir Bobby Charlton as manager and later said the Englishman inquired about how Indian football was shaping up after the Asian Cup. "I had an interaction with Sir Bobby and he was inquiring

about Indian football. It is because we played in the Asian Cup last month and that made an impression. He took notice of Indian football because we were seen in an event which is second only to the World Cup in terms of competition. So, it is important to be seen in action at such an event," said Bhutia.

The captain reiterated that Indian football took a giant leap by appearing at the Asian Cup. "We didn't win any match but we can still be proud of our performance. We have to capitalise on the positives from what we managed at the Asian Cup," he said.

Bhutia played just about 15 minutes during the Asian Cup

because of nagging injuries and Bhutia feels he could have made a difference to the end result had he been completely fit.

"Yes, I could have made a difference. When completely fit, you can always make a difference to the overall picture," he said.

"I was after all the Most Valuable Player at the Nehru Cup. But that cannot take away from the team. They can be proud of their performance. We played rather well against a top side like Australia," he said.

Bhutia once again stated that the standard of domestic football in India needs to improve for the team to do better at the international level.

GOA, Tuesday, 8 February, 2011

Monte de Guirim top HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, FEB 7

St Anthony’s HS, Monte de Guirim dominated the North District hockey tournament organised by DSYA, at Peddem sports complex on Monday.

In the U-17 boys finals, Guirim got the better of Fr Agnel, Pilar 2-1.

In the girls U-14 hockey finals, St Anthony’s HS, Guirim defeated Our Lady of Rosary, Dona Paula 3-0.

In the semi-finals of U-13 primary school football festival, St Britto’s HS, Mapusa edged out St Xavier’s HS, Moira 3-1 via the tie-breaker.

In the other semi-finals, St Anthony’s HS, Monte Guirim overcame St Joseph’s HS, Calangute in the sudden deat.

Ronaldo double lifts Real to win Sevilla 0 Malaga 0 R Madrid 4 R Sociedad 1 Valencia 2 Hercules 0 AFP MADRID, FEB 7

Real Madrid responded in style to Barcelona's record breaking, 16th consecutive league victory with Cristiano Ronaldo leading the way in a 4-1 win over Real Sociedad on Sunday.

Ronaldo was charged up for the game after being criticised for not scoring in four matches and having seen Lionel Messi hit a hat-trick in Barcelona's 3-0 win over Atletico Madrid on Saturday.

That victory saw Pep Guardiola's side surpass the run of 15 victories set by Alfredo Di Stefano's Real Madrid team of 1960-

Bhutia scores in Laureus charity match Inter, Napoli close gap PTI ABU DHABI, FEB 7

He is the lone face of Indian sports in a high-profile gathering of international stars at the Laureus World Sports Awards and football skipper Baichung Bhutia on Monday said it is the ultimate honour to be in a crowd that features the likes of the legendary Sir Bobby Charlton, Boris Becker and Patrick Vieira.

The veteran striker, in fact, rubbed shoulders with former French stars Vieira and Marseille Desailly in a one-hour charity football match in which the Indian sent down one of the 23 goals scored to raise a whopping 500,000 euros for the Laureus Sports Foundation and the Emi-

Sattari, Sanquelim karatekas shine

Bologna 1 Catania 0 Brescia 2 Bari 0 Genoa 1 AC Milan 1 Lazio 1 Chievo 1 Lecce 2 Palermo 4 Napoli 2 Cesena 0 Parma 1 Fiorentina 1 Inter Milan 5 Roma 3 AFP ROME, FEB 7

Inter Milan thumped 10-man Roma 5-3 and Napoli beat Cesena 2-0 as both sides closed in on Serie A leaders AC Milan, who were held to a 1-1 draw at Genoa on Sunday.

Napoli trail Milan by just three points while Inter are five points back but with a game in hand.

Samuel Eto'o took his tally this season to 27 club goals with

a brace while Wesley Sneijder, on his first start since December, Thiago Motta and Esteban Cambiasso added the other strikes for the champions.

Brazilian midfielder Simplicio, Montenegro striker Mirko Vucinic and substitute centre-back Simone Loria replied for Roma.

Milan took the lead in Genoa through Pato but Antonio Floro Flores struck an equaliser for the hosts.

Floro Flores was on hand in first half injury time when an unfortunate deviation off Mathieu Flamini fell to him in the box and he finished crisply into the corner.

Napoli bounved back from their midweek defeat at Chievo with goals from Serie A top scorer Edinson Cavani and Jose Sosa.

GOA DIARY SAI selection trials

PANJIM (HSD) – SAI will organise selection trials to select new SAI trainees in Day Boarding Scheme (DBS) on February 8 and 9 at St Joseph High School ground, Calangute at 3 p.m. Trainees need to be between 14 to 18 years of age and may report to with full playing kit, proof of residence, birth certificates, two photographs and sports merit certificates.

Weightlifting championship

MARGAO (HC) -- The Weightlifting Association of South Goa will organise their 1st weightlifting championship on February 7 at SAG’s multi-purpose hall, Fatorda at 1 p.m. Last date to submit entries is February 10. Details may be obtained from Wendy Gomes on 9822134649 or Johnson Rebello on 9850137057.

The medal winners alongwith chief instructor Vishnu Naik.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT VALPOI, FEB 7

Karatekas of Sattari and Sanquelim bagged as many as 11 medals – 2 gold,4 silver and 5 bronze in State Level semi-contact karate championship organised by Japan karate

shotokai at Ponda.

In the spiring event, Ajeet Umaraye got a silver, while Anket Singbal, Parveen Hankare, Soham Prabhudessai bagged a bronze.

In the kata event, Sudesh Savoikar and Omkar Naik bagged a gold, Kaksa Naik,

Photo by Ashraf Khan

Sairaj Verekar, Jeetu Patil got a silver each while Vishal Nayar and Revet Gavde got a bronze.

They are being trained by chief instructor Vishnu Naik of Goa School of full contact bino-ryu karate, Honda Sattari.

1961 and put them ten points clear at the top.

Sociedad were nervous in possession and a poor clearance from Gorka Elustondo fell to Kaka and the Brazilian slotted the ball into the corner after just seven minutes.

Ronaldo was toying with the Sociedad defence and showing his full repertoire of flicks and back-heels.

He turned his man on the edge of the area and was given time to find his spot with his left foot to add to the lead.

Before half-time he powered home a header from a corner to notch up his 25th goal of the season and retake the lead in the goal-scoring charts from Messi.

Kaka hit the post and Adebayor miskicked in front of goal as Real continued to pressure but it was Sociedad who pulled a goal back with a rare foray forward.

Raul Tamudo's shot was blocked by keeper Iker Casillas but the rebound cannoned off Alvaro Arbeloa into the goal.

Adebayor had the last say for Real with a cool finish in the final minutes.

Valencia kept up their impressive form with a 2-0 win over Hercules and moved onto the shoulders of third-placed Villarreal. Aritz Aduriz and Tino Costa scored.

Sevilla were left to rue wasted chances as they could only draw 0-0 in the Andalusian derby with bottom side Malaga.

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Pg16

Margao squeeze past Cavelossim Pg 14

GOA, TUESDAY, 8 FEBRUARY, 2011 www.oheraldo.in

In BrIef

Nadal Sportsman of the Year Tennis ace Rafael Nadal pipped star footballers Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta to clinch the World Sportsman of the Year, whilst the World Cup winning Spanish football side expectedly walked away with the World Team of the Year trophy at the Laureus World Sports Awards night in Abu Dhabi on Monday.

The World Sportswoman of the Year honour went to American alpine skiier Lindsey Vonn, who beat off competition from Belgian tennis ace Kim Clijsters.

Pavlyuchenkova ousts Sharapova Teenage star Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova replaced a struggling Maria Sharapova on Sunday and inspired four-time champions Russia to an historic 3-2 win over France and a place in the Fed Cup semi-finals.

Sharapova, playing her first Fed Cup match in three years, had crumbled to a 63, 6-4 defeat to Virginie Razzano on Saturday in her opening singles rubber and did not feature in Moscow on Sunday.

Russia had been 2-0 down overnight after Alize Cornet had seen off Svetlana Kuznetsova 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.

But on Sunday, 19-year-old, world number 14 Pavlyuchenkova defeated Cornet 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 before Kuznetsova levelled the World Group I clash by seeing off Razzano 6-4, 6-4.

Watson wins Allan Border medal Shane Watson won the Allan Border Medal as the outstanding Australian cricketer of the season for the second year in a row on Monday.

Watson was also named player of the year for Tests and one-day internationals at a gala ceremony at a Melbourne casino while David Hussey prevented a clean sweep by winning the Twenty20 award.

Kansas City releases Chhetri Pg 15

Eden awaits WC verdict l

Slogan shouting protesters greet ICC team

Meanwhile, a small group of protesters waving black flags AGENCIES Under-fire officials at India's Eden and shouting slogans gathered DUBAI, FEB 7 Gardens in Kolkata expressed outside the Eden Gardens today confidence about hosting their From India to Bangladesh to Nepal, Bryan Adams during the ICC inspectors' threeshare of World Cup matches will travel everywhere. hour visit to the venue. ahead of a final inspection of the The 20- odd protesters The Canadian singer will be the only western famous ground on Monday. shouted slogans alleging conartist to perform at the opening ceremony for The stadium was stripped of the ICC World Cup to be held in Dhaka. Bryan spiracy against the Cricket Asthe high-profile match between Adams television audience of 200 million people sociation of Bengal. "Go back India and England on February will get to watch the performance.

ICC officials...", they shouted 27 because of concerns about waving black flags.

The performance, scheduled for February 17, unfinished renovation work, will mark the fag end of Adams' tour of India "We hate cricket conspirechoing the shambolic buildup that begins February 11th in Pune. acy against CAB Kolkata ... to the Commonwealth Games in The Canadian singer will also be touring Bangalore, New Delhi, W h y W o r l d C u p c r i c k e t New Delhi last year.

Hyderabad and Mumbai during the period. It might be recalled match (of India v England) The match has since been here that Mumbai was where Adams' first concert in India - in was shifted to Bangalore?" a shifted to Bangalore. placard said.

January 1994 - happened at the Brabourne Stadium.

A decision on whether Kolkata Anjan Mag, the general secwill host the remaining three World Cup dent of being 100 percent ready." retary of Maidan Sports Welfare AssociIn a letter to the Indian board, the ICC a t i o n , matches -- none of these involving India -which staged the would be taken after an International Cricket had outlined a schedule of works that protest-demonstration, alleged that the needed to be carried out at the Edens before ICC was intentionally dissatisfied with Council inspection on Monday.

A Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) of- the other World Cup matches at the ground. the historic venue.

The stadium is due to host South Africa ficial said all the concrete and structural "It's a conspiracy against CAB. Why igsteel work had been completed and workers v Ireland on March 15, Ireland v the Nether- nore cricket lovers of Bengal? For and on lands on March 18 and Zimbabwe v Kenya behalf of millions of cricket lovers of Benwere busy dismantling their set-ups.

"We will be working till everything is on March 20. gal, we strongly demand the World Cup The World Cup, being co-hosted by India, match (between India v England) should complete," CAB joint-secretary Biswarup Dey was quoted as saying by the Kolkata- Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, begins on Feb- come back to the Eden at any cost," Nag based Telegraph newspaper. "We are confi- ruary 19. said.

AGENCIES NEW DELHI, FEB 7

Munaf rates India hot favourite PTI VADODARA, FEB 7

Apart from having a balanced squad, familiar conditions and strong home support will be the key factors as India seek to win the upcoming ICC World Cup and break a 28year-old jinx, feels seamer Munaf Patel.

"All the 49 matches are to be played in India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. So the wickets, weather and public support will be with us," Munaf told PTI in an exclusive interview.

"That is why I am of the view that our team is hot favourite and this is a great chance, and such an opportunity of playing on home pitches and favourable conditions don't come everyday," he added.

Bryan to perform at WC opening

Contact us on: sports@herald-goa.com

Sreesanth may replace injured Praveen AGENCIES DHAKA, FEB 7

India's World Cup preparations appear to have suffered a major setback with pacer Praveen Kumar's participation looking doubtful for the upcoming tournament, beginning in Dhaka on February 19, because of a recurring injury.

According to sources, the Uttar Pradesh pacer is likely to miss the tournament as he hasn't fully recovered from the elbow injury he sustained in South Africa last month.

It is learnt that S Sreesanth has been summoned to the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore to verify his fitness before the Board of Control for Cricket in India can apply for Praveen's replacement.

Praveen, who sustained the injury during the ODI series in South Africa, went to UK for treatment but it seems the injury is more serious than diagnosed earlier.

Aussie selectors under fire AGENCIES MELBOURNE, FEB 7

Criticism continues to dog Australia's selectors in the run-up to the World Cup despite a comprehensive 6-1 one-day drubbing of England being wrapped up at the weekend.

The four-man panel headed up by lawyer Andrew Hilditch has been under almost constant fire for their perceived mistreatment of players and confusing selections, particularly during the Ashes humiliation.

The latest blast came from former Test player Ian Healy after captain Michael Clarke, Player of the Series Shane Watson and experienced quick bowler Brett Lee were rested for the final match in Perth on Sunday.

"I haven't seen Cricket Australia this fragmented for a long time," Healy, now a television pundit, said during the broadcast at the WACA.

"They've alienated some senior players, not just players in general, but senior players like Brett Lee and Michael Clarke.

"They've given the public some ammunition to have another go at Michael Clarke for wanting a rest even though it was 100 per cent the selectors that did it."

Clarke, the acting captain while Ricky Ponting recovers from a finger fracture, has struggled to get the backing of the nation and was booed onto the field during the one-day series.

Hilditch's declaration that the selectors had done "a very good job" during the Ashes perplexed many, as did his hailing of Brad Haddin as Australia's best wicketkeeper in all forms of the game, only for the righthander to be dropped for T20 matches.

The rotation system has drawn criticism throughout the Australian summer even though

resting Mitchell Johnson before the third Ashes Test looked like a stroke of genius when the paceman returned to skittle England in the hosts' win in Perth.

TREATMENT ROOM In the matter of the choice of spin bowlers for both the Ashes and the World Cup, however, there has been little genius, or luck, evident.

Nathan Hauritz was considered the incumbent at the start of the summer but discarded for the Ashes in favour of the untested Xavier Doherty, who was in turn dropped for the little-known Michael Beer.

Hauritz was included as the only specialist spinner in the World Cup squad only to dislocate his shoulder in the one-day series against England with Doherty following him to the treatment room with a bad back.

Gambles on the fitness for the World Cup of Ponting and

SPORTS

batsman Mike Hussey, who only started jogging last week after a severe hamstring injury, have also called into question the judgement of the panel.

Hilditch has said he wants to stay on the panel with Greg Chappell, David Boon and Jamie Cox when his contract expires after Australia's attempt to win a fourth successive World Cup at the Feb. 19-April 2 tournament.

The contrast with the success of England's captain-coach team of Andrew Strauss and Andy Flower during the Ashes series, however, has prompted calls for a similar system to replace the selection panel, for the final team selection at least.

"It is high time the captain and coach had more responsibility selecting, running and organising the team," former Test cricketer Dean Jones wrote in the Sydney Morning Herald last week.

Ganguly finally calls it quits AGENCIES KOLKATA, FEB 7

Former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly on Monday retired from all forms of cricket.

The decision came after no team picked him up in the recently held Indian Premier League (IPL) auction.

Ganguly's hopes of playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) suffered a huge blow on Friday after three franchisees opposed the move to include unsold Indian players back in the IPL. The snub came after Kochi team who were reportedly interest ed in buying Ganguly wrote to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), and the BCCI in turn sought the view of the franchises on allowing a team to buy one of the Indian players left unsold in the auction.

Ganguly played his last One Day International (ODI) a g a i n s t Pa k i s t a n a t Gwalior in November 2007. He played his last test match against Australia at Nagpur in November 2008.

Ganguly played his last IPL game against Mumbai Indian in April 2010.

The left-handed Ganguly was a prolific One Day International (ODI) batsman, with over 11,000 ODI runs to his credit.

Ganguly was an aggressive captain, and credited with having nurtured the careers of many young players who played under him.

Ganguly was offered a mentor's job by Kolkata Knight Riders' owner Shah Rukh Khan but said he did not want that role.

Ganguly said he would want to be a cricket administrator at some stage and would love to coach the Indian team if given a chance.