30 MARCH 2011 ,HERALD PUBLICATIONS PVT LTD

O HERALD O

The Voice of Goa — Since 1900 Visit us at: www.oheraldo.in panjim, WEDnESDay, march 30, 2011 postal reg. no. Goa 101 pricE rs. 3.00

Sports: Ricky Ponting steps down Pg 15 IN BRIEF Japan on high alert Japan was on “maximum alert” following detection of plutonium in soil of its crippled Fukushima nuclear plant and workers scrambled hard to prevent highly radioactive water from reaching the sea.

— (PTI) (Report on page 13)

Pak lets India probe 26/11 After dilly dallying for months, Pakistan today agreed to allow an Indian commission to visit the country in connection with 26/11 Mumbai terror attack case probe there, setting a positive backdrop for the prime ministerial meeting in Mohali tomorrow. — (PTI)

TIDES TODAY High Tide: 0826; 2112 Low Tide: 0242; 1422

Thackeray’s PSO held for Borim ruckus HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARCEL, MARCH 29

Business: Swan & Loop used as front cos to get spectrum — CBI to SC Pg 9

(air Surcharge rs 2.00) pages 16+4

Heartbeat: Priyanka trying to show her friendlier side Pg 4

IT’S WAR AT MOHALI

Maharashtra Police Sub-Inspector Mohan Chalke, personal security officer to MNS chief Raj Thackeray, surrendered before Ponda police on Tuesday, in connection with the road rage incident near the Borim bridge on Monday.

Chalke, who was arrested on Tuesday, was soon released on a personal bond of Rs 5,000.

The truck owner, Rupesh Borkar, was also arrested for unlawful assembly and for road blockade. He was also released on a personal bond of Rs 5,000.

It may be recalled that truck

GREAT GUNS

Crack Special Weapons and Tactics teams, elite NSG guards and the SPG today took positions at the PCA stadium in Mohali in an unprecedented security cover for India-Pakistan semifinal clash.

Anti-aircraft guns have were also placed at strategic positions to ward off any aerial threats during the high voltage match between the arch rivals.

BATTING TRACK

The much-anticipated World Cup semifinal clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan on Wednesday is set to be played on a batting pitch which will also offer some purchase to the fast bowlers as “slight” grass will be left on it, according the groundsmen here. The pitch at the PCA Stadium still sports some grass two days before the match and sources said that the groundsmen will have slight cutting at the most, fearing breaking up of the surface.

(Continued on page 8)

PIECE OF HISTORY

History suggests that captains prefer to bat first after calling the coin right on this pitch. Seven out of the nine matches played in the last five years have been won by the side batting first. Out of those nine, seven were day-night matches with five won by the side batting first. Also, out of the nine matches, the 300-r un mar k has been breached only twice. Incidentally, on the first occasion, Pakistan chased down India’s 321 in a daynight game.

DESI PAUL

PREDICTS INDIA WIN

CHAK DE INDIA! As Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Shahid Afridi face-off on the eve of the epic clash, the cricket-crazy nation went into a frenzy with a wave of celebration which included chanting, face-painting, fireworks and slogan-shouting across India.

Derram tax on Hindu temples withdrawn HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 29

Bowing to the immense pressure created by the opposition as well as ruling legislators, the government today withdrew the derram tax collections from Hindu devasthans.

Derram is a tax imposed by the colonial Portuguese regime on Hindu temples, which continued to be exacted even 50 years after Goa’s liberation.

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat assured the State assembly that the derram, a tax imposed in 1880, would be revoked. The opposition earlier accused the Congress-led alliance government of persisting with the draconian tax on Hindu shrines.

The opposition as well as Aldona legislator Dayanand

Narvekar cornered the revenue minister over this issue, who eventually agreed to make an amendment to stop collection of derram, which was a practice started by Portuguese in 1886.

The issue took centre stage during question hour on Tuesday when opposition legislator Dilip Parulekar posed the ques-

tion to revenue minister.

D’Souza maintained that the practice was started in 1886.

‘This tax is like the ‘jaziya’, which Moghul emperor Aurangzeb imposed on Hindus during his regime (in the 17th century),’ opposition legislator Dilip Parulekar of the Bharatiya Janata Party told the assembly during question hour.

According to Revenue Minister Jose Phillip D’Souza, the Derram ‘is collected to meet the establishment of the devasthan sections in the office of the administrator of devalayas’.

The derram, which was introduced by the Portuguese rulers in 1880, was in 1960 formally instituted by the last Portuguese governor general.

According to a written reply (Continued on page 8)

Govt to consider opposing views on medium HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 29

The government will hold talks with agitating groups before taking any decision on the sensitive issue of medium of instruction.

The decision in this regard was reached at the Congress legislative party (CLP) meeting, held at the chief minister’s residence at Altinho.

Almost all Congress legislators, including Speaker Pratapsing Rane, were present for the meeting. Only Aldona MLA Dayanand Narvekar was missing.

At the meeting, the legislators felt that the decision should not be taken in a hurry as it was a

Church board backing English HERALD NEWS BUREAU PANJIM, MARCH 29

The Archdiocesan Board of Education (ABE) has extended its support to parents in their demand that English should also be permitted as the medium of instruction, besides Konkani, Marathi or a regional language in aided primary schools.

(Continued on page 8)

sensitive issue and could even create communal tension.

Members also felt a wrong

decision could also backfire on the party viz-a-viz the forthcoming assembly elections, sources in the party told Herald.

Calangute legislator Agnelo Fernandes told this paper that it was decided that the government will hold meetings with both the agitating groups Forum for Rights of Children’s Education (FORCE) and Bharatiya Bhasha Suraksha Manch (BBSM).

“We have decided to take both groups into confidence before taking a final decision,” Fernandes said.

He said the meeting would be called tomorrow or day after to ease the prevailing situation.

Astrologers, as they are predicting a win for team India. Pandit Sanjay Sharma was busy number crunching. With a mix of astrology and numerology, the desi Paul predicts the happening of the incredible game.

And if you are wondering who will win the toss and would opt to bat first, Pandit Sharma has the answer. “Pakistan will win the toss and will choose to bat first,” said Sanjay Sharma. Will Yuvraj Singh hit the maximum sixes? “Sehwag and Tendulkar will score the maximum runs,” he replies. Chasing a total of anything between 275 and 325 is what on the card for very own men in. But the Big Question is - who will win on March 30, 2011? “Team India’s Sun-sign is more favourable than that of Pakistan’s,” indicates Sharma.

Decision on Mapusa hospital today?

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 29

Health Minister Vishwajit Rane toning down his stand on the new Mapusa hospital told the State legislative assembly that leader of opposition Manohar Parrikar and Aldona legislator Dayanand Narvekar would be

taken in confidence before finalizing the modus operandi for this project.

“I will sit with Parrikar and Nar vekar and find out the modus operandi for the Mapusa hospital. Let’s finalise the issue by tomorrow itself,” Rane said (Continued on page 8)

OHERALDO

GOA

Pg 2

GOA, WEDNESDAY, 30 MARCH, 2011

Agriculture ministry comes in for attack Ministry failed to map Lack of support forcing farmers shortages, says Francis to quit profession: Parsekar HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 29

Mapusa MLA Francis D’Souza today said that the agricultural ministry has miserably failed to map the shortage of food grains, vegetables and fruits in the State.

“The Agriculture department should conduct a study on the shortage of food grains, vegetables and fruits in the State.

How will we be able to decide our agricultural strategies without knowing the shortfall?” he questioned.

The BJP leader was speaking on the Cut motion tabled during the ongoing State legislative assembly.

He said that the department should set up a target for the agricultural produce which should be met after proper planning, schemes and financial help provided to the farmers.

D’Souza said that the farmers cannot rely on the monsoons for the crops as rains have become uncertain.

“That is why attempts should be made to bring maximum area under irrigation command so that the agricultural production goes upward,” he added.

The command areas under the irriga-

tion projects should have peak crops.

“Farmers will stick to the agriculture as their profession only when it becomes economically viable. The state government should help to make farming a economically beneficial activity,” he added.

“Farming should not be a part time vocation,” he commented adding that each panchayat should have one transplanter and a harvester. “Farmers should not be forced to beg for the equipments,” he added.

Talking on the Health ministry, the BJP legislator said that the equipments which were purchased for the new Mapusa hospital have lost their warranty period.

“The staff is already recruited for these projects and equipments have crossed the warranty period,” he said.

D’Souza said that maximum staff has been recruited from Sattari taluka giving an impression that people from there are medical experts.

He said that the health minister should not try to fool the people on the new Mapusa hospital project and his every move on this new facility is being watched

by BJP.

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 29

BJP legislator Laxmikant Parsekar today said that lack of government support was forcing the farmers to quit farming in the State.

“The government is not serious on solving various problems faced by the farmers, as a result of which many are frustrated and quitting farming,” he said.

Parsekar, speaking during the cut motion on demands-of-grants in the ongoing Legislative Assembly session, said that agriculture has substantially declined to a mere 16 percent from 64 percent.

He suggested that government revamp policies to revitalize agriculture even as there exists a number of schemes.

“But the schemes are not properly implemented… The government should encourage ‘shetkari melavas’ (farmers’ get-together) in all talukas that would help them understand more about farming, use of amenities and agricultural machineries,” he added.

Perhaps for the first time in 29 years, during March 2008 Goa was lashed with heavy rain and strong winds, which has vastly affected agricultural produce.

The Mandrem MLA rued that government has delayed in granting relief to the 2008 affected farmers. He further said that better farming schemes for coconut cultivation, which is the most important horticulture crops of Goa, should be introduced.

“Government should support coconut cultivators besides subsidizing on infrastructure,” he stated.

Parsekar added that subsides should be granted to farmers who own pair of bulls for farming activities. “Alike subsides on equipments and mechanizations, government should grant subsides on pair of bulls, which costs about Rs 30-35,000.

Its implementation would give relief to farmers,” he commented.

Reacting on the recent controversy over the vegetables supply, Parsekar alleged that the Belgaum-Goa vegetable war gave way to certain elements in making money. Another BJP MLA Mahadev Naik suspected scam in distributing the Goa State Horticulture Corporation financed carts.

The legislators also voice their concern over the poor health services provided at Goa Medical College and Hospital.

Gold chain snatched at Campal HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 29

Two men on a motorcycle snatched a gold chain from a middle-aged woman near Campal on Tuesday afternoon.

Durga Harijan, a resident of Dona Paula was walking to Directorate of Sports, where she is employed from the Panjim market, when a motorcycle cruised by and one of the men pulled her gold chain, worth Rs 15,000.

The woman raised alarm but the motorcyclists, who cannot be immediately identified, fled away. Panjim police have booked a case against the unknown persons.

Iranian held

A foreign national, was arrested staying from a city hotel by the Panjim police for overstaying in India.

Iranian national Victor Farza Shafiey, 26, has been held for overstaying visa endorsement, which expired on March 22.

However, his tourist visa expires on April-end.

Price intervention scheme lacking parameters: Parrikar HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 29

Leader of Opposition Manohar Parrikar on Tuesday raised questions over the fate of price intervention scheme launched by Horticulture Corporation, which is being run without proper parameters.

“The Horticulture Corporation should not permanently depend on the scheme of price intervention. It is a not a long term scheme. There has to be some controls over it and it should be within some parameters,” Parrikar said speaking on the Cut Motions on the floor

of the House.

Clarifying that he is not opposed to give gainful employment to 600- odd outlets through this scheme, Parrikar said that withdrawal of this scheme can raise question mark on these outlets.

“If price intervention scheme collapses then what will happen to these outlets?” he questioned adding that the government should clarify whether this scheme will run perennial or will be wound up after elections.

Parrikar said that the dependence of people on this outlet

has gone down as the prices of vegetable, which are brought in from outside, have crashed in the market.

“Now onion is available at Rs 8 per kg, so, why will people

go to the outlets to buy it,” he questioned.

The Leader of Opposition also accused the Horticulture Chairman of installing his larger then life photographs on the vans distributing vegetables, which is a part of election gimmick.

The BJP leader said that the vegetable production in Goa should be increased which will decrease our dependence on the products imported from neighbouring states.

“There are more than 25 varieties of vegetables grown in Goa. The farmers need support

from government,” he said.

Stating that the farmers should be respected, Parrikar said that there are 58,900 marginal farmers who have less then 2 hectares of land, of which 50,000 farmers have less then one hectare.

“There are hardly 500 to 700 farmers who have more than 5 hectares of land,” he added.

Parrikar demanded that subsidy should be given to the farmer who produces the crop instead of the person, who sells it.

He suggested that mechanism should be in place which will

make agriculture a major input source.

The former chief minister also recommended that there should be land reforms.

Parrikar alleged that 49.48 per cent of the plan budget allocated to agriculture was not spent by the department last financial year.

Responding to these allegations, Rane admitted that the developmental pressure on the agricultural land is increasing.

He said that the people prefer to sell off their land to make money rather then cultivating them.

Mickky to move HC for ban on Dum Maro Dum HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 29

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) legislator ‘Mickky ’ Pacheco will be demanding for the ban of Rohan Sippy’s forthcoming flick ‘Dum Maro Dum’, even as the movie is all set to hit the theatres on April 22.

Pacheco has moved a calling attention notice to the Speaker Pratapsing Rane to raise the matter in the on-going budget session of the State legislative Assembly.

The Benaulim MLA said that the movie will further blemish Goa’s image, as it is various controversies including policedrug mafia nexus, illegal mining, death of foreigners and other similar cases have rocked the coastal State.

“We don’t want that Goa is labelled as drugs-addicted or sex-tourist State. We are looking for family tourism in Goa. The filmmakers often portray Goa in a bad light. There are lots many things which are good about this State but these are not highlighted,” he

Says blacklist cos supplying substandard pills

...Alleges ‘fixing’ in hospital security contract awarded to a private player HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 29

Leader of Opposition Manohar Parrikar today alleged that there is a fixing in the security contract awarded to a private player to guard various government hospitals.

Parrikar said that the government has spending Rs 11 crore on the security guards and sweeping contacts. He said that Goa medical college has 337 sweepers and 51 guards and most of the public health centres have 5 to 6 guards.

Churchill denies supplying raw water in North

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 29

Refuting claims that raw water was supplied to consumers in North Goa, P WD Minister Churchill Alemao said that even though some units are not functioning properly utmost care is taken before water is supplied to public.

Alemao also assured the House that non-working units at Assonora Treatment Plant (ATP) that have affected water treatment facility will be replaced, shortly.

He also clarified that raw water and treated water is tested periodically in the laboratory attached to every treatment plant, before releasing

water to the public.

The PWD Minister was speaking on calling attention motion moved by Aldona ML A Dayanand Narvekar with regards to a report published in a local daily about untreated water supplied to Bardez and North Goa due to failure of filtration plant.

“All treatment process are being carried out at ATP even though alum and lime dosing equipments are not functioning but it is done manually,” informed the PWD Minister.

“The equipments are not functioning even after repeated repairs and hence they have decided to replace them. The estimates for replacements have already been prepared,” he added.

Alemao also told the House that all parameters are checked at the laboratory attached to the ATP. Two assistant chemists in general shifts and four laboratory technicians are working round the clock to ensure that the proper quality of water is maintained.

“In view of this, there should not be any apprehension and anxiety in the minds of the people as due care is being taken at all the stages to supply safe and potable water to the consumers,” Alemao stated.

On the security contract itself government spends Rs 4.2 crores every year, he said adding that there some public health centres which don’t have doctors but has abundant security guards.

“All PHC don’t require the guards ex-

Congress MLA Pandurang Madkaikar on Wednesday demanded a full-fledged Primary Health Centre (PHC) and immediate deputation of a full time doctor at Cumbarjua.

“We are running a health subcentre that does not have a full time doctor and no proper infrastructure, causing a lot of discomfort and inconvenience to the patients... No resident doctors want to be here. We need

a resident doctor,” Madkaikar was speaking supporting the cut motion for demands-ofgrants.

The legislator said that their proposal for setting up a PHC on Diwar Island is biting dust in the government files.

“The Health Minister had assured for a full fledged PHC but even after accomplishing all requirements, our proposal is pending with the government.

The locals had led an agitation but all in vain,” he lamented.

happening in Goa Medical College, which force the department to post maximum guards.

He said that there were cases in which men were entering into the ladies wards, which has been stopped after posting the guards.

House to take a break for World Cup semis HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 29

The working of the state legislative assembly on Wednesday will be wound up by afternoon due to the crucial World Cup semi-final match between India and Pakistan at Mohali.

Deputy Speaker Mauvin Godinho on Tuesday urged Speaker

Pratapsing Rane to carry forward the business of Wednesday to Thursday as the members want to watch the cricket match.

“Even the prime ministers of both the countries will be attending the match. All the members are interested in match and we can work overtime next day,” Godinho said.

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat and Leader of Opposition Manohar Parrikar too supported Godinho’s request, which was accepted by the Speaker.

Aldona MLA and Goa Cricket Association President Dayanand Narvekar also demanded that the session be curtailed for half day.

“I have no problem to adjourn

the House tomorrow at 1 p.m. as there is unanimity on this issue,” Rane said asking the members to take on the remaining business for next day.

Meanwhile, Goa Governor SS Sidhu is expected to be present for the match in Mohali as he reportedly asked for tickets from the Punjab Cricket Association.

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 29

Benaulim MLA Mickky Pacheco on Tuesday demanded that Goa Government should blacklist the companies which were found supplying substandard iron-folic iron capsules which are consumed by pregnant women.

Speaking during the cutmotion on demands-forgrants, Pacheco said that since the capsules are harmful for pregnant mothers and so also the new-born, Government should immediately take stringent action against the Companies for supplying substandard pills.

The NCP legislator quoted

the report of Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) that thousands of pregnant women in Goa were administered substandard iron-folic acid capsules from 2008 to 2010.

While criticizing the inefficient quality control mechanisms of the health department, the CAG report also said that implications of consuming substandard medicines supplied by Goa Antibiotics and Pharmaceuticals limited and Modern Laboratories, Madhya Pradesh could be hazardous.

“Distribution of iron folic acid capsules is an important component under antenatal care aimed for safe motherhood and childbirth. It was observed that 5.29 lakh substandard capsules were utilized by the health units (primary health centres, etc) and only 1.43 lakh were returned to Directorate of Health Services,” the CAG report, tabled during the current Assembly session, reads.

Food and Drugs Administration department had collected samples on 10 occasions during 2009-10, and found that 30 per cent of them were substandard.

CM assures guidelines for allotting plots to industries Asserts Goa’s infrastructure far better HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 29

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 29

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat on Tuesday assured the Goa Legislative Assembly that proper guidelines will be framed to allot plots in the industrial estates.

The chief minister acceded to the demand made by Opposition Leader Manohar Parrikar during Question Hour when the Opposition caught the government on wrong foot as regards to allotment of plots.

Madkaikar demands full-fledged Health Centre for Cumbarjua HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 29

cept for those located at sensitive places,” Parrikar added.

The BJP leader also said that Rs 26 crore per annum is spent on peripheries, which is actually not required.

Responding to the allegations, Rane admitted that the thefts are regularly

said.

Pacheco, also a former tourism minister was instrumental in getting bikini-clad babes’ advertisements scrapped from the State.

With trailers and title song of ‘Dum Maro Dum’ already in theatres and small-screens, showing the drug-laced parties and skimpily-clad women, Pacheco has decided to move the Bombay High Court at Goa demanding a ban of the film.

A month ago, Goa police had written to the filmmakers to show them the promos and all publicity materials before it was released. Chief Minister Digambar Kamat was also quoted saying that he would seek a report from the police authorities on the issue.

However, neither the promos were shown to the police nor the government has acted tough.

Efforts to reach the filmmakers turned futile as several calls by Herald to the film’s production unit went unanswered.

Cumbarjua village housing population of over 5200 people is struggling with only one physician for the past many years.

While lauding the government for achieving the best small State under ‘health care category’ by a national Hindi news channel, Madkaikar said that health care services in the villages should not be neglected.

He further stated that more funds should be granted for overall revamping of health care services and sanitation there.

Despite several complaints from the industrial sector, the government has maintained that the infrastructure availability is much better in the State.

Replying to question tabled by Fatorda MLA Damodar Naik, Chief Minister Digambar Kamat said “infrastructure availability is far better off in Goa.” “Industries which moved out of Goa lured by tax soaps are in bad situation today,” he added.

Further, Kamat said Assembly that only non-polluting industries are welcome in Goa but land requirement of those industries is big and there is no scope for any expansion in the existing industrial estates.

He also pointed out non-polluting inAs assured to the House in the last session of Goa Assembly, the government has taken steps to take back plots, which were allotted to companies but have not been to put to use for more than ten years, Kamat said in the House.

As informed to the House, thirteen industrial plots allotted

dustries which requires large tracks of land can be set up in talukas of Pernem, Sanguem and Canacona where availability of 2 to 2.5 lakh sq mt of land should not be a problem.

However, he said, the government is in talks with a public sector unit that is likely to set up its business in the State.

Naik’s question was pertaining to industries cleared by the High Powered Coordination Committee (HPCC) constituted by the government in 2007.

Kamat replied that the HPCC approved 82 projects, of which 39 units have started production whereas of the 22 large scale industries that were cleared before June 2007, only seven have started actual operation bringing in total investment of Rs 253.71 crore and employment to 963 persons.

to various companies are not in use for more than five years and 14 plots allotted are not in use for more than ten years and 12 plots have taken back, he stated.

Kamat also told the House that a task force has been constituted and it is likely to submit its report in the next 15 to 20

However, Fatorda MLA charged that Goa has not been able attract industries because it has not been to provide sound infrastructure.

He further pointed out the government does not have a policy and also not following procedures.

“You have started Twenty Point Programme in the land acquired for industrial use in Verna Industrial Estate.” pointed out Naik while highlighting how the government has floundered.

Whereas Opposition Leader Manohar Parrikar stated that the government has not been able to create right or conducive environment for the growth of the industry.

He further said, industries will not like to locate in far of talukas of Pernem, Canacona or Sanguem due to logistic problems.

days.

However, Opposition leader insisted that there has be a clear cut policy for allotment of industrial plots as currently, the method adopted is not fair.

The chief minister however stated that small plots of 500700 sq mts have been made to consider interest of small en-

trepreneur but Parrikar said this will not be adequate because basically, there is no mechanism to make allotment of plots.

Canacona MLA Vijay Pai Khot who had raised this question, said if the plot allotted is not used within a period of two years, it should be taken so that a genuine can use it.

He also informed the House that he himself has been waiting to get plot for about three years now.

Interestingly, at this point, Kamat offered to give MLAs priorities in plot allotment however, Parrikar objected saying they don’t want any priority but only mechanism in place so that plots are systematically allotted.

The Speaker also suggested to the chief minister that there has to be some policy in place.

Saligao MLA Dilip Parulekar further embarrassed the government by revealing his experience at EDC. He said he has been in the waiting for the last three years to get a plot at Pilerne Industrial Estate, outsiders like Rajashtani entrepreneurs, who are into marble business have already got plots there.

He said while non-Goans have been able to get plots in the industrial estates here Goans have to struggle.

Parrikar also suggested that EDC should post information website.

Goa Crafts Village on cards in Pernem HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 29

South Asia Foundation (SAF) has planned to set up ‘Goa Crafts Village’ in Pernem taluka.

SAF officials stated that 200-250 artisans from Goa would be provided with the residence cum work-sheds and place for displaying their crafts under the same roof.

There will also be 20-25 additional housing cum work-shed units for domestic visiting artisans from outside Goa. Also South Asian nations’ artisans would be provided with a maximum stay of 15-20 days, where they can share

the work skill, design development and exchange creative ideas.

Officials said that planned rural arts and crafts complex would be an educative and enriching place to visit for tourists and researchers.

The project will be focused on the various crafts of Goa. A data base would be prepared on the socio-economic conditions of the craft persons of the area so that possible intervention can be envisaged in phased manner.

The project would also emphasise to organize artisans into self help groups with a view to enable

them to strengthen their economic activity for sustainable development.

“This would be possible only with larger community participation and creation of revolving fund,” official added.

Officials said that the project would also create job opportunities by way of imparting skill and enhancing the skill of the craft persons, creation of market avenues, bringing more people into the fold who would appreciate artisan’s way of life and join the village.

Further objectives of the project are to conduct base line diagnostic survey

of the area and identify the people engaged in and those who are interested to take up training and develop the various craft items.

Initiative would also be taken for setting up of training cum production centre for better marketing and enhanced productivity.

Official informed that highly professional, artisan sensitive designers will be engaged to bring a new look to existing products.

“Workshops would be conducted based on the market trends and also on national and international design concept,” he said.

OHERALDO

Pg 3:Pg12 3/29/2011 9:14 PM Page 1

Pg 3

GOA, WEDNESDAY, 30 MARCH, 2011

OHERALDO

Pg4 GOA, WEDNESDAY, 30 MARCH, 2011

UPCOMING EVENTS Damodar Mauzo’s lecture

PANJIM (HND): Writer Damodar Mauzo will deliver a lecture at the Centre for Indian Languages Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi on March 30, on ‘Konkani Literature in the Pan Indian Context’ of the JNU. The Centre for Indian Languages is headed by Prof Krishnaswamy Nachimuthu under whose guidance a research scholar, Tamilselvan, is working on a project called ‘Tamil Translation of Damodar Mauzo’s Konkani Stories and the Problems Arising Out of It’.

Learn French

PANJIM (HND): Alliance Francaise, Panjim, will hold its summer course session (April-May’11) in Panjim. Registrations are open for beginners, intermediate and conversational French classes and also for children of 7 to 12 years. For details call 2420049/ 9922813950 or e-mail alliance-fr@hotmail.com.

Shigmotsav at Bicholim

MAYEM (HC): Bicholim town will witness Shigmotsav festival on March 30 with floats, Romtamels, folk dance and fancy dress contests. The floats procession will be flagged from WadakadeBicholim at 6 pm and culminate at Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Maidan, Bicholim.

Rhythmic breathing

PANJIM (HND): Free public sessions on Rhythmic Breathing will be held in Panjim and Vasco. Rhythmic Breathing Science, which takes only 10 minutes every day is effective in keeping all types of diseases out of the human system.

On April 1, from 6 pm to 7 pm and on April 8, from 6 pm to 6.45 pm, the sessions will be held at basement, Radhakrishna Temple, near Mahalakshmi Temple. On April 3, from 6 pm to 8 pm, it will be held in room no 2, 1st floor, Vidyadhiraj Hall, opp Hanuman Temple, Mahalakshmi Temple. On April 3, from 11 am to 1 pm, the session will be held at 2nd floor, Rotary Community Centre, Tilak Maidan Complex. As seats are limited, registration is advised with coordinator Rhythmic Breathing Club, Venkatesh Betigiri, on 9422443421 or veebee200303@yahoo.co.in

Summer camps

‘Dust pollution in Vasco to be under control after construction of dome’ was replying to a question posed

by Mormugao MLA Milind Naik during “Question Hour” about coal dust pollution caused due to loading and unloading of coal at the Port.

The Environment Minister also told the House that 90 per cent of the measures stipulated

by NEERI have been completed.

Moreover, GSPCB has directed MPT to obtain all approvals under Air Act and Water Act and other Rules in force, prior to commencement of any of the proposed development activity.

Further GSPCB has also directed MPT to have Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) study of all projects cumulatively done

before it considers the proposals for approval under the rules in force.

As informed to the House GSPCB has not yet given approval to MPT projects that include - development of 7.2 MMPTA iron ore export terminal at West of Break Water, development of a 5 to 7 MMPTA coal terminal at Berth no 7, cruise terminal, additional mooring dolphins, constuction of berth 4 and extension of berth 8.

The Minister also told the House that coal dust pollution during last two months exceeded permissible limit.

Leader of Opposition Manohar Parrikar sought to why

the activities leading to pollution has not been stopped and highlighted high handedness of the MPT. Parrikar also told the House that coal coming at the port is not for units in Goa but for industries in AP and Karnataka.

Intervening on this occasion Chief Minister Digambar Kamat told the House emphasis is on to resolve the issue amicably.

The Ministry of Shipping has directed MPT to work in co-ordination with the State government.

The Chief Minister also told the House that they have listed out the issues and will be dealt with effectively.

Mormugao council told to demolish illegal structures at Chicalim

3 hurt, four two-wheelers damaged in Mapusa mishap

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 29

The residents of Port town will have to bear with coal dust pollution until covered dome shade is constructed at Mormogao Port Trust to stop the flow of dust in the city.

The dust pollution will be under control once the dome is constructed -- the measure suggested by National Environment a l E n g i n e e r i n g Re s e a rc h Institute (NEERI).

The Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has given MPT time till June 2012, Minister for Environment Aleixo Sequeira, said in the assembly today.

The Environment Minister

Cookery, bakery classes

PANJIM (HND): A comprehensive course on low fat bakery and cookery classes will be conducted by Fatima Moniz in Margao. The course includes cakes with decoration, desserts (hot and cold), pies, tarts (sweet and savoury), breads, cookies, souffles, mousses and veg/non-veg dishes. The cuisine will be Portuguese, Goan, Continental, Italian, Indian etc. Eggless cooking will also be taught. For details, call Fatima on 2776035 or 9370275702.

HERALD REPORTER VASCO, MARCH 29

Dismissing an appeal filed by owners of 16 illegal structures, the urban development minister has asked Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) to demolish all illegal structures that have cropped up on private land near Adharshnagar-Chicalim.

Illegal construction on land belonging to Central/State government, communidade or municipality is a common feature in Vasco.

However, despite repeated complaints to MMC that at the behest of some politicians, private property has been encroached, the council reportedly showed feigned ignorance till the structures were completed

about two years ago.

About 33 illegal houses that have come up on private property of Mahadev Naik are now facing the axe from the urban development minister, after their appeal was dismissed on March 18, 2011.

Earlier too, the encroachers had appealed against MMC’s final demolition order before the Goa Municipalities Appellate Tribunal, however, the Tribunal had also dismissed the appeal.

In its order, the urban development minister said that encroachers’ claims that the land belongs to Communidade is ruled out, as the encroachers have failed to establish that the land belongs to Communidade, while property owner Mahadev Naik has pro-

Understanding Technology

Ethical Hacking

H

acking means, by definition, the practice of gaining unauthorized access into a computer system using specialist knowledge. Hacking is carried out for many reasons: sometimes to steal data, or maybe to view sensitive information. In any event, hacking is a criminal proceeding for which the perpetrator can be prosecuted.

Then how can hacking be ethical?

It is quite simple really: the best way to defend anything to identify and eliminate its vulnerabilities. A computer system is certainly no different, and therefore the use of hacking techniques and expertise to identify the security flaws in a computer system will enable administrators to implement appropriate measures to ensure they are not exploited.

Ethical hacking is therefore diametrically opposite to the malicious concept of hacking. Those who carry out hacking are called ‘black hats’, whereas the good guys are called ‘white hats’.

S H O RT TA K E S Hot-mixing inaugurated

COLLEM (HC): Industrialist and social worker Arjun Salgaonkar recently inaugurated the hot mixing work of Vikaswada-Collem road.

Addressing the gathering, Salgaonkar expressed happiness as the long-pending demand of the residents of Vikaswada will be fulfilled.

Collem Sarpanch Sandeep Dessai, Dharbandoda Sarpanch Anand Gaonkar, Dabal Sarpanch Rama Gaonkar, Dharbandoda Panch Balaji Gauns, former sarpanch Shamu Vilingkar, President of Dudhsagar Pearls Association Nilesh Panchawadker, Sudhakar Gaonkar, Vasudev Gauns and residents of Collem were presents during the programme. Salgaonkar assured the people of Sanvordem constituency that developmental works will be undertaken in remote areas of Collem, Mollem and other panchayat areas.

Medical camp held

HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, MARCH 29

The illegal structure on private land near Adarsh Nagar in Chicalim.

PANJIM (HND): Admissions for the summer camps at Bal Bhavan Kendras, Margao and Cuncolim have started and the camps will be held during April and May for children to learn harmonium, tabla, dance, craft and drawing at the camps.

Special Children’s Theatre Workshop and Innovative Science Workshop will also be conducted during the camps. Interested parents may contact Sunil Naik, Incharge, Bal Bhavan Kendra, Margao, c/o Government Primary School, Aquem, Margao, near Railway Station Margao, or Narayan Chitari, incharge of Cuncolim Bal Bhavan Kendra, Recreation Centre, Maddi Cota.

GOA

Then why is still called ‘hacking’?

The work of ethical hacking is still considered hacking because it uses knowledge of computer systems in an attempt to in some way penetrate them or crash them.

This work is ethical because it is performed to increase the safety of the computer systems. It’s reasoned that if a white hat can somehow break the security protocols of a system, so can a black hat. Thus, the goal of ethical hacking is to determine how to break in or create mischief with the present programs running, but only at the request of the company that owns the system and specifically to prevent others from attacking it.

So, who becomes a ‘white hat’?

People enter the field of ethical hacking in a variety of ways.

Many people are very computer savvy and many, but not all, have an educational background in computer science. In some instances, the white hat has gained his or her experience by first being a black hat.

If black hat hacking was at a sufficiently criminal level, the black hat turned white hat may have

served jail time before resuming a career in a more productive and positive way as an ethical hacker.

The computer world is peopled with former black hats, who now hold ethical hacking jobs. Conversely, some white hats, such as Steve Wozniak, never committed any illegal acts, but simply possess the know-how and skills to analyze problems with any computer system.

Is ethical hacking important?

With increasing use of the Internet and concerns about its security, especially when it comes to things like consumer information or private medical details, there is considerable need for computer experts to work in ethical hacking.

Even sites owned by organizations like the US government have been hacked in the past, and concern about information theft remains incredibly high. Designing impenetrable systems or identifying the current weaknesses of a system are vital parts of keeping the Internet safe and information private, and even with the present legion of ethical hackers that perform this work, there is still more work to do.

Photo by M Prabhav

duced all the relevant documents in regard to his property.

“At initial stage, when these structures were coming up on our property, we had complained to the council that few people are allegedly building houses at the behest of politicians, but MMC was a silent spectator,” said Avdoot Naik, son-in-law of Mahadev Naik.

It is learnt that some politicians and a former MMC chairperson had developed a plot on Mahadev Naik’s property and sold it to encroachers, claiming that the land belonged the Communidade.

The encroachers were even asked to go ahead with illegal construction on the assurance that their structures would be saved from demolition.

Interestingly, few structures have even obtained house tax from MMC that these structures are located on communidade land.

“We have been forced to run from pillar to post to save our property. We had complained to MMC, then fought the case in Goa Municipalities Appellate Tribunal and later went to the urban development minister,” said Naik.

He raised concern that apparent attitude of MMC suggests that the council is not keen to take action against illegal structures.

Three persons were injured while four two-wheelers were damaged, when a car rammed into roadside watermelon stalls near Carvalho Petrol Pump at Mapusa on Tuesday at about 3.30 pm.

According to Mapusa Police, the accident occurred when the driver of the Indica car (GA-03H-9383) lost control of the vehicle while entering the Mapusa town near the Carvalho petrol pump.

The car swerved off the road and hit four two-wheelers and rammed into some watermelon stalls by the roadside.

Two wheeler rider, Ranjit Kumar Poojari, who was proceeding towards Panjim on his motorcycle (GA-03-D-5923) and Nitin Shirodkar, who was at the water melon stall, sustained grievous injuries. They were both rushed to the hospital for treatment.

The third injured person, Austin Nicholas, who was also near the water melon stall escaped with minor injuries. The three two-wheelers which were parked in front of the water melon stalls and suffered damages were (GA-03-J-9453), (GA03-D-4690) and (GA-03-M-8777).

Police further informed that the car driver in his statement stated that in order to save the pedestrians, he took the car to the right hand side and while trying to apply the brake, he accidentally pressed the accelerator.

The car gained speed and rammed into the watermelon stalls.

Mapusa Police have registered the offence against the car driver for rash and negligent driving.

Hawaldar Kishor Naik is investigating the case.

Govt supports proposal for capping ore extraction HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 29

The government has supported the proposal of capping ore extraction and refusal of new mining leases in the State even if statutory clearances are obtained.

“I agree with the view that there has to be capping on the production from mines and no more new mining leases should be allowed to be operated even if they have obtained all statutory clearances,” Environment Minister Alexio Sequeira said while replying to the cut motions on environment in the State Legislative Assembly.

The minister said that this mode of capping is a measure to contain the rapid extraction process due to enhanced market demands.

He said that the ministry and its statutory authorities will not hesitate to close or cap any mining operation if it is found that irreversible violations of statutory clearance are done.

Sequeira said that the min-

istry was alarmed at the rate at which Ministry of Environment and Forest (MOEF) was granting Environmental Clearances (ECs) from the year 2003 till August 2009 during which period 141 ECs were granted.

“I have personally written to the Union Minister Jairam Ramesh and suggested a greater role and involvement of local statutory agencies in the scoping process and recommendation clause be introduced in the EIA notification, 2006 way back in 2009,” he recalled.

He said that the Chief Minister had also written to the Union Environment Minister and got a moratorium imposed on further new ECs and expansion of mines for Goa till a state specific mineral policy is in place.

“I had directed Goa State Pollution Control Board to withhold air and water consent to non complying mining units,” he said adding that as on date, 105 mining units have consent while 65 are operational.

Ban on Gatifloxacin HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, MARCH 29

Contact Us:

Comments or queries? Bouquets or brickbats? Talk to us!

Email Junior Herald at junior@herald-goa.com or join our Facebook fan page http://www.facebook.com/Herald.Jr. Our readers are invited to rave, rant, chat or even contribute. No message will go unanswered!

Government of India has prohibited the manufacture, sale and distribution of the drug Gatifloxacin formulation for systemic use in human by any route including oral and injectable and Tegaserod and its formulations for human use.

Hence all the manufactures located in this State as well as all the drugs distributors, wholesalers and medical stores/chemist & druggist are hereby directed to stop the further manufacture for sale

as well as sale and distribution of the said drug in the State with immediate effect. All the drugs wholesalers are also directed to re-call all the supplies of the said drug distributed to the retailers from the market and return the un-used stocks to the manufacturers under intimation to this Directorate.

All the doctors, hospitals, nursing homes, government hospitals, etc may take a note of the above banned drugs and return the stocks to the suppliers.

Dr Vinay Prabhu Dessai examines the patients.

Photo by Anil Shankhwalker

PORVORIM (HC): Dr Vinay Prabhu Dessai of Porvorim organised a free medical camp for the benefit of weaker sections of the society. During the camp, Dr Prabhu Dessai examined the patients and checked their hemoglobin, blood sugar and blood pressure and offered medicines free of cost. Over 100 patients availed benefit of the free medical camp.

Speaking to press persons, Dr Prabhu Dessai said since doctors are also part of the society, it becomes their duty to offer their contribution for the welfare of the poor people.

“During the course of medical practice for the last 35 years, I have observed that weaker sections of the society do not pay much attention to their health. They do not carry out their health check ups due to which they become victims of many diseases which otherwise could have been avoided,” explained Dr Prabhu Dessai. “Many social organizations had approached me with the proposal of organizing free medical camps. But I decided to do in alone,” he said. “In order to create this awareness about the health check up and to help the needy people, I organized this free medical camp and will continue to organize such camps in future too,” added Dr Prabhu Dessai.

ICWA-CAT at Zantye college

MAYEM (HC): Narayan Zantye College, Bicholim, will conduct ICWA-CAT (Certificate in Accounting Technicians) from June 2011, this year.

According to College Principal Arun Sakhardande, the CAT course, which is approved by the Institute of Cost and Works Accountants of India, will be of 6 months duration and candidates possessing degrees in any stream or who have passed ICWA foundation course exam will be eligible to take admissions for the course. The syllabus includes Accounting, Cost Accounting, Economics, Income Tax Act, Service Tax Act, VAT, Central Excise Tax, Custom’s Act, Export and Import Documentation, etc.

Besides one year duration of course, the students will be also imparted additional six months training in computer, industrial and orientation segments. Interested students may contact on 2361377 or 2363769 or course co-ordinator Bipin Bandekar on 9226372857.

TB programme held

MAYEM (HC): A programme on tuberculosis was recently conducted at Bicholim PHC to create awareness among the villagers. Health Officer Dr Girish Pednekar highlighted some key points on tuberculosis.

“The main key points are: if a person coughs for more than two weeks, then it is necessary to get the sputum test done.

It can be cured easily by medicines,” he said.

He advised to make use handkerchiefs while coughing and sneezing. He also informed about the availability of free medicines at all the government hospitals for such patients.

“Medicines are given by a dot provider who sees the patients swallowing tablets in his presence,” said Dr Pednekar.

Dr Wadkar of TB Control Cell initiated the dot providers’ interaction with patients. He also informed the people that TB patients should not be kept isolated with regular treatment given under supervision. “TB patients can be cured and live a healthy life,” added Dr Wadkar. The patients expressed their satisfaction over the treatment and thanked the doctors and field staff of Bicholim PHC for the support.

Botanical Society’s panel

The executive committee of Botanical Society of Goa, president - Dr H Y Karapurkar, treasurer - Rena Fernandes and secretary - Miguel Braganza.

PANJIM (HND): The annual general body meeting and triennial elections to the executive committee of Botanical Society of Goa were held recently, wherein the office bearers were elected unopposed. They are: president - Dr H Y Karapurkar, secretary - Miguel Braganza, treasurer - Rena Fernandas, vice president - Dr Suvarna Fonseca Antao and joint secretary - Yogita Mehra. The executive members are Olavio Fernandes, Ana Dias e Camara, Manjiri Kelkar and Antonio Silveira.

Giants Group elect chief

MAYEM (HC): P G Babu was unanimously elected president of Giants Group of Bicholim during its Charter Nite at BMC Hall, Bicholim.

Bicholim Municipal Council (BMC) Deputy Chairperson Shashikant Halarnkar, former president Ramchandra Pal, M D Desai and Arun Naik were present on the occasion.

Arun Naik administered the oath of office to the newly elected president P G Babu.

Other office bearers elected are Rohidas Naik and Bhiva Malik (vice presidents) and Mahabaleshwar Hegde and Santosh Tari (directors). Earlier, Ramchandra Pal welcomed the gathering, while Babu proposed the vote of thanks.

OHERALDO

Pg 5

GOA

GOA, WEDNESDAY, 30 MARCH, 2011

Mapusa council removes DHS confirms contamination of water in Calangute encroachments in market HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, MARCH 29

HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, MARCH 29

Acting tough on the encroachers, Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) staff on Monday removed the encroachments along the roadsides and footpaths in Mapusa market.

The MMC staff also seized the goods of the shopkeepers and the vendors displayed on the pavements.

Before the arrival of Municipal vehicle, this correspondent noticed some municipal staff informing shopkeepers and vendors that their vehicle would be coming shortly and advised them to remove the goods displayed on the pavement.

The shopkeepers immediately swung into the action and removed the encroachments before the arrival of the municipal inspectors’ alongwith the vehicle.

Speaking to Herald, the Market Inspector informed that they have started the drive because they had received complaints from some shopkeepers and also from the public regarding the encroachment of the pavements in the market.

“Some shopkeepers are allowing the vendors to sit in front of their shops due to which it becomes difficult for the general

Mapusa Municipal staff removes the encroachment on the pavements in Mapusa Market.

Photo by Anil Shankhwalker

public to move in the market freely. Hence, we conducted this drive and seized the goods of the shopkeepers and vendors displayed on the footpaths,” said the market inspector.

“Minimum fine of Rs 500 is imposed on the vendors or shopkeepers for encroachment.

However, this fine does not act as deterrent and the encroachers are seen again next morning,” said the Municipal Inspector.

U Fernandes, a housewife, from Moira said she visits Mapusa market twice a week. The

encroachments along side the roads and on the footpaths in the market is a regular feature.

“It becomes difficult to move in the market because of too much congestion, particularly on Friday. There is no proper system to tackle the problem.

This removal of encroachment

by MMC staff is merely an eye wash,” she stated.

“What is required is strict action against the encroachers and proper supervision by the Municipal staff every day,” added Fernandes.

Ponda council to withdraw sopo collection tender

Councilors during the special meeting of Ponda Municipal Council.

Photo by Amresh Parab HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARCEL, MARCH 29

Ponda Municipal Council (PMC) decided to withdraw the market Sopo collection tender, which was awarded to a private party at a cost of over Rs 61 lakh.

This was decided during a special council meeting on Tuesday.

It may be recalled that few days ago, the Sopo collection tender was awarded to a party after it quoted highest bid of Rs 61.20 lakh for one year. Last year too, the Sopo collection tender was awarded to the same party at a cost of about Rs 49 lakh.

The decision comes after some of the council members proposed to withhold the awarded contract of Sopo collection citing complaints from the vendors.

According to the councilors, vendors have complained of

Forum to hold protest at Corlim Panchayat HERALD CORRESONDENT OLD GOA, MARCH 29

Taking strong cognizance of the illegalities taking place in Corlim, the Corlim Citizens Civic and Consumer Forum will hold a ‘Day of Protest’ at Corlim Panchayat on Sunday.

The Forum would demand resignations from some of the elected panch members and the panchayat secretary, as the Forum claimed that the concerned panch members and the secretary do not have interest for the welfare of the village.

In a letter distributed at various points by the Forum members in Corlim under the authority of Forum Chairman Alexander Gomes, the Forum has taken strong cognizance of the elected panchas of Corlim Panchayat, who they state are being governed by the minister and that the only function of the panchas was to issue NOCs for multiplex, housing complexes, industrial licences and construction of drainages.

The Forum has also taken strong cognizance of some panchas who are least bothered to take note of garbage collection, frequent power failures, improper water supply, proper approach roads, overflowing of sewage septic tanks, and various other issues.

high fees charged by the Sopo collector which in turn increased prices of the goods sold.

The meeting which was attended by 12 of the 13 councillors was of the opinion that for two months, council should collect taxes from vendors.

“To withhold new Sopo collection tender, which was already awarded was proposed by the council members and was passed unanimously. We will see how it goes as the council itself will collect Sopo from vendors,” said the PMC chairperson.

Councilor Venkatesh Naik said: “We felt that municipality should collect Sopo from the vendors, which will also help us to know the exact revenue generated.”

“There were complaints from vendors of high fees being charged by the Sopo collector which also affected selling prices. In the interest of the ven-

dors and customers, we felt that the council should collect Sopo instead of leasing out to a private party,” said Naik.

The meeting also proposed acquisition of land for expansion of city bus stop and to create adequate parking space for vehicles. Members suggested that PMC should acquire land that houses a non-functional petrol station.

“Council members have proposed to acquire a private land.

We will have to see the feasibility report and then only we can go ahead with acquisition process,” said Chairperson Kishore Naik.

Venkatesh Naik claimed that the land which the council has proposed to acquire houses a petrol pump which is not functioning since the last few months.

“Anyhow, it is not serving the people and since the area at the old bus stand which is now a city bus stop is congested, we felt once that land is acquired, it will reduce traffic congestion,” said Naik.

“Kiosks can be rightly organised in the area and will have additional parking space,” added Naik.

The meeting also decided to have two contractors for doorto-door garbage collection. The decision came after villagers complained of improper garbage collection. The PMC will soon float a new tender in this regard.

The Directorate of Health Services (DHS) has confirmed contamination of water in certain parts of Calangute.

It may be recalled that in recent years, water consumers in Naikka Vaddo-Calangute have been receiving contaminated water through their taps.

Though the PWD claims to have had rectified the contaminated water woes of the cons u m e r s l a s t y e a r, t h e re-occurrence of the problem finds gross folly in the department, raising serious concern among the villagers.

However, recent analysis of the contaminated water by DHS, Environmental and Pollution Control Wing, Panjim, should at least alert concerned officials team led by Assistant Engineer Prakash Surlikar.

Sanguem locals flay NOC for basalt quarry operators HERALD CORRESPONDENT SANGUEM, MARCH 29

Residents of Uguem-Sanguem at the Gram Sabha on Sunday decried the no-objection certificates issued for certain basalt quarry operators in the village despite objections from the villagers.

The residents specifically pointed out to the NOC issued to a quarry operator despite several objections by the villagers since the past many years.

The villagers questioned the panchayat authorities over the issuance of NOC to the said person despite the issue being raised on earlier occasions.

The panchayat officials came under fire for the operation of bassalt quarries in the village.

A villager, Francisco Camilo Carvalho (Non), brought to light the plans relied by the quarry operators and their place of operation. He sought to know from the panchayat officials if they are aware of the places where the quarr y operations are presently being undertaken.

Carvalho armed with information availed under the Right to Information Act from the Directorate of Mines specified to the panchayat officials that the quarries are operated at places other than being shown on the plans.

The quarry operated by the said quarry operator figured time and over again as the vil-

Body recovered

OLD GOA (HC): Old Goa Police on Tuesday recovered an unknown male body along the Merces-St Cruz road.

According to Old Goa Police, the deceased, who is suspected to be in his late thirties, was found with a blue shirt and a green pant.

Old Goa Police have kept the body in GMC Hospital for preservation until further investigations and have registered the case as unnatural death case.

Re-notification of RP-2021

Loliem deputy blames Sarpanch for not sending resolution to TCP HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, MARCH 29

Concerned over the notification of Regional Plan 2021 for LoliemPolem, the deputy sarpanch has questioned the sarpanch for her alleged failure to forward a special Gram Sabha resolution demanding re-notification to the Town and Country Planning (TCP) authorities.

Loliem-Polem Sarpanch Pranali Prabhugaonkar has, however, claimed that the resolution on the RP-2021 has been sent to the TCP. In a press note, Loliem-Polem Deputy Sarpanch Elvis Fernandes stated that a unanimous resolution was passed in a special Gram Sabha on February 27, 2011, against the notified RP2021 for the village.

After detailed discussion, villagers had observed that 75% of the proposed plan by villagers was not considered and accordingly demanded a re-notification of RP-2021, after consideration of their views.

“It was decided in that Gram Sabha that objection should be forwarded urgently to the Town and Country Planning Department, but for the reason best known to the sarpanch alone, surprisingly no such letter has

gone from the panchayat till date,” stated Fernandes.

“RP-2021 is a major development for the entire village and villagers have every right to demand for the reason as to why the Gram Sabha resolution was not sent to the authorities,” demanded Fernandes.

“Villagers are questioning other panchas, including myself, why objection has not gone to the TCP as yet and whether its is due to sarpanch’s ignorance or misguidance, as merely sitting on the resolution has caused enough harm to the villagers,” added Fernandes.

“Since the sarpanch has failed to act till date, I as deputy sarpanch too represent the voice of villagers and hence I’m again

asking the sarpanch to forward the resolution without any more delay,” stated Fernandes.

When contacted, LoliemPolem Sarpanch Pranali Prabhugaonkar said the resolution on RP-2021 passed in a special Gram Sabha on February 27, 2011, was already sent within 15 days of the meeting.

“I don’t remember the exact date, but it has been certainly sent to TCP. However, we continue to receive objections from villagers in some or other format,” added Prabhugaonkar.

“Even, some of these individual objections are forwarded to TCP and we’ll continue to consider and forward any more objections raised by the villagers,” informed the sarpanch.

Teacher stresses on all round progress MAYEM (HC): Teacher Sheela Bhandari has stressed the need to achieve tremendous progress in the fields of education, art, sports and culture. She was addressing the gathering during the prize distribution function of Shri Shantadurga High School Bicholim at Shishuwatika Hall, Bicholim, recently.

The analysis report of DHS, which was conducted on the tap of one Severina Fernandes of Naikawado on March 2, 2011, has made a specific mention of contamination by Coliform organisms, which is not suitable for human consumption.

In the bacteriological examination, the presumptive coliform test is ‘positive’, confirmatory coliform test as ‘positive’ and completed test also shows ‘positive’ for contamination.

“The sample of water analysed is found contaminated

by Coliform Organisms. The water therefore cannot be recommended for human consumption as such,” states the analysis report.

The analysts were V S Kunkoliencar (scientist assistant) and P B S Hede (scientific officer).

School Manager Arun Salkar, Headmaster Suresh Ghatwal, Vijay Sardesai, Suvidhya Ganpule, Ajit Thakkar, Tulshidas Shirodkar and Sameer Neugui were present on the occasion.

Nisha Valve and Indryani Dhole compered the function, while Geeta Marathe proposed the vote of thanks.

lagers expressed dangers of the local river being destroyed due to the operation of the bassalt quarry by the said operator which is barely few metres away from the river.

At the Gram Sabha, the villagers resolved to revoke the NOC’s given to some quarry operators. Besides, a resolution was also passed to convene a special meeting in the village in the first week of April to discuss further course of action against the quarry operators in the village.

It was resolved to form a committee at the special meeting to conduct inspection of various quarries in operation in the village and also to meet the Directorate of Mines for necessary action in the matter.

The villagers of Calangute have been consuming such contaminated water for well over a fortnight and would have been doing so if not for initiative by the residents themselves.

Surprisingly, the PWD officials were reluctant to entertain the complaints of the consumers, but had to finally bow to the wishes of their political gurus.

According to sources, the pipeline of a few has now been replaced, while others are being changed.

“It is unfortunate that the concerned authorities do not listen to the grievances of the people, but follow the dictates of their political bosses,” alleged sources.

In this case, the villagers had to seek the intervention of Calangute MLA Agnelo Fernandes, whereby the pipeline was promptly replaced.

Bihar native convicted for rash driving HERALD CORRESPONDENT SANGUEM, MARCH 29

Sanguem Judicial Magistrate First Class Aratikumari Naik has convicted a native of Bihar for rash and negligent driving and for causing injuries to a resident of Panchawadi.

Accused Shakappa Lamani was held for offences under Sections 279 and 338 for driving tipper truck in a rash and negligent manner on May 20, 2008, while proceeding towards Sanvordem.

On reaching Gandhinagar curve, while overtaking another truck, the accused dashed against an oncoming motorcycle (GA-05 C-1471), causing grievous injuries to the right leg of pillion rider Velton Rodrigues.

The prosecution examined

seven witnesses in the matter including Investigating Officer Mohan Phadnis. APP Govind Gaonkar attached to JMFC Sanguem argued the matter and convinced the Court of the offence committed by the accused.

OHERALDO

Pg 6

O HERALD O Vol No CXI No: 088 Goa, Wednesday, 30 March, 2011

A

Green solution for city traffic

s far as traffic congestion in cities is concerned, Goa is probably worse than India’s ‘urbs prima’ Mumbai. In most prime areas of Panjim and Margao, it is impossible to find parking space for even a two-wheeler. That is kind of insane. Goa rivals Mumbai, Bangalore and probably even the two-wheeler capital of India – Pune – in this respect.

But this problem is not without a solution. In fact, an engineer named M S Athirup just launched one in Kerala’s capital, Thiruvananthapuram, on Tuesday; a social network of bicycles.

Athi’s Bicycle Club (ABC), India’s first cross-city bicycle club, allows its members to enjoy linear rides. This means they don’t have to return the bicycle to place they took it from.

This makes it possible to integrate bicycles with other modes of transportation, since they can be left close to one’s destination.

Mr Aithrup has set up bicycle racks at 16 important places in the city. Anyone who needs to use a bicycle has to call a mobile number and give basic details like name, age, address, e-mail ID, etc. To become a member of ABC, you have to give a bicycle or pay a membership fee of Rs2,000 at any rack.

Those who deposit cash in the drop-box at a rack have to SMS the last four digits of each currency note and its denomination.

Members can select a bicycle from the rack and SMS the lock ID. ABC sends back an SMS with the opening password.

Members can drop off the bicycle at the bicycle rack nearest to their destination. The charge is just Rs2 per hour. When the member returns the bicycle, ABC sends an SMS with the ‘closing combination’ of the lock. Everything is done over a mobile phone.

ABC also offers ‘Happy Hours’, from 9 pm to 6 am, when members can use bicycles for free. The 31-year-old Mr Athirup, who runs an engineering firm, wants to expand ABC to the entire state. He has even applied for a patent for his ‘Cellphone-based bicycle sharing and parking using bicycle racks’.

He probably will not get an international patent, because the city of Paris has a similar bicycle renting system based on smart cards.

For Goa’s cities, which are not too large, a bicycle solution like Athirup’s would be ideal. It isn’t true that bicycles are slow compared to powered vehicles. Especially during peak hour traffic jams, cycling can be nearly as fast, if not faster than buses and autorickshaws, because one can travel along unconventional routes.

If bicycle racks are set up near railway stations and bus stands, as well as at major intersections, so that no one need walk more than 10 minutes to find one, the scheme is absolutely feasible for Goa. All we need is a public-minded entrepreneur like Mr Athirup to make it work.

Privileged goon?

E

verybody knows that Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) supremo Raj Thackeray’s goons can get away with violence in Maharashtra, because his party weakens the opposition Shiv Sena, and is therefore pampered by the Congress government there.

But in Goa…?

Why is the Goa Police refusing to disclose the name of Mr Thackeray’s Personal Security Officer (PSO), who pulled out a pistol, threatened truck driver Devanand Satarkar by pointing it at him, and then smashed the windscreen of his truck?

Had he been a Goan, he would have been in the lock up last night itself. If Mr Thackeray feels his PSO is inseparable, then maybe both should be locked up together!

Duo must join hands Marcos Alemao by email In spite of having several Catholic elected members in the Goa assembly, they failed to recognise the Roman script. They are not able to commence expansion work of Dabolim airport as promised by the Union Aviation Minister. They cannot stop Mopa airport progress, even when the people of Pernem are objecting. Only two elected members Churchill Alemao and Mickky Pacheco can do wonders. If Churchill Alemao joins hands with his rival Mickky to form a local outfit, and forgets all the past, they can formidably rule Goa as per the wishes of Goans. Churchill Alemao has the guts to do so. Since he is in the Congress party, he is under the cloud of the High

100 Years Ago

PRIMEIRO DIARIO NAS COLONIAS PORTUGEZAS

30 March 1911 Annual visits The Governor General of Goa is going to undertake his annual visits to different Districts of Goa commencing from the District of Bardez.

Warm reception given It was imposing the warm reception given by the people of Bardez to the Governor Couceiro da Costa.

Post concert music Some village bands after finishing their repertoire from the pavilion especially erected at the market of the Vila de Mapusa went around the villa playing beautiful melodies.

False assassination story Is without any basis the news that there was an assassination attempt on one Afrikaner from Moira by one Sailor from Cortalim.

Has been established at Nova Goa on the banks of River Mandovi a storehouse for timber and other twigs availed from the National Forests.

OPINION

www.oheraldo.in

Forked Tongues, Mother Tongue and 1991

church-run schools are being deserted, and could get eroded to favour new players into the education business, says FReDeRicK NoRoNHA

T

wo decades after the medium of instruction controversy erupted on us, we are still struggling to find a solution. While discredited politicians use this to effectively divide the people, we need to remind ourselves of some realities from the past.

Language controversies have played an important role in shaping Goa’s reality, particularly in the ‘eighties and the nineties.’ Two prominent mass-based language protests eclipsed other public issues during this period. One was the 1985-87 Konkani versus Marathi ‘official language’ controversy; the other, the discord which raged over regional languages versus English as a medium of instruction in 199091.

When it came to language loyalties in Goa, ironies abounded on all sides. In another era, Marathi supporters (calling themselves dual-language backers) pointed out that large sections of the ‘Konkani camp’ used English as the preferred means of communication, both spoken and written. If this charge was not untrue, so was the counter-charge: most Marathi supporters in Goa actually speak Konkani.

But that’s not all. During the 1990-91 medium of instruction protests, those demanding the right to study in government-subsidised English medium primary schools marched down the main thoroughfares of Panjim and on to the Bishop’s Palace, carrying placards and shouting slogans in Konkani. Top politicians who have campaigned for regional languages in a vociferous manner, have been publicly accused of sending their own children to premier Englishmedium schools, even to distinct places outside Goa. As Jyotsna Kamal points out [Economic & Political Weekly, Vol XXI, No 14, April 5, 1986, p 569]: “The language controversy in Goa has a long history and reflects several paradoxes and aberrations. Why, for instance, did the Portuguese encourage for the initial 150 years, but throttle it later? Why did the Portuguese tolerate the ‘mustifund’ schools started privately by collecting fistfuls of grain from each household? The Portuguese even sponsored Marathi schools in the 19th century. How come the historic verdict of the Opinion Poll not to merge with Maharashtra was followed immediately by the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) ruling over Goa (for nearly a decade and half)?”

As the Madras-based journal The Hindu (December 28, 1986) wrote: “Another peculiar feature is that though 90 percent of the people of the territory speak Konkani, more than 60 percent of the Hindus

Tongue in Cheek

Devil’s ADvocAte have enrolled their children in Marathi medium schools.”

MEDIUM ROW Barely three years after the “end” of the official language agitation of 1985-87, another languagerelated controversy began to take over the domain of public discussion. This was relating to the medium of instruction at the primary level. Then, as now, the controversy basically revolved around whether English should be allowed to have a role at the primary level of education or not.

Oddly, this controversy first began when someone noticed a petition in the courts. It had been filed by primary school teachers of minority-run schools seeking better pay conditions, equal to those of the government school teachers in the State. Teachers in non-government primaries were putting in some amount of work, and were being paid basic salaries of just between Rs165 and Rs400 per month, as against the government teachers’ corresponding scale of Rs1,200 in those times.But there was a catch here: private primary schools in Goa were then not being given government grants on some strange logic. And, in its School Education Act, the Goa government had laid down that nothing in Chapter IV (dealig with the terms and conditions of service of employees of recognised private schools) would apply to “an unaided minority school”.

Church-affiliated schools, and those run by the Jesuits and two other religious societies of nuns — which were also affected by the ruling — argued in court. They sought refuge under the cultural and education rights of minorities contained in Article

Who will triumph – Green or blue brigade?

T

oday is D-day as India take on arch-rivals Pakistan in the semi-finals of the ICC World cup. It is being termed as the mother of all battles on the cricket field. An India-Pakistan match is always called labelled as the “Ashes” of cricket, akin to what the Australians and English cricket teams vie for, but on this side of the planet. Indeed, nothing gets bigger than a cricket match between the two countries. It is not just another match. It is all about emotions getting high and nationalism coming to the fore. But then when India plays Pakistan, you can expect high voltage drama on and off the field. Several things have taken place in the build up to this match.

A survey has shown that there has been a rise in the consumption of alcohol in Mohali, ever since India defeated Australia in Ahmedabad to set up an India-Pakistan semi-final match at Mohali. It is understood that tickets prized at Rs1,000 were sold for Rs10,000.

A mini battle of loyalty began simmering between star couple Sania Mirza and Shoaib Malik. Sania, India’s top-ranked tennis player will be rooting for her country India, while Shoaib Malik

Command and has to honour obligations.

If he (Alemao) breaks barriers, we will get Roman script, Dabolim airport will be restored, the English medium of instruction will be granted and Mopa will get grounded.

DGP not needed Paul Fernandes, Chimbel It was rightly suggested by Lovell G Pinto USA, (Herald, 26 Feb) entitled ‘DGP must go’ that there is no sense in having a DGP in Goa. It was on 13 November 2004 that this DGP post was created by the then CM Luizinho Faleiro without taking any consent from the said government. It also placed on record that the said position of a DGP was useless and not necessary for a state like Goa. It is true that the said position in the Police department are the same as related to that of the Central government such as DGP, IGP, and SP. Goa is a state and not a Union Territory.

Therefore, an appropriate position in the state should be Police Commissioner, Jt Police Commissioner etc.

It is hoped that the government of Goa reviews the above matter positively.

Illegal felling of trees J M de Almeida, Alto Porvorim

Karen Fernandes, Nuvem

On going through the newspapers for the last couple of days, I came across reports which stated that a few individuals were against the demand by thousands of parents to allow English as the medium of instruction in government-aided schools. These individuals should not meddle in affairs which would mar the future of Goan kids.

As for Fr Mousinho de Ataide, his kin all attend English medium schools, so why have a dual set of beliefs? What counts is that a majority of Goans have opted for English and affected parents know what they are doing, so why are a few causing an obstacle?

Why is it that politicians come to the masses for votes if they cannot give the masses what they want? The forces that are against the enforcement of English as the medium of instruction in the primary stage of schooling, should back off. that the letter to the editor published under the name of one ‘Rita Paes’ is not mine.

I reiterate very strongly that neither as Principal of Nirmala Institute of Education, nor in my personal capacity have I sent any such letter.

It wasn’t me

Our local panchayat was shocked and dismayed at the turn of events. Until recently, all the construction plans were submitted to the panchayats, the plans were discussed at the monthly meetings and then submitted to the Town Planning section.

The files were forwarded to the PWD for

Lawrence D’Cruz, England The time has come to sort out the injustices in Goa. An ecological and social disaster is taking place. Mining has been destroying our fauna and flora, and has polluted our water table and agricultural land. We are at a loss to see the gradual decimation of Goan identity.

Who is going to pay for the regeneration of the moon-like craters that blight our land?

Look at the mounds of garbage in our towns, villages and beaches. The Indian propaganda machine is painting a fools paradise of Goa.

Panchayats ignored Nelson Lopes Chinchinim

By Adelmo Fernandes

accepted the invitation. This has been called as a ‘cricket diplomacy’ after the Home Secretaries had a talk just a couple of days back.

Whether this diplomacy will show an improvement in the relationship between the two countries, especially after the 26/11 terror strikes in Mumbai, is debatable. But it must be said that the best thing that can happen between the two countries is that a dialogue has started. Coming back to cricket, after 1983 when Kapil’s ‘Devils’ lifted the World Cup, India has the best chance to do it again. Whether Dhoni’s demons will emulate Kapil’s ‘Devils’ remains to be seen. India is undoubtedly the strongest side in the tournament. Even Imran Khan said that even though he would like Pakistan to win the match, Indians are the hot favourites. But then the maverick Pakistani team is very unpredictable.

Shahid Afridi is thus by far the highest wicket-taker in the tournament and is leading from the front. Since the match will be a pressure-cooker situation, it must be said that the team which holds it’s nerves till the end, will win. Even though I would want India to win, I would say may the better team win.

Letters to the Editor

My take on ‘Medium of Instruction’

Goans taken for a ride

This is with reference to the letter of the day ‘Poll communalising strategy’ (Herald, 29 March). I would like to state very clearly

will obviously be supporting Pakistan. I am reminded of the match between the two countries in the 1986 Australasia Cup at Sharjah when Javed Miandad scored a six off the last ball delivered by Chetan Sharma to win the match for Pakistan.

The war of words has begun. Former Pakistan captain Imran Khan said that the Indian players should take sleeping pills on the night prior to the match because the players would find it difficult to get some sleep. The present captain Shahid Afridi said Sachin Tendulkar will have to wait till the World Cup is over to get a ton of tons, because Pakistan will not allow any of the Indian players to score a century in the match. Sachin Tendulkar is no doubt the star of Team India, but then local boy Yuvraj Singh will probably get the biggest applause simply because Yuvraj has hit a purple patch during this World Cup. His heroics with the bat and the ball was one of the main reasons India is playing in the semi-finals.

A diplomatic flavour has been lent by the invitation extended by the Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh to the Pakistani President Zardari and Prime Minister Gilani. The Pakistani PM has

Letter of the Day

Due to mining activity as well as the demand for wood, there is rampant illegal felling of trees in Goa. Even the forest covers have not been spared by these unscrupulous elements. Recently, the learned Speaker of the Goa Assembly P S Rane, without mincing words, has called upon the concerned authorities to be more vigilant to protect our trees and book the culprits.

Shri Rane, whilst holding the portfolio of Forests and Chief Minister of Goa, was instrumental in planting trees along the highways and also along all forest covers. This is something which was never being done by successive governments.

Dr Rita Paes, Principal, Nirmala Institute of Education, Panjim

29 and 30 of the Constitution. Actually, the issue was simply economic: if the government was not giving any grants to private schools, it could hardly expect that the schools pay staff at governmental scales. But instead of the emphasis being laid on the fact that the schools were “unaided”, it was on their “minority” character.

This resulted in the Goa High Court Bench then ruling that allowing the private primary schools to pay lower salaries to their staff (merely because they were minority institutions) would be ultra-vires of Article 14 of the Constitution. [Writ Petition No 302 of 1988, judgement dated November 7/8, 1989.]

Three months after this judgement, the tenth session of the All India Konkani Writers’ Conference put forward a demand that the Goa government “should impart pre-primary and primary education in Konkani only ... (and) that no grants nor assistance should be given to those private schools which harm the minds of the tender children by thrusting on them... pre-primary and primary education in alien languages, especially English”. [‘Resolutions Passed’, Konkani Basha Mandal, no date.] Later — and we see history repeating itself now — backers of both Marathi and Konkani joined forces to demand government grants for private primary schools, provided they did not use English as the medium of instruction.

The MGP-dominated Progressive Democratic Front government acceded to this demand. Today, politicians at the helm of that experiment (Shashikala Kakodkar, and Churchill Alemao, for instance) are seated on opposing sides of the fence! Goa’s Catholic Church, the schools of which were most affected

by this issue, took a zig-zag position. Ironically, it showed resistance and a determination to challenge the policy, and seek grants for its many Englishmedium primary schools. [See ‘A Tricky Problem’, Renewal, Pastoral Bulletin of the Archdiocese of Goa, March 15, 1990.] It should be noted that by this time, government grants had become essential, as the teachers had to be paid at government scales, as laid down by the court judgement. Later, the Church changed its stance and readied to implement a policy of switching over the primary schools to the regional language, i.e. Konkani. With the change, the Church was itself pitted against pro-Englishmedium parents, some of whom took out vociferous protest marches. Today, many Church-run schools are being deserted, and a vital social asset could be eroded in favour of a new set of entrepreneurs entering the education business.

Incidentally, politicians — particularly those of the Congress(I), when they were out of power in 1990 — took a strong interest in backing protests over this issue. But when the same party got back into power, the issue was, apparently cynically, forgotten. In this case, the laudable aim of teaching children in regional languages was turned into another contentious issue, obviously because of the deep divide which exists among various sections of Goan society. A salary dispute was conveniently used to enforce Devanagari Konkani (and continue with Marathi primary education), despite the fact that nearly forty percent of the primary students were, at the time, studying in the English medium. No efforts were made to see why parents — including some from the most deprived sections of society, and cutting across lines of religion too — were so keen to have their children educated through English. Neither was any effort made at least to acknowledge if not to tackle the divisions within Goan society.

Looking back with the wisdom of hindsight, it is important to acknowledge the role English (a language Goa did not even have a colonial link with) plays in today’s Goa. Likewise, it is crucial to stop confusing between concepts like “mother tongue”, “official language” and “medium of instruction”.

If we look at concepts like ‘first language’, we could arrive at a better understanding of reality.

Pushing the Antruzi dialect of Konkani in the Devanagari script is hardly sound pedagogy. Politicians and language chauvinists should stop deciding for everyone, based on some warped logic.

The attempt to communalise the problem, and suggest that this only affects the Catholic student is also deplorable too.

estimation of costs and fees. In the case of the multi-storeyed building in Deussua Chinchinim, the process was totally reversed. The files were cleared from both the departments and only submitted to the panchayat for the payment of its fees. It is only then that the local body became aware of role reversal and usurping of their powers. The project has been kept on hold with consultation with the BDO, which claimed helplessness. Will such a process bring down corruption or will it be shifted elsewhere?

We are not naïve Goans!

Freddy Agnelo Fernandes, Dubai CM Kamat is at it again. He assures that his government’s stand on mining is clear. Is that news? The public have known the government’s stand on mining for a long time.

CM had promised us the mining policy years ago but this is yet to see the light of the day. Will this policy come before the entire Western Ghats are devoured and digested by our politicians and their miner friends? Or will the policy come at all? CM Kamat also tried to shed crocodile tears stating that he is aware of the brunt of mining, on the people. Despite all this, he calls himself the aam admi CM. Isn’t that ironic? CM Kamat thinks that he can increase taxes at every avenue in mining and divert the finance to help

the affected people. Honestly speaking, the biggest scamsters are actually in the Goa government, and he wants us to believe the above crap? Come on, Goans are not naïve anymore!

Paths of Wisdom

Schemes for Goans only Croydon Medeira, Margao With elections proposed to being thrust upon the Goans before 2012 a host of goodies will be promised, lots of non existent issues will be made to look like problems and promises will be made galore. The issue about special status is one issue which is promised before every election. Sonia Gandhi delivered a speech at Fatorda before the Lok Sabha elections promising special status to Goans. This status has not materialised till now. Why should hard earned money of Goans be squandered on labour class migrants and others who are a liability to our state? Most of the time criteria for eligibility of schemes are that one should be a resident of Goa with a 15-year residential stay in Goa. Goans would like to see the criteria changed for all government schemes, jobs, and benefits from just submitting a residence certificate to prove residency in Goa to persons only of Goan ancestry. We demand that the Chief Minister brings about a change in the aforesaid eligibility criteria.

Comunidades and corruption Mitchelle Monteiro, Loutolim With reference to the news item ‘Administrator of Comunidades staff go without Feb salary’ (Herald, 17 Mar), there is nothing surprising that the staff of Comunidades administration is facing a financial crisis to meet payments of its staff. After liberation, the successive governments spread its tentacles to exploit Comunidades.

In violation, the Administrator’s office has effected illegal staff recruitments beyond the required need and made applicable six pay commission salaries as if Comunidades are government bodies.

The Revenue department should open its eyes before disbursing further monies from the exchequer for the corrupt administrative body, because Comunidades’ budget is not included in the consolidated expenditure of the government.

The Cunning Man and Four Fools

By Sri Swami Sivananda

A man went into a park. All the cement benches were occupied. He was tired and wanted a little rest. None of the occupants of the benches seemed inclined to vacate them. He thought of the best plan. He moved towards the corner of the park and started looking up, pretending to be wonder-struck at the sight. Thus he created eagerness in the four people, occupying the nearest bench, to see what astonished him.

Drawn by the curiosity, they left the bench and came near him. As soon as they were near him, he turned round and went straight to the bench and stretched himself on it comfortably. Before they could find out what it was that he saw, he had settled down to a nice sleep. The four fools argued for a long time as to what he saw, but could not come to the correct conclusion.

This is what happens to many people in the world. Frequently a scientist or a politician springs up. He wants to lead a comfortable life with a good name and fame, power and position. He is intelligent; he finds that the common man is a fool who could be easily deceived.

This scientist or politician pretends that he has discovered something astounding.

People gather around him and worry themselves over his discovery. They enter into endless controversies among themselves over the nature of his discovery; while he himself settles himself down with a fat bank account, roaring fame, all comforts and conveniences.

O fool, be not deceived by the pretender.

Approach the sage of true wisdom. He will enlighten you and lead you to the goal, Eternal Bliss and Perennial Peace.

(Source: Parables of Sivananda)

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

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

OHERALDO

GOA

Pg7 GOA, WEDNESDAY, 30 MARCH, 2011

Swords seizure: 5 discharged 87 structures to be demolished at Khariwaddo today for lack of clinching evidence HERALD REPORTER VASCO, MARCH 29

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MARCH 29

If the Judicial Magistrate First Class, Margao discharged five of the eight accused in the sensational Moti Dongor swords seizure case, blame it on the Margao police for its failure to produce before the court incriminating evidence against the accused persons.

Accused Floyd Coutinho, Shaikh Jalil, Shaikh Maqbool, Shaikh Farook and Irfan Khachi were discharged by the court last week, while ordering framing of charges against the remaining three accused, Basir Shaikh, Mohammad Mainuaddin and Jagdish Singh.

“I have perused the statement of the witnesses recorded by the Investigating Officer and I found that there is no incriminating evidence against the five accused persons,” Judge Devidas Kerkar said in his order.

Judge Kerkar said the Panchanama conducted by the police did not disclose evidence that all these accused came together in order to commit criminal conspiracy. “I have perused

Library science course HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, MARCH 29

The Govt College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Khondola, Marcela, in association with State Central Library, will conduct the 3rd Certificate Course in Library and Information Science from April 18. Fresh students and employees of libraries with 12th /HSSC (1st Attempt) pass; students appearing/appeared for 12th /HSSC Exam may be considered, if vacancy exists.

The course fee is Rs 4000. Maximum 45 trainees will be taken on first come first serve basis.

the other documents on record, which also did not disclose any prima facie evidence against the accused”, the Judge said.

Saying that the prosecution has failed to bring on record the mere suspicion against the five accused, the Judge said there is also no verbal evidence against the accused.

Citing a Supreme Court judgment, the Judge said that mere suspicion of motive is not a sufficient ground for framing charge, adding there must be some direct evidence to prove conspiracy, adding that there is no evidence to prove the conspiracy by the accused. “Even there is no circumstantial evidence or mere suspicion against the accused and the material on record placed by the prosecution does not prima facie establish any offenses against them”, the Judge said. “There is no sufficient evidence produced on record by the prosecution that all these accused (five accused) were involved in the criminal conspiracy and procured 17 swords from accused Jagdish Singh and taken the same to the

house of accused Jalil and the same was sharpened by using grinder at the house of Jalil and further concealed the swords in the truck and carried the swords in Hyundai Ascent car at Housing Board, Davorlim”, the Judge added.

It was the case of the Margao police that the eight accused persons on July 3, 2008 criminally conspired and forged the voter identity card with the photograph of accused Mohammed Mainuaddin in the name of Amin Shaikh and used the forged document as genuine with a fraudulent intention so as to cheat the financial institution. The police further said the accused in furtherance of the criminal conspiracy, without license procured 17 swords and later carried the weapons to Housing Board, Davorlim in the aftermath of the Communal tension between Hindus and Muslims to promote enmity between different groups by using criminal force on grounds of religion prejudicial to the maintenance of communal harmony between Hindus and Muslims.

The South Goa Demolition Squad will demolish 87-odd structures at Khariwaddo on Wednesday, after their owners failed to obtain a stay from the Goa Municipalities Appellate Tribunal (GMAT).

The High Court on Monday ordered immediate demolition of 87 illegal structures, which do not possess the stay from GMAT, as these structures have cropped up on land belonging to Mormugao Port Trust (MPT).

MPT claims that land within 50 mtrs from the high tide line is in the port jurisdiction.

Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) Chief Officer Gopal

Parsekar said the council has been asked to file compliance report before the High Court by April 6, 2011, that 87 structures are demolished.

“We have written to South Goa Demolition Squad Deputy Collector Johnson Fernandes requesting for demolition squad to go ahead with demolition,” admitted Parsekar.

Johnson Fernandes in his letter to Mormugao Deputy Collector Levinson Martins and DySP Mahesh Gaonkar has sought State machinery and police force to carry out demolition commencing on March 30, which would continue for four continuous days till April 2.

Martins informed that he has been asked to maintain law and

Margao accident: driver gets bail HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MARCH 29

The driver of the ill-fated KTC bus, which was involved in the tragic accident at the Colva circle, was released on a bail bond on Tuesday.

PSI Tulsidas Naik said injured Madhavi Amonkar, who has sustained injuried in the accused, is out of danger and her condi-

tion is improving in the GMC. He said the police has handed over the dead bodies of Vinod Naik and Gurudas Amonkar to their relatives after post mortem examination.

“The accused driver, Shablo Mayenkar has been released on a bail bond today”, he said, adding that the police are investigating the case.

Goa Handicrafts Rural and Small Scale Industries Development Corporation’s (GHRSSIDC) desires to develop a Shilpgram at Neuginagar in Panjim under Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode.

The landed area admeasuring 14,400 sq mts belonging to directorate of industries, trade and commerce located at Crafts complex, Neuginagar would be used for setting up Shilpgram.

The shilpgram is expected to provide excellent marketing facility for handicrafts artisans, along with promoting dialogue and interaction between national and international artisans with their Goan counterparts.

The project also aims to promote handicrafts based tourism on the lines of Delhi haat, Chowkidani, Jaipur, which would

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MARCH 29

Opposition to government’s decision to lease the SAG football ground to Churchill Brothers football team had its echo in Benaulim.

Director of BCC Football Academy Dr Hubert Gomes on Tuesday demanded that the fraudulent 33-year lease of Cana-Benaulim should be revoked immediately. “It is a fraud against the people of Benaulim, almost amounting to a day-light robbery,” he said.

“If the government does not

contribute handsomely in the promotion of Goan handicrafts across the world.

The project has been accorded preliminary approval by the state cabinet and the GHRSSIDC have appointed Deloitte, Touche, Thohamatsu Pvt Ltd as transaction advisors cum financial consultants for the project.

The consultant, apart from preparing feasibility report, would also be assisting the GHRSSIDC in selecting a suitable private partner.

The report from financial consultant is awaited.

The GHRSSIDC has also appointed a transaction advisor who will assess traffic impact, environment impact assessment of the project.

The project will be also kept open for public suggestions and comments.

Russian rape: order on bail reserved HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MARCH 29

The South Goa Sessions Court has reserved its order to April 1 on the bail application filed

by John Fernandes in the Russian woman rape case.

Arguments on the bail plea were heard before Additional Sessions Judge Vijaya Pol on Tuesday, with the Crime branch vehemently opposing the application filed by the accused.

Public prosecutor Bhanudas G a o n ka r a rg u e d t h a t t h e Supreme Court’s order is very clear, that the petitioner can revive the bail application if the trial in the case is not completed within six months. The prosecution said it is for the petitioner to approach the Apex court to

revive his bail application and sought to know whether there is nay substantial change in circumstances to release the accused on bail.

On the other hand, lawyer for the accused, Adv Samant pointed out that the trial has not been completed within six months and submitted that his client is entitled for bail. The defense pointed out that the court has already examined the victim and her friend and only the Investigation officers needs to be examined by the court.

After hearing the arguments, Judge Vijaya Pol has adjourned the matter to April 1. Examination of the investigation officer has been posted on that day.

No-trust moved against Rumdamol sarpanch, dy HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MARCH 29

When Sharifa Bi Shaikh presided over the gram sabha meeting on Sunday, her deputy Damu Naik said the meeting is probably the last meeting after presiding over the affairs of the Rumdamol panchayat body for four years.

For, a no confidence motion is hanging over the heads of the Sarpanch and deputy sarpanch moved by PWD Minister Churchill Alemao-backed four-members in

Meanwhile, officials of company which has manufactured the bus have begun an inquiry into the reasons behind the tragic accident.

The inquiry report would be submitted to the KTC Managing Director, Venancio Furtado, which will throw light on the exact cause of the accident – mechanical or human error.

Leasing of ground is fraud: Benaulim football academy cancel this illegal lease with immediate effect, there is no way I am going to remain a silent spectator. I will do all that is necessary to fight this fraud on Benaulim”, he warned.

Incidentally, it was Dr Hubert Gomes who had first brought this ‘illegality’ to the notice of the public during his media interaction way back in November 2010. “How can the Government lease out this good ground to a private Club ‘for peanuts’? As it is there are no proper football playing facilities in our 'football crazy'

village", Dr Gomes pointed out, after explaining the various difficulties his young players have to face at his Benaulim based Football Academy.

"Good quality ground is a must to train young boys. Ours is a ten years old football academy started

by Antonio Mascarenhas 'to save young boys' from going astray.

Thanks to his selfless efforts, today we have four GFA affiliated teams (in different age groups).

If the Goa government is really serious about promoting football in Goa, it should support our efforts, by allowing us to use this

Cana-Benaulim Ground, as we were doing all these years. How can the Government take this ground from our poor children and give it to a rich, family run private Club?" Hubert questioned.

Dr Hubert, who has acquired all the necessary documents of this ‘lease agreement’ under RTI Act pointed out that the terms and conditions of this agreement are very biased, favouring Churchill Brothers and totally against the short and long term interests of the people of Benaulim. “People of Cuncolim had protested against

Shilpgram to come Make stand clear on language issue, BBSM asks Congress up in Panjim HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 29

order and provide required State machinery for demolition.

He said that police force comprising five police inspectors, a large police force including two battalion of IRB, besides five executive magistrates will be present during the demolition to maintain law and order.

“Engineers from PWD, electricity department, PWD work force, four trucks and two JCBs will be engaged during the demolition drive,” he informed.

Of the 363 structures, 276 had obtained temporary relief from GMAT following the intervention of Revenue Minister Jose Philip D’Souza, Vasco councilors and the Goa Fishing Boat Owner Association.

However, initially only 30

the seven member body.

In fact, the deputy sarpanch, while proposing the vote of thanks, stated that today’s meeting was probably their last gram sabha meeting as sarpanch and deputy sarpanch.

Meanwhile, the gram sabha gave its approval for the annual budget estimates for the coming financial year. The meeting also deliberated on the sanitation and illegal constructions in the village, which has jurisdiction over the Rumdamol Housing board.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT BICHOLIM, MARCH 29

The Bharatiya Bhasha Suraksha Manch (BBSM) on Tuesday called upon the Congress to make its stand clear over the language issue and also warned that if they are neglected, the government would not remain in power.

The Manch meeting was held at Deendayal Hall Bicholim, which was attended by people from in and around Bicholim, including headmasters from various schools, panchas, sarpanchas and people from several associations.

Speaking on the occasion, Konkani writer Pundalik Naik strongly asked the Congress government to come out openly over the language issue, while Marathi protagonist and teacher Anil Samant warned that the government would have to face the consequences if English is brought in at the primary level.

“This is not the unity of

Paroda locals demand p’yat ghar HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MARCH 29

Paroda Sarpanch Sharmila Vaz has said that members of the gram sabha have demanded construction of a ghar-cum-market complex in the village.

Vaz informed that the gram sabha meeting held on Sunday has unanimously resolved to support the Panchayat body to expedite the formalities for the land acquisition process for the construction of the new panchayat ghar.

“The gram sabha members stressed on the need of the new Panchayat ghar cum market complex as the existing Panchayat ghar is very small and is in a dilapidated condition and also there is lack of a proper market complex in the village”, Vaz said, adding that the local villagers have fully supported the initiative taken up by the Panchayat body for the construction of the new Panchayat ghar and that they will not tolerate any interference by outsiders in the land acquisition process.

She said the members further demanded that the widening of the Margao-Quepem road from Gudi to Karalli be taken up on a priority basis, adding that the villagers will protest by closing the Margao-Quepem road if the notification for the widening of the said road is not issued within 15 days.

Marathi and Konkani, but we have come close with the intention of love for the nation and Goan culture. This is the national power and not only the languages,” said Naik.

Naik tried to do away with the theories of the English lovers and said Konkani gives them bread through several Kantars and tiatrs.

“Konkani is the language of the land and it gives knowledge and if we want to retain our identity, we should follow our regional language,” added Naik.

He also told that the people who support Roman script to Devnagri are anti-national as slowly they would oppose Hindi which is our national language and is written in Devnagri.

Educationalist and Marathi protagonist, Anil Samant, asked all to save Goan culture for the sake of the future generation.

“The government has taken several wrong decisions based on the pressure from the minority community and if same

thing happens again the government would have to face the consequences,” warned Samant.

In his speech, educationalist, Suresh Prabhu Amonkar, said the move to promote English is a plot to destroy culture and tradition of the State.

“What Portuguese were unable to do for more than 500 years, some people from Goa are doing it now. The drop-out rate among students who study in English is higher and it would still increase,” stated Amonkar.

“This is an anti-national plot and if this is done, students would loose self-confidence in themselves,” said Amonkar adding “If the base is strong and in the mother tongue person can achieve greater heights.”

He also gave several examples of people who became great even after studying in their mother tongue.

The speakers urged all people from Bicholim to assemble at Azad Maidan on April 6 in support of regional language.

the 'land grab Football Academy" a few months ago. The hurriedly done illegally leasing of our Cana-Benaulim ground is another case of ‘perfect land grabbing’”, he warned.

To assist the people of Benaulim Constituency, Dr Hubert Gomes has also announced the launch of SAAG... a Free Legal Aid Cell at Benaulim Community Centre. "SAAG", a short form for "Stop Atrocities Against Goa", will take up cases of Public Interest Litigation with the assistance of ‘community centered’ Lawyers, who have volunteered their help to him.

structures had obtained stay from the Tribunal when the Court gave a final hearing and

asked the council to file compliance report by February 15.

OHERALDO

Pg 8 GOA,WEDNESDAY•30 MARCH, 2011

BJP will form govt in Assam: Swaraj PTI GUWAHATI, MARCH 29

DEATH

J.ORIOL PUJOL (Anjuna)

Beloved Husband of Mary Pujol.

Son of late Joseph / late Maria Pujol.Passed away peacefully on 29th March.Funeral cortege will leave his residence today the 30th March at 3:30pm to St.Micheal’s Church, Anjuna for Eucharistic celebration followed by burial.

Relatives & friends kindly accept this as the only intimation.

The BJP today said it is fighting the Assam Assembly elections to form the government on its own as people are "displeased and disappointed" with the Congress-led Central and state governments.

"When you are in the election mode you are focused only on winning. So we are fighting to form the government. Our aim is to form the government on our own," senior BJP leader Sushma Swaraj told reporters here.

On being pointed out that her claim was a tall one in a state where the BJP has only 10 MLAs in a House of 126, she said, "In Bihar our strike rate

was 99 per cent. In Punjab we got 19 out of 23 seats. When people give they give generously."

Asked with which party the BJP would align with to form government in Assam, Swaraj said, "Not thinking about that now. It will be relevant after the election results are out. Formation of alignments for governments are done by our central parliamentary board and not locally here."

On whether the absence of a pre-poll alliance with other opposition parties would benefit the Congress by splitting the votes as during the last elections, she said "every time the votes need not be divided."

INDIA

SC orders security for Hasan Ali, family PTI NEW DELHI, MARCH 29

The Supreme Court today directed the Union and the Maharashtra governments to provide adequate protection to Pune stud farm owner Hasan Ali Khan, facing probe for allegedly stashing away black money abroad and evading taxes, and his family.

The apex court also asked the investigators to video-record the statements of the accused and witnesses as part of the probe into the case.

A Bench of Justices B Sudershan Reddy and S S Nijjar directed the government to place before it by April 8, in a sealed cover, the CD and transcripts of 53-year-old Khan's statements recorded by suspended Maharashtra police officer Ashok Deshbhratar.

The court gave the order after the government responded to its posers on various issues, including security for Khan.

During the hearing, Solicitor General Gopal Subramanian told the court that the government was not at this juncture in favour of constitution of a special investigation team (SIT) to probe

15 students suspended

GHAZIABAD: An engineering college here has suspended 15 students when they allegedly attacked their juniors after a cricket match.

DJ Engineering College here has suspended 15 second-year engineering graduates when they assaulted their juniors after they were defeated in a cricket match on Saturday, Chief Executive DD Kaushik said.

While an inquiry committee will submit its report within a week, the students will remain suspended till then, he said.

CONDOLENCE We deeply mourn the sad demise of

IDA FERNANDES ( Sonarvaddo- Raia) and offer our heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family.

May Her Soul Rest In Peace.

From :

LESLIE VAZ (U.S.A.)

JOE DIAS (U.S.A.) PETER D`MELLO (U.S.A.) ARCANJO .R. MIRANDA (U.S.A.) AGNELO FERNANDES (U.S.A.) JOHN COELHO (U.S.A) GEORGE COLACO (U.S.A.) JAMES D`COSTA (U.S.A.) VINCENT FERNANDES (U.S.A.) LESTER RODRIGUES (U.S.A.) GAWIN RODRIGUES (U.S.A.) GERALDO BENEDITO (U.S.A.) JOHN A. D`COSTA (U.S.A.) AVILO PEREIRA (U.S.A.)

A bench of Justices B Sudershan Reddy and S S Nijjar directed the Government to place before it by April 8, in a sealed cover, the CD and transcripts of 53-year-old Khan's statements recorded by suspended Maharashtra police officer Ashok Deshbhratar. the case of black money being stashed away in foreign banks and money laundering by Khan.

Contending that the agencies, currently investigating the case, should continue with their probe, Subramanian said the court may form an SIT to probe the case later if the agencies did not show result.

"At this juncture, an SIT should not be appointed. Wait for some more time as the agencies are involved in examining the matter. Any deflection at this point of time will prove far more expensive," the Solicitor General said.

He said the government has no objection in principle in video-recording the statements of the accused and witnesses during the investigation process.

Besides the Enforcement Directorate probe in the black money case, Khan is also facing

a nearly Rs 70,000 crore tax demand notice from the IncomeTax Department.

During the proceedings, the bench said it favoured the constitution of an SIT as for the last three years, the agencies probing the matter have not gone into the fundamental question of the sources of money and it has remained unanswered.

"The manner in which it (investigation) has proceeded since 2008 makes it clear that there has not been substantial progress in the investigation.

The speed at which the investigation ought to have been done, has not been done," it observed.

"Since 2008, you have known that certain individuals for years have some kind of money abroad. Instead of looking into that, you talked about double taxation treaty and this treaty and that treaty. Simple questions you could have asked those in-

dividuals were that from where you have got that money which you have so far not answered," it said.

The bench said it has gone through various status reports filed by the ED but nowhere did it find any mention of the sources of money.

Referring to the status report filed yesterday by the government on the ED's probe, one of the judges said, "I went through it all night...reading the status report and the interrogation report filed by you and I found that there was no considerable effort to find out the sources of money. We have found only three-four questions but we have not found anything about the sources of money.

"It is not that they were foreigners. All of them were here but in three years we find that you have not done anything. It is more than three years. You have been investigating it since 2008. The fundamental question is about the sources of money," the bench said.

During the hearing, senior advocates Anil Divan and Rajeev Dhawan, appearing for petitioners--former Union Law Minister Ram Jethmalani and former super cop Julius Ribeiro respectively--supported the idea of set-

2G spectrum case: CBI gets two day more to file chargesheet PTI NEW DELHI, MARCH 29

The Supreme Court today allowed a two-day extension to the CBI to file on April 2 its charge sheet against former Telecom Minister A Raja and others in the 2G spectrum allocation case even as the agency said it was readying an 80,000page document for submission.

In their status reports on the probe into the scam, given to the court in a sealed cover, the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) informed a bench of justices G S Singhvi and A K Ganguly that the case involved largescale violation of Foreign Exchange Management Act and

Thackeray’s PSO held

in lieu of just one share while the market value of the share was just Rs 270.

The apex court was also informed by the ED that it would start attaching and confiscating the properties of erring telecom companies for violating FEMA soon after filing of the charge sheet.

The ED, in its report, also informed the court about various investments made in telecom companies. The investments originated from several foreign countries, it said.

It said most of these transactions took place after licences were given to the telecom firms during Raja's tenure.

From Page 1

driver Dayanand Satarkar had filed a complaint against an unknown person for assaulting him and damaging the vehicle driven by him.

In his complaint, Satarkar had stated that the accused came in Maharashtra vehicles. Later, Borkar, after receiving information from Satarkar, intercepted a Maharashtra vehicle and he too was reportedly assaulted by the armed men.

The vehicles were suspected to be part of MNS chief Raj Thackeray’s convoy, which was later confirmed.

The incident sparked violence in the area with villagers blocking the NH17 B for almost three hours, the agitators even burnt tyres on the road.

Even though this particular incident caused a traffic congestion till 6 pm, there were reports that some miscreants had hurled stones on vehicles, especially non-Goa registered vehicles. Even a police jeep was not spared by miscreants. However, there were no casualties in the stone pelting incidents.

Ponda Police Inspector C L Patil told Herald that the police had identified some youth from Borim who created nuisance at night and they would be arrested soon.

Derram tax

benami transactions.

After going through the report, the bench allowed the CBI plea that the agency be granted two more days to file the charge sheet in the case. The court had earlier given the CBI the deadline of March 31 for the purpose.

The ED, in its report, said in violation of RBI guidelines, foreign money was invested in many telecom companies, after they were granted licences during Raja's tenure as telecom minister.

Giving fresh details about its probe, the ED informed the court that Rs 106.95 crore was received by a telecom company

in the assembly by the revenue minister, the derram was still being collected from over 100 temples in three sub-districts – Ponda, Bicholim and Canacona.

Both ruling as well as oppo sition legislators have opposed the tax which has communal overtones.

‘Please abolish this tax or extend it to all other religious institutions. This is the year of the golden jubilee of Goa’s liberation. Please abolish it in this year,’ said ruling Narvekar.

Opposition leader Manohar Parrikar sought to know why the practice is limited to 150 temples in three talukas of Pernem, Bicholim and Ponda in North Goa and Canacona in south.

“Why only Hindu devasthans? asked Parrikar.

Narvekar pointed out that Portuguese have long gone back and the minister should revoke the circular.

The revenue minister offered to study the matter and take appropriate decision but opposition were in no mood to listen and stuck to their demand.

The revenue minister acceded to bring in necessary amendment and stop the tax collection.

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat also assured the house that the law would be scrapped without delay.

Church board

The ABE released a press note in reaction to “diverging reports appearing in certain sections of the media, regarding parents’ demands for English language at the elementary level.”

“The misconceptions to be addressed seem to be that the parents are demanding for English medium in all primary schools; that Konkani and Marathi medium schools will, therefore, die out; that there is a demand for grants from the government to English medium schools; that one person or a small group of people is behind this movement; and that all experts and educationists are agreed that basic education must be in the mother tongue,” the press note states.

“The actual demand of the parents, specifically with regard to aided primary schools, is that English should also be permitted as the medium of instruction, besides Konkani, Marathi/regional language, according to the parents’ choice; and that Marathi/Konkani should continue as one of the compulsory subjects throughout elementary education,” stated the ABE. The ABE pointed out the this demand was based on provisions of Rule 6 of the Goa School Education Rules, which states: “Teaching in a school at the primary stage shall, as far as practicable, be in the mother tongue of the child, unless the parents or guardian of the child request otherwise in writing.”

The Archdiocesan Board of Education has decided, after careful deliberations, that this demand is in the best interests of the Konkani language and culture; and, in the specific circumstances of Goa in 2011, it is also in the best interests of the children, especially from poorer sections.

“Therefore, the Archdiocesan Board of Education supports the parents in their demand,” the press note added.

The ABE has invited those interested in discussing the issue to contact its officials on phone number: 2421275.

Mapusa hospital

on the floor of the house on

Tuesday.

The health minister admitted that he is in dilemma over how to run this hospital.

“We need to make it a successful hospital which will be a model for Goa. Let’s put the system in place. You give me solution on how to run it,” the health minister said responding to the cut motions on demands for grants.

He said that he wouldn’t mind starting this hospital earlier and putting up the (super-speciality) facilities there later.

“We have an extremely good design but I need to know what system is needed to be adopted,” Rane said.

The health minister, who has been drawing flak for the public private partnership (PPP) mode for this project, appealed too all legislators to guide him how to move ahead rather than making it an issue outside the house.

He said that a motorcycle pilot, who was advised by government doctors to amputate his leg after being affected by diabetes, was treated and his leg was saved by a super-speciality hospital in Mumbai.

“Do you want the patients to be treated by such doctors?

Let’s come out with comprehensive plan for Mapusa hospital, which will provide all super speciality facilities,” Rane said.

Earlier, Parrikar, too mellowed down his opposition to PPP mode for Mapusa hospital. “We can have PPP for certain type of functioning but right now shift the hospital,” he said adding that the PPP mode can be adopted for the super-speciality facilities.

The health minister said that the Goa Medical College will have 20-bedded intensive care unit (ICU) and a state of the art casualty.

He further said that eight air conditioned ambulances will be launched in Pernem, Curchorem and Sanguem.

Referring to the pathetic conditions of TB hospital and quarters at Tambdi Mati in Panjim, Rane said that the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) has been asked to refurbish the hospital by December, this year.

Rane also assured to withdraw the Clinical Establishment Bill, which was expected to be tabled on the floor of the house, for this session.

He said that the Private Practitioners’ Bill 2004 will be modified.

OHERALDO

pg9:Layout 1 3/29/2011 9:32 PM Page 1

BIZ

Pg9

GOA, WEDNESDAY, 30 MARCH, 2011

Swan & Loop used as front cos to get spectrum: CBI to SC PTI NEW DELHI, MARCH 29

The CBI on Tuesday informed the Supreme Court that telecom companies – Swan Telecom and Loop Telecom – were used as front companies by established telecom players to get 2G spectrum illegally during the tenure of former Telecom Minister A Raja.

The agency, which filed a status report in a sealed envelope before a bench of Justices G S Singhvi and A K Ganguly, said Raja will face charges of “cheating, forgery, and corruption”.

It said Swan Telecom and Loop Telecom were allegedly used as front companies by the Reliance Group (ADAG) and Essar respectively. Essar already has stakes in Vodafone.

Swan Telecom’s promoter Shahid Usman Balwa has been arrested by the CBI and ADAG

2G SCAM l Swan and Loop were allegedly used as front companies by the Reliance Group (ADAG) and Essar respectively. l Swan and Loop hid details about their

companies to get spectrum. l Evidence of “forgery” in altering of firstcome-first-serve policy. firm RCom’s chairman Anil Ambani has also appeared before the agency in connection with the 2G spectrum scam.

The CBI submitted before the court that Swan and Loop hid the details about their companies to get spectrum and they will be facing charges of “cheating” and “criminal conspiracy”.

The agency said that there was evidence of “forgery” in altering of first-come-first-serve policy to allow some companies to get 2G spectrum during Raja’s tenure as telecom minister.

It said the main chargesheet will be filed on April 2 against four individuals including Raja, some telecom honchos and

Bambolim Grand Hyatt is a DB Group project HERALD BUSINESS DESK PANJIM, MARCH 29

The 314-room Grand Hyatt coming up at Bambolim, Goa, which is due to open in the second half of this year, is being built by the scandal-hit DB Realty, whose promoter and former Managing Director Shahid Usman Balwa is under arrest for his alleged involvement in the 2G Spectrum telecom scam along with former Union Telecom Minister A Raja.

Notwithstanding this, the Chicago-headquartered Hyatt Hotels Corporation, one of the world's biggest hotel chains, says is going ahead with plans of opening five luxury hotels with the Mumbai-based DB Group.

DB Hospitality is building five premium properties in Goa, Mumbai, Pune and

Mundra (Gujarat). These are to be handed over to Hyatt for management on completion.

Hyatt’s global head for real estate and development Steve Haggerty confirmed recently that the hotels Hyatt intended to manage for DB Hospitality remain in the pipeline. “We cannot really comment on what has happened with DB Realty,” he said. Hyatt expects to open the Goa hotel this year, while construction on the Pune property is quite advanced, said Haggerty.

However, many of DB’s projects are behind schedule. The 314-room Grand Hyatt in Bambolim is six to eight months behind schedule. A 255-room and 55-service apartment Park Hyatt is due to come up inside a 125-storied skyscraper to be built at Marine Lines in Mum-

bai, but construction on the structure is yet to commence.

This project, due for completion by 2014, is also behind schedule.

Sources within DB Realty said the projects are going slow owing to a shortage of funds, due to come from private equity placement, debt and internal accrual. DB Hospitality was planning to spend Rs 5,500 crore for nine hotel properties.

But the planned private equity fund infusion is yet to happen.

Hyatt, present in India since 1983, is planning to take its tally to 38 hotels in India from its present six. The company has tied up with various partners for the projects, in Tier-I and Tier-II cities. However, senior company officials refused to state if DB Hospitality would partner in any of the new projects.

two companies for their involvement in the 2G scam.

The CBI also said that the supplementary chargesheet will be filed by April 25 and investigation in the scam completed by May 31.

Senior advocate K K Venugopal, appearing for the CBI, placed a transcript of telephonic conversation of corporate lobbyist Niira Radia with top corporate honchos and politicians and said, “These telephonic records will be used as evidence in criminal prosecution of the accused in the scam.”

The bench, after hearing his argument, said there is no need to file the draft chargesheet for approval as directed by it earlier as the CBI has assured the court that the chargesheet will definitely be filed on April 2.

Axis Bank to launch 6 more branches in Mumbai PTI MUMBAI, MARCH 29

Private sector Axis Bank on Tuesday said it plans to launch six additional branches in Mumbai, taking the total number of its branches in Maharashtra to 181 by March 31.

These branches, located in the Mumbai Circle, also include branches in Navi Mumbai and Turbhe, a press release issued here stated.

Axis Bank’s Deputy Managing Director, S K Chakrabarti, said, “Axis Bank is focused on taking its products and services into the farthest corners of the country. The bank, to grow its network and achieve this, planned to open 350 branches across the country by the end of this fiscal and is well on course to achieve that target.”

FDI down by 30% in Feb to $1.2 bn PTI NEW DELHI, MARCH 29

Foreign direct investment (FDI) in India registered its second consecutive decline in February, 2011, dipping by 30 per cent year-on-year to USD 1.2 billion in the backdrop of financial turmoil in Europe.

In February, 2010, India attracted foreign direct investment (FDI) worth USD 1.7 billion.

During the 11-month period from April, 2010, to February, 2011, FDI inflows into India declined by 25 per cent to USD 18.3 billion, which makes it imperative for the country to finetune its policies to attract overseas investment.

The country received FDI worth USD 24.6 billion during the April-February, 2009-10, period.

“The numbers are bad. We will not be able to touch last year’s FDI figure,” an official told PTI, adding, “The govern-

ment needs to take the matter seriously and initiate steps to boost investors’ confidence.”

Feeling the impact of the turbulence that battered the global economy in 2009-10, India’s FDI dropped to USD 25.88 billion during the fiscal from USD 27.33 billion in the previous financial year.

“This year is not good for FDI. The global economic recovery is very fragile in European economies. India needs some policy actions to boost the FDI,” CRISIL Principal Economist D K Joshi said.

On its part, the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) has initiated steps to streamline the FDI procedures, including consolidation of all rules and regulations into a single document.

In January, FDI plunged by 48 per cent vis-a-vis the corresponding month of the previous year to USD 1.04 billion.

APPOINTMENTS

The sectors that attracted FDI include services (financial and non-financial), telecommunications, housing and real estate, construction activities and power.

Countries including Mauritius, Singapore, the US, UK, Netherlands, Japan, Germany and UAE are the major investors in India.

As far as FII inflows are concerned, in February, foreign institutional investors pulled out USD 721.33 million, whereas they invested USD 946.21 million in the same period last year.

Textiles sector get Rs 7,400 cr for modernisation PTI NEW DELHI, MARCH 29

The Government on Tuesday enhanced subsidy allocation for modernisation of the textiles industry to Rs 15,404 crore from earlier sanction of Rs 8,000 crore for the current Plan ending 2012.

The decision to increase the outlay and re-structure the Technology Upgradation Fund (TUF) was taken by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs here.

Of the additional Rs 7,404 crore, Rs 1972 crore would be available for fresh sanctions while the remaining Rs 5,432 crore is meant for fulfilling the committed liabilities under the TUF scheme.

Under the re-structured scheme, 5 per cent interest subsidy and 10 per cent capital sops would be provided on brand new looms.

“The CCEA approval will enable immediate lifting of the pause button imposed by the Ministry of Textiles since June 29, 2010,” an official said after the meeting.

The interest and capital subsidy would encourage investment in the industry worth Rs 47,000 crore, he said.

According to the mid-term appraisal of the TUF scheme conducted by rating agency CRISIL, because of its positive impact the programme should be continued in the XII (201217) Plan period as well.

However, it recommended that it should be re-structured in a manner that the benefits also go to processing units instead of the spinning segment which was the major beneficiary now.

The Indian textiles industry which contributes 14 per cent of the total manufacturing, has global brands like Nike, Reebok, Pepe Jeans, Armani and Versace to sourcing their merchandise from the country.

In the overall textile sector, India’s share in the world market is 16.8 per cent and the country ranks only after China among the developing nations, a report by UN Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) said.

CCEA clears Rs 4,500 cr FDI in Hero Investments PTI NEW DELHI, MARCH 29

Lutz Kothe (right), marketing head of Volkswagan Group Sales and Neeraj Garg (left) director of Volkswagen India talk pose the unveiling of the Volkswagen Passat in Mumbai on Tuesday. The Passat will be available in a diesel variant in both automatic and manual transmissions starting at Rs 20.80 lakh (USD 46,222).

Y-cam to open Mumbai Office HERALD BUSINESS DESK PANJIM, MARCH 29

Y-cam Solutions Ltd, the leading UK based manufacturer of innovative and affordable remote monitoring and surveillance products for residential and small–to–medium sized

businesses, has announced their expansion into India’s fast-evolving security market, with its range of high quality, affordable IP cameras, plus an easy way for new resellers of IP security to work with Ycam.

Y-cam has already created new partnerships with professional resellers in Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Karnataka, and is actively recruiting resellers from the rest of the country.

To support its new office, Y-

Indians more upbeat on health than Chinese, Brazilians: Philips HERALD BUSINESS DESK PANJIM, MARCH 29

Indians feel happier and healthier than their counterparts in emerging economies, even though only a fraction of them do regular exercise or take routine health checks. Around 72 per cent of Indians consider themselves healthy, compared to 60 per cent of Brazilians and 58 per cent of Chinese, says The Philips Health and Wellbeing Index Report, which surveyed 8,300 people in over 23 countries over the last six months.

Only 16 per cent of Indians exercise regularly and only 17 per cent said they visit a doctor for annual health checks. The study found that a majority of Indians said they bought health

food and herbal products, Chief Marketing Officer for Philips Electronics India Vivek Sharma told the media while releasing the report at a Goa beach resort.

Around 70 percent of the respondents equated happiness with their family, and said spending time with family and friends improves their feeling of health and wellbeing. Conducted in 28 rural areas across the country, the survey found that people in rural India based their physical wellbeing on three factors – access to clean water, toilet facilities and personal hygiene.

Bangalore is the top city in India when it comes to experimenting with new health remedies – around 50 per cent of

respondents used herbal medicines, accupuncture or yoga.

But the city also tops the list of people who admitted to consulting a mental health therapist. “The city has a sizeable number of young professionals, and the survey indicates that stress is a major factor in their lives,” Sharma said.

Only 3 per cent of Delhiites visit a health club. Kochi tops the list with 40 per cent. Yoga is more popular in southern India, with 31 per cent practicing it. The report also found that Indians in both rural and urban areas rate declining vision as the top potential threat to their health in the next five years, followed by joint pain or arthiritis.

cam has launched a dedicated micro site at http://www.ycam.in, detailing the extensive list of resellers already in partnership with Y-cam. Those looking to partner with Y-cam can email india@y-cam.com for more information.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on Tuesday approved a proposal for Rs 4,500 crore foreign direct investment (FDI) in Hero Investments Pvt Ltd, one of the main shareholders in the country’s largest two-wheeler maker Hero Honda, by two private equity firms.

The proposal was cleared in a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) held here on Tuesday.

“The CCEA today approved the proposal of Hero Investments Pvt Ltd to receive FDI amounting to Rs 4,500 crore approximately in the investing company from Bain Capital and Lathe Investment Pvt Ltd,” an official statement said.

The proposal was recommended to the CCEA by the Foreign Investment Promo-

Philips to double India business in five years HERALD BUSINESS DESK PANJIM, MARCH 29

The Rs 4,000-crore-plus Philips Electronics India, which registered a 20 per cent growth in 2010, will touch Rs 9,000 crore in sales turnover by 2015, if it grows 20 per cent in each of the next five years. Globally, Royal Philips’s revenues were €25.4 billion (Rs1.64 lakh crore), a 10 per cent growth over 2009. Emerging markets like India, China and others will contribute 40 per cent to the global kitty of Philips, up from 34 per cent in 2010-11.

“We need grow faster in India than the firm’s overall global growth in coming years to achieve global targets,” Philips India MD Rajeev Chopra told the media in Goa. But he declined to put a number on India’s share in global sales by 2015.

“It would be significant,” is all he said.

In 2011, Philips India will push its consumer lifestyle segment in a big way, including its kitchen appliances range. “We will further consolidate in the mixer-grinder category and aim to become the market leader soon,” said Marketing Director, Sjoerd Drost.

tion Board in February, 2011.

The Hero Group had earlier stated that the two private equity firms, BC India Investors II, a part of Bain Capital, and Lathe Investment Pvt Ltd, will together pick up a 29 per cent stake in HIPL for Rs 3,650 crore.

HIPL is one of the main shareholders in the country’s largest two-wheeler maker, Hero Honda. It held a 17.33 per cent stake in the company as of December 31, 2010.

In December last year, the promoters of HIPL, the B M Munjal family, had agreed to buyout the entire 26 per cent stake of Japan’s Honda in Hero Honda for Rs 3,841.83 crore.

After buying out Honda from Hero Honda, HIPL will own 43.33 per cent of India’s largest two-wheeler maker.

APPOINTMENTS

driven to evolve

Walk-In Interview

MARS Telecom Systems Private Limited (ISO 9001:2008 certified) requires 250 executives for the prestigious UIDAI (Aadhaar) project for carrying out UID enrolment activities in various locations in Goa. Dynamic and energetic individuals with a passion to perform and keen to play a crucial role as part of this gigantic Government of India initiative may kindly walk-in for a group discussion & interview along with a copy of their CV and Photo identification.

We require

Enrolment Executives: Basic computer skills is a must, good keyboard skills & customer service orientation a huge plus Technical Executives: Experience in Hardware/Software trouble shooting, daily back up and maintenance of data Supervisors: Ability to manage 8-10 member teams, target-driven & ensure MIS compliance Trainers: Excellent communication skills; previous experience in technical training is desirable Operations/Delivery Head: Excellent leadership & independent decision making and communication skills. 8 10 years of experience in managing large field teams, task / target oriented with good MIS reporting skills Experience of working with Government departments/agencies is preferred.

We are looking for

Intermediate, Any Graduate/Post Graduate Good computer skills, excellent communication skills; process and services orientation Fluency in English and conversational skills in Hindi, Konkani and Marathi

You can benefit by

Becoming a certified UID professional Exploring new career opportunities in UID projects across the country Attractive compensation and project incentives

Walk-in dates: 31st March (Thursday) & 1st April (Friday) 2011 Timings: Between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM

Venue: Azad Bhavan, Azad Bhavan Marg, Pundalik Nagar, Alto Porvorim, Opp. Majestik Hotel, Goa. Ph: 99237 16699 Note: Those who are unable to attend the walk-in may email their CV to uidgoa@mars-india.com www.mars-india.com

OHERALDO

pg10:Pg12 3/29/2011 11:55 PM Page 1

BIZ

Pg10

GOA, WEDNESDAY, 30 MARCH, 2011

CAG slams Indian Navy’s combat preparedness HERALD BUSINESS DESK PANJIM, MARCH 29

CHAMPIONS OF GOA: Hindustani Classical singer Kishori Amonkar, who was conferred the Navhind Times-Viva Goa Lifetime Achievement Award seen with chief guest Dr Anil Kakodkar, Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, Executive Director of Bank of India N Seshadri and award winners Dr Asha Sawardekar (Woman of the Year), Dr Oscar Rebello (Man of the Year), P K Mukherjee (Corporate Social Responsibility), Dr Nandita de Souza (Social Empowerment), Schubert Cotta (Music, representing daughter Sanya Cotta), Clinton Vaz (Environment) and Talasha Prabhu (Sports), as well as Dempo Group Chairman Shrinivas Dempo and Viva Goa editor and publisher Kedar Dhume. The event, held at Kala Academy, honoured Goan achievers from different fields. Prof Suresh Amonkar won the award for Education.

The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has criticised the modernisation of the country’s Navy, warning that delays and ballooning costs in its shipyards are severely diminishing its fighting capacity.

It also warned that India’s maritime power was falling because of poor performance of state-owned shipyards, ‘ad hoc’ financial management and shortage of building materials.

“The strength of warships in the Indian Navy has been stagnating and despite construction of warships indigenously, the Indian Navy is facing large shortfalls against its planned levels,” the CAG report warned.

In spite of official statements that the Navy will see dramatic

growth in the next decade, says the report, more ships are being decommissioned than are being launched.

It said the Navy’s force levels are on the decline at a time when the force’s responsibilities are growing significantly.

India is supposed to have one of the fastest-growing Navies in the world. With 120 vessels, many supplied by Russia, it is the fifth largest in the world.

But military experts worry about the age of its hardware and the slow pace of replacement, in spite of India being one of the world’s biggest buyers of arms. Chairman of the Confederation of Indian Industry’s (CII’s) Committee on Defence and Aerospace Baba Kalyani has estimated that half of the equipment of India’s armed forces is obsolete.

Tata Teleservices for Rs 3,000 cr equity sale HERALD BUSINESS DESK PANJIM, MARCH 29

Tata Teleservices Ltd (TTSL), partner of Japan’s NTT DoCoMo Inc, is to issue about Rs 3,000 crore ($671 million) in stock to fund network expansion, sources said. The share sale will probably be disclosed by 31 March. NTT DoCoMo, based in Tokyo, will buy enough shares to maintain its 26 per cent stake in the closely held Indian company, the sources said.

The proceeds will help Tata Teleservices build its 3G wireless network. The company was among nine Indian operators who spent Rs 67,720 crore on 3G spectrum in a government auction last year.

Company officials of both TTSL and NTT declined to comment.

Sensex up 178 points The BSE Sensex on Tuesday closed above the 19k level after a gap of 2 months as it gained 178 points, up for the sixth session in a row on sustained FII buying, amid further easing of oil prices that reduced fears of inflationary pressure and hike in interest rates.

Sensex has zoomed about 1,281.75 points or 7.18 per cent in the last six tradings.

The Bombay Stock Exchange 30-share barometer opened higher and moved in the positive terrain throughout the day. It touched a high of 19,226.21 after mid-session, but sudden bouts of selling at the fag-end pulled it down to close at 19,120.80 – the level not seen since January 24. It rose 177.66 points or 0.94 per cent.

The NSE 50-issue Nifty also firmed by 49.10 points or 0.86 per cent to end above the 5,700-mark, at 5,736.35.

Aban Offshor, 614, 629.9, 610.8, 614.7 Abb Ltd., 789.05, 830, 760.65, 814.8 Abg Shipyard, 372, 373.7, 363.8, 365.75 Acc Limited, 1024.95, 1043.5, 1016, 1042.35 Adani Enterp, 601, 617.75, 598.2, 613.65 Aditya Birla, 811.6, 814, 794.95, 802.25 Allahabad Ba, 217.5, 236.3, 217.5, 230.15 Alstom Proje, 570.9, 576, 555.1, 566 Ambuja Cemen, 138, 139.75, 136.75, 138.6 Andhra Bank, 147.8, 149.9, 146.65, 149.2 Ashok Leylan, 57, 57.35, 55.9, 56.5 Asian Paints, 2522.05, 2544.35, 2511.15, 2515.85 Axis Bank Li, 1377.6, 1431.75, 1377.6, 1422.15 Bajaj Hindus, 71.25, 72.65, 71.1, 71.4 Bank Of Baro, 943, 952, 930, 939.3 Bank Of Indi, 460.15, 473.7, 457.55, 470.65 Beml Limited, 689.9, 696.9, 682.45, 691.25 Bharat Elect, 1698, 1698, 1675, 1684.7 Bharat Forge, 339.05, 344.4, 336.65, 340.05 Bharat Petro, 591.9, 618, 590.2, 612.45 Bharti Airte, 347, 364.95, 347, 360.6 Bhel, 2086, 2107.75, 2055, 2068.6

Bhushan Stee, 440.25, 449.4, 440.25, 445.05 Biocon Limit, 340.35, 342.95, 336, 337.35 Bombay Dyein, 365.95, 372, 362.5, 364.45 Bosch Limite, 6540, 6540, 6440.55, 6492.85 Brigade Ente, 88.5, 91.4, 88.5, 89.15 Cairn India, 352, 355.85, 351, 351.9 Canara Bank, 620.25, 620.25, 613.25, 617 Central Bank, 138, 140.5, 137.4, 138.35 Century Text, 328.95, 344.8, 328.95, 340.55 Cesc Ltd, 306.55, 317, 306.55, 311.3 Chambal Fert, 77.35, 77.35, 75.6, 76.3 Chennai Petr, 220, 222.5, 217.9, 220.1 Cipla Ltd, 308.1, 316, 306.5, 314 Colgate Palm, 828.05, 832.6, 825.1, 827.25 Container Co, 1231.75, 1280.1, 1191.05, 1231.85 Crompton Gre, 267.5, 274.7, 264.55, 272.8 Cummins Indi, 662, 670.3, 660, 660.4 Dabur India, 96, 96, 94.4, 94.6 Deccan Chron, 78.5, 83.55, 77.6, 81.95 Dish Tv Indi, 65.2, 65.45, 64.15, 64.7 Divi’s Labor, 643.75, 652.9, 640, 649.6

Dlf Limited, 246.5, 256.9, 242.8, 253.1 Dr. reddy’s, 1551, 1609, 1550, 1598.4 Edelweiss Ca, 39.25, 39.5, 38, 38.8 Educomp Solu, 428, 434.8, 425.55, 431.55 Eih Limited, 83.8, 83.9, 81.55, 81.8 Engineers In, 296, 302.9, 294.8, 299.8 Essar Oil Lt, 124.4, 125.75, 121.85, 122.55 Essar Shippi, 96, 96.5, 90.6, 92.3 Exide Indust, 136.85, 141.4, 136, 139.85 Federal Bank, 396.9, 403.05, 393.9, 400.15 Financial Te, 834.15, 844.9, 831.4, 835.65 Gail (india), 452, 456, 446.1, 453.85 Gammon India, 112.45, 114.95, 108, 111.5 Glaxosmithkl, 2100, 2117, 2072.5, 2080.45 Glenmark Pha, 275, 278.7, 273.55, 275.9 Gmr Infrastr, 38.3, 39, 38.05, 38.5 Godrej Indus, 186.35, 186.35, 180.55, 181.65 Grasim Indus, 2473, 2498, 2433.65, 2440.15 Great Offsho, 258, 266.85, 253.15, 254.8 Gtl Infra.Lt, 37, 37.2, 36.6, 36.85 Gujarat Mine, 133.95, 135.5, 132.2, 133.05 Gujarat N R, 49.8, 50.9, 49.4, 50.2 Gujarat Stat, 101.4, 103.45, 99.75, 100.1

Gvk Pow. & I, 26.35, 26.6, 26.1, 26.25 Hcl Technolo, 479, 483, 474.05, 480 Hdfc Bank Lt, 2310, 2323.8, 2284.65, 2305.15 Hdfc Ltd, 673.7, 689, 670, 683.05 Hero Honda M, 1512.8, 1583, 1511, 1544.6 Hindalco in, 205.65, 210, 204.9, 207.9 Hindustan Co, 36.5, 36.85, 35.9, 36.25 Hindustan Ma, 59.85, 60.25, 58.35, 58.6 Hindustan Pe, 339.9, 346.8, 338.55, 345.7 Hindustan Un, 276.8, 280.55, 276, 277.7 Hindustan Zi, 136.5, 145.65, 136.5, 141.9 Housing Dev, 164.25, 166.8, 161.5, 164 Icici Bank L, 1100, 1110, 1093, 1099.5 Idea Cellula, 66, 68.4, 65.1, 66.55 Ifci Ltd, 55.5, 55.75, 53.5, 53.75 India Cement, 93.4, 93.95, 92.95, 93.55 India Infoli, 74.2, 74.6, 72, 72.45 Indiabulls F, 157.05, 158, 150.1, 151.1 Indiabulls R, 122.05, 123.45, 119.65, 120.8 Indian Bank, 224, 233, 224, 231.5 Indian Hotel, 82.5, 83.45, 80.95, 82.6 Indian Oil C, 315, 327, 314, 324.05 Indian Overs, 147.85, 150.25, 146, 146.55

Indus Dev Ba, 146, 146.5, 142.55, 143.05 Indusind Ban, 265.05, 268.4, 263.5, 266.85 Infosys Tech, 3132, 3188.7, 3128.95, 3173.35 Infra. dev., 160, 160.7, 155.4, 156.95 Ispat Indust, 22.3, 22.4, 22.2, 22.2 Itc Ltd, 179.5, 180, 178.15, 179.25 Ivrcl Infras, 80.3, 83.15, 79.75, 82.2 Jai Corp Lim, 164.05, 165.8, 161, 161.95 Jaiprakash A, 88, 89.65, 87.35, 88.5 Jet Airways, 441.1, 467.85, 441.1, 462.6 Jindal Saw L, 188.1, 198.5, 187, 196.75 Jindal Steel, 664.5, 686.9, 663.7, 679.7 Jsw Steel Li, 908.5, 926, 902.65, 914.65 Kotak Mahind, 451.9, 458.8, 451.2, 456.2 Lakshmi Mach, 2245.05, 2269.8, 2165.2, 2199.25 Lanco Infrat, 42, 42, 38.75, 39.6 Larsen & Tou, 1642.55, 1680, 1631.1, 1646.9 Lic Housing, 221.7, 225.95, 218.35, 222.7 Lupin Limite, 408, 410, 400.55, 402.9 Mahanagar Te, 45.4, 46.15, 44.95, 45.15 Mahindra & M, 679.35, 690, 674.25, 686.35

The Navy has an ambitious target to launch 100 new warships over the next decade.

Naval suppliers view India and Canada as two countries looking to quickly boost their maritime power.

India is apprehensive of China’s growing naval power in the region.

India’s northern neighbour has three times the number of combat vessels as India and five times the naval personnel, and is eyeing ports in Myanmar, Pakistan and Sri Lanka as its potential naval bases.

India plans to operate three aircraft carriers and, two years ago, launched an indigenously built-nuclear powered submarine from a Russian design. But the CAG report, tabled in Parliament last week, puts India’s ambitions in serious doubt. It highlights the weak capabili-

ties of defence shipyards like Mumbai’s Mazagaon Docks, Goa Shipyard and Calcutta’s Garden Reach to meet targets.

These state-owned yards are only able to produce four ships a year, the report said.

The CAG assessment said that by next year the Navy would only have 44 per cent of the destroyers it expected, and just 20 per cent of anti-submarine corvettes. Ships are delivered as much as five years after their agreed delivery date, it said.

It also lambasted the Ministry of Defence for its inaccurate estimation of costs, which led to severe cost escalation for new ships. “There has been an increase of 260 per cent and 226 per cent in the approved costs of P-17 (stealth) frigates and P-15A frigates respectively,” it said.

Goafest 2011: more Creative ABBY shortlists announced HERALD BUSINESS DESK PANJIM, MARCH 29

After shortlists for the Print, Film and Interactive Digital categories, Creative ABBY shortlists for the Integrated Advertising, Ambient Media, Out-of-Home, Design, Radio and Radio Craft categories have been announced with little over a week left for Goafest 2011.

In the Out-of-Home category, Mudra has the most shortlisted entries at 89. McCann Erickson follows with 65, while Ogilvy India has 58. Other agencies in the Out-of-Home category include Bates 141 (49), Contract Advertising (31), Leo Burnett (26), Grey (25), JWT (24), ideas@work (20), Out of the Box (14), Euro RSCG (10), Rediffusion Y&R (8); Creativeland Asia, Cheil Worldwide, Draftfcb Ulka and Parag Shahane Design (3 each); Meridian, Sorento Healthcare Communications and Rubecon Communications (2 each); and Happy Creative Services, Quadrant Communications, Asatsu-DK Fortune Communications, Beehive Communications and Onads Communications (1 each).

In the Ambient category, Ogilvy leads with 18 entries.

Mudra (14), McCann Erickson (12), Grey and Leo Burnett (6 each), JWT (4), Creativeland Asia, Interface Communications, Bates 141, Dialog Factory, and 1Pointsize (2 each)

Maruti Suzuk, 1210, 1249.9, 1206, 1237.95 Max India Lt, 152.8, 162.25, 152, 158.45 Moser­baer (, 43.8, 43.8, 41.5, 42.1 Mrpl, 62.65, 63.15, 62.05, 63 Nagarjuna Fe, 28.4, 28.5, 27.5, 27.55 National Alu, 98.2, 100.95, 98.2, 98.85 Neyveli Lign, 103.2, 107.35, 102.4, 106.7 Ntpc Ltd, 185, 189.95, 183.6, 188.45 Oil And Natu, 279.95, 285.6, 279.5, 283.85 Omaxe Limite, 137, 140.4, 135.6, 137.1 Oriental Ban, 381.05, 388.9, 380.3, 384.95 Pantaloon Re, 262.5, 269.7, 260.7, 264.3 Parsvnath De, 47, 50.3, 44, 48.45 Petronet Lng, 121.3, 122, 119.8, 121.15 Power Fin Co, 249, 251.5, 244, 245.25 Power Grid C, 99.1, 100.35, 98.75, 99.8 Praj Industr, 72.5, 74.3, 72.1, 72.4 Punj Lloyd L, 64.5, 65.1, 63.5, 63.8 Punjab Natio, 1150.5, 1178.7, 1150.5, 1171.2 Rajesh Expor, 109.85, 111.1, 103, 108.6 Ranbaxy Labs, 436, 441.5, 430.6, 438.5 Rashtriya Ch, 82.4, 82.4, 78.3, 78.75 Reliance Cap, 587.8, 595.8, 580, 582.2

follow.

The Design category has Leo Burnett leading with 16 entries. Mudra (6); Ogilvy, ideas@work and Rediffusion Y&R (5 each); Bates 141, Flagship, JWT, Contract and Grandmother India Design (3 each); Dentsu Marcom, McCann Erickson, Out of the Box, Grey, Tailor, and Fitch (2 each); and Happy Creative, Dentsu Communications, Palasa Creative, and Fingerprints (1 each) follow.

The Integrated category has Ogilvy leading with 5 shortlisted entries. Others include McCann Erickson (2); Creativeland Asia, Contract, ideas@work, Leo Burnett, Mudra, Bates 141, Bennett, Coleman & Co and Grey (1 each).

Mudra leads the Radio category with 21 shortlists. McCann Erickson follows with 19.

Others include Leo Burnett (13), Ogilvy India (10), Creativeland Asia and Contract (5 each), Draftfcb Ulka and Grey (3 each); Rediffusion, JWT, Bates 141, and Interface Communications (2 each); and Euro RSCG and Meridian (1 each).

The Radio Craft category has Lingo India (7 shortlists), Menwhopause (2), and 92.7 Big FM (1).

Organised by the Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and The Advertising Club Bombay (ACB), Goafest 2011 is a five-day event from 5 to 9 April at Zuri White Sands, Varca.

Reliance Com, 105, 110.9, 104.9, 109.7 Reliance Ene, 1102, 1120, 1102, 1115.86 Reliance Ind, 629.95, 639, 626.1, 629.15 Reliance Ind, 1020, 1032, 1019.6, 1022.75 Reliance Pow, 123.2, 126, 123.2, 124.05 Rolta India, 138.05, 140.7, 137.5, 138.3 Satyam Compu, 65.5, 66.85, 64.85, 65.55 Sesa Goa Ltd, 275, 287.95, 274.85, 286.85 Shipping Cor, 109.9, 110.4, 107, 108.55 Siemens Ltd, 876.55, 879.4, 875, 876.35 Sintex Indus, 148.7, 152.4, 148.7, 149.85 Sobha Develo, 277.3, 287.5, 277.25, 282.7 State Bank O, 2741.8, 2792.95, 2741.1, 2767.9 Steel Author, 168.8, 172, 167.55, 169.35 Sterlite Ind, 167, 171.8, 165.75, 170.8 Sun Pharmace, 438.15, 446.55, 438.15, 442.7 Sun Tv Netwo, 433.95, 439.5, 430.2, 433.3 Suzlon Energ, 44.45, 44.95, 44, 44.1 Tata Communi, 246.8, 253.95, 243.4, 244.75 Tata Consult, 1120, 1151.9, 1119.15, 1138.7 Tata Motors, 1231.4, 1246, 1212.5, 1239.45 Tata Power C, 1304, 1341.9, 1295.2, 1331

Tata Steel L, 612.5, 618.45, 608.4, 612.9 Tata Teleser, 15.35, 15.65, 15.2, 15.3 Tech Mahindr, 724.65, 737.9, 671.4, 681.45 The Ge Shpg., 262, 265, 260.6, 262.4 The Phoenix, 179, 182.7, 179, 180.95 Thermax Ltd, 599, 613, 584, 586.8 Titan Indust, 3550, 3614, 3550, 3589.85 Torrent Powe, 243.9, 250.2, 238.15, 244.45 Triveni Engg, 95.95, 97.8, 95.1, 95.65 Tv18 India L, 76.8, 76.8, 74.35, 75.3 Uco Bank, 106.95, 108.65, 105.65, 106.2 Ultratech Ce, 1065.95, 1098, 1061, 1088.9 Union Bank O, 339.95, 346.2, 339.95, 342.35 Unitech Ltd, 39, 40.9, 38.55, 39 United Phosp, 146, 150.6, 146, 149.3 Videocon Ind, 189.5, 192, 189, 190.25 Vijaya Bank, 78.5, 80.15, 78.1, 78.45 Voltas Ltd, 170.8, 174.9, 170.65, 172.95 Wipro Ltd, 461.5, 467.4, 461, 463.5 Yes Bank Lim, 300, 310.4, 298.5, 309.45 Zee Entertai, 125.6, 125.6, 123.85, 124.15

HE RA LD

Pg 13

WORLD

GOA, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30, 2011

Japan on ‘max’ N-alert PTI TOKYO/FUKUSHIMA, MARCH 29

Japanese government today announced that it is on "maximum alert" over its crippled Fukushima nuclear plant, where plutonium has been detected in soil and highly radioactive water has leaked from a reactor building.

"This quake, tsunami and the nuclear accident are the biggest crises for Japan" in decades, Prime Minister Naoto Kan told Parliament, more than two weeks after the natural calamity struck the country's northeast leaving over 28,000 people dead or unaccounted for.

The situation at the troubled nuclear plant "continues to be unpredictable," he said, adding the government "will tackle the problem while in a state of maximum alert."

The Prime Minister said that he was seeking advice on whether to extend the 20km evacuation zone around the plant. He also said that

PTI MELBOURNE, MARCH 29

A bulldozer removes debris in Rikuzentakata, Iwate prefecture on Tuesday.

it is "highly likely" that the sixreactor Fukushima plant will eventually be decommissioned.

Separately, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano told a news conference that the situation at the plant is "very serious" and suggests "a certain degree of melting of fuel rods",

as he expressed deep concern over detection of plutonium in the soil of the crippled facility.

The plant's operator Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), which yesterday announced the detection of plutonium, said the confirmed amount of the radioactive ma-

terial in the soil does not pose a major risk to human health.

It said the plutonium is believed to have been discharged from nuclear fuel at the plant and pledged that it would strengthen monitoring of the environment in and around the nuclear plant.

Radiation spreads across Asia AFP MANILA, MARCH 29

Small amounts of radiation from Japan's leaking nuclear power plant have spread across Asia, authorities said Tuesday, deepening concerns for millions of people already wary of eating Japanese food.

The governments of China, South Korea, the Philippines and Vietnam reported that radiation had drifted over their territories, although they emphasised the levels were so small that there was no health risk.

"We would like to ask the public not to panic. These are very tiny amounts in the air," Philippine Nuclear Research Institute spokeswoman Tina

Chinese ‘spies’ hack Aussie PM's emails

An empty Japanese restaurant at "Little Tokyo" district in Manila on Tuesday.

Cerbolis said, echoing officials in the other countries to have detected the radiation.

"I can firmly assure you that

this amount will not have an iota of impact on the lives of ordinary Koreans," Korea Institute of Nuclear Safety chief Yun Choul-Ho

told reporters in Seoul.

Nevertheless the development was another reminder for people across the Asia Pacific about the rippling impacts of the damaged Fukushima power plant more than two weeks after a huge earthquake and tsunami crippled the facility.

Traces of radiation had in actual fact drifted all the way to the US, with rainwater in Ohio found to have been contaminated on Monday, environment authorities said.

People and governments living in countries neighbouring Japan had already taken a range of precautionar y measures as they watched the crisis escalate.

Suspected Chinese spies have hacked the parliamentary computers of Australian Premier Julia Gillard, Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd, Defence Minister Stephen Smith, and seven other Cabinet Ministers, a media report said.

US intelligence officials tipped off the Australian government about the espionage which occurred over more than a month, starting in February, Sydney's 'The Daily Telegraph' quoted sources as saying.

Four separate government sources confirmed that they had been told Chinese intelligence agencies were among a list of foreign hackers that are "under suspicion", the Australian newspaper said.

A probe is now said to be under way into the cyber attack which may have occurred o n A u s t r a l i a n Pa r l i a m e n t House email network used primarily for MPs' correspondence and not on the more secure departmental network which Ministers use for sensitive communications, it said.

An intelligence brief to the Australian government by the CIA and the FBI is believed to have revealed that hackers had been accessing the computers of a number of Ministers.

The Attorney General Robert McClelland would neither confirm nor deny the cyber-spy incident.

"It's the long standing practice of successive Australian governments not to comment on the operations of security and intelligence agencies. Australia's security and intelligence agencies, as a matter of course, work closely and co-operatively with their international counterparts”.

Fake Indian-origin dentist jailed in UK PTI LONDON, MARCH 29

An Indian-origin woman who worked as a dentist in Britain's National Health Service after falsely claiming to possess dentistry degree from an institute in Amritsar, has been jailed for three years.

Vinisha Sharma, 37, had pleaded guilty in September to seven counts of forgery and fraud, and has now been sentenced at the Wolverhampton

Crown Court to three years' imprisonment.

Sharma claimed to have completed a Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree from the Sri Guru Ram Das Institute for Dental Sciences and Research in Amritsar.

She earned almost 230,000 pounds over a nine-year period while working on the basis of the false degree. H e r d e ception was uncovered following claims that she had

removed the wrong teeth from a patient.

Judge Amjad Nawaz described Sharma's offences as 'pre-determined and deliberate' breaches of the public's trust.

He said: "It does seem to me that the level at which this offending took place and the organisation which must have gone behind it in order to obtain the documents, was very pre-determined and, in those circumstances, highly crimi-

nal. Much of what, sadly, she was telling people was a lie that is the sad truth behind the offending in this particular case."

The General Dental Council reportedly did not check the authenticity of the fake degree certificate when her application for registration was submitted in January 2000.

Sharma was convicted following a complex investigation by the NHS Counter Fraud Serv-

ice, which extended to India.

Mick Hayes, operational fraud manager at the NHS Counter Fraud Service, said: "Because Sharma initially denied the charges, extensive inquiries had to be made in India to locate and bring to the UK a number of key witnesses. Only when faced with their evidence did she finally change her plea to guilty. We are very grateful to those witnesses and to the Indian authorities."

Syria to get new govt, prez to address nation AFP DAMASCUS, MARCH 29

The government in Syria, which has been hit by a deadly wave of dissent for two weeks, will resign today and a new one will see the light within 24 hours, a high-ranking official told AFP. With President Bashar alAssad facing his worst domestic crisis since succeeding his father when he died in 2000, tens of thousands of Syrians today flooded central Damascus in a show of support for the embattled leader.

Speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity, the official said the government would "tender its resignation today and a new cabinet should be formed within 24 hours."

Prime Minister Mohammed Naji Otri formed his government in 2003. It was last re-shuffled

London meet to decide Gaddafi’s exit

Libyan rebels gather near Nofilia, 100 kilometres from Sirte, on Tuesday.

PTI TRIPOLI/LONDON, MARCH 29

A regrouped Libyan opposition today launched a fresh offensive on Muammar Gaddafi's hometown of Sirte ahead of a crucial meeting of leaders of western and Arab nations in London to seek a possible deal for Libyan leaders exit from power.

Helped by heavy strikes by coalition forces, the rebels were reported to have regrouped in the village of Harawa, 60 kms from Sirte to capture the town of Nawfaliyah and were moving towards Sirte, Gaddafi's tribal hometown and an important

military base in the sixth week of uprising against his 41-yearold rule, Al Jazeera channel reported.

Rebels used mortars and heavy machine guns to smash through Government forces, defences at Nawfaliyah and head towards Sirte, but were meeting stiff resistance from Gaddafi's troops.

NATO and US warplanes pounded tanks and heavy guns of Gaddafi's forces. For the first time, US media reports said Americans used the AC-130S and A-10 attack aircraft to carpet bomb government troops.

gangs" and Muslim fundamentalists of aiming to incite the unrest and put the death toll at around 30.

All roads leading to Sabeh Bahrat ("Seven Seas") square in Damascus were cut off today by police armed with batons, as men, women and children raised Syrian flags and pictures of Assad and his father, Hafez alAssad.

"The people want Bashar alAssad," they chanted in unison, under a massive picture of their blue-eyed president that had been hoisted on Syria's central bank.

"We are here to show the real will of the Syrian people, and that is to protect and support their president, may God protect him," said a young woman named Raghad, who turned out early for the rally with her sisters.

Omani army ends ‘reform’ agitation AFP MUSCAT, MARCH 29

The Omani army stormed on Tuesday the Earth roundabout in Sohar removing a small group of pro-reform protesters and ending a month-old sit-in, witnesses said.

Army troops attacked the central area of the northern industrial town at dawn, witnesses said, adding that less than 20 demonstrators were on the roundabout.

ONA state news agency said security forces arrested some "wanted people in Sohar" for "blocking roads and attacking security men".

The spot had become central for Omani anti-corruption protests after one demonstrator was killed by security forces at a nearby police station at the end of February.

Around 300 demonstrators have since been gathering in the evenings at Earth roundabout, demanding jobs, better pay and an end to alleged corruption.

Sultan Qaboos took several outreaching measures aimed at calming protests that spread to the capital, including reshuffling the cabinet and giving orders to vest the toothless parliament with legislative and regulatory powers.

Protests broke out in the placid Gulf state as a wave of pro-democracy uprisings hit many Arab states and forced the ouster of the veteran presidents of Tunisia and Egypt.

Koreas in talks on volcano threat

Yemen ammo blast toll rises to 150 AFP ADEN, MARCH 29

The death toll of a massive blast and fire at an ammunition plant in south Yemen that was looted

by Al-Qaeda has shot up to 150, a local official said on Tuesday.

The final toll for Monday's explosion at the plant near the town of Jaar has reached "150 dead and at least 80 wounded," Ahmed Ghaleb Rahawi, sub-prefect of Jaar in the southern province of Abyan where the blast took place, told AFP. "When the residents entered the plant, there were some workers there who... did not warn them of the dangers," said Rahawi.

in April 2009.

Syria has been gripped by a wave of increasingly violent protests since mid-March, which have put Assad under unprecedented pressure as protesters call for freedoms and reforms.

Assad is expected to address his people in the coming days to announce the end of a state of emergency, in force since the ruling Baath party took power in 1963.

Protests demanding change have largely centered in the southern governorate of Daraa and the northern port city of Latakia.

Activists say more than 130 people have been killed and scores injured in clashes with security forces at rallies where protesters have demanded more freedoms and reforms.

Officials have accused "armed

AFP SEOUL, MARCH 29

Palestinian children sit on a ride in the only small amusement park of the Gaza Strip, in Gaza City, on Tuesday.

North and South Korea held talks Tuesday about a potential volcanic threat from the peninsula's highest mountain, in a rare interlude of cooperation after months of confrontation.

The meeting at the South Korean border town of Munsan follows heightened concern about natural disasters, after an earthquake and tsunami devastated northeastern Japan and crippled an atomic power plant there.

The North's chief delegate Yun Yong-Gun expressed concern at radioactive leakage from the Japanese plant after his 13-

member team including three experts crossed the border early Tuesday.

"We are actively watching for fear that radioactive contamination may reach us," he said at the beginning of the talks with four South Korean delegates, according to Yonhap news agency.

After day-long talks the two sides agreed on the need for joint research into potential hazards from Mount Paekdu on the border between North Korea and China, said Professor Ryu In-Chang of South Korea's Kyungbook National University.

Bloggers join hands to create Japan 'Quakebook' AFP OSAKA, MARCH 29

Inspired by a desire to help victims of Japan's deadly earthquake, a group of bloggers and writers have come together through the Internet to create a book of stories about the disaster.

The result, "Quakebook", is a moving collection of photos, memories and reflections about the massive tremor and monster tsunami that demonstrates the power of the web to unite people around the world in times of tragedy.

The project is the brainchild of a British man living in Japan who blogs under the name "Our Man in Abiko" on websites such as Twitter, where the project uses the hashtag #quakebook.

On March 18, a week after the tsunami hit Japan's northeast coast, he sent a tweet saying: "I want to compile a book of quake experiences

and publish it in a week and donate all profits to Red Cross. We have the technology.

"If everyone wrote 250 words -- one page -- or submitted their favourite (original) tweets, pics or artwork, I could edit, publish it in days," added the resident of Chiba Prefecture just east of Tokyo, who prefers to keep his identity secret to preserve the collaborative spirit of the project.

"I was having a shower thinking, here we are relatively unscathed and we're doing nothing and it's infuriating," he told AFP. "There's a massive crisis on my doorstep and I couldn't forgive myself if I didn't do something to help."

Less than 45 minutes after his first tweet, he received the first contribution.

"That gave me a clue. I thought: I'm on to something here. I've hit a raw nerve," he said.

More than 200 people have

Toilet paper crisis hits Tokyo AFP TOKYO, MARCH 29

An acute shortage of toilet paper has hit Tokyo, as Japan's people react to the earthquake and tsunami by stocking up on essentials.

In a posh supermarket in the centre of the capital, a lone sign stands where prior to the disaster there were mountains of toilet paper, tissues and paper towels.

"Due to the vast earthquake in An illustration created by James White the northeast, we are currently released on Tuesday in Tokyo shows out of stock. We apologise for the inconvenience," the sign reads. the cover of "Quakebook. been involved in the project, including volunteer editors and translators from as far afield as the United States and Ireland.

"The reason it works is because we all want to do something. It's very therapeutic for people to tell their stories.

They feel like they've been ignored or forgotten," its creator said.

"It's been great. You realise you're not alone. And that's maybe even more valuable than anything else."

The project has received

dozens of contributions from Japanese nationals, expatriates as well as people watching the tragedy unfold from overseas.

"I have been around Tokyo for 15 years and I feel I am needed here now more than ever. The decision whether to stay is the most complex one I have ever had to make in my life," wrote Tokyo resident Dan Castellano.

"Japan is my adopted home.

I would not leave a burning house alone if my family were still inside," he said, according to excerpts on the project's blog http://quakebook.blogspot.co m.

The 9.0-magnitude earthquake which crashed into Japan's northeast coast at 2:46 pm on March 11 has now left more than 28,000 people dead or missing and triggered a nuclear emergency at the Fukushima power plant.

Hundreds of thousands more

have been left homeless and are now living in temporary shelters, while many others have been affected by food shortages and rolling power blackouts.

Some of the Quakebook contributors, like Yuki Watanabe, a Fukushima native now living in Tokyo, have family in the affected zone.

"My parents' house is within 40 kilometres of the Fukushima nuclear plant.

They've been told they must stay indoors. Although the house wasn't greatly damaged by the earthquake or tsunami, as the house is built on solid ground, they have to contend with the problem of radiation," she wrote.

"What have we done to deserve this? We are suffering like others in disaster affected areas. The difference is we have an unnatural and unseen danger to deal with. Please don't abandon Fukushima," she pleaded.

Pg 14

SPORTS

GOA, Wednesday, 30 March 2011

Zaino prevail over Cuncolim Union HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, MARCH 29

Hosts Social Welfare Club of Zaino prevailed over Cuncolim Union 5-3 via the tie-breaker to storm into the semi-finals of AllGoa SWC Cup inter-village football tournament organised by Social Welfare Club of Zaino at Zaino ground, Velim on Tuesday.

There was no score at half time.

The match was evenly balanced as both teams attacked from the start. Zaino struck rhythm from the start and called the shots against the rival citadel with their forwards showing more zest in their attack. They nearly broke the deadlock early but striker Samson Fernandes’ rasping drive missed the mark narrowly.

On the other hand, Cuncolim also had scoring chances but striker Rosario Carvalho’s pile driver missed the mark narrowly.

Crossing over, Cuncolim put up a better display and went all out in search of goals and their persistent forays into the rival territory were rewarded soon after resumption when striker Rosario Carvalho bulged the net giving no chance to the rival keeper.

Zaino repeatedly raided the rival citadel and their efforts bore fruit when Samson neutralised the lead with a snap shot to level the score.

Coach Mariano for Germany HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, MARCH 29

Former Goa Santosh Trophy winning coach Mariano Dias has been selected for the international football coaching course to be conducted under the German Football Association in April at Hennef, Germany.

Mariano who is presently the Technical Director of the Salgaocar Youth Development Programme was recommended for the prestigious course by the GFA through the AIFF and was chosen ahead of another three Indian candidates.

Mariano also possess the AFC ‘A’ License and is naturally thrilled on his selection.

“It’s a great opportunity and

With the score tied 1-1, the teams went all out in search of the match-winner but failed to find success as the teams’ defenders were alert in frustrating the attacks.

In the tie-breaker, Primson Fernandes, Romeo Fernandes, Preston Fernandes and Joseph Pinto were on target for Zaino while Ryan Colaco and Rosario Carvalho converted for Cuncolim.

GPL semi-finalists HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, M,ARCH 29

Mech Vac, GSA, Dempo and Sarvodaya qualified for the semifinals of GPL cricket organized

by GCA. Mech Vac will meet GSA at Goa Cricket Academy ground, Porvorim on March 31, April 1,

2 and Dempo will clash with Sarvodaya at Panjim Gymkhana on April 1, 2, 3.

Points tally: Dempo Cricket Club 18, Goa Sports Academy 15, Mech Vac Fabricators 12, Sarvodaya Royals 11, Salgaoncar SC 8, Al Fatah PVG Worriors 5.

Fr Agnel Multipurpose High School, Verna, winners of State U-17 girls taekwondo tournament organised by DSYA. Standing (l to r): Caron Pinto, Farzana Nadaf and Snehal Vaddar. Sitting (l to r): Menino Gomes, Prabhakar Velip (PE teacher), Mary Piety Rodrigues (headmistress), Fr Alfredo Almeida (manager), Theophile Lowe (coach), Shirley Fernandes (assistant headmistress). Squatting (l to r): Asha Kamaladinni, Velmy Fernandes and Jessy George.

Candolim in finals Bruno delights in Bardez Veterans’ win HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, MARCH 29

Candolim Cricket Association entered the finals of Vice-Chancellor Trophy T-20 cricket championship defeating Manorva Royals by 12 runs at Taleigao.

Rajesh Vaigankar of Candolim was the adjudged the man-ofthe-match.

Candolim 152 for 6 in 20 overs. Tausif Jamadar (37), Rajesh Vaigankar (29), Mukesh Shi-

rodkar (20 not out), Rajesh Naik (18), Kedar Dhawjekar (11), Shivram Parsekar (10). Mzyur Mandrekar 2 for 16, Venkatesh M 2 for 21, Devanand Kolwalkar 1 for 18 and Siddu Govekar 1 for 33.

Manorva Royals reached 145 for 3 in 20 overs. Kunal Sahi (58), Rudrash Candolkar (39), Venkatesh M (15), Kumar Palyekar (12). Rajesh Vaigankar 2 for 24 and Rupesh 1 for 28.

Sai Avtaar pip Sirsaim HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, MARCH 29

Sai Avtaar, Anjuna scored a solitary goal victory over Sirsaim Sports Club to move into the quarter-finals of Rusi Daver Rolling Trophy inter-village football tournament organised by Adarsh Yuvak Sangh at Saligao Sporting ground, on Tuesday.

HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, MARCH 29

Bruno Coutinho scored a beautiful goal from his own half to give Bardez Veterans a 5-2 win over PVC, Parra in a friendly match at Duler Stadium here on Tuesday. The veterans led by a solitary goal at the lemon break.

Alwyn Fernandes netted to give the Veterans the lead.

Fausto Lobo went off injured at half time for Veterans.

After the breather, Parra

worked hard to get back. Thirteen minutes into the second half, Parra found the equaliser after Veterans’ goalkeeper failed to gather a looping cross and Joaquim Pacheco was in the right place to score.

Veterans were soon on top again when Alwyn netted his brace, with a neat chip over the Parra custodian. Moments later, Lulu Gomes smashed in the third for Veterans.

After seeing the Parra goalkeeper way off his goal line,

Bruno had an outrageous attempt at the goal which left onlookers speechless as the ball was chipped over the goalkeeper from his own half of the field.

At the other end, Parra were not going down without a fight, but were unlucky on two occasions when they were denied by the woodwork.

Parra finally found the back of the net for the second time when Joaquim ran down the wing and crossed for Vijendra

Shetye to spectacularly volley in.

In virtually the last kick of the game, Bruno picked the ball up from outside the box and struck his second with the ball rattling off the cross bar on its way in, to cap an outstanding performance.

Bardez Veterans organised the match in order to warm up for the All-India Veteran’s invitational soccer tournament which kicks off on April 1 in Ponda.

There was no score at the lemon break After a goalless first half, Avtaar scored the all-important goal through Lazario Noronha in the 50th minute.

Down by a goal, Sirsaim tried hard to restore parity with Mahesh Kambli working overtime but a goal eluded them.

Sirlim Boys beat St Anthony

AFC B Cert course

HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, MARCH 29

HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, MARCH 29

Fast tracking to directly attend the AFC ‘B’ coaching certificate course (without AFC ‘C’ certificate) is applicable to former National players who have at least played 20 internationals for the Senior National team in the competitions, according to GFA. International players who are willing and committed to football coaching may submit their CVs along with certificates to GFA, to prove that they have played at least 20 internationals for consideration for upgradation. Deserving cases will be sent to the AIFF to be forwarded to the AFC for verification and final decision.

I am ver y happy about it, after the ‘A’ License this is a chance for me to learn and acquire something new. It’s very important for me, it will help me to develop my career and gain more knowledge of the game. I am very grateful to those who proposed my name and my boss Shivanand Salgaocar for sponsoring my travel tickets,” explained Mariano, ex-Sesa FA coach who will depart for Germany on Thursday.

Only 29 coaches from various countries like Nigeria, Switzerland, South Africa, Ukraine, Iran, South Korea, Chile, Mexico, etc are selected to attend the 20days course.

St Andrew’s High School, Goa Velha, winners of State U-17 boys volleyball tournament organised by DSYA. The team alongwith Mariano Valadares (headmaster), Fr Raul Colaco (manager) and Marcelina Coelho (PE teacher).

Sirlim Boys defeated St Anthony, Assolda by a solitary goal in Cruz Memorial soccer at Carmona panchayat ground on Tuesday.

The match-winner was netted

by Addu.

GOA DIARY

2-a-side soccer at Orlim

PANJIM (HSD) -- Valanka Boys of Orlim will organise their 2nd All-Goa 2-a-side soccer tie-breaker tournament on April 30 at Orlim church ground at 9 p.m. The winners will walk away with Rs 70,000 while the runners-up will have to be content with Rs 50,000.

The third place winner will get Rs 30,000. Details may be obtained from W ilson on 9657543282.

Vailankani Boys advance HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, MARCH 29

Vailankani Boys, Calangute beat Davorlim SC 3-0 in Villagers of Goa Velha Super soccer at Goa Velha ground on Tuesday. All three goals came in the first half.

Vailankani shot into the lead through a spot kick taken by Richard.

Vailankani doubled their lead when Sidney netted through a solo effort.

Sanford rounded off the tally for Vailankani with a powerful free kick.

Changing ends, Davorlim missed a glorious chance to reduce the margin when Mario shot out from the spot kick.

Holy Cross High School, Siolim winners of kyenkpa breaking competition at 3rd open Inter-State taekwondo competition. Aparna Belgaonkar, Omkar Narvekar, Nitisha Rocha, Sheldon Furtado, Gopal Narvekar, Lynn Barbosa Fernandes, Kishan Agarwadekar, Nikhil Kalangutkar, Malcolm Madeira, Anselm D’Sousa, Anup Narvekar, Viraj Goltekar and Sankalp Haldankar alongwith Pearl Viegas (PE teacher), Sr Julie Rodrigues (headmistress) and Paulo Killman Fernandes (4th Dan WTF taekwondo coach).

Villagers of Goa Velha Super soccer: Goa Velha Boys v. St Caitan, Merces, Goa Velha ground, 4 p.m.

Curtorim Panchayat Cup soccer inaugural: Fr Agnel Youth Club, Paorda v. Rosman Cruz SC, Verna, Curtorim ground, 4.45 p.m.

Cruz memorial football: Rebello Pandals, Curtorim v. Barretto Boys, Cortalim, Carmona panchayat ground, 4.30 p.m.

Goans fully geared up for mouth-watering semis HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, MARCH 29

Cricket is truly a religion in India and therefore everyone will be glued to their TV sets tomorrow in Goa right from Pernem in North to Canacona in South as India challenge Pakistan in World Cup cricket semi-finals, in what has been dubbed as the super final at Mohali, Chandigarh.

Bardezkars, Saxticars, like any true India, support the Men in Blue. Pubs,

restaurants, hotels have come up with big screens with appropriate menus, with the fond hope that cricket demi-gods, Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sewag, Yuvraj Singh, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Zaheer Khan, Harbhajan Singh and Gautam Gambir will deliver the killer blow.

Anjeli D’Silva, a student of St Sebastian School, Aquem, says, “I want India to win.

They are the best team in the world. Sachin Tendulkar

n Pubs, restaurants, hotels have come up with big screens with appropriate menus, with the fond hope that cricket demi-gods, Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sewag, Yuvraj Singh, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Zaheer Khan, Harbhajan Singh and Gautam Gambir will deliver the killer blow. is my hero.”

“I am totally excited about the second semi-final. I trust India’s winning capabilities,” points out Alex Dias.

The fair sex are not behind.

Ovida D’Souza, Alsiha Fernandes, Pooja Naik are all rooting for team India.

Says Ovida, “Yuvraj Singh is my heart throb and India will be the champs.”

Alisha feels sure that, “India will emerge worthy winners against Pakistan.”

The cricket fever has reached an unprecedented high. The Legislators will wind up the Assembly session at 1 p.m. instead of 6 p.m. Offices are expected to be virtually deserted after 1 p.m. and the youth, wherever they may be, will just making a beeline for the big screen to watch the action live. Goa

will come to a standstill right from the moment the first ball is bowled at 2.30 p.m. till the last ball, in what is expected to be a mouth-watering, needle contest.

And, the biggest celebration will be reserved the moment India emerge triumphant, which is everyone’s dream. The whole nation will erupt in an unbelievable joy, the type of which has never been seen before.

www.oheraldo.in

Pg15

GOA, WEDNESDAY, 30 MARCH, 2011

Ponting steps down Gul, Zaheer, silent PTI MELBOURNE, MARCH 29

Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting announces his step down at a press conference in Sydney on Tuesday.

Embattled Ricky Ponting today resigned as Australia's Test and one-day captain, just days after his team's shocking quarterfinal exit from the ongoing World Cup, but said he remained available for selection as a batsman.

"I have resigned as captain of both the Test and one day teams," Ponting said at a press conference at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

"I will continue to play and I've made it very clear to selectors that I'm available for selection in both the one-day and Test teams.

"I have thought long and hard about what Australian cricket needs. Now is the right time for the next captain to assume the responsibility for both the Test and one-day teams," he added.

The 36-year-old right-hander said that Australia's World Cup ouster had prompted his decision and insisted that he was not pres-

Ricky Ponting Quits as Australia’s Test and one-day cricket captain on Tuesday Born: Place of birth: Nickname: Batting style:

Dec. 19, 1974 Launceston, Tasmania “Punter” Right-handed

Captaincy Tests: Won: ODIs*: Won:

77 48 (62.34%) 288 164 (71.93%)

Appearances: Runs: Average: Centuries: Catches:

Test

ODI

152 12,363 53.52 39 178

359 13,288 42.59 30 155

AFP NEW DELHI, MARCH 29

TOP SIX INDIA-PAK THRILLERS Sharjah India won by 38 runs - Pakistani paceman Imran Khan had virtually put his team in a winning position when he grabbed 6-14 off 10 overs to bowl India out for a paltry 125 in a Four-Nations Cup match.

But India, led by fast bowler Kapil Dev (3-17), dismissed Pakistan for 87 to clinch a lowscoring thriller.

APRIL 18, 1986

Sharjah Pakistan won by one wicket - The match will always be remembered for Pakistani batsman Javed Miandad's last-ball match-winning six off Indian seamer Chetan Sharma. Pakistan needed four runs to win off the last delivery before Miandad (116 not out) broke Indian hearts with one memorable blow.

MARCH 20, 1987

Hyderabad (India) India won after tied game - Pakistan required two runs to win off the last ball to achieve a modest 213-run target, but Abdul Qadir was run out attempting a second run in the third game of a six-match series. India (212-6) and Pakistan (212-7) finished at the same score, but the hosts were declared winners by virtue of losing fewer wickets.

OCT 25, 1991

Sharjah Pakistan won by 72 runs

leader in any walk of life," he added.

Ponting said even though he has relinquished captaincy he is always available for suggestion if needed.

"I still think I have a lot to offer the team as a player and as a leader, with the changing face of the team in the past two years we have got a lot of young faces around the team.

"Now that I've decided to make this change in my career I'll be sitting in the corner ... but I'm around for advice if needed," he said.

The Tasmanian also said that he wanted to make it sure that young players like Phillip Hughes, Steve Smiths and Usman Khawajas have experienced cricketers around them so that they can benefit from seniors.

"It's never been about how many runs I've scored or hundreds I've made. If I feel I can contribute with the bat, help the team win games of cricket and help young guys along the way, then I think I should still be playing," Ponting said.

Australia is scheduled to tour Bangladesh next month for a short three-match ODI series and Ponting hoped that he will be selected in the squad.

"I'm reasonably confident that I'll be picked for the touring team to Bangladesh," he said.

Former Australian skipper Kim Hughes said Ponting may follow in the footsteps of Indian batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar and improve as a player after relinquishing the captaincy.

"I still feel that he possibly thinks he's got another year or two good cricket left in him at either one-day or Test cricket and maybe without the burden of the captaincy that he can do justice to that," Hughes said.

Food tasters to protect India, Pak

*One-day internationals

MARCH 22, 1985

surised by Cricket Australia to give up the leadership role.

"I've had no tap on the shoulder from anyone. This is a decision wholly and solely from me.

I thought the timing was spot on," Ponting said.

"The fact that we went out of the World Cup when we did was the main reason. Every decision I've ever made was always with Cricket Australia's thoughts at the front of my mind -- it's always been about putting the team before me," he insisted.

He also endorsed Michael Clarke as his successor as captain.

"I think Michael (Clarke) was quite surprised. I had a really good chat to him. He's probably reasonably excited at the fact that I'm doing what I'm doing today," Ponting said.

"I fully endorse Michael Clarke as the next captain," he added.

Ponting has been the most successful captain for Australia and world cricket. Replacing Steve Waugh, he led Australia in 77 Test matches and won 48 out of them, the most by any skipper.

"I'll have the opportunity over the next couple of days to reflect on where things are headed for me and certainly what direction I feel things are heading for the betterment of Australian cricket," Ponting said.

"I am very proud of what I've been able to do as a leader of the Australian cricket team and I have never ever taken any opportunity or any day for granted as the captain. When I first came into the team, I was lucky to have had a lot of experienced guys around to learn what international cricket was about," he said.

"It's a very prestigious job and one that comes with a lot of scrutiny and a lot of pressure but that is all part of being a

After Pakistan had posted a competitive 262 in the Wills Trophy final, they found a hattrick man in fast bowler Aaqib Javed who sliced through the Indian batting line-up to finish with 7-37 off 10 overs, then the best figures in one-day internationals. His hat-trick victims were Ravi Shastri, Mohammad Azharuddin and Sachin Tendulkar, all lbws, as India were bowled out for 190.

MAy 21, 1997

Chennai Pakistan won by 35 runs Pakistani opener Saeed Anwar flayed the Indian attack with the then world record of 194 off just 146 balls in an Independence Cup match. India were bowled out for 292 chasing a 328-run target. Anwar's record stood for more than a decade before Sachin Tendulkar became the world's first batsman to hammer a double-century in ODIs in 2010, against South Africa in Gwalior.

MARCH 1, 2003

Centurion India won by six wickets The World Cup match was as much about India v Pakistan as about Sachin Tendulkar v Shoaib Akhtar. Tendulkar smashed a 75ball 98 to help his team achieve a stiff 274run target. Pakistani fast bowler Akhtar bagged just one wicket, that of Tendulkar, while conceding 72 runs in his 10 overs.

Pakistani opener Saeed Anwar (101) was the only batsman to score a century in the match.

Model Poonam Pandey to go nude if India wins Cup AGENCIES NEW DELHI, MARCH 29

Some fans pour milk on cut-outs of their favourite cricketers, some hold chain prayer meetings for divine intervention during the IndoPak epic semifinal clash on Wednesday at Mohali, while there are still others who vow to shed all their clothes if India lifts the World Cup trophy.

Model and cricket fan Poonam Pandey has promised to strip naked in the view of thousands if India wins the Mohali semifinal against Pakistan and eventually lifts the Cup, though she is also open to a players' dress-

ing room peep show if the Indian cricket board permits it, reports said.

The Kingfisher Calender girl's intention to bare all is bound to pile on additional pressure on the Indian cricket team already coping with mounting crowd expectations at home, not having won the Cup since 1983.

Poonam recently started a fan page on Facebook to cheer the Indian team. She follows in the footsteps of Paraguay's Larissa Riquelme and Argentinian Luciane Salazar who promised to strip if their football teams won the FIFA World Cup.

Two policemen are working as official food tasters to protect the Indian and Pakistani cricket teams ahead of the World Cup semi-final clash, the Times of India reported Tuesday.

Assistant sub-inspector Rakesh Rasella and sub-inspector Ramphal, who only uses one name, have been eating three lavish meals a day at the luxury Taj hotel in Chandigarh to check for poi-

soning or other hygiene problems.

"I have tasted more than 18 different dishes before they were consumed by cricketers and I hadn't eaten many of them ever (before)," Rasella told the Times ahead of Wednesday's match.

The Taj hotel offers three restaurants, including the Black Lotus that serves "the choicest Schezwan" fare, the Indiantheme Dera, and international cuisine at the "smart-casual" Cafe 17.

destroyers

AFP NEW DELHI, MARCH 29

Pakistani paceman Umar Gul has so far won just one man-of-thematch award and India seamer Zaheer Khan none, but they are their teams' silent World Cup destroyers.

The duo are expected to have a huge impact when their teams clash in the blockbuster World Cup semi-final in Mohali on Wednesday, although they have been largely over-shadowed in the build-up to the match.

Currently in focus are Indian opener Sachin Tendulkar's muchanticipated 100th international century, Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi's leadership skills, Indian yuvraj Singh's all-round exploits -- and the match pressure.

Gul and Zaheer will definitely come into the picture when the ball is in their hands, whether new or old, because they have consistently provided crucial breakthroughs to help their sides seize the initiative.

Spinners and batsmen were in the news more than pacemen in previous matches, but Zaheer and Gul managed to leave a mark with their disciplined efforts.

Their main contribution to their teams' victories is they have succeeded in overcoming unfriendly conditions -- low, slow tracks -- with their clever variations in pace.

Zaheer has so far bagged 17 wickets, the second-highest in the tournament, and Gul 14 in seven matches.

Gul's lone man-of-the-match award came at Pallekele in Sri Lanka where be bagged 3-36 against Zimbabwe.

India and Pakistan have often changed their bowling combinations but always relied on Zaheer and Gul, who were instrumental in creating pressure while their spinners struck from the other end.

n Gul and Zaheer will definitely come into the picture when the ball is in their hands, whether new or old, because they have consistently provided crucial breakthroughs to help their sides seize the initiative.

Zaheer's ability to reverseswing the ball has surprised even the best, as was seen during the tied game against England in Bangalore last month when he removed well-set skipper Andrew Strauss and Ian Bell.

"It's great to see how Zaheer has also quietly gone about doing his job for the team," former Australian wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist wrote in his column in an Indian newspaper.

"In almost every game he has provided early breakthroughs.

He has come a long way in the last few years and his ability to reverse (swing) the ball in the second spell is second to none."

Gul's ability to extract bounce even on slow tracks and unsettle batsmen with yorkers and reverse-swing has stood his team in good stead.

He said he had been getting used to open the bowling at the urging of coach and former paceman Waqar younis.

"For the last two to three years, Waqar younis has been telling me to get prepared to

use the new ball in the World Cup. I have returned to my best form by bowling with the new ball again," said Gul. Gul, who took four wickets in the opening three matches, lifted his performance against big teams as he grabbed three wickets each against New Zealand and Australia.

Zaheer has so far taken 269 wickets in 189 one-day internationals and Gul 133 in 87 matches.

pg16:Layout 1 3/29/2011 11:24 PM Page 1

www.oheraldo.in

Pg16

GOA, WEDNESDAY, 30 MARCH, 2011

Contact us on: sports@herald-goa.com

MOTHER OF BATTLES TODAY Don’t get distracted by media hype: Dhoni PTI MOHALI, MARCH 29

All the members of the Indian team are fit for tomorrow's World Cup semi-final clash against Pakistan, according to captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni who today strongly urged his teammates not to get distracted by the hype surrounding the high-voltage clash and just focus on the game.

Dhoni said Indo-Pak cricket matches tend to generate such media hype and it was important for the players not to get sucked into the frenzy and lose focus of the task at hand.

"Well, we know the kind of hype media India-Pakistan matches generate. We are not getting involved in all this. We need to know what we are expected to do and focus on that," Dhoni said at the pre-match media conference here.

"All this is part of cricket and we have to accept it. But the key is not to get involved. We will have the biggest distinguished guests (referring to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Pakistan Prime Minister M Yousuf Raza Gilani) to see the match, we have to be at our best," Dhoni said.

Asked whether the excessive hype would affect the Indians who are playing at home, the Indian skipper said, "It is not really affecting us. We all know it is a big tournament and we have prepared a lot. Our preparations have been the same like what we have done in the past few days."

Dhoni was not unduly worried about his batting form and reckoned that he had just not got opportunities to score big though he has been striking the ball well.

Asked specifically if pressure of captaincy was taking a toll on his batting, Dhoni responded: "It is only a cricketing aspect, nothing to do with form. I have been batting quite well. Sometimes the situations are not great to play flamboyant cricket.

In the Bangladesh match, such a situation was there but I didn't get to bat."

"If you are batting at No 5, 6, or 7, you don't get to bat much if the top order scores. I think the last game (against Australia) was ideal but it went straight to a fielder. It does not go your way always. Form has not been a worry," he added.

Sri Lanka reached the World Cup final with a five-wicket win against New Zealand on Tuesday as veteran off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan said goodbye to his home crowd.

Sri Lanka, set a modest 218 to win, wobbled in the middle before reaching their target in 47.5 overs with Tillakaratne Dilshan (73) and skipper Kumar Sangakkara (54) setting the foundation at a packed R. Premadasa stadium.

Muralitharan took his 534th wicket off his last ball on home soil as New Zealand were bowled out for a below-par score of 217 in 48.5 overs.

Muralitharan, who last year retired from Tests after finishing as the highest wicket-taker with 800, now aims to win his second title -- after being part of the 1996 Cup winning squad -- in Saturday's final in Mumbai.

Sri Lanka, crusing along at 160-1, lost four wickets in the

New Zealand: M Guptill b Malinga 39, B McCullum b Herath 13, J Ryder c Sangakkara b Muralitharan 19, R Taylor c Tharanga b Mendis 36, S Styris lbw b Muralitharan 57, K Williamson lbw b Malinga 22, N McCullum c Sangakkara b Malinga 9, J Oram c Jayawardene b Dilshan 7, D Vettori not out 3, T Southee c Sangakkara b Mendis 0, A McKay b Mendis 0. Extras: 12. Total: 217 all out. Fall of wickets: 132, 2-69, 3-84, 4-161, 5-192, 6-204, 7-213, 8-215, 9-217, 10-217. Bowling: Malinga 9-0-55-3, Herath 9-1-31-1, Mathews 6-0-270, Mendis 9.5-0-35-3, Muralitharan 10-1-42-2, Dilshan 5-0-22-1.

Sri Lanka: U Tharanga c Ryder b Southee 30, T Dilshan c Ryder b Southee 73, K Sangakkara c Styris b McKay 54, M Jayawardene lbw b Vettori 1, T Samaraweera not out 23, C Silva b Southee 13, A Mathews not out 14. Extras: 12. Total: 220 for 5. Fall of wickets: 1-40, 2-160, 3161, 4-169, 5-185. Bowling: N McCullum 6-0-33-0, Southee 10-2-57-3, Vettori 10-0-36-1, Oram 8-1-29-0, McKay 9.5-1-37-1, Styris 2-0-12-0, Ryder 2-0-14-0.

Man-of-the-match: K Sangakkara

REUTERS Asked whether all the players MOHALI, MARCH 29 in the squad were fit, Dhoni said "as of now, everybody seem to Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi, be fit. Hopefully they will be fit." in a calculated move, says his On whether this was his side was not expected to enter biggest match as captain, Dhoni the cricket World Cup semi-fisaid he did not benals and thus are TODAY’S SEMI-FINAL lieve in comparunder no pressure isons.

India v. like India, who "In a cricketer's have all through Pakistan life there will be been touted as 2.30 p.m. many instances, favourites. this is no doubt an important Addressing a news conference match. After some time you for- at Punjab Cricket Association get. I have forgotten how we stadium on Tuesday on the eve were feeling before the semi- of match, Afridi said his team is final and final in 2007. Three considered the underdogs and years down the line, every game that tag suits them perfectly in is different. the high-profile game.

"There is no pressure on us and that's why we are enjoying our cricket. We weren't the favourites coming into the tournament. But we have played above expectations. India were always the favourites and certainly the pressure will be on them," said Afridi.

Afridi, who is just five short of Australian Glenn McGrath's record 26 wickets in a single edition of the World Cup, said he has told his teammates that they should not allow the occasion to get to them and panic.

"If you know how to handle pressure then you enjoy doing the job. I have told my boys not

Goan cricket fans display their support for Team India on the eve of second semifinal match between India and Pakistan in Panjim.

Photo: Rozario Estibeiro

to panic under any situation," he said.

The captain also said he has a balanced team and had words of praise for youngsters like Umar Akmal and Asad Shafiq.

"My team is very well-balanced. The guys are doing a great job, especially considering the tough time we have had in the last six-eight months," he said.

Afridi said his boys are desperate to lift the World Cup and win back the people's confidence that was shattered after three key Pakistani players -- Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammed Aamer - were banned by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on charges of spot-fixing last year.

Pakistan cricket's miseries started in 2009 after they were ostracised by the international cricket community in the wake of the Lahore terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team, soon after which they were dropped as the World Cup cohosts.

Akhtar doubtful

LANKA IN FINAL AFP COLOMBO, MARCH 29

There’s no pressure on the team: Afridi

space of 25 runs to raise fears of an unlikely defeat before Thilan Samaraweera (23 not out) and Angelo Mathews (14 not out) guided them home with an unbroken 35-run stand.

The victory took Sri Lanka into their second successive World Cup final, after finishing runners-up to Australia in 2007, as a capacity 35,000 celebrated with firecrackers.

Later, tens of thousands of Lankan fans gave Muralitharan a final standing ovation.

Muralitharan, 38, playing his last match on home turf, will retire on Saturday after the final in Mumbai.

Afridi today said that retiring pacer Shoaib Akhtar is racing against time to be fit for semifinal against India.

Akhtar has played just three games in the tournament before being dropped but current and former Pakistan players have been calling for the experienced pacer's return in the playing eleven in a bid to unsettle the Indian batsmen.

Afridi, however, said that the team management will take a call on the temperamental pacer later in the day.

Pak minister apologises to Afridi AGENCIES MOHALI, MARCH 29

Pakistan's interior minister has apologized to the country's cricket team after saying he was keeping a ‘close watch’ on them

ahead of Wednesday's World Cup semifinal against India.

Rehman Malik said Monday he had warned the team "there should be no match fixing" and that the players were being

closely monitored.

Afridi confirmed to The Associated Press on Tuesday that Malik had telephoned him to apologize for his remarks.