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IN BRIEF 100-year-old enrols for PhD
Business: Govt panel gives divided opinion on Posco Pg 12
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Goa’s Heartbeat: Vivek Oberoi set to marry on Oct 29 Pg 4
83 per cent vote in Valpoi
Age is no bar for 100-year-old freedom fighter Bholaram Das of Assam who on 100th birthday announced his enrolment for PhD programme at Gauhati University. The oldest university student in the State and perhaps the country, centenarian Das during his birthday celebrations on the weekend said he had enrolled for the doctoral program as “there is no age limit for acquiring knowledge.”. – (PTI)
HC split over K’taka MLAs Third judge to decide on Oct 20 PTI BANGALORE, OCT 18
A long queue of women turns out to exercise their franchise at the Kodal booth. Despite An elderly woman leaves the booth after A handicapped voter is lifted on a chair by a relative to exercise his franchise. Photos by Ashraf Khan casting her vote. intermittent rains, there was a steady flow of voters. HERALD CORRSEPONDENT VALPOI, OCT 18
Braving heavy rains throughout the day, 83.08 per cent of the voters exercised their franchise for the Valpoi assembly by-election on Monday. The highest voting percentage was reported at Murmune booth (93.3%), while the lowest turnout was recorded at the Valpoi booth (64.37%). According to Returning Officer Jayant Tari and Valpoi Police Inspector Sandesh Chodankar, no untoward incident was reported and the election was conducted peacefully. The Valpoi constituency consists of voters from Valpoi Municipal Council (VMC) area and five panchayats, Bhironde,
IN A NUTSHELL 93.3% voting reported at Murmune booth Valpoi booth recorded a low of 64.37% l Newly-introduced PMS a grand success l A couple from Ward 7 of VMC was shocked to see their names deleted from the roll and had to return sans voting Eight such cases were reported in the municipal area l North Goa BJP executive member Hanumant Parob complained to section magistrate against Vishwajeet’s supporters for canvassing near a booth l There were rumours that a group of 125 voters from Kodal had decided to boycott the poll l l
Guleli, Khotode, Savorde and Nagargao. As many as 14,884 of the 17,920 voters eligible to exercise their franchise for the Valpoi byelection, with 7,664 of the total 9,107 males casting their vote
(84%) and 7,220 of the 8,805 females cast their votes (82%). The Poll Monitoring System (PMS), which was introduced for the first time at Valpoi, was a grand success without any hurdles.
Now, a fresh tender to remove Princess HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, OCT 18
Yet another tender was floated today to remove the ill-fated River Princess, which has made the Sinquerim beach its home for last 10 years. The new tender was floated after Salgaocar Mining Industries Private Limited (SMIPL) and the River Princess Hatao Manch (RPHM), who had offered to remove the ship free of cost, backed out expressing inability to give a bank guarantee of Rs 10 crore.
This forced the government to float new tenders and invite fresh bids. Director of Tourism Swapnil Naik when contacted said that the government has made certain points clear in the fresh tender. “Basically we have made some clauses clear,” Naik told Herald. He said that the tender is now clear about the performance guarantee of Rs 10 crore, which was only Rs 1 crore earlier. Naik also stated that the gov-
ernment has also made its stand clear on the no cure, no pay. “The clause of no cure no pay also existed in the last tender but that created confusion as we now understand that there are many meanings to the term,” he said. “This time we have clearly mentioned that we won’t pay anything till the ship is removed,” Naik said. According to the tender advertisement, the last date for submitting the bids is November 1.
Devotees assemble to kiss the statue of Menino Jesus at Our Lady of Merces Church, Colva on Monday. Braving intermittent showers, over a lakh devotees thronged the church since the wee hours of Monday to seek blessings of the miraculous statue. Photo by Santosh Mirajkar
During the first two hours, the voting process was slow at many booths from 8 am to 10 am, but it picked up after 12 noon. The average percentage at 1.30 pm was about 60% at Bhrahmakalmali booth, the largest booth which has over 900 voters. At Kodal booth, the voting was only 25% till 11.15 am, while it was even less than 25% till 12 noon, but at Padeli, Advoi, Sav o r s h e , N a n u s , N a g a rg a o booths, the voting had crossed 60% by 1 pm. When asked about Bironde booth wearing a deserted look at about 12.30 pm with no voters outside the booth, Bironde Panch Ravindra Rane said over 65% of the enthusiastic voters
Europe on high alert PTI LONDON, OCT 18
Fresh terror strike warnings have been sounded in Europe, particularly in France following new tip offs by the Saudi intelligence triggering authorities to put law enforcement agencies on high alert. The warning of a potential attack by al-Qaeda in the Arabian peninsula was received “in the last few hours”; the French Interior Minister Brice Hortefeux told a European television network. “The threat is real”, ‘The Independent’ reported quoting the French minister telling the RTL television in an interview. Hortefeux said the warnings had been received from the Saudi intelligence and are the latest in the series of alerts that have put French security forces and intelligence agencies and other agencies in Europe on high alert. “We must not underestimate or over estimate the threat,” the minister said. “We are directly concerned.” France, Germany and UK are on high alert following interrogations of a German al-Qaeda member caught on Afghan-Pak border, that al-Qaeda is planning terror strikes in Europe. American Fox television had also reported that authorities had uncovered al-Qaeda plot to hit world famous tourist attractions like Eiffel tower, Notre Dame Cathedral in France, Brandenburg Gate in Berlin and other hot spots.
Govt staff on poll duty may not get to vote! HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, OCT 18
In an interesting development, government employees drafted for election duty for the ensuing municipal polls may have to go without exercising their franchise. For, election officials have suddenly realised that the Goa Municipal Election Rules, 1969 has no provision for postal ballot facility for the employees engaged for election duty. Polling officials shortlisted by the election authorities for election duty have feared that hundreds, if not thousands, of polling staff will be denied the right to vote if the State Election Commission fails to come out with a solution to the imbroglio. A polling official told Herald
that the staff deputed for election duty cannot be denied the voting rights. “The State Election Commission should make arrangements to provide postal ballot facility for the staff deputed for election duty”, demanded a polling official. Herald understands that the matter was taken by some polling officials with the Returning Officers and election authorities, requesting for a mechanism wherein their constitutional right to cast vote is protected. When Herald contacted the Secretary to the State Election Commission, S Parab, he admitted that there is no provision the Goa Municipal Election Rules which provides for postal ballot facility for the staff drafted for
civic polls. Parab, however, hastened to add that the State Election Commissioner is seized of the matter and necessary arrangements can be worked out to overcome the problem. “The State Election Commission will call a meeting with the Returning Officers to discuss amongst other things, this issue. The State Election Commissioner has the power to issue an order empowering postal ballot facility for the government employees drafted for election duty”, Parab added. Replying to a question, Parab said “may be, the provision for postal ballot was not provided for in the Municipal Election Rules taking into account that employees working (Continued on page 10)
had already cast their votes before 12 noon, while the remaining voters would vote in the afternoon. A couple from Ward 7 of VMC, who went to exercise their franchise at Valpoi booth, was shocked to see their names deleted from the roll due to shifting of their residence in Ward 9 of VMC. Their names were not found in Ward 9 and they had to go back without voting. Similarly, at least eight such cases were reported in the municipal area and voters had to go back without voting, as their names were deleted from the roll. According to sources in the (Continued on page 10)
A split verdict of the Karnataka High Court on the disqualification of 11 BJP ML As by the Speaker today prolonged the suspense over the fate of the first saffron government in the south. A two-member bench of the court today left the issue of disqualification of 11 MLAs to be decided by a third Judge on October 20 and referred the matter of five other Independent MLAs to a new division bench which will hear it on November 2. “My upholding the (Speaker’s) and brother judge (Justice N Ku m a r ) s e t t i n g a s i d e t h e order.....the common view is that it should go to some other bench,” Chief Justice J S Khehar, heading the bench, said in the much-awaited verdict. The bench, which differed on the question whether the rebel 11 MLAs have incurred disqualification under the anti-defection law by giving a memorandum to the Governor against their party Chief Minister, posted the matter for further hearing before a third judge on October 20. The fate of the BJP government, which won a trust vote last week, depends on the final ruling of the court on the two petitions filed the 11 rebel BJP MLAs and 5 Independent MLAs.
The court refused to entertain any plea by both the parties with the Chief Justice observing, “Everything as it is, whatever now, shall remain. We are not getting into anything. So far as we are concerned, we are done,” the bench said. Late on the night of October 10, the Speaker had disqualified 11 BJP MLAs and 5 Independent MLAs under the anti-defection law ahead of the trust vote by Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa on October 11. Amidst pandemonium, the Speaker had declared the chief minister’s confidence motion carried by a voice vote which the Opposition had contested. Governor H R Bhardwaj called the proceedings in unconstitutional and recommended President’s rule in the State. However, the next day he gave the chief minister another opportunity to prove his majority in the House on October 14, while the High Court reserved orders for October 18 in the case of 11 BJP MLAs. The court also ruled that the fate of vote in the House on October 14 will depend on its final verdict in the case. The first BJP government in the south proved its majority in the truncated Assembly with 106 MLAs voting for it and 100 voting against.
GOA-KARNATAKA WATER ROW
Centre gets 3 weeks to notify tribunal PTI NEW DELHI, OCT 18
The Supreme Court today granted 3 weeks to the Centre for notifying the constitution of a tribunal to hear the water dispute between Goa and Karnataka on the construction of Kalasa Bandura project across the Mandovi River by the latter. A Bench of Justices Mukundakam Sharma and A R Dave told Additional Solicitor General
(ASG) Haren Rawal that if steps were not taken for notifying the tribunal it would be forced to pass appropriate orders. “We may have to pass an order if you don’t do it,” the Bench told the ASG after the latter sought three weeks time on the issue. The Centre had earlier told the apex court that it would constitute the tribunal but today (Continued on page 10)
Leakage & power failure during monsoon is normal and shouldn't bother us, now lets focus on investment opportunities of Goa.
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GOA, TUESDAY, 19 OCTOBER, 2010
BJP, Cong confident of winning Valpoi seat Vishwajeet fumes at equal treatment!
HERALD CORRSEPONDENT VALPOI, OCT 18
Both candidates, Vishwajeet Rane of the Congress and Santosh Haldankar of the BJP expressed confidence of winning the bye-elections, going by the large turnout at the polls on Monday. Congress candidate Vishwajeet Rane was seen visiting the booths repeatedly throughout the day. He paid his last visit of the day at a Valpoi booth at about 4.55 pm. Speaking to media persons, Rane expressed confidence of winning, but said the exact margin cannot be predicted at this point of time. However, he hesitatingly said he would win by about 5,500 vote margin. Rane also expressed satisfaction over the election staff, including collector, for the successful implementation of the PMS. Rane warned Parrikar to stop misleading Valpoi people. He said the exact picture would be clear after results on Oct 21. BJP candidate Santosh Haldankar was also seen making rounds at various booths, mostly in the village area, after he cast his vote at Valpoi booth at about 8.15 am. Speaking to Herald, Haldankar expressed confidence of winning, but said whoever wins the margin will be very less. Haldankar too expressed satisfaction and appreciated the successful implementation of PMS. Both the candidates, Vishwajeet and Santosh, thanked the people for turning up in large number despite heavy rains in Valpoi. Interestingly, neither senior BJP leaders nor senior Congress leaders were seen in Valpoi on Monday.
Photo by Ashraf Khan Congress candidate Vishwajeet Rane argues with a CISF Jawan after his car was stopped at the gate of Valpoi booth.
Efforts by election authorities to conduct the polls by providing facilitation centre to voters came in for praise from all quarters. Voters at many booths appreciated the election staff and the arrangements made during the voting process. Many voters were benefited by the
Will civic polls herald in better days for Vasco? HERALD REPORTER VASCO, OCT 18
As Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) is heading for a new tenure, the performance of the council suggests that most of the resolutions adopted by the council are meant only for record books. MMC, which has seen as many as six chairpersons and eight vice chairpersons during the last five years, had convened a number of meetings and passed many resolutions. However, most resolutions remained merely on paper. Whether it’s the construction of subway, implementation of pay parking, four short listed projects which were to be executed under PPP projects - Old Power House, Chief Officer’s Bungalow, MMC garage and market project, a number of proposed projects are still hanging in the balance. The council had also discussed the City Development Plan (CDP) in its meetings, but till date no serious thought has been given to make sure that Vasco City gets the CDP. The city is facing dust pollution, while there are possibilities that the mega port expansion plan of MPT would be a burden on city’s basic infrastructure. Councilor Manesh Arolkar, who is from the engineering line, had given a serious thought on CDP during his tenure as chairperson. After his tenure, he had insisted on few occasions, but the council was least bothered to appoint a consultant for CDP. “It appears that the council does not understand the importance of CDP, which could be the reason why council never
HERALD CORRESPONDENT VALPOI, OCT 18
HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, OCT 18
The CISF personnel, who were manning the entrance gate at Valpoi booth, at Government Higher Secondary School, Valpoi, did not even spare Congress candidate Vishwajeet Rane, as his car was stopped from entering the booth. According to reports, Rane alighted from the car and went to the booth walking. However, some local policemen on noticing Vishwajeet Rane, allowed the car to pick up Vishwajeet at the booth, while he was returning from the booth at about 9 am. Meanwhile, it is learnt that CISF did not recognize Vishwajeet, as he did not wear a badge at the time of the incident. It may be recalled that as many as 85 CISF Jawans and 400 election staff, including policemen, were deployed for conducting free and fair election in Valpoi constituency.
Goa State Haj Committee (GSHC) has rubbished rumours that raised apprehensions over direct flights from Dabolim to Saudi Arabia. GSHC Vice Chairman Abdul Rehman Khan said that the Haj Committee of India’s website has clearly mentioned that Goa is the embarkation point for direct flight to the holy place. “Goan Haj pilgrims are very delighted and enthused to board the first direct flight from Dabolim airport to Saudi Arabia,” he said. Khan said that the committee after taking over the charge from former chairman Shaikh Hassan Haroon in February 2010 has put forth “very committed and devoted efforts…” He also denied reports that Hajjis will have to shell out an additional amount of Rs 16,000 towards airport tax. GSHC will be releasing a press statement to inform about the pilgrimage from Goa to Jeddah, where several Goan Muslims will be performing Haj.
Election authorities get a pat! HERALD CORRSEPONDENT VALPOI, OCT 18
gave serious thought to it,” said Arolkar. “We are fortunate that we are in Vasco city, which has everything to offer, right from airport, railway and port. But the way things are moving, it will certainly create chaos in the near future. We need to have vision for the next 100 years to develop the city’s basic infrastructures,” said Arolkar. The council had adopted a resolution to develop four short listed projects, Old Power House, Chief Officer’s Bungalow, MMC garage and market project, which were to be executed under BOOT initially, but later the council changed its mind and wanted to develop these projects under PPP projects. The council finalized the appointment of a consultant during Carlos Almeida’s tenure for these projects. But when Councillor Kritesh Gaonkar topped Almeida’s group and took over the council affairs, he scraped the consultant and invited a fresh consultant. The council had also adopted resolutions to develop the Baina beach. Resolution to allow two shacks on the beach also remained as mere resolution and eradication of slums by Integrated Housing Development Scheme that too remained as resolution. However, ‘musical chair’ syndrome had also struck the administration, with a number of chief officers serving the councils during the last five years. “Why should only councillors be held responsible? What were the officers doing? Was it not their responsibility to execute these resolutions,” asked few councilors.
voters facilitation centres set up near each booth. Even wheel chairs were provided to the handicapped voters to enter inside the booths. At some polling stations, small pandals were erected and voters took shelter under these shades during rain. However at a few booths, the small sheds erected could not accommodate all voters during the rain.
Voters complained that they preferred to run to nearby houses to take shelter when it was raining and came back again to the polling station when the rain stopped. Interestingly, former VMC councilors and candidates for the forthcoming municipal election were seen actively monitoring the situation near every booth in VMC area.
LEGAL CORRESPONDENT PANJIM, OCT 18
The Division Bench of the Bombay High Court comprising of Justice D G Karnik and Justice F M Reis, on Monday issued directions to the State of Goa through its Secretary, PWD and the Goa State Pollution Control Board to show cause as to why action for contempt should not be taken against them for breach of the High Court’s Order dated April 28, 2010 and March 16, 2009 passed in suo moto Writ Petition No. 1 of 2005. It may be recalled that by Order dated April 28, 2010, the High Court of Bombay at Goa had directed that, till the Final Regional Plan is prepared, every application for expansion, modification or diversification of industries, shall be filed in the Court and the same should be intimated to amicus curie Mrs Norma Alvares and liberty has been granted to her to apply to the Court, if necessary. The amicus curie moved an application for directions stating that it is learned that permission has been granted in March 2010
Children’s Court today framed charges of rape against 27-yearold Shailesh Parsekar who was arrested in May for kidnapping and sexually assaulting a minor. The charges are framed under sections 363 (kidnapping) of Indian Penal Code and grave sexual assault punishable under section 8(2) and 2(y)(i) of Goa Children’s Act 2003. While, the Court discharged six others in the case as the prosecution failed to prove their involvement. Pernem police had indicted seven alleged accused including six Goans and a Maharashtra native of kidnapping the minor to Kar war where Shailesh raped her at a lodge. “He (Shailesh) is responsible for her (minor) running away from the house without consent of her parents and he had forceful sexual intercourse,” Children’s Court President P V Sawaikar said rejecting his bail plea. On May 11, 2010, the victim was kidnapped from her home and held hostage at Sadanand lodge at Karwar by the abusive ‘friend’. Her missing period was recorded between from May 11 to May 19, 2010 when she returned home. The girl in her deposition professed she was friendly with the alleged rapist and had ‘sexual intercourse’ before May 11, 2010. At the same time she said, on the day before she was kidnapped, Shailesh threatened to circulate her photographs in the village if she failed to accompany him. “During her disappearance, he had forceful intercourse with the victim,” the indictment read.
the day falls on the second day of ‘Khojagiri Poornima’, similar to the one they witnessed during last year, the second day after this unique
by the Goa State Pollution Control Board (PCB) for the establishment of an Integrated Steel Plant at Navelim and construction has commenced in respect of the project and therefore prayed for direction against the State Pollution Control Board to withhold its consent to dated March 4, 2010. It was also stated that the amicus curie had written to the PCB on July 9, requesting that the consent be put on hold, however no response was received till date. Taking cognizance of the above, in view of this being brought to the notice of the court, the Bench has now issued directions to State of Goa, Secretary, PWD and the Goa State Pollution Control Board to show cause as to why action for contempt should not be taken against them for breach of the High Court’s directions. This Miscellaneous Civil Application filed by amicus curie has been disposed off and the matter pertaining to contempt is directed to be placed before appropriate Bench of the High Court.
Pomp, gaiety mark Colva Fama HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, OCT 18
HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, OCT 18
WRD’s Hydrology cell officials take water level height of river Talpona.
People in the know-how expect heavy onslaught of rainfall on Saturday, as
Govt slapped with contempt charge
Rape charges framed against Pernem local
A Ceilo car (UP 15 G 7799) running on gas cylinder caught fire near Panjim bus stand on Monday afternoon. However, the occupants had a miraculous escape. Photo by Rozario Estibeiro
Goa emporium in Mumbai on cards HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, OCT 18
Goans in Mumbai missing their own handicraft from the state or those wanting to buy Goa’s craft will soon have a place to shop for it. Goa’s Handicraft Corporation will strengthen its presence in Mumbai by starting an emporium in Goa Bhavan, shortly. Goa Handicrafts Rural and Small Scale Industries Development Corporation’s (GHRSSIDC) managing director Nikhil Desai told Herald that the state government has assured to give place to put up new emporium at Bhavan. “This will give boost to Goan handicraft across the country, as Mumbai is a major business metropolitan city,” Desai stated.
The Goa Bhavan at Mumbai has been recently renovated at a cost of Rs 1.10 crores. The corporation has already made its presence felt in Delhi during Commonwealth Games by distributing brochures and pamphlets. “We mostly concentrated on Delhi metro stations. Though the numbers of visitors as expected were less for CWG, we managed to get good response from the public including foreigners,” Desai said. Around 30,000 brochures and 20,000 leaflets were distributed during the one month long event, which started on October 3. Goa government’s campaign is funded by Central Development Commissioner for Handicraft who has sanctioned Rs 21 lakh for first phase and Rs 46 lakh for the second
Heavy rains predicted for Khojagiri Poornima
HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, OCT 18
Haj panel reassures on direct flights
Photo by Kathy Pereria
Poornima. According to the belief, during Khojagiri Poornima, gravitational pull is exceptionally high and this phenom-
enon invites heavy rainfall during the period. Since last year’s Canacona floods were witnessed on the second day of this Poornima, residents fears a similar nature’s fury can be a reality this year too. Incidentally, this year, the Khojagiri Poornima (full moon-day) falls on October 22 (as against last year’s October 1), so people who believes in this theory fears similar to last year’s rainfall trends this year too. Meanwhile, Canacona witnessed over 2 inches of rainfall since Sunday midnight until Monday afternoon, as the season total touched about 168 inches in the taluka. Interestingly, officials of Water Resources Department’s Hydrology Cell were seen taking river heights in Galgibaga and Talpona rivers on Monday. According to sources, the officials measured the water height of river Talpona as 4 mtrs at about 11 am at one of the location, while the same location in Talpona was measured at 3.46 mtrs later in the evening. The velocity of water is measured at 322 cu.m/per second in river Talpona. Sources told Herald that Hydrology Cell officials marked and measured about 10 locations in river Talpona and Galgibaga, reportedly as a precautionary measure to examine any spurt of rise in river water at this time of the year.
phase. The corporation had chalked out a comprehensive plan to use the mega event as an opportunity to attract people across the world in its handicraft emporiums. “The basic idea behind this concept was to introduce Aparant to the people outside Goa. We have failed to increase the brand value of Aparant. You go outside Goa; you will find people talking about handicrafts from Kerala, Karnataka, Assam and other states but no one is aware about Aparant,” the director said. He said that handicraft corporation will opt for e-marketing to sell the products. “We have presence in the cyberspace. After CWG campaign, we expect the foreigners to increasingly visit website and book the handicrafts online,” Desai added.
Five Hindi films in Indian Panorama HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, OCT 18
Five Hindi Feature Films comprises the Indian Panorama list of 41st International Film Festival of India (IFFI) starting next month, here. Out of the 26 selected feature films, the five films in Hindi are Tere Bin Laden, I Am Kalam, Wake Up Sid, Paa and 3 Idiots. According to officials in the Entertainments Society of Goa, this year 26 feature and 19 non-feature films have been selected. A ten-member jury headed by N Chandra selected the 26 feature films out of 140 films, after reviewing them for 20 days. While a five-member jury headed by Siddharth Kak selected 19 non-feature films out of 97 films over 7 days, they said. Four films each from Marathi, Bengali and Malayalam are also to be screened in IFFI-10. An Oriya film Swayamsiddha, a Telegu film Prasthanam and an English film Just Another Love Story have also found place in the list, the officials said. Among others include 3 Tamil and 3 Kannada films. The 2008 National Award winning Best Non-Feature Film “AFSPA 1958” and 2009 “The Postman”, have gained a direct entry into the film list of Indian Panorama. Some of the non-feature films category includes “Incurable India”, “Leaving Home”, “Motorbike”, “My Daddy Strongest” and others.
Pomp and gaiety marked the celebration of the traditional Fama of Menino Jesus at Our Lady of Merces Church, Colva on Monday. Braving intermittent heavy showers, over a lakh of devotees are believed to have thronged the church since the wee hours of Monday to seek blessings of the miraculous statue of Menino Jesus. Devotees stood in serpentine queues along the road leading to the Church as they patiently waited their turn to kiss the miraculous statue. As usual, the main religious ceremony began at 5.30 am with a Mass, wherein Parish Priest Fr Diogo Fernandes was the main celebrant. This was followed by the solemn ceremony where the miraculous statue of Menino Jesus was brought down on the Altar, followed by the kissing of the statue. Serpentine queues of devotees were seen on the road leading to the Church when the rain stopped, as the young and old, women and children thronged the village for the traditional Fama, which draws devotees from across the State. In his homily, Fr Diogo Fernandes gave a message to the people to imbibe the values of Jesus Christ in one’s life. He exhorted the people to follow the teachings of Christ. The Colva police made elaborate security arrangements to ensure that the religious event passed off without any untoward incident. Closed Circuit TVs, metal detectors and barricading was carried in and around the church premises. Anti-sabotage check was conducted as a precautionary measure. The police were deployed in strength around the church premises throughout Monday.
Vasco, Quepem DySPs transferred due to civic polls HERALD REPORTER VASCO, OCT 18
Mormugao Sub Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) and DySP Mahesh Gaonkar has been transferred from Vasco for election duty on Monday. Quepem SDPO and DySP Rohidas Patre has been given charge of Vasco. Gaonkar has been asked take to charge of Quepem and the transfer is due to the ensuing municipal council elections. It is learnt that Secretary of All Goa Catholic OBC Association Andre D’Cunha has lodged a complaint with Goa State Election Commission (GSEC) and DGP stating that DySP Gaonkar’s relatives, former Mormugao Municipal Council chairperson Kritesh Gaonkar and his younger brother Pratap were likely to contest the council election. Kritesh filed his nomination from Ward 20, where he is the sitting councilor, and his brother Pratap filed his nomination from Ward 11. In a letter dated September 28, 2010, to the Special Secre-
tary (Personal), GSEC Commissioner Dr M Modassir, after receiving a complaint from D’Cunha, stated that if the Kritesh and Pratap Gaonkar contest the election, then DySP Goankar should be transferred till the election process gets over. Few aspirant city candidates have also alleged that there were possibilities that the government machinery could be misused during the council election if Gaonkar was not transferred, as his two relatives are in the fray for the election. The election code of conduct for the contesting candidates is clear that officers, against whom complaints have been received from any contesting candidates reflecting partisan attitude or behaviour, will have to be dissociated with the election work by the commission. Speaking to Herald, DySP Gaonkar said transferee has nothing to do with D’Cunha’s complaint. “Such transfer is a routine process during election,” added DySP Gaonkar.
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Hectic behind the scene activity on for Margao polls HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, OCT 18
Hectic behind the scene activity is on in the Commercial Capital as political parties and independent panels brace up to declare candidates for the ensuing polls for the Margao Civic body. The BJP has declared that the party would field candidates in 17 out of the 20 wards in Margao and would support candidates in the remaining three wards. Till date, however, the party has not officially announced the panel of candidates. “We have almost finalised our candidates, the panel of candidates will be announced in a
day or two,” informed BJP leader Rupesh Mahatme. The party is yet to announce the wards where the party will be backing other candidates, as it is learnt that the BJP has not fielded candidates in at least three-four wards. The Madgao Loksamiti is also bracing up to announce its list of candidates for the Margao Civic body. The party is believed to have finalized candidates in around 15 wards and is busy finalizing candidates for the remaining wards. Loksamiti spokesman Mohandas Lolienkar has already made it clear that the Loksamiti will maintain its independence, but
at the same time asserted that the group will not be allergic to either Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat or Opposition leader Manohar Parrikar. Sources in the know said some of the candidates shortlisted by the panel has signed undertakings, promising to adhere to the aims and objectives of the panel. Major political players in the Margao Civic polls, including GPCC general secretary Vijay Sardessai-led group are eagerly awaiting Loksamiti to announce its list of candidates to devise its strategy to meet the emerging situation in some of the wards.
Two killed in mishaps HERALD REPORTER VASCO, OCT 18
Two persons, including a 23year-old woman, died in separate accidents in Vasco on Monday evening. In the first accident reported near St Andrew’s Junction, Vasco, a 42-year-old pillion rider from Zuarinagar-Sancoale, died on the spot after a tempo ran over him. According to Vasco Police, the accident occurred when Harichandra Lamani accidentally fell off his motorcycle and was crushed under the tempo, which was behind the motorcycle. In the second accident reported near Mangor Junction, Naziya Rafik Sayed died on the spot, after she was knocked down by a speeding tempo.
Cong leaders divided on supporting candidates HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, OCT 18
Congress leaders appeared to be divided in their support to candidates contesting elections to the Margao Civic body. If candidate Avinash Shirodkar contesting from the reserved ward no 17 is being perceived as enjoying the support of Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, a host of Congress leaders rallying behind candidate Damodar Korgaonkar in the battle of the ballot. Senior Congress leader and freedom fighter Vasant Molio, South Goa Congress President Subhash Faldesai and other party leaders made their pres-
Sancorda farmer commits suicide HERALD CORRESPONDENT COLLEM, OCT 18
A 50-year-old farmer from Talde-Sancorda died, after he consumed poison at his residence on Sunday at about 5.30 pm. According to Collem PI Manoj Mardolkar, Chandrakant Vittal Gaonkar went to his field at about 4 pm and he returned home at about 5 pm, he fell unconscious at his residence. Collem Police PI Mardolkar along with Police Constable Hassan Patel rushed to the site and shifted the body to GMC Hospital in Bambolim. The post mortem, conducted by Dr Pannal Kumar, confirmed that Gaonkar consumed poison. The body was later handed over to his relatives for final rites.
ence felt at the election office opening at Aquem on Sunday evening. That’s not all. These Congress leaders maintained that Damodar Korgaonkar – who is the secretary of the Goa Pradesh Congress Committee -- has been a loyal party worker and appealed to the people to vote and elect him as Councilor of the Margao Civic body. Both Damodar and Avinash are Congressmen and the later is known to be a close supporter of the Margao MLA and Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat. This is not the only ward where congressmen are crossing swords against Congressmen in
Margao. Almost every ward, one finds congressmen pitted against party men in the electoral fray, with the rival BJP leaving no stone unturned to capitalize on the internal differences in the Congress camp. Ward No 14 and 16 of the Margao Civic body are examples of Congressmen taking on the Congressmen in the polls. In Ward no 14, though former MMC Vice-Chairperson Zarinha Shah is being perceived as enjoying the support of the Chief Minister, his close aide and outgoing block President Dayanand Deulkar is also in the fray. It remains to be seen whether Deulkar’s presence in the fray
actually helps Zarinha to make a come back in the Civic body or vice versa. In ward no 16, Pratima, the wife of MMC Chairperson Savio Coutinho is being challenged by Sandra Fernandes, a close supporter of the Chief Minister. Incidentally, the Chief Minister had made light of the situation by saying he doesn’t mind friendly contests amongst his supporters in Margao. “Many of my supporters have nursed ambition to represent the people in the Margao Civic body. I have already decided not to cut short their ambitions and is in favour of friendly fights amongst Congressmen,” Kamat added.
HC moved against govt project in Davorlim HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, OCT 18
South Goa district Collector’s grandiose plan to acquire huge land admeasuring 1.15 lakh sq meters in Davorlim village for “multi purpose utility project” has finally landed the in High Court. With the district Collector G P Naik rejecting all objections raised by the villagers against the project, the Davorlim Communidade has knocked the doors of the High Court, seeking court’s intervention to stop the acquisition of the huge land. The petition has been filed on ground that the government has not specified the public purpose for which the land is being acquired by the District Collector, giving wide powers to the government to implement any project taking advantage of the
term ‘Multi purpose utility project”. Davorlim villagers have been up in arms against the government’s decision to acquire 1.15 lakh sq meter of land in the village for the proposed multi-utility project on grounds that the land in question was preserved by the ancestors for the original inhabitants of the village. In fact, numerous resolutions were adopted by the Panchayat as well as by the gram Sabha, vehemently objecting to the land acquisition by the government. The villagers feared that under the guise of the multi purpose utility purpose, the government would set up the proposed kabrastan in the village. Initially, the district Collector G P Naik had mooted acquisition of land admeasuring 1.20 lakh s q meters, but the area was
later restricted to 1.15 lakh sq meters at the time of publishing section 6 of the Land Acquisition Act. That the district Collector G P Naik is hell bent on acquiring the land for the multi purpose project is evident by the fact that the government recently gave the go ahead order to the land acquisition officer to acquire the land in question. It may be recalled that in his brief note, the district Collector had stated that it was a long standing desire to have a multi purpose utility project in south Goa to cater to the needs of all the inter-linked as well as independent projects for the overall development of the society, wherein the needs of the individuals from educational, social and cultural aspects can be catered.
Goa Travel Mart likely new name for ITM HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, OCT 18
International Travel Mart (ITM) is likely to be rechristened as Goa Travel Mart (GTM) by next year after several industry players suggested to give it a proper Goa-centric name and brand it accordingly, a senior official said. Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) Managing Director Nikhil Desai said that the buyers, sellers and even industry experts, who were present for the ITM suggested that ITM needs to be renamed as GTM. “The participants have come out with several suggestions. Most of them want ITM to be renamed as GTM as it is being held in Goa,” Desai told Herald a day after culmination of four day long event. He said that the proposal will be put up before the governing board of the event and the decision will be taken accordingly. Goa’s first ever ITM, which had kicked off on October 14 received great response
The participants have come out with several suggestions. Most of them want ITM to be renamed as GTM as it is being held in Goa. -- Nikhil Desai from the tourism bodies across the world. Many of them, however, questioned the dates of the festival, which according to them should have been little before or after Kerala Travel Mart (KTM), which attracts huge international participation. Clarifying over the issue Desai said that the corporation was afraid that ITM would be overshadowed by KTM, which happens on large scale. “ITM being for the first time in the state, it was like a kid to KTM and there was a fear in the mind that we might get lost if we did after KTM,” the MD stated. The participants, present for the ITM had also expressed their unhappiness as organ-
izers failed to unveil the list of buyers in advance so that the industry can start dialogue with them before they arrive here. “None of the travel marts declare their buyers list well in advance. This protects the registered sellers from being at disadvantage situation. If list is available in advance, there is fear that the non-sellers can hook them outside the ITM,” he explained. He however said that from next year onwards user name and password would be given to all registered sellers, who will be able to get connected with the buyers. “Here, only those sellers who are registered with us will be able to get information about the buyers,” he stated. ITM, which had brainstorming sessions including the one on branding Goa, will be an annual affair in Goa. Desai said that Goa needs a coherent strategy when it comes to branding. “Proper thought is given to it. We have to think scientifically and government is in the process of doing so,” the MD said.
500 Ganesh idol artisans left in lurch SHWETA KAMAT PANJIM, OCT 18
Around 500-odd artisans expecting government subsidy for preparing clay Ganesh idols in the state were left at lurch as the scheme could not be implemented due to financial constraint this year. Officials stated that the Goa Handicrafts Rural and Small Scale Industries Development Corporation’s (GHRSSIDC) could not implement its revised scheme, this year due to financial constraints as the file seeking additional funds for this scheme is gathering dust in Secretariat. As per the revised scheme, the artisans were to be paid for the maximum 250 idols as against the earlier ceiling of 150. The subsidy of Rs 100 each was to be paid for these artisans through Handicraft Corporation. This government initiative had begun during BJP regime when corporation decided to
curb increasing presence of Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols which are not environment friendly. The scheme was supposed to be enhanced from this year onwards. But bureaucratic hurdles have rigged it. However, as the government failed to approve the scheme, the artisans would be now paid as per the old scheme that is Rs 100 each for maximum 150 idols. Sources stated that it’s been long since the file is pending with the Industries secretary. “We recently came to know that finance department has been asked to study the proposal,” sources stated. This year, there is almost 10 per cent rise in the number of applications for this scheme. Officials stated that maximum numbers of artisans are from Pernem and Bicholim taluka. Statistics revealed that 143 artisans from Pernem and 120 from Bicholim have been approved for
the subsidy. They are followed by Ponda (70), Sattari (55), Bardez (52) and Canacona (26). As per the old scheme, the corporation, this year will have to distribute Rs 46 lakh to various artisans in form of subsidy. Last year the corporation paid Rs 41 lakh to the artisans as against Rs 36 lakhs in 2008. Sources said that Rs 50 lakh budget had been announced by the state government as a subsidy to the artisans for 2010. “If government now decides to revise the scheme, then the corporation will have to pay additional around Rs 25 lakh, from its own coffers,” sources added. The fate of these artisans would be now decided only during the Appraisal Committee meeting, which is likely to take place next month. The meeting will be chaired by Industries secretary, which will be also attended by GHRSSIDC chairman Sameer Salgaoncar and GHRSSIDC director Nikhil Desai.
Meanwhile, the artisans have expressed unhappiness over the GHRSSIDC decision of sticking back to their earlier scheme. “The corporation’s decision is not acceptable to us. We will be under severe loss if they don’t pay as per the new scheme. I have already suffered huge loss as more then 50 idols remained unsold,” Mayem-based artisan Sadanand Shet said. Shet had prepared nearly 165 clay idols of which only 110 were sold as most of the people from their locality preferred to buy it from outside Goa. “This is a double loss to me. There was some hope that I will get Rs 100 after each idol including those which are still lying in my backyard,” he added. Supporting him, artisan from Ponda, Sanjay Shetkar said, “most of the artisans in Ponda went for more than 150 idols as the scheme gave them freedom to avail for new subsidy for maximum 250 idols.”
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S H O RT TA K E S Dicholkar bags ‘Gomant Swar’
On day of polling, Willy He believed in customer votes for election code service till the end! HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, OCT 18
Kedar Umesh Dicholkar, winner of ‘Gomant Swar’ and other singing competitions along with his Headmistress Madhavi Sarwate, Principal Vijayraj and music teacher Sharad Mathkar.
VASCO(HR): Kedar Umesh Dicholkar, a Std VII student of Navy Children School, Vasco, bagged the ‘Gomant Swar’ trophy by winning junior solo singing competition at the All Goa Marathi Bhavgeet Singing competition, organized by Rudreshwar, Panjim, recently. Earlier, Kedar had won the first place in solo Hindi singing competition organized by Vinayak Kala Sangh, Vasco, while this is his third consecutive win at this stage. He also bagged the second place in All Goa Solo Singing competition, organised by Ganeshotsav Mandal, Shiroda. He is presently pursuing his studies in Hindustani classical vocal music at Dr B Ambedkar Vocation Centre, Sada, under the guidance of his guru Sharad Mathkar.
Hand Washing Day observed
A teacher of Tremera Community Centre demonstrates how to wash hands. Also present are multipurpose health workers Sidesh Gawas and Rajashree Gaude.
MERCES(HC): Chimbel Sub Health Centre in association with Tremera Community Centre, Indira Nagar observed World Hand Washing Day by imparting lessons on importance of hand washing to the students of the Tremera Community Centre. On the occasion, multipurpose health worker (MPHW) Rajashree Gaude and teacher of Tremera Community Centre Maruti Pujari guided the students on the correct way of hand washing. MPHW Sidesh Gawas then gave a talk on the importance of personal hygiene. Later, pamphlets of WHO guidelines on hand washing were distributed to over 100 students of the Centre and the teachers.
Legal literacy camp at Ponda
Adv Sujata Ramnathkar addressing the gathering in the presence of Adv V Deulkar, Adv KL Gaonkar and Chairperson of Sneha Mandir, S Sawant.
PANJIM (HND): The Taluka Legal Services Committee, Ponda, in coordination with District Legal Services Authority, North Goa, Panjim, held a legal literacy camp to observe Senior Citizen’s Day, recently at Sneha Mandir, Bandora, Ponda. Awareness camp related to women in need of care and protection was also held the same venue. Adv Sujata Ramnathkar welcomed the gathering and explained the aim of holding the camp. She also spoke on ‘Spreading awareness of the benefit and entitlement under the Legal Services Authorities Act 1987’. Advocate K L Gaonkar spoke on ‘Right of Senior Citizen under Rules 2009 framed by Goa government’; Advocate Vinayak Deulkar spoke on ‘Mental Health Act’. The programme was compered by Adv Sujata Ramnathkar who also proposed the vote of thanks.
Even as polling to the Valpoi byelection was to end on Monday at 5 pm, former Saligao strongman and present Deputy Chairman of the Goa Planning Board Dr Wilfred de Souza in a press conference accused some people in the Government of indulging in violating the Code of Conduct. Taking a very serious view of the matter, Dr Willy said the Saligao and Nerul Communidade committees had been changed as per orders issued by the Administrator of Communidade of North Zone N M Gad and Under Secretary (Revenue-I) Pandharinath Naik, respectively, by flouting the Code of Conduct. He said 11 Communidades in Bardez did not have their triennium (after every three years) elections as there was no quorum. “From December last year no one, however, thought it fit to correct the situation, but went on to change the two committees of Saligao and Nerul Communidades in a sinister manner,” he rubbished. The veteran politician questioned why only these two committees were changed. “What is the intention? An inquiry needs to be conducted and whoever has accorded approval to this blatant violation of Communidade law and Code of Conduct needs to be brought to task,” he demanded. He explained in case of Saligao, Eric C T Remedios had been appointed as President of Saligao Communidade as per Government approval dated October 1, 2010, when the Code of Conduct was in force. “Further, the order sates Eric has been administered oath of loyalty under Article 124 (4) of the Code on October 14, 2010, by Gad,” he stated.
Life guards save Colva woman from suicide bid HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, OCT 18
Life guards patrolling the Betalbatim beach saved a 60-year old woman from Colva, who intended to commit suicide in the sea. Dristhi informed that the two life guards – Nitesh Bait and Cleyton Vaz – suddenly noticed a woman running towards the sea. Upon reaching knee deep waters, the woman collapsed, but was rescued by the two life guards and was brought on shore. She was made to feel comfortable at the Bealbatim tower where the woman confessed that she had a quarrel with her family and entered the sea with the intention to commit suicide. She was later dropped at her residence by a life guard jeep.
Burglars make presence felt at Seraulim MARGAO, OCT 18 (HR)
Burglars made their presence felt at Seraulim village neighbouring Margao town last night. Colva police informed that unknown miscreants effected entry into the house of one Hubert in the morning and decamped with gold ornaments and cash worth Rs 70,000. The Colva police are investigating.
‘Non-compliance of ECI guidelines grave’ HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, OCT 18
While no political party has bothered to issue a statement or talk about non-compliance of Election Commission of India guidelines while registering voter names in electoral rolls, veteran politician Dr Wilfred de Souza feels the matter was serious. At a press conference on Monday, the seasoned politician offered no comments on why the political parties were not talking openly about the issue, but in his personal capacity he maintained, “Non-compliance of ECI guidelines was a big sham and violation of the Constitution by the mamlatdars under oath.” The Pilerne Citizens Forum using the Right to Information Act had exposed the mamltadars across Goa for not following the ECI guidelines while enrolling voter names in the electoral rolls. During the Election Commissioner of India Dr S Y Qureshi’s Goa visit, a PCF delegation met him and apprised him of the non-compliance after which he assured the forum of an inquiry, which is yet to be made known. Receiving no positive feedback on the inquiry from the ECI office, the forum had finally decided to go to the High Court of Bombay at Goa. Pointing to Legal Adviser of Pilerne Citizens Forum Adv Yatish Naik, who was also present at the briefing, Dr Willy praised the forum for the exposure and said he was aware of the work done by the members of the forum. He said not following the ECI guidelines also amounted to violation under the Representation of People’s Act. Dr Willy said soon after the Saligao episode, he learnt of the Nerul case. Soon after that I went to the Governor, the head of Communidades in Goa, and he was kind enough to hear me out, he mentioned. He said this morning he spoke to the CM and brought to his notice the breach of the election Code. I have full faith in the CM that he will take note and call the file pertaining to the illegality, he observed. When questioned whether he was holding the Revenue Ministry that’s concerned with af-
fairs of the Communidade responsible for the fiasco, Dr Willy said people from top to bottom linked to this matter have to be penalised, he stated. Today’s press conference was also attended by three Communidade members from Saligao, who mentioned a politician from the area had worked overtime to get the orders with an eye on the vast expanse of Communidade land. Complaints have been made to the office of the Election Commission of India and the State Chief Electoral Officer.
Stating that the formation of a Farmers Club will help boost agriculture in Merces, former president of North Goa Zilla Parishad Anil Hoble called upon Merces farmers to forget their differences and enroll as members of the Club so that they can avail of various benefits and take farming to new heights in the village. Hoble was speaking at the inaugural function of the Progressive Farmers Club of Merces at Vaddy-Merces on Sunday. Speaking further, Hoble stated that the banks today have come to the doorstep of the farmers to extend financial help and urged them to take full advantage of this golden opportunity and turn farming into a profitable venture. “On this auspicious occasion of Dussehra, the Laxmi is knocking the doors of the farmers,” he said and urged the Merces farmers to forget their differences and enmity and join the
Assistant Parish Priest of Our Lady of Merces Church Fr Clifford Castelino unveils the objectives of the Progressive Farmers Club of Merces in the presence of ex-NGZP president Anil Hoble, Merces SBI Branch Manager Kini N M, dy GM of NABARD S S Negi, Merces Sarpanch Deepika Shirgaonkar, Chief Manager of SBI Diego Azavedo and Panch Venita Gracias. Photo by Manuel Vaz
Farmers Club so that they too can benefit from the various schemes being offered by the SBI bank and NABARD. Speaking on the occasion, NABARD Deputy General Manager S S Negi said the main aim of forming a Farmers Club is to transfer technology to the farm-
ers to increase productivity. He also informed that farmers are also taken on expeditions to other states so that they can increase their knowledge on modern farming techniques. Negi further urged the newlyformed Farmers Club to organise
How true it could be when one says that fate manages and calls you for your ultimate destiny. After Wednesday night’s destruction by an inter-state truck at Poinguinim bazaar, people have touching tales to tell about the woeful accident that killed a 50-year-old newspaper agent, besides destroying at least eight shops leaving four badly razed. When this scribe visited the accident site at Poinguinim bazaar on Thursday morning, over a hundred of people were looking at the destruction caused by the truck. “As if the fate has called him back to meet his end, Ulhas had shut down his shop 25 minutes before the fatal accident took his life,” said a resident. “But responding to someone’s call, he opened his hotel again and met his customer’s needs. That service of his, to his customers, which he was holding very near to his heart turned out his last service from his hotel ‘Dayanand Hotel’, a popular joint to many Painguinkar’s, besides several motorists, especially making a halt,” added the resident. Since he resides nearby, Painguinkar, after closing his shop at about 8.15 pm, was reportedly chatting with his close associates standing nearby his shop for some time. A customer approached for curd pot, which is available at his hotel in Poinguinim bazaar area. He re-opened his shop, got the curd pot, latched the shop doors, locked it and was reportedly asking the customer, who was standing on the other side of the road to take curd pot from him, when all of a sudden, the truck loaded with steel rammed into him.
Garbage from Calangute dumped at Parra, alleges forum HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, OCT 18
The Parra Citizens Forum has complained of an illegal garbage dump in the low-lying areas at Bhatti Vaddo, Parra. In its complaints, the Forum has urged the Town and Country Planning Department and Mapusa Police to act in the matter immediately to avoid further dumping in the low-lying areas along the road leading to Anjuna via Parra village. In its complaint, the Forum has accused a resident of Parra of dumping illegal waste like plastic, construction waste material and papers, etc, from a construction site in Calangute. The Forum also alleged that the garbage is brought in truck loads from a construction site in Calangute, which is nearing completion. “We have been cleaning the garbage from the ward represented by the resident’s better half on a regular basis, but the resident surprisingly started bringing in truckloads from a construction site in Calangute and has dumped it in the paddy field areas,” Forum Secretary Michael Lobo told Herald. “Despite my personal and Forum’s request not to dump any further waste in the areas,
training programmes for the farmers and undertake awareness drive on the latest technology used in farming. He also outlined various schemes being offered to the farmers and urged them to use the finance from banks in a scientific manner. Congratulating the farmers on the opening of a Club in Merces, SBI Chief Manager Diego Azavedo said it is the endeavour of SBI to promote agriculture through Farmers Clubs. “Under the Farmers Club, self help groups and joint liability groups can be formed and farmers can apply for loans at SBI,” he said and added that incentives are given to farmers who undertake timely repayment of loans. Informing that the Farmers Club in Merces is the 58th Club to be opened in the State, NABARD Assistant General Manager Anthony John Carvalho said it is their endeavour to revive farming in the State. Later, assistant parish priest
“The loaded lorry turned up from nowhere catching him offguard and almost mauled him badly when he was standing holding the curd pot.” The truck did not stop there, as it raced to three other shops destroying their roof-tops and then straightway headed into three others completely destroying them all. Sources told Herald that at least four others who were just coming out from a nearby bar ran back inside, sensing something is heading towards them. On Thursday morning, almost all shops in Poinguinim bazaar, which otherwise bustles with activities were closed as a mark of respect to Ulhas Painguinkar, except for a private bank. According to police sources, losses caused were over Rs 20 lakh to the shops belonging to Jayprakash Prabhakar Painguinkar (one grocery shop and another godown), Jose Jose Fernandes (Mariana Bar), Ganesh Bhikaro Bhandari (grocery), Guno Kudalkar (cobbler), Ulhas R Painginkar (deceased hotel and bar) and Rajendra
Painguinkar (unused shop). A large number of residents visited the residence of late Ulhas Painguinkar since Thursday morning. His body which was brought from Hospicio Margao was cremated on Thursday afternoon. Meanwhile, after police managed to convince the agitated residents to allow the traffic to resume, the truck was removed from the accident site half-anpast midnight and moved to the police station. Till Thursday afternoon, there was no sign of driver, as police claimed that the driver of truck (TN-33 AD 9701) was still untraceable and have also failed to approach police station. However, a resident of Tamil Nadu, reportedly a truck cleaner, was picked up by police late Wednesday night while moving suspiciously. Canacona Police further informed that a case has been booked against the truck driver under Sections 279, 304(a), 427, 134(a) IPC for causing death due to rash and negligent driving.
upcOMing EvEnTS Discourse on inner stress PANJIM (HND): Fr Abraham Painumkal SJ, a Jesuit priest and counsellor, will deliver a discourse on ‘Inner Stress’ on October 21 at Jesuit House, Panjim, at 6 pm. It is free and open to all. Fr Abraham is available for counselling at Jesuit House, tel9850123667/2223495, say a press release issued here.
Br Johnson’s retreats PANJIM (HND): Br Johnson will conduct retreats on October 19 and 20 at Emerald Lawns, Parra and on October 21 and 22 at Blue Berry, Verna, from 10 am to 5 pm. For details call 9763819515.
Film making workshop MARGAO(HR): A two weekend film making workshop will be organised by Cinemagic, Margao in association with Ravindra bhavan, Margao on November 12,13,14, 20 and 21. The workshop is designed to give participants hands on knowledge and technical information on film and video productions. The lessons provided in the workshop will empower students to ka their own films/video. All the processes from conceptualization to final cut will be covered. The workshop will lay emphasis on script development, production and postproduction. The format of the workshop has been adapted from film production programs taught by film schools in the US. The workshop will be conducted by film-maker Mandar Talauliker, who has been working in the film industry in Mumbai. Applications for registration for the workshop will be available at Ravindra bhavan, Margao from October 20. The last date for registration will be October 31.
CME Programmes at Goa Medical College HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, OCT 18
Garbage dumped at Bhatti Vaddo, Parra. Photo by Thomas Fernandes
which may pose a threat of garbage accumulation in the area, the resident went ahead and dumped the waste material,” claimed Lobo. “Thus, we were forced to approach the Town and Country Planning Department and police to intervene in the matter,” added Lobo. According to the members of the Forum, Mapusa Police had sent a police team to the residence of the resident in the matter. The Forum members claimed that if such waste dumping is
Merces farmers urged to bury differences and work together HERALD CORRESPONDENT MERCES, OCT 18
HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, OCT 18
of Our Lady of Merces Church Fr Clifford Castelino blessed the function and also released the objectives of the Progressive Farmers Club of Merces. Fr Clifford then advised the youth not to run after whitecollared jobs, but to take up professions like farming, where the returns are quite high if undertaken in a scientific and professional manner. Elaborating further, Fr Clifford said in states like Kerala, farmers are using tissue culture and are reaping rewards. He suggested that tissue culture can be introduced among the Merces farmers and hoped that the Farmers Club will take a lead in this direction. Branch Manager of SBI-Merces Kini N M and Progressive Farmers Club of Merces President Charles D’Souza also spoke on the occasion. Merces Sarpanch Deepika Shirgaonkar, Panchas Venita Gracias, Sunil Kalangutkar and Girish Uskaikar were present on the occasion.
permitted in the low-lying areas, it may lead to garbage problems for Parra. The members also said the villagers from outside Parra at times throw their garbage at this point. The Forum members have demanded immediate action in the matter from the concerned authorities to avoid garbage problems for the village and villagers of Parra. Meanwhile, it is reliably learnt that the resident has assured Mapusa Police that the dumped garbage would be cleared from the place by October 22.
Vacancies for Fire Service candidates HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, OCT 18
Fire Service trained undergraduate and graduate candidates are required for employment abroad, says a press release issued here. The vacancies have been notified at the Institution of Fire Engineers, South West India Branch. Those candidates who have passed Level II, III & IV examinations of IFE are preferred. Interested candidates can contact Dr P K John, President IFE (UK) SWI Branch 2459633.
POWERLINE WARNING
BICHOLIM: The newly erected 220KV Loop in Loop Out Tower line at Navelim – Amona, Bicholim Taluka connected from 220KV Double circuit Colvale – Ponda line will be test-charged and remain charged thereafter from October 20. Public is cautioned to keep away from the line and the accessories.
The Goa Medical College in collaboration with the Indian Academy of Cytologists will be organising a series of CME (Continuing Medical Education) Programmes in GMC. The first CME Programme will be held on October 28 at 3 pm in the GMC Library Auditorium and the faculty is Dr Nandita de Souza, Professor of Translational Imaging and Co Director, Cancer Imaging Centre, Institute of Cancer Research, Royal Marsden Cancer Hospital, London, UK. She will speak on the topic MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging ) in Cervical Cancer. Dr Nandita de Souza, of Goan origin completed her MBBS and MD from the University of Newcastle, UK, and FRCP (Fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians ) London, FRCR (Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists ) London and MRCP ( Membership of the Royal Collehe of Physicians ) London. She has worked as Reader in Imaging in Hammersmith Hospital, London, Consultant in Imaging in Imperial College and Guys Hospital London. She also has a large number of publications and presentations at national and international conferences and journals and is actively involved in Cancer Research in UK at the Royal Mars-
den Hospital UK This CME is coordinated by Dr R G Wiseman Pinto. The second CME is an Operative Workshop in the Operation Theatre of GMC on October 29 organised by the Goa Medical College in collaboration with the Goa Ophthalmological Association. Dr Abhijeet Desai, Consultant Ophthalmologist and Oculoplastic Surgeon from Sohum Eye Care Centre Mumbai will operate on different patients in the GMC Operation Theatre. This is coordinated by Dr Pradeep Naik and Dr R G Wiseman Pinto. The third CME Programme will be held on November 1 at 3 pm in the GMC Library Auditorium and the guest faculty is Dr Nikhil V Dhurandhar, Professor, Department of Infections, and Obesity Biomedical Research Centre, Pennington, Baton Rouge, Los Angeles, USA. Dr Dhurandhar is attached to Wayne State University and University of Wisconsin USA and he will speak on the topic Misconceptions in Obesity, Clinical aspects, causes and treatment of obesity and stigma faced by obese individuals. This CME is coordinated by Dr R G Wiseman Pinto. The CMEs are accredited by Goa Medical Council and open to doctors practicing in Goa.
POWER SHUTDOWN October 19
SIRIDAO: From 9 am to 2 pm. Areas affected are Siridao, Curca, Goa-Velha Zuari, Palem, GMC Mortuary, Gomeco Colony, GMC and BSNL, Staff Qtrs, GMC Girls Qtrs and surrounding areas.
October 20
PERNEM: From 9 am to 2 pm. Areas affected are Amai in VP Virnoda, Konkan Railway DTC.
October 22
PERNEM: From 9 am to 2 pm. Areas affected are Junuswada, Marathwada in VP Mandrem, Girkarwada, Kepem in VP Arambol and surrounding areas.
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UID program (Aadhar) a draconian project
Vol No CX No: 263 Goa, Tuesday 19 October, 2010
A
The danger of drink
lcohol intake in teenagers between the ages of 15 to 19 has increased owing to absentee parents, easy money and rising rates of stress and depression among teenagers, says a study by the Assocham Social Development Foundation (ASDF), attached to industry body Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry. The survey found that 45 per cent of Std XII students consume alcohol excessively, at least five to six times in a month. This is an almost 100 per cent increase in teenage drinking in the last 10 years! ASDF says the reasons for rising liquor consumption among students is also the recent availability of higher quality liquors, including ready-mixed drinks. The survey was conducted among more than 2,000 teenagers in the age group of 15 to 19. Most teenagers who admitted that they drank regularly said they took their first drinks to keep up with their peers. But others said they liked alcohol, as its intoxicating effect takes away the tensions of day-today life. More than 32 per cent of the teens who admitted drinking said they drank when they were upset; 18 per cent said they drank alone; 15 per cent said they drank when they felt bored; and 46 per cent said they drank to “get high”. On average, students spent Rs3,500 to Rs4,500 on alcohol each year, which was more than they spent on soft drinks, tea, milk, juice, coffee, movie tickets or books combined. And, 70 per cent of teens consume alcohol on big occasions like farewells, New Year, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, birthdays, etc. Alarmingly, one-third of teenagers had their first alcoholic drink before entering college. Nearly 16 per cent of teenagers began to drink alcohol before the age of 15. One in ten teenagers binge drink (consume three large pegs or more at a session). Teenage boys are much more likely than teenage girls to have tried alcohol. Alcohol use is also greater among older teens than younger teens (46 per cent vs 12 per cent). Fruit-flavored alcoholic beverages are particularly appealing to girls, who mostly do not like the taste of alcohol. Alcohol advertising appeals to teenagers by making drinking appear sophisticated and sexy. Low pricing, a lack of standardised proof-of-age requirements and poor enforcement makes it easy for retailers to sell to underage kids, said the survey, which recommended on-the-spot fines for selling drink to under-18s and requiring proof-of-age before purchasing. Parents can prevent their children from abusing alcohol by talking to them. Open communication, good role models, responsible behaviour by the parents themselves, and recognising problems when they are developing helps. A huge 45 per cent of the teens said that their parents do not know where they go in their spare time. What is so alarming about this? Well, the places the survey was conducted are Goa, Mumbai, Cochin, Chennai, Hyderabad, Indore, Patna, Pune, Delhi, Chandigarh and Dehradun. Thankfully, teenagers in Goa are not the biggest drinkers, that credit goes to New Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), followed by Mumbai, Chandigarh and Hyderabad. However, that cannot be too much consolation. Goa needs to do something urgently about drunkenness, not only among teenagers but also among adults.
I
Ration racket?
t seems Goa’s top bureaucracy is not very concerned about carrying out the orders of the higher judiciary. Director of Civil Supplies Gurudas Pilernkar, for example, admits that over 80,000 ration cards are lying unclaimed in the offices of mamlatdars in different talukas of the state. But the government has not taken any decision on whether to declare them as bogus, even though the Supreme Court’s deadline for the mamlatdars to check fake cards was 18 October; yesterday!
W
hen Nandan Nilekani a technocrat was appointed the chairman of UIDAI by PM Manmohan Singh, I had applauded the decision. The reasons were many, but mainly, given Nilekani’s background as an entrepreneur with high ethics with respect to Infosys, it was expected that he would bring the same standards to this government project. Fourteen months later, the hope of many on this front has not just been shattered, as the monster that is Aadhar (UID) unleashes on a hapless population, now there is a national campaign to stop this project. For starters, this project has flouted all norms of accountability and transparency. The appointment of Nilekani is now widely called undemocratic. The legality of the project is called into question since it was launched by the Prime Minister and it does not have legal sanction as yet. The lack of transparency has been pointed out after only lip-service was paid to discussions with civil society organizations and all calls for transparency have gone unheeded. There is a lot that has gone wrong and continues to go wrong with this project. Even the intent of this project is suspect. Jean Dreze, noted development economist, member of the prestigious National Advisory Council (NAC) of India chaired by Congress President Sonia Gandhi, and the one who conceived of NREGA the scheme that assures 100 days of labour in a year to the rural poor, has called the UID project a national security project camouflaged as a social welfare initiative. Others who are opposing the project include noted Magasasay winner and social activist Aruna Roy also part of NAC, Former Justice of the Supreme Court Krishna Iyer and a huge number of civil society organizations. Even Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen has warned about this project. The fact that UIDAI cannot solve anything other than minor problems with PDS (public distribution system) and NREGA is now backed by data. Both the schemes are plagued by corruption and most of this corruption does not take place at what is called “the last mile” which the UID project tries to fix. At best, the number of fake ration cards in PDS is pegged to around 8 to 10 percent in most instances. In PDS, most of the corruption takes place at the higher end; grains are siphoned off before they reach the fair price shops. The UIDAI makes us think that ration card holders go to the ration shop and use more than one card and pilfer ration.
Changing Perspectives
T
Catch mobile motor mouths
John Fernandes, Colva
S. Kamat, Alto Betim
The letter ‘Role of the Church’ (Herald October 14) by M Souza, claims to stand with the teaching of the Church. Yet he fails to understand the aims and objectives of the Catholic run schools. These schools impart academic, physical, moral and spiritual education from a Christian point of view, while respecting the religious sentiments of all their students. Diocesan education has done the state and the country proud with providing quality education to the poor and downtrodden irrespective of caste, creed or status. The Church has striven to improve the infrastructure of its schools to create a suitable ambience for imparting education. As a parishioner from Colva I compliment Rev. Fr Diogo Fernandes for his leadership in completing the school building with the parishioners. M Souza needs to upgrade his knowledge.
The police in Goa need to catch motorists talking on mobiles while driving. Even two-wheeler riders do it. People rarely use the hands-free attachment. These are a risk to themselves, other drivers and pedestrians. Goa police need to apprehend these people and impose stiff fines which would act as a deterrent for the future.
19 October 1910 Car duty payment
The Commissioner of Customs issued instructions to release all the imported cars free of duty provided the same will be paid once the period of Exposition is over.
Lisboa bomb makers
The Police apprehended 10 persons from one of the houses in Lisbon while manufacturing bombs.
Guild lodges protest
The Commercial Guild lodged a protest against the deportment of Municipal Council of Ilhas for not issuing any licenses to establish shops at Old Goa.
St John of God renovation
The Convent of St. John of God at Old Goa is under earnest renovation so as to accommodate the Pilgrims who are expected to attend the Exposition of St. Tamaturgo of the Orient.
FOREWARNED This is not true by and large. Thus, checking the identity of the ration card holders will not solve the pilferage problem. Similarly, in NREGA, the problem is not of identity. The village supervisors take bribes to mark the attendance of workers and only then the workers get paid. UID cannot solve this problem. There are also serious issues raised about the PR campaign mounted by UIDAI which mainly
Backward nation
Stanley D’Souza, Margao Every community in India strives to identify itself as backward. Reforms are needed. Bogus certificate holders should have a time limit to confess and pay a nominal fine. Beyond that limit they must be punished severely. If an OBC family gets reservation benefit, it should then be passed on to other needy persons, not to their children. This will prevent the creamy layer alone benefiting. Caste only exists in the Hindu religion; once a Hindu converts he is caste free. Reservations should only extend to education, not employment; otherwise it will be linked with promotions too. It is important because without recruitment and promotion based on merit, we are in the present mess where bribing rules the day.
Letter of the Day
GMC’s commitment Matthew M Fernandes, (Ex-Manager, Indian Express Newspapers Group Publications), Alto-Porvorim Recently, I underwent abdominal surgery at GMC. I was deeply impressed with the high level of competence and caring personal attention to patients during the postoperative period. The surgical procedure was difficult due to complications found in pre-surgical tests. Dr J P Tiwari, Professor, Nephrology, GMC diagnosed kidney problems and prescribed correct medicines. While at home, due to the abdominal disorder, my small intestine pushed through the hernial opening. Despite the risk involved, I offered myself for surgery. The doctors responded to my request and the surgical team led by Dr Dilip Amonkar and consisting of Anaesthesist Dr Shaila Kamat and Dr Ramani performed the challenging surgery so excellently that I was discharged from the hospital within a week. Since I am a heart patient, Dr Edwin Gomes, Associate Professor of Medicine took responsibility by regularizing the BP, thus reducing my tension. During my weeklong stay in hospital, I appreciated the kind personal attention the doctors gave to all patients in their care, despite heavy workload at all hours of the day. KLES Hospital in Belgaum had advised me against surgery due to the complications, but I was glad I decided to come to GMC. There is an erroneous belief that the hospital staff is uncaring and unhelpful. Yes, there may be a few instances of individual erratic human behaviour, but it should not be used to malign the entire staff and the Institution which cures thousands of patients day-in and day-out.
Politicians do not care for local votes when they pamper migrants who vote en masse for their benefactors. Where else can any migrants get ration cards, voting cards, jobs, free housing on private and public lands for habitation as well as doing business with ease? Goans are disenfranchised, in their own land. The time is now for Goans to show the door to corrupt, indifferent and arrogant politicians.
Colonial hangover?
Brand Goa Basics
Franco Fernandes, Mapusa
Dr. Francisco Colaço, Margao This bears reference to the letter ‘Portuguese hangover?’ by Adelmo Fernandes (Herald, 14 Oct) where he says few of the present generation know who Garcia da Orta was. It would do them a world of good to know about him. Orta was a Jew
Well, with the initial swearing in behind you, you are now made aware of the fact, that after all they have got the job. Or rather in order to report on duty they have had to pay heavy duty to their godfather. Dare you say a wrong word, or raise your voice, the good godfather will give you a reminder, of your real blood father, hence ‘mom’ is the word. And although you don’t intend to, you find to your surprise, carrying out tasks as silently as your predecessors did, mutely. Predictably, like passive prisoners, you find yourself carrying ledgers from one desk to the other, filing, sweeping, swabbing, I bet, you would not complain if you were asked to hold the toilet roll while they are at it. And if all this would not suffice, you are made to wait for hours together as they gossip in glee about their aging neighbour’s hot daughter’s sizzling affair and carry an update on all and sundry’s
By Smitha Bhandare Kamat
holy and unholy associations. Then, they break for tea, while your poor back breaks into two. If you protest about the break, they go berserk they make you come n number of times for the grave offence unintentionally committed. Post break, they saunter in, still munching the last crumbs and burp in your haggard face. You sure can take pride in practicing non-violence in all its myriad avatars — verbal, physical, intellectual et al. In fact the Nobel peace award should come in your arms. But, all said and done, come to think of it, can the aam admi complain of this lot’s bloated appetite, after all they have to combat inflation and reimburse the unofficial initial deposit for the post, or else with the type of qualification clubbed with the nasty habit of leaving their brains behind while reporting on the job I just can’t figure out how the job holder is matched to the job.
Letters to the Editor
who fearing the Spanish Inquisition sailed for India in 1534 as Chief Physician. Here he did internationally acclaimed pioneering work in Eastern spices, drugs, seeds and plants. He maintained his own laboratory and botanical garden and even achieved a breakthrough in infectious diseases like cholera. Orta suffered much under the Inquisition; even his mortal remains were exhumed and burned in an auto da fé in 1580. If you must change the garden’s name think of Dr Froilano de Mello Garden after the man responsible for beautifying the city with shade giving trees and a beautiful river balustrade. We failed to get the GMC named after him. Let’s now do justice to the memory of this great Goan.
Disenfranchising Goans
harps on financial inclusion. Even this is proved wrong. About 83 percent of NREGA payments already take place via bank accounts. Also, there are fears that an ID card can lead to exclusion rather than inclusion and even ethnic cleansing. Now, as never before, it would be possible to list the names, addresses and possibly religion (with some more intelligence thrown in the system) of people at the click of a mouse. It wouldn’t take much for an average Indian to imagine the con-
sequences. UIDAI’s promise of a privacy law has been only lip-service till now. There is a clamour in a lot of quarters that the UIDAI program be halted till relevant laws are put in place, but that hasn’t gotten any response from UIDAI. And the project is going on at breakneck speed. Quite surprising though it is, coming from an organization headed by a former corporate boss, there is neither a project report, nor feasibility or impact assessment study nor a cost-benefit analysis for the UIDAI project. Thousands of crores of tax payers’ money are being spent without all this. And a recent report from the US National Research Council that has done a multi-year study on biometrics says that biometrics is not reliable as an authentication method and has to be used with some other method for good results. It is not yet known what effect the results of this report would have on the UID project. The biggest fear due to this project is the threat to civil liberties, democracy and freedom itself. Given that it is well known that fingerprints lying in various places can be captured, and now that the State would have fingerprints of its citizens/residents in a database, an authoritarian ruler can play havoc nailing people at will with false evidence. As yet, there is no law preventing this, only statements from UIDAI saying “we are looking into it”. Quite interestingly, the monster unleashed by UIDAI could even go out of its own control. It is also worth noting that UK has shelved a similar National ID project. The statements made while getting rid of the project reveal a lot. UK’s Home Secretary Theresa May said “The national identity card scheme represents the worst of Government. It is intrusive and bullying, ineffective and expensive. It is an assault on individual liberty that does not promise a great good.” Finally, Mahatma Gandhi’s first satyagraha in South Africa was against identity cards that segregated Indians from others. This identity card had the finger prints of all ten figures and the law was passed in 1906. Gandhi called it the Black Act. A century later, Gandhi’s own party the Congress is reintroducing a similar law in India. The UIDAI project needs to be severely opposed. I urge Goans not to give their fingerprints and iris scans and oppose this draconian project with all their might.
Public servants, public nuisance
his appalling middle is dedicated to all those appalling government servants who put on airs as if they are the official ghor zavaais of the regime. To begin with they greet you with such sour, cranky looks that you wish that very instant the floor would open up and swallow you. That is a quick-fix, beyond your reach. So you become realistic, muster courage and open up. There is no response, only volumes of silence. Ages later, he acknowledges your existence, which rings a bell –‘dude, you are one hell of a big blunder on my desk’. The attitude displayed constantly reminds you that it would be a grave mortal mistake to forget even for one nano second that they are in fact, public lords in guise of public servants, who are out there to oblige the damned aam admi. And mind it, throughout the interaction this fatal fact should not be forgotten under any circumstances, or else you may jolly well be, sooner than predicted be experiencing Doomsday.
Top Diocesan education
100 Years Ago
UIDAI project may infringe on civil liberty says SAMIR KELEKAR
in their own state. Preserve these basics and you will have your ‘Brand Goa’. Instead of letting corrupt politicians elected by corrupt people destroy these strengths…
Singing Cop Julius Carvalho, Dubai-UAE Bravo DYSP Sammy Tavares one of the few good men in the police force, for making your first CD. It is nice to educate the aam admi on safety and security through song. I wish your next CD is more realistic with songs pertaining to police recruitment, transfers, political interference, corruption, hafta collection and the recent world famous drugs nexus.
LIC’s poor service
Arwin Mesquita, UAE
Nelson Lopes, Chinchinim
With reference to the recent deliberations at ITM-Goa, ‘Brand Goa’ already had its main strengths of clean environment, uncontaminated water, peace and its people having a distinct personality and culture, who are now being reduced to a minority
LIC has outsourced premium due reminders and assumes no responsibility towards policy holders for not receiving timely notices. Even hand delivered complaints are ignored. LIC debits service charges on every premium paid. The agent is also paid commission
on every premium paid while the policy is in force. Policies lapse due to this and have to be renewed at considerable cost and effort. We hear of incentives offered to agents to get business; one incentive is lapsed policies because such amounts are huge. The LIC is a monolith insensitive to policy holders, who may not be in the position to take it head-on. The Insurance Regulatory Development Authority (IRDA) must act expeditiously to safeguard our interests.
GFA village clubs Agostine Antao, Guirdolim Village clubs are major voters in GFA elections but they get no benefits. They should be allowed to train ten-year-old players, send them for selections and the selecting clubs should pay a transfer fee of Rs 10,000. This will motivate small clubs. Coaches and managers of winning teams should be given charge of the state team the following year. Since many clubs participate in U-14 GFA tournaments, the first two teams from each district should play a state MUPC tournament and winner qualify for the zonal finals along with I-League teams. The transfer fee should also apply when I-League clubs select U-15 players. Hope the village clubs vote for those who are ready to support these demands.
Educate them Julius Carvalho, Dubai-UAE The recent Palolem incident, where local boys were provoked by three Andhra Pradesh tourists should be investigated. The local boys are from my village and come from very decent families. I learned that the AP tourists’ car hit two of them who questioned the driver suspecting him to be drunk. One AP tourist grievously assaulted the locals. Enraged, the boys retaliated in self defence. I hear the Canacona police could not take action against the AP tourists because one of them was related to an AP Congress Minister. Goa Tourism department must educate tourists on how to behave in Goa. Letters should be 150 words or less in length, and should have the writer’s name, address and telephone number. The editor reserves the right to edit letters for size and readability, and to delete any personal attacks or libellous /objectionable matter.
Paths of Wisdom Swami Rama of Himalayas Swami Rama was one of the foremost Yogis in this century to go to the West and spread the roots of spirituality. When Swami Rama was small child, the astrologers prepared his horoscope and told his parents that he would die at the age of 28. Hearing this bad news, Swami Rama then a child, started crying. Suddenly from nowhere, a Saint came to his house and said “Son, you don’t worry, I will take care of you and you are not going to die.” That Saint was none other than his own Guru. After some years, Swami Rama left home to join his Guru and forgot completely about the prediction of the astrologers. His Guru asked him to go to many great sages and through them Swami Rama became aware of many esoteric secrets and powerful Mantras of many traditions. Swami Rama used to love wandering in the Himalayas. One day he was climbing a difficult mountain and suddenly he missed his footing and slipped. Falling down the mountain, he was stopped barely at the edge of a cliff when his belly was pierced by a wild shrub and now his body was hanging from the cliff. He was bleeding profusely and his life was in danger. In desperation, Swami Rama tried all the powerful mantras but nothing worked. With each passing m o m e n t D e a t h c a m e c l o s e r. After trying everything Swami Rama thought “I have tried everything except my Guru, Let him also give me a chance.” Swami Rama prayed to his Guru for help. Instantly help came in the form of village women who were passing above that cliff. These women noticed Swami Rama hanging between life and death and they helped him back to safety. (Source: Swami Rama Book ‘Living with Himalayan Masters’)
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OHERALDO
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GOA, TUESDAY, 19 OCTOBER, 2010
Nagoa-Arpora local given Consumer forum directs dealer to repair mobile phone ZP funds to repair house HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, OCT 18
The Consumer Dispute Redressal Forum, North Goa, Porvorim, has directed a mobile phone dealer to repair mobile phone of the complainant ensuring all features are functional and to pay Rs 6,000 to the complainant towards expenses of legal fees. Yogesh Pednekar of Bicholim had filed a complaint with the Consumer Forum stating that
the mobile handset, which he had purchased on payment of Rs 13,500 from a dealer in Panjim started giving trouble immediately after it was purchased. The complainant further stated that he faced problems like phone hang, memory problem, software loading/reloading (contact numbers lost) and sliding problem. The complainant stated that
except for receiving and making calls, the mobile handset could not be used for any other features as shown to him at the time of purchase. Pednekar made several complainants to the dealer with regard to improper functioning of the mobile phones. However, his complaints were not attended by the dealer to his satisfaction. “Memory card was returned
CIVIC POLLS
Mapusa candidates stress on door-to-door campaigning HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, OCT 18
Saligao ZP member Michael Lobo and Asha R Palyekar hand over the cheques to Agnelo Fernandes. Photo by Thomas Fernandes HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, OCT 18
Saligao ZP member Michael Lobo on Sunday handed over two cheques for repair of a damaged house at Nagoa-Arpora. Acting on a Herald report on September 1, Lobo handed over two cheques of Rs 5,000 to Agnelo Fernandes of Fuldem Vaddo, Nagoa-Arpora, towards repair of his damaged house due to incessant rains that lashed the State during the last week of August 2010. A cheque of Rs 5,000 was given to the resident from the
Zilla Panchayat Fund of natural calamities, while Lobo gave another cheque of his monthly salary of Rs 5,000 from the Zilla Panchayat. Lobo also promised further help to the resident. The cheques were handed over to Agnelo Fernandes and his family by Michael Lobo and Nagoa-Arpora Panch Asha R Palyekar. Speaking to Herald, Lobo said: “It was due to a report in Herald that I learnt of the damage to the house of Agnelo Fernandes and took up the matter with the Zilla Panchayat and ac-
Postal employees union objects recruitment procedure HERALD CORRESPONDENT MAYEM, OCT 18
Members of Goa State Postal Employees Union have raised strong objections over the recruitment procedure of Maharashtra and Goa Circle, Mumbai-1, though few candidates are likely to be selected for the clerical posts. It is learnt that Maharashtra and Goa Circle, Mumbai-1, has declared about 950 vacancies for Maharashtra and Goa, out of which only 30 vacancies have been reserved for Goa and the remaining for Maharashtra.
According to sources, for these few vacancies, candidates from Nanded, Parbhani, Nagpur, Kolhapur, Sangli and other places from Maharashtra have submitted their applications for recruitment under Goa Division. Members of Goa State Postal Employees Union have strongly objected over the recruitment procedure and cautioned the Maharashtra and Goa Circle Mumbai-1 to undertake the recruitment procedure legally and reject all the applications of the candidates from Maharashtra for the recruitments, which have been reserved for Goans. The union has forwarded copies of the grievances to all the major political party leaders, who in turn have contacted the Chief Post Master General Faiz Ul Rehman to look into the matter.
cordingly Rs 5,000 was sanctioned from the natural calamity fund of Zilla Panchayat.” “I also felt that the amount was too meagre to carry out necessary repairs of their house and thus offered another Rs 5,000, which is my monthly salary from the Zilla Panchayat,” he said. It may be recalled that Herald had carried a report on impact of incessant rains in the coastal belt of Calangute highlighting the damage to the property of Agnelo Fernandes at Nagoa-Arpora.
Cardiac check-up camp held in Canacona HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, OCT 18
Lions Club of Canacona in association with NUSI Wockhardt Hospital, Panzorcone-Cuncolim, conducted free Cardiac check-up camp in Canacona on Sunday. Over 150 people were examined by the expert panel of doctors from NUSI Wockhardt, while 100 ECGs were taken and 70 ECHO tests were conducted on doctors’ recommendations. According to Lions Club President Motesino Fernandes, 25 people with notable heart ailments were identified in the camp and advised follow-up action for heart care. NUSI Wockhardt Panzorconne Centre Head Arvind Bhagania led the team of his renowned doctors, which include Sr Consultant-Cardiac Surgery Dr Sanjeeve Garg Mch (CVTS) a post graduate from Jaipur and Sr Consultant Interventional Cardiology Dr Rohit Mody MD.DM (Card), cardiologist from Kanpur.
The campaigning for the Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) elections has gained momentum with the candidates stressing on door-to-door visits of the voters. MMC is made up of 15 wards comprising 29,313 voters, out of which 14,647 are males and 14,666 females. The maximum number of 3,032 voters is in Ward 1 and minimum of 1,171 in Ward 7. Wards 4, 8, 12 and 14 have been reserved for women, Ward 1 (OBC women), Ward 11 for ST and Wards 5 and 13 for OBC. There are altogether 35 polling stations to facilitate the electorate to exercise their franchise. Maximum of four polling stations have been provided in Ward 1. Out of the present 15 councilors, six are re-contesting the election, while seven councilors have fielded their spouses since they are unable to contest the election due to reservation of seats. The councilors who are not re-contesting the election are Vinod Phadke and Chitra Manerkar. Councilor Anand Bhaidker is contesting from Ward 3, while he has fielded his wife Alpa in Ward 1, which is reserved for OBC women. The Mapusa Nagarikancho
Ekvot (MNE) has fielded five candidates in Wards 3, 4, 6, 8 and 15. Initially, MNE had announced that they would contest all the 15 wards, but since it could not get suitable candidates, MNE had to drop the idea. Speaking to Herald, MNE Convenor Adv Anotonio Lobo said though initially they had decided to field the candidates in all the 15 wards, they could not do so due to reservation of seats and non-availability of suitable candidates. “We will be happy if at least two of our candidates get elected. The campaigning in all the five wards is going on vigorously and people are happy that MNE has entered the fray,” said Lobo. The main requirements of Mapusa city are fish and vegetable markets, renovation of Chacha Nehru Park, Jogging Park, good sewerage system and Ravindra Bhavan and new bus stand. The major problems that haunt the city include garbage disposal, traffic congestion and pitiable condition of the roads and flooding of municipal market during rains. Though three chairpersons, Ujjwala Kandolker, Sneha Bhobe and Roopa Bhakta, who were at the helm of the affairs of MMC, claim that sig-
Parra farmers get crop tiller machine HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, OCT 18
Calangute MLA Agnelo Fernandes launched a Crop Tiller machine at Parra on Sunday. Fernandes inaugurated the machine in the presence of Parra Sarpanch Benedict D’Souza, Farmers Club Chief Rajaram Purke (Sonu), Chandan Harmalkar, Uttam Pednekar among others in the paddy fields of Parra. Speaking to Herald, Rajaram Purke said they have been facing difficulty in harvesting their crop
Papal Prelate visits Pilar
The Tiller machine of great help to farmers in Calangute. Photo by Thomas Fernandes
due to rains and non-availability of crop harvester from the Agriculture Department. “We therefore called on Calangute MLA Agnelo Fernandes along with Parra Sarpanch Benedict D’Souza and he assured his help and provided the machine free of cost for three days,” said Purke. “The Claas Crop Tiller is otherwise available at Rs 2,000 per hour with the subsidized rate of Rs 1,000 from the Agriculture Department, while the manual labour do the job for Rs 6,000,” added Purke. Benedict D’Souza said the farmers were having a hard time in arranging labour to harvest their crop, but the Claas Tiller provided a relief to the farmers Photo (L to R): Archbishop Robert Sarah, the President of Pontifical Council ‘Cor Unum’ along with Fr Tony Lopes, the Superior General of the Society of Pilar and Fr Neil dos Santos, secretary of Cardinal Oswald Gracias Archbishop of Bombay. HERALD NEWS BUREAU PANJIM, OCT 18
Archbishop Robert Sarah, the President of Pontifical Council ‘Cor Unum’ a charitable organisation of Vatican Curia visited Pilar on October 18. Speaking to the Pilar Seminarians in the All India Mission Seminary, Archbishop Sarah stated that the Cross, the Eucharist and devotion to Virgin Mary are the three most important foundations of his priesthood and life. “As priest and missionaries, we are always sent out as the command of Jesus is to go and tell, go and see, and go and do likewise. We did not choose what is easy, comfortable and rewarding to carry forth the mis-
sion of Jesus,” stated Archbishop Sarah, while encouraging the seminarians to be holy and develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Archbishop Sarah, till last week was Secretary of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, was warmly welcomed by Rev Fr Tony Lopes, the Superior General of the Society of Pilar along with Fr Walter Gomes, the Vicar General, priests and seminarians. The Prelate was accompanied by Fr Neil dos Santos, Secretary of Cardinal Oswald Gracias Archbishop of Bombay, and Fr Loiola Pereira, the secretary of the Archbishop of Goa and Daman. Archbishop Sarah, consecrated a bishop at the age of
nificant development has been done during their tenure, majority of the citizens of Mapusa disagree and state that the outgoing council has failed miserably in their duties. Speaking to Herald, Mapusa MLA Francis D’Souza stated that BJP has supported 14 candidates and are sure that most of them will get elected. “With regard to fish and vegetable markets, the Goa State Urban Development Agency has already issued tender of Rs 7 crore for construction of the fish market and Rs 1.5 crore for vegetable market,” informed D’Souza. “The work of hot mixing of internal roads of the municipal market has been held up because PWD is yet to complete the work of lying of fire hydrants in the market,” added D’Souza. “The land for setting up garbage plant has been acquired in Cunchelim. On my part, I have taken all the steps required for the development of Mapusa city. It is upto the chairperson of the council to get the work done from the government departments,” claimed the Mapusa MLA. “If MMC chairperson takes the initiative, then most of the developmental projects can be executed speedily,” he said.
35, was offered a bouquet of flowers by a 95-year-old priest, Fr Gustavo Alvares residing in the Pilar Monastery. Fr Hilario Fernandes, the Vice Postulator for cause of the beatification of Ven. Fr Agnelo D'Souza and the Rector of the Pilar Monastery informed the Archbishop about the spiritual heritage of Pilar and the devotion to Ven. Fr Agnel D'Sozua. Fr Anslem D'Souza, rector of the All India Mission Seminary and Fr Cosme Costa, the Curator of the Pilar Museum explained the rich tradition of the seminary formation. The Pilar Seminary choir rendered western and Indian classical instruments pieces to add colour to the occasion.
APPOINTMENTS
in Parra. “The free facility should act as an encouragement to the farmers of Parra to cultivate their paddy fields during the next season. We also encourage the farmers to construct pump houses as per the government norms in the paddy fields to cultivate seasonal crops,” said D’Souza. Earlier, Chandan Harmalkar welcomed the Calangute MLA and other guests, while Uttam Pednekar proposed the vote of thanks.
APPOINTMENTS
to me by the dealer only after 3 months. During this period, this new memory card costing Rs 950 was purchased by me,” said the complainant. Despite serving notice by the Consumer Forum, neither the dealer nor the representative of the mobile company repre-
sented before the Consumer Forum. On going through the facts of the case and verifying the job sheets and related documents, the Consumer Forum observed that there was deficiency in service on the part of the mobile phone dealer.
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parliament being spruced up for obama DELHI BUREAU NEW DELHI, OCT 18
The Indian Parliament's Central Hall, where Jawaharlal Nehru delivered the midnight speech on Independence, is being decked up for United States President Barack Obama's address in the evening of November 8. Just to ensure full attendance of the parliamentarians, the month-long winter session of Parliament has been advanced to be held from the next day from November 9. The Central Hall has been closed down for a fortnight to spruce it up for the occasion. Right now its huge blue colour dome is being repainted and additional lights are being fitted to give a day look. The historical giant fans which rotate with blades in the reverse direction are also getting a fresh coat as those supervising the job said they are relics of the Constituent Assembly that ought
to be preserved for eternity. Some 50 artists of the Archaeological Survey of India have also been requisitions to touch up the century-old paintings in the Central Hall and all around the corridors of Parliament. Last Friday, new Lok Sabha Secretary General T K Viswanathan carried out a survey as part of preparations by going around the circular historical heritage building, with the senior security officials of the United States and India. Over 200 top US Secret Service agents have already landed in Delhi and started taking positions in the capital as also in Mumbai and Amritsar that form part of Obama's itinerary. They have also discussed with the Home Ministry and Intelligence Bureau officials about the air and sea surveillance that they will be mounting to protect their President. A US ship is proposed to be positioned near the Chennai Port.
from page 1 83 per cent vote in Valpoi mamlatdar’s office, voters’ names were deleted due to their shifting of residence. However, voters who have shifted from one ward to another and completed the required enrolling formalities in the electoral roll, their names are included in the particular ward in which they have shifted their place of residence and those who have not completed the formalities, neither their names are intact in original ward nor included in other ward in which they have shifted their residence. At some booths, the CISF personnel did not allow any political group to stand near the booth. They were repeatedly seen warning the groups not to stand within 100 mts of the polling stations. Even former VMC chairpersons and a few councillors were not spared of this rule. Speaking to Herald, North Goa Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) executive member Hanumant Parob said that he filed a complaint with section magistrate that some supporters of Congress candidate Vishwajeet Rane were canvassing near one of the booths. Parob further informed that the section magistrate took note of it and warned the group to disperse from the site. Later, the group went away from the premises of booth, he said. There were rumours that a group of some 125 voters from Kodal had decided to boycott the election, but when Herald visited Kodal booth at about 12 noon, heavy queue of voters was seen to exercise their franchise. However, it could not be ascertained whether the group of 125 voters were among the voters waiting at the booth to vote or not.
Govt staff on poll duty ... in a particular town hail from the same locality”. Incidentally, sources in the know said that a similar problem had cropped in the 2005 municipal polls and the issue was resolved by allowing the polling staff to take a break to cast their ballot if residing in the same area. But, senior officials maintained that this stop gap arrangement will not work if the polling officials drafted for duty in Margao, Vasco or Cuncolim hail from the hinterland talukas of the State.
Centre gets 3 weeks... when the matter came up for hearing it again sought three weeks forcing the apex court to pass the direction. Goa, in its suit filed through counsel A Subhashini, has contended the project contemplated by Karnataka in the inter-State river of Mandovi involved diversion of water outside the basin, which was not permissible. The State argued any extraction of water by the upper riparian State of Karnataka would deprive the inhabitants of Goa of drinking water and consequently affect their rights. It said the project was aimed at transferring the waters outside the basin, which was clearly against the national water policy as it would result in the flow of the river being curtailed, hampered or stopped. Goa wanted the Centre to immediately constitute a Mandovi River Water Disputes Tribunal for adjudication of the dispute. Karnataka has, however, rebutted the argument claiming that the proposed diversion of water was only 7.56 tmcft annually, out of the total availability of 180 to 220 tmcft as estimated by Central Water Commission. It took the plea that transbasin diversion of water from the surplus Mandovi basin to the deficit Krishna basin for meeting drinking water supplies was permissible under the rules. It sought dismissal of the suit on the ground that Goa had not made out any prima facie case for seeking stay on the execution of the project.
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OPiniOnatED
Unmasking politics of designer information
T
By walTer de souza
he Bid Document for consultancy services for the implementation of the Greenfield Airport at Mopa issued by the Private Public Partnership Cell, Goa in September 2010 craftily keeps many vital issues unsaid and selectively withholds information, manifesting its vicious design to let the government go ahead with its dubious model of development. I have already argued that this so-called development of the people of Mopa is nothing but a conspiracy of their ‘under development’, as it will displace and alienate the people while using their land resources to build wealth for the rich and the powerful. It does not surprise me that the Bid Document appears to maliciously manage significant information concerning the project, Mopa village and the people of Mopa. The selective information dissemination campaign embedded in the Bid Document of the PPP Cell only manifests how this unwanted under development in the garb of an airport is forced on the people of Mopa. It seems that the PPP Cell has taken all the necessary steps to engineer a favourable response to the Greenfield airport in Mopa. This demonic intent of the PPP Cell comes to light if one makes an attentive scrutiny of the Bid Document. A critical study of the Bid Document unveils the politics of designer information that strives to manufacture a Feasibility Report that will give a clean chit to the coming of the antiMopa people airport. The politics of designer information manages the dissemination of information and selectively keeps away the information that will prove detrimental to its vicious agenda. At the same time, it takes care to over-emphasise the favourable information in order to divert the attention of the critics and camouflage the demonic intention of its promoters. It can even go to the extent of adding false and untrue pieces of information and thus design information enmeshed with gross misinformation. The designer Bid Document issued by the PPP Cell seems to exhibit all the ingredients of the politics of designer information. It hides important information like the proposed area for the airport falls within the command area of the Tillari Irrigation Project for which huge investments have been already made. Thus it becomes crystal clear how the pro-Mopa people irrigation infrastructure is sacrificed so that the rich and the powerful can convert their land resources into wealth while they are left in the cold. It is amazing that Goa with its meagre land resources and thin demography has to offer its land for the benefit of towns and cities such as Sangli, Sindhudurg, Ratnagiri and Kolhapur in Maharastra and Belgaum, Hubli, Karwar and Dharwad in Karnataka. Its crass negligence or purported malice is clearly manifested by the inclusion of the above towns and cities of Karnataka into Goa. The said designer document is even more secretive about the findings of the earlier studies on the feasibility of the Mopa airport. Thus, the findings of the Final Report New Goa airport Feasibility study by International Civil Aviation Organization for the Government of Goa in August 2005, the TechnoEconomical Feasibility of the establishment of Goa International Airport by the International Civil Aviation Organization for the Government of Goa in November 2005 and the Goa Dual Airport study by the International Civil Aviation organization for the Government of Goa of August 2007 are kept hidden. The design of the designer document comes in the open as the PPP Cell does not deem it fit enough to base any of its statements on the findings of the previous studies. Besides the above studies, there is no mention of any Environmental Impact Assessment, social and poverty analysis and community consultation reports. This confirms our claim that that the Bid Document is doctored and tailor-made to suit their dangerous agenda. I am afraid that the terms of reference for the environmental clearance and impact assessment study by the consultant are silent on the scope of their analysis. Hence, the question is – are we going to get a doctored and designed environmental impact assessment study and finally a highly manipulated report of the consultants who are nothing but puppets in the hands of the Government? A government which is determined to under develop the people of Mopa by forcing the unfriendly airport down their throat? I have tried to expose the politics of designer information at work in the corridors of power and manifest the hypocrisy of our government that is willing to leave its own people behind. A government which will take control of their land resources and use it as raw material to build wealth for the rich and the powerful.
Probe selection of tainted officers for CWG, CVC tells Delhi Govt PTI NEW DELHI, OCT 18
The CVC has widened its probe into the alleged financial and administrative irregularities related to the Commonwealth Games and put purchase of medical equipment and selection of tainted project officers for the sporting event among others under its scanner. The Commission is also looking into the whole process for production of vehicle graphics, standees, banners and signages for national sector of Queen's Baton Relay, 2010 and directed the Delhi Government to take necessary action in this regard. "Some other complaints regarding purchase of medical equipment for Commonwealth Games, selection of tainted project officers for CWG, proposal for production of vehicle graphics, standees, banners and signages for national sector of Queen's Baton Relay, 2010 have been sent to Delhi Government for necessary action at their end," the Central Vigilance Commission said in response to an RTI application filed by PTI. According to the information, the CVC is probing at least 22 more Games-related construction and procurement works carried out by different government agencies here for alleged financial irregularities. Out of the total of 22 projects, six were carried out by Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, four by Delhi Development Authority, three by Organising Committee
RJD will seek Cong support, says Prasad PTI PATNA, OCT 18
RJD would seek Congress support to form Government in Bihar in the event of the coming polls throwing up a hung assembly, its national vice president Raghuvansh Prasad Singh today said. He also said that the RJD's decision to sever ties with the Congress was a "big blunder". Singh, who was speaking to reporters before leaving for campaigning for ally LJP, said, "We will see what comes up after the elections. In the event of the RJD-LJP alliance falling short of majority, it will approach Congress and other secular parties for support." "It is not only me, even RJD chief Lalu Prasad has admitted that the breaking of ties with Congress has been a major blunder," he said.
CWG rubbish comes good! While Delhi has bid the Commonwealth Games goodbye, a few environmentally conscious entrepreneurs are busy seeking to turn the waste discarded in the mega sporting event into useful things like designer bags, umbrellas and fancy footwear. Australian sustainability professional Liz Franzmann is collaborating with Delhi-based NGO Conserve India to create daily-use handmade items by upcycling the waste produced
in the Games. "We are hoping that the Games will help the people to see the environment in a new light and become more environmentally conscious," Franzman told PTI. Typically, upcycling refers to the practice of taking disposable or discarded things and repurposing them into valuable, useful, or aesthetically pleasing items. As opposed to recycling, upcycling does not devalue the price of the finished product.
and two each by Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Central Public Works Department, Government of Delhi. One work each relating to Department of Commerce, Indian
Meteorological Department and New Delhi Municipal Council is also being probed, the reply said. The CVC has also found alleged misuse of official position
PTI NEW DELHI, OCT 18
BJP offering money to lure party MLAs: Cong HC outcome won’t affect govt: BJP PTI BANGALORE, OCT 18
The Congress in Karnataka today charged the ruling BJP with offering money to the tune of Rs 50 crore to its MLAs to engineer defection and threatened to launch a state-wide stir to expose the horse trading. Opposition Congress leader in the state Assembly Siddaramaiah alleged that 53 of its 73 MLAs have been offered money and a ministerial berth by BJP leaders. "None of our MLAs are ready to defect.We are all united. Some MLAs whom the BJP leaders contacted over phone have recorded the conversation.We will soon make them public," Siddaramaiah told reporters
after presiding over the Legislature Party meeting here. Rahim Khan, MLA Bidar, alleged he was also contacted by BJP. Siddaramaiah said the meeting condemned the reported call given by Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa and BJP state unit President K S Eswarappa to convert the minority status of its govenment to a majority. "The Congress will reveal the proof on horse trading to media and also submit it to Governor H R Bhardwaj," Congress Working President D K Shivakumar said. The Centre will also be approached seeking legal action against defections being enouraged by the BJP, he said. The CLP, which met this morning
The Central Administrative Tribunal has held that regular employees cannot be asked to serve on contractual terms unless the policy otherwise provides. The Tribunal passed the order on an application filed by Laxmi Narayan, an ex-serviceman who was appointed according to the re-employment policy of the NCT government and posted at Rao Tula Ram Memorial Hospital. He challenged the conversion of his appointment from regular
to contractual basis. "On a conjunctive perusal of the pleadings and records of the case, we are of the considered opinion that the present is a case of inappropriate interpretation of the policy decision at the hands of the officials and they have read into the policy decision something which, in fact, is not there". "On merits too, we find that the impugned conversion is thoroughly unsustainable", the Tribunal bench comprising members S D Anand and S Pandey said.
PTI WELLINGTON (TN), OCT 18
Priests after receiving cycles from Chief Minister M Karunanidhi at the launch of the free bycycles scheme for temple priests, in Chennai on Monday.
Kasab smiles as hearing on death sentence starts PTI MUMBAI, OCT 18
Ajmal Kasab, the lone surviving Pakistani terrorist involved in the 26/11 attacks, smiled, yawned and scratched his head showing no signs of remorse as the State opened arguments in the Bombay High Court today on confirmation of his death sentence. Government Counsel Ujjwal Nikam, while giving details about the barbaric acts of Kasab and nine others who came from Pakistan to strike terror in Mumbai, said "the 26/11 attack was an act of state-sponsored terrorism and was executed by Lashkar-e-Taiba with the aid of security apparatus of that country". The arguments began in court
49 before Justice Ranjana Desai and Justice R V More through video conference to enable Kasab hear the proceedings from the Central Jail where he is imprisoned in the high security bomb and bullet proof cell. 23-year-old Kasab, who appeared on a big screen sharp at 11 am, seemed to be uninterested in the proceedings as most of the time he was seen smiling and yawning. At times, he scratched his head, played with the button of his prison uniform and stretched his arms. During the first half of the hearing, Kasab sought permission to go to the washroom. He gestured at jail staff who informed the court which allowed him. This is for the first time that
ahead of the High Court taking up for hearing petitions filed by five independent MLAs challenging their disqualification, will again meet tomorrow to discuss the political situation in the state. Meanwhile, BJP today maintained that the outcome of the Karnataka High Court in the disqualification of 11 rebel MLAs and 5 Independents would not affect its government in the state. "Natural justice in the case of Karnataka has been upheld. The government and the party are satisfied and there will be no illimpact on government. We are confident that natural justice will be upheld on October 20," BJP spokesperson Tarun Vijay said.
PC backs Omar on Kashmir
Regular employees can't work on contract: CAT PTI NEW DELHI, OCT 18
by Raj Kumar Sacheti, Joint Director General of Commonwealth Games, who is considered a close aide of Organising Committee Chairman Suresh Kalmadi. Giving details of the complaint, it said there is a "complaint against A K Jain, Chief Engineer, CPWD regarding alleged irregularities in tenders for LED display board at MCD National Stadium, Mathura Road, New Delhi. The factual report is awaited from CVO, CPWD since January 7, 2010. "There is a complaint regarding alleged irregularities in purchase of air conditioners for DDA flats. A factual report is awaited from CVO, DDA since March 18, 2010," the RTI reply said. The anti-corruption watchdog is also investigating procurement of "secure communication network" or Tetra for the Games on the basis of complaint received from Dr Harsh Vardhan, Member of Legislative Assembly, Delhi. "The Commission sought comments from Delhi government on the complaint, which is awaited since May 7, 2010," the reply said. The CVC has also received a complaint regarding alleged irregularities in the construction of bus queue shelters for Commonwealth Games by DIMTS. A factual report has been sought from Government of NCT of Delhi on June 3, 2010 and reply is awaited.
arguments on confirmation of death sentence are being heard through video conference in the Bombay High Court, legal sources told PTI. The entire High Court building was converted into a fortress with deployment of armed policemen at all the four entrances. Lawyers, media persons and Court staff were issued special
passes to enter Court 49 to hear the 26/11 case. Although Kasab was not brought to the court, security was tight in view of the sensitive nature of the case. On May 6, the trial court had awarded death sentence to Kasab. In accordance with law, death penalty was referred to the High Court for confirmation. Nikam said a heinous conspiracy was hatched in Pakistan by LeT to destabilise India, wage war against the country and cause financial losses by organising terror attacks in Mumbai in November, 2008, in which 166 persons from India, UK, USA, Israel and other countries were killed. He said the ten terrorists were trained in Pakistan and
left Karachi for Mumbai by boat Al-husseini. Midway, they hijacked M V Kuber and killed captain Amarsinh Solanki. They landed at Badhwar Park in South Mumbai and went to different places in separate batches to execute the terror attacks. Kasab and Abu Ismael took a taxi and planted a bomb before getting down at CST where they fired indiscriminately at people, killing several. The taxi bomb exploded at Vile Parle in which the driver and a lawyer were killed. The duo then entered nearby Cama Hospital and killed a police officer and a constable while injuring few others. Outside the hospital, they shot dead top police officers, Hemant Karkare, Ashok Kamate and Vijay Salaskar.
Home Minister P Chidambaram today backed Omar Abdullah saying BJP leader L K Advani had attacked the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister without getting the "real context" of the remarks made by him on the issue of the state's accession to India. "Advani has to read the entire text of speech made by Omar Abdullah in the state assembly. Then he would know the real context in which Abdullah made these remarks," Chidambaram told reporters in response to a question on the demand for Abdullah's resignation made by Advani. Advani had slammed Abdullah for his statement that the state has not merged with India but acceded to it and had demanded his resignation saying he is "out of tune with the national mood". Abdullah had said in the Assembly that the state had only acceded and not merged with Union of India and could not be compared to Junagarh and Hyderabad.
Sonia slams Nitish over secular image PTI KISHANGANJ/MOTIHARI, OCT 18
Congress president Sonia Gandhi today attacked Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for presenting a secular image of his government while having an alliance with BJP which is "dead opposed to secularism". Stepping up her party's attack on the Bihar government, she said, "The Centre has provided crores and crores of rupees to the state under various centrallysponsored schemes, but it is unfortunate that there are reports of corruption." She told election rallies at minority-dominated Kishanganj and Motihari that the Centre does not know what happened to the funds provided to the state. On his part, Nitish Kumar, addressing an election rally in Paroo, accused Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of trying to shift the blame on the state government for "failure" of central agencies on the fund utilisation issue. "It is unfortunate that a person like Singh is placing distorted facts before the people
The Centre has provided crores and crores of rupees to the state under various centrally-sponsored schemes, but it is unfortunate that there are reports of corruption and seeking to blame the NDA government for the failure of central agencies in utilization of central assistance," he said.
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Govt panel gives divided opinion on Posco PTI NEW DELHI, OCT 18
Uncertainty continued over Posco's Orissa steel plant project today with a government committee to assess violation of forest laws giving a divided
opinion -- one suggesting cancellation of all green clearances while the other calling for indepth environmental assessment. Both the reports submitted by the committee, however, agreed that provisions un\der the Forest Rights Act (FRA) need to be re-looked at by the Orissa government on the $12-billion plant. The four-member committee comprising Meena Gupta, Urmila Pingle, Devendra Pandey and V Suresh submitted two different reports on Posco's proposal to set up an integrated steel plant and a captive port in Orissa.
While Pingle, Pandey and Suresh submitted a joint report, Gupta gave a separate one. Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh said the Forest Advisory Committee would meet on October 25 to exam-
ine both the reports and give its recommendations. Simultaneously, the Coastal regulatory Zone and Environment clearances division of the Ministry would examine the reports and make suggestions. "I have not taken any view on the matter and will wait for the findings of the committee," Ramesh told reporters here. The reports said that the Orissa government must initiate implementation of the FRA afresh in the project area in a transparent and democratic way and ensure setting of individual and community rights as per the provisions of the Forest
Rights Act and Rules made there in. The committee felt that the final forest clearance of the Ministry of Environment and Forests has overlooked serious violations of their own directions and the procedures prescribed by law. The report submitted by the three members further felt that the Ministry should not have granted environment clearances on the basis of rapid EIA for port which was based on one season data. Contending that there have been many serious lapses and illegalities in the EIA process, the report said that the Environmental Clearance given by the MoEF for minor port and for the steel plant should be immediately revoked. It felt that POSCO-India Pvt Ltd has not been able to address all the issues relating to CRZ notification. There are a number of serious lapses and violations, including suppression of facts. The environment clearance given should therefore be revoked forthwith. However, Gupta differed on this, saying that the existing environment and CRZ clearances should continue and Posco should be asked to carry out a comprehensive and integrated environment impact assessment which has not been done so far. The panel had been set up July 28 to look into whether the project will violate the rights of local tribes who live on the 1,235 acres of forest land that is likely to be cleared for the $12 bn steel plant to be built, as well as adherence to other environmental regulations.
ITM Goa: Permanent fixture ‘Govt in no on tourism itinerary hurry to free HERALD BUSINESS DESK PANJIM, OCT 18
The four-day International Trav\el Mart (ITM Goa) Goa’s biggest and most successful travel and tourism mart came to an end yesterday but it is just the beginning of the story for tourism in the state. The mart has set the tone for tourism in Goa, in the years to come. With the success of ITM Goa and backing of the local travel and trade industry, the B2B mart is now expected to be a permanent annual fixture on the Indian tourism itinerary. The barometer of any B2B event is the business it generates. Buyers and sellers intermingling at the ITM Goa clicked. Sandu Group of Companies, a 114 year old company operating in the field of wellness and ayurvedic treatments, which had its presence at the ITM Goa secured four major deals which will see their presence extend to Oman, Dubai, South Africa and the state of Gujarat . “In all four deals have been conceived of which three are abroad, while one is in Gujarat. It’s the first time we are participating in a mart and are extremely pleased with the response,” said Shashank Sandu, Managing Director, Sandu Ayurvedic Spa & Wellness Centre. Another first time participant, Ziva Spa too is in advanced talks with a high-end boutique and lifestyle establishment to set up a luxury spa in its property in north Goa. Said Ashwajit Garg of Ziva Spas, “We have received an excellent lead through the mart,
if things work out, we’ll set up our first luxury spa in Goa very soon.” Said Mark Mendes, Director, Discover the World Marketing, a global travel and marketing representation company “The mart has drawn an excellent collective of buyers, both national and international, including senior members of national travel and trade associations. This is definitely a good sign. ITM Goa has set the ball rolling in the right direction”. Shyam Satardekar, Chairperson of Goa Tourism and Development Corporation (GTDC), said “We are extremely pleased with the response we received from participants, buyers and industry players at Goa's biggest B2B mart ITM-Goa. The mart has defined the roadmap for tourism in Goa for the future.” Added Swapnil Naik, Director Tourism, Government of Goa, “ITM-Goa has been an incredible learning experience. Together with the support of TTAG, GCCI and other local travel and trade bodies, we have successfully showcased Goa's vibrant spirit and the many facets of our state to the global travel industry. The next tourism mart will definitely be bigger and better.”
The stalls, 75 in all, were full, buyers and sellers were intermingling, the knowledge sessions in which several interactive ideas were exchanged, debated and discussed with enthusiasm, were enough signs to establish the fact that ITM Goa was a successful event.
diesel prices’
AGENCIES MUMBAI, OCT 18 The govt on Monday said it would not free diesel prices from its control in a hurry as the move would lead to sharp rise in price of fuel most used in the transport sector. There is no thinking at this juncture to move any further," Oil Secretary S Sundareshan told reporters here. The govt on 25 June, had decontrolled petrol price and had
said that diesel would move at free price regime shortly. At that time, an ad-hoc Rs 2 a litre increase in diesel price was effected. "The June decision was taken when crude oil price was at $ 73-74 a barrel. Sine then it has risen to $ 82-83 a barrel and it will be unfair to think that diesel price will be market determined at these levels," he said. Freeing of diesel prices now would mean a further Rs 2.01 a litre increase in rates which will have a cascading effect. Since 25 June decision, petrol prices have been raised twice, once in September, and during the last week to reflect the rising trend in international crude oil prices.
Sesa Goa Q2 PAT pegged at Rs 387.90 cr HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, OCT 18 A strong operating performance, record iron ore production in H1 at 9.6 million tones, a robust balance sheet with cash and cash equivalents of Rs 7,575 crores and acquirement of 20 percent stake in Cairn India for a consideration of $ 3 billion has been the hallmark of Sesa Goa’s performance during the quarter ending 30 September 2010. The company, today, announced its unaudited consolidated results for the second quarter (“Q2”) and six months (“H1”). Consolidated revenues and profit after tax stood at Rs 918.34 crores and ` Rs 387.90 crores respectively for Q2. During Q2, iron ore production was stable at 3.2 million tones, while sales increased by 25 percent to 2.0 million tonnes compared with the corresponding prior quarter. Production in H1 was a record 9.6 mt, an increase of 16 percent over the corresponding prior period primarily due to 1.5 mt from Dempo’s operations. Sales in H1 were 17 percent higher at 7.5 million tonnes in spite of 31 percent lower volumes from Karnataka operations during Q2, due to a state-wide temporary export restriction imposed by the Karnataka State government at the end of July 2010. The lower sales from Karnataka were offset by substantially higher sales volumes from Goa despite the seasonal impact of monsoons. The Q2 scenario for Pig iron production stood stable at
70,000 tonnes and sales volumes increased 25 percent to 84,000 tonnes as compared to the corresponding prior quarter. Sales and production volumes of Pig Iron in H1 was stable at 1,38,000 tonnes and 1,40,000 tonnes respectively. The cash profit (PBDT) for Q2 and H1 were Rs 426.22 crores and Rs 2,033.05 crores, an increase of 78 percent and 165 percent respectively as compared to corresponding prior periods. The positive impact of increased iron ore spot prices and the higher sales volumes was partly offset by the increase in export levies, railway freight, royalty rates and temporary restriction of ion ore exports from Karnataka. As of 30 September 2010, the company had cash and cash equivalents of Rs 7,575 crores (excluding inter corporate deposit of `Rs 1,000 crores), consisting `Rs 6,157 crores in debt mutual funds and Rs 1,418 crores in fixed deposits and cash with banks. The company follows a conservative investment policy and invests in high quality debt instruments. All mutual fund investments are based on advice from CRISIL. The company has proposed to acquire upto 20 percent of the fully paid up equity share capital of Cairn India Limited (CIL) subject to requisite approvals. Its ultimate holding company Vedanta Resources Plc and/or any of Vedanta's subsidiaries will proceed to acquire majority of CIL’s equity shares.
AGENCIES MUMBAI, OCT 18 India will launch its first-ever offer of shale gas areas for exploration by end 2011, even as it targets at least a billion dollar of investment commitments from the ongoing auction of conventional oil and gas blocks. "We are evolving a policy framework for shale gas (gas locked in sedimentary rocks) and first shale gas round is planned for end 2011," Oil Secretary S Sundareshan said in Mumbai on Monday. Speaking at a roadshow organised to promote 34 oil and gas blocks offered in the 9th round of New Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP), he said potential of shale gas in India is being examined by oil regulator Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH). India has so far only explored for oil and gas. Shale gas, the gas obtained from sedimentary rocks, is the new focus area in the US, Canada and China as an alternative to conventional oil and gas for meeting growing energy needs. These unconventional deposits have raised estimates for US gas reserves from 30 years to 100 years at current usage rates. Shale gas deposits were not considered worth tapping before Houston billionaire George P. Mitchell pioneered new extraction techniques in the 1990s. Action is on to "develop a framework for an assessment of resource potential, which
would lead to exploitation of this resource. Our intention and endeavour is to put in place a policy framework in about an year's time," he said. Several basins in India are known to hold shale gas resources. Primarily, focus is on
India to offer shale gas blocks by end of 2011
BOARD MEETINGS Alembic Bajaj Auto Bajaj Holdings Chowgule Steamship HDFC Bank JCT Ingersoll Rand Polaris Software Rallis India Greaves Cotton Source : Indiainfoline.com
HDFC Q2 net up 21.6 % at Rs 807.54 cr PTI MUMBAI, OCT 18
MF FUNDA Reliance Fixed Horizon Fund
A close ended income scheme. Reliance Mutual Fund has filed offer document with Sebi to launch Reliance Fixed Horizon Fund – XVIII-Series 112, a close ended income scheme. The New Fund Offer price is Rs 10 per unit. The primary investment objective of the scheme is to seek to generate regular returns and growth of capital by investing in a diversified portfolio of Central and State Government securities and • Other fixed income/ debt securities normally maturing in line with the time profile of the scheme with the objective of limiting interest rate volatility. Minimum Application Amount: Rs. 5,000 and in multiples of Re. 1.
DWS 3-in-1 Fund
An open ended debt fund Deutsche Mutual Fund has filed offer document with Sebi to launch DWS 3-in-1 Fund, an open ended debt fund. The New Fund Offer price is Rs 10 per unit. The fund would seek to provide income by investing in fixed income securities and capital growth by investing in equity and gold ETFs. The benchmark for the scheme will be a combination of CRISIL MIP Blended Fund Index (85%) and Gold (15%). The options are Dividend (Payout and Reinvestment ) and Growth Minimum Application Amount: Minimum of Rs 5,000 (Five Thousand) per application and in multiples of Re1 thereafter.
Air India announces additional flight schedule HERALD BUISNESS DESK PANJIM, OCT 18
three basins -- Cambay (in Gujarat), Assam-Arakan (in the North-East) and Gondwana (in central India). Shale gas areas will be identified by next year. India is likely to sign a cooperation agreement with the US Geological Survey during President Barack Obama's visit next month for knowledge-sharing in the area of shale gas, Oil Minister Murli Deora said. Out of 34 blocks offered in NELP-IX, 19 blocks are new areas - 7 in deep sea, 2 in shallow waters and 10 onland blocks. Rest 15 (1 in deep water, 5 in shallow water and 9 onland blocks) are recycled blocks. Of the recycled blocks, five are discards of state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC), the largest bidder in the previous eight rounds of NELP. "We got an investment commitment of USD 1.1 billion in NELP-VIII," Deora said hoping the current round will be better. Of the 70 blocks offered in NELP-VIII, only 36 received bids and 33 areas were awarded. Last date of bidding for blocks offered under NELP-IX is 18 March 2011.
Air-India has introduced an additional daily non stop flight from Goa to New Delhi with effect from 31 October 2010. This flight will depart Delhi from the new terminal T3. The departure timings are: Flight IC-867 departure Delhi 0455 hrs arrival Goa 0730 hrs flight IC 868 departure Goa 0755 hrs arrival Delhi 1030 hrs. It may be noted here that all Air-India domestic / international flights will depart/arrive Delhi from the new terminal T3 effective 30 October 2010. An additional flight will fly Kuwait/Chennai effective 31 October, 2010. The departure timings are as follows. Flight IC-575 Departure Chennai 1630 hrs Arrival Goa 1745 hrs Saturday. Flight IC575 departure Goa 1825 hrs arrival Kuwait 2025 hrs Saturday. Flight IC-576 departure Kuwait 0050 hrs arrival Goa 0720 hrs Sunday. Flight IC-576 Departure Goa 0820 hrs arrival Chennai 0930 hrs Sunday. The above additional flight is in addition to our scheduled flights to Kuwait.
Aided by an increase in volumes and spread on loans over the cost of borrowings, mortgage firm HDFC posted a 21.63 per cent jump in its net profit at Rs 807.54 crore in the quarter ended September 30 (Q2 FY 11) as compared to Rs 663.94 crore in the same period a year ago. Housing Development Finance Corporation (HDFC) reported an increase of 4.21 per cent in its total income during the second quarter to Rs 2,970.22 crore, as against Rs 2,850.23 crore in the year-ago period. "The increase in loan volumes coupled with the spread on loans over the cost of borrowings in H1 (first-half of FY 11) helped us report a 21.63 per cent increase in our net profit," HDFC's Vice-Chairman, Keki M Mistry, told reporters here today. The company reported a 29 per cent growth in its loan approvals, while disbursements grew by 27 per cent as compared to the year-ago period. "Our individual lending business too was robust with individual approvals growing at 49 per cent and disbursements by 42 per cent as compared to the corresponding period in the previous year," Mistry said. During the period, the spread on loans over the cost of borrowings stood at 2.34 per cent. The loans sold during the preceding 12 months amounted to 4,858 crore and growth in the loanbook, inclusive of loans sold, stood at 24 per cent. Net interest income grew by 26 per cent to Rs 1,189 crore in Q2 FY 11 as compared to Rs 947.03 crore posted in year-ago period. HDFC reported an 18.73 per cent increase in its loan book at Rs 1,06,287 crore at the end of September, compared to Rs 89,519 crore in the corresponding period of 2009-10. "We have also managed to reduce our non-performing loans significantly in the half-year as compared to the same period a year ago," Mistry said. The non-performing loans of the company amounted to Rs 939.32 crore, which is equivalent to 0.86 per cent of the loan portfolio as compared to 0.95 per in the six-month period last year.
IndusInd Bank in remittance tie-up with Russian bank PTI MUMBAI, OCT 18
Private-sector lender IndusInd Bank today said it has entered into a tie-up with Moscow-based commercial bank JCB Unistream for India bound remittances. "Having established ourselves as a major player in remittances from the Middle East, we are now keen to reach out to non resident Indians across other major markets. This arrangement with Unistream will help up tap into India bound flows from Europe and the UK," IndusInd Bank SVP and head global remittances Amit Talwar said in a statement here. This tie-up will give remitters an option to send money from any branch of Unistream, towards direct credit into over 60,000 bank outlets in India, he said. IndusInd Bank has 238 branches and 544 ATMs in the country and has tied up with 40 partners in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. "Taking into account the size of the two financial institutions, Unistream's growing international business and IndusInd Bank's recognition in the region, we believe this tie-up is an important milestone in the history of financial sphere of not only India particularly but Asia in general," Unistream's CEO and president Souren Hayriyan said. Unistream operates in 95 countries and holds 35 per cent market share for remittance in Russia and Commonwealth of Independent States.
OHERALDO GOA, TUESDAY, 19 OCTOBER , 2010
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Sundaram Mutual to launch capital protection fund soon PTI MUMBAI, OCT 18 Asset management company, Sundaram Mutual, plans to come up with a capital protection fund in a few months, a top company executive said. "We are planning to come out with a capital protection fund in one to two months," Sundaram Mutual Managing Director, T P Raman, told reporters here today. Sundaram Mutual, whollyowned by Sundaram Finance (SFL), has a bouquet of equity and fixed-income funds catering to diverse investor preferences. On the equity market scenario, Raman said things are definitely looking good and this growth phase would continue. However, he said, there will be corrections from time-to-time. Among sectors, the prospects of infrastructure, consumer finance and banking and finance look bright in the domestic equity market, while infrastructure has growth prospects in global markets as well, he said.
OHERALDO GOA, TUESDAY, 19 OCTOBER, 2010
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US asks Beijing to stop firms trading sensitive material to Iran
Suicide attack foiled in Pak; 15 injured
The Post said, a Chinese Embassy spokesman said his country would investigate the US charges. US intelligence believes that several Chinese companies have been providing restricted technology and materials to Iran’s military programme, while some Chinese banks are backing these deals, the newspaper said. “Most of the deals in question relate to Iran’s missile programme”, the Post said in significant comment’s which come in the backdrop of recent spate of tests undertaken by Tehran of land to land and ship to shore missiles. The paper quoting a senior
PTI ISLAMABAD/PESHAWAR, OCT 18
PTI WASHINGTON, OCT 18
Fearing that some Chinese firms may be helping Iran to improve it’s missile technology and develop nuclear weapons, US has asked Beijing to stop such companies from helping Tehran. A State Department official, who overseas the enforcement of sanctions against Iran, gave a “significant list” of such companies and banks to Chinese officials last month, Washington Post reported. According to the paper, the Obama administration believes that several Chinese companies are violating United Nations sanctions against Iran.
Osama, Zawahiri in Pak under ISI protection: report PTI WASHINGTON, OCT 18
World’s most wanted terrorists Osama bin Laden and his deputy Ayman al-Zawahiri may be hiding close to each other in houses in northwest Pakistan, protected by some members of ISI, a media report said on Monday. The two top al-Qaeda commanders may not be together and are not living in caves as foreseen by American experts to evade detection, the CNN reported quoting a top NATO officer based in Afghanistan. “Nobody in al-Qaeda is living in a cave,” said the official, who declined to be named because of the sensitivity of the intelligence matters involved, CNN said. Rather, al-Qaeda’s top leadership is believed to be living in relative comfort, protected by locals and some members of the Pakistani intelligence services ISI, the official said. Pakistan has repeatedly denied protecting members of the al-Qaeda leadership. The official said the general region where Osama is likely to have moved around in recent years ranges from the mountainous Chitral area in the far northwest near the Chinese border, to the Kurram Valley which neighbours Afghanistan’s Tora Bora, one of the Taliban strongholds during the US invasion in 2001. Tora Bora is also the region from which Osama is believed
to have escaped during a US bombing raid in late 2001. US officials have long said there have been no confirmed sightings of Osama or Zawahiri for several years. The area that the official described covers hundreds of square miles of some of the most rugged terrain in Pakistan inhabited by fiercely independent tribes. The official also confirmed the US assessment that Mullah Omar, has moved between the cities of Quetta and Karachi in Pakistan over the last several months. The official would not discuss how the coalition has come to know any of this information, but he has access to some of the most sensitive information in the NATO alliance. Pakistan’s Interior Minister Rehman Malik today said that similar reports of bin Laden and Mullah Omar’s whereabouts have proven false in the past. Malik denied the two men are on Pakistani soil, but said that any information to the contrary should be shared with Pakistani officials so that they can take “immediate action” to arrest the pair, CNN reported. The NATO official said hard core Taliban groups such as the Quetta Shura run by Mullah Omar, the Haqqanis, the HiG (Hezb-e-Islami Gulbuddin) and the Pakistani Taliban still could potentially muster as many as 30,000 fighters.
Gilani rules out clash between executive, judiciary in Pak PTI ISLAMABAD, OCT 18
Amid fears of a looming clash between the executive and judiciary over high-profile corruption cases, Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said his government believes in a policy of reconciliation and there was no conflict among state institutions. Gilani’s remarks, made in the course of a televised address to the nation last night, came against the backdrop of a suo moto case initiated by the Supreme Court following media reports that the government was planning to sack some members of the superior judiciary. The apex court took up the case even after Gilani denied the media reports. The premier said there was no chance of a clash between the various institutions of the state as his government believes in a policy of reconciliation and would stick to this path. “The policy of reconciliation will bring political powers and state institutions closer, with the welfare of the people being the focal point,” he said. “If we can work together with the army and create consensus among political forces, then we can certainly go along with the judiciary,” he said. At the same time, Gilani made it clear that remarks by him and President Asif Ali Zardari denying any move to sack judges of the apex court should be accepted by all. When such assertions are not accepted, “then I may remind that we are violating the principles of mutual respect, which is the soul of the constitution”, he said. “If false news is given preference over the words of the Prime Minister, then it would be an insult to the stature of the Prime Minister,” he remarked. Despite the government’s denials, the apex court has asked it to submit a statement signed
by the Prime Minister explaining its stance on the issue of the alleged sacking of judges by today. Gilani said he had ordered an inquiry into the media reports that caused the furore so that the people could find out who was behind the move to spoil relations between the judiciary and the executive. In a show of strength, Gilani was flanked by Chief Ministers of Balochistan, KhyberPa k h t u n k h w a a n d G i l g i t Baltistan and senior Ministers of Punjab and Sindh when he delivered the address. Punjab Chief Minister and PML-N leader Shahbaz Sharif was conspicuous by his absence. Gilani reminded the people that his government had restored judges sacked by former military ruler Pervez Musharraf despite pressure from different quarters. “This (democracy) teaches us to respect every state institution, including the judiciary, legislature, executive and media,” he said. He said the judges should come together with the government at a forum to pursue the goal of social, economic and legal justice. “If the government and judiciary take steps together, we can administer justice to the poor of the country. We can counter forces of oppression. We can bring to justice those who usurp the rights of the people,” he added.
Western Intelligence official said, Chinese firms were also discovered selling high-quality Carbon fibre to Iran, which could help Tehran build better centrifuges, used in enriching Uranium. The Post said a year earlier, a small Chinese firm had been discovered providing Iran with a range of other sensitive materials including Graphite, Tungsten Copper and tugstun powder. The firm received payments from Iran via American banks, the paper said. The United Nations imposed a fourth round of sanctions on Iran in June, after it’s refusal to halt Uranium enrichment.
Pakistani police on Monday averted a suicide attack in the country’s restive northwest while three militants were gunned down in a clash in Swat district, security officials said. An explosives-laden vehicle blew up when police fired at it in Lakki Marwat in KhyberPakhtunkhwa province this morning. The would-be suicide bomber was killed and 15 people were injured. Following reports that a suicide bomber in a pick-up truck would target key installations in Lakki Marwat, police were put on alert this morning. They set up road blocks and began checking all vehicles.
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SPORTS GOA, Tuesday, 19 October, 2010
Salgaocar Jrs, Xetrapal, Aivao up HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, OCT 18
Shrikant Sawant netted a brace as Xetrapal Sports Club defeated Holy Cross Sports Club, Arambol 3-1 in GFA’s Third Division at Siolim ground on Monday. Xetrapal were leading at the break. Shrikant opened the scoring in the 15th minute, but the lead did not last long as Cyril Rodriguese equalised at the other end after restart. After the breather, Shrikant netted his second to restore Xetrapal’s lead. In the 50th Bradley Lobo extended Xetrapal’s goal tally. At Taleigao ground, Aivao Youth Club overcame Aivao United 5-0. Elton Fernandes opened the scoring in the 32nd, before Agnel Cabral doubled the lead eight minutes later. In the second half, Vinayak Shrevaikar made it 3-0. Gawas Tanashram, Agnel scored. At Cansaulim ground, Salgaocar Sports Club Juniors continued their unbeaten run, defeating Cortalim Villagers 40. Aliston Fernandes scored a brace and Turnard Fernandes and Jason Pereira added one each.
Canacona trounce Dicarpale; Areal win HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, OCT 18
Canacona Sports Academy hammered Dicarpale Sports Club 51 in GFA Third Division League at Dramapur ground on Monday. Canacona were leading 3-0 at half time. Canacona dominated the proceedings right from the start with their forwards constantly raiding the rival defence. Dicarpale struggled throughout, as the pace of their opponents was difficult to handle and humbled themselves without any fight. Loreen Lobo fired home in the ninth minute with a snap
shot. He struck a second time in the 33rd minute. After taking the 2-0 cushion, Canacona did not lose their appetite for goals as Gosavi Fernandes increased their tally with a stiff shot at the strike of lemon break. Crossing over, Canacona relaxed their game but did not allow their rivals to strike rhythm and began to torment them with orchestrated raids. In the 56th minute, Dicarpale secured their consolation goal through Wilson Dias. Prakash Dhuri added his name to the scoresheet by netting his first goal and the team’s fourth in the 72nd minute.
Gosavi Fernandes drove the last nail into Dicarpale’s coffin in the 80th minute to complete his brace. At Curtorim ground, Sao Jose de Areal Sports Club thumped St Anthony’s Sports Club, Assolda 7-1 after leading 3-1 at half time. Sao Jose enjoyed the lion share of exchanges and outplayed their opponents in all the departments. Connie Fernandes put Sao Jose into the lead in the 18th minute. Oliver Andrade doubled the lead in the 28th minute with a snap shot. With Sao Jose taking it easy and allowing their rivals to pen-
etrate into the rival territory, St Anthony’s succeeded in scoring their consolation goal through Roque Fernandes. Connie Dias made it 3-1 at the stroke of lemon break. Connie struck once again in the 66th and 80th minutes. Oliver who was on song too, struck twice in the 69th and 74th to complete the rout. With this win, Sao Jose de Areal topped Group C with 13 points from five matches and qualified for the play-offs while Sporting Club of Davorlim finished second with 11 points from the same number of encounters.
Wilson stars in Siridao’s victory HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, OCT 18
Wilson de Mello netted a brace as Siridao Sports Club registered a convincing 5-0 victory over United Sports Club of Mardol in GFA’s Third Division at University ground, Taleigao on Monday. Siridao led 2-0 at the interval. Siridao have now won three matches out of three and are on nine points while Mardol have only one point from four
encounters. Siridao restricted the ball to midfield. Alinton Vaz was inspirational in the centre as he continuously pushed forward, putting the rival keeper under pressure with shots from outside the box. Mardol’s keeper, Aditya Mardolkar, did well to pull off some fine saves and kept the scoreline down. Siddesh Naik worked hard for Mardol but did not get enough support from his teammates to move forward.
Prashant came close to giving Mardol the lead early on, after blasting the ball onto the post, against the run of play. Siridao took the lead in the 31st through Wilson de Mello who fired past the Mardol keeper with an unstoppable low drive. Four minutes later, Siridao’s Lawrence Dias headed firmly into the goal from close range, after Alinton Vaz whipped in a corner from the right.
In the 49th minute, Alinton headed in a cross, which was delivered in by Wilson de Mello from the left flank. Eleven minutes from end, Wilson tapped into an empty net after the Mardol goalkeeper did well to block the initial attempt. Two minutes later, Siridao substitute Terence Afonso, who had only been on field for 15 minutes punted home after Mardol failed to clear the ball out of their box.
Cocktails and Dreams top HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, OCT 18
St Anthony’s High School, Monte de Guirim, winners of Bardez Taluka inter-school girls U-14 volleyball tournament defeating St. Thomas High School, Aldona 25-12, 25-22. Top row (l to r) Damini Parsekar, Natasha Pereira, Glaffy Fernandes, Rama Ghosh, Rohisha Bandekar. Middle row (l to r) Anthony D’Souza (PE teacher), Fr Paul Alvares (Headmaster), Fr Steve Rodrigues (principal), Fr. Gabriel Fernandes (manager). Squatting (l to r) Clarissa Fernandes, Sheetal Naik, Sreelakshmi Nair, Kamakshi Lotlikar, Pratnya Tari.
Cocktails and Dreams, Palolem won the 7-a-side Canacona Taluka football tournament organised by Maxem Boys at Dapot ground, Maxem on Sunday. Palolem defeated Maxem Boys by a solitary first half goal, which incidentally turned out to be a self goal in a goalmouth melee. In all, 21 teams participated and the tournament attracted a good Sunday crowd.
The winners took home Rs 7,000 while the runners-up had to be content with Rs 4,000. Chief guest, Urbano Pereira and guest of honour, Agnel Barretto gave away the prizes. Individual prizes - Best disciplined team Unique Boys, Agonda. Best player of tournament Cedric Travasso, Cocktails and Dreams, Palolem. Best goalkeeper of tournament Deton, Maxem Boys. Cruz Fernandes welcome. Later, he proposed the vote of thanks.
Cocktails and Dreams, Palolem team.
YBT back Dempo HERALD SPORTS REPORTER PANJIM, OCT 18
The present GFA elections are being held under the new constitution and as such, the question of anyone being disqualified does not arise, stated Nelson D’Cunha, president of Young Boys of Tonca (YBT) in a press note on Monday. Nelson, pointed out that Dionisio Sardinha, who is contesting as a member from Salcete Zone, was talking about the disqualification of Shrinivas V Dempo and Jaju Fernandes and that neither the GFA executive committee nor the general body had disqualified anybody from contesting. Actually, Dionisio filed a disqualification petition only against Jaju and nobody else as is being claimed by Nelson. Nelson expressed surprise that the “Duler Stadium has been built in a record time of just one day and that the news
Third Division football: Siolim Sodiem Sports and Cultural Association v. Football Club of Siolim, Siolim ground; Cabesa Sports and Cultural Association v. Bhagwati SC, Taleigao ground; Santo Estevam SC v. Batim YC, University ground, Taleigao; Chandor Club v. Macasana Welfare Club, Curtorim ground. Kick off 4 p.m. Utorda Lourdes soccer: United Club of Utorda v. Curtorim Gymkhana, SAG ground, Utorda, 4.15 p.m. 37th Candolim Panchayat Cup soccer: Friends XI, Vaddem v. Nerul Sports Club, Dr. Gustavo Monteiro stadium, Candolim, 4.30 p.m. Sebastiao Rosario Dias memorial soccer: St Anthony’s Sporting Club v. Fr Agnel Youth Club, Paroda, Zorivaddo, Davorlim, 4.30 p.m.
of Manchester United kit, Kingfisher, Duler floodlights, Australian Youth Development were making news only now. We are breaking records after records,” Nelson added. Nelson explained that “Dempo is a great personality, a gem of a person with dignity, respect, commitment, always willing to help others and that ever yone in Panjim knows Dempo through his deeds.” “The Dempo family has been running football club for generations and that Shrinivas was the right choice to be the president of GFA. We will definitely enable Dempo to walk through these election with ease,” Nelson remarked. Meanwhile, Tonito Botelho, GFA spokesman when asked about the disqualification petition filed by Dionisio against Jaju only, stated that he had got in touch with Returning Officer, Valmiki Menezes. Tonito clarified that Valmiki will perform the duties of the Returning Officer as provided for, and will not speak to the media.
Agnelo, Alisha win TT titles HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, OCT 18
Agnelo Naik defeated Diljeet Velingkar 9/11, 11/8, 5/11, 10/12, 13/11, 13/11 to clinch his maiden major career title annexing the men’s championship at first All-Goa Blanche Gouveia memorial major ranking TT tournament organised by Youth Sports Club of Colvale at Colvale church hall. Alisha Afonso emerged victorious in the ladies category. In the Bardez Taluka Level amateur men’s championship, Daniel Pinto overcame young Pranav Naik. Noel Estibeiro, Yash Naik and Kefira Rodriguese won prizes. Fr Jhonsie Pereira was the chief guest. Domnic Pereira welcomed.
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GOA, Tuesday,19 October, 2010
Spain’s Llorente on target again, Sevilla lose REUTERS MADRID, OCT 18
Spain striker Fernando Llorente scored in Athletic Bilbao's 2-1 La Liga victory over struggling Real Zaragoza to continue his prolific recent run. In the late game, Sevilla surprisingly lost 2-0 at Sporting Gijon to end Gregorio Manzano's winning start at the helm of the Andalucian club yesterday. The towering Llorente, in the Spain side for the injured Fernando Torres, netted three times in their recent Euro 2012 qualifiers to take his tally to seven goals in 12 games for the world and European champions. Bilbao's Andoni Iraola had opened the scoring at San
Real Madrid preparing 50m pound swoop for Rooney AGENCIES MADRID, OCT 18
Real Madrid will use Karim Benzema as bait to get Wayne Rooney, as the Spanish club is preparing a 50 million pounds deal to bag the Manchester United striker. Rooney has reportedly told bosses at Old Trafford that he wants to leave the club as soon as possible after a massive fallout with manager Sir Alex Ferguson. He also said that he will not sign a new contract and would prefer them to let him leave when the transfer window reopens in January. Real boss Jose Mourinho is desperate to get Rooney and knows United chief Alex Ferguson is a fan of French striker Benzema. Mourinho will include the 22year-old as part of a cash-plusplayer swoop, The Sun reports. Madrid managing director Jorge Valdano confirmed: "Our problem is who to get rid of if Wayne Rooney comes here. We have a brilliant strike-force in Ronaldo and Higuain and now we have added Ozil and Di Maria to complement them."
Mames after 11 minutes and Llorente doubled the lead with a trademark header.
Braulio pulled one back at the end for Zaragoza but their coach Jose Aurelio Gay remained under
Pilerne Sports Club prevailed over Sporting Clube de Davorlim 5-3 via the tie-breaker after a 11 draw to move into the quarter-finals of 37th Candolim Panchayat Cup inter-village football tournament organised by Candolim Sports Club at Dr. Gustavo Monteiro stadium, Candolim on Monday. Both goals came in the first half. Both teams began on a posi-
Mauri’s mishit shot. Inter Milan . . . .1 Lazio flirted Fiorentina . . . .1 w i t h re l e g a last term Parma . . . . . . . .1 tion but coach Edy Lecce . . . . . . . .0 Reja has them Udinese . . . . . .1 riding high on 16 points from Napoli . . . . . . . .1 s e v e n Bologna . . . . . .1 matches. Napoli, in Lazio . . . . . . . .2 fourth, missed the chance to AGENCIES join Inter and Milan on 14 points MILAN, OCT 17 Samuel Eto’o scored another after a 1-1 draw at Catania cracking goal to give Inter where Edinson Cavani netted Milan a 1-0 Serie A win at his sixth league goal. Juventus made a bad start but Cagliari on Sunday and hit back at the racist fans who held up now lie just five points from the summit after a rampant 4-0 home the game. The battling victory put cham- win over Lecce sparked by Alpions Inter level on points with berto Aquilani’s first goal for the AC Milan, who beat Chievo on club. The former Liverpool and AS Saturday, but Lazio’s 2-0 win at Bari kept the Romans top of the Roma midfielder fired in from 25 metres before Felipe Melo, standings by two points. Tricky playmaker Hernanes, booed by his own fans for much one of the buys of the season of last term, continued his renfrom Sao Paulo, latched on to aissance with a cheeky penalty Italy midfielder Stefano Mauri’s and Fabio Quagliarella nodded pass to give Lazio an early sec- in on his knees just before the ond-half lead before Sergio Floc- break. cari sealed the points from Milos Krasic, distraught when Serbia’s Euro qualifier in Italy was abandoned on Tues-
SERIE A Cagliari . . . . .0 Sampdoria . .2 Cesena . . . . .1 Juventus . . .4 Brescia . . . . .0 Catania . . . . .1 Palermo . . . .4 Bari . . . . . . . .0
tive note but it was Pilerne who shot into the lead in the 19th minute through Mauli Naik. Stung by the reverse, Davorlim fought back and levelled terms in the 27th minute through Neves Carvalho. Thereafter, both teams tried to score the winner but a goal eluded them. Pilerne scored through Mauli Naik, Russel Fernandes, Avinash Pereira and Tony Vaz while Davorlim netted through Andrew Colaco and Piedade Colaco.
Sameer felicitated
Sameer presenting a laptop to Pranali Desai. HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, OCT 18
The Chess Players and Parents Association, Margao, felicitated Sameer Salgaocar, industrialist, philanthropists and ex-president of Goa Chess Association on his meritorious services to chess in Goa in Margao recently. With Sameer’s tremendous efforts, Goa has witnessed a spurt in chess champions with the likes of Ivana Furtado, Bhakti Kulkarni and Riya Sawant ex-
rocked them back after just LA LIGA Racing . . six minutes. S p o r t i n g Levante . captain Castro m a d e i t 2 - 0 Mallorca . with a crafty Deportivo backheel soon Bilbao . . . after the break to leave Sevilla, Gijon . . . . who had given unsettled Brazil striker Luis Fabiano a rare start, seventh with 11 points. Levante won the battle of the promoted sides by beating Real Sociedad 2-1 at home, Racing Santander beat Almeria 1-0 with a goal from Pedro Munitis, and a Luis Garcia penalty gave Espanyol a 1-0 win at Real Mallorca.
Eto’o silences racist chants, Lazio stay top
Pilerne trounce Davorlim HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, OCT 18
pressure as they slipped to the foot of the standings without a win this season. Deportivo Coruna are the only other team in La Liga without a win and they wasted a giltedged opportunity at home to Osasuna when they were held 0-0 despite the visitors playing almost an hour with 10 men. Sevilla missed the chance to keep pace with the leading clubs when Argentine Gaston Sangoy and Diego Castro scored to hand Sporting the points at the Molinon. Manzano replaced Antonio Alvarez three weeks ago and won his first two games in charge against Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid, but Sangoy's impressive header
celling at international as well as national platforms. Salgaocar, in appreciation of Pranali Desai who stood seventh in the U-7 sub-junior championship in Gujarat and her consistent performance in domestic tournaments in Goa, presented her a laptop. He pinned his hopes that many other Goans would take inspiration from Ivana, Bhakti and Pranali and bring laurels for Goa.
GOA DIARY Judo selection trials
PANJIM (HSD) – Goa Judo Association will conduct selection trials on November 3 at Peddem, Mapusa at 9.30 a.m. to select the State boys and girls teams in all weight and born between 1991 and 1995 to participate in Junior National judo championship. Players have been asked to carry their judoka identity card. Players of 2009-10 State championship are eligible.
GFA managers meeting
PANJIM (HSD) – The GFA will conduct a meeting of team managers participating in GFA’s U-14 and U-16 tournaments (Salcete Zone) on October 22 at 4 p.m. and 3rd Division team managers that have qualified for the play-offs (Salcete Zone) meeting at 5 p.m. at Nehru stadium (conference hall), Fatorda. Clubs have been asked to depute their managers.
day because of rioting away fans, was again superb before Alessandro Del Piero scored a late fourth to equal Giampiero Boniperti’s Juve record of 178 Serie A goals. In the early game, Cameroon’s Eto’o took his league tally to six goals from seven games this season and, like most of his recent efforts, the 39th-minute goal was a marvellous strike. Wesley Sneijder hooked on and Eto’o twisted and turned like Inter’s serpent symbol on their new away kit before planting a left-foot shot into the corner from the edge of the box. The table is beginning to take on a familiar look and Palermo joined Juve on 11 points in fifth after Javier Pastore and Josip Ilicic enhanced their growing reputations with spectacular strikes in a 4-1 home win over struggling Bologna. Fiorentina slumped to bottom after Antonio Cassano scored the winner in Sampdoria’s 2-1 comeback victory, prompting visiting coach Sinisa Mihajlovic to say he would not quit. Cesena drew 1-1 with Parma and Udinese won 1-0 at Brescia.
. . .1 . . .2 . . .0 . . .0 . . .2 . . .2
Almeria . . . . . .0 Real Sociedad .1 Espanyol . . . . .1 Osasuna . . . . .0 Real Zaragoza .1 Sevilla . . . . . . .0
Real Madrid top the standings after seven matches with 17 points from seven games, after their 4-1 victory at Malaga on Saturday. Champions Barcelona are one point behind after beating early pace-setters Valencia 2-1. Villarreal, with 15 points, can take first place if they rack up their sixth straight victory at promoted Hercules on Monday.
Torres suffering crisis of confidence REUTERS LONDON, OCT 18
Liverpool have welcomed new owners to Anfield but until they find the Fernando Torres of old, England's most successful club are likely to continue to struggle on the pitch. The Spain striker has scored once in 10 appearances this season, a statistic that goes some way to explaining why Liverpool are second from bottom of the Premier League after losing 2-0 at Merseyside rivals Everton yesterday. Torres is by no means the team's only problem, but Liverpool are sorely missing his assured finishing and ability to create goals out of nothing.
AFC Cup 2012 draw on Oct 20 UNI KOLKATA, OCT 18
The AFC Challenge Cup-2012's qualification draw will be held at AFC House in Kuala Lumpur on October 20, the AFC said today. The qualification format has been for the 20 teams, including India, which have entered the fray, into a pre-qualifying round and a group stage. The seedings are based on the 2010 AFC Challenge Cup. For the pre-qualifying phase, the eight lowest ranked teams will play off on a home-and-away basis. The matches take place on February nine and 16, 2011 and four winners would advance to the group stage.
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SPORTS
Eto’o silences racist chants, Lazio stay top Pg 17
Cocktails and Dreams up Pg 16
GOA, TUESDAY, 19 OCTOBER, 2010 www.oheraldo.in
Sammy takes charge from Gayle as Windies captain
Vizag gears up for run feast AGENCIES VISAKHAPATNAM, OCT 18
Ashwin ready to take on Aussies PTI VISAKHAPATNAM, OCT 18
Seven years after he scored a double centur y here as an under-17 opener, Ravichandran Ashwin is back at his favourite venue -- ADA-VDCA Cricket Stadium -- this time to cement his place as an India off-spinner. Ashwin had some remarkable performances in the recent past helping Chennai Super Kings win Champions League T20 with 13 wickets in six outings, highest in the tournament. But it was only after selectors decided to "rest" star off-spinner Harbhajan Singh for the three-ODI series against Australia, the Tamil Nadu youngster made the cut. The 24-year-old feels it's difficult to be a spinner vis-a-vis a pace bowler in India but now that his time has come, he says he is blessed to be part of the side that will take on the world number one Australians. "Fast bowlers do have an edge. India are always in search of pacers and you get a break immediately after doing well," Ashwin told PTI in an interview. Asked whether it's difficult to make the cut with Harbhajan around, Ashwin said: "He has been a great servant for the Indian cricket. It's not about what they are. It's about what you are and how you do... It's always a learning experience with them." "India have the tradition of producing good spinners, so is the case with batsmen. We have a heap of talented batsmen. So it's always competitive getting
in there," the 24-year-old said immediately after his arrival here. Ashwin said he doesn't believe in setting targets. "I don't believe to set any specific goal. I don't think by setting goal for tomorrow, you will have a better today. That's not something I believe in. I just love playing the game and give my best everytime I am on the field," he said. The highest wicket-taker of the 2010 Champions League T20 said, "Whatever happened in the IPL, Champions League is now history. I am blessed to be part of this side, it's really a big gift to play against the world no. 1 Aussies. They are a good side capable of making a comeback anytime," the off-spinner said. Studying to be an engineer, Ashwin said he had happy memories with the DR Y S Rajasekhara Reddy ADA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in the outskirts of the city. "After Chennai, Vizag is just like playing in my backyard. Moreover, I had a double century in the very first match of this ground. It was in 2003 during a U-17 match between Hyderabad and Tamil Nadu." Asked about his batting position, the India offspinner smiled and said: "I opened the innings. I am not bad with the bat either. My ODI average is 38.00." Aswhin, who led Tamil Nadu to Indian domestic one-day champions in 2009, has so far played just one ODI – against Sri Lanka in Harare on June 5 this year.
With sun shining brightly in this coastal Andhra Pradesh city, the second one-day International between India and Australia promises to entertain the cricket-starved crowd, who will w i t n e s s a m a t c h h e re o n Wednesday, after more than three years. After the first one-dayer in Kochi being a wash-out, all the attention of the three-match ODI series has now been shifted to the picturesque Dr Y S Rajasekhara Reddy ADA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, known for its run feast. "The pitch is known for its batting and it will be no different this time," director of cricket operations MSK Prasad told PTI, hinting at a score of around 300. The former India glovesman further said that 'people are eagerly waiting to see an International match here'.
n The sacking of Gayle and naming of Sammy and Nash into positions of responsibility was apparently done as WICB wanted stability in leadership from players whose availability was not in question.
PTI ST JOHN’S (Antigua), OCT 18
Chris Gayle was today dumped from West Indies captaincy and replaced by all-rounder Darren Sammy in a shake-up aimed at rebuilding the side which has been on decline for some years. The West Indies Cricket Board announced the decision to sack Gayle, who has been skipper since 2007, while naming the squad for the three-match Test tour of Sri Lanka next month.
Sammy, though, has not been a regular member of the Test side having played just eight matches after making his debut in June 2007. Gayle, who recently refused new central contracts with the WICB last month along with Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard, is still in the squad as a batsman. Gayle, Bravo and Pollard had refused central contracts which stipulated that they must make themselves available for the West Indies team at all times. Bravo was also demoted from
vice-captaincy with Brendan Nash taking over the job for the Test series in Sri Lanka, though he is still in the squad. The sacking of Gayle, who led West Indies to three wins in 20 Tests as captain, and naming of Sammy and Nash into positions of responsibility was apparently done as WICB wanted stability in leadership from players whose availability was not in question. WICB Chief Executive Ernest Hilaire thanked Gayle for leading West Indies "during a challenging period" of the game in the country.
Rooney must follow Sachin: media
PTI LONDON, OCT 18
The British media has lavished praise on iconic batsman Sachin Tendulkar and according to a column written by former England cricketer Ed Smith, Manchester United star Wayne Rooney should learn how to turn expectations into inspiration. In an article headlined 'Sanctuary of crease lets Tendulkar reveal genius,' Smith had written, "Twice last week, sportsmen have proved me spectacularly wrong. First, Sachin Tendulkar reached 14,000 Testmatch runs. And that's not the
amazing part. "It took him fewer innings to get from 13,000 to 14,000 than any other 1,000-run chunk of his career. A case could be made that he is at his best now, at 37," the newspaper noted. The article said Tendulkar and Rooney were destined for rare greatness, even from teenage. Tendulkar has gone on and done it. A year ago, Rooney looked placed to do the same. But now, as never before, there are real doubts that he will become the player we once assumed he would be. "Make no mistake, Tendulkar's career has not been as serene as it might look, there have been arguments with coaches and match referees, an unsatisfactory spell as captain and long phases when the muse has deserted him.” "Tendulkar has had countless moments when frustration could have overwhelmed him. He has never blown his top, never lost his dignity. Instead, frustration has inspired him." "Above all, his career has been played out under the shadow of phenomenal expectation. Footballers in England have to deal
with being heroes. In India it is even worse: they are meant to be Gods." "According to the report 'Tendulkar has come to the conclusion that there is one place where he is free from the hassles of fame. There is one realm where he cannot be pestered. It is called the crease. "With the bat in his hands, Tendulkar is the conductor of his own life, not just a participant in a soap opera. There, out in the middle, no one can stop him being himself not a restless media, not overly demanding fans, not interfering coaches or greedy agents." "It is the ultimate irony: the greatest actors are never freer than when they're on the stage. That is the way for Rooney to find the way out of his present difficulties – he must have the bravery to express himself on the pitch, to make it his sanctuary." "If he allows himself to become embittered and resentful, he will not only become estranged from his fans, but also from his talent. No wonder the ball is bouncing off him at the moment; he probably would like to repel the whole game.”
"Instead, he must learn to love it again. Shamed by alleged events off the pitch and embarrassed by events on it, Rooney could be forgiven for feeling sorry for himself," the report said. "It would be a normal thing to feel. But he doesn't aspire to normality, but to greatness. And greatness, as Tendulkar has showed demands a superhuman degree of resilience and emotional dexterity. Rooney must locate his inner Tendulkar, a genius who got even with his critics by scoring hundreds." "For Rooney, in every sense, it's time to turn the pressure into goals."
"Chris Gayle, the former captain, led the West Indies during a challenging period and the board thanks him for stepping up then but it is now time to pass the mantle on as the West Indies rebuilds," said Hilaire. West Indies are seventh in the Test rankings and eighth in the world in the one-day format and the WICB is hoping 26-yearold Sammy can inspire an improvement. "We are at the dawn of a new era in West Indies cricket and the selection committee has entrusted the challenging job of captaincy to Darren Sammy because it is believed that he has demonstrated the attributes of a leader of this diverse group of men," said selection committee chairman Clyde Butts. Sammy is excited at being handed the captaincy and said he was looking forward to the challenge despite several experienced men, including the now uncontracted Denesh Ramdin, Ramnaresh Sarwan and Jerome Taylor, are missing from Sri Lanka-bound Test squad. Veteran batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul though is in the squad. "Being appointed West Indies captain is an honour which I will treat with the highest regard and dignity. I believe my captaincy of the Windward Islands will stand me in good stead as West Indies captain as we work on building a team for the future," Sammy said. "I have always given my all when I prepare and play for the West Indies and nothing will change now. I know this will be a difficult challenge and I will take the torch from Chris and hold it high as we forge ahead. I expect to have the full support of the squad."
Pg18 No u-turn on RR decision, says BCCI PTI NEW DELHI, OCT 18
B C C I P re s i d e n t S h a s h a n k Manohar today dismissed speculations that former IPL team Rajasthan Royals will get a lifeline from the parent body after the owners wrote a letter to BCCI demanding a second chance. The champions of the first edition of IPL, were expelled from the cash-rich league last Sunday on grounds on various irregularities along with another high profile franchise Rajasthan Royals. "They may have written a letter but where does the question of revoking the decision come up?" BCCI president Manohar told PTI when contacted at his Nagpur residence. Manohar further added, "We have taken a final decision. That remains and no further decisions will be taken in this regard." Last Sunday after the IPL governing council meeting Manohar had told reporters that there were violations in agreement and breach of contract on the part of the franchise that has led to the expulsion. Their were discrepancies regarding the shareholding pattern and ownership transfers which the board claimed were not sorted out.
n We have taken a final decision. That remains and no further decisions will be taken in this regard. -- BCCI President Shashank Manohar