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September 2002
Sunday, September 29, 2002
Who the hell is he to decide my market fee? -Mohanlal
Mohanlal has walked out of Ranjit’s film Maram Peyyumbol in a huff, over payment problems. The producer of the film is Augustine, a comedy actor who after many months of hard work got a ‘date’ from the superstar. The problem arose when Augustine told him that he could pay Lal only 70 percent of his 'market fee’! Lal took it as an insult, thinking that Augustine was humiliating him after the failure of Thandavam. A furious Mohanlal asked him: “Who the hell is he to decide my market fee?” So now the superstar is giving bulk dates to director Tulasidas and producer Aroma Mani for their film titled Mr Brahmachari which is a laugh riot. Lal is all excited about this film after reading the full script. The shooting is scheduled to start on October 10 in Pollachi. This has also boosted the sagging morale of Mohanlal fans who are fed up of his ‘larger than life image’. They feel that the combination of Lal with a director with whom he is working for the first time will create magic at the box-office.
Sunday, September 29, 2002
Mohanlal takes Ramgopal Varma to court
Madras High Court on Saturday directed the distributors of the Hindi film 'Road', to withhold Rs 20 lakh from the amount due to its director Ramgopal Varma, until further orders in a case filed by Malayalam actor Mohanlal. Justice R Balasubramaniam also ordered issuance of notices, returnable by October 7, to M/s Vyjayanthi Movies, Varma Corporation Production, Mumbai, producer Boney Kapoor, Director Ramgopal Varma, Aswini Dutt and M/s Adlabs Film ltd, the distributors. In his petition, Mohanlal submitted that he had acted for a remuneration of Rs 50 lakh in 'Company', directed by Ramgopal Varma. The director and producer had paid him only Rs 36 lakh and issued a cheque for the remainder, agreeing to clear it after the release of 'Road'. However, the cheque, presented for collection on seven occasions, was returned. Mohanlal then filed a complaint before the Metropolitan Magistrate, which ordered issuance of summons to the producer and director and the case was adjourned till October 11, 2002. However, the amount has not been settled to this day. Hence the present suit for recovery of the money from them, he added. He further asked for a prohibitory order to the distributor of 'Road' to withhold Rs 20 lakh from the amount due to Ramgopal Varma and deposit the same to the credit of his suit.
Sunday, September 29, 2002
No immediate plans for cabinet reshuffle: CM
Chief Minister, A K Antony, said he did not have any immediate plans for a cabinet reshuffle, but said the prospect cannot be ruled out in future. 'I have not decided on a cabinet reshuffle till this moment. But I cannot say that it would not be there in the future too', Antony told a meet-the-press programme in Kochi on Friday organised by Ernakulam Press club. 'Cabinet reshuffle was part of Parliamentary democracy', he said. Asked if he was satisfied with the performance of all his cabinet colleagues, Antony's reply was : 'Everyone, including him, should improve their performance'. Querries on show cause notice to be issued by KPCC president to Padmaja Venugopal and former minister, T H Mustaffa, the demand by Shobana George, MLA, that antony should relinquish the home portfolio, were all met with a polite 'no comments'. Efforts would be made to solve the problems inside party itself, he said adding all parties had problems. Antony said following the measures taken by his government there had been improvement in state's financial structure. In the last two months salary and pensions could be disbursed without any problem. But even now, for development purposes, funds was a problem, he said adding state would seek central assistance to finance its development projects. Some other state governments, including west bengal, were also facing severe financial problems, he said. Hence, central government should help states facing severe resource crunch, he said adding government should also reduce interst on loans taken by states. This matter would be taken up by the state in the chief ministers conference to be held next month, he said. Antony said he had called for an all party meeting on sept 30 to discuss the power hike issue and all UDF, LDF and BJP leaders will be participating. Electricity department's trade union leaders would also be called for a discussion, he said. On oct 7, the UDF will have a full day meeting on this issue. Stressing the need for a pro-investment climate in state, he said the non resident keralites in the gulf, Europe and US were taking lot of interest in the development of state and were doing their best in bringing in investments. 'The politics of confrontation should be thing of the past and instead conciliatory approach was needed'. Antony said his government had succeded in creating a 'new vision' and confidence for the state. Chief minister said law and order situation had improved in the state after the new government came to power. Asked if PDP leader, Abdul Nasser Madhani, would be release on parole, he said government would examine whatever can be done within the frame of law. UDF, LDF and BJP leaders have all expressed themselves in favour of releasing madani, an accused in the comibatore blast case, on parole. Antony said a Kerala polytechnic would be set up in Gujarat and the first instalment of the fund for setting it up had already been given to Gujarat government.
Sunday, September 29, 2002
AICC focuses on indiscipline in Kerala unit
If the sword of discipline pointed by AICC(I) at senior leader K Karuanakran's daughter Padmaja Venugopal is any indication, faction-ridden Congress (I) in Kerala is in for drastic changes in its hitherto functioning dominated by rampant groupism, open statements and gross indiscipline. What is not common in Congress (I) in state, at least during the past several years, is initiation of action against top leaders or those who are in the shadow of such leaders. Obviously fed up with the murky state of afairs in state Congress (I), where group politics overshadowed party's own interests, AICC(I) went off the conventional track this week and took to bold decision to issue show cause notice to Padmaja,lone daughter of K Karunakaran and only sister of KPCC(I)President K Muraleedharan, as part of disciplinary action. Padmaja is targetted for sabotaging efforts of the PCC(I), especially by her brother and state party chief Muraleedharan, to bring together two factions of the INTUC in the State Electricity Board. In order to obviously balance situation, AICC(I) had also decided to issue show cause to former Minister T H Mustaffa who openly criticised Karuanakran. Action against Padmaja, now Chairperson of Kerala tate Tourism Development Corporation, cannot be taken lightly by anyone acquainted with state Congress politics. The action is, in fact, seen as a warning to Karunakaran, who has been continuing with his tirade against Chief Minister A K Antony,openly criticising his style of functioning and finding fault with his government's performance on every conceivable occasion. Action against a prominent personality in Karunakaran faction comes barely two weeks after 26 MLAs belonging to Karunakaran faction deciding to demand a cabinet reshuffle to refurbish the image of Government. Karuakaran also openly backed the demand of the MLAs and warned of consequences if any action was contemplated against them for deciding to meet and put forward their demand to Leader of Congress Legislature Party. "Where else can they go and raise their demand? At the market place?, " he asked. Close on the heels of notice to Padmaja, PCC(I) chief announced expulsion from party of four office-bearers of parallel Kerala Electricity Employees Confederation floated by her. Those expelled were : Confederation General Secretary P M Radhakrishnan,Assistant General Secretaries Sajeev Janardhanan, D K Ravi and Vice President K K Bose. Though the action against Padmaja, whom he had been nursing in politics during the past two years, was apparently not taken lightly by Karunakaran, his reaction on Friday was rather subdued and not in his usual style. Karunakran, while reacting to newsmen at Kochi on Friday on the move to proceed against his daughter, did not attack high command directly, but minced no words to question the wisdown behind the action. " I don't consider Padmaja's foray into trade union activities as a violation of party discipline," he said, adding "an appropriate reply would be given by Padmaja to the AICC at the appropriate time." Lighter tone of Karuankaran's statement made at news conference forced one to believe that AICC(I) action had, in fact, shaken him at least to a certain extent. Karunakaran's strident utterances against Antony government were seen as an attempt by him to pay off Antony in the same coin for what had been done to him when he was Chief Minister of Kerala. Karunakaran had to give way to Antony when he had just one year to complete his five year term in 1995. He resigned after Antony faction mounted a spirited campaign against his style of functioning,especially his alleged attempt to protect an Inspector General of Police who had come under a cloud during ISRO spy scandal. Incidentally spy case had come to nothing. When after last elections in May 2001 Antony became Chief Minister, Karunakaran had bargained for the elevation of his son Muraleedharan as PCC(I) chief to strike a balance between the two factions. Karuanakran could not, however,be content with the elevation of his son to highest organisational position in state. His focus soon shifted to his daughter, who was not given a ticket to contest the 2001 elections despite his strong demand. He at last succeeded in getting her the coveted position as Chairperson of Kerala Tourism Development Corporation. Though Karunakaran was instrumental in making his son as PCC(I) President, he was at times not happy with the latter's style of functioning which according to him was beneficial more to Antony faction. Muraleedharan had made it clear, off and on, that he would not be partisan as long as he continued as PCC(I) President. AICC(I), which separately and jointly met Muraleedharan and Antony faction leader and ruling coalition's convener Oommen Chandy early this week, had pointed out that things were drifting beyond a limit in Kerala unit of Congress. It made it clear that it would no longer discuss organisational matters with leaders on group lines. KPCC(I) President would be the authority to talk to high command on party matters after arriving at consensus with the groups. This also sent a clear message to the different groups within state Congress (I)that groupism would not work in such a way as to achieve anything and everything on group lines. With PCC(I) chief indicating that action against more people are round the corner, the coming days are likely to be very crucial for state Congress (I). It is not known if the PCC(I) would take action against party MLA Sobhana George, who is very avctive in Karuanakran group, for openly demanding the resignation of Antony.
Sunday, September 29, 2002
Govt. charged with sabotaging ordinance
PALAKKAD SEPT. 28. The Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, V.S. Achuthanandan, has alleged that two Ministers of the Cabinet sub-committee to examine the Sandal Ordinance given assent by the President have direct or indirect connections with certain illicit sandal oil factories in Palakkad and Kasaragod. Addressing a press conference after visiting three sandal oil extraction factories in the Walayar and Chittur areas of Palakkad district, Mr. Achuthanandan said the UDF Government was trying to sabotage the Sandal Ordinance brought in by the previous LDF Government, which had received the President's assent. The ordinance was to put an end to the illicit sandal oil extraction by these factories and to protect the sandal forests of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Mr. Achuthanandan alleged that two members of the Cabinet sub-committee. K. Kunhalikutty and Cherkalam Abdulla, had benami connections with sandal oil extraction factories. Including such Ministers to examine the Sandal Ordinance was aimed at sabotaging it, he said. The CPI(M) leader said the Forest Minister, K. Sudhakaran's attitude towards the sandal factories showed that he had "surrendered to the sandal mafia.'' He had not taken any action so far to control their activities though he stated in Palakkad the other day that the Forest Department had not given any `no-objection certificate' (NOC) to any sandal factories in the State. The registration certificates of three factories in Walayar and Chittur proved that these factories had registration certificates for `manufacturing sandal oil' from the Central Excise and the local panchayat, he said. Since sandalwood is a forest produce, an NOC from the Forest Department is a must as per the Forest Conservation Act to process sandalwood or to manufacture something out of it. But the Forest Department in Kerala is allowing these factories to operate without their NOC. He said they were allowed to import sandalwood from Tanzania, for which the Forest Department had issued passes for its transportation from the Cochin Port to factories in Palakkad. It is then used for oil extraction. Mr. Achuthanandan said the sandal factory owners were `benamies' of some top leaders of the ruling UDF, which prevented from taking any action against the sandal factories. The Leader of the Opposition said that these factories were a threat to the sandal forests of Marayur in the State. The UDF Government was not showing any interest to protect this, he said. Mr. Achuthanandan pointed out that the annual production of sandalwood in the State was only 100 tonnes, which was not enough to run even one factory. But more than 20 factories were operating in Kerala. This means that the raw material was being smuggled into the State or procured from the sandal forests of Kerala. By not putting an end to the smuggling of sandalwood, the UDF Government was encouraging the sandal mafia to continue their illegal activities. Mr. Achuthanandan, who also visited the strongroom of the Forest Department at Olavakkode, from where sandalwood, sandal oil and ivory were stolen, said that the theft took place with the connivance of forest officials. There was no evidence to show that thieves stole it. Instead, it looked as if someone wanted to destroy the evidence in 44 cases. It seems that the confiscated articles were taken out after opening the strongroom and the Olavakkode range office. It must have taken some time as the lower portion of the strongroom was cut open by gas cutters. A situation was created to show that a theft took place, he said. Thus only a judicial inquiry would bring out the truth, he said.
Sunday, September 29, 2002
Antony calls for 'Clean Kerala' campaign
CHALAKKUDY SEPT 28. The Chief Minister, A.K. Antony, has emphasised the need to launch a `Clean Kerala' campaign jointly by the Government and local bodies to cleanse the State from the menace of solid and liquid waste. Inaugurating the construction work on the Nabard-assisted Rs. 10-crore tourism road from Chalakkudy to the scenic Athirappalli waterfall area here today, the Chief Minister said elimination of waste was equally important as undertaking development projects. Pointing out that the State was laying much hope on the tourism sector for reducing its massive unemployment problem, the Chief Minister said the development of tourism itself would largely depend on the maintenance of a clean environment across the State. But ensuring clean environment, as well as sound health care facilities, educational avenues and infrastructures is important not only from the tourism point of view, but it is the basic requirement of any State, the Chief Minister said. 'External aid must for State' Mr. Antony said political and social activists as well as the people as a whole should accept the fact that the State will have to depend on aid from outside individuals and institutions for its development. The Chief Minister said the resources from within the State both from the private sector and from the Government will not be sufficient to make any strides in the development front and cover up the time loss the State had suffered in that front. ``We will have to attract individuals and institutions from outside for filling the gaps in our development requirements, and to be able to provide employment to the millions of educated unemployed youth here. But if they are to come to invest in the State, the people here should give them the confidence. The political parties, social organisations and voluntary groups should work together to eradicate the image of Kerala as a State of quarrelling people. We can retain our differences on various issues and still work unitedly for the development of Kerala,'' the Chief Minister said. Emphasising the enormous tourism potential of Kerala, the Chief Minister said while in other States they may have isolated tourist spots, the entire stretch of Kerala extended immense scope for tourism development. The Tourism Minister, K.V. Thomas, in his presidential address said the State had directly formulated three infrastructural projects totally worth Rs. 60 crores, with the assistance of Nabard. The Rs 10-crore Chalakkudy-Athirappalli tourism road is the first among them. The other two are the Rs. 25-crore Nenmara-Nelliyampathy road and the Rs. 25-crore waterway project linking Nedumbassery Airport and Kochi. He said all these projects were expected to be completed within a year. The Tourism Department had selected three districts, including Thrissur for formulating a masterplan for tourism development. The agency for drawing up the masterplan has been selected through global tenders. A sum of Rs 1.5 crores will be spent for drawing up the masterplans. Emphasising that pilgrim tourism had tremendous scope in Kerala, the Minister said nearly four crore people were known to be visiting the various pilgrim centres in Kerala annually. The senior Congress leader, K. Karunakaran, who is also the local MP, delivered the keynote address. The Chalakkudy MLA, Savithri Lakshmanan, the district panchayat president, M.V. Visalakshy Teacher, the Chalakkudy municipal chairperson, Kochuthressia Thomas, and the District Collector, V. Gopala Menon, were among those who spoke on the occasion. The Tourism Director, Alkeshkumar Sharma, delivered the welcome address.
Sunday, September 29, 2002
Karunakaran caught between sibling rivalry
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM Sept. 28. The KPCC president, K. Muralidharan's show cause notice to Padmaja Venugopal is perhaps the biggest setback that the veteran Congress leader, K. Karunakaran, has received, next to his ouster as Chief Minister of the State way back in 1995. The setback is not merely in terms of the message behind the disciplinary action sought to be conveyed by the party high command, but more in terms of the sibling rivalry that appears to be emerging in the Karunakaran camp. Mr. Karunakaran continues to be a major force in Kerala and Congress politics, but it appears that the time has come for him to chose between the stability of his son's tenure as KPCC president and the growth of his daughter as a political leader. Mr. Muralidharan's show cause notice has upset Mr. Karunakaran no doubt, as it was an unexpected move. The most doubtful among his supporters have rallied behind him, but they too would have to make the choice sooner than later. The current round of trouble in the Congress can be traced to the alleged attempts to oust a Minister in the Antony cabinet on the basis of a forged intelligence report. The Chief Minister, A.K. Antony, believes that the forged intelligence report was an attempt to topple his Government or even open up the question of reconstitution of his Cabinet. And the current investigation into the case revolves around the alleged involvement of Shobana George, an ardent Karunakaran supporter. Mr. Karunakaran has in the meantime tried to capitalise on the current disaffection in the UDF to force a cabinet reshuffle. The Chief Minister believes that there is a motive behind these moves though Mr. Karunakaran has taken care to distance himself from the forged document case. It is in this context that the Congress high command has hardened its position in relation to factional activities or factions within factions that threaten the very stability of the Government led by the party. From the UDF convener, Oommen Chandy's statements, it is clear that the party high command seriously viewed indiscipline which went to the extent of cooking up documents to oust a Minister or even challenge the authority of the KPCC president. Mrs Padmaja has been served with the notice for her defying the KPCC president's fiat on a merger of the INTUC-led union in the KSEB. Mr. Muralidharan has hardly been given the option of soft-peddling on this kind of activity which undermined the existence of the Antony Government. In an interview to a vernacular daily, he has made it clear that he was opposed to certain people who do not hold any responsible position in the party emerging as power centres. What he did not mention was that he considered his sister, Padmaja Venugopal, as a rival power centre within the Karunakaran faction. According to Congress insiders, the unsaid part of the demand for a Cabinet reshuffle is the inclusion of Padmaja as a Minister. For the last few years, Mr. Karunakaran has been making several attempts to carve out a political space for his daughter also, but these has not been acceptable to the other factions, which have fought against the "dynastic ambitions'' of the veteran. The attitude of the Congress High Command has undergone a change even though it has handled party affairs in Kerala on the principle of factional accommodation. It has clearly thrown its full weight behind Mr. Antony and made it clear that it did not want to disturb him. It does not want the current round of factional feuds to undermine the Antony Government. It has given a free hand to the KPCC president to take action against reckless factional activity and indiscipline. It is also significant to note that disciplinary action against MLAs have been brought under the purview of the AICC and this might have larger implications in future.
Sunday, September 29, 2002
Woman's death a case of suicide
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM Sept. 28. The city police have concluded that the suspicious death of Geeta (30) inside an isolation ward at the Government Mental Hospital, Peroorkada, on September 20 night was a typical case of suicide by partial hanging. When contacted, the Circle Inspector (Peroorkada), B. Sasidharan, said that it was revealed during post-mortem examination that Geeta had died of asphyxiation. Her body was found slumped beside her bed at ward 15. A cloth thread, commonly used in skirts, was found knotted around her neck. The loose end of the ligature was 16 cm in length. It was seen tied to a 6 cm-long hook on the bed. The height of the bed was given by the police as 33 cm. The police theory is that Geeta, who was being treated for major depression and suicidal urge, must have jumped off the bed with the knot tied around her neck and one end of the cloth thread secured to the hook of the bed. This must have caused the death from asphyxiation due to partial hanging. Mr. Sasidharan pointed out that a sustained pressure of even 1.5 kg on the neck would cause death. He said on the previous day, the hospital authorities had given Geeta a churidhar, which had a cloth thread similar to the one she used for hanging herself. At the time of her death, Geeta was alone in the isolation cell. There was also no trauma to her spine as seen in cases of suicidal hanging. Mr. Sasidharan said there were four doors leading to the cell in which Geeta was housed. Being an isolation ward, the doors were opened only for giving food and medicine to the patients. The keys were kept by the woman staff members posted at the ward. ``It would require the concurrence of all the staff members for any person to gain access to the cell. Moreover, there were no fresh injuries or signs of any recent violence on the body of Geeta,'' he pointed out. In early September, a 16-year-old girl, Sona, who spoke only Hindi, was admitted to the isolation ward after she was picked off the street by the police. She had also died under suspicious circumstances in the cell. A post-mortem examination had revealed that she had died due to asphyxiation, though only a mild contusion was seen on the right side of the neck. Police are now of the opinion that Geeta could have had some role in the death of Sona.
Sunday, September 29, 2002
'Garuda' to roll out tomorrow
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM Sept. 28. Garuda, the air-conditioned luxury buses with international standards, being launched by the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) from the State capital to Kozhikode and Palakkad, will commence its journey from September 30. The buses are to be operated by specially-trained staff to ensure good service to the commuters. Arrangements have been made for the passengers to have food from the KTDC restaurants along the route. The passengers wishing to travel in this luxury bus can reserve their seats in advance without paying any fee. Concessional rates will be given for luggage also. The buses will stop at any place if there are more than four reserved passengers. The trip to Kozhikode will start from the capital at 5-30 p.m. and that to Palakkad at 6-15 a.m. The rates from the capital to Kozhikode will be Rs. 330 and for Palakkad Rs. 280. The formal launch will be done by the Finance Minister, K. Sankaranarayanan, at a function to be presided over by the Transport Minister, K. B. Ganesh Kumar, at the VJT Hall on Monday.
Sunday, September 29, 2002
'Missing' girl surrenders before Commissioner
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM Sept. 28. The 16-year-old daughter of a city-based Ayurveda physician, who was reported missing from her relatives house at Pettah since May 22, surrendered today before the City Police Commissioner, Rajan Singh, along with Sali, her 32-year-old neighbour who has been accused of kidnapping the girl. Police said the girl, a 12th standard student, had appeared at the Commissioner's office around 7 p.m. When contacted, Mr. Rajan Singh, said the girl would be produced before the High Court where a habeas corpus writ petition has been filed by her father. Mr. Singh said that the investigation in the case was at a very preliminary stage. The complicity of Sali in the alleged kidnapping case would be verified, he said. The girl's parents arrived at the Commissioner's office late on Saturday night. The girl and Sali would first be produced before the Judicial Magistrate court here on Monday. The charge against Sali is one of kidnapping since the girl has not reached the legal age of marriage. Mr. Singh said Sali and the girl were hiding in Tamil Nadu. Sali was working as a daily wages labourer to provide for the girl, police said. Earlier, in a letter to Mr. Singh, the girl had claimed that she had gone on her own with Sali. The letter was sent through a private courier agency to the Commissioner. In her letter, the girl had also requested the Commissioner to drop all proceedings against Sali. The letter also took exception to the police placing advertisements in newspapers seeking information about her whereabouts. The city police had also received the copy of another letter written by the missing girl to the Chief Justice of Kerala High Court. In the letter addressed to the Chief Justice, the girl claimed that she was pregnant. She alleged that she was harassed by her parents after they came to know of her affair with Sali, who was her neighbour at Paruthipara in the city. She has also stated that it was she who instigated Sali to elope with her.
Sunday, September 29, 2002
Kerela University approves norms for degree semesterisation
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala University Senate at its special meeting on Friday approved the regulations for the semesterisation of BA, BSc and BCom courses. The regulations would be applicable for degree courses other than that which follows three main, vocational and restructured systems. The Senate also discussed the Padma Ramachandran Committee report on the functioning of the university for the last ten years. The report would be discussed at the next regular Senate meeting and the opinion on the report will be conveyed to the State Government. NEW DATES: The following are the new dates for the examinations scheduled for September 26- third professional MBBS, Part -1 Paper-1- October 3, sixth semester BA Malayalam with mass communication (restructured)- October 4, MDS Part -2 and Second BHMS, October 7, BSc, October 8, B Com October 21 annd BA, October 23. LAST DATE EXTENDED: The last date for submitting applications for the BA, BSc and BCom private registration without fine has been extended to October 10. The applications can be submitted with a fine of Rs 50 till October 19 and with a fine of Rs 250 till October 26.
Sunday, September 29, 2002
Kerela University approves norms for degree semesterisation
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala University Senate at its special meeting on Friday approved the regulations for the semesterisation of BA, BSc and BCom courses. The regulations would be applicable for degree courses other than that which follows three main, vocational and restructured systems. The Senate also discussed the Padma Ramachandran Committee report on the functioning of the university for the last ten years. The report would be discussed at the next regular Senate meeting and the opinion on the report will be conveyed to the State Government. NEW DATES: The following are the new dates for the examinations scheduled for September 26- third professional MBBS, Part -1 Paper-1- October 3, sixth semester BA Malayalam with mass communication (restructured)- October 4, MDS Part -2 and Second BHMS, October 7, BSc, October 8, B Com October 21 annd BA, October 23. LAST DATE EXTENDED: The last date for submitting applications for the BA, BSc and BCom private registration without fine has been extended to October 10. The applications can be submitted with a fine of Rs 50 till October 19 and with a fine of Rs 250 till October 26.
Sunday, September 29, 2002
Sobhana's PA held in 'fake document' case
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The crime branch on Saturday arrested P Anil, Personal Assistant of Congress MLA Sobhana George, in connection with the case of 'forged intelligence document' linking State tourism Minister Prof K V Thomas with a hawala racket, police said. Anil was picked up this morning from the residence of Sobhana George at Akkulam, on the outskirts of the city, by the crime branch team probing the case. The case related to airing a story by 'Surya TV' in June last with the backing of an allegedly forged document purportedly sent by DGP intelligence to the Chief Minister's office stating that Thomas had involvement in the Rs 336 crore hawala racket being investigated by the enforcement directorate. Surya TV reporter Anil Nambiar, who did the story for the channel, was arrested and set on bail in July in connection with the case. Nambiar, during interrogation had reportedly told the police that Sobhana George had a role in arranging the 'forged document', based on which the channel carried the report. The case had then rocked the state assembly and the Government entrusted the crime branch with the investigation. Meanwhile, Sobhana George accused the crime branch team of 'barging' into her residience without giving prior intimation and creating an 'atmosphere of terror'. The MLA told mediapersons that she was at a loss to know why the police acted like this when the case was slated to come up for hearing early next month. Sobhana, a known Karunakaran camper in the State Congress, had recently alleged that the investigation in the case was not moving in the right direction and demanded that Chief Minister A K Antony give up the home portfolio. She had also refused to comply with the crime branch request to go through the polygraph test in connection with the case.
Sunday, September 29, 2002
Disciplinary move signal to defiant leaders in State Congress
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The KPCC decision to issue show cause notices to Padmaja Venugopal and T H Musthafa is a clear signal that open criticism against the A K Antony Government and breach of party discipline would not be tolerated beyond a limit, however mighty those involved are. The move against Padmaja, daughter of senior leader K Karunakaran and a power centre in the `I' group in the faction ridden Congress in the State, is seen as a message to none other than Karunakaran himself, who has been unsparing in his criticism of the Antony Government from day one, party sources said. Though the immediate ground for the disciplinary move against Padmaja is her heading a splinter pro-Congress Union in the electricity board, the fact remains that she had, of late, emerged as the focal point of hardcore Karunakaran loyalists in the `I' group, who had recently gone to the extent of demanding a Cabinet reshuffle. The action against Musthafa, who fell apart from Karunakaran, is meant to be a balancing act as the charge against him is of issuing highly critical statements against the senior leader, the sources said. With the bold move against his sister Padmaja, supported by the high command, KPCC president Muraleedharan can once again put across the message that he has been handling party affairs without being burdened by group loyalties. The question nagging Congress watchers is whether the move to strike at indiscipline would help put a lid on the boiling cauldron of factionalism or open a pandora's box with rivals seeking to flood the newly-formed disciplinary action committee with complaints against one another. Incidentally, only on Thursday sobhana George MLA, a prominent Karunakaran loyalist, had openly demanded that Antony give up the home portfolio for his 'failure' to control the police. Several other leaders, including T H Musthafa and Prathapa Varma Thampan, had recently made public statements against Karunakaran. While the high command asserted its authority by giving the green signal to move against Padmaja, `I' group sources indicated that they would not take it `lying down.' The decision had hurt the sentiments of ordinary workers and the future course of action would be decided later, an `I' group leader said. Political circles are also keenly watching the next step of Karunakaran, who had recently stated that any action to silence partymen and MLA's would be resisted. He had said that the party MLA's had every right to place their demands before the Chief Minister, who was the CLP leader.
Sunday, September 29, 2002
Colourful start to CBSE school youth festival
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The fourth Kerala CBSE Schools Southern Region Youth Festival 2002 had a colourful start here on Friday at the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Senior Secondary School, Kodunganoor. Around 1,000 students from 26 schools of Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram districts are participating in the two-day festival. Inaugurating the festival, Aswathy Tirunal Gowri Lakshmi Bayi urged the students to take the festival in its spirit. ‘‘This is a competition and this is the best opportunity to show your talents. Always remember that only if there is a loser there is place for a winner,’’ she said. There are 64 items and four categories. ‘‘This year, for the first time in the regional youth festival, we are introducing the ‘kalathilakam’ and ‘kalaprathiba’ titles,’’ said CBSE Schools Management Association Southern Region general convener Chandrasenan Nair. ‘‘There are over 70 judges to select the winners. For judging Bharathanatyam and other classical dance competitions, we have brought masters from Chennai,’’ he added. Accommodation for around 750 girls have been arranged in Saraswathi Vidyalaya and ARR Public School, and the lodging facility for 600 boys in the Mass Auditorium. Food stalls have been put up at the school premises itself. ‘‘When students of State schools have the opportunity to showcase their talent, the CBSE students were deprived of this. This is what initiated us to form an association,’’ said Chandrasenan Nair. On the first day of the fest, competitions for dance items like the Mohiniyattam, Group dance, Thiruvathira and Folk dance were held. Competitions were also held for classical music, light music, quiz, monoact, mimicry, mime, kolkali, recitation and short story writing. ‘‘For the CBSE Youth Festival, the interference of parents is minimal when compared to other youth festivals,’’ claimed Chandrasenan Nair. Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Thiruvananthapuram chairman P N Nair presided over the inaugural function. When the results were announced at 7 pm, St Thomas Central School was leading with 135 points, S N Public School was in the second place with 112 points, Sree Chithira Thirunal School had 100 points and VSSC Central School was in the fourth place with 99 points.
Sunday, September 29, 2002
BSNL launches internet telephony
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The BSNL’s internet telephone service ‘webfone’ was launched in the country on Friday, making international calls cheaper. The service would be available by using the cards for the purpose available on Rs 210 and Rs 575. For making the call the subscriber should log on to webfone.bsnl.in and enter the account ID and the pin number on the card. A demonstration of the service was organised here on Friday at the CTO here in connection with its launching. BSNL principal general manager K Sreekantan Nair was present. The service would also be available at the CTO here for the public. The cards would be sold at the CTO and the customer service centres of the BSNL.
Sunday, September 29, 2002
St Thomas Central School leading
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The St.Thomas Central School is leading with 135 points at the end of the first day of the 4th Southern Region CBSE School Youth Festival here on Friday. The SN Public School came second with 112 points while Sree Chithira Thirunal School scored 100 points. The VSSC Central School is in the fourth place with 99 points. The following are the winners of the various competitions held as part of the CBSE school youth festival: Category IV: Essay Writing Malayalam (Common): 1. Akhil. S, Saraswathi Vidyalaya, 2. Emil George, Sabarigiri School, Punalur, 3. Pretty M. Jacob, MGM Resi Public School. Recitation - Sanskrit: 1. Sujith Varghese, St. John’s Central School, Anchal, 2. Gokul. K.R. Saraswathi Vidyalaya and Meera. S, VSSC Central School. Monoact (Boys): 1. Shinos Shahu, Mahatma Central School (A), 2. Deepak. S, VSSC Central School (B), 3. Midhilesh M.P., S.N. Trusts Central School (B). Mohiniyattom: 1. Ammu. G. Nair, St. Thomas School, Mukkola, 2. Salu. S. Rajan, SN Central School, Nedumgolam, 3. Dhanya Ramachandran, MGM School, Varkala (A). Mridangam: 1. Swaminathan, BVB, TVM (A), 2. Anantha Krishnan, Marbaseleos, Pooyapally (C), 3. Akhil. S, Saraswathy Vidyalaya. Recitation - Hindi: 1. Jancy, MGM Model School, Varkala (A), 2. Anoosha Singh, St. Thomas Cental School (A), 3. Aishwarya. P, Saraswathy Vidhyalaya (A). Mono Act (Girls): 1. L. Nishana Sale, St. Thomas Central School (A), 2. Rohini Sivan, MGM School, Varkala (A), 3. Aswathy. S, SCT Rest. Central School, Kunnathuke. Story Writing - Malayalam: 1. Lakshmi N.R, Sabarigiri Rest. School, Anchal (A), 2. Aparna. V, MGM Resi. Public School, Kottarakkara, 3. Ayana. B, VSSC Central School, TVM (A). Category V: Mohiniyattam (Girls): 1. Divya Ramalingam, St. Thomas Central, 2. Aparna Nandakumar, BVB Se. Sec. School, 3. Neelima. V. Unnithan, A.R.R. Public school. Recitation (Sanskrit): 1. Sneha Balakrishnan, VSSC Central School, 2. Anusha Das. J, S.N. Public School, Kollam, 3. Anajana Krishnan, St. Thomas Central School. Instrumental Music (Mridangam) (one participant): Arun. A.N, BVB Se.Sec. School. Essay Writing Malayalam: 1. Manoj. D.G, Sree Chitra Thirunal (Res) Cen. School, 2. Shabana, Sree Buddha Central School, 3. Ajith, MGM Model School, Ayirur. Poetry Writing - Malayalam: 1. Suresh. S, Mahatma Central School (A), 2. Ajith, MGM Model School, Ayirur (A), 3. Aparna Wilson, S.N. Public School, Vadakevilla. Recitation - (Hindi): 1. Jitin Bhanu, S.N. Public School, Vadakevila (A), 2. Rohini Ramamoorthy, BVB, Kodunganoor (A), 3. Gayathri. K, Sree Buddha Central School (A). Instrument Music - Tabala (only two participants): Libuy a. Johnson (A), Vinu. P, Varma (B). Light Music - (Girls): 1. Saranya Mohan, Saraswathy Vidyalaya (A), 2. Shrin Susan David, St. Thomas Central School (A), 3. Anupama Arunakumar, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, TVM. Category: II Folk Dance (Boys): 1. Lal Krishna, MGM, Kottarakkara, 2. Vivek Binu, S.N. Public School, 3. Suraj. S, Kairali Vidya Bhavan. Recitation - Hindi: 1. Swathy Mohan, Sabarigiri Resident School, 2. Krishna A.L., SN Public School, 3. Mathew Thomas, St. Thomas Central School. Folk Dance (Girls): 1. Parvathy. G.J, Vimala Central School, Kollam, 2. Swathy Syam, MGM Model School, Varkala, 3. Soorya Surendran, ARR Public School, Nettayam. Story Telling - English: 1. Sree Sankaran, St. Thomas Central School (A), 2. Roshni Nanda, SN Trust Central School, Kollam, 3. Vignesh. M, VSSC Central School (A). Pencil Drawing: 1. Vivek Jayan, Saraswathy Vidyalaya (A), 2. Alok K. Chand, Kairali Vidhya Bhavan (A), 3. Sree Lekshmi V.K, SN Public School, Vadakevi. Painting Crayon: 1. Vivek Jayan, Saraswathy Vidyalaya (A), 2. Bisija M.D, SN Public School, Vadakevila, Kollam, 3. Aswathy. R, MGM Public School, Kottarakkara (A). Recitation - English : 1. Roshni Nanda, SN Trust Central School, Kollam, 2. Mathew Thomas, St. Thomas Central School, 3. Vivek Rajan, Saraswathi Vidyalaya. Category III: Classical Music (Boys): 1. Hrishikesh, BVB, Kodunganoor, 2. Rithik. S. Chandran, SCT Res. School, 3. Krishnan Unni, S.N. Public School. Mono Act (Common): 1. Sreethy Bhuvanendran, MGM Model School, 2. Arya Prakash, S.N. Public School, 3. Revathy Chandran, Mar Gregorious, MRP School. Recitation - Hindi: 1. Elizabeth Johson, St. Thomas Central School, 2. Astha Garg, VSSC Central School, 3. Aarthi Sathi Nair, Saraswathy Vidyalaya. Recitation - Sanskrit: 1. Aarthi T.R, VSSC Central School, 2. Krishnan Unni, SN Public School, 3. Nazvi Mazeed, Mahathma Central School. Classical Music (Girls): 1.Arthi. T.S, BVB Kodunganoor (A), 2. Arya. K, St. Thomas Central School (A), 3. Arthi. T.R, VSSC Central School (A). Cartoon: 1. Nabeel Shihabudeen, MGM Model School, Varkala, 2. Arya. J.S, VSSC Central School (A), 3. Swathy Deepak S.N. Trusts Central School (A). Group Dance: 1. Krishna Priya & Party, SN Public School, Vahkevilal, 2. Revathy Ramakrishnan & Party, SN Trust, Kollam (A), 3. Remya. K, Prasah & Party, SN Central School, Nedumgolam. Folk Dance: 1. Premchand. R (203) S.N. Trusts Central School (A), 2. Valshak. S. (206) S.N. Public School, Varkala (A), 3. Rajiv. R. (207) St. Thomas Central (A).
Sunday, September 29, 2002
Varsities to have affiliation with universities abroad
KAIPARAMBU: Universities in the State will soon be granted permission to have affiliation with the universities abroad, said Education Minister Nalakath Soopy on Friday. He was here to lay the foundation stone of Vidya Academy of Science and Technology. The Minister said that the affiliation with world-famous educational institutions abroad will enable the universities in the State to attract foreign students to India for higher and professional courses. He said the new education policy of the UDF Government has opened up the field of higher and professional education in the State and said that within the next 10 years, the State will be a major centre of professional education in the world.
Sunday, September 29, 2002
AICC swings the sword of discipline in Kerala
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: If the sword of discipline directed towards veteran leader K Karunakaran's daughter Padmaja Venugopal is any indication, the faction-ridden Congress in Kerala is in for drastic changes in its functioning, marked by rampant groupism and gross indiscipline. Unheard of in the State Congress, at least in the the past several years, is initiation of action against top leaders or those hiding under the shadow of such stalwarts. Obviously fed up with the murky state of affairs in the State unit, with group politics overshadowing the party's interests, the AICC went off the conventional track this week and took a bold decision to issue show cause notice to Ms Padmaja, also sister of KPCC President K Muraleedharan. She is being targetted for sabotaging the efforts of the PCC, especially by Mr Muraleedharan, to bring together the two factions of the INTUC in the State electricity board. In an attempt to make it seem even, the AICC also decided to serve notice on former Minister T H Mustaffa for openly criticising Mr Karunakaran. The gravity of the action against Ms Padmaja, now Chairperson of the Kerala State Tourism Development Corporation, could not be missed by anyone acquainted with the functioning of the State Congress. It is in fact seen as a warning to Mr Karunakaran, who has been continuing with his tirade against Chief Minister A K Antony, finding fault with his Government's performance on every conceivable occasion. The action comes barely two weeks after 26 MLAs, belonging to the Karunakaran faction, deciding to demand a cabinet reshuffle to refurbish the image of the Government. This had Mr Karunakaran's backing and he warned of consequences if any action was contemplated against them for deciding to put forward their demand to the CLP leader. ''where else can they go and raise their demand? at the market place?, '' he asked. Close on the heels of the notice to Ms Padmaja, the PCC Chief expelled four office-bearers of the parallel Kerala electricity employees confederation floated by her. Though Mr Karunakaran's reaction was subdued and bereft of the usual stridency and sting, he had not taken lightly the action against Ms Padmaja, whom he had been nursing in politics during the past two years. While desisting from attacking the high command directly, he however, minced no words to question the wisdown behind the action. ''I don't consider Padmaja's foray into trade Union activities as a violation of party discipline,'' he said, adding ''an appropriate reply would be given by Ms Padmaja to the AICC at the appropriate time.'' The tame statement, made at a news conference on Friday, forced analysts to believe that the action had shaken him at least to a certain extent. Mr Karunakaran's strident utterances against the Government were seen as an attempt by him to pay off Mr Antony in the same coin for what had been done to him when he was the Chief Minister earlier. Mr Karuanakaran, the shrewd strategist and four-time Chief Minister, was forced to give way to Mr Antony when he had just one year to complete his five-year term in 1995. He resigned after the antony faction mounted a spirited campaign against his style of functioning, especially his alleged attempt to protect an inspector general of police who had come under a cloud during the ISRO spy scandal. Incidentally, the spy case had come to nothing. When Mr Antony became Chief Minister after the may 2001 elections, Mr Karunakaran had bargained for the elevation of his son K Muraleedharan as PCC Chief to strike a balance between the two dominant factions. However, his focus soon shifted to his daughter, who was denied the party ticket in the 2001 elections despite his strong backing. At last, he succeeded in getting her the office of the Chairperson. Though he was instrumental in elevating his son, he was not happy with the latter's style of functionin which, according to him, was beneficial more to the Antony faction. Mr Muraleedharan had made it clear, off and on, that he would not be partisan as long as he continued as PCC President. The AICC, which separately and jointly met Mr Muraleedharan and Antony faction leader and ruling coalition's convener Oommen Chandy early this week, had pointed out that things were drifting beyond a limit in the Kerala unit. It made it clear that the PCC president would be the authority to talk to the high command on party matters. This also sent a clear message to the different groups that factionalism would henceforth not cut any ice. With the PCC Chief indicating that action against more people was round the corner, it is not known whether the noose would be tightened against party MLA Sobhana George, active member of the Karuanakran group, for openly demanding the resignation of Mr Antony.
Sunday, September 29, 2002
50 hurt as private bus overturns
MALAPPURAM: Atleast 50 persons were injured, four of them seriously, when a private bus overturned into an open field at Panikkotumpadi at Padikkal near Tenhipalam on Friday morning. The accident occurred when the private bus, ‘Buraq’, on way from Kolanchina to Kotakkal, overturned near the Kumanthodi Bridge. The injured passengers have been admitted to various hospitals including the Tiraurangadi Taluk Hospital, Cheruvannur Koyas Hospital and the Kozhikode Medical College Hospital.
Sunday, September 29, 2002
Heading a Union is not violation of party discipline: Karunakaran
KOCHI: Veteran Congress leader K Karunakaran on Friday said his daughter Padmaja Venugopal, who was heading a splinter group of the pro-Congress Union in the state electricity board, had not violated party discipline to warrant a show cause notice against her. "By heading a Union, padmaja had not violated Party discipline," Karunakaran told a press conference. Asked by reporters about his reaction to the show cause notices to Padmaja and former Minister T H Mustaffa, Karunakaran said he had only read about KPCC president K Muraleedharan's statement in the newspapers about his decision to issue the notices. "I do not have first hand information. I do not know why the notices are being issued," he said. Karunakaran said Padmaja was elected president of a splinter group of the INTUC by the staff association. There are several places where more than one Union function. "How does getting elected as president of a Union violate party discipline?," he asked. On the action he was contemplating, Karunakaran said a proper reply would be given by Padmaja to the show cause notice. "Let's wait and see, what happens after that," he said with a chuckle.
Sunday, September 29, 2002
`Project Ashok' dedicated to nation
KOCHI: `Project Ashok', the only maintenance facility in India for the repair and overhaul of Sea Harrier's Pegasus engines, was dedicated to the nation by Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Madhvendra Singh at the Naval Aircraft Yard (NAY) on Saturday. With the commissioning of the Rs 310-crore Rolls Royce-supported project, India has joined the league of nations which owns a full-fledged sophisticated maintenance line enabling the country to save considerable foreign exchange. Till now the engines had to be flown to the Rolls Royce facility in the UK. Project Ashok, named after the late Captain Ashok K Sawney, a pioneering aircraft engineering officer, is a combination of nine facilities including landing gear and hydraulics, environment control systems, structural repairs, power generator, avionics, pegasus engine test bed and Pegasus engine repair and overhaul. With this, about 95 percent of engine components and 75 percent of airframe components can be overhauled and repaired at the NAY. ``But more than 60 percent of the facilities are generic in nature and can be used for other western-origin aircraft,'' a report presented by project director Captain P Santhanam said. Later, Admiral Madhvendra Singh, addressing the gathering after unveiling the plaque, also stressed the need to utilise the full capacity of the `Project Ashok'. He said the Navy no longer believed in a buyer-seller relationship with its vendors but the emphasis was on a partnership for technology transfer. This was also echoed by Tim Jones, Rolls' director for South Asia, when he said that the new facility was consistent with the policy of partnering with the customers. He also presented the certificate and licence to NAY authorising it to fully overhaul and testrun Pegasus engines. The licence was received by Commander Sanjeev Dureja on behalf of NAY. Vice-Admiral Madanjit Singh, Flag Officer Commanding in Chief, Southern Naval Command, Vice Admiral S V Gopalachari, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff and Martin Lodge, managing director Rolls Royce India Limited, Sage Steve, local co-orindator and others were also present.
Sunday, September 29, 2002
IIM-K to organise management programme
KOZHIKODE: The Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode, is organising a three-day management development programme here on ‘Competitive strategies under WTO system’ from October 7 to 9. The programme is meant for executives involved in marketing, export and import operations, corporate planning, R&D management, officials dealing with WTO-related issues and professionals working on issues related to the WTO. The objectives of the programme include analysis of the various provisions of the WTO that affect the competitiveness of Indian corporate sector. The topics covered in the programme are: Competing under WTO system, the WTO framework, dealing with foreign dumping, countering anti-dumping actions abroad, strategies against non-tariff barriers in global market, impact on agri-business, adapting new patent rules and the China factor. Participants from government and non-profit organisations are eligible for concession in programme fee. Details can be had from the MDP office, IIM-K, REC P.O. Kozhikode 673 601. Phone 91-495 287297/ 287553, fax 91-495-287580, e-mail: mdp@iimk.ren.nic.in.
Sunday, September 29, 2002
Disappearance of girl: High Court directive to produce two persons
KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Friday directed that Farooq, who resides in Paruthippara Sreenagar Colony, and Hari of Cheruvikkal, Uloor, be brought to the court on October 1 in connection with a habeas corpus writ petition relating to the disappearance of Deepa, 16, daughter of Dr P K Mohanlal, retired Director of Ayurveda Education. Farooq is the father of Sali, who is suspected to have abducted the girl. The counsel appearing for Farooq said he could ensure the presence of his client in court as per the court directive. As regards Hari, the court said the police should ensure his presence. Thiruvananthapuram Petta police had registered a case in connection with the disappearance of the girl on May 22 this year. Last time, when the habeas corpus petition came up for hearing, the court had expressed its displeasure over the way the investigation was going on and directed the Thiruvananthapuram City Police Commissioner to be present in court today. Accordingly, he was present and submitted that the investigation was going on.
Sunday, September 29, 2002
Padmaja denies allegation
KOCHI: The Kerala Electricity Employees’ Confederation (INTUC), headed by Padmaja Venugopal, has denied the allegations that the State meet of the organisation was held against the orders of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee. In a press release issued here on Friday, the office-bearers of the organisation stated that they had not received any intimation from the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee, demanding postponement of the meeting which was held on September 24 and 25.
Sunday, September 29, 2002
‘Devarajan a musical revolutionary’
KOCHI: Composer G Devarajan Master is a unique artiste and a musical revolutionary who stood for change, said senior Congress leader K Karunakaran on Friday. He was speaking after inaugurating the 75th birthday celebrations of the maestro at the Ernakulam Fine Arts Hall. Recalling the meeting he attended to ban the epoch-making drama Ningalenne Communistaki, he said the ban was imposed despite his opposition to it and resulted in the play creating history. Opposition leader V S Achuthanandan said that Master was a true Communist and people’s composer who revolutionised the youth of his time with simple pastoral melodies. A song like ‘‘Balikudeerangale...’’, composed on the occasion of former President Rajendra Prasad’s visit to the State and commemorating the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857, will remain young even after a hundred years. He fused the classical and folk music traditions seamlessly and his music upheld humanistic values. Devarajan Master is a challenge to today’s youth and his music is all the more relevant in these times when the country is facing grave danger, former Supreme Court Judge V R Krishna Iyer said. His music was truly nationalistic and timeless and will continue to inspire the coming generations. In the 1950s, a new ideology entered people’s hearts through the music of Devarajan, Minister for Culture G Karthikeyan said. The cultural condition was fertile and ready for a composer like Devarajan with libraries and clubs coming up even in remote areas making his music popular. Among others who were present included PWD Minister M. K. Muneer, former minister T. K. Ramakrishnan, M. A. Baby, S. Sharma, O. Madhavan, Cochin University Vice-Chancellor N. Unnikrishnan Nair, M. K. Arjunan, Ramesh Narayanan, Madhuri and the composer’s wife, Leelamani. G Janardhana Kurup welcomed the gathering.
Sunday, September 29, 2002
Government to explore chances of parole for Mahdani: CM
KOCHI: Chief Minister A K Antony has said that the Government would explore the possibilities of releasing PDP leader Abdul Nasar Mahdani from jail on parole, in view of the demands raised from various quarters. He was addressing a ‘meet-the-press’ programme here on Friday. ‘‘Leaders from various political fronts, including the UDF, LDF and BJP have demanded the release of Mahdani on parole. CPM leader Pinarayi Vijayan and BJP leader C K Padmanabhan have also demanded the release of Mahdani. The Government would discuss the issue and consider the matter sympathetically,’’ Antony said. On the reshuffling of the Cabinet, Antony said, it is the prerogative of the Chief Minister. However, till now, I have not decided on the matter. But I will not rule out its possibilities. In a Parliamentary democracy such things are not uncommon,’’ Antony said. On his Government’s performance in the last 15 months, the Chief Minister said the Government had succeeded in overcoming the acute financial crisis faced by the State to a certain extent. But the State has to borrow a huge amount for the implementation of the current proposed projects. Antony, who called for a consensus in politics for the overall development of the State, said that his Government was ready to accept constructive criticism. Pointing out that almost all the states in the country were facing acute financial crisis, Antony wanted the Central Government to extend financial assistance liberally to tide over the crisis. He also wanted the Centre to slash the rate of interests imposed on the financial aids received by the states. The matter would be taken up at the ensuing Chief Ministers’ conference. When asked about the charges that the State often fails to utilise the funds sanctioned by the Centre, Antony said that the acute financial crisis had forced the State to divert the funds. To another query he said the first instalment of the Gujarat relief fund was given after the UDF assumed power. Antony said he had called for an all-party meeting on Monday to discuss the power hike issue and hoped the UDF, LDF and BJP leaders will participate in it. Various trade unions in the power sector would also be invited for the discussion, he said. The UDF has decided to hold a discussion on the issue on October 7. Antony faced a volley of questions from the reporters on the ongoing faction feud and the recent KPCC decision to issue show-cause notice to Padmaja Venugopal and T H Musthafa with a polite ‘no’.
Sunday, September 29, 2002
Inauguration of legal literacy project for Std IX students on Saturday
PARAVOOR: The Paravoor Court, which had earned a reputation for itself by conducting the first ‘neethimela’ in the country and celebrating the centenary, is all set to launch another unique project in legal literacy for ninth standard students in all the schools in the State. Supreme Court Chief Justice B N Kirpal will inaugurate the project on Saturday at the Town Hall here at 4 pm. Around 6.5 lakh students of Std IX in the State will be taught legal literacy lessons under the auspices of Kerala State Legal Services Authority (KELSA). Paravoor has been in the limelight since the setting up of a zilla court there in 1875. With the visit of Supreme Court Chief Justice B N Kirpal, Paravoor will have yet another privilege of honouring a Chief Justice. Earlier it had the privilege of honouring Chief Justice Chandrachood, who inaugurated the first neethimela of the country here in 1985. Another Chief Justice of the country, Sabyasachi Mukherji, had visited Paravoor to inaugurate the centenary celebration of the court in 1990. The town, apart from many other credentials, is known for introducing electronic voting machines for the first time in the Assembly elections in the country in 1982. Around five courts, including Additional District and Sessions Court, two Sub-Courts, a Munsiff Court and a Judicial First Class Magistrate Court are functioning in the court complex here. Three hundred and twenty-seven advocates are on the rolls in the Paravoor District Court Bar Association, with P S Bharathan and J C Bose being the seniormost practising advocates at present. The late Justice Narayana Pillai, former District Judge M J Devassy, Additional District Judges A K Mohammed Ali and K Balasubramaniam and JFCM Arby were some of the officers who had practised in the bar. KELSA has launched a reader in Malayalam titled ‘Niyamapadam,’ consisting of 16 lessons on the Constitution, the democratic set-up, governance of the country, legal system and human rights, Justice K A Abdul Gafoor, executive chairman of KELSA, said. An organising committee, consisting of judicial officers, elected representatives, social workers, advocates, advocate clerks, school authorities and PTA officials, this evening evaluated the arrangements for launching the legal literacy project, said committee chairman and Additional District and Sessions Judge T V Mammootty. The dignitaries, including Supreme Court Chief Justice B N Kirpal, Justice G B Patnaik, High Court Chief Justice B N Srikrishna, Chief Minister A K Antony, ministers K M Mani, P K Kunhalikutty and Naalakathu Soopy, will be received at the PWD TB here at 3.30 pm on Saturday, said general convenor V D Satheesan, MLA. They will be taken to the Town Hall in a colourful procession. The girl students and women members of Kudumbasree will receive the dignitaries at the entrance of town with the customary ‘poothalam,’ said V D Satheesan. Around 66 advocates of Paravoor Bar Association have been chosen as resource persons to take legal literacy classes in various schools under the Additional District Court jurisdiction, said Bar Association president Raphel Antony. The Education Department has set apart eight periods (the last periods on Fridays) for legal classes, said Bar Association secretary M B Shaji. Chief Minister A K Antony will preside over the inaugural function. Supreme Court Justice G B Patnaik will deliver the keynote address. High Court Chief Justice B N Srikrishna will release the reader by handing over a copy to minister K M Mani. Minister Naalakath Soopy will introduce the reader. A website will be launched by minister P K Kunhalikutty. Justice K A Abdul Gafoor, George Eden, MP, V D Satheesan, MLA, municipal chairperson Valsala Prasannakumar, Bar Association president Raphel Antony and Additional District and Sessions Judge T V Mammootty will take part in various functions. Those who wish to attend the inaugural function should occupy their seats at the Town Hall at 3.30 pm, half an hour ahead of the function, said Dy SP Jose Sebastian.
Saturday, September 28, 2002
Tourism will put Kerala on the path to development
KOCHI: Tourism, with its vast employment potential, will put Kerala on the road to growth and development, Chief Minister A K Antony said on Friday. Kerala, despite being rich in natural beauty, heritage sites and the home of Ayurveda, had been unable to project itself as a world class tourist destination so far, the Chief Minister said, inaugurating a two-day National seminar on 'tourism-- people-to-people', being held as part of world tourism day on Friday. He, however, said that efforts should be made to ensure that tourism promotion would not be at the cost of the environment or the State's cultural values. The State should be projected as an investment destination he said and sought the cooperation of the media and the people in this regard. Tourism minster K V Thomas said there were plans to set up 5,000 tourism clubs in the State, of which 1000 had already been set up. The opinion of the local populace would be taken into consideration while implementing tourism projects,he said The two-day seminar is being organised by the Kerala tourism and Ernakulam Press Club.
Saturday, September 28, 2002
Alleged sexual harassment at Old Age Home
PATHANAMTHITTA: All-India Democratic Women's Association State secretary P K Sreemathy, MLA, has demanded immediate arrest of the culprits in the alleged sexual harassment case involving a 20-year-old woman at the Old Age Home at Mallasserry. Addressing a news conference on Thursday, she said that the association would submit a memorandum to the Chief Minister seeking stern action against the culprits in the case. She said that she had met the harassed woman and collected the details of her stay at the Old Age Home and the Bible College in Thiruvananthapuram. She said that with this incident, it had been proved that the State was unsafe for women. She blamed the police for the inept handling of the case. ``The State is now a haven for blue film-makers and criminal mafias,'' she said. She warned that if the Government was continuing with such a lax attitude regarding the case, the association would launch agitations throughout the State. The cooperation of all like-minded women's organisations, including the Congress-affiliated organisations, would be sought for this purpose, Sreemathi said. Association district secretary Radha also attended the news conference.
Saturday, September 28, 2002
FACT's expansion plan for 10th Plan period
KOCHI: The public sector Fertilisers and Chemicals Travancore (FACT) Ltd has chalked out expansion plans for the 10th Plan period (2003-8) which include setting up sulphuric acid plant at its Cochin division and performance improvement scheme for Cochin division (phase I), involving an outlay of Rs 4,00 crore. Addressing a press conference, FACT Chairman and Managing Director P R Balasubramanian said other plans such as improvement of suphuric acid plant in Udyogamandal and improvement of Anone plant at its petrochemical division will also be undertaken in the five-year period. The CMD said the company's stress would be on cost-cutting in the coming years. ``Raw materials, power and fuel comprise 70 percent of the production cost and is a critical area,'' he said. The company has initiated an exercise to identify non-performing assets and their disposal or leasing. The revenue thus generated would help the company to reduce the debt burden, he said. FACT, which is identified for privatisation by the Disinvestment Ministry, is also in the process of manpower and optimum utilisation of human resources. The value-based human resources management is being implemented in all tiers of the organisation with focus on upgradation of knowledge, motivation and manpower rationalisation. During last year, company could reduce 1065 employees through rollback of retirement age to 58, VRS and normal retirement. The employee strength at the public sector company has come down to 5983 as on August 31, 2002. FACT, which has reported a profit of Rs 63 lakh during 2001-02 after the Centre sanctioned a financial assistance of Rs 226.86 crore, will operationalise its ammonia plant by November this year. The plant has been closed for sometime now. ``Shipments of new machines will start soon and we hope to restart the ammonia plant by November,'' Balasubramanian said. During last year, FACT has produced 220945 tonnes of ammonium sulphate, 826119 tonnes of factamfos, 22260 tonnes of urea and 48865 tonnes of caprolactum. The CMD said due to the drought in many parts of South India, fertiliser consumption has been badly affected. Cumulative sales up to August 2002 of factamfos and ammonium sulphate were 78 percent and 70 percent respectively of targets. The situation has not improved much yet. Sale of caprolactam up to August 2002 was 106 percent of the target at 25525 tonnes.
Saturday, September 28, 2002
Karunakaran questions Kerala police's performance
KOCHI: Senior Congress leader K Karunakaran on Friday questioned the performance of the Kerala police but desisted from reacting to the demand that Chief Minister A K Antony give up the home portfolio. Talking to reporters, he claimed that not only the Congress faction owing allegiance to him was unhappy, but the people at large were unhappy with the performance of the State police. On the demand made by Ms Sobhna George, MLA, of his group, that Mr Antony should give up the home portfolio, he said every legislator had the right to raise such demands. On disciplinary action, being considered against his group members, especially his daughter Padmaja Venugopal, for taking up the presidentship of a rival INTUC Union in the state electricity board, Mr Karunakaran warned that the party would not be able to function effectively if it went ahead with serving show cause notices to members of his group. However, the recipients of the show cause notices would decide on how to react to them, he added. To a question, Mr Karunakaran said his son, K Muraleedharan, made PCC president as a nominee of his group, was still with his group as an individual but not as the PCC president.
Saturday, September 28, 2002
Burglary of sandalwood, ivory from strong-room
PALAKKAD: Forest Minister Sudhakaran has said that suspension of 12 officials of the Forest Department, including two divisional forest officers, in connection with the burglary of sandalwood, sandal oil and ivory worth crores of rupees from the strong-room was taken after an inquiry and the officials concerned cannot shirk their responsibility. He told mediapersons at the KSEB inspection bungalow here on Friday that as per the information available with the Forest Department, there were 21 sandalwood factories in the State. Strangely, the raw material required for even one factory was not available in the Morayur forests. The confiscated material gathered by the Forest Department related to 46 cases booked between 1993 and 2001 and the fact that the burglary will adversely affect these cases cannot be glossed over. He said the Government has decided to constitute a police team from the Crime Branch to unravel the burglary and to pin down the culprits. In the light of the burglary from the strong-room at Olavakkode, it has been decided by the government to keep all confiscated material of the department in a centralised strong-room at Ernakulam as per treasury norms. Till this strong-room is ready, the strong-room of the Narcotics Bureau at Thiruvananthapuram and the treasuries would be used to store the material seized by the Forest Department. He said mass cultivation of teak and sandalwood should be allowed and the public should be encouraged to take up its cultivation. He said the department was looking into the prospects of allowing the public to cut teak and sandalwood from their own premises without any formalities. This permission would lessen the smuggling of these materials. He said it was wrong to equate the cultivation of teak and sandalwood with that of ganja. Therefore, the cultivation of sandalwood and teak could also be taken up under the social forestry project.
Saturday, September 28, 2002
Mahdhani's family to fast for his release
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The family of Abdul Nasser Mahdhani jailed for his alleged role in a series of bomb blasts in 1998 is to begin a hunger strike to demand his release on medical grounds. The hunger strike will begin on October 16, the parents of People's Democratic Party (PDP) chairman Abdul Nasser Mahdhani told reporters here. Mahdhani's wife and his two sons aged eight and five would fast to demand that he be immediately released as he is suffering from several ailments. Mahdhani was jailed in early 1999 after being booked for a series of bomb blasts in Coimbatore in neighbouring Tamil Nadu during the campaign for the parliamentary polls in 1998. Union Home Minister L K Advani was visiting the city at the time. Mahdhani has been lodged in a Coimbatore jail. "We have no other option but to launch this fast because for the past four-and-a-half years Mahdhani has been jailed without even undergoing trial", his parents, Abdul Samad and Asuma Beevi said. Other family members would the hunger strike at a later stage, Samad said. Asked whether Kerala Chief Minister A K Antony had taken any steps to speed up Mahdhani's trial, as he had promised to, Samad had replied in the negative. "Ever since the new government came to power, they have been promising this, but now we have lost patience and are resorting to an agitation", added Samad. Antony had promised during the assembly election campaign last May that he would take steps to expedite Mahdhani's trial. He had repeated the pledge Friday. Earlier this month, Mahdhani's plea for bail to visit his hometown at Karunagapally in Kollam district to perform the last rites of his grandmother was denied on the grounds that his visit to Kerala could create a law and order problem.
Saturday, September 28, 2002
Karnataka non-cooperative, says Jaya
Chennai, Sept 27: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa today charged the Karnataka government with adopting a non-cooperative attitude in nabbing forest brigand Veerappan. After the meeting of Karnataka Chief Minister S M Krishna with me at New Delhi, there is no official information or sharing of information by Karnataka. We are ready to co-operate with Karnataka on this. Karnataka is not taking us into confidence, she told a press conference here this evening. She said if Veerappan came to Tamil Nadu, he would be nabbed by the state STF. But at the moment, he is in the forests of Karnataka, she said. On the Cauvery issue, she said the state was pinning its hopes on the Supreme Court, which would be hearing the contempt petition filed by Tamil Nadu on September 30. The state did not participate in the recent Cauvery Monitoring Committee Meeting at Bangalore as the legal advisors had stated that the participation was sub judice, she said. She said a permanent solution to the Cauvery dispute was the nationalisation of rivers and linking Ganga with Cauvery. The Centre should have a political will to do this, she said. Jayalalithaa said the Central Water Commission had prepared a draft scheme for a peninsula water grid, which had been accepted by the experts as feasible. The Centre should implement the scheme without minding the cost involved, she said. She defended the state government’s decision to hike the issue price of rice supplied through the PDS. Describing the decision as the start of reforms in farming sector, she said the state was pushed to the corner as the international funding agencies like the World Bank and Asian Development Bank would blacklist the state if did not go ahead with reducing its subsidy burden. Even after the change in the rice price, the state would incur an expenditure on the food subsidy of Rs 774 crore, she said. Ruling out any role back on the price of rice, she said the hike was the barest minimum. I have to take this decision with a heavy heart, but I had no other go, she said. She said the Congress and Left parties had condemned the hike, without understanding that the rice was still cheaper in Tamil Nadu compared to the states, where these parties were in power. On the agitation by the students of the government colleges against the decision to convert them into constituent ones, she said the agitation was instigated by some vested interests. She had assured that there would not be any hike in the college fee and the reservation policy would be continued. (Our Correspondent)
Saturday, September 28, 2002
Karunakaran defends daughter
Kochi, Sept 27: Veteran Congress leader K Karunakaran today said his daughter Padmaja Venugopal, who was heading a splinter group of the pro-Congress union in the state electricity board, had not violated party discipline to warrant a show-cause notice against her. By heading a union, Padmaja has not violated party discipline, Karunakaran told a press conference here. Asked by reporters about his reaction to the show-cause notices to Padmaja and former minister T H Mustaffa, Karunakaran said he had only read about KPCC president K Muraleedharan’s statement in the newspapers about his decision to issue the notices. I do not have first-hand information. I do not know why the notices are being issued, he said. Karunakaran said Padmaja was elected president of a splinter group of the INTUC by the staff association. There are several places where more than one union function. "How does getting elected as president of a union violate party discipline?," he asked. On the action he was contemplating, Karunakaran said Padmaja would reply to the notice. Let’s wait and see what happens after that, he said with a chuckle. Asked if there was a message for him in the notice issued to his daughter, Karunakaran said he had not violated party discipline knowingly. It is only due to this that in the past 70 years, no disciplinary action had been taken against him. (Agencies)
Saturday, September 28, 2002
Settle issues on party norms: Chandy
Thiruvananthapuram, Sept 27: Congress leader and UDF convener Oommen Chandy today said party leaders should exercise self-restraint while making public statements on matters concerning the party and the government. Show cause notices were served to Padmaja Venugopal and former minister T H Musthafa as the party high command felt that things were going beyond a limit in the party, Chandy told reporters on his return from New Delhi after meeting AICC chief Sonia Gandhi. It was not an attempt to silence party leaders but only a suggestion and direction that inner party problems should be settled as per party norms. He expressed hope that all party leaders would co-operate with the high command decision for the smooth functioning of the party and the government. Making it clear that high command had taken a decision that organisational matters would no longer be discussed with group leaders, he said the KPCC president would be the authority to talk to high command on party matters. Chandy said he had been summoned by the high command to discuss government matters as he was the convener of the ruling UDF and not as a representative of a group. The party high command also felt that open criticism by the leaders was adversely affecting the credibility of the government, he said, adding it was difficult carrying forward things in such a way as government was passing through a tough period. He described as unfortunate ‘I’ group MLA Shobana George’s demand that Chief Minister A K Antony abandon the Home portfolio. (Agencies)
Friday, September 27, 2002
What Lies Beneath
After 25 years, yesteryear's heroine and today’s character artiste and top television star Srividya’s dark secrets are tumbling out! It seems that she was Tamil cinema’s living legend Kamalhassan’s ‘first’ secret lover! The source is from an autobiography of another ex-actress Lalithasri. In this kiss and tell autobiography Anubhavangal Palichakal, being published in the Malayalam weekly Cinema Mangalam, Lalithasri has given a vivid description of how Kamalhassan lusted after her while he was having a roaring affair with Srividya who was a top heroine those days. She has said that there was a heated discussion between her and Srividya over Kamalhassan, and all lewd details are given in the autobiography. Meanwhile Srividya unperturbed by all this is now shooting for three serials in Malayalam and is rumoured to be writing her autobiography in another publication soon!
Friday, September 27, 2002
Shashi Shanker : Director of "Kunjikoonan"
'Kunjikoonan' starring actor Dileep in a dual role for the first time in his career is being shot at a brisk pace currently. The film, which is being produced by Milan Jaleel under the banner of Supreme Films and cinematographed by P Sukumar, is being directed by Shashi Shanker. Here's director Shashi Shanker in a quick chat with Hansazone.com about his latest film... Q: Could you tell us something about the theme of 'Kunjikoonan'? A: 'Kunjikoonan' is a film in which we deal with romance on two different planes. A handicapped person, a hunchback whose romance with an innocent and blind circus girl forms the main track of the film. As a side track is told the story of another pair who represent modern city life. On the one hand is depicted the naivety, the innocence and the inherent goodness of village life while on the other hand is portrayed the complexity and superficial nature of city life. Q: Dileep in a double role, an impressive star-cast - seems to be a big affair compared to your previous films. Isn't it? A: 'Kunjikoonan' surely is a bigger project compared to my previous films. It's bigger in every sense, including the star cast, budget,etc. Q: Are you experiencing some sort of tension? A: Sure, I am. Dileep is a very popular star. And after the spectacular success of 'Meesha Madhavan', public expectation about Dileep is on the rise. And so, I am tense, as to whether I'd be able to rise up to the expectation of the people. Q: Looks like Dileep is going to be the real highlight of the film, right? A: Yes, Dileep is indeed the main highlight of the film. He enjoys an immense popularity these days. The crowd of admirers on the sets was a clear indication of Dileep's popularity. And a very interesting thing happened on the sets. Visitors to the sets during the first day of shoot were disappointed when they did not see Dileep anywhere. Instead they saw a handicapped hunchback and even started grumbling. But then they somehow realized that the hunchback was none other than Dileep and they were overwhelmed with surprise, happiness and admiration. Q: Is 'Kunjikoonan' going to be a commercial film? A: Yes. It will be a full-length entertainer with all sorts of commercial elements. Pattanam Rasheed, the make-up in-charge of 'Kunjikoonan', shared his thoughts with Hansazone.com... Q: 'Kunjikoonan' gives much prominence to make-up. Could you please elaborate? A: As the name itself suggests, the central character is a 'koonan' (i.e., a hunchback) who is not at all good looking. But the main thing is that he is good at heart. So the make-up that we have devised for Dileep, who is playing the role, is one that makes him rather ugly and at the same time reveals the goodness that is in his heart. Similarly the other role played by Dileep is a college-going character who is a sportsman and dresses very fashionably. The make-up that we have used for this character is different. I won't say that we are bent upon making the make-up fantastic or extra-ordinary. It is a simple kind of make-up, exactly the one that the director and the writer wants. Q: Which are your other forthcoming films? A: I am working in many films including the new films by T.V.Chandran, Jayaraj, Jose Thomas, Shaji, Rafi-Mecartin etc. At present, in addition to 'Kunjikoonan', I am doing Ali Akbar's 'Bamboo Boys'.
Friday, September 27, 2002
Hassan calls for deportation of traitors
Kerala Information and Parliamentary Affairs Minister M M Hassan has said that those who try to divide the people in the name of caste and religion were "traitors." Inaugurating the conference organised as part of observance of the 92nd anniversary of the deporation of veteran journalist Swadesabhimani Ramakrishna Pillai, he said those individuals and forces who tried to wreck the basic structures of democracy such as freedom and secularism should be dubbed as traitors and deported. Hassan asked the mediamen to emulate the style of Swadesabhimani Ramakrishna Pillai, who had used his pen against corruption and injustice more than 100 years ago. Swadesabhimani was deported by the then rulers of the Travancore kingom when he fought for human rights through principled journalism. The minister paid floral tributes at the statue of Swadesabhimani Ramakrishna Pillai near the state secretariat. The programme was organised by Swadesabhimani Smaraka Samiti. Samiti General Secretary Thampanoor Ravi, MLA, presided.
Friday, September 27, 2002
Sobhana says no to polygraph test, wants Antony to quit Home
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Changing her earlier stand, Sobhana George, MLA, refused to undergo the lie-detector test as part of the ongoing investigation of the forged document case. The test was to be held at the Forensic Science Laboratory at Hyderabad on Thursday. She had expressed her willingness to undergo the polygraph test to the Special Investigation Team three days ago but later requested to postpone it as she had to attend a hearing at Women’s Commission here tomorrow. Sobhana told mediapersons here on Thursday that her innocence on the issue had been proved and there was no need to undergo the test. To substantiate her argument, she showed some documents to the mediapersons. She alleged that her relatives and friends were being harassed by the police on the pretext of investigation. Sobhana alleged that Chief Minister A K Antony was behaving like a group leader and was using police to destroy her political career. She said that he had lost control over the police force and should give up the Home portfolio. Sobhana said that Antony was moving against her as she had spoken against his handling of the Home Department in the Assembly. She said that she had filed a petition before the First Class Judicial Court here seeking a directive for a comprehensive inquiry into the case. The court had admitted the petition and would take up the matter for hearing next month. Sobhana was questioned last month in connection with the case.
Friday, September 27, 2002
Attack on houses, property: Thazhava tense
KOLLAM: A tense situation prevailed at Thazhava near Karunagappally on Thursday following the attack on a few houses and vehicles on Wednesday night. As many as three cars, one lorry and one autorickshaw on the premises of these houses were also damaged. A 10-member gang came in a car and a motor bike and terrorised the people. Some shops were also attacked. The entire police force at Karunagappally station was at the Mata Amrithanandamayi Mutt at the time of the attack. Karunagappally police registered a case and a huge posse of police led by Karunagappaly DySP Habeeb Rawther had been deployed in the troublesome area. Here, the RSS and the NDF workers had been on a collision course for quite some time. In another incident at Puthur near Kottarakkara, CPI branch secretary Benjamin was hacked allegedly by some RSS workers. He was admitted to the Thiruvananthapuram MCH. The CPI has called for a hartal in the area tomorrow. Though Kollam district was exempted from the hartal, a group of Shiv Sena workers at Parippally and Kareepra tried to down the shutters of shops, which created a tense situation. A vehicle belonging to the Mata Amrithanandamayi Mutt was stoned near Karunagappally early on Thursday morning.
Friday, September 27, 2002
No comment now, says Padmaja
KOCHI: KTDC chairperson Padmaja Venugopal refused to offer any comment on the AICC’s decision to slap a show-cause notice on her for violating KPCC president K Muraleedharan’s formula to compromise the INTUC row in KSEB. Talking to this newspaper over phone from Dubai, Padmaja said she would comment on the development only after discussing it with K Karunakaran. ‘‘I’m returning tomorrow (Friday). I will say something only after talking to my father,’’ she said. ‘‘There were specific reasons behind my involvement (in INTUC in KSEB). Everyone in the Congress is aware of the developments that lead to the INTUC split. Even the KPCC president knows the exact reasons,’’ she said. When asked whether the show-cause notice surprised her, Padmaja said: ‘‘Not exactly. If someone is hellbent on widening the rift between groups, then we are also ready.’’ Padmaja is expected to fly into Nedumbassery international airport from Dubai late on Friday evening.
Friday, September 27, 2002
Law may step into schools next year
KOCHI: The State government is thinking of introducing legal literacy as part of the curriculum in schools from the next academic year, said Kerala High Court judge and Kerala State Legal Services Authority (KELSA) executive chairman Justice K A Abdul Gafoor, at a press conference here on Thursday. He said that Education Minister Nalakathu Soopy had made this known during a personal meeting. Supreme Court Chief Justice and the chief patron of the National Legal Services Authority (NLSA), Justice B N Kripal, will launch the State-Level Legal Literacy Programme for school children conducted by KELSA, at a function in North Paravur Town Hall on Saturday. High Court Chief Justice B N Srikrishna will release ‘Niyamapadom,’ the text book prepared for the programme, by handing over its first copy to the Law Minister K M Mani. The official website of the programme will be launched by IT Minister P K Kunhalikkutty and Education Minister Nalakathu Soopy will present an analysis of the text book. Chief Minister A K Antony will preside and Supreme Court judge and NLSA executive chairman G B Patnaik will deliver the key note address. Justice K A Abdul Gafoor, George Eden, MP, V D Satheeshan, MLA, Paravur municipal chairperson Valsala Padmakumar, Paravur Bar Association president Raphael Antony and North Paravur Additional District Judge T V Mammootty will speak. Justice Abdul Gafoor said that 6.5 lakh students studying in class IX in different schools in the State will be covered under the programme this year. The Director of Public Instruction has ordered schools to set apart eight periods on Fridays during October, November and January for the programme
Friday, September 27, 2002
‘Venukuttan Nair being framed’
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Asha, who is now staying with playwright and actor P K Venukuttan Nair, on Thursday said that he was framed by his neighbouring family on the charge of sexual harassment of a 7-year-old girl to settle personal scores. Asha said that the family of the 7-year-old girl was known to Venukuttan Nair for sometime. He had knowledge about the blackmagic practices and other fraudulent ways of the members of the neighbouring family and his reluctance to join hands with them resulted in the souring of the relationship. She said that it was following a request of the girl’s grandfather and astrologer Madhu Swami that Nair agreed to take classes for the girl. ‘‘The tuition was being given in my presence. My 15-year-old nephew, who was staying with us, also used to be in the house when Nair took classes’’, Asha said. She said that Ravi, the uncle of the alleged victim, used to harass Venukuttan Nair as his plan to sell their ‘rented house’ to a Hong Kong-based Malayali was foiled by them. This happened when the intended buyer called at Nair’s house to enquire about the family and retreated from his plan as he came to know about the ownership of the house from Nair. Later Ravi and Madhu Swami used to threaten Venukuttan Nair in person and through phone calls, she said. Ravi had threatened that he knew very well how to hook Nair. He also claimed that he would make Rs 50 lakh by using the child. Asha said that Madhu Swami had claimed that the ‘molestation’ was revealed to him during one of his deep meditation and wanted Nair to compensate for that. But Nair refused. ‘‘I am sure he is innocent and we will fight it legally so that the truth comes out,’’ she added.
Friday, September 27, 2002
Escotel launches new services
KOCHI: Escotel, leading cellular operator in Kerala, has announced the launch of a new range of Yahoo! SMS-based services for its customers in all its circles. The services include some never before services like create your own logos/picture messages and one of the widest range of ringtone downloads including Malayalam ringtones and are exclusive to Escotel customers in all its circles, a company statement said. The new services also include service like dating, chat, finance, astrology, jokes, blinking messages etc in addition to Yahoo Messenger that was already available to Escotel customers. ``SMS and SMS-based services have been very popular among our customers. We are confident that the customers will find these services very interesting and useful and their SMS usage will grow much faster,'' said V G Somesekhar, Chief Operating Officer, Escotel (Kerala).
Friday, September 27, 2002
I am no longer interested in films: Devarajan Master
KOCHI: Veteran Malayalam music director Devarajan has virtually taken "Sanyas" from the field which he had dominated, saying that he was no longer interested in tuning film songs. Asked by reporters at a meet-the-press programme on why he was "keeping aloof," Devarajan Master, as he is fondly called, said, "I am no longer interested in tuning film songs," though he continued to tune songs for the KPAC (Kerala Peoples Arts Communications) dramas. On the new trend in film songs, he said any trend was welcome, but it should stand the test of time. Devarajan, who will be celebrating his 75th birthday on September 27, said his father, a 'Mridangam' expert, wanted him to be a classical singer. For 16 years he conducted music concerts in various parts of the State, but took to music direction later. Beginning his tryst with KPAC in 1952, he tuned 'Ponarivaalae', the lyrics of which were written by O N V Kurup. The song became very popular and his fame grew. He went on to tune about 67 songs for KPAC, including 'Vallarankattu..', 'Maarivilin..,' and 'Ambiliammava..' As his popularity grew, he got offers to render his magical touch in 318 Malayayalm films and 12 Tamil films. On his favourite creation, he said all the songs tuned by him are close to his heart. About his favourite lyricist, he said he did not have any special liking towards anyone." But I was close to late Vayalar," he said.
Friday, September 27, 2002
Sex workers in Santhi Nagar colony sketching rehabilitation options
KOZHIKODE: This derelict hulk of a building in Santhi Nagar (earlier, Bangladesh colony) may appear dark, filthy, depressing. But for these women squatting inside and jabbering excitedly, it may be the nucleus for a future that they dared not hope for earlier. Kerala’s first cooperative society for Commercial Sex Workers (CSWs) has managed to get a lot of these women break through the despondency barrier, and dare to expect a more dignified life. These had got together at the office of the Sthree Ashraya Kudumba Vikasana Sanghom (SAKVS) not to exchange their woes but to discuss self-employment and rehabilitation options which could totally change their lives. And hopes come easy when you seldom hope. Meet N Sarojini, who moderated their discussion. She used to sell her body till barely a couple of years ago. As you listen to her, you can’t miss her grit and optimism about constructing a permanent building to house the Sanghom office, and the plans to have various small scale industrial units for its members. Sarojini now spends her days trying to chart a new future for her sorority. As the secretary of SAKVS and one of the directors of Partnership for Sexual Health (PSH) project, she is involved in activities such as minimising the risk of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), ending the pernicious attitude of police and authorities towards the commercial sex workers, and ensuring that their children do not end up in the profession. ‘‘We have decided to constitute this cooperative as part of our struggle for gaining dignity,’’ says 46-year-old P Chandrika, president of SAKVS, which has 130 sex workers as members. Forced into prostitution at an early age, she has been through the worst of debasement and depravity that these women suffer. And she has her hands full. ‘‘Sex work is only a profession and we have every right to live like everybody else,’’ she argues. And SAKVS is committed to showing that is possible. For one, it has collaborated with the Kerala State Aids Control Society (KSACS) to promote condom use by sex workers. A condom vending machine, installed recently, is now no longer a curiosity in Santhi Nagar Colony. ‘‘Our society makes sure that condoms are available round-the-clock at cheaper rate in 35 grocery shops located in various parts of the city. A minimum of 5,000 pieces now get sold through these outlets each month,’’said P Leela, the Society’s treasurer. The members collect condoms from the Government hospitals in the city and distribute them among non-members. They are now planning to construct a shelter for sex workers in the city, where they can rest or seek medical aid. A public telephone booth would be opened soon at Santhi Nagar as part of the efforts to assure employment opportunities to members. A footwear manufacturing unit is also on the anvil. The society now runs a clinical lab where various tests including pregnancy and VDR are done for the sex workers for a nominal charge. The lab is located on an 8-cent plot, purchased two years back. The networking of SAKVS with police and hospitals has helped to seek the release of sex workers arrested on fabricated charges. That apart, it also claims to have rescued some little girls seduced into the profession, and also runs a chit fund for its members. ‘‘We had launched the society two years ago collecting a membership fee of Rs 10 from each CSW. The KSACS and State Management Agency (SMA) are providing us monetary support at present. We have to find more means for income generation in the near future as funding would end within three years,’’ said Sarojini, who maintains contact with similar cooperatives in Kamathipura in Mumbai and Sonagatchi in Kolkata.
Friday, September 27, 2002
VHP hartal hits normal life in Kerala
Normal life in Kerala has been hit by the VHP's dawn-to-dusk Bharat bandh, observed in the state as hartal, to protest against Tuesday's militant attack on the Swaminarain temple in Gandhi Nagar. About 10 VHP-RSS activists were taken into preventive custody last night from different parts of the state even as security was tightened throughout the state, police said. Buses, taxis and autorickshaws were off the road, shops remained closed and schools and colleges went without classes. Attendance in government offices was thin. Barring minor incidents of stone pelting at vehicles no untoward incident had been reported from anywhere. In Neyyattinkara, near here, miscreants threw stones at two cars. Essential services and media have been exempted from the hartal. Kollam district has been exempted from the hartal in view of the 49th birth anniversary of Mata Amritanandamayi being celebrated at the Vallikkav Ashram. Security has been stepped up before major temples in the state. Reports from Kochi said the hartal did not have much impact in the Kochi Refineries ltd (KRL) where 90 percent of the workforce attended their duties. The Cochin Port reported 45 percent attendance. The cargo handling operations in the port were going smoothly, port sources said. However, movement of trucks, including that of containers, to and from the port have been affected. Airport sources said additional specialised armed force from within the CISF, which is incharge of the airport security, has been deployed at the Nedumbassery international airport following the Gujarat incident. Specialised weapons have also been deployed, the sources said without going into specifics. All the courts and offices in the Kerala high court functioned normally. Police escort had been arranged for all judges to attend court. While the Kerala Inland Navigation Company (KINCO) operated one passenger boat service from Ernakulam to Vypeen island, the state water transport department managed to ply two boat services early in the morning, department sources said. Though private buses kept off the roads, two wheelers and some private cars were seen plying.
Friday, September 27, 2002
PCC to issue show cause to Karunakaran's daughter
In the backdrop of sharp factional feuds in Kerala's ruling Congress, the state unit of the party has decided to issue a show cause notice to its leader Padmaja Venugopal, daughter of senior leader K Karunakaran, who has been strongly critical of A K Antony government. Kerala PCC President K Muraleedharan, brother of Padmaja, told Thursday night that a show cause notice would be issued also to T K Mustafa, a former minister in Karunakaran government in early nineties and now a bitter critic of the senior leader. Both Padmaja and Karunakaran have been among the vocal critics of the Congress-led government in the state. Muraleedharan's announcement came soon after Kerala PCC chief and other senior Congress leaders from the state, Oommen Chandi, Ramesh Chennitala and P J Kurien, met Congress President Sonia Gandhi here and apprised her about controversial statements made by some senior party leaders in the state, including Karunakaran. After the meeting, AICC General Secretary in-charge of Kerala affairs Ambika Soni said a Disciplinary Action Committee would be set up shortly to initiate action against those state party functioneries involved in "anti-party" activities. 09:30 IST
Friday, September 27, 2002
Kerala Congress to issue notice to Karunakaran's daughter
New Delhi, Sep 26 The Congress in Kerala has decided to issue a show cause notice against party leader Padmaja Venugopal, daughter of senior leader K Karunakaran, even as the party high command said a disciplinary action committee would be set up shortly to initiate action against those functionaries induliging in "anti-party" activities. Kerala PCC President K Muraleedharan, when contacted, told tonight that a show cause notice would be issued also to T K Mustafa a former minister in Karunakaran government in early nineties and now a bitter critic of the senior leader. Padmaja, along with her father, has been among the vocal critics of A K Antony government in Kerala. In the backdrop of escalating factional feud ruling Congress in Kerala, AICC General Secretary in charge of Kerala affairs Ambika Soni said a DAC would be set up shortly to initiate action against those state party functioneries involved in "anti-party" activities. She also appeared to rebuff Karunakaran camp's demand for a reshuffle in the state cabinet when she said it was the prerogative of Chief Minister to make changes in his ministry. Soni'a remarks as well as Muraleedharan's announcement came soon after a meeting Kerala PCC chief and other senior Congress leaders from the state Oommen Chandi, Ramesh Chennitala and P J Kurien met Congress Presiden Sonia Gandhi here and apprised her about controversial statements made by some senior party leaders in the state, including Karunakaran. Soni, Political Secretary to Gandhi, said the party's district, block and mandal level committees would be constituted in the state within two months in consultation with all senior leaders of the State.
Thursday, September 26, 2002
Police on red alert, cautioned about temple aftermath
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Police have been put on red alert and had been asked to exercise strict vigil. Condemning the temple incident Chief Minister AK Antony told reporters after the weekly cabinet meeting that his Government viewed incident "very seriously" and asked all sections of the people to exercise restraint and maintain social harmony. Antony described the incident as "heinous and brutal". Meanwhile, DGP KJ Joseph, said police had been to be vigilant "though we do not expect the Gujarat incident to have repurcussions in Kerala. So we are not over-reacting to it. Still we are not taking chances", he said.
Thursday, September 26, 2002
SLLLP to be inaugurated on September 28
KOCHI: The School-Level Legal Literacy Project (SLLLP), will be inaugurated by Justice B N Kirpal, Chief Justice of India and Patron-In-Chief, National Legal Services Authority (NLSA), on Sept 28 at North Paravur. Chief Minister A K Antony will preside over the function and Justice G B Pattnaik, Judge, SC, and executive chairman, NLSA, will deliver the keynote address. The Legal Literacy Project is being launched by Kerala State Legal Services Authority (KELSA) for ninth standard students of all schools in Kerala. ‘Niyamapadham,’ the textbook prepared by KELSA, will be released on the occasion by Justice B N Srikrishna, Chief Justice, High Court of Kerala. The Law and Revenue Minister K M Mani will receive the book from Justice Srikrishna. The textbook comprises 16 lessons on various aspects of the legal system in the country. The SLLLP is essentially a project to make students aware of their fundamental rights and duties under the Constitution of India. Minister for IT and Industry, P K Kunjalikkutty, will launch the website on the occasion and Education Minister Nalakath Soopy will introduce ‘Niyamapadham’ to the gathering.
Thursday, September 26, 2002
Mata’s birthday fete on Thursday
KOLLAM: Preparations for the birthday celebrations of Mata Amrithanandamayi on Thursday were in full swing at the Vallikkavu Ashram on Wednesday. Union Law Minister Jana Krishnamoorthy will be the chief guest at the function. Union Minister O Rajagopal has arrived in Kollam to attend the birthday fete. PDP MAY POSTPONE MARCH: The PDP is likely to postpone its SP office march slated for Thursday. The march was announced by the party district committee a week ago in protest against the police atrocities against the PDP workers in the district.
Thursday, September 26, 2002
Airtel launches Palakkad services
PALAKKAD: Airtel services were launched at a colourful function here today. The first sale was by T Elango, chief executive officer of Bharati Cellular Ltd He handed over the first connection to Angapad Sudhakar, president of the Palakkad Rotary Club. A showroom was also inaugurated. K Prasad welcomed the gathering. K Rajendran proposed a vote of thanks. Later, Elango told mediapersons that with the launch in Palakkad the total number of towns covered by the Airtel network has gone up to 109. He said currently Airtel has consolidated its customer base of over 44,000 customers in Kerala . Elango said priority would be to give customers in Palakkad the facility to have uninterrupted call facility between Palakkad and Coimbatore. He said Airtel would take another four months to reach Kuzhalmannam, Alathur, Ottapalam and Shoranur.
Thursday, September 26, 2002
State to have disease surveillance system soon
MALAPPURAM: The State Health Ministry would have a comprehensive disease surveillance system, to monitor and prevent the spread of communicable diseases in the State, by next month, Chairman of the Centre for Infectious Diseases, Dr T Jacob John said, on Wednesday. According to the scheme, all the doctors, including private medical practitioners, would be asked to intimate the nodal officer of the District Level Disease Surveillance (DLDS) scheme about the incidence of communicable diseases on a daily basis. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, he said that doctors would be supplied with a postage-free postcards, which contain details of more than 20 communicable diseases. The doctors have to fill the card and report about the occurrence of the disease to the district Nodal Officer, he added. The project would be implemented with the cooperation of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and other agencies. ``The programme would help to get immediate information in the event of epidemic outbreak. Effective preventive measures could be taken at the earliest,'' Jacob John said. He said a computerised State-level surveillance centre would keep track of the occurrence of epidemics in the State. The Government and private hospital will be given the feedback after analysing the report cards. He said that the outbreak of Dengue fever in the district has indicated that the disease causing virus would have been present in the district for the last six years. Jacob John said the Government was considering steps to institute an accreditation and standardisation programme for all the hospitals in the State. The frequent outbreak of communicable diseases in the State was a cause of concern. ``This was in sharp contrast to the claims made by the State with regard to achieving enviable health indices,'' he said.
Thursday, September 26, 2002
Kerala to develop its capital city with world class facilities
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala Government has identified the development of the capital city of Thiruvanthapuram as an important agenda, and decided to work towards achieving the goal with immediate effect. A decision to this effect was taken at the State Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Chief Minister AK Antony told newsmen. Thiruvanathapuram, once known as the cleanest and the most beautiful city in the Country, could not cope with the developments that had taken place in other cities. In order to overcome this, it was decided to develop Thiruvanathapuram with world class facilities. Mr Antony said a high-level committee was constituted on Wednesday to prepare a blueprint for the development of the city. It was also decided to seek the services of a consultancy firm of international repute. The high-level committee, which would be headed by the PWD Principal Secretary, would submit its report in February.
Thursday, September 26, 2002
Kerala to get ADB loan in November
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The proposed Rs 3,600-crore loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for modernising Government programmes will be available by November this year, Kerala Chief Minister AK Antony said on Wednesday. Talking to newsmen after the Cabinet meeting, he said the delay in getting the loan was due to the continuance of the discussions. ''we could not accept all the conditions put forward by the ADB. Therefore, discussions are continuing.'' He admitted that the State could so far spend only 11 per cent of the plan fund for 2002-03. The State was yet to recover from the Financial crisis bequeathed by the previous Marxist-led Government. However, there was slight improvement in the position. Though the State could spend only 11 per cent of the plan fund in the first six months of the current Financial year, he was hopeful that the remaining amount could be spent in the next six months. In this context, he pointed out that the sizeable share of the plan fund was spent only in the last four months starting from December. Mr Antony said that the Financial crisis was there in almost all states and even the West Bengal Government had effected a cut in the bonus given to its staff in connection with the pooja festival. However, the Kerala Government had given the same rate of bonus as in last year during the Onam last month.
Thursday, September 26, 2002
Going gets tough for IT@School project
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The IT@School project in the State is facing strong protests from school authorities in the implementation stage itself. According to sources, the department is trying to evade its responsibilities and is now forcing the Principals and Headmasters to shoulder the responsibility of paying the fees to the agencies. Most of the Headmasters and PTA members feel that the department's decision to empanel 18 agencies such as Kudumbasree, C-Dit and NIIT, Bangalore, was unfavorable to them. According to E Basheer, Principal of Government Higher Secondary School, Venjaramood, the proposal to engage any of the empanelled agencies was a tricky game. ``To engage any such agencies to set up computer labs the Principal of the school will have to enter into a written agreement with the concerned agency,'' he said. As per the agreement, the Principal will solely be responsible for the payment of training fee of Rs 25 for every student of Std VIII during this academic year. ``Since we are not sure whether we will be able to collect the fee from the students in time, we cannot give any assurance to the agencies,'' said Basheer. ``Instead of the present decision, the Department should take the responsibility of the payment to the agencies. And the schools should be allowed to remit the money collected from the students directly to the department,'' he said. Another problem raised by the school authorities is that they cannot agree to the suggestion to allow these agencies to function before and after school hours. ``How can we hand over the school key to these agencies?,'' asks Lalithambika, Principal of Raja Kesava Das Memorial NSS Higher Secondary School, Sasthamangalam. Government Vocational Higher Secondary School Principal Vattiyoorkkavu CA Syamakumari also shared the same view. According to a member of a Parents Teachers Association, the school wanted the agencies to function under the strict control of the principal and the PTA. ``If at all we allow them to function after and before the school hours, will they pay the electricity charges incurred by them?'' he questions. Nothing is mentioned on this aspect in the proposed agreements.``It means that the school have to remit electricity charges incurred by the agency,'' he added. When contacted, IT@School executive director Biju Prabhakaran, said that efforts were on to ensure better relationship between the selected agencies and schools. He said that the Education Department was planning to launch campaigns to create awareness among the school authorities and the public about the project starting from September 30 in Kasargod.
Thursday, September 26, 2002
Research programmes in astronomy, space s |
