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June 2003
Peace cannot be restored by force: Antony
Sunday, June 29, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala Chief Minister A K Antony on Saturday said he did not believe that peace can be restored in Marad, scene of last month's carnage that left nine persons dead, by use of force, and wanted those criticising the government to introspect whether they had helped the peace process. "The separated minds cannot be brought together by toting guns and wielding lathis. The broken links can be forged only through discussions," Antony told reporters when asked about stiff resistance from sections of a particular community at Marad to bring back families who deserted the fishing village fearing retaliation. Alluding to criticism of government's handling of the Marad situation from different political quarters, Antony said "those always blaming the government should ask themselves whether they have performed their role to help restore peace." Meanwhile, the leader of the Opposition in the state assembly, V S Achuthanandan accused the government of going back on rehabilitation process by giving into the "threat from the Sangh Parivar."
CrBr investigates plot to kill police officer
Sunday, June 29, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Crime Branch has begun probe into an alleged conspiracy to kill a top-ranking police officer, allegedly hatched by a convict serving life-term in the central prison here in the sensational Kalluvathukkal hooch case, top police sources said. The plot hatched by Manichan, a prime accused in the hooch case, to annihiliate Sibi Mathew, now Vigilance IG, came to light when a letter written by a prisoner Sundaran was recently found in the complaint box of the jail, the sources said. Sundaran stated in the letter that Manichan had told him about hatching a conspiracy to murder Sibi Mathew, who headed the special police team which investigated the hooch case. The letter was handed over to police by the judicial officer who examines the letters in the complaint box every month. A case has been registered and the crime branch is conducting a preliminary probe into the alleged conspiracy, the sources said. Meanwhile, Manichan's sister K S Nalini on Saturday alleged that the the charge against Manichan was fabricated to forestall his parole application. She demanded at a press meet that the case be handed over to the CBI for impartial probe. Manichan, an abkari contractor and the first accused in the Kalluvathukkal hooch tragedy which claimed 31 lives, was sentenced to life imprisonment by a special court last year.
Rehabilitation process in Marad runs into trouble
Sunday, June 29, 2003
KOZHIKODE: Efforts to bring back families which deserted the Marad area in Kozhikode district of Kerala in the wake of last month's carnage continued to be in trouble with a section of the majority community posing stiff resistance to the rehabilitation process. About 50 protestors, mainly women, kept up their agitation in front of the house of a family which returned to the fishing village four days back. Another family which came back to the village had to leave the place on Thursday because of the hostile reception they had received. A strong contingent of police was stationed in the area as a tense situation prevailed even two months after the carnage that claimed nine lives, police said. Chief Minister A K Antony said in Thiruvananthapuram he did not believe in using force to restore peace and wanted all sections to co-operate with the peace process. Leader of the opposition V S Achuthanandan, however, accused the government of going back on rehabilitation process "by giving in to pressure from the Sangh Parivar." Meanwhile, the state cabinet sub-committee on Marad is meeting here on Sunday, but it is still uncertain whether the Araya Samajam leaders, who have been keeping away from talks demanding a CBI probe, will participate.
Six hurt in clash with police
Saturday, June 28, 2003
KANNUR: About 170 farmers on Friday attacked an agriculture development bank in neighbouring Taliparamba, leading to a clash with police in which six people, including three police personnel, were injured, police said. The farmers, including women, were led by 'Deshiya Karshaka Raksha Samiti' chairman Jose Manipara, who demanded waiver of interest on agriculture loans. They were also protesting against the bank's moves to attach properties for non payment of loans. The farmers sought a meeting with the bank's sales officer, but were not granted permission, after which they barged into the bank, forcing police to resort to a lathicharge. Meanwhile, the samiti has called for a dawn-to-dusk hartal tomorrow in the hilly regions of the district to protest against the police lathicharge.
Girl injured as luggage falls on her
Saturday, June 28, 2003
KOCHI: In a freak mishap, a seven-year-old girl was injured when some overhead baggage fell on her head while she was travelling in an Indian Airlines flight from Sharjah to Kochi on Friday morning, airport sources said. The girl, Aiswaraya Rani, from Chertalla was rushed to the medical inspection room at Kochi International Airport soon after the flight landed. After preliminary examination, doctors referred her to the nearby Amrita Institute of Medical sciences.
Court uphelds Govt's sanctioning of liquor shops
Saturday, June 28, 2003
KOCHI: A Division Bench of the Kerala High Court Friday upheld the state government's June 17 order sanctioning 51 new foreign liquor retail shops. The bench, comprising Chief Justice J L Gupta and justice A K Basheer, held that the order made it clear that it was in view of the growing demand for new foreign liquor shops and to curtail the sale of seconds to satisfy the demand for genuine liquor, that Beverages Corporation requested government for sanctioning shops. The excise commissioner examined the request and observed that sudden decrease in supply of liquor had led to consumers to partake liquor from illicit sources. It was after through examination of the matter that the government decided to sanction 51 additional outlets after securing Rs 35 lakh each as rental, the bench held, upholding the order.
‘Politicians should be kept off the campus’
Saturday, June 28, 2003
KOCHI: The City-based Cultural Academy of Peace (CAP) on Thursday organised a Mothers’ Meet at St Teresa’s College on the recent Kerala High Court judgment empowering college managements to ban campus politics. Voicing their concern over the bad effects of campus politics, speakers at the meeting alleged that campuses have in recent years deteriorated into recruiting ground for political parties. CAP director Beena Sebastian recalled the Parumala incident where two college students were stoned to death when they fell into a stream while being chased by political opponents. ‘‘I still remember the parents’ faces and they were cursing themselves for sending their children to college,’’ she said. ‘‘College politics have deteriorated to the same level as regional and national level politics. Politicians should be kept off the campus,’’ said Monamma Kokkad, former Women’s Commission member. St Teresa’s College principal Sr Tessa presided. Julie Xavier, member, Christian Service Society, veteran journalist Leela Menon and St Teresa’s College Union chairperson Anupama Menon spoke at the function.
Photographer roughed up, three arrested
Saturday, June 28, 2003
THRISSUR: A photographer working with a Malayalam daily was injured when he was manhandled by some persons at nearby Amballoor on Wednesday night, police said on Thursday. Robinson, a photographer of 'Deepika' daily, was roughed up by the staff of a kerosene distribution agency, police said adding he was admitted to the medical college hospital here. The agency's owner, manager and pump operator were arrested in this connection on Thursday, they said. Robinson was beaten up by the staff and owner of the agency when he was taking photographs of kerosene being filled in motor vehicles, according to a complaint lodged with the police. Thrissur unit of the Kerala Union of Working Journalists (KUWJ), in a resolution, strongly protested the "unprovoked" assault on the photographer while discharging his duties and urged the authorities to take stern action against the guilty.
Sify to open 100 cyber cafes by end of the year
Saturday, June 28, 2003
KOCHI: Satyam Infoway (Sify) is going all out to corner a large chunk of the netizens in the State with planned expansion of their i-Way cyber cafes. Sify will open about 100 cyber cafes by the end of the year in the State, according to company officials. In Kochi alone, the number of i-Ways will go up from the current 22 to 50 in the coming year while 80 cyber cafes have been planned in Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode and Kannur districts. The proposal is awaiting clearance from the Standing Advisory Committee on Frequency Allocation (SACFA) of the Centre which, according to Sify officials, will be granted by the end of July. Sify, which provides roaming facility to its subscribers in the State, is also expanding its cafe network in the country from the present 1000 to 2000by the end of the year. The company which uses adaptive broadband technology will also construct wireless towers in all the three districts to expand its reach. For each cyber cafe, to be operated by franchisees, the company will have to shell out around Rs 1.5 lakh while the wireless towers will cost about Rs 5 lakh each. After the completion of the expansion, company officials expect the subscriber base to triple by 2004. Currently, the Sify network is available only in Kochi and it has a subscriber base of around 5000 in the city. The company, which began operations in the city in 2002, also provides Internet telephony at its cyber cafes. While most internet Service Providers(ISPs) and cyber cafes are finding it difficult to make ends meet and are closing shop, increase in internet usage has been cited by company officials in chalking out this expansion plan. Around 50 to 60 persons visit each i-Way every day and browsing is at an average of eight to nine hours per PC. The company which gives a per minute billing to the customer charges Rs 25 per hour during peak hours and Rs 20 at off-peak hours. The popularity of Internet telephony is another factor that has made i-Way's services economically viable. With charges as low as Rs 7 per minute, about 40 to 50 persons use Internet telephony daily at Kochi. The facility which is now only available at a few i-Ways will also be extended to the rest of the cafes, according to company officials.
Antony accused of pro-RSS tilt
Saturday, June 28, 2003
Kozhikode, June 27 : Accusing the UDF Government in Kerala of having failed to maintain law and order at violence-hit Marad, CPI(M) Politburo member E K Nayanar, today charged Chief Minister A K Antony, with 'surrendering to the RSS' on the issue. "Antony has totally surrendered to the wishes of the RSS and the Government has failed to initiate rehabilitation works and provide adequate security to the displaced families that wished to return to their homes", he told reporters here. Stating that it was the Government's responsibility to ensure that peace returned to Marad, the former Chief Minister said several families of the minority community, who had fled their homes following the May 2 incident, in which nine persons were killed, could not return even now as rehabilitation measures had not been initiated. He squarely blamed the Government for the prevailing tense situation at Marad and said Antony had 'no moral right' to continue in office.
Online lottery: Govt favours Pvt sector involvement
Saturday, June 28, 2003
The State Finance Minister K.Sankaranarayanan told the Assembly on Wednesday that the government would soon invite tenders from the private parties to run online lottery in the state. Replying to a question, he said a revenue of Rs 100 crore was expected through the private online lottery. The government was also planning to impose sales tax on online lotteries run by other states and To a supplementary, he said the government was considering to ban two-digit and instant lottery in the state. Replying to another set of questions, Sankaranarayanan said the state government would seek an additional grant from the twelfth Finance Commission during its visit to the state on July 15. Pointing out that the state's plan outlay for 2003-04 was Rs 4,400 crore , he said an additional grant would be sought by citing the reduction in revenue deficit during the last financial year. He asserted that the government had no proposal to effect cut in the salary and pension of employees.
Kerala approves private participation in govt hospitals
Saturday, June 28, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala government has approved the policy of developing the basic infrastructure in its hospitals with private participation, health Minister P Sankaran told the State assembly on Thursday. Replying to a calling attention motion by Mathai Chacko (CPI-M) in the assembly, he said hospitals could not be developed without assistance from the private sector as the government was starved of funds. Several schemes had been proposed by private sector to provide basic facilities and super-speciality treatment to poor patients in government hospitals, he said. He said government had not taken any decision to lease out the proposed super-speciality wing at the Kozhikode Medical College hospital (MCH) to a private firm. A MoU had been signed with a Sharjah-based company for setting up the super-speciality wing at a cost of Rs 20 crore. Later replying to a submission, he said all the required medicines had been stocked in hospitals to tackle the spread of fevers with the onset of monsoon. Send this Story to your friend
Sudheeran flays Govt. over mining project
Saturday, June 28, 2003
Thiruvananthapuram, June 27 : Congress MP V M Sudheeran, today attacked the Kerala Government over the mineral sand mining project along Kayamkulam and Alapuzha coast, saying it was against "people's sentiments". "It is undemocratic on the part of the UDF Government to go ahead with the project disregarding the local people's opposition to the scheme," he told a meet-the-press programme here. Sudheeran said "if the Government continues with the present style of functioning, it would be a setback to projects materialised at the Global Investor Meet". Reiterating his demand for cancellation of all orders pertaining to the project, Sudheeran, who represents Alapuzha constituency, said he would resign as a member of Parliament on the first day of mining. "In the name of development, the Government should not implement anti-people projects. We are not against any particular company. The area now earmarked is not fit for mining," Sudheeran said. The project has been sanctioned to a joint venture company.
Legislation to reduce fee for medical students
Saturday, June 28, 2003
Kerala Health Minister P Sankaran on Thursday told the State Assembly that the Government could not reduce the annual fee of Rs 1.76 lakh for the students of self-financing medical colleges in view of the Supreme Court verdict, but it was seriously considering to enact a legislation to circumvent the Apex Court order in this regard. Replying to a submission by Leader of the Opposition V S Achutanandan, he pointed out that though the annual fee in a Government medical college was only Rs 16,500, it was estimated that the actual expenditure for a student would come around Rs 1.60 lakh. As per the Supreme Court verdict, self-financing colleges should be allowed to charge a reasonable surplus from the actual expenditure. The Government fixed the fee at Rs 1.76 lakh after allowing the colleges to charge a ten per cent hike in the actual cost. At present, the Government could not reduce the fee. He said the Government should insist that the self-financing medical colleges should give 50 per cent of the total seats on merit basis. Intervening, Education Minister Nalakkath Soopy said the Government would consider whether the fees of students getting admission in merit quota in self-financing colleges could be reduced.
Calling off mining project the only way out, says Sudheeran
Saturday, June 28, 2003
V M Sudheeran, Congress MP from Alappuzha, now in the forefront of anti-mineral sand mining project in Alappuzha has said that the people and his movement would not settle for anything short of a total cancellation of the present government order sanctioning mining by a private company in the coastal belt. "Let them first cancel the decision and begin on a clean slate. We have an open mind and would consider any other proposal after that. However a democratic government cannot impose a decision like this on its people without considering their protest," Sudheeran said while addressing a press conference at Kesari Memorial Trust Hall in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday. He also expressed regret that the Chief Minister AK Antony has not acted in this matter after taking the feelings of the local population into consideration. The Congress leader reiterated his charge that the decision to grant permission for mineral sand mining in Alappuzha area is the biggest political scam in the history of the state. "Many people with totally divergent views have suspiciously come together in support of the project," he pointed out. Sudheeran said that the present struggle is not aimed at gaining any political mileage but is for the poor people who live in an area with very fragile ecological balance. He added that the mining of mineral sand would upset the equilibrium of the coastal belt, which has only a thin divide between the sea and backwaters. He also rejected the proposal for another expert committee saying that the first team of so called experts ended up as protagonists of the project.
Bhavana, new sensation!
Friday, June 27, 2003
The new sensation in Malayalam films is Bhavana. She has become the most wanted actress in Malayalam now. NAMMAL the film by kamal celebrating its 60th day is not the news but the real news is that the actress Bhavana who did the role of Parimalam in that picture as a second heroine or supporting actress has not been able to go back to her house since the release of the film! She has been reporting for shooting since NAMMAL became a hit. She has attended Sibi malayail film in Cochin and Vinayan film in Thodupuzha. Directors and producers are waiting to see her to sign her in their films. She attended the opening shots of the film produced by Dileep in Cochin and rushed for Vinayan film in which she acts opposite Prithviraj. Looks a real threat to new heroines.
Shah Rukh fever in Kerala
Friday, June 27, 2003
After a long break, a Hindi film starring Shah Rukh Khan, Chalte Chalte has opened well in Ernakulam and Trivandrum. This proves that the Shah Rukh ‘magic’ still seems to be working with the audience in Kerala. Nothing can keep our ‘King’ Khan down, not even a nagging back pain, which finally put him on the operation table in a London hospital. At Ernakulam Saritha theatre, Chalte Chalte has grossed nearly Rs 3 lakhs in the opening weekend while Pritviraj’s Vellithira managed to gross only 2.12 lakhs!! And the distributor of our ‘macho’ hero Suresh Gopi’s Swapnam Kondoru Thulabharam refused to divulge the collections. What endear our younger audience to SRK are his on screen don’t care attitude and boy next-door looks. They say that there are no Malayalee heroe with the kind of charisma that the Bollywood stars have. And this week Hrithik’s Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon is releasing in Kerala, and with schools and colleges re-opened, the audience are sure to make a beeline for the Bollywood biggies.
File case against Thomas, Vigilance told
Friday, June 27, 2003
Thrissur, June 26 : Enquiry Commissioner and Special Judge (Vigilance) today directed the Vigilance Director to register a case against Kerala Tourism and Fisheries Minister, K V Thomas, within 15 days in a disproportionate assets case. The direction was issued by Special Judge, S Sathinathan, on a complaint filed by one Biju Valluvanadan, of Kochi in June last alleging that Thomas had amassed wealth beyond his known sources of income as a public servant during the past 23 years. According to the complainant, the Minister had amassed about Rs 25 crores in a short span of his political life, while his known sources of income would be below Rs 20 lakhs. It was also alleged that Thomas had celebrated his daughter's wedding in a grand manner by giving her in dowry gold ornaments weighing about 450 sovereigns, Rs 25 lakhs in cash besides a car worth Rs 7.5 lakhs.
Killer fever stalks India's Kerala, 62 dead
Friday, June 27, 2003
New Delhi, June 27, IRNA - A viral epidemic has gripped Southern Indian State of Kerala with another 14 persons succumbing to the killer fevers across the state in last two days, taking the toll to 62, local press reported on Friday. According to the Hindustan Times, a New Delhi-based English daily, rat fever (leptospirosis), dengue, malaria and a host of other diseases are being reported in Kerala. Though the official death toll is 62, health activists and other claim that over 150 persons have died of these diseases in the last one and a half months. Children, most of them below 10, are the worst affected. Kerala's Health Minister P.Sankaran admitted that "the situation is serious. Almost all hospitals are flooded with patients. More than 6,000 people are being treated at various hospitals in the state. Kerala Government has asked Center to rush an emergency aid of Rs50 million. Epidemics are common in Kerala during the monsoon season. But this time it has blown out of proportion. Poor waste management system, ineffective vector control programs an increasing density of population are the reasons for the rapid spread of the epidemic. /HM End
Online lottery: Govt favours Pvt sector involvement
Thursday, June 26, 2003
The State Finance Minister K.Sankaranarayanan told the Assembly on Wednesday that the government would soon invite tenders from the private parties to run online lottery in the state. Replying to a question, he said a revenue of Rs 100 crore was expected through the private online lottery. The government was also planning to impose sales tax on online lotteries run by other states and To a supplementary, he said the government was considering to ban two-digit and instant lottery in the state. Replying to another set of questions, Sankaranarayanan said the state government would seek an additional grant from the twelfth Finance Commission during its visit to the state on July 15. Pointing out that the state's plan outlay for 2003-04 was Rs 4,400 crore , he said an additional grant would be sought by citing the reduction in revenue deficit during the last financial year. He asserted that the government had no proposal to effect cut in the salary and pension of employees.
Businessman plans small airfield in Kerala
Thursday, June 26, 2003
Thiruvananthapuram, A Chennai-based Keralite is planning to set up a private airfield in Kerala. K.C.G. Varghese had launched the Air Asiatic private airlines in the early 1990s but has since then been running several engineering institutions. Now he is planning an airfield at Thiruvalla, 100 km north of this Kerala capital. Kerala Congress (M) legislator Mammen Mathai said he would be going to Chennai next week to finalise the plans with Varghese. "The entire idea was his, and I am giving him a helping hand. We have already identified a prime plot in Thiruvalla for the purpose," said Mathai. Mathai said what Varghese has in mind was not the conventional airport but instead a small airport, ideal for aircraft that have a seating capacity of 50 or less. The area required is 6,000 feet in length and 180 feet in width. Varghese expects the demand for small aircraft to go up. Thiruvalla is in Pathanamthitta district, which is the native land of over 200,000 non-resident Keralites settled in the Middle East and the U.S. So Varghese's novel business idea is expected to click. Mathai said Varghese already has a few small and medium aircraft and with the introduction of flights by Indian Airlines from Kochi to Thiruvananthapuram and to Kozhikode, having a small airport in Thiruvalla made sense economically. The current fare to both these destinations is less than Rs.2,000 and it takes less than 40 minutes. By road the same distance takes close to five hours. Thiruvalla falls between Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram. "And that is one reason why he is scouting for land in the heart of Thiruvalla itself," said Mathai. Mathai also added that the entire investment is to be made by Varghese, who incidentally hails from Pathanamthitta.
Meet on Keralites settled in India
Thursday, June 26, 2003
Thiruvananthapuram, June 24 After focussing on Keralites settled abroad, the government is now paying attention to Keralites in different parts of the country. The government will hold the first ever convention of Keralite organisations in India on July 12 and 13 in New Delhi. "We are expecting about 1,000 people from various groups. Each organisation can send up to three people. Also expected are businessmen and Keralites from abroad," Minister for Non-resident Keralites M.M. Hassan said here Tuesday. The two-day meet, called "Samanwayam 2003", is being organised by the newly formed Roots-NRK (non resident Keralites) Development Initiative. Interested organisations could log on to www.nonresidentkeralite.com or send e-mail to nrkroots@vsnl.net. Hassan said the main agenda would be a free and frank discussion to find out what needs to be done for this section of Keralites. Among those slated to attend the inaugural function are Kerala Chief Minister A.K. Antony and Minister of State of Defence O. Rajagopal. Prominent opposition leaders are also to participate.
Kerala thinks big on biotechnology
Thursday, June 26, 2003
Thiruvananthapuram, June 23 Kerala is planning a roadmap for biotechnology to tap the state's huge potential in medicinal and aromatic plants. The state capital Monday saw pharmaceutical experts, manufacturers and academics gather at a workshop on medicinal and aromatic plants. Muhammed Majeed, a U.S.-based Keralite and managing director of Sami Labs Ltd, a Bangalore-based company that makes products from herbal extracts, said at the meet that Kerala has tremendous potential in the herbal extraction market. But, he said, unfortunately there was hardly any organised system to grow such cash rich plants or to process such products. "If we don't do something now, it might be late because several states are now trying to do that," Majeed told . The turnover of Sami Labs in the last financial year was Rs.2.5 billion, of which products like phyto pharmaceuticals, cosmoceuticals and herbal product derivatives accounted for Rs.750 million. Majeed also has a company in the U.S. engaged in research and development. While inaugurating the workshop, Health Minister P. Sankaran said India had done very little on this front and its exports of herbal products were a mere Rs.4.46 billion compared to China's Rs.200 billion. "Kerala has about 800 units manufacturing ayurveda products but despite the large number, we really have not been able to exploit the huge biodiversity of our state," said Sankaran. Rajiv Vasudevan, special officer of bio-technology in the state government, emphasised the need for the state to develop a research agenda covering a spectrum of needs, from ensuring availability of quality plant material to large-scale cultivation of important medicinal plants to harvesting, storage, processing, testing and packaging to meet the global requirements. "The need of the hour is a short-term strategy coupled with a long-term strategy in this regard, and I feel we are now going in the right direction for attracting investments in this sector," said Vasudevan. A.V. Anoop, director of Chennai-based Cholayil Pharmaceuticals, manufacturers of the Medimix brand of soaps, said Kerala would "first have to identify the right plants and begin large-scale cultivation of these plants in an organised manner. "We have a lot of plants in the state that can be useful, and for that we have to document them in the proper perspective. If not, these extracts would be patented in other countries," said Anoop. "Already Germany is taking up ayurveda in a big way by setting up an ayurveda college there. We have everything here and apart from large-scale production, we should also have a mechanism by which we could store and also do the processing."
Kalam gets approval certificate from former colleagues
Thursday, June 26, 2003
Thiruvananthapuram, June 25 Indian President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's former colleagues believe that India has gained immensely after he was elected head of state. Said G. Madhavan Nair, director of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) here: "The country has gained immensely because he has started applying his vast scientific knowledge to tackle the various problems faced by the country." Nair was speaking at a media workshop organised by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the government's Press Information Bureau here Wednesday on whether India had lost scientifically after Kalam became president. Kalam's former colleague said the country had not lost anything but gained enormously after Kalam took over as president. The president had also taken keen interest in the various scientific meetings that were being held in the country, Nair said. "He just walked into the Space Summit in Bangalore and spoke for an hour. Everyone was so thrilled," recalled Nair. Kalam the scientist spent a major portion of his career at the VSSC campus here from the late 60s onwards. He stayed in an ordinary lodge and was often seen cycling around the city.
'I' group's boycott troubles Govt
Wednesday, June 25, 2003
The reported decision of "I" group in Congress party in the state, loyal to senior leader K Karunakaran, to boycott discussions in the assembly had its echo in the house on Tuesday with the opposition seizing the opportunity to create embarrassment for treasury benches. During the first day of debate on the discussion on demands for grants in the budget, opposition leader, V S Achutanandan and CPI leader K P Rajendran repeatedly reminded Chief Minister A K Antony the reported decision of "I" group MLA's to refrain from taking part in debates in the house. The "I" group had termed the two-year rule of UDF as a "total failure", Rajendran said and wanted to know from the Chief Minister his reaction on the matter. Opposition leader V S Achutanandan, while concluding the discussion from the opposition side, lambasted the government for its wrong economic policies and sought to know from Antony "Why a section of his party MLAs were boycotting the debates if the two-year rule was as successful as the government claimed". Achutanandan said UDF government was following the diktats of Asian Development Bank for availing loan and was pledging the state's assets to ADB. "All section of people in the state are fed with the present administration", he said adding "I" group reaction was a reflection of this. Antony, while replying to the debate, however, refused to make any political comment but focussed his speech more on the initiatives taken by his government for the development of the state. Antony said government was moving ahead with a vision and results of the government's resolve had started showing up on economic front. State's finances had improved and there was revival in all sectors, he claimed. Turning the table on the LDF for its criticism on ADB conditions for loan, Antony said UDF government was only following the policies laid out by the previous regime. "Everybody knows when the discussion for availing ADB loan started", he said referring to the talks initiated by previous LDF government for availing the ADB loan. Blaming the opposition, particularly CPI-M, for adopting double standards with regard to their approach towards private investment and multi-National companies, he said CPI-M should change its old slogan and outmoded style of stir. Frequent strike calls by opposition had adversely affected the investment climate in the state, he said. A comprehensive programme to improve the services and infrastructure in government hospitals would also be initiated this year, he said, while refuting opposition criticism that UDF government was moving away from welfare areas and education sector paving way for private sector domination. Along with providing impetus to industrial growth with private participation, government has prepared a Rs 500 crore project for reviving the state's traditional sectors like coir, cashew, khadi, textile and fisheries, he said. Later, the house passed the demand for heads of states, ministers and headquarters staff for Rs 174.36 crore.
Hartal in Kasaragod near total
Wednesday, June 25, 2003
The 12-hour hartal called by BJP and Sangh Parivar in Kasaragod district on Tuesday was total, reports said. The dawn to dusk hartal was called to protest the killing of PV Damodaran, an RSS worker and postmaster of Pullur post office, on Monday allegedly by CPI (M) workers. The authorities had deployed police in most of the sensitive areas of the district in view of the hartal. The police also prevented a clash between CPI (M) and RSS workers in Vellikkoth, near Kanhangad on Tuesday morning. The trouble started when RSS men tried to force down the shutters of business establishments in the area and the CPM workers resisted the move. Damodaran was killed during the lunch hours at the post office where he was working. The district leaders of the BJP and RSS have accused the CPI(M) of being responsible for the murder.
'Samanvayam 2003' on July 12 and 13
Wednesday, June 25, 2003
The Non-resident Keralite Affairs (NORKA) department of the state government would organise a get-together of non-resident Keralites working in other states within India on July12 and 13, State Minister M M Hassan told reporters on Tuesday. The meet has been christened as 'Samanvayam 2003.' The State Chief Minister AK Antony would inaugurate the meet on July 12, in the presence of Union Minister of State for defence Affairs O Rajagopal. Minister Hassan said that political leaders and prominent personalities from the socio-cultural arenas of the state would interact with the representatives of the Non-resident Malayalees during these two days. All Malayalee organisations functioning outside the state would be invited for the meet, Hassan added.
Murali accuses BJP of fomenting trouble
Wednesday, June 25, 2003
KPCC president K Muralidharan has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of whipping up communal passion in the state in the backdrop of Marad incident. Inaugurating an anti-communal convention organized by the Thiruvananthapuram DCC in the state capital on Tuesday, Murali said that the propaganda organized by the BJP leadership is aimed at fomenting trouble. The congress leader said that considering all aspects, an enquiry by a sitting Judge was best suited for Marad. He said that the Marad beach continues to be tense.
Dengue fever: Kerala seeks Central aid
Wednesday, June 25, 2003
The dengue threat, that has claimed many lives in the state, is expected to persist for another fortnight, health officials said in Thiruvananthapuram. A meeting of experts convened in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday emphasized the need to speed up the garbage cleaning work and also advised the public to seek immediate medical aid in case of fever. Meanwhile, the Kerala government has sought an assistance of Rs 5 crore from the Centre to deal with the situation arising out of the outbreak of Dengue and other epidemics which have so far claimed 55 lives in the state. Health Minister P. Sankaran told the state assembly on Monday that a detailed report with regard to the outbreak of epidemics had been sent to the Centre. On its part, the state government had sanctioned Rs 2.20 crore to tackle the situation. The Minister said the district-level monitoring committees would review the situation and report to the three-member ministerial crisis management team headed by Rural Development Minister C.F. Thomas. In addition to the deaths by Dengue fever, rat fever and viral fever, five people died of jaundice, he said replying to questions. Meanwhile, reports from various parts of the state said that at least 17 more succumbed to the deadly fever on Monday. Deaths were reported from Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kozhikkode, Alappuzha, Thrissur and Kasaragod.
CPI (M) lets off Govinda Pillai with a stern warning
Wednesday, June 25, 2003
The state committee of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has publicly reprimanded party ideologue and litterateur P. Govinda Pillai for the remarks made by him in an interview given to 'Bhashaposhini,' a literary journal and published in its latest issue. The state committee that met in Thiruvananthapuram, however, decided not to take any harsh steps against Govinda Pillai, considering his past contributions to the party and his stature. Significantly, even though the CPI (M), in a press release issued on Tuesday, rebutted almost all the major points raised by Pillai, his controversial view favouring a tie-up with the Muslim League has not been commented upon. Moreover, CPM leadership's embarrassment and discomfort over the interview is evident from the lengthy clarification, which seeks to counter Pillai's views point by point. More worrying for the party is the fact that the interview has come at a time when the party is facing unprecedented, but localized, revolt in some of its former strongholds in the state. The differences and power struggles among the top leadership of the party is also no more a secret. In the statement, the state committee termed the interview as one that `violated party discipline in general, contained baseless remarks about A.K. Gopalan, E.M.S. Nampoothiripad, the party general secretary, Harkishen Singh Surjeet, and politburo member, V.S. Achutanandan, leaders respected by both the party and country as a whole, and lowered the image of the party in the public eye'. The statement also quoted Pillai as having told the committee that certain words and sentences of his were taken out of context to accuse him of having tried to defame EMS, Surjeet and Achutanandan and make it appear that he had resorted to a sweeping indictment of the CPI. Such allegations were not in tune with his positions or intended that way, he reportedly said.
No plan to raise retirement age, says CM
Monday, June 23, 2003
Thiruvanathapuram, Jun 22 - Kerala Chief Minister A K Antony on Saturday said the state government had no plan to raise the retirement age of government servants in view of the growing unemployment problem. Inaugurating the website of the Economics and Statistics department here, he said training would be made mandatory for government servants to make their services more efficient. There would be budget allocation for training them to adapt to technical advancement. The Economics and Statistics department could do a lot to help the planning process. The Modernising Government Programme (MGP) had been launched as part of government's efforts to provide Justice to all sections.
School building collapses in Kerala
Monday, June 23, 2003
Thrissur, Jun 22 - Heavy rain and gusty winds brought down a portion of a primary school building at Vadanappaly near here Saturday, but no one was hurt as it was a holiday. A portion of the building, housing as many as six divisions, crashed to the ground. The tin sheets of the roof were blown off by the wind, police said. The area was getting heavy rainfall since Friday.
Raj TV plans Kannada, Malayalam channels
Monday, June 23, 2003
AFTER its foray into Telugu on June 23, Raj Television Network Ltd is planning to start channels in Malayalam and Kannada, besides launching a 24-hour national news channel and a multi-lingual music channel christened Raj Musix. The Rs 60-crore television network, which runs Raj TV and Raj Digital Plus in Tamil, has embarked upon a Rs 100-crore expansion plan to increase the number of channels to seven, according to Mr M. Ravindran, the Director of the TV company. Anouncing the launch of Vissa, Raj's Telugu channel on June 23, he told newspersons that Mr Chandrababu Naidu, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, would inaugurate the channel. The Chennai-based company has already invested Rs 15 crore so far on Vissa. "We will spend Rs 20-25 crore more in the coming years to acquire 250 films and create content," Mr R. Radhakrishnan, the Associate Vice-President (Sales & Marketing), said.
Govt considering reducing fee for Engg admissions
Monday, June 23, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister AK Antony told the government would consider reducing the yearly fees for the self financing engineering courses. He was talking to mediapersons after the all party meeting held here yesterday. The all party meeting, convened by Chief Minister AK Antony to evolve a consensus on serious issues concerning the state, failed to achieve the objective. However, the meeting was cordial throughout with Antony terming it as a 'good beginning.' He later told newsmen that the government would explore more areas where cooperation was possible with all political efforts to solve all the problems raised by the leaders of the political parties at the meeting. "It is possible for all political parties to cooperate on matters of development and communal harmony, even while maintaining the political differences." The meeting was attended by prominent leaders of all political parties in the ruling Congress (I) led UDF and the opposition Marxist -led LDF and the Bharatiya Janata Party. Leader of Opposition VS Achuthanandan and former chief ministers K Karunakaran and PK Vasudevan Nair were also present at the meeting. He said the government appealed to all the political parties to cooperate with the government to restore peace in Maraad beach where nine people were killed in a communal carnage on May 2. Achuthanandan said the opposition would extend cooperation on the basis of the government's response to the issues raised by it in yesterday's meeting.
MACTA to honour Navodya Appachen, Aranmula Ponnama, Arjunan
Monday, June 23, 2003
MACTA to honour Navodya Appachen, Aranmula Ponnama, Arjunan THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Malayalam Cine Technicians Association (MACTA) will honour on Sunday three veterans who have served the industry with distinction for decades. The MACTA said on Saturday that it would felicitate veteran producer Navodya Appachen (M.C. Punnoose), octogenarian actress Aranmula Ponnama and music director M. K. Arjunan at a glittering ceremony here. "Many film personalities are expected to take part in the function and there would also be a musical night with 25 selected songs of Arjunan," MACTA chairman K.G. George told reporters. Navodya Appachen has produced 100 films. The 57-year-old has made news in the past for producing south India's first 70 mm film, the first cinemascope film and also the first tree-dimensional movie in the country. Aranmula Ponnama, 89, has acted in about 500 films and has played the role of mother to almost all leading heroes and heroines in the Malayalam film industry. Arjunan, 76, popularly called Arjunan Master, has completed 35 years as music director and has composed songs for about 250 theatre productions and 200 Malayalam films. The MACTA will also honour artistes who earned laurels for Malayalam filmdom last year by winning national recognition, among them Mohanlal, Jayaram, Sukumari and Rajiv Kumar.
Huge demand for ‘Harry Potter’ in city
Monday, June 23, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The long-awaited fifth novel in the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, hit the stands on Saturday in all the leading book shops in the city. Many had been waiting for days to lay their hands on the latest instalment of the teenage wizard’s exploits. The sales around the world started at the same time to prevent any sneak previews. At the Modern Book House all the 50 copies were sold out in record time. ‘‘The sale started at 9.30 a.m. and by around 10.30 a.m., all the books were sold out,’’ said Sudheer of Modern Book House. He also said that they purposefully restricted bulk sales to ensure as many people got their copies. The D.C.Books got 36 copies and in the morning itself they sold out 25 copies. At Higginbothams, out of the 20 copies, only four copies were sold. ‘‘We had ordered for more but got only 20. The new copies would probably arrive on Monday,’’ said Sivakumar, managing executive, Higginbothams. Current Book House got 12 copies. ‘‘I got a lot of enquiries and, in fact, got booking for 10 books,’’ said Mohan Kumar, manager, Current Book House. India Book House, the distributors in the State, had ordered for 750 copies but got only 444 copies. ‘‘Out of this we have distributed 200 copies to various bookstalls in the city. The rest of the copies have gone to Kochi and Kottayam,’’ said Harikumar who is in charge of India Book House here. An estimated 13 million copies of book five have now rolled off the presses around the world in a massive print run. It has already broken Internet sales records with more than one million advance orders received by Amazon. Rowling plans to write a total of seven books about the adventures of Harry and his friends at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Her four previous Potter novels have sold more than 190 million copies in 55 languages and 200 countries.
Soorya Festival from September 21
Monday, June 23, 2003
Soorya Festival from September 21 THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The 51-day-long Soorya Festival being organised by Soorya Stage and Film Society will begin here on September 21. Announcing this at a news conference here on Saturday, Soorya Krishnamoorthy said that actor Mammootty would dedicate the festival to the art and cultural lovers during the opening ceremony. Murali Nair’s latest film ‘Arimpara’ will be the inaugural film. This year’s festival marking the end of the silver jubilee celebrations of Soorya will conclude on November 11. Two more categories of festivals like ‘Ramayana festival’ and ‘Old is Gold festival’ will be introduced from this year. While the ‘Ramayana festival’ will present Ramayana through folk art forms, ‘Old is Gold’ will be a package of acclaimed films. The film festival will be held from September 21 to 30 at Tagore Centenary Hall and Kalabhavan Theatre and the theatre festival will be held from October 11 to 20 at VJT Hall.
Kerala’s endemic river fishes facing extinction
Monday, June 23, 2003
Kerala’s endemic river fishes facing extinction IDUKKI: A survey conducted in 26 selected rivers of Kerala, in connection with a World Bank-aided project implemented through the National Agriculture Technology, has found that about 140 species of endemic river fishes are considerably declining in the rivers of the State. The survey was undertaken as a part of preparing the first elaborate database of fishes in the State, which has the largest endemic river fish species in the country, including 16 exclusive world varieties that are facing extinction. Dr B Madhusoodana Kurup of School of Industrial Fisheries, Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), who heads the survey team, said about 50 parameters were helping the survival of a species in the river and a major change in eight primary factors needed for its survival could wipe out an entire species. Sources said that, unlike in the case of marine fish wealth, which is fast depleting owing to over fishing, endemic river fishes in the State were losing to illegal fishing using dynamite, electricity and poison as well as habitat disturbances caused by activities like sand-mining and rock-blasting. Introduction of exotic foreign varieties to the rivers of the State has also taken its toll on the indigenous species. For example, 'cyprinus', a Brazilian species, was introduced into the Periyar lake in the 1990s. Within five years, it reduced the total number of endemic variety 'torkhudree' (mahaseer) to just 20 percent. In the next five years, the 'mahaseer' will be totally wiped out from the area, as it has a slow-breeding tendency unlike 'cyprinus'. Sources said there was every chance of a cross-breeding in the river, and "once it takes place, the purity of the gene pool will be completely lost". Fishes usually migrate upstream for breeding during the first rains. The increase in the number of checkdams prevents such migrations and limits them in a particular area, thereby exposing the species to high vulnerability. Of the 16 exclusive world varieties in Kerala, nine are in the upstream area of the Periyar river in Idukki district. ``The Periyar has one of the largest collection of endemic fishes because of noticeable changes in topography, climate, and flora and fauna in areas where the river passes,'' according to research fellows T G Manojkumar and K V Radhakrishnan, who helped Dr Madhusoodana Kurup in the project. With the global marine fish stock of large varieties remaining just 10 percent, protection of endemic river fishes will have to receive principal attention in future. The survey, done for the first time in the State, has significance in the backdrop of a few instances of illegal export of endemic river fishes recently. ``Due to the curing effect of certain small fishes in the indigenous medicines in the country, there is every chance of bio-piracy, and a comprehensive plan to protect them from being extinct is the need of the hour,'' Dr Padmakumar, of Kerala Agricultural University's Fisheries Research Centere at Kumarakom, said.
US Navymen visit SOS Children’s Village
Monday, June 23, 2003
KOCHI: Twenty crew members of the visiting US Navy ships USS Gary and USS Vandergrift paid a visit to the SOS Children’s Village in Aluva today. The Navymen reached the children’s village around 1.30 p.m. They did maintenance of the recreation area of the village and painted the swing and see-saw, much to the youngsters’ delight. The Navymen interacted with the children and held a friendly football match. Activists of the CPM and the DYFI took out protests outside the gates of the children’s village demanding that the US ships leave the Indian shores. Police had arrived at the scene to prevent any untoward incident.
Internet cafes, coaching centres to be hit hard
Monday, June 23, 2003
KOCHI: The extension of eight percent service tax to other sectors by the government will hit hard sectors like internet cafes, coaching centres for competitive examinations and ports. The internet cafes will be put in a dilemma by the tax. If they pass it on to the customers, they have to face the possibility of the dwindling customers. The small internet cafes may have to down shutters. Paulson, owner of internet cafe Crystal Dotcom says that they may have to absorb the tax. At present he is charging Rs 15 to 20 for an hour. ‘‘We get full customers only in the evening. In the morning we get a few customers.’’ He thinks hiking the fee will discourage the customers. Unless the government gives some concession in the power tariff, it will be difficult to survive in this highly competitive field, he says. The power is charged at commercial tariff, which is Rs 12 per unit. ‘‘The cable net providers like Asianet, Dishnet etc have already started charging the tax on us.’’ Umesh Mallia, manager of Satyam infoway said they may also be forced to absorb the tax. When this was slapped on the internet pack, Satyam did not increase the charges, he said. Coaching institutes for competitive examinations like medical, engineering etc are another sector that come under the service tax net. According to Pramod Kumar, managing director of Time institute, creating an awareness among the parents is going to be difficult. ‘‘We will be forced to hike the fees and naturally parents will question this.’’ At present the average fee is around Rs 5,000 for a year. Mathew, director of Tandem, feels coaching will become a costly affair. ‘‘Already we are paying hourly remuneration to lecturers and separate study materials to students every year.’’ He feels that the fees cannot be hiked beyond a limit. As for the service tax on ports, the Cochin Port Trust chairman Jacob Thomas said he had not received any information on this. But if such a tax is imposed then the exporters may have to pay more. The forex dealers also said they have not received any intimation from RBI on the tax.
Rains wreak havoc in northern Kerala
Monday, June 23, 2003
Rains wreak havoc in northern Kerala THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Incessant rains lashing northern Kerala for the last three days wreaked havoc in many places. Kasargod district bore the brunt of monsoon fury with low-lying areas submerging and train traffic disrupted by landslips. According to police, three deaths have been reported from different places after the current spell of monsoon became vigorous last week. Unconfirmed reports, however, put the rain-related death toll at five. Official sources said about 200 families were affected by the rains across the State. As a silver lining, the inflow into hydel reservoirs have increased substantially with catchment areas were getting good rainfall. Train services between Kannur and Mangalore had been hit due to landslids, Southern Railway sources said. The trains on the route have either been rescheduled or terminated at other stations. A release from the divisional railway office here said the Thiruvananthapuram-Lokmanya Tilak Netravati Express, scheduled to leave at 1000 hrs on Monday, is rescheduled to leave at 2300 hrs the same day. Ernakulam-Nizamuddin Express, scheduled to leave at 1245 hrs on Monday, is rescheduled to leave at 2200 hrs. Both the trains had been diverted via Shoranur. Send this Story to your friend
ADB-funded plan moots health tax in Kerala
Monday, June 23, 2003
A report prepared under the Modernising Government and Fiscal Reforms in Kerala Programme (MGP) has proposed levying of health tax from residents by the respective gram panchayats. The MGP is funded by the Rs 1,800 crore loan that the state government is availing of from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Pointing out that the proposal would be given a concrete shape only after it is discussed and approved at various levels by the concerned authorities, sources said the proposed tax would be levied to cover the expenses involved in running government hospitals. The objective of levying this tax would be to give financial autonomy to government hospitals. To make this possible, the MGP steering committee headed by the chief secretary has recommended amending the Panchayat Act. As per the proposal, though the health tax can be levied from every family, people living below the poverty line should be exempted from it. The taxes levied under this programme can also be utilised to create a health fund. All the expenses related to appointment of doctors on temporary and contract basis as well as for purchase and maintenance of equipment in government hospitals can be met from this fund. The committee has proposed finalising the mode of collection and size of this fund by December and bringing in the amendment to the Act by June 2004. Pointing out that there could be stiff opposition to this proposal from various quarters, the committee has suggested conducting an awareness campaign among the public. Suggesting drastic reforms in the health sector, the committee has proposed computerisation of facilities as well as centralisation of collection and distribution of drugs so as to ensure quality. A special committee should also be set up for keeping abreast of the developments taking place in the health sector, it added.
Rains disrupt train services again
Monday, June 23, 2003
Kannur, June 22. : Heavy rains lashing the northern districts of Kerala for the last three days severely disrupted rail traffic on the Cannanore and Mangalore section of Southern Railway for the second consecutive day today. The rail tracks were inundated at Udma between Kottikulam and Kasaragod stations, railway sources said. While both up and down Mangalore-Trichy Link Express have been cancelled between Kasaragod and Shornoor, the Coimbatore- Mangalore fast passenger trains will not run between Mangalore and Calicut. The Mangalore-Cannanore passenger train was cancelled for the second consecutive day due to damage caused to tracks, the sources said. The Mangalore-bound Malabar Express from Thiruvananthapuram and the Chennai-Mangalore Mail have been terminated at Nileshwar and both the trains will start their return journeys once the passengers of the Mangalore side reach Nileshwar by special buses provided for their onward journey by these trains. Meanwhile, the Ernakulam-Nizamuddin Mangala Lakshadweep Express and the Thiruvananthapuram-Lokmanya Tilak (Kurla) Netravati Express have been diverted via Shornur and Darmavaram due to disruption of rail traffic on the Konkan Railway route following heavy rains, the sources here said.
NFF to be made an annual event
Monday, June 23, 2003
Thiruvananthapuram, June 22. : The Kerala State Chalachitra Akademi would hold its National Film Festival (NFF) this year at Perinthalmanna from July 12 to 14. The NFF would be made an annual event from this year and would be held from March 31 to April 6 in the coming years, Akademi chairman, T K Rajeev Kumar, said here. The festival would feature retrospectives, Indian Panorama Films, and best of regional language films. The festival was aimed at bringing together filmmakers from all parts of the country on a single platform, he said in a statement. The National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) had offered to support the conduct of NFF, the statement said.
Yesudas gets amity award
Monday, June 23, 2003
Thiruvananthapuram, June 22. : Playback legend K J Yesudas has been chosen for the first Swamy Saswathikananda award for fostering communal harmony. The award, announced at a press meet here by the Board member of the Shri Narayanana Dharma Sanghom Trust, Swamy Sookshmananda, carries Rs 50,000 in cash, a memento and a citation. The award will, henceforth, be given once every three years, the Trust, which has instituted the award, said. Yesudas was chosen for the award in view of his outstanding contribution to promote communal amity and for spreading Sree Narayana Guru's message of universal brotherhood and peace, Swamy Sookshmananda said. The award will be presented at a function at Sivagiri Mutt on July 1.
Swapnakoodu to be released during Onam
Friday, June 20, 2003
Kamal's next film SWAPNAKOODU is scheduled to be released this Onam. The film was earlier titled as KOODU, but late was changed to SWAPNAKOODU. The cast of this film includes Prithviraj, Kunchako Boban, Jayasoorya, Meera Jasmine, Bhavana and Vijeesh. The script and dialogues are jointly written by Iqbal Kuttippuramand and Kamal. Kaithapram has written the songs for which Mohan Sitara renders music. The songs of this film have been shot in Europe. SWAPNAKOODU is all about friendship, love and sacrifice. The story basically revolves round college students. With designer clothes and touch of class the film is sure to make big news.
For him, the arc lights will never fade
Friday, June 20, 2003
PUNE: Peals of laughter, sharing of ideas under the wisdom tree, young aspiring actors who now have made it big -KV Kurien, head of production department of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) has seen it all. From behind the scenes, he has seen the students blossom into fine professionals. Whether Subhash Ghai, KG George, Tom Alter, Shabana Azmi, Jaya Bhaduri - you name them, and he opens up a string of memories. Kurien, who joined the institute in 1964, has seen many changes over his 40 years tenure and has been popular with his students. Having come from a small village in Kerala at the age of 17, Kurien worked his way up when he got a job first as an assistant at the FTII, even completing his education while there. Since he was into production, Kurien’s job was mainly to ‘‘create space for the creative people, manage resources of man, material and money.’’ And since he had to manage the students’ diploma films, he also had close interaction with the students who ranged from Mithun Chakraborty, Shatrughan Sinha, Shabana Azmi, Santosh Sivan and many others. ‘‘PK Shivkumar directed Shabana in the movie ‘An evening of December’ and we knew right then that she was a gifted actress,’’ recollects Kurien. Another incident he distinctly remembers, is when he had to manage the production for French director Daniel Pocquet and had to travel extensively with him. ‘‘It was a learning experience,’’ recollects Kurien. He distinctly remembers the chirpy and warm Jaya Bhaduri. ‘‘We all knew she was bright and would do well,’’ says Kurien. He also talks about Subhash Ghai who was ‘‘very promising’’ right from the beginning. His dedication towards his work saw him going to Hawaii’s Haggai Institute of Leadership where he participated in training for topics such as leadership, counselling and building human relationships. Having reached the completion of his tenure, Kurien who has been teaching at the FTII since the last five years and taking classes at many institutes on production, wants to continue his association by imparting his knowledge through lectures. ‘‘I would also want to write a book and also maybe help out youngsters with production,’’ says Kurien.
‘I’ group MLAs walk out of CLP meeting
Friday, June 20, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Congress MLAs belonging to the Karunakaran faction walked out of the Congress Legislature Party meet in protest against the Antony Government’s police policy and neglect of the MLAs belonging to the faction by the Chief Minister. The‘ I’ group MLAs also refused to give names for the list of participants for the debate on demand for grants in the House. Karunakaran supporters E.M Augusthy and P.J.Joy criticised the Government at the meeting saying that Congress workers were unhappy with the police policy of the Government. ‘‘The Government has distanced itself from party workers who toiled to bring it to power,’’ Augusthy said. He complained about the misbehavior meted out to him at the office of Finance Minister K.Sankaranarayanan recently. Joy, who spoke next, reiterated the charges. The Karunakaran faction MLAs walked out after Joy completed his speech. The meeting authorised Congress Legislature Party secretary Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan to prepare the list of speakers during the discussion on the demand for grants in the Assembly.
Kunhalikutty urges Cong to form Kerala-type coalition at national level
Friday, June 20, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: IUML State general secretary and Industry Minister P.K.Kunhalikutty on Thursday said that the Congress should take the initiative to form a vast front consisting of all secular parties at the national level. Addressing a meet-the-press programme organised by the Kesari Memorial Journalists’ Trust, Kunhalikutty said that his party would not hesitate to join a Congress-led Government at the Centre if invited. He said that one of the main resolutions passed at the IUML all-India conference in Bangalore was to urge the Congress party to adopt the Kerala-model coalition system at the national level. To a query, he said that both CPM and the CPI should join hands with the Congress to defeat the BJP in the coming elections. Kunhalikutty said that the CPM may not be able to ally with the Congress in Kerala and West Bengal, but they can forge an alliance with the Congress in other states, he said. Referring to stiff opposition to the industrial policies of the UDF Government from various quarters, Kunhalikutty said that a change in the mindset of the people was required if Kerala was to develop. ‘‘Kerala has achieved maximum social security and the State is being considered as the best in many areas. ‘‘We have to generate more employment opportunities and wealth if we have to maintain this position,’’ he said.
Epidemics claimed 51 in State
Friday, June 20, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Government on Thursday admitted that 51 people died in the recent outbreak of epidemics in the the form of dengue fever, rat fever, viral fever and malaria in the State. Health Minister P.Sankaran told the Assembly while replying to an adjournment motion by M.V.Jayarajan of the CPM that dengue fever had claimed the life of 15 people, rat fever 21, viral fever 14, and malaria one in different parts of the State. Intervening in the discussion, the Chief Minister assured the House that the Government would do all possible to contain the spread of the disease besides providing relief to those affected. He attributed the unprecedented outbreak of diseases to climatic changes. He said the Government had sanctioned Rs 1.15 crore for controlling epidemics. Sanction was also given to all panchayats, municipalities and city corporations to spend Rs 25,000, Rs 50,000 and Rs 1 lakh respectively from their funds for taking emergency steps to contain diseases. Jayarajan alleged that the measures taken so far had been inadequate~ENS
Mappila song artiste Chand Pasha is dead
Friday, June 20, 2003
KOOTHUPARAMBA: Noted Mappila song artiste and Hindustani musician Chand Pasha died here on Wednesday night. He was 63. Pasha, who complained of severe chest pain at around 11.30 pm on Wednesday, was taken to a private nursing home but died a few minutes later. Pasha, who was the president of the North Kerala Mappila Kala Padana Kendram, was also a renowned music director who had directed as many as 1,500 songs. He was the music director of a good many Mappila hit songs of V M Kutty and Eranholi Moosa. Born in a family devoted to music, Pasha had moved over to Kannur from Hyderabad and had been functioning as the permanent music director of Koothuparamba-based CKG Theatres for the last 17 years. The Tamil Nadu Government's trophy for the best music director in 1969, Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy Award and Abu Dhabi Sakthi Award were some of the accolades that came his way.
Suspense-filled launch for ‘ Order of the Phoenix’
Friday, June 20, 2003
KOCHI: The scene, veiled in secrecy, would perfectly match a blockbuster movie. A consignment, sealed with unprecedented care, will reach Thiruvananthapuram airport on Friday from New Delhi. From there, it will be a heavily-guarded journey to India Book House. The security will not be relapsed till the package is opened at 6 am on Saturday. In the package will be Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. With Potter mania gaining a feverish pitch and the curtain rising to a much-hyped drama regarding the most expected book of the Millennium around the world, the State is witnessing a frenzied excitement hitherto unheard of in the publishing industry. In view of the heavy suspense associated with the launch of British author JK Rowling’s wizard saga and incidents of consignments stolen in some countries, Penguin India, which markets the book in the country, is not taking any chances. ‘‘There are instructions from New Delhi to guard the consignment and we will seek the help of police to provide security till Saturday,’’ says Chandran Nair, senior sales executive of Penguin in the State. The distribution in the State is divided among India Book House, India Book Depot and Affiliated East West and they will jointly bring over 1000 copies of ‘Harry 5’ to the State’s Potter-starved readers. This weighty tome with 2,25,000 words will hit the stands on Saturday morning itself. Bookshops in Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram have placed the maximum number of orders. Which means kids can gorge on the mesmerising tale of Harry Potter as he faces new doors in the magical world this weekend itself. The first four Potter books The Sorcerer’s Stone, The Chamber of Secrets, The Prisoner of Azkaban and The Goblet of Fire have sold almost 200 million copies in 55 languages and 200 countries. Harry 5 has 13 million copies rolled off the presses in a massive print run and is predicted to be the fastest-selling and most profitable book of all time. ‘‘We had promised to reach the books by 10 am in all these shops in Kochi. Security will be a problem and there could be a two-hour delay,’’ says Hari, in-charge of India Book House at Thiruvananthapuram. Books for the shops in Kozhikode will be sent through courier. As bookshops across the world are celebrating the launch of the richest installment of Rowling’s seven-part Potter saga by organising carnivals and decorating shops with cobwebs, broomsticks, wizard hats and cloaks, their counterparts in the State are besieged with calls from children and parents. ‘‘We have ordered 100 copies in the first stage. No book has ever created such a hype here as parents keep calling to know the exact date of arrival,’’ says Prem Kumar, manager of DC Books, Kochi. Current Books has asked for 50 copies. ‘‘Phone calls are pouring in and we are thinking of ordering for more,’’ says Madhu, manager of Current Books. The two showrooms of Pai&Co in Kochi and the International Airport at Nedumbassery will also display the Potter saga from Saturday. Originally priced at Rs 795, the book that revolves around Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry and Harry Potter’s adventures with magic, will be available at a launching price of Rs 699. Many publishers frown on this suspense-filled book launch and admit that pirated copies will flood the market within 24 hours of the release. Many eager readers who are unable to shell out this amount depend upon pirated copies to quench their thirst for more Potter adventures which once told them about wicked professor Gilderoy Lockhart, a spirit named Moaning Myrtle who haunts the girls’ bathroom, the dreaded fortress of Azkaban and an infamous prisoner named Sirius Black. Is Aithihyamala gathering dust in some bookshop’s corner?
US warships make 'routine' call at Kochi
Friday, June 20, 2003
KOCHI: "Just routine". These were the stock words that every uniformed and civilian personnel of the Indian and US Navies had to say about Thursday's visit of two American warships - USS Gary and USS Vandergrift, to Kochi. Happening at a time of tremendous India-wooing by the United States, the visit of these warships, en route to their base in Japan after a six-month-long deployment in Operation Iraqi Freedom, has sparked off speculation. But the Uttar Pradesh-born captain of USS Gary, Cdr Tito P Dua would only say that "we're here to eat dosas and taste some South Indian sweets''. The visit gained an aura of importance against the backdrop of high-level Indo-US talks on troop deployment in Iraq is on. "It's just a coincidence that we have called at Kochi,'' said Cdr Dua, playing down the visit. But he strongly, albeit carefully, put across the point that both the nations had common goals to achieve. "We've to strive for the prosperity and security of Asia. Both the navies are compatible and there is scope of inter-operability,'' he said. Maintaining that there won't be any official interaction, Cdr Dua said he had given a courtesy call to Rear Admiral Kaushiva, Chief of Staff, Southern Naval Command. But ask him anything about joint operation possibilities in the near future, a grim smile would greet you. "We're here for rest and recreation. We also will be taking part in some social service activities," said Cdr Dua, shuffling between interviews, thanks to his Indian origin. The ships, guided missile frigates of the Oliver Hazard Perry Class, are on their way to Yokosuka in Japan. Equipped with Harpoon and Standard missiles, anti-submarine warfare torpedoes and rapid firing guns. The shallow draft of these warships gives them an added advantage over larger cruisers and destroyers. The warships will leave Kochi on Sunday for Japan.
250 mobile phones seized
Friday, June 20, 2003
NEDUMBASSERRY: The air cargo unit of the Customs Department on Wednesday seized 250 mobile phones worth Rs 10 lakh during the inspection of an unaccompanied baggage sent by Abdul Gaffoor from Dubai. Abdul Gaffoor, 28, hailing from Malappuram, is a driver in Dubai. Gaffoor reached Kozhikode on June 13, while his luggage was brought on an Air-India flight at the cargo section of the international airport here on June 14. On June 16, Gaffoor reached the airport to claim his baggage but returned without clearing it, stating that his father was sick. On Wednesday, Gaffoor reached the cargo section again to claim his baggage. He said his luggage contained only an iron box and a blanket worth Rs 100 each and clothes worth Rs 200.
US warships make 'routine' call at Kochi
Friday, June 20, 2003
KOCHI: "Just routine". These were the stock words that every uniformed and civilian personnel of the Indian and US Navies had to say about Thursday's visit of two American warships - USS Gary and USS Vandergrift, to Kochi. Happening at a time of tremendous India-wooing by the United States, the visit of these warships, en route to their base in Japan after a six-month-long deployment in Operation Iraqi Freedom, has sparked off speculation. But the Uttar Pradesh-born captain of USS Gary, Cdr Tito P Dua would only say that "we're here to eat dosas and taste some South Indian sweets''. The visit gained an aura of importance against the backdrop of high-level Indo-US talks on troop deployment in Iraq is on. "It's just a coincidence that we have called at Kochi,'' said Cdr Dua, playing down the visit. But he strongly, albeit carefully, put across the point that both the nations had common goals to achieve. "We've to strive for the prosperity and security of Asia. Both the navies are compatible and there is scope of inter-operability,'' he said. Maintaining that there won't be any official interaction, Cdr Dua said he had given a courtesy call to Rear Admiral Kaushiva, Chief of Staff, Southern Naval Command. But ask him anything about joint operation possibilities in the near future, a grim smile would greet you. "We're here for rest and recreation. We also will be taking part in some social service activities," said Cdr Dua, shuffling between interviews, thanks to his Indian origin. The ships, guided missile frigates of the Oliver Hazard Perry Class, are on their way to Yokosuka in Japan. Equipped with Harpoon and Standard missiles, anti-submarine warfare torpedoes and rapid firing guns. The shallow draft of these warships gives them an added advantage over larger cruisers and destroyers. The warships will leave Kochi on Sunday for Japan.
CPI leaders meet CM, submit memorandum
Friday, June 20, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A delegation of CPI leaders on Thursday met Chief Minister A. K. Antony and submitted a memorandum on the education policy of the UDF Government. It wanted the Government to appoint an expert committee to study the fee structure in professional colleges. The delegation included former Chief Minister P.K. Vasudevan Nair, CPI State secretary Veliyam Bhargavan and CPI State assistant secretary Pannyan Raveendran. The memorandum also wanted the Government to make the fees in the 50 percent Government quota in self-financing professional colleges equivalent to that of Government professional colleges. The memorandum also wanted the Government to go on appeal against the High Court judgment allowing managements to ban politics in campus.
What's between Navya and Pritvi?
Friday, June 20, 2003
Is there something brewing between our handsome hunk Pritviraj and Navya Nair? Ever since they came together in Ranjit’s Nandanam there were rumours that the love birds were either spotted together or speaking to each other on their mobiles. Pritviraj is rumoured to have told director Bhadran to cast Navya in Vellithira This gave the lovebirds a chance to know each other better and get closer as the location was in Attapadi, in Wynad district. During the shoot they spent nearly two months in the sylvian surrounding of forest and is believed to have exchanged notes and a lot more. Now the latest we hear is that the young lovers have given priority dates to mentor Ranjit who has started the shoot of his new film titled Ammakilikoodu. Those who have seen Vellithira will not be surprised as the chemistry between them is terrific.
Vellithira
Friday, June 20, 2003
Vellithira Director Bhadran Cast Pritviraj, Kalabhavan Mani, Navya Nair Director Bhadran has tried to give Pritviraj an action hero image through Vellithira, which is a slick action packed films like his earlier Spadikam and Olympian Antony Adam. But Pritviraj has sadly failed to live up to the expectation of the Kerala audience of becoming a mass hero. Style Raj (Pritviraj) comes to this remote village with a mobile projector along with his two friends and starts touring talkies. They show Pulikodu Valiban a medley of Rajnikanth hits and make a living out of it. They use the power to run their projector from Nair’s rice mill (Oduvil Unnikrishnan), and slowly his daughter Pankajam (Kalpana) falls in love with Raj. Raj encourages her so that he gets uninterrupted power supply, but he falls for another girl Thatha (Navya Nair), a blacksmith's (Kalabhavan Mani) sister. A comic twist is added in the form of a Panchayat president (Cochin Haneefa) who supports a rival permanent theatre owner Jose (Jagathy), who runs soft-porn films. There is a conflict between Raj and Jose, which leads to a lot of laughter. But Raj has a dark secret and is running away from the law, which leads to the twist in the climax. The film has Bindu Panikkar, Sudhish, Cochin Haneefa, Salim Kumar and Innocent in the cast. Kavya Madhavan makes a cameo appearance in the climax. Music is by Alphonse and the Shankar Mahadevan- Chitra song Pacha manga ..Pacha manga… is already on top of the charts. Another highlight of the film is S.Kumar’s camera. The major fault with "Vellithira" is an absence of a good story. The story is a rehash of old films like Picnic and the climax is a major let down. The film was made to showcase a new action hero but there is no peg to hang the story. Pritviraj has to improve on his dialogue delivery while Navya Nair lacks glamour essential ingredient in such kind of roles. A comic twist is added in the form of a Panchayat president (Cochin Haneefa) who supports a rival permanent theatre owner Jose (Jagathy), who runs soft porn films. There is a conflict between Raj and Jose, which leads to a lot of laughter. The songs tuned by debutant Alphone are picturised colourfully and are fast paced. The camera of S.Kumar has etched the scenic beauty of Wynad beautifully. On the whole Vellithira fails to impress.
Leading ladies under pressure!
Friday, June 20, 2003
The three hot and happening stars in Malayalam, Kavya Madhavan, Meera Jasmine and Navya Nair had refused to act opposite our ageing superstars like Mammootty, Mohanlal, Suresh Gopi and Jayaram. This made our highly egoistic superstars see red because it goes against the old formula created by late superstars like MGR, NTR and our own Prem Nazir to act opposite younger heroines, to create an impression among the audience that they are young! Well our stars have understood that such formula can no longer work among the audience of today. Recently the fans association of these stars threatened the younger heroines about their decision to act with their favourite heroes. Later they were forced to come out with a statement that they are willing to act opposite the veterans if the script is tempting. In fact Meera pointed out that she would be shortly doing a film for Lohithadas in which Mammootty will play a father figure.
Mohanlal is back!
Friday, June 20, 2003
Everybody says that Mohanlal is there right at the top. But the trade in Kerala says that the actor has lost his audience this summer with Kilichundan Mambazham debacle at the box-office. The film, which had taken a fantastic opening in the first week, later fizzled out. The plan to re-invent Mohanlal of the 90’s by Priyadarsan, the man who understands him the best had gone awry. Even Mohanlal did not expect the ‘mangoes’ to turn sour and his close friends and advisors asked him to take a short sabbatical. Mohanlal was willing but the trade pointed out that it was a bigger risk to take a break as even superstar Rajnikanth could not make a successful comeback after taking a three year sabbatical! So Mohanlal is back in front of the arc lights for Producer Aroma Mani’s Balettan directed by V.M.Vinu. The film is shot in and around Shornnur, where Mohanlal plays a family man with a lovely wife (Devayani) with two children, who will to do anything for his friends. The first half is a lighthearted comedy that turns sentimental in the latter half. The twist in the tale is terrific and Mohanlal is sure to win back his core audience- women.
Mamootty, going strong not out
Friday, June 20, 2003
It's been more than two decades in Malayalam cinema and still Mammootty is playing a very strong innings. After the success of CHRONIC BACHELOR, he has again proved that he is still on cards. This ageing superstar plays the role of a bachelor, who is bitter due to the harsh realities that he faced in his youth. Life had been a struggle for him, yet he emerges successfully after that entire struggle. Today his Pattalam is the hottest film in the trade, as all the exhibitors want to screen the film for Onam. The latest on Mammookka is that he is doing ace photographer Pramod 'Lensman's debut film which is about a crane-operator cum 'dada' of cochin port. It is an action movie and a Mumbai actress will be playing the female lead. The story is by old timer Dennis Joseph and the music by Ouseppachan.
Kerala seeks additional 200 MW from Central pool
Friday, June 20, 2003
Thiruvananthapuram, June 20 Affected by delayed and weak South West Monsoon, Kerala, which still depends on hydel projects for its 50 per cent power needs, has sought an additional 200 MW from the Central pool to tide over the acute crisis. Electricity Minister Kadavur Sivadasan told the Assembly today that more restrictions would have to be enforced if the Centre did not concede the request for 200 MW or the state failed to get good rainfall in the coming days. Replying to a calling-attention motion on the subject moved by Mr K P Rajendran (CPI), he said the electricity board (EB) had not imposed restrictions. But, it had to raise the duration of loadshedding in rural areas to one hour from 30 minutes. If the monsoon failed to get activated, the state would also have to think of buying power from the Power Trading Corporation. Mr Sivadasan said the state's hydel reservoirs had a total storage equivalent of 171.21 million units of power during June one to June 17 last year. But it was 38.54 MUs during the corresponding period this year and storage was short by five times. He said the hydel generation from June 2002 to May 2003 was 40 per cent less than the previous year due to the failed monsoon. Pointing out that the crisis was tackled through effective management, he said the poor rainfall and reduction in hydel generation last year had caused financial problems for the EB. Raising the issue, Mr Rajendran appealed to the government to get additional allocation from the Centre.
Japan-aided drinking water project, deal signed
Friday, June 20, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Contrary to the statement made by Chief Minister A.K.Antony, the Kerala Water Authority on Thursday signed an agreement with the consortium led by Tokyo Engineering Consultants of Japan on the Rs 121-crore consultancy contract to implement the controversial Rs 1,787-crore Japan Banking International Cooperation-aided drinking water project. The signing between the Kerala Water Authority and the Tokyo Engineering Consultants took place in a closed-door operation here on Thursday evening. The Tokyo Engineering Consultants was represented by three of its officials. Representatives of all other partners of the consortium - GKW Consult of Germany, Binnie Black & Veatech of the United Kingdom, Shah Technical Consultants and the Centre for Environment and Development based in Thiruvananthapuram - were present on the occasion. This website's newspaper had reported that 13 retired engineers from the Kerala Water Authority had formed a cartel to pocket the consultancy contract for the project. While disclosing the Cabinet decision to clear the name of Tokyo Engineering Consultants for the consultancy contract, Antony had told mediapersons that the Japan Banking International Cooperation would be informed about the State government's decision. Any further action would be taken only after the approval of the Japan Banking International Cooperation. The deal was signed in a record time by violating all these procedures. The Kerala Water Authority was reportedly under pressure to speed up the entire process. Irrigation Minister T.M.Jacob had misled the Assembly the other day regarding the association of retired Kerala Water Authority engineers and the Centre for Environment Development, which played a key role in clinching the contract.
Rains lash Kerala as monsoon picks up
Friday, June 20, 2003
Thiruvananthapuram: Heavy rains continue to lash most parts of Kerala as the South-West monsoon gained momentum since last week after a delayed and dull start resulting in an overall deficiency of 43 per cent so far. According to the Met office sources Thiruvananthapuram, the amount of rainfall received in the week ended on June 18 was nine per cent higher than the normal for the period, but deficient by 43 per cent considering the total rainfall received by the state from June 1. The current spell was expected to continue for the next two days, as factors were conducive for widespread rains throughout Kerala, Meteorological Centre Director M D Ramachandran said. So far, the northern districts received higher amount of rainfall than the southern parts of the state, sources said. Monsoon would normally have set in over Kerala on June 1, but was delayed by a week this year.
30 Kerala cashew factories to reopen, workers end stir
Friday, June 20, 2003
The fortnight-long agitation by cashew workers was withdrawn today following the Kerala government’s decision to reopen all 30 public sector cashew processing factories under Kerala State Cashew Development Corporation (KSCDC). KSCDC-owned factories have been closed for two years owing to lack of funds and non-availability of cashew for processing. KSCDC chairman Gopinathan said the decision to reopen factories was taken on Wednesday night at a meeting attended by state industry minister Kunhalikutty, finance minister Sankaranarayanan, labour minister Babu Divakaran and electricity minister K Sivadasan. Cashew workers were represented by trade union leaders, MLAs and MPs. KSCDC has a total bank liability of Rs 110 crore. It would repay Rs 10 crore from its own funds. For the balance Rs 100 crore, Kerala government would stand guarantee to the lender banks - State Bank of India, State Bank of Travancore and Punjab National Bank. The banks had assured funds if portion of the liability was settled. KSCDC would therefore get funds to restart operations. To secure raw materials, the Kerala government would import raw nuts to keep the factories at least 200 days a year. India was importing large quantities of raw nuts for processing industry. Import demand was at least 10 lakh tonnes of raw nuts as domestic production was less than half of the domestic demand.
Kerala's fairytale run continues
Friday, June 20, 2003
Amrutha Aravind of Kerala takes a shot at the goal, while Goan defender Shaini Rodrigues (8) looks on in the senior women's National football championship in Chennai on Thursday. Kerala 2 Goa 1 Punjab 4 Karnataka 0 CHENNAI JUNE 19. Kerala's fairytale run continued in the senior National women's football championship as it reached the semifinals from Group II on Thursday, showing the kind of assurance that was conspicuously missing earlier. Still there is no denying the touch of irony in the State's progress. Saved by Punjab's `extra' goal against Haryana in the preliminary phase, Kerala has never looked back, going from strength to strength with luck and pluck, whereas its benefactor is already out of championship. Punjab's match against Karnataka was only of academic interest since Manipur, having beaten both of them, had already qualified from Group I. How fortunes fluctuate! For Kerala it was a sort of situation where complacency could have caused it to falter. The team needed just a draw to edge Goa out on points, while the latter required a win. But showing the wiser strategy of playing its normal game and with less tension, Kerala methodically unsettled the Goan plans. The stress was on attack and, with a comparatively better set of forwards where Subitha Poovatta, Angel Adolphes and Amrutha Aravind, made an early impression, the action remained glued for a while at the Goan end. At least thrice in the first half hour, Amrutha had the chance to put Kerala up, but hasty and wayward tries proved her undoing. The contest entered the last minute of the first session when the breakthrough came via a flag kick. Sunitha, who did a competent job in the midfield, directed the ball well to the goalmouth and Angel hiding herself in the crowd rose well to effect a feeble header. Despite a host of legs around, the ball found its way gently into the cage with goalkeeper Concy Vaz reacting late. Any Goan plans to repair the damage were dashed early in the second session when Subitha Poovata scored with a well controlled left foot volley (49th) off a cross from Seena, who looked restrained but effective in her role of being a step behind the forward line. It was a case of now or never for Goa. None showed the urgency more than the team captain, Sharon Fernandes, who advanced from the defence and propped up the attack, which certainly had lacked bite. True Julie D'silva did a lot of running, as is her wont, but the same cannot be said of Michelle Soares or Elwina Miranda who looked sluggish in comparison and failed to provide the vital support upfront. Still, like a stroke of luck came a 25-yard free-kick for Goa in the 62nd minute. Maria Gomes came up to essay a crisp shot. The normally agile Preethakumari, the Kerala goalkeeper, was momentarily shaken by the well directed try and grappled with the ball before spilling it, enough for Sharon to pounce upon and push into the cage. Pepped up now, Sharon galvanised her colleagues to up their efforts. Another free-kick brought Maria to the front again. But this time, Preetha was on extra alert and the Kerala-end survived. Goa's sudden change of gears did not last long though, for Kerala was back on its attacking mode. A Sheeba long shot from far had the potential to cause danger, but neither Angel nor Subita could take advantage. The sequence did not end there, for when the ball bounced further to the near side, substitute Sheeba was there to raise visions of the manner in which she had scored the match winner against Orissa. But this time, from close range, Sheeba contrived to shoot wide, an effort that shamed her so much that she hid her face in her palms. Poor Goa's task grew harder by the minute, but what came into focus in the final moments was the unexpected fall Reshma D'Souza suffered in a heading collision with Kerala's Angel. Writhing in pain, she was stretchered off and later taken to a hospital. Nothing serious was reported to her right elbow. Nonetheless it was a painful blow. Just what her team had suffered. Hat-trick by Sharanjit Later in an inconsequential match, Punjab helped by a hat-trick by Sharanjit Kaur beat Karnataka quite comfortably. Leading by Sharanjit's headed goal (17th) at half-time, Punjab consolidated its position with two quick goals by Sharanjit in the 44th and 45th minute. The experienced international, Gurmeet Kaur converted a free-kick to complete the tally.
Kerala continues to nurture loss-making PSUs
Friday, June 20, 2003
Thiruvananthapuram : Kerala, which has the largest number of public sector units (PSUs), is yet to disinvest or close any of the 104 government companies and five government corporations despite 54 of them incurring an aggregate loss of Rs 363.98 crore during 2001-02. Instead, the Government has announced that it will spend Rs 102 crore during the current financial year for restructuring 16 loss-making PSUs. State Industries Minister P K Kunhalikutty told the legislative assembly yesterday that there was a budgetary allocation of Rs 84 crore for the purpose and the remaining amount would be mobilised from other sources. While the government devises ''restructuring'' of the ailing PSUs, the latest report of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, released earlier this week, points out that 54 working PSUs -- 51 government companies and three statutory corporations -- incurred aggregate loss of Rs 363.98 crore during 2001-02. Of the loss incurring companies, 36 had accumulated losses aggregating Rs 1227.84 crore, which exceeded their aggregate paid-up capital of Rs 481.75 crore. The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation had accumulated losses of Rs 898.77 crore, which exceeded its paid-up capital of Rs 122.70 crore by more than seven times, the CAG said in its report for the year ending March 31, 2002. Meanwhile, the Kerala State Electricity Board's (KSEB) transmission and distribution losses mounted from 17 per cent in 2000-01 to 33 per cent in 2001-02, the CAG noted. Commenting on the Kerala PSUs' functioning, the CAG noted that ''even after completion of six to 73 years of their existence, the individual turnover of 31 government companies (all working) had been less than Rs five crore in each of the preceding five years while another 13 had been incurring losses for five consecutive years, as per their latest finalised accounts, leading to negative net worth. As such, the Government may either improve the performance of these government companies or consider their closure,'' it added.
Asian Development Bank approved $ 1 million
Thursday, June 19, 2003
KOCHI: Kochi is set to build a new road to the future with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) approving the $ 1 million technical grant for assessing urban infrastructure and service needs of five Corporation areas in the State. The Local Self-Government Department (Urban), the executing agency for the project preparation, will soon start the assessment on the necessities of Kochi city. The executing agency is expected to start the field survey and feasibility study of the projects within two months. The agency will take eight months to prepare the project and submit to the ADB. The ADB has considered Cochin Corporation for implementing the developmental projects to the tune of Rs 320 crore. The project, to be implemented in Kochi, will lay emphasis on urban development in view of the urban poverty remaining high when compared to rural areas. The ADB component of $ 1 million is to be linked to the loan already given to the State Government in 2002 by the ADB. The ADB grant is by way of contribution from the British Government. The State Government would also have to contribute an equal amount to conduct the survey. According to the study conducted by the ADB, poverty is 20 percent higher in urban areas than in rural areas of the State. When compared to other cities in Kerala, more slums have come up in Kochi and unemployment is also on the rise in these areas. The ADB projects will promote economic growth and reduce urban poverty in Kochi. The executing agency of the project preparation will also lay emphasis on the development of traditional industries which are stagnated now. The financial analysis of the ADB include all the requirements of the Corporation to improve the urban infrastructure, which include sewage, transportation, health, housing, sanitation and employment. The ADB project is expected to find a permanent solution to water-logging in the city as all the canals and drainage in the city pass through the slums. As part of assessing the needs, potential and priority groups of urban dwellers, workshops will be conducted in various parts of the city and consultation will be held with all the experts in the field before preparing the final report.
Male sex workers thriving in Alappuzha, says survey
Thursday, June 19, 2003
ALAPPUZHA: A survey conducted in Alappuzha town by the District Kudumasamathy as part of its partnership for Sexual Health Project has revealed that male sex workers are on the rise in this backwater town. The survey has identified 144 men who are either homosexual or both heterosexual and homosexual. Nearly 30 percent of them are involved in the flesh trade. The project, which is being financed by the Kerala State AIDS Control Society, aims at preventing STD and HIV through appropriate intervention programmes and promoting safer sex practices and improved health seeking behaviour among the high risk group like sex workers, gays and other risk groups. The survey found that among male sex workers, there are even some college students. Occasional straying into the world of flesh trade brings them some easy money for booze, trendy dress, costly toiletries and the like. Among gays there are couples also. Since they do not live together, their family members are under the impression that they are thick friends. But the fact is that they live like man and wife sharing "everything". The survey found that as many as 81 female sex workers are active in this town of hardly 10 sq.km. A majority of them sneak into the town from the suburbs after nightfall. As many as 2,623 persons covered under the survey are leading a very promiscuous life having sex with both males and females.
Fort surfacing: ASI team to visit Fort Kochi
Thursday, June 19, 2003
KOCHI: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) officials will visit Fort Kochi to inspect the site where the remnants of the 16th century 'Fort Emmanuel' surfaced in the area due to sea erosion. In response to this website's newspaper's report, a team from the Thrissur Circle of the ASI will visit the site and the related spots in the area on Friday. "In fact, the ASI is expected to maintain only the preserved monuments and cultural heritage of the country. Hence it feels that it is the State Archaeology Department which should look into the surprise findings at Fort Kochi. However, the revelation that the laterite structure surfaced at Fort Kochi sea was the remains of the first European Fort in India has made the ASI curious," sources close to the ASI said.
More skyscrapers to dot Marine Drive
Thursday, June 19, 2003
KOCHI: The Marine Drive's skyline will soon sport a new look with a number of new buildings coming up in the area. Dropping heavy hints at the things to come are the high-profile Kerala Trade Centre, Bay Pride Towers and Pioneer Plaza projects. The Kerala Trade Centre is developed by the Kerala Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The high-rise, scheduled to be completed by the year 2006, is an international trade centre, which will serve as a permanent shop window for export products and a platform for interaction between buyers and sellers. ``The idea is to bring together under one roof all agencies connected with export promotion so that foreign businessmen visiting the country can get their transactions tied up without stepping outside the complex,'' says E S Jose, president of the chamber. An industrial research and development centre for conducting research studies and providing advisory and consultative services, a trade information and resource centre with reference libraries on international trade and related subjects such as technology transfer and joint ventures, etc, are the highlights of the project. A shopping arcade with houses, shop rooms and offices for retail and wholesale business and services will also be set up. A well-appointed business centre with full-fledged secretarial and translation services and a media centre is another attraction. An exhibition centre and an international convention centre capable of hosting professional seminars, accommodating 2,000 participants, will be built in connection with the project. The centre will cater to all visitors by providing restaurants selling continental foods. Piling work for constructing the building will soon be started at the 45-cents of land facing the Arabian sea. Bay Pride, developed by Abad Builders, will house two floors of commercial enterprises and 11 floors of two and three bed room deluxe apartments. Boasting every amenity for a relaxed, luxurious lifestyle, residents can avail of facilities like two high-sped elevators, car lift for second-level parking, sauna, steam bath and jacuzzi, roof-top swimming pool and a high-profile shopping mall with separate entrance. The project is scheduled to be completed within 30 months. The Pioneer Plaza, coming up between Taj Residency and Pioneer shopping-cum-residential complex, is a Rs 1.3-crore all-commercial project. However, at present it has to cross a legal hurdle.
Tourism Department taking steps to reopen Kappad beach resort
Thursday, June 19, 2003
KOZHIKODE: The Department of Tourism has started efforts to activate the Kappad beach resort, one of the major tourist attractions at the rock studded beach here, which was closed down about a year ago following failure of the private caretaker to repay the rent arrears. The new move is to lease out the resort to any leading hotel chain in private sector for a period of five years. Meanwhile, behind-the-scene operations have also begun in the department to entrust the responsibility to the same caretaker, against whom the Government had earlier initiated actions including revenue recovery proceedings to get back the rental arrears. The resort, situated very close to the unspoiled beach, was built in 1993 by the Department of Tourism with a view to enhance the tourism potentials of the region. Built in 2.49 acres of public land, the resort has 16 cottages housed in four blocks. Each suit consists of two bed rooms, sit-out, dressing room and other necessary facilities for tourists. The department, which invited open tenders from private groups to run the resort, is planning to revive it by the end of August. The building complex lost most of its charm during the last one year due to utter negligence. Moreover, the water and electricity connections to the building complex were severed recently by the concerned departments, following the failure of the Tourism Department to pay the dues. ‘‘The beach resort is unique in many respects. No other resort in Kerala, except a few in Kovalam, enjoy such a close proximity to the sea. The pleasant stretch of beach at Kappad also won the fancy of foreign tourists in the recent past. But the Government had leased it out in 1995 for a meagre amount of Rs 17 lakh to a Thalassery-based tourism operator. The same person failed to remit the amount in time resulting in the recovery proceedings,’’ said a senior official with Tourism department. The caretaker, who was forced to remit the excess amount six months back, also had submitted a written document that he was unable to run the resort profitably. According to local people and tourism officials, the resort never lacked foreign and domestic tourists. ‘‘Foreign tourists reach here and return in utter disappointment. They are ready to stay there by lighting candles and preparing food for themselves. Such was the attraction and uniqueness of this resort,’’ said one of the constables of the Tourism Police deployed at Kappad. The tour operator, who was the caretaker of the resort for over seven years, told this website's newspaper, that he would take over the responsibility of running the resort again. ‘‘Officials concerned are compelling me to take over the resort. I don’t care about the invitation of open tenders. I will meet department officials in Thiruvananthapuram next week and will fix the deal. They have already given me an assurance,’’ he said.
209 idling buildings under Health Dept
Thursday, June 19, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The quality of Government hospitals and primary health centres in the State has been given a go-by for the sake of ‘‘constructing too many buildings in a haphazard manner,’’ according to the Special Committee on Standardisation of Medical Institutions, set up in connection with the Modernising Government Programme (MGP). The special Cabinet on the MGP on Thursday will discuss the recommendations of the committee headed by Dr K K Arjunan. The report has listed as many as 209 idling buildings under the Health Department in various districts. ‘‘Though the Health Department is responsible for the health and medical care of the entire population of the State, through its 6366 institutions, it can be seen that these institutions do no follow any standard pattern and often their functioning is far from satisfactory,’’ the report said. The report by the Special Committee on the Standardisation of Medical Institutions pointed out that funds from various State and Central bodies had been divested excessively for building construction. India Population Programme, Child Survival and Safe Motherhood Programme, Reproductive and Child Health Programmes are all cited as examples of this kind of mismanagement of funds. ‘‘Unfortunately, this sort of infrastructure development has been done without an eye on their utilisation. ‘‘The leading spirit for such constructions was political and social pressures rather than a uniform and need-based principle for such procedures,’’ the report said. According to the report, there is a gross disparity in the distribution of health institutions across the State as it was not the need but certain ‘‘regional and political pressures that played decisive role in their setting up.’’ There exists no uniformity in service provision, bed strength and staff structure and due to this ‘‘institutions of the same category often differ widely in quantity and quality of service provided,’’ the report has said. Even as there are health institutions which are crowded, there are certain institutions where the average admission of inpatients is even below 50 per cent of its bed capacity, the committee report has said. According to the report, ‘‘there is a growing sense of dissatisfaction among the public’’ regarding the failure of the Government health institutions to provide quality services. ‘The increased expectations of the public and the deterioration in facilities in Government health institutions have resulted in a gross mismatch leading to chaotic situations in the system,’’ the report said. The report said that the decrease in the funds earmarked for health in the Budget had affected the quality of the service provided in a big way. The percentage of funds earmarked for health nose-dived from 10.45 per cent in 1961 to 5.75 per cent in 2001, it said. The Special Committee on Standardisation of Medical Institutions recommended a series of standardisation measures in service provision, infrastructure, manpower and equipment at various levels of health institutions to improve the overall quality of the service provided.
Left front student organisations take out Secretariat march
Thursday, June 19, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The joint action council of the Left front students’ organisations took out a march to the Secretariat on Wednesday raising various demands. The demands included revoking of tuition fees hike and withdrawal of the Kerala Universities Bill. The agitators also raised slogans against the Kerala High Court decision to ban politics on the campus. Inaugurating a sit-in agitation in front of the Secretariat, SFI all-India president K.K.Rakesh accused the UDF Government of sabotaging the public instruction system in the State. He said that the strike would be intensified in the coming days. SFI State secretary T.V.Rajesh and AISF State president Krishnaprasad led the march taken out from Asan Square here.
Kerala adds tribal culture to tourist platter
Thursday, June 19, 2003
Kerala adds tribal culture to tourist platter THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After its beaches and backwaters, Kerala is planning to lure nature-loving tourists with the rich tribal life in its thick evergreen jungles. Tourism Minister K V Thomas said discussions have begun with the forest department to seek its help because sites that have the most potential are located in and around the jungles of Wayanad district and in the Munnar region of Idukki district. "What we have decided is to see that these spots are developed on the periphery of forest areas so that the jungles are not touched," Thomas told . "Among the products that would be on offer is a stay in a tree house and local tribal food, including soups and fish locally caught and prepared by the tribals. Ayurvedic treatment, if required, would be given," said the minister. The aim is to strengthen tribal communities, which the government claims would benefit both socially and monetarily from the promotion of tourism in their midst. Eco-tourism director K G Mohanlal will spend the next few days in Wayanad to ascertain the potential for tribal tourism. Added N D Appachen, the legislator representing Sultan Battery in Wayanad, "There are several spots. We plan to hand over these places to the district tourism promotion councils, which would help the tribals and also see that their interests are protected." Asked about local delicacies, Appachen mentioned bamboo shoots and cassava, which is similar to tapioca. "We plan to hire bamboo tree houses at a cost of Rs 1,000 per day," said the legislator. Another product that could be of interest to foreigners is the ayurvedic medicines that the tribals prepare. "Today these people are in high demand and they have a cure for almost all diseases," claimed Appachen. Both Thomas and Appachen dismissed fears of exploitation of the rich forest wealth and also smuggling of valuable plants by tourists. "No. This would not happen because among those who arrive are real nature lovers and they would help us protect and conserve our forests," said Thomas.
High Court turns down bail plea of four accused in Marad violence
Thursday, June 19, 2003
KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Wednesday declined to grant bail to four accused in the case relating to Marad violence in which nine persons were killed last month. Dismissing the bail applications of Sadakkuthullah, K P Subair, P Akbar Koya and P P Moideen, Justice G Shashidharan observed that at this stage bail could not be granted to the accused. The prosecution submitted that the accused were influential persons and if released they were likely to tamper with evidence and interfere with the investigation. It also pointed out that rehabilitation of those affected by the violence was in progress and if at this stage bail was granted to the accused, it would affect law and order situation in Marad.
State yet to gain from Foreign Direct Investment
Thursday, June 19, 2003
State yet to gain from Foreign Direct Investment Thiruvananthapuram, Jun 18 - State's effort to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is yet to pay dividend with the state managing to get only .54% of the total FDI in the country. In a written reply, Finance Minister K Sanakaranarayanan told the assembly that as many as 282 applications for FDI to the tune of Rs 1530.23 crore had been pending before the centre for clearance.
Muraleedharan objects to Speaker's remarks
Thursday, June 19, 2003
Muraleedharan objects to Speaker's remarks Thiruvanthapuram, Jun 18 - Taking exception to Assembly Speaker Vakkom Purushothaman's reported remarks on "groupism" within the Congress in the State, KPCC President K Muraleedharan, today said the AICC President and Congress General Secretary in charge of State affairs have been apprised of it. "Now it is for the AICC President to take any further action after examining the matter," he told reporters here. Muraleedharan said the Speaker has to act impartially and Purushothaman, now being Speaker, should not interfere in the day-to-day affairs of the party. The Speaker's statement would not come under the purview of party discipline as after becoming Speaker, he ceased to be an active member, Muraleedharan said. Muraleedharan said Purushothaman should have mentioned his assessment of the party to the AICC chief during any of his visits to Delhi instead of airing his views through the media. After the Rajya Sabha poll issue and recent visit of Congress General Secretary in charge of State affairs, Ahmed Patel, things in the party had been settling down and it was at this juncture Purushothaman triggered a "fresh controversy in the party," he said.
Soft porn has no takers
Thursday, June 19, 2003
The Malayalam soft porn film industry, which threatened to ring in the death knell for mainstream films, is itself going through a tough time. In 2001, 35 soft porn films starring sensations like Shakeela, Reshmi, Maria and Sajini did roaring business across theatres in Kerala and other southern states. Some of them were even re-made into Hindi films. But, in 2002, the number of soft porn films dwindled to 22. In the past five months, there have been only seven such releases because producers claim audiences are fed up. Shakeela, who has acted in over a hundred soft porn films, is virtually out of business. A producer explains, "She is so huge that people are bored seeing her." Others like Maria and Reshmi can no longer lure the crowds to the theatres. "The audience feels cheated these days when soft porn scenes reveal nothing. Some of the soft porn films are these days made by interpolating scenes from the old films. You cannot fool people for long," says the owner of a chain of theatres in Kerala.
Suresh Gopi into politics
Thursday, June 19, 2003
Suresh Gopi's next career option Malayalam star Suresh Gopi, who reveled in playing the cop in films, has an unusual admirer -- Congress President Sonia Gandhi. Two years ago, when Gandhi came to Kerala, she had asked local party leaders, "Where is that tall actor?" Gopi, who has played 'the angry young man' in many Malayalam films, has no films in his kitty these days. It has been more than a year since he appeared in a film. Filmmakers seem to prefer newcomers like Dileep, Prithviraj, Jeyasurya and Kunchako Boban. Stars like Gopi, Mammooty and Mohanlal are slowly but surely fading away. The lack of offers has prompted Gopi to take up humanitarian work. He travels across Kerala every week, inaugurating children's workshops, orphanages and children's welfare societies. "The betterment of children is my mission in life," he claims. But those close to him reveal the humanitarian work is a façade; Gopi is actually looking at politics as his next career option. The actor is said to be maintai |
