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February 2004
Munrgiripookalude Adhithi
Friday, February 27, 2004
After SWAPNAKOODU Kamal's next film has been titled as MUNTHIRIPOOKALUDE ADHITHI. This film will have Soundarya and Prithiviraj playing the lead role. MUNTHIRIPOOKALUDE ADHITHI will be shot in the location where Padmarajan's classic NAMUKKU PAARKKAN MUNTHIRITHOPPUKAL was shot. The story is about Soundarya who plays the role of Mythili a hardworking self made woman. She owns acres of grapevine. Her life suddenly changes with the entry of a doctor. A relationship develops between them. Kamal says that in this film the location plays an important role. It's not just any other love story. P Sukumar will wield the camera. Vidyasagar will score the music for this film. Manoj.K.Jayan, Jishnu, Jagathy Sreekumar and Vigeesh will also act in this film.
Runway
Friday, February 27, 2004
Director : Joshi Cast :Dileep,Indrajeet,Kavya Madhavan,Hari sree asokan From comedy Dileep shifts to action in Runway directed by Joshi. He plays Unni, who had gone to Dubai at a young age and taken to smuggling. He comes back to Kerala years later and now his brother Indrajeet is a police officer. Kavya Madhavan plays the female lead. Says Dileep " I had earlier worked with Joshi in a film Sainyam .It is a dream come true for me to work as a hero in Joshi's film as I like the way he presents his characters and the hi-tech way of film making." The cast has Kaviyoor Ponnamma as Unni's mother, Suja Karthika as his sister and Harisree Asokan as his friend. Cinematography by P Sukumar, script by Uday Krishnan and Sibi K Thomas. Tamil actors Raj Kiran and Riyaz Khan play negative roles. It has to be seen whether Dileep, the undisputed king of comedy, will be accepted in an action hero role. Joshi claims that his fans are going to change their opinion of their idol after this film.
Vasavadatta
Friday, February 27, 2004
Kumaran Asan’s ‘Karuna’ to become vasavadatta on celluloid As one of the romantic poets of Malayalam, Kumaran Asan’s name is familiar to almost every Malayalee, and now ‘Karuna’, one of the great poems by this Mahakavi of Malayalam is to be adapted for the silver screen. Vasavadata, produced by Prajapathi Pictures and scripted and directed by Shyamnath, would be an attempt to recreate the story with a critical interpretation of Karuna. Donning the lead role of the Buddhist monk Upagupa will be Boban Alummoodan, while Banupriya will play the title role of Vasavadatta. Tamil actor Mansoor Ali Khan and Cochin Haneefa too are to play important roles in the film.
4 The People
Friday, February 27, 2004
Jayaraj’s 4 The People is a trendsetter and a welcome change in the placid superstar driven Malayalam film industry. The film has an all-new star cast and is made like any other commercial extravaganza with technical wizardry and peppy music. It packs in quite a lot in terms of a message for the masses using the patent vigilante formulae successfully. 4 The People is certainly not in the league of Jayaraj’s earlier art house works like the gritty Desadanam, Kaliyattom or Santham. But he has been successful to make a perfect two-hour ‘masala’ movie adventure with panache. Though the storyline is thin, the narration is fast paced and the film is technically brilliant with all the visual effects of cameraman R.D.Rajasekhar and fast-cut editing of Antony. The story of 4 The People is all about 4 brilliant engineering students (Arun, Bharat, Arjun and Padmakumar) who feel that they should stop the rot within the society and clamp down on corruption and muscle power in our society. They open a website and ask the public to mail them about their grievances and problems. They shortlist the person with maximum complaints and track him down and punish him by chopping their hands or fingers! Their target include a corrupt doctor, a government sales tax officer and a local ‘goonda’. The modus operandi is to wear black leather outfits with helmets and to travel in latest souped-up bikes for the operation. The group is known as For The People and they have the public support and they slowly become icons with the youth. The government is forced to curb the growth of such a group who according to them is a parallel law and order force. They entrusts the job of tracking down the group to Sunil the new city police commissioner, a smart guy who uses his common sense to unravel the culprits in the end. The jaded formula gets a short in the arm and ‘masala’ movies are finally beginning to strike a balance between style and substance. But what has made the film acceptable is that it is packaged slickly. The reggae and Kerala folk mixed song Lajjavathiye…Lajjavathiye… and the bhangara pop Balle Balle… composed and sung by debutant Jassie Gift has the entire audience dancing. All the actors play their part well including the supporting cast who are all excellent. Jayaraj and Iqbal Kuttipuram’s screenplay takes the conventionally engrossing formula vigilante concept and imbibes it with a sense of authencity, unpredictability and vitality. A vigilante group grappling with a corrupt system, displayed in films like Indian, Ramanna and others has been repackaged by Jayaraj without loosing its grip as it captures the guts of a band of young men. The Kaakha Kaakha team of Rajasekhar’s camera angles and editor Antony’s fast cuts make the film racy and entertaining. Source: http://sify.com/movies/malayalam/review.php?cid=2428
`4 The People`: Creating hysteria!
Friday, February 27, 2004
Jayaraj’s 4 The People, a mass movie aimed at the youth is turning out to be mega blockbuster! The film is driving the youngsters of Kerala crazy and has recorded 100 percent collections in the first four days of its release! At Ernakulam Saritha, students from schools and colleges students started flocking the theatres from the first noon show on Thursday 19. They were all in frenzy and started dancing to the tunes of Jassie Gift’s Lahjjavathiye …Lajjavathiye.. song. In Trichur Ramdass, police had to be called in to control the crowds dancing feverishly in the balcony and aisle of the theatre. The police came and they left smiling saying, The dancing is spontaneous and we cannot do anything about it as it is not a law and order problem!. This good word-of-mouth is drawing more crowds and the film is also being appreciated for its newness in presentation and slickness. 4 The People also has a message to the youth as it reminds them about their duties and responsibilities to the society and has been picturised well. http://sify.com
Meera Jasmine in a mother's role?
Friday, February 27, 2004
as mother of three children in Kannathil Mutthamitaal is believed to have cast Meera Jasmine in a similar role in his new film Ayudha Ezhuthu . Madhavan appears as Meera's husband and in some scenes he comes near bald. Bharathiraja is the villain of the film. The film is getting released on May 1st all over South.
Film strike on March 2 - Mamooty ditches Mohanlal?
Friday, February 27, 2004
Swargachitra Appachan a leading distributor known to be anti Mohanlal in stance has taken over the leadership of the Film producers- distributors- exhibitors†war against film stars taking part in the Asianet- Jeeva award nite. The artistes association has sent a letter to producers asking them to relieve the artistes from March 2nd to take part in the rehearsal camp. The Producers assn. has said that after March 2nd the situation will be clear about artistes taking part in the starnite. They stated that if any producer gives a complaint stating that he is not able to relieve his artiste for the star nite and the artiste goes ahead then he or she would face a ban. The idea is to stop shootings from March 2nd instead of March 8th the day after the Asianet show. Appachan has stated that after March 2nd the industry will decide which artistes will sit at home forever. Meanwhile there are rumors of Mammoty a known supporter of Appachan crossing camp to the Film chamber side. Directors Priyadrashan, Satyan, Joshi, Sibi, Sidiq, G S Vijayan are the show directors. AMMA has decided to take on the Film Chamber. The screenplay keeps on unfolding but nobody knows the climax.
A Hollywood-like Malayalam film
Friday, February 27, 2004
Actor Shrinivas is starring in the film. Bhavana and Kaveri are the heroines. Only the film's language is in Malayalam. Everything else- style, narration and all the other technical aspects are being done the Hollywood way. The film talks about the lifestyle of Malayalis in Las Vegas. The film's cinematography is going to be done using the latest technology invented by George Lucas' company. The lenses alone are going to cost more than Rs 1 crore. The film's shooting begins on the 26th of March.
Boys Manikantan in Malayalam
Friday, February 27, 2004
Manikantan of Boys fame, is currently working for GJ Combines' Chellame , with Reema Sen. Now he has been signed to play the lead in Karvarnan directed by Suresh Merlin. The noted still photographer of Tamil and Malayalam films (mostly Kamalhassan starrer) makes his debut as director with this film. Samiksha plays the heroine. The film is a love story set to the backdrop of the coastal area. It's produced by Golden Valley Talkies.
Governor death snowballing into controversy
Friday, February 27, 2004
Kerala governor death probe thiruvananthapuram: The death of Kerala governor Sikander Bakth is snowballing into a controversy, with the state government hinting at an inquiry into allegations of negligence at the Medical College Hospital here, reports our correspondent. Bakth, 86, who had an emergency operation to remove a gangrenous obstruction in his small intestine on February 19, was up and about after two days but then developed an infection and slipped into coma. The BJP veteran died on February 23, following multi-organ failure. Chief minister A.K. Antony on Wednesday said he was not averse to a probe, though health minister Kadavur Sivadasan had ruled it out the day before, reacting to BJP state chief P.S. Sreedharan Pillai’s call for an inquiry. On Thursday, Sivadasan said the government was open to a probe since we have nothing to hide. The BJP stepped up its demand, calling for a probe by an outside agency. Pillai alleged the death was mysterious, as it was inconceivable that a person, with no known history of illnesses, should slip into coma after intestinal surgery and die. However, the late governor’s family members are silent.
Dhanush the most favorite hero in Kerala
Wednesday, February 25, 2004
Tamil movies are doing well in kerala. The films like Boys, KK, Pithamagan, Saamy ran for 100 days in main cities. Among the pongal releases "Puthukottayilirundhu Saravanan", "Virumaandi", was the biggest attraction. "Jai" and "Kovil" are also doing well in Kerala. The reason for this attraction toward Tamil movies is the song- dance and romance and the presence of youthful heroes. While Kerala filmdom still seems to be alternating between the aging superstars. Dhanush has emerged the most favorite hero in Kerala. Aravind of Boys is doing a couple of films in Kerala.
Mohanlal launched 'TASTE BUDS'!
Wednesday, February 25, 2004
Malayalam actor Mohanlal is foraying into a new arena, packaged food industry, bylaunching 'Taste Buds,' in kerala. Speaking to reporters after the launch of Taste Buds, he said 'Just like films, food is also a passion for me', and he have plans to enter the South Indian market in a big way. The company has plans to introduce in the coming months at least 300 products, including tea, rice. Fifty-eight distributors have been appointed in the state and the products would be processed and manufactured in state-of-the art factories in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, he said. Mohanlal, who started his first celebrity signature restaurants in Dubai and Sharjah, was also planning to start similar ones at Chennai, Bangalore and Kochi.
Attukal Pongala festival from February 27
Wednesday, February 25, 2004
Pongala festival at the Attukal Bhagavathi Temple, popularly known as the 'Sabarimala of Women', will begin on February 27 and end with the famous Attukal Pongala on March 6. The office-bearers of the Attukal Bhagavathi Temple Trust told in a press conference here today. "Steps have been taken to seek the cooperation and help of various government bodies, local bodies, voluntary bodies and social service organizations. All arrangements have been made for the smooth conduct of this year's festival", they said. "The trust has sought the assistance and help of various departments, residents associations, social service organization and a meeting with people's representatives, Corporation authorities and residents has already held for smooth conduct of the festival", they said. They added that a festival committee formed by the Trust will take care of the festival organizing and the Pongala festival will attract hundreds of women from all over the State and outside of the state. The Government has declared a holiday for all offices and educational institutions on March, on account of Attukal Pongala. The Attukal Bhagavathi temple is also launching their new website in accordance with the festival. The site www.attukal.org, designed and hosted by Asianet Dataline provides online booking of offerings (vazhipadu) to the devotees by using credit card facility. The prasadom of the Pooja would be send to each devotee by speed post.
Govt: to launch 8000 IT Akshaya centres
Wednesday, February 25, 2004
State Minister for Local Self Government, Cherkkalam Abdullah today said that the government would expand Akshaya, the successful e-literacy and e-governance project of the Kerala Government to 13 districts and launch about 8000 IT Akshaya centers. The minister was inaugurating a state level symposium of Akshaya project in Kasargod district. "The first phase of Akshaya project had been successfully implemented in the Malappuram district and at least one person in each family gained working knowledge of computers", he said. "The project would be now expanded to other districts in collaboration with the local bodies. As part of the expansion programme in the other districts the government would start about 8000 I T centers", he said. State IT Secretary Aruna Sundara Rajan delivered a keynote address in the programme. Kannur, Wayanad, and Kasaragod District Panchayath presidents, standing committee members and district planning officials participated in the symposium, co-coordinated by the Information Kerala Mission workers.
BJP demands probe into Governor's death
Wednesday, February 25, 2004
BJP demands probe into Governor's death Kochi, February 24, 2004 BJP state president P S Sreedharan Pillai today demanded an immediate and high level enquiry into the circumstances in which Kerala Governor Sikander Bakht contacted viral infection that led to his death. Speaking to the media in Kochi today, Sreedharan Pillai pointed out that the Governor contacted infection following a surgery conducted at the Medical College Hospital. " It seems that he didn't get expert medical help," Pillai said. The BJP leader said that the situation, where a senior dignitary like a Governor does not get expert medical assistance is not only unfortunate, but also alarming.
2.5 million children given polio drops in Kerala
Tuesday, February 24, 2004
Thiruvananthapuram: Nearly 2.5 million children, below the age of five years, were administered oral polio drops in Kerala as part of the second phase of the nation-wide Pulse Polio immunisation drive on Sunday. Official sources said the state government had set up about 28,000 booths in hospitals, schools, primary health centres, railway stations, bus stands and airports. Voluntary organisations also actively participated in the immunisation programme.
T N Chaturvedi to hold charge as Governor
Tuesday, February 24, 2004
New Delhi, Feb 24 The President has asked Karnataka Governor T N Chaturvedi to hold the additional charge of Kerala consequent upon the demise of Mr Sikander Bakht, a Rashtrapati Bhavan communqiue said today. Mr Bakht died yesterday.
Strike call hits normal life in Kerala
Tuesday, February 24, 2004
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 24 Normal life was affected in Kerala today, with transport services remaining off the roads and business establishments closed, as the State observed the 24-hour general strike called by trade unions to protest the Supreme Court ruling barring Government employees from striking work. The strike was peaceful with no untoward incident reported, police said here. Government offices and educational institutions were closed today as a mark of respect to Governor Sikandar Bakht, who died here last night. The State-run KSRTC and other public transport services did not ply its vehicles. Business establishments and shops were closed all over the city and in other parts of Kerala. Rail traffic and essential services such as milk and newspaper supply were, not affected by the strike call.
China and Kerala sign $10 million export deal
Tuesday, February 24, 2004
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: China and the southern Indian state of Kerala have inked a major $10 million deal for the export of titanium dioxide from here. The state-run Kerala Minerals and Metals Ltd. (KMML) Monday signed up with Shanghai Yingtai International Trading Ltd. at a function in Beijing. The deal is for the supply of 6,200 tonnes of titanium dioxide with immediate effect till Sep 30, 2004. The total cost of the export order is worth $10 million. According to the agreement, the contract is renewable after Sep 30 following a review. The Kollam-based KMML is one of the highest profit making public sector enterprises in Kerala. It is engaged in the separation of minerals from beach sand and the manufacture of titanium dioxide. In 2002-03, KMML saw its gross income reach an all time high of Rs.3.24 billion. China and Kerala have been collaborating on other business interests as well. China recently signed a contract for the purchase of two 3-D movies in Malayalam made by veteran producer Navodaya Appachen. Appachen was in China recently to sign the agreement with the Chinese Film Development Corp. The Chinese dubbing of the two films, "My Dear Kuttichathan" and "Magic Magic", is now almost complete. Moreover, a weeklong Chinese cultural festival is to be held here from Mar 4. Kerala Chief Minister A.K. Antony will inaugurate the festival that will include Chinese films and a photography and book exhibition. The festival is being organised by the India-China Friendship Society in association with the Chinese Embassy in New Delhi. "Events like this will definitely help build better India-China relations," said the society's president, K.P. Kosala Ramadas.
President, PM bid Bakht adieu
Tuesday, February 24, 2004
The body of Kerala Governor Sikander Bakht being brought from the hospital to the Raj Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday morning. Photo: C Ratheesh kumar New Delhi, Feb. 24. : President A P J Abdul Kalam, Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat and Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today led the nation in bidding an emotional adieu to Kerala Governor Sikandra Bakht who died yesterday. Kalam, Shekhawat and Vajpayee were among a host of leaders who paid floral tributes to the veteran BJP leader after his body was brought here from Thiruvananthapuram and placed at Kerala Bhawan for his friends and followers to pay their last respects before the mortal remains of Bakht were buried. Kalam was the first to reach Kerala Bhawan. After placing a wreath on the body, he offered prayers and met Bakht's widow Raj and other family members offering condolences to them. Shekhawat and Vajpayee followed the President and Prime Minister, after placing a wreath, stood in silence for some time and offered condolences to the family of Bakht. Other dignatories to pay their respects included Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani, former President K R Narayanan, former Prime Minister I K Gujral, and cabinet ministers Yashwant Sinha, Jagmohan, Sushma Swaraj, Kashiram Rana and Ram Naik. Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson Najma Heptullah, Rajasthan Governor M L Khurana, Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, BJP President M Venkaiah Naidu and NCP leader P A Sangma also paid floral tributes to Bakht. The body, accompanied by Bakht's family members and state Chief Minister A K Antony, was airlifted from Kerala earlier in the day.
Keltron selected for Singapore aerospace expo
Sunday, February 22, 2004
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 21 Kerala's public sector electronics major Keltron has been selected to the 31-member Indian team that will participate in the International Aerospace Exposition at Singapore from February 24 to 29. Seven hundred leading companies of the world will showcase their products at the expo. The Indian team will consist of majors in space and defence electronics, besides top brass of the Union Government and Society for Indian Aerospace Technology and Industries. Keltron Managing Director V Ramkumar will attend the deliberations to be held as part of the exposition. Defence and space electronics are the two thrust areas of Keltron, contributing 25 per cent of the turnover of the Rs 70-crore company. Keltron presently has an order book of Rs 30 crore in the sector. Besides sourcing technology, the company would be on the look-out to undertake manufacturing, servicing and marketing of new products in India, an official release said here today.
K M Mani hospitalised
Sunday, February 22, 2004
Kottayam, Feb 21 Kerala Revenue Minister K M Mani who was admitted to the Medical College Hospital here last night following chest infection, would be discharged tomorrow. Talking to newspersons at the hospital, he demanded that the entire State be declared drought-affected. Noting that the losses due to the drought were estimated at Rs 500 crore, he said Palakkad district was the worst affected with Rs 200 crore losses, followed by Wyanad with Rs 130 crore and Kottayam Rs 27 crore. Meanwhile, the Central Team, under the leadership of Mr T B Meena, visited the drought-affected areas today. It also called on the Minister at the MCH.
Govt constitutes welfare fund for NRKs
Sunday, February 22, 2004
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 21 The Kerala Government has constituted a relief fund with a corpus of Rs 20 lakh for the welfare of poor non-resident Keralite (NRK) returnees, Minister for Non-Resident Keralite Affairs M M Hassan said today. Addressing a news conference here, he said the relief fund, called ''Santhwana'', would be administered like the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund. It would provide financial assistance by way of grant to families of NRKs facing hardship due to death of bread-winners and also assistance for medical treatment. The scheme would be applicable only to returnees who were below the poverty line with an annual income of not more than Rs 30,000. The Minister said the corpus of the fund would be enhanced through contributions from charitable institutions and benevolent individuals. Assistance from NRK organisations would also be sought. Mr Hassan said the Department had also decided to promote micro-enterprise units that would manufacture ready-to-cook food items. He said re-integration training programme would be launched for returnees to help them adjust to the changed scenario at home. Training would also be imparted to develop expertise and skills for starting self-employment projects. Replying to a question, he said certificates received at the recently-opened Regional Attestation Centre of the Human Resource Development Ministry had been forwarded to the Ministry of External Affairs and the UAE Embassy in New Delhi. The UAE Embassy had informed the State that it would certify only 300 applications a week, requiring at least two months for the certificates to be sent back after authentication. Referring to the increased fare of Air India and the Indian Airlines in the Kerala-Gulf sector, Mr Hassan said the issue had already been brought to the notice of the Union Government and the airlines. If they failed to reduce the fares, the State Government would seek other means of transportation, like operation of shipping service, he added.
RS 63 crore modernisation plan for Kerala Police
Saturday, February 21, 2004
Pathanamthitta,Kerala : Information and Parliamentary Affairs Minister MM Hassan said the State government was implementing an action plan to raise the efficiency of the State police force. Inaugurating the new building to house the circle inspector's office at Thiruvalla, near here, the minister said Rs 63 crore had been allotted in the budget to modernise the functioning of police. The style of functioning of the police should be reviewed to make it people-friendly, he said. Observing that maintenance of law and order was pillar of democracy, Hassan said the men in uniform had pivotal role to play. While the police should have sufficient powers, there had to be attuned to the aspirations of the common man, he added. As a service force, police should not think that they were above criticism, he said. Elizabeth Mammen Mathai presided over the function.
Drought-hit Karnataka gets Central fund
Saturday, February 21, 2004
NEW DELHI: The Centre decided to allocate Rs 229.68 crore to drought-affected Karnataka and Rs 31.21 crore to Maharashtra under the National Calamity and Contigency Fund (NCCF). The drought management meeting held under the chairmanship of Deputy PM L K Advani also decided to provide an additional Rs 20 crore supplementary grant to Karnataka to meet the nutrition needs of those affected by the drought. Karnataka will also get an additional Rs 1.38 lakh metric tonnes of foodgrains besides the 2.75 lakh metric tonnes already decided. As for Maharashtra, a cash component of Rs 31.21 crore would be provided to the state for employment generation under the NCCF.
Karnataka should go global, says Krishna
Saturday, February 21, 2004
BANGALORE: Chief Minister S.M. Krishna on Friday expressed his desire of developing the State into ‘Global Karnataka’ in order to keep pace with global developments. Laying the foundation stone for a wholesale vegetable market at Byatarayanapura in the city, Krishna said that Karnataka should be discussed globally. ‘‘I can see the formation of Global Karnataka. Programmes and schemes like Yashaswini, Stree Shakti and pro-farmer movements will make it possible,’’ he said. The fact that a chair has been set up by an US university to study the Yashaswini health care scheme in the State shows that Karnataka is going global, the CM said. Stree Shakti scheme has created a furore in the neighbouring and northern states. Various representatives have been visiting the State to study these programmes and replicate them in their states, he added.
Karthik joins AIADMK
Saturday, February 21, 2004
Yet another actor to join the AIADMK bandwagon is Karthik. Having completed more than 100 films, currently Karthik is acting in a dual role in Manadhil. He is expected to canvass for the party in the forthcoming elections along with S. S. Chandran and Radha Ravi. According to sources, Karthik may get a ticket to contest in South Chennai Constituency.
3rd Ayurveda congress begins tomorrow
Saturday, February 21, 2004
The two-day national Ayurveda Congress, with a seminar focusing 'Research Methodology in Ayurveda with special reference to Kayachikitsa' will begin at the Tagore Centenary Theatre in Thiruvananthapuram from February 21. Cholayil Ayurveda Health and Research Academy and Kadalivanam Natural Foods and Products are jointly sponsoring the programme. Announcing the programme, the Ayurveda congress office bearers said that Kerala Chief Minister A K Antony would inaugurate the function and deliver the inaugural address. Minister for Parliamentary affairs M M Hassan and Kerala Drugs controller T P Gopinathan will deliver special address. V P Sidhan, Managing trustee of Cholayil Ayurvedic Health and Research Academy will be preside over the function. Dr. M S Valiathan, Indian National Science Academy will deliver the keynote of address in the inaugural function.
Allies should exercise restraint: Thankachan
Saturday, February 21, 2004
KPCC acting president P P Thankachan today appealed to the non-Congress allies in the ruling UDF to exercise self-control while demanding seats for the next Lok Sabha polls. Speaking to the media in Kollam today, Thankachan pointed out that the Congress, being the largest constituent in the UDF, will have an upper hand while deciding on the seat-sharing. He said that most of the UDF constituents have demanded for seats. He hoped that a unanimous decision could be made at the UDF meet scheduled for February 24. Thankachan, earlier speaking at a meeting of private college teachers' organisation, admitted that the UDF government in the state did not perform well, as expected. He said that the next UDF meeting would discuss all the outstanding issues.
State becoming investor-friendly, says Antony
Saturday, February 21, 2004
KOCHI, FEB. 20. The Chief Minister, A. K. Antony, has said that Kerala is gradually becoming an investor-friendly State. Addressing a gathering of industrialists, traders and foreign delegates at the `Business to Business Meet 2004' here today, he said the mindset of most of the Keralites had already undergone a change for the better. Nobody could now change the course of the winds of change, he said. "The Government is concentrating on policy changes that will put the State on a progressive path. We are trying to develop development politics'', he said. The Global Investor Meet (GIM) held last year had generated enthusiasm. It had given a new determination to the Government to pursue a new path, he said. Though hundreds of proposals had come at the GIM, many of them could not be implemented. But many were in the pipeline. "Things are moving in the right direction'', he said. Due to the constraints of land availability, it might not be possible for big industries to set up units in the State. That was why the Government was supporting the medium and small-scale sectors. These sectors provided large- scale employment, he pointed out. While focusing on new areas such as biotechnology, Information Technology, etc., the State was also concerned about the problems of pollution, he said. The Chief Minister said that despite the efforts taken by the Government, there were some people who wanted to thwart the development process. "`But I can assure you that their attempts will not succeed", he said. There were many positive aspects that could invite investments into Kerala. The law and order situation was best in Kerala compared to other States, he said, inviting foreigners to invest in the State. Later, in an interaction with the audience, the Chief Minister said that the Government would take steps to ensure greater coordination among the various departments. The Government would examine the demand for creation of a task force for industries, he said. The Finance Minister, K. Sankaranarayanan, who also participated in the session, said that steps were being taken to modernise the check-posts in order to minimise the waiting time for vehicles. Earlier, a delegation of officials from the Embassy of Holland presented an audio-visual programme on the country's business prospects in Kerala.
HC firm on banning campus politics
Saturday, February 21, 2004
KOCHI, FEB. 20. A Division Bench of the Kerala High Court today directed the State Government and universities to lay down rules and regulations for curbing dharnas, strikes, gheraos and demonstrations by various students' organisations on college campuses. The Bench comprising Justice K. S. Radhakrishan and Justice K. Padmanabhan Nair ordered that the rules and regulations should be laid down before the commencement of the next academic year. The court gave the direction while dismissing a batch of petitions filed by various students organisations, including the KSU and the SFI, seeking to review its earlier verdict upholding the right of the principal and managements of educational institutions to ban political activities on college campuses. The court observed that collective bargaining, strike, go-slow, dharnas, agitation and absenteeism were alien to academic domain. Unfortunately, these tendencies were on the rise and unless these activities were curbed, it would engulf the entire system. The court said the relationship between teachers and students was "solemn and sacred'' and it was not that of a master and servant or employer and employee. The court said strikes and other similar activities were "weapons used by labour force for establishing their demands under the labour laws and they are not academic tools to be used against the teaching faculty or against the management to vindicate the rights of the students." Such a mode of bargaining was "foreign to the relationship" between teachers and students and students and managements. Besides, the university statutes did not contemplate such mode of redressal of grievances. The judges also held that the students were bound by the code of conduct laid down by the educational institutions in which they were studying. The court said the students' organisations had no legal right to interfere with the fundamental right guaranteed to managements under Article 19(1)(g) (to practise any profession and carry on any business). The court said principals had been entrusted with the task of maintaining discipline. The university laws had also given principals such powers to enforce discipline. The educational institutions could lay down a code of conduct and guidelines to be enforced by the principals. It was the legal obligation of the State Government and universities to enforce discipline. The court also noted the State Government stand that political activities, demonstrations and campaigning should not be allowed on college campuses.
HC firm on banning campus politics
Saturday, February 21, 2004
KOCHI, FEB. 20. A Division Bench of the Kerala High Court today directed the State Government and universities to lay down rules and regulations for curbing dharnas, strikes, gheraos and demonstrations by various students' organisations on college campuses. The Bench comprising Justice K. S. Radhakrishan and Justice K. Padmanabhan Nair ordered that the rules and regulations should be laid down before the commencement of the next academic year. The court gave the direction while dismissing a batch of petitions filed by various students organisations, including the KSU and the SFI, seeking to review its earlier verdict upholding the right of the principal and managements of educational institutions to ban political activities on college campuses. The court observed that collective bargaining, strike, go-slow, dharnas, agitation and absenteeism were alien to academic domain. Unfortunately, these tendencies were on the rise and unless these activities were curbed, it would engulf the entire system. The court said the relationship between teachers and students was "solemn and sacred'' and it was not that of a master and servant or employer and employee. The court said strikes and other similar activities were "weapons used by labour force for establishing their demands under the labour laws and they are not academic tools to be used against the teaching faculty or against the management to vindicate the rights of the students." Such a mode of bargaining was "foreign to the relationship" between teachers and students and students and managements. Besides, the university statutes did not contemplate such mode of redressal of grievances. The judges also held that the students were bound by the code of conduct laid down by the educational institutions in which they were studying. The court said the students' organisations had no legal right to interfere with the fundamental right guaranteed to managements under Article 19(1)(g) (to practise any profession and carry on any business). The court said principals had been entrusted with the task of maintaining discipline. The university laws had also given principals such powers to enforce discipline. The educational institutions could lay down a code of conduct and guidelines to be enforced by the principals. It was the legal obligation of the State Government and universities to enforce discipline. The court also noted the State Government stand that political activities, demonstrations and campaigning should not be allowed on college campuses.
Truce will usher in lasting peace: Murali
Saturday, February 21, 2004
KOZHIKODE, FEB. 20. The Electricity Minister, K. Muraleedharan, today said the truce agreed upon by warring groups in State Congress to improve the chances of victory in the Lok Sabha polls would help in establishing lasting peace in the party in the long run. Speaking at a `Meet-the-Press' programme organised by the Kozhikode Press Club, Mr. Muraleedharan said whatever differences still remained in the party would be sorted out after the elections. The present truce would create an atmosphere congenial for strengthening the party unit, he said. Mr. Muraleedharan said the KPCC working committee would meet on February 23 and the UDF liaison committee the next day to choose the Congress candidates for the Lok Sabha polls. The choice would be unanimous. If at all differences arose, those would not be of a serious nature, the Minister claimed. Mr. Muraleedharan said he had criticised the Chief Minister, A. K. Antony, in the past in his capacity as the KPCC president. He would not criticise the Chief Minister now since he was a Minister in the Antony Cabinet. He also said he was deeply thankful to V. Balaram for vacating his Wadakkancherry Assembly seat to enable him (Mr. Muraleedharan) to contest from there. He would try his best to ensure that Mr. Balaram was adequately compensated for the sacrifice he had made. The Electricity Minister also pointed out that the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) had already decided to suspend load-shedding till the end of the SSLC examinations. In line with this decision, the power cut would be lifted on March 7, when the examinations would begin. But it was not feasible to do away with the 30-minute load-shedding permanently since it would involve an expenditure which the KSEB would not be able to afford, he added. The Minister said the next meeting of the board would consider the demand for releasing the dearness allowance for the employees. Four DA instalments were due. He would like the employees to receive at least two DA instalments. Mr. Muraleedharan also complimented his predecessor, Kadavoor Sivadasan, for his management of the financial crisis in the KSEB. The board's financial position had registered a marked improvement under Mr. Sivadasan's stewardship, the Minister said. The KSEB was incurring a loss of Rs. 1,300 crores in 1999 when the UDF Government took over. The loss had come down to Rs. 700 crores under UDF rule. However, the KSEB's financial position continued to be weak since its dependence on costly thermal power had increased from 33 per cent in 1998 to 66 per cent. Mr. Muraleedharan also reiterated that even if the KSEB had to be split up into separate companies, as required by Central legislation, these would be maintained in the public sector. There was a provision in the Central law that allowed the State Government to maintain status quo. However, many benefits from the Centre would not be available if the board was not converted into separate companies that would supervise generation, transmission and distribution of power. The deadline for setting up companies was June 10.
Anup Kurian bags Aravindan Puraskaram
Saturday, February 21, 2004
Thiruvananthapuram Feb. 20. Anup Kurian has won the 13th G. Aravindan Puraskaram, instituted by the Chalachithra Film Society for the best debutant filmmaker, for his maiden English film, "Mansarovar". Announcing this at a press conference here today, the jury chairman, Adoor Gopalakrishnan, said Anup Kurian was selected for the award for his novelty of approach, the innovative plot development and overall excellence in the medium. The award consists of a cash prize of Rs. 10,000, citation and a memento. "Mansarovar" was selected from among 10 films, including "Ente Kochu Kautukam", "Pisakippoya thalakal", "Gaurisankaram", "Guda", "Maargam" and "Saphalam". The award would be presented at a function to be held here on March 15 in connection with the 13th death anniversary of the noted film-maker, G. Aravindan.
BJP to field Rajagopal in Thiruvananthapuram, Krishnakumar in Mavelikara
Friday, February 20, 2004
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The State election committee of the BJP on Thursday proposed to the Central Parliamentary Board of the party the names of Union Minister of State for Defence O Rajagopal and former Union Minister S Krishnakumar as party candidates for the Thiruvananthapuram and Mavelikara Lok Sabha seats respectively. The 10-member committee also zeroed in on Udayabhaskar for Palakkad. The Muvattupuzha seat has been given to Union Minister of State for Law P C Thomas of the IFDP. The Central Parliamentary Board is expected to announce the candidates for all 20 seats on March 5. Meanwhile, the committee is learnt to have received proposals for some of the remaining 16 seats from the respective party district committees but it did not give any unanimous proposals to the board. The committee will meet here again on February 28 and 29. O Rajagopal was present at Thursday's meeting. The names proposed by the district committees are: Kasargod _ P K Krishnadas, Balakrishna Shetty, Madikkai Kumaran; Kannur _ O K Vasu; Vatakara _ M T Ramesh; Kozhikode _ K Surendran; Chirayinkeezh _ J R Padmakumar; Ernakulam _ O G Thankappan; Kottayam _ B Raddhakrishna Menon; Adoor _ Kainakary Janardhanan, P M Velayudhan; Manjeri _ Uma Unni; Ottapalam _ G K Velayudhan, Shajumon; Thrissur _ Shobha Surendran. Several top leaders of the party including State president P S Sreedharan Pillai, general secretaries K Raman Pillai, P P Mukundan and P K Krishnadas and former State president C K Padmanabhan have opted out of the poll fray. Padmanabhan is also the chairman of the State election committee. The election committee is also learnt to have decided not to give tickets to some new party entrants including former Accountant-General James K Joseph.
4 The People
Friday, February 20, 2004
Jayaraj’s 4 The People is releasing all over Kerala today with more than 30 prints. However the big question is will this film create a new trend in Malayalam cinema? The reggae and Kerala folk mixed song Lajjavathiye…Lajjavathiye… composed and sung by Jassie Gift is on everybody’s lips and has created a lot of curiosity about the film. The audio is selling like hot cakes and already one-lakh cassettes have been sold, creating a new record in the music industry. According to Jayaraj who has made some offbeat films like Desadanam, Kaliyattom and Santham in the past, 4 The People is aimed at the youth. The film is set in a campus where students rebel against social injustice, corruption and politics. The story is told in a new narrative style with fast paced editing, innovative camera angles and peppy music to break the conventions of filmmaking. The film made on a shoe string budget of Rs 50 Lakhs has created an unprecedented hype in the trade. Jayaraj feels that the future lies in the hands of the youth, mainly youngsters who are largely influenced by satellite channels and films from other languages. Added Jayaraj: As the title suggests my film is for the people. I am certain that the content and concept of filmmaking will change with the success of this film.
Cusat continues winning streak
Friday, February 20, 2004
Kochi,Kerala : Cusat’s main campus team continued to march way ahead of the other teams on the penultimate day of ‘Ninavu 2004’, the university’s youth festival. At last count, the team, which comprises of all the departments in the main campus, had notched 160 points. Model Engineering College, Thrikkakara scored 130 and College of Engineering, Thrikkakara was third with 56 points. The contests held on Thursday were elocution, recitation, instrumental music (string, percussion and Eastern), Mappilapattu and Oppana. The biggest crowd puller of the day, predictably was the choreography contest, in which the participants danced to popular film numbers. The festival will wind up on Friday with an elaborate Ganamela. The following are the winners of various competitions held on Thursday: Percussion Eastern: Sreekanth K Pullikan - CE, Kidangoor (I), Dileep Madhavan - SOE, Thrikkakara (II) and Praveen Cheriyan Asok - CUSAT (III). Skit: CUSAT (I), CE, Perumon (II) and MEC, Thrikkakara (III). Kathaprasangom: Sudip Joshi - CUSAT (I), Sreeja Gopal - SOE (II) and Liji - SOE (III) Instrumental Non-percussion (wind): Ajeesh Thomas - CUSAT (I), Keerthi Unni - CE, Kidangoor (II) and Rakesh Warrier - NIALS (III). Adapttune: Riduna - MEC, Thrikkakara (I), Pranila - EREDCI, TVM (II) and Sibu K K - SOE, CUSAT (III). Group Music (Eastern): CE, Perumon (I), MEC, Thrikkakara (II) and EREDCI, TVM (III). Western Percussion: Vineeth J, CIT, Vadakara (I), Chinju Satheesh - MEC, Thrikkakara (II) and Dileep Madhavan - SOE, Cusat (III). Mappilappattu: Jyothi - CIT, Vadakara and Anju Elsa - CIT, Vadakara (I), Yazila Salam - SOE, Cusat (II) and Vidhu Mariam - MEC, Thrikkakara (III). Drama: Cusat (I), Cusat (II) and MEC, Thrikkakara (III). Western Dance: MEC Thrikkakara (I), Cusat (II) and Cucek, Pulinkunnu (III). Rangoli: Manju S - Cusat (I), Salabha Balan - Cusat and Sreejith M, MEC (II) and Indu K V, Cusat (III).
Left Front finalises seat-sharing
Friday, February 20, 2004
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 19 The CPI(M), which heads the Opposition Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala, will contest in 14 of the 20 seats in the State in the coming Lok Sabha election. The seat-sharing agreement was finalised by the LDF State Committee, which met here today with CPI(M) Politburo member V S Achuthanandan in the chair. The CPI, the second largest constituent of the LDF, has been allotted four seats, while the Janata Dal (Secular) and Kerala Congress (Joseph) will get one seat each. Briefing reporters after the meeting, LDF Convener Paloli Mohamedkutty said the parties would field candidates from constituencies from where they contested the last Lok Sabha polls. Replying to a question, he said though the the other constituents of the LDF--the RSP, the NCP, the Congress(S) and the Kerala Congress (Secular)-- had sought one seat each, the State Committee decided that there was no need for any change under the present circumstance. He said the CPI(M) candidates for the poll would be decided by the party State Committee, which is slated to meet here tomorrow. The candidates of the CPI(M) and other LDF partners would be announed on February 21.
Agencies to learn cyber forensics
Friday, February 20, 2004
Thiruvananthapuram,Kerala : Union Department of Information Technology Additional Secretary S.Lakshminarayanan on Thursday urged the law enforcement agencies to give enough stress to educate themselves on cyber forensics in order to tackle the rising cyber crimes in the country. He was inaugurating the workshop on cyber crimes and releasing the manual for cyber crime investigation and cyber forensic tools developed by C-DAC in association with National Police Academy, Hydrabad, here. He said that the urgency to ensure cyber security had increased after the September 11 terrorist attack on World Trade Centre in the US. The cyber forensic tools developed by C-DAC would help the law enforcement agencies to deal with the cyber crimes in an effective manner. It would help them to understand what was a digital evidence and how it could be collected, analysed and produced before the courts in a convincing manner, he said. After receiving the manual for cyber crime investigation and cyber forensic tools, DGP Hormis Tharakan said that the competent and enthusiastic officials in the police department would be entrusted with the task of absorbing the manual and the use of forensic tools to scientifically handle the increasing cyber crimes in the State. In his keynote address in the form of a digital presentation, N.Balakrishnan, chairman of division of information sciences, Bangalore, who was also the guiding spirit behind the tools development in C-DAC here, explained the gravity and the variety of cyber crimes and how it would affect the economy and security of the country. Advisor to Union Department of Information Technology A.K.Chakravarti delivered a special address. Secretary to Union Legislative Department T.K.Viswanathan presided over the function. C-DAC Executive Director S.Ramakrishnan welcomed the gathering. Director of C-DAC Thiruvananthapuram Rajan T.Joseph proposed a vote of thanks.
RSP(B) worker hacked to death
Friday, February 20, 2004
Kollam, Kerala: Unidentified persons hacked to death an aged member of the Revolutionary Socialist Party (B) on Thursday at Chavara-Thekkumbagam area of this southern district. M. Sudhakaran (68), Manager of the Guhanandapuram Higher Secondary School, who resigned from the CPI(M) and joined the RSP(B) recently, was hacked to death in the early hours of Thursday. While the RSP(B) accused the CPI(M) for the murder, police claimed the incident was a sequel to legal battles between two groups vying for the control of the Guhanandapuram temple and the school. Tension prevailed in the area as the news of the murder spread. A dawn-to-dusk hartal was observed. Strong police pickets have been posted.
BJP signs on 3 Christian priests in Kerala
Friday, February 20, 2004
By: Rosamma Jose Thiruvananthapuram: Spurned by mainstream Hindu organisations, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has sought the help of Christian priests to end its electoral drought in Kerala. Four priests belonging to the Church of South India and the Pentecostal Church have agreed to embrace the saffron, a colour that their followers still dread. They are Abraham Thomas , J J Kochuparambil, K Christy John and Thomas David. The party is preparing to give the spiritual leaders a grand welcome hoping that this move will thaw relations with the minority community, which constitutes about 40 per cent of the 3.1 crore population in the state. However, political observers remain skeptical since the four priests represent fringe denominations without any political influence in the state. The BJP had tried its best to woo the Nair Service Society (NSS) and the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam, two organisations championing the interest of Hindus in the state. However, they spurned the party’s invitation to join the third front. The party had earlier accommodated former Kerala Congress (M) leader P C Thomas in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) ministry in a bid to placate the Christians.
B2B Meet opening new vistas for products
Friday, February 20, 2004
Kochi: Curtains went up on the first Kerala Business-to-Business meet 2004 here, opening new vistas for over 10,000 'cent percent' ethically manufactured products from 10 sectors, including the centuries old traditional industries in Kerala. In his inaugural address, Industries and IT Minister P.K. Kunhalikutty said the state was making all efforts to create a Kerala brand in food processing and handlooms among others. "We are confident of coming out with many Kerala brands in the coming two years," he said, adding the state's products were ahead in quality and the products were manufacutured ethically. Hoping that the government's first of its kind initiative would help in revamping the handloom and some other sectors, he said there were plans to make the B2B an annual event. There were plans to open an exhibition centre at Kochi also. In his presidential address, planning board vice Chairman, V. Ramachandran, said a great deal of development of the state depended on the growth of small and medium industries which has been 'slow'. But thanks to the initiative of the government in the last two to three years, Kerala was on the move, he said. Many have not recognised this change and have their own perception and fear. The state would do everything to assist the players, not by imposing regulations, but by assisting them and 'holding hands' for some time, he added. Investment Secretary and Managing Director of Kerala State Industries Development Corporation (KSIDC), P.H. Kurien, K. Mohandas, Principal Secretary (Industries), John Mathai Principal secretary (Industries), Umesh Shenoy, General Manager, Canara Bank and Xavier Thomas Kondoty, state President KSSIA, were among those who spoke. The small and medium industries, including those in the traditional sectors of Coir, Spices, Handloom and Handicrafts, Ayurveda and Processed food are participating in the three-day meet. Out of the eight foreign embassies taking part in the meet, Canada, Korea and Australia are making presentations about business opportunities existing in these countries, while Ambassador from Netherlands, E F C Niehe would be addressing a seminar on Saturday on 'Business with Netherlands', Kurien said. Manufacturers of agro chemicals, fertilisers, rare earths, cleansing agents, rubber and wood based products are also participating in the three-day buyer-seller meet. About 310 units have registered as Kerala sellers with representation from all the 14 districts and 250 buyers, including several foreign delegates and trade representatives from abroad are participating in the meet. The event is being organised by the department of industries in association with the Kerala Bureau of Industrial Promotion (K-BIP), KSIDC and KINFRA (Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation).
Vineeth announces his marriage!
Thursday, February 19, 2004
Actor Vineeth has finally decided to tie the knot in August. The bride is Prisilla Menon, who hails from Telicherry. Prisilla works at the Bahrain airport and Vineeth confirmed that it is an arranged marriage fixed by both the families. The engagement function will be held at the Kozhikode Taj Residency on 9 Feb. Vineeth is a fine actor who has acted in films like Nakhashathangal, Rithubhedham, Chambakulam Thachan, Sargam, Ghazal and Kabooliwala. But sadly his career didn't really take off and he always earned the reputation of being a "better dancer than an actor". In fact Vineeth had taken a break from Malayalam and did Tamil films like Bharathan's Avarampoo, Kaathal Desam, Priyamana Thozhi and the recent Kaathal Kirukkan. Right now he is working with Jayasurya in Rafi Mecartin directed Chathickatha Chanthu.
Kerala will be fully computerised by 2005
Thursday, February 19, 2004
PTI KOTTAYAM: All sub-registrar offices in Kerala would be fully computerised during 2004-05 financial year, C F Thomas, registration and rural development minister, said on Wednesday. He told reporters here that an amount of Rs 9 crore had been set apart in the 2004-05 budget for computerising 91 sub-registrar offices. "This will help people get their liability certificate within two days. The delay in getting documents can be reduced," he said. Of the total of 308 sub-registrar offices in the state, 114 have already been computerised. Another 103 offices will be computerised before March 2004. Kottayam, with 22 sub-registrar offices, is the first district in the state to be completely computerised. The minister will inaugurate the full computerisation programme in Madappally on Thursday.
CPI announces LS poll candidates
Thursday, February 19, 2004
The Communist Party of India State council today decided to field veteran leader and former Chief Minister P K Vasudevan Nair from Thiruvananthapuram constituency in the coming Lok Sabha election. According to party sources, All-India Kisan Sabha leader C K Chandrappan will contest from the Thrissur seat. The names of Chengara Surendran and P P Suneer were also finalised by the Council. While Surendran would contest from the Adoor reserved constituency, Suneer would fight it out from Ponnani. The formal announcement on the candidates would be made tomorrow after the State Committee meeting of the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF). CPI is the second largest constituent of the LDF.
Bird flu: Poultry consumption falls in Kerala
Thursday, February 19, 2004
Despite the fact that not a single chick had fallen prey to the dreaded bird flu disease in Kerala, the consumption of poultry products in the State has been dropping following scare among customers. Trade sources said the sale of chicken had nearly halved during the last few weeks. However, the Kerala State Poultry Development Corporation maintained that there was no incidence of bird flu, known in medical parlance as 'Avian Influenza,' anywhere in India and the country was totally free from the virus H5N1 and H5N2. Nevertheless, the general panic in the country has adversely affected the fortunes of India's Rs 29,000 crore poultry industry. The crashing prices of poultry products have badly affected the poultry farmers in the country. Which produces on an average 1,400 million broiler chicks every year. The All-Kerala Poultry Farmers' Association confirmed that a scare has spread all over the State following reports on incidence of bird flu in Asian countries. As a result, poultry business has halved, Association President A A Rafique said. In Kochi, the intake, which earlier used to be between ten and 12 loads of 2,500 kg each every day, was, of late, only around five to seven loads. Though the domestic market is badly hit, still the trade circles maintain that the export market would pick up soon. Export enquiries have been pouring in and many of these could be converted into orders, the trade sources said. Some of the firms have already started exporting the chicks. The demand of the Indian poultry products in the international market is supported by the fact that the country is totally free from the bird flu virus as it did not import any live bird, vaccine or dressed meat from any affected country. The virus, which spreads through the air and could travel only a distance of two to three km, has not affected the fowls in the country. The virus cannot withstand the temperature in the country. One of the government undertakings the Meat Products India Ltd is all set to export 400 tonnes of chicken and buffalo meat to Iraq, reportedly for consumption by the US soldiers there. A company spokesman said there were enquiries for more orders from other countries as well. (agencies)
All set for B2B meet in Kochi from today
Thursday, February 19, 2004
The stage has been set for the ambitious Kerala Business to Business Meet 2004, (B2 B meet) beginning in Kochi today, as delegates started arriving in the city from Wednesday. Representatives of several foreign countries, including ambassadors and senior diplomats, would be among those participating in the three-day meet. Organised by the Kerala Government in association with Kerala Bureau of Industrial Promotion, Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation and Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation, the event was intended to create a global marketing and branding exercise for manufacturing products from the State. A record number of 310 manufacturing units representing ten major sectors, including the traditional ones like coir, cashew, spices, handloom and handicrafts and modern manufacturing industries like agro-chemicals, fertilizers, wood industry, processed food, rubber, plastic and Ayurveda and herbal sectors had registered for participation from sellers side. More than 250 participants, both Indian and foreign delegates, had confirmed their participation on behalf of the buyers side, Kerala Industries and Commerce Secretary P H Kurien told mediapersons. The meet, first of its kind being held in Kerala, would also provide a common platform, sans intermediaries, for a face-to-face contact between the manufacturers and intended buyers in order to develop a stable and sustainable business relationship, he said. Kerala Industries Minister P K Kunhalikutty would open the meet that would witness sectoral presentations by the Embassies of Australia, Canada, Korea and the Netherlands, among other foreign countries. Chief Minister A K Antony would also address the meet on the second day of the event. The Global Investor Meet (GIM) organised by the State Government last year was entirely different from the business meet, Kurien and KINFRA Managing Director G C Gopala Pillai said. (with inputs)
Antony to meet PM Vajpayee today
Thursday, February 19, 2004
Kerala Chief Minister AK Antony will call on Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today to discuss Kerala's demands pending before the Centre. According to reports from New Delhi, the Chief Minister would take up issues like drought relief for the state and central assistance to tide over the fiscal crisis. Official sources said that the Chief Minister would request for an assistance of Rs 1,400 crore for drought relief works. A Central team is scheduled to visit Kerala on February 20 to study the drought situation. Antony would also press for Central permission of the finance ministry for an additional market borrowing to the tune of Rs 800 crore to meet Kerala's immediate needs. Another prominent topic in the agenda would be the demand to make more forestland available to complete the task of distributing land to Adivasis in Kerala. Incidentally Antony is meeting Prime Minister Vajpayee on the first anniversary of Muthanga firing incident, in which one Adivasi protestor and a policeman were killed and many injured. As reported earlier, Antony had met Union Finance Minister Jaswant Singh on Wednesday and discussed Kerala's pressing demands. After the meeting he had told newsmen that he expects the Centre to take a positive stand on Kerala's demands. The Chief Minister, along with AICC general secretary Vayalar Ravi met Congress president Sonia Gandhi to discuss the poll scenario in the state. he is expected to meet AICC leaders today , before returning to Kerala tomorrow.
Maneka, Varun justified in joining BJP: A family affair,says Ganesh
Thursday, February 19, 2004
Maneka, who was totally sidelined by her in-laws, aligned with a number of parties from time to time. Survival was the biggest challenge to her and no one can blame her for that -Ganesh Kumar B Ganesh Kumar, the star son of Kerala Minister R Balakrishna Pillai and himself a former minister remarked that Maneka and Varun joining BJP is purely a family affair of the Nehru-Gandhi clan. "It is well known that after the untimely death of Sanjay Gandhi, his widow Maneka was cold shouldered by both Indira and Rajiv Gandhi. Maneka, who was totally sidelined by her in-laws, aligned with a number of parties from time to time. Survival was the biggest challenge to her and no one can blame her for that, "said Ganesh to asianetglobal.com. Since Maneka would not be accepted in the Congress Party, she might have opted for BJP.Is it wise on her part to join CPM? Ganesh Kumar Ganesh feels that both Maneka and Varun joined BJP because that is the only option available to them. "All know that the BJP and Congress represent the two political poles in India. Since she would not be accepted in the Congress Party, she might have opted BJP which is the one and only alternative for her. Is it wise for her to join CPM?" asks Ganesh who was all praise for Varun Gandhi's reported statement that he will not campaign against Sonia or his cousins Rahul and Priyanka. "That is what you call aristocracy," pointed out Ganesh Kumar, one of the very few popular leaders of Kerala.
No specific demands from 'I' group: Antony
Thursday, February 19, 2004
NEW DELHI: Chief Minister AK Antony denied reports of 'I' group in the Congress demanding eight seats for the faction in the ensuing Lok Sabha election. "No such demand has been brought to my attention," Antony told mediapersons after a meeting with Congress President Sonia Gandhi. Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister called on Union Finance Minister Jaswant Singh who offered all possible help to the state's plan to go in for a loan worth Rs 800 crore from the market.
Thankachan takes over as interim KPCC president
Tuesday, February 17, 2004
The newly appointed KPCC acting president P P Thankachan today appealed to all sections in the party to set aside their differences and work for the party's victory in the next general elections. P P Thankachan, a former Speaker and state minister was speaking to reporters at the KPCC headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram today, after taking charge of the party's state unit. Chief Minister AK Antony, Thankachan's predecessor and present Power Minister K Muralidharan, senior party leader K Karunakaran, state ministers and KPCC office bearers were among those who attended the function. Thankachan later chaired a meeting of KPCC office bearers at the Indira Bhavan. According to sources the meeting would finalize the date for the KPCC Committee meet, to discuss the strategies for the upcoming parliamentary polls. AICC had appointed P P Thankachan as the acting KPCC president on Sunday as part of the formula to settle the party crisis in the Kerala unit.
Parameswaran expelled from CPI(M)
Tuesday, February 17, 2004
The CPI (M) on Sunday sought to put an end to another internal row by deciding to expel reformist leader Dr M.P. Parameswaran from the party for his "open rejection of Marxism-Leninism and the fundamental tenets of the party." Dr Parameswaran is one of the founder-leaders of the Kerala Sasthra Sahitya Parishad. He earned the party's ire for promoting the idea of ''Fourth World'', which the leadership considered as a negation of accepted principles and basic ideology of the CPI(M). A three-day meeting of the party's state committee, which concluded here, observed that Parameswaran had committed 'gross indiscipline'. The CPI(M) state secretariat had earlier sought an explanation from him for taking a stand contrary to the accepted principles of the party. The state committee rejected his explanation on finding it unacceptable. The State Committee, on the other hand decided to play down other contentious issues like acceptance of foreign funds received by certain institutions with CPM leanings. CPM state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan in his post committee meet press conference told reporters that the party is not considering disciplinary action against any one at this stage. He however, admitted that some confusion prevailed in the party regarding the issue. Pinarayi made it clear that it was the responsibility of those institutions to ensure that the money did not come from dubious agencies. The state governments had sometimes been forced to seek foreign assistance because of resource crunch due to the wrong policies of the Centre, he pointed out. But no foreign funds should be accepted if they carried conditions harmful to the interests of the people and the country and helped globalisation, the state secretary added. The State Committee rejected an allegation that the previous Left Democratic Front Government had accepted foreign funds with conditions attached to them. The Kerala Institute for Local Administration had received an assistance of Rs 10.5 crore from the Swiss Government during the LDF rule to undertake training programme for local bodies. The state secretary also said the list of the party candidates for the Lok Sabha elections would be finalised by February 21. M.P. Parameswaran, one of the founder-leaders of the Kerala Sasthra Sahitya Parishad (KSSP), has been expelled from the Communist Party of India (Marxist) for his The CPI (M) State committee meeting was attended by the party general secretary, Harkishen Singh Surjeet, and several Polit Bureau members.
Kaveri Film critics' TV awards announced
Tuesday, February 17, 2004
'Swapnam' in Asianet and 'Ragardram' in Doordarshan have been selected as the best mega serial and the best serial, respectively in the Kaveri Film Critics' TV Award for the year 2003 announced in Thiruvananthapuram today. 'Swapnam', produced by Mathrubhumi Television will receive the P Sukumaran Memorial Gold medal, Kerala Film Critics Association organisers said. 'Oomakuyil' in Surya TV has bagged the prize for second best mega serial, while the second place in serial category has gone to 'Sancharam' directed by Santhosh George Kulangara (Asianet). K K Rajeev bagged the best director's award for the mega-film 'Swapnam' (Asianet), while Nedumudi Venu has been selected as the best actor for his role in 'Oomakuyil' and 'Ragardram'. Praveena has been nominated as the best actress for her role in the serial 'Swapnam'. 'Sree Narayana Guru' (Asianet) has been selected as the best tele-cinema and 'Nanappan on line' directed by K K Haridas has selected as the best second tele-film. V Krishna Kumar (Symphony in Kairali TV) has been nominated as the best programme presenter. Following are the other major awards: Second best actor-Suresh Krishna and Prem Prakash [Swapnam] Second best actress-Ramyasree [Stree Janmam] Best scriptwriter P F Mathews [Idayanum Mankidavum] Cinematography- Anil Nair [Stree Janmam] Playback singers- Madhu Balakrishnan and Sujatha [Ragardhram and Swapnam] Child artist- Baby Sanusha [Swapnam] KFCA chairman Dr. George Onakoor and General Secretary Mannarakayam Baby attended the press conference.
The New Indian Express -VS row heats up
Tuesday, February 17, 2004
The tussle between Opposition leader VS Achutanandan and The New Indian Express reached new heights on Monday, with the Opposition leader charging the newspaper of carrying out 'mafia style' journalism. While Achutanandan has refuted the allegation by the newspaper's resident editor N Madhavankutty that he has threatened the editor, journalists' unions have come forward in support of the New Indian Express editor. Achutanandan, in a statement issued in Thiruvananthapuram, accused The New Indian Express of having distorted facts about his telephonic conversation with Madhavan Kutty on Saturday. The denial is in response to a front-page report in the paper on Monday alleging that the Achutanandan called up Madhavankutty over phone and threatened him of dire consequences , if the newspaper doesn't stop publishing damaging reports against him and his office. The Opposition leader, in his statement admitted of having called the editor and asked him about the reports to the effect that someone from his office was leaking information about internal deliberations of the CPI(M) to the media. Achutanandan alleged that the newspaper has distorted the facts regarding the details of the conversation that took place. He said that he had hung up the phone on not getting a proper reply from Madhavan Kutty to his queries.. The Opposition leader indicated that he might seek legal remedies to the newspaper's deliberate propaganda against him and his office." I have adopted both these methods in the past. I would do the same again," he said. Meanwhile, the Editors' Forum has taken strong exception to the 'threatening telephone call' made by Opposition Leader V S Achutanandan to Madhavan Kutty. In a statement issued in Kochi on Monday, K V S Haridas, secretary, Editors' Forum, said that threats would not silence the media. Though Achutanandan could have criticised the said media reports or approached court, he has taken an extreme undemocratic step, which should be condemned by one and all, he added. The Kerala Union of Working Journalists has also protested against the Opposition leader V S Achutanandan for 'threatening' the journalist. (with inputs)
Air-India Offers to Cut Kerala Fares After Boycott Threat
Tuesday, February 17, 2004
Air-India Offers to Cut Kerala Fares After Boycott Threat Air-India has pledged cut fares and provide improved services on its flights to destinations in the south Indian state of Kerala. This follows a boycott campaign by Indians working in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf. Captain P.P. Singh, the airline’s regional director for the Gulf, Middle East and Africa, made the pledge at a meeting of the Joint Action Committee that recently threatened to boycott Air-India and Indian Airlines if they failed to meet their legitimate demands. Singh gave us assurance to consider some of our demands within 10 days after consulting with Air-India management, K.P. Muhammad Kutty, chairman of JAC, told Arab News. The offer includes restructuring fares on Air-India’s direct flights to Calicut in line with the Jeddah-Bombay-Calicut route. According to travel industry sources, this will cut the price by SR400. The committee has said that the regional director told them that Air-India will discount fares to those purchasing tickets two weeks before departure. Child fares will be brought down from 67 to 50 percent, the committee reported, adding that in future returning Haj flights would be used for Indian passengers after consultations with Saudi authorities. If our talks with Saudis succeed we will transport Jeddah passengers on these flights at reduced rates from next year, Muhammad Kutty said quoting the Air-India official. Air-India operates some 34 Haj flights to and from Calicut during the Haj season and the new move would help nearly 13,600 passengers to enjoy discounted fares during the period. British Airways already does this, using returning empty Haj flights to offer cheap fares to London and then back to Jeddah on aircraft sent to pick up pilgrims after Haj. Singh also agreed to remove the penalties imposed on passengers canceling their bookings during Eid holidays and school vacations. Air-India will also have at least one Malayalam-speaking member of cabin staff on Jeddah-Calicut flights, the statement said. Passengers stranded as a result of cancellation of flights would be given standard accommodation and food. Air-India will also stop the present practice of indefinitely extending its high season fares, the statement said. In light of the recent decision by the Kerala government revoking fuel tariff on international flights Air-India will take steps to reduce fares to destinations in the state proportionately, Singh said. The committee said Air-India had also agreed to support the Indian government’s plan to operate budget flights to Gulf countries. S.M. Mazharullah, Air-India manager for the Western Province, confirmed the agreement with JAC officials. However, he pointed out that action would be taken only after receiving orders from the airline’s management. JAC, representing more than 50 Keralite organizations, threatened last month to boycott the two national airlines if they failed to slash their discriminatory fares to the south Indian cities of Calicut, Cochin and Trivandrum. Keralites account for 70 percent of the 1.6 million Indians working in Saudi Arabia. About 800 passengers travel on Air-India’s four weekly flights to Calicut. Cost is a major consideration. More than 80 percent of Indian workers in the Gulf earn less than $300 a month. The committee said it was demanding a fare structure based on the actual distance and cost of operations, which would reduce the present fare by 30-35 percent.
Bike taxies earn a living for youth in Kerala village
Tuesday, February 17, 2004
Bike taxies earn a living for youth in Kerala village When Mohandas started Kerala's first bike taxi with his diesel bullet motorcycle in 1996, he was the butt of ridicule in a state where 40 million are unemployed. He is no longer in the profession but his legacy keeps at least 200 youth self-employed at Vellarada and adjoining panchayats in this district. Today, bike taxis are a common sight at Vellarada, and have also become a life line for the close-knit society in the surrounding hill tracts. The most-preferred taxi service among the people, the users are charged Rs 2.50 per km for travel and also for carrying out errands such as payment of electricity, water and other bills and also for collecting liquor from far away vending shops. Though Mohandas drew inspiration to launch the service in his village after hearing about the famous ''Goan bike taxis,'' he gave a new twist to the service to get more acceptance with the people when he volunteered to do ''errands.'' ''Initially, I had a lot of problems. I was kept under police custody for six hours when the car taxi and auto rickshaw unions filed a complaint against me. I had to undergo a lot of hardships, mental torture and humiliation,'' said Mohandas, who now works with the government's veterinary department. He said opposition from his peers was so stiff he could add a second bike to the fleet after one-and-a-half years when another youth, Radhakrishnan, followed his path. The size of the fleet has steadily increased since 2000 in the wake of the fall in the prices of rubber in this predominantly rubber producing area.
World Chess Championship at Kochi from Sep 15
Monday, February 16, 2004
Kochi, Feb 16 Top chess players of world will assemble at the World Junior Chess Championship 2004 to be held here from September 15 to 29. Nearly 250 players from 100 countries will participate in the meet. India will field at least 60 players, including medal hopes Grand Master P Harikrishna, National Champion M R Venkatesh and World Junior Silver Medal winner and Grand Master Konuru Humpy, P T Ummer Koya, Secretary All India Chess Federation, told reporters here. Players below 20 years of age are eligible to participate in the championship, being hosted by the country for the fourth time after 2002 (Goa), 1993 and 1997 (Kozhikode). With the tournament being made open since 1996, each country could be represented by more than one player and India had benefitted due to the change in the guidelines, Koya said. Defending champion in the boys section is Shakhariyar Mamedyorov from Azerbaijan and in the girls section Nana Dzavnidze from Georgia. Surya Shekhar Ganguly was ranked eighth in the last tournament held at Azerbaijan. The total prize money is Rs 15 lakh. An organising committee, with Kerala Chief Minister as Chairman and Sports Minister K Sudhakaran as Working Chairman, would soon be formed, Dr John K Johnson, President, All Kerala Chess Association, said. PTI
P P Thankachan President of KPCC(I)
Monday, February 16, 2004
KOCHI : Mr P P Thankachan has been appointed Acting President of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (I). The announcement was made by AICC General Secretary Oscar Fernandes here on Sunday. Mr Thankachan succeeds Mr K Muraleedharan who has joined the A K Antony government as a Cabinet Minister. Mr Thankachan, who belongs to the K Karunakaran group, was Vice President of the state party unit. Meanwhile, the Congress has appointed Mr Thennala Balakrishnan as Chairman of the state campaign committee for the coming Lok Sabha polls.
Karunakaran tones down rhetoric
Monday, February 16, 2004
Karunakaran tones down rhetoric THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Senior Congress leader K. Karunakaran on Sunday toned down his rhetoric against the party leadership and said that it is not easy for him to quit the Congress party. Speaking to reporters at his residence in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday, Karunakaran said that the UDF may win more seats in this coming general election. He also regretted the row with the IUML over the latter's suggestion to make a muslim as a new KPCC president. He said that the chapter is now closed. Karunakaran, however, warned that if the animocity towards him and his loyalists continue in the party, he may think of taking extreme steps, including floating a new party. According to poitical observers, Karunakaran's sudden change of stand follows reports from New Delhi that AICC is reconsidering the nomination of his follower P.P. Thankachan as the new KPCC president.
I haven't asked for Mukundapuram seat: Padmaja
Monday, February 16, 2004
I haven't asked for Mukundapuram seat: Padmaja THRISSUR: KTDC chairperson Padmaja Venugopal on Sunday made it clear by saying that she hasn't approached her father, K Karunakaran for the Mukundapuram seat. Talking to a private channel in Thrissur, Padmaja said, "Somebody is trying to malign my image by saying all rubbish. I haven't forced anybody for the Mukundapuram seat. If people want me then I will stand as a contestant in the coming elections," Padmaja added.
Chacko has no right to represent I group
Monday, February 16, 2004
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Talking to reporters at his residence in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday, senior Congress leader K Karunakaran on Sunday said P C Chacko has no right to represent the 'I' group. He also said that those who are in the voters list are eligible to stand as candidates. If Chief Minister A K Antony does not change his attitude, then he would decide about the next step to be taken. I'm trying my level best to get the maximum number of seats in the coming elections. Regarding the candidates, if the right person is not selected this time, then what happened in Ernakulam will be repeated. Decisions are taken on the opinion of the party workers and the people. But harsh steps will not be taken till the elections were over and it is not that easy for me to quit the party.
Priyanka pleads innocence
Monday, February 16, 2004
KOCHI: Priyanka, television actress who was arrested by the police on charges of cheating and extortion on February 10, said here today that she was innocent and would come out with the details of the case soon. Priyanka was arrested from Alappuzha for allegedly trying to blackmail the cine actress Kaveri. Speaking to presspersons here yesterday, Priyanka said she would not like to divulge more details now as the case was pending before court.
Rajagopal to contest Lok Sabha elections
Monday, February 16, 2004
KOZHIKODE: The Union Minister of State for Defence, O. Rajagopal, has said that the party leadership had asked him to contest the Lok Sabha elections from the State. In an informal chat with presspersons here yesterday, he said the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Government at the Centre has been able to safeguard the interests of minorities as well as provide steady economic growth in its five-year rule in the country. The propaganda unleashed by the enemies of the party would not work in the general elections also, just like it had failed to evoke any response against the BJP in the recently concluded Assembly elections. The five-year NDA rule also saw the strengthening of federalism in the country unlike the 40 years of Congress rule. The NDA Government also gave top priority to bettering its ties with regional parties, he added.
Two Malayalis and Kollywood hits
Monday, February 16, 2004
Virumandi- Though this is an out and out Kamal film, the whole South Indian film industry took note of Abhirami. This actress had tried her hands at working in Malayalam films, but was rejected because she was branded an unlucky heroine. But, with this film, her lucky days have begun. But, this success also would have put her out of the reach of Malayalam cinema. Then comes Engal Anna. When it comes to director Siddhique, the word failure doesnt exist in his personal dictionary. Alright, the word flop doesnt exist either. So, when his Chronic Bachelor was released in Malayalam, it did wonders to salvage Mammootys carrer. When it was remade in Tamil, Siddhique was again the one to direct it. And, as always, he scored big. This also happens to be his first film in Tamil. Debuting in style, eh? Proud of ye people!
Liquor sale banned during Maramon Convention
Monday, February 16, 2004
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government has banned the sale of liquor in an area of one sq km around the venue of Maramon Convention from February 15 to 22. Excise Minister Prof K V Thomas said that the government had also directed to close down the liquor outlet of the Beverages Corporation in Kozhencherry on these days.
Kerala's e-dream enters second phase
Monday, February 16, 2004
MALAPPURAM : After the mega success of making this backward district computer-friendly in the first stage, Kerala's e-dream 'Akshaya' was on Sunday initiated into the second phase focusing service sector. Under the State-sponsored programme, after its phenomenal success of making around 5.25 lakh people e-literate in this rugged northern district, the 620 Akshaya centres will now become delivery institutions for a host of services and function as training centres, information kiosk, e-transaction centre, e-governance, cell and communication hub. Kerala Chief Minister A K Antony on Saturday inaugurated the second phase of the project, which was also being rolled out to other districts soon. Industries Minister P K Kunhalikutty presided over the function, held at Chelembra in the district. There is a wide array of activities thrown open to the Akshaya entrepreneurs. Digitalisation and data management, establishing Akshaya hardware park, insurance and finance services, travel and tourism and market research, multimedia, animation and designing centre, IT enabled product sector intervention, health kiosk and tele-medicine and product selling are some of the product models, set before them by the nodal agencies. As training centres, the Akshaya Kendra's would offer Government-recognised courses in second-level computer training, language training including spoken English, Arabic, grammar classes and designing courses from National Institute of Design and courses from C-DIT and STED. The centres would also function as Information kiosk, offering content in the areas of health, agriculture, career, education and law and will also function as e-transaction centre for the collection of taxes and government bills. The ambitious project of making at least one each from the six lakh-odd households in 100 Panchayaths and five municipalities of the district took off on May 22 last year and achieved the target within a short span.
Pakistanis help Kerala girl get artificial limb
Saturday, February 14, 2004
It is now the turn of Pakistanis to return the love showered on little Noor in Bangalore. Thanks to help from some Pakistanis settled in the US, seven-year-old Akhila from Kerala, who lost her right hand in an accident three years ago, can lead a normal life now. After three months of treatment, Akhila is back home from Houston with an artificial limb. Doctors had warned her parents that she could develop permanent problems in limb movement unless she was treated immediately. Her father BS Buhari, a teacher, knocked on many doors for help. Meanwhile, Akhila started writing with her left hand and stood second in an all-India scholarship examination, making news. The Non-Keralites Residents' Association took up her case and a US-based voluntary body, the House of Charity comprising mostly expatriate Pakistanis came to her rescue. The House of Charity has also promised to foot Akhila’s future bills. It has already spent Rs 20 lakh.
US firm hijacks Kerala drug patent
Saturday, February 14, 2004
Thiruvananthapuram: A US-based company has hijacked the trademark of Jeevani, a wonder medicine ideal for fighting fatigue, which brought substantial financial benefit to the Kani tribals in Kerala, who discovered it. The US firm, called NutriScience Innovations, has been selling the medicine developed by the Tropical Botanical Gardens and Research Institute, Thiruvananthapuram, using the knowledge of the tribals, without passing on any benefits to them, according to a UN Study. Jeevani is produced from Arogyapaacha, grown extensively by the tribals living in the Agasthya Hills near Thiruvananthapuram. So far, the Coimbatore Arya Vaidya Pharmacy marketed the drug. Tribal healers got part of the proceeds.
Sonia Gandhi leads the Kerala poll race
Saturday, February 14, 2004
Thiruvananthapuram, It is advantage Sonia Gandhi, whichever front comes on top in Kerala in the upcoming parliamentary elections. If the past is any guide, the state's 20 Lok Sabha seats are expected to be divided between the ruling United Democratic Front (UDF) and the opposition Left Democratic Front (LDF). With the LDF led by the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) considering the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) a greater evil, it is clear that the LDF tally would also favour Congress president Sonia Gandhi for the country's top post. The BJP is a negligible force in Kerala, and it has never won a seat from here - either to the assembly or the Lok Sabha. In the 1996 Lok Sabha elections, the UDF won 10 seats and secured 6,580,260 votes, accounting for 44.76 percent of the votes polled. The LDF also took 10 seats with 6,469,266 votes (44.10 percent). The BJP came a poor third getting just nine percent of the votes. In 1998, the UDF won 11 seats with 6,847,724 votes (45.75 percent), compared to the LDF's nine seats (6,668,195 votes, 44.34 percent). The BJP could muster a mere 7.96 percent of votes. The next year, the UDF won 11 seats with 7,220,443 votes (46.95 percent). The LDF won nine seats with 6,713,247 votes and 43.65 percent while the BJP finished with 8.10 percent of votes. This year too the scenario is unlikely to change dramatically and therefore, irrespective of who bags more seats, all the 20 parliamentarians from Kerala will be rooting for Sonia Gandhi. BJP leaders here are aware of this - and bitter too. Said BJP veteran and Minister of State for Defence O. Rajagopal: "This is political cheating. The UDF and the LDF should be bold enough to tell the people of Kerala that they are sailing in the same boat." Rajagopal, a Rajya Sabha member from Madhya Pradesh, lost the 1999 parliamentary election from this Kerala capital despite polling a significant 158,221 votes - but he finished a poor third. This time too he is contesting the same seat. One seat that could see a tough fight is Muvatupuzha, where the pro-BJP P.C. Thomas, the minister of state for law in Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's government, has been winning from 1989 on the UDF ticket. Till 1999 Thomas was the candidate of the Kerala Congress (Mani) and won with handsome margins. But in 2001 he left the party following differences with his mentor and Kerala Revenue Minister K.M. Mani. Thomas has announced his decision to contest the seat this time too. Opposing him would be Mani's 38-year-old son Jose K. Mani as well as a CPI-M candidate. Being a three-cornered contest, indications are that Mani junior would walk away with the honours. The new minister in the Kerala cabinet, K. Muraleedharan, son of veteran Congress leader K. Karunakaran, has declared emphatically that the BJP can never hope to bag a Lok Sabha seat in Kerala. "This will never ever happen and I have already assured Sonia Gandhi of this," he said. "The biggest advantage here is that unlike in other states, especially West Bengal, a contest between the Congress and the communists will not help the BJP because it is a weak outfit here," said Muraleedharan. The BJP, of course, has a different point of view. It is banking on a Rajagopal victory, which it says will give a terrible jolt to both the UDF and the LDF. BJP sources say an array of leaders, including Prime Minister Vajpayee and Deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani, will descend on Thiruvananthapuram to canvass for Rajagopal. Indo-Asian News Service
Unity, only recipe for victory: Antony
Saturday, February 14, 2004
KOZHIKODE: Chief Minister AK Antony said here that unity in the Congress and the UDF is the only recipe to ensure the victory in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections. He was reacting to the reported statement made by K Karunakaran at Thrissur on Friday that only the candidates nominated by him alone would win the elections.
KSRTC strike called off
Saturday, February 14, 2004
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM : The proposed KSRTC strike was called off. This follows the discussion Transport Minister R Balakrishna Pillai had with leaders of various trade unions held at the capital city on Friday. The unions had called for an indefinite strike from the 20th of this month sighting a nymber of demands.
Kish Air crash; compensation for Indian victims
Friday, February 13, 2004
Kish Air crash; compensation for Indian victims DUBAI: Relatives of the 13 Indian passengers, who died in the Kish Airline crash in Sharjah on Tuesday, will receive compensation as soon as the legal formalities are completed. The local media quoted airline officials as saying that the total payout could be at least 22.85 million dirhams. Though international regulations provide for 135,000 US dollars per person as compensation, Kish Air might decide on the payout on its own terms as it is not a member of the International Air Transport Association. It has, however, clarified that all their aircraft are fully insured. A team of eight aviation officials from Iran visited the crash site from where the black box has been recovered which will help determine the cause of the accident.The confusion over the number of Indians on board the plane arose as the passenger list did not have name of 14-month-old Ula Pervez, who was accompanying her father Ahmed Pervez, mother Shameem and sister Naama.
Aparichitan
Thursday, February 12, 2004
Mammooty is National Geographic photographer In Aparichitan, Mamooty plays Raghuram, a Wild Life Photographer for the National Geographic Channel. Produced by Siraj Valiyaveetil the film is directed by Sanjeev Sivan (the youngest brother of Santosh Sivan) who has written the film’s story and also the screenplay with Nithin Ahuja and Siraj. Santosh - Jeeva handle the camera. Mammooty’s co-stars in the film are Mumbai based actress Mahi Vijay, Kavya Madhavan, Karthika, Manya, Jagathy , Vineeth Kumar and others. The film will be released by Valiyaveetil Release. http://www.galatta.com
Tamil films rule Kerala
Thursday, February 12, 2004
Kerala has been witnessing a domination of Tamil films. In the past year too many Tamil films like Boys, KK, Pithamagan, Saamy and other films from Kollywood got a very good response and some even ran for 100 days in main cities. Sold for Rs 35-40 lakhs with 12 prints the Tamil film gives the distributors a profit of at least Rs 50 lakhs. The start of this year saw the Pongal releases dominating Kerala theatres. With three hits in a row, Dhanush's Puthukottayilirundhu Saravanan was the biggest attraction. It opened to full houses. Yet another big draw was Virumaandi. With local girl Abirami the film too is doing extraordinary business. Jai and Kovil are also doing well in Kerala. The reason for the increase in viewership is said to be the song- dance and romance in Tamil films and the presence of youthful heroes while Kerala filmdom still seems to be alternating between the aging superstars. Dhanush has emerged the most favourite hero in Kerala. Aravind of Boys is doing a couple of films in Kerala. Cashing in on this trend Jayraj has readied a film 4 The People in which four boys like Ramana form a unit to hit out at any bad deed.
I owe everything to my father: Muraleedharan
Thursday, February 12, 2004
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala's new Electricity Minister K. Muraleedharan admitted Thursday that he owed everything in his political career to his father, former chief minister K. Karunakaran. Speaking to reporters here, Muraleedharan, who took oath Wednesday as a cabinet minister, said: "The single main reason I get everything in the party and why I got the post of minister is because I am the son of Karunakaran." He quickly added: "Apart from that, my hard work also has helped me." Muraleedharan's rise in Kerala politics from 1989, when he contested the Kozhikode Lok Sabha seat, to the present day has left many in the Congress party wondering about his merits. He was made state Congress president in May 2001, minutes after Antony was sworn in chief minister. Asked if it was proper for people with right connections to share the spoils of power, he replied: "What can I do for that? I have been fortunate." Muraleedharan declined to say what discussions he had with Antony before becoming a minister in his cabinet. "It is not proper for me to reveal the contents of our package deal. "We all strongly feel that P.P. Thankachen would be the next president of the state Congress party," he said. He added: "When I was the president of the party, I could afford to speak out. But today since I am a minister, I just cannot speak out. "The day I start to criticise the chief minister, I would cease to be a minister." He said his mission was to ensure that the Congress won handsomely in the upcoming parliamentary elections. Indo-Asian News Service
No cinema for Kerala
Thursday, February 12, 2004
KOCHI: Cinema theatres in Kerala will down shutters on Thursday and no film related activities, including shooting and post production work will take place throughout the state in view of the 'film bandh'. The bandh is in protest against the decision of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists to participate in the award programme of a private television channel on Mar seven against the agreement reached with the chamber and the state government, Kerala Film chamber President, Siyad Kokker, told PTI. Cinema theatre owners, Cine Exhibitors Association, Film Producers Association, Distributors Association will be participating in the bandh, the organisers said. A massive convention will be held in the morning in which thousands of people associated with the film industry will participate, he said. The Malayalam film industry was in a deep crisis and the film producers were of the opinion that they were unable to bear the huge production costs. Film artistes had also been asked to reduce their remunerations. The chamber had also sought reduction in electricity tariff, legislation to curb video piracy, and tax holiday. In the event of AMMA not making any change in its decision to participate in the award programme, the chamber had also decided to stop all production work of Malayalam films, including shooting.
Prem Nazir foundation to launch Visual Communication
Wednesday, February 11, 2004
Prem Nazir Visual Communication, a unit of Prem Nazir foundation, founded in memory of late Malayalam actor Prem Nazir, will start its function on the eve of the 75th year celebrations of Malayalam cinema, foundation chairman Shahnawas and director in chief Abdul Nazeer Sain announced in a press conference here today. "Prem Nazir Visual Communication promoted by Prem Nazir foundation plans to produce its entertainment programmes," they said. MT Vasudevan Nair, eminent writer, is the patron of the communication and he will be the main coordinator of the programme that depicts the life and film career of Prem Nazir. "There is also a plan to recreate the film songs acted by Nazir using young artists. The communication is also planning to launch a film institute to promote Malayalam cinema and a visual museum to display the Video cassettes, photos, texts and audio cassettes of films in which Prem Nazir had acted", they added.
Muralidharan sworn in as a Minister
Wednesday, February 11, 2004
At a simple ceremony held at the Raj Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram this afternoon, Kerala Governor Sikander Bakht administered the oath of office and secrecy to the new minister. Muralidharan took oath in the name of God. Speaker Vakkom Purushothaman, Chief Minister AK Antony and his cabinet colleagues, Congress leaders, MLAs and Murali's family members, including his father K Karunakaran and sister Padmaja Venugopal attended the function. Muralidharan's wife and two children had reached Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday night to attend the function. Before taking the oath, Murali touched the feet of K Karunakaran and sought his blessings. Hundreds of party workers from different parts of the state had reached Thiruvananthapuram to express their solidarity with Muralidharan. Before taking over as minister, Murali told reporters at Indira Bhavan that he is being inducted in the cabinet as a nominee of the 'I' group. "I am happy that the problems in the Congress party are over and the party would face the election together," he added. Murali is fourth Minister in the present cabinet who owes his political legacy to his father. His cabinet colleagues Dr M K Muneer is the son of former deputy chief minister C H Mohammed Koya and Babu Divakaran is the son of legendary leftist leader T K Divakaran. KB Ganesh Kumar, son of R Balakrishna Pillai was a minister in the cabinet for over two years as Transport Minister, but resigned to pave way for his father entry into the state cabinet. After the function, Murali left the Raj Bhavan and headed for the state secretariat to attend his first cabinet.
Kerala wants national carriers to reduce fares
Wednesday, February 11, 2004
Kerala Minister for Non-resident Keralites M.M. Hassan wants Air-India and Indian Airlines to reduce the fares for flights between the state and the Middle East so they can compete with other carriers. Hassan's comments come on the heels of the large Keralite expatriate population in the Gulf threatening to boycott Air-India and Indian Airlines if they did not reduce their fares, higher than those of private carriers for the same routes. "I get numerous calls from (Indians in) the Middle East, saying that the state government should lower taxes on aviation turbine fuel (ATF) to allow the two carriers to reduce their fares. But ATF taxes are not being levied on Air-India or Indian Airlines flights plying on international routes," Hassan told . In the recently presented state budget, the finance minister reduced ATF taxes from 39 percent to 25 percent, so that the fares on domestic flights would also reduce. Air-India charges higher fares to all Middle East destinations than its competitors. For instance, a one-way ticket to Dubai from here on Qatar Airways costs Rs.7,265 and on SriLankan Airlines Rs.7,755, while Air-India levies Rs.8,240. Hassan said the Kerala government would ask both Civil Aviation Minister Rajiv Pratap Rudy and Air-India chairman V. Thulasidas to change the fare structure. Thulasidas held talks with Hassan last month and said Air-India could not be compared to other airlines because for them Dubai was the hub and they operated connecting flights to Europe and the US, but for Air-India this was not so. Hassan said he would talk to expatriate groups on their proposed boycott of the national carriers during his visit to Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) this month. "This discrimination has been going on for more than a decade and the time has come for us to act," said the minister.
CPI-M workers "seal" Collectorates, Taluk Offices in Kerala
Tuesday, February 10, 2004
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 10 CPI-M workers today virtually "sealed" the Collectorates and the Taluk Offices across Kerala protesting alleged anti-people policies of the Central and the State Governments and to mobilise public opinion against communalism. Party workers squatted the offices at many places since early morning affecting the functioning, official sources said here, adding no law and order problem was reported from anywhere. CPI-M leaders also addressed the protestors at different places across the state. Police had earlier cautioned the party leadership against resorting to obstructionist methods such as stopping employees from entering the offices and causing traffic disruptions. PTI
Husband stabs wife in face
Monday, February 9, 2004
Thiruvananthapuram,Kerala : A woman from Ezhukone near Kollam has been admitted to the Medical College Hospital here with a knife lodged in her face. According to Medical College Hospital sources, the victim, Sindhu, 25, was stabbed by her husband Biju and the knife had pierced in between her left eye and ear. According to hospital sources, the case was very complicated as it had already damaged the internal tissues and it required expertise to remove the knife. ''Even if we somehow manage to take the knife out, her chances of survival are very slim,'' said a doctor who is attending on Sindhu. The patient had already gone into coma stage. The incident is reported to have occurred around 4 p.m. following a quarrel between the husband and the wife. After the incident, the neighbours had taken Sindhu to the Kollam district hospital from where she was referred to the Medical College Hospital. Sindhu has two children, aged four and six months. Biju, who is a headload worker, had been arrested by the police.
Plea to rehabilitate Gulf returnees
Monday, February 9, 2004
Kochi,Kerala : KPCC secretary Mannar Abdul Latheef on Sunday urged the Union and State governments to take immediate action to rehabilitate the repatriates from the Gulf region. In a statement here, he said more welfare schemes should be implemented for those who return to the State after their services in Gulf region. More protection should be given to the Gulf Malayalees who are ready to invest in the production sector. The high air fare collected from the passengers to the Gulf region should be reduced. He urged Chief Minister A K Antony to visit the Gulf countries to get a firsthand information on the problems faced by them.
Antony likely to visit Gulf in June
Monday, February 9, 2004
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala Chief Minister A.K. Antony is expected to visit the Gulf region in June, in what could be his first foreign tour since he came to power three years ago. The proposed visit to the Gulf, where 1.5 million natives of Kerala earn their livelihood, is expected to be a huge windfall for the state's diaspora. M.M. Hassan, the minister for non-resident Keralites (NRKs), believes Antony will attend "Samavayam 2004", an annual get together of NRKs that will be held in June in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). "I will visit Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia later this month and will be in the UAE to talk to Keralite groups about organising Samavayam in June," Hassan said. Hassan is also expected to call on the ruling families in some emirates in the UAE to seek their support for Samavayam. Antony has never set foot on foreign soil in his three terms as chief minister. E.K. Nayanar was the last Kerala chief minister to tour the Gulf in the late 1990s. Indo-Asian News Service
State Bank of India Launches Floating ATM
Monday, February 9, 2004
Kochi, India - Feb 9, 2004 (PRN): State Bank of India today created waves by introducing a novel channel for banking a floating ATM. Unique in India, and probably in the world, the ATM has been installed on a Jhankar ferry boat plying between Ernakulam and Vypeen. The ATM was inaugurated this morning by Shri.Ashok Kini, Dy. Managing Director (Information Technology), State Bank of India, at Ernakulam. The Jhankar, belonging to the Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation, makes 30 trips a day carrying approximately 5000 people and their vehicles. SBI has always been proactive in taking the ATMs closer to the customer rather than expecting the customer to go in search of the ATM, and this ferry ATM is the latest example of this approach. This state-of-the-art ATM will cater to the needs of the traveling public in Ernakulam, and has been supplied by NCR Corporation while connectivity has been established by Reliance Infocomm, using CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) technology. ATMs represent only one of the alternative delivery channels being provided by SBI. The SBI Group today has the largest ATM network in the country, with around 3000 ATMs spread across the country. In Kerala, SBI will have 140 ATMs by the year-end, and with all 234 branches fully computerized, the State Bank of India is poised to offer a full array of technology products including Internet banking, Tele-banking, electronic funds transfer, e-payment facility etc. The facility of a floating ATM is the latest innovation from SBI to serve its valued customers at all times and at all locations. This ATM is sure to be a hit with the traveling public in God’s Own Country as they can fulfill their banking requirements even when they are on the move With You All The Way Every Time, Everywhere. For more information, contact: Chief Manager (Public Relations) State Bank of India S.S.Kovil Road Thampanoor.G.P.O. Thiruvananthapuram 695 001 Tel: 2323072,2323070 Fax: 2321335 Email: sbilhotvm@satyamnet.in Email: sbilhotvm@sancharnet.in
Malayalam film industry heading towards a showdown
Monday, February 9, 2004
KOZHIKODE: With the film producers and artistes, led by superstars, flexing their muscles and raring to go at each other, the Malayalam film industry appears to be heading towards a showdown of unpredictable consequences. The Kerala Film Chamber, an umbrella organisation of producers, exhibitors, distributors and studio owners, has called for a state-wide 'Cinema Bandh' on February 12 and plans to follow it up with a possible total suspension of shooting and production works from March in an apparent bid to browbeat the artistes into submission. The artistes, coming under the banner of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA), however, are in no mood to be cowed down. Its Secretary and Malayalam superstar Mohanlal, who himself is a producer, has gone to the extent of saying that if the Film Chamber does not mend its ways, he will even consider floating a parallel Chamber. The present confrontation, which has all the frills of a filmy thriller, is the culmination of simmering differences between the two organisations, the Film Chamber and AMMA, for a long time. One of the main objections of the Chamber was to some of the off-screen engagements of the stars, like participation in 'award nites' and television shows which, according to it, adversely affected the box-office returns of films. The earlier differences between the two groups were ironed out in December 2002 through a patch up formula, but the contention of the Film Chamber was that the artistes had been flouting the terms of the settlement. While the stars dismissed this accusation as part of the bullying tactics adopted by the Chamber, the latter retorted by hinting that it would boycott the stars from March eight if no solution to the crisis was found by then. With the two sides confronting each other with daggers drawn, there appeared to be no solution in sight. ''They are not in a mood for talks. This is a question of life and death for the producers. And just one-time settlement will not serve any purpose,'' Chamber President Siyad Kokker told. He said theatres would remain closed and all film production activities would be suspended for the day on February 12. A convention, called by the Chamber, would finalise its future course of action, including indefinite stoppage of film production from March eight.
Tvm dist declared as drought-hit
Sunday, February 8, 2004
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The district of Thiruvananthpuram has been declared as drought-hit by the State Government, District Collector K.R.Muralidharan has said. The District Collector made this announcement at a high-level meeting convened for discussing the Kerala Development Project at the Collectorate here on Saturday. The meeting was attended by the representatives of local bodies and the officials of various departments. As many as 37 villages in the district had already been declared as drought-hit, the District Collector said. The City Corporation is supplying water to the drought-hit areas. At present, many areas near PTP Nagar, Museum, Manacaud, Karamana, Thaliyil are not getting regular drinking water supply. Adequate steps had been taken for tackling drought in the district during the summer months, the District Collector said. Funds had already been allotted for cleaning wells in the gram panchayats in the district. Funds for repairing faulty taps and borewells would also be given, Muralidharan said.
It’s high time Kochi woke up to quake
Sunday, February 8, 2004
KOCHI: It is high time Kochi starts implementing steps to reduce earthquake hazard-reduction measures as the city and the nearby areas are vulnerable to the threat of earthquake. The city falls under moderate risk zone (Zone III) and this means earthquakes of the same intensity witnessed in Latur, Gujarat (also a moderate risk zone) can occur here. This was pointed out by experts participating in a workshop on ‘Urban earthquake vulnerability reduction’ programme jointly organised by City Disaster Management Committee, Urban Earthquake Vulnerability Reduction Project and GoI-UNDP Disaster Risk Management Programme here on Saturday. If earthquake strikes, the consequences will be catastrophic for Kochi as the population is concentrated in the area of greatest earthquake hazard, the buildings and lifelines (hospitals, fire-stations etc) have low earthquake resistance and the city does not have an earthquake preparedness-cum-response plan. ‘‘Proper guidelines for construction of buildings for construction of buildings are necessary as it is not the earthquake that kills people but unsafe structures,’’ said Harikumar, programme co-ordinator, UNDP (United Nations Development Programme), making a presentation at the programme. To deal with the situation, several strategies need to b |
