The Kerala Director General of Police Hormis Tharakan today said that the forces at the disposal of the state are quite inadequate to manage the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Speaking to reporters in Kochi today, the Kerala police chief said that the additional manpower of 15 companies, sanctioned by the Election Commission might not fulfill the requirement. "We are now evaluating the statistics and only after completing the process, we may get the details regarding the shortage in each district. We may have to mobilise more forces from other services, and also utilise the services of special police officers," he added. Hormis Tharakan was in Kochi to take part in the meeting of the top police officers of the central zone.
AICC has not asked for apology, say rebel leaders
Monday, March 29, 2004
Suspended KPCC general secretaries, Rajmohan Unnithan and T. Saratchandra Prasad on Sunday clarified that the Congress highcommand has not asked them to render apology as a pre-requisite for revoking the disciplinary action taken against them. On the contrary, AICC secretary Ahmed Patel has assured them of considering their appeal seriously and of taking a decision within two weeks, the rebel leaders said while speaking to reporters in Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi separately. Both said there was no question of their tendering any apology for their rebellion or for the fast undertaken by Saratchandra Prasad at the KPCC headquarters as no apology had been sought from them by the party high command. Rajmohan Unnithan said here today that the high command had only sought some time to address the issues raised by them and asked them to observe restraint and not to make any provocative statements. Muraleedharan, he said, should apologise to the party cadres for having indulged in anti-party activities in the Ernakulam Lok Sabha by-election and the Thiruvalla Assembly by-election now that he had admitted that his actions were on account of error of judgment. (with inputs)
CM, Thankachan summoned to Delhi
Monday, March 29, 2004
The Congress highcommand has summoned KPCC acting president P P Thankachan and Chief Minister AK Antony to New Delhi to complete the Lok Sabha ticket allotment from the state. Political observers feel that both the leaders have been summoned to New Delhi as the highcommand has received written complaint regarding the KPCC recommendation of candidates for three seats- Ernakulam, Mukundapuram and Kozhikkode. Chief Minister AK Antony has already left for New Delhi. He is expected to meet party leaders in the evening and discuss the contentious issues. Thankachan is expected to reach New Delhi on Tuesday. The Congress election committee is already in session in New Delhi to finalise the lists of candidates in all the states.
One more farmer commits suicide near Kalpetta
Monday, March 29, 2004
The recent spate of suicide, among the debt-trapped farmers in rural Kerala, has added to the cup of woes of the government, already facing a critical situation, following the unprecedented drought in the state. With the death of Kokkodu Vettukattil Vijayan (36) near Kalpetta on Sunday night, the number of farmers who took the lethal plunge, unable to pay back their debts, have risen to eleven. Notably eight of them are from Wayanad district alone, which has been one of the worst hit districts in the drought. Apart from Wayanad, most of the suicide deaths by farmers have been reported from Kasaragod, Kannur, Palakkad. According to a report at lease 800 peasant families are facing revenue recovery threat in these districts. More than the loss of life, the trail of deaths have also highlighted the crisis faced by the agriculture sector in Kerala for sometime now. The recent drought seems to be the last nail in the coffin, as the dwindling prices of farm produce, loss of crops due to various diseases and rising debt of farmers have already hit the agriculture sector. In the latest incident, faced with a bank recovery and take over of their plot, Vijayan and his wife Suja decided to put an end to their lives. While Vijayan died after consuming poison, neighbors saved Suja, who tried to immolate herself.
UDF to discuss Cong crisis
Monday, March 29, 2004
The internal strife in the 'I' group of the Congress is set to top the agenda of the high power committee of the ruling United Democratic Front, scheduled to meet in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday. According to political observers, the leaders of non-Congress parties in the UDF are worried over the latest round of mud slinging in the Congress and the impact that it could have on the upcoming polls. Moreover, the allegations against K Muralidharan over the Lok Sabha ticket distribution and the delay in the announcement of Congress list are also worrying the UDF leaders. Observers also feel that the realignment of forces inside the Congress against the Antony-Karunakaran duo, will also reflect in tomorrow's discussions. The UDF leadership would discuss ways and means to retrieve the lost ground and present themselves as a cohesive force before the voters. Officially, the UDF is meeting to discuss the drought situation in the state.
Four fishing boats destroyed in arson
Monday, March 29, 2004
KANNUR: Four fishing boats were set afire by miscreants at Ayikkara coast here early on Sunday morning. A tense situation prevailed in the coastal region here for several hours following the incident. Irate fish workers from the region blocked the traffic burning tyres near District Hospital and Plaza Junction. They also threatened to launch an indefinite agitation. The boats belonging to the Sivasena Kuttichathan Group and Azhikkodan Group were set ablaze by an unidentified group of persons at around 4.30 a.m. The local people who saw the boats burning alerted the Fire Force and the police, but by the time the Fire Force reached the spot three of the boats were completely destroyed. The agitation was withdrawn following a meeting convened by the District Collector K.S. Sreenivas at the office of the deputy director of fisheries. The authorities promised to constitute a special squad to probe into the incident. A permanent police aid post also will be set up at Ayikkara. The District Superintendent of Police also participated in the talks.
Former MP expelled from BSP
Monday, March 29, 2004
PTI BHUBANESWAR: A former MP, Nakul Nayak, has been expelled from the Bahujan Samaj Party. Nayak was expelled on the instruction of the party supremo, Mayawati, the release issued by party's state president, Akhyay Mallick, said. The party also announced the names of its candidates to contest the elections from seven parliamentary and 48 assembly seats. The list of candidates for the rest of the seats would be announced shortly, the release said. The list included the name of former Congress MLA, Gorsang Sabar, who would be contesting from the Parlakhemundi assembly constituency.
Malluwood going to standstill
Monday, March 29, 2004
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The crisis in the Malayalam filmdom enters into more tension after the negotiation discussion called by the State Government failed. The Film Chamber that denied to recognise the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) and imposed more stringent clauses for the artists had paralysed the film industry. The Film Chamber specified 21 clauses in the agreement which has to be signed by the actors is not acceptable to them and it is learned that AMMA would disagree with some of the clauses mentioned. The AMMA executive meeting on March 31 would took a decision on it. The general body meeting is convened on April 1 and AMMA would announce the disagreement against these clauses. The Chamber had asked the artists not to attend any star nites or stage shows after they have signed for a film. The artists are not agreeing to the clause that Chamber has the final word on any clash between Producer and artist. Some of the AMMA office bearers alleged that it was because of absence of strong will of the government to solve the issue made it worsen. MACTA another association of technicians of Malluwood is meeting on April 4 at Ernakulam. The clauses suggested by the Chamber will be discussed here as the Directors are also affected by it.
IIM (K) will continue to explore e-learning
Monday, March 29, 2004
KOZHIKODE, KERALA: Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode, would continue to maintain its pioneering status in e-learning in terms of conducting research and letting others benefit from that, chairman A C Muthiah said on Saturday. E-learning, he said, had come to be the way to future. "The institute will not only maintain its pioneering status in e-learning but also continue to contribute in the field of research by venturing into major projects," he said at the sixth annual convocation of IIM(K). Calling upon the graduating management students to be always optimistic, Muthiah, who took over as the institute's chairman recently, said the outgoing students had a mission to fulfil even though they might come across unpleasant situations. "Ask yourself - 'will my thought, speech and action make this country proud?' and make optimism your principle of choice," he said after conferring PG diplomas in business management on 59 students, including three girls. Earlier, in his report, IIM(K)'s director Krishna Kumar said the institute conducted 14 management development programmes during the year 2002-04 and also took up 13 major research projects, six of them sponsored by the Union HRD Ministry.
Major fire in Gwalior Rayons
Monday, March 29, 2004
KOZHIKODE: A major fire again broke out in the wood depot of the Mavoor Gwalior Rayons in Kozhikode. The incident happened yesterday night at the Nair pit of the second wood depot in Mavoor Rayons. Fire tenders from Vellimadoonu and Mookkam and the local people are still continuing to douse the blaze that erupted in the wood depot, fire brigade sources said. Meantime, plans to evacuate the neighbouring residents of the area are on. The cause of the fire and the extent of damage were yet to be ascertained.
Baby Mathew takes up as Jeevan TV MD
Monday, March 29, 2004
KOCHI: Baby Mathew Somatheeram has been appointed managing director of Jeevan TV. He succeeds Rev Dr Andrews Thazhathe, who was made Thrissur archdiocese auxiliary bishop. Baby is the chairman of Somatheeram Group of Companies and has been serving as joint MD for the last few months.
Ayyankali Pada activists ransack Citibank Kochi office
Sunday, March 21, 2004
KOCHI: Members of Ayyankali Pada, an extremist outfit, on Saturday ransacked the MG Road branch of Citibank. No one was hurt in the incident which occurred around 9.45 am shortly after the bank was opened. According to leaflets left by the outfit, the attack was in protest against the US invasion of Iraq. The attack also coincided with the anniversary of the US war on the West Asian nation. According to the security personnel at the bank, there were around eight to 10 persons in the gang. Glass panes, tables, lamp shades and telephones were destroyed in the attack. Glass walls separating various sections were also smashed. A senior Citibank official said no robbery had taken place. ``We had no clue at all. They entered the reception area as if they were customers. Then they flashed swords, iron rods and started shouting slogans like `Ayyankali Pada zindabad' and `down with the American occupation of Iraq.' They cut the telephone wires and barged into the bank after shattering the front glass wall. They did not attack people,'' said one of the four Group Four securitymen on duty. The outfit also scattered several leaflets before escaping. The leaflets had the signature `Kallara Babu.' However, a senior Citibank official refused to comment on the incident saying that he would have to get authorisation from his superiors in the US before issuing any statement. Police also took into custody an auto driver who is reported to have transported some of the outfit members to Vyttila side after they escaped from the bank. Senior police officials including City Police Commissioner Vinod Thomas and Assistant Commissioner (law and order) V.G. Sasidharan visited the bank.
Chamber denies move to ban any artiste
Thursday, March 18, 2004
Chamber denies move to ban or boycott any artiste Wednesday March 17 2004 13:17 IST KOCHI: The Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday denied any move to ban or boycott any of the artistes in the wake of the recent standoff between the Chamber and the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (Amma). Chamber president Siyad Kokker told reporters here that what the Chamber was planning was some strict measures aimed at downsizing the additional expenditure, mostly incurred by the artistes, in film production. The new agreement has it that only those artistes who are willing to sign an agreement as desired by the producers will be engaged in filmmaking henceforth. Artistes’ remuneration would be specified in the agreement and they are not entitled to receive anything other than their remuneration. However, the Chamber will have the liability to ensure that the artistes are getting their due remuneration in time. Also no artistes will be allowed to violate their callsheet and participate in any stage programme while shooting for films. Kokker said that the newly-devised conditions aimed at enforcing a strict financial discipline in filmmaking. He also deplored Amma’s move to go ahead with yet another stage show which is scheduled to be held in Dubai from April 7 to May 7.
CM admits lapses in utilising drought relief funds
Thursday, March 18, 2004
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister A.K. Antony on Wednesday admitted that the UDF Government had committed lapses in utilising funds given by the Centre to provide relief to the drought-hit during the last two years. He was briefing mediapersons here after the Cabinet meeting. Antony, however, said that the lapses on the part of the Government in the previous years in utilising Central funds could not be cited as an excuse to deny assistance this time. The Chief Minister promised that the Government would spend whatever amount it received this year for drought relief activities. ``I have decided to personally visit the worst-hit districts such as Wayanad, Palakkad, Idukki and Kuttanad to find out the problems of the people and see what the Government can do to solve them,'' he said. The Revenue Department had not utilised 64 percent of the drought relief given to the State during the last two years. The Water Resources Department had also wasted crores of rupees of assistance from the Centre to the State for drinking water projects. EXCISE POLICY APPROVED: The Cabinet gave its approval to the Excise policy. The existing policy on toddy would be continued for another year and that of the foreign liquor for another three months. The Cabinet would examine whether the foreign liquor policy needed any change after three months. ARALAM FARM: Antony said that the Union Cabinet had cleared the proposal to hand over the 7000-acre Aralam farm to the State at a cost of Rs 42 crore. Of this, 3500 acres would be given to Adivasis and the rest would be retained as farm. A memorandum of understanding in this regard would be signed soon, he said. CM JUSTIFIES SPECIAL BRANCH STAND: Antony justified the Special Branch refusal to hand over the intelligence information gathered by it on Marad violence to the Judicial Commission inquiring into it. He said that the Special Branch had its own limitations in disclosing the information gathered by it. The Intelligence Bureau at the Centre had also refused to hand over its report, Antony said.
Nammal Thammil
Wednesday, March 17, 2004
Brothers Prithviraj and Indrajit along with Geetu Mohandas are paired in Nammal Thammil directed by Viji Thampy. Prithviraj is Vicky a darling of girls and Geethu is Anu the most popular girl in college. Vicky's father is an IAS officer and Anu's father is a journalist. Both of them are friends. Indrajit is Johnny a childhood friend of Anu who does not like her friendship with Vicky. . Some happenings in the campus make Vicky and Anu part ways. Vicky's efforts to patch up only add to the problem. Anu gets closer to Johnny. Their relationship becomes serious. Soon Vicky and Johnny become enemies. Balachandra Menon and Revathy are Vicky’s parents and Suhasini is Anu’s mother. Jagathy, Shanavas, Saddique, and Jijo are the other artistes. Viji Thampi and Alex Kadavil are the scriptwriters in the film. Songs penned by Girish Puthencherry has music by M Jayachandran. The film's story is written by S N Swamy and produced by Mani under the banner of Evershine Productions (More at: http://malayalam.galatta.com)
Mayilattam
Wednesday, March 17, 2004
Jayaram plays the dual role of Devan, a farmer and Palani, a street fighter. Rambha and Indraja play the heroines. Devan is the winner of the prestigious Karshakashri award while Palani is a street fighter in Polachi. Devan, a meek fellow is terrorized by a Zamindar whose daughter is Rambha, runs away to Pollachi and meets Palani. They change places and Palani goes to Devan's village pretending to be a farmer. As per the storyline Palani's scenes should have be shot in Ottapalam where he has major portions and Devan's portions in Palani. But the director has done the opposite. Rambha after Chronic Bachelor with Mammootty is now coming as a heroine in this film. Rambha is Maithili, daughter of a rich landlord. Her behavior is taken to be arrogant but those who know her know its not so. Sai Kumar, Jagathy Sreekumar, Kalabhavan Mani and Oduvil are the other artistes. VM Vinu of Balettan fame directs this film. Lyrics by Girish Puthencherry with music by M Jayachandran, the film is produced by Jolly Stephen under the banner of Konathuppilli Films and will be released in April. (More at: http://malayalam.galatta.com)
Aparichithan
Wednesday, March 17, 2004
Reghuram (Mamooty) a wild life photographer from the US, comes to Nelliampathy to photograph a rare species of the bird. Raghuram meets Kalyani, an adivasi girl. Her father is the chief of the tribal and he helps Raghuram in his work. Meenakshi, Simi Samuel and Asha Shanker are college students on the run since they were caught for leaking the question papers. Simi's lover Thomas Chacko helps them to stay in Nelliampathy. The wild life photographer is at first viewed with suspicion and later on the girls accept him. But suddenly Raghuram is missing and the girls investigate the mystery. Mahi Vij is Kalyani, Kavya is Minakshi, Karthika is Sibi Samuel, Manya is Asha Shanker. Siraj produces the film under the banner Valiyaveetil Movie International. Sanjeev Sivan is the director and cinematography is by Santosh Sivan Jeeva. The music is scored by Suresh Peters. (More at: http://malayalam.galatta.com)
Vettam
Wednesday, March 17, 2004
Priyadarshan - Dileep film - Preview Dileep after Meesa Madhvan plays once again a thief in the untitled Priyadrashan film. Dileep is Gopalakrishnan, a thief is known by different identities. He meets Veena (Maithili) in a train journey whose only mission is to stop her lover's marriage. He sees the police boarding the train and to escape from them he hides the stolen things in Veena's bag. When he gets down in his own village he sees the agitated mob rushing towards him he decides to leave the place once again. At the same time, Veena who gets down with Dileep misses the train and when she comes to know catching a train from the village is not that easy goes with Dileep. . But when he knows about his sister's marriage he decides to go back home with Veena. The journey of a thief and a girl on a mission to stop her lover's marriage forms the rest of the story. Priyan the master of comedy films teaming up with Dileep has excited the trade. Theatres have already advanced money to producer Suresh Kumar. It’s the first time that Priyan has opted for Dileep as hero instead of Mohanlal. This untitled film is shot in Ooty a regular haunt of Priyadarshan. Maithili a new face is making her debut in Malayalam along with Jagathy Sreekumar, Kalabhavan Mani, Innocent, Janardhanan, Nedumudi Venu, Baiju, Sukumari, Manga Mahesh, Bindu Panicker, Sona Nair, Geetha Vijayn and many others. Script and dialogues by Uday Krishna-Sibi K Thomas. Lyrics by B R Prasad and Girish Puthencherry have music by Benny Ignatius. This film is due for Onam 2004. (More at: http://malayalam.galatta.com)
C.I.Mahadevan
Wednesday, March 17, 2004
C.I.Mahadevan Anchadi Naalinchu (2004) Cast Haneefa, Jagathy, Harisri asokan, sruthi, Rajan P Dev Kalabhavan Mani, Indrans Producer Uthrattathi Films Direction K K Haridas Music Director Benny Ignatious Review This film directed by K K Haridas was lying in the cans for some time. After seeing the film one can understand why it had no takers.An explosion in the town is a creation of terrorists who are hand in glove with the minister. To save his face the minister gives the investigation charge to Inspector Mahadevan (Cochin Haneefa) a bumbling idiot and a movie crazy fan. He has Head Constable Salgunan (Jagathy Sreekumar) and Constable Dasappan (Harisri Ashokan) for company. Solving the case forms the story. Comedians Cochin Haneefa, Jagathy, Indrans, Mani all their usual self but a weak script gives them no chance to excel. Shruthi plays the role of Mahadevan’s wife well. Music is washout. The director and script writers need to take a refresher course. (More at: http://malayalam.galatta.com)
Symphony
Wednesday, March 17, 2004
Cast Shiva, Anu Sasi, Riaz Khan, Swati Verma Producer M N Thankachan Direction I V sasi Music Director Deppak dev Review It’s sad to see a director like I V Sasi fall to such low depths. Despite the film being his daughter’s debut vehicle he has not given proper care in scripting. Jijo Samson (Shiva) is a singer and composer. His troupe comprises of Shruthi (Anu) who has left her family for the sake of her love to Jijo. They have come to a lake-side resort to compose a new music album for Dominic Kalarickal (Jagathy Sreekumar). Jijo meets Sandra (Swati Verma) and he falls for her despite knowing that she is married to Satyanath (Riaz Khan). An extra martial affair develops. Shruthi is heart-broken. Things hot up when Satyanath turns up. Debutant Shiva and Anu put in lackluster performance while its Swati Verma and Riaz who do their parts well. Jagathy Sreekumar as Dominic and Jagadeesh as the servant Manoharan have nothing much to do. Kaithapram lyrics and music by Deepak Dev do appeal to some extent. (More at: http://malayalam.galatta.com)
Udayam
Wednesday, March 17, 2004
Cast Sidiqque, Saikumar, Anil Nath, Nandini, Sona nair, Manya Banner AB creations Camera Saroj Pady Direction Vinu Jomon Music Director Mohan Sithara Review Udayam is an action drama which only is to showcase the ability of the debutant hero Anil Nath to do action scenes. Anil Nath is Jitendra IPS arrives from London to investigate the death of Viswanathan (Siddique) his guru. Jithendra as Assistant Commissioner finds that its Kochuvrkey (Saikumar) a ganja plantation owner is behind the murder. His fiancée Anju (Nandini) comes from London to help him. Jithendra suspects Viswanathan’s wife Lalitha (Sona Nair) and her younger sister Anitha (Maannyah). The meeting with Anitha gives a new angle to the investigations. Anil Nath is hell-bent on displaying his muscles and thinks he is Jayan’s new avatar. Siddique as Viswanathan and Saikumar as Kochuvarkey excel. Nandini is a misfit in the role of Anju while Maannyah is wasted. Except for camera work the film technically is bad. (More at: http://malayalam.galatta.com)
Vishu films spared from ban
Wednesday, March 17, 2004
Films which are due for release on April 14th the Vishu festival day have been exempted from the ban enforced by KFC. The KFC has stated that its ban on artistes who took part in the Asianet awards Star nite continues and it’s derecognizing of Amma continues. They have said that in future producers will take agreements from artistes on terms like star nite and in no case will artistes be given satellite rights. Though it’s a reprieve for the artistes the stalemate continues. After April 14th what? This question will have to be addressed since almost all the artistes were present at the award function. http://malayalam.galatta.com
Kerala Producers ban film weekly 'Vellinakshatram'
Wednesday, March 17, 2004
With the stance of AMMA and KFC hardening tempers are running high. Kerala Film Producers Association (KFPA) decided to ban the film weekly 'Vellinakshatram' taking objection to an article which was critical of the Film chamber in the ongoing rift between Film Chamber and AMMA. Many film personalities mostly film stars have condemned the ban.KFPA secretary KA Jaleel in a letter to the members of the association asked not to give news reports, advertisements, and stills and interviews at the shooting venues. "We are producing the films. We are giving chances to actors and actress. It is not ethical to give news against the producers. It cannot be accepted", said Jaleel.
Vinayan to remake Kakkha Kakkha ?
Wednesday, March 17, 2004
Vinayan to remake KK? Director Vinayan who is busy finishing Vellinakshtram with Prithiviraj in the lead is likely to remake Kakkha Kakkha the Tamil film in Malayalam. He has sounded out Prithiviraj for Surya's role. Heroine is not selected yet. Yet another film with Jaisurya is on the cards in which the hero is a cobbler working in front of a women’s college. KK is already in Telugu by the same team with Venkatesh in the lead. Feroz Khan acquired the Hindi rights where his son Fardeen is acting.
Three die as Railway over bridge collapse in Thrissur
Tuesday, March 16, 2004
Three migrant labourers from Orissa were killed on the spot and four others injured when a railway overbridge under construction near Thrissur, collapsed today morning. The accident occurred at Parambur near Viyyur around nine in the morning. According to initial reports, the bolts of one of the slabs loosened and led to its collapse, killing the three labourers working on it. Those killed have been identified as Bilas, Bhaju and Naren. The injured have been admitted to the Thrissur Medical College hospital. The dead bodies are also kept in Thrissur Medical College hospital. Following the accident, the traffic between the Thrissur-Shornur route was suspended. Police, Fire Force and local people rushed to the accident spot. However, a broken electric line near the accident site delayed the rescue efforts, which could be started only after the power supply was switched off.
Film stars meet politicians
Tuesday, March 16, 2004
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) representatives today met various political leaders here with a view to solving the impasse facing the film sector, following the holding of "star nite" in association with Asianet. Malayalam film actors belonging to the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA), today met Chief Minister AK Antony, Cultural Affairs Minister G Karthikeyan and other political leaders, to request their involvement in the efforts to resolve the crisis that has gripped the industry following differences of opinion between the AMMA and the Kerala Film Chamber. AMMA president Innocent, alongwith actors Mammootty, Mohanlal, Mukesh, Suresh Gopi, Maniyan Pillai Raju, Ganesh Kumar MLA, director T K Rajeev Kumar and producer Suresh Kumar called on BJP state secretary PP Mukundan at the BJP state headquarters in the morning. AMMA representatives came to BJP state committee office and met state secretary P P Mukundan and M S Kumar. Later they visited AKG Centre and held discussions with CPM state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan and Kodiyeri Balakrishnan. AMMA said the discussions are not meant to get the support of political leaders but to impress upon the people, the seriousness of the situation.
Antony not an adversary, I am his mentor: Karunakaran
Tuesday, March 16, 2004
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Senior Leader K Karunakaran declared today that he does see Antony as his adversary. On the other hand Karanakaran has on only functioned as his mentor. Karunakaran was talking to pressmen who met him here today. This reversal of stand by Karunakaran is attributed in part to the temporary unity shown by both 'I' and 'A' groups .It is also seen as a softening of stand following Antony's favouring of Padmaja's candidature from Mukundapuram. Karunakaran also stated while there were two members of his family in the last Lok Sabha, with the conclusion of this election only one person would be there.
CPM leader hacked to death in Alapuzha
Tuesday, March 16, 2004
CHERTHALA: Siji Francis (Benny- 39) son of Charankat Mararikulam Gregory was today hacked to death by masked men who came in a Maruti car. The incident occurred at 7.30 am today at Varaan junction along Alappuzha- Chertalla coastal road. Although the local people took him to Alapuzha Medical College Hospital, his life could not be saved. Following his death, CPM has called for a hartal in Mararikulam constituency today. Benny is survived by his wife Smitha who is an advocate at Alapuzha district court, and two children Edwin and Priya.
KL-7 AR-7 leads the race for fancy numbers
Tuesday, March 16, 2004
KOCHI: A close race is on between fancy number lovers over half a dozen single, double and four digit numbers, with the RT office initiating registration proceedings for the new KL-7 AR number series for vehicles. The listed fancy numbers are KL-7 AR-1, AR-6, AR-7, AR-9, AR-90 and the last in AQ series, AQ-9999. As many as 10 persons have approached the RT office so far demanding a particular number for their newly bought vehicle. When there is more than one demand for a particular number, it is automatically branded in the list of fancy numbers and put on auction. Out of the numbers in demand this time, the much sought after number is KL-7 AR-7 with three persons raising demand for the same. Prominent personalities who have approached the RT office raising demand for a particular number include actor Biju Menon, singer Madhu Balakrishnan, political bigwigs and businessmen. The RT office will put all these fancy numbers on auction on March 23 and the authorities are hopeful of raking in nearly Rs 1 lakh for each number. The registration proceedings for AQ series were started in last December and the RT office had mopped up Rs 6.5 lakh when seven fancy numbers were put on auction, said an official at the RT office here. On an average, 120 vehicles are registered from the Ernakulam RT office on all working days and the largest number of vehicles among other districts are registered from this office.
Chamber to ban Lal, Sreenivasan, Mukesh
Tuesday, March 16, 2004
KOCHI: The Kerala Film Chamber reportedly took a decision on Monday to ban Mohanlal, Sreenivasan and Mukesh from all its future projects. The act was triggered by the artistes’ participation in the award nite organised by the Asianet on March 7. Sources said that the chamber had also blocked the registration of a Mohanlal-starrer Natturajavu, which is to be directed by Shaji Kailas and produced by Antony Perumbavoor. Meanwhile, an unofficial meeting of Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) was held at Hotel Abad Plaza on Monday.
Govt nod for starting one more branch in State's engg colleges
Tuesday, March 16, 2004
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The State Government in principle has given clearance for starting a new branch in each engineering college in branches such as mechatronics, bio-technology, bio-medical engineering and information technology. This would increase the number of engineering seats by 1,200 during the next year. At present, there are 18,443 engineering seats in the State. Higher Education Principal Secretary K.Mohandas told this website's newspaper that the State Government had already given NOC to colleges to start new branches. However, these colleges were yet to get the approval of the All-India Council for Technical Education, he said. The standard policy of the AICTE was to give approval to engineering colleges to start four branches. However, many engineering colleges in the State had only three courses. Under these circumstances, the AICTE might give approval for starting new courses in these colleges, Mohandas said. According to sources, about 20 engineering colleges in the State have less than four courses. Most of these colleges have submitted applications to the AICTE for starting new courses. The AICTE will visit these colleges to ascertain whether they have the required infrastructure for increasing the student in-take. The total sanctioned strength of a batch in the engineering college is 60 seats. Technical Education Deputy Director S.Krishnan Kutty said that the AICTE had invited applications for sanctioning of a new branch or to increase the strength of one of the branches in a college. The college could also increase the in-take in one branch by 60 seats, he said. The AICTE has already begun the inspection of these colleges. The exact number of enhanced engineering seats in the State could be ascertained only after the AICTE inspection was completed, he said. Joint Commissioner for Entrance Examinations Raju Krishnan said that the AICTE sanction was expected for new batches before the counselling for the admissions to engineering colleges would begin. Liaison officer of the Association of Self-financing Engineering College Managements Babu Jose said that though the State Government and the AICTE in principle had given clearance for new batches in engineering colleges, the Kerala University's stand was that there was no need for new batches in any of the engineering colleges. The Association had petitioned the Governor against this decision, he said.
Congress and UDF will fare better: Antony
Tuesday, March 16, 2004
PTI THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala Chief Minister A K Antony on Tuesday exuded confidence that Congress and UDF in the state would fare better in the coming Lok Sabha polls than last time provided the partymen stood together and worked hard. Talking to reporters on his arrival from New Delhi after finalising the list of Congress candidates for the polls, Antony said the disagreement aired by some regarding the selection was quite natural for a democratic party. Once the high command finalised the list, all Congressmen would wholeheartedly accept that. The same was the case with UDF partners, he said. Referring to senior leader K Karunakaran, he justified the importance being given to Karunakaran and said "nobody can undermine the importance of Karunakaran. Those who are close to him will naturally get the same treatment". Karunakaran's daughter Padmaja Venugopal is among the candidates who were understood to have been cleared by the party. Antony said the main objective was to form a secular government at the centre under the leadership of congress. For the next five years, secular government at the centre was the need of the day, he said. Asked whether winnability of the candidate was the criteria for selection, Antony said all standards normally considered for selection during the previous polls were taken into consideration this time also. On the wranglings in the party during the last few months in the state, he said it was regrettable and could have been avoided.
'No decision to ban actors'
Tuesday, March 16, 2004
PTI KOCHI : The Kerala Film Chamber on Tuesday said it has not taken any decision to impose a ban on film stars who participated in a 'star-nite' organised by a private television channel here recently. Denying media reports about an 'unofficial' ban on three actors -- Mohanlal, Sreenivasan and Mukesh, Chamber president Siyaad Kokker told reporters that there was no such ban and there was no 'hidden agenda' in this regard. However, he warned that the film producers would be forced to initiate legal proceedings against actors for compensation if any of the films, scheduled for release during the 'Vishu' festival on April 14 gets delayed, he said. Some actors had reportedly said that if any ban was imposed on them, they would boycott dubbing of their movies, which would affect the release of the films for the festival. The chamber had earlier stipulated that the film artistes would henceforth have to sign an agreement with the producer of a film stating clearly that they would not participate in any stage shows by private television channels. The actors' remuneration would also be mentioned in the agreement, he said. The Association of Malayalam Movie Artists had yesterday met here to chalk out their future of action, but had not informed the media about their decisions.
PTI THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Dropping enough hints that he was more than satisfied with the selection of candidates for the Lok Sabha polls from Kerala, senior Congress leader K Karunakaran today said the party would fight the elections with added strength as "those who had been treading different paths have now come together". Speaking to reporters here, Karunakaran, however, struggled hard to explain when a flurry of questions were posed to him on the propriety of three members of his family contesting the Rajya Sabha, Lok Sabha and the Assembly by-poll. "This has been there in the Congress for a long time. I have always promoted youth when it came to candidacy," he said citing the example of his nominee V S Sivakumar who got elected from the state capital in the last poll. Asked who he had suggested this time round, Karunakaran said it was Padmaja, his own daughter. "All the sitting members have been renominated, and I had the right to choose the nominee for the seat vacated by me (Mukundapuram)," he said. Karunakaran said in the dissolved Lok Sabha, there were two members from his family (Muraleedharan and himself). "The next Lok Sabha will have only one." On his nomination as the Rajya Sabha candidate, he said he never asked for the seat, but had agreed to contest in deference to the wishes of his colleagues. Asked whether Congress president Sonia Gandhi had asked him to contest the Rajya Sabha poll, he said she had casually mentioned the matter during talks and he replied positively.
AI, IA airfare to Gulf exhorbitant: Minister
Tuesday, March 16, 2004
DUBAI : Slamming national carriers Air India and Indian Airlines for allegedly fleecing passengers in the Gulf, visiting Kerala minister for information, culture and NRIs said his state will join hands with Punjab and Andhra Pradesh to take up the issue with the Centre. " Punjab sends a large number of people to the Gulf and so do other states like Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. As the high airfare is not an issue affecting only Kerala anymore, it is advisable to make a joint effort provided the state Cabinet approves it," M M Hassan told in a meeting organised by the Indian Media Forum here on Saturday evening. Hassan said the state will urge the Centre to open up the skies in the Gulf sector too as it has done in the far eastern and Sri Lanka sector. Though the state had scrapped air turbine fuel tax for international carriers, AI and the IA have not passed the benefit to the passengers in full, he said. Two businessmen, M B R Shetty who has set up a pharmaceutical sector in Abu Dhabi as a joint venture with UAE and M Yusuf Ali, a major shareholder in the Kochi International Airport voiced support for slashing the airfare.
CBI rescues Mamootty
Wednesday, March 10, 2004
Mamootty hasn't had any new releases in Tamil, and his films in Malayalam too haven't done well in recent times. But the release of his new film 'Sethuramaiyar - CBI' has set the cash registers rolling, and brought a smile to the faces of his innumerable fans. The part three of the 'CBI Diary Kurippu' series, the film's first part, was a big hit with the audiences in Tamil Nadu too, and earned him countless fans this side of the border.
Vasundhara is busy
Wednesday, March 10, 2004
What's Vasundhara Das doing these days, wonder her fans. Not to worry. The actress keeps herself busy doing stage shows - like the one with Malayalam superstar Mohanlal in Dubai. And she's completed a Malayalam film, 'Vajram', her second in the language - with mega star Mammootty. Vasundhara also has shot for a Hindi film titled 'Film Star' with director Tanuja Chandra, sharing frames with Mahima Choudhary, Priyanshu and Aryan Vaid.
Latest technology helped census tabulation
Wednesday, March 10, 2004
The State Census Director Sheela Thomas today said that technological advancement in the data processing system made the compilation of census data swifter in the 2001 census. Addressing ' Talk Time,' organised by Kesari Memorial Trust in Thiruvananthapuram today, the Director said that the Image Recognition technology was used for the first time during this census for tabulation process. The Census Director said that the results of the census threw many surprises. She said that according to the latest census, only 16% of Kerala women were engaged in some kind of occupation that fetches them remuneration. "Rest all are dependants in one form or another," she informed. " The positive factor that emerged from the report is that Kerala was able to sustain its earlier achievements as far as literacy, sex ratio and population growth are concerned. Sheela Thomas revealed that the average size of the family has been reduced in the state from 5.3 in 1991 to 4.7 in 2001. "Perhaps Kerala has the smallest family size in all over the country," she said. In two Panchayath Irikkur (Kannur district) and Nellikuzhi (Ernakulam), the sex ratio of males and females are equal, she informed. Sheela Thomas said that Kerala has the biggest Panchayath and Villages in the country. " In other states the average population of a village is around 200. Here only 16 villages have population less than 2000," she informed. Sheela Thomas said that the religion-wise break up of the population and its related statistics would be published by May-June this year. The Census director also informed that the latest census revealed that Kannur is the most industrialized district in the state. Other Highlights: The population of Kerala as on "00.00" hours 1 st March, 2001 stood at 31, 841, 374 (3.18 crore or 31.84 million) with a break up of 15, 468, 614 males [1.54 crore or 15. 47 million and 16, 372, 760 females [1.64 crore or 16. 37 million]. Population of Kerala in 1901 census was 6, 396, 262. 254 lakhs people were added over the last 100 years [1901-2001] in the state. Population of the state in 1991 was 29, 098, 518 [2.91 crore or 29.10 million]. The state witnessed the lowest growth-rate of 9.4% during 1991-01 among the states in India. It is the second lowest growth-rate recorded over 100 years the lowest in 1921 [9.16%]. The most populous district is Malappuram with 3, 625, 471 persons and the lease is Wayanad with 780, 619 persons. Kerala continues to be the only state in India where females have preponderance over males - 1058 females per 1000 ales. Pathanamthitta district tops in sex ratio with 1094 females per 1000 males. Two other districts topping in sex0- ratio are Thrissur [1092] and Kannur [1090]. Idukki and Wayanad districts are having negative sex-ratio i. e, 993 and 995 respectively. Kerala has broken the record of 100 [1901-2001] years with 22 points gain in sex ratio during 1991-2001. The percentage of SC population has decreased from 9,92 in 1991 to 9.81 in 2001. Palakkad [16.53%] and Idukki [14.11%] districts have higher percentage of SC population; Kannur district [4. 11%] is having the lowest percentage of SC population. The percentage of ST population has increased from 1.10% in 1991 to 1.14% in 2001. Wayanad district [17.43%] has the highest percentage of ST population. Alappuzha [0. 15%] and Thrissur [0.16%] are having very percentage of ST population.
No ideological conflict in CPM, says VS
Wednesday, March 10, 2004
The Opposition leader V S Achutanandan today said that there is no ideological conflict and cold war inside the Communist Party of India (Marxist). "There is no controversy among the leaders on ideological issues an on various subjects like Globalization, fourth world etc. A section of the media is creating unnecessary controversies", he said while talking to reporters in Thiruvananthapuram today. "The allegation against the party leaders are politically motivated and a section of the media with vested interest, is also playing a role in," he added. Online lotteries should be restricted V S Achutanandan today asked the government to take strict measures against the online lottery dealers. "The online lotteries dealers are cheating the government. According to reports they have to pay an amount of Rs. 5700 crore as tax which the government has now lost." he said. He pointed out that the government is not taking any initiative to collect this amount at a time when the state is facing acute financial crisis. "This is a case of criminal neglect," he said. "From time to time, district collectors conferences have highlighted this menace and have given warning to the government. But still the government has not taken a single step to prevent the online lotteries in the state," he alleged. "The government should take necessary steps to regulate online lotteries at any cost," he added.
Crisis grips Malayalam Film industry
Wednesday, March 10, 2004
A severe crisis has gripped the Malayalam film industry with the Kerala Film Chamber stopping the production work of all the current projects, and AMMA refusing to budge under pressure. The Film activities comes to a grinding halt in State following an earlier decision taken by the Chamber to stop all production related work, including shooting and post-production work, if the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) goes ahead with the stage show, organised by Asianet Channel. The stage show took place in Kochi last Sunday, as per the schedule. Reports quoting industry circles said that hundreds of families earning their livelihood from the film related activities, are the worst affected in the clash of two powerful sections of the industry. Though Kerala Film Chamber president Siyaad Kokker said there is no going back on its decision to stop the projects, sources said that efforts are on behind the curtain to find an amicable solution to the tussle. It is learnt that the Chamber has expressed willingness to hold talks with AMMA representatives by the end of the week. If the crisis prolongs, it may upset the schedules of films that are to be released during Vishu, falling in April. The decision has affected the release of at least four films, including those of actors Mohanlal, Dileep and Jayaram. If the stalemate between Amma and Chamber continues, certain restrictions are likely to be imposed on cine exhibitors and film distributors also. The Kerala Film Chamber had earlier withdrawn seven of its nominees from the Kerala Chalachitra Academy and demanded the removal of academy chairman T K Rajeev Kumar for having agreed to direct the star night show. According to the Kerala Film Chamber, Amma had backtracked from its earlier agreement not to participate in shows conducted
Advani's Bharat Uday Yatra begins today
Wednesday, March 10, 2004
Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani's "Bharat Uday Yatra", a road show to set the tune for the BJP electioneering in the days to come, would be flagged off from Kanyakumari today morning. With the "Bharat Uday Yatra," the Bharatiya Janata Party is trying to derive maximum political mileage, by following up the trend and tempo set by 'Feel Good factor' and 'India Shining' campaigns. The "Bharat Uday Yatra" would be inaugurated by BJP national president M Venkaiah Naidu, at a meeting attended by a galaxy of BJP leaders. The Yatra would begin at 11.30 am and would cross over to Kerala by noon, BJP general secretary P P Mukundan told "keralaonline." The Yatra would cross Valayar border on Thursday evening and proceed to Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu. "Bharat Uday Yatra", is BJP's sixth road show in the past 14 years. For Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani, who led the party's first 'Ram Rath Yatra' from Somnath to Ayodhya in 1990, the 'Bharat Uday Yatra' kicking off from here will be his fifth road show aimed at giving a major boost for his party's electoral fortunes. Being the southernmost tip of the country, Kanyakumari is the natural choice for launching a countrywide programme. Local BJP leaders are working overtime to ensure that the yatra is a big success. Advani is using a state-of-the-art vehicle to crisscross the country in the yatra. BJP national leaders have already reached Kanyakumari to attend the meeting. Advani, with his family members, reached Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday evening. BJP leader Pramod Mahajan accompanied him. Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Advani's cabinet colleagues conveyed their best wishes to Advani in New Delhi on Tuesday during the cabinet meeting.
Drought: UDF ask Govt to step up operations
Wednesday, March 10, 2004
The UDF high power committee today asked the state government to step up relief operations in the state in view of the unprecedented drought that has hit the state. Briefing reporters after the meeting, UDF convener Oommen Chandy said that UDF has also recommended the government to suspend all revenue recovery from the farmers for the next tree months. The UDF convener said that the government has been asked to conduct an expert study about the water sources in the state and water management. The UDF meet also nominated convener Oommen Chandy to hold discussion with the agitating farmers, in a bid to end their protest. An all-party meeting to discuss the drought situation will be convened in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday to discuss the situation. Oommen Chandy also expressed reservation about the Centre's granting of Rs 49 crores as relief it as totally inadequate.
Lotus is set to bloom here: Advani
Wednesday, March 10, 2004
Asserting that lotus will finally bloom in Kerala, Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani today said the Opposition campaign against his yatra was mainly to shift the focus from development issues and thereby explore the scope of ''manipulating vote-bank politics''. ''Ever since the BJP won three out of four state Assembly elections, our adversaries came to a conclusion that they will be out of race if they face the election on the issues of development and good governance,'' he told newspersons at the airport here, en route to Kanyakumari where he begins his 'Bharat Uday Yatra' today. Advani said he felt surprised by the Opposition argument that the yatra would whip up communal tensions. ''It is only an election campaign,'' he said, adding that issues like development and good governance would be highlighted during the yatra. Opposition is scared of losing vote bank: Venkaiah Bharatiya Janata Party President M Venkaiah Naidu on Tuesday said the Congress and the Left parties were raising a ''hue and cry'' about the 'Bharat Uday Yatra' of Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani, as they were scared of losing their vote bank. ''The yatra is a political campaign, a campaign to carry the message of development to the people. Then why this hue and cry,'' he asked while addressing a selected gathering here. Naidu said the opposition parties were worried over the Muslims joining the BJP in large numbers in different parts of the country and they (the Opposition) were scared of their vote bank getting eroded. It was because of this they create a fear psychosis about the 'yatra,' he added. Naidu said he was happy that the Congress and the Left parties were giving much publicity to the 'yatra' and the BJP need not have to spend money on advertisement on this count. Claiming that India was shining in every sector, Naidu said the country's foodgrain production had reached 220 million tonnes and the foreign exchange rose to 108 billon Dollar. The country's software export was around Rs 48,000 crore. It could also advance loan to 13 countries. He said all villages in the country would be connected with tarred roads by 2007 under the Prime Minister's Gramin Sadak Yojna. There had been an unprecedented growth in air and rail connectivity under the BJP rule. However, the Opposition was not prepared to accept these realities, he said and added that it was very difficult to change their ''negative mindset''. Naidu distributed BJP membership to more than a dozen prominent people at the function. Malayalam cine actors Gopi, Bharat award winner, and N L Balakrishnan, Kathakali artist Madavur Vasudevan Pillai, filmmaker Sasidharan Pillai, Rev Fr Abraham Thomas (CSI) and three prominent Muslims were among those who received the party membership at the function. Presiding, BJP Kerala State President P S Sreedharan Pillai said another cine actor Shanawas, son of the late film star Prem Nazir, had applied for BJP membership. BJP top leaders flock Kerala capital A galaxy of top leaders of the BJP arrived here on Tuesday evening, en route to Kanyakumari for the launch of Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani 'Bharat Uday Yatra' today. Advani, spearheading the yatra, arrived here by a private aircraft on Tuesday evening, before leaving for the southernmost tip by road. BJP General Secretary Pramod Mahajan, Union Law Minister Arun Jaitley, Union Minister Shahnawaz Hussein, BJP spokespersons Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and Prakash Javadekar and former Union Minister Arif Mohammed Khan, who recently joined the party, also left for Kanyakumari, located about 90 km from here. The leaders would stay at the Tamil Nadu Guest House. Former Indian cricket captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth, film actress Vijayashanti and several other glamour figures would be reaching Kanyakumari for the party's mega show. Being the nearest airport, all the domestic flights witnessed a good flow of VVIPs. The detailed programme is as follows: March 10: Kaliyikkavila (3.40 p.m.), Parassala (3.50 p.m.), Neyyattinkara (4.20 p.m.), Balaramapuram (4.40 p.m.), Thiruvananthapuram (5.05 p.m. to 6 p.m., public meeting), Chadayamangalam (7.30 p.m.), Kottarakkara (8 p.m. to 8.20 p.m., short address), Adoor (8.40 p.m.), Pandalam (9 p.m.) and Chengannur (9.15 p.m. to 9.45 p.m., public meeting). Advani will reach Kottayam at 10.30 p.m. and stay there overnight. March 11: Kottayam (8.30 a.m. to 9 a.m., press conference and 9.05 a.m. to 9.45 a.m., public meeting), Ettumanur (10.10 a.m.), Muvattupuzha (11.10 a.m. to 11.50 a.m., public meeting), Kaladi (12 noon to 12.10 p.m., short address), Angamaly (12.25 p.m. to 12.45 p.m., short address), Chalakkudy (1 p.m.), Thrissur (1.40 p.m. to 2.20 p.m., public meeting), Vadakkancherry (3.05 p.m.), Alathur (3.35 p.m.), Palakkad (4 p.m. to 4.40 p.m., public meeting) and Kanjikode (5.20 p.m.)
SSLC, HSC exams begin today
Wednesday, March 10, 2004
A total of 9.67 lakh students will sit for the SSLC and higher secondary examinations that begins in the state today. With the State bidding goodbye to rank system in the SSLC examination, this year's examination will be the last one in the old pattern. From the next academic year, ranking would be replaced with grading. According to Education officials, 6,19,776 students have enrolled for the SSLC examination. There has been an increase of 36,416 students this year. Extra coaching classes, which were part of the schools to train the possible rank holders, would also be wound up by the end of this year. Even though there is general feeling of relief, some parents and teachers are apprehensive a bout the grading system also, as they doubt whether the new pattern will be able to maintain the expected standards. The parents of students who are undergoing the last-minute stress before their wards enter the examination hall are also of the opinion that ranking system is better than grading. Said Shobha, mother of Deepak Mohan of Loyola English Medium School: "Even though there is a lot of tension involved, I feel that there is less uncertainty. Ranks, after all is a good motivating factor to the students.'' Some teachers are also of the opinion that the attitude of the students would change once the grading system is introduced. They might lose interest and motivation to excel in the examination, they said. However, most of the students are happy that tension that has been part of the SSLC examination will be over.
Sonia to have a 2-day "Road show"
Monday, March 8, 2004
NEW DELHI, INDIA: Congress President Sonia Gandhi will undertake a two-day election tour in Kerala towards this month end or early next month. Ms Gandhi will not address any rally or public meeting, but will have only "Jan Sampark Abhiyan" (mass contact programme), Kerala Chief Minister A K Antony told newsmen here today. He said the plan was to ensure that Ms Gandhi visit maximum places across the state from Thiruvananthapuram to Kasaragod in two days.
BJP activist stabbed to death
Monday, March 8, 2004
KOLLAM: A BJP activist was stabbed to death following an altercation between two gangs, resulting in tension at Mailam and Pallickal in this district of Kerala on Sunday. Arun Kumar (24) was attacked by the gang at the premises of Pallickal Devi temple during the festival. Police constable Mohan Kumar, the gunman of Kerala Transport Minister R Balakrishna Pillai, was arrested in connection with the incident. However, five other accused were absconding, police said.
Millions offer pongala
Monday, March 8, 2004
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, KERALA: After offering pongala at 10.50 am, millions of devotees are truding their way back home. The pongala ceremony began with the lighting of the main hearth at the temple Thidappally from the fire taken from the sanctum sanctorum of the temple by the melsanthi. Later the pongala hearths were lit from the fire taken from the main pongala hearth. Millions of women from all sections of society offered pongala to the Attukal Devi. The nivedyam took place at 4 pm. As many as 170 priests had been appointed by the trust for the ritual of sprinkling holy water. Every bit of available space including the compounds of houses near the temple and at Manacaud had been occupied by devotees yesterday itself. Arrangements were being made for supply of sambharam, cool drinks and refreshments by various social and voluntary agencies around the temple. The KSRTC has made arrangements for running special buses to various places after the festival.
‘Kadamattathu Katthanar’ is coming
Monday, March 8, 2004
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: The Saga of Kadamattathu Katthanaar is of course well known to old generation of kerala. As film and drama the story of Katthanar is very popular and enchanting too. To quench the nostalgia of our old generation and to stimulate the energy level and enthusiasm of the so called generation X, the story of Katthanar will hit the mini screen of Mallus as a T.V. serial telecast by Asianet from March 8th onwards at 9:30 PM from Monday to Friday. Mr.Subramoniam Karthikeyan, son of the well-known filmmaker late Sri.P.Subramoniam, is producing the serial in the banner Sree Subramoniam Enterprises. We are serving a Thrilling dish to each Keralite’s home on dinner time Mr. Karthikeyan told Keralanext.com. Hit makers of Malayalam film industry Mr.T.S.Suresh Babu and Mr.T.S.Saji are crafts brain of the project. The graphics in this serial will be a new experience to the Malayali viewers. Rockwill Collins and Victoria Perling of California (USA) and Mr. Maju Siman of Adhunic Animations are in charge of the graphic designing. The talents behind the novel visuals in this serial are the well-known cinematographers Mr.Ramachandra Babu and Mr.P.V.Murukan. Shaji Nedunkallail is writing the dialogue of Kadamatathu Kathanar. The music section is handled by Sri.Chunakkara Ramankutty and Sri.M.G.Radhakrishnan. Late. Sri. Narandra Prasad, Sukumari, Prakash Paul, Sukanya, Sidha Raj, Jagannadan, Manianpilla Raju, Prathapa Chandran, Kollam Tulasi, Sangeetha, Anitha, Anand, Manuvarma, Praharshida, Beeman Reghu, Shanavas, Reena ……. thus goes the list of artist coming with Kadamattathu Katthanar to entertain the Asianet viewers.
Spurious engine oil racket unearthed
Monday, March 8, 2004
KOCHI, KERALA: A parallel network of distributors and dealers of spurious engine oil, sold under the name of all majors, was unearthed on Friday in a statewide operation launched by the Kerala Police. More than 30 persons have been arrested. Code-named ‘Operation Panchavadyam’, more than 30 outlets selling recycled oil refilled in cans of Castrol and Servo were raided and litres of spurious oil seized. Police parties launched simultaneous raids in all outlets which were identified by Castrol through undercover operation. A factory where the oil was recycled and mixed with dye was also unearthed at Thodupuzha. Explaining the modus operandi, Sunil, consultant for Castrol, said used oil was bought from the market and re-branded as original to make a fast buck. ``This was recycled at the Thodupuzha factory and distributed to fillers who filled it in duplicate cans. Stickers of Castrol and Servo were printed to give these cans a new look. This was sold through network of retailers,'' Sunil said. The margin of profit in the whole deal was more than 100 percent. After recycling and repacking, manufacturing cost of the illicit business is only around Rs 45. This, however, was sold at Rs 100, said Vaidayanathan, representative of Castrol, the only company to initiate a move to clean Kerala market of duplicate engine oil. ``We got the first hint about the racket after our agents aired doubts about their presence. Four teams of private investigating agencies were deployed in 10 districts to investigate and unearth the racket,'' Vaidyanathan pointed out. The findings of their private probe were alarming. All samples collected were subjected to chemical analysis to establish the fraud. Castrol officials met DGP Hormis Tharakan with these findings who in turn directed Central DIG B S Mohammed Yasin to launch Operation Panchavadyam. ``We've registered more than 30 cases from districts of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kottayam, Idukki, Alappuzha, Thrissur, Malappuram, Palakkad and Kozhikode. In Ayyanthol, Thrissur, alone we arrested three agents,'' DIG Yasin told this website’s newspaper. Apart from the factory at Thodupuzha, several stockists from Kattappana and Thiruvananthapuram were also arrested. ``This menace is deep-rooted. We've only begun our operation. Castrol will ensure that Kerala gets good oil,'' said Vaidyanathan.
No Congress rebels this time-Antony
Monday, March 8, 2004
Kerala chief minister A K Antony on Sunday expressed confidence that there will not be any rebel candidates from the Congress this time in the fray. "There is now unity among the workers. But some confusion prevails among the leaders on certain issues. That also would be solved soon," Antony said while speaking to reporters at Thiruvananthapuram International airport, on his arrival from New Delhi. The Chief Minister also admitted that the KPCC list of candidates would get more delayed. "It may take one more week," he said adding that a final decision would be taken after the Congress central election commission meeting scheduled from March 13. Answering a question on the reservations expressed by senior Congress leader K Karunakaran on the candidate list, Antony said that Karunakaran's suggestions and preferences should be also taken into account. When asked about his preferences of candidates, Antony said that he wanted the party to select candidates who would be preferred by the people. The Chief Minister also expressed confidence that the Union Government would respond adequately to Kerala's plea for emergency aid to deal with the drought situation.
Rath Yatra enters state on March 10
Monday, March 8, 2004
The 'Bharat Uday Yatra' being taken out by the Deputy Prime Minister, L.K. Advani, from Kanyakumari on March 10 will reach Kaliyikkavila on the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border by 3.40 p.m. that day, according to BJP State unit. Advani will address public meetings in Thiruvananthapuram, Chengannur, Kottayam, Muvattupuzha, Thrissur and Palakkad on March 10 and 11, before re-entering Tamil Nadu past Valayar. The `yatra' is scheduled to go past Valayar at 5.35 p.m. on March 11. Advani will also make a brief address from his vehicle at Kottarakkara, Kaladi and Angamaly, besides holding a press conference at Kottayam. The detailed programme is as follows: March 10: Kaliyikkavila (3.40 p.m.), Parassala (3.50 p.m.), Neyyattinkara (4.20 p.m.), Balaramapuram (4.40 p.m.), Thiruvananthapuram (5.05 p.m. to 6 p.m., public meeting), Chadayamangalam (7.30 p.m.), Kottarakkara (8 p.m. to 8.20 p.m., short address), Adoor (8.40 p.m.), Pandalam (9 p.m.) and Chengannur (9.15 p.m. to 9.45 p.m., public meeting). Advani will reach Kottayam at 10.30 p.m. and stay there overnight. March 11: Kottayam (8.30 a.m. to 9 a.m., press conference and 9.05 a.m. to 9.45 a.m., public meeting), Ettumanur (10.10 a.m.), Muvattupuzha (11.10 a.m. to 11.50 a.m., public meeting), Kaladi (12 noon to 12.10 p.m., short address), Angamaly (12.25 p.m. to 12.45 p.m., short address), Chalakkudy (1 p.m.), Thrissur (1.40 p.m. to 2.20 p.m., public meeting), Vadakkancherry (3.05 p.m.), Alathur (3.35 p.m.), Palakkad (4 p.m. to 4.40 p.m., public meeting) and Kanjikode (5.20 p.m.)
23 held in Koothuparambu clash
Monday, March 8, 2004
KOOTHUPARAMBU, KERALA: Police today arrested 23 men in connection with yesterday's BJP-CPM clash at Paduvilayi. The clash was over the writing on the wall along Paduvilayi road by CPM. Three CPM activists have been admitted in Thalasseri Co-operative Hospital on the allegation that they were beaten up by BJP activists. Police has registered a case and is maintaining constant vigil in the area.
Kerala BJP pins hopes on Advani's yatra
Monday, March 8, 2004
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, KERALA: The Bharatiya Janata Party is not strongly tipped to open its account in Kerala in the Lok Sabha polls, but the party's state unit is hopeful of riding whatever wave is created by the first two days' euphoria of L K Advani's Bharat Uday Yatra. Day 1 of the yatra will take Mr Advani from the confluence of the three oceans in Kanyakumari to Kottayam in central Kerala, canopied by rubber plantations. During the day, he will kick off the yatra with a public function at the town centre in Kanyakumari, be received at the Kerala border by the state BJP officials, and speak at a public function in Thiruvananthapuram from where Union minister for urban development O Rajagopal is near certain to contest. Mr Advani will proceed to Kottayam via Kottarakara and Chengannur and stay overnight in the land of natural rubber and spices. The district is currently experiencing the heat and humidity of the Kerala summer, far different from the pleasant weather that Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee enjoyed on his backwater vacation in Kumarakom in the district a few years ago. On Day 2 of the yatra, Advani will travel to Muvattupuzha to campaign for the BJP's new-found ally from Kerala, P C Thomas, who founded the Indian Federal Democratic Party and crossed over from the Kerala Congress (M), the party which had sent him to the Lok Sabha with a handsome winning margin. BJP state general secretary Raman Pillai told ET that the state unit had submitted two routes for Mr Advani's yatra through Kerala, and that the party leadership had opted for the Muvattupuzha route in order to be enable Mr Advani to campaign for Mr Thomas.
Kochi to host 59th Santosh Trophy
Monday, March 8, 2004
KOCHI, KERALA: The 59th national football championship for the Santosh Trophy will be held here during April-May this year. This is the fourth time that the championship is being held in Kochi and the ninth time in the State, Kerala Football Association (KFA) President K M I Mather said today. Although Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam district associations had also expressed willingness to host the championship, Kochi was considered in view of the excellent facilities including flood lighting of the requirement illumination levels prescribed by the All India Football Federation available at the international stadium here, Mr Mather told mediapersons. The venue of the preliminaries was likely to be held in different places to be finalised by the Ernakulam District Football Association, he said. Of the teams, hosts Kerala, Services, Manipur and Goa had already been seeded into the quarter-finals which would begin in May. The matches were likely to be rearranged in May in view of the general elections taking place that month, Mr Mather said. The Kerala team, which had already been selected and names kept in sealed covers, would undergo a one month long coaching in prepration for the matches, he said. Mr Mather said the KFA had been conducting a youth development programme aimed at grooming young football players for the past eight years and expressed the happiness that almost all of the recent young players in the state had come through this programme which indicative of its postive aspects.
Stalemate in Cong candidates selection process
Monday, March 8, 2004
The discussions to finalise the Congress from the state for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls reached a stalemate on Sunday, as the sub-committee and the election council of the party failed to arrive at an understanding. Further discussions have been postponed till March 12, so that mediators get more time to evolve a consensus among the various pressure groups in the party. The party central election committee would meet in New Delhi form March 13 for three days. The announcement of the candidates from Kerala would be made after the meeting is over, a KPCC source said. KPCC acting President P P Thankachan is likely to go to Delhi with the list before the party's central election committee meeting on March 12 and 13. As reported earlier the Congress is set to contest from 17 constituencies while other partners in the ruling United democratic Front, the Indian Union Muslim League would contest from two seats and the Kerala Congress (M) from one.
Muslim League asks Advani to give up yatra
Friday, March 5, 2004
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Claiming that his "Bharat Uday Yatra" would "create communal divide and "hurt" the letter and spirit of the model code of conduct, the Indian Union Muslim League on Friday said Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani should cancel the proposed yatra. "Whenever Advani undertook yatras in the past they did not leave any message of goodwill. They had only sowed the seeds of distress and discord," IUML General Secretary E Ahmed said. It was all the more important that as Home Minister, he strives to maintain peace and does not do anything that would create apprehensions in the minds of large sections of the people, he said. "Prime Minister A B Vajpayee has said that Ayodhya is not a poll issue. The Deputy Prime Minister says it is a poll issue. How can Vajpayee agree to such a campaign being launched by the number-two in his Government?" Ahmed said. Asserting that "secular and democratic elements" in the country should "condemn" the yatra, he said Advani's campaign would not win votes for BJP. "I sincerely hope that in the best interest of the nation, Advani gives up the Yatra," the League leader added.
Cong unity yet to reach grass-root
Friday, March 5, 2004
NEW DELHI : Kerala Chief Minister A K Antony on Friday said the unity in the state unit of the Congress was yet to percolate down to the grass-root level despite the patch up between rival factions. "It is like trees shedding drops after the rain is over. The situation has definitely improved. But unity is yet to percolate down to the grass root level," he told reporters after meeting Congress President Sonia Gandhi here. Antony said he told Gandhi that Congress could improve its performance in the state if it faced the elections. Asked about media reports that the Central officials' team which visited Kerala to study the drought situation has recommended a central assistance of only Rs 75 crore while the state has sought Rs 1,359 crore, the Chief Minister said he had no information about it. "I have no information about it. We have tried our level best to convince the Centre of the gravity of the situation," he said. "The general belief is that Kerala faces only floods and not drought. But the state has been experiencing severe drought for the last two years. This year it is the worst and the summer has only begun. It is going to peak in the coming three months," he said. Asked whether the two Union Ministers from Kerala were supporting the state's cause, Antony said he did not want to be dragged into a controversy. "My appeal to all is to help the state in facing the crisis."
Tourist train for southern states
Friday, March 5, 2004
MADURAI : An exclusive tourist train covering South Indian cities would be introduced shortly. The Railways and Tourism ministries had already completed preliminary talks in this regard, C R V Rao, Regional Director (South), India Tourism, said. The train would touch historical temple cities and other places of heritage such as Rameswaram, Tiruchirappalli and Madurai in Tamil Nadu, Kochi in Kerala and Bangalore and Mysore in Karnataka, he said at a private function here on Thursday. On the steps being taken to promote tourism, he said the government would provide railway coaches for road connectivity and arrange tourist guides under the Private Participation programme for tourism development in the South. The Centre was also providing a matching grant for various projects. This year, the state governments also had increased their budgetary allocation for the sector, he said.
Action will be taken if Yatra turns violent: Antony
Friday, March 5, 2004
NEW DELHI : Kerala Chief Minister A K Antony on Friday said his government would take action as per law if Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani's 'India Shining Yatra' triggers law and order problems in the state. "Everyone should bear in the mind that the Yatra should not create law and order problems. If it turns violent, the government will take all actions as per law," he told reporters here in reply to a question. "We are closely monitoring the situation. Earlier Yatras by Advani had triggered violence in many parts of the country. All concerned should bear this in mind," Antony said. He had a meeting with Congress President Sonia Gandhi earlier in the day. Advani's Yatra commencing from Kanyakumari on March 10 is scheduled to pass through the state covering seven districts before entering Tamil Nadu at Coimbatore on the next day.
State has lowest population growth rate: Census report
Wednesday, March 3, 2004
The State recorded the lowest growth rate of 9.4 percent in population among the States in the country during the 1991-2001 period. The Census report, which was released here on Monday, said that the population of the State stood at 3,18,41,374 (3.18 crore) with a break-up of 1,54,68,614 males (1.54 crore) and 1,63,72,760 females (1.64 crore) as on March 2001. The State continued to be the only State in the country where females outnumbered males with 1,058 females per 1,000 males. The population of the State in 1991 was 2,90,98,518 (2.91 crore). The literacy rate in the State remained at 90 percent. Chief Minister A K Antony released the final population totals in CD-Rom format by presenting a copy to GAD Principal Secretary K K Vijayakumar at a function here on Monday. The report said that Malappuram was the most populous district with 36,25,471 persons and Wayanad was the least with 7,80,619 persons. The percentage of scheduled caste population in the State decreased from 9.92 in 1991 to 9.81 in 2001, while the percentage of scheduled tribe population increased from 1.10 in 1991 to 1.14 in 2001, the report said. Palakkad (16.53 percent) and Idukki (14.11 percent) districts had high percentage of SC population while Kannur (4.11 percent) recorded the lowest percentage. In density, the State ranked third among the States with 819 persons per sq.km, 2.8 times the all-India density. West Bengal and Bihar occupied the first two places. In area, Palakkad topped the list with 4,480 sq.km and Alappuzha with 1,414 sq.km was the smallest district, the report said. Director of Census Operations Sheela Thomas said that the State was the first to publish a Panchayath-wise and ward-wise population data. The caste and religion-wise census would be published soon in addition to data on the physically-challenged and linguistic minorities, she said. (NIE)
candidates; Thankachan meets Karunakaran
Wednesday, March 3, 2004
As the 17-member election committee of the KPCC is scheduled to meet tomorrow, hectic parleys were held in the Congress circles today to create a consensus regarding the Congress candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. The committee meeting in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday is expected to take a final decision on the names that are to be submitted to the party highcommand for approval. As reported earlier, Congress, which heads the ruling United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kerala, will contest 17 out of the 20 Lok Sabha seats from the state. According to KPCC sources, around 150 persons have applied for candidature of the party. Though many of them are not serious contenders, it is apparent that more than one person would remain for each seat, after the initial screening is over. KPCC acting president P P Thankachan who prefers a consensus in this regard, held detailed talks with senior Congress K Karunakaran on the subject today. Thankachan called on the senior leader at latter's residence in Thiruvananthapuram and had a one-to one talk. Thankachan is also in constant touch with the other leaders of the party. Meanwhile, some confusion remains among the party leadership on whether one unanimously selected candidate's name for each constituency should be submitted to the highcommand, instead of a panel. Senior Congress leader and AICC secretary Vayalar Ravi has said that he prefers a panel for each constituency. In another related development, KPCC spokesman M I Shanawaz has contradicted Thankachan and said that group affiliations, alongwith winning chances, should be considered while considering a candidate for each constituency.
AMMA-Film Chamber row: no end in sight
Wednesday, March 3, 2004
Even as the row between the Kerala Film Producers Association and the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) continues unabated, AMMA will start the rehearsal for the stage show in Kochi on today. The stage show and award night organised by Asianet Channel in Kochi on next Sunday, has become the bone of contention in the current stand off between the two organisations of Malayalam film industry. According to a report form Kochi, the first batch of artistes would arrive in the city today. The association has directed its members not to disrupt the shooting schedules to attend the rehearsals. Meanwhile, the executive committee members of the associations of producers, distributors and exhibitors would meet in Kochi tomorrow to decide on the next course of action. The Kerala Film Producers Association president, B. Sasikumar, said that the associations would take only collective decisions on the issue. If the AMMA members decide to go ahead with the show, the Kerala Film Chamber would be compelled to think of other alternatives, he warned Meanwhile, the official faction of Malayalam Cine Technicians' Association have alleged that the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (Amma) had gone back on its word after agreeing to a compromise formula which would have solved the crisis. Macta chairman K G George, general secretary Sibi Malayil, former chairman Joshi, Vinayan and Kaloor Dennis who had tried to trash out a compromise between the two sides, accused Amma and actor Mohanlal of playing a double-game with them. Amma's attitude had angered Macta members and the organisation had decided to withdraw from the talks, Macta leaders said. Reacting to the allegation, Mohanlal, actor and general secretary of AMMA said that Malayalam Cine Technicians Association (MACTA) has beaten a too hasty retreat from the conciliatory talks initiated by it to end the film industry crisis, said. Talking to media on Monday in Alappuzha, Mohanlal said that he was still open for further talks even as the MACTA functionaries had announced their decision to pull out of the reconciliatory bids and boycott the stage show of March 7. But the office-bearers of the MACTA were too hasty in drawing up a final conclusion that the AMMA was staging a defrauding act, said Mohanlal, expressing regrets at the `unfair' allegations raised against him by the MACTA. Mohanlal also refuted the accusations of the MACTA functionaries that they were given a cold reception on the shooting location at Ezhupunna in Alappuzha district when they had come to meet him. The MACTA leaders had arrived on the location of their vice-president, Fazil, pointed out Mohanlal, adding that he could not help the delay caused by the prolonged shooting schedule of the day. Even while holding discussions with them at Ezhupunna, he had expressed the willingness to move the talks forward, Mohanlal said. But, the MACTA had changed their stand immediately on hearing the statement made by the AMMA president, Innocent, to the effect that the programme would be held as per schedule. Mohanlal said that he had no need to play tricks upon the people whom he had known for a long time. He said that the organisations had identities of their own and the issues within them were better left to be handled without external interference. He reminded that the Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce had issued a ban against the director, Priyadarshan, who also happens to be the director for the March 7 stage programme, but nothing had come out of the order so far. He said that it was painful to ask artistes not to accept awards chosen through Gallup polls. As reported earlier, the participation of AMMA in the award night and stage show organized by a private television channel in Kochi on April 7, has become the bone of contention between the two sides. The Chamber accused AMMA of a breach in the agreement signed in 2002 between AMMA and Film Chamber. AMMA has so far refused to accept this allegation and announced their intention to go ahead with the mega show.
Nedumudi, Praveena bag MRA television awards
Monday, March 1, 2004
Thiruvananthapuram: 'Achan Ramakrishnan' telecast by Kairali TV was chosen the best telefilm for the year 2003, while Nedumudi Venu and Praveena were adjudged the best actor and actress in the TV awards announced by the Media Research Academy and Kerala University Union. The awardees for television programmes were selected through a gallop poll in campuses and it was for the first time students were becoming judges of television programmes, Union office-bearers told a press meet here on Sunday. M V Sreyams Kumar was selected as the best producer for the popular serial 'Swapnam' on Asianet, while Shivamohan Thampi was chosen best director for `Chandrodayam' serial on Doordarshan. M Jayachandran is the best music director and the award for camera were shared by K G Jayan and Siddarthan. 'Cinemala' on Asianet was adjudged the best comedy programme.
BSP to contest 10 Lok Sabha seats from Kerala
Monday, March 1, 2004
KOZHIKODE; Bahujan Samaj Party, which has virtually no presence in Kerala, on Saturday announced that it would contest in 10 Lok Sabha seats from the State in the ensuing elections. ''Though we are aware that our winning chances are remote, the BSP is in the process of reorganising itself in the southern states and therefore has decided to contest half the seats from Kerala," BSP all-India treasurer Ambeth Rajan and State president K Viswanathan told reporters here. Talks were going on with some parties and social organisations in the state to forge a tie-up during the polls, they said, adding the candidates list would be announced in a day or two. However, they did not disclose the names of the parties or social groups that had decided to support the party in the coming elections. Noting that the party, which has registered over one lakh members till last year, had "good chances" of widening its presence in the State, they said BSP was now engaged in a fresh membership drive across the state. BSP had unsuccessfully contested from five parliamentary seats in the State during the last elections.
Kerala tops consumer list: Study
Monday, March 1, 2004
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala has turned into a society that consumes much more than it produces topping the country in per capita consumer expenditure and missing a robust entrepreneurial culture to bridge the gap, said a study. While remittances flowing from abroad and other parts of the country kept open in the state a huge market for outside products, the ingrained perception that wealth-creation invariably involved exploitation blighted entreprenuership skills of Malayalees, said a recent study by Jose Sebastian of Institute for Enterprise Culture and Entreprenuership Development. Kerala relied heavily on other states not only for food and essentials but for a variety of consumer articles required by an advanced society. As per the National Sample Survey Organisation figures, in household consumer expenditure, Kerala climbed up from 8th position in 1972-73 to the first position in 1999-2000, showing that an average Malayalee consumed almost twice that of an average Behari. What made the consumption boom possible were remittances flowing into the state from other countries and other states, which formed almost 20 per cent of Kerala's SDP, the study said.
Indian Airlines and Air India cut Gulf-Kerala fares
Monday, March 1, 2004
Air India and Indian Airlines yesterday announced they will cut fares by at least five per cent on the lucrative Gulf to Kerala routes and introduced discounts on advance ticket purchase. The move follows pressure from the Gulf-based non-resident Indian community and becomes effective from April 1. But officials from the carriers insisted their actions were prompted by the Kerala government's recent decision to axe sales tax on aviation fuel. "Following the Kerala government's recent decision to withdraw the sales tax on aviation turbine fuel, we have decided to pass on the entire benefit to the passengers," said Captain P.P. Singh, Air India's regional director for the Gulf, Middle East and Africa. "We have reduced the fare to Dh2,280 during the peak season, from Dh2,400. However, a passenger can get the same ticket for Dh1,995 if he buys it 21 days in advance - a discount of 17 per cent. "The return fare from Dubai to Kerala will now be Dh1,520 for lean, Dh1,900 for shoulder and Dh2280 for peak seasons compared with Dh1,600 for lean, Dh2,000 for shoulder and Dh2,400 for peak seasons in the past financial year." These prices exclude commission and taxes. Air India, which operates 123 weekly flights from the Gulf, last year carried a total of 627,969 passengers from the Gulf to India, of which 280,000 were from the UAE. About 45 per cent of Air India's Gulf passengers are from Kerala. Of the 280,000 passengers it carried from the UAE last year the carrier said 132,000 travelled to Kerala. It netted Dh1.02 billion (Rs12.3 billion) from its Gulf operations in the period and is scheduled to begin flights to Salalah from Calicut, its 11th destination in the Gulf, from March 28. Fares from Jeddah to Kerala have also been slashed by 18 per cent on advance purchase of tickets.
