India beacon of hope for people around the world: Obama
U.S. President Barack Obama sent his congratulations to all who will celebrate the 63rd anniversary of India’s Independence this weekend and said, “Indians around the world can not only look back on their history with pride, but can also look ahead to a future filled with hope and further progress.”
Speaking on behalf of his entire administration and the American people Mr. Obama noted that ever since August 15, 1947, India’s non-violent struggle for freedom, its rejection of terrorism and extremism, and its belief in democracy, tolerance, and the rule of law had been an inspiration and beacon of hope for people around the world.
Underscoring the profound effect of India’s example on many countries, including the United States he said that leaders of the civil rights movement here, including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., had spoke of the debt they owed to Mahatma Gandhi and the over two million Indian-Americans were living examples of the bonds that bound India and the U.S.. The President added that the accomplishments of the Indian-American community “have become well-known and admired in both countries.”
Touching upon the ongoing Strategic Dialogue between the two countries, which is expected to get a fillip from the President’s visit to India later this year he said, “The strategic partnership between our countries will continue to grow, and I am looking forward to my November visit to India.”
Reiterating the words he had used to describe the relationship during Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s state visit last year, Mr. Obama said,” Our goal is to make this one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century.”
Saturday, August 14, 2010
All Unit Linked Products to Offer Minimum Return to Policyholders from 6th Year Onward:
Unit Linked Pension Products to Ensure Minimum Guaranteed Return on Maturity:
Locking Period Increased From Three to Five Years
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
19:16 IST
The Insurance Regulatory & Development Authority (IRDA) has informed that recently they have issued the following circulars for the benefit of the customers:
(1) IRDA Circular No. 102 dated 28th June, 2010 – This prescribes the minimum quantum of death and health coverage that a unit linked life insurance product must offer. All pension/deferred annuity products must offer a minimum guaranteed return as specified by the IRDA. The minimum guaranteed rate is 4.5% pa for the current financial year and based on reverse repo-rate from 2011-2012 onward. The circular also prescribes the maximum reduction in yield to the policyholders from year 6th policy year and onward.
(2) IRDA (Treatment of Discontinued Linked Insurance Policies) Regulations, 2010 – The regulations aim to benefit the policyholder who discontinues to pay future premium on account of certain difficulties, by assuring him a fixed rate of interest on his policy monies available at the date of discontinuance and the payment can only be made by insurer after 5th policy anniversary of the said insurance policy.
(3) IRDA Circular No. 124 dated 4th August, 2010 - The circular clarifies the limit on premium allocation and policy administration charges and also on guaranteed rates of interest on unit linked pension/deferred annuity products.
The aforesaid circular and regulations shall be implemented with effect from 1st September, 2010.
The likely benefits to the customers are as follows:
(i) The customers will get higher death and /or health coverage in all unit linked products except pension products where the benefits flow in the form of guaranteed benefits. Moreover, in pension/deferred annuity products the policyholders can opt for riders which provide higher amount of mortality and/or health coverage.
(ii) All unit linked pension products shall have a minimum guaranteed return to ensure a minimum amount of cash at the time of maturity which shall be utilized to purchase annuity subject to a lump sum payment of one third of the accumulated amount.
(iii) The lock-in period has been increased from earlier 3 years to 5 years which enhanced the long term feature of the unit linked products. During lock-in period, policyholders can not take the payment of surrender value and also can not make any partial withdrawal. However, the policyholders can avail loan facility during the lock-in period.
(iv) All unit linked products shall offer minimum return to the policyholders from 6th policy year and onward. This provides guaranteed return on the money invested in insurance policies by policyholders.
(v) The maximum charges that an insurer can levy on the fund on discontinuance of the insurance contract are specified in the regulations. This intends to bring unifo
This information was given by the Minister of State for Finance, S.S. Palanimanickam in a written reply to an Unstarred Question raised in Lok Sabha today.
Unit Linked Pension Products to Ensure Minimum Guaranteed Return on Maturity:
Locking Period Increased From Three to Five Years
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
19:16 IST
The Insurance Regulatory & Development Authority (IRDA) has informed that recently they have issued the following circulars for the benefit of the customers:
(1) IRDA Circular No. 102 dated 28th June, 2010 – This prescribes the minimum quantum of death and health coverage that a unit linked life insurance product must offer. All pension/deferred annuity products must offer a minimum guaranteed return as specified by the IRDA. The minimum guaranteed rate is 4.5% pa for the current financial year and based on reverse repo-rate from 2011-2012 onward. The circular also prescribes the maximum reduction in yield to the policyholders from year 6th policy year and onward.
(2) IRDA (Treatment of Discontinued Linked Insurance Policies) Regulations, 2010 – The regulations aim to benefit the policyholder who discontinues to pay future premium on account of certain difficulties, by assuring him a fixed rate of interest on his policy monies available at the date of discontinuance and the payment can only be made by insurer after 5th policy anniversary of the said insurance policy.
(3) IRDA Circular No. 124 dated 4th August, 2010 - The circular clarifies the limit on premium allocation and policy administration charges and also on guaranteed rates of interest on unit linked pension/deferred annuity products.
The aforesaid circular and regulations shall be implemented with effect from 1st September, 2010.
The likely benefits to the customers are as follows:
(i) The customers will get higher death and /or health coverage in all unit linked products except pension products where the benefits flow in the form of guaranteed benefits. Moreover, in pension/deferred annuity products the policyholders can opt for riders which provide higher amount of mortality and/or health coverage.
(ii) All unit linked pension products shall have a minimum guaranteed return to ensure a minimum amount of cash at the time of maturity which shall be utilized to purchase annuity subject to a lump sum payment of one third of the accumulated amount.
(iii) The lock-in period has been increased from earlier 3 years to 5 years which enhanced the long term feature of the unit linked products. During lock-in period, policyholders can not take the payment of surrender value and also can not make any partial withdrawal. However, the policyholders can avail loan facility during the lock-in period.
(iv) All unit linked products shall offer minimum return to the policyholders from 6th policy year and onward. This provides guaranteed return on the money invested in insurance policies by policyholders.
(v) The maximum charges that an insurer can levy on the fund on discontinuance of the insurance contract are specified in the regulations. This intends to bring unifo
This information was given by the Minister of State for Finance, S.S. Palanimanickam in a written reply to an Unstarred Question raised in Lok Sabha today.
SILIGURI: Hill tour project shelved
Siliguri, Aug. 13: The Ambuja Group has put on hold a tourism project planned in association with the world famous Makaibari Tea Estate because of the political turmoil in the Darjeeling hills.
“It is true that we had planned a tourism project in Makaibari Tea Estate in association with the garden management. However, we have put the project on hold because of the present political situation in the hills. The plan is ready but it will take some time for us to put in place the infrastructure and make the project operational,” Harsh Neotia, the chairman of Ambuja Realty Development Limited, said here today.
Makaibari tea estate in the Darjeeling hills
The hills plunged into political uncertainty ever since the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha revived the agitation for a separate state two years ago. As strikes and violence became the order of the day, tourism took a beating with domestic and international visitors reluctant to come to the hills.
Sources said according to the project conceived jointly by Neotia and owner of the estate Rajah Banerjee, a resort would be developed on 24 acres of land. The resort will cater for both domestic and international tourists and the developers hope the globally-known Makaibari brand and the garden’s location will work as USPs.
Neotia said the group had also plans to launch a project at Lataguri on the fringes of Gorumara National Park in the Dooars. “Around Rs 25 crore will be invested in the two tourism projects in north Bengal,” he said.
In Makaibari, sources said, Ambuja would present the concept of a leisure hotel in the form of “kutir” or cottage, much like the Ganga Kutir developed by the company at Raichak, 50km from Calcutta.
The chairman said the group wanted both the projects to be completed together. “Unlike in the hills, there is no political strife as such in the Dooars. But our idea is to create a tourism circuit in north Bengal. We intend to stick to that plan and will develop both the properties simultaneously. We are waiting for improvement in the situation in the hills and will definitely implement both the projects,” said Neotia. He was addressing a news conference to announce the setting-up of the third City Centre at the Uttarayon Township in Matigara.
“We will be bringing in new and top notch brands like Shoppers Stop, Spencer’s, KFC and Crossword to the City Centre for the residents of Siliguri and neighbouring areas,” said Neotia. “Also, the Big Cinemas will open a four-screen multiplex with a capacity to accommodate 1,000 people.” He added that City Centre Siliguri would be opened in December.
The real estate major has two City Centres in Bengal and both are in Calcutta.
“More than 5,000 people would be employed at the City Centre that we hope will develop as a hub of economic activity in north Bengal,” said Neotia.
source; the telegraph
Siliguri, Aug. 13: The Ambuja Group has put on hold a tourism project planned in association with the world famous Makaibari Tea Estate because of the political turmoil in the Darjeeling hills.
“It is true that we had planned a tourism project in Makaibari Tea Estate in association with the garden management. However, we have put the project on hold because of the present political situation in the hills. The plan is ready but it will take some time for us to put in place the infrastructure and make the project operational,” Harsh Neotia, the chairman of Ambuja Realty Development Limited, said here today.
Makaibari tea estate in the Darjeeling hills
The hills plunged into political uncertainty ever since the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha revived the agitation for a separate state two years ago. As strikes and violence became the order of the day, tourism took a beating with domestic and international visitors reluctant to come to the hills.
Sources said according to the project conceived jointly by Neotia and owner of the estate Rajah Banerjee, a resort would be developed on 24 acres of land. The resort will cater for both domestic and international tourists and the developers hope the globally-known Makaibari brand and the garden’s location will work as USPs.
Neotia said the group had also plans to launch a project at Lataguri on the fringes of Gorumara National Park in the Dooars. “Around Rs 25 crore will be invested in the two tourism projects in north Bengal,” he said.
In Makaibari, sources said, Ambuja would present the concept of a leisure hotel in the form of “kutir” or cottage, much like the Ganga Kutir developed by the company at Raichak, 50km from Calcutta.
The chairman said the group wanted both the projects to be completed together. “Unlike in the hills, there is no political strife as such in the Dooars. But our idea is to create a tourism circuit in north Bengal. We intend to stick to that plan and will develop both the properties simultaneously. We are waiting for improvement in the situation in the hills and will definitely implement both the projects,” said Neotia. He was addressing a news conference to announce the setting-up of the third City Centre at the Uttarayon Township in Matigara.
“We will be bringing in new and top notch brands like Shoppers Stop, Spencer’s, KFC and Crossword to the City Centre for the residents of Siliguri and neighbouring areas,” said Neotia. “Also, the Big Cinemas will open a four-screen multiplex with a capacity to accommodate 1,000 people.” He added that City Centre Siliguri would be opened in December.
The real estate major has two City Centres in Bengal and both are in Calcutta.
“More than 5,000 people would be employed at the City Centre that we hope will develop as a hub of economic activity in north Bengal,” said Neotia.
source; the telegraph
Friday, August 13, 2010
Sikkim highest per capita income, lowest GDP in NE
GANGTOK, August 12: Sikkimese people have the highest per capita income in the Northeast region as per the findings of the Central Statistical Organization data of April, 2010.
According to a report tabled in the Lok Sabha yesterday by Ministry of Planning, the per capita income for Sikkim was shown as Rs. 25,257 for the year 2008-09 based on the CSO data.
This was slightly lower than the national per capita income average of Rs. 25,494 for the same period.
The Ministry of Planning was responding to a question fielded by MP Takam Sujoy in the Lok Sabha.
Among the other NE States, Meghalaya has the second highest per capita income of Rs. 23,069 for 2008-09.
In response to Sujoy’s question on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the eight NE States, Sikkim’s GDP for the year 2008-09 was shown as Rs. 1756 crores with an eight percent increase as compared to the previous financial year. Sikkim’s GDP was the lowest among the NE States.
The Ministry of Planning has replied that the growth process for the NE region had been slow for a host of logistic and geographical reasons. It was pointed out that the NE States have been given special category for liberal plan funding to ensure faster growth.
As per a special initiative for the development of NE region, it is mandatory to earmark at least 10 percent of the Gross Budgetary Support of the Central Ministries and departments for development programmes in the region, the Ministry said.
Further, for speedy development of infrastructure, the NE States are accessing funds from the Non-lapsable Central Pool of Resources, created out of the unspent balance of 10 percent budgetary allocations to the Ministries and departments, it is replied.
source;sikkim express
GANGTOK, August 12: Sikkimese people have the highest per capita income in the Northeast region as per the findings of the Central Statistical Organization data of April, 2010.
According to a report tabled in the Lok Sabha yesterday by Ministry of Planning, the per capita income for Sikkim was shown as Rs. 25,257 for the year 2008-09 based on the CSO data.
This was slightly lower than the national per capita income average of Rs. 25,494 for the same period.
The Ministry of Planning was responding to a question fielded by MP Takam Sujoy in the Lok Sabha.
Among the other NE States, Meghalaya has the second highest per capita income of Rs. 23,069 for 2008-09.
In response to Sujoy’s question on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the eight NE States, Sikkim’s GDP for the year 2008-09 was shown as Rs. 1756 crores with an eight percent increase as compared to the previous financial year. Sikkim’s GDP was the lowest among the NE States.
The Ministry of Planning has replied that the growth process for the NE region had been slow for a host of logistic and geographical reasons. It was pointed out that the NE States have been given special category for liberal plan funding to ensure faster growth.
As per a special initiative for the development of NE region, it is mandatory to earmark at least 10 percent of the Gross Budgetary Support of the Central Ministries and departments for development programmes in the region, the Ministry said.
Further, for speedy development of infrastructure, the NE States are accessing funds from the Non-lapsable Central Pool of Resources, created out of the unspent balance of 10 percent budgetary allocations to the Ministries and departments, it is replied.
source;sikkim express
Trends in Nepal not good for India
Claude ArpiFirst Published : 12 Aug 2010 11:47:00 PM ISTLast Updated : 13 Aug 2010 01:08:21 AM IST
What is going on in Nepal? If one goes by the latest news, nothing good for India. Why did Shyam Saran, the prime minister’s special envoy have to pay a quick visit to the former Himalayan kingdom to meet ‘Prachanda’, the Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) chairman and other political leaders? The answer is that India’s special position in Nepal is waning fast, very fast. After the meeting with Prachanda, a spokesperson for the Maoists told the reporters, “The special envoy made it clear that …he was not here to impose his views on the formation of a new government.”
But some sources said Saran requested the Maoist leadership to clarify their stand vis-a-vis multi-party democracy and the anti-India campaign. Their answer is not known.
Meanwhile, the Maoists, with the support of Beijing, are clearly trying to change the status quo. An article in a national newspaper gives a significant example: “After the controversial withdrawal of the contract issued to an Indian government firm for machine readable passports, New Delhi’s initiative for a fresh India-Nepal extradition treaty seems to be the next target of Kathmandu’s political instability.”
But sources in the Nepali government say that the extradition treaty is not likely to be signed before Nepal’s new Constitution comes into force. It may take some time as in any case the Maoists are against the new treaty.
But the collaboration freeze (‘until the Constitution is passed’) is not applicable to everybody. Sino-Nepal relations flourish as never before. The website China Tibet Information Centre, a subsidy of the official Xinhua news agency, announced on July 13 that the port of Gyirong located in Shigatse Prefecture of the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) will be fully operational in 2011. The website affirmed: “Since the end of 2009, TAR has made great efforts to build the Gyirong port and speed up its construction in 2010. The construction will keep on after the port reopens.”
The Economic Times explained further: “China is expanding its engagement with Nepal by building what is being billed as the biggest land port connecting it with the South Asian region as a whole. This is seen by observers as part of a larger move to connect Xigaze (Shigatse) with Nepal by rail,” adding: “The idea is to apparently build it as a border post larger than Nathu-la (in Sikkim).”
The message is clear and it is probably why Saran was sent on a last-chance mission. Kathmandu is also keen to import petroleum products from China once the secluded ex-kingdom is connected by rail to the TAR. A Nepali government statement mentions that “an expanded and enhanced connectivity between the two countries (will) also open the avenues for Nepal being a transit country between the two giant economies, China and India.”
While Nathu-la does not fare too well, will future business between India and China pass through Nepal? It seems surrealistic. But there is more. While India has to wait for the promulgation of the new constitution, the Chinese are happily signing agreements with Kathmandu. It was reported that Nepal and China will soon establish ‘a high-level mechanism to share intelligence to contain anti-China activities in Nepal.’ So, no extradition of anti-India elements, but Tibetan refugees who try to flee the most-repressive regime of the world will be sent back.
It is what was decided at the Nepal-China Border Security and Law Enforcement Talks which recently concluded in Kathmandu. Both parties agreed to set up focal points in the respective home ministries in Kathmandu and Beijing.
A senior Nepali government official told the Kathmandu Post: “The Chinese side assured full support to enhance capacity building, training of Nepali security personnel to be deployed across the northern border, seeking Nepal’s full commitment on information sharing on anti-China activities with effective law enforcement mechanism to contain the activities.”
Worse for the Tibetans, the Chinese offered ‘logistic support’ worth 300,000 US dollars to the Nepalis in the form of laptops, searchlights or metal detectors. The Chinese Vice-Minister for Public Security Chen Zhiming was pleased with the results of his stay in Nepal: “My visit is to find out ways to strengthen the bilateral relations between Nepal and China.”
The Nepalese have already started the deportation of Tibetans crossing the border: three of them were handed over to the Chinese authorities in early June 2010. According to Nini Gurung, spokeswoman of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR): “It is a very serious issue and we are extremely concerned.” They were sent back by helicopter with a Nepali escort (a politician accompanying them).
Since 1989, there was a ‘gentlemen’s agreement’ between the government in Kathmandu and the UNHCR: Nepal did not grant the refugee status to the Tibetans, but they were allowed a safe transit through Nepal en route to Dharamsala, India.
After the unrest on the Tibetan plateau in March/April 2008, the Chinese repression against the Tibetans was unanimously condemned. The dual standards adopted by Kathmandu to deal with China and India, as well as the games played by the Maoists and some other political parties are worrying trends. It seems difficult, especially after Saran’s failed visit, to stop the situation from deteriorating further.
Claude ArpiFirst Published : 12 Aug 2010 11:47:00 PM ISTLast Updated : 13 Aug 2010 01:08:21 AM IST
What is going on in Nepal? If one goes by the latest news, nothing good for India. Why did Shyam Saran, the prime minister’s special envoy have to pay a quick visit to the former Himalayan kingdom to meet ‘Prachanda’, the Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) chairman and other political leaders? The answer is that India’s special position in Nepal is waning fast, very fast. After the meeting with Prachanda, a spokesperson for the Maoists told the reporters, “The special envoy made it clear that …he was not here to impose his views on the formation of a new government.”
But some sources said Saran requested the Maoist leadership to clarify their stand vis-a-vis multi-party democracy and the anti-India campaign. Their answer is not known.
Meanwhile, the Maoists, with the support of Beijing, are clearly trying to change the status quo. An article in a national newspaper gives a significant example: “After the controversial withdrawal of the contract issued to an Indian government firm for machine readable passports, New Delhi’s initiative for a fresh India-Nepal extradition treaty seems to be the next target of Kathmandu’s political instability.”
But sources in the Nepali government say that the extradition treaty is not likely to be signed before Nepal’s new Constitution comes into force. It may take some time as in any case the Maoists are against the new treaty.
But the collaboration freeze (‘until the Constitution is passed’) is not applicable to everybody. Sino-Nepal relations flourish as never before. The website China Tibet Information Centre, a subsidy of the official Xinhua news agency, announced on July 13 that the port of Gyirong located in Shigatse Prefecture of the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) will be fully operational in 2011. The website affirmed: “Since the end of 2009, TAR has made great efforts to build the Gyirong port and speed up its construction in 2010. The construction will keep on after the port reopens.”
The Economic Times explained further: “China is expanding its engagement with Nepal by building what is being billed as the biggest land port connecting it with the South Asian region as a whole. This is seen by observers as part of a larger move to connect Xigaze (Shigatse) with Nepal by rail,” adding: “The idea is to apparently build it as a border post larger than Nathu-la (in Sikkim).”
The message is clear and it is probably why Saran was sent on a last-chance mission. Kathmandu is also keen to import petroleum products from China once the secluded ex-kingdom is connected by rail to the TAR. A Nepali government statement mentions that “an expanded and enhanced connectivity between the two countries (will) also open the avenues for Nepal being a transit country between the two giant economies, China and India.”
While Nathu-la does not fare too well, will future business between India and China pass through Nepal? It seems surrealistic. But there is more. While India has to wait for the promulgation of the new constitution, the Chinese are happily signing agreements with Kathmandu. It was reported that Nepal and China will soon establish ‘a high-level mechanism to share intelligence to contain anti-China activities in Nepal.’ So, no extradition of anti-India elements, but Tibetan refugees who try to flee the most-repressive regime of the world will be sent back.
It is what was decided at the Nepal-China Border Security and Law Enforcement Talks which recently concluded in Kathmandu. Both parties agreed to set up focal points in the respective home ministries in Kathmandu and Beijing.
A senior Nepali government official told the Kathmandu Post: “The Chinese side assured full support to enhance capacity building, training of Nepali security personnel to be deployed across the northern border, seeking Nepal’s full commitment on information sharing on anti-China activities with effective law enforcement mechanism to contain the activities.”
Worse for the Tibetans, the Chinese offered ‘logistic support’ worth 300,000 US dollars to the Nepalis in the form of laptops, searchlights or metal detectors. The Chinese Vice-Minister for Public Security Chen Zhiming was pleased with the results of his stay in Nepal: “My visit is to find out ways to strengthen the bilateral relations between Nepal and China.”
The Nepalese have already started the deportation of Tibetans crossing the border: three of them were handed over to the Chinese authorities in early June 2010. According to Nini Gurung, spokeswoman of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR): “It is a very serious issue and we are extremely concerned.” They were sent back by helicopter with a Nepali escort (a politician accompanying them).
Since 1989, there was a ‘gentlemen’s agreement’ between the government in Kathmandu and the UNHCR: Nepal did not grant the refugee status to the Tibetans, but they were allowed a safe transit through Nepal en route to Dharamsala, India.
After the unrest on the Tibetan plateau in March/April 2008, the Chinese repression against the Tibetans was unanimously condemned. The dual standards adopted by Kathmandu to deal with China and India, as well as the games played by the Maoists and some other political parties are worrying trends. It seems difficult, especially after Saran’s failed visit, to stop the situation from deteriorating further.
Home theatre systems: A buyer's guide
by Mahananda Bohidar
A mini-component or table-top stereo system can never deliver the kind of acoustics that an amp-aided speaker setup will.
Looking to upgrade your audio/ video experience and have to choose a high-def home theatre system? Or are you setting one up for the first time? You have saved up enough for a swanky new HTS, but is all the jargon involved in choosing the right pair of speakers or amplifier getting to you? Here's a low-down on what you should be looking out for when you step out to pick up new gear for a home theatre.
Why a home theatre system?
A stereo system or a mini-component system does suffice your need to listen to your favourite tracks and watch movies, but only the quality and experience delivered by a home theatre system is worthy of satisfying a true audiophile. A mini-component or table-top stereo system can never deliver the kind of acoustics that an amp-aided speaker setup will. Let's take a look at the different kinds of surround speaker set-ups you can opt for.
Speaker Set-up
While the most basic form of a home theatre sound system would be a 5.1 speaker system, you can push up the aural experience in your living room or mini-theatre with a 6.1, 7.1, 9.1 or even 11.1 systems. The last two are yet to gain popularity due to the lack of sources (CDs and DVDs) formatted for a 9.1 or 11.1 set-up. So, the 7.1 is your next-best option.
To have an idea of why you need these certain set of speakers, here's an example of the 7.1 set up. In a 7.1 set up, two speakers are placed on either side of your display unit primarily for playing back the music tracks.A third speaker stays at the centre, placed above or below the display unit, which relays voice or dialogue tracks. The last two units go to the rear of the seating space and are only for ambient sound effects that have been recorded on to your source. The other two speakers are for left and right surround placed just above ear level on either side of the seating area.
The sub-woofer also known as the LFE channel (Low Frequency Effects) helps capture all the low-frequency (bass-effect) sounds for you to feel it rather than hear it. For example, when there is thunder on-screen you'll feel the vibration while you hear the sound effect though the speakers.
Simplifying Speaker Specs
Some of us audiophiles are unfortunately averse to the seemingly undecipherable numbers printed on the speaker boxes. Here's a simplified narration of what they mean and what factors you should be looking for while picking up a pair or a HT set.
Power rating - The power rating of a speaker denotes the level of current it'll be able to take to function without any distortion. Here, there are two terms that you'll usually come across – PMPO and RMS.
PMPO (Peak Music Power Output) is what you'll see prominently flashed across hoardings and product packaging, especially in lower-end speaker packages. But, this is a marketing gimmick, the significance of which can be misleading. PMPO stands for the peak power capacity of amplifiers and speakers – the maximum load they can take for an instant under ‘perfect' conditions and is often bunched together for the whole speaker set. Hence, this value has little significance in real time and for extended periods of playback, which is what a home theatre system is meant to do.The more accurate measure is the RMS rating because it's an average of how much power the speaker can handle, usually referenced to indicate the level per channel or per speaker.
Sometimes the minimum power rating to make the speakers function is also mentioned. This, however, is something that you don't need to worry about as even the most basic amplifier will provide the minimum amount of power required to power them.
Impedance – A speaker with lower impedance will allow more current to flow through it, hence resulting in loud volumes.
Why should you keep this in mind? If your amp isn't designed to handle speakers with low impedance (4 ohms), then the amp may overheat (as it draws more current) when you turn the volume up very loud – thereby causing it to trip. The usual numbers you will see on speaker packaging is 4, 6 or 8 ohms, these being the estimated averages because impedance keeps varying constantly (in many amps, not all). Impedance has little to do with the quality of sound but it should be kept in mind to make the amp-speaker set-up run smoothly without any trips or power overload.
You can get a set of quality high-fidelity speakers, according to your space and needs, ranging from about Rs 16,000 a pair to Rs 25 lakh and above for top-notch HT speakers.
A/V Receivers
The heart of your home theatre system, these units receive audio and video signals from sources such as your Blu-ray player or DTH connection and decodes, amplifies and splits them into audio outputs that constitute your HT System.
If you are a first-timer, choose your A/V receiver according to your budget and requirements and then go shopping for a speaker set-up. If you're looking to upgrade your existing home theatre set-up, here are a couple of things you should keep in mind.
Channels – If you have had an amp that supports a 5.1 speaker set-up, upgrade to an amplifier that supports a 7.1 channel system. This will enable decoding and playback of movie audio tracks in a 7.1 speaker set-up thus enriching the overall home cinema experience, because these amps, most often, also offer additional features and decoding for newer formats. If you're picking up an amp for the first time, a 7.1 enabled amp is more or less a future-proof option.
Audio Formats – Most amps in the market will support Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic IIx and/or DTS technology to enhance your surround sound experience. To get a taste of high-def audio, the amplifier should ideally support the latest HD audio formats such as Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus and DTS HD Master Audio. These formats are completely uncompressed, which means that the audio rendered at home will be almost as good as the original recording.
At the classiest end of the spectrum, you can opt for a THX certified system that is widely claimed to provide the most unparalleled sound experience you can have at home. These amps meet stringent acoustic standards to deliver this experience and can cost a bomb.
Upscaling – With high-def content catching on like wildfire, go for an amplifier that can upscale your videos to HDMI. This basically means that the amplifier should be able to upscale non-HD content from DVDs or CDs and play it back in HD-like resolution on your display.
You might also want to look for other capabilities such as de-interlacing i.e. upgrading an interlaced video signal (1080i) to progressive scan (1080p) and scaling i.e. upgrading video to a better resolution within the same format.
Inputs and Outputs – The amp should have enough jacks to connect all your input and output devices, and cover all varieties of cables that you might require.
For audio sources, there should be inputs for co-axial cables and optical ones, S-video and component video for video playback and HDMI switching for both audio and video.
Add-ons – If you are going full Monty, you might as well pick one that has USB ports to plug and play content, radio and iPod connectivity, maybe even Bluetooth and Ethernet support. This makes the experience less complicated and more seamless.
Decently-powered A/V receivers that upscale to HDMI can cost upwards of Rs 55,000. Companies like Denon, Marantz and Onkyo are some of the brands you can consider.
Cables
Reserve at least 10 per cent of your HT system budget to spend on the cables that connect the various components, for they can make or mar your home theatre experience.
Their role is more significant than just connecting one system to another. The material, length and thickness of the cables used determine how efficiently power, video and audio are transmitted, and how clear and pristine the audio-visual experience is.
Cable gauge – Indicating the wire's thickness, the lower the cable gauge value the better is the capacity of the wire to transmit the audio signal. Expressed in AWG or American Wire Gauge, a 16 AWG is a decent size to have for a small set-up. The ideal cable gauge varies depending on the distance between your amplifier and speakers.
The right cable gauge, apart from enabling a richer sound experience will also dissipate heat better and will prevent your components from undergoing any strain or heat build-up.
Material – Flashback to chemistry class in school, and you might remember the teacher telling you that copper is a good conductor. The best speaker cables are copper wires coated so that they do not get oxidised. Hence, go for ones that say ‘OFC' on the label, OFC stands for Oxygen-free cables. A step higher and you must be looking for OFCs with gold plated plugs.
QED, Monster Cable and Profigold are some companies that have good quality cables on offer in Indian stores.
by Mahananda Bohidar
A mini-component or table-top stereo system can never deliver the kind of acoustics that an amp-aided speaker setup will.
Looking to upgrade your audio/ video experience and have to choose a high-def home theatre system? Or are you setting one up for the first time? You have saved up enough for a swanky new HTS, but is all the jargon involved in choosing the right pair of speakers or amplifier getting to you? Here's a low-down on what you should be looking out for when you step out to pick up new gear for a home theatre.
Why a home theatre system?
A stereo system or a mini-component system does suffice your need to listen to your favourite tracks and watch movies, but only the quality and experience delivered by a home theatre system is worthy of satisfying a true audiophile. A mini-component or table-top stereo system can never deliver the kind of acoustics that an amp-aided speaker setup will. Let's take a look at the different kinds of surround speaker set-ups you can opt for.
Speaker Set-up
While the most basic form of a home theatre sound system would be a 5.1 speaker system, you can push up the aural experience in your living room or mini-theatre with a 6.1, 7.1, 9.1 or even 11.1 systems. The last two are yet to gain popularity due to the lack of sources (CDs and DVDs) formatted for a 9.1 or 11.1 set-up. So, the 7.1 is your next-best option.
To have an idea of why you need these certain set of speakers, here's an example of the 7.1 set up. In a 7.1 set up, two speakers are placed on either side of your display unit primarily for playing back the music tracks.A third speaker stays at the centre, placed above or below the display unit, which relays voice or dialogue tracks. The last two units go to the rear of the seating space and are only for ambient sound effects that have been recorded on to your source. The other two speakers are for left and right surround placed just above ear level on either side of the seating area.
The sub-woofer also known as the LFE channel (Low Frequency Effects) helps capture all the low-frequency (bass-effect) sounds for you to feel it rather than hear it. For example, when there is thunder on-screen you'll feel the vibration while you hear the sound effect though the speakers.
Simplifying Speaker Specs
Some of us audiophiles are unfortunately averse to the seemingly undecipherable numbers printed on the speaker boxes. Here's a simplified narration of what they mean and what factors you should be looking for while picking up a pair or a HT set.
Power rating - The power rating of a speaker denotes the level of current it'll be able to take to function without any distortion. Here, there are two terms that you'll usually come across – PMPO and RMS.
PMPO (Peak Music Power Output) is what you'll see prominently flashed across hoardings and product packaging, especially in lower-end speaker packages. But, this is a marketing gimmick, the significance of which can be misleading. PMPO stands for the peak power capacity of amplifiers and speakers – the maximum load they can take for an instant under ‘perfect' conditions and is often bunched together for the whole speaker set. Hence, this value has little significance in real time and for extended periods of playback, which is what a home theatre system is meant to do.The more accurate measure is the RMS rating because it's an average of how much power the speaker can handle, usually referenced to indicate the level per channel or per speaker.
Sometimes the minimum power rating to make the speakers function is also mentioned. This, however, is something that you don't need to worry about as even the most basic amplifier will provide the minimum amount of power required to power them.
Impedance – A speaker with lower impedance will allow more current to flow through it, hence resulting in loud volumes.
Why should you keep this in mind? If your amp isn't designed to handle speakers with low impedance (4 ohms), then the amp may overheat (as it draws more current) when you turn the volume up very loud – thereby causing it to trip. The usual numbers you will see on speaker packaging is 4, 6 or 8 ohms, these being the estimated averages because impedance keeps varying constantly (in many amps, not all). Impedance has little to do with the quality of sound but it should be kept in mind to make the amp-speaker set-up run smoothly without any trips or power overload.
You can get a set of quality high-fidelity speakers, according to your space and needs, ranging from about Rs 16,000 a pair to Rs 25 lakh and above for top-notch HT speakers.
A/V Receivers
The heart of your home theatre system, these units receive audio and video signals from sources such as your Blu-ray player or DTH connection and decodes, amplifies and splits them into audio outputs that constitute your HT System.
If you are a first-timer, choose your A/V receiver according to your budget and requirements and then go shopping for a speaker set-up. If you're looking to upgrade your existing home theatre set-up, here are a couple of things you should keep in mind.
Channels – If you have had an amp that supports a 5.1 speaker set-up, upgrade to an amplifier that supports a 7.1 channel system. This will enable decoding and playback of movie audio tracks in a 7.1 speaker set-up thus enriching the overall home cinema experience, because these amps, most often, also offer additional features and decoding for newer formats. If you're picking up an amp for the first time, a 7.1 enabled amp is more or less a future-proof option.
Audio Formats – Most amps in the market will support Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic IIx and/or DTS technology to enhance your surround sound experience. To get a taste of high-def audio, the amplifier should ideally support the latest HD audio formats such as Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus and DTS HD Master Audio. These formats are completely uncompressed, which means that the audio rendered at home will be almost as good as the original recording.
At the classiest end of the spectrum, you can opt for a THX certified system that is widely claimed to provide the most unparalleled sound experience you can have at home. These amps meet stringent acoustic standards to deliver this experience and can cost a bomb.
Upscaling – With high-def content catching on like wildfire, go for an amplifier that can upscale your videos to HDMI. This basically means that the amplifier should be able to upscale non-HD content from DVDs or CDs and play it back in HD-like resolution on your display.
You might also want to look for other capabilities such as de-interlacing i.e. upgrading an interlaced video signal (1080i) to progressive scan (1080p) and scaling i.e. upgrading video to a better resolution within the same format.
Inputs and Outputs – The amp should have enough jacks to connect all your input and output devices, and cover all varieties of cables that you might require.
For audio sources, there should be inputs for co-axial cables and optical ones, S-video and component video for video playback and HDMI switching for both audio and video.
Add-ons – If you are going full Monty, you might as well pick one that has USB ports to plug and play content, radio and iPod connectivity, maybe even Bluetooth and Ethernet support. This makes the experience less complicated and more seamless.
Decently-powered A/V receivers that upscale to HDMI can cost upwards of Rs 55,000. Companies like Denon, Marantz and Onkyo are some of the brands you can consider.
Cables
Reserve at least 10 per cent of your HT system budget to spend on the cables that connect the various components, for they can make or mar your home theatre experience.
Their role is more significant than just connecting one system to another. The material, length and thickness of the cables used determine how efficiently power, video and audio are transmitted, and how clear and pristine the audio-visual experience is.
Cable gauge – Indicating the wire's thickness, the lower the cable gauge value the better is the capacity of the wire to transmit the audio signal. Expressed in AWG or American Wire Gauge, a 16 AWG is a decent size to have for a small set-up. The ideal cable gauge varies depending on the distance between your amplifier and speakers.
The right cable gauge, apart from enabling a richer sound experience will also dissipate heat better and will prevent your components from undergoing any strain or heat build-up.
Material – Flashback to chemistry class in school, and you might remember the teacher telling you that copper is a good conductor. The best speaker cables are copper wires coated so that they do not get oxidised. Hence, go for ones that say ‘OFC' on the label, OFC stands for Oxygen-free cables. A step higher and you must be looking for OFCs with gold plated plugs.
QED, Monster Cable and Profigold are some companies that have good quality cables on offer in Indian stores.
NEPAL: Groundwater resource dries up in the Kathmandu Valley
FROM MYREPUBLICA
BY ANJALI RAMTEL
KATHMANDU, Aug 12: The groundwater source has started drying up in the Kathmanu valley due to overharvesting.
The use of groundwater is on the rise in the Kathmandu valley as water crisis is worsening day by day with ever increasing population.
According to Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Limited (KUKL), the authorized company for supplying water here, there is a demand for 270 million litres of water in the Valley in a day. However, it has been able to supply only 10 percent of the demand.
Given the water scarcity in the Valley, Kathmandu denizens have no alternative but to use groundwater.
Earlier, digging up to 20 feet was enough to get the level of underground water. But, these days it is very difficult to found the water level under up to 40 feet, according to technicians involved in drawing underground water for a long.
There are altogether 313 stone spouts (one of the natural resource of underground water) in Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur. Of them, 59 are running dry while some others are drying up day by day due to maximum use of underground water.
Similarly, twenty-two waterspouts inside the Balaju Park also known as Balaju’s bais dhara were one of the central attractions for tourists until a few years ago. But, these days the stone spouts are running dry affecting the beauty of the site. The site was popular as the “water garden” among the tourists in the past.
It is said the source of these waterspouts dried up due to an increasing trend of digging water wells and installing water boring machines inside the Balaju Corridor Area and adjoining areas.
Following this, the necessity of an act regarding the use of groundwater has been realized. The Ministry of Physical Planning and Works is planning to introduce an Act related to groundwater to regulate the use of ground water, informed geologist Suresh Das Shrestha. But, lack of sufficient information and data has delayed in bringing the Act, he added, underscoring the need of controlling the use of groundwater.
Groundwater has been a boon for private water suppliers. They directly draw groundwater from any place or pump it out in an uncontrolled manner for commercial purposes, said Shrestha. So, it is necessary to bring and implement a clear policy to control such business, he stressed.
There are around 6,000 private water supply companies in the valley, according to non government organizations (NGOs) working in the sector of drinking water and sanitation. They sell around 25,000,000 liters of water in a day.
KUKL´s board member Lajana Manandhar also acknowledges using groundwater for distribution.
Many households in the Kathmandu valley sustain on groundwater as they have no option in the context of severe water crisis. The prevalence of water wells, the source of groundwater, is common in the valley.
Experts concerned have estimated that presently Kathmandu has 5000 water wells.
The valley has a long history of water wells. There are altogether 487 wells of traditional form in Bhaktapur while this number is 318 in Lalitpur.
Besides, digging up water wells and installing tube-well is on the rise in the new settlements as well.
During the study conducted by the KUKL in the valley sometimes ago, underground water in some parts of south Kathmandu was found to be contaminated with arsenic. According to doctors, water with arsenic is harmful for health.
The study shows that water drawn from a deep in the ground has the maximum chance to have arsenic. Despite this fact, the valley people are forced to use groundwater due to acute water scarcity.
It is said population growth is to blame for this severe water crisis dogging the Kathmandu Valley for decades.
According to the Central Bureau of Statistics, Nepal´s annual population growth rate is 2.25 and its current population is around 27.05 millions. Of them, around 3 million live alone in the Kathmandu Valley
FROM MYREPUBLICA
BY ANJALI RAMTEL
KATHMANDU, Aug 12: The groundwater source has started drying up in the Kathmanu valley due to overharvesting.
The use of groundwater is on the rise in the Kathmandu valley as water crisis is worsening day by day with ever increasing population.
According to Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Limited (KUKL), the authorized company for supplying water here, there is a demand for 270 million litres of water in the Valley in a day. However, it has been able to supply only 10 percent of the demand.
Given the water scarcity in the Valley, Kathmandu denizens have no alternative but to use groundwater.
Earlier, digging up to 20 feet was enough to get the level of underground water. But, these days it is very difficult to found the water level under up to 40 feet, according to technicians involved in drawing underground water for a long.
There are altogether 313 stone spouts (one of the natural resource of underground water) in Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur. Of them, 59 are running dry while some others are drying up day by day due to maximum use of underground water.
Similarly, twenty-two waterspouts inside the Balaju Park also known as Balaju’s bais dhara were one of the central attractions for tourists until a few years ago. But, these days the stone spouts are running dry affecting the beauty of the site. The site was popular as the “water garden” among the tourists in the past.
It is said the source of these waterspouts dried up due to an increasing trend of digging water wells and installing water boring machines inside the Balaju Corridor Area and adjoining areas.
Following this, the necessity of an act regarding the use of groundwater has been realized. The Ministry of Physical Planning and Works is planning to introduce an Act related to groundwater to regulate the use of ground water, informed geologist Suresh Das Shrestha. But, lack of sufficient information and data has delayed in bringing the Act, he added, underscoring the need of controlling the use of groundwater.
Groundwater has been a boon for private water suppliers. They directly draw groundwater from any place or pump it out in an uncontrolled manner for commercial purposes, said Shrestha. So, it is necessary to bring and implement a clear policy to control such business, he stressed.
There are around 6,000 private water supply companies in the valley, according to non government organizations (NGOs) working in the sector of drinking water and sanitation. They sell around 25,000,000 liters of water in a day.
KUKL´s board member Lajana Manandhar also acknowledges using groundwater for distribution.
Many households in the Kathmandu valley sustain on groundwater as they have no option in the context of severe water crisis. The prevalence of water wells, the source of groundwater, is common in the valley.
Experts concerned have estimated that presently Kathmandu has 5000 water wells.
The valley has a long history of water wells. There are altogether 487 wells of traditional form in Bhaktapur while this number is 318 in Lalitpur.
Besides, digging up water wells and installing tube-well is on the rise in the new settlements as well.
During the study conducted by the KUKL in the valley sometimes ago, underground water in some parts of south Kathmandu was found to be contaminated with arsenic. According to doctors, water with arsenic is harmful for health.
The study shows that water drawn from a deep in the ground has the maximum chance to have arsenic. Despite this fact, the valley people are forced to use groundwater due to acute water scarcity.
It is said population growth is to blame for this severe water crisis dogging the Kathmandu Valley for decades.
According to the Central Bureau of Statistics, Nepal´s annual population growth rate is 2.25 and its current population is around 27.05 millions. Of them, around 3 million live alone in the Kathmandu Valley
A healthy measure
At a time when there is regulatory confusion and well-founded concern over the cost and quality of health care, the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Bill, 2010 passed by both houses of Parliament is an important step forward. Provided its objective is pursued sincerely, the legislation can go a long way in empowering patients who are now forced to deal with a medical establishment that is opaque, unaccountable, and often unethical in its working. Among other things, the Bill provides for compulsory registration of all clinical establishments in recognised systems of medicine (allopathy, yoga, naturopathy, ayurveda, homoeopathy, siddha, and unani); the publication, within two years of its commencement, of a national register of establishments; and the laying down of minimum standards, also within a period of two years. By prescribing penalties for violations by private as well as public institutions, it promises to raise standards of accountability. It can also eliminate quackery. The Bill protects the regulatory role of the State administration, as the district registering authority will have the district collector and the district health officer as members. Moreover, there will be a State Council involving senior officials and medical authorities.
A lot of work waits to be done to standardise protocols, define malpractice, and codify patient rights. The annual health expenditure in India is estimated by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority to be in the region of Rs.300,000 crore. Nearly a third of this goes towards hospital-related procedures and treatment, and the rest for outpatient and domiciliary treatment, medicines, investigations, and so on. Much of this is spent out-of-pocket. Given the impoverishing nature of costs and the poorly evolved state of health insurance, there is an urgent need for comprehensive regulation. It is notable that the new measure has come about as a result of resolutions passed by the legislatures of Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Mizoram, and Sikkim, where it will automatically go into force along with the Union Territories. It is open for other States, including those that have similar laws, to adopt it. The IRDA, meanwhile, is expected to come out with draft norms for health insurance, including standard definitions of illnesses. Much time has been lost: a Bill with the same objectives introduced in Parliament three years ago lapsed. Regulation of quality and cost is doubly necessary considering that the State governments are now sending poor patients to for-profit private hospitals under subsidised health insurance schemes.
source; Hindu editorial
At a time when there is regulatory confusion and well-founded concern over the cost and quality of health care, the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Bill, 2010 passed by both houses of Parliament is an important step forward. Provided its objective is pursued sincerely, the legislation can go a long way in empowering patients who are now forced to deal with a medical establishment that is opaque, unaccountable, and often unethical in its working. Among other things, the Bill provides for compulsory registration of all clinical establishments in recognised systems of medicine (allopathy, yoga, naturopathy, ayurveda, homoeopathy, siddha, and unani); the publication, within two years of its commencement, of a national register of establishments; and the laying down of minimum standards, also within a period of two years. By prescribing penalties for violations by private as well as public institutions, it promises to raise standards of accountability. It can also eliminate quackery. The Bill protects the regulatory role of the State administration, as the district registering authority will have the district collector and the district health officer as members. Moreover, there will be a State Council involving senior officials and medical authorities.
A lot of work waits to be done to standardise protocols, define malpractice, and codify patient rights. The annual health expenditure in India is estimated by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority to be in the region of Rs.300,000 crore. Nearly a third of this goes towards hospital-related procedures and treatment, and the rest for outpatient and domiciliary treatment, medicines, investigations, and so on. Much of this is spent out-of-pocket. Given the impoverishing nature of costs and the poorly evolved state of health insurance, there is an urgent need for comprehensive regulation. It is notable that the new measure has come about as a result of resolutions passed by the legislatures of Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Mizoram, and Sikkim, where it will automatically go into force along with the Union Territories. It is open for other States, including those that have similar laws, to adopt it. The IRDA, meanwhile, is expected to come out with draft norms for health insurance, including standard definitions of illnesses. Much time has been lost: a Bill with the same objectives introduced in Parliament three years ago lapsed. Regulation of quality and cost is doubly necessary considering that the State governments are now sending poor patients to for-profit private hospitals under subsidised health insurance schemes.
source; Hindu editorial
Hindi as Official Language of UN
The Government has been taking active measures to make Hindi one of the official languages of the United Nations. A high level Committee under the Chairmanship of the External Affairs Minister was constituted on 26 February 2003. This was followed by a sub-Committee set up under the Chairmanship of the Minister of State for External Affairs in August 2003 to examine this matter and take necessary measures. Keeping in mind this objective, the 8th World Hindi Conference was organized and its inaugural session held at the UN Headquarters in New York on 13 July 2007. The UN Secretary General Mr. Ban ki-Moon addressed the inaugural session. The event came in for high praise in various sections of press and media all over the World. Additionally, on several occasions Indian leaders have delivered statements at the UN in Hindi. Necessary arrangements were made for simultaneous interpretation of these statements in English by the Permanent Mission of India to the UN in New York. Government of India's sustained efforts has also ensured that the United Nations produces a weekly programme in Hindi and makes it available on the UN Radio Website in Hindi. In addition, the same programming in Hindi is sent to India for broadcast over Indian radio stations, including All India Radio.
Inclusion of Hindi as an official language in the UN has several financial and procedural implications which require to be met before a formal proposal can be tabled in the UN. Procedurally, the UN General Assembly (the legislative body of the UN) would need to adopt a resolution by a majority of the 192 member states. After this stage, India, as the proposing country, would need to provide sufficient financial resources to the UN to cover the additional expenditure related to interpretation, translation, printing and duplication of documents and related infrastructural costs. This, according to conservative estimates, could cost in excess of US $ 14 million per year. Adding another official language also entails a significant increase in the budget of the UN (personnel, equipment, and other recurring costs). All member states have to proportionately bear a share of this reapportioned payment. Member states have generally been reluctant to support proposals that have an additional financial burden. This is particularly relevant in the light of the current economic and financial crisis in the world. Our assessment is that though member states may not object per se to including Hindi as an official language of the UN, they would be reluctant to share the increased burden of costs that this would entail. Nevertheless, the Government continues to persevere with its efforts to promote the use of Hindi in the United Nations and outside.
Efforts are being undertaken with Non- Resident Indians (NRIs) to garner support for greater recognition of Hindi as an international language. Nine World Hindi Conferences have been organized so far by the Government of India, the latest of which was held on 8 January 2010. These Conferences call upon NRIs and overseas Indians to assist in the promotion and propagation of Hindi language and literature abroad. In addition, a World Hindi Secretariat has been set up in Mauritius since 11 February 2008 to promote Hindi as an international language. Financial and administrative support for the secretariat is provided by the governments of India and Mauritius.
This information was given by Shri S.M. Krishna, Minister of External Affairs, in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today.
YSK:PM
The Government has been taking active measures to make Hindi one of the official languages of the United Nations. A high level Committee under the Chairmanship of the External Affairs Minister was constituted on 26 February 2003. This was followed by a sub-Committee set up under the Chairmanship of the Minister of State for External Affairs in August 2003 to examine this matter and take necessary measures. Keeping in mind this objective, the 8th World Hindi Conference was organized and its inaugural session held at the UN Headquarters in New York on 13 July 2007. The UN Secretary General Mr. Ban ki-Moon addressed the inaugural session. The event came in for high praise in various sections of press and media all over the World. Additionally, on several occasions Indian leaders have delivered statements at the UN in Hindi. Necessary arrangements were made for simultaneous interpretation of these statements in English by the Permanent Mission of India to the UN in New York. Government of India's sustained efforts has also ensured that the United Nations produces a weekly programme in Hindi and makes it available on the UN Radio Website in Hindi. In addition, the same programming in Hindi is sent to India for broadcast over Indian radio stations, including All India Radio.
Inclusion of Hindi as an official language in the UN has several financial and procedural implications which require to be met before a formal proposal can be tabled in the UN. Procedurally, the UN General Assembly (the legislative body of the UN) would need to adopt a resolution by a majority of the 192 member states. After this stage, India, as the proposing country, would need to provide sufficient financial resources to the UN to cover the additional expenditure related to interpretation, translation, printing and duplication of documents and related infrastructural costs. This, according to conservative estimates, could cost in excess of US $ 14 million per year. Adding another official language also entails a significant increase in the budget of the UN (personnel, equipment, and other recurring costs). All member states have to proportionately bear a share of this reapportioned payment. Member states have generally been reluctant to support proposals that have an additional financial burden. This is particularly relevant in the light of the current economic and financial crisis in the world. Our assessment is that though member states may not object per se to including Hindi as an official language of the UN, they would be reluctant to share the increased burden of costs that this would entail. Nevertheless, the Government continues to persevere with its efforts to promote the use of Hindi in the United Nations and outside.
Efforts are being undertaken with Non- Resident Indians (NRIs) to garner support for greater recognition of Hindi as an international language. Nine World Hindi Conferences have been organized so far by the Government of India, the latest of which was held on 8 January 2010. These Conferences call upon NRIs and overseas Indians to assist in the promotion and propagation of Hindi language and literature abroad. In addition, a World Hindi Secretariat has been set up in Mauritius since 11 February 2008 to promote Hindi as an international language. Financial and administrative support for the secretariat is provided by the governments of India and Mauritius.
This information was given by Shri S.M. Krishna, Minister of External Affairs, in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today.
YSK:PM
Thursday, August 12, 2010
No New Folios Unless Documentations Complete: SEBI
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) said in a circular on Thursday that no new folios/accounts should be opened unless all investor related documents including account opening documents, personal account number (PAN), know-your-customer (KYC) forms, specimen signature are available with asset management companies (AMCs)/registrar and transfer agents (RTAs).
SEBI said that the move is necessary to ensure that investors have unrestricted access to AMCs and fund houses provide prompt investor service including execution of investors’ financial or non-financial transactions.
The market regulator had earlier advised fund houses, through a circular issued on December 11, 2009, to confirm whether all investor related documents are available with them. It had also asked fund houses not to make any payment to distributors unless the documentation is complete.
However, SEBI said that it has not received any confirmation from trustees of fund houses and thus it draws conclusion that investors’ documents are not available with the AMCs. “It has been observed that due to such incomplete documentation investors’ rights to approach the AMCs directly are restricted and investors are forced to depend on the distributors for executing any financial or non-financial transactions,” the regulator said in the latest circular.
It has, therefore, asked the AMCs to update investor related documents including account opening documents, PAN, KYC, power of attorney (if applicable), specimen signature by November 15, 2010. A confirmation on completion of the said process be submitted by November 22, 2010.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) said in a circular on Thursday that no new folios/accounts should be opened unless all investor related documents including account opening documents, personal account number (PAN), know-your-customer (KYC) forms, specimen signature are available with asset management companies (AMCs)/registrar and transfer agents (RTAs).
SEBI said that the move is necessary to ensure that investors have unrestricted access to AMCs and fund houses provide prompt investor service including execution of investors’ financial or non-financial transactions.
The market regulator had earlier advised fund houses, through a circular issued on December 11, 2009, to confirm whether all investor related documents are available with them. It had also asked fund houses not to make any payment to distributors unless the documentation is complete.
However, SEBI said that it has not received any confirmation from trustees of fund houses and thus it draws conclusion that investors’ documents are not available with the AMCs. “It has been observed that due to such incomplete documentation investors’ rights to approach the AMCs directly are restricted and investors are forced to depend on the distributors for executing any financial or non-financial transactions,” the regulator said in the latest circular.
It has, therefore, asked the AMCs to update investor related documents including account opening documents, PAN, KYC, power of attorney (if applicable), specimen signature by November 15, 2010. A confirmation on completion of the said process be submitted by November 22, 2010.
Progress on Freight Corridor Project
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15:18 IST
Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) Project comprising Eastern Corridor (Dankuni-Ludhiana) and the Western Corridor (Jawaharlal Nehru Port Terminal to Tughlakabad/Dadri) have been sanctioned by the Government and are under implementation. Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL), a special purpose vehicle, has been formed as a Public Sector Undertaking of the Ministry of Railways to implement this project. Final location survey for the Western DFC and for Ludhiana-Sonnagar section of Eastern DFC has been completed.
Initial construction contracts for 105 kilometers in Eastern DFC and for 54 major and important bridges on Western DFC have been awarded and work is in progress. Negotiations for external funding are in progress and funding for Phase-I (Rewari-Vadodara) of Western DFC is tied up with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). A part of the Eastern DFC is also proposed to be funded through domestic investment in the Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode. The project is targeted to be completed in 2016-17.
The base cost of Western DFC from Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust near Mumbai to Dadri near Delhi and Eastern DFC from Dankuni to Ludhiana is estimated at approximately Rs. 42,231 crore. This excludes escalation, contingency, PPP element, taxes and interest during construction. Steps taken by Ministry of Railways to expedite the project include tying up adequate funds, fixing timelines for critical stages and close monitoring.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways, Shri K.H. Muniyappa in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
AKS/HK/LK/TR
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
15:18 IST
Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) Project comprising Eastern Corridor (Dankuni-Ludhiana) and the Western Corridor (Jawaharlal Nehru Port Terminal to Tughlakabad/Dadri) have been sanctioned by the Government and are under implementation. Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL), a special purpose vehicle, has been formed as a Public Sector Undertaking of the Ministry of Railways to implement this project. Final location survey for the Western DFC and for Ludhiana-Sonnagar section of Eastern DFC has been completed.
Initial construction contracts for 105 kilometers in Eastern DFC and for 54 major and important bridges on Western DFC have been awarded and work is in progress. Negotiations for external funding are in progress and funding for Phase-I (Rewari-Vadodara) of Western DFC is tied up with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). A part of the Eastern DFC is also proposed to be funded through domestic investment in the Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode. The project is targeted to be completed in 2016-17.
The base cost of Western DFC from Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust near Mumbai to Dadri near Delhi and Eastern DFC from Dankuni to Ludhiana is estimated at approximately Rs. 42,231 crore. This excludes escalation, contingency, PPP element, taxes and interest during construction. Steps taken by Ministry of Railways to expedite the project include tying up adequate funds, fixing timelines for critical stages and close monitoring.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways, Shri K.H. Muniyappa in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
AKS/HK/LK/TR
INDIA:Issuance of Passports through Passport Sewa Kendras
-----------------------------------------------
17:9 IST
Passports are issued as per the provisions of the Passports Act 1967 and the Passport Rules 1980 as amended from time to time. Prior to issue of a passport, in the normal course, the Passport Issuing Authority needs to establish the applicant’s citizenship, identity and an absence of criminal record as mandated by the Passports Act. This requires verification which is carried out by the Police authorities. In view of this background, Government is aware that in a number of cases passports are not issued within the target of 30 days for fresh passports and 15 days for re-issue of passports.
The instances of non-traceable applications in Passport Offices are few and far between and every effort is made to take remedial action.
The Government has embarked on the Passport Seva Project (PSP) to comprehensively transform the passport service delivery system so as to provide passport related services in a timely, transparent, more accessible, reliable manner in a comfortable environment. M/s Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) have been selected as the service provide for the front-end operations. This is a Mission – Mode Project under the e-governance plan of the Government of India. Its successful implementation will lead to a speedy delivery of all passports. The PSP has already been launched at four Centres in Karnataka and is on a trial run at Chandigarh.
The basic design involves outsourcing of non-sensitive front-end activities to a service provider and retaining sovereign and sensitive functions with the Government. Under the Project, 77 Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) are proposed to be set up across the country. PSKs are set up by the Service Provider under the supervision of the Ministry and are headed by the officers of the Central Passport Organisation.
The employees of Central Passport Organisation have been cooperating in the implementation of the Project; however, the All India Passport Employees Association (AIPEA) has requested that their service related issues be addressed expeditiously by the Government.
This information was given by Shri S.M. Krishna, Minister of External Affairs, in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today.
-----------------------------------------------
17:9 IST
Passports are issued as per the provisions of the Passports Act 1967 and the Passport Rules 1980 as amended from time to time. Prior to issue of a passport, in the normal course, the Passport Issuing Authority needs to establish the applicant’s citizenship, identity and an absence of criminal record as mandated by the Passports Act. This requires verification which is carried out by the Police authorities. In view of this background, Government is aware that in a number of cases passports are not issued within the target of 30 days for fresh passports and 15 days for re-issue of passports.
The instances of non-traceable applications in Passport Offices are few and far between and every effort is made to take remedial action.
The Government has embarked on the Passport Seva Project (PSP) to comprehensively transform the passport service delivery system so as to provide passport related services in a timely, transparent, more accessible, reliable manner in a comfortable environment. M/s Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) have been selected as the service provide for the front-end operations. This is a Mission – Mode Project under the e-governance plan of the Government of India. Its successful implementation will lead to a speedy delivery of all passports. The PSP has already been launched at four Centres in Karnataka and is on a trial run at Chandigarh.
The basic design involves outsourcing of non-sensitive front-end activities to a service provider and retaining sovereign and sensitive functions with the Government. Under the Project, 77 Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) are proposed to be set up across the country. PSKs are set up by the Service Provider under the supervision of the Ministry and are headed by the officers of the Central Passport Organisation.
The employees of Central Passport Organisation have been cooperating in the implementation of the Project; however, the All India Passport Employees Association (AIPEA) has requested that their service related issues be addressed expeditiously by the Government.
This information was given by Shri S.M. Krishna, Minister of External Affairs, in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today.
Time ticks away for SITCO, Sikkim Jewels, GFPF & SPIL
High level committee to decide on fate of viability of PSUs
source:Sikkim Express | www.sikkimexpress.com
GANGTOK, August 11: After giving signals and financial assistance to the Public Sector Units (PSUs) in Sikkim to be self-sustainable, the State government has now decided to review the status of Sikkim Jewels Ltd, Sikkim Time Corporation, Government Fruit Preservation Factory and Sikkim Precision Ltd and decide whether to go for privatization or disinvestment.
The State government has already decided in principle to disinvest or privatize these four PSUs and a committee has been formed under the chairmanship of chief secretary TT Dorji to take measures relating to disinvest or privatize the entities.
The decision was taken on the last week of July.
The State chief secretary said the State government had been giving signals to these units over the years that they have to be viable and self-sustainable.
“This is an issue that has been discussed every year. Every year, the State government, in its wisdom, has been giving signals to the units that they have to viable and self-sustainable. We cannot extend time every year and this time we are taking a re-look and then come up with a decision”, said Dorji.
The chief secretary said that a committee has been formed under his chairmanship to see how the four PSUs are faring in the past seven-eight years though emphasis will be on the performance in the last two years. “The emphasis will be on the last two years, their products and demand. More or less, the units should be self-reliant but at the moment, they are not doing well”, he said.
The other members of the high level committee are additional chief secretary, finance secretary and law secretary with industries secretary as the member secretary. The committee has been tasked to decide on the procedure to be adopted for disinvestment or privatization and will be submitting its recommendations to the State government within three month’s time.
The chief secretary said that the PSUs are more or less dependent on the State government. We have see how there units are faring and see whether they should be continued or disinvested or made into joint ventures, he said.
“The products should have to be globally competitive or we have no choice but to discontinue. We will look into their items and see whether these items have markets. We need to have a re-look and decided whether to go for privatization or joint ventures”, said Dorji.
Even the Thirteenth Finance Committee had recommended that all States need to draw up a roadmap for closure of non-working PSUs by March 2011 and divestment and privatization of PSUs should be considered and actively pursued.
Regarding the future of the employees in these units, the chief secretary said that the committee will be looking into every aspect while drafting its recommendations.
Out of the four industries, the Government Fruit Preservation Factory (GFPF) based at Singtam is the oldest PSU of Sikkim established way back in 1956 and produces 40 odd items including squashes, pickles, juice, ketchups, jams and marmalades with most of the raw material procured from the local farmers.
Spread over an area of 10 acres, the GFPF with its 90 employees is said to be in a financial mess over a decade like the other PSUs in Sikkim. Sources informed that the GFPF has shown tangible improvement in all sections like visibility, reduction in cost of production, aggressive marketing, clean and squeaky look of premises, new uniforms for work force, extended markets in entire North Bengal, attractive and new designs indicative of metro and traditional feel, and several other areas of professional management, he said.
However, the deeply ingrained problems remain and they will do so until there is a complete rehaul in all the three sectors of the production house, it was informed.
Most of the products are marketed in Sikkim and the products have reached all over North Bengal and products also reach New Delhi. The sale volume of GFPF for last year was Rs. 1.57 crores and the sale for the past four months of this financial year has already reached Rs. 1.25 crores.
The losses were attributed to high cost of production due to lack of cheap raw material, increase in sugar prices, very high overheads, age old machines which disable any form of innovation, difficulty in creating new markets, lack of a standard laboratory and improper R&D in taking out new products.
The second oldest PSU is Sikkim Jewels Ltd established in 1972 at Tadong, Gangtok. It is spread over an area of 3.23 acres and manufactures industrial jewel bearings and water meters and supplies its products to Titan Watches. It has 109 employees.
According to the company sources, the company machines do not stand relevant in terms of present market. The sources informed that company’s revenue went down from Rs. 20 lakhs per annum to below Rs. 5 lakhs due to recession and a proposed tie up with a Swiss company is still pending.
The State government is providing financial assistance to the company.
The third PSU on the disinvestment list of the State government is Sikkim Time Corporation (SITCO), established in 1976 located here at Deorali with 110 employees.
The management admitted that the company is a bad financial state and going through a rough phase for the past few years, though there has been a gradual recovery. The company managed to sell 40,000 watches in 2009 and its major markets are West Bengal, South and North India with plans to penetrate the North East markets.
The SITCO earlier had a tie-up with Hindustan Machines and Tools (HMT) and had manufactured watch parts for HMT. The tie-up is stagnant since 2001 and the SITCO has started making its own watches.
The fourth PSU proposed to be disinvested is Sikkim Precision Industries Ltd (SPIL) based at Boomtar, 2 kms away Namchi in South Sikkim.
According to its website, the SPIL was set up in 2001 and presently has 102 employees. It produces industrial power devices and small industrial parts.
High level committee to decide on fate of viability of PSUs
source:Sikkim Express | www.sikkimexpress.com
GANGTOK, August 11: After giving signals and financial assistance to the Public Sector Units (PSUs) in Sikkim to be self-sustainable, the State government has now decided to review the status of Sikkim Jewels Ltd, Sikkim Time Corporation, Government Fruit Preservation Factory and Sikkim Precision Ltd and decide whether to go for privatization or disinvestment.
The State government has already decided in principle to disinvest or privatize these four PSUs and a committee has been formed under the chairmanship of chief secretary TT Dorji to take measures relating to disinvest or privatize the entities.
The decision was taken on the last week of July.
The State chief secretary said the State government had been giving signals to these units over the years that they have to be viable and self-sustainable.
“This is an issue that has been discussed every year. Every year, the State government, in its wisdom, has been giving signals to the units that they have to viable and self-sustainable. We cannot extend time every year and this time we are taking a re-look and then come up with a decision”, said Dorji.
The chief secretary said that a committee has been formed under his chairmanship to see how the four PSUs are faring in the past seven-eight years though emphasis will be on the performance in the last two years. “The emphasis will be on the last two years, their products and demand. More or less, the units should be self-reliant but at the moment, they are not doing well”, he said.
The other members of the high level committee are additional chief secretary, finance secretary and law secretary with industries secretary as the member secretary. The committee has been tasked to decide on the procedure to be adopted for disinvestment or privatization and will be submitting its recommendations to the State government within three month’s time.
The chief secretary said that the PSUs are more or less dependent on the State government. We have see how there units are faring and see whether they should be continued or disinvested or made into joint ventures, he said.
“The products should have to be globally competitive or we have no choice but to discontinue. We will look into their items and see whether these items have markets. We need to have a re-look and decided whether to go for privatization or joint ventures”, said Dorji.
Even the Thirteenth Finance Committee had recommended that all States need to draw up a roadmap for closure of non-working PSUs by March 2011 and divestment and privatization of PSUs should be considered and actively pursued.
Regarding the future of the employees in these units, the chief secretary said that the committee will be looking into every aspect while drafting its recommendations.
Out of the four industries, the Government Fruit Preservation Factory (GFPF) based at Singtam is the oldest PSU of Sikkim established way back in 1956 and produces 40 odd items including squashes, pickles, juice, ketchups, jams and marmalades with most of the raw material procured from the local farmers.
Spread over an area of 10 acres, the GFPF with its 90 employees is said to be in a financial mess over a decade like the other PSUs in Sikkim. Sources informed that the GFPF has shown tangible improvement in all sections like visibility, reduction in cost of production, aggressive marketing, clean and squeaky look of premises, new uniforms for work force, extended markets in entire North Bengal, attractive and new designs indicative of metro and traditional feel, and several other areas of professional management, he said.
However, the deeply ingrained problems remain and they will do so until there is a complete rehaul in all the three sectors of the production house, it was informed.
Most of the products are marketed in Sikkim and the products have reached all over North Bengal and products also reach New Delhi. The sale volume of GFPF for last year was Rs. 1.57 crores and the sale for the past four months of this financial year has already reached Rs. 1.25 crores.
The losses were attributed to high cost of production due to lack of cheap raw material, increase in sugar prices, very high overheads, age old machines which disable any form of innovation, difficulty in creating new markets, lack of a standard laboratory and improper R&D in taking out new products.
The second oldest PSU is Sikkim Jewels Ltd established in 1972 at Tadong, Gangtok. It is spread over an area of 3.23 acres and manufactures industrial jewel bearings and water meters and supplies its products to Titan Watches. It has 109 employees.
According to the company sources, the company machines do not stand relevant in terms of present market. The sources informed that company’s revenue went down from Rs. 20 lakhs per annum to below Rs. 5 lakhs due to recession and a proposed tie up with a Swiss company is still pending.
The State government is providing financial assistance to the company.
The third PSU on the disinvestment list of the State government is Sikkim Time Corporation (SITCO), established in 1976 located here at Deorali with 110 employees.
The management admitted that the company is a bad financial state and going through a rough phase for the past few years, though there has been a gradual recovery. The company managed to sell 40,000 watches in 2009 and its major markets are West Bengal, South and North India with plans to penetrate the North East markets.
The SITCO earlier had a tie-up with Hindustan Machines and Tools (HMT) and had manufactured watch parts for HMT. The tie-up is stagnant since 2001 and the SITCO has started making its own watches.
The fourth PSU proposed to be disinvested is Sikkim Precision Industries Ltd (SPIL) based at Boomtar, 2 kms away Namchi in South Sikkim.
According to its website, the SPIL was set up in 2001 and presently has 102 employees. It produces industrial power devices and small industrial parts.
Your attention please, breastfeeding is the best feeding
by Dr. Araveeti Ramayogaiah
Hello, I am Mother Nature calling.
My dear Homo sapiens moms, Best wishes to you. How are you?
I understand that you are observing Breastfeeding Week from August 1. I wish to share certain emotions with you on this occasion.
I really don't know why — you human beings have become peculiarly special.
Do you know that I have created 4,326 mammals apart from you? These are your own statistics. They are not observing any such week and I am not greeting them.
You are celebrating Breastfeeding Week thinking that you have discovered breast milk. Thank God, you have not given the Nobel Prize to anybody for the discovery. The patent rights of breast milk are mine. You were sensible and feeding your children with your milk like other mammals.
Alas! You have become selfish. You have learnt to top-feed your children thinking that you are wasting time feeding them with your milk. You are responsible for the deaths of about 10 lakhs of my grand grandchildren and for several diseases to crores of them.
I often hear you discussing ‘what milk is good for my baby?' Are you not wasting time on these futile discussions? I have designed milk suitable to the needs of various mammals — intelligence to your offspring, and physical growth to the offspring of cows and buffaloes. Milk is species-specific. If protein is more in buffalo milk, you are tempted to use them for your children. You are bloody selfish and idiotic. Your babies don't need more proteins at that tender age and they are harmful to them. The milk proteins of other mammals are foreign to them.
You have manufactured milk powder as an alternative to your milk. You subject milk to various processes. You kill the milk, make it lifeless, mix it with water and feed your children. But the milk designed by me is a living fluid. When you kill it, how can your children get milk in living form?
For manufacturing milk powder, you use energy; you cut trees and hurt me. For production and transport of milk, you use tin, plastic, etc., and dump them on me. I cannot bear this burden.
You think that your milk is not sufficient for your baby. For continuation of milk production, I have created a hormone, viz., prolactin. If you feed your babies frequently, you produce more prolactin and thereby more milk. Soon after birth, you fill the baby's stomach with dirty, glucose water. So your children do not suck. So you don't produce prolactin and thereby milk. That is why you fail. Prolactin prevents ovulation and immediate future pregnancy. I gave this facility to you. You are losing this facility also. What a pity!
For the easy flow of your milk to the baby, I have created a hormone — oxytocin. You should be happy about it. You suffer from all negative thoughts viz., selfishness, jealousy and stress. So you cannot produce oxytocin. Human relations are getting eroded. Other mammals are leading a lovely, harmonious life.
Oxytocin contracts the uterus and prevents haemorrhage after delivery. It saves you from death. You talk of maternal mortality but you don't use this protection given by me.
While the baby suckles, it is not just breastfeeding alone. You look into the eyes of the baby, you caress it, kiss it, you provide warmth, you muse, you talk — it is complete love. Lots of language flows in between. Is there love in the feeding bottle?
Recently, I heard some strange news about you. It appears that you follow a lot of discipline in child rearing and you also follow timings to feed; I feel like laughing, what an ignorant lot you are! You follow scheduling in breastfeeding? Nonsense. When the child cries, you don't feed. No prolactin production, no milk production. You feel tense. No oxytocin production. Breastfeeding fails once for all in your species. But your ancestors were not like you.
You give birth in America with an eye on U.S. citizenship. Ship your baby back to your country to stay with your moms. You provide the best, imported milk powder. How can they get your love? Even then you cannot provide milk equal to that designed by me.
I also come to know that there are doctors who prescribe milk powder. Most of the mammals don't have doctors. They are immune to such advice. They are so lucky.
If your kids are passing urine more than six times a day and growing well, your milk is sufficient for them. You don't seek any advice. Feed your children for six months with your milk only. Start home foods at six months and feed with your milk as long as possible, but for minimum of at least two years.
It appears that millions of your under five children are dying of diarrhoea and pneumonia. Feed your milk and save them. Then you too don't suffer from breast cancer, ovarian cancer and osteoporosis.
I also learn that manufacturers of milk powders boast of maternalising and humanising milk powders. What? You humanise milk powder? First you humanise yourself.
It appears that you have got organisations, viz., World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) and Breastfeeding Promotion Network of India (BPNI) to save you from going astray. Somewhat good.
My lap is excellent and a heavenly abode for you. Please listen to this mother at least now on this issue. Let bygones be bygones. You also emulate other mammals.
No need of any Breastfeeding Week celebrations. Bid goodbye to them.
(The writer is Founder, Organisation for the Promotion of Social Dimensions of Health (OPSDH), Additional Director of Health, Andhra Pradesh (Retd.), Former State Coordinator, Breastfeeding Promotion Network of India
by Dr. Araveeti Ramayogaiah
Hello, I am Mother Nature calling.
My dear Homo sapiens moms, Best wishes to you. How are you?
I understand that you are observing Breastfeeding Week from August 1. I wish to share certain emotions with you on this occasion.
I really don't know why — you human beings have become peculiarly special.
Do you know that I have created 4,326 mammals apart from you? These are your own statistics. They are not observing any such week and I am not greeting them.
You are celebrating Breastfeeding Week thinking that you have discovered breast milk. Thank God, you have not given the Nobel Prize to anybody for the discovery. The patent rights of breast milk are mine. You were sensible and feeding your children with your milk like other mammals.
Alas! You have become selfish. You have learnt to top-feed your children thinking that you are wasting time feeding them with your milk. You are responsible for the deaths of about 10 lakhs of my grand grandchildren and for several diseases to crores of them.
I often hear you discussing ‘what milk is good for my baby?' Are you not wasting time on these futile discussions? I have designed milk suitable to the needs of various mammals — intelligence to your offspring, and physical growth to the offspring of cows and buffaloes. Milk is species-specific. If protein is more in buffalo milk, you are tempted to use them for your children. You are bloody selfish and idiotic. Your babies don't need more proteins at that tender age and they are harmful to them. The milk proteins of other mammals are foreign to them.
You have manufactured milk powder as an alternative to your milk. You subject milk to various processes. You kill the milk, make it lifeless, mix it with water and feed your children. But the milk designed by me is a living fluid. When you kill it, how can your children get milk in living form?
For manufacturing milk powder, you use energy; you cut trees and hurt me. For production and transport of milk, you use tin, plastic, etc., and dump them on me. I cannot bear this burden.
You think that your milk is not sufficient for your baby. For continuation of milk production, I have created a hormone, viz., prolactin. If you feed your babies frequently, you produce more prolactin and thereby more milk. Soon after birth, you fill the baby's stomach with dirty, glucose water. So your children do not suck. So you don't produce prolactin and thereby milk. That is why you fail. Prolactin prevents ovulation and immediate future pregnancy. I gave this facility to you. You are losing this facility also. What a pity!
For the easy flow of your milk to the baby, I have created a hormone — oxytocin. You should be happy about it. You suffer from all negative thoughts viz., selfishness, jealousy and stress. So you cannot produce oxytocin. Human relations are getting eroded. Other mammals are leading a lovely, harmonious life.
Oxytocin contracts the uterus and prevents haemorrhage after delivery. It saves you from death. You talk of maternal mortality but you don't use this protection given by me.
While the baby suckles, it is not just breastfeeding alone. You look into the eyes of the baby, you caress it, kiss it, you provide warmth, you muse, you talk — it is complete love. Lots of language flows in between. Is there love in the feeding bottle?
Recently, I heard some strange news about you. It appears that you follow a lot of discipline in child rearing and you also follow timings to feed; I feel like laughing, what an ignorant lot you are! You follow scheduling in breastfeeding? Nonsense. When the child cries, you don't feed. No prolactin production, no milk production. You feel tense. No oxytocin production. Breastfeeding fails once for all in your species. But your ancestors were not like you.
You give birth in America with an eye on U.S. citizenship. Ship your baby back to your country to stay with your moms. You provide the best, imported milk powder. How can they get your love? Even then you cannot provide milk equal to that designed by me.
I also come to know that there are doctors who prescribe milk powder. Most of the mammals don't have doctors. They are immune to such advice. They are so lucky.
If your kids are passing urine more than six times a day and growing well, your milk is sufficient for them. You don't seek any advice. Feed your children for six months with your milk only. Start home foods at six months and feed with your milk as long as possible, but for minimum of at least two years.
It appears that millions of your under five children are dying of diarrhoea and pneumonia. Feed your milk and save them. Then you too don't suffer from breast cancer, ovarian cancer and osteoporosis.
I also learn that manufacturers of milk powders boast of maternalising and humanising milk powders. What? You humanise milk powder? First you humanise yourself.
It appears that you have got organisations, viz., World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) and Breastfeeding Promotion Network of India (BPNI) to save you from going astray. Somewhat good.
My lap is excellent and a heavenly abode for you. Please listen to this mother at least now on this issue. Let bygones be bygones. You also emulate other mammals.
No need of any Breastfeeding Week celebrations. Bid goodbye to them.
(The writer is Founder, Organisation for the Promotion of Social Dimensions of Health (OPSDH), Additional Director of Health, Andhra Pradesh (Retd.), Former State Coordinator, Breastfeeding Promotion Network of India
US IPO - MakeMyTrip to raise $70 mn
MakeMyTrip Ltd is selling the first US initial public offering (IPO) by an Indian com- pany in four years at a 26% pre- mium to the biggest online trav- el agencies.
MakeMyTrip, which has lost money for three years booking reservations in India and abroad, may raise $70 million, according to a filing with the US Securities and Exchange Com- mission (SEC).
The IPO's midpoint price val- ues the Gurgaon, India-based company at 5.41 times next year's sales, higher than the average of 4.28 for US traded stocks from Expedia Inc. to Chi- na's ELong Inc., according to data compiled by Bloomberg and Independent International Investment Research Plc.
Indian companies are already raising record amounts from share sales in their home market even as offerings in America lan- guish below their 2007 levels.
While bulls say economic growth in India that's outpacing the US by almost three times will attract investors to MakeMyTrip, the unprofitable reservations provider may face increasing competition from domestic ri- vals, according to Renaissance Capital Llc.
MakeMyTrip, which is offer- ing five million shares at $12 to $14 each, is one of five compa- nies scheduled to price IPOs in the US this week, data compiled by Bloomberg show.
While shares of companies that completed IPOs in the US have lost 4.9% on average this year, offerings in India gained 20%, data compiled by Bloomberg show.
Indian companies have raised `66,000 crore ($14.2 billion) from all share sales this year, putting the market on course to exceed 2007's record `78,200 crore, Bloomberg data show. US offerings have raised $76.1 bil- lion this year, on pace to total less than the $139 billion raised in 2007, when the Standard and Poor's 500 Index rose to a re- cord, the data show.
MakeMyTrip will be the first IPO by an India-based company in the US since WNS Holdings Ltd raised $255 million in July 2006, Bloomberg data show.
Genpact Ltd, a Hamilton, Ber- muda- based outsourcing com- pany spun off by General Electric Co. that operates in Indian cities from Bangalore to Gurgaon, sold $568 million of shares in an Au- gust 2007 US IPO, the data show.
MakeMyTrip reported net in- come of $1.3 million last quarter, reversing a loss from a year earli- er, after increasing sales by 49%, its SEC filing showed.
Some 48% of the $1 billion in online travel reservations made in India last year were booked through the company, while Yat- ra.com and Cleartrip.com ac- counted for a combined 42% of sales.BLOOMBERG Kristen Scholer in New York and Ruth David in Mumbai con- tributed to this story.
MakeMyTrip Ltd is selling the first US initial public offering (IPO) by an Indian com- pany in four years at a 26% pre- mium to the biggest online trav- el agencies.
MakeMyTrip, which has lost money for three years booking reservations in India and abroad, may raise $70 million, according to a filing with the US Securities and Exchange Com- mission (SEC).
The IPO's midpoint price val- ues the Gurgaon, India-based company at 5.41 times next year's sales, higher than the average of 4.28 for US traded stocks from Expedia Inc. to Chi- na's ELong Inc., according to data compiled by Bloomberg and Independent International Investment Research Plc.
Indian companies are already raising record amounts from share sales in their home market even as offerings in America lan- guish below their 2007 levels.
While bulls say economic growth in India that's outpacing the US by almost three times will attract investors to MakeMyTrip, the unprofitable reservations provider may face increasing competition from domestic ri- vals, according to Renaissance Capital Llc.
MakeMyTrip, which is offer- ing five million shares at $12 to $14 each, is one of five compa- nies scheduled to price IPOs in the US this week, data compiled by Bloomberg show.
While shares of companies that completed IPOs in the US have lost 4.9% on average this year, offerings in India gained 20%, data compiled by Bloomberg show.
Indian companies have raised `66,000 crore ($14.2 billion) from all share sales this year, putting the market on course to exceed 2007's record `78,200 crore, Bloomberg data show. US offerings have raised $76.1 bil- lion this year, on pace to total less than the $139 billion raised in 2007, when the Standard and Poor's 500 Index rose to a re- cord, the data show.
MakeMyTrip will be the first IPO by an India-based company in the US since WNS Holdings Ltd raised $255 million in July 2006, Bloomberg data show.
Genpact Ltd, a Hamilton, Ber- muda- based outsourcing com- pany spun off by General Electric Co. that operates in Indian cities from Bangalore to Gurgaon, sold $568 million of shares in an Au- gust 2007 US IPO, the data show.
MakeMyTrip reported net in- come of $1.3 million last quarter, reversing a loss from a year earli- er, after increasing sales by 49%, its SEC filing showed.
Some 48% of the $1 billion in online travel reservations made in India last year were booked through the company, while Yat- ra.com and Cleartrip.com ac- counted for a combined 42% of sales.BLOOMBERG Kristen Scholer in New York and Ruth David in Mumbai con- tributed to this story.
Sitting for hours invites cardiac disaster
IANS
The Hindu Hours spent sitting on chairs could invite cardiovascular disaster, says a study.
Hours spent sitting on chairs could invite cardiovascular disaster, says a study.
Men who sit for 23 hours a week have a 64 percent greater chance of dying from cardiovascular disease than those who spend only 11 hours sitting.
U.S. research published in Circulation found an 11 percent increased risk of death from all causes for every extra hour of TV viewing (i.e. sitting down) a day, reports The Daily Mail.
How can this be? US researchers have found that lipoprotein lipase — a molecule that helps the body process fat — is released only when leg muscles are tensed, for example when you are standing or walking.
The implication is that when you sit, a crucial part of your metabolism slows down.
“Even if someone has a healthy weight, sitting for long periods still has an unhealthy influence on their blood sugar and blood fats,” says Professor David Dunstan, who authored the study.
This means you can run for an hour every morning, but if you spend the rest of the day slumped in your seat, many of the health benefits are cancelled out.
The news was worse for women; those who sat more than six hours a day were 37 per cent more likely to die than those who sat for fewer than three, regardless of physical activity at other times.
The equivalent figure for men was 18 percent. Any prolonged sedentary behaviour seems to pose a risk to health. As a result, some doctors are calling for a new recommendation to be added to the health advice that urges us to exercise and stand up more.
“If you stand up, you're far more likely to walk around,” says James Levine, professor of medicine at the Mayo Clinic in the US.
Even standing still takes effort. That's because you tense your leg muscles and use back muscles to keep yourself upright. You shift your weight from leg to leg. You stretch and fidget. Standing burns 10 to 20 per cent more energy than resting.
IANS
The Hindu Hours spent sitting on chairs could invite cardiovascular disaster, says a study.
Hours spent sitting on chairs could invite cardiovascular disaster, says a study.
Men who sit for 23 hours a week have a 64 percent greater chance of dying from cardiovascular disease than those who spend only 11 hours sitting.
U.S. research published in Circulation found an 11 percent increased risk of death from all causes for every extra hour of TV viewing (i.e. sitting down) a day, reports The Daily Mail.
How can this be? US researchers have found that lipoprotein lipase — a molecule that helps the body process fat — is released only when leg muscles are tensed, for example when you are standing or walking.
The implication is that when you sit, a crucial part of your metabolism slows down.
“Even if someone has a healthy weight, sitting for long periods still has an unhealthy influence on their blood sugar and blood fats,” says Professor David Dunstan, who authored the study.
This means you can run for an hour every morning, but if you spend the rest of the day slumped in your seat, many of the health benefits are cancelled out.
The news was worse for women; those who sat more than six hours a day were 37 per cent more likely to die than those who sat for fewer than three, regardless of physical activity at other times.
The equivalent figure for men was 18 percent. Any prolonged sedentary behaviour seems to pose a risk to health. As a result, some doctors are calling for a new recommendation to be added to the health advice that urges us to exercise and stand up more.
“If you stand up, you're far more likely to walk around,” says James Levine, professor of medicine at the Mayo Clinic in the US.
Even standing still takes effort. That's because you tense your leg muscles and use back muscles to keep yourself upright. You shift your weight from leg to leg. You stretch and fidget. Standing burns 10 to 20 per cent more energy than resting.
SIKKIM: Fraud slur on park deal – Calcuttan arrested in Sikkim
FROM THE TELEGRAPH
Gangtok, Aug 10: A Calcutta-based businessman who had bagged the contract to run the newly constructed amusement park here was arrested on cheating charges while trying to flee the state disguised as a labourer on Sunday.
Rajesh Jhunjhunwala, said to be a resident of New Alipore in Calcutta, was handed over to the crime branch yesterday after being apprehended by the vigilance wing at Rangpo on the Bengal border.
Jhunjhunwala, said to be the owner of Jhunjhunwala and Sons — a firm police said was non-existent — was arrested after the Rural Management and Development (RMD) department lodged a complaint against him. He has been charged under Sections 420, 468 and 471 of the Indian Penal Code that deals with forgery and cheating. He was produced before the court today and remanded in police custody for seven days.
His so-called company had bagged the tender for running the Rs 55.6-crore Kanchenjungha Tourist Villa-cum-amusement park that was inaugurated on April 15 by President Pratibha Patil.
According to sources in the police and in the RMD, Jhunjhunwala had been camping in a Gangtok hotel since April impersonating as a wealthy businessman with a tea garden in the Dooars and the owner of the export firm.
In the first week of July he won the tender for the running of the park and the Sikkim government agreed to his annual payment of Rs 3.06 crore for a lease of 21 years. The lease amount would be increased by five per cent each year from the fourth year onwards.
“We came to know that the man was a fraud and his company a fake one only recently, when a cheque for Rs 1.7 crore submitted by him was rejected by a Calcutta bank. We noticed that there were many lacunae and loopholes in the bank statement of the company and immediately informed the crime branch and lodged a complaint,” said A.K. Ganeriwala, the state RMD secretary.
He said the state government had not paid any money to Jhunjhunwala and timely action had saved the state from a major loss.
“During preliminary interrogation, the arrested man told us that some chartered accountants in Calcutta were running a racket of supplying fake income-tax and bank documents. We have to contact the Calcutta police about this,” said an officer in the crime branch.
According to the police, Jhunjhunwala had also duped the owner of the hotel he had staying at by not paying the Rs 30,000 monthly bill since July, saying that the money was stuck in a “wire transfer
FROM THE TELEGRAPH
Gangtok, Aug 10: A Calcutta-based businessman who had bagged the contract to run the newly constructed amusement park here was arrested on cheating charges while trying to flee the state disguised as a labourer on Sunday.
Rajesh Jhunjhunwala, said to be a resident of New Alipore in Calcutta, was handed over to the crime branch yesterday after being apprehended by the vigilance wing at Rangpo on the Bengal border.
Jhunjhunwala, said to be the owner of Jhunjhunwala and Sons — a firm police said was non-existent — was arrested after the Rural Management and Development (RMD) department lodged a complaint against him. He has been charged under Sections 420, 468 and 471 of the Indian Penal Code that deals with forgery and cheating. He was produced before the court today and remanded in police custody for seven days.
His so-called company had bagged the tender for running the Rs 55.6-crore Kanchenjungha Tourist Villa-cum-amusement park that was inaugurated on April 15 by President Pratibha Patil.
According to sources in the police and in the RMD, Jhunjhunwala had been camping in a Gangtok hotel since April impersonating as a wealthy businessman with a tea garden in the Dooars and the owner of the export firm.
In the first week of July he won the tender for the running of the park and the Sikkim government agreed to his annual payment of Rs 3.06 crore for a lease of 21 years. The lease amount would be increased by five per cent each year from the fourth year onwards.
“We came to know that the man was a fraud and his company a fake one only recently, when a cheque for Rs 1.7 crore submitted by him was rejected by a Calcutta bank. We noticed that there were many lacunae and loopholes in the bank statement of the company and immediately informed the crime branch and lodged a complaint,” said A.K. Ganeriwala, the state RMD secretary.
He said the state government had not paid any money to Jhunjhunwala and timely action had saved the state from a major loss.
“During preliminary interrogation, the arrested man told us that some chartered accountants in Calcutta were running a racket of supplying fake income-tax and bank documents. We have to contact the Calcutta police about this,” said an officer in the crime branch.
According to the police, Jhunjhunwala had also duped the owner of the hotel he had staying at by not paying the Rs 30,000 monthly bill since July, saying that the money was stuck in a “wire transfer
SIKKIM: Taxi fare increases by15%
Gangtok: State government has revised the taxi fare to 15% through Notification on 7 August 2010. It has directed the State Transport Authority to revise the fares with immediate effect.
The new enhance rate will pinch the purse of the commuters a little more. The revised rate will be as follows: from Gangtok to India Press Rs.14/, India Press gate Rs.11/, Burtuk Swastik Rs.16/, Congress Bhawan Rs. 8/, TNHS Rs.12/, Lower Sichey Bye Pass Rs.18/. Arithang Middle Rs.10/, Deorali Rs.9/, Tadong Convoy Ground Rs.14/, District Court Rs 14/, Tadong Bazaar Rs16/. Gangtok to Namchi via Damthang Rs105/, Jorethang via Melli Rs.112/, Siliguri 143/ Kurseong Rs.210/, Kalimpong Rs.100/, Darjeeling via Peshok Rs.150/, Bagdogra Rs155/, New Jalpaiguri Rs.155/, Jaigaon Rs.230. Regarding the Government’s decision to revise the rate, Local Taxi Drivers’ Association said that they are not satisfied with the new rates.
[FROM SIKKIM REPORTER / EDITED BY ASHOK CHATTERJEE]
Gangtok: State government has revised the taxi fare to 15% through Notification on 7 August 2010. It has directed the State Transport Authority to revise the fares with immediate effect.
The new enhance rate will pinch the purse of the commuters a little more. The revised rate will be as follows: from Gangtok to India Press Rs.14/, India Press gate Rs.11/, Burtuk Swastik Rs.16/, Congress Bhawan Rs. 8/, TNHS Rs.12/, Lower Sichey Bye Pass Rs.18/. Arithang Middle Rs.10/, Deorali Rs.9/, Tadong Convoy Ground Rs.14/, District Court Rs 14/, Tadong Bazaar Rs16/. Gangtok to Namchi via Damthang Rs105/, Jorethang via Melli Rs.112/, Siliguri 143/ Kurseong Rs.210/, Kalimpong Rs.100/, Darjeeling via Peshok Rs.150/, Bagdogra Rs155/, New Jalpaiguri Rs.155/, Jaigaon Rs.230. Regarding the Government’s decision to revise the rate, Local Taxi Drivers’ Association said that they are not satisfied with the new rates.
[FROM SIKKIM REPORTER / EDITED BY ASHOK CHATTERJEE]
Promising microbiocide
Half of the 33 million people living with HIV worldwide are women. In South Africa, which accounts for 70 per cent of the global HIV burden, about one in three women in the 20-34 age group is estimated to be infected. Large numbers of women in countries like India get infected despite their being in monogamous relationships. Hence the scientific community has had a strong sense of urgency in its quest for a safe and effective gel (microbiocide) that women can use for self-protection. Now there is promise of a safe and effective microbiocide, going by the results of a clinical trial carried out on nearly 900 women in South Africa and published online in Science (“Effectiveness and safety of tenofovir gel, an antiretroviral microbiocide, for the prevention of HIV infection in women,” by Quarraisha Abdool Karim et al.) The gel, which can be topically applied to the vagina, was tried out in two sites in KwaZulu-Natal province — the epicentre of HIV in South Africa — from May 2007 to December 2009. Where the clinical study found an average protection of 39 per cent, protection levels shot up to 54 per cent in the case of women who used it more than 80 per cent of the time. The positive outcome caps nearly 20 years of research and trials of six microbiocides. Unlike other microbiocides, which even increased the chances of HIV infection, the one tested in KwaZulu-Natal province contained one per cent of tenofovir, an antiretroviral drug that is currently used as tablets in many countries to treat HIV.
More trials involving many volunteers are needed to corroborate the results of the latest trial. A microbiocide with tenofovir (MTN 003) is already on trial in South Africa since September 2009, and the process is expected to be completed in 2014. Unlike the current trial, MTN 003 will enrol a larger number of volunteers — 5,000. Though only a minimal amount of tenofovir is being used, this and the future trials need to look for resistance to the antiretroviral drug. Another challenge is to improve compliance. The KwaZulu-Natal trial required women to use the gel twice — first less than 12 hours before sex and again within 12 hours after sex. It was felt that to ensure adherence to such a specific dosage might be difficult. Indeed, the adherence rate was found to be less than 50 per cent in as many as 367 of the nearly 900 women. The MTN 003 trial will have a daily dosage schedule. It is hoped the results of this trial will bring more clarity in respect of the dosage schedule, the levels of adherence, convenience, and the protection achieved.
source:Editorial-The Hindu
Half of the 33 million people living with HIV worldwide are women. In South Africa, which accounts for 70 per cent of the global HIV burden, about one in three women in the 20-34 age group is estimated to be infected. Large numbers of women in countries like India get infected despite their being in monogamous relationships. Hence the scientific community has had a strong sense of urgency in its quest for a safe and effective gel (microbiocide) that women can use for self-protection. Now there is promise of a safe and effective microbiocide, going by the results of a clinical trial carried out on nearly 900 women in South Africa and published online in Science (“Effectiveness and safety of tenofovir gel, an antiretroviral microbiocide, for the prevention of HIV infection in women,” by Quarraisha Abdool Karim et al.) The gel, which can be topically applied to the vagina, was tried out in two sites in KwaZulu-Natal province — the epicentre of HIV in South Africa — from May 2007 to December 2009. Where the clinical study found an average protection of 39 per cent, protection levels shot up to 54 per cent in the case of women who used it more than 80 per cent of the time. The positive outcome caps nearly 20 years of research and trials of six microbiocides. Unlike other microbiocides, which even increased the chances of HIV infection, the one tested in KwaZulu-Natal province contained one per cent of tenofovir, an antiretroviral drug that is currently used as tablets in many countries to treat HIV.
More trials involving many volunteers are needed to corroborate the results of the latest trial. A microbiocide with tenofovir (MTN 003) is already on trial in South Africa since September 2009, and the process is expected to be completed in 2014. Unlike the current trial, MTN 003 will enrol a larger number of volunteers — 5,000. Though only a minimal amount of tenofovir is being used, this and the future trials need to look for resistance to the antiretroviral drug. Another challenge is to improve compliance. The KwaZulu-Natal trial required women to use the gel twice — first less than 12 hours before sex and again within 12 hours after sex. It was felt that to ensure adherence to such a specific dosage might be difficult. Indeed, the adherence rate was found to be less than 50 per cent in as many as 367 of the nearly 900 women. The MTN 003 trial will have a daily dosage schedule. It is hoped the results of this trial will bring more clarity in respect of the dosage schedule, the levels of adherence, convenience, and the protection achieved.
source:Editorial-The Hindu
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Crafting a richer India-Myanmar partnership
by Rajiv Bhatia
India and Myanmar relate to each other as immediate neighbours, linked by geography, history and age-old ties of religion, culture and interaction at people's level.
In presenting a dispassionate evaluation of the recent visit to India by Senior General Than Shwe, Myanmar's “strong man,” two useful tools are rear view and plainspeak. They would indicate that India-Myanmar relationship has grown in range, depth and vitality in the past decade, but it is not without vulnerable spots.
In the early 1990s, the government of India showed the capability to take a long-term view by shifting to a ‘two-track' policy on Myanmar. It chose to build state-to-state relations while continuing to support the cause of democracy. As head of a relevant division in the Ministry of External Affairs, I saw from close quarters how the shift evoked opposition. By persisting on that path, but also with due sensitivity, India began to achieve its goals. Gradually, the policy was backed by a wider political consensus. As ambassador in Yangon a few years later, I had the privilege of assisting the Ministers from the NDA and UPA governments as they conducted dialogue with their counterparts in Myanmar. These exchanges prepared the ground for Gen. Than Shwe's first, ‘historic' visit to India in October 2004. He conveyed to us how he was impressed with India. Between then and his second visit last week, both countries worked hard to strengthen their relations.
Over the years, New Delhi has faced two kinds of criticism on its Myanmar policy. Realists argued that its pro-democracy stance had driven Myanmar into “China's lap.” Later, they maintained that the engagement was moving too slowly. They failed to recognise that it was never in Myanmar's interest to choose China over India. Now curiously enough, there is talk of Myanmar playing China against India and India against China. It does not require rocket science to realise that the best policy for Myanmar is to befriend both. As for India's motivations and compulsions, they are far too well known to be delineated here.
The other criticism stemmed from ideologues and supporters of democracy in Myanmar who freely advised India to sacrifice its interests. It was difficult to heed their advice or expect them to appreciate the complex argument of realpolitik. As a democratic country, India would love to see democracy prevail in the whole world but it is not our mission in life to spread it globally. Nevertheless, we do sympathise with the victims of the regime, including refugees, the exiled and prisoners of conscience. Above all, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's commitment to Gandhian principles, courage and contribution to Myanmar are appreciated widely in India. In fact, many of us who had the unique privilege of meeting and interacting with her came away with a clear impression that she is an outstanding personality of our age.
Against this backdrop, it is noteworthy that the impact of the pro-democracy camp on India-Myanmar policy seems to have diminished considerably. This was evident throughout Gen. Than Shwe's visit as well as in the joint statement issued in New Delhi on July 27. Hidden in a 45-para statement was a small paragraph which reflected India's emphasis on “comprehensively broad-basing the national reconciliation process and democratic changes being introduced in Myanmar.” This, together with informal indications available from the visiting delegation, left one in little doubt about the political realities. Even after the elections, expected to be held towards the year-end, there may not be any material change in the military's role. It is set to continue calling the shots.
Gen. Than Shwe's visit resulted in a commitment by both sides to further strengthen and broaden the “multidimensional relationship.” A considered assessment would suggest that three aspects were of special significance.
Among political issues, a shared satisfaction with progress in bilateral relations was noted. Both Asean-related and sub-regional cooperation are significant, but what really matters is that India and Myanmar relate to each other as immediate neighbours, linked by geography, history and age-old ties of religion, culture and interaction at people's level. There is still insufficient realisation in India of what a powerful magnet our Buddhist sites represent for visitors from Myanmar. It was no coincidence that Gen. Than Shwe included a 24-hour stay in Sarnath and Bodh Gaya on a full moon night to pray to Lord Buddha, seeking spiritual solace and enlightenment.
The other important political issue was a common perspective on the reform of United Nations institutions, especially Myanmar's reiteration of support to India's candidature for permanent membership of the Security Council.
Border security and development appear inter-linked issues in dialogue. Activities of smugglers, insurgents and terrorists constitute a continuing threat to both countries. Hence it is logical for them to enhance their cooperation. Hopefully, the treaty on mutual assistance in criminal matters, signed during Gen. Than Shwe's visit, would spur new measures. However, India needs to do more to address the internal dimension of insurgency in Manipur and other border areas. Myanmar too will need to assist India more effectively, matching its words with determined and visible action. This may well be a critical test for our friendship with Myanmar.
Economic cooperation is now viewed as the central theme in bilateral relations. A target of $1 billion in bilateral trade has been achieved, albeit after a delay of three years. The balance of trade is unfavourable to India in a 5:1 ratio, posing a challenge to Indian companies. Are they going to be content with exports valued at only $200 million to Myanmar which is hungry for Indian products and services? Specific areas have to be identified; constraints need to be eliminated; and business promotion should be stepped up. Consensus on these issues emerged at an excellent meeting arranged by the FICCI with the business delegation, which included three Cabinet Ministers.
The most dramatic moment at the meeting came when U Thaung, Minister for Science and Technology, observed that Indian investments in Myanmar presently stood at below the quarter million-dollar mark, adding dryly that Indian business was taking “too long to come, unlike China and Asean countries.” This seemed a wake-up call to India Inc. to re-energise itself for its own benefit.
The basket of development projects has been expanding at a rapid pace. About two-thirds of the joint statement related to them. After years of discussions, studies and negotiations, the stage is now set for commencing implementation of the flagship Kaladan multimodal transit transport project. When ready, it should contribute to the development of our northeast. The trilateral highway project too has been a subject of discussions and negotiations for long; it needs priority attention now. The range of areas covered by Indian projects is impressive — roads, railways, telecom, power, energy, hydrocarbons, remote sensing, agriculture, industry, IT and education. Let timely implementation be our mantra.
South Block may well be advised to leave the debate on weighty issues like geopolitical trends, rivalry in the Bay of Bengal and India-China ‘power game' to academics. Instead, it should encourage our Embassy in Yangon to hone its project management skills and help India Inc. deepen its foray into Myanmar.
(The author is a former ambassador to Myanmar.)
by Rajiv Bhatia
India and Myanmar relate to each other as immediate neighbours, linked by geography, history and age-old ties of religion, culture and interaction at people's level.
In presenting a dispassionate evaluation of the recent visit to India by Senior General Than Shwe, Myanmar's “strong man,” two useful tools are rear view and plainspeak. They would indicate that India-Myanmar relationship has grown in range, depth and vitality in the past decade, but it is not without vulnerable spots.
In the early 1990s, the government of India showed the capability to take a long-term view by shifting to a ‘two-track' policy on Myanmar. It chose to build state-to-state relations while continuing to support the cause of democracy. As head of a relevant division in the Ministry of External Affairs, I saw from close quarters how the shift evoked opposition. By persisting on that path, but also with due sensitivity, India began to achieve its goals. Gradually, the policy was backed by a wider political consensus. As ambassador in Yangon a few years later, I had the privilege of assisting the Ministers from the NDA and UPA governments as they conducted dialogue with their counterparts in Myanmar. These exchanges prepared the ground for Gen. Than Shwe's first, ‘historic' visit to India in October 2004. He conveyed to us how he was impressed with India. Between then and his second visit last week, both countries worked hard to strengthen their relations.
Over the years, New Delhi has faced two kinds of criticism on its Myanmar policy. Realists argued that its pro-democracy stance had driven Myanmar into “China's lap.” Later, they maintained that the engagement was moving too slowly. They failed to recognise that it was never in Myanmar's interest to choose China over India. Now curiously enough, there is talk of Myanmar playing China against India and India against China. It does not require rocket science to realise that the best policy for Myanmar is to befriend both. As for India's motivations and compulsions, they are far too well known to be delineated here.
The other criticism stemmed from ideologues and supporters of democracy in Myanmar who freely advised India to sacrifice its interests. It was difficult to heed their advice or expect them to appreciate the complex argument of realpolitik. As a democratic country, India would love to see democracy prevail in the whole world but it is not our mission in life to spread it globally. Nevertheless, we do sympathise with the victims of the regime, including refugees, the exiled and prisoners of conscience. Above all, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's commitment to Gandhian principles, courage and contribution to Myanmar are appreciated widely in India. In fact, many of us who had the unique privilege of meeting and interacting with her came away with a clear impression that she is an outstanding personality of our age.
Against this backdrop, it is noteworthy that the impact of the pro-democracy camp on India-Myanmar policy seems to have diminished considerably. This was evident throughout Gen. Than Shwe's visit as well as in the joint statement issued in New Delhi on July 27. Hidden in a 45-para statement was a small paragraph which reflected India's emphasis on “comprehensively broad-basing the national reconciliation process and democratic changes being introduced in Myanmar.” This, together with informal indications available from the visiting delegation, left one in little doubt about the political realities. Even after the elections, expected to be held towards the year-end, there may not be any material change in the military's role. It is set to continue calling the shots.
Gen. Than Shwe's visit resulted in a commitment by both sides to further strengthen and broaden the “multidimensional relationship.” A considered assessment would suggest that three aspects were of special significance.
Among political issues, a shared satisfaction with progress in bilateral relations was noted. Both Asean-related and sub-regional cooperation are significant, but what really matters is that India and Myanmar relate to each other as immediate neighbours, linked by geography, history and age-old ties of religion, culture and interaction at people's level. There is still insufficient realisation in India of what a powerful magnet our Buddhist sites represent for visitors from Myanmar. It was no coincidence that Gen. Than Shwe included a 24-hour stay in Sarnath and Bodh Gaya on a full moon night to pray to Lord Buddha, seeking spiritual solace and enlightenment.
The other important political issue was a common perspective on the reform of United Nations institutions, especially Myanmar's reiteration of support to India's candidature for permanent membership of the Security Council.
Border security and development appear inter-linked issues in dialogue. Activities of smugglers, insurgents and terrorists constitute a continuing threat to both countries. Hence it is logical for them to enhance their cooperation. Hopefully, the treaty on mutual assistance in criminal matters, signed during Gen. Than Shwe's visit, would spur new measures. However, India needs to do more to address the internal dimension of insurgency in Manipur and other border areas. Myanmar too will need to assist India more effectively, matching its words with determined and visible action. This may well be a critical test for our friendship with Myanmar.
Economic cooperation is now viewed as the central theme in bilateral relations. A target of $1 billion in bilateral trade has been achieved, albeit after a delay of three years. The balance of trade is unfavourable to India in a 5:1 ratio, posing a challenge to Indian companies. Are they going to be content with exports valued at only $200 million to Myanmar which is hungry for Indian products and services? Specific areas have to be identified; constraints need to be eliminated; and business promotion should be stepped up. Consensus on these issues emerged at an excellent meeting arranged by the FICCI with the business delegation, which included three Cabinet Ministers.
The most dramatic moment at the meeting came when U Thaung, Minister for Science and Technology, observed that Indian investments in Myanmar presently stood at below the quarter million-dollar mark, adding dryly that Indian business was taking “too long to come, unlike China and Asean countries.” This seemed a wake-up call to India Inc. to re-energise itself for its own benefit.
The basket of development projects has been expanding at a rapid pace. About two-thirds of the joint statement related to them. After years of discussions, studies and negotiations, the stage is now set for commencing implementation of the flagship Kaladan multimodal transit transport project. When ready, it should contribute to the development of our northeast. The trilateral highway project too has been a subject of discussions and negotiations for long; it needs priority attention now. The range of areas covered by Indian projects is impressive — roads, railways, telecom, power, energy, hydrocarbons, remote sensing, agriculture, industry, IT and education. Let timely implementation be our mantra.
South Block may well be advised to leave the debate on weighty issues like geopolitical trends, rivalry in the Bay of Bengal and India-China ‘power game' to academics. Instead, it should encourage our Embassy in Yangon to hone its project management skills and help India Inc. deepen its foray into Myanmar.
(The author is a former ambassador to Myanmar.)
INDIA: Saral Satellite by 2011
India plans to launch SARAL (Satellite with ARGOS and ALTIKA) satellite to monitor the sea water level. SARAL satellite will carry an Altimeter (ALTIKA) for studying the sea surface heights; and ARGOS payload, which is a satellite based data collection platform.
SARAL satellite is a joint project of Indian Space Research Organisation and the French National Space Agency. The ALTIKA and ARGOS payloads are built and supplied by the French National Space Agency. The satellite building and launching are the responsibilities of Indian Space Research Organisation.
The satellite bus is under fabrication at Indian Space Research Organisation. Integration and testing of the payloads are ongoing at the French National Space Agency. The satellite is likely to be launched in 2011.
This Information was given by Sh.Prithviraj Chavan, Minister of State for Science & Technology & Earth Sciences, PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions & Parliamentary Affairs in reply to a written question in Lok Sabha today.
India plans to launch SARAL (Satellite with ARGOS and ALTIKA) satellite to monitor the sea water level. SARAL satellite will carry an Altimeter (ALTIKA) for studying the sea surface heights; and ARGOS payload, which is a satellite based data collection platform.
SARAL satellite is a joint project of Indian Space Research Organisation and the French National Space Agency. The ALTIKA and ARGOS payloads are built and supplied by the French National Space Agency. The satellite building and launching are the responsibilities of Indian Space Research Organisation.
The satellite bus is under fabrication at Indian Space Research Organisation. Integration and testing of the payloads are ongoing at the French National Space Agency. The satellite is likely to be launched in 2011.
This Information was given by Sh.Prithviraj Chavan, Minister of State for Science & Technology & Earth Sciences, PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions & Parliamentary Affairs in reply to a written question in Lok Sabha today.
OPINION: Substance Not Necessarily the Truth
source:THE HIMALAYAN BEACON [BEACON ONLINE]
BY DARJ MAN
It is unbelievable, and, in any respect difficult to accept the truth. If at all true, an “alternative Siliguri-Sikkim route is on the anvil” (Telegraph 2 August 2010- Pranesh Sarkar) is being undertaken, solely for the purpose of bypassing the ‘heartland of GJM’, most of which falls within Kalimpong subdivision. It is further astonishing the State Govt. has handed over 95 kms roads to the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), obviously inefficient to handle the job itself, as clearly displayed by the conditions of the roadways in the rest of the State. To cite an example, the NH31 (Siliguri –Dalkhola) and NH34 (Barasat-Kolkata). Not to mention NH31A, diabolically framed as a highway which under no fit of imagination can be assumed as such. This by the way is also under the charge of BRO in consideration to the immense importance attached to the road connecting to the border outposts, the high mountain passes Jelepla and Nathula, connecting India to Tibet Autonomous Region of China (TARC) only 127 miles from Siliguri – Kalimpong- Jelepla.
This traditional route is realized to be adversely affected, considering its already dilapidated, impacted condition, which may even be abandoned at a point sometime in the future, considering the volatility threatened by the construction of the two hydroelectric projects- Teesta Low Dam Hydel Electric Project dams TLDHEP III (ahead of Reang river) and TLDHEP IV (ahead of Kali khola) on the basin of the river Teesta.
The horrible condition of NH31A is usually the common topic of conversation for travellers motoring the journey. Compulsion to transit is the only attraction to undertake this hellish drive, otherwise the journey itself is bestowed with wonderful awe inspiring natural sights every inch of the way. This discovery is however totally jarred by the rigors of the uncomfortable journey, marring the magnificent vista of the environs. Day to day this comparison is deteriorating to such a point of despair, to even consider broaching the topic of addressing the problem is now considered a futile repast. If at all the height of pessimism is scaled, one may comfortably cite the example of NH31A as an illustration, hopeless.
It is often overheard by travelling passengers especially those accustomed to an organized way of lifestyle, such as the numerous foreign tourists, displaced themselves from the comforts of home and hearth, seeking leisure as tourists, regard the travel on NH31A as so despicably unpleasant, if ever a revisit is contemplated, prior information to the condition of NH31A is a critical factor in anticipation to program the tour. In comparison to their infrastructure, they have described NH31A as appallingly deplorable, not fit for human transit unsafe for tourists no matter what the destination holds for leisurely attraction.
Without considering these immediate destabilizing factors, and stimulating attention in discussion and deliberation towards redressal, but instead, being informed in the newspaper the hot topic of an alternate Siliguri-Sikkim route through the Dooars, is considered vested in view to certain concerned interest. Whereas in effect a generalized view in the interest of all concerned should have been the guiding factor, which in short, is, maintenance of NH31A, truly as a highway.
This however is subject to a clear and transparent recognition of its future viability which is unclear in the haze originating from the impacts of the two hydel projects contributing towards the ultimate death knell of the ancient traditional route destroyed forever. The lesser important Darjeeling Himalayan Railways constructed and incepted in 1881 (DHR)when a meter gauge rail line from Geil khola (few kms down river from Teesta Bazaar) to North Station (Siliguri town)was constructed in 1923 in anticipation of carrying the bulk of the wool imported from Tibet to the docks in Calcutta for shipment primarily to the USA. To further compliment the carriage of the wool form the large go-downs located in Kalimpong to the railway head at Giel khola, in 1930 the DHR ropeway became operational.
In the natural impacted disaster, excessive rains triggering landslides all over the hills in 1950 affected the railway line (Geil Khola- North Station) to a condition of damage irreversible for maintenance and terminally discarded for operation. The ropeway functioned for awhile but without sufficient load for carriage, especially after the Indo-Chinese border wars in the North East in 1962, with the Jelepla and Nathula exit routes were permanently closed, its operations were subjected to a natural death. The remnants of which is now survived by the existing passenger carrying ropeway across, some a thousand feet high above the Teesta river and further to Najok after crossing the Relli river. This facility too has been discontinued past few years after the construction works on the hydroelectric TLDHEP III dam progressed. It might be pertinent to mention the paradoxical frame in which the hills are pictured, both Darjeeling and Sikkim – while the latest modern forms and styles of every description of motor vehicles are operationalised for plying the roads and the hills, the infrastructure of the roadways are seemingly deteriorating instead of compatibly improving with the increasing number of weightage of the traffic.
NH31A is an arterial, shortest and only motorable communication to both the hill areas of Kalimpong subdivision, the largest in the District, needless to mention its importance common to the entire State of Sikkim, connecting Darjeeling District, is of important concern. The issue is not highlighted to the extent of the note it deserves, failing which it is only a matter of time with incidental occurrence of natural condition of environmental impacts, it is a foreseeable vision NH31A too would meet its natural and glorious end alongwith the other great beautiful scenes in the history of the hills. Besides the demise of the DHR railway and ropeway, the destruction of the famous Teesta Henderson bridge in the disaster cum flood of 1968 leaves a pang in the heart.
It would be an eye opener for the public to pose a question to the State Govt. to come out with the figures of the quantum of funds flushed into maintaining NH31A since the BRO took over the responsibility from the State sometime in 1962 considered as an effect of the Sino-Indian war till recent times. The urgency of maintaining NH31A by the BRO instead of the State implied the former would prove to be a better provider in maintaining the highway infallible to a high state of all weather conditions. Regrettably this standard is far from achieved. On the contrary the conditions of the roads are on the downslide, and as pointed out earlier to a point of unmanageable irreversible state convenient for scrapping the project permanently, and in lieu, diverting the traffic to the proposed new dispensation, the alternative Siliguri Sikkim route mentioned in the news item.
The details mentioned therein were insufficient to point out the exact details such as the distance of the new route, end destination etc. The road map was too hazy to pin point any of the details. As such the entire exercise of the press release was only for forewarning about the work program than as information for public awareness.
Which raises the probability, it is more of a hidden agenda in executing the work order for other intention, than that meant to be, an alternate route to Sikkim from Siliguri. The fact the work has been handed over to BRO indicates the new road is primarily meant for defense vehicles to ply upto the Indo-Tibet border than actually meant for serving the purpose as a alternate route to Gangtok in place of NH31A. There is sense in this perception of viewpoint as murmurs of talks regarding such a proposal was already flashed in the papers on 3 May 2008 (posted by barun roy). Excerpt “a major responsibility 87 RCC had in the past, Damdim – Algarah – Rishi Road, the alternative to the road between Siliguri and Kalimpong, will be looked after by 130 RCC being set up at Rangli in Sikkim under the 754 BRTF”. The ‘alternative route is but an outcome of the army exercise for an alternate route more for its own purpose as well to benefit the Dooars” than as presumed focus on Sikkim (as per Telegraph news 11 Feb 2008 by Rajeev Ravidas).
This scheme to suit the plains was suggested as per Statesman 18 May 2007 in an article by Sudipta Chanda, quote “…..the 758 Border $Roads Task Force to the Jalpaiguri MLA Mr. Deba Prasad Roy on 15 March, efforts were made in the past to convert the road leading from Damdim in the Dooars to Rhenok in Sikkim via Algarah and Rishi in Kalimpong subdivision”. So as a matter of fact the present news is no news in so far as the declared title is concerned – pointed to show the new route via the Dooars is an alternative route to bypass the hassles posed by GJM activists. This is totally a wrong perception defaming the Darjeeling hill people who are only voicing the concern to obtain their rightful demand constitutionally.
The future uncertainty of maintaining NH31A is a meaningful question and which a Kalimpong based NGO , Public Grievances Redressal and Welfare Society under whose umbrella NGO’s from Darjeeling, Sikkim, Siliguri and Kalimpong constituted a body titled National Highway 31A Bachao Committee in 2006 to highlight the impact of dam constructions on NH31A particularly for having triggered the landslide at 27 mile point and the other new landslips triggered by incessant dynamiting on the fragile khud-sides along the sides of the road benchmark by the BRO, at the time of widening the existing roads.
In both the cases it was argued by NH31A Bachao Committee, the use of dynamites on the fragile geophysical conditions was posed as the reasons for the increasing number and magnitude of the landslides and landslips encountered in the present times. The gnawing gap caused by the slide at 27 mile point could barely be contained by the level of engineers available with BRO and NHPC. It is reliably informed NHPC sought the assistance of IIT Delhi in tackling the 27 mile landslip. A French engineering firm specializing in water management is believed to have been engaged along with the construction programmed by IIT Delhi technicians. It would be interesting to know from the horses mouth – NHPC now, whether it is confirmed the landslip at 27 mile point is permanently contained.
It is felt the decision to open the “alternative” Siliguri-Sikkim is nothing short of actually opening up a new route (converted from the existing), is seen as a means conducted to discard the use of NH31A, presumed, in anticipation of the stark reality, the probability of NH31A being completely damaged for use in the future, highly affected by the environmental damages impacted by the construction of the two hydro-electric dams, cannot be ruled out in the near future.
This predicament holds enough water to wash the slum and slur of the vocal descriptions handed out by the concerned authorities by way of public consumption and relations. In order to understand the implied suggestions herein, readers interested to read about the substance and truth, as well as the undisclosed part of the story may enquire with the NH31A Bachao Committee for an appraisal of the part conducted in the process of highlighting the issue with NHPC headquarters in Delhi.
(Address: NH31 Bachao Committee, C/O. Public Grievances Redressal and Welfare Society, C/o..Denzong House, Justice Biswas Road, Kalimpong).
source:THE HIMALAYAN BEACON [BEACON ONLINE]
BY DARJ MAN
It is unbelievable, and, in any respect difficult to accept the truth. If at all true, an “alternative Siliguri-Sikkim route is on the anvil” (Telegraph 2 August 2010- Pranesh Sarkar) is being undertaken, solely for the purpose of bypassing the ‘heartland of GJM’, most of which falls within Kalimpong subdivision. It is further astonishing the State Govt. has handed over 95 kms roads to the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), obviously inefficient to handle the job itself, as clearly displayed by the conditions of the roadways in the rest of the State. To cite an example, the NH31 (Siliguri –Dalkhola) and NH34 (Barasat-Kolkata). Not to mention NH31A, diabolically framed as a highway which under no fit of imagination can be assumed as such. This by the way is also under the charge of BRO in consideration to the immense importance attached to the road connecting to the border outposts, the high mountain passes Jelepla and Nathula, connecting India to Tibet Autonomous Region of China (TARC) only 127 miles from Siliguri – Kalimpong- Jelepla.
This traditional route is realized to be adversely affected, considering its already dilapidated, impacted condition, which may even be abandoned at a point sometime in the future, considering the volatility threatened by the construction of the two hydroelectric projects- Teesta Low Dam Hydel Electric Project dams TLDHEP III (ahead of Reang river) and TLDHEP IV (ahead of Kali khola) on the basin of the river Teesta.
The horrible condition of NH31A is usually the common topic of conversation for travellers motoring the journey. Compulsion to transit is the only attraction to undertake this hellish drive, otherwise the journey itself is bestowed with wonderful awe inspiring natural sights every inch of the way. This discovery is however totally jarred by the rigors of the uncomfortable journey, marring the magnificent vista of the environs. Day to day this comparison is deteriorating to such a point of despair, to even consider broaching the topic of addressing the problem is now considered a futile repast. If at all the height of pessimism is scaled, one may comfortably cite the example of NH31A as an illustration, hopeless.
It is often overheard by travelling passengers especially those accustomed to an organized way of lifestyle, such as the numerous foreign tourists, displaced themselves from the comforts of home and hearth, seeking leisure as tourists, regard the travel on NH31A as so despicably unpleasant, if ever a revisit is contemplated, prior information to the condition of NH31A is a critical factor in anticipation to program the tour. In comparison to their infrastructure, they have described NH31A as appallingly deplorable, not fit for human transit unsafe for tourists no matter what the destination holds for leisurely attraction.
Without considering these immediate destabilizing factors, and stimulating attention in discussion and deliberation towards redressal, but instead, being informed in the newspaper the hot topic of an alternate Siliguri-Sikkim route through the Dooars, is considered vested in view to certain concerned interest. Whereas in effect a generalized view in the interest of all concerned should have been the guiding factor, which in short, is, maintenance of NH31A, truly as a highway.
This however is subject to a clear and transparent recognition of its future viability which is unclear in the haze originating from the impacts of the two hydel projects contributing towards the ultimate death knell of the ancient traditional route destroyed forever. The lesser important Darjeeling Himalayan Railways constructed and incepted in 1881 (DHR)when a meter gauge rail line from Geil khola (few kms down river from Teesta Bazaar) to North Station (Siliguri town)was constructed in 1923 in anticipation of carrying the bulk of the wool imported from Tibet to the docks in Calcutta for shipment primarily to the USA. To further compliment the carriage of the wool form the large go-downs located in Kalimpong to the railway head at Giel khola, in 1930 the DHR ropeway became operational.
In the natural impacted disaster, excessive rains triggering landslides all over the hills in 1950 affected the railway line (Geil Khola- North Station) to a condition of damage irreversible for maintenance and terminally discarded for operation. The ropeway functioned for awhile but without sufficient load for carriage, especially after the Indo-Chinese border wars in the North East in 1962, with the Jelepla and Nathula exit routes were permanently closed, its operations were subjected to a natural death. The remnants of which is now survived by the existing passenger carrying ropeway across, some a thousand feet high above the Teesta river and further to Najok after crossing the Relli river. This facility too has been discontinued past few years after the construction works on the hydroelectric TLDHEP III dam progressed. It might be pertinent to mention the paradoxical frame in which the hills are pictured, both Darjeeling and Sikkim – while the latest modern forms and styles of every description of motor vehicles are operationalised for plying the roads and the hills, the infrastructure of the roadways are seemingly deteriorating instead of compatibly improving with the increasing number of weightage of the traffic.
NH31A is an arterial, shortest and only motorable communication to both the hill areas of Kalimpong subdivision, the largest in the District, needless to mention its importance common to the entire State of Sikkim, connecting Darjeeling District, is of important concern. The issue is not highlighted to the extent of the note it deserves, failing which it is only a matter of time with incidental occurrence of natural condition of environmental impacts, it is a foreseeable vision NH31A too would meet its natural and glorious end alongwith the other great beautiful scenes in the history of the hills. Besides the demise of the DHR railway and ropeway, the destruction of the famous Teesta Henderson bridge in the disaster cum flood of 1968 leaves a pang in the heart.
It would be an eye opener for the public to pose a question to the State Govt. to come out with the figures of the quantum of funds flushed into maintaining NH31A since the BRO took over the responsibility from the State sometime in 1962 considered as an effect of the Sino-Indian war till recent times. The urgency of maintaining NH31A by the BRO instead of the State implied the former would prove to be a better provider in maintaining the highway infallible to a high state of all weather conditions. Regrettably this standard is far from achieved. On the contrary the conditions of the roads are on the downslide, and as pointed out earlier to a point of unmanageable irreversible state convenient for scrapping the project permanently, and in lieu, diverting the traffic to the proposed new dispensation, the alternative Siliguri Sikkim route mentioned in the news item.
The details mentioned therein were insufficient to point out the exact details such as the distance of the new route, end destination etc. The road map was too hazy to pin point any of the details. As such the entire exercise of the press release was only for forewarning about the work program than as information for public awareness.
Which raises the probability, it is more of a hidden agenda in executing the work order for other intention, than that meant to be, an alternate route to Sikkim from Siliguri. The fact the work has been handed over to BRO indicates the new road is primarily meant for defense vehicles to ply upto the Indo-Tibet border than actually meant for serving the purpose as a alternate route to Gangtok in place of NH31A. There is sense in this perception of viewpoint as murmurs of talks regarding such a proposal was already flashed in the papers on 3 May 2008 (posted by barun roy). Excerpt “a major responsibility 87 RCC had in the past, Damdim – Algarah – Rishi Road, the alternative to the road between Siliguri and Kalimpong, will be looked after by 130 RCC being set up at Rangli in Sikkim under the 754 BRTF”. The ‘alternative route is but an outcome of the army exercise for an alternate route more for its own purpose as well to benefit the Dooars” than as presumed focus on Sikkim (as per Telegraph news 11 Feb 2008 by Rajeev Ravidas).
This scheme to suit the plains was suggested as per Statesman 18 May 2007 in an article by Sudipta Chanda, quote “…..the 758 Border $Roads Task Force to the Jalpaiguri MLA Mr. Deba Prasad Roy on 15 March, efforts were made in the past to convert the road leading from Damdim in the Dooars to Rhenok in Sikkim via Algarah and Rishi in Kalimpong subdivision”. So as a matter of fact the present news is no news in so far as the declared title is concerned – pointed to show the new route via the Dooars is an alternative route to bypass the hassles posed by GJM activists. This is totally a wrong perception defaming the Darjeeling hill people who are only voicing the concern to obtain their rightful demand constitutionally.
The future uncertainty of maintaining NH31A is a meaningful question and which a Kalimpong based NGO , Public Grievances Redressal and Welfare Society under whose umbrella NGO’s from Darjeeling, Sikkim, Siliguri and Kalimpong constituted a body titled National Highway 31A Bachao Committee in 2006 to highlight the impact of dam constructions on NH31A particularly for having triggered the landslide at 27 mile point and the other new landslips triggered by incessant dynamiting on the fragile khud-sides along the sides of the road benchmark by the BRO, at the time of widening the existing roads.
In both the cases it was argued by NH31A Bachao Committee, the use of dynamites on the fragile geophysical conditions was posed as the reasons for the increasing number and magnitude of the landslides and landslips encountered in the present times. The gnawing gap caused by the slide at 27 mile point could barely be contained by the level of engineers available with BRO and NHPC. It is reliably informed NHPC sought the assistance of IIT Delhi in tackling the 27 mile landslip. A French engineering firm specializing in water management is believed to have been engaged along with the construction programmed by IIT Delhi technicians. It would be interesting to know from the horses mouth – NHPC now, whether it is confirmed the landslip at 27 mile point is permanently contained.
It is felt the decision to open the “alternative” Siliguri-Sikkim is nothing short of actually opening up a new route (converted from the existing), is seen as a means conducted to discard the use of NH31A, presumed, in anticipation of the stark reality, the probability of NH31A being completely damaged for use in the future, highly affected by the environmental damages impacted by the construction of the two hydro-electric dams, cannot be ruled out in the near future.
This predicament holds enough water to wash the slum and slur of the vocal descriptions handed out by the concerned authorities by way of public consumption and relations. In order to understand the implied suggestions herein, readers interested to read about the substance and truth, as well as the undisclosed part of the story may enquire with the NH31A Bachao Committee for an appraisal of the part conducted in the process of highlighting the issue with NHPC headquarters in Delhi.
(Address: NH31 Bachao Committee, C/O. Public Grievances Redressal and Welfare Society, C/o..Denzong House, Justice Biswas Road, Kalimpong).
Desalination Plants by NIOT
The Government has identified sites in Lakshadweep for setting up of desalination plants by National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT); The Government has identified a total of 9 locations in the islands of Lakshadweep, for setting of desalination Plants by National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), an autonomous body of the Ministry of Earth Sciences. This desalination technology has been indigenously designed, developed and demonstrated for conversion of sea water into potable water based on Low Temperature Thermal Desalination System (LTTD). So far one plant was commissioned in Kavaratti, Lakshadweep in May 2005. The work has been underway for setting up 3 more LTTD desalination plants one each in Agatti, Minicoy and Andrott. The remaining 5 islands viz., Chetlat, Kadmat, Kiltan, Kalpeni, and Amini will be taken up after successful commissioning of the first set of 3 plants through public-private partnership. The production capacity of freshwater for each of the proposed plant is one lakh litre per day.
The funds to a tune of Rs. 26.60 crores have been allocated for 3 islands (Agatti, Minicoy and Andrott) whereas an allocation of Rs 32.68 crores has been made for the remaining 5 islands (Chetlat, Kadmat, Kiltan, Kalpeni, and Amini).
The time frame for completion of two plants viz., Agatti and Minicoy would be May 2011. The remaining six islands are targeted by the end of current Five Year Plan (March, 2012)
This information was given by the the Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Earth Sciences,Shri Prithviraj Chavan in a written reply to a question by Shri Hamdullah Sayeed in Lok Sabha today.
The Government has identified sites in Lakshadweep for setting up of desalination plants by National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT); The Government has identified a total of 9 locations in the islands of Lakshadweep, for setting of desalination Plants by National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), an autonomous body of the Ministry of Earth Sciences. This desalination technology has been indigenously designed, developed and demonstrated for conversion of sea water into potable water based on Low Temperature Thermal Desalination System (LTTD). So far one plant was commissioned in Kavaratti, Lakshadweep in May 2005. The work has been underway for setting up 3 more LTTD desalination plants one each in Agatti, Minicoy and Andrott. The remaining 5 islands viz., Chetlat, Kadmat, Kiltan, Kalpeni, and Amini will be taken up after successful commissioning of the first set of 3 plants through public-private partnership. The production capacity of freshwater for each of the proposed plant is one lakh litre per day.
The funds to a tune of Rs. 26.60 crores have been allocated for 3 islands (Agatti, Minicoy and Andrott) whereas an allocation of Rs 32.68 crores has been made for the remaining 5 islands (Chetlat, Kadmat, Kiltan, Kalpeni, and Amini).
The time frame for completion of two plants viz., Agatti and Minicoy would be May 2011. The remaining six islands are targeted by the end of current Five Year Plan (March, 2012)
This information was given by the the Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Earth Sciences,Shri Prithviraj Chavan in a written reply to a question by Shri Hamdullah Sayeed in Lok Sabha today.
Jhunjhunwala scam hints at CA racket in Kolkata
Sikkim Express | www.sikkimexpress.com
Rajesh Jhunjhunwala - Jhunjhunwala had also flaunted a series of high quality photographs portraying him as a big businessman in order to add weight to his fake identity.
GANGTOK, August 10: Early investigations into the scam allegedly played out by Rajesh Jhunjhunwala to bag the Khangchendzonga Tourist Villa-cum-socio cultural & amusement park are pointing fingers to a racket operated by some chartered accountants in Kolkata who issues fake deposit receipts, income tax declarations and bank documents.
And the 42-year-old conman is also claiming to the investigating agency that he had been busted just because he could not grease the palms of some officials in the Rural Management & Development department to get the park on a lease.
Readers are aware that an individual going with the name of Jhunjhunwala had been placed in the custody of Crime Branch of Sikkim Police on August 9 by the Sikkim Vigilance Police after a complaint was lodged by the RMD department. His purported company had been selected by the department in the first week of July to run the Ranka amusement park on a lease for 21 years.
However, the lease agreement had yet to be signed, the RMD has maintained.
A joint secretary of the department had complained to the police that the accused had submitted fixed deposit receipt of Rs. 25 lakhs and temporary deposit receipt of Rs. 1.25 crores issued by banks in Kolkata as security amount for the lease. These receipts turned out to be fake ones and as per the department, the bank documents of Jhunjhunwala were also not proper.
Following the complaint lodged on August 9, Jhunjhunwala was arrested and a case of cheating and forgery under sections 420/468/471 of IPC has been registered against him. Investigations are on by the Crime Branch.
The antecedents of Jhunjhunwala have been traced to New Alipore near Kolkata but whether his real name is Rajesh Jhunjhunwala and other details are yet to be confirmed.
However, the RMD officials have confirmed that the arrested person was Rajesh Jhunjhunwala and the same person who had participated in the tender process.
During the preliminary investigations, the accused is claiming that some other persons based in Kolkata working as chartered accounts are involved in the fake bank receipts, fake income-tax details and other bank documents.
If there is some credibility on these claims, the Sikkim cops would have to work with Kolkata police to bust the racket, though it is too early to comment, sources said adding that investigations and questioning of the accused is on.
Jhunjhunwala is also claiming to the police that some RMD officials had demanded money from him to bag the contract.
The accused has been placed in police custody for a week.
Though investigations are on by the police, it has been now established that Jhunjhunwala had taken two local entrepreneurs here including an hotelier and some youths on a ride duping them of lakhs of rupees. He had been going around posing as a big-time businessmen and developing contacts with influential people in the capital.
Jhunjhunwala had also flaunted a series of high quality photographs portraying him as a big businessman in order to add weight to his fake identity.
Meanwhile, the RMD department has assured that the Khangchendzonga Tourist Villa-cum-socio cultural & amusement park will be open for the public by October.
We will be sending a proposal to the State government to make another tender process for selecting a competent agency to run the park and we are targeting to make the park open by October, said State RMD secretary AK Ganeriwala to media.
Sikkim Express | www.sikkimexpress.com
Rajesh Jhunjhunwala - Jhunjhunwala had also flaunted a series of high quality photographs portraying him as a big businessman in order to add weight to his fake identity.
GANGTOK, August 10: Early investigations into the scam allegedly played out by Rajesh Jhunjhunwala to bag the Khangchendzonga Tourist Villa-cum-socio cultural & amusement park are pointing fingers to a racket operated by some chartered accountants in Kolkata who issues fake deposit receipts, income tax declarations and bank documents.
And the 42-year-old conman is also claiming to the investigating agency that he had been busted just because he could not grease the palms of some officials in the Rural Management & Development department to get the park on a lease.
Readers are aware that an individual going with the name of Jhunjhunwala had been placed in the custody of Crime Branch of Sikkim Police on August 9 by the Sikkim Vigilance Police after a complaint was lodged by the RMD department. His purported company had been selected by the department in the first week of July to run the Ranka amusement park on a lease for 21 years.
However, the lease agreement had yet to be signed, the RMD has maintained.
A joint secretary of the department had complained to the police that the accused had submitted fixed deposit receipt of Rs. 25 lakhs and temporary deposit receipt of Rs. 1.25 crores issued by banks in Kolkata as security amount for the lease. These receipts turned out to be fake ones and as per the department, the bank documents of Jhunjhunwala were also not proper.
Following the complaint lodged on August 9, Jhunjhunwala was arrested and a case of cheating and forgery under sections 420/468/471 of IPC has been registered against him. Investigations are on by the Crime Branch.
The antecedents of Jhunjhunwala have been traced to New Alipore near Kolkata but whether his real name is Rajesh Jhunjhunwala and other details are yet to be confirmed.
However, the RMD officials have confirmed that the arrested person was Rajesh Jhunjhunwala and the same person who had participated in the tender process.
During the preliminary investigations, the accused is claiming that some other persons based in Kolkata working as chartered accounts are involved in the fake bank receipts, fake income-tax details and other bank documents.
If there is some credibility on these claims, the Sikkim cops would have to work with Kolkata police to bust the racket, though it is too early to comment, sources said adding that investigations and questioning of the accused is on.
Jhunjhunwala is also claiming to the police that some RMD officials had demanded money from him to bag the contract.
The accused has been placed in police custody for a week.
Though investigations are on by the police, it has been now established that Jhunjhunwala had taken two local entrepreneurs here including an hotelier and some youths on a ride duping them of lakhs of rupees. He had been going around posing as a big-time businessmen and developing contacts with influential people in the capital.
Jhunjhunwala had also flaunted a series of high quality photographs portraying him as a big businessman in order to add weight to his fake identity.
Meanwhile, the RMD department has assured that the Khangchendzonga Tourist Villa-cum-socio cultural & amusement park will be open for the public by October.
We will be sending a proposal to the State government to make another tender process for selecting a competent agency to run the park and we are targeting to make the park open by October, said State RMD secretary AK Ganeriwala to media.
The Association of Old Settlers of Sikkim
Gangtok,Sikkim
Press Release
10.Aug 2010
The Association of Old Settlers of Sikkim is extremely grateful to Hon’ble Dr Pawan Chamling, Chief Minister of Sikkim for having announced “ residential status” for all those left out people who have been residing in the State prior to its merger with the Union thereby enabling them to all benefits as enjoyed by their Sikkim Subject brethren.
The generous announcement has come after great efforts and deliberations on his part in forming a public opinion and convincing all concerned that all old settlers are an integral part of the Sikkimese Society and deserve equal protection and opportunities.
Dr Chamling has been working relentlessly in this direction for years and more particularly after insertion of section 26AAA in Section 10 of the Income tax Act 1961 which has led to grievances of having been left out, from various sections of the society. Taking due cognizance of this fact his party resolved in the SDF manifesto 2009.. “ While protecting this achievement of securing exemption from the Central Income tax, our Government has not lost sight of the genuine demands of the old business community, old residents and old Government employees-both State and Central. Our Government is seized of the problem and we are going to strongly plead for equal rights..”
He further went on to bring about Resolution no 4 in SDF foundation day MahaAdhivesan at Rangpo on 4 March 2009 reiterating the stand of the popular Government in strong support of the Left Out Categories of the people.
Duly appreciating one and all representations made by various bodies/ associations including Association of Old settlers of Sikkim the Hon’ble Chief Minister brought about and passed a resolution in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly to this effect to be taken up with the concerned ministries of Government of India.
In so far as the Association of Old Settlers is concerned, we have received continuous support and guidance from the Hon’ble Chief Minister who inspired us to prepare a survey of old settlers of Sikkim belonging to business community who are settled in Sikkim prior to merger. A Survey of Old settlers of Sikkim belonging to the business community soliciting socio economic development has accordingly been prepared and submitted to the Government on 8th July 2009 for authentication and consideration for various privileges and opportunities as enjoyed by their Sikkimese brethren.
It is sincerely hoped that with this announcement all apprehensions of the Left Out people of Sikkim shall be put to rest as the same takes further shape in determining them and classifying them as a category for all welfare schemes.
S.K.Sarda
President
Association of Old Settlers of Sikkim
Gangtok
Gangtok,Sikkim
Press Release
10.Aug 2010
The Association of Old Settlers of Sikkim is extremely grateful to Hon’ble Dr Pawan Chamling, Chief Minister of Sikkim for having announced “ residential status” for all those left out people who have been residing in the State prior to its merger with the Union thereby enabling them to all benefits as enjoyed by their Sikkim Subject brethren.
The generous announcement has come after great efforts and deliberations on his part in forming a public opinion and convincing all concerned that all old settlers are an integral part of the Sikkimese Society and deserve equal protection and opportunities.
Dr Chamling has been working relentlessly in this direction for years and more particularly after insertion of section 26AAA in Section 10 of the Income tax Act 1961 which has led to grievances of having been left out, from various sections of the society. Taking due cognizance of this fact his party resolved in the SDF manifesto 2009.. “ While protecting this achievement of securing exemption from the Central Income tax, our Government has not lost sight of the genuine demands of the old business community, old residents and old Government employees-both State and Central. Our Government is seized of the problem and we are going to strongly plead for equal rights..”
He further went on to bring about Resolution no 4 in SDF foundation day MahaAdhivesan at Rangpo on 4 March 2009 reiterating the stand of the popular Government in strong support of the Left Out Categories of the people.
Duly appreciating one and all representations made by various bodies/ associations including Association of Old settlers of Sikkim the Hon’ble Chief Minister brought about and passed a resolution in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly to this effect to be taken up with the concerned ministries of Government of India.
In so far as the Association of Old Settlers is concerned, we have received continuous support and guidance from the Hon’ble Chief Minister who inspired us to prepare a survey of old settlers of Sikkim belonging to business community who are settled in Sikkim prior to merger. A Survey of Old settlers of Sikkim belonging to the business community soliciting socio economic development has accordingly been prepared and submitted to the Government on 8th July 2009 for authentication and consideration for various privileges and opportunities as enjoyed by their Sikkimese brethren.
It is sincerely hoped that with this announcement all apprehensions of the Left Out people of Sikkim shall be put to rest as the same takes further shape in determining them and classifying them as a category for all welfare schemes.
S.K.Sarda
President
Association of Old Settlers of Sikkim
Gangtok
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Justice Dinakaran sworn in as new CJ of Sikkim
source;sikkim express
GANGTOK, August 9: Justice PD Dinakaran was sworn in as the new Chief Justice of Sikkim in a simple oath-taking function held today morning at 9:30 am at Raj Bhavan.
Governor BP Singh administrated the oath of office to the Chief Justice in presence of Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, ministers, legislators, former Chief Minister Nar Bahadur Bhandari and senior government officials.
After the swearing-in ceremony, the Chief Minister introduced the Chief Justice to his cabinet colleagues, MLAs and senior government officials.
Members of Bar Association of Sikkim (BAS) did not attend the swearing-in ceremony as already announced earlier.
After taking oath as the new Chief Justice of Sikkim, Justice Dinakaran proceeded straight to the High Court and attended two hearings along with Justice Sonam Wangdi.
Before starting the court proceedings, Justice Dinakaran expressed his pleasure to shoulder the responsibility of Chief Justice of Sikkim High Court. He sought cooperation from all, including members of the Bar and media, to serve justice to the people of Sikkim.
GANGTOK, August 9: Advocate General, Sikkim A. Mariarputham has today on behalf of all his colleagues welcomed Justice PD Dinakaran as the 14th Chief Justice of the High Court of Sikkim.
In a press statement issued today, Mariarputham has also extended cooperation and looked forward to a healthy and happy relationship between the Bench and the Bar in their collective endeavour to do justice to one and all.
source;sikkim express
GANGTOK, August 9: Justice PD Dinakaran was sworn in as the new Chief Justice of Sikkim in a simple oath-taking function held today morning at 9:30 am at Raj Bhavan.
Governor BP Singh administrated the oath of office to the Chief Justice in presence of Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, ministers, legislators, former Chief Minister Nar Bahadur Bhandari and senior government officials.
After the swearing-in ceremony, the Chief Minister introduced the Chief Justice to his cabinet colleagues, MLAs and senior government officials.
Members of Bar Association of Sikkim (BAS) did not attend the swearing-in ceremony as already announced earlier.
After taking oath as the new Chief Justice of Sikkim, Justice Dinakaran proceeded straight to the High Court and attended two hearings along with Justice Sonam Wangdi.
Before starting the court proceedings, Justice Dinakaran expressed his pleasure to shoulder the responsibility of Chief Justice of Sikkim High Court. He sought cooperation from all, including members of the Bar and media, to serve justice to the people of Sikkim.
GANGTOK, August 9: Advocate General, Sikkim A. Mariarputham has today on behalf of all his colleagues welcomed Justice PD Dinakaran as the 14th Chief Justice of the High Court of Sikkim.
In a press statement issued today, Mariarputham has also extended cooperation and looked forward to a healthy and happy relationship between the Bench and the Bar in their collective endeavour to do justice to one and all.
Ranka amusement park lease turns out to be a near sham
Rajesh Jhunjunwala arrested for duping RMD, two Gangtok entrepreneurs
RMD officials complain Crime Branch against fraud businessman who won the bid for
Ranka amusement park
source: sikkim express
GANGTOK, August 9: The Khangchendzonga Tourist Villa-cum-socio cultural and amusement park constructed in Ranka at a cost of Rs. 55.6 crores, has stumbled into another controversy with the police arresting one Rajen Jhunjunwala accused of have conned the authorities to bag the contract for running the show at mega tourism project.
The Crime Branch of Sikkim Police has taken Rajesh Jhunjunwala under custody after the State Rural Management Development department alerted the police. He was arrested by Sikkim Vigilance police at Rangpo check-post yesterday and handed over to the Crime Branch.
Sources inform that Jhunjunwala, alleged to be a master con in the country, was trying to flee Sikkim in a guise of a labourer.
One person has been arrested in suspicion and the RMD officials are yet to identify the arrested person as Rajesh Jhunjunwala, said sources.
It may be recalled that a company based at Kolkata and purportedly run by Jhunjunwala had been accorded the contract earlier in July to maintain and operate the Khangchendzonga tourist villa and amusement park for an annual lease amount of Rs. 3.06 crores.
State RMD secretary AK Ganeriwala told Sikkim Express that the department had recently come to know about the fake nature of the company propped up by Jhunjunwala.
“We came to about that the company was a fraudulent entity only two days ago. However, the agreement (for the Ranka tourist park) was yet to be signed. We noticed there were many lacunae and loop holes in the bank statement of the company and we immediately informed the Crime Branch. So far, there have been no money transactions with Jhunjunwala”, said Ganeriwala.
“Timely action of the RMD department prevented in major loss to the State government”, said Ganeriwala.
It is suspected that the accused person could have used the legal agreement of the State government as a basis to mortgage the Ranka tourist villa with banks for crores of rupees and vanish with the bank money.
According to preliminary information pieced together from various sources, Jhunjunwala had camped in Gangtok for the past six months projecting himself as a big businessman running various companies including a tea plantation and an export firm.
While trying to con the RMD department on the Ranka tourist park, Jhunjunwala was also successful in duping a couple of entrepreneurs here in Gangtok. He is alleged to have duped lakhs of rupees from Hotel Rajghir here at Panihouse and a stationary shop at Deorali by showing his ‘assets’ on paper.
It was due to the efforts of the hotel owner that the master con was arrested at Rangpo while trying to flee in the guise of a labourer.
It is informed that Jhunjunwala had taken Rs. 1.4 lakhs from the Rajghir Hotel owner along with another Rs. 40,000 for TDR form to take Saramsa Gardens on a ‘lease’. He already owed Rs. 1.2 lakhs to the hotel owner as rent for the flat he was staying.
The problem is that the hotel owner reportedly does not have any credible evidence on the loans and dues as he had given them to Jhunjunwala on blind trust. The hotel owner had fallen for the documents ‘certified’ by chartered accountants showed by Jhunjunwala portraying him as the owner of a multi-crore firm.
Jhunjunwala had also showed income tax receipt forms where he had ‘paid’ taxes to the worth of Rs. 5.2 crores to the IT department.
Belatedly realizing that he had been duped, the hotel owner had lodged an FIR with the Gangtok Sadar police station.
Jhunjunwala had also played a similar run with the Derorali stationary shop. It is alleged that he took household items like computers and furniture and personal loans totally to Rs. 4.5 lakhs from the shop without any payment. He had managed to convince the shop that he was a multi-crore businessman and he had no immediate cash at hand due to technical problems in ‘wire-transfer’ from the bank.
The shop owner has already lodged a diary with the Gangtok Sadar police.
Jhunjunwala is also alleged to have employed several youth with handsome monthly salaries but so far, the youth have not seen any money.
Though Rajesh Jhunjunwala (if that is his real name) efforts to dupe the RMD department has been quashed early, questions still loom large over the opening of the Khangchendzonga tourist villa-cum-social cultural and amusement park.
The amusement park which had been inaugurated by President Pratibha Patil on April 15is still not open for the general public and it had been hoped that the park would open its door to the public here after the department had zeroed in into a company on a lease agreement.
The department did found a company after tender process but as it turns out now, the company was a bogus entity floated by Jhunjunwala and the opening of the park has sunk into another lengthy tendering-selection quagmire
Rajesh Jhunjunwala arrested for duping RMD, two Gangtok entrepreneurs
RMD officials complain Crime Branch against fraud businessman who won the bid for
Ranka amusement park
source: sikkim express
GANGTOK, August 9: The Khangchendzonga Tourist Villa-cum-socio cultural and amusement park constructed in Ranka at a cost of Rs. 55.6 crores, has stumbled into another controversy with the police arresting one Rajen Jhunjunwala accused of have conned the authorities to bag the contract for running the show at mega tourism project.
The Crime Branch of Sikkim Police has taken Rajesh Jhunjunwala under custody after the State Rural Management Development department alerted the police. He was arrested by Sikkim Vigilance police at Rangpo check-post yesterday and handed over to the Crime Branch.
Sources inform that Jhunjunwala, alleged to be a master con in the country, was trying to flee Sikkim in a guise of a labourer.
One person has been arrested in suspicion and the RMD officials are yet to identify the arrested person as Rajesh Jhunjunwala, said sources.
It may be recalled that a company based at Kolkata and purportedly run by Jhunjunwala had been accorded the contract earlier in July to maintain and operate the Khangchendzonga tourist villa and amusement park for an annual lease amount of Rs. 3.06 crores.
State RMD secretary AK Ganeriwala told Sikkim Express that the department had recently come to know about the fake nature of the company propped up by Jhunjunwala.
“We came to about that the company was a fraudulent entity only two days ago. However, the agreement (for the Ranka tourist park) was yet to be signed. We noticed there were many lacunae and loop holes in the bank statement of the company and we immediately informed the Crime Branch. So far, there have been no money transactions with Jhunjunwala”, said Ganeriwala.
“Timely action of the RMD department prevented in major loss to the State government”, said Ganeriwala.
It is suspected that the accused person could have used the legal agreement of the State government as a basis to mortgage the Ranka tourist villa with banks for crores of rupees and vanish with the bank money.
According to preliminary information pieced together from various sources, Jhunjunwala had camped in Gangtok for the past six months projecting himself as a big businessman running various companies including a tea plantation and an export firm.
While trying to con the RMD department on the Ranka tourist park, Jhunjunwala was also successful in duping a couple of entrepreneurs here in Gangtok. He is alleged to have duped lakhs of rupees from Hotel Rajghir here at Panihouse and a stationary shop at Deorali by showing his ‘assets’ on paper.
It was due to the efforts of the hotel owner that the master con was arrested at Rangpo while trying to flee in the guise of a labourer.
It is informed that Jhunjunwala had taken Rs. 1.4 lakhs from the Rajghir Hotel owner along with another Rs. 40,000 for TDR form to take Saramsa Gardens on a ‘lease’. He already owed Rs. 1.2 lakhs to the hotel owner as rent for the flat he was staying.
The problem is that the hotel owner reportedly does not have any credible evidence on the loans and dues as he had given them to Jhunjunwala on blind trust. The hotel owner had fallen for the documents ‘certified’ by chartered accountants showed by Jhunjunwala portraying him as the owner of a multi-crore firm.
Jhunjunwala had also showed income tax receipt forms where he had ‘paid’ taxes to the worth of Rs. 5.2 crores to the IT department.
Belatedly realizing that he had been duped, the hotel owner had lodged an FIR with the Gangtok Sadar police station.
Jhunjunwala had also played a similar run with the Derorali stationary shop. It is alleged that he took household items like computers and furniture and personal loans totally to Rs. 4.5 lakhs from the shop without any payment. He had managed to convince the shop that he was a multi-crore businessman and he had no immediate cash at hand due to technical problems in ‘wire-transfer’ from the bank.
The shop owner has already lodged a diary with the Gangtok Sadar police.
Jhunjunwala is also alleged to have employed several youth with handsome monthly salaries but so far, the youth have not seen any money.
Though Rajesh Jhunjunwala (if that is his real name) efforts to dupe the RMD department has been quashed early, questions still loom large over the opening of the Khangchendzonga tourist villa-cum-social cultural and amusement park.
The amusement park which had been inaugurated by President Pratibha Patil on April 15is still not open for the general public and it had been hoped that the park would open its door to the public here after the department had zeroed in into a company on a lease agreement.
The department did found a company after tender process but as it turns out now, the company was a bogus entity floated by Jhunjunwala and the opening of the park has sunk into another lengthy tendering-selection quagmire
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