THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2008 48 Pages Rs. 2.50 City Edition Chennai

ISSN 0971 - 751X Vol. 131 No. 104 Regd. TN/ARD/17/06-08 RNI No. 1001/57

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PMO did not issue any order: DeoraMakes statement in House on Baalu issueSandeep JoshiNEW DELHI: Petroleum and

A Himalayan feat

BRIEFLY45th extension for Liberhan CommissionNEW DELHI: The Liberhan Commission, set up to inquire into the circumstances leading to the demolition of the Babri mosque at Ayodhya, got its 45th extension on Wednesday. PTI

Natural Gas Minister Murli Deora on Wednesday asserted that the Prime Ministers Ofce (PMO) did not issue any order or instruction to help companies owned by Shipping Minister T.R. Baalus family members. Certain references were received from the Prime Ministers Ofce in a routine manner without any recommendation on the basis of a representation made by Selvakumar Baalu, director of the company, Mr. Deora said in a statement he read out in the Rajya Sabha amid protests from the Opposition. It may be stated that not a single cubic metre of gas has been supplied to the companies [owned by Mr. Baalus family members]. Since the issue relating to supply of gas is pending before the Delhi High Court , the matter is sub judice, Mr. Deora said. He, however, accepted that Mr. Baalu met him on the issue. Mr. Baalu met me and briefed about the great injustice done to the workers and investors.

T.R.BaaluThe Petroleum Ministry had allocated 10,000 cubic metres of gas a day to Kings India Chemicals Corporation Limited and 4.5 lakh cubic metres of gas a day to Kings India Power Corporation Limited but the allocations were cancelled by the previous government on January 14, 2004, Mr. Deora said.

Injustice allegedA petition was received by Prime Minister [Manmohan Singh] in May 2005, signed by T.R.B. Rajaa, Chairman, Kings India Power Corporation Ltd., alleging that gross injustice has been done to them and that they have been severely discriminated against. A discussion was held in the PMO to ascertain the

Nothing unusual was done: ManmohanSpecial CorrespondentNEW DELHI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday said there was no wrong from which he should distance himself from the action of his ofce in forwarding a representation made by

the company in which the family of Union Shipping Minister T.R. Baalu has business interests. Petroleum Minister Murli Deora had explained everything and nothing unusual was done, Dr. Singh told reporters on the sidelines of a function.

status; and the view of the Ministry of P&NG [Petroleum and Natural Gas] that it was not possible to give any relief to the petitioner was noted. Having failed to secure any relief from the government, the petitioner went to the Madras High Court in 2005, Mr. Deora said. In October 2007, a singlejudge Bench ruled in the companys favour. As the order was not implemented, the company led a contempt petition. Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu Power Producers Association and the Narimanam Zone Natural Gas Consumers Association led appeals before a Division Bench, which on February 19, 2008 set aside the singlejudge Bench order. The Division Bench directed the government to decide upon the applications of the rms on merit. A writ petition was also led by one independent Power Producers Association in the Delhi High Court, which issued a stay order. The matter was pending before the court. Earlier, as Mr. Deora was about to start his speech, the Prime Minister left. BJP and AIADMK members insisted on a statement from Dr. Singh, not from Mr. Deora. Led by Sushma Swaraj and AIADMKs V. Maitreyan, the Opposition urged Deputy Chairman K. Rahman Khan to ask Dr. Singh to make a statement. Amid the din, Mr. Deora read out the statement. Impropriety unexplained, says BJP: Page 14

Shoaibs ban upheldKARACHI: Fast bowler

FLYING HIGH: With just a hundred days to go for the August games, the Olympic torch is on a spectacular journey to the worlds tallest peak. Chinese mountaineers taking the ame to Mount Everest spread a ag with the Olympic logo at the base camp, at an altitude of 5,200 metres, in southwest Chinas Tibet Autonomous Region on Wednesday. PHOTO:XINHUA/AP (RUN-UP TO OLYMPICS: OP-ED PAGE)

Shoaib Akhtars career was on Wednesday left hanging in the balance after a tribunal upheld the ve-year ban on his playing matches for Pakistan. PTI Main Sports Page

One held for attackMELBOURNE: As an Indian taxi driver, victim of stabbing, battles for his life, an Australian was arrested on Wednesday for the attack. His lawyer claimed that his client had no memory of Tuesdays incident. PTI

Historic win for Indian doctorsLords reject government move to push through new rules against non-EU doctorsHasan SuroorLONDON: A last-ditch attempt by the British government to push through new rules that would have discriminated against thousands of overseas doctors from outside the European Union collapsed on Wednesday when the House of Lords rejected its appeal against a court ruling in their favour. It ruled that the new regime was unfair as it dashed the legitimate expectations of foreign doctors. For more than 10,000 postgraduate Indian medical students and junior doctors, who would have been affected by

Life-term for rapeUDAIPUR: A 32-year-old hotel manager was sentenced on Wednesday to life imprisonment by a court here for raping a British journalist in December last year. He was also sentenced to seven years RI for house trespass with an intention to commit an offence. PTI

the rules introduced in April 2006, the Lords judgment marked the end of a hardfought legal battle led by the British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (BAPIO). The ruling was particularly embarrassing to the government as it had insisted on approaching the House of Lords directly despite being refused leave to appeal by the Appeals Court last October when it ruled in favour of the doctors. It came barely three weeks after the government suffered a setback in the High Court in its bid to alter rules for the Highly-Skilled Migrants Programme (HSMP),

involving some 30,000 Indian workers. A Department of Health spokesman said: We are disappointed that the Lords have ruled that our guidance [in relation to new rules] as it stood was unlawful. BAPIOs president Ramesh Mehta said the ruling vindicated its position that the government had acted without thinking through the damaging consequences of its policy. The controversy, which made headlines around the world, related to the governments bid to apply retrospectively new rules barring hospitals from employing or

offering training posts to non-EU doctors unless they were able to demonstrate that no suitable U.K. or E.U. candidate was available. Some 16,000 doctors mostly from Asia and Africa who came to Britain under the old rules, which allowed them to train and work in government hospitals without needing work permit, suddenly found themselves stranded. Many out-of-work Indian doctors with no means to support themselves took to queuing at local temples and gurdwaras for free food. Some doctors were driven to taking their own lives.

METROPLUS 8 Pages

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Nalini moves Madras High Court seeking premature releaseSpecial CorrespondentCHENNAI: The Madras High Court has ordered notice to the respondents on a plea by S. Nalini, who is serving life imprisonment in the case relating to Rajiv Gandhis assassination, seeking premature release. The notice is returnable by June 10. In her petition, Nalini submitted that the death sentence on her was commuted to life imprisonment. Under the Cr.P.C. she had to complete 14 years of imprisonment for premature release, for which she was eligible from June 18, 2005, since she had completed 14 years on June 17, 2005. However, her name was not considered either in 2005 or 2006 or even 2007. She submitted that the Advisory Board, Special Pris-

Says Advisory Board did not recommend her case Rejection of request by government arbitraryon for Women at Vellore, did not recommend her case. On October 31 last year, the government issued an order rejecting her request for premature release on the basis of the recommendation of the Additional Director-General of Prison. It was against this she led the writ petition. Nalini said the rejection of her request by the State government based on the recommendation of the Additional Director-General of Prison was arbitrary, illegal

and without exercising the rules framed in the Tamil Nadu Prison Rules, 1983. Without considering her earned remission, the prison authorities sent a report to the government. Though the Probation Ofcer on March January 3, 2005 did not recommend her premature release, on July 1, 2007, he sent a report that she could be released prematurely with certain stringent conditions. The report of the Advisory Board of December 28, 2006 and the subsequent order of the State Government were liable to be set aside, the petition said. In her interim prayer, she sought a stay of the proceedings of the Advisory Board and the State governments order. When the matter came up

before Justice P.Jyothimani on Wednesday, S.Doraisamy, senior counsel for Nalini, said the constitution of the Advisory Board itself was improper. In the present case alone, the Collector, the Principal Sessions Judge and the Superintendent of Special Prison for Women, Vellore were appointed Chairman and Members respectively. As per the rules, the Inspector-General of Prison alone would be the Chairman and there should be other six members, including the Regional Probation Ofcer and one or more non-ofcial members. The Additional Director-General of Prison had no say and his recommendation could not form the basis for the government to take a decision, he said.

Water meters mandatory for all buildingsK.LakshmiCHENNAI: Chennai Metrowater has made installation of water ow meters mandatory for all residential and commercial buildings with sump connections. They have been asked to install the meters by May 31. Earlier, multi-storied and special buildings had been asked to install the meters and Metrowater started issuing notices from March. A total of 38,500 structures, including individual houses, have already received the notices. The deadline for them ended on Wednesday, but is being extended to May 31. According to a Metrowater

had xed water meters as on Wednesday. The monthly reading for water meters xed till now began in April. Several residents complained that they found it difcult to purchase the meters. Residents such as C.G. Ratnam of Anna Nagar said the xed rate of Rs.15 per kilo litre was high for households, whose consumption was relatively less than that of multistoreyed buildings. Making a comparison with similar systems in Bangalore and HydFLOW MONITORS: Water meters on display at erabad (that follow the slab T.Nagar ofce of Metrowater. PHOTO: S.S. KUMAR rate system), he said while ofcial, the decision to cover connections, barring supply the rate was Rs.12 for two kilo all the buildings with water through hand pumps. litres in those cities, it worked sump connections is in line Out of the 38,500-odd out to Rs.30 for two kilo litres with the proposal to meter all buildings identied, 9,668 in Chennai.CH-CH

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THE HINDU

THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2008

CITYCampaign on girls healthSpecial CorrespondentTAMBARAM: The prevalence of anaemia, deciency of red blood cells due to low intake of Iron, continues to be high among adolescent girls in rural areas in the southern suburbs of Chennai even as the Integrated Child Development Services has been carrying on a campaign among the girls on better nutrition, personal health and hygiene and their rights. The ICDS has two blocks in the southern suburbs St. Thomas Mount and Alandur and its staff here have commenced awareness programmes on sensitising girls between 11 and 19 years of age to these important issues. In both the blocks, 30 batches, comprising 30 girl students each from different schools, have been trained. During the course of the two-day programme, girl students are briefed on the importance of a balanced diet and necessity to consume grains, cereals and other items that were rich in minerals, vitamins and Iron. ICDS staff told The Hindu that Iron deciency was the most common ailment among adolescent girls in the southern suburbs. This would make the girls weak and could also lead to complications during pregnancy. And the present awareness programme was part of the Information, Education and Communication campaign, they said. The staff said that while they would brief on better nutrition, doctors from Primary Health Centres would talk to the girls on personal hygiene in addition to giving tips on better health. As worm infestation was another problem, the girls were also briefed on steps to prevent it, which included wearing of proper, protected footwear.

Aid for shermen during ban periodThe State government will pay Rs.500 per family of shermen during the 45-day mandatory shing ban period, Fisheries Minister K.P.P. Samy has said: Page 10

Articial joints with long-term durability launchedMIOT Hospitals on Wednesday announced the launch of a family of articial joints with long-term durability, high exion and bone-bonding attributes: Page 10

Evening of entertainment and educationAs part of the World Asthma Awareness Day, Asthma and Allergy Resource Centre is organising an evening of entertainment and education at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Mylapore, at 5.30 p.m.

Miles to go

Business schools urged to provide reality checkThey should not ignore national decit, poverty and illiteracy

A MOMENT TO CHERISH: Students at the annual convocation of the Great Lakes Institute of Management in Chennai on Wednesday. PHOTO: K. V. SRINIVASANSpecial CorrespondentCHENNAI: In the middle of an

BEFORE SHE SLEEPS: No burden is big burden when it supports your near and dear. A caring mother and a restful baby spotted at the Central Station. PHOTO: M.VEDHAN

economic boom, Indian business schools must provide a reality check too, N. Ram, Editor-in-Chief of The Hindu, said on Wednesday. Speaking at the convocation of the Great Lakes Institute of Management here, he urged business schools not to ignore factors such as the national decit, the countrys poor human development indicators and the massive challenges of poverty, illiteracy and poor healthcare. While India could be justly proud of its high growth rate,

especially in the services and international trade sectors, its young population and its status as a favoured destination for foreign investment, business leaders must be aware of the challenges facing the country, he said. Mr. Ram pointed to Amartya Sens denition of freedom as development and endorsed an approach to measuring success by how well a society provides its members with the opportunities to achieve valuable human functioning. His [Sens] kind of literature must be introduced in business education. Satyam Computers chair-

man Ramalinga Raju, who delivered the valedictory address, spoke about what the industry would expect from new graduates. They needed to demonstrate leadership, not just management skills, because this was a time of rapid change. Your success is going to depend on how well you can manage changeAnd companies will expect you to demonstrate leadership from day one, not in the due course of time. In the current context, companies would also expect their new employees to be willing to shoulder risk. Mr. Raju urged the students to be goal-oriented.

That does not mean xating on your goal and going on to auto-pilot, he said. Instead, its more like driving on Indian roads. If you take your eye off the road for one instant, you will end up in an accident. The 200-odd students who received their postgraduate diplomas and executive MBAs on Wednesday may be the last to graduate from the institutes current premises at Saidapet. Schools founder and honorary dean Bala V. Balachandran said the school expected to move to its new campus on East Coast Road in time for the next years convocation.

Workshop gives inputs for draft policy on eco-tourismChief Secretary stresses responsible tourism initiativesSpecial CorrespondentCHENNAI: Stakeholders in the tourism industry gave inputs for preparing a draft policy on eco-tourism projects at a regional workshop on eco-tourism governance on Wednesday. The workshop was organised by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC), the Inter-State Council Secretariat of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, the Tamil Nadu Tourism Department and Yes Bank. Inaugurating the workshop, Chief Secretary L.K. Tripathy wanted the stakeholders of eco-tourism ven-

tures to engage themselves in responsible tourism initiatives. The Government would play the role of a facilitator. The Government had embarked on a Rs.25-crore Marina Beach beautication programme through the Corporation of Madras. The Tourism Department was focussing on rural tourism and promoting heritage and Chettinad tourism. Tourism and Culture Department Secretary V. Irai Anbu said the workshop was crucial to the State, since tourism was booming and there was an imperative need for the Government to improve the tourism-related infrastructure without affecting the

environment. Tushar Pandey, Country Head, Strategic Initiatives and Advisory Government, Yes Bank, said that as part of the exercise of drafting a national framework for eco-tourism ventures, regional workshops were being held in different States. M. Rajaram, Commissioner of Tourism and Managing Director, TTDC, said that a campaign, with a view to promoting eco-friendly practices and tourist-friendly culture, was launched through the Virunthinar Potruthum initiative. Eco-tourism accounted for 28 per cent of tourist arrival in the State, he said..

Chief Secretary L. K. Tripathy handing over the rst copy of a book to Tourism Secretary V. Irai Anbu at a workshop in Chennai on Wednesday. TTDC Managing Director M. Rajaram and Country Head (Strategic Initiatives and Advisory Government),Yes Bank, Tushar Pandey, are in the picture. PHOTO : R. RAVINDRAN

Eight persons honoured for excellence in construction industryBuilders Award given at a function organised by Southern Centre of Builders Association of IndiaStaff ReporterCHENNAI: Eight persons who

have excelled in their area of operation in the construction industry were honoured with the Builders Award at a function organised by the Southern Centre of Builders Association of India (BAI) here on Wednesday. The awards were classied under four categories construction contractors, builders and promoters, those who construct dams and bridges, and those who have used innovative materials for construction. L.Murthy, Ravi Meenakshi Sundaram and T.V. Ramakrishnan were given awards under the category of construction contractors. Rajeeva Constructions and Rajarathinam Constructions bagged the award for their structures under the category of builders. While T.Chitty Babu, managing director of Akshaya Homes Private Limited received the award for the cate-

gory of promoters, R.P.P. Selva Sundaram, chairman of R.P.P. Selvam Infrastructure Private Limited was conferred with the award for using innovative construction material. He used crust sand instead of river sand in his projects. The recipients received their awards from the president (Construction) and Member of Larsen & Toubro Limited K.V. Rangaswamy. Awards Committee chairman of BAI K.K.Chowdary said the awards were being given for the tenth consecutive year and recognised the efforts of the stakeholders in the industry. Mr.Rangaswamy highlighted the need to check the increasing price of raw materials. The occasion also turned out to be a felicitation function for former BAI president and chairman of Gammons India Limited T.N.Subbu Rao who celebrated his 80th birthday recently. BAIs southern centre chairman M.K.Sundaram spoke.

IN RECOGNITION: Construction contractor L.Murthy receiving the Builders Award from president (construction) and board member of Larsen & Toubro Limited K.V.Rangaswamy at a function in Chennai on Wednesday. The association chairman M.K.Sundaram (right), and former chairman of Gammons of India Limited T.N.Subba Rao (second from right), are in the picture. PHOTO: R.RAGUCH-CH

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CITYResidents seek modern ticketing systemIntegrate Metro Rail stations with other transport modes Staff ReporterCHENNAI: The need for a mod-

Elected member of accounts panelCHENNAI: DMK councillor E.

Devaki (ward 14) was unanimously elected as a member of the Chennai Corporation Standing Committee for accounts and audit on Tuesday. The post had fallen vacant when councillor R. Sridhar, who was a member of the committee, recently died in a road accident.

MTC to take the road ahead for more revenueStaff ReporterCHENNAI: The Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) has several plans to increase its non-tariff revenue, including letting out on rent the rst oor space at bus terminii and depots. It also proposes to rent out space for advertising on the rear side of 1,000 new buses. Announcing this here on Wednesday, Transport Minister K.N. Nehru said that despite competition from suburban railways, autorickshaws and share-autos, the MTC in the last two years has been able to show an increase in its revenue. At present, we serve about 44 lakh commuters every day and the ticket collection is Rs.1.58 lakh, he said. The Minister was speaking at a function to inaugurate a diesel pump calibration machine installed by Bosch at MTCs workshop on Pattulos Road, off Anna Salai. According to a representative of Bosch, MTC is the rst State Transport Corporation in the country to take this step. Mr. Nehru also distributed settlement arrears to the staff, released a BS III Engine manual in Tamil and gave prizes for fuel efciency to drivers. The Minister said that Rs. 15 crore had been allotted for cleaning the buses and steps were being taken to add new

Diesel pump calibration machine installed on Pattulos Road

Diabetes care campOf the over 100 persons who participated in a diabetes care camp in Valmiki Nagar, Thiruvanmiyur on Sunday, 14 per cent were found to be in the pre-diabetes stage. Four persons were detected with diabetes. Eighteen persons were already known diabetics. The camp, conducted by Dr. A.Ramachandran Diabetes Hospitals, jointly with India Diabetes Research Foundation and Valmiki Nagar Residents Welfare Association, focussed on preventive and curative care for lifestyle diseases.

Summer campChildrens education wing of The International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISKCONs) will conduct a summer camp for children between 7 15 years from May 2 to 15. A press release said the camp would be held every day from 10 a.m. to 12 noon expect on Sundays at 1879 A, Flat 2 B, 2nd Floor, 18th Main Road, Anna Nagar (West). For registration call 93806 66794 or 26180272 (after 6 p.m.).

ern ticketing system and integration of the Metro Rail stations with the other modes of public transport for better connectivity was emphasised by participants at the public hearing here on Wednesday for the proposed Chennai Metro Rail project. The forenoon session at Aminjikarai had participants from areas including Thirumangalam, Anna Nagar, Shenoy Nagar and places near Kilpauk Medical College and Hospital. Residents wanted userfriendly approach roads to the proposed stations and proper interchange station facility to be provided in the project. A Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) ofcial said an efcient system, evolved after taking note of the deciencies of the other transECO-FRIENDLY: Transport Minister K.N. Nehru inaugurating a diesel pump port systems, would be calibration machine at the MTC workshop on Pattulos Road on Wednesday. implemented with proper in PHOTO: R.RAGU terchange stations. Rajamohan, a resident of routes and provide extension belonging to the trade union ru, who was on the dais, had afliated to Dravida Munne- to intervene and separate the Mogappair, regretted that services. Mogappair, one of the fast deRegarding welfare mea- tra Kazhagam clashed at the groups. A rivalry during union veloping areas, did not gure sures for the staff, he said or- function in the presence of elections held sometime ago in the project. He suggested ders to appoint 335 persons the Minister. Trouble began when a was said to be the cause for that the route be slightly dion compassionate grounds verted to include Ambattur would be passed within a group of men, who tried to the clash. A driver was injured and Industrial Estate and Mogapcouple of weeks, the commit- enter the function venue, tee set up to modify the pen- were prevented by another several people were beaten pair. The ofcial assured that sion scheme had already met group, which also shut the up in the incident. After the the areas would be covered in and promotions were being gates. When the Minister en- groups had settled down, the the second phase of the progiven. Transport Secretary tered the venue, the group Minister expressed serious ject. On queries about the tickDevendranath Sarangi and standing outside gained en- concern over the behaviour MTC Managing Director M. try. Once inside, the mem- of the staff at a public func- eting system, the ofcial said bers of the two groups tion. an integrated ticketing soluRamasubramanian spoke. resorted to sticuffs. A few of The police, however, said tion smart card would Clash them also used steel rods and they have not received any be introduced to facilitate Earlier, two groups of men belts to hit others. Mr. Neh- complaint. travel across different modes

A participant raising a query at the public hearing on the Chennai Metro Rail project in Aminjikarai on Wednesday. PHOTO: K.PICHUMANIof public transport. Bus terminals would be established to connect the metro rail stations. Residents also raised concerns over use of ground water for the project as it might affect the water table in the city. In response, an ofcial said that the ground water would be used judiciously after consulting the State Pollution Control Board and Chennai Metrowater. About the noise pollution, particularly during the construction of the underground stations, the ofcial said a modern technology of tunnel boring machines would be deployed to minimise the noise levels to near zero. Several residents also raised their concern over the stability of the buildings, acquisition of their property and security issues at the meeting. A CMRL ofcial said that the construction of the underground stations would not affect the buildings and proper security measures would be adopted in the stations. Some of the other queries include the location of the stations and notice period for acquiring private property. The ofcials said the project envisaged minimal acquisition of private lands and properties. Specic details about exact locations of the stations, private property acquisition, compensation and rehabilitation measures would be discussed in the next series of meetings scheduled in June. A similar public hearing was held in the afternoon for the residents of Velachery, Saidapet and Guindy in which participants sought clarication about various aspects of the project and the compensation to those affected by it.

Housing is an inevitable investment as well, for many youthsEasy availability of loans, tax breaks are prime reasons now and they have enjoyedKannal AchuthanCHENNAI: Amudha and Kumar, a young couple from south Tamil Nadu, did not waste too much time buying a house when they decided to settle in Chennai. They are glad that they made the decision, although raising money for the initial down payment was not easy. Their independent house near Kattankulathur about 30 km from Chennai cost Rs.7.5 lakh a year and a half ago. The value has tripled

Security ofce ransackedStaff ReporterKANCHEEPURAM:

Rental costs are high. Id rather put more money into EMIs for housing loan repayment Enhancement of limit on priority sector lending for the housing sector is a fresh incentivea house, we decided we would too, said Kumar, who is in his early thirties. Several mid-career professionals have taken housing loans to buy well-appointed homes in the heart of the city. S. Rajkumar took a housing loan from IDBI Bank to buy an apartment in 2005. The at, located on Royapettah High Road, cost Rs. 2,900 per square feet then. The going value in the area is Rs. 8,200 per square feet now. Housing is turning really costly, said Rajkumar, secure in the knowledge that he has made a sound investment. Young IT professionals say that EMI payments take a heavy toll on their pay packets but say they would rather own than rent. Rental costs are so high. Id rather put more money into EMIs because I will have my own place in about 10 years, said

REALTY CHECK26-year-old R. Daniel, an employee of a nancial services rm, who owns a house in Purasawalkam. R.K. Sinha, deputy general manager of Bank of Baroda, is witness to the trend of young people buying homes early into their careers. Especially with double incomes and banks liberally giving loans, he said. The limit on priority sector lending for the housing sector has recently been moved up from Rs. 20 lakh to Rs. 30 lakh. This is a fresh incentive for banks to market their home loan products up to Rs. 30 lakh, said Mr. Sinha.

Philately workshopSouth India Philatelists Association, Chennai and ABK-AOTS Dosokai, Tamilnadu Centre will jointly organise a free summer workshop on philately and quiz competition on philately for city school students on May 10. A press release said the event is to be held between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at ABK AOTS Dosokai, Tamilnadu Centre on 37, Nelson Manickam Road, Aminjikarai.

tax benets. A large section of young people, only a few years into their careers, are opting to buy homes as an investment. The easy availability of housing loans, the need to curb their tax deductions and the appreciation in real estate value are the primary reasons why they decide to buy a place for themselves. Peer pressure also seems to be working on their minds. I had not really thought about buying a home. But some relatives of ours only a few years older than us bought

Computers and furniture in the security ofce on the Hyundai Motor India Limited factory premises at Irrungattukottai were allegedly damaged by a group of employees on Tuesday night. According to police, a group of employees, who were agitated by the refusal of the management to permit

them to form a union, entered into a brawl with the security staff. In the melee, computers and furniture at the security ofce were damaged. On Wednesday morning the employees staged a demonstration in front of the manufacturing plant, demanding that they be allowed to form an employees union. All of them were removed to a marriage hall, the police said.

Sanskrit classesFree classes on spoken Sanskrit are to be conducted by Samskrita Bharati from May 1 to 9. Those aged above 10 could participate in the programme and prior knowledge of Sanskrit is not required, said a press release. For registration, contact: 28472632 or 28472639.

Thailand woman arrested with 4.9 kg of heroin at airportSpecial Correspondent suspicion. A search of her handbag revealed nothCHENNAI: Ofcials of the Air ing, so the ofcials reIntelligence Unit of the called her checked-in Customs arrested a 25- suitcase. year-old Thailand woman The inner portion of the after seizing heroin from back end of the suitcase her at the Chennai airport looked bulged a bit, and on Tuesday. the inner cloth layer was C. Rajan, Commission- found tampered with. er of Customs, Airport, Cutting open the inner said ofcials intercepted cloth lining, the authorPunsakon Patcharut on ities found four polytheneVision: Presentation of Nataka Ratna Award, Narada Gana Sabha, Alwarpet, 6-15 p.m. Illakiya Mandram: Paavendar birth anniversary, Kuralarangam, 3, 4th Cross St., LIC Colony, Pammal, 5-30 p.m. The Indian Fine Arts Society: Celebration of G.N.B. Day, Bala Mandir German Hall, Prakasam St., T.Nagar, 6 p.m.

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contraband would be received by someone at Kuala Lumpur. She tried to smuggle the contraband after she was promised a tourist trip to Trip promised India. The passenger told the This was the largest ofcials that she had gone quantity of heroin seized to New Delhi from Thai- by the Customs at the land, where a stranger Chennai airport in the handed over a suitcase past decade, Mr Rajan containing the drug. The added. packets of heroin pasted on the top and bottom back ends of the suitcase. The bags contained 4.9 kg of heroin.p.m. Madras Management Association and Saviance Technologies and Disney Institute, USA: Meeting, Hotel Sheraton Chola, Cathedral Rd., 9 a.m. Nandini Voice For The Deprived: Meeting, Dakshinamoorthy Auditorium, P.S. HSS., Mylapore, 10 a.m. Indian Overseas Bank: Seminar, Community Hall, Singanna Chetty St,. Chintadripet, 9 a.m. YMCA: Meeting, West Cott Rd., Royapettah, 6-30 p.m. Apollo College of Nursing: College Day, Ayanambakkam, 8-30 a.m. Manonmani Trust: Valediction of summer training programme, Government High School, Manimekalai St., Peerkankaranai, Perungalathur, 4 p.m. Pammal Sankara Eye Hospital: Free eye camp, Aimathaji Matriculation School, Balaji Nagar, Athipattu, 8-30 a.m. Rotary Club of Madras, T.Nagar: Meeting, Hotel Benzz Park, 6-30 p.m. Lions Club of Chennai Periamet: Meeting, 2nd Floor, Perianna Maistry St., Periamet, 6-30 p.m. Periyar Library Readers Circle: Meeting, Periyar Thidal, Vepery, 7 p.m. Mahaa Fine Arts: Awards ceremony, Rani Seethai Hall, 2-30 p.m. Sri Madhwa Seva Sangha: Book release, Sathsangam Hall, Sathsangam Rd., Madipakkam, 5 p.m. Alcoholics Anonymous: Meetings, Church of Christ, W-76, Anna Nagar; Church of Victorious Cross, Jawaharlal Nehru Salai, Ashok Nagar; Shifa Hospital Triplicane High Rd., St. Sebastian Church (Near Antony Hospital) Madhavaram; St. Velankanni Church, Besant Nagar; Victory Child Development Centre, Muthalamman St., Selaiyur, 7 p.m.

CHENNAI TODAY

RELIGION

Bhagavatham: B. Sundarkumar, P.S.B.B. School, K.K Nagar, 6-30 p.m. Narayaneeyam: Narasimhan, Sri Desikan Pravachana Mandapam, 1, 26th St., Thillai Ganga Nagar, Nanganallur, 7 p.m. Kaivalya Upanishad: S. Vasudevan, 11, 1st Avenue, Thiruvalluvar Nagar, Thiruvanmiyur, 6-30 p.m. Nalayiradivyaprabandham: Kokkalaijerajan, W-146 Anna Nagar West Extn., 10-30 a.m. Prapanchasaram: V. Rajagopala Ganapadigal, Sri Sankara Gurukulam, Abhiramapuram, 7 p.m. Venu Ganam: Subbaraman and Alamelu, 24, 3rd St., Raghava Reddy Colony, Ashok Nagar, 7 p.m. Thirumandiram: M. K.

Prabaharamoorthy, Marundeeswarar Temple, Thiruvanmiyur, 7 p.m.; K.Sivakumar, Saiva Samaya Bakta Jana Sabai, Mint St., 7 p.m. Sri Ramana Sankirtanam: Dakshajananda, Sri Ramakrishna Math, Mylapore, 7 p.m. Aadhi Sankararar Charithram: Muralidhara, 4, Balasubramanian Cross St., Nemilicherry, Chromepet, 7 p.m. Namasankeerthanam: V. Sundararajan, Chromepet Sri Ram Bajan Mandali, 12, Netaji Nagar, Chromepet, 7 p.m.

GENERAL

CULTURE

Saraswathi Educational Cultural and Charitable Trust: Inauguration of Vasant Utsav 2008, Kapaleeswarar Temple, Mylapore, 6 p.m. Nataka Academy and Priya

All India Federation of Other Backward Classes Employees Welfare Associations: Meeting to felicitate Union Minister V. Narayanasamy and Member of Parliament V. Hanumantha Rao, Russian Cultural Centre, Alwarpet, 10-30 a.m. The Second World Conference on Siddha Philosophy: Meeting, Tattvaloka auditorium, 76, Eldams Rd., Teynampet, 4-30 p.m. Dignity Foundation: Dental Health for Senior citizens, YWCA Club Room, Poonamallee High Rd., 4-30

Printed and Published by N. Ram on behalf of KASTURI & SONS LTD., at the National Press, Kasturi Buildings, 859 & 860, Anna Salai, Chennai-600002 & at Plot B-6 & B-7, CMDA Industrial Complex, Maraimalai Nagar, Chengleput Taluk, Kancheepuram Dist., Pin: 603209. Editor-in-Chief: N. Ram (Editor responsible for selection of news under the PRB Act).CH-CH

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CITY

CHENNAI

THE HINDU

THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2008

Clarion call for giving more teeth to child labour lawState-level consultation held to mark Anti-Child Labour Day

5 villages aiming for sanitation awardK.ManikandanTAMBARAM: Five villages in the

southern suburbs of Chennai are competing for the coveted Nirmal Gram Puraskar of the Central government. The award is in recognition of the efforts of rural local bodies to implement all the schemes under the Total Sanitation Campaign. There are 25 village panchayats in St. Thomas Mount Panchayat Union (Mount Block) where the Total Sanitation Campaign of the Ministry of Rural Development and the State government is currently on. And to encourage rural bodies, its administrators, ward members and residents to participate in improving levels of sanitation and hygiene, the Centre has been distributing the Nirmal Gram (beautiful villages) Puraskar awards annually. And ve among them Sithalapakkam, Kaarapakkam, Vengaivaasal, Tiruvanchery and Mudichur village

CLEAN VILLAGE: The womens sanitary complex in Sithalapakkam. PHOTO: K. MANIKANDANpanchayats were selected to compete for the award for 2007-08. Ofcials of the District Rural Development Agency and the staff of Total Sanitation Campaign initiated awareness programmes among all sections in these rural local bodies on the importance of clean and green villages. The parameters for eligibility included no open defecation, no dumping of garbage in public spaces and along roads. While collecting garbage including kitchen waste from households was not a problem, preventing open defecation was not easy. To achieve this, residents were encouraged to build their own toilets attached to their houses or near them. Those who could not afford them were brought under the Individual House Hold Toilet scheme of TSC where government subsidies were extended. Apart from houses,

panchayat union primary and middle schools, Integrated Child Development Service centres too needed to have well-maintained toilets. And it was mandatory for these villages to have functional womens sanitary complexes to be eligible for the award. The Information Education Campaign included awareness rallies, distribution of pamphlets on disposing garbage, maintenance of toilets and drawing of eyecatching advertisements and slogans. Ofcials said Indian Bank, Hand in Hand, an NGO and Titanium Tantulum, a corporate rm, helped implement some of the sanitation schemes in Tiruvanchery, Mudichur and Vengaivaasal village panchayats. An inspection by a team of ofcials is expected soon and the awards announced a little later. The award includes a cash prize between Rs. 2 lakh and Rs. 5 lakh and the sum would be used to implement additional sanitation schemes.

Jewellery, cash stolenwith jewelry and cash. According to police, the KANCHEEPURAM: Thieves theft came to light when insneaked into a house near Sri mates of the house found a Kamakshiamman temple bureau in the puja room here in the wee hours of open and the materials scatWednesday and decamped tered on the oor. Staff Reporter

HELPING HAND: A child extending support to a protest against child labour in Chennai on Wednesday.PHOTO: R.SHIVAJI RAO

Staff ReporterCHENNAI:

The Campaign Against Child Labour Tamilnadu (CACL TN) has underscored the need for providing more teeth to the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act. The Act does not provide for any imprisonments for errant employers, representatives of the non-governmental organisation said on Wednesday. The Act only has provisions for imposing nes. Similarly it has been laid down that the age of the child

their children to work.Siluvai Vasthian, State convener, CACL TN, V. Vasanthi Devi, former Chairperson, Tamil Nadu State Commission for It only has provisions for imposing nes Women, and R. Madhan Mohan, Joint Commissioner, must be certied by a med- organised by CACL TN to Department of Labour, ical ofcer. This clause can mark Anti Child Labour Day spoke at the consultation. be done away with and in- on April 30, he said the word A protest demanding total stead age proof such as trans- regulation must be removed eradication of child labour fer certicates or ration from the Act and it must deal was held in the evening. cards could be used, ex- only with prohibition. CACL-TN also sought a joint plained S. Thomas Jayaraj, The CACL was pushing for monitoring mechanism to former State Convenor of intensifying the implemen- monitor child labour in variCACL TN. tation of Employment Guar- ous sectors and a common Speaking after a State-lev- antee Act and Minimum school system to ensure el consultation on Eradica- Wages Act as a measure quality education up to +2 tion of Child Labour, against the parents sending levels.

The word regulation must be removed from the Act

CINEMA ARTS EVENTS

hendras latest, recent decent Comedy Play SWADESHI AYYAR, by Chitralaya Sriram. AAA/ABI, Sridevi Fine Arts Dramatised by Y. Gee. Ma4-5-08 Sunday, 6-45 p.m., Va- hendra. Bkg. From 9-01 a.m. ni Mahal A/c (Mahasamy Ph: 98400-77987, 98841Hall), Cine Fame Radha 23453. Ravis Record created Play RATHAKANNEER. Bkg. Mudhra (28220453) Today, 9841052165. www At RKM School, 71, Bazullah ticketnew.com Road, T.Nagar, 10th May: RAGAM SISTERS. 25th: NaAmman Arts/ Priya masankeerthanam by BHAKToday at 7 p.m. at Rani Seeth- THASWARAA BHAJAN ai Hall, Crazy Mohans MAR- MANDALI. One music and RIAGE MADE IN SALOON. one drama or dance a month. Tomorrow 7 p.m.: MAADHU Membership Open for 2008. PLUS 2. Bkg. at the Hall from 9 a.m. Ph: 98409-13298, Narada Gana Sabha (Regd.), Chennai-18. Ph: 24993201 32005425. Programme for May 08 Bharathanjali 06th: In association with Present Bharathanatyam on Saraswathi Vaggeyakara Maharaja Swathi Tirunal Trust, Shyama Sastri JayanKritis by MEDHAHARI, thi Day Smt. SUGUNA PUSATHIVIKAA SHANKAR, RUSHOTHAMAN, Usha YATIN AGARWAL, Disciples Rajagopalan, Ganapathi Raof Smt. Anitha Guha, Today man. 11th Main Hall: Pala6-45 p.m. at Krishna Gana ni Subramania Pillai Day Sabha, T.Nagar. Madurai T. N. SESHAGOPALAN & Party. 11th Mini Hamsadhwani Hall: In association with SaVaggeyakara Programmes for May 9th: raswathi Bharathanatyam by SWE- Trust, Thyagaraja Jayanthi THA RAVISHANKAR. 24th Day T. V. RAMPRASADH, May: Maharajapuram RA- Mysore Srikanth, R. Ramesh MACHANDRAN Vocal and 17th: Mayan Theatres KETMonthly Semmangudi Birth TALE ADIRUTHILLA by Centenary Concert to be Raadhu. 17th: Natyarangam Bharathanatyam, 6 p.m.: announced. NANDITHA JAYAKUMAR; Kartik Fine Arts, 24997788 7-30 p.m.: KIRAN RAJAGOPerformances for May 08 PAL (Both Disciples of A. 6th: NGS Mini Hall, Swathi Lakshmanan). 18th: NatyaThirunal Day, 6-00 p.m.: Bha- rangam Lec-Dem. by rathanatyam by ARAVINDA SEETHA RATHNAKAR HARIRAM; 7-30 p.m.: Dance Choreography for SAHANARAJ. 7th to 10th Television. 23rd: Saint ThiMay at NGS Mini Hall, Talent rugnanasambandar Vizha Promotion Bharathanatyam Sri T. V. Venkataraman with nancial aid from Tamil Speaks on the LIFE & Nadu Iyal Isai Nataka Man- TEACHINGS OF SAINT SAMdram. 14th at Kalyan Nager BANDAR, Music by VijayaAssn. Hall, 5-15 p.m.: Devo- lakshmi Rajaraman. 24th: tional Music of RAMJIs Isai Crazy Creations New Play Mazhalai Ladies Group; 7-00 CHOCOLATE KRISHNA by p.m.: Music by Smt. RAJINI Crazy Mohan. 30th: In assoHARIHARAN & Party. 16th ciation with Papanasam Bavan Main Hall, Music by Sivan Rasikar Manram Madurai G. GEETHA & Par- Trichy RAMESH & Party. ty. Sponsored by BSNL CHENNAI TELEPHONES. Nataka Academy & Priya Vision 20th Dakshinamurthy Hall, Ph: 24617559/ 9840787249 5-15 p.m.: PADMASESHA- Presents Nalli Navarasa NaDRI SISTERS and Party; taka Utsav at Narada Gana 6-50: Gnana Thondralgal Sabha Hall A/c, TTK Road, Maha Periyaval MYLAI Chennai, Selected 11 Best SISTERS. Sponsored by SRI Plays, Today 10-00 a.m.: K. R. KRISHNA SWEETS. 23rd at Selvaraja in ASWATTHAANGS Hall, Crazy Creations in- MAA (By Srikavi), Shri R. presides. augural show CHOKLATE Krishnaswami KRISHNA by Crazy Mohan. Felicitations: Nada Brahm25th at MFAC, Chennai Dra- mam Kunnakkudi R. Vaidyama House inaugurate KAN- nathan, Shri A. Natarajan in DAPADI KANDUPIDI by the presence of Thava Thiru Swamigal Vivek Rajagopal. 1st June: Kagabujander Award Presentation at NGS (Kollimalai). Tickets at Hall Hall, 7-15 p.m.: Kudanthai from 9-00 a.m. Contact: Mali presents NAMMA- 9940091447. VARGAL.

MUSIC DANCE DRAMA

Sabha Hall A/c, TTK Road, Chennai, 6-15 p.m.: Nataka Rathna Award Conferred on T. V. VARADARAJAN by Iyyagunar Sigaram Sri K. Balachandar, Padmasri Dr. Nalli Kuppuswami Chetti presides. Felicitations by Shri R. Krishnaswamy, Secretary, Narada Gana Sabha, Shri A. Natarajan, Former Director, Doordarshan Kendra, Sri L. Sabarathnam, CEO, Coramandal Sugars, Shri M. Murali, Sri Krishna Sweets, Shri Y. Gee. Mahendra, Sri S. Vee. Shekar, Sri R. Marimuthu, President, Nataka Academy participate. All Sabhas and Troops are Welcome.

nyasam on KAMBARAMAYANAM by Trichy K. KALYANARAMAN (Rasikas Welcome). Maharaja Swathi Tirunal Jayanthi, Veterans Day Concert, 24th 6-15 p.m.: Smt. PARASSALA B. PONNAMMAL (Rendering of Swathi Tirunal Kritis), Lalgudi Vijayalakshmi (Violin) & Trivandrum R. Vaidhyanathan (Mirudangam), Pudukottai N. Ramachandran (Ghatam).

Sri Thyaga Brahma Gana Sabha Vani Mahal, T.Nagar. Phone: 28152166Programmes for May 2008, 3rd: Y. GEE. Mahendras SWADESHI IYER by Chitralaya Sriram. 10th: Vocal Concert by SANGEETHA SIVAKUMAR & Party. 17th: Amirtham Gopal in Gitanjalis MALARE KURUNJI MALARE. From 23rd to 31st Daily at 06-30 p.m.: Upanyasam on Selected Topics from SRIMAD BHAGAVATHAM by Brahmasri. B. SUNDARAKUMAR.

Nataka Academy & Priya Vision Ph: 24617559/ 9840787249Presents Nalli Navarasa Nataka Utsav at Narada Gana Sabha Hall A/c, TTK Road, Chennai, 7-15 p.m.: Y. Gee. Mahendras latest Comedy Play SWADESHI AIYAR (By Chitralaya Sriram). Tickets at Hall from 9-00 a.m. Contact: 9940091447. Sponsors: NALLI LIFE LINE HOSPITALS ROTARY CLUB OF MADRAS MOUNT STATE BANK OF INDIA IOB IOCL MANGALDEEP POOJA AGARPATHIS DEZIERE DIABETIC SWEETS RADIO MIRCHI DINAMALAR TICKETS NEW.COM MEYYAPPA JEWELLERY CPCL.

The Indian Fine Arts Society, Balamandir German Hall, Prakasam Street, T.Nagar. (Tel: 28345441)Today Sri GNB Day Celebrations, 4-30 p.m.: AMRITHA VENKATESH S. P. Ananthapadmanabha Hanumanthapuyram J. Bhuvaraghan Nanganallur S. Swaminathan; 6-00 p.m.: Talk on Sri GNB by Sri Chengalpattu RANGANATHAN; 6-20 p.m.: Felicitations to Sangeetha Kalasikhamani Sri T. N. Krishnan on his 80th Year; 6-45 p.m. T. N. KRISHNAN Viji Krishnan Natarajan Thiruvarur Bakthavatsalam Vaikom Gopalakrishnan. All are Welcome. (Sponsored by Sri M. SUBRAMANIAM FAMILY, Chennai).

Saraswathi Educational, Cultural and Charitable Trust

Inauguration of 5th Vasant Utsav by Smt. Nandini Ramani, Artist, Art Critic and Member, Sangeeth Natak Academy, New Delhi at 6 p.m. at Sri Kapaleeswarar Temple, Mylapore, Guests of Honour: Thiru T. Pitchandi, I.A.S., Spl. Commissioner, H.R. & C.E. and Padmasri Dr. Nalli Kuppuswamy Chetty, Chairman, Board of Trustees, Sri Kapaleeswarar Temple, Bharathanatyam: Kum. MYTHI- The Mylapore Fine Arts Club, LI PRAKASH. Disc. of Smt. Phone: 24997755 Viji Prakash, 6-45 p.m. Program for May 10th: Mappilai Ganesh in PARU Sree Seetharama PARU PATTINAM PARU. Bakthasamajam, 17th: MAANBUMIGU NANRajeswari Nagar, Selaiyur-73. DIVARMAN by T. V. RadhakRamanavami 34th year, To- rishnan. 24th: Kathadi in day 7 p.m.: Smt. GAYATHRI NINAICHADHU ONNU. Last GIRISH Vocal, Melakaveri date for renewal of memberSri Thiyagarajan Violin, ship 31-05-2008. Kallidaikurichi Sivakumar Mridangam. MISCELLANEOUS

Sri Krishna Gana Sabha, T.Nagar, Chennai-17. Ph: 28140806

Telugu Brahmana Mahasabha, Chennai.Today from 7-30 a.m. to 12-30 Noon: SEETHAKALYANAM MAHOSTAVAM, by Thanjavur Sri THIAGARAJA BAGHAVATULU at Sri Kanchi Sankara Mutt, Easwaran Koil Street, West Mambalam, Chennai-33. All are Welcome.CH-CH

Programme for May 2008, Maharaja Swathi Tirunal Jayanthi, Today 1st 6-45 p.m.: Ms. ANITHA GUHAs Nataka Academy & Priya Vision Disciples present in Bharatha Ph: 24617559/ 9840787249 Maha/ Alandur Natyam Maharaja Swathi TiToday Spl. Show 3-30 p.m. at Presents Nalli Navarasa Na- runal Kritis. Tomorrow 2nd Rani Seethai Hall, Y. Gee. Ma- taka Utsav at Narada Gana 16th Daily 6-30 p.m.: Upa-

CHENNAI

THE HINDU

THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2008

CITY

5

May their dawn break out!

Fisheries building demolishedK. LakshmiCHENNAI: A nearly 60-year-old

The building housed the only research facility in citybuilding of the Fisheries Department on Poonamallee High Road, next to the Chetpet Lake, is being demolished. The building, near Kilpauk Medical College and Hospital, housed the only research facility of the Fisheries Department in the city and the ofce of the Assistant Director (Research) and an aquaculture laboratory until last year. A plaque in the building read that the foundation stone for hydrobiological laboratory was laid in May, 1947 by the then Member for Food and Agriculture Rajendra Prasad. Ofcials of the department said the demolition, which began on Monday, has been necessitated in view of its decrepit condition. The ofce and the laboratory have been shifted to another building of the department next to it, which was constructed last year. The Chetpet lake, which is a vital lung space of the city, and the buildings have got a better visibility after the hoardings

The demolition of the building in progress. PHOTO: K.PICHUMANIthat obstructed the view were pulled down. The waterbody, which is spread across about two hectares, is being used for sh culture by the department. Several varieties of sh were bred in the lake and sold to the markets. A Fisheries Department ofcial said that it was the only research facility in the city and the fresh water aquaculture lab tested the water and soil samples for sh culture. These samples are tested for a nominal rate of Rs.20 each for the benet of the farmers. The plaque in the old building would be retained in the new building as a souvenir. The sh species that prey on the mosquito larvae are supplied from the ofce to Chennai Corporation and also to the residents to eradicate mosquitoes. To a query on the possibility of the Fisheries Department land being given to the Kilpauk Medical College and Hospital, the department ofcials said that there was no such proposal as the area adjoining the lake was being used for research facility.

LOAD OF LIFE: Rain or shine, it is yet another day, the laborious pace remaining unchanged. A scene shot at Salt Cotaurs on Wednesday. PHOTO: R. RAGU

Residential campStaff ReporterCHENNAI: A two-day free resi-

The milk of kindness continues to owButtermilk shed at ChromepetK. ManikandanTAMBARAM: On Wednesday, dozens of commuters waiting at the bus shelter in Chromepet under the sweltering summer heat were in for a pleasant surprise when they were offered a refreshing glass of freshly churned buttermilk on the house. For the third year in succession, Shree Gayathri Trust, set up the free buttermilk shed at the Chromepet bus stand. G. Raghavan, managing trustee, said the Trust planned to run the neer more pandal for at least 45 days. The Trust has made its presence felt in Chromepet and nearby areas for its voluntary service in cremation, including that of unclaimed bodies. The idea to start this buttermilk shed was given by one of its well wishers in 2006. There is nothing greater than service to people around us, particularly when it is voluntary, Mr. Raghavan said. The cost of building the temporary shed, buttermilk and curd rice, which is also distributed free to people, are met from the contributions

Bharat Sevak Samaj action plan meetSpecial CorrespondentCHENNAI: The primary objective of the Bharat Sevak Samaj (BSS) is to nd and develop avenues of voluntary service to the people, Nagaland Governor K.Sankara Narayanan said here on Wednesday. Inaugurating the BSS annual action plan meet, he said the organisation would promote national sufciency and build up economic strength of the country, including promotion of social well-being of the communities. Mr. Sankara Narayanan emphasised that for carrying out various tasks of the organisation adequate funds should be made available to its volunteers. A proper system of accounts, audit, records, reports and returns should also be brought into force, he added. According to V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai, Vice-Chan-

dential camp was organised for students of Government Higher Secondary School, Mambakkam village from April 25 on the school campus. A press release said students of classes VIII and IX participated in the camp that aimed at developing all round skills among rural students. Shri Siddhanta Foundation and Parampara organised the camp with the assistance of Sahayata Trust.

The shed was an instant hit as dozens of people lined up to have a couple of glasses of the beveragemade by donors, mostly senior citizens, to the Trust. About 35 litres of milk a day is bought and curdled overnight. Then, freshly procured ginger, curry leaves, coriander and cucumber are chopped and added to it along with the required water, asafoetida and salt. Pallavaram Municipal Chairman E. Karunanidhi inaugurated the buttermilk shed on Wednesday and assured a supply of the required quantity of Palar water. The shed was an instant hit as dozens of commuters, passers-by, two-wheeler riders and autorickshaw and car drivers lined up to gulp down a couple of glasses of the beverage. Volunteers also serve water from earthen pots that have a distinctive taste as vettiver herb is added to it.

K. Sankara Narayanan, Nagaland Governor, releasing a souvenir, which is received by V. N. Rajasekharan Pillai, Vice-Chancellor, IGNOU, and B. S. Balachandran, BSS General Secretary, in Chennai on Wednesday. PHOTO: S.THANTHONIcellor, Indira Gandhi National Open University, a lot of knowledge and skills are available with ordinary people. Organisations such as BSS should identify such talents and provide adequate facilities to improve the knowledge of ordinary people to improve and help society. The BSS should interact with universities and polytechnics to provide better training on various skills to the members of the organisation, he said, adding the demand for skilled manpower would increase in a few years.

SamprokshanamStaff ReporterKANCHEEPURAM: The Maha-

samprokshanam of Sri Adhikesava Perumal and Sri Bashyakaraswamy temple in Sriperumbudur was performed on Wednesday. Renovation works including covering the Ramanujar sannadhi vimanam with gold-dipped plates and part of Sri Adhikesavar sannadhi vimanam with gold-dipped plates and the consecration People having a glass of refreshing buttermilk at ceremony were carried out at Chromepet on Wednesday. PHOTO : A. a total cost of Rs.5 crore. MURALITHARAN

Held for land grab bidSpecial CorrespondentCHENNAI: Two persons were

arrested on Wednesday on charges of land grabbing. Following a complaint from S.Pakkirisami of Sastri Nagar, Adyar, that some persons had managed to sell his property on Sathsang Road, Madipakkam, valued at Rs 1 crore, by preparing forged documents, Commissioner of Police G.Nanchil Kumaran directed the Central Crime Branch police to register a case. Investigations revealed that a three-member gang had fabricated documents such as death certicate and legal heir certicate of Pakkirisami and registered the land measuring 5,616 square feet in their name through a forged general power of at-

torney at the Pallavaram SubRegistrar Ofce. Subsequently, the gang also attempted to sell the property. The main accused, K.S.Ragupathi of Madipakkam, who was arrested a few months ago in connection with similar land grabbing complaints, was detained under the Goondas Act on Wednesday, an investigating ofcer said. The police gave the names of accomplices of Raghupathi as K.Meeran Moideen (48) of Ambal Nagar, Keezhkattalai, and K.Habib Rahman (30) of Vyasarpadi, both real estate agents, who allegedly signed as witnesses in the documents. The police registered cases of cheating, forgery and conspiracy against the two persons and produced them before a city court.

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CHENNAI

THE HINDU

THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2008

CH-CH

CHENNAI

THE HINDU

THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2008

TAMIL NADUWEATHERMa Mi Anantapur Arogyavaram Bapatla Calingapatnam Gannavaram Hyderabad AP Kakinada Kammam Kavali Kurnool Mahabubnagar Machilipatnam Nandyal Narasapur Nellore Nizamabad Ongole Ramagundam Tirupathi AP Tuni Vizag AP Vizag Agumbe Bangalore AP Bangalore Bagalkote Belgaum AP Bellary Bijapur Chitradurga Chickmagalur Chintamani Gadag Gulbarga Hassan 39 35 35 33 37 42 33 37 40 42 36 41 34 38 43 37 41 41 35 35 32 28 32 33 38 33 35 32 34 36 43 R TRANDHRA PRADESH

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CPI(M) sets deadline for demolishing caste wallDMK government should take bold steps to demolish the wall: VaradharajanCPI(M), along with the other Left parties, will mobilise CHENNAI: The CPI(M) State people and demolish the committee on Wednesday wall, he said when asked warned that it would demol- about the next course of ish the wall preventing the action. entry of the Dalits into the caste Hindu areas at Uthap- A shame uram in Madurai district, if Accusing the district adthe State government and the ministration of remaining indistrict administration failed different to the cruel to remove it by May-end. manifestation of untouchaCPI(M) State secretary N. bility, Mr. Varadharajan said Varadharajan told reporters the DMK government should that the partys general secre- take bold steps to demolish tary Prakash Karat would vis- the wall. It is a shame for it Uthapuram on May 7 with Tamil Nadu. other leaders to see the 600G. Ramakrishnan, central metre wall. committee member of the We will wait till the end of party, said untouchability May. If no action is taken, the prevailed in Tamil Nadu in Special Correspondent many forms and the party had done a survey on it. The twotumbler system is one of the many forms. In many villages Dalits cannot share the chair with the caste Hindus in the saloons. There will be a separate chair. Laundries will not wash their clothes. Asked about the tea parties organised by the police department to bring the caste Hindus and the Dalits together, Mr. Varadharajan said it was an eyewash. The CPI(M) leader said as part of the nationwide protest against price rise on May 15, the State unit would mobilise a lakh people across Tamil Nadu. Ban on online trading of 25 agricultural products identied by the Parliament Standing Committee, action against hoarders, distribution of pulses and other food products through the Public Distribution System and streamlining the PDS are the four ways that would control the spiralling prices, he said. Condemning the police action against the workers of Hyundai car company, who were protesting against the removal of the union ag hoisted at the entrance of the factory on April 30, Mr. Varadharajan said Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi should intervene and secure the workers right to form unions.

25 0 62 23 0 54 27 0 109 27 0 69 26 0 155 26 0 180 28 0 81 28 0 24 27 0 147 27 0 121 27 0 135 28 0 95 28 0 89 29 0 8 27 0 84 28 0 102 28 0 124 29 0 45 25 0 117 27 0 135 28 0 77 22 17 21 23 20 22 21 21 21 27 0 32 tr 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 285 297 72 154 186 120 192 58 241 38

Kottayam Kozhikode Palakkad Punalur Thiruvanantha -puram AP Thiruvanantha -puram City Adiramapattinam Coimbatore AP Coonoor Cuddalore Chennai AP Chennai Dharmapuri Kanyakumari Kodaikanal Madurai AP Nagapattinam Palayamkottai Pamban Parangipettai Puducherry Salem Thanjavur Tiruchi AP Tiruchi Tirupattur Tiruttani Tondi Tuticorin Ooty Valparai Vedaranyam Vellore Amini Divi

31 33 33

25 1 424 27 0 418 25 0 517 tr 336 tr 493 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 0 0 17 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 241 95 495 210 194 165 57 390 604 169 295 327 318 262 160 85 146 221 115 316 354 305 134 70

Minicoy Kavarathi

33 26 35 28

0 299 0 122 0 0 0 81 0 39

OTHER STATIONS

33 26 32 26 35 25 36 38 37 35 32 21 37 37 37 34 38 36 39 38 39 35 37 24 26 39 28 24 15 26 29 29 21 26 13 24 28 26 28 29 23 29 27 26 28 28 27 11 18 26

Kolkata (Alipore) 36 27 Mumbai 34 25 New Delhi 41 22

TAMIL NADU

The columns show maximum and minimum temperature in Celsius, rainfall during last 24 hours (trace) and total rainfall in mm since March 1, 2008.

Isolated rain likely in T.N.CHENNAI: Yesterdays very severecyclonic storm NARGIS over westcentral and adjoining southwest bay moved slightly North-Eastwards and lies over west-central bay, centred at 0830 hours IST of 30th April 2008 within half a degree of latitude 14.5 degrees north and longitude 86.5 degrees East. It is likely to intensify further and move in a north-easterly direction. FORECAST (Valid until Friday Morning): Isolated rain or thundershowers are likely to occur over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Kerala. Mainly dry weather will prevail over Lakshadweep, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Farmers weather bulletin for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry (valid until Friday morning): Isolated light to moderate rain is likely to occur over Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

KARNATAKA INSAT PICTURE AT 11-30 hrs. Observations recorded at 8-30 a.m. on April 30.

Honnavar Karwar Madikeri Mangalore AP Mysore Mandya Panambur Raichur

34 35 26 34 33 34 34 40

25 0 100 27 0 89 17 0 248 25 0 309 19 15 202 20 1 119 26 0 365 24 0 131

Shimoga Shirali Tumkur Alappuzha Kannur Kochi AP

36 25 0 124 KERALA

31 25 5 434 34 25 0 322 29 24 25 459

LAKSHADWEEP

33 28

Cases registered against PMK leaderSpecial CorrespondentSALEM: The Railway Police on

Wednesday registered cases against PMK youth wing secretary R. Arul and ve others for allegedly assaulting a ticket collector at the information counter of the Salem Junction on Tuesday. Members of the Salem Division of the Southern Railway Mazdoor Union had staged a demonstration near the junction demanding the immediate arrest of those who manhandled the ticket collector.

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TAMIL NADU

CHENNAI

THE HINDU

THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2008

BRIEFLYBund strengthening recommendedCHENNAI: A committee of

experts constituted to study the problem concerning the bund of the Wellington reservoir in Cuddalore district submitted its report to the government on Wednesday. It proposed strengthening of the bund and allowing full storage of water in the reservoir. If implemented, farmers of Thittakudi and Vridhachalam taluks and 11,200 hectares of land would be beneted, an ofcial release said. Special Correspondent

Good response to changed mode of immunisation56,052 children received vaccination shots on WednesdayRamya KannanCHENNAI: When Tamil Nadu

AIADMK, CPI(M) members stage walkoutPalladam legislator evicted from the HouseSpecial CorrespondentCHENNAI: The All India Anna

Applications invited for Haj pilgrimageCHENNAI: Tamil Nadu State

Haj Committee has invited applications from Muslims residing in Tamil Nadu and intending to perform Haj pilgrimage during Haj-2008. The application can be obtained from the Tamil Nadu State Haj Committee Administrative Ofcer from May 1. The last date for submitting lled-in applications along with requisite documents, photographs and photocopy of the pay-inslip of the payment of Rs 10,700 per head is May 31. Special Correspondent

Three Civil Supplies employees suspendedCHENNAI: Three employees

belonging to the Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation in the Thousand Lights zone were suspended on Wednesday, following reports about issue of bogus ration cards. Food Minister E.V. Velu has asked the Civil Supplies Deputy Commissioner (South) to conduct a detailed enquiry and take action against them as per the departmental rules. Special Correspondent

revised the mode of delivery of its immunisation programme on Wednesday, health ofcials did not expect it to be a success. Despite ofcials trepidation, barring a few places, mothers came in droves, bringing their children to be immunised at the primary health centres. A total of 56,052 children and 9,072 pregnant women received immunisation shots on Wednesday. In the mopup round aimed at covering all those who had missed their regular schedules, the target was 59,000 children and 11,000 pregnant women, according to Director of Public Health P. Padmanabhan. Frankly, after the vaccine deaths we did not expect such a good response from the mothers. We would say this is a very successful programme, Health Secretary V.K. Subburaj said. After four children from Tiruvallur district died on being administered the measles vaccine on April 23, parents were reluctant to take their children to the local health centres for vaccination. The government of Tamil Nadu therefore decided to revise its strategy to administer vaccines, opting to bring children to the PHCs instead of sending the vaccines to the villages. The idea was that the whole process would happen under the supervision of the doctors in the PHCs, where facilities are also available for emergency treatment. Though no major pre-publicity was done by the depart-

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Wednesday walked out of the Assembly on separate occasions. The AIADMK members staged a walkout after Speaker R. Avudaiappan ordered the eviction of Palladam legislator and former Minister, S.M. Velusamy, from the House for disrupting proceedings. For some time, the

AIADMK members did not allow the watch and ward to remove Mr. Velusamy. Public Works Minister Durai Murugan took exception to this behaviour. Subsequently, led by Mr. Paneerselvam, Deputy Leader of the Opposition, they walked out. Earlier, CPI (M) member K. Balabharathy sought action against the management of Hyundai factory at Sriperumpudur, alleging that a leader of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) and others were assault-

ed there while attempting to hoist the union ag. She said the incident happened even after seeking courts permission for hoisting the ag. Some persons were arrested. Electricity Minister Arcot N. Veeraswami said the ag was hoisted on the site belonging to the State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu (SIPCOT). The Minister said the government would take action for releasing those arrested. The CPI (M) members then staged a walkout.

CONFIDANT LOT: Mothers taking their children for vaccination to a PHC at Okkiyam Thoraipakkam, near Chennai, on Wednesday. PHOTO: M. KARUNAKARAN

ment and information was communicated only through newspaper reports, the response was good, Dr. Padmanabhan said. In some remote areas, vehicles were used to bring the mothers and children to the PHCs. In others, when mothers took autos to the PHC, their travel expenses were reimbursed. Once they arrived at the PHC, the children who were administered the vaccine were asked to wait for about an hour, to monitor them for any adverse reaction. In the interim period they were also served bread, milk

and snacks in the PHCs. Some of the mothers expressed their condence in bringing children to the PHCs as it was a larger medical centre with facilities to take care of the babies in case there were problems. They also added that had the regular immunisation day been held in the village, they would not have gone there to get the vaccination. Dr. Padmanabhan said the government had only a couple of days preparation for this vaccination programme and that accounted for the poor response in some of the centres.

However, the department intends to spread information about bringing children to the PHCs for vaccination and about the facilities available in the larger centres intensively so that the next immunisation day (May 7 Wednesday) will see better coverage, he added. Handbills and pamphlets have already been sent out for the purpose. In the remotest villages, which are served by only one PHC, the government is considering setting up one outreach centre for vaccination under the supervision of a doctor, he added.

Oration on paediatric infectious diseasesCHENNAI: The 17th Dr.M.S.

Ramakrishnan Memorial Endowment Oration, organised by the Kanchi Kamakoti CHILDS Trust Hospital, will focus on current concepts in paediatric infectious diseases. The oration on nosocomial infections will be delivered by V. Ravikumar, paediatric surgeon from Coimbatore, on May 4. R.K. Agarwal, president, Indian Academy of Paediatrics, is expected to talk on the subject future vaccines. A continuing medical education programme will also be held the same day. These will be preceded by a workshop on laboratory diagnosis of paediatric infectious diseases on May 3, to be held at the hospital. The workshop hopes to arrive at a consensus on tackling diagnostic dilemmas in such cases. Special Correspondent

Panel of ofcials to study damage caused by chemical efuentsThe Minister said that after a reverse osmosis plant was CHENNAI: A panel of ofcials of commissioned in May 2006, the Tiruvarur district admin- the quantity of discharge was istration, Agriculture Depart- much less. ment and the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board will study Age limit relaxation When Pattali Makkal the extent of damage suffered by farmers in the wake of dis- Katchi whip T. Velmurugan charge of chemical efuents raised the issue of relaxation by the Thirumakottai (Kovil- of the age limit for about kalappal) gas power plant at 1,700 agriculture graduates, Mannargudi, Electricity Min- who could not get placement ister Arcot N. Veeraswami for several years, Agriculture told the Assembly on Minister Veerapandi S. Arumugam said the present regiWednesday. Responding to a calling at- me had already revised the tention motion from V. Siva- age limit for agriculture dipunniam (Communist Party ploma holders. In the case of degree holof India), the Minister said in April, work on a ve-acre so- ders, there was no age limit. lar evaporation pond had be- As for the diploma holders of gun. It was expected to be the Scheduled Castes/Schedcompleted in six months. uled Tribes, the age limit was Once it was ready, there 40 years. In the case of Backwould not be any more dis- ward Classes/Most Backward charge of chemical efuents. Classes, it was 35 years. Special Correspondent

Government violating new industrial policy, alleges RamadossSpecial CorrespondentCHENNAI: PMK leader Ramadoss on Wednesday alleged that the State government had violated the New Industrial Policy by signing MoUs for setting up IT Special Economic Zones (SEZ) within Chennai Corporation limits. In a statement here, Dr. Ramadoss, who has been opposing acquisition of agricultural land for industries and SEZs, said while in other parts of the country SEZs were allowed only outside the cities, Tamil Nadu has allowed TATA Realty and Infrastructure and DLF to set up their SEZs at Taramani, the heart of the city. Dr. Ramadoss also wanted to know why the representatives of the Indian Hotels Corporation were present when the MoU was signed with the TATA. When we en-

quired about it, we were told that a seven-star hotel and luxurious apartments were coming up on the land allotted to the SEZ, he said. Recalling the governments announcement that Rs.3,000 crore would be invested in the SEZ and it would generate employment for 55,000 people, he said the government should explain how it would be possible to generate employment if the land was used for constructing apartments. Urging the government to reconsider the MoUs, he said the SEZs could be shifted either to Nanguneri or Madurai or Ramanathapuram. We welcome industries that will pave the way for industrial development and generation of employment. But, the government cannot help real estates in the name of industrial development.

Kushboo cases to be transferred to CMM courtSpecial CorrespondentCHENNAI: The Madras High Court has ordered all cases against actor Kushboo for her statement and interviews to a magazine and a Tamil daily on pre-marital sex and Indian society and Tamil culture, to be transferred to the le of the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM), Egmore.

Joint trialIn his order on a petition led by the actor, Justice R. Regupathi said the CMM should conduct joint trial of the cases and dispose them of within six months. He directed the trial courts concerned to transmit the papers forthwith to the CMM court for commencement of

the trial. The Judge said he was of the considered opinion that prima facie an offence under section 499 IPC was made out and that the complainants were aggrieved persons in the eyes of law to set the law in motion. In order to avoid scattered trial of cases involving the same cause of action before several courts, it was but proper to direct joint trial and disposal of all cases that were pending, instead of taking up separate proceedings against her for violation of courts orders. In her petition, the actor sought to quash the proceedings on the le of the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Chengalpattu.

Special train to CoimbatoreSpecial CorrespondentCHENNAI: Southern Railway will operate a special train from Chennai Central to Coimbatore on May 1 to clear the rush.

Train No. 0639 will leave Chennai Central at 10.20 p.m. on May 1 and reach Coimbatore at 7.15 a.m. the next day. Reservation will begin on May 1, according to press release.CH-CH

CHENNAI

THE HINDU

THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2008

9

CH-CH

10

FROM THE SOUTH

CHENNAI

THE HINDU

THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2008

Leaders extend May Day greetingsSpecial CorrespondentCHENNAI: Chief Minister M.

Karunanidhi and leaders of political parties on Wednesday extended greetings on the eve of May Day. Mr. Karunanidhi said the Government had implemented many welfare schemes for workers. He recalled that it was the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam Government that declared May 1 a paid holiday. All-India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam general secretary Jayalalithaa said that besides remembering the achievements of the working class on the May Day, an amicable solution should be found to tackle the difculties faced by the workers. Pattali Makkal Katchi founder S. Ramadoss urged the workers to ght against exploitation.

Verdict reserved on Shraddanandas appealHe is on death row for murdering his wifeJ. VenkatesanNEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Wednesday reserved its verdict on the appeal of godman Swami Shraddananda, sentenced to death by the Karnataka High Court for murdering his wife, Begum Shakereh Namazi, who belonged to the erstwhile royal family of Mysore in Karnataka. In May 2007, a Bench of Justice S.B. Sinha and Justice Markandey Katju held the swamiji guilty of murder but gave a split verdict on the question of awarding sen-

10,000 milch animals to be given to women SHGsScheme to increase rural households incomeimplemented in 200 villages bers daughters and this year. The Rs.22-crore education expenses of their CHENNAI: The government has scheme would benet 5000 children. announced a new scheme to women. The Minister said the tarincrease the income of rural get for procurement was 28 households and boost milk Welfare fund lakh litres a day across the production. Mr. Mathivanan also an- State in 2008-09. Of this, 10.3 Under the Perarignar Anna nounced the setting up of Pe- lakh litres a day of milk would Centenary Dairy Scheme for rarignar Anna Centenary be marketed in the Chennai Rural women 10,000 cross- Milk Producers Welfare metro area in 2008-09. At the bred, high yielding milch ani- Fund. The members would district union level, 10 lakh mals will be given to women contribute Re.1 each month. litres a day would be marketself-help groups in villages, A matching amount would be ed during the period. To cater Dairy Development Minister paid by Milk Producers Coop- to the increased targets, 131 U. Mathivanan told the As- erative Society and District bulk milk coolers would be sembly on Wednesday. Unions. installed during the year. The fund would be used to The department would also To cover 200 villages help members and their fam- revive 100 Milk Producers Replying to a debate on the ilies during times of disloca- Cooperative Societies and set demands for grants for his de- tion of milk supplies to up 250 new societies. partment, the Minister said societies owing to fatal acciIt would also establish a the scheme would be un- dents, hospitalisation of technical centre at Madhavveiled at Tirukkuvalai, where members and disability. It aram to train technical staff Chief Minister M. Karuna- would also be used for mar- of milk unions and the nidhi was born. It would be riage expenses of the mem- federation. Special Correspondent

tence. While Justice Sinha awarded life imprisonment, Justice Katju said the death penalty was the appropriate punishment, and the matter was referred to a three-judge Bench. A Bench of Justice B.N. Agrawal, Justice G.S. Singhvi and Justice Aftab Alam reserved judgment at the conclusion arguments from counsel for the State, for the complainant and the appellant. The main question argued in the case was whether it would fall within the ambit of rarest of rare cases warranting imposition of the death

penalty. If life sentence was to be imposed, can it be for life because the swamiji had been in prison for nearly 17 years after committing the offence, as normally a life convict can be released after 14 years in prison? Another issue that gured was the powers of the Executive to grant remission to life convicts and at what stage this power could be exercised. The Bench, while reserving verdict, agreed to consider all these aspects. The prosecution case was that Shakereh, granddaughter of Sir Mirza Ismail, former

Diwan of Mysore, had married Shraddananda in 1986, after divorcing Akbar Khaleeli, a former diplomat. It was alleged that with a view to grabbing the property of his wife, Shraddananda alias Murli Manohar Mishra, had drugged his wife, killed her and buried the body in the compound of her bungalow in Bangalore on April 28, 1991. On a complaint from her daughter, the police exhumed the body and the godman was arrested. While the trial court awarded death penalty, it was conrmed by the High Court.

MIOT unveils articial joints having long-term durabilityThey could address hip and knee replacement needs of young Indian patientsSpecial CorrespondentCHENNAI: MIOT Hospitals on

BRIEFING: Prithvi Mohandas, consultant hip surgeon, MIOT Hospitals with a patient during his presentation on Joint for Life - Myth or Reality" in Chennai on Wednesday. PHOTO: S. R. RAGHUNATHAN

Wednesday announced the launch of a family of articial joints with long-term durability, high exion and bonebonding attributes that could address the hip and knee replacement needs of Indian patients in younger age groups. MIOTs research on biomaterials, as well as the unique characteristics of the hip and knee in Indian patients, has resulted in a protocol that uses titanium bone and socket implants with fortied ceramic-on-ceramic bearings. The research involved collaboration between MIOTs Global Centre for Ideal Joints and top-notch institutions in the U.S. and the U.K. The implants which possess the advantages of high exion, bio-compatibility and durability are ideal for the growing number of younger Indians requiring total hip or knee replacement, MIOT managing director P.V.A. Mohandas told a press conference. An analysis of patient proles at the hospital indicated

that almost 30 per cent of all joint replacement patients were under 40 years of age, and roughly 20 per cent were accident survivors. Titanium scores over its biomaterial predecessors in eliminating most of the problems that had challenged orthopaedic surgeons attempting total hip replacements in the past. The ip side to the metal-on-metal route taken during the early days of implantation and the stainless steel-polyethylene tments was the generation of debris and loosening of the tments over time, while chromium cobalt made clear its lack of afnity for the bone. Once the biomaterial was determined, the next challenge involved getting implant devices suited to the anatomical character and shape of the joint in the Indian population. After a detailed analysis, we hit upon a range of 12 sizes on a scale of 0-6, with mid-sized versions in between, said Prithvi Mohandas. The minimally invasive surgery techniques developed parallel to the efforts at

nding the perfect articial joint led to a considerable renement of the implant procedure. The patient benets now include a relatively painless session, less blood loss and reduced hospital stay and attendant costs. Considerable thought also went into analysing bone reactions during the post-implant phase, Dr. Prithvi said. An analysis of data involving 16,000 patients indicated that the most common Indian ailments requiring hip replacement surgery were Ankylosing spondylitis, Avascular necrosis, rheumatoid arthritis and fracture of the neck of the femur. Titanium is the best biological bonding material we have as of now. But, Tantalum is the new star in the making and could soon be the material of choice for replacement procedures, Dr. Prithvi said.

reinforced the belief that medicine was the noblest of professions if it was guided by ethics. The fundamental problem in developing countries that had world-class medical expertise but a dearth of physical and social infrastructure was the connement of such benets to islands of excellence. The challenge was to make the medical benets accessible and affordable to a larger section of the population, he said. MIOT has oated Sumeka, an initiative to raise funds for performing implants for underprivileged patients.

MIOT newsletterMariam Ram, managing director, TnQ Books and Journals, launched the MIOT newsletter Maruthuva Vivekam in English, Tamil and Hindi. The booklet gives an insight into the surgical procedures involving hip and knee replacements and features case studies. MIOT consultants C. Lenin, A. R. Kesavan and Trevor Nair spoke.

Great exampleAddressing the launch function of Joint for Life, N. Ram, Editor-in-Chief, The Hindu, said the hospital had set a great example in producing a positive outcome from research and technology and

Kodanadu estate inspection report set asideSpecial CorrespondentCHENNAI: The Madras High

Court on Wednesday said the inspection carried out by the authorities in Kodanadu Estate in May last year was illegal and not supported by the Tamil Nadu Panchayat Rules. The rules framed under the Panchayats Act were not followed and hence the report could not be relied upon for any further action, the court said. Allowing three writ petitions led by R. Ravichan-

dran, Manager of the estate in Kothagiri Taluk in The Nilgiris district, Justice K. Chandru said the so-called inspection on May 31, 2007, conducted not only by the executive authority but by a wide range of ofcers drawn from other departments without specifying the purpose, clearly showed certain command performance from the higher-ups and it was not based upon any legal requirement under the buildings rules. Mr. Justice Chandru said

as the show-cause notice dated June 5, 2007 sent by the Panchayat president was not based on any credible material, it was clearly illegal and should be set aside. The notice informed the details of the structures in the estate as per the inspection and said in respect of hill areas for any construction beyond 300 square metres, permission should be obtained from the Hill Area Conservation Authority (HACA) and prior to that the plan should be submitted to the

Architectural and Aesthetics Aspects (AAA) committee. Only after getting plan approval with recommendation from the committee concerned, proposal should be sent in terms of Rule 4 of the Tamil Nadu Panchayat Building Rules. Only after getting the building licence, construction could be started as per the rules. The court said a notice issued on September 10, 2007 emanated from non-application of mind and it was vitiated by bias and deserved to be

set aside. The notice inasmuch as it included buildings, which were not opposed to the Tamil Nadu Panchayat Building Rules, but taken note of for issuance of a provisional order to direct the owner to demolish those buildings also. Mr. Justice Chandru set aside the inspection report. However, holding that Rule 4 (1) (d) of the Tamil Nadu Panchayats Buildings Rules was constitutionally valid, he dismissed another writ petition led by the estate.

Assistance for shermen during ban periodSpecial CorrespondentCHENNAI: The State govern-

ment will pay Rs.500 per family of shermen during the 45-day mandatory shing ban period, Fisheries Minister K.P.P. Samy informed the Assembly on Wednesday. This will benet two lakh shermen families and cost the government Rs.10 crore. The ban came into effect after the Centre suggested it by a mutual consensus among all maritime States to conserve and replenish shery wealth. It is being enforced since 2001 in the State. The ban prohibits shing by mechanised boats and trawlers in the territorial waters off Tamil Nadu for 45 days every year. This period is from April 15 to May 29 from the Tiruvallur district coast to Kanyakumari town (1016 km) and from June 15 to July 29 from Kanyakumari town to Neerodi (60 km). There are 50,777 registered shing vessels in Tamil Nadu of which mechanised shing boats number 5,596. Various shermen bodies had asked the government to provide assistance as done in some other States, including Puducherry.

Mr. Samy said that when he took the issue to Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, he readily agreed to grant the required assistance. The 2 lakh shermen are spread over 13 coastal districts of the State.

Appeals against orders on Jaya Publications admittedSpecial CorrespondentCHENNAI: The Madras High

Fishing harboursThe Minister said the government had taken up construction of shing harbours at various points along the coast. As part of the Sethusamudram ship canal project, it had decided to extend nancial aid to develop a multipurpose harbour at Rameswaram at a cost of Rs.100 crore. The harbour would handle shing vessels, cargo vessels, and have berthing and repair facilities for the vessels of the Sethusamudram Corporation. The Centre has approved the Colachel shing harbour project, the Minister said. Work on the Rs.27.1-crore project would commence this nancial year. The government had also given administrative sanction for the Thengapattinam shing harbour in Kanyakumari district. The project cost (Rs.38.1 crore) would be shared equally by the Centre and the State.

Court on Wednesday admitted 21 appeals by the IncomeTax Department challenging the orders of the Income-Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) on the returns led by Jaya Publications for assessment years starting from 1991-92 to 1999-2000. The department submitted that the partnership rm had shown income of Rs.13.75 crore, agricultural income Rs.60.82 lakh, under the guise of purchases Rs.1.65 crore and receivables Rs.70.19 lakh,

unexplained deposits in banks to the tune of Rs.58.24 lakh and unexplained expenditure of Rs.2.59 crore. The department conducted an enquiry and found that no such deposits were made. The publications appealed before the Commissioner of Income-Tax (CIT) (Appeals). The Commissioner allowed the appeals and said only 1.5 per cent of the total amount assessed by the department as income could be treated so. The publications and the department led appeals before the ITAT, which conrmed the order of the CIT

(Appeals). Against this, the department has led appeals before the High Court.

Details submittedAdditional Solicitor General M. Ravindran and Assistant Solicitor-General P.Wilson submitted details of the claims made by the assessee and the department and argued that the tribunal had committed an error in accepting her claim. A Bench, comprising Justices K. Raviraja Pandian and P.P.S. Janarthana Raja, has posted the matter for hearing after summer vacation.

More veterinary doctors for villagesSpecial Correspondent the new system, a total of 1651 veterinary doctors would be CHENNAI: The government is available in villages. Sub-cenadding 40 per cent more to its tres had