Pirates and prices, a pressing problem

World Book and Copyright Day is being celebrated on 23 April to give due importance to books. It is United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation's (UNESCO) aim to promote reading and copyright laws. But in the Indian context, it seems withering, with the 'pirates' unscrupulously invading the industry by 'dumping' pirated books and siphoning off revenues meant for the original publishers.
In connection with the World Book Day, News Today spoke to Gandhi Kannadasan, president of the Booksellers and Publishers Association of South India (BAPASI), on various issues related to books and importance of copyright for writers and publishers.
Kannadasan said, 'First of all, for bookworms and any serious readers, every day is Book Day. Books are as good as our father's and mother's, who nurture good values in us with their guidance so also, books which nourish us with good thoughts'.
Seeking celebrations for the day, Kannadasan says, 'For many readers, the day is meant for gifting books to their friends and relatives. The day also helps them to instil the habit of book reading'. On pirated books, he said, 'To my knowledge, publishers' mentality is contributing to it. For example, if you take any English books, its prices range anywhere between Rs 400 and Rs 500. For a bookworm, it's a huge amount.
And, that price range is out of range for many serious readers, apart from higher middle class. So, 'thirsty readers' never feel guilty in buying the same (pirated) book available on pavements and with other book stalls, as they are priced well below than the original cost'.
So, what is the solution for piracy? A bookseller at Anna Salai said, 'It can be tackled by reducing hefty price tag into a reach of a common reader. By doing this, many, who are not habitual readers, can become serious readers'.
'We do not have any pirated books in Tamil or any other regional languages, because, its prices are market driven and well in the reach of its readers,' said another bookseller at Triplicane.
Falling back wholly on writers of yore April 23 is a symbolic date for world literature for on this date in 1616, Cervantes, Shakespeare and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega all died. It is also the date of birth or death of other prominent authors such as Maurice Druon, Haldor K Laxness, Vladimir Nabokov, Joseph Pla and Manuel Mejía Vallejo. It was a natural choice for UNESCO's General Conference, held in Paris in 1995, to pay a worldwide tribute to books and authors on this date, encouraging everyone, and in particular young people, to discover the pleasure of reading and gain a renewed respect for the irreplaceable contributions of those who have furthered the social and cultural progress of humanity. By celebrating this day throughout the world, UNESCO seeks to promote reading, publishing and the protection of intellectual property through copyright.

How about a return of historical artefact?

Though the Tamilnadu government had announced year-long celebration of the 2550th maha parinirvanam of Lord Buddha in February this year, it would be more apt and befitting if the government could bring back the copper plate inscribed with details of Chudamani Viharai (Buddha temple) built in Nagapattinam in 1008 AD by the then Chola king Rajendra -I but are now in Leiden city in Holland, where it is kept in a museum.
In this regard, News Today spoke to V Nagasundaram, secretary of Anna Nagar Tamil Peravai and Anna Nagar Tamil Sangam, who has an indepth knowledge about the issue.
He says, 'If steps were taken in the right direction to bring back the inscription record (copper plates) and place it back after renovating Chudamani Viharai, importance of Nagapattinam would increase, and in other words, it would bring a good number of tourists there'.
According to South Asian history between 985 AD and 1014 AD, when the great emperor Raja Raja Chola was ruling Chola kingdom, emperor Mara Vijayotunga Varman of Srivijayam Empire has requested permission to construct a viharai (Buddhist temple) in Nagapattinam in memory of his father-emperor Chudamani Varman as he has named the viharai which he has constructed as Chudamani Viharai.
It was also called Raja Raja Viharai. He also constructed another viharai and named it as 'Rajendra Chola Perum Palli'. The king (Raja Raja Chola) not only gave permission for the construction of viharai, though, not only himself but all other Chola kings were 'saivaites'; but also donated a few nearby villages for the proper upkeep of the viharai. King Rajendra Chola-I, who succeeded him, inscribed all the details of the viharai in copper plates and placed them on its premises.
Nagasundaram says, 'According to details available today, that copper plates are now at the Leiden Museum, and they are called as 'Leiden Grants'.
He further says, 'Even now, we can see the remains of old viharais and Lord Buddha's statues in Nagapattinam district. Some of the bronze Buddha statues excavated in this area by the Archaeological Department are now at Chennai Museum. Among them, a few has inscribed words on their pedestal confirming the location of the Chudamani Viharai and Rajendra Chola Perum Palli'.
Advocating strongly for the 'return' of those copper plates, Nagasundaram says, 'If possible, through our External Affairs Ministry, the Tamilnadu government should try to obtain 'Leiden Grants'. If our attempt fails, a replica of the same should be made in copper plates and placed in the renovated viharai as a tribute to our great kings'.
He further says a great memorial can be constructed at Nagapattinam on any one of the models at Sanchi, Gaya, Saranath etc., and declared as a research centre on Buddhism in South-East Asia.
Will the Tamil scholars look into this and make this sweet and great dream reality? Only time has the answer.
- G Saravanan

Dhanraj hits out

REPRODUCTION OF NEWS
'I am still fit enough to play for India'


Indian hockey has plumbed to new depths. The team's performances in recent times has been abysmal, to say the least. Controversy over various matters, including team selection has cropped up now and then.
Veteran star Dhanraj Pillay, who has figured in three Olympic Games and has represented the country in over 400 matches, today took a dig at the
Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) top brass saying 'the IHF president K P S Gill and secretary K Jothikumaran ruined my career and that he was still fit enough to play for India.
Speaking to the media after presenting awards to meritorious students of Velammal School (West), who brought laurels to their school by participating in national and international-level competitions, he said, 'the duo (Gill and Jothikumaran) had been instrumental in bringing down the standard of Indian hockey to new levels, as a result of which the team needs to go through qualifying tournaments to get a berth in the Olympics to be held in China next year.'
On the issue of appointing a foreign coach, Pillay said, 'We have several Indians who can do the job. It is wrong to assume that the Indian team will shine only if it has a foreign coach.'
To a question on the present coach's (V Baskaran) performance, the veteran player said, 'He (Baskaran) is a failed coach. When he took over, he had then said I got a good team to put up a good performance in the World Cup and Asian Games. The results are there for you to see. India finished well below expectations, failing to even qualify for the semifinals in the Asian Games.'
Speaking about the ongoing Premier Hockey League in Chennai, Pillay said, 'It was conceived to develop the sport and to groom players for the national side. But the very objective is lost.'
On not playing in the PHL, Dhanraj said, 'I was ready for the tournament. In the earlier editions, I had played for Maratha Warriors. But this year, due to some internal politics, I could not make it'.

Reproduction of The Daly Telegram

Public audience by LG

Port Blair, Jan 16

The Lt. Governor will be holding public audience on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 3.30 to 4.30 pm whenever he is available in station, a communication from the Secretary to Lt. Governor said here today.

Baby show at ITF

Port Blair, Jan 16

As part of the ongoing activities during Island Tourism Festival a ‘healthy baby show’ for 6 months to 5 years age group of children will be held at 2.00 pm in the Island Tourism Festival (ITF) ground organized by the Directorate of Health Services, tomorrow (Jan 17).

Interested parents/ guardians have been asked to bring their children alongwith birth certificate & immunization cards for participation in the show at the venue, a communication said here today.

Rs. 10/- Fee under RTI Act

Port Blair, Jan 16

The fee to be deposited alongwith application for obtaining information under the Right to Information Act, 2005 will now be Rs. 10/- instead of Rs. 25/- earlier . Such fee is to be paid by way of cash against proper receipt or by demand draft or bankers cheque payable to the Accounts Officer of the Public Authority as per an amendment to the Andaman & Nicobar Islands Right to Information (Regulation of fee and cost) (amendment) Rules, 2007.

ACP for teachers urged

Port Blair, Jan 16

In a letter to the Chief Secretary, a copy of which was sent to the press, the President of ANTCC, Shri Kuldeep Rai Sharma urged his intervention to speed up the process of awarding ACP to the teachers who have become eligible for it. He said, there is wide spread resentment among the teachers for delay in awarding ACP, which needs to be expedited.

Abolition of ACR sought

Port Blair, Jan 16

The Non-Gazetted Government Association, A&N Islands has submitted a memorandum to the Sixth Central Pay Commission seeking abolition of ACR, restoration of Andaman Special Allowance and compensatory allowance, grant of island special duty allowance, HRA at par with B-1 city through out the islands, hard area allowance and the upward revision of scale of pay of LGCs and HGCs among other matters, a communication said here.

Star singer Udit Narayan performs much to the delight of a huge crowd

Port Blair, Jan 16

It was a real treat for the music lovers who gathered in huge numbers to listen to the melodious voice of the noted Bollywood playback singer Udit Narayan rendering his hit numbers at Netaji Stadium this evening. People swayed to the tune of hits like ‘papa kehte hain bada naam karega’, ‘Mujhe neend na aaye’, ‘aye mere humsafar’ and many more chartbusters. The songs from the Oscar nominated film ‘Lagaan’ appeared to have created a tempo in the programme and brought the best out of the performer on the occasion. Much to the delight of the audience Udit Narayan also presented songs in multiulanguage which drew loud applause. He was assisted by Gautam & Mayuri, promising artistes duo In his brief address, Udit Narayan wished to open a music academy and settle in these islands. he also thanked the organisers for having invited him to these islands.

The mimicry by Madhav Mogile, which served as a break in the programme for the star singer, kept the audience absorbed after leading the assemblage burst into peels of laughter for about an hour or so. Ms Deepa Narayan, a well-known producer of Bhojpuri film and a singer, also rendered some songs on the occasion.

TFC meeting at DC’s chamber

Port Blair, Jan 16

The first meeting of newly constituted Task Force Committee under Prime Minister Rozgar Yojana will be held in the chamber of the Deputy Commissioner (South Andaman), District Office, Port Blair at 3.00 p.m on Jan 19, 2007. The educated unemployed youths who are interested to opt for self-employment have been asked to contact the District Industries Centre, Udyog Parisar for obtaining all information and guidance. The unemployed youths, who have already applied for financial assistance under the scheme from Port Blair Municipal limits, South Andaman Area including Neil, Havelock and Little Andaman need to be present before the Committee on the said date, time and venue alongwith all original testimonials, a communication from the Gen. Manager, DIC, said here today.

2 villages get solar power

Port Blair, Jan 16

Two unelectrified villages at Middle Andaman i.e Pawajig & Papita Dera have been electrified through solar home systems & SPV street lights by the NRSE division of the Electricity Department. Three solar home systems & one SPV street light were also installed at Pawajig, forest camp recently besides one solar home system & one SPV street light were installed at Papita Dera, forest camp on the same day. By doing so, these two unelectrified villages have become 100% electrified through non conventional energy systems.

The NRSE division of the Electricity Department is implementing new & renewable sources of energy schemes in these islands as a nodal agency of the Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources, New Delhi. Remote village electrification through solar home systems & solar street lights is one of the programmes under the scheme, a communication from the EE, NRSE said here today.

Cultural Progammes during Island Tourism Festival-2007

17th January 2007

ITF Ground 5.30 p.m

1. Dances by Sky Youth Club, Port Blair

2. Dances by B.Bala Karthika & group, Port Blair

3. Variety prog. by Rajya Kalakaar Mahasangh, Port Blair

4. Dances by Rahul & group, Port Blair

5. Ranchi Dances by Birsa Munda Youth Club, Port Blair

6. Variety programme by Jhilmil Tarange dance group, Port Blair

7. Kathak performance by Sadanad Biswas, Kathak exponent

Dr.B.R.Ambedkar Auditorium -6.00p.m

1. Folk dances of Karnataka -SZCC

2. Ranappa, Folk dances of Orissa-Song & Drama Division

3. Badai Nritya of Madhya Pradesh-SZCC

4. Dances by Amrapali Cultural Dev. Organization, Port Blair

5. Awareness programme by Aditya Naya Academy, Port Blair

6. Dance & Music, Ankur Social & Cultural Society, Port Blair

Amphitheatre, Anarkali 5.30 p.m

1. Martial arts & Folk dances of Manipur-SZCC

2. Gidda Folk dances of Punjab-EZCC

3. Classical Dances by Gauri Shankar Classical Dance Academy, Port Blair

4. Bhangra- Folk dances of Punjab-EZCC

5. Baul, Folk dances of West Bengal-EZCC

6. Diwali Dance of Uttar Pradesh -SZCC

7. Garba, Folk dances of Gujarat -EZCC

8. Bordoishikha, Folk dances of Assam-EZCC

9. Kavadi/ karagam /Folk Songs of Tamilnadu-SZCC

Bhatubasti School Ground 5.30 p.m

1. Folk dance of Goa SZCC

2. Gotipua, Folk dances of Orissa-EZCC

3. Bharatnatyam, Tamil Nadu-SZCC

4. Purulia Chhow, Folk dances of West Bengal-S & D Division

5. Nepali programme by Balakrishna & group, Port Blair

6. Phaag dances of Haryana (NZCC)-SZCC

7. Folk dances of Rajasthan SZCC

8. Folk dances of Andhra Pradesh-SZCC



Union Minister of State Kum. Selja arriving today

Port Blair, Jan 16

The Union Minister of State (Independent Charges) for Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation, GoI, Kumari Selja, will be on a day’s tour to this islands tomorrow (Jan 17).

The Minister will inaugurate a regional work-shop on building byelaws for safety against natural hazards and project development under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewable Mission (JNNURM) at 10 am in the conference hall of Megapode Nest tomorrow. The Lt. Governor, Lt. Gen. (Retd) Bhopinder Singh, the Secretary, Ministry of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation GoI Shri. Ranjit Issar will also grace the occasion. The Chief Secretary, Shri. Shumsher K Sheriff will also be present on the occasion.

The two day workshop is being organized jointly by Building Materials and Technology Promotion Council (BMTPC) Ministry of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation, GoI, New Delhi and the A&N Administration. The workshop aims at disseminating the efforts of the central govt in establishing a proper techno- legal regime for safety against natural hazards and, secondary, at creating awareness about the opportunities available for strengthening the infrastructure base through JNNURM an official communication said here today.

Cricket tourney by Prayas

Port Blair, Jan 16

Prayas is organizing a knockout cricket tournament (Prayas champions trophy) in Little Andaman for the youth. In this tournament 16 teams from Little Andaman are participating. These teams include Govt. Departments and registered youth clubs. The first match was played on the Jan 15, 2007 between Panchayat Samity XI and Yuva Club (RK Pur) and the chief guest for the day was Shri R K Sharma, Station House Officer, Little Andaman. The final of this tournament will be played on the Jan 26, 2007, a communication said.

Johny Lever visits permanent shelters for tsunami victims at B/flat

Port Blair, Jan 16

Johny Lever – the Bollywood comedian today visited Bambooflat Permanent Shelter Site and saw for himself the ongoing project of various organizations. He was particular about the permanent shelters being constructed by Hindustan Covenant Church for the tsunami affected families in coordination with A&N Administration.

Explaining about the construction the project in detail to Mr Johny, the HCC Project Director said presently 152 permanent shelters are being constructed by the HCC and the completed structure will be handed over to the Administration by mid March. Though logistic constraints are there for construction due to non-availability of materials locally they will be able to complete the work by mid March. Jute and bamboo composite door and windows are being provided in this structure, which itself cost around 1.5 lakhs. The Project Director further said that each permanent shelter will cost around 6.2 lakhs. He stated that infrastructures like roads and other amenities will be provided by the Administration.

In his brief chat with the press persons at the site, the renowned bollywood star appreciated the works being undertaken by various organizations and also expressed the hope that the project will be completed soon. He also said, the film industry has done a lot of work for the tsunami victims.

Talking about the glamour world, Mr Lever said, few new films of his is going to released this year. He has so far acted in more than 300 films, apart from performing in television, stage shows etc. On being asked about the National Anthem issue which surfaced after a show, which was performed in Dubai, he said he always respected the country’s National Anthem and he never meant to hurt the sentiments of the people. When he in a jovial way, said, when a persons time is bad even if he sits in camel he will be bitten (samay kharab ho to Unth par baithe wale ko bhi kutta kaat leta hai).

Mr. Johny also visited the community hall, Bambooflat, which was constructed by World Vision.

Around 373 permanent shelters will be constructed by the Administration, out of which 152 will constructed by Hindustan Covenant Church, 100 by Mata Amritanandamayi Math, 62 by APWD and 59 by CARE India.

Power suspension

Port Blair, Jan 16

The Electricity Department will be carrying out emergent nature of High Tension lines maintenance work, consequent to which power supply will remain suspended at some areas from 0700 hrs to 1300 hrs on January 18, 2007. The areas to be affected are, Mohanpura, Dry Dock, Marine Complex, Marine Hill, Dignabad, GB Pant Hospital, Atlanta Point, Cellular Jail, Aberdeen Jetty, Aberdeen Bazar, Aberdeen village, Gurudwara Line, Supply Line, ANIIDCO, Old Telephone Exchange, Fire Brigade, Annapurna, RGT road and Machi Line, an Electricity Department communiqué said here today.

Crowd throngs ITF venues

Port Blair, Jan 16

As the Island Tourism Festival is at its peak, the town is buzzing with activities. Apart from the main venue of the ITF, all the other venues viz the Netaji Stadium, Ambedkar auditorium, amphi theatre, Anarkali, Bhatubasti school ground etc are being thronged by huge crowd every evening.

Meanwhile, not only the cultural activities and performance by famous artist are pulling the crowd, the restaurants and hotels are also seen to be jam packed till late night. Many restaurants are offering special cuisenes considering the tourists that have pour in from mainland and abroad. One such attraction was the ‘Thai food festival’, organized by the Light House Residency here that saw overwhelming response from the foodies. As many as 1500 people were said to have visited the restaurant on each day of the three day long festival, good crow waiting for a table till late night. Besides, almost all the eating joints of the town were full. Not only the tourists, the hoteliers and other business communities are also having a brisk time these days.

Annual Day celebration by CGEWCC

Port Blair, Jan 16

As part of celebration of annual day of the Central Government Employees Welfare Co-ordination Committee here, indoor games will be held from Jan 18 to 20, 2007 beginning from 9.30 am at Multi-purpose hall of Netaji Stadium and Andaman Club. The athletic events will beheld on the final day, i.e. on Jan 21, 2007 beginning from 9.30 am at the playground of Kendriya Vidyalaya No.1 here. All Central Governmental staff and their family members have been asked to participate in all the events, a communication from the Chairman, CGEWCC said here today.

TOLIC to meet on Jan 25

Port Blair, Jan 16

The half yearly meeting of Town Official Language Implementation Committee will be held on Jan 25, 2007 at 3.30 pm in the conference hall of A&NI Forest and Plantation Development Corporation Limited, Vanvikas Bhavan, Haddo. The Jt. Director (Impl), Ministry of Home Affairs, Deptt. of Official Language, Kolkata will be attending the meeting as an observer. During his visit to Port Blair the Jt. Director (Impl.) will be inspecting the offices of A&NIFPDCL, United India Insurance Company, Indian Over Seas Bank, Provident Fund Office, Census Operation, Vijaya Bank, Nehru Yuva Kendra, Syndicate Bank, Central Pubic Work Department, Botanical Survey of India, Central School, Indian Bank etc. All HoDs of the Central Governmental establishments have been requested to attend the meeting, a communication received here said.

Counseling course in ANC inaugurated

Port Blair, Jan 16

Air Marshal PP Rajkumar Commander-in-Chief, Andaman and Nicobar Command inaugurated a Counseling Course for stress related illnesses, at Station Health Organization (SHO) Port Blair today. The course is primarily for the junior leaders of ANC. CINCAN, while addressing the gathering emphasized on the importance of such courses for Armed forces personnel especially those who are posted in such far flung islands. He stated that stress has now become an integral part of our daily life and can let to multiple stress related illnesses. He expressed his confidence that the course will generate more awareness among the junior leaders to address issues which lead to stress.

A specialist in terms of psychiatrist has been invited from INHS Asvini, Mumbai to conduct the courses at ANC. The courses are scheduled to be conducted for a period of two weeks.

Facility for IUI at Dhanvantari

Port Blair, Jan 16

Smt. Indira Rajkumar, President Defence Wives Welfare Association (DWWA), Port Blair inaugurated the facility for Intra Uterine Insemination (IUI) at Telemedicine Centre, INHS Dhanvantari. She expressed her satisfaction and congratulated INHS Dhanvantari for facilitating use of modern technologies at the Naval Hospital. The inaugural function was followed by a multi media presentation by the Gynaecologist giving specific details and the utility value of the new facility.

Chief Secretary visits Dr. B R Ambedkar Govt. Polytechnic

Staff Reporter,

Port Blair, Jan 16

The Chief Secretary of A&N Administration, Shri Shumsher K Sheriff today visited Dr. BR Ambedkar Govt. Polytechnic, an ISO 9001 certified premier technical education and training Institution of these Islands. The Chief Secretary who visited every sections in the Institute by which students are being trained in different trades, was satisfied with the functioning of the Polytechnic towards catering the technical education needs of the students of these Islands. Shri Shumsher K Sheriff first visited the Basic Electronics Lab and TV& Communication Lab where he interacted with trainees and tried to get feedback about how effective is the training being imparted to them. The students who were happy to see the Chief Secretary amidst them, during course of interaction informed that they want to join private firm on completion of the education.

Thereafter, the Chief Secretary visited Electronics Workshop where interacted with students. ”We want to take up higher studies, said the students when the Chief Secretary asked them whether they prefer to go for a job after completion of the course. The other sections visited by the Chief Secretary included Digital Electronics Lab, PLC Lab, Electrical Workshop, Library, CMTC Lab, Chemistry Lab SM&FE Lab, Hotel Management Training Lab, Machine Shop, Welding Sheet Metal Fitting Shop, Multipurpose hall and the PDM E Hostel where he saw for himself the facilities being provided to the hostellers. The faculties briefed the Chief Secretary about the technical education of their respective field.

The Principal of the Institute, Shri Utpal Sharma welcomed the dignitary and through a multi media presentation he threw light on the functioning and the courses offered to the students by the Institute.

Dev in action

It was a joyous day last week, when 23 meritorious sports persons of Velammal School, who represented Tamilnadu and India in various disciplines and sports. The chief guest was none other than Kapil Dev, who brought laurels to our country by winning the Cricket World Cup in the 80s.
As expected, the 'Haryana Hurricane' won the hearts of the students. And when the moment came to award scholarships to the students (to the tune of Rs 15 lakh), Dev started with a catchy phrase, 'I love you all and I love Chennai.' He was right, as students bestowed him with such a warm welcome.
In his motivational speech, Dev advised the students to be honest and perfect, 'that is the straight route to success.' To a question raised by a student about how to orient them to a single sport, he said, 'Every student should try all kinds of sports, as no one knows what he or she has in store. After identifying the sport which the student likes most, start proper training till you achieve your goal.'
Later he interacted with students, and clarified their doubts on cricket and other related sports. He also practised on the net.

An eyesore

Raising a stink

'The administration will never let anything good to continue.' That was what every other family in Anna Nagar said and Talk and spoke to all of them over the past two weeks.
They were justifiably angry. For, after four years garbage clearance, which was privatised in about 25 wards out of 52 in Ambattur Municipality is facing rough weather due to lack of dumping place at Athipet. The scheme kicked off in 2002 with great enthusiasm
Since then houses and apartments in Ambattur Municipal area have grown multifold. Figures show that 150-200 tonnes of
garbage is generated every day. Private operators clear 90-100 tonnes. Taking into account the enormous volume, the Ambattur Municipality bought 18 acres at Kalli Kuppam and the Avadi municipality 10.45 acres. Both municipalities were using this place, but now the local residents objected to Ambattur garbage being brought to Avadi. The officials were in a fix, so they identified another 22 acres at Pammathi Kulam, and have sought the Pollution Control Board's clearance. And, that is yet to come.
Meanwhile who suffers? The people, who else. Any time, any day, lorries overflowing with litter can be seen parked near the Ambattur Municipality office and on MTH road. All efforts by the private operators to clean the backlog failed and over the past few days, garbage is piled up in almost all the houses in TVS Colony, Officers’ Colony and the surrounding areas and the bins kept at various transit points are full and overflowing. Unable to keep
garbage in the houses for more days, the residents have started throwing the carry bags with garbage in the street corners posing an ugly sight. To add more precisely on its implications, as a final step, the garbage collectors started burning it at one of the collection points at TVS Colony.
'It is already smelling very bad in the area. Now, they are also polluting the air,' lamented a local resident.
If this situation continues for a few more days, outbreak of an epidemic is certain, the residents feel.
A simple question these residents ask. Will the Municipal administration department of which Minister Stalin is in charge do something about this?

Commuters, confusion, chaos

Commuters, confusion, chaos

Last week at CMBT, the conductor of a D-70 bus abused an old man, who had wanted to go to Ambattur OT, for absolutely no reason. The man had got into the bus thinking that it was going towards Ambattur, but it was bound to Velacherry. 'It was just a mistake, and it is human to err.'
This is not a single incident. It happens everyday, sometimes to many, often to the elderly and to women. The reason, as most commuters say, is the sheer callousness of the MTC drivers. 'one cannot expect anything from them.'
Speaking to Talk Team, Kamesh Rao, a resident of Arumbakkam and working with a marketing company, says, 'I usually travel by bus all over Chennai to meet many clients. Wherever I go, I never find any difficulty in boarding a bus, be it Parrys Corner or Pattabiram. It is only here at CMBT, particularly the 70-series buses (D-70, C-70 and so on) I find very difficult to board.'
There are no bays for these buses here. Understanding the commuters' plight, initially, the MTC officials had marked two places (stops) for buses of this series. This was done to differentiate buses coming from Ambattur and Velachery. During those days, commuters did not find it difficult to board buses, as they would stop at the designated points. But things have become bad, and now chaos reigns'.
Supporting Kamesh's version, Kumarappan, a retired Railways employee and a resident of Thirumullaivayil, said, 'We have to crowd the entrance every time. And most of the drivers stop their buses wherever they wish. We have to rush to the bus and ask the driver, which way it goes. Some drivers never respond'.
But, here, we should mention that there are a few conductors, who help and guide the old and inform them. Kumarappan said, 'The authorities should take note of the plight of the commuters, and must take steps to 're-introduce' the old system, where these buses used to stop at the marked spots', said another regular commuter.
To lessen crowding on selected routes, the MTC rolled out new Yellow line and Blue line services last week, including in the 70-series. While welcoming the step by the government, the regular commuters from CMBT towards Ambattur and Velacherry also expect a solution to the problem. Will the concerned officials take note of it?
-G Saravanan