Faulty entry in NSS

The question of who is to be blamed for errors and miscalculations of interests and subsequent faulty closing balances on National Savings Scheme (NSS) deposits haunts M S Ramachari, an elderly resident of J Block, Anna Nagar.Ramachari, who retired from a reputed private firm, had opened two NSS accounts, ANE-20453 and ANE-20454 when the scheme was first introduced, at Anna Nagar East post office. One account was in his wife's name and the other in his name. These accounts were maintained and controlled by Park Town HPO. But, his NSS passbook, which was supposed to be neat (without additions and deletions) in terms of interest entries, looks like a revalued mathematics answer- sheet. The 'revaluation' had begun in 2001, well after computerisation in Postal Departments, and still continues on his passbook. For the last seven years, since the problem began, he had paid many visits to Park Town HPO near Ripon Buildings to get the figures corrected. During his visit every year, he got an assurance from the officials concerned that things would be sorted out this year and from next year onwards, there would not be any problem with the calculations. But it still continues.Upset over the Postal Department's callous attitude, Ramachari spoke to News Today a few days ago.'Just tell me what is computerisation? Was it for miscalculation and revaluation?', he asks angrily. His point of contention was right. When the officials said that all the interest calculations were computerised, how could the difference in interest calculation arise? Valid question indeed. Ramachari says, 'I was surprised that the Postal Department cannot calculate simple interest accurately and maintain an NSS account properly'. 'Regarding the issue, every year since 2001, I spoke to the person in-charge at Park Town HPO, but nothing was done. Normally, interest for the amount deposited in National Savings Scheme is credited annually on 1 April. Whenever I seek credit-entry at Anna Nagar East post office, they ask me to submit the passbook. Once the statement of interests reached them from Park Town HPO, they enter the figures and return the passbook to me'. The problem starts here. 'When I verified the figures, I found it inaccurate. So, I approached the Anna Nagar East post office. They advised me to go to Park Town directly, so that things could be sorted out at once, as the accounts were maintained by them. It is painful for a person like me, being a heart patient to climb three floors. Initially, the officer incharge would argue with me citing those interest calculations are computerised, so there was less chances of an error. After my detailed explanation, he got convinced and asked me to come after 10 days. I have to visit once again to get the correct figures entered.'When contacted, a Postal Department official attached to the Anna Nagar post office said, 'It is the problem with the official concerned. Every interest calculation is made only on the figures provided to them, and any sort of manipulation is very difficult at their level.' When asked about whether they get such type of complaints from depositors, he said, 'we get very few complaints, but this case is seems to be very peculiar'.

N Korean Refugees See North Thailand as Entry Point

Repro (Article)By Sai SilpMay 28, 2007
Researchers say there may be as many as 200,000 North Korean refugees living illegally in China, Laos and Burma, and many of them are waiting for an opportunity to enter Thailand to seek political asylum.
Tomoharu Ebihara, a Japanese lecturer at Payap University in Chiang Mai who is a volunteer with a Tokyo-based aid group, Life Funds for North Korean Refugees, says there is no way to know for certain how many refugees have fled North Korea, but Thailand is a destination of choice, because of its humane treatment of all political refugees.
He said that a typical North Korean refugee will live in China for three or four years in order to earn enough money to make the crossing into Thailand.
In 2006, about 900 North Koreans were arrested for illegal entry into Thailand and are now in custody. Most entered through Chiang Rai Province or the northeast. Almost all will be sent to South Korea.
Thailand is a favorite destination because of its commitment to Article 31 of the 1951 Geneva Convention, which prohibits punishment of political refugees who enter a country illegally and also by virtue of Thailand's status as a member state of the Executive Committee of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
Those commitments have led to a flood of refugees from neighboring countries, not only North Korea, but also from Burma, Laos, Cambodia and China. The sharp increase in political refugees has lately led to national security concerns on the part of Thai officials.
For North Koreans, a favorite entry point is a 100-mile strip of land bordering the Mekong River in northern Thailand and Laos. Residents of Chiang Saen District in Chiang Rai Province say North Korean refugees are easy to spot once in the Kingdom and quickly do everything they can to identify themselves to local police or immigration officials.
“They even run up to whoever dresses like an official and expect to be arrested,” says Wichai Srimuang, a resident of the area.
After arrest, they are sent to a local immigration detention center and later transferred to Bangkok, where the resettlement process is carried out through the joint efforts of the Thai government and the South Korean Embassy. The Thai government has no special policy toward illegal North Korean refugees, a foreign ministry official told The Irrawaddy. However, Thailand has increased efforts along the Mekong River border to prevent all illegal entries.“We don’t want to be the transit point for illegal entry from other countries,” he said. Prevention is difficult, however, because the border between Thailand, Burma and Laos on the Mekong River is more than 100 kilometers long and very isolated terrain.Resettlement to South Korea is a slow process, involving about 40 people each month. About 400 North Koreans are waiting processing now at the Bangkok Immigration Detention Center. In early May, Life Funds for North Korean Refugees submitted a letter to interim Thai Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont urging the government to expedite the deportation process and to improve the living conditions in the center, following a hunger strike by detainees. Since the hunger strike, the Immigration Office has provided less information about North Koreans at the detention centers.
Researcher Ebihara said he is now unable to meet with detainees in the northern detention center and must wait to meet with them in Bangkok, where the process is more complicated.
Ebihara says the political refugee issue is sensitive, because the Thai government doesn't want to be in the position of Vietnam in 2004, when the North Korean government protested its aid to asylum seekers.
Ebihara said refugees prefer to cross into Thailand from Laos rather than Burma because they are unsure about Burmese policies, particularly since North Korean and Burma now have official diplomatic relations and a much closer relationship.
However, some North Koreans still try to cross through Shan State in areas controlled by ethnic armies and far from Burmese government control.
Officials are aware of several South Korean aids groups operating in Chiang Rai and restaurants that serve as gathering points for North Koreans.
Ebihara noted that if China recognized North Koreans as political refugees and helped them resettle to third countries, it would reduce illegal entries through Southeast Asia. However, that is unlikely to happened, he said.

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.