writingonblog uncensored: TN to set up separate Chennai-Bangalore industrial...

writingonblog uncensored: TN to set up separate Chennai-Bangalore industrial...: Union govt’s industrial corridor linking three states still on paper Chennai: Tamil Nadu is planning to develop a separate industrial...

TN to set up separate Chennai-Bangalore industrial corridor

Union govt’s industrial corridor linking three states still on paper

Chennai:

Tamil Nadu is planning to develop a separate industrial corridor from Chennai to Bangalore apart from the Union government’s proposal to have one which links three states.



Speaking on the regional Economic Integration: Role of Economic Corridors and the Emerging Architecture in Southern Region organized by Confederation of Indian Industry here on Tuesday, Industrial secretary Sundaradevan said that the state government’s corridor would follow the traditional route to Bangalore linking six districts of the state and is totally different from the proposal mooted by the Union government.



Union government’s Chennai-Bangalore industrial corridor is expected to link 10 districts in Tamil Nadu before connecting Ranipet and four more districts in Andhra Pradesh and terminating in Bangalore after adding 12 districts of Karnataka.



He said Mott MacDonald has already submitted the final draft on the state government’s Chennai-Bangalore industrial corridor, he said.



Meanwhile, the Union government’s Chennai-Banaglore industrial corridor is still in the initial stage and it may fructify only after Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor is completed. Talleen Kumar, joint secretary Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, told the forum from New Delhi that the Chennai-Bangalore corridor will materialize only after the DMIC is completed. “After the success of DMIC, we will be replicating the model in entire country,” he said.



Sundaradevan also said that the State has 19 industrial estates for medium-scale industries and 100 for small-scale industries. However, their development was not on par with those in and around Chennai and Hosur. “Social infrastructure is an important aspect of industrialization’’, Dr Sundaradevan said. The industrial corridor proposals were to create this infrastructure and encourage dispersal of industries and industrialization, he said.



Talleen Kumar said 1,483-km DMIC would have 24 nodes or city centers, and seven of them would be developed in the first phase. Three of them have got clearance from the empowered group of ministers. The seven cities would be around Dadri (UP), Manasar ( Haryana), Neemrana ( Rajasthan), Pithampur ( MP), Ahmedabad ( Gujarat) , Nashik and Dighi Port (Maharashtra). Funding arrangement for these green field cities would be announced soon.



Initial risk of investment would be borne by the government by creating the trunk infrastructure. Then project specific- special purpose vehicles would be bid out for private participation and investment, he added.

writingonblog uncensored: TN vows to make Coimbatore knowledge hub of state ...

writingonblog uncensored: TN vows to make Coimbatore knowledge hub of state ...: Chennai: In a bid to make Coimbatore the knowledge hub of the state, Tamil Nadu is wooing IT companies to invest in the city by setting u...

TN vows to make Coimbatore knowledge hub of state by 2020

Chennai:

In a bid to make Coimbatore the knowledge hub of the state, Tamil Nadu is wooing IT companies to invest in the city by setting up their businesses in the Rs 407 crore state-of-the-art IT park.



Addressing a roadshow on Tidel Park Coimbatore here on Monday night, Industries Minister S P Velumani said the state is taking various measures to make it a destination choice for IT industry.



He said Tamil Nadu which has been pushed to seventh place among the states vibrant in business and the present government wants it to be catapulted to the first position.



He said the state government has a futuristic vision to transform the present style of governance to adopt global best practices followed by the corporate sector.



Industries secretary Sudaradevan said that the government plans to make Coimbatore the knowledge powerhouse by 2020. “The focus of the present government is to develop tier-I and tier-II cities,” he added.



Additional chief secretary and Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) chairperson Susan Mathew said the IT park at Coimbatore with a built up area of 17 lakh square feet is nsituated right on six-lane highway just 2km from airport and 7 km for railway station. “It has all required infrastructure facilities for the IT industry and is contructed in three basements, ground and four upper floors. It has common facilities in 20,000 square feet including bank ATMs, bookstore, video conference hall, health center besides a food court in 20,000 square feet,” she added.



Mathew said the tenancy rates are fixed at competitive rates and rents are charged at Rs 25 per square feet per month for warm shell on five to nine years lease. “For those who are interested in long-term occupancy, IT space is available for 15 years lease on one time payment of rs 3,000 per square feet. The operations and maintenance charge is fixed at Rs 5 per square feet, she said.

writingonblog uncensored: SEZ: Zones of development or zones of conflict

writingonblog uncensored: SEZ: Zones of development or zones of conflict: C Shivakumar The special economic zones and industrial parks have become zones of conflict in Tamil Nadu as the farming community i...

SEZ: Zones of development or zones of conflict

C Shivakumar



The special economic zones and industrial parks have become zones of

conflict in Tamil Nadu as the farming community is marginalized due to

state’s hunger for land for development projects pushing the community

to revolt against the system by organizing protests and turning

themselves into RTI activists.



Three villages in Tamil Nadu --- Thervoy Kandigai in Thiruvallur

district, Narnamangalam in Perambular, the constituency of former

telecom minister A Raja and Sivarakottai in Thirumangalam taluk of

Madurai district are in the eye of the storm as protests gathered

against the state during the DMK regime as land was acquired following

high-handed tactics.



The brazenness of the state could be highlighted by the fact that the

land documents of the villagers in Sivarakottai were burnt allegedly

by the village administrative officer when the farmers sought court

intervention over the acquisition of 1,478 acres of farm land by the

State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu (Sipcot) after

government lied in the court over the ownership of the land.



“The collector lied in the court that only 96 farmers own the land

where as the tract of 1,478 acres is owned by 2,000 families. And what

is more the district collector has lied in his deposition before the

court that the land is barren,” says Ramalingam, a farmer who has

turned RTI activist. Surprisingly, not even 500 metres away from the

village near the banks of Goundanathi, a college by the DMK strongman

and Union Chemicals and Fertilizer minister M K Azhagiri is slowly

emerging.



Villagers claim the price of the land appreciated when proposal to

acquire the land for special economic zone was mooted by the state

government. While the state paid the price of Rs 825 per cent in

Sivarakottai, Rs 325 in Tharshakalampatti and Rs 168 in

Samimallampatti to the farmers. Interestingly, the wetland was brought

by Gandhi Azhagiri, the wife of the union minister for Rs 39,000 a

cent in 2008. Currently, the market rate of one cent of land in the

area is Rs one lakh.



Ramalingam said the government has bent every rule in the book to

acquire the land forcing the ryots to go on a RTI spree to get the

data besides launching about 16 agitations to protect their land. “The

simmering discontent among the ryots was one of the reasons for the

local DMK candidate’s defeat in Madurai belt,” he says.



The discontent is not only visible on Sivarakottai but also in

Perambalur and Thervoy. “Over the last five years the gap between

urban and rural, the haves and have-nots has expanded due to the

policies of DMK government, specially on special economic zones and

industrial parks,” says Prof C Lakshmanan of Madras Institute of

Development Studies.



“They not only acquired the agriculture land but also the common

resources that provide subsistence to the marginalized people that is

why the gap has intensified resulting in the birth of peasant

movements against the state,” says the professor, who himself prepared

a EIA report for a French NGO CCFD on Thervoy Kandigai village where

villagers have protested against setting up a tyre company and a

breweries distillery.



Thervoy



Surprisingly, Thervoy agitation, which started off as a small protest

by the dalit ryots to protest against the setting up of SIPCOT

industrial park in 1,127 acres of land, has slowly gained ground with

the National Alliance of People’s Movement convenor Medha Patkar

backing the struggle. NAPM Youth coordinator Arul Doss says the

movement has intensified with the villagers and social activists using

the Facebook in ‘Save Thervoy’ campaign. “In the last three years, the

villagers have boycotted parliamentary elections, were jailed, and

what is more 179 people have false cases booked against them and many

have been released on bail recently,” alleged Arul.



Even, National Human Rights Commission has issued directive to the senior

superintendent of police to take action over a complaint of alleged

foisting of false cases against dalit activists in Thervoy.

Interestingly, four government employees were issued suspension notice

for backing the Thervoy, says R Gokulakannan, who was a conductor in

the Madras Transport Corporation and was suspended for backing the

struggle.



“If the government takes away our land forcibly, the village will

burn. It will be another Singur here,” says a villager angrily as one

of the water resources, Thondaiman lake of the Thervoy Kandigai

village, is slowly vanishing with mud strewn by a pile of trucks.

Three water bodies have slowly vanished leaving the 25 villages in the

adjoining areas along the Thervoy high and dry.



Villagers say the government has also violated the Madras High court

orders by not rehabilitating 15 people and drilling borewells in the

area, says Arul, adding that trees have been burnt in the surrounding

areas. Not only that the villagers are booked if they walk on the site

of the company under The Tamil Nadu Public Property (Prevention of

Damage & Loss) Act. This has sparked a protest by the villagers

resulting in the lathicharge by the police.



Even the panchayats has passed resolutions against the industrial park

but the government has been deaf to it. Surprisingly, the public

hearing for the project was held 18 km away when it should have been

held at the site. And no villager backed it but still the clearance

was give. How could they violate all the norms,” reasons Arul.

Interestingly, even the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board has not

given the clearance, he alleged, adding that NAPM has also submitted

petitions to Union Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh. “It will become

another Singur if the government doesn’t act on the petition of the

villagers,” says Arul.



Arul also questions the Environmental Impact Assessment prepared by

State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu (Sipcot) for the

industrial park which will house the French Tyre company Michelin,

re-christened as Michelin India Tamil Nadu Tyres private Limited, a

breweries company which is allegedly owned by Sharad Kumar, the chief

executive officer of Kalaignar TV, who is arrested along with

Kanimozhi in the 2G spectrum case and few other firms and glass

company.



Interestingly, the Tropical Breweries was never mentioned when the

initial EIA was submitted. District officials say the clearance for

the breweries may not materialize since the regime hasd changed.



The natural resources, minerals, land and water needed for

industrialisation, often lie beneath or within areas traditionally and

historically occupied by agrarian and indigenous communities. India's

"growth formula", which relies on accessing these resources, is having

to contend with fierce opposition by local communities



Most of the farmers are marginal farmers holding small extents of

land, cultivating paddy, ragi, groundnut and chillies. “The three

eris that supply water for agriculture will dry up within months of

removal of forest cover and the residents of the village will lose

their livelihood overnight,” says another activist.



Perambalur

Meanwhile, the state machinery was used to procure the land in

Naranamangalam Village in Perambalur district after villagers

allegedly spurned the offer of former Union telecom minister A Raja to

give their land for a MRF project.



Villagers told Express after they refused the district administration

to acquire the land in 2007, they were summoned by then Union Telecom

Minister A Raja immediately who urged them to sell their land to MRF

and said the new plant will provide jobs for them besides they could

get a good price from the company.



But villagers refused to heed to his demand and said the land is all

they have got to support their livelihood. Following this Raja

allegedly threatened them that he will get the land with the help of

the state machinery and they will be paid only the sum that the

government will decide.



And then the ordeal for villagers began as Green House Promoters,

owned by Raja’s aide and family members, entered into the scene.

Police vehicles began plying into the villages as the villagers were

picked up and taken to the Superintendent of Police office or the

district collector’s office and were asked to transfer the title deed

to Green House Promoters. A few of them were even arrested by using

the SC/ST act and then were released abruptly for lack of evidence

once the title deed was transferred to Green House Promoters. What is

more, even the women were intimidated by the authorities to sign

documents following the non-availability of their men-folk in the

country.

“I had immense trust in Union Telecom Minister A Raja as being a dalit

he will understand our problems. When I was forced to sell my land by

Green House Promoters. I thought I would get a good deal as the

minister is from our community. Unfortunately, he also exploited us,”

said Maniraj, who got Rs one lakh for his one acre of land.



“Once I sold my land for Rs one lakh, the brokers approached me in my

home and demanded Rs 25,000 to be paid back as they have spent the

amount on transferring the records from my grandmother’s name to my

mother’s name,” said Maniraj.



Maniraj is among the rest of the dalits who don’t have any source of

income and are feeding on the money which they got as compensation

from the land. Some are migrating to far off cities like Trichy for a

job in the unorganized sector, some are still mulling over their bleak

future.

writingonblog uncensored: Civil society alliance to field 2,000 candidates i...

writingonblog uncensored: Civil society alliance to field 2,000 candidates i...: C Shivakumar Chennai: In a bid to empower the grassroot democracies, an alliance of civil society is planning to field candidates in 2,...

Civil society alliance to field 2,000 candidates in panchayats

C Shivakumar
Chennai:

In a bid to empower the grassroot democracies, an alliance of civil society is planning to field candidates in 2,000 panchayats across the state.



Convenor of Tamil Nadu non-governmental alliance M Jeeva told Express on Saturday that the alliance will be fielding candidates at the 2,000 panchayats and is now launching a campaign for supporting the candidates and monitoring fair and free elections.



The state has 12,524 panchayats and the election is likely to be scheduled on October 2011. Interestingly, the panchayats have come down from 12,618 due to its merger with corporation or susburbs. However, the wards have increased from 40,000 to one lakh.



The alliance, which has 200 members of the civil society and includes people’s movements, youth associations, women and dalit outfits and consumer organisations, will take the campaign across the state by holding district level meetings besides calling for the need to monitor electoral rolls, said Jesurethinam, a member of the Law Trust.



Stressing on the need for more powers to the grassroot democracies, the civil society members also said that though the 74th amendment is introduced in the state, the panchayats are functioning without powers.



“Political parties are unwilling to give power to panchayats. But in neighbouring state Kerala, a panchayat president is more a chief minister of his panchayat,” said Jesurethinam.



In Kerala, the district planning committee is popular and the planning is done from the grassroot level and we have even suggested the model to Tamil Nadu rural development minister KP Munusamy, she said.



Jeeva said Kerala is providing 40 to 50 per cent of its revenue expenses for panchayats while in Tamil Nadu it is only 10 per cent.



He also said the alliance is meeting the Election commission next week to insist that same mechanisms be followed during the last polls to conduct it peacefully.



Jeeva said the campaign will ensure that maximum extent of benami candidates for the post of wards and village panchayats are not made to stand for election by dominant caste, male members of the family and political parties.

writingonblog uncensored: India conducts out-of-pile tests for first time to...

writingonblog uncensored: India conducts out-of-pile tests for first time to...: C Shivakumar Chennai: India is now conducting out-of-pile tests for the first time to ensure foolproof security of its nuclear reactors, a...

India conducts out-of-pile tests for first time to ensure foolproof nuke security

C Shivakumar

Chennai:

India is now conducting out-of-pile tests for the first time to ensure foolproof security of its nuclear reactors, according top scientists of the nation.



Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research director S C Chetal told reporters on Saturday that the test is first of its kind and is conducted at CSIR-Structural Engineering Research Centre (SERC) Taramani in Chennai to ensure the safety of the reactor before going in for in-pile tests at the nuclear site in Kalpakkam.



Currently, the Rs 40 crore collaborative project between IGCAR and SERC will test the functionality of full-scale prototype reactor system for Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor during quakes of high intensity through the 30 tonnes shake table, said Dr Nagesh R Iyer, director of SERC.



“In Chennai, the expected gravity at acceleration is .0273. But we are testing it by assuming we have a quake six times higher which is roughly .16 gravity at acceleration. This is to make sure we do not miss out any eventuality like that happened in Japan,” said Chetal.



Dr P Chellapandi, director of nuclear safety and engineering group, IGCAR, said the facility, about 17.5 metres high, is the biggest in India, and the second highest in the world. France has the biggest facility that is about 20 metres high, he added.





But how does the facility work. Chetal says once the quake is being felt, the boron road is inserted into the core to stop the neutrons from mutating and bringing the reactor to a total shutdown in seconds.



“The outcome of the experimental study will demonstrate the reliable operation of the reactor shutdown system even under severe earthquakes,” said Chellapandi.



The results of the study have high quality academic data, which would be provided to the academic institutions to theoretically predict the seismic response of the complicated system towards enhancing the confidence on seismic design and analysis of structures in general,” said Iyer.

writingonblog uncensored: TN seeks private investment to tide over power cri...

writingonblog uncensored: TN seeks private investment to tide over power cri...: Chennai: Tamil Nadu government on Friday urged private investments in power generation, transmission and distribution to make the state a...

TN seeks private investment to tide over power crisis

Chennai:

Tamil Nadu government on Friday urged private investments in power generation, transmission and distribution to make the state a power surplus one.



Speaking at the valedictory session of a day-long seminar on Sustainable Energy for Economic Development here, state Minister for Electricity and Prohibition and Excise Natham R Viswanathan said that the state is generating 6,067 MW of wind energy but the irony is that it is left untapped due to lack of infrastructure.



“We can’t utilize the wind power, which is 47 per cent of the total nation’s output, due to lack of transmission lines and substations,” he said.



Charting out the state’s strategy in trying to tide away power crisis, he urged the delegates participating in the event organized by South India Chamber of Commerce India (SICCI) to invest in evacuation and transmission of power.



He said the state is investing Rs 5,000 crore in building 230 KV and 400 KV substations and transmission lines.



The minister said that by August 2012, the state will have no power cuts and will fulfil industry’s power demand by having an addition 4,640 MW. “You could now see the difference. The power cuts have been reduced from three hours to two hours,” he added.



He also said the state is tragetting 23,000 MW of power by 2016. Earlier in the day, Tamil Nadu Electricity Board chairman Hans Raj Verma urged private sector to set up power plans along the coastline.



“Although we don’t have coal but are strategically located near the coast and have an advantage,” he said. Energy secretary Ramesh Kumar Khanna said the state will shortly bring out a comprehensive policy on renewable energy and is seeking the suggestions of individuals and private sector.



Meanwhile, the recommendations of the forum was submitted to the minister who said it will be taken into account while drafting the state’s policy.



The recommendations include power utility management, reconfiguring the utility into generations, transmission and distribution delivery functions and lay down performance and benchmarking norms instead of sticking to age old transmission and distribution losses. It also stressed on smart metering , which can be used to disconnect all non-essential loads during peak hours.

writingonblog uncensored: City’s first water supply came into existence in 1...

writingonblog uncensored: City’s first water supply came into existence in 1...: C Shivakumar Chennai: Madras was surviving on shallow wells and tanks until the city’s first water supply system came into existence...

City’s first water supply came into existence in 1881

C Shivakumar

Chennai:

Madras was surviving on shallow wells and tanks until the city’s first water supply system came into existence in 1881.



Metro Water sources said the first project to supply water to Chennai city from Red Hills lake was executed by a British civil engineer Fraser.



Fraser built an intake tower in Red Hills, known as Jones Tower in 1881 at Red Hills Lake. And water from Red Hills lake was conveyed through an open earthen channel by gravity into masonry shaft at Kilpauk and distributed without treatment or pumping.



This system of supply however continued till 1914 when several major improvements were effected to the water supply system by one Madeley, a special engineer in Water Works Corporation of Madras. He was the pioneer for the design and execution of the Madras City water supply and sewerage system, according to records available with Metro Water.



Thus came the existence of Kilpauk Water Works building, which was constructed based on the Indo-Sarcenic style of architecture and commissioned on December 17, 1914.



Meanwhile, an underground masonry conduit was also commissioned in the year 1914 to convey raw water from Redhills lake Jones Tower to Kilpauk Water Works in the place of old open earthen channel.



This was the first major milestone towards protected water supply by adopting slow sand fileteration to purify water. Seventeen slow sand filters to purify water and four underground storage tanks to store filtered water were constructed.



Pumps driven by steam engines were initially installed and they were later converted to oil fired engines for pumping the treated water. A 166 feet tall masonry was used to discharge the smoke.



An elevated steel tank of 104 feet in diameter was used as balancing tank to ensure adequate pressure in the water mains. A 48 inches diameter steel pumping main was laid for conveying the water to shaft and then for the city distribution system. Subsequently, the water distribution system was remodeled and extended to other areas of the city

writingonblog uncensored: writingonblog uncensored: Madras Varsity to be par...

writingonblog uncensored: writingonblog uncensored: Madras Varsity to be par...: writingonblog uncensored: Madras Varsity to be part of DRDO’s biodefence str... : C Shivakumar Chennai: Madras University will soon partner ...

writingonblog uncensored: writingonblog uncensored: Madras Varsity to be par...

writingonblog uncensored: writingonblog uncensored: Madras Varsity to be par...: writingonblog uncensored: Madras Varsity to be part of DRDO’s biodefence str... : C Shivakumar Chennai: Madras University will soon partner ...

writingonblog uncensored: Madras Varsity to be part of DRDO’s biodefence str...

writingonblog uncensored: Madras Varsity to be part of DRDO’s biodefence str...: C Shivakumar Chennai: Madras University will soon partner with Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) in the yet to be draf...

Madras Varsity to be part of DRDO’s biodefence strategy

C Shivakumar

Chennai:

Madras University will soon partner with Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) in the yet to be drafted national programme on biodefence besides tying up in research and development in nanoscience and technology, according to chief controller of DRDO Dr W Selvamurthy.



Distinguished scientist Selwamurthy, who is also from the southern part of Tamil Nadu, told Express the national programme of biodefence is currently being drafted and DRDO is a nodal organization. The main purpose of the programme is to protect the natural wealth of country, including plants, herbs, animals and hotspots in North East and Western Ghats, coasts, agriculture and farm products.



Selwamurthy, who inaugurated the National Conference on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, said the state-of-the art Rs 100 crore research lab, sanctioned by the union government will play a key role in the biodefence programme. “It will test the soil and atmosphere to find out whether it is toxic or not besides regulation of new nano products in India,” he said.



Vice-chancellor of the Madras University G Thiruvasagam said Madras University will be submitting a proposal in this regard within two weeks.



DRDO has tied up with National Manufacturing Competitive Council in preparing a draft on nanoscience and technology policy which will be ready in another six months. He said there is a need for the government to multiply the investment in naotechnology. “There is a need for foundry as well as nanofabrication facility,” he said.

To a query on how much fund is required to implement the policy, he said, “The plan is to do it in phases. The first phase will require $ 2 billion to start with and later increase it to $ 5 billion,” he added.



He also said of the Rs 12,000 crore budget for DRDO, ten per cent is being offered to universities and institutes for research in various initiatives. “These initiatives will help create a knowledge bank for the next 10 years and will help DRDO in developing research into products easily,” Selwamurthy said

writingonblog uncensored: Indians languishing in foreign jails due to lack o...

writingonblog uncensored: Indians languishing in foreign jails due to lack o...: Chennai: Many Indian workers working abroad are silently languishing in jails or are being exploited by their sponsors due to lack of fre...

writingonblog uncensored: John Hopkins likely to set up R&D facility in Chen...

writingonblog uncensored: John Hopkins likely to set up R&D facility in Chen...: C Shivakumar Chennai: Chennai is likely to be the destination of world-renowned John Hopkins University in setting up a partnership in ...

writingonblog uncensored: One year PG diploma in 12 days

writingonblog uncensored: One year PG diploma in 12 days: C Shivakumar Chennai: More skeletons tumbled out of Manonmaniam Sundaranar University’s closet after it was found that one-year post grad...

One year PG diploma in 12 days

C Shivakumar

Chennai:

More skeletons tumbled out of Manonmaniam Sundaranar University’s closet after it was found that one-year post graduate diploma in computer applications was made available in 12 days by the then varsity vice-chancellor R T Sabapathy.



According to evidence available with Express, more than 625 students from a varsity centre in Seoni in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, got provisional admission on January 5, 2011 and verifiable records say that the examination was conducted on January 17, 2011, 12 days after the admission.



Interestingly, this particular centre has entered into a memorandum of understanding with Manonmaniam Sundarnar University only during November 2010, university sources said.



The results were also announced and the students were about to get the certificate when director in-charge of distance education R Ramesh put a hold to it. When Express contacted Ramesh, he said university has taken action and the certificates have been withheld.



He alleged such scams bring disrepute to the university and it is the responsibility of the government to probe this issue so that innocent students are not cheated.

“Without a constant support from higher authorities in the then state government, such daring acts could not have been done by Sabapathy, a close aide of then higher education minister Ponmudi,” alleged university sources.



When Express contacted the centre in Seoni in Indore in Madhya Pradesh, the authorities said it is only a post graduate diploma course and we got the applications much earlier and submitted it only in January. Interestingly, when the MoU was signed on November, how could they collect the application forms earlier, wondered Ramesh.



University sources said if a CBI enquiry is ordered much more could be brought to light including bogus certificates, overnight degrees and many other malpractices during the era of Sabapathy

writingonblog uncensored: Airport, airline violates disabled people’s right ...

writingonblog uncensored: Airport, airline violates disabled people’s right ...: C Shivakumar Chennai: It was a rare irony that the person who helped in framing the Director General of Civil Aviation’s Civil Aviation ...

Airport, airline violates disabled people’s right to fly with dignity

C Shivakumar

Chennai:

It was a rare irony that the person who helped in framing the Director General of Civil Aviation’s Civil Aviation Requirement Guidelines for disabled became a victim when Airport Authority of India and Air India failed to follow the same rules.



Rajiv Rajan, coordinator of Disability Legislation Unit, South, and general seceratary of disabled people’s organisation, told Express on Monday that while he was one of the brains behind drafting the legislation which provided dignified flying for disabled people, his right to dignity was violated on Sunday night when the airport and the airlines refused to provide him and four of his colleagues with aerobridge or a ambulift.



“It is a sheer violation of “Carriage by Air of Persons with Disability or Persons with Reduced Disability’ rule framed by DGCA in 2008 and came into effect in 2009,” said A Dhanasekar, president of EKTHA and associate coordinator of Disabled Legislation Unit.



The incident happened on Sunday night while we were returning from a flight number AI540 after attending a workshop of Disabled People’s International Asia Pacific Chapter at New Delhi, said Rajiv. “We had already asked for wheelchairs and seats in the front row right after the business class. It is their duty to provide the ambulifts as they had prior knowledge that five disabled people are traveling,” he said.



As per rule number 6.3 of the guidelines, every airport operator shall make appropriate provision including ambulifts to enable disabled passengers to embark or disembark the aircraft without inconvenience.



“But the airport authorities and the airline violated the norms and said they will carry us. We protested and climbed down in protest except a woman who was carried away. Air India provided one of the best services till now but this event resulted in some bitterness,” Rajiv said.



Disabled passengers stage dharna



Interestingly, the incident was repeated again on Monday when Minakshi Balasubramanian and S S Smitha, who are members of the Disability Rights Alliance, Tamil Nadu and colleagues of Rajiv, also faced a similar problem after returning from New Delhi in flight number AI429. “Both the female passengers protested over the airport’s refusal to provide them with ambulift or aero-bridge. “We were threatened to be evacuated. But then after a dharna for more than a hour, the authorities yielded and provided us with ambulift,” said Minakshi.



“This act by the airlines is against the right to dignity. They said ambulift was under maintenance and they can’t bring it in. They said there was no other alternative. If the ladder is damaged will you give the same excuse to other passengers,” she reasoned.



Smitha said the airport officials wanted to lift us down manually but then we said it is against the right to dignity. “We are just demanding our rights as mentioned in DGCA manual. It is shows the lethargy and lack of concern towards disabled people,’ she added.

Meanwhile, an airline spokesman said that Air India is looking into the issue and issue a statement tomorrow.

writingonblog uncensored: writingonblog uncensored: New outfits join Anna’s ...

writingonblog uncensored: writingonblog uncensored: New outfits join Anna’s ...: writingonblog uncensored: New outfits join Anna’s movement as war against co... : C Shivakumar Chennai: Candlelight vigil, protests, bike ra...

writingonblog uncensored: World Bank’s fuel storage tank proposal gets Comp...

writingonblog uncensored: World Bank’s fuel storage tank proposal gets Comp...: C Shivakumar Chennai: A World Bank proposal to build diesel storage tank was given a Completion Certificate by the Chennai Metropolitan De...

writingonblog uncensored: OTA inculcates fighting spirit among young officer...

writingonblog uncensored: OTA inculcates fighting spirit among young officer...: C Shivakumar/ ENS Hanumanthapuram (Chengalpet): First the paratroopers jumped from 8,000 feet above and then a nearby mountain was pounded...

writingonblog uncensored: Fate of thousands of students hang in balance afte...

writingonblog uncensored: Fate of thousands of students hang in balance afte...: C Shivakumar Chennai: Fate of thousands of students taking up regular courses in various centres of Manonmaniam Sundarnar University a...

writingonblog uncensored: New outfits join Anna’s movement as war against co...

writingonblog uncensored: New outfits join Anna’s movement as war against co...: C Shivakumar Chennai: Candlelight vigil, protests, bike rallies and fast by people from different walks of life were held in several part...

writingonblog uncensored: Unsung heroes

writingonblog uncensored: Unsung heroes: C Shivakumar Chennai: It was an unbuilt house on a busy L B road that was bustling with activity as slogans of Vande Matran rend the air...

Unsung heroes

C Shivakumar

Chennai:

It was an unbuilt house on a busy L B road that was bustling with activity as slogans of Vande Matran rend the air. Inside was a frail looking old man, who with his wrinkled hands was giving a massage to the activists demanding a Jan Lokpal bill.

“I am passing on Reiki’s energy to them to wipe out negative energy and give them positive energy,” said the 71-year old S Sambasivan, a former materials manager of a sugar factory in Meerut.

“They need energy and strength for the cause. All of these people look like Anna to me. I am passing on the positive energy through them to Anna,” said the septuagenarian, who lives all alone in a single room in Velachery after he lost his wife a year ago.

“Some magnetic force has dragged me here and after witnessing the protest was for a just cause, the movement has now become a part of my life,” he said.

“ I want to support the movement and pray for the longevity to see the truth of Lokpal Bill so that citizens of tomorrow should have a nice life,” Sambasivan said.

And does he believe a Jan Lokpal will do wonders, “Yes” he says. Lokpal will be a torch in the darkness of corruption. The bill itself will inculcate fear among the corrupt, he said.

The movement has also attracted some women who are on a fast. Sujata, a businesswoman and a mother of 18-year old is on her fifth day of fasting. She is weak and with great difficulty she rises and introduces herself. The businesswoman, who runs her own business process outsourcing, is fasting for the fifth day.

Her husband visits her quite often at the venue and he manages the chores in the house. “This fast is for the common cause,” she says. “I have a grown-up daughter who can manage her own chores,” she says.

And then she adds, “One has to sacrifice to get something.”

And then there are people who are balancing both work as well as their protest against graft. Pushpendra, an IT professional in TCS, joined the indefinite fast after being witness to corruption at passport office as well as getting a licence. “For everything you needed money,” said Pushpendra, who has to run to office whenever there is a client meeting going on.

“I haven’t broken my fast till now and I don’t want to break it,” says the 23-year-old. “I don’t know how my officials will take it. I had sought two days permission till Sunday. After that I will see,” he said. He hoped the protest by people would bring in a change.

And Charley Aryan, who is among the only two women to go on a fast shares his vision. A migrant from Bihar, 23-year-old Charley began her fast on Saturday. It is the simmering anger against corruption that has made this young IT professional take up the cause for demanding Jan Lokpal bill. “I had applied for education loan. And had struggled to get it sanctioned after a seven month battle,” she says. Besides she has also seen her dad, who owns a small business, pay bribe to get his shop running smoothly. “I will be on fast as long it is possible for me,” she says, adding that her parents are angry with her for going on fast. “They will understand, I think,” she says.

“And I am getting response from friends in Facebook who want to join me,” Charley adds.

New outfits join Anna’s movement as war against corruption intensifies

C Shivakumar

Chennai:

Candlelight vigil, protests, bike rallies and fast by people from different walks of life were held in several parts of the city on Saturday even as various new outfits joined the movement in solidarity with Anna Hazare’s demand for a Jan Lokpal bill.

The support for Anna Hazare is slowly swelling in the city a week after the movement was launched across the country with new outfits pledging support and even one outfit wanting him to become the president of India.

Interestingly, corruption had different connotations for different outfits. While Tamil Nadu Vanigar Sangam, an outfit of two lakh traders, linked it to new economic policies, outfits like Tamizh Desiya Katchi saw it as a tool to awaken the people of the state to bring in a new meaning to the politics of the state besides demanding a Lok Ayukta in the state.

Memorial Hall near Chennai Central witnessed Gandhi Makkal Iyakkam and Tamizh Desiya Katchi launching agitation in support of Anna Hazare. “We salute Anna because he showed Gandhi’s way of struggle is effective weapon to fight against social evils and protect the right of citizens. He has kindled the conscience of India against corruption. We will succeed in our fight,” said Thamizh Aruvi Manian, founder president of Gandhi Makkal Iyakkam. 

Innian Sampath, the grandson of Periyar and a leader of the Tamizh Desiya Katchi feels the movement will bring in a revolution in politics of Tamil Nadu. “We will be taking the movement to the downtrodden people and will try to change the political colour of the state by ending corruption,” he said.

Meanwhile shops across the state will remain shut on August 23 in solidarity with Hazare, said Tamil Nadu Vanigar Sangam founder president Vellayan. He told Express more political outfits will be backing Anna. He also mooted the idea of nominating Hazare as president of the nation.

In Tiruvamiyur, youngsters took out a bike rally seeking support of the movement launched by India against corruption activists. There were also a steady crowd of old and young flocking to an unconstructed site which is the nerve center of the protest. Patriotic songs filled the air as the hall was thronged by people who were fasting and those who were showing solidarity with Anna.

At the corner of the hall, was a dias filled with 36 protestors fasting for the fifth day continuously. Nearby was also another enclosure where around 200 people who signed up to fast for a day in support for the movement, were sitting calmly.

“More women are joining the movement and there are a couple of women who are have joined the idefinite fast,” said India Against Corruption coordinator Bhavna.

Meanwhile, students of SJT Surana Jain Vidyalaya and Junior College took up a procession in solidarity with Anna Hazare at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Attired in various costumes, they showed their resentment to corruption.

Similarly thousands of people took part in a candlelight vigil in Sowcarpet and Marina Beach by vowing their support for Jan Lokpal Bill

Unsung heroes battling graft

C Shivakumar

Chennai:

It was an unbuilt house on a busy L B road that was bustling with activity as slogans of Vande Matran rend the air. Inside was a frail looking old man, who with his wrinkled hands was giving a massage to the activists demanding a Jan Lokpal bill.

“I am passing on Reiki’s energy to them to wipe out negative energy and give them positive energy,” said the 71-year old S Sambasivan, a former materials manager of a sugar factory in Meerut.

“They need energy and strength for the cause. All of these people look like Anna to me. I am passing on the positive energy through them to Anna,” said the septuagenarian, who lives all alone in a single room in Velachery after he lost his wife a year ago.

“Some magnetic force has dragged me here and after witnessing the protest was for a just cause, the movement has now become a part of my life,” he said.

“ I want to support the movement and pray for the longevity to see the truth of Lokpal Bill so that citizens of tomorrow should have a nice life,” Sambasivan said.

And does he believe a Jan Lokpal will do wonders, “Yes” he says. Lokpal will be a torch in the darkness of corruption. The bill itself will inculcate fear among the corrupt, he said.

The movement has also attracted some women who are on a fast. Sujata, a businesswoman and a mother of 18-year old is on her fifth day of fasting. She is weak and with great difficulty she rises and introduces herself. The businesswoman, who runs her own business process outsourcing, is fasting for the fifth day.

Her husband visits her quite often at the venue and he manages the chores in the house. “This fast is for the common cause,” she says. “I have a grown-up daughter who can manage her own chores,” she says.

And then she adds, “One has to sacrifice to get something.”

And then there are people who are balancing both work as well as their protest against graft. Pushpendra, an IT professional in TCS, joined the indefinite fast after being witness to corruption at passport office as well as getting a licence. “For everything you needed money,” said Pushpendra, who has to run to office whenever there is a client meeting going on.

“I haven’t broken my fast till now and I don’t want to break it,” says the 23-year-old. “I don’t know how my officials will take it. I had sought two days permission till Sunday. After that I will see,” he said. He hoped the protest by people would bring in a change.

And Charley Aryan, who is among the only two women to go on a fast shares his vision. A migrant from Bihar, 23-year-old Charley began her fast on Saturday. It is the simmering anger against corruption that has made this young IT professional take up the cause for demanding Jan Lokpal bill. “I had applied for education loan. And had struggled to get it sanctioned after a seven month battle,” she says. Besides she has also seen her dad, who owns a small business, pay bribe to get his shop running smoothly. “I will be on fast as long it is possible for me,” she says, adding that her parents are angry with her for going on fast. “They will understand, I think,” she says.

“And I am getting response from friends in Facebook who want to join me,” Charley adds

Fate of thousands of students hang in balance after varsity violates norms by conducting regular courses outside jurisdiction

C Shivakumar

Chennai:

Fate of thousands of students taking up regular courses in various centres of Manonmaniam Sundarnar University across the country hangs in balance after it was found out that the varsity violated the norms of University Act by conducting regular degree course outside the jurisdiction of the university.



According to evidence available with Express, the former vice chancellor of the university Sabapathy Mohan, who is also a close aide of then higher education minister K Ponmudi, created a separate website www.msuemba.in and invited applications for starting regular and distance education programmes of Manonmaniam Sundarnar University.



University sources told Express that franchising is not allowed by Distance Education Council. However, Sabapathy granted affiliation to 73 national level collaborators who in turn were authorized to give franchise on their own without any inspection from the university.



And what is more, national collaborators gave franchise to 1,044 private institutes putting to risk the fate of thousands of students who have enrolled thinking that the programme offered by these franchisees is a regular course.



Even though a series of complaints were lodged with University Grants Commission, Ministry of Human Resources and Development and the state education department no action has been taken in this regard.



Interestingly, the university has even authorised some private partners to conduct some technical courses like Masters in Engineering, Masters in Technology, MBA- Finance, MBA- Logistics, BSc Fire and Safety in various parts of country by suppressing University Grants commission, All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and Ministry of Human Resources and Development norms. “This is a gross violation of norms and misuse of university jurisdiction,” said a university source.

And to top this, these partners were allowed to conduct courses, design syllabus and conduct examinations on their own. For everything and anything, it was alleged the students have to pay money. Interestingly, these institutes were collecting exorbitant fees amounting to several lakhs and university did not conduct checks to stem the irregularities. Surprisingly, sources said these degrees may not be valid anywhere putting to risk the career of thousands of students.

When Express contacted the registrar of the university S Manickam, he refused franchises were awarded to private players. “They are mere centres and a circular has been issued yesterday asking the centres in other parts of the country not to proceed further in offering courses or degrees,” he added.

When pointed out that the degrees awarded by these centres will put the career of students to risk, he said the syndicate will take care of this issue. He admitted there had been certain malpractices by the centres and the varsity is trying to control it.

When express tried to contact the acting director-in-charge of distance education R Ramesh, he refused to comment. Surprisingly, it was Ramesh who blew the whistle exposing the scam. Now he is facing several threats to his life and is under police protection. “Such things won’t happen without the blessing of someone who is very powerful and is afraid that things will be leaked out,” a university source said

OTA inculcates fighting spirit among young officers

C Shivakumar/ ENS
Hanumanthapuram (Chengalpet):
First the paratroopers jumped from 8,000 feet above and then a nearby mountain was pounded by mortars and guns of Bihar regiment as 700 Officers Training Academy cadets were exposed to a real time warfare scenario.
“We wanted to motivate our cadets and expose them to a real time warfare scenario where they can gauge the real effect of the weapons have on the enemies,” said UM Rajavelu, commandant of Officers Training Academy.
And the exposure had all the ingredients from drama in the high air to firing by medium and light machine guns, INSAS rifle as well as rocket launchers and 51 mm mortars, 81 mm mortars, anti-personal and anti-tank mines.
The event began with 21 paratroopers, eight from Indian Airforce’s  renowned Akash Ganga sky diving team and 13 from Army Parachute Brigade, jumped from AN 32 aircraft at an altitude of 8,000 feet.
Group captain Arun Marwah from Aakash Ganga sky diving team told Express they were falling at 200 feet per second at a speed of 120 mile per hour and while they reached 3,000 feet they used their parachutes. The sky diving team displayed the flag formation as the audience was spellbound.
“It takes five jumps to become a paradropper and the training is a two year cycle,” says Group Captain Marwah, who trains army paratroopers.
Maj Gen Rajavelu said para jumps and para trooping form part of special operations, which have come to characterize a host of counter insurgency operations. The feat will inspire the young officer cadets, he added.
And then the guns boomed as army spokesperson provided information on various kinds of guns used. Crouched on the floor, the jawans of 16 Bihar regiment of Bangalore, displayed the firepower of the Indian army before the future officers. First it was the Insas rifle, then the medium and machine gun followed by rocket launchers and mortars.
 “The aim of this demonstration was to inculcate the spirit of adventure among the cadets of OTA who are slated to join the officer cadre of the Indian army,” said Rajavelu

World Bank’s fuel storage tank proposal gets Completion Certificate despite deviations

C Shivakumar
Chennai:
A World Bank proposal to build diesel storage tank was given a Completion Certificate by the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority’s enforcement cell by turning a blind eye to alleged deviations and then later rejecting the proposal by seeking removal of alleged structures in the setbacks area.

The proposal to construct underground diesel storage tank at an approved site in Taramani in Kottivakkam village was submitted by the World Bank on October 2009 and CMDA had then instructed it to remove Vacuum circuit breaker panel and ring main gear (RMG) erected in the setbacks and relocate the same as it was not covered in the earlier plan.

The proposal was later unapproved in February 2, 2011 as World Bank failed to comply with CMDA’s request. However, World Bank has requested to reconsider the case on June 21, this year, stating that Completion Certificate has been issued for the main building and the alleged structures in no way affects the free movement of the vehicles and they are only temporary structures open to sky with less than four metres height.

Interestingly, it was found that already RMG and VCB structures with the dimension of 5.4m x 8.43m (length of 15 metres) affecting six parking lots shown in the approved plan was existing even at the time of issuance of Completion Certificate and it was noted as allowable deviation and objection was not raised and a completion certificate was given.

“After issuing the Completion Certificate now CMDA is raising objections to remove the structure, which appears to be not sustainable,” said sources, adding that it brings the enforcement cell in bad light.

Highly placed sources in CMDA told Express that the clearance would be given to World Bank If it resubmits the planning permission along with no objection certificate from Department of Explosives and Department of Fire and Rescue Services (DF&RS).

Rs 150 cr Phase II of biotech park to be operational by April 2012

Chennai:

The Rs 150 crore Phase II of TICEL Biotechnology Park will be ready by December 2011, according to additional chief secretary and chairman and managing director of Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation Susan Mathew.



Mathew told Express on Thursday after a presentation on TICEL Bio Park before a delegation from State of Maryland in United states that 70 per cent of the work has been completed in the built up area of six lakh square feet. The building will have 12-storeys and is designed by Taamaesek Engineering Consultants



“The Phase II of the park will be operational by April 2012 and will be providing opportunities for 1,500 scientists with the fresh investment of Rs 500 crore by the units. We are expecting 100 per cent occupancy,” she added.



The TICEL Biotechnology Park-I, built in technical collaboration with Cornell University of US, is in operation from 2004 and has 87 modules of labs established with complete infrastructure for biotech research and development units.



She also said TICEL is also establishing ‘Biotechnology Core Instrumentation Facility’ (BSCIF) in TICEL Biopark II with a state-of-the-art equipments for microbiology, molecular, fermentation, downstream processing, purification, analytical and animal cell culture facilities and training center to provide scientific and incubation support to clients and biotech industries at a cost of Rs 19.30 crore. It shall be completed by 2012, she said.



Dr M D Nair, member of the board of directors, TICEL and chairman of scientific advisory committee said Union government’s department of biotechnology has sanctioned a grant of rs 10.93 crore for equipments besides Rs one crore by state higher education department for conducting training programmes in collaboration with universities

John Hopkins likely to set up R&D facility in Chennai

C Shivakumar

Chennai:

Chennai is likely to be the destination of world-renowned John Hopkins University in setting up a partnership in research and development, according in sources.



Sources from a pre-trade mission from Maryland in the United States, who are laying the groundwork for the Governor of Maryland Martin O Mally’s visit to India in December 2011, said preliminary discussions are on and refused to divulge any details.



But sources revealed that it is likely that John Hopkins may go in for partnership with Apollo. Interestingly, Apollo Hospitals already has a joint venture with Amcare Labs, an affiliate of Johns Hopkins International of the US, to set up a diagnostic laboratory in Hyderabad in 2006.



Meanwhile, the team from Maryland said it has selected five cities including Mumbai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Delhi and Chennai for the visit of the governor. “Three venues will be decided after the feedback from the team but Chennai is likely to be one of the destinations. The US Consulate here wants Chennai as an itinerary in the governor’s proposed visit, ” a source from the team said.



Sources also revealed that the governor will lead a 50 member delegation and strategic partnerships between Tamil Nadu and state of Maryland will be formalized during the governor’s visit.



Meanwhile, it was also revealed that University of Maryland may go in for a tie-up with an academic institution in Chennai. “The details are being worked out,” the sources revealed

Clamp on fancy registration number plates

Chennai:

In a crackdown on fancy registration plates, the state government has issued a deadline to all vehicle owners to comply with norms pertaining to display of number plates by the end of this month or face suspension of their registration certificate.



“Every motor vehicle shall display the registration number on the number plate with the specification of the Rule 50 & 51 of Central Motor Vehicles Rules 1989,” the office of the transport commissioner said.



All vehicle owners who have fancy registration plates have to comply with the rule by fixing proper registration number by the end of this month or else action will be initiated to suspend their registration cerificate under section 53 of the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988.



The decision to enforce the law comes in the wake of many complaints being received from various parts of the state that some vehicles do not comply with rule provisions and display registration number according to their whims and fancies.



Transport department’s enforcement officials were directed to conduct intensive checks on violation of registration of number plate norms and to ensure proper fixing of registration number plates in accordance with provisions of Rule 50 & 51 of Central Motor Vehicles Rule 1989.

TN plans to become global skills hub by setting up state-of-the art vocational training institutes

C Shivakumar

Chennai:

Tamil Nadu government is planning to set up state-of-the-art hi-tech vocational training institutes across the state in a bid to become global skills hub, according to Santhosh Mishra, member secretary, Tamil Nadu Skill Development Council.



Mishra told Express on the sidelines of a luncheon meeting with Swedish Ambassador Lars-Olof Lindgren that the state is seeking technological expertise from the global majors as well as private sector to set up such institutes across the state.



“We are scouting for partners and the institutes will come up in the remote corners of the state,” said Mishra.



Earlier, at the meeting organized by Confederation of Indian Industry, Mishra sought Swedish expertise to set up a hi-tech vocational training institute in aircraft and aeronautics. Swedish envoy Lindgren said that Swedish companies would provide technological expertise if a model for cooperation is worked out.



He also said the setting of a vocation training institute is good for Swedish companies as they are expanding in India.



Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu government is also seeking Sweden’s help on developing and building its ports. “There will be a meeting with the representative of port of Gothenberg next week,” said Lindgren. Sweden has also approached the state for providing water purifier system as well as recycle technology. Arun Vasu, honorary consul of Consulate of Sweden said Swedish companies have approached the state government but cost of the technology is a hitch.



Lindgren was also hopeful that Sweden will get the defence deal to supply Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) despite Indian Airforce shortlisting Eurofighter Typhoon and Dassault Rafale, both double engine aircraft. “Ours is a single engine aircraft which is light and 10 times cheaper than the two aircraft. The Indian airforce has to upgrade their old MIGs as such there is need to buy affordable aircraft. So we are hopeful that India will come back to us,” he said

Freedom-fighters now train guns on corruption

***Gandhians in 80s to go on fast in solidarity with Hazare

Express News service

Chennai:

After fighting against the British raj, freedom fighters in Chennai have now launched their fight against corruption by vowing to abstain from food on August 16.



Addressing a press conference organized by India Against Corruption, Mahatma Gandhi’s last personal assistant Venkita Kalyannam, who is on his mid 80s, and Lakshmikanthan Bharathi, 85, a freedom fighter turned bureaucrat said the move was in solidarity with anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare’s nationwide protest on August 16.



A frail looking Kalyannam blamed India’s first prime minister Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru for turning a blind eye towards corruption. “The British officials were not that corrupt and corruption came into prominence once India got freedom,” said the Gandhian.



“Now corruption starts from the day you are born and continues till death,” said Kalyannam.



Hailing Anna Hazare for launching the fight against corruption, he said nobody had the guts to fight against the government and Hazare has taken up the cause. We should support him,” he added.



Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as well as Nehru are men of integrity but when it comes to tackling corruption, they have failed badly, said Kalyannam.



Eighty-five-year old Bharathi, who was part of the Quit India Movement in 1942 and belongs to a family where father, mother, son and daughter all went to the jail for the same struggle, compared the present anger against corruption to that of the anger against the British rule in 1945. “This movement is a beginning to end corruption. We have to ensure a powerful Lokpal bill is passed,” said the senior citizen, who belongs to Gandhi Makkal Iyakkam.



The freedom fighters have sought permission to hold protest at SET college at K B Dasan road stating that it is not a political agitation. “I will confirm it when we get the permission,” said Kalyannam.



Meanwhile activists of India against Corruption are planning to stage a rally on Saturday from Gandhi Statue to Labour statue and back in Marina Beach Service Road. A petition to Gandhi will be given at the end of the march, said R Upendran, an activist of IAC. The activists on Friday also burnt a copy of Lokpal bill in front of Gandhi statue.