writingonblog uncensored: Chicago children to chant Sita Ram

writingonblog uncensored: Chicago children to chant Sita Ram: Chennai: The voice of Chicago is set to haunt Chennai as 45 singers from Emmy Award winning Chicago Children’s Choir would perform he...

Chicago children to chant Sita Ram

Chennai:

The voice of Chicago is set to haunt Chennai as 45 singers from Emmy Award winning Chicago Children’s Choir would perform here on Thursday.

Speaking to Express during a workshop here on Wednesday, president and artistic director of the choir Josephine Lee said that the choir would be performing three movements from ‘Sita Ram’, a modernized version of Ramayana.

Lee, who loves Ramayana, says, “Good and evil are within all of us. It is only choices which we all make.”

She says the visit is to strengthen the cultural ties between United States and India and this visit is to familiarize the children from Chicago with the culture of India.

Lee says the Hindu epic Ramayana was given a modern twist and the epic was being shown from the perspective of Hanuman. Interestingly, Lee says she was helped by Hema Rajagopalan of Natyakalalayam in this regard.

She said the choir currently serves 3,000 children, aged 8-18, through choirs in 51 schools as well as after school programmes in eight Chicago neighbourhoods and the internationally acclaimed concert choir. “Our mission is to create unity and peace in the world,” says Lee. Interestingly, this is the Choir’s first visit to India.

The choir, which has received a Emmy Award for the 2008 documentary ‘Songs on the Road to Freedom’  has performed throughout the United States, Canada, South Africa, Korea, Japan, South America and Europe.

Interestingly, the Choir will start the performance with national anthem and then perform few movements from the theatrical spectacle Sita Ram, which includes Siya Ram and Open Up Your Heart.

writingonblog uncensored: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa reaction on...

writingonblog uncensored: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa reaction on...: Source: Media reports There have been comments made that it is duty of the state govt to maintain law and order. As the Chief Minister o...

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa reaction on Vishwaroopam:

Source: Media reports

• There have been comments made that it is duty of the state govt to maintain law and order.
• As the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu , my first priority is maintenance of law and order and ensure public peace.
• Most people don't understand what is involved in maintaining law and order.
• There has been a lot of hysteria about the movie in the media over the last few days.
• Reckless, wild charges have been made.
• Various Muslim organisations had submitted memorandum to the govt and met the Home Secretary and demanded a ban on Vishwaroopam.
• They had also announced various demonstrations and there was apprehension that these protests could turn violent.
• When Intelligence reports were received on possibility of violence, it would have been difficult to provide security to 524 theatres.
• Actual strength of Tamil Nadu police is 91,000. If you deduct personnel required for special unit, we have 87,000 police personnel for a population of over 7 crore.
• If intelligence tell us that there is likely to  be trouble, govt would take preventive action.
• The strength required for one theatre for three shifts is 60. So the manpower required for 524 is 31440.
• In addition there has to be patrolling that would require another 11,000 police personnel.
• In sensitive areas, we need additional pickets and need a striking force ready in each district. So all in all, if Vishwaroopam was released, the total manpower required would be 56440. However, there are just over 9000 personnel available.
• It is the duty of the government to maintain law and order and prevent violent incidents from occurring. It is the duty of the govt to take preventive action and it is only in that spirit that we approached the issue.
• There have been accusations against me of having private interests in this. Jaya TV does not belong to me and I do not own any shares in Jaya TV. It is a channel that supports AIADMK.
• To say that there was a demand that the film should have been sold to Jaya TV is a wild reckless charge against the constitutional authority and we will take legal action.
• Kamal Haasan has the freedom to air political views and if he wants a dhoti clad politician as the PM then that is his opinion.
• Mr  Kamal Haasan doesn't select the PM.

writingonblog uncensored: New life skills initiative focuses on gender equal...

writingonblog uncensored: New life skills initiative focuses on gender equal...: Chennai: The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Union government have launched a reproductive health and life skills ed...

New life skills initiative focuses on gender equality

Chennai:

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Union government have launched a reproductive health and life skills education programme to fulfil the reproductive rights of young people, women and marginalised communities.

The strategy will also impact the status of young girls and women. UNFPA and the Indian government have signed a five- year plan of co-operation in-effect from this year to make an important contribution to achieving health objectives articulated  in the government’s 12th five-year plan, and accelerate progress on international development targets including the millennium development goals. The joint agreement between the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and UNFPA was signed on January 30, 2013.

The programme focuses on India’s largest ever population of young people. Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare ( MOHFW), Pradhan, said, “This programme focuses on key priorities for our population- young people, gender, and ageing. This partnership will help us become more sensitised to their needs and develop expertise to plan policies accordingly.”

While focusing on young people, UNFPA will also help the government prepare to meet the needs of a rapidly ageing population. By 2030, the number of people over 60 will double. And by 2050, around 20 per cent of the population would be elderly.

Right now, India is one of the youngest nations in the world. 358 million or almost one third of the country’s population is young aged 10-24 years.  Yet, almost half of girls are married before the age of 18. One in five young women, aged 20-24, has a child before she is 18. Two of five maternal deaths occur in women aged 20-24.

Universal access to sexual and reproductive health and delivering gender equality are central to the ICPD plan of action and MDGs. While UN member countries agreed to meet these targets by 2015, in many developing countries, including in India, much remains to be done. 

Frederika Meijer, UNFPA representative India and Bhutan, rationalised the focus of this programme: “Investing is the health of vulnerable young women and marginalised communities including tribals and minorities is a key priority for UNFPA, as we believe that investing in young girls helps break cycles of poverty within families. We will work with the government to reach out to greater numbers of adolescents and their families with information on the benefits of delaying marriage, letting girls stay in school longer, delaying child bearing and increasing their access to voluntary family planning. If a young girl can plan her family, she can plan the rest of her life.”

Key to UNFPA’s mandate is providing young people a gender sensitive, life skills–based sexual and reproductive health education. A life-skills education gives adolescents information and skills to negotiate real life situations, including reproductive health illnesses such as HIV/AIDS, and moulds their attitudes to gender and substance abuse, impacting several development objectives. With the help of various ministries, the life- skills education would be expanded to reach not only young people in schools, but also those who out of school in various states of the country.

During the course of this programme, UNFPA will work towards ensuring that young people are partners in development, and have a say in national policies. We will lead extensive consultations between the government, civil society and young people, to factor in their needs in national policy- making.

Achieving gender equality is a key area of co-operation. UNFPA will lend technical expertise to the govt. to address a highly skewed sex ratio and reduce the high incidence of child marriage- key indicators of gender inequality.

writingonblog uncensored: Japan firm buys majority stake in Indian fertilise...

writingonblog uncensored: Japan firm buys majority stake in Indian fertilise...: Chennai: Tokyo based SDS Biotech has acquired 65 per cent stake in Chennai-based Sree Ramicides for a enterprise value of $34 million. ...

Japan firm buys majority stake in Indian fertiliser company $34 m

Chennai:
Tokyo based SDS Biotech has acquired 65 per cent stake in Chennai-based Sree Ramicides for a enterprise value of $34 million.

Addressing a press conference here on Wednesday, managing director of Ramcides R Gopal and executive vice president and representative director of SDS Biotech Yuji Arai said that the strategic tie-up will boost Ramicide’s reach and capture a greater share of market.

As part of the transaction,  ePlanet Capital, which invested in Sree Ramicides in 2008, would sell its entire shareholding in Ramicides to SDS Biotech as part of this transaction.

SDS Biotech is subsidiary of Idemitsu Kosan, which is listed on Tokyo Stock Exchange with revenues of $47 billion and market cap of $ 3 billion.

Gopal said Sree Ramicides has three manufacturing facilities at Pudukottai, Ambattur in Chennai and Jammu. The total production capacity for different products is liquid, wettable powder and granules. These products find applications in both crop protection and crop health. The company offers 50 products in the crop protection segment.

writingonblog uncensored: Australian firm exploring MoU with Anna varsity on...

writingonblog uncensored: Australian firm exploring MoU with Anna varsity on...: Chennnai: Australia is exploring the possibility of having a tie-up with Anna University in mapping of acquifer (an underground layer...

Australian firm exploring MoU with Anna varsity on mapping acquifer of state

Chennnai:

Australia is exploring the possibility of having a tie-up with Anna University in mapping of acquifer (an underground layer of rock or soil that contains water) details of Tamil Nadu.

Australian Trade Commission officials told Express that a tie up is likely between Australian groundwater management firm Sinclair Knight Merz (SKM) and Institute of Remote Sensing and Centre for Water Resources Anna University.

Ray Evans, principal consultant, groundwater of SKM said that the Australian firm is looking at setting up a partnership with Anna University which will primarily focus on skills exchange.

“We are planning to have our presence in research and commercial domain in the state,” said Evans, adding that for that there is a need to understand the requirements of Tamil Nadu.

Dr Zafar Sadiq Mohamed Ghouse, executive consultant –n Spatial and Practice leader of SKM said that SKM officials have met the vice-chancellor to discuss a possible tie-up.

“The focus will be on good groundwater management. Currently, the data on groundwater is isolated with the department. The focus will be on inter-department cooperation to share the data. Once it is done then it will be uploaded in the web through open source software. This will generate awareness among the end users and public about their groundwater resources,” he said. He said SKM also has technological expertise to share with the state like modeling the groundwater in 3D geographic Information System (GIS) where the decision makers and public are able to visualize the exploitation of groundwater.

Australian Consulate General for south India David Holly said that the meeting is being held on the backdrop of the visit of Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s visit to India where it was stressed on the need for collaboration to manage scarce water resources.

He said the workshop on Advances Groundwater management would provide a platform to share knowledge and exchange ideas on how to improve groundwater management.

He said water is not a new dialogue between India and Australia and it dates back to more than a century. “In this workshop we have the opportunity to extend the century old dialogue to examine groundwater management practices.

writingonblog uncensored: Hathway Cable & Datacom acquires controlling inter...

writingonblog uncensored: Hathway Cable & Datacom acquires controlling inter...: MUMBAI: Hathway Cable &  Datacom  has acquired controlling interest in two mid-sized  cable  TV  companies  as part of its strategy to ex...

writingonblog uncensored: Chennai plans Bicycle route along beach

writingonblog uncensored: Chennai plans Bicycle route along beach: C Shivakumar Chennai: Chennaites can soon pedal along the beach as Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority has proposed a...

Chennai plans Bicycle route along beach

C Shivakumar

Chennai:

Chennaites can soon pedal along the beach as Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority has proposed a dedicated cycle route along the beach.

At a seminar on ‘Envisioning The Comprehensive Transport Plan for Chennai Metropolitan Area’ organized by Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority and CUMTA along with the support of Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP), officials revealed that a pilot project to have a cycle route along the beach was proposed by CUMTA.

Officials said that the plan is to develop cycle track along the beach and link to the bus or metro stations.

Interestingly, CUMTA is also planning to redesign the streets of Chennai, revealed deputy planner of Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board deputy planner, who was in one of the panels of CUMTA to improve streets and public realm.

“There is a proposal to create an Urban Design Cell, which will be funded by CUMTA to fix standards for streets. The Cell will coordinate with CMDA and Chennai Corporation,” she said.

The focus will be on uniform street design and streets would be classified as arterial, intermediate and interior streets. A detailed traffic management plan for all the streets at the intersection will also be prepared, she said.

Chennai mayor Saidai Duraiswamy suggested the need for more FSI to help city grow vertical. He said permission should be given to go beyond 100 floors and added that these buildings should also have some floors allotted for parking of vehicles. He said that this would ease congestion.

Housing and Urban Development minister and CMDA chairman R Vaithilingam said the recommendations will be deliberated upon against the backdrop of the experiences of Hyderabad, Delhi and London.

He said the Chennai Comprehensive Transportation Study has recommended an investment plan to be implemented in phases at a cost of Rs 82,120 crore over a period of 20 years. “The recommendations has already accepted by the government in principle during a high level committee chaired by me in January 2012,” the minister said.

He said CUMTA is also part of the Vision 2023 document which aims at providing high quality infrastructure and service to people of the state.

writingonblog uncensored: Chennai to get state-of-the art bus shelters

writingonblog uncensored: Chennai to get state-of-the art bus shelters: C Shivakumar Chennai: Bus travel in Chennai is expected to undergo a massive change with state-of-the art bus shelters, standa...

Chennai to get state-of-the art bus shelters

C Shivakumar

Chennai:

Bus travel in Chennai is expected to undergo a massive change with state-of-the art bus shelters, standardizing of bus routes and procurement of newly designed buses that are disabled friendly.

Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority has proposed a series of measures to woo more people to use public transport and has set a target to achieve increase the public transport usage to 60 per cent by 2018, according to G Ganesan, Deputy Manager, Metropolitan Transport Corporation (Chennai).

He said the city requires additional 1,600 buses as per day a bus carries 1,700 passengers. Interestingly, CUMTA has also proposed to have bus shelters in all the bus stops. Currently, only 40 per cent bus stops have shelters, said Ganesan.

And these bus stops would have seating arrangement and would be illuminated besides having real time information on buses. Ganesan said that currently 100 bus stops in the city have GPS and plans are on to have GPS in all the bus stop. Interestingly, plans are also on to have SMS based alerts on what time the bus would be arriving at the bus station.

Not only that MTC website is also likely to undergo change. “The website is not user friendly now we are planning introduce user friendly applications,” said Ganesan. Even the MTC helpline could change and plans are that it could even become a four digit one.

Interestingly, there is also a proposal for periodic assessment of fleet age. Currently, a MTC bus has tenure of six years. Interestingly, the fleet procurement policy would also undergo change.

He ruled out thepossiblity of introducing common mobility card for CUMTA but said there is the possibility of introducing MORE cards which can be used in bus, train and taxis.

Meanwhile, the implementation of dedicated bus lanes known as bus rapid transit system in 54 km stretch of the city is yet to get green light from the government. The feasibility report is submitted to the government by Institute for Transportation and Development Policy.

The bus lanes which will ensure hassle free travel without any interruption from other vehicles is being proposed at Siruseri-Saidapet (24.8 km), Tambaram-Saidapet (18.5 km) and Chromepet-Thoraipakkam (10.6 km) stretch.

writingonblog uncensored: Chennai a key linkage for states, cities in US

writingonblog uncensored: Chennai a key linkage for states, cities in US: C Shivakumar Chennai: Chennai is one of the major city linkages for states and cities in the United States to advance Indo-American ...

Chennai a key linkage for states, cities in US

C Shivakumar

Chennai:

Chennai is one of the major city linkages for states and cities in the United States to advance Indo-American ties, according to a United States state department official.

Talking to Express during the visit of a 28-member delegation from the city of San Antonio in Texas lead by the city’s mayor Julian Castro, United States State Department official Merin Rajadurai said the focus of US is to engage more indepth with South India, and India at large.

Interestingly, more states in the United States are also planning to have Chennai in their itinerary while visiting India to adavance India-United States ties, said Rajadurai, the official who has migrated from Kanyakumari.

The visit of mayor of San Antonio comes in the wake of sister city relationship prevalent between San Antonio and Chennai since 2008.

“I will be visiting the mayor of Chennai to visit him to the sister city conference in July,” said Castro after inviting Madras Chamber of Commerce and Industry officials to visit San Antonio during a luncheom meeting on Thursday.

Interestingly, Chennai is the only city in India and among the eight cities globally with which San Antonio has sisterly ties. Castro, who will also address the Confederation of Indian Industry partnership summit in Agra on Tuesday, said the focus of San Antonio is on information technology, higher education, biomedical and healthcare.

Interestingly, it is not Pongal but the festival of lights that symbolizes the ties between Chennai and San Antonio. A San Antonio official said that the city has become famous for its Diwali Festival of Lights, which draws more than 15,000 attendees annually after the signing in the sister city partnership with Chennai.  

Diwali, organized by the Chennai sister city organization “Anuja,” is held every year in early November and celebrates San Antonio’s ties with India and Chennai, she said.

To a query on his Chennai experiences, the mayor said that he has just arrived and has not travelled much but is keen to see more of the city during the Republic Day Celebrations.

writingonblog uncensored: UN human rights commissioner hails Verma panel rep...

writingonblog uncensored: UN human rights commissioner hails Verma panel rep...: GENEVA: The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay welcomed the report of the Verma Committee as a groundbreaking basis for acti...

UN human rights commissioner hails Verma panel report on violence against women

GENEVA: The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay welcomed the report of the Verma Committee as a groundbreaking basis for action against violence against women in India, and urged the Government to follow through on its vision and recommendations.

“I salute Justice Verma and his Committee on producing such a thorough report so quickly, and for involving women’s groups and civil society so fully in the process,” the High Commissioner said. 
“This report and its far-reaching recommendations are not only a tribute to the brave young woman who was raped and murdered five weeks ago, but to all victims of sexual violence and assault in India,” she said. “It is also a testament to the power of the young women and men of India, and the broader civil society, who have joined hands across the nation to say ‘Enough is Enough’.”

The report recommends a number of far-reaching changes including punishment for marital rape, domestic rape and rape in same-sex relationships; requiring police officers to register every case of reported rape and ensuring those who fail to do so face serious repercussions; ensuring accountability of police or armed forces personnel for sexual violence; punishing offences such as stalking and voyeurism with prison terms; changing the humiliating protocol for medical examinations experienced by rape victims; cracking down on extra-legal village councils, known as khap panchayats, which often issue edicts against women; comprehensive measures to improve sexuality education in schools and the community; and making new legal requirements and electoral reforms to ensure that people charged with criminal offences may not hold political office.

“I strongly support the fact that the report eschews the death penalty and any lowering of the age of juvenile perpetrators,” the High Commissioner said. “And that, instead, it recommends suitably heavy prison sentences ranging from seven years to life.” 

“The Committee’s recommendations are grounded in a framework of rights, equality and non-discrimination, and represent a paradigm shift towards recognition of women as holders of rights, not just objects of protection,” Pillay said. “The report should serve as a beacon for many other countries struggling to respect the rights of women more comprehensively by addressing sexual violence through legislation, policies and programmes.” 

The High Commissioner acknowledged some of the urgent steps already taken by the Government, including the establishment of fast-track courts, and urged all political leaders of the country to rally around the Verma report and make implementation of its recommendations an unequivocal national priority. 

At the invitation of the Verma Committee, the Office of the High Commissioner made a submission and stands ready to assist in any aspect of the report’s implementation. 

writingonblog uncensored: Businesses trying to re-invent strategies to survi...

writingonblog uncensored: Businesses trying to re-invent strategies to survi...: Chennai: After the global economic downturn, businesses are trying to re-invent themselves and focusing on creating new demand in un...

Businesses trying to re-invent strategies to survive post global downturn

Chennai:

After the global economic downturn, businesses are trying to re-invent themselves and focusing on creating new demand in uncontested marketplace by innovation to survive.

Termed as Blue Ocean Strategy, this has been one of the secret for the growth of Murugappa Group, which decided to experiment it.

Disclosing this during The Cutting Edge Series 3 of The Southern India Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Murugappa Group executive chairman A Vellayan recalled how the business of his group succeeded after he looked beyond the usual business mode.

Terming the earlier business strategy as Red Ocean, which is full of competition where supply exceeds demand and growth is limited, Vellayan said the innovation started when his group, which is into fertilizers, began to think on helping the farmer grow in order to spread their business.

“When farmers are not making money, then whom are we going to sell the fertilizers and this helped change our business strategy,” said Vellayan.

He said the mantra was to reach out to farmers and try to understand what they really want as such the group started extended rural retail business besides offering solutions to farmers.

The result was shown after three years as the company posted profit. Citing other examples like turning municipal compost to fertilizer or turning gypsum, generated while manufacturing phosphoric acid, to a building material, he said the success lies in innovative thinking.

Prof S George Eapen, Practice of Management, INSEAD said Blue Ocean Strategy by firms can only materialize if the leadership participates. He also said innovation in a firm is everyone’s job and it does not pertain to only chief executive officers. He said firms should try to look for opportunities outside space and reach beyond existing demands.

writingonblog uncensored: TRIFED opens 32nd showroom in Coimbatore

writingonblog uncensored: TRIFED opens 32nd showroom in Coimbatore: Coimbatore: TRIFED (Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Ltd) opened its third showroom in Tamil Nadu today, ...

TRIFED opens 32nd showroom in Coimbatore

Coimbatore: TRIFED (Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Ltd) opened its third showroom in Tamil Nadu today, as the 32nd ‘Tribes India’ chain in the country was inaugurated in the state’s second-largest city known for its fast-growing urbanisation and commerce.

The richness and variety of the nation’s tribal heritage was unveiled as the showroom at TNAU-TRIFED Centre was inaugurated byLoretta mary Vas, Secretary to the Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj and Tribal Affairs under which TRIFED functions as an autonomous body.

Present on the occasion were Dr K. Ramasamy, Vice Chancellor of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, and  J. Mohanasundari, MD, Kay Jay Sharp Trendys Sharp Electrodes Pvt. Ltd Coimbatore.

In Tamil Nadu, TRIFED already has showrooms in the state capital of Chennai and tourist city of Kanyakumari.

The products includes tribal jewellery, textiles, metal crafts, paintings organic food products, cane and bamboo, terracotta, stone pottery, gifts and novelties. They range from handwoven yak and angora woollens of Himachal Pradesh, tribal jewelleries from the Northeast, Himachal Pradesh, Odisha and Gujarat; organic products like seasonal fruit juice, spices, walnuts, green tea from the Northeast and Jammu & Kashmir, paintings of Gond, Pithora, Warli and Saura variety, Dokra metal craft from Chhattisgargh, Longpi pottery from Manipur, gift and assortments like bead keychains, pouches and coasters from Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.

The showroom in the ‘Manchester of South India’ gets functional at a time when TRIFED’s annual crafts exhibition is on in the national capital. The 16-day ‘Aadishilp’ at the Dilli Haat in Delhi is scheduled to end on January 31.

The 1987-founded TRIFED is primarily engaged in the development and marketing of tribal traditional products including handicrafts and natural products in order to improve the livelihoods of the tribal communities by creating a market and business opportunities for them based on their culture, traditional skills whilst ensuring fair and equitable remuneration

writingonblog uncensored: iPhone app for on-the-go hotel market trends now a...

writingonblog uncensored: iPhone app for on-the-go hotel market trends now a...: SINGAPORE: Jones Lang LaSalle’s Hotels & Hospitality Group today announced the launch of its Hotels & Hospitality iPhone® applicatio...

iPhone app for on-the-go hotel market trends now available

SINGAPORE: Jones Lang LaSalle’s Hotels & Hospitality Group today announced the launch of its Hotels & Hospitality iPhone® application which is the first comprehensive, all-encompassing hotel real estate app on the market. The app enables users to access the firm’s full inventory of global research and market intelligence and is available as a free download from the Apple iTunes app store.

“The launch of the Hotels & Hospitality iPhone® app clearly demonstrates the firm’s continued commitment to world-class innovation and client service,” said Mark Wynne-Smith, Global CEO of Jones Lang LaSalle’s Hotels & Hospitality Group. “It’s our continued goal to arm the hotel industry with our renowned research and expertise. The app will further enable our clients and the industry to stay on the forefront of hospitality trends with the touch of a button. We can deliver our deep bench of resources directly to our clients’ fingertips.”

The Hotels & Hospitality app caters to the growing hotel real estate industry’s demand for reliable investment information delivered in an efficient, easy to use format. The app provides on-the-go access to city profiles which include critical economic highlights, investment profiles, and hotel supply and performance trends. Additionally, it features properties the firm has on the market, services, direct contact information for Jones Lang LaSalle experts and access to research reports. Information is categorized by geography and date, and most can be downloaded directly, saving time for its users.

Wynne-Smith concluded, “As our lives continue to be immersed by mobility and virtual work, it’s imperative that we streamline the volume of data we seek. Intelligence from this single app will be revolutionary for news-seekers, investors and operators who are constantly traveling. As the market evolves, our firm will continue to serve and lead the hotel real estate industry with tools and resources.”

The Hotels & Hospitality app models the functionality and convenience of the Jones Lang LaSalle commercial real estate app that launched March 2011. Both are also compatible with the iPad® and are free to download from the App Store^SM.

writingonblog uncensored: 15 institutions under scanner for illegal construc...

writingonblog uncensored: 15 institutions under scanner for illegal construc...: C Shivakumar Chennai: Fifteen institutions are under scanner for illegal construction and posing a threat to the fragile eco-system of th...

15 institutions under scanner for illegal construction in Western Ghats

C Shivakumar

Chennai:

Fifteen institutions are under scanner for illegal construction and posing a threat to the fragile eco-system of the Western Ghats.

Town and Country Planning Department has issued notices to 15 institutions in and around Coimbatore that were constructed without the approval of Hill Area Conservation Authority, according to Commissioner of Town and Country Planning.

Sources from Town and Country Planning said the department is planning to initiate action against the erring institutions.

According to documents available with Express the institutions that did not comply with HACA guidelines include Karunya University, Eavgeline Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Chinmaya International Residential School, Isha Yoga Centre in Velliangiri foothills, Isha Vidhya Matriculation School, Sandegoundernpalayam in Coimbatore, Isha Home School, Tamara Resorts, Kovai Kalai Magal College of Arts and science and Coimbatore Institute of Engineering and Technology.

The others include Black Thunder Theme Park, Indus College of Engineering , SAN International Business School, Satchidananda Jothi Niketan and Coimbatore Institute of Management and Technology.

Sources said that commissioner of town and country planning has issued notices to 13 institutions last year and two were given notices on January 7, 2013.

Interestingly, this comes in the wake of illegal constructions as well as quarries springing up in the hill areas of Tamil Nadu resulting in alarming decline in the eco-system of the Western Ghats.

Sources said that majority of development activities are carried out only with the interests of large number of agencies – public and private as such it is resulting in serious stress on the environment and man-animal conflict.

Sources also said that in the wake of allegations over quarrying activities posing a threat to the Western Ghats, HACA has insisted forest department to take up detailed study on environmental aspect due to quarrying activities in its 45th meeting. Interestingly, this comes in the wake of HACA instructing random checks on various parties who have been accorded approval to set up quarries in the hill areas. Surprisingly, agricultural engineering department has informed HACA that sample cases have been taken up for inspection and no violations were found.

writingonblog uncensored: Consul Launches Innovative Power Solutions for ATM...

writingonblog uncensored: Consul Launches Innovative Power Solutions for ATM...: Chennai: Chennai based Consul Consolidated,  the leading manufacturer of enterprise energy solutions (UPS, Solar Power Packs, Inverters & V...

Consul Launches Innovative Power Solutions for ATMs

Chennai: Chennai based Consul Consolidated,  the leading manufacturer of enterprise energy solutions (UPS, Solar Power Packs, Inverters & Voltage Stabilizers) announced the launch of iPEMS-ATM and ATMSure. The new solutions will improve the uptime and reduce operational costs of ATMs operated by public sector banks, private sector banks and ATM service providers.

The iPEMS-ATM (Intelligent Power and Energy Management System for ATMs) is a modular full service suite product that can be deployed for both new ATM sites and as a retrofit for any existing ATMs.  The iPEMS – ATM increases the ATM availability to as high as 97 per cent to 98 per cent and reduces the energy bills by 25 per cent to 40 per cent apart from eliminating the need to man ATM sites which helps reduce the operational costs of current ATMs by another 25 per cent.

ATMSure is a cost effective and green alternative to Diesel gensets at locations which face extended power outages or low voltage issues. It can operate over a wide input voltage range without going to battery and also has a powerful charger to quickly re-charge batteries after an extended power outage.

The battery management technology when combined with maintenance free batteries extends the reliability and useful life of batteries and thereby eliminating a major failure mode in the downtime of UPS used in ATM applications especially in rural and semi-urban locations.  

writingonblog uncensored: Granting temporary minority status to institutions...

writingonblog uncensored: Granting temporary minority status to institutions...: Chennai: Chairman of National Commission for Minorities Education Institutions Justice M S A Siddiqui on Wednesday has hit out at the st...

Granting temporary minority status to institutions is illegal: Siddiqui

Chennai:

Chairman of National Commission for Minorities Education Institutions Justice M S A Siddiqui on Wednesday has hit out at the state government for giving temporary minority status certificate to institutions.

Speaking during a conference on Rights and Opportunities for Minority Institutions in Tamil Nadu organized by Muslim Education Association for South India and National commission for Minority Education Institutions, Siddiqui said that it is illegal on part of the state government to issue a temporary minority status certificate to minority institutions which has to be renewed periodically.

“Despite High Court passing a order against this practise the state is still issuing temporary minority status. This is against the High Court judgement and totally illegal by a competent authority of state,” said Siddqui.

He said if the state opposes the High Court order then it should have appealed against it in Supreme Court. “They have neither filed an appeal in the apex court but continue to issue temporary minority status certificate. This is the violation of constitutional right,” said Siddiqui, a former judge of Delhi High Court said.

He said that Article 30, which gives the minorities the right to establish and administer educational institutions, is not intended to create new citizenship and even Supreme Court has interpreted the article as fact of equality.

Siddiqui also said that Muslims have not fully utilized the services of the commission. “Look at Christian institutions who have fully utilized the services of the commission. There is a need to generate awareness about the commission to the Muslims,” he said.

Urging the minority institutions to get the minority status, he said it would help them come outside the purview of Right To Education act. Section 12 of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act  2009 (the Act) has made it compulsory for every private unaided school to admit at least 25 per cent of its entry level class from children belonging to weaker and disadvantaged groups.

Prince of Arcot Nawab Mohammed Abdul Ali said that the school dropout rate is high among the Muslims while urging for measures to stem it. He also hit out at the West and said Islam is not a religion of terrorism. “There are some misguided elements and they are in every country who want to create bloodshed. Islam is for peace,” he said. He also said that secularism is the oxygen without which India will die and hailed the role of Hindus to protect it.

writingonblog uncensored: Microsoft to bridge digital divide with language s...

writingonblog uncensored: Microsoft to bridge digital divide with language s...: Chennai: In a bid to bridge digital divide and ensure computer literacy across the country, Microsoft is now trying to connect to...

Microsoft to bridge digital divide with language software

Chennai:

In a bid to bridge digital divide and ensure computer literacy across the country, Microsoft is now trying to connect to masses with its Bhasha software that caters to 12 languages of the country.

Addressing a press conference here on Tuesday, Pradeep Parappil, senior lead, programme manager, Microsoft India, Gauri Arora, lead, Corporate Citizenship, and TNC Venkata Rangan, founder and chief executive officer of Vishwak, said that Bhasha is Microsoft India’s milestone in its effort to stimulate local language computing and there is a need to generate awareness about the language interface packs as 95 per cent Indians use their local language rather than English in their work and personal life.

Parappil says that people in India are unaware of 80 per cent of features in Microsoft Office and there is a need to educate people.

He also said that people could also download Bhasha software in the new laptops provided by the state government. “Currently, they are using the software provided by Elcot. But they can also download language interface packs from Bhasaindia.com,” he added.

Interestingly, Bhasa portal was launched eight years ago and initially it had three languages. Prappil says now language interface packs (LIP) are available in 12 Indian languages  and provide end to end platform support and include keyboards, fonts, shaping, sorting and collation etc.

He said the LIP for office provide language specific features like Thesarus, Spell checker and auto correct. It also has Indic language input tool, which facilitates users to input localized text easily and quickly.

Prappil also said that Microsoft is work on ways to help people access the computer and this include people with disability also. Citing out statistics, he says across the world there are one billion people with disabilities of which India has 70 million. “We are thinking beyond ramps in providing them accessibility,” he says.

“This is an untapped market. The vision is to create innovative technology that is accessible to everyone,” he added.

Gauri Arora said Microsoft is training non governmental organizations who work with disabled people on different sofwares. “We are using technology to help disable community to get into mainstream," she added.

writingonblog uncensored: Mahindra launches Verito Executive edition sedan

writingonblog uncensored: Mahindra launches Verito Executive edition sedan: Chennai: Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M), on Tuesday announced the launch of  Verito Executive edition sedan, a premium offering targeted pr...

Mahindra launches Verito Executive edition sedan

Chennai: Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M), on Tuesday announced the launch of  Verito Executive edition sedan, a premium offering targeted primarily at corporate executives, professionals and businessmen. 

The Verito Executive edition has been competitively priced at Rs 7.75 lacs ex-showroom Delhi.

This special edition of the Verito has been launched in the exclusive Pearl White colour to add to the style quotient of this sedan. The Verito Executive edition sports premium interior & exterior features to convey its exclusivity. The interior is enhanced with premium Italian leather seating, adding to the rich and luxurious feel. This plush feel is further extended to the leather-wrapped steering wheel and matching door inserts. The Verito Executive edition also comes equipped with a state of the art touch screen navigation unit, which is always standing by to assist the driver so that he will never have to stop for directions again. 
The entertainment system with integrated Bluetooth is another of the classy additions to this special edition.   It is further equipped with alloy wheels, body decals and Executive edition badging, that add to the car’s exterior. To lend that stylish edge, blue vision headlamps have been added in the Verito Executive edition.

Speaking on the launch of the Verito Executive edition, Pravin Shah, Chief Executive, Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., said, “The Verito Executive edition will add a premium and aspiration quotient to the sedan. Together with the proposition of space and mileage which the Verito is already known for, this new edition will provide premium interior and exterior features to our customers. The features of the Verito Executive edition have been carefully chosen to meet the increasing customer demand and aspiration for a stylish sedan. This will clearly take the Verito to the next level in terms of style, premiumness, convenience and comfort. The Verito Executive edition thus further elevates the status of the Verito Man.”

Shah further added, “The New Look Verito already offers class-leading space and comfort, excellent mileage, a high performance engine, and a solid build quality which handles Indian roads effortlessly. With the launch of the Executive edition in the New Year, customers can now opt for an even more premium offering at a very sensible price”

In addition to these exclusive features, the Verito Executive edition retains all the features of the New Look Verito, which was launched in July 2012. Widely acknowledged as a sensible man’s sedan with a whole host of features such as class-leading space, mileage, build quality and safety, this New Year all these benefits come gift wrapped in a premium package.  The Verito, which has always been a sensible buy, has now moved a notch above to cater to customers with unique taste for a stylish sedan. 
The Verito’s ‘Executive edition’ retains its core strength of the efficient Renault 1.5 L DCi diesel engine and Renault 1.6 L MPFi petrol engine, best in category body width and 510 litres of boot space. Verito also boasts of an ARAI certified fuel efficiency  of 21.03 KMPL for Diesel engine. Further, the Executive edition is equipped with key safety features like Driver Airbag, ABS with EBD, Anti Theft Engine Immobiliser, Crumple Zones etc and is available in BS4 emission only.

writingonblog uncensored: RBI urged to intervene as power crisis hits micro ...

writingonblog uncensored: RBI urged to intervene as power crisis hits micro ...: C Shivakumar Chennai: Reserve Bank of India has been urged to issue instructions to all banks in Tamil Nadu to offer package by way ...

RBI urged to intervene as power crisis hits micro small and medium enterprises

C Shivakumar

Chennai:

Reserve Bank of India has been urged to issue instructions to all banks in Tamil Nadu to offer package by way of rescheduling the payments of micro small and medium enterprises as nearly 79 units in the state are falling sick each day due to the power crisis in the state, according to the director of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Development Institute S Sivagnanam.

Speaking to Express after a press conference to announce the date for seminar cum exhibition Entreprenuership 2013 on March 1, Sivagananam said that as per the Union Ministry of MSME, the daily industrial production in the state has gone down to Rs 6,000 crore this year from Rs 1,500 crore last year.

He said power crisis has forced MSME players to keep the workforce beyond scheduled time till the restoration of power which has increased the cost of production manifold, besides creating chaos and unrest among labour force.

He said using diesel for standby power source has mounted the cost of production and the product manufacture by the state based MSME have become unviable and less competitive.

The power crisis has also reduced the production capacity of many units. “On an average, a unit runs to a capacity of 80 per cent but after the power crisis industry output is down to 30-40 per cent. This crisis has further mounted the problem of repayment of loans,” said Sivagnanam.

In a letter to RBI, Sivagnanam has said that majority of units are tending towards industrial sickness. “It is the right time RBI takes swift action by extending liberal support to MSME players by way of rescheduling their outstanding loan replayment through the bank networks in the interest of state economy,” he said.

“Such a timely intervention will prevent closure of units due to sickness. This will also prevent the bank non performing assets position,” he added.

He said the industrial production emerging from micro, small and medium enterprises in the state has shown declining trend in the last two years due to power crisis and subsequently it ranking has slipped down from the number one position.

Box:

Chennai:

In a bid to reach out to rural entrepreneurs, Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Development Institute is organizing a seminar-cum-exhibition Entreprenuership 2013 from March 1.

The two-day event which is organized in association with Puthia Thalaimurai Foundation will be inaugurated by Tamil Nadu Governor Dr Rosaiah. “We expect around 2,000 delegates from across the state to attend the event. We will be offering them skills training,” said MSME Development Institute director S Sivagnanam and Puthiya Thalaimurai Foundation secretary D V Venkatagiri. Interestingly, the skills training will not focus on power intensive sector, said Sivagnanam.

writingonblog uncensored: Now go BYOD without compromising data security wit...

writingonblog uncensored: Now go BYOD without compromising data security wit...: Chennai: Bharti Airtel, a leading global telecommunications company with operations in 20 countries across Asia and Africa on Monday la...

Now go BYOD without compromising data security with Airtel’s Dynamic Mobile Exchange Solution

Chennai: Bharti Airtel, a leading global telecommunications company with operations in 20 countries across Asia and Africa on Monday launched Airtel Dynamic Mobile Exchange (DME) for corporates.

The solution allows the workforce to access enterprise data from anywhere on a device of their choice, in a secure manner– thus enhancing the business productivity while meeting mobile data security requirements of the enterprise.

With ever changing business environment and with more demanding customers - ubiquitous mobile is emerging as an alternative that helps in maintaining better work-life balance. From field-force to in-house executives, employees prefer to use personal smart phones and tablet for official work. Keeping pace with this demand, the concept of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) is gaining momentum and therefore security of data sitting on these devices are paramount for every organization. Airtel DME ensures seamless implementation of the Enterprise BYOD concept without compromising on corporate data security.

As a unique feature, Airtel DME allows employees to segregate official & personal data on the same device by containerizing the information such as emails, data applications, documents etc. The solution empowers IT administrators to remotely manage and control the device basis individual company policy. In case of loss of the mobile device, the corporate container can be remotely locked and data can be wiped off, thereby protecting sensitive corporate information.

Drew Kelton – President Airtel Business, Bharti Airtel said, “With changing business environment, youth driven trends like BYOD is gaining ground in India.  According to industry estimates, approximately 70% of all smart phone-owning professionals are now using their personal devices to access corporate data, but almost 80% of today’s BYOD activity remains inadequately managed because of various security concerns. This calls for businesses to implement innovative solutions that allow them to take control and benefit from BYOD phenomenon – without losing corporate data. At Airtel Business, it is our constant endeavor to offer innovative and scalable solutions to our customers in this changing business environment. Airtel DME provides a secure mobile solution to our corporate customers, allowing their workforce to access company information - anytime, anywhere.

writingonblog uncensored: DUSTERS TOTAL SOLUTIONS SERVICES INVESTS IN SINAR ...

writingonblog uncensored: DUSTERS TOTAL SOLUTIONS SERVICES INVESTS IN SINAR ...: Chennai: Dusters Total Solutions Services Pvt Ltd, a leading Facilities Services Provider, has completed their investment in SinarJernih In...

DUSTERS TOTAL SOLUTIONS SERVICES INVESTS IN SINAR JERNIH INDIA

Chennai: Dusters Total Solutions Services Pvt Ltd, a leading Facilities Services Provider, has completed their investment in SinarJernih India Pvt Ltd, a leading Soft Services provider in the Facilities Management space (FMS).



The promoters of SinarJernih India Pvt Ltd have divested their entire stake to Dusters Total Solutions Services for an undisclosed sum enabling the latter to take over operations and control of SinarJernih’s business in India. Based on the Brand Licensing agreement, Dusters Total Solutions Services will continue to serve the hospitality and healthcare segment of customers under the name of SinarJernih for the duration of the license.  Further, the Directors of SinarJernih have now become shareholders in Dusters Total Solutions Services in order to pave the way for a joint effort in the area of modern technology for its business.



This move is expected to be a major step towards the mutually visualized goal of being a leader in its industry in India. SinarJernih set foot in India in 2001 and has set standards and benchmarks in the Hospitality and Healthcare industry, while Dusters Total Solutions Services is a major player in multiple verticals and business segments in not just cleaning services but also in engineering services.



With this association, the combined brands are now expected to roll out improved and increased strategic quality services to its clients to lead the industry in the Facilities Management segment. The combined entity has presence across the country, currently serving clients in 17 towns and cities with employee strength in excess of 22,000 people.



Earlier DTSS had similarly acquired Facilitec Services India Pvt Ltd which specialises in Engineering & Mechanical services. Announcing the investment, hamsher Puri, Group Managing Director said “SJ adds great strategic depth to our portfolio by adding best in class expertise in the Hospitality & Healthcare verticals, both of which are primed to witness exponential growth. We are especiallypleased with the addition of a marquee client base as well as the ability to leverage SinarJernih’s international technical expertise through our arrangement with SinarJernih BHD, Malaysia”



DTSS was formed by the merger in 2010; of Bangalore based Dusters Hospitality Services Pvt Ltd & Mumbai based Total Solutions Services Pvt Ltd each among the leading FMS service providers in their respective regions. TVS Capital, a reputed Private Equity player has invested in DTSS.

writingonblog uncensored: Conflict over privacy in Net can’t be resolved til...

writingonblog uncensored: Conflict over privacy in Net can’t be resolved til...: Chennai: There is always a conflict between security and privacy in cyberspace and this will not be resolved soon till terroris...

Conflict over privacy in Net can’t be resolved till terrorism is wiped out says former CBI director

Chennai:

There is always a conflict between security and privacy in cyberspace and this will not be resolved soon till terrorism is wiped out, according to former director of Central Bureau of Investigation R K Raghavan.

Raghavan, who was conferred with Lifetime Achievement Award by Cyber Security and Privacy Foundation here on Saturday, said that intelligence agencies will continue to monitor social networking sites and the messages but there should be a balance between national security and privacy.

He said government has to pry into information on what we are doing in the cyberspace as it is difficult to identify who is good and who is bad.

The former CBI director also highlighted the tussle between Indian security agencies and Blackberry maker Research in Motion over sharing of information and said that the issue was resolved after Research in Motion agreed to provide encryption keys for its secure e-mail and messaging service to Indian security agencies.

He also stressed the need for parents to take particular care to ensure that children get access to only good websites.

Tamil film actress Sukanya highlighted the issues faced by netizens while browsing and said that social media sites should be used for constructive activities.

She also stressed the need for parents to monitor children’s online history regularly and also highlighted the need to keep the computers on the hall instead of their bedrooms.

Regional director of Reserve Bank of India N S Viswanathan, who presented the Lifetime Achievement award to Raghavan, highlighted various measures by RBI to ensure cyber security.

writingonblog uncensored: Dare to imagine the impossible: Kalam

writingonblog uncensored: Dare to imagine the impossible: Kalam: Chennai: Former President Abdul Kalam urged the students to imagine the impossible and break the limitations to change the world. He...

Dare to imagine the impossible: Kalam

Chennai:

Former President Abdul Kalam urged the students to imagine the impossible and break the limitations to change the world. He said History has proven that those who dare to imagine the impossible are the ones that break all human limitations … The question is whether you want to be unique or like everyone else.

 Speaking at a function organized by Transforming Indians to Transform India (TITI) here on Saturday, the former president stressed the need for education system to develop faith among the youth of the nation.

 Hailing the Chinmaya Mission initiative of TITI, the former president urged the students present during the occasion to aim big to achieve the goal, acquire knowledge continuously, work hard to attain the aim and perseverance to defeat the problem and succeed.

 Paying tributes to his science teacher Siva Subramaniam Iyer, Kalam said he was inspired by his teacher’s drawing of how a bird flies. He also said his teacher and the book Light from Many Lamps had taught him “not to make captain the problem but to defeat the problem.”

 The former president, who would now like to be called as PURA (Provision of Urban Amenities to Rural Areas), nurtured the green initiative among youngsters by urging them to plant five saplings in home, park and school.

He also urged them to be light to remove darkness in the lives of underprivileged by helping educate those who could not pursue education. He also urged the youngsters to remove the pain of others by visiting the hospitals and try to bring in hope among those patients who have no one to take care of them.

Kalam also urged the parents to start a library in their home to inculcate the reading habit and values in children. He said harmony in house is key in bringing order in the nation and peace in the world.

Earlier, speaking on the occasion, Chairman of TITI Chennai Committee Manoj Kumar Sonthalia said that Transforming Indians to Transform India initiative is to nurture the youngsters to become a good citizen and do their duty to the country. Swami Mitrananda, director of the All India Chinmaya Yuva Kendra, also spoke during the occasion.

Tata Motors eyes Chennai utility vehicles market with launch of Tata Safari Storme

Chennai:

Tata Motors is trying to grab a sizeable share in the utility vehicles segment with the launch of sport utility vehicle Tata Safari Storme.

Addressing reporters after the launch of Tata Safari Storme, Tata Motors Limited head utility vehicle product group Asesh Dhar and regional manager of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Kerala Passenger Car Business Unit said that with the launch of the vehicle Tata motors want a sizable share in the utility vehicle segement which sell around 800-1,000 units a month.

The vehicles are likely to be sold in 10 locations in city and its surrounding areas.

The vehicle, which was launched in north in the month of October 2012, is being targeted at the younger customer segment who are waiting for more than a regular sedan or a hatchback, said Menon.

Interestingly, the launch of Tata Safari Storme also comes in the wake of the launch of another sport utility vehicle Renault Duster. But Tata officials say Tata Safari Storme is a all terrain vehicle and has been a iconic brand in Tamil Nadu. “It is a refined beast delivering a performance of 0-100 km per hour in under 15 seconds and is fuel efficient one. The vehicle boasts of best in class turning circle radius of 5.4 metres, making driving and manuevring in tight confines absolutely easy,” says Dhar.

The vehicle which comes with a warranty of three years or 100,000 km, whichever is earlier, extendable up to four years or 150,000 km. The prices start from Rs 9.95 lakh (ex-showroom, Chennai). The range is available in four variants and seven colours.

writingonblog uncensored: Missing officials delay Nokia tax evasion probe

writingonblog uncensored: Missing officials delay Nokia tax evasion probe: C Shivakumar Chennai: Investigations into the tax evasion by Nokia India could take longer due to some officials from Price Waterh...

Missing officials delay Nokia tax evasion probe

C Shivakumar

Chennai:

Investigations into the tax evasion by Nokia India could take longer due to some officials from Price Waterhouse and Co and Nokia India failing to appear for investigations during the last three days, Income tax sources said.

Sources told Express that on Friday eight officials of Nokia India were summoned for investigation but not all turned up and would be summoned later.

 “We are keeping our fingers crossed and will investigate all the officials,” the sources added.

To a query whether the officials are delaying the investigation by not being present for the investigation, sources said that the excuses for not attending could be genuine and all their statements will be taken.

Interestingly, on January 16 only three of the four auditors of Price Waterhouse and Co summoned appeared for investigation. Similarly on January 17, only two auditors of PW and Co were grilled as one of the auditor excused himself. Income Tax sources said the auditor would be available on Monday. He will be accompanying the fourth auditor who is likely to be present on January 21.

Similarly, on January 17, only the managing director of Nokia India Sales Private Limited P Balajee was present for the enquiry. Interestingly, the chief financial officer of Nokia India and the taxation head, both women, did not appear for the investigation.

Even on Friday, income tax sources said that not all officials appeared for the investigation. And Income tax officials are not taking any chances after the Vodafone case and will be conducting the investigation of all the officials.

“We will be submitting the report and hand it over to the assessment officer,” the source said.

Interestingly, journalists were denied any information on the ongoing investigation of Nokia officials. On Thursday Price Waterhouse and Co said that they signed the audit report of Nokia India Sales Private Limited for the last six years that has resulted in tax evasion worth Rs 2,500 crore to Rs 3,000 crore based on the advise of Nokia India.

writingonblog uncensored: TN dental council president used private trust to ...

writingonblog uncensored: TN dental council president used private trust to ...: Chennai: Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested Tamil Nadu Dental Council  president Dr Gunaseelan Rajan for taking a bribe of...

TN dental council president used private trust to siphon off bribe amount

Chennai:

Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested Tamil Nadu Dental Council  president Dr Gunaseelan Rajan for taking a bribe of Rs 75 lakh to grant approval to a private dental college to start post-graduate course.

Sources told Express that Gunaseelan was arrested after he was summoned by CBI for an enquiry into the graft case in which Dr Murugesan, a Dental Council of India (DCI) member, and three others were arrested on January eight for demanding a bribe from a private college to start Post Graduate Dental courses at suburban Melmaruvathur.

CBI sources said that Gunaseelan has been remanded to judicial custody till February 1. Others who were arrested earlier include former AIADMK legislator T Palani, who had acted as a middleman, college administrative officer K Ramabadran and Adiparasakthi Trust member R Karunanidhi.

Sources said that it was Dr Gunaseelan who instructed Dr Murugesan, who was a member of the state dental council of India, to collect the bribe amount from Adi Parasakthi Medical College.

Sources said during the investigation it was revealed that the bribe amount is siphoned off to a private trust run by Dr Gunaseelan and Dr Murukesan. The money worth Rs 75 lakh was recovered after Dr Gunaseelan confessed to have received the amount for granting permission to a dental college.

Sources also said the duo would also use the private financiers deposits to route the bribe amount. Further investigations into the case are on as CBI is going through documents seized from Gunaseelan’s house and office.

writingonblog uncensored: Food safety regulating body to include more food c...

writingonblog uncensored: Food safety regulating body to include more food c...: Chennai: Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has standards regulating 350 food commodities and plans are on to bring in more com...

Food safety regulating body to include more food commodities under its list

Chennai:
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has standards regulating 350 food commodities and plans are on to bring in more commodities under the purview of regulating body, according to chairman of FSSAI K Chandramouli.
Speaking during the launch programme of ‘Food Safety for all’, a mass contact education programme on food safety, standards and unsafe food, Chandramouli said that FSAAI is planning to increase the list of food commodities so that it corresponds to international level.
FSSAI, which has been created for laying down science based standards for articles of food and to regulate their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import to ensure availability of safe and wholesome food for human consumption, also is planning to regulate 5.5 crore food business operators in the country, he said.
“We are trying to identify each and every operators and have them registered and licenced so that it is easy to track them,” he said. He said this is easy to say but difficult to implement and FSSAI is taking the help of Consumer Association of India in this regard. He said the creation of awareness, publicity and knowledge is important in this regard.
Interestingly, the state’s role in ensuring food safety was hailed by Chandramaoili as he said Tamil Nadu has adequate number of food inspectors, to implement the Food Safety regulations.

Tamil Nadu Co-operation, Food and Consumer Protection secretary M P Nirmala stressed on the need for food safety while underlining that it is not to target poor but to ensure that poor have healthy food.
Former chief election commissioner and trustee of Consumer Association of India N Gopalaswami stressed on the need for enforcement to ensure safety of food.
Chandramouli also flagged off the their first mass contact education programme on food safety, standards and unsafe food at the Ethiraj College here. A Food Safety Express van fully loaded with all materials including audi-visual and audio equipment will embark on a journey across selected districts of Tamil Nadu including Chennai, Vellore, Trichy, Madurai and Coimbatore. The four-month journey will conclude on May 1, 2013.
A bilingual portal http://foodsafe.caiindia.org was also launched during the occasion.