January 13, 2004
SHOURIE SUGGESTS THREE POINT IT AGENDA FOR ASIAN COUNTRIES
SECOND ASIA IT MINISTERS SUMMIT BEGINS
15:27 ISTHYDRABAD - The Union Minister of Communications, Information Technology and Disinvestment, Arun Shourie, has suggested a three-point agenda for development of Information Technology in the Asia region. Inaugurating the Industrial Forum of the 2nd Asia IT Ministers’ Summit in Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh) today, Shourie called upon Asian countries to identify their core-competence in the IT sector, list out the specific projects which can be replicated in other countries of the region. He said that the member countries should identify one great IT project for the region which should become the symbol of summit and of bonding together. He also suggested that we should sharpen our focus and concentrate our efforts on these projects that will give immediate benefits to vast numbers. The Minister stated that the member countries should enrich the website of the Summit by listing out the software packages developed in their countries.
Mentioning of the achievements, Shourie said the world has recognized the power of Asia in IT sector. He said Indian IT industry has developed several softwares which are useful for the people. "Software have been developed that transforms text into speech and text into Braille. The Centre and state governments are giving importance to e-governance", the Minister said. He emphasized the need to introduce IT in more public services which are useful in day to day life.
About the role played by Indian IT professionals abroad, the Minister said that the one-third of start-ups in Silicon-valley are by Indians. The Minister added that more than 100 companies of fortune-500 have set up their Research and Development centres in India. He said that India is earning $ 16 billion revenue from software and IT enabled services and out of this $ 13 billion by export of softwares. "This shows our capability and standards in IT", he said. Referring to the protectionist polices adopted by certain countries in IT sector, the Minister suggested concerted action by the Asian countries to face this challenge.
In his presidential address, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N. Chandrababu Naidu said that the Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have a strategic role in development today. "No country can contemplate better quality of life for its citizens without the power of ICT", he said. "Asia is emerging as a powerhouse in the knowledge economy. Significant parts of the Information and Communication Technologies’ gains else where in the world are fuelled by devices manufactured in Asia, software developed by Asians and services provided by this region. Asian countries need to coordinate their policies and share their experiences in a more meaningful manner", he said.
The Minister for State for Communications and Information Technology, Su Thirunavukkarasar, in his welcome address hoped the discussions in the Summit would result in knowledge transfer among the member countries. Coinciding with the Summit an IT exhibition was also opened showcasing the various software products developed in India. The highlights of the exhibition include demonstration of Parma Padma, fourth generation super computer developed by C-DAC, rural based software developed by National Informatics Centre (NIC), and by the Media Lab Asia including the Infothela, the agro explorer, the CORDECT developed by IIT Madras and the Simputer and its working applications on IT in the areas of e-governance, etc.
The two-day summit is being organized by the Department of IT, Ministry of Communications and IT, Government of India. Around 32 Asian countries are participating in it. Several Chief Executive Officers, Chief Information Officers and Industry experts from India and abroad are participating in the summit. The summit would discuss the issues like "Bridging the Digital Divide", "Standardisation and IT Development in Asia", "Digitisation of Culture", "Construction of Broadband Network", "Internet Affordability, Management and Security". National Informatics Centre (NIC) of the Department of IT is webcasting the entire proceedings of the two-day summit. Webcasting site: www.asiaitsummit.nic.in (Keralamonitor.com)
Raising Election Fund from Diaspora!
The BJP is engaged in a marathon Fund raising Campaign from the Indian Diaspora who atteneded the high profile NRI meet in New Delhi. A major source to fund the forthcoming election is the Pravasi Bharatheeya Day celebrations attended by the high networth NRIs. The party has been enthused by the amount of green bucks flow into the party fund from the US. It is equally enthused by the fund flow from the Middle East. Does not matter whether the "nationalist" government is selling all state assets at throw away prices to NRIs who normally act as benami investors on behalf of corrupt politicians. Already a number of public companies are given for peanuts to the Diaspora..The more fund you donate to the party, the more rewards and awards coming your way. Roads, hotels, highways, Indian schools and what not is offered for sale by the Swadeshi party!
Tanmia collaborates with National Bank of Sharjah to organize job-focused training for UAE nationals
Trainees acquire skills that will help them take up positions at different branches of the bank
January 10, 2004
Continuing its aggressive campaign to place UAE nationals in the labour market, Tanmia, the National Human Resource Development and Employment Authority, in collaboration with the National Bank of Sharjah, recently began to provide job-oriented training courses for fresh recruits, in association with a private training institute.
The initiative follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Tanmia and the National Bank of Sharjah to select UAE nationals registered with Tanmia and provide them with skills that match the bank's requirements through on-job training programmes.
The young National trainees, selected by the National Bank of Sharjah from Tanmia's database, were provided with comprehensive and structured training in all aspects of banking, such as strategic operations, problem solving, computer skills and financial issues. It included extensive on-the-job training, customer care and retail banking. The recruits will subsequently be placed in different branches of the bank.
Outlining National Bank of Sharjah's commitment to the collaboration, Mohammed Abdulla, Acting General Manager, National Bank of Sharjah said: "Our tie-up with Tanmia extends from our commitment to Emiratisation, to develop a strong national workforce. We are pleased to support Tanmia's training programme because it offers the right tools and facilities to improve UAE nationals' chances of succeeding in a tough job environment. We would like to wish bright career prospects for these new recruits, while assuring Tanmia of our strong support to its mission of enabling nationals to excel in the labour market."
"These kind of training programmes offer valuable skills that vastly improve the chances of UAE nationals to cope with the pressures of the modern workplace, specially in the private sector. They help raise the confidence levels of the nationals. We have already achieved 30 per cent Emiratisation in the National Bank of Sharjah and we are confident that this collaboration with Tanmia will help us increase further the proportion of UAE nationals in our bank. We are committed to having many such training programmes, in association with Tanmia in the future," added Abdulla.
Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, Director General, Tanmia said "We appreciate the initiative taken by the National Bank of Sharjah to conduct on the job training for young nationals. The strategic role played by Tanmia in Emiratisation to offer job oriented training programmes to UAE national job seekers, will allow the young generation to contribute to the economic development of their country. Further, Tanmia assumes most of the financial cost involved in the training programme, in order not to burden the institution with additional charges," commented Al Awar.
"Tanmia's key focus has been on providing opportunities for UAE nationals to develop their skills for specific jobs and responsibilities," Ayesh Al Barguthi, Director-Employment and Skills Development Center, Tanmia. "Our MOU with the National Bank of Sharjah represents the start of a fruitful collaboration that will considerably enhance our capacity to find more employment for nationals. We will work together to devise training programs that enhance competency in areas where the candidates are weak. Our aim is to boost the young UAE nationals' confidence further and help them make a good beginning in a new workplace."
Media Monitor: Social Club PRO
Ggetting their photos (with celebrities) published in local newspapers is a major weakness for the office bearers of social organisations. The ISC Malayalam Wing convener normally has a tough time accommodating the ego of each wing commanders. In one instance, a sports coordinator was so furious that instead of putting his photograph along with P T Usha, the local newspapers carried a picture showing the ISC Cultural coordinator with the sports celebrity. The furious man comes with the particular newspaper and threw it in anguish. As a compromise the poor convener seeks the help of its PR links in the media. He retrieves another photograph of the sports coordinator liberally "donating blood" and get it "planted" in local dailies using the journalist members. In public forums these journalists talks much about ethics. The same journalists are used to publish, rather plant, news items and photographs of events which happened several months back. The visual media is not an exception - a news channel reported that about 4,000 people enjoyed the Onam feast of Malayalam Wing. In fact not even half of that figure is true! The channel got several hundred rials as sponsorship and everybody is happy. The only victim is the poor readers and viewers who believes the blatant lie aired by the honoured news channel, the Asianet. (keralamonitor.com)
ISC Malayalam Update
The love- hate- relation between the convener and the ousted lady co convener of the ISC Malayalam Wing continues with various ups and downs to reach a compromise. Immediately after the Management Committee took a hasty decision to terminate the CO convener, it had to eat its words and desperately run around for a "compromise" - the parent organisation gave a 48 hours ultimatum to amicably solve the problem. The lady CO convener too had her share of embarrassment from the ISC which questioned her alleged practice of recording private phone conversation apparently with some ulterior motive. The fact is that she was attacked in front of the convener and cultural coordinator. However, the duo eye witnesses claimed in front of the ISC officials that they did not see the actual physical assault. One was looking at the sky while the other turned around when he saw the hit man removing his chappals to blast the lady! A counter allegation leveled against the media couple is that the honourable journalist illegally entered the committee room in a drunkard format. The couple denies the charge as baseless. All the parties are keen to have a compromise and the lady could be reinstalled - an offer which any dignified person would not accept
Indian takes Lucent Technologies to Court for violating Labour Rules
A leading American company which has produced Nobel Prize winners and major scientific advances, has been taken to the labour court by a keralite in Saudi Arabia and in the US for violating Saudi regulations The litigants include, among others, Vikraman Nannoo, an Indian national, who was fired when he protested some of Lucent's policies. Earlier last year, National Group of Communications and Computers Ltd (NGC), a Saudi company, filed a civil lawsuit against Lucent Technologies. NGC currently operates as Silki La Silki Telecommunications Company. Among the charges filed against Lucent Technologies were its departure from corporate governance rules and good business ethics, not obeying the laws of the Kingdom, disregarding the provisions of contracts signed with employees and depriving employees of their legitimate dues.
Saudi Newspaper, the Arab News quoted Nannoo as saying that Lucent's policies compelled some employees to leave the company. The newspaper said the harassed workers resorted to legal action to redress their grievances. According to Nanoo, he was eligible for an ESB amounting to SR128,370, but Lucent offered only SR78,820. As a result, he filed a case in Riyadh on April 6 last year. Eight months later Lucent produced a draft for SR129, 640 which was more than his dues. He filed another claim for damages done to him during the period. The damages were: Taking the Iqama for sending him on exit-only visa while the labor case was pending, putting him in police custody by making false complaints, describing him as a criminal in front of other employees and not allowing him to accept employment with another company.
Citing an example of discriminatory practices followed by Lucent, he said the company had a published policy that employees leaving the company due to shortage of work could pursue other employment opportunities in the Kingdom with companies that are not in competition with Lucent.
At the same time, there were instances in which the company allowed employees to work for its rivals, the litigant said, naming some of the employees. An American employee of Lucent observed that some actions taken by local executives, if taken in the US, "would bring down the company with multimillion-dollar lawsuits. The Equal Employment Opportunities Commission rules and regulations and Foreign Corrupt Practice Act also bind all American companies doing business outside the US. Lucent Technologies is no exception to the rules."
National Bank of Fujairah (NBF) undertakes emiratisation drive in partnership with Tanmia
15 UAE nationals selected for training and recruitment in Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Fujairah and Dibba branchesDecember 30, 2003
The National Bank of Fujairah (NBF) has recently undertaken an extensive emiratization drive in partnership with Tanmia, the National Human Resource Development and Employment Authority. As part of the programme, 15 UAE Nationals with various levels of qualifications have been selected from the Tanmia database to receive training and full time employment with NBF in 2004.
The young National trainees will undergo an intensive training programme from the Emirates Institute for Banking and Financial Studies (EIBFS), the leading training provider for the banking sector. They will be then absorbed in the Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Fujairah and Dibba branches of National Bank of Fujairah.
Speaking at the official signing ceremony, Michael Williams, General Manager, NBF said, "It is the firm belief of National Bank of Fujairah that a successful career is built on a strong commitment to the organization, backed by a high quality training and development programme, with support from in-house trainers and mentors. In 2003, National Bank of Fujairah worked hard to put these systems and processes in place. With the professional support of Tanmia and EIBFS, we are now able to offer sustainable career opportunities for UAE nationals"."This is an exciting opportunity for us at National Bank of Fujairah, and we see this as a continuous process which not only helps us plan and manage our trainee intake, but also enables us to make a significant contribution to the local community. With the assistance of Tanmia and EIBFS, NBF intends to make a positive impact on the drive to develop the UAE economy by supporting the local employment campaign", added Williams.
Ayesh Al-Barguthi, director of Employment and Skills Development Center, Tanmia, stated, "'Tanmia is delighted to partner with NBF, an organization that has shown a genuine dedication to the cause of employing nationals. NBF has selected 15 UAE nationals under our recent "Maharat" programme that delivers job-oriented courses to UAE Nationals".
"The group will undergo a training course from EIBFS which will equip them with the specific and skills and practical training necessary for joining this important sector. EIBFS specializes in offering professional, short-term training and educational programs, studies, and other services for the banking and financial sector, and we have received a positive response to their programmes from job seekers in the banking sector. We are confident that the new trainees will be an important resource for NBF, and look forward to continue our services to the bank in the future", added Al-Barguthi.
NOC WAIVED FOR STARTING SCHOOL TEACHERS’ COURSES
15:18 IST
The National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) has decided to dispense with the requirement of No Objection Certificate from State/UT Government for a period of three years for institutions keen to start a course or training for school teachers.The notification issued to this effect invites applications by 31st of this month from institutions wanting to start a new course or training in pre-school teacher education or nursery teacher education from the academic session 2004-05.
It has been estimated that over a million additional teachers will be required at elementary level to achieve the goal of universalisation of elementary education by 2010. The present step is one of the measures to promote setting up of new institutions and increase availability of seats in the existing institutions running elementary teacher education programmes.
The requirement of No Objection Certificate has been waived for these categories of institutions:
a. institutions already recognized by NCTE for running a B.Ed course and seeking permission to start a course or training in elementary teacher education;
b. existing elementary teacher institutions seeking permission to increase the intake in such course;c. institutions seeking recognition to start a course or training in pre-school teacher education/nursery teacher education and.
d. existing institutions seeking permission to increase the intake in such a course.
ALL INDIA POLICE RADIO OFFICERS CONFERENCE OPENS IN NEW DELHI
16:41 IST
The 26th All India Police Radio Officers’ Conference has opened in New Delhi. Inaugurating the 3-Day Conference the Union Home Secretary, Shri N. Gopalaswami underlined the importance of Police Communication in the changing scenario. He said in the past also the Police Wireless Network had a vital role in the maintenance of Law & Order and at times of Natural Calamities like earthquakes, floods which generally caused devastation. He said the modernization of Police Telecommunication is being given topmost priority by the Government and with the raising of funds to a thousand crore rupees every year we should be able to acquire the State of the art communication set-up.Regarding implementation of the POLNET project, he said every effort should be made to put it in place by the end of this year. He also stressed for proper training of personnel behind the equipment as more and more sophisticated machinery are being introduced for use by the police. He highly appreciated the role of the Central Police Radio Training Institute in this regard.
In his Welcome Address, the Director, Police Telecommunications, Mr. Kamlesh Deka referred to the POLNET project based on Satellite communication and how it shall be useful for police operations in the country using the V-Sat terminals. A 3-day Exhibition of the state of the art communication equipments and systems forms part of the Conference. (keralamonitor.com)
MTC-VODAFONE PARTNERS WITH INTERNATIONAL TURNKEY SYSTEMS FOR BAHRAIN OPERATIONS
Reiterates ITS continuous support and commitment to MTC-Vodafone's operational expansionBahrain, December 29, 2003: - Leading mobile service provider, MTC-Vodafone has appointed International Turnkey Systems, the established solutions provider in Middle East and Africa, as IT solutions partner for its services in Bahrain.
ITS is to provide MTC-Vodafone with comprehensive and state-of-the-art integrated solutions designed to support the mobile service provider's current operations and ultimately its 3G network services to be commercially launched in Bahrain in early 2004. ITS will also provide facilities management services for MTC-Vodafone's IT infrastructure operations.
"MTC-Vodafone has always been committed to delivering best of breed value-added services to its subscribers. This has been continued through teaming up with ITS," said Mr. Khalid Al Farkh, Chief Operating Officer for MTC-Vodafone (Bahrain)."ITS with its proven expertise and experience in handling complex integrations ensured that the aggressive launch deadline of our network operations in Bahrain was met successfully.
"This has only reaffirmed our belief that we can continue to leverage on the cutting-edge capabilities of ITS to address the growing market challenges in the telecom sector in the region."
Advanced ITS integrated solutions such as its billing and customer care system, mediation and provisioning software, IP based multi-channel contact centre, e-business and portal solution, interconnect and collection-recovery systems featured heavily in the partnership.
"We have executed several successful turnkey projects for MTC-Vodafone in Kuwait and we are pleased that this has translated into it awarding us the prestigious contract of implementing total turnkey solutions for the commencement of its services in Bahrain," said Mr. Khaled Faraj Al-Saeid, ITS General Manager.
2/-Under its licence obligations, MTC-Vodafone is committed to delivering 95 percent geographic coverage from day one for 2G (GSM), EDGE and 3G technologies, voice services and various data service such as SMS, MMS, WAP, push/pull information service and location based services.
"ITS's commitment to its aggressive targets and deadlines are unmatched in the industry," said Mr. Khalid Muhtadi, Chief Operations Officer for IT, Billing and Customers Services, MTC-Vodafone Bahrain. "We relied on ITS for integrating the latest technologies including mobile data, MMS and 3G with our business support systems and our call centre.
"Through flexibility, technical competence, and dedication they met the challenge and delivered seamlessly integrated solutions.
"Based on our success in the implementation phase we intend to expand our partnership with ITS to cover future solutions and outsourcing critical IT operations to them in order to focus on our strategic and commercial competencies."
Commenting on the collaborative relationship with MTC-Vodafone, Dr. Costas G. Constantinidis, ITS Senior Marketing Manager said: "It has been our privilege to partner with a cellular operator like MTC-Vodafone which is at the forefront of delivering advanced wireless services to its customers."We look forward to providing MTC-Vodafone with early to market solutions as ever before, which will enable it to retain its position of leadership in mobile communications."
MTC-Vodafone comes as a result of a strategic agreement between the Mobile Telecommunications Company (MTC), a GCC regional company originating in Kuwait and Vodafone, a UK based global telecom company. MTC-Vodafone has been chosen by Bahrain's Telecommunications Regulatory Authority to develop its 2nd GSM service.
Mobile Telecommunications Company (MTC) was founded in 1983 and is perhaps one of the oldest mobile service providers in the world. MTC has a reputation for pioneering new services in the Middle East and constantly seeks to forge partnerships with key global companies to bring the best products and services to the region. MTC is considered to be a very successful, customer focused and ambitious company and has aspirations that fit with the Vodafone strategy for global customer services. Vodafone is keen to provide all of its customers' access to the best services available, whether they are on their home network or roaming.
