Kovalam Hotel not transferred to M-Far Group

August 10 2004 - Despite the tall claims made by Dr.P.Mohammed Ali, Managing Director Galfar group of Muscat about misleading media reports about a genuine property transaction, revenue records with the concerned authorities show that the Kovalam Palace was not transferred to M-Far Group. These documents clearly show that only 16.5 hectares out of a total land area of 25.75 hectares owned by Indian Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) was handed over to the M-Far group as part of the Ashoka Hotel privatization deal. The transaction was done through the vizhinjam Panchayath as per the directive of the district collector. Another startling revelation made by Deepika, one of the leading Malayalam Dailies, is that the state government lost a whopping Rs.1 crore stamp duty in this dubious transaction. The transaction was carried without including more than 9 hectares of land.

The Kovalam palace is located in 4.21 hectares of land excluded from the transaction with M-Far group. A guest house is also located in this area (1.9 hectares) and the rest is no man's land. The Galfar group claimed through paid newspaper advertisements that the entire property belonged to it. The revenue documents show that there is no substance in the Galfar group claims on the government property. The 30 acre land where the property is located was bought by Bishop Alocious from the British.In the same year, Balaramathirunal bought this property for Rs.15,000. According to Pattayam number 3231 of Kottukal Village clearly shows that the land belonged to Balaramathirunal. It was Regent Maharani, ruler of Thiruvananthapuram, who constructed the Kovalam palace. In 1964 the state revenue department acquired the property for the tourism department at a price of Rs.5.5 lakhs.

There were 12 buildings including the place. The palace is located in the land bearing old survey number 385/1. Even though the property was handed over to ITDC in 1972-73, there is no record in the revenue department for the transaction. However there is clear record showing the transaction for 16 hectares of land. Since it was a government property and ITDC was a public institution, nobody objected to their using the premises. Now Galfar group is misinterpreting this facility to claim ownership of Kovalam Palace. Definitely the revenue and tourism department officials who were behind this dubious transactions are aware of these details, but the contradictory statements made by the corrupt bureaucrats and ministers indicate the hanky panky deals involved in the whole transaction. While the current media attention is focused on the illegal occupation of just one palace, many people forget that the whole transaction is mired in controversy. Today the special committee which is assigned to study the deal will come out with the report. There could be more surprises in it.

Courtesy - Deepika Newspaper

Courtesy - Deepika Newspaper

BJP - Congress, Muslim League Exchange Charges on Ashoka Hotel Deal

You Sold It:-M M Hassan"You Sold it" - O Rajagopal "We sold it?"....

M.M.Hassan Minister for Parliamentary Affairs & Information minister has categorically said that the Kovalam Hotel and the controversial palace have been sold to the Galfar group by the former central government headed by the BJP. This statement contradicts the public statements made by the state chief minister A.K.Antony and the Finance Minister P.Shankaran who openly denied having handed over the palace to any private parties.

Making a mockery of democratic principles of public accountability, the cheap ministers of Antony cabinet are misleading the public. Hassan revealed that the BJP Government sought state government approval on privatizing the Ashoka Hotel and handing over the palace to the Galfar group. He said the state government is now trying to regain the Kovalam palace, fraudulently sold by the former central government. Hassan's statement is aimed at nullify the statewide agitation started by the BJP youth wing against the Kovalam palace handover, which was done by the saffron government.

The privatization of Centaur Hotel in Bombay was also a similar deal packed with corruption and nepotism. O.Rajagopalan, the former Central Minister and BJP leader claimed earlier that the Kovalam Palace was not part of the Ashoka Hotel privatization deal. In order to show a brave face and hide his dubious role in the multicrore deal, the BJP state unit has started an agitation itself against a deal brokered by the BJP leadership itself. The Halcyan Palace belonged to Regent Sethu Laxmibhai who ruled Thiruvananthapuram.

However, ITDC used to control the palace and 4.2 hectares of adjoining land. When the hotel was privatized, how did the BJP government allow the private business group to take control of this piece of property, owned by the state government? While the state BJP leadership and the ruling parties are accusing each other of making the dubious deal, the role of the concerned state ministers like Kunjalikutty, K.V.Thomas, K.M.Mani is shrouded in mystery. The Kovalam controversy has in fact opened a Pandora's Box of corruption and nepotism practiced by the BJP government.

Yuva Morcha march on Halycon castle issue turns violent

BJP announced for Hartal tomorrow

Thiruvananthapuram Aug 2: The Yuva Morcha march held today to protest to the Kovalam palace against the Halycon Castle issue turned violent at around 11.30 AM. The Yuva Morcha held the march with the aim of seizing the kovalam palace. Whjen the activists turned violent and started throwing stones, the police started lathicharge in which around 30 activists got injured and quite a few reporters were also attacked. The police used tear gas also. The atmosphere near the Kovalam palace remained violent for around half an hour. Following this BJP has announced hartal tomorrow in protest of the attack by police.

As Keralamonitor reported earlier, the Yuva Morcha march and protest against the Kovalam Hotel issue appears to be a tactics adopted by the state BJP leadership headed by former central minister O Rajagopal who is believed to have played a key role in brokering the multimillion hotel deal. As KM reported Mr. O Rajagopalan was the special guest of Galfar Mohammed Ali during a "private visit" to Muscat. It is a known fact that the Kovalam Hotel along with the Ashoka Hotel was sold out by the former nationalist government of the BJP as part of its perverted privatization plan. Now the protest marches by the Yuva Morcha appears to be another political gimmick in the state, which is witnessing many political stage shows and dramas.

More on Kovalam

-Keralamonitor.com

Bus strike ends

Thiruvananthapuram: The 8-day long private bus strike has been withdrawn said the representatives of the Private Bus operators today evening after discussions with government. The leaders have said that the implementation of the new bus rates would be decided on within the 1st of September. The government has also reduced the tax for buses for 10 days. The buses would start their services tomorrow. -Keralamonitor.com

The Gardens" raises environmental awareness through unique community campaign

A community clean-up drive provided fun, while delivering a key social and environmental message

DUBAI - August 3, 2004 The Gardens, the self-contained community-focused residential project developed by Nakheel, organised recently a community clean-up drive, in association with the Emirates Environment Group (EEG).The fun-filled event was aimed not only at conserving the environment at the Gardens but also to encourage the residents to participate in environment protection activities. The clean-up drive brought together residents belonging diverse cultural backgrounds to contribute to the common welfare.

The participants in the clean up drive were divided into 4 groups with a team leader in each group and assigned a specific area for clean-up operations. More than 80 individuals took part in the event, including residents, employees of Group 4 Security, Al Khayat cleaners and Super Gulf Maid Service. The event was supported by ENOC and Unikai who provided refreshments for a social get-together after the event at The Gardens Cricket Oval and by Al Bayan purification and bottle water, who provided free water at various locations during The Gardens drive.

"We would like to see people take pride in the locality they live in, and to share responsibility in keeping the neighbourbood clean. This will make the children aware of the advantages of conserving the environment. In order to generate greater excitement, we arranged a short quiz competition on environment after the clean-up drive," said Esam Hassan Saleh, Senior Manager, Leasing and Property Management, The Gardens. "We aim to implant the community spirit among all residents of The Gardens and thus generate cooperation, concern and public awareness of environmental and social issues, which form any community," added Saleh

The management welcomed residents' suggestions on the ideal ways to protect the environment and the best suggestion was given an award. Residents were also requested to collect old newspapers, cardboards, cans, batteries and print cartridges and bring them along, so that these could be collected by EEG.

Comprising of 129 buildings of 3828 apartments and 208 villas, The Gardens is home to over 10,000 residents in Dubai. With its spacious apartments, lush landscaped gardens, swimming pools, playing fields and playgrounds and extensive community recreational facilities, The Gardens, stands a class apart from its peers as a model township.

Ban on sale of gutka, pan masala removed in some states

New Delhi Aug 2: Supreme Court today lifted the ban on sale of gutka and pan masala in some states. In a judgement, SC said that the state governments do not have power to prohibit manufacture and sale of these items and also stated that the power to ban manufacturing and sale of these items solely rested with the Centre. The state only has a "transitory" power to ban the products for a short period. Earlier in 2002, the gutka and pan masala manufacturers had challenged the decision of some state governments to ban the products before the Supreme Court . -Keralamonitor.com

E-Governance helps in making municipal administration more transparent, accountable & responsible-Shri Anil Baijal

Aug 2: The 2 day National Seminar on e-Governance in Municipalities began here today in the capital. In his inaugural address Secretary for Urban Development, Shri Anil Baijal said that e-Governance must aim at creating a government structure that is transparent, accountable and more responsive to the needs of its citizens and numerous stakeholders. "The basic reason why such initiatives fail is not because of lack of ideas or technology, but because of poor planning and half-hearted approach in implementation" he added.

Shri Anil Baijal called upon both bureaucrats and politicians to be committed to e-governance initiatives and to ensure that there is adequate funding for e-Governance in addition to setting up of effective inter-departmental coordination mechanism. He also urged the stakeholders to seize the unique opportunity available though e-Governance to bring about effective changes in urban development process.

Shri Baijal emphasized the need to address 3 issues of concerns; capacity building; credibility; and credit worthiness. "Public sector has neither the finances nor the capacity to manage urban infrastructure provisioning and hence partnerships should be developed to supplement the capacities and funds required for infrastructure development", he added. He described various initiatives taken by Ministry of Urban Development to empower Urban Local Bodies both functionally and financially by way of schemes like City Challenge Fund, URIF, Pooled Finance Development Scheme and Tax Free Municipal Bonds.

This 2-day seminar is jointly organized by Department of Urban Development, Department of Information Technology, National Institute of Urban Affairs and Indo-US AID FIRE-D Project. -Keralamonitor.com

August 4, 2004

Dubai, 3 August 2004

Street vendors, beggars nabbed

Dubai Municipality inspectors, in cooperation with Dubai Police and the Dubai Naturalization and Residency Department, nabbed last month 530 persons including street vendors, beggars and illegal car washers. This was announced by Obeid Salem Al Shamsi, Assistant Director General of Dubai Municipality for Administrative Affairs and General Services, who noted that the sweep against the law-breakers had also resulted in the seizure of several low-quality goods, pirated CDs and pornographic films.

The Municipality inspectors conduct daily spot checks in streets and public places to prevent street vending, begging and car washing in public places by individuals in violation of a ruling by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs. "The nine inspectors at the Security and Monitoring Unit of the Administrative Affairs Department carry out regular checks. In July 2004, they caught a total of 530 people including 329 street vendors, 108 beggars and 66 car washers. Some 27 persons were caught while sleeping in resting places and public parks during night time. In addition, a total of 506 items including ready-made garments, perfumes, cameras, watches, gifts and other several fake products of international brands were confiscated. Also, some 4,959 pirated films and 150 pornographic films, copied on CD-ROMs, were also seized," said Mr. Al Shamsi.

He noted that the law-breakers, who belong to various nationalities, would be handed over to the Dubai Naturalization and Residency Department for deportation in coordination with Dubai Police. The seized goods would be destroyed and disposed of safely after legal actions were taken against the violators. (KM)

First AC class rail passes for Olympic medal winners

Aug 2: The Union Minister of Railways Shri Lalu Prasad has issued orders granting First Air Conditioned Class complimentary passes with validity to travel in Rajdhani and Shatabdi Express trains once in a financial year along with a companion to all the sportsmen and women who will win a medal in the Olympic. So far, this facility was available to the Olympic Gold Medal winners only.

This is intended to encourage the sports as well as the sports persons. This is also designed to boost the morale of our sportsmen across the country. It will give them incentive to perform better and strive for the medal while representing India.

Arjuna and Dronacharya Awardees get First Class complimentary pass also available for Second Air Conditioned classes without companion or escort. -Keralamonitor.com

Code of Conduct on Safety of Research Reactors

Aug 2: The Code of Conduct on the safety of nuclear research reactors will go before the General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) at Vienna for adoption next month. The Board of Governors of IAEA has already approved this in March this year. The code establishes "best practice" guidelines for licensing, construction and operation of nuclear research reactors, with the safety of the public, the workers and environment at its core.

According to the Director of the Nuclear Installation Safety of IAEA Mr.Ken Brockman, the need for a overarching code of conduct came about in a resolution, at the IAEA General Conference in 2000, prompted by safety concerns, especially with many of the world's research reactors approaching the end of their originally planned life-spans. Increased fears of terrorist threats, following the September 11, 2001 attack in the United States, also underscored the necessity for a code of conduct, said Mr.Brockman. Almost half of world's 272 nuclear research reactors, still operate using highly enriched uranium, a key ingredient for nuclear explosives. Infact, research nuclear reactors were excluded from the convention on nuclear safety, when it was drawn-up in the early nineties.

The Code is a non-binding international legal agreement, where the States determine their own level of commitment to its guidance. The Code has been derived from more detailed international standards that have been promulgated for the safe, day-to-day operation, construction, shutdown and de-commissioning of research reactors.

The IAEA has already carried out a numerous safety and security missions at research reactors which among other things has helped improve the security infrastructure at reactors and will also pave the way for continued improvement in safety standards. -Keralamonitor.com

Comprehensive approach on Flood Management and Erosion Control Programme on anvil

Shri Dasmunsi inaugurates Conference of State secretaries

Aug 2: The Union Minister of Water Resources Shri Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi has said that the Government is actively addressing the important issue of the bank erosion associated with the floods and a comprehensive approach on river erosion and Flood Management Programme is being finalized in consultation with the Planning Commission.

Inaugurating the two-day conference of Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries of Irrigation / Water Resources Departments of all States/UTs, Mr. Dasmunsi said that the issue is being addressed with a national perspective on priority basis. Referring to the recent floods in some parts of the country, he said that a Task Force is being set up to look into the problem of the floods and to suggest a permanent solution to it in the North-East. He also called upon the participants to deliberate upon this vital issue and give their recommendations to help formulate the appropriate action plans.

Referring to the below normal rainfall in several parts of the country, the Minister said that all efforts will be made to take the appropriate measures to plan future utilization of water resources for remaining period of the year. He also said that the use of available water in the reservoirs and the limited ground water resources are to be planned judicially during the coming days giving due consideration to priorities, etc.

Shri Dasmunsi said that with the growing population, urbanization and industrialization the demand for water for various purposes is increasing and this sometimes, leads to conflicts between the users. The Minister said that the inter-State issues should be sorted out amicably in the interest of the nation. Emphasizing that all sections of the society should get the benefit of this precious gift of the nature, he said that we have to work for optimum utilization of water resources.

The Minister advised the States to make earnest efforts in achieving the goals outlined in the Common Minimum Programme (CMP) with regard to the irrigation projects. He said the emphasis would be on watershed programmes, rainwater harvesting, flood management, resettlement and rehabilitation of project affected people etc.

Shri Dasmunsi also emphasized that rainwater harvesting campaign in private and public units at every level must gain momentum and called upon the States to address this issue as an awareness and constructive campaigns.

Presiding over the Conference, the Minister of State for the Water Resources Shri Jai Prakash Narayan Yadav referred to the recent floods in Bihar and Assam and stressed the need for initiating time-bound short-term and long-term action plans for flood management. Stressing the need for proper management of water resources, he said that efforts would be made to extend irrigation facilities in remote areas, particularly inhabited by tribals.

Welcoming the delegates from the States, Shri V.K.Duggal, Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources stressed the need for optimum utilization of available water resources in a sustainable manner. He said that interaction amongst the States would help in evolving strategies for better water management, which would help in matching the increased demands of various Sectors. The Secretary expressed the hope that the deliberations would help in achieving the objective of efficiency in water management and would also help the States' representatives to discuss their problems relating to major and medium irrigation projects under Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP).

Dr.Kirit S. Parikh, Member, Planning Commission, Shri R. Jeyaseelan, Chairman, Central Water Commission and Smt.Sushma Singh, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources also spoke on the occasion. Dr. Parikh advised the participants that water being such a precious commodity, all the key issues should be addressed at the conference .

A large number of Chief Secretaries and Principal Secretaries from different States and Union Territories are participating in the two-day Conference. -Keralamonitor.com

Secretary Drinking Water Supply assumes charge

Aug 2: Shri V.K. Duggal, Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources has assumed the additional charge of the post of Secretary, Department of Drinking Water Supply, Ministry of Rural Development today. -Keralamonitor.com

Maldives Defence Minister calls on Pranab Mukherjee

Aug 2: Maldives Minister of State for Defence and National Security Lt. Gen. Abdul Sattar Anbaree had discussions with the Defence Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee in New Delhi today. The two leaders held discussions on the ongoing defence cooperation and training between the two countries. The two countries have traditionally very close relations.

The visit is the first high-level delegation from Maldives after the present government took over. It is important as the visit is taking place even as a special Majlis is meeting to discuss the Constitutional reforms in the Maldives. Gen. Anbaree has come on the invitation of the Defence Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee.

Gen. Anbaree reached in New Delhi on a six-day visit to India, yesterday. The Minister will also call on Minister for Home Affairs, External Affairs, and visit the National Security Guards and Coast Guards Headquarters in New Delhi. He is also scheduled to visit the shipyard establishments at Mumbai and Goa. This is his fourth visit to India, earlier he came during 1997, 2000 and 2002. -Keralamonitor.com

Construction of 10,000 houses for bidi workers at Kumbhari, Solapur

Aug 2: Com. Godutai Parulekar Mahila Bidi Kamgar Sahakari Gruhanirman Sanstha Maryadit, Solapur have undertaken construction of 10,000 houses for bidi workers at Kumbhari, Solapur under Integrated Housing Scheme of the Labour Welfare Organization under Government of India, Ministry of Labour.

The bidi workers in Solapur are living in dwellings without proper infrastructure like roads, drainage, water supply, electricity, etc. Considering their hazardous living conditions, it was decided to launch a unique housing project - a project which is perhaps the first of its kind in Asia - which could enable these workers to work in a planned and hospitable environment. Mrs. Mangala Hotgi, Mrs. Shashikala Panibhate, Mrs. Fatima Farid Baig and Ms. Naseema Gudubhai Shaikh took the initiative in this respect under the guidance of the social worker and ex-MLA Shri Narsayya Adam.

The project is being executed on a land measuring about 450 hectares and is about 8 kms. from the main city. The project was started some time in year 2000 and 8000 houses are already completed. The houses are being constructed in a cluster of four houses with ample space for community centre, market places, shopping centers, primary health centre/hospital, school, post office, bank, etc. The space has also been reserved for beedi collection centers, where the major manufacturers will provide necessary infrastructure. This will save workers time to a great extent. Already, five bidi companies have shifted their business around this site. On completion it will be a full fledged township accommodating a population of about 50,000 people.

Approx. cost of per tenement is Rs.64,965/- consisting of one living room, kitchen, bathroom & WC on a plot measuring 51.58 Sq. mtrs. and built-up area of 23.70 Sq. mtrs. The Central & State Governments are contributing Rs.20,000/- each per tenement and balance Rs.24,965 is being contributed by the individual beedi workers. Central Government has so far released about Rs. 15 crore to the society as subsidy from Beedi Workers Welfare Fund. -Keralamonitor.com

Train Actuated Warning Device

Aug 2: Indian Railways have started providing Train Actuated Warning Device (TAWD), based on axle detectors at 90 level crossing gates, 70 manned and 20 unmanned, to warn road users about an approaching train over the eight Zonal Railways. These are the East Coast, Northern, North Central, North Western, North Eastern, Southern, South Central and South Eastern Railways. Later, TAWD would be extended to cover all Zonal Railways in a phased manner.

The Indian Railways are taking further measures to improve safety. These include adoption of modern technology for signalling interlocking system, upgradation of standards of track and rolling stock.

Modernization of rolling stock maintenance practices, replacement of overaged assets, upgradation of training aids like simulators, checks on observance of safety precautions and provision of Anti Collision Device (ACD), are some other measures being taken to ensure safety of rail services to the nation.

The Indian Railways have also formulated a ten year Corporate Safety Plan for the period 2003-2013, which has already been tabled in Parliament. -Keralamonitor.com

No decline in air-conditioned train occupancy

Aug 2: All air-conditioned berths in various trains to and from Delhi, New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin are running full capacity and there is no decline in the passenger load in air conditioned classes due to cheaper fares introduced by air lines.

The number of passengers booked during the last one and a half years from January 1, 2003 to June 30, 2004 in air-conditioned accommodation of all trains to and from the National Capital Territory (NCT) ) are 1,28,538 in 1-AC, 6,52,516 in 2-AC and 19,41,535 in 3-AC classes.

Indian Railways operate 15,000 trains daily. Of these, 9000 are passenger trains and 6000 goods trains.

Passengers travelling with tickets everyday are 1.41 crores and goods carried are over 1.5 crore tonnes. Of the total passengers, ten lakh berths comprising all classes-non-AC and AC-are reserved.

The rail journey is the safest mode for bulk transportation of people and goods. It is also eco-friendly and six times cheaper than the roadways. During train journeys, people travel in moving home, sitting, sleeping and resting in utmost comfort and ease. -Keralamonitor.com

World Bank News

World Bank President Jim Wolfensohn's Statement To Staff On Security Alert

Aug 2: World Bank President James Wolfensohn has made the following statement to staff regarding the increased security alert affecting Bank headquarters:

Colleagues,
The US Homeland Security Department raised the terrorist threat level to Code Orange in Washington, DC, New York City, and Northern New Jersey for financial institutions. The Department of Homeland Security reports that al-Qaeda is targeting five specific buildings, including the IMF and the World Bank.

I have been in close contact with senior federal authorities, and we have been told that, at this time, there is no information that indicates a specific time for these attacks nor is there any evidence that an attack is imminent.

I traveled back to Washington Sunday evening to meet with our senior security staff and the Crisis Management Team to reassure myself that all appropriate measures are in place to protect the safety and security of our staff. I have also spoken with the Deputy Director of Homeland Security, Admiral James Loy. We are coordinating closely with the IMF and I have spoken with Acting Managing Director, Mr. Takatoshi Kato, on the matter.

As you know, since September 11, 2001, we have strengthened considerably our security preparedness, working closely with federal and local authorities. With the increase in the threat level, we are responding by further enhancing our protection in line with our security contingency plans. You can view these additional measures on the Kiosk (an Intranet bulletin board) this morning.

With enhanced security measures in place, the Bank Group will be open for business on Monday. I ask you to continue to be vigilant of your surroundings, and report any unusual or suspicious activities to our security staff. Please, be responsive to any instructions you receive from our security staff, who are here to protect our safety.

We have lived through difficult times in recent years, and we have always come through thanks to the care and support we have shown each other. Let's continue to look out for each other. --Jim -Keralamonitor.com