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India seeks landing rights inside LibyaNEW DELHI: The Centre on Monday said it had sought aircraft landing rights in Sehba in interior Libya, where over 1,000 Indians have been stranded after anti-government protesters took control of several cities, Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao said here. PTI

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Infosys Pai to head panel on new IIITsNEW DELHI: The Centre has decided to set up a sixmember committee headed by T.V. Mohandas Pai of Infosys to study and recommend the criteria for selecting private partners for the setting up of 20 new Indian Institutes of Information Technology. PTI

Sentencing today?AHMEDABAD: A special court here is likely to pronounce the quantum of punishment for the 31 convicts in the 2002 Godhra train burning case on Tuesday. PTI

Bhopal gas leak case: notice to MNCsNEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has issued notice to the Union Carbide Corporation, Dow Chemicals and others on the Centres plea for increasing compensation to the victims of the Bhopal gas leak. PTI Page 14

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An exercise in the interregnumAshok DasguptaNEW DELHI: In a cautious budget crafted amid continuing high ination and uncertain global signals, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Monday steered clear of any big-bang reform announcements. Instead, through a slew of seemingly piecemeal measures, he sought to sustain the economic growth momentum, strengthen infrastructure to enable a shift to higher growth in the years ahead and reduce social imbalances through some effort at inclusive development. Alongside, while taking specic steps for the longer term to moderate the rise in prices, particularly of farm produce, Mr. Mukherjee proposed to leave a trie more in the pockets of all taxpayers as token compensation for the high ination during the last 18 months and chose not to go ahead with the rollback of stimulus measures that was extended to industry during the global meltdown. In effect, the rate of excise duty as well as service tax is maintained at 10 per cent. Understandably, the bud-

UNION BUDGET 2011-12get evoked divergent reactions. While large sections of industry lauded the proposals as growth-oriented and pro-reform, others, mainly the Opposition parties, derided the Finance Ministers efforts as a lost opportunity and exercise without direction. However, in reality, Mr. Mukherjees package of measures is an exercise in the interregnum, as the budget is aimed at consolidation rather than conquest It is evident that Mr. Mukherjee has sought to utilise the 2011-12 scal as a year to prepare the economy for bigticket reforms in the following year. The countrys taxation regime, both direct and indirect levies, is set for a sea change through implementation of the Direct Taxes Code (DTC) and the Goods and Services Tax (GST). Ination has to be moderated to tolerable levels while maintaining the current growth momentum. During his speech in the Lok Sabha, he indicated that the budget was a transition towards a more transparent and result-oriented economic management system and while developments on the countrys external sector were encouraging, continued high food prices remained the

governments principal concern. In fact, the trend revealed shortcomings in distribution and marketing which showed up in huge differences between wholesale and retail prices at the expense of remunerative prices for farmers and competitive prices for consumers. This explains the stress on development of infrastructure for the farm sector, including infrastructure status for cold chains. In an effort to placate the salaried class, Mr. Mukherjee raised the income tax exemption limit from Rs. 1.60 lakh to Rs. 1.80 lakh to leave at least an extra Rs. 2,000 in the hands of taxpayers and brought down the age limit of senior citizens to 60 from 65

Pranab takes on board Sonias concernsDevelopment Services (ICDS): he announced that NEW DELHI: Union Finance the government had Minister Pranab Mukherjee indexed the wage rates made sure to defer to the notied under the Sonia Gandhi-led National MGNREGS to the Advisory Councils Consumer Price Index for priorities as he presented agricultural labour, thus the Union budget for 2011- enhancing signicantly the 2012 on Monday. wages of the beneciaries The Minister took care to across the country. mention that the Food Mr. Mukherjee doubled Security Bill, the NACs top the remuneration for priority, was almost ready anganwadi workers and and would be brought helpers, whom he described before Parliament later this as the backbone of the year. He also took on board ICDS. the NACs concerns on the These interventions come Mahatma Gandhi National in the wake of NAC Rural Employment members raising the issue Guarantee Scheme of inadequate wage rates for (MGNREGS) and the MGNREGS workers, and Integrated Child the setting up of a separate Smita Gupta Working Group within the NAC on ICDS reforms. Similarly, Ms. Gandhi recently wrote to Tribal Affairs Minister Kantilal Bhuria expressing her concern at the condition of Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs) on the Andaman and Nicobar islands, compelling him to make a visit there. In his budget speech, Mr. Mukherjee announced that the allocation for PTGs would be enhanced from Rs. 185 crore in 2010-11 to Rs. 244 crore in 2011-12. Incidentally, the NAC has a Working Group looking specically at Denotied and Nomadic Tribes and another on Tribal Development.

to provide an increased basic exemption limit of Rs. 2.50 lakh. However, he chose to leave the tax exemption limit of women taxpayers unchanged at Rs 1.90 lakh. While keeping the excise and service tax rates unchanged at 10%, he imposed a levy of 1% on 130 other items, excluding food and fuel, which were hitherto exempted from the duty. Vowing to bring in various legislation and charting a roadmap for nancial sector reforms, Mr. Mukherjee raised spending on the social sector by 17 per cent to Rs. 1,60,887 crore, on infrastructure by 23 per cent to Rs. 2,14,000 crore, and increased the credit target for farmers from Rs. 3.75 lakh crore to Rs. 4.75 lakh crore. Some relief was there for corporates too. He sought to reduce the existing income tax surcharge of 7.5 per cent on domestic companies to ve per cent but hiked the Minimum Alternate Tax from 18 to 18.5 per cent. As for service tax, Mr. Mukherjee sought to widen its ambit whereby hotel accommodation above Rs. 1,000 a day and AC restaurants that serve liquor will come under the net. Alongside, the scope of life insurance service is being widened to cover all services provided to any person by an insurer and legal services provided by a business entity to individuals and by individuals to entities, but not by individuals to individuals. See Editorial; More reports on Pages 12, 13 & Business Pages...CH-CH

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CHENNAI

CHENNAI

THE HINDU

TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 2011

CITY

Union budget industry-friendly: CIIDescribing the Union budget as industry-friendly, the CIISR gave 8.5 out of 10 points to Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee: Page 9

Court orders notice on Ranjithas petitionThe Karnataka High Court ordered emergent notice to the government and media in connection with a petition led by actor Ranjitha: Page 5

Exhibition on wildlifeThe refurbished Coral and other Invertebrates Gallery and an exhibition on wildlife crimes at the Government Museum, Egmore, will be inaugurated at 11 a.m.

Aesthetic ambience

Debt burden more on women: P. SainathNot considered farmers since the land is not in their nameSpecial CorrespondentCHENNAI: While indebtedness is one common factor that unites the poor in rural India, the burden is doubled if one is a woman or belongs to certain caste groups, P.Sainath, Rural Affairs Editor, The Hindu, said. While statistics of the National Crime Records Bureau put the number of farmer suicides as 2.6 lakh between 1995 and 2010, this still did not count the vast majority of suicides that take place in rural areas in the farming sector.

GLOWING: A nocturnal view of the Marina Beach from the Light House - PHOTO: R.RAGU

One group that is not counted is women farmers who do the bulk of the work in the elds, and are driven to suicide by poverty and loans they could never repay. They are not considered farmers because the land is not in their name, and in most States they do not have land rights. Mr. Sainath was delivering the 16th Mary Clubvala Jhadhav Endowment Lecture, organised by the Madras School of Social work in the city on Monday. Suicide by the elder son of a family who took over the land of his father, and his debts

too, is not counted either, for the same reason that the land is not in his name. Dalits and Adivasis who commit suicides are not part of the ofcial statistics as most of them do not have clear titles to the land they farm on. From 1991, one of the fastest growing heads of expenditure in the country has been health. It is the second fastest growing component of rural spending in India, Mr. Sainath said. According to the National Sample Survey, the average farm household spends on health double the amount it spends on

education. One indicator would be to watch what the members of the household, particularly women, are eating. Their diet had shrunk so much, what with the prices of agricultural commodities rising as a consequence of futures trading. The price rise is never matched by commensurate compensation for farmers, he added. The entry of corporates into agricultural retail will also lead to the closure of several small shops that provide employment to a large number of people.

Hilton Chennai opens Plaints about cooking gas supply remainSpecial CorrespondentCHENNAI: The city is now home

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited launches mega LPG safety campaignSpecial CorrespondentCHENNAI: The State Consum-

to yet another star hotel, with the inauguration of Hilton Chennai on Monday. Spacious and swanky, the 10-storeyed hotel is located on Jawaharlal Nehru Salai, Ekkaduthangal. With over 200 guest rooms and suites, a contemporary caf, a restaurant showcasing coastal cuisine, a wine and cheese bar, an all-day restaurant serving global cuisine, a bar, conference halls, and interesting leisure and entertainment options, the hotel promises to add excitement to the citys hospitality canvas. The interiors have been designed with the aim of evoking a feel of old Madras, both in the restaurants and in the room dcor. Speaking at the launch, M.P. Purushothaman, chairman of the Empee group, said the group made a humble beginning in the early seventies with a small restaurant in Chennai and had, over the years, spread its wings to several businesses, including distillery, brewery, hotels, power and construction. He was happy to see Hilton Chennai, a ve star deluxe hotel, he said, adding that it was all set to become another landmark in the city. Chairman and Managing

NEW ENTRANT: Hilton Chennai in Ekkaduthangal which opened on Monday. PHOTO: S.S.KUMARDirector of Indian Overseas Bank M. Narendra, who inaugurated the hotel, congratulated the Empee group on coming up with such a facility. Managing director and CEO of United Stick Exchange T.S. Narayanaswamy and managing director of Empee Hotels Ltd Nisha Purushothaman were among those present. The hotel, Hilton Worldwides fourth property in India, will have the advantage of being in close proximity to the airport and IT parks, speakers said.

In the last few years, there was a slight increase in the number of accidents in households, particularly because of the proliferation of LPG to rural areas. Noting that the idea for the safety campaign came from Mr. Swaran Singh and Mr. Balachandran, he said it is duty of the company to ensure safety of the customers. Bharat Gas distributors would be involved in the programme. After Chennai, the company would conduct the campaign in Coimbatore. A. Ramanakumar, Territory Manager (LPG), Chennai, of BPCL said the well designed van equipped with an LCD would cover 2,000 km in and around the city in the next 40 days. Consumer Protection department, inaugurates the LPG safety campaign of Creating awareness It would cover 20,000 BPCL, in Chennai on Monday. PHOTO: S. THANTHONI Underscoring the need for customers. creating awareness about utors should address this as timely, prompt action, dents, as compared to other The company would also LPG safety among the con- issue. he said safety instructions parts of the country, was distribute 1,500 CDs to mulsumers, especially in the Swaran Singh, Principal should be given in a simple minimum, there was need to ti-storeyed residential comcontext of some households Secretary, Cooperation, way. take LPG safety campaign to plexes and residents having more than two cylin- Food and Consumer ProtecThe State, he added, has rural areas. welfare associations, conders, Mr. Balachandran said tion department, agged off got the maximum LPG conKurian P. Chandy, Re- sumers groups, schools and there were also complaints the safety campaign vehicle nections. It was only the gional LPG Manager (South) colleges to spread the messabout delivery boys de- and released a CD on LPG State where people were giv- of BPCL, said the campaign age on LPG safety. manding tips. safety. en free LPG connections. in Chennai was a pilot proSkits would be staged as The cooking gas distribDescribing the campaign Though the number of acci- ject and it would be conduct- part of the campaign.

er Helpline (28592828) continues to receive complaints from cooking gas customers that their booking for rell cylinder is not accepted before 21 days from the date of previous supply. This despite the Petroleum Secretarys assurance, in October last year, that the oil companies would not insist on maintaining a threeweek gap between two rells, said Ka. Balachandran, Commissioner, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection. He was participating in the launch function of the mega LPG safety campaign of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) here on Monday. The households found it difcult as the cylinders were supplied only some days after the 21 days gap. SAFETY FIRST: Swaran Singh, Principal Secretary, Cooperation, Food and

ed in other parts of the State too.

Increase in accidents

Doubt clearing classes mixed responsesLiffy ThomasCHENNAI: P.S. Kesavan has

Despite demand, doubt clearing classes are offered only for slow learners For students eager to avoid hassles of travelling, online tuitions are of helpwise for doubts before exams. An online help or clarifying doubts on the telephone would be helpful, he adds. Doubt-clearing classes are said to remove the pre-examination jitters of students to a great extent. However, these classes are not very popular in the city and coaching institutes only offer them on a need basis. A good number of schools do offer them but it is mainly for the slow learners. Students say the school teacher may not be the best person one again wants to approach for a subject query. Kalyani Srinivasan, teacher, says although doubt-clearing classes is a good concept, it is not popular as a majority of students are enrolled in full-time coaching institute. Ninety ve per cent of class IX and X students go for tuitions. I sometimes wonder why some of them need help since they are bright. Thats because a majority of their

never enrolled in tuition classes all through his school days and has still scored good marks. The student of Kendriya Vidyalaya CLRI will soon appear for the Class XII Board examination. He nds combined study useful in maths, but the concept-oriented numericals in physics is where Kesavan gets caught. Doubt clearing classes in school are generally for the slow learners. Not all teachers are willing to share their contact numbers such that we can call them, so I refer different books, says Kesavan. Most of his classmates prefer self-study, unless other-

parents are working and they think the child does productive work only when they go for tuition classes, she says. A.R. Jeyaraman, who runs Vijay Spoken English, a coaching institute in Thiruvanmiyur, has teachers and employees attending the doubt-clearing classes, which he conducts only on Sundays. It is before the exam season that I have school teachers who come to revise topics in English, mainly on passive voice, where I charge Rs.150 for an hours class, he says. AIMS Academy also offers doubt-clearing classes depending on the requests it gets. For those who want to avoid the hassle of going to

school or a private tuition centre, online tutors are of help. 2tion.com, an entity of EdServ, is getting an average of 60 questions a day, mainly from class XII students in the last two months. Thirty per cent of the questions are related to topics in mathematics, while English and Science occupy the rest, says G. Sujai, head of EdServ Mobile Division. Dhakshina, a tutoring institute with branches across the city, had launched a programme one and a half years ago where students could clarify doubts over the phone. But it discontinued the service after a month due to poor response and now concentrates on regular coaching.

Aadhaar project launched in ChennaiRegistration for UID at select branches of Indian Overseas BankStaff ReporterCHENNAI: The Aadhaar project to give Unique Identity Number or UID to every citizen was ofcially launched in the city on Monday. In Tamil Nadu, Indian Overseas Bank has signed up as one of the registrars for the Unique Identication Authority of India (UIDAI). Speaking at the launch of a pilot project for registration of UID at IOB, Cathedral branch on Anna Salai, Ashok Dalwai, Deputy Director General, UIDAI, said 34 PSUs, including banks and LIC, are involved in the nationwide project. In Tamil Nadu, IOB, State Bank of India and Indian Bank have signed an MoU to carry forward the project. We want more nancial institutions to come forward as the project involves technological, logistical and management challenges, he added. Nearly 3.5 million numbers have been enrolled since the UID was launched in August 2010, Mr. Dalwai said.

Three held for overseas employment racketSpecial CorrespondentCHENNAI: Three persons who

MSE gets grant of Rs. 10 croreSpecial CorrespondentCHENNAI: The cash-strapped Madras School of Economics (MSE) has a got a boost with Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee announcing a grant of Rs.10 crore while presenting the budget for 2011-12 on Monday. The MSE has drawn up a proposal for expansion work at a cost of about Rs. 7 crore and obtained approval from the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority for its plans. The work, expected to be completed in a years time, includes the setting up of a new academic block, a library block and students hostel. The academic block

allegedly operated a fake overseas manpower agency were arrested during a raid conducted by the Protector of Emigrants here on Monday. According to a press release, a city-based agency advertised through bulk SMS that heavy vehicle drivers were being recruited for a rm in Kuwait and loading/ unloading workers for a rm in Saudi Arabia. These messages were also received by the Protector of Emigrants, Chennai, D. Jaisankar, in the rst week of January and February.

A special team formed to investigate the claim found that the advertisements were given by Arun Travels and Tours, Ekattuthangal, an agency not registered with the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs. Also, the job offers quoted in the messages were found to be fake. The team raided the premises of the rm and found a number of medical certicates, copies of passports and other documents indicating a large-scale recruitment drive. Registers seized from the ofce revealed that applicants were made to pay between Rs. 45,000 and Rs. 55,000 as service charge. The ofce of the

agency was sealed. N. Murugan Proprietor of Arun Travel and Tours, and two Directors of the company S. Venkataraman and Ishak Ali were arrested. They were handed over to the Central Crime Brach of the Chennai Police for further investigation. The Protector of Emigrants warned employment agencies registered under the Ministry against availing the services of sub-agents for recruitment. He also appealed to the emigrants not to fall prey to illegal advertisements sent through text messages, the release added.

will comprise 16 faculty rooms, 200-seat auditorium and six lecture halls. Talking to The Hindu, D.K. Srivastava, Director, MSE, said: We are operating more or less on a balanced budget. We have made several representations to the Finance Ministry seeking funds for our capital expenditure, as we dont get recurring grants either from the Centre or State governments or from any other source. Our expenses are met out of the interest income earned from a corpus fund. This amount is sufcient for the time being and we will write to the Centre once again.

Deputy Director General of UIDAI, Ashok Dalwai (left) and CMD of Indian Overseas Bank M. Narendra hands over the UID card to Joint Managing Director, Tamilnadu Transport Development Finance Corporation Ltd Rajkumar Immanuel (right) in Chennai on Monday. PHOTO:R. SHIVAJI RAO

34 PSUs are involved in nationwide project Nearly 3.5 million have been enrolled since August 2010M. Narendra, Chairman and Managing Director, IOB, said the bank plans to enrol 50,000 people for the UID. We would cover places where we have a good reach, he said. According to a press release, registration for UID will take place in select branches of IOB. To start with, IOB Periyar Nagar (Agaram) and Indira Nagar branch will start the enrolment process. On the occasion, D. Rajkumar Immanuel, Joint Managing Director, Tamilnadu Transport Development Finance Corporation Ltd., was the rst customer to get the biometric identication card. Senior executives from the bank were present....CH-CH

Focus on qualityHe said that the USP of the project is its focus on quality. Speed and cost-effectiveness are other aims of the project as part of which we are looking for nancial and other forms of inclusion that would boost growth, he added.

CHENNAI

THE HINDU

TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 2011

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Page 6

CITYPolice personnel injured as students throw stonesSpecial CorrespondentCHENNAI: Six police personnel,

2 girls drown in lakeKANCHEEPURAM: Two girls,

studying in standard VIII, drowned in a lake in Madurantakam police station limit on Sunday. According to police, Nadhiya of Kendirachery and Sandhya of Mudugarai, were taking bath. The bodies were shed out of the lake by people in the evening.

Work begins on yovers at Periyar EVR SalaiElectricity Minister Arcot N. Veeraswami lays foundation stoneStaff ReporterCHENNAI: Nearly two lakh passenger car units using the stretch of Periyar E.V.R. Salai near Anna Nagar daily will soon be able to travel on a signal-free and decongested road. On Monday, the Highways Department commenced work to construct two yovers and a vehicular subway on the stretch. Speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony, Highways Minister Vellakoil M.P.Saminathan said measures were afoot for speedy execution of the Rs.117crore project to construct the facilities on Periyar E.V.R. Salai at the junctions of Nelson Manickam Road and Anna Nagar Third Avenue. The department has sought the approval of the other government agencies concerned to carry out the estimation work for land acquisition and shifting of utility service lines. Unlike other similar projects, the time taken for land acquisition would be less as the Highways department would carry out the works on behalf of other agencies, he said. Of the land required for the project, nearly 2.10 hectares belong to government agencies and about 0.90 hectares were privately owned. Nearly Rs.26.01 crore has been allotted towards the land acquisition, Mr. Saminathan said. Two pedestrian subways would be constructed on Pe-

Science expoCHENNAI: A science

exhibition was organised at Gopal Ramalingam Memorial Engineering College on Monday as part of the National Science Day celebrations. P. Ananthakrishnan, advisor of Sri Krishna Group of Institutions and R. Thirumalai, principal of the college participated.

including three women police constables, were injured when students of the Presidency College allegedly threw stones at them on Monday, police sources said. A large posse of police personnel was deployed near the college premises early on Monday following an input that the students had planned to celebrate Bus Day. Police intercepted a couple of Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) buses fully occupied by the students. After preventing them from travelling atop the vehicle, police escorted the buses to the college gate and persuaded the students to enter the campus. After going inside the college, they threw stones on the police. They

They were apparently angry that we did not let them take the bus inside the campuswere apparently angry that we did not let them take the bus inside the campus or travel on top of the vehicles, Additional Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) M. Shakeel Akhter said. The injured police personnel were administered rst aid. The incident comes days after Commissioner of Police T. Rajendran announced that Bus Day celebrations would not be permitted in the city. We will register a case against those responsible for the attack, Mr. Shakeel added.

Herbal parkA herbal park, with over 4,000 trees and shrubs of indigenous species, developed on nearly 12 acre on Brick Kiln Road, Otteri, was inaugurated by Mayor M. Subramanian on Monday. The facility, established at a cost of Rs.2.25 crore, has been provided with various facilities, including footpath and ornamental lights. The Mayor also inaugurated the new ofce building for Zone 2 (Pulianthope) on Basin Bridge Road constructed at a cost of 11.76 lakh. In another function he gave appointment orders to 167 persons. He said while 158 persons were employed on compassionate grounds, six were appointed through the employment exchange.

Two convicted in misappropriation caseSpecial Correspondent

EASING TRAFFIC: Highways Minister Vellakoil M.P. Saminathan briefs Electricity Minister Arcot N. Veeraswami about the yover projects at the foundation stone laying ceremony in Anna Nagar on Monday. Mayor M. Subramanian is in the picture. PHOTO: R. RAGUriyar E.V.R. Salai as part of the project, he added. Pointing out that Anna Nagar has developed tremendously over the past four decades, Electricity Minister Arcot N. Veeraswami, who laid the foundation stone for the projects, said motorists have tough time crossing the junctions and often have to wait for more than half an hour. The project must be completed within the stipulated period of two years, he said. Mayor M.Subramanian highlighted the various projects taken up by the Highways Department and the Chennai Corporation to construct yovers and vehicular subways in the city. Ofcials of the Highways Department said that while one yover would begin from Periyar E.V.R. Salai and land on Nelson Manickam Road, the other would start from Periyar E.V.R. Salai and end on Anna Nagar Third Avenue. The seven service roads would have a width ranging from 5.50 metre to 7.50 metre. The vehicular subway would facilitate smooth ow of trafc from Anna Nagar to Koyambedu. It is estimated that the projects would contribute to fuel conservation worth Rs.58.4 crore every year for the vehicles using the facilities, the ofcials said.

ve bank guarantees in favour of the rm in violation CHENNAI: Two persons, in- of mandatory procedures. cluding a bank ofcial, were This caused a wrongful loss convicted by a special court to the tune of Rs.65 lakh to for Central Bureau of Inves- the bank. tigation (CBI) cases in a misThe Additional Special appropriation case here on Judge for CBI cases S. MaMonday. noharan who heard the case According to a release, A. sentenced Victor to three A. Victor, former manager of years rigorous imprisonthe Indian Bank (Velachery ment and imposed a ne of Branch) and Ambalal Jain, Rs.1 lakh. Managing Director of Hope Jain was sentenced to one Trading and Marketing Pvt. year RI with a ne of Ltd entered into a criminal Rs.80,000. conspiracy to cheat the A few others accused in bank. the case were discharged In pursuant to the same, from the case by the Suthe bank ofcial abused his preme Court, the release ofcial position and issued said.

Dialysis centres of Chennai Betel leaves turn dearer Wholesalers say that the price has risen sharply Corporation openedMeera Srinivasan Staff ReporterCHENNAI: Chennai Corpora-

Woman falls to deathSpecial CorrespondentCHENNAI: A 30-year-old wom-

To offer dialysis to ve persons daily Appeal to NGOs to support initiativepersons daily. In a release, he said patients are charged up to Rs.3,000 each for dialysis in private hospitals and a few voluntary organisations are offering the service at a subsidised rate. Many patients, requiring dialysis twice or thrice a week, cannot afford the hospital. Pandian works as a supervisor in a private shipping rm in Mylapore. On a complaint, police arrested the three accused persons. The motive of the murder is under investigation, the sources added.

tion on Monday opened two dialysis centres at its diagnostic laboratories near Valluvar Kottam and in Perambur to provide free treatment to underprivileged patients. Inaugurating the facility near Valluvar Kottam, Mayor M. Subramanian said an estimated 25,000 persons needed dialysis. Each of the centres would have two machines. These centres, set up at a total cost of Rs.50 lakh, would offer dialysis to ve

this. Pointing out that the Corporation would not be able to sustain the free dialysis service for long time on its own he appealed to the NGOs to support the initiative. He said that 1,604 students were detected with symptoms of kidney diseases in a camp held recently for nearly one lakh students of Chennai Schools. Such initiatives were aimed at prevention and timely intervention. Chennai Corporation Commissioner D. Karthikeyan was present during the occasion. The Egmore investigating.

CHENNAI: Patiently wiping the

CRIME BEATMan murderedCHENNAI: A man who was alleg-

edly attacked by three persons in Vyasarpadi died at the Government General Hospital on Monday. According to police sources, Pandian of Nehru Nagar was going to a shop when the suspects, later identied as Syed, Dileep Kumar and Kutty alias Thiagarajan picked a quarrel with him. In the scufe that followed, the accused hacked Pandian causing grievous injuries. The victim died hours after admission in

ElectrocutedAn employee of a bar attached to a liquor outlet owned by Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation was electrocuted on Sunday. Police said Jayaraj (50) of Tuticorin was cleaning the bar premises around 11 p.m. when he came in contact with a live wire and died on the spot. Jeevan (40) who rushed to his rescue suffered burns.gar, Shanthi Colony and surrounding areas. Chintadripet: Anna Salai, Telephone Exchange, Lafond Street, Singanna Chetty Street, Venkatesa Gramani Street, West Cooum Road, Padavesam Koil Street, Bazaar Street, Lazarus Church Street, Egmore court, Pudupet, Harris Road, Eye Hospital, Veerabadran Street, Velayudha Chetty Street, Navalar Nagar, 11kV Railway HT, and Simpson HT. Athipattan Street, Gymkhana HT, Garrison Engineer HT, Pallavan Salai, Gandhi Nagar, Venkatesa Gramani Street, Sami Naicken Street, Ayya Mudali Street and Lane, Dams Road, Wallers Road, Guruvappa Street, Kareem Mohideen Street, Pumping Station HT, Metrowater HT, Narasingapuram Street, Ritchie Street,

locks and committed theft in K.V. SRINIVASAN seven shops in a commercial complex on Govindappa Street in Flower Bazaar area on Sunday night. According to police sources, the owners of the shop RELIGION who came to work on Monday Ramayanam: P.R. Mohanram, found the shutter locks bro- Kumaran Kundram, Chromepet, ken. The extent of loss was yet 6-30 p.m. to be ascertained. A similar Thirupugazh: Mathivannan, theft was reported in the area Asthika Samajam, Venus Colony, Alwarpet, 6-30 p.m. last week. Mayon Perumai: K. Fingerprint experts and Kalyanaraman, Perambur sniffer dogs were pressed into Annadana Samajam, Meenakshi service. The Flower Bazaar St., Perambur, 7 p.m. Yamunaiyum Kannanum: police are investigating. Kidambi Narayanan, GangaiKondan Mandapam, Triplicane, 7 p.m.

CHALLENGING TIMES: S. Ramasamy, who sells betel leaves in Zam Shops burgled Bazaar, in Chennai on Burglars allegedly broke Monday. PHOTO:police are

betel leaf, applying the right amount of sunnambu on it, placing the betel nuts without dropping a few pieces, tactfully folding the leaf into four for many, the experience of a good meal is incomplete without the Vethalai-Paakku. However, many, who like wrapping up their lunch or dinner with it, are nding it increasingly hard to indulge in the practice, as the leaves have turned dearer. Depending on the locality in the city, one leaf costs anything between 50 paise to a rupee. Availability of betel leaves has also become scarce, say consumers. The scarcity is an issue, as betel leaves are used exten-

sively for pujas and festivals, says K.V. Sivaswamy, a resident of Bhuvaneswari Nagar, Chromepet. It is becoming very difcult, particularly for those who take it regularly. It is said that the leaves aid digestion and have certain medicinal properties too, he adds. S. Ramasamy, a retailer who sells betel leaves in Zam Bazaar, says that until a few months ago, he would buy one kouli (100 leaves) for Rs.10 Rs.12 in the wholesale market. Now it costs about Rs.80 or more. Customers who would buy 10 to 15 koulis for weddings or other functions now buy only two to three, he says. One basket, which he says cost around Rs.220, now costs Rs.1,300. My supply comes fromDay Celebration, Ethiraj College, 11 a.m. Indian Institution of Industrial Engineers: Lecture on Achieving business excellence in service operation, Hotel Shan Royal, 7 p.m. SRM B- School, SRM University: Inauguration of Swayam exhibition of SHG products, Vadapalani, 11 a.m. Department of Chemical Engineering: A.C. Tech, Anna University: Technical symposium, Guindy, 9 a.m. Rajalakshmi Engineering College: Talk on Facing interview in MNC Bank, Thandalam, 9 a.m. Jaya Engineering College: National Science Day celebration, Prakash Nagar, Thiruninravur, 10-30 a.m. KCG College of Technology: Seminar on Health and Awareness, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Karapakkam, 10-30 a.m. Dept. of B.Com. (Bank Management), D.G. Vaishnav College: Bankco 2011 seminar, Arumbakkam, 9-30 a.m. Vaels Institute of Business Administration, Vels University: Lecture on performance management, Pallavaram, 2-30 p.m. Ministry of Environment and Forests: CPCSEA conference, Hotel Breeze, 9-30 a.m. Sevalaya: Cognizant Foundation presents new furniture, Kasuva, Pakkam Village, Tiruninravur, 11 a.m. Velammal Matriculation HSS.: Meeting to felicitate B. Bakkiashris attempt at the Limca Book of Records, Mogappair, 9 a.m. Vedha Agama Deiva Tamizhisai Mandram: Inauguration of Thevaram Thirumurai Isai Vizha, Sri

Andhra Pradesh. It has been hit as there has been a problem in cultivation there, he says. Wholesalers in Koyambedu conrmed that the price of betel leaves had risen sharply in the last few weeks, but said they were not sure if the problem was to do with cultivation. Supply to Chennai came largely from Theni, Periyakulam, Rajahmundry, Kumbakonam and parts of Andhra Pradesh. But those like R. Vijayalakshmi will be glad that they started growing betel leaves in their kitchen gardens. I like it after a meal and we also keep requiring them for pujas. I nd this easier, instead of running to the shop in the last minute, she says.Krishna Gana Sabha, T. Nagar, 6-30 p.m. Lions Club of Chennai Periamet: Meeting, Hotel Ashoka, 5-30 p.m. Lions Club of Fort St. George, Society for Protection of Unborn child and Sai Rain Foundation: Womens Day celebration, Sri Kanyaka Parameswari Arts and Science College for Women, 1, Audiappa St., 9-30 a.m. Narcotics Anonymous: Meeting, Self Help Group, Community Service Centre, 17, Balfour Rd., Kilpauk, 7 p.m. Alcoholics Anonymous: Meetings, Dr. M.G.R. Janaki Matric. School, Arcot Rd., Saligramam; Holy Angels School, GST Rd., Chromepet; C.S.I. Church, Ambattur; Sri Sankara Vidyalaya, Sadasivan Nagar, Madipakkam; St.Joseph Anglo Indian HSS., Vepery; Port and Dock Primary School, M.P.T.Colony, New Washermenpet; Christ the King Church, Buttmedu, Peravaloor; and

an fell to death from the ninth oor of an apartment complex in Purasawalkam here on Monday. According to Kilpauk police, Uma, who was recently married, had visited her parents residing on the fth oor of the apartment. In the afternoon, she told them that she wanted to buy a cool drink and left home. A few minutes later her parents learnt that she had allegedly jumped from the terrace of the apartment. Police said Uma, a divorcee, had married Ashish Mehta, also a divorcee on November 28, last year. Kilpauk police have registered a case under Section 174 of Indian Penal Code and have forwarded the case to the RDO for enquiry. Umas body was sent for autopsy.Thiruvalluvar Library, Valasaravakkam, 7 p.m.; and St.Bedes Anglo Indian School, Santhome, 7-30 p.m. Al Anon: Meeting, Sri Sankara Vidyalaya, First Main Rd., Sadasivan Nagar, Madipakkam, 7 p.m.

CHENNAI TODAYCollege for Women: Entrepreneurship week, Minister Pongalur N. Palaniswami participates, Vepery High Rd., 12-30 p.m. Tamil Nadu Investors Association and Prime Academy: Analysis of Union Budget, Narada Gana Sabha, Alwarpet, 6 p.m. Sarasvati Research Centre: Talk on All inclusiveness of Veda, University of Madras, Marina campus, 3 p.m. Ultra Tech Cement Limited: Technical quiz for civil engineering students, Hotel GRT Convention, 6 p.m. Sri Ramakrishna Math: Disability camp and rehabilitation of persons with leprosy, Mylapore, 9 a.m. University of Madras: Department of Journalism and Communication, lecture on From mass communication to communication studies, Diaz Hall, Chepauk, 10 a.m.; Department of Economics, Venkatesh B. Athreya speaks on Union Budget: 2011-12, MUSE Building, Chepauk, 2-30 p.m. Bharathi Womens College: College Day, Broadway, 10 a.m. Misrimal Navajee Munoth Jain Engineering College: Talk on power systems, Thoraipakkam, 10 a.m. Bhajarang Engineering College: Seminar on Social interaction modelling using audio-visual sensors, Veppampattu, 10 a.m. The Hindu SSS.: Annual day, 2nd Avenue., Indira Nagar, 5-30 p.m. Hamsadhwani: Meeting to felicitate women achievers, Indira Nagar Youth Hostel, 5-45 p.m. U.S. Consulate General: Womens

CHENNAITue Wed Thu Tue Wed Thu March (01) (02) (03) (01) (02) (03) Rise 06 25 06 25 06 24 03 46 04 28 05 08 Set 18 18 18 18 18 18 15 33 16 22 17 10

POWER SHUTDOWNCHENNAI: Power supply will be suspended for maintenance work on Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the following areas. Ayapakkam: Aparna Nagar, MGR Nagar, Koladi Road, TNHB Phase-3, Kalaivanar Nagar, T.G. Anna Nagar, K.K. Nagar, Ayapakkam, ICF Colony, Iyyappan Nagar, Kamaraj Kuppam, Mel Ayanambakkam, Ezhil Nagar, Jothi Nagar, Moondru Nagar, Annanur, Reddypalayam, Anthony Nagar, Chinna Amman Koil Street, KSR Nagar, VGN Shanthi Nagar, Rajan Kuppam and Ponniamman Nagar. Vyasarpadi Industrial Estate: Sharma Nagar, SA Colony, EH Road, Sastri Nagar, BV Colony, MKB Nagar 14th to 18th West Cross Streets, Vyasar Na-

Blackers Road, Anna Salai, Athipattan Street, Sivaprakasam Street, Seeyaliamman Koil Street, Adhi Kesavalu Street, L.G. Road, Narayana Naicken Street, CPM Street, Ayyasamy Street II Lane, Labbai Street, Venkatachala Naicken Street, Venkatachala Achari Street, Arunachala Naicken Street, Kalavai Chetty Street, Nyniappan Street, Agraharam Street, Ulagappa Maistry Street, Samy Pandaram Street, Dharmaraja Street, Washerman Street, Sunguvar Agraharam Street, Rajagopal Street, Old Bungalow Street and New Bungalow Street. Egmore: Kilpauk police quarters, Pullapuram, Sastri Nagar 1st to 12th Streets, Dr. Alagappa Road, Adhiyappa Street, Osangulam, Flowers Road and parts of Poonamallee High Road.

CULTURE

Organising Committee: Exhibition of M. A. Sankaralingams paintings on Taj Mahal, Vinnyasa Premier Art gallery, 21/11 CIT Colony First Main Rd., Mylapore, 11 a.m. Organising committee: Exhibition of contemporary paintings, Hotel Ambassador Pallava, 11 a.m. YMCA Pattimanram: Review of Letters of Bharathi Dasan, Esplanade, 6 p.m.

GENERAL

Balavidyalaya: Annual Day, Union Minister D. Napoleon participates, AMM Matriculation HSS., Gandhi Mandapam Rd., Kotturpuram, 5 p.m. BSNL Chennai Telephones: Conference on wireless communications, information theory and aero space, Minister Poongothai Aladi Aruna participates, Hotel Le Meridian, 9 a.m. Guru Shree Shantivijai Jain

Printed and Published by N. Ram on behalf of KASTURI & SONS LTD., at Plot B-6 & B-7, CMDA Industrial Complex, Maraimalai Nagar, Chengleput Taluk, Kancheepuram Dist., Pin: 603209. Editor-in-Chief: N. Ram (Editor responsible for selection of news under the PRB Act)....CH-CH

4

TAMIL NADU

CHENNAI

THE HINDU

TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 2011

Scheme to replace old pump sets launchedSpecial CorrespondentCHENNAI: Electricity Minister

DMK allots VCK 10 seatsDalit party gave a list of 25 constituencies, expected 15 seatsSpecial CorrespondentCHENNAI: The ruling DMK on Monday announced a seatsharing agreement with the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), allotting 10 seats to the Dalit party for the Assembly elections in the State. We presented a list of 25 constituencies to the DMK leadership and expected 15 seats. But we have been given 10 seats, VCK president Thol Thirumavalavan told reporters at Anna Arivalayam after signing the agreement. Asked whether he was happy with the allocation, he said the VCK did not want to put any pressure on the DMKCongress alliance. As a true friend we want to stand by the DMK at this time of crisis, he said. The VCK will be in the same alliance as the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) for the rst time. The PMK has been allotted

Arcot N. Veeraswami on Monday launched the scheme to replace old irrigation pump sets of small and marginal farmers free of cost with energy-efcient pump sets. The authorities proposed to replace 10,000 pump sets this year at a cost of Rs.22 crore.

Big farmersIn respect of big farmers, the government would provide 50 per cent subsidy. As part of the scheme, 14.67 lakh services would be covered. In 2009-2010, agricultural consumption accounted for 10,778 million units (MU). It was the governments estimate that the replacement of the existing pump sets would enable energy savings of 20 per cent, according to an ofcial release.

31 seats in the DMK-led combine, while a deal with the Congress has so far proved elusive. The Indian Union Muslim League is contesting three seats in the same front. Mr. Thirumavalavan said the VCK would launch a vigorous campaign across the State, and the DMK alliance would sweep the polls. Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi would assume ofce for the sixth time, he said. Mr. Thirumavalavan said his party would contest on its own symbol as it did in the 2006 Assembly elections. In 2006, the VCK contested nine seats as part of the AIADMK alliance with bell as its symbol. It won two seats. In 2009, it was with the DMK-Congress alliance and contested on the star symbol. The party was allotted two seats, but won the Chidambaram Lok Sabha constituency. Mr. Thirumavalavan represents the constituency.

Ramadoss pledges unconditional support for DMKSpecial CorrespondentCHENNAI:

Poor, working class will defend DMK: KarunanidhiSpecial CorrespondentCHENNAI: The poor and the

DEAL SEALED: Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi with VCK president Thol. Thirumavalavan after signing the seats-sharing agreement at Anna Arivalayam in Chennai on Monday. PHOTO: M.VEDHAN

Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) leader S. Ramadoss on Monday said his party would offer unconditional support to the DMK and act as its protective shield. Speaking at a family wedding, Dr. Ramadoss profusely praised the one rupee per kg rice scheme of the DMK government, saying that it had ensured food supply for everyone in the State. Stating that he always wanted Mr. Karunanidhi to launch his projects, whether he was Chief Minister or not, Dr. Ramadoss said the Chief Minister released the rst copy of Tamil Osai, the ofcial newspaper of the PMK, and inaugurated Makkal TV, its satellite channel. Urging the DMK government to concentrate on development of agriculture in

the next ve years, he said Tamil Nadu should emerge as a major State in the area of agriculture production in the country. In his speech, Mr. Karunanidhi said he would consider his role as a purohit presiding over the marriage of Dr. Ramadosss grandson, a bigger post than any other positions, including that of Chief Minister. I may be asked whether I would rate the role of purohit over other positions. It is the role that commands respect in the country, he added. Stating that difference of opinion was inevitable in any marriage, he said there could be differences between himself and Dr. Ramadoss even if they assumed the role of bridegroom and bride. Yet, they would work together to achieve their goals. He referred to the marriage as a prelude to the victory celebrations of the alliance.

working class will defend the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam in any contingency, Chief Minister and DMK president M. Karunanidhi said on Monday. These segments of society raised the party and were still contributing to its growth, he told a meeting organised here on the eve of the birthday of party treasurer and Deputy Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. Assistance was provided to women and differently-abled.

2 die in boiler blastStaff ReporterNAMAKKAL: Two persons were

killed on the spot in a turmeric boiler blast at Gejakombai village near Pottireddypatti at the foothills of Kolli Hills in Namakkal district.

Institute thanks Manmohan, SoniaSpecial Correspondent dent of the RGNIYD. Thanking Prime MinisCHENNAI: The executive ter Manmohan Singh and council of the Rajiv Gand- Congress president Sonia hi National Institute of Gandhi, Mr. Kesavan said Youth Development the institute had been im(RGNIYD) will chalk out plementing a number of proposals to make use of projects to translate the the Centres grant of dreams of former Prime Rs.20 crore, according to Minister Rajiv Gandhi inC.R. Kesavan, vice-presi- to reality.

CINEMA ARTS EVENTS

MUSIC DANCE DRAMACarnaticaToday at Arkay Convention Centre (3rd oor, Oms Lakshana, Opp. Vidya Mandir, Royapettah Hi Rd, Luz) Shyama Sastri Day 6-00 p.m.: Life & Music of Shyama Sastri, Talk by Prof. Sivakumar (USA), followed by Concert: NISHA RAJAGOPAL, VVS Murari, Tvm Balaji. All are Welcome!

Kala Mandir (9840062643)Inaugurating our 12th Venture SANNIDHANAM Getting Closer (Written & Directed by Bombay Chanakya) on Saturday 5th March 2011, 6-45 p.m. at Narada Gana Sabha for Karthik Fine Arts.

Agreement signedSpecial CorrespondentCHENNAI: The government,

Tamil Nadu E-governance Agency and Wipro on Monday signed an agreement for delivery of citizen-centric services through the State portal, state services delivery gateway (SSDG) and eforms. Initially, the integration of e-district services of Revenue and Social Welfare departments are undertaken for

service delivery throughout the State. This will be followed by other departments and government-run utilities such as the Civil Supplies Department and the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation. The agreement was signed in the presence of Poongothai, Information Technology Minister. She released the States e-security policy document.

Kalakshetra Foundation, Thiruvanmiyur Chennai-600041Remembering Rukmini Devi 6-30 p.m. at Rukmini Arangam Vocal Concert by D. PASUPATHI, M.A. Krishnaswamy-Violin, C.R. Ananthakrishnan - Mridangam, H. Prasanna - Ghatam. All are welcome.

Kartik Fine Arts, 24997788Performances for March 2011. 1st see this column for the programme 5th Narada Gana Sabha Main Hall, Kalamandir inaugurates SANNIDHANAM by Bombay Chanakya at Bharathiya Vidhya Bhavan Main Hall. Bharathanatyam by Kumari SHIRLEY BEBBIN and NIVEDITHA KATHIRESAN. 13th

Adhunika Vaggeyakara Vaibhavam at Sri Parvathy 28/ 160 Eldams Road, Alwarpet. Today 6-15 p.m. N. C. MURTHY (Hyderabad) sings his Kartik Fine Arts 24997788 and own compositions with K. J. Dilip & Nellai Sri Krishnan Sri Lalithakala Academy All Welcome. Tomorrow V. Foundation, Mysore DIKSHITHA sings the com- Sri Thyaga Brahma Gana Sabha Today at 6-00 p.m. Bharathi- positions of Madurai G. S. (Regd.) Vanimahal, T.Nagar. Phone: 28152166 ya Vidhya Bhavan Main Hall Mani. jointly present NATYANJAwww.vanimahal.com Narada Gana Sabha (Regd) LI-2011 and 500th year of Programme for March 2011: Chennai-19. Ph: 24993201 KRISHNADEVARAYAS VI5th MELAKARTHA RAJAYANAGARA EMPIRE Programmes for the month of GANGAL drama by Sai AruChief Guests Mr. K. Phanee- March 2011. 6th Sathyasai dra Fine Arts. 10th to 16th: dra Reddy IAS, Chairman & Creations presents COME- Upanyasam on NARAYACEO TNUDF and Former Di- DY KALYANAM. 11th In NEEYAM by Damal Sri rector SZCC, Thanjavur, Mr. Association with Sri Krishna RAMAKRISHNAN and Smt. L. Sabaretnam Chairman, Sweets Lecture by Mathi- PERUNDEVI. 12th: (In AssoKartik Fine Arts, Chennai, vannan. 12th Kalamandir ciation with SZCC) ADITHI Guest of Honour Sri G. S. Na- presents SANNIDHAA- Drama by Dummies. 23rd: (In rasimhan Asst. General Man- NAM by Bombay Chanakya. association with Sri Krishna ager, State Bank of India, 18th In Association with Pa- Sweets and Chennai Kamban Bangalore followed by Nru- panasam Sivan Rasigar San- Kazhagam) Lecture on Avvaitya Nataka Sri Krishna Dev- gam 6 p.m. Radha Kalya- yarin Aathichoodi. 25th to arayas AAMUKTA MALI- naraman. 7-15 p.m. RADHA 27th: Tamil Isai Festival KA Nrutya Nataka in Kuchi- PARTHASARATHY. 19th (25th: Sirkazhi Dr. SIVACHIpudi by Sri K. V. SATYA- Natyarangam Dance6 p.m. DAMBARAM & Party. 26th: NARAYANA and Group. All UMESH BHIMANNA MA- (In association with SZCC) are Welcome. Sponsored by DESH. 7-30 p.m. PAVITH- Sikkil C. GURUCHARAN & DEPT. OF KANNADA & CUL- RA SRINIVASAN. 20th Lec Party. 27th: Smt. VASUNDTURE, GOVERNMENT OF Dem by SHOBANA BALA- HRA RAJAGOPAL & Party.) KARNATAKA, BANGA- CHANDRA. From 21-3-11 to LORE & SOUTH ZONE 27-3-11 Daily at 6-30 p.m. The Mylapore Fine Arts Club CULTURAL CENTRE, Bhakta Vijayam by Sri MU- (Regd.) Phone: 24997755 THANJAVUR. RALIDHARA SWAMIGAL. Program for March

at Kartik Rajagopal Hall; 5-30 p.m. SMITHA MADHAV; 7-00 p.m. C.N. SRINIVASAMURTHY and H.V. RAGHURAM - Violin Duet. 14th 5-30 p.m. Thirupati S. SRIVANI-Veena, 7-00 p.m. PRABHATH and PRAMOD. 15th 5-30 p.m. ABHILASH, 7-00 p.m. J.A. JAYANTHFlute. 18th and 19th Bajagovindam by Sri SRI HARIPRASAD. 21st at MFAC 7-00 p.m. UAA presents Y.Gee.Mahendran in LIGHTS ON.

Mudhra, 9840072821March Prog. at Infosys Hall, RKM School, T.Nagar 5th: MAMBALAM SISTERS (Vocal); 20th: Mali Stage DramaILAKKANAM MARUMO Membership open for 2011.

Sri Parthasarathy Swami Sabha 12-03-2011 U.A.A. Presents 10-00 a.m.: Nyayiru Potru- Vizha at Sri Krishna Gana Y.G.Mahendra in LIGHTS thum Sahasranama Para- Sabha From 1st 6th March (Estd: 1900) Ph: 9444701446Dance Festival 2011 at R.K. Swamy Auditorium (Sivaswamy Kalalaya School) Sundareswarar St., Mylapore, in Memory of Late Sri P. Obul Reddy and Late Smt. P. Gnanamba. Today at 5-45 p.m. Bharatha Natyam by MEENAKSHI RAGHAVAN at 7-15 p.m. Bharatha Natyam by SUJATHA MOHAN (Disciple of Guru Dr. Padma Subramaniam). All are welcome. Sponsored by: NALLI CHINNASAMI CHETTI. ON. 26-03-2011 Kalapradarshini presents a Thematic Dance Presentation PENMAI CHUDAR by Smt. Parvathi Ravi Ghantasala Troupe. yanam, followed by Devotional Bhajans by SIVASUBRAMANIA Bhagavathar Kamakoti Hall. 13-03-11 6-15 p.m.: Annamaiyya Day Smt. SRIKALA BHARATH Presents Annamacharya Kritis (Solo Bharathanatyam). 14-03-11 to 26-03-11 Daily at 6-30 p.m.: Srimad Valmiki Ramayanam Upanayanam by Sengalipuram Brahmasri RAMA DIKSHITHAR. 20-3-11 8-0010-00 a.m.: Nyayiru Potruthum Sahasranama Parayanam, followed by Devotional Bhajans by O.S. SUNDAR BHAGAVATHARKamakoti Hall. 27-03-11 8-00 10-00 a.m.: Nyayiru Potruthum Sahasranama Parayanam, followed by Devotional Bhajans by Kadaiyanallur S.RAJAGOPALKamakoti Hall. 27-03-11 6-30 p.m.: International Theatres Artistes Day The Award of Excellence will be presented to Sri Vittal Padmanabhan (Actor), Ms. Malathi Sampath (Actress) & Stage Kannan (Technician). 7-30 p.m.: Rasika Ranga Presents Marinas SWEEKARAM Play. 30-03-11 6-30 p.m.: Ekadasi Day Brahmasri B.Sundar Kumar. Daily 4-30 p.m. 9-00 p.m. Today 6 p.m.: Padmasri Dr. Avvai Natarajan, Padma Vibushan Dr. K. Sivaraman Presides, Sri Pitukuli Murugadas & other Dignitaries Participates. Honouring Veda-Agama & Tamil Isai Pandits. Release of CD on Upanishad and Release of Book on Jagath Guru Adhi Sankarar written by R.B.V.S. Manian; 7-15 p.m.: Devaram by Kalaimamani N. SWAMINATHAN & Party. All are Welcome.

Music Education Trust (26631580)

Sri Krishna Gana Sabha, Dr. Nalli Gana Vihar, 20, Maharajapuram Santhanam Salai, T.Nagar Chennai-600017. Ph: 28140806Programme for March 2011: 01-03-11 to 04-03-11: Daily from 4-30 9-00 p.m.: Vedha Aaghama Deivathamizhisai Mandram in association with Sri Krishan Gana Sabha Trust presents PANNIRU THIRUMURAI ISAI VIZHA. 05-03-11: 9-00 12-45 p.m., 4-30 9-00 p.m.: Vedha Aaghama Deivathamizhisai Mandram in association with Sri Krishna Gana Sabha Trust presents PANNIRU THIRUMURAI ISAI VIZHA. 06-03-11: 10-00 12-30 p.m., 4-30 9-00 p.m.: Vedha Aaghama Deivathamizhisai Mandram in association with Sri Krishna Gana Sabha Trust presents PANNIRU THIRUMURAI ISAI VIZHA. 8-00 10-00 a.m.: Nyayiru PotruthumSahasranama Parayanam, followed by Devotional Bhajans by Madhavatheertha Bhajanai Mandali Kamakoti Hall. 12-03-11 & 13-03-11: Daily at 6-30 p.m.: Sri Kanchi Mahaperiyavalin Deivathin Kural Discourse by Sri GANESA SARMA Kamakoti Hall. 13-03-11: 8-00

Srinivasa Music and Fine Arts, 28133325Upanyasam Thirunagai N. VIRARAGAVACHARI (Pattanna Swamy) at Lakshmi Hall, Srinivasa Perumal Temple, Lakshmipuram Opp: AIADMK Ofce, Lloyds Road. Today 2,3,4,5 and 6th March 2011, 6 p.m.

Tamil Nadu Iyal Isai Nataka Manram, Greenways Road, Chennai-28, Mobile: 9840978327

Thennaga Kalai Panpattu Mayyam conducts KAVIDHAIPATTARAI to be held at 10 a.m. Today. Presided by Prof. ARANGA MALLIGA, A. MISCELLANEOUS Vennila, Poet Sakthi Jothi, Vasantha Surya, Sugirtha Veda Agama Deiva Tamil Isai Rani, Andal Priyadharshini, Mandram & Sri Krishna Gana K. Uma Devi, Uma Sakthi, Sabha Nanthamizh Nangai will Panneru Thirumurai Isai participate.

Veeramani to DMK: dont be cowed down by alliesSpecial CorrespondentCHENNAI: Dravida Kazhagam

(DK) president K. Veeramani has asked the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leadership not to be cowed down by pressure tactics of allies and to take its own rm and independent decisions. As all sections of people had beneted from the welfare schemes of the DMK government, either directly or indirectly, the DMK leadership should act with self-respect and need not carry on its shoulders an unnecessary burden that could become a permanent feature, he said in a statement on Monday. In an indirect reference to the Congress demand for power sharing and a substantial number of seats in the DMK front, he said some parties were imposing heavy conditions by exploiting their presence in the alliance, but there was no need for the DMK to accept those conditions. The DMK had emerged like a phoenix from great crises such as the Emergency, Mr. Veeramani said, and urged the ruling party not to repeat its mistake of 1980 (when the DMK and Congress had an alliance on equal terms and lost to the AIADMK in the Assembly election).

Sandalwood seizedStaff ReporterTIRUPUR: Forest Department

ofcials on Monday seized 317 kg of sandalwood from Devanoorputhur under Udumalpet forest range and arrested three persons who were transporting it in a vehicle to Kerala. They have been remanded to judicial custody by a magistrate court at Udumalpet, said Forest Ranger V.A. Saravanan. One of those accused, who was involved in a similar case, was recently released on conditional bail....CH-CH

CHENNAI

THE HINDU

TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 2011

TAMIL NADU

5

Teachers restrained from interfering with conduct of examsHigh Court grants injunction for four weeksSpecial CorrespondentCHENNAI: The Madras High

Karnataka High Court orders notice on actors pleaVideo clip digitally manipulatedBANGALORE: The Karnataka High Court on Monday ordered emergent notice to the government and media in connection with a petition led by Tamil actor Ranjitha challenging the telecast of a video clip depicting her and self-styled godman Nityananda in an ob-

Court on Monday granted injunction for four weeks restraining various school teachers associations from interfering with or obstructing the conduct of higher secondary public examinations commencing on March 2 and evaluation of answer sheets. Justice P. Jyothimani passed the interim order on a petition by a Plus Two student of Thiru.Vi.Ka.Higher Secondary School at Shenoy Nagar here. K. Ramu of Keezhnaduvakarai in Anna Nagar, in his petition led through counsel V.R. Thangavelu, referred to reports about the decision of the teachers associations to go on an indenite strike if their demands were not considered by the government. There were also reports

that the Federation of Tamil Nadu Higher Secondary School Post-Graduate Teachers Association, Tamil Nadu Post-Graduate Teachers Kazhagam and the Tamil Nadu Melnilai Palli Thalamai Asiriyar Kazhagam (headmasters association), had staged protests in various parts of the State. The petitioner said that if teachers go on indenite strike and examinations are not conducted as scheduled, students will be badly affected. Any delay in the examination would have a bearing on the students future. What the associations intended to do was illegal and unjust. He sought a direction to authorities to conduct the higher secondary public examinations as scheduled, from March 2 to 25, and to publish the results in May.

Special Government Pleader (Education) G. Sankaran, who took notice, submitted that the government would conduct the examination as per schedule. However, the ongoing strike by P.G. teachers/headmasters would cause difculties in conducting the examination. Mr. Justice Jyothimani said that considering the facts and circumstances of the case and the urgency involved in the matter, he was of the view that the balance of convenience, in the larger interests of society, was in the petitioners favour and against teachers associations, even though they had a legitimate right of making their demands, but not by obstructing examinations scheduled. Hence, there would be an order of interim injunction.

Ranjita

scene act. Justice B.S. Patil, who heard the matter, ordered an injunction to 40 news organisations, including the print and electronic media. In her petition, Ranjitha submitted that the video clip telecast on March 2 last year

was digitally manipulated. She said she was petried by TV channels and news organisations, which, she alleged, were telecasting the clip. She submitted that most of the programmes aired on Indian television are not original, but copy of programmes aired in the U.S., which do not require any check and censorship

in view of the culture there (U.S.). Ranjitha also sought a direction to the Information and Broadcasting Ministry to restrain the respondents from telecasting obscene clips and using any image, statements, reference and news pictures or articles of scandalous intent. PTI

Court partly allows DMK MPs applicationSpecial CorrespondentCHENNAI: The Madras High Court on Monday partly allowed an application by the sitting MP from Ramanathapuram constituency seeking to strike off an election petition led against him as not maintainable in law and too vague. J.K. Ritheesh of the DMK was declared winner in the 2009 Lok Sabha elections. He defeated the (then) AIADMK candidate, V. Sathyamoorthy, by a margin of 69,915 votes. In an election petition, Mr. Sathyamoorthy (who is now in the DMK) had challenged the election of Mr. Ritheesh alleging that the latter had spent more than Rs.25 crore and indulged in large-scale corrupt activities. In the application, Mr. Ritheesh stated that the allegations against him were vague and lacked material particulars. In his order, Justice K. Chandru said though it may be true that some of the allegations were vague and too remote to be connected with Mr. Ritheesh, there were enough allegations made against him which had a direct bearing on the election held. If proved in trial, they may amount to corrupt practices. The election petition could not be thrown out at the threshold without trial. There were material facts and particulars available for being tried in the election petition. He posted the main election petition for March 14.

Notice on physiotherapists petitionSpecial CorrespondentCHENNAI: The Madras High

Court on Monday ordered notice on a writ petition by a physiotherapist challenging a portion of a Tamil Nadu G.O of September 2009 which stated that physiotherapists should not use Dr. before their names and prescribe drugs. Justice P. Jyothimani posted the matter for further hearing after two weeks. In his petition, S. Chandrasekaran of Tiruvanmiyur stated that he had completed physiotherapy course and was a physiotherapist by profession. By an order dated September 9, 2009, the State government amended corrections in an annexure to an earlier G.O. of October 2008 stating that physiotherapists should not prex Dr. to their names. The petitioner said that physiotherapists who graduated in the country had never been found wanting in any aspect of knowledge regarding diagnosing or treating patients. Physiotherapy was an established eld now. There were specialisations which focussed on almost every aspect of human conditions that needed physiotherapy and covered a wide area in diagnosing the condition, formulating and implementing the strategies to bring out the maximum recovery....CH-CH

6

TAMIL NADU

CHENNAI

THE HINDU

TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 2011

Nothing innovative in budgetSpecial CorrespondentCHENNAI: The Union bud-

get came in for criticism on Monday for its lack of innovation and disappointing want of substantial measures regarding taxation. Former Union Revenue Secretary M.R. Sivaraman dubbed it a disappointing and routine exercise. Addressing a discussion organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Tamil Nadu State Council, here, Mr. Sivaraman said there was nothing innovative. The only silver lining was the reduction in scal decit of 5.1 per cent during the current nancial year, which was expected to drop further to 4.6 per cent next year. He lamented that ination was a major issue and one expected the Finance Minister to break away from the past and come out with policy measures to contain it.

By applying service tax to medical, auditing and legal services, all these would become costlier. At least these three should have been exempted. Asit K. Barma from DeThere was nothing re- ance Technologies Ltd garding agricultural pro- said the fate of the exempduction, which remained tion for Software Techat 234 million tonnes. nology Parks of India, While it was expected that which was extended last India should produce 400 year, remained unclear. million tonnes by the turn N. Vishwanathan, advoof the 21st century, it was cate, said industry would falling terribly short. be happy as import duty Even with regard to tax had been slashed. Besides, measures, there was noth- computerisation of Ining substantial and ex- come Tax Department opemptions were nominal. erations was a very good Tax slab had not been wid- move. ened. Mr. Sivaraman said The Madras Chamber nothing tangible could be welcomed the broad done to tackle the prob- thrust of the Finance Minlem of black money unless isters budget proposals. there were stringent pro- The increased outlay for visions for forfeiture of as- social and farm sector desets and tax evasion was velopment would help the made a severely punisha- march towards inclusive ble offence. growth. T.T. SrinivasaM.S. Sundara Rajan, raghavan, its president, former Chairman, Indian said the decline in scal Bank, felt there was no decit is indeed heartenroad map for introduction ing in the context of scal of Goods and Services Tax. consolidation.

Only silver lining is reduction in scal decit: former ofcial

Danesh Kumar Chhabria, president of the Sindhi Chamber of Commerce, said increase in the basic exemption level for personal income tax to Rs.1.80 lakh was not sufcient. The Tamil Chamber of Commerce lamented that imposition of service tax on hospitals and diagnostic tests would affect the middle and lower strata of society. The Southern India Chamber of Commerce and Industry president A. Vellayan, welcoming the retention of peak level of excise duty at 10 per cent, said introduction of MAT on special economic zones and service tax on hospitals should be reconsidered. Ambattur Industrial Estate Manufacturers Association president R. Selvaraj said the industry, coming out of recession, was very disappointed as there are neither concessions nor incentives worth noting.

...CH-CH

CHENNAI

THE HINDU

TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 2011

TAMIL NADUShip diverted to Libya Hazardous material seized from air passengerStaff Reporter Secretary, Ministry of Shipping, said here on Monday. TUTICORIN: The ferry service After arrival of the ship Staff Correspondent passenger was identied as from Tuticorin to Colombo from Libya, the ferry service Ponnudurai Murugaiya Pillai was expected to begin as per would begin. The External AfNEDUMBASSERY: Security of- of Chennai who had come schedule on March 1 but the fairs Ministry and embassies cials at the Cochin interna- here to board a Muscat- ship meant for it has been di- of other countries had been tional airport on Sunday bound Jet Airways aircraft verted to Libya to evacuate involved in securing people nabbed a passenger who had 9W534. the Indians, K. Mohandas, from Libya, he added. attempted to board an interThe explosive trace detecnational aircraft from here tion machine connected to along with a baggage contain- the inline baggage screening ing hazardous material with system at the international explosive intensity. terminal conrmed the presAccording to ofcials, the ence of nitroglycerine.

7

Court order on government pleaderStaff ReporterKANCHEEPURAM: The Madras

High Court has granted an interim injunction restraining an Additional Government Pleader-cum-Additional Public Prosecutor in the SubCourt, Kancheepuram, from discharging his duties as AGP-cum-APP. In a writ petition, R.K.Thambi Durai, practising as an advocate at Kancheepuram, has alleged that C.V.M.P. Ezhilarasan, an advocate, had been appointed as the AGP-cum-APP in viola-

tion of section 24 of Criminal Procedure Code, which deals with appointment of government pleaders. The petitioner contended that Mr. Ezhilarasan had not completed seven years of practice as an advocate, as required by the section, before he was considered for the post of government pleader. Admitting the writ petition, Mr. Justice P.Jyothimani has ordered notices returnable by four weeks to the Principal Secretary, Home, the District Collector, Kancheepuram, and Mr. Ezhilarasan.

...CH-CH

8

VARIETY

CHENNAI

THE HINDU

TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 2011

RELIGION Dharma personiedCHENNAI: It is believed that there procient not only in the study

THIS DAY THAT AGEdated March 1, 1961

THE HINDU CROSSWORD 10090Across 1 They may put one under the knife (8) 5 Exploited an American editor (4) 9 Two harm the caught monarch for a German statesman (8) 10 Tyrannical leader of the French kitty (6) 12 Some familiar hip bones (4) 13 One half of the earth edge is in Portugal over here (10) 15 An illusionary feat put up by a magician (9,5) 17 Selecting the course of action in the last month by an intelligence agency on marketing out three products (8,6) 21 What beliefs schools usually do preach? (10) 22 Dine over the sea sh (4) 25 Permit three in a scrabble unit (6) 26 Court ofcial is in dialogue with the worker (8) 27 Topless lady has a magical glow (4) 28 Disturbs a girl mostly in a state of confusion (8) Down 1 Make a statement to obey the rule (6) 2 Hindu sage is endlessly at risk at the borders of Helsinki (5) 3 Old morning test (4) 4 Uncle resides in a ranch primarily with this kind of family (7) 6 Win every game for interest in this form of gambling (10) 7 This may occur due to the over consumption of natural resources (9) 8 Not reecting light on the ring surface, overhead (5) 11 Bank holding the customer with determination (4)1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 11 12 14 15 16 13 10

Nita Jaggi

is a decline in ethical values in the four Yugas that follow in succession Krita, Treta, Dwapara and Kali. It is signicant that the descent of the Lord as the very embodiment of Dharma in Rama Avatar took place in the second Yuga, Treta, when values were still in tact. Though the purpose of the incarnation was to kill Ravana whose mounting atrocities struck terror in the hearts of even the celestials, the Lord wished to inspire and instil the ethical code at the point when dilution would necessarily begin to take place. In accordance with the prayers of the celestials, the Lord chose to be born as Dasarathas son. Sage Valmiki celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, along with Bharata, Lakshmana and Shatrugna. The Bala Kanda does not feature many details of the childhood activities of Rama and His brothers, apart from the mention that the boys were gifted with wisdom and all the merits, and were polite and deferential. Under the tutelage of Sage Vasishta, the princes became

of the Vedas but also skilful in archery. In contrast, there is a rich repertoire of the childhood activities of Lord Krishna. In a lecture, Kalyanapuram Sri R. Aravamudhachariar pointed out that Rama Avatar too has lent itself to fuel the imagination of many devotees the Azhwars, the poets Kamban, Tulsi Das, and music composers such as Saint Thyagaraja or Arunachala Kavi. Nammazhwar, who chose to glorify Krishna Avatar in his hymns, has not failed to place Rama Avatar on a pedestal when he says that Ramas nature inspires people to tread the path of Dharma. Kulasekhara Azhwar was such a great devotee that he would listen with total involvement to the exposition of the Ramayana by scholars. Kamban says that knowing the qualities of Rama bestows Jnana and fame and fulls our desires. Saint Thyagaraja was steeped in love and devotion to the Lord. His Bhakti Bhava made him perceive the Lord in his mind always and his compositions reect his uninterrupted involvement with thoughts of Ramas life.

Decit budgetPresenting the budget for 1961/1962 in the Lok Sabha on February 28, the Finance Minister Mr. Morarji Desai estimated the revenue at the existing level of taxation for the coming year at Rs. 962.92 crores and expenditure at Rs. 1023.52 crores, leaving a decit of 60.60 crores. Mr. Desai said that for the current nancial year the revised estimate of revenue was estimated to be Rs. 923.72 crores and the expenditure Rs. 957. 38 crores, leaving a decit of Rs. 33.66 crores. The Finance Minister took full 90 minutes to read his speech. He read it at a fast rate and his announcement of taxation proposals, both the wide range and rates, took some time to sink in. His tributes to the efforts of the World Bank and its President in promoting the consortium of friendly countries for helping India was cheered by the House.

Consumer hard hitCommenting on the new taxation proposals announced by the Finance Minister on February

28, Mr. S. Narayanaswamy in Madras, said: Mr. Morarjis budget for 1961-62 touches life at numerous points. Excises and customs levies are spread over to such a large and colourful assortment of commodities, manufactured goods and consumer articles as to underwrite that the citizen wakes up on March 1 to nd the cost of living spiralling up in the name of Plan-resources-nding. He must indeed draw heavily on his reserves of patriotism and get reconciled with this all-in increase in consumption taxes. The inconsequence of direct tax imposts conform to the widespread anticipation of an electioneering budget and in fact the increase in the surcharge on earned income over rupees one lakh is an illustration. The reduction in the development rebate from 25 per cent to 20 per cent is certainly a surprise while the reduction in the bonus issue tax from 30 per cent to 12.5 per cent was received with jubilation in the market. The other direct tax announcements are not of much consequence. The budget is regarded as reasonably bullish by the stock market that has discounted a tax-less budget in the last few weeks while the consumer feels that he will be paying more for scores of articles than he ever paid before.

17

18

19 20

21 24 25 26

22

23

27

28

14 Many mere isles just in front of the lake (10) 16 Outstanding short race for the players (9) 18 Gory kind of wild revelry (4) 19 Contact the union (7) 20 Lays out small coolers over the rst doorstep (6) 21 Line drawn at the junction on the dock site (5) 23 Streaker seen at night will approach a territory in front (5) 24 All in the recipe direction (4)

Solution to puzzle 10089C T A A D AMA N C R N L O R E G U L A R I L I N E M E R G E R S A C S T R O W U O P A B N O RMA L K I L A N S A B A O D A B OWS E R Y N N S A TWE L D A M L Y P L A N N A A R D V A M O C B I L U S C B P L A T T I S L T O OM E R A B S P G E T S MA R T E R V E M Z A R R K S W R E I N G H R T S

NEWS

Raja seeks judicial proceedings via videoconferencingJiby KattakayamNEW DELHI: The former Tele-

Rs. 3 crore worth hashish seized, two heldStaff ReporterMUMBAI: The Narcotics Con-

com Minister, A. Raja, moved an application before a court here on Monday seeking conduct of court proceedings from the Tihar Central Jail through videoconferencing on Thursday, when his judicial remand ends. Special Judge (CBI) O.P. Saini will hear the matter on Tuesday. A lawyer representing Mr. Raja said this would help save time incurred in transporting Mr. Raja from Tihar to the Patiala House on the day of the hearing. The court will also hear the application for bail moved by another accused in the 2G spectrum scam, the former Telecom Secretary, Siddhartha Behura, on March 9 and the application to de-freeze Mr. Behuras sealed bank accounts, on March 15. Mr. Behuras counsel, senior advocate S.S. Gandhi, sought from Mr. Saini a copy of the 18-page order that the judge had delivered on Feb-

ruary 25 while disposing of the bail applications moved by Shahid Usman Balwa and R.K. Chandolia to ensure that the same arguments were not made before the court again. A counsel for Mr. Raja also requested for a copy of the order. The CBI in its reply to Mr. Behuras bail application said that Mr. Raja and Mr. Behura had ignored serious issues raised regarding further verication of eligibility conditions of Swan Telecom and had dishonestly approved the le on September 1, 2008 for issue of Letters of Intent (LOI) for 13 telecom service areas. The CBI also opposed the bail application stating that the investigation has prima facie revealed that Mr. Behura in conspiracy with Mr. Chandolia and others made arrangements at Sanchar Bhavan for distribution of LOIs and responses of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in an arbitrary and unfair manner. The investigating agency said

that the LOIs and responses of the DoT were neither distributed simultaneously nor on a rst-come, rst-served basis, but instead were distributed in a manner designed to benet Swan Telecom and other companies.

The CBI added that in furtherance of the said conspiracy, Mr. Behura played a vital role in allocating the spectrum in an arbitrary and unfair manner to Swan Telecom in the Delhi Telecom circle, where availability of 2G spectrum was not adequate

to cater to the requirements of all spectrum applicants. The CBI sought more time from the court to reply to Mr. Behuras application to defreeze his bank accounts to pay for the medical expenses incurred for a surgery performed on his wife.

trol Bureau (NCB) seized 62 kg of hashish worth Rs. 3 crore

in the international market and arrested two Kashmiri youths here. The two youths are agents who wanted to hand over the consignment to

someone in Vasai, Yashodhan Wange, Zonal Director, NCB, said here on Monday. He said the youths worked on a commission basis.

...CH-CH

CHENNAI

THE HINDU

TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 2011

TAMIL NADUWEATHERANDHRA PRADESH

9

Most insensitive exerciseJayalalithaa says the budget will benet only small segment of peopleSpecial CorrespondentCHENNAI: All India Anna Dra-

vida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) general secretary Jayalalithaa has criticised the Union budget, saying it will benet a very small segment at the cost of the vast majority of people. Budget 2011 is not just a damp squib, it is one of the most insensitive exercises as far as the common man is concerned, she said. In a statement, Ms. Jayalalithaa said Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee had taken the option of sidestepping the issue of food ination altogether by doling out statistics to claim that it had come down. By making an impassioned

Jayalalithaademand to ght corruption collectively, Mr. Mukerjee has shirked the Centres responsibility in this critical area of corruption. He has also not outlined any tangible proposal to bring back huge sums

of money lying in banks in tax havens abroad in his ve-fold strategy to deal with black money, she said. While a few sops had been granted to prop up the sagging agriculture sector, the burgeoning middle-class segment had been neglected by and large. Food subsidies had come down and there was nothing for this segment, except a marginal hike in income tax exemption limits, which was responsible for bringing the UPA to power the second time. She welcomed the doubling of salaries of anganwadi workers and bringing down the age criterion for senior citizens from 65 to 60. However, bringing healthcare and health insurance un-

der the service tax net has offset the benet extended to senior citizens. What the Finance Minister gives with his left hand, he takes away with the right. Imposition of service tax on internal and foreign travel would affect development of tourism. There were no schemes for the power sector. Unemployment had been left totally unaddressed. Corporate India had more to exult with the focus being on further liberalisation of foreign direct investment and disinvestment. Both these had come in for considerable criticism in the past. Yet, persisting with these reects the insensitivity of the UPA government to public opinion, Ms. Jayalalithaa said.

Anantapur Arogyavaram Bapatla Callingapatnam Gannavaram Hyderabad AP Kakinada Khammam Kavali Kurnool Mahabubnagar Machilipatnam Nandyal Narasapur Nellore Nizamabad Ongole Ramagundam Tirupathi AP Tuni Vizag AP Vizag Agumbe Bangalore AP Bangalore Bagalkote Belgaum AP Bellary Bijapur Chitradurga Gadag Gulbarga Hassan Honavar Karwar Madikeri

34 31 31 29 32 31 31 34 31 34 34 31 34 32 32 34 32 34 32 33 32 31 31 30 30 31 33 35 33 32 33 33 33 32 35 27

19 15 20 19 20 19 21 18 21 21 20 22 19 21 23 22 22 21 19 21 21 22 14 14 17 18 18 19 21 20 21 21 15 20 21 15

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

tr 4 30 51 60 25 53 14 84 9 1 82 1 17 5 4 38 22 26 0 36 5 0 23 44 2 2 0 tr 0 3 15 3 0 0 12INSAT PICTURE AT 11-30 hrs. Observations recorded at 8-30 a.m. on Feb. 28.

Cuddalore Chennai AP Chennai Dharmapuri Kanyakumari Karaikal Kodaikanal Madurai AP Nagapattinam Palayamkottai Pamban Parangipettai Puducherry Salem Thanjavur Tiruchi AP Tirupattur Tiruthani Tondi Tuticorin Valparai Vedharanyam Vellore Amini Divi Minicoy Kavarathi

31 31 31 32 33 30 19 32 31 35 30 31 31 33 32 34 34 33 31 31 25 31 32

23 22 23 20 24 23 9 22 23 23 26 23 22 21 24 22 18 20 23 23 12 22 20

0 117 0 52 0 100 0 0 0 22 0 52 0 54 0 50 0 36 0 14 0 62 0 95 0 34 0 25 0 35 0 7 0 1 0 41 0 19 0 32 0 141 0 26 0 48 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 31 1 15 tr 54

Dry weather in Tamil NaduCHENNAI: Isolated rainfall occurred over Kerala and dry weather prevailed over Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Lakshadweep. Konni (Pathnamthitta dt) recorded a rainfall of one centimetre. The minimum temperature fell appreciably at one or two places over Kerala, fell at one or two places over north Tamil Nadu, rose appreciably at one or two places over north interior Karnataka, rose markedly at one or two places over rest north interior Karnataka. They were appreciably below normal at one or two places over Kerala, south interior Karnataka and Rayalaseema, below normal at one or two places over north coastal Andhra Pradesh, above normal at a few places over North interior Karnataka, rest north coastal Andhra Pradesh, south Tamil Nadu and appreciably above normal at one or two places over Telangana. Arogyavaram and Chamrajnagar recorded the lowest minimum temperature of 15 degree Celsius in the plains of the region. FORECAST (Valid until Wednedsay morning): Isolated rain or thundershowers may occur over Tamil Nadu, south Kerala and Lakshadweep and mainly dry weather will prevail over north Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.

KARNATAKA

LAKSHADWEEP

Mangalore AP Mysore Mandya Panambur Raichur Shirali Alappuzha Kannur Kochi AP Kottayam

32 32 32 32 33 34 30 35 31 34

22 18 16 23 19 21 23 24 24 23

0 0 0 0 0 0

0 3 2 0 0 0

KERALA

Kozhikode Punalur Thiruvanantha -puram AP Thiruvanantha -puram City Vellanikkara

33 25 34 22 31 24 32 23 33 24

0 0 0 261 0 128 0 136 0 77 0 26 0 38 0 226

33 25 32 26 33 25

OTHER STATIONS

Kolkata (Alipore) 31 17 Mumbai 33 23 New Delhi 24 11

0 94 0 0 0 250 0 110

TAMIL NADU

Adiramapattinam 32 22 Coimbatore AP 32 21 Coonoor 21 11

The columns show maximum and minimum temperature in Celsius, rainfall during last 24 hours (trace) and total rainfall in mm since January 01, 2011.

Budget industry-friendly: corporate representativesSpecial CorrespondentCHENNAI: Describing the Union

Pranab Mukherjee given 8.5 out of 10 points Doubling of salaries for anganwadi workers haileders, but said he was disappointed that the budget was silent on allowing foreign direct investment in the retail sector. CII-TN chairperson Nandini Rangaswamy welcomed the vocationalisation of secondary education to improve the employability of youth and said providing scholarship to SC/ST students for 9th and 10th standard was a great incentive to continue higher studies. Manikam Ramaswami, CIISR past chairman, said, Doubling of salaries for anganwadi workers is also welcome. Whenever there was an increase in income for MGNREGS, it resulted in pushing up textile demand. Arun Jain, Chairman and CEO, Polaris Software, said it was disappointing to note that there was no mention of the IT sector in the budget, though information technology was the backbone for several initiatives. He also called for extending the deadline of STPI, which ends on March 11. S. Srinivasaraghavan, CFO and Company Secretary, Simpson & Co Ltd, said the budget would not have a major impact on the engineering sector, the issue of ination was not addressed properly and there was vagueness on the introduction of Goods and Services Tax. R. Dinesh, Joint Managing Director, T.V. Sundaram Iyengar and Sons Ltd, said it was a welcome move by the Centre to lay emphasis on development of hybrid vehicles, as it would attract major players to look into India instead of Thailand. Ramesh Kymal, Chairman and Managing Director, Gamesa Wind Turbines Pvt Ltd., was disappointed as renewable energy was not given the subsidy just like coal and oil to ensure level-playing eld and to sustain growth. K. Vaitheeswaran, Chairman, Working group on GST, CII-Tamil Nadu, said it was not clear how the Finance Minister is going to raise the resources. Chitty Babu, president, Confederation of Real Estate Development Authority of India (Tamil Nadu), said the budget failed to address issues such as shortage of 24 million houses, Special Economic Zones and Special Residential Zone.

budget as growth-oriented and industry-friendly, the Confederation of Indian Industry Southern Region (CII-SR) gave 8.5 out of 10 points to Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Monday. Corporate representatives heaved a sigh of relief as the surcharge on domestic companies was reduced from 7.5 to 5 per cent, while central excise, customs duty and service tax were maintained at the same level and the increase in Minimum Alternate Tax was just 0.5 per cent. Participating in the discussion on Union Budget 20112012, organised by the CII-SR, its Deputy Chairman, T.T. Ashok said, We are reasonably satised as the most of the points suggested by us in the pre-budget memorandum have been covered. Ination is a big cause of worry and the Finance Minister is aware of it and knows what is to be done. CII is happy as there is no rollback of excise or customs duty. Pradipta K. Mohaptra, CIISR past chairman, commended the Finance Minister for identifying, aligning and allotting money for agricultural production and for doubling the wages of anganwadi work-

It will spur growth, says KarunanidhiSpecial CorrespondentCHENNAI: The Union budget will put the country on the path of steady growth, Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi said on Monday. Appreciating several features of the budget, Mr. Karunanidhi said the governments initiatives on agriculture and promotion of cultivation of vegetables, millets, pulses and oil palm would help contain food ination. Referring to the proposal to increase cereal production, he felt that the allocation of Rs.300 crore was insufcient and wanted it stepped up. On the additional interest subvention of three per cent

for farmers, the Chief Minister pointed out that the State government has been implementing interest-free farm credit for those promptly repaying crop loans. He welcomed the scheme of providing Rs.3,000-crore assistance to handloom weavers cooperative societies. He commended the Centre for a number of measures such as the issue of tax-free infrastructure bonds for Rs.30,000 crore and the rise in allocation for the social sector. The Chief Minister thanked the Centre for the announcement on castebased census, a long-time demand of the State government.

...CH-CH

10

EDITORIAL

CHENNAI

THE HINDU

TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 2011

United by victimhood, divided by ignoranceJyoti Punwani

TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 2011

W

A lacklustre budgetereft of any big idea and with its focus on minutiae, the budget presented by Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee disappoints as a political response to the perception of drift and the succession of scams that have emerged in the recent period. The Finance Minister has addressed desultorily three of the four problematical areas of political corruption, the play of unaccounted money in both the economy and the political system, Indian money stashed away in foreign accounts, and high ination. He has been content with listing the ongoing efforts of the government in detecting and bringing back the money held in illegal foreign accounts, including negotiating tax information exchange agreements and double taxation avoidance treaties, its participation in international moves against tax havens, and the commissioning of a study on unaccounted income and wealth. Among the areas the group of ministers on corruption is examining are state funding of elections, the removal of the discretionary powers of government, and putting in place a competitive system of allocation of natural resources. Only on food ination has the Finance Minister announced new initiatives and investments to increase the supply of specic food items such as edible oil, vegetables, pulses, and milk. While the budget seems oblivious to the political context, on the positive side it