Kerala -Kochi The joys of gardening
The Vegetable and Fruits Promotion Council of Keralam (VFPCK) and the Raksha Society for the Care of Children with Special Needs have come together on a unique project to make use of gardening for the education of Raksha's students.
The rooftop of Raksha's office at Thoppumpady is now lined with a variety of potted vegetables, which has thrown up a whole new world for the children who attend the classes at Raksha. A selected group of students take turns to water the plants, add manure and harvest the crops under the supervision of Elisabeth Philip, project coordinator of VFPCK. The children are not only introduced to the physical skills of watering and nursing the plants, they are also taught on natural phenomena like the growth of plants, budding and flowering. They harvest the crops they nurtured and eat curries cooked with them at the institute.
The vegetable garden on the rooftop is part of the Haritha Nagari project, a household vegetable production venture of the VFPCK. Girija Nath, executive secretary of Raksha, says that she actually stumbled upon the idea while visiting the VFPCK office at Kakkanad with an entirely different proposal. The vegetable garden that the VFPCK staff had cultivated on their own rooftop caught her attention.
Realising the importance of the work being done by the society, the VFPCK agreed to set up the garden without charging any fee. Their staff supplied the entire planting material and set up the garden. "At Raksha, they are doing an important service. So we thought we should also do our bit," says Ashok Kumar Thekkan, chief executive officer of the VFPCK.
Horticultural Therapy had always been an important part of the education of children with special needs. Raksha has made it a project for the students of Diploma in Special Education specialising in Cerebral Palsy at Raksha.
Renu Ramanath (The Hindu 16/02/06, Thursday)
Second phase of DFID-scheme in 45 days, says Minister
Staff Reporter
First phase of water supply scheme inaugurated
KOCHI: Water Resources Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan has said that the second phase of the DFID-assisted Water Supply Augmentation Scheme for West Kochi will be completed within 45 days.
The Minister was talking at the function organised at Mattancherry for the partial commissioning of the scheme assisted by the Department For International Development (DFID) of the British Government on Wednesday night. He inaugurated the functioning of the 2.2 mld (million litres per day) capacity water tank constructed near Modi Bathroom Junction at Mattancherry, as part of the Zone I of the DFID scheme. The work of the remaining three zones is yet to be completed. Mr. Radhakrishnan said that apart from the three water supply zones now getting ready in Kochi, the city would get the benefit of two more water supply schemes, which will help solve the water crisis of the Greater Cochin region.
Hudco scheme
The Minister pointed out that the work of the Hudco scheme (Ad-hoc Water Supply Augmentation Scheme) is progressing. The Chowara Water Supply Scheme is expected to be completed in March and the construction of 46 mld-capacity plant for the Tripunithura Water Supply Scheme has already started.
Besides these ongoing projects, the city will get two more projects, with a scheme for supplying 385 mld water and another one supplying 285 mld water from Muvattupuzha river.
He expressed the hope that all these schemes could be completed without making additional borrowing of money.
Industries Minister V.K. Ebrahim Kunju presided over the function. Kochi Corporation Mayor Mercy Williams made the keynote address. Corporation councillors T.K. Ashraf, M.S. Gireesh, Shyamala S. Prabhu, Raji Ravi, Shani Fernandes and Aseena Noushad, Kerala Water Authority managing director T.P. Mohanlal and Central Zone Chief Engineer Susan Jacob also spoke.
The function was marked by the presence of a huge crowd of people who were celebrating the commissioning of a component of the much-awaited water supply scheme. The Ministers and other dignitaries were taken to the venue in a colourful procession that began from the Indian Chamber of Commerce at Mattancherry.(The Hindu - 16/02/06, Thursday)
Kerala Partial commissioning of water scheme today
Staff Reporter
DFID-aided scheme expected to provide relief to residents of West Kochi
* Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan to inaugurate tank
* Constructed at a cost of Rs.2.2 crores
KOCHI: Water Resources Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan will conduct the partial commissioning of the DFID-assisted Water Supply Augmentation Scheme for West Kochi on Wednesday.
The Minister will inaugurate the new water tank constructed at the Modi Bathroom Junction in Fort Kochi, marking the completion of Zone I of the DFID-assisted Augmentation Scheme.
Industries Minister V.K. Ebrahim Kunju will preside. Fisheries and Sports Minister Dominic Presentation; Mayor Mercy Williams; Sebastian Paul, MP; and District Collector A.P.M. Mohammed Hanish will make the keynote address. Kerala Water Authority (KWA) Managing Director T.P. Mohanlal; C. Suresh Babu, Technical Member, KWA; Susan Jacob, Chief Engineer and councillors will attend the function. The tank with capacity of 2.2 MLD (million litres per day) is expected to provide relief to residents of water-starved West Kochi. It was constructed at a cost of Rs.2.2 crores.
However, work on the remaining three zones in the DFID-assisted scheme is yet to be completed. While the pipes for the distribution network under zone III have started arriving, prospects of completing work on zone II and IV are still uncertain, with a Vigilance case pending on the issue.
As the completion of the scheme may be delayed indefinitely, the KWA has decided to partially commission the scheme. Even this partial commissioning was expected to be held in mid-December last year.
The augmentation scheme, supported by the U.K. Government's Department for International Development (DFID), is one of the many components of the British Government's Urban Poverty Alleviation Scheme for poor countries.
The total estimate is Rs. 17 crores, which the KWA has already received from the Corporation. But, the entire project cost is expected to go up to Rs.35 crores, according to KWA officials.
Additional amount
The KWA officials also expect to get an additional amount of Rs.1.5 crores after settling the difference in the exchange value of the foreign currency.
However, there are apprehensions on whether the partial commissioning of the scheme would bring relief to West Kochi, which is reeling under acute water scarcity round the year.
Experts say that the augmentation project can bring in results only if the ad hoc Augmentation Scheme (earlier known as HUDCO scheme), brings in an increased supply of water from the Aluva Headworks.
The ad hoc scheme has also been dragging on for years. Though it has also been partially commissioned, the full completion of the scheme still appears months away. According to official estimates, the scheme is expected to increase the supply to West Kochi by 5 MLD. The present demand for water in West Kochi is 29 MLD, out of which 14 MLD is now being supplied. (The Hindu-15/02/06 - Wednesday)
Kerala - Kochi About dreams and dreamscapes
O.C. Martin's solo exhibition of paintings and drawings is titled `Waiting for New Vision.' The show, now on at Durbar Hall Art Centre, has 28 works, including 12 paintings.
In these works, Martin is basically trying to depict a dreamscape. He is seeking to portray a realm of dream, a space far removed from the realities of life. Martin says that he began the works (in the show) in 2002. The shadows of the U.S. war on Iraq were hanging heavy at that time. So, through these works, he wanted to reflect more on peace and tranquillity.
Appearing repeatedly in the works is an old bard, a white-haired musician. He stands for a Sufi soul, says Martin, who is seeking the new vision. Then, there are girls, little children and toys, all placed amidst lush-green rustic landscapes. The subject of `dream' becomes more accentuated in the work, `Dream of Kurosawa's Dreams,' in which he has drawn the procession of foxes from the Japanese classic film, with a girl peering at it.
This is Martin's third solo show. Earlier, he had held a solo in 2001 at the Lalithakala Akademi Gallery in Thrissur, as well as in Palakkad. He had also participated in some group exhibitions, including the State Art Exhibitions of the Kerala Lalithakala Akademi.
Renu Ramanath (The Hindu-12/02/06-Monday)
Kerala - Others 'CPI(M) mum on Narendran panel'
Staff Reporter KOCHI: Union Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi has said that the CPI(M) was placating Hindu fundamentalism more than even the BJP.
Speaking at a reception given to him at the office of the Veekshanam daily here on Saturday, Mr. Ravi alleged that the CPI(M) was not coming out with any opinion on the Narendran Commission report after the Government decided to implement it, but was prompting some of its proxies to issue statements.
He said the CPI(M) was adopting anti-people policies.
He said that the Left parties were criticising the Budget, as it had not given them any provision to organise protests and agitations.
Mr. Ravi said that Chief Minister Oommen Chandy managed to present the decision to implement the Narendran Commission report tactfully, avoiding any chance of a caste conflict in the State.
Referring to the recent spate of protests regarding some cartoons that appeared in newspapers, Mr. Ravi pointed out that the freedom of expression for a certain section of people should not mean infringing upon the sentiments of the other.
DCC president K.P. Dhanapalan presided over the function. (The Hindu-12/02/06-Sunday)
National Vayalar Ravi promises steps to ease problems of non-resident Indians
Renu Ramanath
A meeting of envoys to study details about Indians arrested in the Gulf
* Priority to issues faced by Indian labourers in the Gulf
* Bogus recruiting agencies perpetrating fraud on thousands an important issue
* Concern over delay in sending home bodies of those who die abroad
KOCHI: Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi has said that steps will be taken to ease the problems faced by non-resident Indians working in countries, especially in the Gulf.
Addressing a meet-the-press organised by the Ernakulam Press Club on Saturday, Mr. Ravi said a meeting of Indian Ambassadors would be convened soon to study the details of Indian nationals detained in foreign countries. It would take stock of the total number of Indians detained in the Gulf countries and the reasons for their arrest. It would also consider what could be done to get them released.
Mr. Ravi said the issue of Indian nationals being arrested for various reasons in foreign countries was grave. "We can only persuade the foreign countries to release them," he said.
The Government was planning to start centres for them in the Gulf, European and Far-East Asian countries under the Overseas Affairs Ministry, he said.
Mr. Ravi said priority would be given to issues faced by Indian labourers in the Gulf countries. Most of those in the labour camps in the Gulf were from south India. Kerala had third place in the number of workers in labour camps, with Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh in the first and second places.
People from India are migrating to about 110 countries, he pointed out. However, no official estimate of the number of Indians working and living abroad had yet been made. Only a World Bank study is available on the issue and, according to a rough estimate, about 2 million Indians are working and living abroad.
He pointed bogus recruiting agencies perpetrating fraud on thousands of gullible people was an important issue. Exploitation of women in the guise of recruitment to the Gulf countries would also be tackled soon.
Voting rights
Regarding the voting rights of NRIs, Mr. Ravi said the issue was in the final stage of consideration with the Home Ministry. The delay in sending home the bodies of those who died abroad was another major concern, he said. Though the Ambassadors were given a fund to meet the expenses in such cases, it was often inadequate. Steps would be taken to raise the amount, the Minister said.
Referring to the oft-repeated demand to slash ticket rates to the Gulf countries, he said the Government was not taking a positive stance on the issue. There was an opinion that allowing airlines other than Air India to operate on these routes would lead to competition and ultimately to slashed prices, he said.
Airlines company
Regarding the Kerala Government's attempts to float an airlines company which was awaiting Central nod, Mr. Ravi said he held discussions with Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel though he had received no official communication from the State Government on it so far, except for a verbal information passed on by the Chief Minister.
Mr. Ravi said he would request the Civil Aviation Ministry to give exemption to the State-owned airliner company for operating overseas flights, considering it as a public sector unit. Regarding the possibilities of Democratic Indira Congress (DIC) leader K. Karunakaran returning to the Congress fold, Mr. Ravi said he was always welcome back so long as he was ready to accept the leadership of party president Sonia Gandhi.
Mr. Ravi released the souvenir of the Ernakulam Press Club by handing it over to the District Panchayat president P.S. Shyla. (The Hindu-12/02/06, Sunday)
Kerala - Kochi Cochin Flower Show draws good crowd on opening day
Staff Reporter
Competitions on bouquet, fresh flower arrangement and vegetable carving today KOCHI: The Cochin Flower Show, 2006, organised by the Ernakulam District Agri-Horticulture Society, began at Subhash Bose Park on Thursday. Mayor Mercy Williams inaugurated the event in the morning. District Collector A.P.M. Mohammed Hanish presided over the function.
The flower show drew good crowds on the opening day. Cut- and dry-flower arrangement by Kalpana Reji, a Bangalore-based specialist on flower arrangement, proved to be a big attraction. Her arrangements with heliconia flowers and ornamental pineapples drew the attention of many visitors. Another arrangement was with exquisite bird-of-paradise flowers. A boat model made of pots of grass was another eye-catcher. A model garden, arranged on land measuring 800 sq.ft. by a Kochi-based landscapist N.J. Dominic, became a big attraction.
A stall of vegetable carving was another major draw, with children crowding around the big dinosaur made of bitter gourds.
Major offices and departments in Kochi, such as the Cochin Port Trust, the Cochin Shipyard, the Greater Cochin Development Authority and the Kerala Books and Publishing Society, put up stalls.
On Friday, competitions on bouquet, fresh flower arrangement and vegetable carving will begin at 8.30 a.m. The flower arrangement competition will be held in two categories. Category 1 will include bridal bouquets (Dutch rose, carnations, orchid, lilies with rose), gift bouquet, hanging flowers, floating flowers, mass arrangement, Japanese style basic and Nageri.
Category 2 will include dry flower arrangement, artificial arrangement with cloth, paper, plastic, metal or fresh leaf, artificial flower bridal bouquets and dry flower bridal bouquets.
Vegetable carving will be held for individuals, caterers and hotels.
Though competitions are limited to registered participants, visitors will be permitted to watch the contests, according to K.I. Abdul Rasheed, convener, publicity, of the flower show. (The Hindu-10/02/06, Friday)
Kerala 'Revenue Tower' to be opened today
Staff Reporter
All Government offices located in Kanayannur taluk come under a roof
KOCHI: Ernakulam Revenue Tower, near the boat jetty, will be inaugurated by Minister for Revenue K.M. Mani on Friday evening. Minister for Fisheries and Sports Dominic Presentation will preside over the function.
The 14-storey building, constructed by the Kerala State Housing Board at a cost of Rs 49.63 crores, is said to have modern amenities. It was built with the aim of bringing all Government offices located in Kanayannur taluk under a roof.
The tower has a floor area of 16,115.54 sq.m. The basement floor will have 41 shops and ground floor 11 shops and parking space.
The first and second floors will have 38 shops each.
A restaurant will be housed on the third floor. A total of 36 offices can be accommodated from fourth to 12th floors.
Two capsule lifts, which can carry 10 persons at a time, two passenger lifts, a freight lift, with a capacity of 1,500 kg, and an escalator will be provided in the building.
K.V. Thomas, MLA, will deliver the keynote address at the meeting.
Housing Board Chairman V.T. Sebastian; Sebastian Paul, MP; K. Babu, M.A. Kuttappan and Luidy Luiz, MLAs; district panchayat president P.S. Shyla, and others will speak. (The Hindu-10/02/06, Friday)
Kerala Farm journalism workshop concludes
Staff Reporter
KOCHI: A State-level workshop on farm journalism workshop, organised by the Farm Information Bureau for journalists from the print and electronic media, concluded here on Thursday.
The three-day workshop was inaugurated by Kerala Press Academy chairman Thomas Jacob on Tuesday. M.N. Babu, Additional Director, Agriculture Department, who presided over the inaugural function, pointed out that expanding the horizons of knowledge of the farmers was necessary in this era of the explosion of information. Communicating the practicality and authenticity of new technologies to the farmers in a direct and simple language was the need of the hour, he said.
Mr. Babu suggested that a consortium of farm journalists be formed. The media should take care not to give exaggerate reports on the market instabilities of agricultural produce, leading to a sense of desperation among the farmers, he said and requested the media to desist from such tendencies.
Vegetable and Fruit Promotion Council Keralam chief executive officer Ashok Kumar Thekkan, Dairy Development Deputy Director K.S. Vijayan, District Information Officer M.A. Vincent, I. Vasudevan and Radhakrishnan Narippatta also spoke. R. Heli, former Agriculture Department Director, said the departments of research and information in the agriculture sector should be strengthened, especially in the present context where the farmers are not being given the deserved status and respect. (The Hindu-10/02/06, Friday)
Perumbalam bridges project awaits Government nod
Renu Ramanath
PWD submits Rs.160-crore project
KOCHI: The residents of Perumbalam Island in Vembanad Lake are awaiting administrative sanction to the Rs.160-crore project, proposed by the Public Works Department (PWD), for a series of bridges connecting the island with Poothotta in Ernakulam district and Panavally in Alappuzha district.
The PWD conducted a survey in January for the proposed bridges that will provide road connection to the island with the main land. The Assistant Executive Engineer (Roads Subdivision), PWD, who conducted the survey, submitted the report to the Government. If the proposal gets administrative sanction, the long wait of the residents of this island for better road connectivity is bound to end.
The project includes a 225-metre-long bridge from Pathrakkadavu at Poothotta Jetty to Vattavayalthuruthu, an island near Perumbalam Island; a 750 m bridge from Vattavayal island to Vattukadu in Perumbalam Island and a 1,600 m bridge connecting Perumbalam Jetty to Panavally Jetty in Alappuzha district.
The report has pointed out that the length of the main bridge could be reduced from 1,600 m to 600 m if a 1,000 m road were built along the western side of Perumbalam Island. The PWD has submitted the report giving both estimates.
Making the 400-m-long existing road from Panavally Jetty to Panavally Junction more traffic-worthy is a major component of the project. Already Rs.3 lakhs has been sanctioned from the MP fund for this road, according to K.B. Rajesh, convener of Perumbalam Boat Passengers Association, which has been campaigning for the bridge for long.
Another newly constructed road from Vattukadu Jetty to Perumbalam Jetty in the island is traffic-worthy and needs no maintenance, the report has pointed out. This 1,075-m-long road was built under the Prime Minister's Gram Sadak Rozgar Yojana.
The association had submitted the demand for these bridges to the Chief Minister's Public Grievance Redressal Cell and also to the Chief Minister's website. The memorandum was submitted to the Public Works Minister also, using e-mail. The residents have been demanding the construction of the two bridges connecting the island to Poothotta and Panavally, on the model of the Goshree bridges on a build, operate and transfer (BOT) basis.
A survey conducted during a ten-day camp conducted by the N.S.S. College, Cherthala, had highlighted the need for the bridge as the only long-lasting solution to the travel woes of the residents. Right now, the boat service operated by the State Water Transport Department and some private agencies are the only means of transport to the mainland from Perumbalam. Over 2,000 people are commuting from Perumbalam to Poothotta and Panavally everyday for education and jobs, pointed out Mr. Rajesh.(The Hindu-10/02/06, Friday)
Flower show begins today
Staff Reporter
To showcase more than 10,000 varieties of flowers, fruits and plants
KOCHI: The Cochin Flower Show 2006, organised by the Ernakulam District Agri-Horticultural Society, will begin on Thursday.
The show, to be inaugurated by Mayor Mercy Williams on Thursday morning at Subhash Bose Park, will showcase more than 10,000 varieties of flowers, fruits and plants.
Sebastian Paul, MP, K.V. Thomas, MLA, Deputy Mayor C.K. Manishankar and councillor K.V.P. Krishnakumar will speak. District Collector A.P.M. Mohammed Hanish will preside.
Different varieties of hybrid annuals like marigold, flox, dahlia, senia, dianthus, petunia, selotia and others as well as different varieties of orchids and anthuriums will be part of the show.
Besides competitions of gardens and vegetable gardens, contests in flower arrangement will also be held. The flower prince and flower princess competitions for children between five and 12 years of age will be held on February 12. A special pavilion for vegetable carvings will be arranged, to display the carvings created by expert carving artists.
Another attraction of the show will be the 2000 sq ft pavilion for flower arrangement presented by Kalpana Reji, a flower arrangement expert from Karnataka. A collection of agricultural equipment from the past will form another interesting part of the show. Different types of paddy grains will also be exhibited.
Department of Agriculture and Vegetable and Fruit Promotion Council Keralam will also have stalls at the show. Over 15 nurseries will be taking part in the show, offering seeds and saplings to the public.Cultural programmes will be held every day at Rajendra Maidan as part of the show. Gazal singer Devi Menon will lead the Melody Night on the inaugural day, followed by magic dance. Mimics comedy show presented by Sabu Thiruvalla will also be held. The show will continue till February 13, from 8.30 a.m. to 9.30 p.m. The tickets are priced at Rs.10 per person. (The Hindu-09/02/06, Thursday)
Purbashree fair a big draw
Staff Reporter
KOCHI: The warp and weft of the northeastern States of India are here again. The exhibition of handcrafted objects and handloom textiles from the seven States began at the TDM Hall here last Sunday.
The exhibition displays a vast range of textiles and artefacts crafted out of bamboo. Bamboo and cane form an important part of the northeastern States' traditional craft. Exotic items from the Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland and Tripura fill up the exhibition space.
Displayed among the vast range of bamboo and cane furniture, baskets and vases are a couple of Khophas, a traditional cane basket from Nagaland. The Tenyimia tribe of Nagaland regards these cane baskets more precious than gold. In the olden days, parents gifted these baskets to daughters getting married. The baskets were heirlooms, handed down from mother to daughter.
One of the Khophas displayed at the Purbashree fair was made around 1920, according to the organisers. It was in possession of three generations. The last mother had no daughter to pass it on, and the basket came out into the open market as a rare piece of exquisite handicraft.
There are samples of fine embroidery from Tripura. The meticulously embroidered silk shawls cost between Rs.1,000 and Rs.1,500. A vast range of textile products including dress material, saris, bed sheets, pillow cases and cushion covers are on sale. The distinctive embroidered shawls from Manipur, baskets woven with fine strands of bamboo from Tripura, Assam munga silk saris, laishingphee and Manipuri saris are lined up. A large range of furniture made with bamboo and cane is also included in the show. The water reed mattresses and cushions are another attraction.
Artisans from these States have arrived to produce their handicrafts on the spot. A loom has also been arranged at the exhibition venue on which women weave the exotic textiles.
The show will continue till February 12. (The Hindu-08/02/06-Wednesday)
Celebrating the life of Jesudas
A unique series of events will be held in Kochi during February and March to celebrate the life and work of the renowned singer K.J. Jesudas.
Jointly organised by district administration, the Department of Tourism, the Public Relations Department and Swaralaya, the events will begin on Friday, with a photo exhibition on the singer. The exhibition, organised by the photographer Leen Thobias, will include pictures of Mr. Jesudas, taken by Mr. Thobias as well as those from the past. These include one picture of the young Jesudas with his father, Augustine Bhagavathar, another one showing the poet Vayalar Rama Varma helping him onto the stage at a temple festival at Alappuzha, where he gave a concert despite protests from orthodox Hindus, as well as another one showing him with the legendary singer Mohammed Rafi in Mumbai.
The show is titled `Yesudas — The Person and Music.'
District Collector A.P.M. Mohammed Hanish said at a press conference that the events were being presented as part of honouring personalities who upheld the reputation of Kerala on the occasion of the State's 50th anniversary.
The formal inauguration of the exhibition by the noted historian and Chairman of Indian Council for Historic Research K.N. Panikkar will be held in the afternoon on Friday, though the show will start in the morning. Mr. Jesudas will talk on "Me and my life in music' after the inauguration.
On Saturday morning, the singer will visit St. Sebastian's School, Thoppumpady, his alma mater. He will, at first, interact with the students, followed by an exchange of memories between him and his old classmates. In the evening, the Union Minister Vayalar Ravi will inaugurate a seminar on the contributions of Mr. Jesudas to music.
The second session of the events will be held on March 1 and 2. A videoconference will be held on March 1, in which noted musicians and others from different parts of India and abroad will interact for one hour on music. Chairman of Kerala State Chalachitra Academy T.K. Rajeev Kumar will direct the videoconference.
The videoconference is slated to begin from 11 a.m. on March 1. The venue will be Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium, Kadavanthra. Prominent musicians from all over India as well as select personalities from India and other countries will take part in the programme.
On March 2, a public reception, followed by a Jesudas Musical Nite, will be held in the evening.
Renu Ramanath (The Hindu-08/02/06, Wednesday)
Collectorate renovation progressing
Renu Ramanath
Inauguration slated on March 10; Collector convenes meeting to speed up construction work
KOCHI: Despite reports that the delay in sanctioning funds may affect the works under the Modernising Government Programme (MGP), the district administration is confident that the renovation work of the district Collectorate here can be completed in time.
District Collector A.P.M. Mohammed Hanish said that the revamped Collectorate would be inaugurated on March 10.
An amount of Rs.2.7 crores has been sanctioned for the second phase of funds allotted under the MGP for the renovation work. A total amount of Rs.4.34 crores has been earmarked for the renovation of the Collectorate under the MGP.
A meeting of the MGP held on Tuesday decided to speed up the work for completing before March 10.
It has been decided to increase the number of staff to 75. The renovation work will be carried out for 24 hours in three shifts.
The renovation work of various offices under the District Collectorate in the Civil Station complex at Kakkanad had started in December.
The Collectorate has been functioning in the makeshift premises arranged in the Thrikkakara Panchayat Community Hall for the past two months.
Interior designer Jabeen Zacharias, who is in charge of the renovation work, said that the basic plan is to make the Collectorate an efficient work place, doing away with the image of a typical Government office with cluttered and cramped environment.
"Increasing the efficiency and enhancing better interaction between the various departments and officials is the major target while redesigning the space," she said.
All the dividing walls separating the different offices have been pulled down. The entire area will be redesigned as a modern workspace. The departments will be grouped and arranged. The space will be arranged into modern workstations.
Though the entire flooring is not being changed, it will be replaced in the areas damaged due to the work. The flooring will be a combination of vitrified tiles and synthetic loop pile carpets. Tiles will be used in the areas having high traffic. The carpets will help to control costs, she said.
The amount of Rs.4.34 crores sanctioned has to cover the costs of the computers and other infrastructure as well.
The designing is being done in consultation with the different departments, in order to accommodate the demands being made by the departments. Charts have been prepared based on the requirements and specifications made by the individual departments.
Ms. Zacharias is also confident that the work could be completed within February 28. Once the basic work is completed, the workstations could be assembled at a fast pace.
Offices, including the Collector's chamber, enquiry counter, postal section, establishment section, Additional District Magistrate's office, magisterial section, offices of the Deputy Collectors and officers under them, finance section, record room, fair copy section and land acquisition (national highways) are being renovated as part of the scheme.
The complete computerisation of the various departments of the Collectorate is also included under the MGP. A total number of 150 computers and 15 multimedia computers will be installed. (The Hindu-08/02/06, Wednesday)
MACTA trade unions get recognition
Staff Reporter
KOCHI: The national executive committee of the All India Film Employees Confederation (AIFAC) that met in Hyderabad has decided to give recognition to the 16 trade unions that will be formed under the Malayalam Cine Technicians Association (MACTA). The MACTA Federation, the apex body of the trade unions, has also been recognised by the AIFAC, according to John Paul, convener of the special committee for the formation of the trade unions. (The Hindu-06/02/06, Sunday)
CPI has no right to criticise me, says Karunakaran
Staff Reporter
'Will not rejoin Congress as long as Sonia is chief'
KOCHI: Democratic Indira Congress (Karunakaran) leader K. Karunakaran has criticised Communist Party of India leader Veliyam Bhargavan for his outburst against the DIC(K) in the interests of relations within the LDF.
Talking to reporters here on Saturday, he said the CPI, which had associated with him for over 10 years, had no right to criticise him at this juncture.
Mr. Karunakaran said he would not think of returning to the Congress fold as long as Sonia Gandhi remained the party president.
He said the Congress had lost its secular credentials. People had lost all hope in the party, he said.
Ms. Gandhi was not interested in protecting the party, Mr. Karunakaran said.
He said discussions about admitting the DIC(K) into the LDF were on. He said his party was ready for any adjustment to gain entry into the LDF.
Mr. Karunakaran said Chief Minister Oommen Chandy's decision to go on leave was "strange." There was no precedence for such a step, he said.
He said the DIC(K)'s political aim was to oust the UDF from power in order to protect the people of the State.
Asked whether the presence of the DIC(K) in the Malabar region would affect the hold of the Indian Union Muslim League there, Mr. Karunakaran said the DIC(K) had a strong presence not only in Malabar, but across the State.
DIC(K) district president K.B. Mohammedkutty was also present. (The Hindu-06/02/06, Sunday)
Swaminathan calls for revamping fisheries sector
Staff Reporter
Moots synergy between technological experts, administrators and politicians to replenish marine resources
KOCHI: Noted agriculture scientist M.S. Swaminathan has called for comprehensive reforms in the aquarian sector on the lines of the agrarian reforms held earlier.
Dr. Swaminathan, Chairman, National Commission on Farmers, and also president, National Academy of Agricultural Sciences, was delivering the 59th Foundation Day Lecture on `Fish for All,' at the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) on Saturday.
He said that only an integrated approach with proper synergy between technological experts, administrators and politicians could save and replenish the depleting marine resources.
He said that a National Aquarian Policy for inland and marine waters based on the principles of ecology, social and gender equity, economics and employment generation, was imperative.
Separate department
In his lecture, Dr. Swaminathan, who had chaired the Fish for All Steering Committee, suggested a thorough overhauling of the sectors related to fisheries and marine resources, including the setting up of a separate Department of Fisheries in the Ministry of Agriculture for integrating the activities of the various departments and bodies under one umbrella.
Dr. Swaminathan demanded that aquaculture be treated on a par with agriculture and given benefits such as exemption from income tax, availability of differential rates of interest, loan for tube well, water, seed and feed at concessional rates.
Setting up of a National Fisheries Development Board on the lines of the National Dairy Development Board would also help bring various activities and authorities under one roof, he said.
He recommended the setting up of a Central Fish Harbour Development Agency and framing of a law for the effective management of landing centres. Dr. Swaminathan suggested that the open access nature of marine fisheries be gradually curtailed through restriction on the number of vessels, number of days and hours at sea, engine power, size of fishing gear and other such factors. Setting up of Fish for All Capacity Building and Mentoring Centres, based on the integrated attention to all links in the capture and culture to consumption chain, was also stressed.
He added that the Marine Fishing Regulation Acts of the States needed to be reviewed in the light of conflicts between traditional and mechanised sectors of fishing. He said the Central Board of Fisheries should meet regularly to tackle the difficulties.
A small technical group from the National Agricultural Research System, industry and fishing communities should chalk out a protocol, which is feasible, affordable and acceptable in the background of the demand for organic fish abroad. Giving a brand name for the Indian Organic Fish could also be considered, he added.
Dr. Swaminathan inaugurated the Marine Biodiversity Museum set up at the CMFRI, which houses 1,351 species of aqua life forms belonging to 172 families and 64 orders.(The Hindu-06/02/06, Sunday)
An array of artefacts from Wayanad
'Uravu,' a Wayanad-based NGO promoting indigenous crafts and technology, is expanding its activities in Kochi.
The NGO will open an outlet at Deecee Books, 'Knowledge and Leisure,' opposite YMCA on Chittoor Road, with a week-long exhibition of products from Wayanad. The outlet will showcase bamboo products manufactured at Uravu, spices from Wayanad, agri-horticultural products, handicraft items and other rural produce.
Apart from artefacts of bamboo made at Uravu, there are many other products made by members of Kudumbasree self-help groups in Wayanad and Kozhikode districts. `Origin,' is a soap made with pure coconut oil by a group of women at Cherukulathoor, near Balussery in Kozhikode district. There is also a spice kit which contains 100-150 gm. packets of cardamom, star flower, pepper, dried ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, nutmace and cloves. The kit, priced at Rs. 125, is packed and distributed by self-help groups in Wayanad.
There are also pickles of dates, garlic and green pepper. Dry-flower arrangements made by another SHG is also on display. An interesting item is a bamboo rod that produces musical tinkling and rustling noise when held vertically. A traditional item made by the tribal people, this musical rod looks a completely enclosed bamboo stalk that has no openings at both ends.
As part of finding market for their products, a public limited company, Uravu Eco Links, has been launched, promoted by Uravu Indigenous Sciences and Technology Study Centre.
Sivarajan, one of the founders of Uravu, said the organisation had decided to adopt a model village, aiming at its total development.
In the first phase, strengthening the farming sector will be the focus. Creating additional income for farmers was the first challenge at hand. Many economic activities, including goat rearing and beekeeping, have been identified as means of subsidiary income.
Uravu also plans to promote community-led eco-tourism. "We cannot reject tourism per se, as it has totally pervaded Wayanad," says Mr. Sivarajan. "But, what is important is to make sure that communities, especially the village panchayats, get a say in how things are run."
Renu Ramanath (The Hindu-05/02/06, Sunday)
Collectorate, Civil Station functioning hit
Staff Reporter
UDF is clinging to power, says Achuthanandan
KOCHI: The functioning of the Collectorate and Civil Station at Kakkanad was totally disrupted on Wednesday as CPI(M) workers held a dawn-to-dusk blockade of the Collectorate as part of a campaign against "the anti-people policies" of the UDF Government.
The blockade was inaugurated by Leader of the Opposition V.S. Achuthanandan in front of the Thrikkakara Panchayat Community Hall at Kakkanad where the Collectorate functions temporarily.
Mr. Achuthanandan said the UDF Government was clinging to power even though it had lost the people's mandate to continue in power. The policies of the Government had resulted in all the major segments, including the traditional industries, getting destroyed, affecting the livelihoods of thousands of people, he alleged.
Mr. Achuthanandan said the Government was not adopting any measures to save the traditional industrial segments, including coir, cashew nut and bamboo, which were reeling under crisis.
He alleged that the Government was deceiving people in the education sector in collaboration with the managements of the self-financing educational institutions. The self-financing educational sector was promoted here with the argument that it would help the students from Kerala who had to go to other States for higher education, but these colleges were charging exorbitant fees compared to the Government colleges, he said.
Later, answering a question, Mr. Achuthanandan reiterated that the CPI(M) was ready to face any inquiry regarding the SNC Lavalin issue.
He said that the party was open towards presenting the files related to the issue in the Assembly.
The CPI(M) workers blocked the Panchayat Community Hall as well as the southeastern, southern-western, western and northern entrances of the Civil Station.
The volunteers had started marching to Kakkanad in small groups from Tuesday evening, many of them camping for the night near the Collectorate premises. They had started the blockade from 6 a.m., preventing any of the Collectorate employees from getting inside early.
CPI(M) workers from Thripunithura, Aluva and Kunnathunadu gathered in front of the community hall, while the volunteers from Perumbavoor, Muvattupuzha, Piravam and Kothamangalam blocked the southern-eastern entrance of the Civil Station.
The workers from North Paravur, Njarakkal, Vadakkekara and Angamaly blocked the northern entrance of the Civil Station, while the western entrance was picketed by workers from Ernakulam and Mattancherry. CPI(M) workers from Palluruthy blocked the southwestern gate.
However, the traffic in Seaport- Airport Road and the road to Infopark was not obstructed so as not to cause troubles for the IT Fair.
District Collector A.P.M. Mohammed Hanish had to stay at his Camp Office on Wednesday due to the blockade.
Leaders including M.M. Lawrence, Sarojini Balanandan, K. Chandran Pillai, K.M. Sudhakaran, P.Rajeev and K. Thulasi addressed the party workers at the stages arranged near all the entrances to the Civil Station.
Heavy police force, led by City Police Commissioner P. Vijayan was deployed at Kakkanad in view of the blockade. However, no untoward incident happened during the blockade.
(The Hindu - 02/02/06, Thursday)
