Orissa Speaker Maheswar Mohanty resigned, Minister sacked

Under pressure from the opposition and public over the sexual harassment charges levelled against him by a woman Assembly marshal, Gayatri Panda, Orissa Speaker Maheswar Mohanty finally resigned with a heavy heart. He took this decision, after the police charged him under several sections of the IPC. Mr. Mohanty submitted his resignation to Deputy Speaker Prahallad Dora.

In a dramatic twist to the tale, Orissa Minister of Information and Public Relations, Debashish Nayak was sacked by the Chief Minister for allegedly instigating the woman to hurl the allegation. According to a local TV channel, Mr. Nayak's car was caught on camera outside the residence of Gayatri Panda during the night hours.

The latest development involving the Minister has given credibility to the Speaker's claim that charge against him was part of a conspiracy in which influential people were involved. Even a group of women activists took out a rally in support of Maheswar Mohanty in Bhubaneswar on Sunday. Mohanty said that he wanted a unanimous decision of the assembly on the probe of the charges against him, but unanimity was not possible and he resigned to protect the dignity of Speaker's office.

Government unhappy over IIM-A Fee Hike

The Union Human Resource Development Ministry has expressed its dissatisfaction over the sudden hike in the IIM-A fee hike. Indian Institute of Management-Ahmedabad on Saturday announced a hike in its fee structure. It raised the fee from the present Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 5.5 lakh for the first year and from Rs. 2 lakh to Rs 6 lakh for the second year of the two year post graduate programme in management.

The Union HRD said the increase should be in stages. According to sources, the Ministry is likely to discuss the matter over the next few days. The fee hike would be applicable to students joining the two-year course in June this year. IIM-A said it would continue to support eligible students from the economically backward sections.

Indian Institute of Management-Bangalore (IIM-B) had already hiked its fees from Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs four lakh for the year 2008-09. Similarly, Indian Institute of Management-Kozhikode the fee to Rs 3 lakh each for both first and second year for the batch joining in June 2008. Other B Schools in India have also decided to hike their fees in the range of 50 - 100 percent from 2008, putting more pressure on the students and their parents.

High Price Rise puts UPA Government in Dock

The UPA Government's party after presenting a 'dream budget' and 'dream pay package' for Central Govt. employees is over. The rising prices and high inflation rate put the government on the defensive. Now the government is not only facing the wrath of the public and opposition parties, but also it is drawing flak from the partners like CPI and CPM.

Under pressure from the allies, opposition and public, the Congress leadership has asked the government to take necessary measures to combat price rise, which might cost them dearly in the upcoming polls. An urgent meeting of the Cabinet Committee has been called in to discuss the current situation. The inflation rate at 6.68%, is really disturbing and the government admits that.

The government has decided to go on a week-long brainstorming from Monday, to discuss the measures that will bring down the prices. Currently, vegetables, oils, wheat, rice and other food materials have become costlier, putting the pressure on common people. Meanwhile, CPM has warned the government over high prices and has set April 15 as the deadline to take steps to control the price rise.

All lights to turn off across the Globe to mark Earth Hour

--By Sagar Satapathy, Editor-in-Chief

My friend, Rahul Bihani from Toronto, just let me know about an interesting event that is mostly unheard in India. Millions of people across the globe are going to turn off their lights for an hour to mark Earth Hour, an event created by the World Wildlife Fund, Sydney, Australia in 2007. This year, the Earth Hour is being observed on March 29, 2008 at 8 PM.

Although the event was limited to one city in 2007, it became a global event in 2008, with millions of people in around 200 cities in the world joining hands together to show solidarity for the cause of climate change. Sydney became the first city in the world to mark Earth Hour in 2008, as all lights went off for an hour in the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. While thousands of homes in Christchurch went dark at 8 PM today, the famous Wat Arun Buddhist temple in Bangkok, Thailand switched off its lights at 8 PM local time.

Last year, around 2.2 million people and over 2,000 business establishments shut off lights and other appliances for an hour, resulting in a 10.2 percent reduction in carbon emissions. This year, the WWF is hoping to achieve far more percentage reduction in carbon emissions, as it has received an overwhelming response to its campaign.

While South Asian countries such as Thailand and Philippines responded positively to the Earth Hour campaign, the response was poor in India (a country of 1.3 billion people) due to lack of awareness. Major European and North American cities including San Francisco and Toronto have geared up for the occasion.

After Asia, lights were expected to go out in major European and North American cites as the clock ticks on. One of the last to participate will be San Francisco, California -- home to the soon-to-be dimmed Golden Gate Bridge.

We, Indians must rise to the occasion and show solidarity with the world to create awareness on climate change, which has threatened our existence. We can still observe "Earth Hour" in our style, as I believe it's better late than never. Let's join people across the globe to show how we care about our planet and want to play a crucial role in helping to fight climate change.

Dalai Lama Speaks out, lashes out at China

Under fire from Tibetan youth for being so "soft" on China's atrocities in Tibet, spiritual leader Dalai Lama lashed out at the Chinese government and accused it of inciting violence in Tibet under the guise of Monks. While he expressed his readiness to talk to China to resolve the issue, he also voiced frustration at lack of response from China. In an unprecedented development, Dalai Lama accused Chinese soldiers of indulging in violence in Tibet, wearing monks' dress.

"They (soldiers) dressed like monks. So, for a lay person, they will look like monks. But the swords they had, were not Tibetan, they were Chinese swords," Dalai Lama said. He called for a "middle-path" approach to resolve the Tibet issue.

Centre: Orissa to get IIT and Central University

Orissa's demand for an IIT was finally approved by the Centre. Orissa will get an IIT and a Central University, as the Centre has proposed 30 Central Universities, 8 IITs and 7 IIMs during the 11th Five Year Plan. It was announced by Union Human Resource Development Minister Arjun Singh at a Press Conference in New Delhi. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and other leaders of the state have welcomed the decision.

Orissa has been fighting a battle for long to get an IIT in the state. Although the NDA government had approved an IIT for the state, the UPA government had rejected Orissa's demand and instead shifted the project to Bihar and Andhra Pradesh.

Under the new proposal, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Punjab will get IITs. In addition, Institute of Technology of the Benaras Hindu University will be converted into an IIT. The government has also decided to set up IIMs in Shillong, Tamil Nadu, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand and Haryana.

Inflation Rate reaches a 13-Month High

The inflation rate of the country has reached 6.68%, a 13-month high, putting more pressure on the government and RBI. The unprecedented increase in inflation rate, has been attributed to price rise and global fears of US recession. Although the Indian Rupee has gained more than 1.4% against the US dollar, tension still prevails in the market.

In the past few weeks, food and other commodity prices have witnessed sharp increase, thus making the life of common people more difficult. According to the analysts, the main risks to inflation still relate to fuel and food. Even though the government has cut import taxes on edible oil and stopped exports of wheat, sugar, rice and edible oils, situation seems far from beyond control.

Haryana Govt. demands CBI Probe into ACP's Murder

The Haryana government has decided to seek a CBI probe into the murder of encounter specialist ACP Rajbir Singh. The government took the decision on the request of the family of the deceased. Although property dealer Vijay Bhardwaj has confessed to the murder, Rajbir's family have dismissed the theory and asked for a CBI probe to ascertain the truth.

Maharashtra EC Nand Lal released

After spending a night in Mumbai's Arthur Road prison, Maharashtra's Election Commissioner Nand Lal was released from the prison on Friday morning. He was sent to prison by the Mahashtra Assembly on the charges of breach of privileges. Nand Lal declared a open war against CM Vilasrao Deshmukh and accused of playing the game of 'political vendetta'. He has also challenged his conviction in the Bombay High Court.

Breaking News! Virender Sehwag scored Triple Hundred, Makes History

Breaking News! India's star cricketer Virender Sehwag joined Don Bradman and Brian Lara to become only the third batsman in the history of Test Cricket to score a triple century twice. Sehwag achieved the milestone on the 3rd day of the Chennai test. Sehwag also scored the fastest triple hundred, as he reached 300 in 278 balls. He broke the world record of Wally Hammond who had scored a triple century in 355 balls.

Interestingly, this is the first time a triple century has been scored on Indian soil. The previous best was 281 made by VVS Laxman. Sehwag hit 42 boundaries and five sixes in his marathon innings. He is still unbeaten on 309, as India reached 468/1 at stumps in reply to South Africa's first innings score of 540. Rahul Dravid remained unbeaten on 65.

'Accidental Firing' outside PMO, One Commando injured

Breaking News! In a bizarre development, a commando was injured when his colleague accidentally fired at him. The incident occurred outside the high security PMO at South Block. The injured commando, Sanjay was immediately rushed to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital. The constable (Sanjeev)who 'accidentally' fired the shot, was taken to custody. His gun was also seized by the police. Both commados were deployed for Prime Minister's security.

Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev gets death threat, Accused arrested

The Moradabad Police have arreested a person called Iqbal, for sending threatening letter to yoga guru Baba Ramdev. Baba Ramdev received the letter while he was conducting a yoga camp in Moradabad. Iqbal is a resident of the Mugalsarai locality of Moradabad. He is being interrogated by the police. Security has been beefed up around Baba Ramdev in the wake of the latest development.

Mobile Call charges to fall, as TRAI cancels ADC

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has decided to cancel the ADC (Access Deficit Charge) component on domestic calls by April 01, 2008. The latest move will pave the way for a reduction in mobile call charges on both STD and ISD sector. ADC is a levy paid by private players to BSNL to carry out rural operations amounting to Rs 5000 cr.

BSNL used to utilize that money to compensate the PSUs to take services in rural areas, where private companies were reluctant to go. The Cellular companies have been long demanding the abolition of ADC. While the ADC component on the international incoming calls has been reduced to 50 paise from existing Rs. 1, it has been completely removed from domestic calls. The revised calls rates could be announced next week.

Centre rejects Genpact's Orissa SEZ Proposal

The Centre has dealt a severe blow to Genpact's dream of setting up a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Bhubaneswar. According to Orissa's Industries Minister Biswabhusan Harichandan, Centre has recently rejected the proposal forwarded by Genpact India. The latest development came as a big disappointment for the IT professionals in Orissa who had high hopes from the proposed SEZ.

Case filed against Orissa Speaker, Assembly Impasse continues

The Orissa Assembly witnessed pandemonium for the second consecutive day on the sexual harassment charges against Speaker Maheswar Mohanty. The FIR was filed against the Speaker in the Mahila Police Station in Bhubaneswar by a group of women activists. Surprisingly, the complainant did not come to the police station to lodge the complaint.

Speaker Maheswar Mohanty has decided not to preside over the house proceedings until his name is cleared of the charges. The opposition members have on Thursday, created uproarious scenes and stormed the well of the house. The even prevented Deputy Speaker Prahallad Dora from reaching the Chair. They demanded immediate resignation of the Speaker and an impartial probe by an independent agency.

SIMI Chief arrested in Indore

Safdar Nagori, All India General Secretary of Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), has been arrested by the Special Task Force (STF) of Madhya Pradesh. Also, ten other SIMI activists, including SIMI's southern zone chief Qibli were arrested. They are being interrogated by the STF. Nagori's arrests was possible because of a tip-off from the intelligence agencies.

Maharashtra EC sent to Jail by Assembly

In a bizarre development, the Maharashrtra Assembly passed a unanimous resolution to pronounce a two-day jail term for Maharashtra Election Commissioner Nand Lal. The EC was arrested and sent to Arthur Road jail. The Assembly took the decision after Nand Lal failed to appear before a privilege committee. Nand Lal looked unfazed by the latest development and termed it as a case of "political vendetta".

It was alleged that Nand Lal made "unwanted" remarks against Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh and had accused him of trying to influence the functioning of the commission. He had also asked the CM to pay for his aircraft and helicopter travel to Pune and Kolhapur districts in December to attend private functions. Lal alleged that Congress ministers Balasaheb Thorat and Patangrao Kadam tried to mediate on behalf of Deshmukh on the issue of delimitation of Latur Lok Sabha seat.

Five Sure-fire Tips to cope with the BPO Stress

BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) is the most publicized word in Indian industry today. Never before any sector in India witnessed such a growth, as did BPO in the last five years. If the current trend continues, BPO will rule the industry at least for the nest 15 years or so.

Although the BPO sector is booming, there have been some concerns over the level of stress the young employees are going through. It has been proved beyond doubt that BPO employees are the more stressed in the industry because of working in odd hours, loss of sleep, irregular eating habits and junk food. While it is always good to go for a BPO job, it is also necessary to cope with the increasing stress level with proper strategy. We have listed 5 surefire ways to reduce the stress and stay happy while working in a BPO.

1) Be sociable, interact more with your Colleagues

To cope with the high pressure of a BPO job, it is important to be more interactive. Don't remain calm and quiet, as it will have an adverse impact on your health in a stressful work environment. Crack jokes and have fun with your colleagues to make the atmosphere lighter. Make good friends, share your feelings and thoughts with them. It will ease the pressure on you to a great extent.

2) Spend more time with your friends and family when you get week-offs

Almost all BPOs offer two days week-off. Utilize your week-offs to the maximum level. Spend time with your family, friends and others. Go on lunch/dinner, movies or plan any other hangouts you wish. Visiting pubs, discos or restaurants in week-offs is also a great idea. It will keep your mind and spirit up.

3) Do work-out, visit Gym and Spa, do Yoga

Exercise is a must for BPO employee because of the amount of stress generated in their work place. Visit a nearby Gym at least thrice a week and burn your calories there. If don't get time, at least do some walk or jogging. Yoga is the best medicine, which will keep you healthy and fit. Also, visit a spa once/twice in a month to get some good massage. It will be relaxing and reliving for you. You can also go for Music Therapy if possible. Music Therapy is considered as an effective stress buster.

4) Attend Workshops, Camps in your spare time

Although BPO employees hardly get time to attend social events, let's believe the saying, "if there is a will, there is a way". Whenever you get a chance, attend the workshops organized by various companies and organizations. Also, don't miss attending special camps if they come your way. Such events work wonder in reducing the stress level and keep people fit.

5) Go for a Change of Job every six months

If you are working at an Advisor level, it is essential to change your process or job once in six months. Unless you see some growth in the existing company, go ahead and change your company every six months. Different process, different work environment and different set of colleagues will make your life easier, as it will reduce the monotony. Most BPOs do not allow a change in the process. So, it's better to leave them and join another. Since you have a job experience, you won't find to get a good job with a better pay package.

Former Pak Minister Burney to visit India to meet Sarabjit's Family

Leading Human Rights activist and former Human Right Minister, Ansar Burney, will visit India in the first week of April to meet Sarabjit Singh's family. He is expected to gather evidence about Sarabjit's innocence if any. Burney is also planning to meet Pakistani prisoners languishing in Indian jails. He will arrive in India on April 2. Burney was invited by Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal.

The Ansar Burney trust has compiled a list of 46 Pakistanis, including women, who are reportedly stuck in Indian jails, even after completing their jail term. Most of them are said to be in Punjab. Burney will be accompanied by his wife and son Fahad Burney on his upcoming visit to India.

Breaking News! Vandana rescued from Borewell after 27 hours

Breaking News! The long wait is finally over. Two-year old Vandana was rescued from the borewell after being stuck for more than 27 hours. People rejoiced and hailed the Indian Army when armymen took her out from the 48-feet borewell. She was immediately rushed to the hospital, where she will remain under observation for 24 hours.

Vandana fell into a 180-ft borewell at Tehra village in Agra yesterday evening. She was stuck at the height of 45 - 48 feet from the ground. She was supplied oxygen and other food materials. She was heard crying for food and help from inside the borewell. The rescue operation received a major boost after the Indian Army joined the operation to save the girl.

Tata Motors buys Jaguar, Land Rover

It's official! Tata Motors has finally bought Jaguar and Land Rover for USD 2.3 billion. Ford sources confirmed the news while talking to CNBC-TV18. According to reports, Ford will pay approximately USD 600 million towards the pension plan.

The formal announcement may come anytime later today. Confirmation of the deal ended months of speculations and postponements. It's a great news for Tata Motors, which will finally bring the Land Rover and Jaguar brands into its fold.

Jagmohan Dalmiya arrested, gets bail

Former BCCI Chief Jagmohan Dalmiya was arrested by Mumbai Police's Economic Offences Wing (EOW) on Wednesday. He was later produced before a Mumbai court, which granted him bail. Dalmiya had to pay a surety of Rs 25,000. It was alleged that Dalmiya had embezzled Rs. 2.90 crore from a bank account meant for 1996 World Cup committee.

Two-year old Girl trapped inside Borewell near Agra

A two-year old girl Vandana fell inside a 180-ft borewell at Tehra village in Agra yesterday evening. She was stuck at the height of 45 feet from the ground. The girl is alive and responding well even after 17 hours of trauma inside the well. The Army has joined the rescue operation to save the girl. The rescuers are digging another 40ft well to get the girl out of the well.

Vandana was supplied oxygen and other food materials. She was heard crying for food and help from inside the borewell. It's a good sign that she is healthy and responding well to the rescuers. JCB machines are being used for digging. Many top officials including the District Magistrate and Agra Commissioner are present at the spot.

Orissa Speaker accused of Sexual Harassment

The political atmosphere in Orissa has been charged up, when 29-year old Gayatri Panda, an assistant lady marshal in the Assembly, accused Speaker Maheswar Mohany of sexual harassment. While Gayatri said other women employees in the Assembly also go through the same trauma, Maheswar Mohanty termed the charges as baseless and called for an impartial inquiry.

According to the Speaker, since Gayatri has been placed under suspension for showing negligence in duties inside the House, she has come up with such "baseless allegations" as a personal vendetta. Mr. Mohanty wanted a committee of members of the House to inquire into the allegations.

Supreme Court orders fresh probe in 10 Gujarat Riot cases

The Supreme Court has asked the Gujarat government to re-investigate into 10 major cases related to Gujarat riots in 2002. The court also asked the government to form a five-member Special Investigative Team (SIT). The court has directed that SIT submit its report within three months. All the witnesses would be re-examined if necessary.

The five-member SIT team will comprise of three Gujarat police officers Gita Johri, Sivananad Jha and Ashish Bhatia, retired CBI director R K Raghavan and former DGP C B Satpathy.

The cases that would come under scanner again are Godhra riots that claimed 81 lives, Gulbarga Society case that claimed 68 lives, Naroda Patia case that claimed over 100 lives, Sardarpur case that claimed 34 lives and Best Bakery case that claimed 14 lives.

Gillani sworn-in as Prime Minister of Pakistan

PPP leader Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani was finally sworn in as the new Prime Minister of Pakistan. He was administered the oath of office by President Pervez Musharraf. PPP Chairman Asif Ali Zardari, his son Bilawal and PML (N) Chief Nawaz Sharif boycotted the swearing-in ceremony, as it was officiated by President Musharraf. Gillani was the unanimous choice of all coalition partners including PPP and PML (N).

Meanwhile, the sacked Supreme Court judges in Pakistan, have been released and in probability, they will be reinstated soon. Also, there is a strong possibility of an impeachment motion against President Musharraf sooner or later. His days are definitely numbered.

Breaking News! Encounter Specialist ACP Rajbir Singh murdered

Breaking News! Encounter Specialist ACP Rajbir Singh of Delhi Crime Branch has been murdered by a property dealer on Mehrauli-Gurgaon road. The incident took place at the office of the property dealer, Vijay Bhardwaj. The murder accused surrendered before the Gurgaon Police.

It was alleged that Bhardwaj owed Rs. 60 lakhs to Rajbir in property deals. Ironically, the murder weapon was given to Vijay by Rajbir himself 3 days ago. They were known to each other for more than 20 years.

ACP Rajbir Singh was responsible for over 50 encounters in the NCR. The police is investigating the matter and may come out with an official statement soon. Meanwhile, Vijay Bhardwaj said Rajbir had threatened to kill him. The Delhi Police admitted a serious security lapse, as no security guards were not present with Rajbir when the incident took place. Given Rajbir's track record and the offensive launched by him against the criminals, a Mafia-Police nexus cannot be ruled out.

Bhutan joins the Elite Democracy Club of the World

The tiny Himalayan kingdom, Bhutan, has finally joined the elite club of democratic countries in the world. Bhutan, which went to polls on Monday, has elected a staunch royalist as its first Prime Minister. Interestingly, it was the king of Bhutan who had to convince his people that democracy was a good idea.

Monday's elections ended the century-old monarchy in India's small neighbour. The new Prime Minister Jigmi Kinley, had twice served as the Prime Minister under royal rule. His "Bhutan Peace and Prosperity Party" is considered the most royalist party. He swept the polls, as his party won 44 out of the 47 parliament seats. The 28-year old king, Jigme Keshar Namgyal Wangchuck, will remain the head of state.monarchy."

Breaking News! R K Sharma gets Life Sentence in Shivani Bhatnagar Murder Case

Breaking News! Former senior IPS officer R K Sharma has been sentenced to life in the sensational Shivani Bhatnagar murder case. Sharma also was fined a sum of Rs. 20,000. Other three accused in this case were also awarded life term. Justice delayed, but delivered at last.

The court accepted prosecution's plea that Sharma plotted to murder Shivani. Other accused who got life sentence were Shree Bhagwan, Satya Prakash and Pradeep Sharma.

Dalmiya to be charged with Misappropriation of BCCI Funds

Breaking News! The Economics Offences Wing (EOW) of Mumbai Police, who were investigating into former ICC chief Jagmohan Dalmiya's role in the misappropriation of BCCI funds during the 1996 World Cup, have confirmed that they have sufficient documentary proof to charge Dalmiya. Dalmiya, who ruled the world cricket for 4 years and Indian cricket for more than a decade, has been found guilty of embezzling Rs. 2.9 crore.

The EOW will file a charge sheet in the Sessions Court on March 26 holding Dalmiya guilty of cheating, criminal breach of trust and conspiracy. He will be charged under Section 420 of the Indian Penal Code, Section 408 of IPC and Section 120-b of IPC.

The case was related to account number 1223 opened at the Bhowanipore (West Bengal) branch of Indian Overseas Bank (IOB), during the 1996 World Cup. Mr. Dalmiya was authorized to operate this account along with the Pakistan Board. It was alleged that he used to withdraw funds from this account for his personal use.

Sixth Pay Commission Report submitted to Finance Minister

Read Latest News on Pay Commission Report (August 14): http://www.breakingnewsonline.net/2008/08/latest-pay-commission-reports-news-more.html

Breaking News! Justice Srikrishna has submitted the much-awaited sixth Pay Commission report to Finance Minister P Chidambaram. According to media reports, Justice B. N. Srikrishna has recommended over 40 percent hike in the basic salary for the government employees at the senior level.

There will be a substantial hike for government employees in other categories as well. The hike may take effect from the earlier date of January 01, 2006. That means, all government employees will get huge bonanza in terms of arrears.

While the report suggested that DA (Dearness Allowances) to be hiked to 14% of basic pay, HRA in Mumbai, Delhi will remain unchanged at 30% of the basic salary. The government has also decided to merge 50 per cent of the Dearness Allowances (DA) in the basic pay of its employees. The Pay Commission report will benefit 55 lakh Central Government employee, which might the cost the government Rs.13,000 - Rs. 16,000 crore per annum. The commission was set up by government in 2006.

We just received the latest update on some of the important recommendations in the sixth Pay Commission report.

Here are those key features:

1) Lowest Salary - Rs. 6,600/

2) Education Allowances for employees having two children - Rs. 1,000/ (Earlier, it was Rs. 100/)

3) Highest Salary - Rs. 90,000/ (Cabinet Secretary)

4) National Holidays - 3

5) Gazetted Holidays to be cancelled

6) Pay hike will be implemented from January 01, 2006

7) Maternity Leaves: 6 Months

8) Employees living in A-1 Cities - 30% HRA (Unchanged)

9) Employees living in A, B, B-1 Cities - 20% HRA

10) Incentive Schemes will be announced

11) New Medical Insurance Scheme to be launched for government employees

12) Market-driven pay for scientists and all other jobs that require professional skill set.

13) Total number of salary grades to be reduced from 35 to 20.

HIWL Unions lingering impasse by refusing Arrear Acceptance (PRESS RELEASE)

PRESS RELEASE

Kolkata, March 19, 2008:

In the context of some recent reports on the disturbed industrial relations at the Hirakud Industrial Works Ltd, Sambalpur, Orissa, the management of the Company would like to place the following facts before you.

Following a meeting chaired by the Industries Minister Mr Bishwabhusan Harichandan on 8 January 2008, Mr Ashok Meena, Managing Director, IDCOL, on 2 February 2008, advised HIWL management to pay 4 months (August 2007 to November 2007) arrear salaries immediately. Govt of Orissa had deputed P K Patnaik, Collector & District Magistrate of Sambalpur, to coordinate and facilitate the settlement, i.e. payment to the workers and reopening of the works. Accordingly on 4 February, HIWL management reported to him and camped at Sambalpur till 6 February to facilitate the payments.

However, the Union representatives refused the payment declining the terms advised by Mr Meena, MD of IDCOL, and demanded much higher a sum, which were neither supported by relevant documents nor validated by either IDCOL or the HIWL management. On its part the HIWL management, after several deliberations with the Union leaders, tried to break the impasse and made arrangement for facilitating the payments again on 14 & 15 March 2008. Once again the Union leaders did not meet the HIWL authorities on the designated days and the impasse continues.

While reaffirming its commitment to put an end to the sufferings of the hapless workers of HIWL, the new management would like to appeal to the Union leaders and the workers to accept the payments as warranted in the follow-up meeting chaired by the MD of IDCOL and co-operate with the management in the process of resumption of operation in the plant.

In this context, it may be recalled that:

1) Management control of HIWL was taken over by the present promoters in July 2006

2) Pre-takeover dues in respect of current Employees’ Salaries etc., have been paid in full and in conformity with the Memorandum of Settlement dated 2 June 2006 entered into between the Management & the Workmen, until July 2007 other than PF & incremental Gratuity Funding, which is under discussions with the respective appropriate authorities.

3) All dues in respect of VRS/VSS & Deceased employees have been duly paid, other than those employees who have not vacated the Company-owned accommodation. The payout thus made amounts to 93%.

4) Till February 2007 payment of monthly salaries was made on due dates.

5) In April 2007 the Company officials from its Head Quarter, Kolkata were prevented from accessing statutory records at Hirakud Factory. Consequently verification of PF, ESI, CST, OST, OET, Contractors and sub-contractors liabilities and its real value ascertainment was made impossible, thereby disabling Management in its day-to-day business which inter alia resulted in delayed payment of Salaries for the months of March, April and July 2007.

6) In order to facilitate uninterrupted verification of records, in early April 2007, Management decided to temporarily relocate the records (other than Statutory Records) to Head Office, Kolkata and was prevented in doing so by the Union(s). The Union(s) took charge of the records and put it under lock & key thereby denying free access of the Management to such records. Union(s) also resorted to agitation within the factory premises and its precincts during working hours resulting in stoppage of production. Union(s) also prevented free ingress and egress of willing employees and entry of raw materials into the factory.

The above report was sent by Mr Debashis Bhattacharya (HIWL Management). Let us know if you need further clarifications.

1000th Post at Breaking News Online: Suggest a Historic Event

Attention Readers! We are soon approaching the 1000th post (article) at Breaking News Online. To mark this occasion, we have decided to come up with an article that will list top 20 most significant events in Indian History after 1947. The events could be from any field - politics, social, sports, industry, etc. etc.. If you have something in mind, please give your suggestion.

While I have a few events in mind, I'd like to know your opinion on this matter. If I include your suggested event in the article, then your name will also figure there. It would be interesting to see your contribution in the form of a suggestion. I am looking forward to your reply. You can either post your comment here or contact me at sagar13d (at) gmail (dot) com.

BJP MLA in Gujarat arrested for Firing in Public, released on Bail

Breaking News! Madhu Srivastava, BJP MLA from Baghodia, Gujarat, has been arrested under the Arms Act, after he was caught in camera while firing gunshots in air during the Holi celebrations yesterday.

The matter was taken up by a private Hindi news channel, News24 on Sunday. The channel kept airing the news throughout the day, which forced the Gujarat police to take immediate action. However, later he was released on bail.

Madhu Srivastava is considered a powerful politician in Gujarat. He was in the news during trial of the Gujarat riots. Initially, he refuted the claim that he fired in the air, but later admitted doing this. He was arrested from Vadodara, and later released on bail. It would be interesting to see BJP and Narendra Modi's reaction on this issue.

Tibet Violence casts a shadow over Beijing Olympics

--By Sagar Satapathy, Editor-in-Chief

The continued violence in Tibet, has put the Beijing Olympics 2008 in real danger. While the foreign countries are building up pressure on China to immediately stop violence in Tibet, the Chinese government blamed spiritual leader Dalai Lama of colluding with Uighur terrorists in Xinjiang to create anti-Chinese sentiments in the West.

The violent protests Buddhist Monks in Tibet, which began on March 10, has claimed officially claimed 18 lives so far. However, unofficial sources put the death toll at 130, as Chinese security forces have launched a massive offensive against the protesters. Since Media is not being allowed inside Tibet, it has become difficult for the world community to know what exactly is going on there at this moment.

Germany has already threatened to pull out of the Olympics Games if the violence in Tibet does not stop. Many Western countries have demanded to know the real situation in Tibet. In another development, the EU has asked the world community to put pressure on China to stop violence by threatening to boycott the Olympics Games if required.

In the past, the Chinese Government had never buckled under pressure and did whatever it wanted. The West has so far failed to dictate its terms when it comes to Chinese affairs. But now they have an opportunity. Certainly, China cannot afford the boycott of Olympics, as it would lose billions of dollars, which will cause a damaging impact on its Economy. Also, the country would lose its stature on the global arena.

It would be interesting to wait and watch the developments regarding the Olympics 2008. But it is necessary to restore peace and order in Tibet at the earliest, which is the need of the hour.

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