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INTERVIEW OF THE WEEK

For Brijmohan Agrawal Tourism is like a passion who was instrumental in boosting tourism while serving as Tourism Minister of undivided Madhya Pradesh(comprising existing MP & Chhattisgarh)is leaving no stone unturned now as Chhattisgarh Government's Tourism Minister. Brijmohan Agrawal has done an exemplary work in Chhattisgarh ever since he became Tourism Minister.
Its not that he holds portfolio of only Tourism department, but he is Cabinet Minister for other departments too. They are: Forest, Revenue, Rehabilitation, Law, Culture, Religious Endowments & Trusts, and Sports & Youth Welfare. According to him "The whole state has a potential to attract tourists of each sector viz Eco-Tourism, Pilgrim-Tourism and Adventure-Tourism etc." In his following interview to<whispersinthecorridors.com>Brijmohan Agrawal has unravelled his plans, on how he wants to give a fillip to tourism in Chhattisgarh so that it could get recognition all over the globe.

1/ What Steps have been taken to-attract tourists?

A-To attract tourists from India as well as abroad the state government is planning to speed up infrastructure development activities. Some steps in this direction are -
(i) Promotion of Economical, Cultural and Ecological sustainable tourism in the slate.
(ii) Encourage and promote private sector initiatives in developing tourism-related infrastructure,
(iii) Tourism development will be primarily driven by the private sector with the role of the government being that of a facilitator and catalyst.
(iv)Increase the contribution of tourism 10 the economic development of inter-related
sectors,
The whole state has a potential to attract tourists of each sector viz Eco-Tourism, Pilgrim-Tourism and Adventure-Tourism etc. We have opened tourist information centers at Delhi, Visakahapatnam, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Bilaspur, Bhopal, Nagpur & Kolkata (latest addition). Very soon we will start more information centers in the other parts of the country including Mumbai, Chennai,Agra,Banaras & Bangalore.

2/Nowadays focus is on budget hotels, where do you see Chhattisgarh Tourism Corporation's role in that?

A- The idea of budget hotel is applicable only in the states, which are already saturated with all kinds of hotels. As far as Chhattisgarh is concerned being a new state talking about budget hotels is impractical. But this does not means that the tourists visiting our state will not get good accommodation in reasonable price. The series of motels are under construction and one of them named ASNA motel is ready to serve the tourists, The rents of rooms in these motels are so reasonable that you can compare it with any budget hotels and its quality with any costly hotels.

3/Question - What are new projects that your state is starting in tourism sector?

A- At present our total stress is on development of infrastructure. We are constructing motels in nearly 30 places of the state. It is expected that these motels will be completed by December 2007. In addition to this various preliminary measures like beautification works and basic sanitation facilities were being created. Apart from these 104 tourists destinations have already been identified in the state to promote tourism.

4/ What steps are being taken for increasing tourists, inflow to your state, through out the year?

A- To increase the tourist's inflow we have already started massive publicity campaign ail over India, Yon can see our advertisements in all leading publications as well as in visual media. Our participation in various national and international events gives us much exposure among the tourists planning to visit Chhattisgarh. As you know after the formation of state, we have to start from the zero and now we can say proudly those tourists of al! over India knows the name of Chhattisgarh and ready to visit the unexplored tourist spots.

5/ Can you list two major achievements of yours as Tourism Minister?

A- Development of infrastructure in the state is the biggest achievement of us because without it we cannot give proper attention to the tourists coming to our state. Secondly, to promote pilgrim tourism in the state Rajim Kumbh was introduced on the confluence of three rivers - Sondhur, Parry and Mahanadi. Surprisingly, people; even in the neighborhood were not aware of this unique Triveni Sangam akin to Prayag, Now every year lakhs of people from all over India including eminent sages visit Rajim.

Will Pranab Mukherjee be PM ?
If rumour mill is to be believed UPA Govt may survive till next summers with Pranab Mukherjee as the PM. Manmohan Singh's challenge to the Left to withdraw support has rubbed the wrong way and is likely to take it's toll in his stepping down.One can only wait and watch.

What happens if UPA faces dissent from Left?
The Indian political scenario seem to be heading in a new direction.What will happen if the Congress majority led UPA faces withdrawal of support by the Left Front in winters? First probability is that the Congress may strive to run a minority Government.Second,third front may solidify leading to formation of a new Government in Delhi.Third,Congress may decide to dissolve the Lok Sabha & seek a fresh mandate.

Beware if you are anti US
It is an irony of sorts that intelligence agencies are nowadays on a look out for anti America people.Gone are the days when such agencies used to watch out for such people who are pro America. A question which is doing rounds in corridors of power is: whether it's a Government policy or intelligence sleuths are doing at the behest of their master's voice?.

"We are Indian 1st, then global citizens" says PM
Indian Ambassador to the US Ronen Sen got a personal chiding from Indian Prime Minister Dr.Manmohan Singh for his (Sen's) uncharitable remarks in a press interview. As the grapevine has it Manmohan Singh ji telephonically told Sen "Nation's interest is above all. First of all we are Indians, then global citizens."

Left, BJP to expose Congress
The Left Front & Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) may have protested against the proposed 123 Agreement, but there is talk in circles of either parties to expose cover ups pertaining American institutions like bank, multinational companies (MNCs) & non governmental organizations (NGOs) etc.This would happen if they gain power. It may be stated that a number of complaints against such American institutions are pending with Enforcement Directorate(ED), Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) & Income Tax department.

Of headless chickens & tail less fishes
No, prize for guessing which country in Asia is making noises with unease against the nuke deal. What is being written for people daily is being dittoed, not only in media pow wows here but also in the supreme panchayat of the land.Ronen Sen is being charged of speaking for an American Bush, but several chickens and fishes, with unashamedly borrowed heads and tails are behaving like bulls in and from a china shop. Recent history has taught everybody, such chickens cause chikengunya and fishes dirty cleaner ponds. They are a breed different. Patriotism for them is all marks .They know the tricks. Heap blame on others lest you get blamed of the same. For them, democracy is no people's daily. Their hallowed scripture.

Yogendra Narain to retire next month
Extended tenure of Secretary General of the Rajya Sabha Yogendra Narain is coming to an end next month. He is retired 1965 batch IAS officer of Uttar Pradesh cadre.

Paramvir Singh to get extension in CBI
Paramvir Singh Additional Director in the CBI is all set to get extension in his tenure. He is 1974 batch IPS officer of Tamil Nadu cadre. Tenure of Singh was to expire this month.

Sandhu promoted in IB
N Sandhu has been promoted to the rank of Special Director in the Intelligence Bureau. He is 1973 batch IPS officer of Bihar cadre.

Brig Budhwar joins NSG
Brig Padam Budhwar has joined the National Security Guards (NSG) as DIG Force Commander.

Atheeq joins PMO
L K Ateeq has joined the PMO as a Director. He is 1991 batch IAS officer of Karnataka cadre.
( We said this on July 24 )

Saxena joins GoI
R S Saxena has joined the Government of India as Development Commissioner Kandla Special Economic Zone. He is 1978 batch IAS officer of Gujarat cadre.

Major Gen Khosla moves to Delhi
Major General Ashok Khosla head of the command of Madhya Bharat Area has been moved to the Army Headquarters.

Bajpai and Bragta to leave Aaj Tak !
Grapevine has it that Punya Prasun Bajpai and Sanjay Bragta are quitting the Aaj Tak to join the Sahara TV. Nazir Naqvi is also expected to leave Aaj Tak to join Sahara.

Why the name of Prabhash Joshi removed ?
Prabhash Joshi is no longer Editorial Advisor of the Hindi Daily Jansatta. His name from the print line has been removed. What could be the reason ?.

Who will succeed Aditya Padhi in Delhi ?
Who will succeed Adhiya Padhi in Delhi as Resident Commissioner of Orissa. Tie is said to be between 1986 batch IAS officer L N Gupta and 1987 batch IAS officer Tuhin Kant Pandey.

Sudhakar Rao is Development Commissioner in Karnataka
Sudhakar Rao Additional Chief Secretary has been appointed Development Commissioner. 1973 batch IAS officer Rao will hold additional charge as Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister.

IAS reshuffle in Chhattisgarh
There has been a minor bureaucratic reshuffle in Chhattisgarh.Accordingly Awadh Bihari Secretary Finance,Agriculture & Sugarcane Commissioner will be now Secretary Agriculture besides being Commissioner for Sugarcane & Veterinary services.Manohar Pande Director Public Instructions(DPI) will be Joit Secretary Education,He will be succeeded by Mrs.Nidhi Chhibber who will continue to be Joint Chief Electoral Officer(CEO),but be relieved of the charge of Director Mining.Others who were changed are:K.Srivasulu Director Economics & Statistics & Special Secretary Planning to hold additional charge of Special Secretary Finance,Dr.Maninder Kaur Dwivedi will cease to be Director Accounts & Treasuries,but hold the charge as Director Rajeev Ganshi Shiksha Mission,Amir Ali Director Veterinary to Joint Secretary Technical Education,M.K.Tyagi Joint Secretary Mining ,OSD Rehabilitation Dantewara & Joint Secretary Home to Director & Joint Secretary Mining,Amit Kataria SDO Bemetra(Durg district) to Chief Executive Officer(CEO) district Panchayat Kanker,M.S.Pekra on promotion Director Accounts & Treasuries,R.K.Tandon CEO Kanker to Raigarh & C.K.Uike CEO Raigarh to IG Stamps & Registration.

Vatsala Vatsa gets ACS rank in Karnataka
Principal Secretary Home Vatsala Watsa, has been promoted as Additional Chief Secretary.She is 1973 batch IAS officer.

8 IRPS officers get selection-grade
Eight IRPS officers have been given selection-grade. They are Mssrs:-Ms Manjula Saxena CR,Sujit Kumar Mishra ER,R Aaivu SR,Rajesh Kumar Verma WR,Dilip Vyas NWR,Ram Avtar Sharma WR,Satish Kumar Jeswani WR and Kamal Singh Panwar MWR.

IRS DPC today
DPC for Chief Commissioners of Income Tax is expected to meet on Wednesday.

FORUM

All about CSS debate
The comments & views of the Seniors about their subordinate services shows how small their heart is. They are not even willing to listen and discuss genuine problems of their junior colleagues. Why is it so? Similarly one of the comments by a CSS officer trying to create a difference between a direct recruit & promotee also indicates how small we are. All the Indian Civil Servants - be they the most senior IAS officers or the junior most CSS/PCS officers - all of them must take a note that they are their in the positions to serve the country and not pull legs of each other. One of the friends has very rightly pointed out in his comments that if we are not united days are not left when the existence of Indian bureaucracy will be at stake. And this will be bad news for the country as the nexus of Politicians & Industrialists/businessman will ruin the administrative system of the country. Despite all odds the Government Servants are a necessity for a country like India because they are accountable to the system and are bound to serve for the interest of the countrymen. The present generation of Civil Servants must take lessons from their Senior who had maintained the tradition and respect for the Indian Bureaucracy. A DM/SP/Commissioner Income Tax was not respected only because of the powers he commanded but their credentials, honesty and devotion to duty had earned them that respect. Today the Ministers are powerful but no one respects them because they have no credibility. The Civil Servants must get united form a code of conduct and the Senior ones i.e. the AIS officers must rise above petty gains, egos and look upon their junior services with a parental approach. It is their duty to see that every son/daughter has to become a parent in the future. It is not correct that the parental Service i.e. is becoming a roadblock to the growth of their own family members and denying them the opportunity to take the roles of a parent otherwise they are losing the respect they used to command earlier
Kumar

The analysis given by Jalaj over the IAS CSS debate though brilliantly worded is based on a series of fallacious assumptions. Not withstanding the pretensions by some bureaucrats - especially the IAS - that they are the decision makers, in a democracy the role of the bureaucrat whether a US/DS or Special Secretary/ Secretary - is only to provide 'rule oriented', 'secretariat-centric', procedural inputs as decision making happens to be the rightful domain of the political masters. If and when the decision makers stand in need of subject or area specific inputs it is ideally the specialists who should step in rather than any jack of all trades. Bragging about 'postings in the rural hinterland', 'feel of the local administration' or 'local sensitivities' are hollow noises devoid of any substance by which a particular class within the babudom has maintained its strangle hold over the establishment. In any case because of sheer vastness of the country an IAS of Maharashtra cadre (for example) cannot have any experience of the local administration or local sensitivities of say Arunachal Pradesh or Sikkim or vice-versa. Hard fact is that taking full advantage of their networking with the power centers which they start from the very beginning of their service most IAS officers manage to retain positions of power in the States as well as the central secretariat. It benefits the IAS immensely but does it benefit the country or the government in equal measure? That is the question the custodians of 'local sensitivities' need to ask themselves honestly.
N N Ojha

Shame on our system
I have seen the comments regarding treating of CSS officers over CSSS officers. It is true. I am an 1987 batch CSSS officer. I have not got regular promotion even after expiry of 20 years. Very disgraceful. Shame on our system.

N Radhakrishnan

Why not this time ?
The Government has recently taken a decision in respect of CSS officers, at the level of SO and US, to train them in different States. In the past, a parity has always been maintained in all respects, with CSSS. Why not this time? I mean, the same training capsule should be imparted to PS and PPS, in CSSS, bringing exposure to them also about the functioning of state governments.

Sunil

Retirement age should not be raised
I do not agree that the retirement age should be increased because the health standard of our people has improved. Rather, using this argument, I would suggest that the retirement age should be decreased to 58 or even to 55. Because it would provide more job opportunities and less expenditure on salaries (new incumbents will join at the minimum of the scale while the retiring person might have reached the maximum of the scale). Alternatively, the rule "Fit to continue" beyond 58 or 55 should be applied so that the deadwood is cleared.
P Ratnaparkhi

Retirement age should be raised
I entirely agree with the views of Deepak Singh. It is time for the Government to raise retirement age to 62 yrs for all its employees.

Alok Verma
Pl take up some other topic

I have visited this site a few times. The information available is very good but it is very sad to note that there is lot of bitterness and rivalry amongst Civil Servants be they from All India cadre, Central service or state service. You must take up some topic which helps in creating some harmony between them which will do good to everyone.
Arvind

TAIL-PIECE

BREAKING NEWS : India won Football match against Bangla Desh.
NEXT BREAKING NEWS : India won Cricket match against Bhutan.
YET another BREAKING NEWS : India defeated by Bhutan.
Contributed by-Ravi Pipal

Aaj Ki Aawaz

What if Commies do pull the plug????
But still leave UPA standing despite pulling the rug!!!

Despite the rug pulling UPA could still remain in power!!!
Though from majority to minority its status ho jaye gi lower!!!

Maybe they'll arm twist UPA to put further negotiations on hold!!!
For the time being force UPA to but the Deal in a box that's freezing cold!!!

They say by opposing the 123 Deal Commies Muslims ko karr rahe hai woo!!!
Because they know that Muslims like them are anti USA too!!

Commies and Muslims in their hatred for USA are willing to make India the fall guy!!
Rest of India should question them why???

If elections are called Commie seats in Parliament will fall!!!
Thankfully we'll get to see less Reds in the Lok Sabha's Hall!!!

And if a NDA Government comes to power they'll have no problems on inking the Deal!!
And they wouldn't care two hoots that how Commies feel!!

Some say the thought of BJP gaining is what could stop Commies from pulling the plug!!
And if they do it'll then be said that from under their own feet Commies pulled the rug!!

Commies should realize that both UPA and NDA will ink the Deal!!!
To sign the Deal NDA will not be found lacking in zeal!!!

Commies are hoping that UNPA with Commie support could sit on the throne in Dilli!!!
At present this notion looks abs silly!!!

Despite anti incumbency in a number of States feeling is NDA could win!!!
And Congress and Commies could end up loosing big time and land in the 'out bin'!!!

Maya, Naidu and Amma would come out tops and Laloo would get the boot again!!
So by pulling the plug Commies have nothing to gain!!!

Fact is that Commies are going to get lesser seats!!!!
In fact this time could be one of their worst defeats!!

They've got Nandigram around their necks and now they being looked on as pro Cheen ( China )!!
Even on their home turf towards Commies are being seen as mean!!!

Pawar says that Farming is no longer paying so Farmers should get out of farming!!!
Hope he realizes that the Nation he's harming!!!

What is his game…… does he want India to import its food needs????
Because in imports there is a lot of money to be made as India bleeds!!!

If UPA Sarkaar goes one big benefit to India will be Pawar's exit as Agriculture Minister!!
His term will be looked on akin to India 's agriculture sector being hit by a twister!!

Then he'll be able to concentrate on running BCCI into the ground!!!
And as Head of ICC maybe very soon he could be London bound!!!

'Good riddance' will be how India will react…. India 's gain and London 's loss!!!
And he'll run ICC into the ground as its Boss!!!

This is because Pawar wherever he goes cannot do without hay making!!!
He always has a rake in his hand for raking!!!

By the way he's already ordered his daughter to prepare NCP for elections!!!!
And here's wishing NCP 'rejections and dejections'!!!

Akali BJP combine in Punjab could face an uphill task if General Elections are held!!
First and foremost their own Alliance BJP and Akalis will have to re-weld!!!

Punjab votes for the 'other Party' in General Elections and so Alliance has an uphill job!!
There will be a lot of below the belt hitting as verbal grenades at each other they'll lob!!

With a mid term Poll looming Amar Singh should have been in his mettle!!!
But the advent of Maya wiping SP out karr rahe hai Amar ko nettle!!

Nowadays no one in Bollywood takes his calls and this is rankling him!!!
There was time that Bollywood danced to his every whim!!!

Why even in Big B's stock in Bollywood there's big fall!!!
In Bollywood no longer he walks tall!!!

Sanju Baba will be released today from Jail and he's going to Party all night!!!
During his bail period his schedule is going to be very tight!!

Please do not get taken in by his ' I want to settle matters' excuse!!!
And I want to settle my daughter is the other excuse that he's prone to use!!!

If he was such a caring Dad why was his father in law bent on keeping him at bay???
From his granddaughter he wanted Sanju to stay away!!!

Just because he's a Star Sanju should not be given preferential treatment!!
For him the Law should not be bent!!

I have nothing agaisnt Sanju .... its just that status should not coerce justice!!!
As it is his being let off from TADA charges many say is a grave injustice!!!

Indian Bourses have been affected by 'Red Whine'!!!
And Indian Investors are paying the fine!!

If Midterm Polls are called Sensex will fall!!!!
Bulls will have a ball!!!

12,000 level …… big drop!!!
You can say the bubble will pop!!

Aaye balaa ko taalo .... Investors should pray and hope for the best!!
They should pray ' Save our standing crop (investments) from the Red Pest'!!!!

Bharat Kumar
Aaj_ki_aawaz@yahoo.com

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CORPORATE

Merger of Air India and Indian approved
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs is believed to have approved the merger of Air India and Indian, clearing the last major hurdle in creating a unified national carrier.

Indian introduces APEX fares
Passengers buying their tickets in advance are in for a treat. National carrier Indian has offered competitive Economy Class APEX fares on most of its domestic sectors from August 1 to September 30, 2007. These tickets have to be bought at least 14 days in advance from the date of travel.
While the sale of tickets is open till September 30, travel will have to be completed by October 15, 2007. APEX fare tickets are non-refundable and passengers are required to carry a photo identity for check-in at the airport.

SPV Banking company on the anvil
The Indian Government is contemplating to set up a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) in a separate country with a mature financial system in order to give a shape to the idea of using the burgeoning forex reserves for country's infrastructure development. It is learnt that Delhi is examining the legal and regulatory aspects in consultation with RBI.However,its details have not yet been chalked out.

Teje is CEO of AppLabs
Makarand Teje has been appointed as new President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the AppLabs.

Wi-Fi Alliance designates Wipro for lab testing
Wipro Technologies, the global IT services arm of Wipro Limited has declared that it will serve as a Wi-Fi Alliance authorized test Laboratory. The Wipro facility in Bangalore will streamline certification and provide faster time to market for Wi-Fi certified products for members located in India and other areas in Asia.

"Chak De India" to help boost Indian hockey
At a high profile dinner it was hotly discussed that how a challenge can be turned into an opportunity.This was discussed in context of Bolywood's "King Khan" Shah Rukh Khan starrer Hindi film titled "Chak De India." It has kindled a ray of hope among sports lovers that hockey revival will be much easier now, in comparison to before. It was also debated whether politics should be allowed to enter sports world at any stage or not.

ECGC CMD gives dividend to Kamal Nath
A.V. Muralidharan, Chairman and Managing Director(CMD) "Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India Limited" (ECGC)has presented a dividend cheque of Rs.100 crore to Indian Commerce & Industry Minister Kamal Nath. ECGC had already paid an interim dividend of Rs.25 crore thus totaling an amount of Rs.125 crore for the financial year 2006-07. This is the highest ever dividend paid by ECGC, since its inception in 1957.

S.K.Barua promoted as Regional CFO
Discovery Networks has promoted Saurindra Kumar Barua as Regional CFO and Vice President. While looking after territories of Asia & India he will be relocating to Singapore.

Gillian is Director of Boeing India
The Boeing India has appointed Daniel Gillian as Director of enterprise sourcing for India.