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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.

Anand Kulkarni is OSD to President

Anand Kulkarni has joined as OSD to the President Ms Pratibha Patil.He is 1982 batch IAS officer of Maharashtra cadre.

One Addl secr post to be shelved in HRD
Powers that be in the HRD Ministry are said to be contemplating to abolish at least one post of Additional Secretary.

One Additional Secretary level post goes to Insurance man
One Additional Secretary level post earlier held by an IAS officer in the ECGC bank has now gone to an Insurance man A V Murlidharan.

Vaidya to return to Delhi !
Santosh D. Vaidya presently posted with the Government of Goa is being transferred to Government of Delhi. 1998 batch UT cadre IAS officer, Vaidya, is likely to be posted in Delhi Secretariat as Additinal Secretary.

Proposal reaches UPSC
A proposal for the appointment of Commissioner of Bureau of Civil Aviation is reported to have reached the UPSC.1972 batch Maharashtra cadre IAS officer, A N Roy, is all set to become new Chief of the Bureau. The post has fallen vacant following the appointment of Shyam Ratan Mehra as Secretary Security.

Concession to smaller foreign airlines on the anvil

Delhi has decided that smaller airlines having seven services or less to India may be exempted from the Mandated Commercial Agreement, w.e.f. 1st January 2008.This new system is expected to bring about a level playing field between the national carriers and the foreign carriers on the international operations.

Samaria is Director Coal
Kailash Chandra Samaria has joined the Government of India as Director Coal.He is 1993 batch IAS officer of Assam-Meghalaya cadre.

Samoon joins GoI
Asgar Hassan Samoon has joined the Government of India as Director Home. He is 1993 batch IAS officer of J & K cadre.

Pankaj Kumar Singh is IG Jaipur

Pankaj Kumar Singh is back to the parent Rajasthan cadre from his deputation to the CBI.On return 1988 batch IPS officer Singh has been appointed IG Jaipur.He has replaced O P Gelhotra.

Ajay Singh to quit Star News
Grapevine has it that Ajay Singh is quitting the Star News to join the Sahara News Channel.

Sonia Singh to quit Aaj Tak
Sonia Singh is reportedly leaving the Aaj Tak to join the Sahara News Channel.

Garg gets three months extension
Yogendra Garg who is looking after SEZ in the Ministry of Commerce and whose tenure was to end in August 2007 has been granted three month extension. He is 1990 batch IRS officer.

Defence Secretary is Chairman
The Government has constituted a Committee, under the chairmanship of the Defence Secretary, Vijay Singh to examine the overall situation in Jammu and Kashmir and consequential deployment of security forces.

UPA govt to survive
The UPA Government being headed by Indian Prime Minister Dr.Manmohan Singh is likely to survive. As the grapevine has it, a truce between majority partner Congress & left front has been reached on the issue of Indo-US nuke deal.

IAS transferred in Chhattisgarh

As many as two IAS officers of 2005 batch have been transferred by the Chhattisgarh Government.They are:Om Prakash Choudhary SDO Gariaband to SDO Bemetra(Durg district) & S.Prakash SDO Surajpur(Sarguja district) toSDO Manendragarh(Korea district).

CBI registers case against its SP

In its continuing drive to check corruption within the organisation and to ensure high standards of integrity and professionalism, CBI registered a case against its own SP posted in the Special Crimes Branch of Kolkata on allegation of corruption. The investigating agency also carried out searches at 11 locations in Kolkata and Dhanbad including the office and residential premises of the concerned SP.

Hemant Sharma joins BAG Media

Hemant Sharma has joined BAG Media as Resident Editor in Mumbai.Hitherto he was Chief of Bureau with leading Hindi daily "Dainik Bhaskar" in Mumbai.

Justice O.P.Shrivastava to hear Ayodhya case

Mr.Justice Om Prakash Srivastava, a retired Judge of the Allahabad High Court been appointed as a Judge of the Allahabad High Court for hearing Ayodhya matters, for a period of one year with effect from the date he assumes charge of his office or till the disposal of Ayodhya matters, whichever is earlier.

Jaydeep Govind's dedication

Jaydeep Govind's dedication towards his job is being lauded.Govind who lost his father in Bhopal on Thursday was in a meeting, when news about his father's critical condition reached venue of the meeting. He is an 1984 batch IAS officer of MP cadre.

NHAI to introduce for smart cards for toll collection

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is planning to start collection of user fee by introducing smart cards and on board units to further reduce the time taken in collection of user fee.

CMs' urged to create land banks for hotels

Indian Minister for Tourism & Culture Mrs.Ambika Soni has written to all the Chief Ministers about creating land banks to build new hotels in view of the shortage of land and high prices. So far Haryana has responded positively and Uttar Pradesh has started work in this direction.The Government is open to expansion of tourism sector through public private partnership. However, she said the hotel industry should come forward to adopt at least two historical monuments per hotel for illuminating.

37 proposals for flying institutes

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has received 37 proposals for setting up flying training institutes in various parts of the country. These proposals are being processed by the DGCA.There are 42 flying training institutes in the country of which 26 are operational which provide training for various licences like Private Pilot Licence, Commercial Pilot Licence etc. 14 of these operational institutes are run by various State Governments, while the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (IGRUA) is an autonomous society under the Central Government. The remaining 11 institutes are run by private entrepreneurs. All the institutes have to conform to the requirements laid down by DGCA.16 flying training institutes were found to be not conforming to the guidelines laid down by DGCA. Their licences have therefore not been renewed. These institutes have been advised by DGCA to take corrective measures for their revival.

FORUM

CSS and CSSS are the wheels

It is a fact that the wheels of Government of India are moved by the SO/ US (CSS) and the PS / PPS (CSSS). The presiding deities (IAS) merely do the "ghughii" (signing ceremony)! It is difficult to see if the CSS/ CSSS officers will give up this power of wheel runners of the Central Government. In that case they want to have their cake and eat it too ! They understand very well where the icing of the cake lies.

A Enrabasu

CSS officers are feeling jealous of IAS officers as they blame that IAS officers favour framing rules in regard to promotions keeping in mind their interests only and this way CSS officers are cornered. What about CSS bias mind against CSSS officers? CSS officers are manning CS Division which deals with promotional aspects of CSSS officers also. They have tried to stop exams of PAs for SO and also tried to stop entry of PS as US, because they are dealing the issue keeping in view their interest only. As you sow so shall you reap.
Sunil

Pl remove this disparity

It is disgusting to see that while there is time bound promotions in the AIS like the IAS, the same policy is unavailable to the subordinate services like the CSS. If the decision makers in the Government are reading this, I urge them to remove this disparity. Every one may be given equal opportunity to rise within his own cadre and service. Let not the differences grow lest it may some day take an ugly shape.
Ravi

Create Integrated Management Pool

I completely agree with Sridhar about creation of an Integrated Management Pool for JS and higher posts in GOI. Why this idea is not allowed to be implemented is obviously vested interest of just one service, IAS, (ie I Am Superior).
I also agree completely with Sridhar about IAS officers from feudal states coming straightway as JSs and shirking their fair share of work. They fail to understand that Secretariat working in GOI requires each level to contribute in terms of recording of notes, in depth reading of files etc. By writing "Please speak' or 'Please discuss' at the slightest opportunity, they avoid their share of reading or recording of views. Somehow, my experience is that IAS officers are not trained to go into depth of any matter or file, but are used to examining things superficially. Also, they need assistance of their juniors for everything , ie for recording notes, making drafts etc. They can't do work independently. These are the things one has no escape from, if one has worked at Director level in GOI. I am fully convinced that one prerequisite for selecting JSs in GOI is that he should have worked at least for three years as a Director or DS in GOI, even though he may be from any service.

P Sinha

Aaj Ki Aawaz

You are flying by Air UPA and Captain Manmohan is in the Cockpit!!!
He announces there will be turbulence as a Red Cloud the plane has hit!!

So Manmohan means Commie problems are just a temporary hitch!!!
And this is a just a passing glitch!!!

Then from Pilot Manmohan becomes a Metrologist and gives the forecast!!!
He says Winter is coming to an end and Spring is approaching fast!!

So he means that the freeze in Commie UPA relationship is going to thaw!!!
To show this he sites 'after winter comes spring' nature's law!!!

Reality is that Red Cloud could make Air UPA to force-land or it could also crash!!!
And the blame will be put on the Captain saying he was too rash and brash!!!

And the winter could freeze UPA and come spring it'll be sitting in front of Dharamraaj!!
Dharamraaj in this case would be the electorate which gives or takes Raaj (Kingdom)!!

The owner of Air UPA is at present in SA on an ego boosting Safari!!!
But from there she's got an eye on the Commie UPA maara maari!!

She's the owner of Air UPA as this is perceived to be a Congress Airline!!
Though now Sonia says Airline is a collaboration and not mine!!!

When Congress feels it makes the Airline a collaboration!!
And when it feels makes the Airline into its own operation!!!

Now Commies are waiting for September 18 IAEA meet!!!
But they'll keep on turning on the heat!!

Or maybe they plan to in Brinda Karat's words shock us when the US Naval Armada arrives,
Arrival of the US Armada for joint exercises is bound to give them severe hives!!!

Now Laloo and Pawar too are baying for Ronen's blood and demanding his sack!!
For his 'headless chicken' comment Ronen is getting flack!!

Are Commies or the Media Holy Cows … so why all the hulla-gulla????
But have you seen a headless chicken making hulla????

If you've seen this you would see the similarity in the Commie act!!!
Ronen Sen has just stated a fact!!

You have Bardhan saying that Governments come and go!!!
So after Nandigram why were Commies to a Mid Term Poll in WB saying no???

Bardhan should take to writing scripts for Bollywood!!
He'll have to stick to Bollywood as Commies are not welcome in Hollywood !!

His summer vacation Karat may pre-pone!!!
Because once UPA goes his Summer Holiday or hols he'll have to indefinitely postpone!!

Last hols he was in Malaysia ….. no Commie Dacha hols for him!!!
Many diehard Commies took his holidaying in Malaysia as something grim!!!

One more 'medal' for CBI….. Shibu acquittal by HC!!!
And CBI would be looking for another 'medal' in this case in SC!!!

Many decipher CBI as Crooked and Biased Investigation!!!
But it's successive Governments that deserve the actual indignation!!!

After letting Q off CBI now says it's on Q's case!!!
This was said just to save face!!

On Soren going being acquitted there will be 'hai touba!!!
Now CBI is planning how to save Sirsa Dera Chief and Sanju Baba!!!

And the excuse that CBI doles out for its dismal performance is that it's understaffed!!!
As the CBI said this I'm sure many laughed!!

Maya ji yeh aap ne kya kiya!!!
Bhaiya ko Raksha Bandhan mein Bhen ne gift diya!!

But then yeh hai Maya ki Maya….. gave bro Prerna Kendra as a gift!!!!
Maybe this will start in her family a rift!!

After all her other relations would like to receive equivalent gifts from her!!!
Within her family 'gift war' this gift could spur!!

Sanju Baba has got temporary reprieve from Jail!!
He flew down to Mumbai whereas co-conspirator Nulwala reached Mumbai by rail!!!

Judgement Copy should be delivered to him in a week's time!!!
And then he'll return to Yerwada to serve his time!!!

Bharat Kumar
Aaj_ki_aawaz@yahoo.com

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CORPORATE

With Subir Raha Hindujas have an upper hand now

With the joining of Subir Raha, Hindujas have an upper hand in facing challenge from the big business houses of the country. Former Chairman of the ONGC, Raha, is now Vice-Chairman of the Hinduja Group in India for all their business activities. He is a seasoned person with a lot of intellect in all the related fields.

NBCC presents divident cheque to the Minister

ARUP ROY CHOUDHURY, CMD, NBCC PRESENTING DIVIDEND CHEQUE FOR THE YEAR 2006-07 TO S.JAIPAL REDDY, Indian Minister for Urban Development,on August 22, 2007. M. RAMACHANDRAN, SECRETARY (UD) & S.M. ACHARYA, AS(UD) & others are also seen.

Rajeev Lall of IDFC in Planning Commission
Rajeev Lall of IDFC has been appointed Member of a 12 member high- level committee on financial sector reforms set up by the Planning Commission.

Mrs.Ambika Soni opens hoteliers meet

Indian Tourism and Culture Minister Mrs Ambika Soni while inaugurating the first ever Hotel Association of India Conclave, 2007 said "the tourism sector is now being considered as an industry which would create a large number of employment opportunities as well as help in uplifting the standards of the local population. She quoting a study said 42 million jobs have been generated directly or indirectly in past three years through tourism. She said we need 150,000 rooms in all categories of hotels by 2010 and for services in these rooms more than two lakh jobs have to be created. While listing steps taken to overcome dearth of guides Mrs.Ambika Soni called upon the hotel industry to create a pool of young tourist guides under the "Earn While You Learn" scheme of the Ministry to meet the growing demand of Guides.The Minister also said "our endevaour should be to attract a large number of foreign tourist as well as give due focus to promotion of domestic tourism within the country."

Shet promoted as GM

DGM in the Corporation Bank N.R. Shet has been promoted as General Manager of the bank.

Vertu Ascent Ferrari 1947 Limited Edition

Vertu launched its newest collection, the Vertu Ascent Ferrari 1947 Limited Edition, to commemorate Ferrari's 60th Anniversary at a high octane party held yesterday at the Shiro, Mumbai.philanthropist Ms.Maureen Wadia and noted Director Karan Johar added sparkle to the evening.Vertu worked closely with Ferrari's design team to develop this exclusive Limited Edition, and only 1947 of this model will ever be made, each numbered from one to 1947.The highlight of the evening was the exclusive auction of the one-and-only Vertu Ascent Ferrari Limited Edition piece numbered 60/1947, by ace director Karan Johar.Proceeds from the auction were donated to the Wadia Children's Hospital. The fact that this handset was brought in to India is especially significant: India celebrates its 60th year of Independence while Ferrari celebrates its 60th anniversary.The celebrations kicked off with Vertu's Regional Sales & Operations Director South East Asia Pacific, Ranjit Wijedasa, leading in the unveiling of the product through a powerful laser display. "I feel there are many reasons why it is right for Vertu and Ferrari to be working together," says Vertu President Alberto Torres.

50 % cashback offers for Visa Cardholders

Visa International and Travelguru are giving Visa cardholders who make bookings for domestic airlines (Indian Airlines, Jet Airways and Kingfisher Airlines) and hotels listed on Travelguru up to 50 per cent cashback on their travel bookings. The cashback offer is valid till December 31, 2007 .It can be availed by booking via the website travelguru.com or by calling the Travelguru reservation centre.

Convergys staff's visit to senior citizens

Convergys Corporation , a global leader in providing customer care, human resources, and billing services, and the largest provider of outsourced customer care services in the world has informed that a group of 25 employees from its Gurgaon contact centre had visited St. Mary's Home for the aged at the invitation of Helpage India.They spent a day with the resident senior ladies, many of whom long for the affection of their grandchildren who may no longer be with them.

Tanla Solutions ropes in Srinivas Ravi

Tanla Solutions Ltd of which Chairman & MD is Uday Reddy has appointed Srinivas Ravi as Senior Vice-President, Product Development and Strategy.Prior to joining Tanla, Srinivas was with Reliance Communications for 3 years as Head- Post Paid Product Management and was part of the wireless strategy team. His previous assignments include overseeing Sales and Marketing at Bharti Airtel and a stint with ABCL.It may be stated that Tanla Solutions Ltd is a leading telecommunications software products and services provider with operations in India, Ireland, UK and US.

Six NIPER to come up in India

The Central Cabinet has approved proposal for setting up of six National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) at Hyderabad (Andhra pradesh), Ahmedabad (Gujarat), Hajipur (Bihar) Guwahati (Assam), Raibareilly (U.P.) and Kolkata (West Bengal).This will be done appointing a reputed consultant to prepare the DPR for each NIPER wherever possible on the Public Private Partnership model.It is also planned to commence some courses at four locations of New NIPERs from the current academic session i.e. September, 2007 with the assistance of mentor Institutes. This decision will facilitate training of high caliber pharmaceutical experts and award of Masters degrees to cater to the demand of pharmaceuticals industry, academic institutes and the pharmacy profession.

NHAI to introduce smart cards for toll collection

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is planning to start collection of user fee by introducing smart cards and on board units to further reduce the time taken in collection of user fee.