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POLITICS

This is History (56)
One can well imagine what the amazement of the Eurasian world must have been at this volcanic wruption.

Amit Shah is need of the hour in Gujarat !
There are now no two opinions that only Amit Shah can save the party in Gujarat. People say if he is not made the Chief Minister of the state, soon the BJP would be nowhere.

BJP faction waiting for Bihar poll results
A BJP faction - comprising of disgruntled elements - is now said to be waiting for poll results in Bihar. What will be the scenario thereafter can be anybody's guess. Nothing can be said with certainty at this stage.

BUREAUCRACY

Ramesh now Additional Secretary in Lok Sabha Secretariat
Joint Secretary in the Lok Sabha Secretariat, VR Ramesh has been promoted to the rank of Additional Secretary.

Two officers promoted as JS in Lok Sabha Secretariat
Two Directors, Ravi Gaimala and N C Gupta have been promoted to the rank of Joint Secretary in the Lok Sabha Secretariat.

Ms N J Shaikh to be Director (Finance), NFDC
Ms N J Shaikh DGM RCF has been selected by PESB for the post of Director (Finance) National Film Development Corporation (NFDC).

Sudhir Kumar to return to Bihar soon
Member (Administration) in NHAI, Sudhir Kumar is returning to parent Bihar cadre in a couple of weeks. He is a 1982 batch IAS officer.

Seshu Kumar gets additional charge of Chairman, CBSE
YSK Seshu Kumar, IFoS (UP: 87), has been given the additional charge of CBSE Chairman. He is 1987 batch IFS officer of UP cadre. He is presently JS in HRD Ministry.

Symposium on 'Resurrecting Ailing Civil Helicopter Industry in India'
Dr. RK Tyagi, addressed National symposium on "Resurrecting Ailing Civil Helicopter Industry in India" organized by the Aeronautical Society of India. . Also present on the occasion were Capt. Ajay Singh (DGCA), Dr. BP Sharma (CMD, PHL) and Wg. Cdr. BS Singhdeo (BELL Helicopters).

Loss of over 300 billion US dollars every year due to disasters
Worldwide, there is a loss of over 300 billion US dollars every year due to disasters and South Asia is more prone to disasters, The Regional and International Cooperation is critical in facing disasters and there is a need to move together towards disaster management. Member Secretary, NDMA, R.K. Jain said in his inaugural session of An Advance Coordination Conference in Delhi ahead of the South Asian Annual Disaster Management Exercise (SAADMEx-2015)

Sub-Regional Drug Focal Point Meeting in New Delhi
The Narcotics Control Bureau is organizing the Sub-Regional Drug Focal Point Meeting and Drug Demand Reduction (DDR) Expert Group Consultation, South Asia under the Colombo Plan Drug Advisory Programme (CPDAP) in Delhi from 9th to 11th September, 2015. About 40 delegates from various participating countries namely Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Iran, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka and observer countries namely USA and Myanmar are expected to participate in the meeting. The main objective of the meeting is to review the progress of the Drug Demand and Supply Reduction activities in the region.

PESB seeks applications for CMD, BCCL
The Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) has invited applications for the post of Chairman-cum-Managing Director; Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) that fell vacant on August 8, 2015. Those willing to apply can send their applications to the PESB before October 8, 2015.

Roshan Lal transferred to Chennai
Roshan Lal IDAS, 1996 batch and presently posted as Addl. CDA, JCDA, Chandigarh has been transferred to CDA, Chennai.

Ms Mina T La appointed Second Secretary, Brasilia
Indian Foreign Service officer, Ms Mina T La has been appointed Second Secretary, Brasilia.

Praveen Vashishta likely to join central deputation at IG level
Praveen Vashishta is expected to join central deputation at Inspector General (IG). He is a 1991 batch IPS officer of Bihar cadre.

Ms Pushpa Subrahmanyam elevated as Additional Secretary, Textiles
Ms Pushpa Subrahmanyam has been elevated as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Textiles. She is a 1985 batch IAS officer of Telangana cadre.

Alok Kumar is also Development Commissioner, Handicrafts
Alok Kumar, Development Commissioner, Handlooms, has been assigned an additional charge of Development Commissioner of Handicrafts.

Tenure of Mrs Supriya Jaiswal as CVO, MECON extended
The deputation tenure of Mrs Supriya Jaiswal as CVO in Metallurgical & Engineering Consultatns (India) Limited (MECON), Ranchi has been extended upto May 31, 2017. She is a 1997 batch ITS officer.

Tenure of Alok Sharma as CVO, BIS extended
The deputation tenure of Alok Sharma as CVO in Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Delhi, has been extended uptoJanuary 18, 2017. He is a 1986 batch IPoS officer.

4 IPS officers get JAG in AP
Four IPS officers of 2006 batch have been promoted to the Junior Administrative Grade (JAG) in Andhra Pradesh. The officers are: Dr Kolli Raghuram Reddy, Ake Ravi Krishna, Sarvashresth Tripathi and Mrs R Jayalakshmi.

7 IAS officers get JAG in AP
As many as seven IAS officers of 2006 batch have been promoted to the Junior Administrative Grade (JAG) in Andhra Pradesh. The officers are: Pravin Kumar, Mrs Sujata Sharma, M Hari Jawharlal, T Babu Rao Naiu, M Rama Rao, Mrs K Sarada Devi and K Dhananjay Reddy.

S K Mishra appointed as DG, Prisons in J&K
S K Mishra has been posted as Director General of Police, Prisons in Jammu and Kashmir. He is a 1985 batch IPS officer of J&K cadre.

Suspension of Amit Kumar revoked in Jharkhand
The suspension orders of Amit Kumar have been revoked in Jharkhand. He is a 2010 batch IAS officer of Jharkhand cadre

Mohan Rai posted as Deputy Commissioner, Tumakuru in Karnataka
K P Mohan Rai has been appointed as Deputy Commissioner, Tumakuru district in Karnataka. He is a 2007 batch IAS officer of Karnataka.

CORPORATE

INTERVIEW --- MMTC CMD Ved Prakash

MMTC Ltd., Metals and Minerals Trading Corporation of India, is one of the two highest earners of foreign exchange for India and India's largest public sector trading body. Not only handling the export of primary products such as coal, iron ore, and manufactured agro and industrial products, MMTC also imports important commodities such as ferrous and nonferrous metals for industry, and agricultural fertilizers

Our Corporate Editor Abul Hasan talked to its CMD Ved Prakash on various issues including its overall performance and his vision for the organization. Following are the excerpts -----


Q 1. MMTC was established in 1963. How do you see this long journey of about 50 years ?

During this period of over five decades the company has grown exponentially into a corporate giant, extending its areas of operation from the minerals and metals with which it was initially entrusted, to sectors including agro, power, fertilizers, coal and hydrocarbons, ferrous and non-ferrous metals and precious metals. MMTC has adapted to changing paradigms to fit into newer roles and is today one of India's premier corporate houses, engaged in diverse trading activities, and has invested in various projects as a policy for investment in trade- related infrastructure.

In 1993, MMTC became a public limited company, and the name of the company changed to MMTC Limited. It also expanded its global presence through foreign offices, diversified its operations, and set up joint ventures. MMTC forayed into retails sales of gold and studded jewellery and the Festival of Gold became the flagship annual event in MMTC's retail activities.

During its long journey, MMTC has acted as a bridge for the Nation i.e. sourcing what has been in short supply for India's industry while exporting its surplus to fulfill another country's growing needs. The company has significantly aided the growth of foreign trade in India, adding to the foreign currency reserves and widening the scope of employment.

Q 2. As MMTC is a name in itself, it needs no introduction. What is your dream about the organization and what efforts are being made to fulfill it ?

We are aiming to double MMTC's business turnover by 2020. Our aim is to achieve Navratna status in the next five years.

MMTC plans to consolidate its position as leader in the existing business lines by diversification in product range, diversification in markets, expanding its customer base by providing value-added services, including stock & sale services, making goods available at the customer's doorstep, etc. Also, in order to diversify the business of the company, two new trade divisions for export of Engineering goods and Drugs, Pharmaceuticals and Fine chemicals have been established. We are also placing renewed focus on MMTC's precious metals business and tapping into its brand value to expand retail operations for our Sanchi silverware brand and gold/silver medallions. At the same time, we will be promoting our various JVs, especially NINL, and our FTWZ at Kandla and Haldia.

Q 3. How do you rate the overall performance of MMTC, ever since you have assumed the office of its CMD ?

The financial results of MMTC for FY 2014-15 have recently been finalized, wherein the Company has achieved a Turnover of INR 18,237 crores and a Trading Profit of INR 207.92 crores. Our net profit has more than doubled vis-à-vis FY 2013-14 (unaudited).

Despite economic slowdown and general recession in Europe and other countries, MMTC's performance has been relatively better. During the current financial year, we have planned to grow further with major initiatives towards strategic diversification and consolidation of existing businesses.

Q 4. Would you like to elaborate about a few of your top priorities ?

Manpower is the most important source for any company, and my topmost priority is to provide them the best professional training and create conducive conditions for job satisfaction and improving motivation levels etc.

In addition, we would be exploring new opportunities and explore newer markets in South East Asia, SAARC countries and Africa through our wholly owned subsidiary in Singapore and the office in Johannesburg.

Q 5. Any pockets of stress? And if then, what mechanism do you have to curb it ?

Some of MMTC's current businesses have been affected by the economic slowdown and recession - like conditions. There has been a decline in iron ore export and precious metals retail business due to various regulations and challenging external environment. Business diversifications into new product lines and markets would help us overcome this.

Q 6. You seem quite aggressive in promoting the culture of customer's satisfaction for your retail business as your top priority, which is a quite competitive sector today. What is your vision ?

MMTC has established itself as a brand of Trust and Purity among customers. Today customers specifically ask for MMTC items when it comes to gold and silver items. In a market where the buyer is of foremost importance, special emphasis needs to be placed on customer satisfaction, repeated customer contact, upgradation of product, etc., especially in order to keep pace with emerging market trends. MMTC receives constant feedback from consumers on their requirements, and has continually strived to address their towards quality standards with its guarantee of hallmarking and assured purity of products.

Trivedi appointed Addl Director of Pressure Sensitive Systems India Ltd
Pressure Sensitive Systems India Ltd has appointed Vipul Shantilal Trivedi as Additional Director of the company

Dasari appointed SIAM President
Vinod Dasari has been appointed as President of Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM). He is the Managing Director of Ashok Leyland Ltd

Shah resigns as Director of SVC Resources Ltd
Zalak Shah has resigned as Director of SVC Resources Ltd

Sorathiya appointed Addl. Director of Amraworld Agrico Ltd?
Amraworld Agrico Ltd has appointed Ketanbhai Dineshchandra Sorathiya as an Additional Director of the company.

Ladda appointed CS of Sinnar Bidi Udyog Ltd
Sinnar Bidi Udyog Ltd has appointed Sushil Ladda as Company Secretary of the company.

(The views expressed in this column are of the contributors. We do not owe any responsibility, whatsoever, of the views of our surfers as they are their personal opinion. However, we would also request our contributors not to be personal, directly or indirectly, in presenting their views. Instead of countering the views which ‘X’ has already expressed, our contributors are advised to present their own views. Also be brief, say about 200 words at the most since any views longer than that if eliminated at our end would carry the risk of the contrbutor’s item losing its original essence)

Post retirement syndrome
This is with reference to the series of letters about post retirement syndrome by certain readers. Mostly, Central government servants do not have any passion to pursue extra-curricular activities except to bury in files and discuss and deliberate threadbare poll prospects or impending DA arrears. I have seen many IAS Officers, CSS Officers go and play Golf or Tennis after retirement and enjoy life. The ICS officers have written thought provoking biography and have come across many started practicing half marathon, learn Karnatic/Hindustani Music and learn swimming and enjoy a peaceful and happy life. To say that 60 years is not enough for superannuation sounds bereft of any logic. George Bush, aged 72 used to celebrate his birthday bungee jumping. One should develop passion for Music/Theatre/writing or games to keep mentally sharp and physically fit.
Radhikai

Link missing
No link available on website www.mylpg.com for new connection
Satish Kumar

Free India
Can anyone tell how to free India from reservations and subsidies? A society equal to all in every respect whether it is education, job, distribution, medical help, social security etc. Let us have a free India.
N Prakash

Anonymous complaints
The views of S Gopal and others are very relevant. It is time the PM and CVC implements the anonymous complaint system. A database will be created and it will be easy to identify corruption and fraud in government and PSU's. An honest, sincere and dedicated person will not be bothered or worried. Only the corrupt, frauds will be worried and they are against anonymous complaints with all sorts of arguments. Everybody should welcome anonymous complaint system to eradicate corruption and it is vital for country development. It is a request to PM and CVC for speedy implementation, so that honest, sincere, qualified and dedicated persons will reach top positions.
Prasa

Specialist doctors
There are comments in this column questioning the competence of government specialist doctors over doctors in the private sector. Let me quote the instance of my daughter, who is employed in the private sector. She went to ENT specialist in a well known private sector hospital for some ENT problem. After examining her, the specialist asked her to get admitted immediately for operation in the nose and prescribed a list of 5 costly medicines. Since she was afraid of operation, she decided to have second opinion from a specialist in RML Hospital. After examining her thoroughly for about 30 minutes, he said that the problem was not serious and that operation was not necessary. He prescribed only two medicines and said that she should be alright in about a week's time. Believe me, after taking medicines for three days, she was rid of her problem, for which private sector specialist prescribed 5 costly medicines (branded medicines) and advised her for immediate operation. So much for the integrity of private sector specialists.
S Ravi

Check medical services
Emergency Services in Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital are bad. Doctors speak rudely and never check the patients seriously. Very sick patients are left on their luck - Bachenge ya Marenge. Medical Superintendent should notice the services of hospital.
Anurag

DATE WITH RTI

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