Volume No 17 Issue No 5 February 27, 2017 LAB JOURNAL OF THE ASIAN COLLEGE OF JOURNALISM Amma’s birth Are the freebies ‘Republic’ TV anniversary leading to debts? launching soon Page 2 Page 3 Page 4

RFEVATIi KRgISHNA ht over Amma’s legPandiaarajan qcuestionyed the continues SHREYAS UBGADE constitutional validity of Sasikala’s nomination as the general secretary Amid the tussle over the control of and said the ECI had also termed it All India Anna Dravida Munnetra as “temporary”. Will contest from Kazhagam (AIADMK), rebel T T V Dinakaran, Sasikala’s leader and former Chief Minister O nephew, took over as the Deputy Panneerselvam said his faction was General Secretary of AIADMK on R K Nagar: Deepa the “real AIADMK”. February 13. “There is nothing RUPALI PANGTEY Addressing a press conference at official about her faction. The party Selva Vaani Mahal in R K Nagar on headquarters should naturally come On Jayalalitha’s 69th birthday, the occasion of birth anniversary of to us,” said Pandiarajan. her niece Deepa Jayakumar an - the late Jayalalithaa, Panneerselvam said the nounced her entry into Dravidian Panneerselvam said he may have invitation extended by Dinakaran politics by launching the MGR been forced to resign because he to the rebels to join the AIADMK Anna Deepa Peravai. initiated a probe into the death of was “laughable”. Dinakaran had no Addressing a press conference at Jayalalithaa during his brief tenure. ‘locus standi,’ he added. her T. Nagar residence she said He demanded a judicial inquiry “The public will teach them a she would contest from R K by a committee monitored by the lesson. The party and the cadre will Nagar constituency from where Centre to pursue the probe further. decide who will lead,” he added. Jayalalithaa had been elected. “People want to know the truth,” he Pandiarajan said Dinakaran was “Under the blessings of Purat- said. kept away from the party since chi Thalaivi, my political journey R K Nagar was Jayalalithaa’s 2007 and was not even allowed to is beginning today and I hope to constituency. It remains enter the Rajya Sabha to discharge secure the people of Tamil Nadu,” unrepresented in the Assembly his duties. she said. She said the Peravai was after her death. On Jayalalithaa’s nephew a federation and she expected to Panneerselvam claimed Deepak Jayakumar’s remarks not unite supporters of Amma. Deepa addressing a press AIADMK MLAs were not being converting Poes Garden into a Terming the present political conference| RUPALI PANGTEY allowed to meet people in their O Panneerselvam addressing a press conference at R K Nagar| SHREYAS U memorial for Jayalalithaa, current as unstable, she said “I constituencies. Pandiarajan said that Deepak was see OPS (O Pannerselvam) as a work together with the OPS fac- “The Governor had given a 15- Panneerselvam. vote in the State Assembly. There AIADMK rank and file was with entitled to his opinion. family member and have no per- tion. However, she also said, day period. The MLAs [supporting Edapppadi Palaniswamy, who were allegations that the Sasikala them. The OPS faction has “But, from the party’s point of sonal grudges against him and I “There is no reason for me to the E Palanisamy Government] belongs to the faction led by the faction had coerced the MLAs into complained to the Election view, it should be converted into a believe he will not make any de- back off even if OPS sends an should have gone to their now jailed party General Secretary voting for Palaniswami. Commission of India against what memorial,” he added. cision against her (Amma’s wis - MLA from his camp to stand for constituencies and listened to what V K Sasikala, was nominated as K Pandiarajan, minister in the it called the illegal election of hes).” RK Nagar constituency; my poli- the people had to say,” said Chief Minister and he won the trust erstwhile cabinet, asserted that Sasikala as General Secretary. MORE REPORTS ON PAGE 2 She also hinted that she may tical career has just taken off.” Industrial waste pollutes canal Swine Flu on the rise SHILAJIT MITRA Industrial effluents released into the Govt hospitals offer free vaccines, medicine Buckingham Canal from the Perungudi industrial estate are SAURYA SENGUPTA with the current number, and were prevent potential outbreaks in a creating massive layers of foam on well-stocked to deal with any specific zone. All hospitals are the surface, affecting the The dengue and swine flu potential rise in future. also required to send their reports environment and health of incidence shows no signs of Those diagnosed with the swine on existing cases to us each day,” settlements along the canal bank. abating, with more number of flu causing H1N1 strain were he said. Sewage outlets carrying cases registered in just the first 20 prescribed the Tamiflu The Public Health Department untreated black-water and days of February, compared to the immediately. said they had briefed private industrial waste are released whole of the previous month. Vaccines and medication are hospitals, and asked them to regularly into the canal between Whereas January saw 115 test available for free at government maintain necessary protocol and Palavakkam and Perungudi. positive with the virus, that hospitals, and are distributed at the not deny, or overcharge patients. The canal is thick with massive number shot up to 238, as of discretion of the medical officers. Senthil Nathan also claimed deposits of pungent-smelling foam February 20, despite the Greater All hospitals, private and that the H1N1 strain was that is floating on the water surface. Chennai Corporation laying out a government, have also been asked weakening, and would, in all Bubbles of foam are found rising slew of measures to abate the to conduct swine flu tests at no probability, die out soon. up in the air. outbreak. charge. He said the increase in the Municipal waste from South However, the virus has not Dr. N.A. Senthil Nathan, the number of cases being reported Chennai is dumped on both banks claimed any lives till now in City Health Officer of the Greater was because of people coming of the canal, which then mixes with Effluents being let into the Buckingham Canal at Neelankarai | SHILAJIT M Greater Chennai. Chennai Corporation claimed the forward for treatment encouraged the foam and creates a frothy Most cases were registered at lack of casualties was a sign that by better diagnosis, and the sludge. 90s solely for electronic and Renault, Ford, Maruti Suzuki and suspected to be draining their the King Institute of Preventive preventive measures were availability of free tests. P. Shankar, manager of MTAB mechanical industries. We have a numerous motorcycle companies waste directly into the common Medicine and Research (89), working well. “Previously, the dengue and Engineerings PVT. LTD., one of common underground sewage have opened service centers in the sewage system. while the Government General “Zonal Medical Officers on the swine flu season was from March- the many mechanical factories in system that leads into the canal.” estate. The foam is likely to be Perungudi is one of the major Hospital saw 27 positive cases. ground are spread out across April, so we only recorded data the Perungudi estate said, “This Shankar suspects that the newly- sourced from detergents, coolants landfills in Chennai. The dump Both these hospitals claimed eleven zones, which Chennai has then. Now, with the spurt in cases area has around 200-250 industrial opened automobile service centers and chemicals used by them.” yard is a source of pollution with that they had sufficient supplies of been divided into. Each officer since December, we have begun establishments. There is not a are the source of the Although the factories in the area garbage being burnt there despite vaccines and medicines to deal records data, and maps trends to maintaining data from January.” single chemical factory here. The foam-spawning effluents. “In the are required to set up waste the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control estate was established in the late last five years, Mercedes-Benz, treatment plants, many are Board banning it. Oil spill may affect food chain SIDDHESH RAUT of drinking water for the city. However Reverse Osmosis (RO) Twenty days after the oil spill membranes can be used to filter out caused by the collison of two ships the hydrocarbons from the water. Creek clean-up stalled near Kamaraj Port in north After the oil-spill, the fishermen Chennai, most of the sludge along were forced to sell their product at SIDDHESH RAUT preparation for the monsoon rains “There have been no concrete the Ennore coast has been cleared. less than fifty percent of the from the October to December . steps since October. The Port The tar had been pumped out by price.People were reluctant to buy The dredging of the Buckingham However, the fishermen, major Trust promised that the dredging the orange-vested workers since fearing that the fish were canal and the removal of a road stake-holders of the creek, have a work would begin shortly. The January 28. But some of it has dried contaminated. which runs across the Ennore different story to tell. Corporation people said that they up on the rocks of the shore and Sharan G, a fisherman from the Thermal Power Station “They, (the Power Plant were busy clearing up the films of oil still floats on the Kattukupam village, says, “I have (ETPS),both scheduled for October people) have only cleaned the oil-spill,” said Shrinivasan. surface of the water off the beach. been helping with the clean-up. At 12 last year, have lost steam. debris at surface level. Unless it is “ No matter what is done, the At the time of reporting, the least I am getting paid Rs 500 After months of campaigning fully cleaned the river will not creek keeps getting polluted. clean-up efforts were on at two per day.” by activists, such as Magsaysay flow properly.” said R.L. Worse, the oil spill and the spots along the Ennore High Road. Dr.Ismail also mentions how the awardees T.M. Krishna, former Srinivasan, president of the drought have got people into a bad “The oil will keep floating oil might enter the food chain. “The State Women’s Commission chair Kaattukuppam Fishermen’s situation. Everyone here is around. Unless a certain bacteria hydrocarbons of the oil might be V. Vasanthi Devi and retired High Cooperative Society. apprehensive about the situation,” called the pseudomonas bacteria , absorbed by the phytoplankton, Court judge Hariparanthaman and The failure of the monsoons he added, stating the precarious is released to convert the oil into which in turn would be eaten by transgender rights activist Sankari which led the Centre to declare situation of the fisher-folk in the water and carbon dioxide, it will fish and in turn, consumed by in 2016, work had reportedly Tamil Nadu as a drought-hit state area, as the price of the take a long time for the dilution to humans.” begun at the Ennore creek as per on January 10, as well as the drought-depleted catch has fallen take place,” says Dr. Sultan.Ismail , He warns that the coastal regions the directives of the State Disaster recent oil-spill has shifted sharply, upto more than fifty Ecologist and director of Eco may have higher concentrations of Relief Commissioner in priorities for the authorities. percent since. Science Research foundation in oil for greater periods of time, Chennai. despite no visibility of black colour Dr.Ismail says that the oil can in the water to indicate otherwise. with the sand and the water.” some analysis of the products (such spotted at the coastal town of reach the de-salination plants , “Families must be careful at the “It was the duty of the as seafood items) to verify the Mamallapuram, approximately 85 located on the north and south of beach shore, especially since Environment Department and the claims about the safety.” km from the Ennore deposits Dried up tar along Ennore High Road | SHOMIK B Chennai, which are the main source children have a tendency to play fisheries department to have done Meanwhile , the oil deposits were last week. THE WORD 2 CITYSCAPE CHENNAI, FEBRUARY 27, 2017 C-Sections CPRIYANaKA P n yodon’t knuow wh o tI carn truust st neighArasib suggoests Purotectionr of Chsildren f?rom Sexual anymore.” that parents need Offences Act 2012, a sexual assault Parents will now not only have to Dr Anbudhurai says such crimes to instil offender should be punished with keep an eye on their children, but have always been happening. confidence in a imprisonment for not less than on the rise also on their neighbours, says “These cases rarely get reported, so child that three years which may extend up to Chennai-based psychiatrist Dr. we trust them.” whatever happens, five years, and a fine. PRIYANKA P the women living in such places Anbudhurai. He says parents can’t stop their the child can Schools should also play a want a normal delivery, it might be Just days ago, a seven-year-old children from socialising so they always come and primary part in counselling Tamil Nadu recorded a 14 per cent too late by the time they reach a girl from Mugalivakkam was will have to ensure their kids are talk to them.” students about such issues, says increase in the number of caesarean hospital. So they suggest a sexually assaulted and murdered by always in groups and keep Sulekha’s Arasi sections between 2005-06 and caesarean.” She disagrees that it her 22-year-old neighbour. checking up on them. “Safety is in husband, Baiju P “Few schools have counsellors 2015-16. According to the recent has anything to do with the According to the National numbers.” Shankar however and even if they do, they only teach National Family Health Survey, the commercialisation of Caesarean Crime Record Bureau records for But at the same time, he advises blames weak laws soft skills,” she says. combined C-section rates of both sections. 2015, in 35.8 per cent of the total to be on the lookout for people who for the increase in She feels that the counsellor private and public hospitals in Dr. S Baby Vasumathi, Director number of registered cases of rape have a suspicious background. crimes. . “First, should help the kids understand the Tamil Nadu are as high as 34.1 per of the Institute of Obstetrics and on children, a neighbour is the “In the case of the seven-year- the existing laws difference between a good touch, cent. Gynaecology doesn’t think these perpetrator. old, the neighbour was said to have Parents need to protect their children should be made bad touch and about their private The data also reveals that C- rates are very high. “We are Sulekha Baiju, mother of a nine already been facing theft charges,” stricter. Imagine parts in the easiest way possible. section rate in private hospitals is allowed to go up to 70 per cent if and 13-year-old keeps constant he adds. cases or at least bring it to light. from a parent’s perspective. These “Every time we conduct such 51.3 per cent as compared to 26.3 there are risks involved in the vigil on her girls. According to Ezhil Arasi, a “We can’t just restrict our child’s culprits come out after 5-10 years sessions, the kids seem so per cent in the public hospitals. surgery. I don’t know anything “I keep looking out of the school counsellor, talking to your freedom. That will affect their and roam free. But will the parents confused, they have so many According to a 2015 World Health about the WHO norms. We only window when they go out to play. I children might help prevent such relationships in the future.” Instead, get back their child?” Under the questions to ask,” she adds. Organisation statement on perform C-section if there is any Caesarean section rates, the ideal risk involved.” Dr Vasumathi rate for a country would be 10-15 refused to comment on reasons for per cent. these rates. But, she said that the A petition that was started by government hospitals will never be 60 % Chennai eateries don’t have licence Mumbai-based Subarna Ghosh has ready to reveal their data. SANJANA GANESH register with the state food safety additional money and register follow-up with respect to by the Food Safety and Drug garnered over 1.3 lakh signatures. Sowmya Vijay, a mother of twin department. myself?” he asked. procurement of licence and follow Administration Department despite It highlights the commercialisation boys who had to undergo a About sixty per cent of the eateries The deadline for licence He also complains that the health up in India is the problem. there being a provision in the law of C-sections in India and asks for Caesarean section because of the in Chennai lack a valid food safety application was Aug 4, 2016. inspectors come once a year to However, some others believe to shut the defaulting hospitals to reveal their C-section risks involved in her case had to licence according to data released According to Dr. R Kathiravan, collect the mandated fee and rarely that the process of online and postal establishment, impose a fine and normal delivery data per pay a bill of Rs 1.5 lakh. “This was by the Tamil Nadu Food Safety and Designated Officer, Chennai, most check the products in the store. registration has eased the ranging from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 1 month. 5 years back and I had no choice. Drug Administration department. hotels, restaurants and distributors The department also faces bureaucratic burden that was lakh or sentence the owner to a 6- Chennai-based gynaecologist But many of my friends are now These include restaurants, street- have acquired and renewed their criticism from other groups. prevalent before last year. month jail term. and director of Seethapathy opting for Caesarean sections food stalls, vendors, temples, licences. R Srinivasan, Secretary of Tamil Ganesh, the owner of Hotel Ramraj S, a Food Safety Officer Nursing Home and Clinic, Dr. Uma because they do not want to go government-owned ration shops, The problem lies in the retail Nadu Hotel Association says the Thejo, a 10-year-old restaurant in from Vadapalani says that since the Ram says there are two main through the pain.” Anganwadis, TASMAC shops, and shops, malligai kadai department is delaying the issue of RA Puram says that the online Act is fairly new, the aim of the reasons for this increase. Firstly, Speaking on the issue, Union all other establishments which sell (departmental stores) and vendors licence. application is fairly simple and department is not to harass but to women themselves prefer and Child Development Minister edible items. who sell food on push carts. “Higher officers should call for transparent. motivate the shop keepers. Caesareans these days. “They do Maneka Gandhi said that the The Food Safety and Standards Narasimhan, the owner of the statistics from lower authorities Gansesh pays Rs. 4,000 per Dr. Kathiravan states that not want to undergo so much pain doctors who carry out Caesareans (Licensing and Regulations of food Mandavellipakkam Women’s about the number of applicants. annum and chides the Public Chennai’s 40 per cent registrations and want to be able to decide the without a valid medical reason business) Regulations introduced in Cooperative says that his licence Only then can they come to a Distribution System (PDS) and is well above the state average. day and time of the surgery,” she should be named and shamed. 2011 calls for any food business has not been renewed since 2008. conclusive number,” he says. TASMAC shops which have not He said that Tamil Nadu is 3rd said. However, Dr Ram says that with a turnover of more than Rs. 2 “There is no point because the Kritish Vummudi whose family yet registered as he believes that or 4th in India in the number of The second reason could be the ministers can raise the concerns lakh per year to comply with the goods at our ration shop are owns the foreign undertakings of government owned institutions registered establishments . unavailability of proper hospitals about the rates but they cannot say Act. checked by the Civil Supplies restaurants such as Saravana should not flout the law. “Eateries without licence are and clinics in smaller districts, says it is unacceptable. “That is the job Those with lower turnover must Department. Why should I pay Bhavan, believes that the lack of No penal action has been taken common everywhere,” he said. Dr Ram. “The doctors fear that if of a certified medical body.”

DMK goes on a AMMA’S BIRTHDAY hunger strike RUPALI PANGTEY

Members of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) observed a Crowds throng statewide hunger strike as a protest against the trust vote on February 18, at the Vallavur Kottam on Marina Beach February 22. The hunger strike began at nine in the morning across all the districts in the state. It was a protest to pay respects against the Speaker’s decision to SOHINI GHOSH India Anna Dravida Munnetra conduct an open ballot for the trust Kazhagam (AIADMK) vote. Marking the 69th birth supporters arrived with the When the Speaker refused to anniversary of late Chief party flags. Many were seen heed the DMK’s demand for a Minister J Jayalalithaa, people with tears rolling down their secret ballot, chairs were thrown thronged the Amma Memorial cheeks and beating their chests around and microphones were on Marina Beach on February in grief as they mourned their ripped out. All the DMK MLAs 24 to pay their respects. leader’s death. including the party’s working The Amma Memorial was The memorial which is president M K Stalin were forcibly visited by the late Chief adjacent to the memorials of evicted from the House. Minister’s niece Deepa the late chief ministers C N Chief Minister Edappadi Jayakumar at 8:30 a.m. Annadurai and M G Palaniswami, won the trust vote by According to the witnesses Ramachandran was being kept a show of hands. He is seen as a present, she laid some flowers clean by the Greater Chennai Late Chief Minister Jayalalithaa’s tomb on the Marina Beach decked with flowers on her birth anniversary| SOHINI GHOSH puppet of AIADMK General on her tomb and left soon after. Corporation workers. Secretary V K Sasikala now in jail The memorial was decorated Sivagami, a worker said, on corruption charges. with flowers and garlands and “We are working double shifts J. Anbalagan, MLA from party flags were hoisted on today – from 6:30 a.m. to 8 Chepauk constituency, at the either side of the tomb. p.m. without any extra wage.” hunger strike, said, “What A nearly 10-feet tall portrait Free food such as sambhar Free medical camp at party hqrs happened on Saturday is a threat to of Amma was installed. rice, tea and coffee was being RUPALI PANGTEY blocked and traffic was diverted; sent to diagnose the public. said that while he had joined the our democracy. The hunger strike is Apart from politicial leaders, distributed along with while from the Cathedral road Facilities provided during the camp, party out of sheer fandom for MGR, a protest against this government film producers and film packaged drinking water. The 69th birth anniversary of the flyover flags were fluttering to mark were from simple ECG and blood he had also observed Jayalalitha. which is corrupt and has put law directors visited the memorial Security was adequately late Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu the celebration. pressure measurement to “She was a bold lady who had her and order at stake.” at around 11 a.m. They brought deployed with police posts Jayalalitha Jayaram took place at Amidst heavy police security the multispecialty consultation. Within own charm. The poor and those Peter Alphonse, senior flowers and bowed down inside the memorial and the All India Anna Dravida people were chanting Amma and an hour 45 people had registered.. from the fisherman community Congressman, who was presnet at touching their forehead on the barricades to control the crowd. Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) Chinamma’s name. Apart from the These included the general public always supported her. She was very the protest venuse, said, “We have floor before they went around The memorial has been headquarters here on Friday. MLAs, Apsara Reddy, transgender and party workers. talented, she knew seven to eight planned two things, first form a the tomb twice. attracting cowds every day The celebrations began at ten in journalist who joined AIADMK in 1000 lunchboxes containing languages.” coalition with DMK and secondly, They were soon followed by since Jayalalithaa was laid to the morning where Chief Minister 2016 was also present to give her lemon rice were distributed for free When asked about the present discuss all the decisions with the the Minister of Higher rest on December 6. E Palanisamy and AIADMK due respect. to the public. situation, he said, “Stalin wants to oppositions.” Education, K. P. Anbalagan and Jayalalithaa who was General Secretary TTV Dinakaran A free medical camp, for a day, Usha Rani, one of the divide the party but with Amma’s ‘Traffic’ Ramasamy, a social Minister of Tourism, admitted to the Apollo Hospital paid floral tributes to the late CM’s was set up from ten in the morning distributors of the lunchboxes said, blessings and Chinamma’s activist, urged the government to Vellamandi N. Natarajan. on September 22 died on photograph. Access to give floral to four in the evening. “Jayalalitha madam was kind and protection nothing will happen to protect people. A continuous stream of December 5. Within a month, tributes was soon made open to all. An assistant professor, three took care of the poor.” the party.” “Edappadi Palaniswami is just a visitors filed past the tomb. The rival claims for the leadership The road leading towards residents and interns from Sri Chandrashekhar, who joined the Few kiosks selling Amma dummy ruler, who does not know queue moved slowly. Many All led to a split in the party. AIADMK headquarters was Ramchandra Medical College were AIADMK as a party worker in 1973 customized souvenirs were setup. the pulse of its citizens,” he said. Mixed feelings over closure of 500 TASMAC shops SHREYA RAMAN alcoholism in the state. illegal alcohol shops and such measure, they said, would lead to shops. But the government should Sunil, a High Court lawyer said, shops will sell bad quality liquor.” the unemployment of more than find a solution for all these people The State government has closed “It is a good decision. With the He added, “Closing these shops 2000 employees. who will lose their jobs.” down 500 Tamil Nadu State shops closed, drunkards will have partly is not a solution. It does Durai Murugan, an Elite- Venkatesh Athreya, an Marketing Corporation to go far and they might go for a nothing. It looks like they are TASMAC shop employee, said, economist said, “The closing of (TASMAC) on the birth day or two, but not every day. So, improving the situation but it stays “The Supreme Court ordered a ban TASMAC stores is a complex anniversary of the late former Chief they will get less addicted.” the same. Also, each of these shops on all alcohol shops on highways issue. Yes, it will affect the revenue Minister, J Jayalalithaa.The closure However Vasu, a TASMAC have 4-5 workers. What will and now Edappadi Palaniswami of the state, but then it was an was a part of Jayalalithaa’s poll manager, said, “They should close happen to them when the shops get wants to close more shops. Many election promise. Would you rather promise when she was elected back all shops. If 50% shops get closed, closed?” people will get unemployed. The they not fulfil election promises?” to power in 2016. the other 50% will see increased In response to the last time 500 shops were closed, Vasu added, “It is a good With this step, the number of sales. People who want alcohol will announcement, more than 500 more than 2000 workers lost their measure if they close it completely. closed TASMAC shops has go find the next shop.” TASMAC employees affiliated to jobs. Many of them are graduates But they won’t.Many politicians increased to 1000. Jayalalithaa shut “As long as they get alcohol, TASMAC Employees’ Association too. They can be absorbed in other own companies that supply liquor 500 shops in May 2016. they will travel as far as it takes. It staged a demonstration in front of departments.” to the shops. Now, they are doing The measure is seen as an is very addictive. In fact, the the Government Guest House in “We don’t have any problem this because they want to build up Customers buying liquor at a TASMAC shop attempt to deal with the problem of closure will lead to opening up of Chepauk on Wednesday. The with the closure of TASMAC their image.” THE WORD CHENNAI, FEBRUARY 27, 2017 METRO 3

Panel to revise pay for govt staff Residents seek SHOMIK SEN TN freebies meant BHATTACHARJEE debt waiver Chief Minister Edappadi K. MURALI KRISHNA Development Information and Palaniswami announced the Action Center (CODIAC). Towards formation of a five member Residents of Ritchie street Home the project's completion, CODIAC committee to look into the SHRtEYAo RAM AN ‘blmuanifeston. He is inttrodu cinog such pThey tapke up omoney asnd otheir tsuch ia noegative cnonnotati’ on. We for Homeless Cooperative Housing had run out of funds due to a recommendations of the Seventh schemes to blunt the opposition.” resources.” shouldn’t call welfare schemes for Society filed a signature petition on miscalculation in the project Pay Commission, and pension for Edappadi K Palaniswami, the “Politically, it is a sharp move “ So, whoever decides such new the poor as freebies.” Tuesday, pleading Tamil Nadu estimate and had to act as an state government employees. newly appointed Chief Minister, but whether it will resonate with schemes should not just introduce “Take for example the mid-day Chief Minister to waive off their intermediary between HUDCO and The committee which has been signed five orders on Monday. The the ordinary people is not sure. them to serve their political meal scheme. It essentially debts of over 70 lakhs to Housing the tenants to avail loans for asked to submit its report by June orders include four welfare Because ordinary people are sharp. ambitions. Proper, exhaustive provides free food for the children. and Urban development construction. 30, comprises secretaries of schemes and the announcement of They may not take this at its face research should be conducted on Can you consider that as a Corporation (HUDCO) HUDCO gave Rs. 24 lakhs as finance, education, home and the closure of 500 TASMAC shops. value.” the viability of each of these freebie?” "The Debt Recovery Tribunal loans, against which CODIAC labour as well a member secretary. The four schemes provide On February 14, the Supreme schemes.” “As far as the objects that are has already passed the verdict that collected and kept the tenement “This committee will suggest maternity assistance of Rs 18,000 Court convicted Sasikala in the According to the Revised given are considered, in some of we must pay the gross amount to documents as security. measures to implement the Seventh to 6 lakh women, 50 per cent Disproportionate Assets case. Budget 2016-17 of the state, the the villages I went to, people said HUDCO or else face eviction" said "Most us of were illiterate then Pay Commission recommendations subsidy to one lakh women to buy Amidst the discussions of the fiscal deficit of the state this fiscal because of the TV provided in one Arul Raj, who leads the campaign. and we hadn't known the gravity of The committee will have to tweak two-wheeler vehicles, a fund of Rs political timing for the introduction year is Rs 40534 crores, a 2.96 per similar scheme, they saw the news This appeal to CM is their one last the situation. They just got out FILE PHOTO-ECONOMIC TIMES the recommendations to adapt them 85 crore to build houses for of these schemes, their financial cent of the Gross Domestic Product for the first time.” hope before they are to be thrown thumbprints on paper" said Arul to the local requirements,” said the fishermen and the releasing of the viability for the state was also (GDP). “In an illiterate society, the back to the streets, said Arul. . What happened later was the newly appointed Chief Minister. drought relief fund for farmers. questioned. As the debt mounts up, many presence of a visual medium is very Out of the 96 families settled downfall of CODIAC. The The panel, headed by additional Palaniswami, while talking to Tamil Nadu State Marketing increasingly start blaming the important. Other things such as here, many are unable to pay, said organization was unable to finance secretary K. Shanmugam, media on Monday said, “When Corporation (TASMAC) is a state- ‘populist’ schemes in Tamil Nadu. scooters, mopeds and mixers Selvam, a resident who works at a perform according to what was includes Principal Home Secretary Amma (Jayalalithaa) was Chief owned company that controls the “In the process of rolling out empower women. Welfare schemes construction site. decided in the loan agreement and Apurva Verma, who is looking at Minister, she introduced a lot of sale of the ‘Indian Made Foreign freebies, she (Jayalalithaa) also are important.” "I can only fend food and some had gone bankrupt. The tenants revising pay scales for state public-welfare schemes. I am Liquors’ (IMFL) in Tamil Nadu. In built a debt bomb for the state. At “They help the poorest sections basic necessities from the wages were also kept in the dark about the employees. following Amma’s policy and will 2016, the excise duty on alcohol this point, Tamil Nadu’s debt is of the societies. The government that I earn" he said when asked repayment of loans. While the teachers’ associations work in order to fulfill all her alone was Rs. 6636 crores in a year. over Rs 2 lakh crore. But, should instead reduce the tax cuts about how he was going to clear the Now, HUDCO is adamant about and employee unions have dreams.” L Venkatachalam, economics according to an India Spend and incentives the rich companies debt. getting back the whole amount in a welcomed the move, the A.S.Panneerselvan, Readers’ professor at Madras Institute of analysis, Tamil Nadu’s debt has and industries get to pull out of the In 2001, a four storied housing single transaction. "HUDCO won't implementation of the Seventh Pay Editor at The Hindu said,”He Development Sciences said, “The witnessed a 92 percent increase debt situation. apartment was built for those who release your documents unless each Commission will exert pressure on announced these schemes so that revenue from the TASMACs is a over five years ending 2015,” said I think they should increase lived in the slum near Ritchie and everyone pays" said Arul. state finances, claims an expert DMK (Dravida Munnetra sizeable portion. So, closing down a Firstpost report. corporate taxes to compensate for street. The project, majority funded This year they had hired a from the state’s Finance Kazhagam) cannot attack him on these shops will affect the health of Venkatesh Athreya, an the loss of revenue from the closing by EZE (Rs.63 lakhs), a German lawyer, chipping in whatever they Department. these issues. These schemes are the state economy. Furthermore, economist said, “The word freebie, of the shops and to facilitate such missionary foundation, was had, to get a stay for the eviction “We have a number of persistent essentially a part of the DMK welfare schemes are not cheap. so popularly used by the media, has important schemes.” undertaken by Community which was dismissed. demands from the committee which include an interim relief of 20 per cent of basic pay as daily allowance to employees,” said K.M Thiagarajar, former Vice President and active member of the Tamil Nadu Government Employees MRTS station roofs in shambles Association (TNGEA). “Our neighboring states like SHOMIK SEN BHATTACHARJEE Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala have already started the More than two months after cyclone Vardah uprooted implementation process, so Tamil trees and destroyed infrastructure in the city, over six Nadu is behind in progress of the 17 Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) comparatively, but we certainly stations have several portions of the roof missing. welcome the move.” While Chepauk, Light House, Mundakanniamman The abolition of the new pension Koil and Tiruvalikeni stations had several portions plan has also been the TNGEA’s of the polycarbonate roof missing, several windows major claim for retired state were without panes at Kasturba Nagar and employees. The Chennai airpot Metro Station| REVATI K Thiruvanmiyur stations. The cyclone which hit the Muralidhar Rao, a former city on December 12, shattered the window panes Income Tax officer said, “The and tore of portions of the roof in the MRTS stations. government increased the basic pay “The assessment of the repair has been submitted for Central government employees to the headquarters in a survey report, seeking the by 14.27 per cent and more for Platinum rating necessary sanction,” said a senior official at the certain higher posts, but cut down Southern Railway Divisional Manager’s Office in Broken roofs of Chepauk and Kasturibai stations | SHOMIK B on as many as 51 allowances out of Egmore. the existing 196.” The official was unable to provide a tentative date “It is not that different for State RfEoVATrI K RMISHNeA tro csomptletaely otn inaoturaln resosurce s. for the completion of repair though he added the government employees. It is They do not use air conditioners damaged glass panels at several stations including expected that the changes to the The Indian Green Building Council and use electricity only at night, Kasturba Nagar and Kotturpuram had been repaired. recommendations will be minor,” had recently accredited Chennai thus highlighting the energy K.S. Ravishankar, Station Manager at Chennai he added. Metro Rail Limited with Platinum efficiency parameter. Beach, the point of origin for trains plying on the 19 “Pay commissions are generally rating of 72 points. Also, solar panels have been kilometer stretch to Velachery, said “Work on the set up to offset the Thirteen elevated stations of the installed at the Koyambedu Metro MRTS has been slower; we dealt with damages at Consumer Price Index and that is first phase of Chennai Metro have Station on a trial basis and the Chennai Central and Egmore stations first, as they what will be followed by the State received this certification. panels will be installed in other are more crowded.” government.” Water efficiency and indoor- stations soon. Pointing out that the work would take longer than TNGEA members staged a fast environment temperature To encourage local employment, expected he said, “The allocation of funds will be a across various districts of regulation have been the best contractors within a radius of 400 problem for the coming month after the new budget Tirunelveli, Nagercoil and features of the metro stations. miles were employed for the announcement, but the repairs should be completed Madurai, to revert to the older Of the 13 stations, five stations construction of the metro stations. by end April.” employee-friendly scheme from the are in Corridor 1: Guindy, Water efficiency has been taken A passenger at Light House station said that while new contributory pension scheme. Meenambakkam, Nanganallur, care of in the stations. the damage did not affect the train service directly, The implementation of the Little Mount, and Airport. The authorities have installed the time taken to repair the damage wasvery seventh pay commission which will The remaining eight stations are rain water harvesting systems in all shocking, Sampath, a regular traveller to increase the state’s financial outgo in Corridor 2: CMBT, Koyambedu, stations. Thus there is no scope for Kotturpuram using the MRTS said, ”It’s not just an by Rs 20,000 crores, will see a Vadapalani, Arumbakkam, wastage of water. eyesore, but also leaves us exposed to pigeon revision in pay for pension holders Ekkattuthangal, Ashok Nagar, St The Operation Control Centre droppings and the rain, despite the fact that it hasn’t and retirement benefits to the state Thomas Mount, and Alandur . (OCC) takes care of the end to end rained much this winter.“ government pensioners. The metro stations rely surveillance of the stations. Central gets foldable wheelchairs Working women to get for the differently abled citizens two-wheeler subsidies MURALI KRISHNA wheelchairs available at the station. Ironically for normal wheelchairs, MOVE WILL BOOST TWO-WHEELER SALES Central railway station officials passengers have to porters a fixed responded to a differently-abled, rate of Rs. 65. “Around 15 SAURYA SENGUPTA There is general confusion in terms Chennai. The MRTS has limited disability rights activist’s petition differently-abled make use of the of the implementation of the move. reach, as does the metro, and auto- earlier this month by issuing new old wheelchairs” said M Raj, a Tamil Nadu Chief Minister E.K. It still remains unsure how the drivers are waiting to fleece you. foldable wheelchairs at the station. porter. “If one is totally incapable Palaniswamy today announced a subsidies will be doled out in the Giving cheaper scooters to women Viral Modi, in the past, was of moving out of the compartment, slew of measures and freebies, first place. not only makes commuting groped by porters at three different we carry the person from inside” he including a proposal to provide Multiple showrooms and offices convenient, but also a lot safer,” railway stations in separate said. The old wheelchairs widely in working women with a 50 per cent of two-wheeler manufacturers, she said. incidents while she was being use here cannot be taken inside the subsidy to buy two-wheelers. including TVS and Bajaj declined Vijayalakshmi, also of Anna ‘assisted’ to or from compartments. trains. A campaign promise of former to comment about the matter, Nagar, had qualms about the move. She filed a complaint addressed to “Currently no workers or porters Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa, the saying they were not briefed about She claimed that the specifics of the Railways Minister and the are employed in this foldable- scheme is aimed at making any process as yet. the move needed to be worked out, Prime Minister on change.org, wheelchair assistance”, said the commuting easier and safer for What is known, though, is that and the process would have to be asking for certain facilities for the Foldable wheelchairs at Central Railway Station|M URALI K Deputy Station Manager. The women across the state. the burden of the subsidy will be hassle free, to actually enable the differently-abled at train stations. station also does not have any The move is also expected to borne out of the state exchequer, purchase. Except a few promises from the ramps that can be attached to of cost, is also utilized by aged women porters to make sure if boost two-wheeler sales across the and will not be passed on to “These kinds of schemes usually Railways Minster, nothing compartments. The wheelchairs, passengers at times. Totally, there differently-abled women state, according to industry experts. manufacturers themselves. involve running from door to door. happened until the Chennai Central which are available at the All are seven wheelchairs at the station, passengers are carried in and out “Scooter, motorbike, and generally This is expected to cost the state If that ends up being the case, then station officials had intervened. Women Passengers’ Assistance two for reserved passengers and with safety. automotive sales have taken a hit government over Rs. 128 crore nobody will bother putting in that Chennai Central Deputy Station Centre, are only for women. five for unreserved. The facility to The station’s restroom for since demonetisation was each month, and over Rs. 1500 much legwork,” she said. Manager (commercial) said, “The Deepa V, facilitator at the issue foldable wheelchairs for men differently-abled always remain implemented,” says Mr. A. crores per year. “ If it is a simple slash on the wheelchairs, issued in response to Assistance Center, said that as is a ‘work under progress’, said closed. When asked about it, the Veerappan, an official working Swati, a resident of Anna Nagar, cost price at the time of the the petition, can be carried inside much as two passengers make use Deepa. Apollo medical centre, Deputy Station Manager said that with MPL Honda, Saidapet. welcomed the move, saying it purchase, then it is a positive coaches; thereby avoiding any of the foldable wheelchairs per day, inside the station, has an ambulance the beneficiary needs to collect the “This move should ideally would enable young girls to travel thing.” physical contact between porters on an average. “The centre is cart which can be utilized if the key from the station master. This provide a huge impetus to the Tamil to college, work, and far-flung She also wondered how far this and differently-abled passengers” located near the entrance, hence it passenger is fully paralysed. set-up is quite an inconvenience as Nadu market,” he continued. places, which would have earlier would affect the traffic situation in He also said that they’ve made is easily accessible” she said. The There are four battery operated the Station Master’s room is quite However, the specifics of the been a problem. the city given the increase in the more proposals for wheelchairs and wheelchair assistance, which is free carts and around twenty normal far away. move are yet unknown to people, “Public transport is abysmal in two-wheelers would worsen traffic. THE WORD 4 MISCELLANY CHENNAI, FEBRUARY 27, 2017 Republic TV in 2 months Arnab Goswami’s channel to be a ‘catalyst’ for youth issues SHREYAS UBGADE Indian media Delhi-centric. During accountability on the behalf of the Chennai floods, [the English] people. Issues of youth will be Former editor-in-chief of Times media woke up late. For the first given a place in a way where the Now Arnab Goswami said, 'Repu - 24-hours, the floods were largely media is seen as a catalyst," he blic TV' - his new television ven - ignored." added. Movie buffs at the festival | SHILAJIT M ture - will be launched within two He added that one prominent Asked about the 'negativity' on months. anchor from Tamil Nadu would be his television shows, Goswami Goswami was here to deliver a on air for 'Republic’ said, "I do not do a deal with lecture on: 'How Tolerant are we?' Goswami, who wanted to do negativity. I attack it." he added. at the Chinmaya Heritage Centre in some 'plain speaking', said India Goswami said he took criticism Chetpet on Monday. was a country of 'politically correct' in his stride and was ready to face "I do not have the satellite yet. people. the criticism that may entail after Chennai gets My studio is not ready, but I will be "Ever since I walked up the the launch of 'Republic'. back in two months. Republic is staircase of NDTV 21 years ago, I "Watch us, like us, hate us. [I not just a news channel, it is a was told to never ever express my will accept] your love, hope, people's movement," said opinion,” said Goswami. criticism, affection, bouquets and a taste of Chile Goswami. “My journalism is clear plain brickbats," he added. SHILAJIT MITRA affecting story about soldiers Goswami, who has been off air vanilla journalism. If we need to There were some brickbats The Honorary Consulate of Chile stranded on the line of control. for more than two months now, believe in journalism of impact, it already from participants at the in Chennai and the Indo Cine The festival was inaugurated by said he missed not being on air is only possible when you confront event. Appreciation Foundation (ICAF) Mrs. Sunita Shahaney, Honourary especially after Jayalalithaa passed authority," he added. " I feel he should actually give hosted a three-day Chilean Film Consul of Chine in Chennai and away, when Jallikattu protests were "Media should have a people a chance to speak. [His Festival between 20th and 22nd chief guest Mr. Debendra Narayan happening, during the 'drama of controlling influence in our society. shows would be much better] Only February at the RKV Film and Kar, Commissioner of Income Tax Sasikala' and when Suresh Kalmadi Arnab Goswami at the event| SHREYAS U It should invoke a sense of fear. if he could have a proper Television Institute in Vadapalani. (Appeals) of Chennai. The films became the President of Indian be twisted by groups and self- developments in Tamil Nadu. There has to be a fear of the conversation on the news hour Film buffs, diplomats, and film were screened at the Red Carpet Olympic Association (IOA). styled cults in the way it has Criticising the 'Delhi-centric' camera, the camera is the watch on without a lot of screaming," said students queued at the RKV studios Hall of RKV studios. "The people under no happened in Tamil Nadu," said approach of the English media the behalf of the people.” Namrata, a student of College of for the five masterpieces of ICAF is a non-profit circumstances want the mandate to Goswami, on the recent political Goswami said "You cannot make “At Republic, we will seek Engineering, Anna University. contemporary Chilean cinema organization dedicated to promote being screened at the festival. One parallel and non-commercial standout film in the schedule was a cinema in Chennai. They organize family-drama titled‘Our Father’ the Chennai International Film Shortage of (2005), directed by Rodrigo Festival (CIFF) and 2 – 3 mini-film Sepúlveda. festivals every month. These events NCERT Books “I really enjoyed the are conducted in association with A home away from home characterisations in ‘Our Father’. I various consulates and embassies PRIYA SHRIVASTAVA could remember numerous to promote cultural ties between SHREYAS UBGADE As schools under the Central Board experiences with my own family countries. In March, they plan to A steady stream of patients enters of Secondary Education (CBSE) while watching it. ,” said Mr. E organize an Iranian Film Festival. the North-East Help Desk adjacent face a dearth of NCERT textbooks, Thangaraj, an old member of ICAF. “It is a privilege that these films to the Sindoori Block of the Apollo the situation has left the teachers, ‘My Best Enemy’ (2006), are screened at our campus. A lot of Hospital. pupils and parents confused. directed by Alex Bowen, was world cinema is not available Mohammed Habibul Rehman As the academic year comes to another engaging film that was online or in DVD formats. These (48), dressed in a white kurta- an end, the teachers face a new screened on the last day. The period festivals are the only way for pyjama, stands in the crowd dilemma. Recently, CBSE came out film set around the 1978 Chilean- students to learn from great films,” holding a file. with a circular stating that only Argentine war captured the said V. Prakash, a student of Film “I am diabetic,” he says. In the NCERT textbooks be used as they love-hate relationship between the Direction in the RKV film and last four months, Rehman, a farmer are sufficient to cover the syllabus two countries through a deeply Television Institute. from the Navgaon district of and ordered schools to order books Assam, has visited the hospital online. twice. Harish Swaminathan, father of a Sitting in a hall inside the student in class VI, carrying her bag building is a couple from Kolkata. on his shoulders said, “We “He is a heart patient,” says obviously have to buy books that Rolling rotis Rinku Das, referring to her the school recommends and if husband Amit sitting beside her. CBSE makes NCERT books “Roughly 500 to 600 new compulsory then the bulk of books patients register at the hospital that my daughter has to carry will PRIYA SfHRoIVASrTA VAsurwasv the iscavriesta part. l“My parents daily. A lot of them come from come down.” Employed in a tiny eatery in Adyar were furious when I left but I West Bengal, Assam and even The Board has provided some that goes by the name ‘Rotiwala’, ensured that I went back when Bangladesh. The Sindoori Block is clarification on the matter. “The is one of the many migrant workers everyone at home had calmed exclusively for the patients from circular was only an advisory and of Chennai, Aditya down and were Bangladesh,” says Indubhushan, Sign boards in Bengali at Mackay’s Gardens | SHREYAS U not compulsory,” said G. Chandra, Raju, who feels at just longing to see whose job is to assist patients from Deputy Secretary of CBSE. home in the State’s me come back these states. He is from Assam and Mackay’s Gardens, off Greames suffering from a liver ailment. refuses to comment more on that. A main complaint by the schools, capital. home,” says the has been at the help desk for the Road in Thousand Lights area in “I get a room for Rs 300 a day. I “Brokers approached me asking parents and teachers alike is that the A dropout and a 28 year old, who past five years. Chennai, is now a second home for can afford only that much,” he if I want to lease out my house. I NCERT books are not published runaway from understands Tamil Not far from the hospital, snack the patients who travel all the way adds. will not sell [it],” says Govindraj, and delivered in time for the home, Raju came and has picked up bars, hotels, travel agencies line up from West Bengal, Assam, Tripura Zakir Hussain, who runs a also among the few locals who still beginning of a new academic year. to the city seven a few words of with a steady footfall of patrons. and Bangladesh to the hospital for slaughter house in a lane at the reside at the Meckey’s. This leads to schools years ago to escape the language. The billboards – all in Bengali– treatment. Mackay’s Gardens says, “This was Pointing to a building next door, recommending private publishers his school board “I find Chennai offer the cheapest fares for tickets “There are almost 3,000 rooms a slum. I have spent my childhood Govindraj says, “The owner of this which in turn creates problems. exams. “I always better than Bihar to Kolkata, Guwahati, Bagdogra, in hundreds of lodges at the here. With the efforts of MGR [M lives in Triplicane. For three years First, the cost of textbooks by ran away from it,” Aditya Raju or Delhi for that Agartala, Silchar and Dhaka. Mackay’s Gardens. Locals have G Ramachandran, late Chief now, it is being run as a lodge.” private publishers is higher as he says. He matter where I “I used to run a fast food and rented out their places. Houses are Minister of Tamil Nadu] Apollo For some, Mackay’s provides compared to the subsidized cost of described the train journey from went to work for a little while,” biryani centre. Three years ago, I out on lease. Some have even sold was established some 25-30 years means to earn their bread. NCERT books. Secondly, each Nawada, his hometown which is a says Raju. started offering Bengali food in my their plots and shifted elsewhere,” ago. Over the years, Odiyas, Indranil, who hails from student will have a preference to a small district near Gaya in Bihar till He believes that Amma hotel,” says Pawan Raj, who owns says Bakar Iqbal, who also owns a Assamese and Bengalis set up Kolkata, sells pan in front of a different publication and this might Chennai as a horrifying experience. [Jayalalithha, former/late Chief a hotel on the Greames Road. hotel on the Greames Road. hotels and lodges here.” lodge. create a problem for teachers. Luckily for him, he found other Minister of Tamil Nadu] had done a “Bengali maloom nahi (I cannot For Aftabuddin Khan from Zakir’s is one of the few plots “I have been here for 11 years However, the NCERT books that Hindi-speaking staff members at lot of service for poor people. “In speak Bengali),” he says. “All my Kolkata, the Mackay’s Gardens is a not leased out. now,” he says. are available online may help the the Rotiwala eatery who are also which city can a poor man fill his cooks are from Odisha.” The menu place where he feels at home. Friction between the locals and “When the patients go back [to students but not the teachers. “We migrant workers like him from stomach in just two rupees?,” . Out pasted near the counter– also in “It is my sixth visit to Apollo this the ‘outsiders’ is palpable. Hussain their states] they spread the word just do what the school tells us to North India. He now lives with of the Rs. 8,000 that he earns as Bengali – says savouries like fish year. I have been coming here since complains about the “problems” and people come here looking for do,” said a teacher of DAV Public them. salary every month, he sends some fry, Aaalo Komdaa are on offer. 2007,” says Khan. His father is the “outsiders” create, although he work,” says Govindraj. School. But going back home, he admits, of it back home to his parents. Sujatha’s work ‘Independent press is important’ SOHINI GHOSH “Freedom of expression is so - now in English mething that governments do not SANJANA GANESH cided to translate of his stories so like or would prefer not to hear,” Renowned Tamil author Sujat - that young readers across the world said Harald Sandberg, Swedish ha’s works are now could gain access Ambassador to India her on Fe - available to the En - to his work. bruary 22. glish-speaking au - Book lovers ac - Sandeberg was taking part in a dience. Vimala tively participated discussion at Asian College of Balakrishnan relea - in the tete-a-tete Journalism on freedom of expres - sed her work ‘Reli - with the author as sion, its significance and far-rea - ving Sujatha’, a they asked her ching consequences in democratic translated series of questions about machineries . eight short stories the nuances of hu - Sandeberg emphasised the im - and novellas at Wri - mour in writing. portance of a free and independent ter’s Café on Thurs - Sujatha Ranga - press which allowed availability day. Author Vimala| SANJANA G rajan who also and transparency of public admi - From left: Harald Sandeberg, Thorir Ibsen, Nina Vaskunlahti and Nils Ragnar Kamsvag | SOHINI GHOSH The book was launched by Mrs. interacted with the audience said nistration and “keeps everyone on Sujatha Rangarajan, wife of the late that she was unware that her hus - their toes.” freedom of speech and expression, by a brief talk by the ambassadors on social media and concentration lahti said, “When the world keeps author S. Rangarajan who took her band used her name until it was pu - Finnish ambassador to India was discussed along with its reper - on freedom of expression that ex - of media ownership. He said, “So - getting complicated, people get first name as his pseudonym. blished. She spoke about his Nina Vaskunlahti, Icelandic Am - cussions and how it has repeatedly tends to press in Nordic countries cial media allows for a lot of de - scared and want simple solutions. This was followed by a discus - passion for writing and said “He bassador Thorir Ibsen and Norwe - disrupted a democratic discourse in and the importance of an indepen - mocracy but it also allows a lot of However there are no simple solu - sion mediated by journalist and just wanted a book in his hand and gian Ambassador Nils Ragnar India. Other archaic laws such as dent community like Ethical Com - abuse.” tions. Extreme political movements writer Shobha Warrier. food on time.” Kamsvag also took part in the dis - those against sedition and their im - munity of Journalists in countries The talk ended with a question are coming to existence which “It was difficult to translate some S Saraswathi from Vitasta pu - cussions along with chairperson of pact on the freedom of expression such as Finland and Iceland that and answer session. The discussion claims freedom of expression in the words to English because it did not blishers was overwhelmed by the Asian College of Journalism, Sashi for a republic such as India were protects the press thereby allowing that ensued involved comments by wrong way, often turning it to hate deliver the right meaning. I had number of people who participated. Kumar, many faculty members and further debated upon. adherence of high standards and in - the ambassadors on few fundamen - speeches. Hence it is important to sleepless nights because of one “We are definitely looking at anot - nearly 16 Indian students from the Speakers included Saurya Sen - tegrity in reportage. Protection is tal rights which they considered to educate those with such senti - word,” said Vimala when asked her release soon. Our only hope is institute. The discussion was mo - gupta, Shyam Vasudevan and given to the media and journalists be of utmost importance – gender ments.” about her translating experience. that these translations make their derated by Dean Dr. Nalini Rajan. Harsh Shah from the student frater - and revelation of sources who re - equality, freedom of religion and Sandeberg, questioning the legi - She had initially planned to write way to the bookshelves in all hou - The provision of reasonable res - nity made a 40 minute long presen - fuse to be identified is illegal. child protection. timacy of the ‘emerging extreme a biography and had obtained per - ses including those in places like trictions in Article 19 of the Cons - tation to the Nordic ambassadors. Concerns voiced by Thorir Ibsen When asked on the rise of con - right’, said, “Should we call it ex - mission from Mrs. Sujatha but de - Delhi,” she said. titution of India, which deals with The presentation was followed were the prevalence of newsculture servatism in Europe, Nina Vaskun - treme right or extreme populism?”