Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter ERASING THE SCRIBE CRIME REPORTER BRUTALLY KILLED IN MUMBAI

By Firoz.T.Totanawala 

 The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

ERASING THE SCRIBE 

CRIME REPORTER BRUTALLY KILLED IN MUMBAI 

 You can kill the body but not the spirit. In the world of opportunists and people full of vested interests, there exist people who take the risk of their lives in search of truth. 

Jyotirmoy Dey, a 56 year old senior journalist working with the Mumbai’s famous daily tabloid ‘Mid-Day’, was one such man who unfurled the flag of Fearless Journalism. Dey was shot dead by four gunmen on two motor bikes who shot him four times at point- blank range in broad daylight in Mumbai on 12th June, Sunday afternoon near his home. The murder has of course shaken the country and particularly the Media fraternity. 

 Dey started his career as a freelance photographer and also worked with The Indian Express and Hindustan Times. He became famous particularly for his writing about Mafia, crime and underworld activities in the financial hub of the country, Mumbai, and was Mid-Day’s Investigations- Editor. He had been reporting crime for the past 22 years in Mumbai and he can be regarded as the senior most Investigative journalist of India. He was the first reporter who exposed the Rs. 8000 crores Oil scam in Maharashtra and had also authored 2 books on Mumbai’s underworld namely Zero Dial: The Dangerous World of Informers and Khallass. Though a victim now, Dey, was a symbol of fearless journalism. 

History says that Media has a vital role in a Democracy and efforts to curb it do not materialize. India is the world's largest democracy and has a vibrant media in English and other languages. Even the journalists here are highly respected among the readers and society in general. Though rare, attempts to stifle free speech and attacks on journalists do occur now and then. 

About 27 journalists have been killed in India since 1992 of whom most of the victims were from print Media covering politics, business and corruption. But, the fear of death also does not repel scribes to run away from the dark realities of the society. They continue to explore the hidden secrets and bring it to surface for the society to learn and react. 

 On the contrary such attacks on journalists out of fear of exposure or in retaliation challenge the freedom of the press and the pursuit of objective reporting. Such incidents signify insanity affected by insane individuals which kills innocent citizens. And definitely, such kind of attack on freedom of press cannot be tolerated by any society. Of course, the whole Media and society in general has condemned the brutal killing of the Journalist. 

The racketeers will continue to hold the society ransom with their illegal and harmful activities and there will be scribes who will fearlessly bring their truth to surface. If one Dey is killed, a dozen more will rise. No one can kill the spirit of fearless journalism. One can only kill Jyotirmoy Dev, but no one can cease the becoming of Jyotirmoy Dev.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter UGLY FACE OF BEAUTY SALOON BODY N SOUL DOES NOT REFUND MONEY ON CANCELLATION OF THE PACKAGE

By. Firoz.T.Totanawala 

The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

 UGLY FACE OF BEAUTY SALOON 

BODY N SOUL DOES NOT REFUND MONEY ON CANCELLATION OF THE PACKAGE 

 Consumer harassment is common in our country due to lack of awareness and will to seek justice. Consequently, we come across cases where in the sellers take their customers for granted. 

We present you one such case of Fatema, a Software employee, who is running from pillar to post to recover her money. 

 Fatema, decided to go in for a health make over and approached the J.P.Nagar branch of Body N Soul. She was attended by Manjula and Hema at the branch and Fatema agreed to opt for a Beauty & Slimming Services Package worth Rs. 40,000/- on 9th of April, 2011. However, an emergency came up for her and she was required to visit UK immediately. She approached Body & Soul the very next day that is 10th April and requested them to cancel her package and refund her the amount. She had never used her package yet, but made full payment through her credit card. 

 From the very first instance Manjula and Hema completely refused to cancel her package and return her money. Fatema, however, submitted a cancellation request letter along with the original bills at the J.P.Nagar branch of Body N Soul. She then desperately tried and successfully obtained the contact of the Corporate Head, Mr. Praveen, who operates from Koramangala branch. She spoke to Praveen on 12th April and he informed her to contact back after a week. When she called back a week later, she was told that it would take 45 days for refund. However, Praveen never responded to her thereafter and did not even pick her calls. Even her mail correspondences in which she has requested them to cancel her package & refund her money are not responded by Body N Soul. 

 Finally, she again mailed to Praveen on 27th May, 2011 and informed him that she will be in Bangalore by next month that is June and looks forward to meet him at his office in Koramangala. She also mentioned that it has been almost 2 months and that she has not received any refund or any correspondence from Body N Soul regarding her issue. While she requested Praveen to inform her Meeting Date and Time to settle her issue, Praveen has till date not responded to her either through mail or phone. 

 When TBMR Contacted Praveen he said that he is not the concerned person. When we argued that how come then he committed Fatema her refund when he is not the concerned person, he directed us to Sandeep. In fact, Pradeep is the person who spoke with Fatema and committed her refund and even she communicated with him through mail and phones. Whatsoever, we contacted Sandeep and he too said he is not the concerned person. Then we asked them the contact number of their MD, but, they refused and diverted the call to Mr. Khan. Mr. Khan asked us to give him the client’s (Fatema’s) number which we gave him. However, till date, neither they have contacted Fatema nor have they called us back for clarification. 

 Fatema has now decided to file a police complaint against Body N Soul in JP Nagar Police Station shortly and is also planning to sue them in Consumer court.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter TENDER SECRETS OF REGISTRATION DEPARTMENT MANIPULATION IN AWARDING CONTRACT

By. Firoz.T.Totanawala 

 The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

 TENDER SECRETS OF REGISTRATION DEPARTMENT 

 MANIPULATION IN AWARDING CONTRACT 

 Presently, the computer registration in the Registration department is run by CMS computers and ECIL since 2003. The contract was awarded by the then Inspector General of Registration D. Sathya Murthy by laying down tailor made tender conditions. Even though 27 reputed companies had bid for the tender, 25 companies were disqualified at the qualification level itself. All these companies were knocked out at the very first stage with no suitable or rational reason to justify their disqualification. Though there were many reputed and experienced companies in the bid, their Tenders were rejected by the Department with attributing silly and false reasons such as ‘Non- Responsive’, ‘Rejected’, ‘No relevant work experience’ etc. Interestingly, the then IGR & CS Mr. D.S. Murthy is from Andhra Pradesh and the ECIL which bagged the deal is also an AP Government company. 

 ECIL had quoted for only few districts and its bid was as low as Rs 8 per page while CMS quoted the minimum of Rs 52 and maximum of Rs 100 per page. Why ECIL did not quote for the Major districts of Bangalore is an understandable mystery. Shockingly, CMS remained the only company to have quoted for major districts and more shockingly, instead of calling for fresh tenders, the then IGR & CS awarded the contract to CMS. According to the rule, a contract cannot be awarded when there is only a single bidder but re-tendering has to take place. But, who cares, CMS bagged the contract in spite of being the single bidder. The contract for all the major districts was awarded to CMS at Rs. 30/- per page and ECIL bagged the contract for all minor districts at Rs. 25/- per page. 

 The work involved scanning of documents admitted for registration by the Sub Registrar, taking the photo and thumb impression of the parties, printing the registration details and certificate on the document and then to save the scanned image of the document in CD form. All this would not cost more than one rupee being the cost of the stationary and the operator’s cost. As the receipts and the endorsements had to be generated, the cost would be another rupee. The contract was awarded on BOT basis (Build-Operate-Transfer) for five years and the company had to provide the infrastructures like installing computer system, scanners, generators, tables, printers etc, the cost of which could be another rupee. Thus, the actual cost would come to around Rs 3 and allowing the profits for the investments etc, the entire cost of scanning and registering a document could not be more than Rs 5. And mind it, this is the cost of registering an entire document which has, on an average 10 pages. 

 But the rate awarded in the contract was exorbitant Rs 30/- per page that averages of Rs 300/- per document! This fee is collected from the registering public as service charges separately. Out of this Rs. 30/- per page, Rs. 14/- is retained by the Government and Rs. 16/- is awarded to the CMS. While the actual cost for the entire document averaging 10 pages is simply Rs 5/-, CMS earned Rs. 160/- per document. The rate of Rs 16 per page was further hiked to Rs 17.20 per page. 

 Forget about all these. As per the contract which was scheduled to end on 15th June, 2008, the department officials were required to then continue the registration for which they were given adequate training. They were capable of taking over the work which is also simple in nature. The system and other infrastructure provided by the company after the expiry of the contract were bound to become the property of the Government. Thus, from 16th June, 2008, the only difference would have been the presence of SR office staff before the computers instead of the operators of the CMS Company. 

 However, the CMS wanted to rake in many millions by getting the ‘concluded’ contract extended. They have, with their brute money, corrupted the entire system in the department. On an average over six lakh documents are registered in a year and there are equal numbers of copy applications. Even assuming 10 pages per document as the average, the company would have netted a minimum of 15 crores in a year and as the CMS had monopolized 80% of the works; its revenue would not be less than 12 crores. And what was its investment? As the company took up the computerisation in phases, the total cost would not have been more than two crores. But during the five years contract period, it had netted at least 40 crores and the arrangements continue. 

 Apparently, it is possible for the CMS only because of its staunch supporters in the department. It is time somebody takes notice of this scam and punishes the guilty severely.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter PROTEST ON ILLEGAL SHOPS TRADERS ASSOCIATION STAGED A RASTA ROKO

Firoz.T.Totanawala 

 The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

 PROTEST ON ILLEGAL SHOPS 

 TRADERS ASSOCIATION STAGED A RASTA ROKO 

 The famous SKR Market in City Market area is in the news for protesting reasons. The traders of the market have united and decided to fight up the corrupt officials and their practices. 

 The news is that the BBMP has issued licensed to few vendors to open shops on places that are meant for Garbage Bin, Ventilation etc. un the SKR Market complex. The entire traders union has joined hands to fight up this illegal allocation. 

 The SKR Market Welfare Association first met the BBMP Commissioner Siddaiah on 10h May, 2011 and informed him that there are few shops that have been issued licenses illegally. About 500 to 600 pupils visited him and the Commissioner assured that the illegal shops will be demolished within 24 hours by the task force police. The same was also propagated in the leading Media, however, nothing happened. The traders again went to the Commissioner who again assured them that the illegal shops will be demolished soon. The traders association then called for a meeting and decided to issue notices to all concerned authorities and intimated them to take necessary actions latest by 17th May, failing which the traders will go on a Rasta Roko on 18th May, 2011, at SKR Market. 

 When their repeated pleas went unheard, the association of SKR market traders went on a Rasta Roko on 18th May, 2011. They called for all the traders to join them in the protest and every one supported it. The traders joined in at 11am and participated in the Rasta Roko. They have decided to take their fight seriously and protested against the illegal functioning of the shops in the SKR Market area. They have challenged that if the solution is not provided soon, they will further intensify their trust.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter THE ILLEGAL CM

By Firoz.T.Totanawala 

 The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

THE ILLEGAL CM 

 Well, just to ponder over our great democracy. Now that the Supreme judgment is revealed that the disqualification of the 16 MLA’s by the Speakers few hours before the Vote of Confidence of the BJP Government in October was an unconstitutional act and it has put aside the order. 

 Technically speaking, if the act was unconstitutional, then, it means that the Chief Minister Mr. Yedurappa deliberately manipulated the machinery to safeguard him in spite of his less numbers. Now, as per the courts order, they deserved to be present in the trust vote and since they were against Yedurappa, Yedurappa has clearly lost the Trust Vote. However, he still continues to be in power. 

 It clarifies that the Yedurappa Government was not a majority, yet he managed to manipulate the machinery and survive. Technically or democratically speaking, Yedurappa has thus cheated the people of Karnataka and the spirit of Democracy and this makes him an illegal CM post October Trust Vote. 

 Further, since he was to loose the Chief Ministership and Yedurappa continued to remain in power, all his action post October shall also be termed as illegal. He used the chair, facilities of the Chief Minister, official residence, enjoyed the power, approved numerous projects etc, everything thus becomes illegal. Even though, he was not the Chief Minister, he eye washed the people of Karnataka and enjoyed power of the Chief Minister and used it. Had the trust vote happened with the 16 MLA’s at that time, he was sure to loose. Yedurappa, thus is an illegal CM post October Trust Vote. But, who cares. 

 Everybody is engrossed in their daily chores and nobody seems to have raised this issue. Eventually, Yedurappa has managed to survive illegally through the past 7 months. But, the million dollar question is if he is the illegal CM, then what about the actions and execution undertaken by him for the past 7 months? But, the activities go on and the CM happily continues to run the show. This is a mockery of democracy!!! 

 Yedurappa’s influential decision on Speaker to disqualify the 16 MLA’s there by to avoid them participating in the Trust Vote is unconstitutional. While he did it, it sure is an undemocratic method and that makes him an illegal CM and liable for severe punishment provided the true democracy exists. As of now the CM is illegal. 

That is all….

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter FRIENDSHIP CLUB FRAUDS- BEWARE

By Firoz.T.Totanawala 

 The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

 FRIENDSHIP CLUB FRAUDS- BEWARE 

 Beware is the watchword. Beware again. The cases of financial frauds are too many and one needs to be cautious before falling prey to inducing gimmicks of the fraudsters. 

 Mahesh (name changed to protect identity) works in a shop trying to lead an honest life. Like anybody else, he too desires to earn quick money and that’s where he landed in trouble. While having lunch one fine day he glanced at a news paper lying beside and was attracted by the classified ads. The advertisements read as Meet high profile social people, Models, businessmen etc, and earn attractive income between Rs. 25000/- to 40000/- by joining the Friendship club. Of course, Mahesh was awestruck. He picked up the paper and started calling them one after the other and was attracted particularly to one agency where a female on the other hand responded well to him. 

 As he enquired about the details he was told that he has to first register with their Friendship Club by paying Registration charges and then he will be called at a meeting place where he will be introduced to many high profile clients and he can make business with them. He was thus asked to deposit Rs. 4200/- as Registration charges and was given a Bank account number to deposit the same. Excited by the new high earning prospect, Mahesh arranged and deposited money in the given account number. 

 He called the agency again and updated them about the payment. He was then told that his application is processed but he needs to deposit another Rs. 10,000/- as Security Deposit which will be refunded when he is called for the first Meeting. Mahesh had no other option. He couldn’t let go his already deposited amount so he arranged another Rs. 10,000/- and deposited it in their account. He then called up the agency again and was told that he will be called soon for the meeting once it is arranged. 

 Well, he waited with all his zeal about the new venture but the call got delayed. He then himself called up but was again told that he will be called soon. Again after few days he called and now he grew suspicious as they repeated the same thing and later did not receive his calls. When he tried calling up from another number, the call was received but as he spoke, his voice was realized and the call was disconnected. When he frequently tried to call them from different numbers, the mobile was switched off. 

 He rushed to the Bank where he had deposited the money, but nothing can be done. The Bank Manager only assured him that on his complaint the Bank will freeze the account on suspicion of operating illegal business, but, that wouldn’t help Mahesh at all. He was done away with his hard earned money. 

 Usually such fraudsters operate from other states and even if one lodges a complaint, the process to nab the culprit is cumbersome. People are thus cautioned not to fall prey and not fall prey to the inducing advertisements. One needs to be very cautious particularly before making payments to any such offers.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter A LIFE TO CHERISH MRS SHEELA BOLAR – THE WOMAN FOR EDUCATION

BY. Firoz.T.Totanawala 

 The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

 A LIFE TO CHERISH 

 MRS SHEELA BOLAR – THE WOMAN FOR EDUCATION 

The stories of visionaries are always worth knowing and inspiration for many. We thus bring you the story of one such visionary, Mrs Sheela Bolar, a woman of extra ordinary caliber and the Founder/Principal of Innisfree House School, JP Nagar. 

 Mrs Sheela Bolar cleared her SSLC at the age of 12. Being too young for college, she did a spot of nursing and compounding for 2 years and then graduated from Bangalore. She was awarded Government of India merit scholarships for Pre-university and Degree education. An avid sportsperson, she was active in the NCC and passed out as Senior Under Officer with a license in solo gliding and a private pilot’s license. She was in fact, the first woman aero-modeler in India and was offered a scholarship for a Commercial Pilot’s License, but, couldn’t take up the offer. 

A graduate at 18 years, she worked as a librarian and completed a Librarian’s course in the process. Mrs Bolar is also proficient at the sitar having learnt it for 3 years. She was a crackshot of the Civilian Rifle Club, Mysore and won several prizes in the State Rifle shooting competitions. 

She passed her B.Ed with distinction and followed up with a M.Ed., under Government of India Scholarship. Mrs Bolar secured 1st rank for the first time in the history of the State Post Graduate Department. 

Married to Dr. Ashok Bolar, she moved to England for 20 years soon after. She worked in several departments of the British Telecommunication Service as Executive Officer till her Indian qualifications were verified. Thereafter, she taught for the 11+ entrance examination of only 5 prestigious King Edward Schools in Britain. 

 On her return to Bangalore, Mrs Bolar headed the Nursery and Primary sections of a school in Basavanagudi for one and a half years. She already had an intimidating set of qualification and a desire to open an ICSE school in South Bangalore. And it was finally realized in May 1985 under the name Innisfree House School, in J.P.Nagar. Innisfree under the leadership of Mrs Bolar is now a well established school with a record of all its nineteen batches students passing with 100% first class. 

 AS A PROFESSIONAL 

Mrs Sheela Bolar was the first woman on the 5 members Executive Committee of the ICSE council of India. 

The 1st recipient of the National Award for teachers of ICSE schools 

HER CONTRIBUTIONS ON THE ICSE COUNCIL- 

 * Defining a set of experiments for students to be tested for Science practical of the ICSE examination, approved for country wide implementation. 

* Ensuring ICSE to bring out a scope of the syllabus for most subjects and thereby bringing uniformity in studies across the country. 

* Ensuring Kannada as a second language come on par with Hindi and recommended Kannada texts that are now being prescribed for the ICSE exams. 

* Logical apportioning of the high school syllabus. 

* Instrumental in selection of Innisfree House School and a few other schools by the council for provision of the much needed examination centers for ICSE exams in South Bangalore. 

* Responsible for the nomination of two individuals from the ICSE council for affiliation inspections which results in accurate reports. 

* Suggested and brought out text books for II Language Sanskrit that is now prescribed by the Council for the whole of India. 

* Initiating, organizing and conducting ASISC Sports for all ICSE schools across India. 

* Mrs Bolar has also written a series of 5 books for the teaching of Kannada as a third language in ICSE schools. She has also written English workbooks for classes 1 and 2 based on the state syllabus and a Science workbook for VI standard. 

 * She is the Founder Secretary of the Association of Schools for the ISC in Karnataka in 1997. She is also instrumental in organizing workshops in Bangalore for teachers of Karnataka ICSE Schools, which were earlier conducted only in Delhi or Kolkata. 

AND THAT’S NOT ALL 

Mrs Bolar is an active Rotarian for the past 19 years and Secretary-Treasurer of the All India Association of Heads of ISC schools. 

 Member of the Council of the ICSE, New Delhi for 16 years on all the core committees including the Executive Committee and Standing Committee on Exams. 

 Indian Resident Trustee of Health, Education, Literacy and Population Services, U.K. 

 Indian Co-ordinator for entry into Brighton College, U.K. for classes 4 to 12. 

 Founder member of ISTE, India. 

 She was a Member of the Board of Studies in Education (Post Graduation), University of Mysore. 

She has put together the content for a B. Ed. program approved by Mysore University for teachers of ICSE schools. It is the first ever innovative teacher education program in the country and now being considered for authentication by the Institute of Education, London. 

Accolades and awards: 

 1. Excellence in Teaching by Rotary Club of Bangalore Cantonment. 

2. National Award for Teachers 2001 – the first one ever for ICSE schools. 

 LEADERSHIP AT INNISFREE HOUSE SCHOOL- 

*Only 25 children per class. 

 *Rainwater Harvesting: The school sump holds about 8000 liters of water collected from both the buildings on the campus. 

*Paper Recycling: A French NGO has donated a Paper recycling machine to them. For the past 7 years, the school is making their own recycled paper for use in craft work, all School Day props and all project work. 

*Every classroom has a plasma screen with access to Smart class lessons. In addition, teachers also prepare their own lessons and worksheets. 

 *Its students have been taken to the NASA facility in Huntsville, Alabama, USA, twice so far for space camps, on an invitation from NASA. 

*The school team won the National Championship in the Limca Book of Records Quiz- 1998. 

*They have also won the Regional round of the Discovery Channel Quiz for 1999 and won the National Championship in 1998. 

*The school Girls’ Basket ball team won the bronze medal at the National Inter ICSE schools sports meet. 

*Innisfree is the lead school for the Bangalore cluster of United Kingdom India Education Research Initiative (UKIERI) for the 4th year running. It was the first and only cluster in the South. The staff and students have visited partner schools in the UK thrice. 

*Gap year students from the U.K., a part of the Global Fellowship Program of the British Council have come twice for an orientation and immersion into Indian culture program. 

 The contributions of Mrs Bolar to Education are applaudable. Under her leadership, Innisfree House School today has become a prominent name for quality education.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter NICE-LY PLAYED NICE Mortgaged BMIC to ICICI for 150 Crores CHEATED REVENUE DEPT NICELY FOR OVER 20 CRORES

Firoz.T.Totanawala 

 The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

 NICE-LY PLAYED 

 NICE Mortgaged BMIC to ICICI for 150 Crores CHEATED REVENUE DEPT NICELY FOR OVER 20 CRORES 

 LANDS MORTGAGED TO ICICI FOR 150 CRORES 

 Bangalore North Taluk ------205 Acres 25Guntas 

Bangalore South Taluk-------1152Acres 3Guntas 

Ramangaram Taluk ----------573 Acres 12Guntas 

                   Total---------------1931 Acres 

 Ashok Kheni, the MD of Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprises (NICE) Company when bagged the prestigious BMIC project, propagated himself as a billionaire and also managed the Media to carry a front line story on his filthy wealth. This was mere an eye wash to tell the world that he was capable of completing the BMIC project by spending hundreds of crores from his own pocket. But the hard reality is quite contrary to this image. 

 Ashok Kheni, actually, did not have money even to deposit the acquisition cost to the KIADB. In fact when the MoU for the BMIC project was signed when HD Deve Gowda was the Chief Minister, the KIADB was made the nodal authority to initiate acquisition process, take the possession of the lands after paying compensation and hand over the same to NICE Company for laying the roads. 

NICE on its part had to bear the cost of acquisition process and the cost of the lands acquired. It was also required to pay an initial amount of Rs. 5 crores to the KIADB towards notification of lands. NICE was duty bound to pay the land costs to the KIADB demands and get the possession of the acquired lands. 

But, after the MoU was signed, NICE was not in a position to pay even the cost of notification to the KIADB. Shockingly, KIADB itself spent money from its pockets and issued Notifications to the lands which were issued in stages. For almost two years, the NICE Company did not pay the cost of the acquisition and when the KIADB threatened to stop the notification process, the NICE coughed up just a crore! It did not pay the full cost and kept on egging the KIADB officials to hasten the process. 

By 2002 October, the KIADB had acquired about 2000 acres of land in Bangalore North, South and Ramanagaram Taluks. But the company did not have a single penny to pay for the compensation, let alone the cost of acquisition. As the lands were acquired at the rate of Rs 6 lakhs per acre, the company had to pay Rs 120 crores towards compensation and Rs 10 crores as acquisition cost. 

With no money at the disposal, the NICE Company began scouting for huge loan to meet the immediate requirement of the compensation to the land owners. The KIADB also had no money to bear the compensation amount to land owners and it had already incurred huge expenditure towards notification etc. Finally, the ICICI Bank agreed to provide a loan of Rs. 150 Crores to NICE towards BMIC project, but, the Bank put severe conditions to NICE to avail the loan. As per the humiliating conditions laid down by the ICICI Bank, the company had to mortgage the entire lands acquired so far, also the project and also demanded power of attorney on the lands from the company. Thus, the terms and covenant of the Mortgage Deed bearing No: 11113/2002-03 convey absolute rights over the lands mortgaged to the ICICI Bank as per the rules pertaining to transfer of titles under sec 46 (A) of the Karnataka Stamp Act and empowers the Lender to take full control of the lands and to have and hold possession of the same effective from the day of execution of the Deed. 

Besides, a Sale Deed camouflaged as a mortgage deed was registered on 27.11.2002 bearing no.11113/2002-03. As per the rules, the company had to pay the stamp duty on the deed as per conveyance at 13.5%. The deed registered was an out and out sale deed camouflaged as a mortgage deed and the Sub Registrar was pressurized into registering the deed. It had no option but to register the mortgage deed and it did so. 

Further, Ashok Kheni who registered the mortgage deed paid only Rs. 6 lakhs as Stamp Duty. The deed gives complete right and power over the company and the project including power of attorney and right to step in and take over the lands and the projects of NICE to the ICICI Bank. Most shockingly, though the KIADB had not yet handed over the possession of 1931 acres of land it had acquired in North, South and Ramanagaram Taluks to the NICE Company, Ashok Kheni already mortgaged these lands for raising the loan of Rs 150 Crores and paid a part of it to the KIADB. The lands were actually acquired from across different taluks and handed over to NICE only during the period from the last quarter of 2005 until the first quarter of 2008. But, NICE had executed a Mortgage Deed in favour of the ICICI Bank for Rs. 150 Cr (Rupees One Hundred and fifty crores) on 27.11.2002, much prior to receiving physical delivery of the lands by the company. 

Furthermore, the proper Stamp Duty payable for this document would come to more than Rs. 20 crores including registration fees. 

But Ashok Kheni paid only Rs 6 lakhs towards Stamp Duty and another Rs 2.10 lakhs as Registration fee. The Stamp Duty applicable for such a transaction as per the Article 34(a) of the Karnataka Stamp Duty Act of 1957, shall be on par with the Article 20 (1) of the Act, which was at 10 per cent of the consideration amount mentioned in the transaction plus other applicable fees. 

Ignoring the well laid down and prescribed rules of the Karnataka Stamp Duty Act of 1957 Schedule, NICE paid a mere Rs. 6,10,000/- (Rupees six lakhs ten thousands only) plus the fee amounting to Rs. 2,10,000/- (Rupees two lakhs ten thousands only). Interestingly, the same was accepted and honoured by the then Sub-Registrar as well, whereas, as per the then prevailing rules, NICE was liable to pay a sum not less than Rs. 18 Cr for such a transaction. 

Even if the Sub Registrar had faulted in not collecting the proper stamp duty, the Revenue Department, which was aware of the conveyance, should have intervened and stepped in to collect the deficit duties payable to it immediately thereafter. But, unfortunately, no action has been taken by anyone about the same till date. NICE has NICELY cheated the Government a sum exceeding Rs.20 Crs! The Government is duty bound to collect the stamp duty and registration fee of 23 Crores from the NICE company under sec 46 (A) of the stamp Act. It is time that the Government takes stern action against the company for recovery of the deficit stamp duty and registration fee of more than Rs. 20 crores! 

This incidence clearly explains that if Ashok Kheni was a billionaire and had billions at his disposal, then, why did he not deposit the acquisition cost and compensation amount to KIADB? Why did he raise a loan of Rs. 150 crores from ICICI with humiliating terms and that too against mortgaging the yet to be delivered 1931 acres of land to the ICICI Bank? 

Any Comments???

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter THE ANTI CLOCK CM LESS TIME FOR CITIZEN, MORE FOR PARTY

By Firoz.T.Totanawala 

 The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

 THE ANTI CLOCK CM 

 LESS TIME FOR CITIZEN, MORE FOR PARTY 

 Finally after the repeated turmoil that rocked his chair, our beloved Chief Minister B. S. Yedurappa has learnt the hard lesson. No, do not expect him to become pro people and work for the Citizens and State, he will rather focus more on his party colleagues who are opposing him. 

 Oh Democracy, the Chief Minister will now give less time to the Citizens and more to his party dissidents to ensure that they do not revolt against him again and he can peacefully complete his tenure and also prepare for there after. If the dissidents are not controlled than the future definitely would be bleak for the present Chief Minister. 

 To check the anti factor in his party, Yedurappa has chalked out a plan and said that “I will give 15 hours to my party every week.” The party men can approach the Chief Minister at his official residence ‘Krishna’ where they will also be treated with good food. According to the schedule prepared by the CM, he will meet his legislators over lunch on Tuesdays and Thursdays and with Ministers on Wednesdays and hear their grievances. Such a measure is targeted to bring and keep his flock together. It is also planned that the CM will remain in Bangalore from Monday to Thursdays and visit districts on Fridays & Saturdays. He will take complete break on Sundays. 

 But what about the citizens? Well, what would you expect? The citizens are scheduled to get 6 to 7 hours per week to address their grievances compared to 15 to 16 hours for his party men. 

It was noted that during a regular Janata Darshan programme, a time of 15 seconds was given on average to the citizens who had gathered at Yedurappa’s residence with their grievances. Of course, it is practically impossible for citizens to explain their problems in mere 15 seconds. But, who cares, Janata Darshan are organized, CM attends it, people reveal their grievances unsure about whether it is heard or not and go back. 

 TROUBLE AGAIN FOR YEDURAPPA 

 SC QUASHES DISQUALIFICATION OF 16 MLAs 

 While we are talking about the CM’s time contribution to citizens, the worst news comes in again. The Supreme Court on Friday, 13th May, 2011, has quashed the disqualification of 11 BJP MLAs and 5 Independent MLA’s by the Speaker of the Assembly in October, 2010. 

It is to be recalled that against the raising dissidence in the ruling party, the Chief Minister was challenged to prove the majority on the floor of the Assembly in October, 2010 and was most likely to fail. The Speaker of the House, K. G. Bopaiah, in a last minute move announced the disqualification of all these 16 MLAs, there by barring them to participate in the Trust vote and eventually reducing the strength of the Assembly. Consequently, the CM won the Trust vote and the disqualified MLAs approached the court for justice. 

Now, while the Apex Court has quashed the decision, the first ever BJP Government of South headed by Yedurappa is in trouble again. More of dirty politics is expected and the CM will be busier with saving himself again. Obviously, while he will give full time to save himself now and planning his survival, the State and its Citizens can wait with their grievances on the backseat. There will be fresh political gamble, horse trading and drama that will perhaps convey to us the pathetic political structure of our country. God save Karnataka!

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter GO GREEN ON A DAY OUT

By Firoz.T.Totanawala 

 The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

 GO GREEN ON A DAY OUT 

 Well, what do you do when it’s your Day out? Obviously, anything that would entertain you. But, the GTS team of Synopsys I EDA Pvt. Ltd. had an innovative and novel idea. On the regular Team Offsite day, they planned for a green initiative and decided to plant trees and contribute to the cause of environment. 

 Friday, 13th of May, 2011, was the teams offsite day. Headed by the GTS team Director Mr. Manjunath Haritsa, 40 members of the Synopsys GTS team, planted 100 saplings in the campus of a school named MSB Educational Institute, situated in CK Palya. 

 While planning for this novel idea, the team had first contacted Miss Janet of “Trees for Free’ foundation. “Trees for Free” is a foundation that provide trees to you free of cost with charging only the basic amount incurred in delivering the trees to you. Miss Janet provided them with 100 saplings and Tree guards and also helped them in arranging the digging of the pits at the location. 

 The team reached the location at 10 in the morning and they were welcomed by the school staff. A brief introduction about the programme was given followed by Vote of Thanks and refreshments after which the team members began the plantations. They put the required red soil, manure and water to the planted sapling and installed the tree guards. The whole program was over by about 12: 30pm the expenses of which were contributed by the team members. Thereafter, the team proceeded to their day off activity.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter EDUCATION- A DISTANT DREAM? CACL PROTEST THE DELAY IN NOTIFYING RTE RULES, 2009.

By.Firoz.T.Totanawala 

 The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

EDUCATION- A DISTANT DREAM? 

 CACL PROTEST THE DELAY IN NOTIFYING RTE RULES, 2009. 

 Education is the process to awakening which can bring the desired good change for the society. It is therefore saddening that the education sector in India is still far behind and less is done to rapidly foster the spread and reach of quality education to the generation of India. 

 The Right to Education Act is indeed one milestone in the educational empowerment, but, unfortunately it is yet to cross the tables and come for implementation. The Right to Education Act should have actually come into implementation from 1st April, 2010. And it is indeed a matter of concern that a year has passed and the Department of Public Instruction has failed in notifying the rules. If notified, this law can be enforced at least from this current academic year and it empowers children to free and compulsory education. 

 While the primary schools have already started the admissions in the schools, there are incidences already being reported that the primary schools are continuing to violate the provisions of this law. ‘Campaign Against Child Labour’ (CACL), an anti Child Labour organization stepped out and seriously protested the delay in the implementation of Right to Education Act by delaying the notification of draft rules. 

 CACL had already filed comments & suggestions on the draft rules with the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan but there has been no response to their appeals and letters on the status of the same. The finalized draft rules are also not yet placed for public scrutiny and this unreasonable delay by the Department amounts to violation of the UN Convention on The Rights of the Child (UNCRC), ratified by the Government of India. Article 28 & 29 of the Conventions provide for Quality Primary Education without any discrimination to any child. The Right to Education Act passed by the Indian Parliament gives an opportunity to make this right a reality at least to some extent to our children, but is yet to become a reality. 

 CACL suspects that the Department has aligned with the private school lobby to delay the enforcement of this Act and even the Education Department of Karnataka does not want to give the opportunity and hence are delaying the notification of the draft rules. 

To protest against this back ground, CACL –K organized a Protest in front of the offices of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Nrupathunga Road on 12th May 2011 from 11 to 1 Pm. 

 They unanimously demanded that the Government does not site any kind of lame reasons to postpone the implementation of the RTE. They also warned that anymore delay in the implementation of RTE will call for intensifying their stir throughout the State.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter DODGING THE CM GURURAJ IS LEADING IN THE GAME OF SURVIVAL

By. Firoz.T.Totanawala 

 The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

 DODGING THE CM GURURAJ IS LEADING IN THE GAME OF SURVIVAL 

 We have already exposed in our earlier issues the double name conspiracy of M. N. Gururaj Rao, the Assistant Secretary in KPSC. He is simultaneously using another name as M.N Gururaj and managing the affairs of Lokseva Housing Co-op Society to avoid legal complications. 

 What is interesting is that everybody in the KPSC knows this dual role of M. N.Gururaj Rao, but nobody has any guts to take action in this regard. Shocking is the fact that, even the Chief Minister’s directions in this regard has yielded no results. The CM had sent two letters which ended up in the waste paper basket of Gururaj himself. While, this clearly explains the ‘clout’ and manipulation expertise of M. N. Gururaj, it is high time that somebody who matters in the Government or the Lokayukta intervenes and checks the criminal offences of M. N. Gururaj Rao. 

 Everybody accuses the Chief Minister B.S Yeddyurappa of managing every institution to insulate himself from the multifaceted and multidimensional scams. The opposition parties, his own party and even the BJP High command have become helpless before the might of B. S. Yedurappa, who has been successful in saving himself in repeated adversity. But it is wonder that a small time official in Karnataka Public Service Commission has beaten Yedurappa in the art of survival and warding off any threat to his vested interests. The official is none other than M. N. Gururaja Rao, the present Assistant Secretary in KPSC and also its Public Information Officer who also functions as MN Gururaj, the Secretary of the Lokaseva Housing Co-Op Society. 

 As M. N. Gururaj Rao, he is bound by the Civil Service Rules applicable to every Government employees. He simply cannot function with a different name and if he does, it is a criminal offence, as per the service rules. But M. N. Gururaj Rao functions as M. N. Gururaj and manages the affairs of the Lokaseva Housing Society dealing with crores of members’ money and responsible for the law of the land. The Co-op department officials have also allowed M. N. Gururaj to function as the Honourable Secretary of the Housing Society since its formation despite the fact that the rule stipulates that, every co-op society should have a qualified paid secretary However, no body has taken any actions or not even bothered to raise any objections. 

 It was your TBMR which raised this issue, yet, nobody took any action. After providing sites to all the KPSC employees who paid sital money in the Nagadevanahalli Layout, M. N. Gururaj, instead of winding up the society converted it into a real estate agency. TBMR has already exposed this in its earlier issues as to how M. N. Gururaj collected crores of rupees from the aspirants for the last seven years promising them sites in Yelahanka layout and even to this day has not even submitted the layout plan to BDA for sanction. 

 Whatsoever, now what if somebody files a case of cheating against M. N. Gururaj who is the Secretary since its formation? The court/police will issue summons in the name of M. N. Gururaj, the Secretary of the Lok Seva Housing Co-operative Society and the summons can be refused by him by stating that he is M. N. Gururaja Rao, the Assistant Secretary in KPSC! There is absolutely nothing ‘official’ about M. N. Gururaj Rao changing his name as M. N. Gururaj. If that was so, he should have mentioned it in KPSC official records. But, he is still acting and signing as M. N. Gururaj Rao, Asst. Secretary and PIO in KPSC while acting and signing as M. N. Gururaj in the Lokaseva Housing Co-operative Society records! 

 This is a very serious and criminal offence especially so when it is committed by a Government official that too a gazette official! But nobody wants to take action, least of all, KPSC top brass including its Honourable Chairman and equally Honourable members, as M. N.Gururaj has been their legman in many dealings and also has provided them sites. 

 Still, a complaint reached the Chief Minister B. S. Yeddyurappa on 1.9.2009. B. S. Yedurappa then directed the DPAR to take suitable action against M. N. Gururaj who is using two names, vide letter No. CM/33066/REP-GEN/2009 dated: 1.9.2009. As is natural, the DPAR should have held an enquiry into the matter which would have substantiated the charges. But, M. N. Gururaj who had high links in DPAR managed the matter. The DPAR simply forwarded the complaint to the KPSC which reached the Establishment Section that is M. N. Gururaj himself. And how one could expect M. N. Gururaj Rao to act on complaints against himself? He simply blocked the movement of the DPAR reference and killed it. 

 Then, again on 17.2.2011, the CM gave another direction to the DPAR vide CM/6272/REP-GEN/2011 to take suitable action against M. N. Gururaj. Here again, the CM’s direction to the DPAR was forwarded to KPSC that is M. N. Gururaj himself. In fact, in such a situation, the DPAR should have conducted and enquiry and directed the KPSC Secretary to initiate criminal prosecution against M. N. Gururaj after dismissing him from service! But M. N. Gururaj here too was successful to defend himself even against the CM’s personal section. The Chief Minister of course is a powerful entity and can manage his survival comparatively well in times of adversity since he has at his disposal ample of resources. But, a small time official channeling his own complaint letters to himself and then subsiding the matter itself explains the success of Democracy in India. 

The Chief Minister is helpless as both of his communications have actually reached the culprit for actions and he has freezed it. To put it simply, M. N. Gururaj has surpassed Yedurappa in the art of survival.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter THE MODERN SLAVE BAZAAR IPL SPINS MONEY, KILLS THE CRICKET SPIRIT

By. Firoz.T.Totanawala 

 The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

 THE MODERN SLAVE BAZAAR IPL SPINS MONEY, KILLS THE CRICKET SPIRIT 

 The BCCI which had raked thousands of crores by selling ‘Cricket Teams’ of Twenty 20 also created another notorious record by ‘auctioning’ the cricketers among those who purchased the IPL cricket teams. The auctioned players carried the price tag ranging from lakhs to crores. Players from India and other countries who signed for IPL were auctioned. Amidst this entire auction, the BCCI literally killed the cricket and the adjective ‘Gentleman Game’ for all times to come. And from the onset of IPL, cricket is never the same again . . . 

 THE BEGINNING 

 When Kapil Dev the former Cricket Captain and a legend, floated Indian Cricket League under the Zee banner few years back, he would not have even dreamt that he will be providing a golden opportunity to the BCCI to make thousands of crores in its attempts to neutralise his ICL. It may be recalled that Zee Company’s boss had floated the ICL to conduct league matches in different parts of the country to encourage the talented players who would not have stood a chance under the politically dominated BCCI. 

 To provide the necessary training and grooming, the ICL had signed up with experienced cricketers both from India and abroad. In fact, the ICL was a sort of replica of the County Clubs in England where they invite foreign players to play for their County. The ICL would have supplemented BCCI’s cricketing activities and would have produced talented cricketers for the Indian team. 

 But the BCCI thought otherwise. It considered the ICL as its rival and competitor and tried every trick in the trade to finish off the ICL. It refused to rent out the cricket stadiums it owns and threatened action against the players who would associate with ICL. It took up the matter with International Cricket Council complaining against the ICL and its attempts to encroach on the monopoly of BCCI on cricket in India. It prevailed upon the Cricket Boards of other countries to ban their players in signing and playing for ICL. Yet, despite the best efforts of the BCCI, it could not contain Kapil Dev’s ICL. Then, the BCCI in its attempts to teach a lesson to Kapil Dev stopped the pension to him. It may be recalled that the BCCI had introduced pension schemes to retired cricketers in recognition of their contribution and service to Indian cricket. Kapil Dev had earned the pension because of his cricketing years in the Indian team and not for his activities after retirement. Yet, when the board stopped his pension, the matter reached the courts. 

 BIRTH OF IPL 

 When all its attempts to finish off ICL failed, the BCCI hit upon a novel idea to counter ICL. Interestingly, the ICL had not yet started its tournaments. To nip the bud in the beginning, the BCCI floated Indian Premier League (IPL) to play Twenty 20 matches in major cities. The formation of IPL was also on the lines of the ICL. 

 After deciding to form the IPL, the BCCI then constituted IPL teams in the names of many cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Huderabad, Chennai, Mohali, Jaipur etc. The BCCI then did the most unthinkable. It wanted to privatise these IPL teams and called for bids. Needless to say that only rich and powerful could bid for getting the team they wanted. As expected, the filthy rich of the country participated in the tender. 

Mukesh Ambani, Vijay Mallya, Shahrukh Khan, Preeti Zeinta, Deccan Chronicle group, India Cements etc bid for the teams and grabbed it at a phenomenal prices ranging in hundred of crores. The rest is history. Nowhere in the world did a sports team command such an unbelievable amount. For the next three years, these purchasers were named the owners of the teams and they can damn well use the same for promotion of their business. 

 And then came the most disgraceful episode of purchasing the cricketers. It is a well known practice the world over for the sporting clubs to sign outstanding sportsmen by offering huge money for their contract. Even the cricket County Clubs offer big money to the players particularly the foreign ones. Also many players deem it as an honour to play in such Counties who normally prefer highly successful and experienced players to play for them. These players are usually on contract for a year or two and depending on their performance, their contract could be renewed. The contract money also depends on the experience and expertise of the players. The money spinning sports like Football, Tennis, Base ball, Rugby, Boxing, Car race brings millions of dollars to the players and the contract, the contract money etc are all decided by mutual discussions between the sporting clubs and the players. 

 THE BAZAAR 

 It was shocking and sickening to witness the auction of the players. Never in the history of sports, were the players auctioned among the team owners just like the public auction conducted by the auctioneers. All the purchasers of the IPL teams were allowed to bid for players who have signed up with BCCI for the IPL. Just like any public auction where each items are displayed and described before the commencement of the auction, the auctioneer started the auction of the players one by one. The players were described, their talents, expertise, performance over the years etc were detailed and a base bid amount was fixed. The owners of the IPL teams were allowed to bid for the players over the base rate of the players. In some cases, there were serious bidders and in few cases, players were not at all auctioned because none of the owners of IPL team bid for them even at the base price. 

 OWNERS MAKE THE RULE! 

 Apart from the humiliating sale of players, the way in which the owners of the teams purchased the players also strikes at the root of cricketing spirit. There seemed to be no standard yardstick in fixing the player’s rate and it clearly depended on the whims and fancies of the owners. Nobody can explain how highly successful and talented players from India and abroad were either quoted exorbitant high or terribly low rates. In a way, the likes and dislikes of the owners of the teams played havoc with the auction. As money had become the password cricket simply suffered. How one could expect the players of the IPL teams who were paid differently without any yardstick, to play pure and genuine cricket? Besides, whether they perform or not, they are assured of the money. In fact, there is no gradation of players. 

 Why go far? The BCCI had introduced the gradation based contract system few years back in which the players are graded into A, B and C groups. The A grade consist of experienced and senior players, B grade players are experienced and the C Grade players are new entrants or budding players. The contract rates too are different and there is a system to promote C grade players to B grade etc. This gradation of players had ensured respectable earnings to the players every year. At least, if the BCCI had graded all the players for the IPL, then, there would have been some sort of fair rates for the players. 

 SPIRIT AT STAKE! 

 Whatsoever, even though the IPL is in the 4th year and a super hit in terms of money generation, glamour, popularity etc, the cricketing spirit has gone down the drain. Moreover, the IPL stretches for almost two months and such over exposure of Twenty20 matches will dampen the spirit of cricket fans who are the main say in gate collection. If cricket is over exposed, the fans may not throng the stadiums and gradually the cricket itself may lose the popularity. It can rightly be concluded that BCCI in its money making adventures has literally killed the spirit of cricket and the adjective ‘Gentleman’s Game’ forever. 

Howzzattt..