Visakhapatnam, July 4: The CPI ML Praja Prathighatana is expanding its operations to north coastal Andhra districts and has started recruiting activists from the district.  The party has hitherto been active only in some Telangana districts and its activists are popularly known as PPG Naxals.

Sources said the PPG Naxals felt that the unrest in the industrial areas of the district gave them a fertile opportunity to set up a base there. Their intention is to work among both the organised and unorganised working class of the district and spread their ideology among them. They are also trying to gain influence among the fisherfolk.

The CPI (Maoists), who have been in this region since 1980s, had failed to build up a big influence in North Andhra unlike other Marxist Leninist political formations which have trade union fronts and actively take up issues related to the working class. The PPG has also been trying to wield influence through trade unions in the Telangana region and is now trying to replicate the formula in the district.

One of the PPG Naxals’ trade union leaders, A. Moses, was gunned down in an exchange of fire between the Greyhounds and extremists in the forests near Paloncha of Khammam district. Moses was the president of the IFTU-affiliated Auto Workers’ Union of Hyderabad. The PPG Naxals are focusing on Vizag since there are more than a dozen public sector units and many private industries, big, small and medium, in the suburbs.

More than one lakh people earn a living from these industries directly or indirectly and the PPG Naxals are planning to inspire and support agitations by these workers.  Though important CPI Maoist activists use the industrial suburbs as a shelter, they have not tried to intervene in such trade union issues directly or through their frontal organisations.

Police got an inkling of the PPG Naxals’ plans after finding some propaganda material and posters in Dibbapalem village where the new Ganagavaram private port is coming up.  The CPI ML (Praja Prathighatana) was formed in 1994 as a splinter group by those who were against the policies of CPI (ML) Prathighatana.

A second rung leader, Chalamanna, led the movement supported by women’s leaders like Radhakka (wife of Chandra Pulla Reddy, an active member of Prathighatana group). Later, the group split again with Radhakka forming a separate group, ‘Godavari Loya Prathighatana’, which further split.

Of these groups, the one led by Mohan emerged stronger, and commanded at least ten dalams in Khammam, Warangal and Karimnagar districts. This group recently made attempts to float a legal organisation on the lines of CPI (ML) New Democracy and held a meeting at Paloancha to discuss the possibilities of a trade union movement for unorganised labourers.

It is to be suspected that the PPG Naxals have chosen the Dibbapalem village for their experiment as the fisherfolk who would be displaced by the Gangavaram Private Port have been agitating for a rehabilitation package.  The recent crisis at Gangavaram private port leading to police firing and repeated clashes between the administration and agitating fisherfolk has created a fertile situation for the PPG Naxals.

Police who were keeping a close watch on the Dibbapalem village found evidence to prove PPG activity. Apart from the discovery of the propaganda material, police also learnt that a woman who has links with the PPG naxals and residing Dibbapalem went missing recently.

"We have information about a Naxal module operating in the Dibbapalem and Gangavaram villages," said the City Police Commissioner, Mr N. Sambasiva Rao. "We are keeping a close watch on all trade union activities." Another senior police officer said there was also information that PPG Naxals were moving in the industrial suburbs and were trying to set up a base there.

Hyderabad, July 4: The Chief Minister, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy, hinted on Friday that the Congress would have to go it alone in the upcoming Assembly elections.  "I am not bothered whether there is going to be split in anti-government votes. Let the people decide."

He said that there was no anti-incumbency factor in the state. "All the major problems of the people were attended to and law and order was handled in an excellent way," he said. "There were one or two stray incidents (the Meca Masjid blasts and the twin blasts) but generally the state has been peaceful."

Dr Reddy said that the Manmohan Singh government would not fall since even if the Left parties withdrew support, as others would extend help. "My gut feeling is that the Left will not associate with the BJP in pulling down the government when it comes to the trust vote in Parliament," he said. "My hunch is elections will be held around February next year."

Hyderabad, July 4: If the Chief Minister, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy, needs any divine help during election year, he does not have to go very far to seek it. For Brother Anil Kumar, a young evangelist who attracts thousands of believers to his gospel meetings, is his son-in-law.

He was born into a Hindu family and converted to Christianity after marriage. Soon after that he had a "calling from God" and became a preacher. Though he started spreading the good word much before Dr Reddy became Chief Minister, it is evident that he has grown in stature after pa-in-law took over the reins of the state.

Anil Kumar has travelled the length and breadth of the State besides the United States and other countries conducting gospel meetings packed to capacity.  Though he started off with a small prayer group, Anil Kumar is now one of the names to reckon with in Christian community thanks to family connections as well as his oratorical skills.

Some of his gospel meetings were also attended by the Chief Minister’s wife, Mrs Vijayalakshmi, and daughter, Ms Sharmila. Anil World Evangelism is making waves and at an exclusive meeting of Christian leaders held recently, he was the toast of all eyes.

"I am not just son-in-law of Chief Minister, but the son of God," was how the evangelist dramatically reacted when asked about his powerful connections. However, he went on to impulsively thank ‘mamaiah’ (and adding "sorry, the Chief Minister") for addressing the Christian leaders and promising to settle their long pending issues. In fact, he wants Christian leaders to bury their differences and work together to build a better society. "Let us put aside every kind of ego," he said. "Hey man. Let us work together. Instead of accusing one another let us start working with each other to build the Kingdom of God on this earth."

The young evangelist made it clear that he was not trying to garner votes but trying to strengthen Christianity. "Ok shall we do that…will you be a partner with me," he said in true evangelical style.  Anil Kumar further reiterated that this was not an election strategy. "This is not something like that and God is the witness." And he added in good measure, "God bless you."

Hyderabad, July 4: State medical councils are up in arms against the alleged encroachment of their rights by the Medical Council of India. Medical councils are planning to release a white paper on medical education including the regulation of medical colleges in the country. A national forum of state medical councils has been proposed to fight for this rights.

A member of the Andhra Pradesh Medical Council, Dr K. Ramesh Reddy, said, "Apart from discussing issues related to health policy and medical education system, the autonomy of state medical councils and encroachment of rights by the MCI will be dealt with."  "This is its first initiative and the white paper is likely to be released in August," he added.

The Medical Council of India inspects medical colleges and gives them recognition. Once the inspection is complete, these colleges are not regulated again. This is especially true for private medical colleges. "Regulation should be a continuous process. State medical councils should have a major role and act as a bridge between the MCI and medical colleges," Dr Ramesh Reddy said.

He added, "We are also seeking an active role in the implementation of the Private Medical Establishments Regulation Act, that is now in the hands of the state government and the centre as all allopathic doctors are registered with us." The AP Medical Council now has only the power to register the medical degrees recognised by the MCI.

Hyderabad, July 4: Students from classes I to X in state schools will get free mid-day meals from August. At present, only students from class I to VII are getting mid-day meals and the state government has decided to extend the scheme to all classes from this academic year.

Teachers unions and academics have long been demanding that the scheme be extended to all classes as is the practice in Tamil Nadu. It was unfair that students from classes VIII to X were denied mid-day meals, they argued. Though the Centre is sponsoring the scheme only for classes I to V, the state government decided to extend it to class VI and VII in the previous academic year. This was because the scheme was ensuring higher enrolment and lower dropouts in state schools.

"We have identified that the disparities in mid-day meals scheme were one of the reasons for dropouts in higher classes," said Mr P. Bhanu Murthy, director of school education. "Most children in state schools are from poor families. Providing free meals to all of them will have a positive impact." He said the government has allotted Rs 853 crore for the mid-day meal scheme this year. At present, 66 lakh students are benefiting from the scheme and another 27 lakh will get the meals from August.

Hyderabad, July 4: The Telugu Desam is losing senior leaders faster than other political parties in the state. If the recent exodus from the TD is any indication, the party has lost the most number of leaders in the last three months. Though political exodus is common in an election year, this is the first time in the Telugu Desam’s 25-year existence that around a dozen senior leaders have left the party in a short period.  The party used to lose only a couple of senior leaders and a few dozen supporters in the run up to elections. Those who did not get party tickets usually rebelled.

However, this time around, the problem is acute.  While some leaders have left demanding a separate Telangana, others have quit in order to join hands with film actor Chiranjeevi, who is planning to launch a new political party shortly.

The political exodus began with former minister K. Vidyadhar Rao. After him senior leaders including T. Trimurthulu, Devendar Goud, E. Peddi Reddy, Paleti Rama Rao and Vanga Geeta have left the Telugu Desam. Bhuma Nagi Reddy and his wife B. Sobha, who have a considerable following in Kurnool district of Rayalaseema region, left the party on Friday evening. At least another dozen leaders are likely to quit the party once the Telugu Desam takes a clear stand on Telangana and Chiranjeevi launches his political party. "The party has been neglecting senior leaders. There’s no respect for them," Mr Nagi Reddy said, angry at the way his family was treated by the Desam’s state leadership.

Hyderabad, July 4: The Telangana votary, Mr T. Devender Goud, is maintaining a low profile while preparing for the launch of his proposed political party. Mr Goud, who quit the Telugu Desam to fight for a separate Telangana, is all set to launch a new political outfit on August 6.

Before that, he is expected to announce the party’s name formally on July 11 at Hyderabad. He is toying with three names, Praja Telangana, Nava Telangana and Nava Praja Telangana. His followers apparently prefer Praja Telangana over the other two names.

Mr E. Peddi Reddy, a former minister who has been accompanying Mr Goud, said the launch of the party was being delayed because of Sukra Mudhami, which is considered inauspicious.  He added that Mr Goud is chalking out plans to gain support for the new party from various sections of people in the Telangana region.

"We have decided to attract youth, especially students from various universities in Telangana," said Mr Peddi Reddy. "We will take their help in spreading the separate statehood sentiment." For this, Mr Goud will hold a meeting with students in Osmania University on July 9 and another one with Telangana employees on July 12 in Hyderabad. Later he will meet Singareni workers in Godavarikhani on July 19 and farmers in Nizamabad on July 22.

After that, a massive public meeting will be held either at Parade grounds or at Nizam College grounds in the state capital on July 27.  Meanwhile, rumours are rife in political circles that Mr Goud may join hands with film actor Chiranjeevi.

Hyderabad, July 4: The Chief Minister, Mr Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy, and his family members will leave for a five-day holiday to the Maldives on Saturday. Dr Reddy will celebrate his 59th birthday on July 8 with wife Vijayalakshmi, son Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy and family, daughter Sharmila and grandchildren. Dr Reddy will leave at 11 am to Bengaluru and take a flight to the Maldives. The Chief Minister will return on July 10.

Hyderabad, July 4: The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation is alleged to have unduly favoured a private agency while giving it the contract for automated parking system in the city. The agreement signed by the civic body allows the agency to pocket 90 per cent of the revenue generated through automated parking lots while the corporation would get only 10 per cent.

Four main roads, which are commercially viable, have been allotted to Bengaluru-based Smart Inter Park India Private Limited.  They include both sides of the road from Big Bazaar to Ameerpet junction, Mayur Kushal Complex to Tilak Road at Abids, both sides of Basheerbagh and the road from Plaza Hotel to Gandhi Statue at Park Lane.

Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation officials, however, claimed that they thoroughly studied similar automated parking projects being run by private agencies in agreement with Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike before giving the contract. But the fact remains that the automated parking contracts in Bengaluru is on 50:50 or 60:40 revenue sharing basis.

The agreement signed between Bangalore Commercial Association and BMP clearly specifies a revenue sharing agreement on a 60:40 per cent ratio. Sources said that the projected revenue from the four automated parking lots in Hyderabad has been underestimated while the monthly operating expenses to be incurred by the contractor have been overestimated.

The four parking lots put together can accommodate 200 cars and an equal number of two-wheelers. The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation Additional Commissioner, Dr G. Vani Mohan, told this correspondent that the contract in Hyderabad was given on a pilot basis.  However, enquiries by this correspondent revealed that the contract has been awarded for a seven-year period on four roads.  Normally, the tenure of any project which is given on pilot basis is from six months to a year.

Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation officials defended their decision stating that the automated parking system in Hyderabad was being executed on Build, Operate and Transfer basis.  "The contractor will invest the entire amount on purchase of automated parking meters, hand held computers and walkie-talkies besides paying the salaries of personnel employed at the parking lots," said a senior official.

He added that the agency would have to invest over Rs 5.52 lakh. It would incur another Rs 4.20 lakh as monthly operational expenditure. "That is the reason this pilot project is for seven years," the senior official said.

Mr Mohammed Nazim, managing director of the Smart Inter Park India Private Limited, told this correspondent over telephone from Bengaluru that three of the four automated parking lots would be inaugurated shortly.  Commissioning of the Ameerpet parking lot will be delayed because of the road widening by Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation, officials told this correspondent.

Hyderabad, July 4: A system to track if water tanks are being diverted has been put in place. Global Positioning System (GPS) to track tankers has been installed at the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board office. The water board managing director, Mr Asok Kumar, said, "The GPS system has been installed in only 100 of the 200 tankers used for supplying water to slum areas. We plan to cover the remaining 100 tankers in Phase-II shortly." He admitted that tankers were being diverted to highest bidders by some of their staff and the GPS system will help check this.

Hyderabad, July 4: The east zone task force seized 25,000 fake education certificates, three computers and 80 rubber stamps from the fake Golconda University here on Friday. Director of the institute, Syed Afsaruddin, was arrested. Located close to the Exhibition Grounds in Nampally, this fake university was in demand for the last 15 years.

It has been issuing certificates in the city since 1995, with initial operations from Moazzam Jahi Market.  Preliminary investigations by the task force officials revealed that the institute sold certificates for education courses such as Secondary School Certificate, Senior Secondary Certificate and graduate and post graduate course certificates.

While the Secondary School Certificate is sold for Rs 4,500, the Senior Secondary Certificate can be obtained for Rs 7,000. The graduate and post- graduate certificates are sold for as high as Rs 15,000.  "The office has built up a bank of resources with rubber stamps, computers and colour printers. Certificates were even laminated and then sold to the interested party," said Mr Prasanna Kumar, the sub-inspector of the east zone task force.

The university deceived their clients stating that they offered these courses in association with a Rajasthan University.  Majority of their clientele comprised persons planning to go to foreign universities or people who had to shift to a foreign country after marriage.

The task force team recovered 10,000 applications that the institution had .  The case has been handed over to the detective wing of the city police . "It will now be dealt by the detective department. It is a serious matter and will be thoroughly investigated," added Mr Kumar.

Hyderabad, July 4: The officials of the west zone task force team on Friday apprehended six persons at Begum Bazaar for indulging in hawala transactions and seized Rs 23.06 lakh from their possession. The accused Mohd. Khaja Moinuddin, 64, of First Lancer, Mohd. Abdul Hadi, 38, of Muradnagar, Syed Asad, 28, of Yakutpura, Mohd. Abdul Basheer, 42, of First Lancer, Bhik Singh, 25, of Begum Bazaar and native of Rajasthan, Mohd. Abdul Khadeer, 50, of Ahmednagar were held in a raid conducted by the west zone task force inspector, Mr K.V. Ram Narsimha Reddy and his team. The accused transferred the Hawala money to their clients as per instructions received from Dubai and Saudi Arabia, the police added.