Arjun Raghunath
The New Indian Express
There may be scores of techies having a professional attachment with Technopark by working at the campus since its inception. But, for Syed Ibrahim, it’s not only a professional but a personal attachment as well, as it has not only made him an employer from an employee, but also found a life partner for him.
Syed, a graduate in German language, started his career in Technopark as a translator with Ada Software in 1995, the year in which Technopark was commissioned.
Syed, who did his post-graduation in Germany, subsequently switched to IVL, a German company, as project coordinator in 1996.
In the meantime, he found his life partner Sheena, who was then working with another firm in Technopark - Data Entry International.
‘‘In the initial years of Technopark, there were only a few companies and the total number of members was also around 500. Hence, all of us knew each other. But now the number of employees in the Technopark campus has increased manifold and hence there are no strong personal relations between the employees of various firms,’’ says Syed, a native of Kozhikode.
In 1998, Syed, along with one of his friends, started Palnar Transmedia. Started with two employees in 150 square feet of space, Palnar now has 42 professionals working from 4,000-square feet in Technopark, besides having branches in Germany and the US.
‘‘We attribute our success to the sincere support by the Technopark officials by providing adequate space and other assistance at our budding stage,’’ says Syed, who is also the honorary president of the German Centre in the city, Goethe-Zentrum.
There is a wrong perception about Kerala abroad which is indeed hindering investors to the State to certain extent. But from my experience I feel that those perceptions are totally baseless, Syed adds.
arjun_raghunath@expressbuzz.com
Thursday 29 July 2010
The three pillars of Technopark
Arjun Raghunath
The New Indian Express
Two decades after the idea was conceived, there are three keywords behind the smooth and steady growth of the country’s first IT Park: MV, KCC and KR. Right from initial paper works to the development of the park to the present status, no development would have taken place in Technopark without these three abbreviations.
Technopark’s Senior Business Development Manager M Vasudevan, Chief Finance Officer K C Chandrasekharan Nair and Deputy General Manager K Ramachandran, who are known in the Technopark campus as MV, KCC and KR respectively, have been playing a key role in the development of the Technopark right from its conception in July, 1990. The three were part of a team handpicked by Technopark’s founder chairman K P P Nambiar from Keltron. ‘‘It’s not just an anniversary of an organisation, for us it feels like the birthday of our child,’’ say the three.
‘‘In the initial days, all those who were associated with the project had performed multi-tasks. It was just like building our home, each one performing all duties,’’ recalls Vasudevan, as his colleagues KCC and KR nod, during a brief chat with Expresso on the 20th anniversary of Technopark’s conceptualisation in July, 1990.
‘‘We had adopted the format of the Centre for Development of Telematics for developing Technopark. Now the Technopark development model is being adopted for the development of other IT parks,’’ they add. The three officials have been playing the role of a single-window counter at the Technopark. Vasudevan is entrusted with the task of marketing the facilities at the Technopark, inviting new firms and providing necessary assistance to the prospective investors to set up their units.
‘‘Started with around five companies offering around 500 jobs, Technopark now houses about 185 companies that provide 28,000 jobs. This is indeed the result of our team work,’’ says Vasudevan.
KCC, who handles the finance and Incubation Centre, is also quite contented that out of the 45 companies incubated by the Centre, 39 have scripted success - a near-90 percent success rate. ‘‘Initially, we had to run from pillar to post to get government assistance for setting up the Technopark,’’ says Chandrasekharan.
Being the one in charge of HR, Ramachandran has been playing a key role in providing necessary manpower to the Technopark companies, besides other facilities in the campus. ‘‘Parking of vehicles is one of the biggest challenges before us these days. We hope to sort it out with the installation of a multi-level parking system. A prototype of a three-level fully-automated parking facility that could accommodate up to 27 vehicles would be introduced soon. The system, incidentally, was developed by a Technopark-incubated firm,’’ says KR.
The three are grateful to the facilitating role played by the government. ‘‘Here, at Technopark, we enjoy a free hand in management. We have also knocked down hierarchies in this office,’’ they say.
arjun_raghunath@expressbuzz.com
The New Indian Express
Two decades after the idea was conceived, there are three keywords behind the smooth and steady growth of the country’s first IT Park: MV, KCC and KR. Right from initial paper works to the development of the park to the present status, no development would have taken place in Technopark without these three abbreviations.
Technopark’s Senior Business Development Manager M Vasudevan, Chief Finance Officer K C Chandrasekharan Nair and Deputy General Manager K Ramachandran, who are known in the Technopark campus as MV, KCC and KR respectively, have been playing a key role in the development of the Technopark right from its conception in July, 1990. The three were part of a team handpicked by Technopark’s founder chairman K P P Nambiar from Keltron. ‘‘It’s not just an anniversary of an organisation, for us it feels like the birthday of our child,’’ say the three.
‘‘In the initial days, all those who were associated with the project had performed multi-tasks. It was just like building our home, each one performing all duties,’’ recalls Vasudevan, as his colleagues KCC and KR nod, during a brief chat with Expresso on the 20th anniversary of Technopark’s conceptualisation in July, 1990.
‘‘We had adopted the format of the Centre for Development of Telematics for developing Technopark. Now the Technopark development model is being adopted for the development of other IT parks,’’ they add. The three officials have been playing the role of a single-window counter at the Technopark. Vasudevan is entrusted with the task of marketing the facilities at the Technopark, inviting new firms and providing necessary assistance to the prospective investors to set up their units.
‘‘Started with around five companies offering around 500 jobs, Technopark now houses about 185 companies that provide 28,000 jobs. This is indeed the result of our team work,’’ says Vasudevan.
KCC, who handles the finance and Incubation Centre, is also quite contented that out of the 45 companies incubated by the Centre, 39 have scripted success - a near-90 percent success rate. ‘‘Initially, we had to run from pillar to post to get government assistance for setting up the Technopark,’’ says Chandrasekharan.
Being the one in charge of HR, Ramachandran has been playing a key role in providing necessary manpower to the Technopark companies, besides other facilities in the campus. ‘‘Parking of vehicles is one of the biggest challenges before us these days. We hope to sort it out with the installation of a multi-level parking system. A prototype of a three-level fully-automated parking facility that could accommodate up to 27 vehicles would be introduced soon. The system, incidentally, was developed by a Technopark-incubated firm,’’ says KR.
The three are grateful to the facilitating role played by the government. ‘‘Here, at Technopark, we enjoy a free hand in management. We have also knocked down hierarchies in this office,’’ they say.
arjun_raghunath@expressbuzz.com
Wednesday 21 July 2010
Book on Karkare an inspiration for PFI activists
Arjun Raghunath
The New Indian Express
21 Jul 2010
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: 'Who killed Karkare? The real face of terrorism in India', the book penned by a retired IPS officer which points an accusing finger at Hindu fundamentalism for the rise in terrorist activities in India, has become a handbook for the Muslim extremist outfits, including the Popular Front of India (PFI).
Within a short span of time after its release, the book that tries to trace the 'Hinduist links' behind the death of Mumbai Anti-Terrorist Squad chief Hemanth Karkare, has been translated into various Indian languages, including Malayalam. The Malayalam edition of the book was brought out by Thejas Publications the publication wing of the Popular Front of India (PFI).
'Karkareye Konnatharu,' the Malayalam edition that was released in February is doing brisk sales, say the publishers.
Top sources in the State Police said that the book was widely read and circulated among PFI activists in the State as well as members of other Muslim extremist outfits. ''The book does not contain any objectionable content and hence we could not interfere in it, '' a senior police officer said.
Sources also said that it was a meeting held in connection with the release of the Tamil edition of 'Who killed Karkare?' at Thuckalay in Kanyakumari district on Sunday that led to the spreading of the message about a secret meeting of PFI cadres.
Though no PFI activists were evidently present at the meeting, Intelligence sources feel that it would be the counterparts of the Kerala PFI activists in Tamil Nadu who took part in the meeting. Besides Malayalam, the book has also been translated into Urdu, Kannada, Marathi and Tamil. ''The book could be used as an effective tool to woo more youths towards Muslim extremist ideologies. The Muslim extremist outfits are even resorting to the propaganda that the community will dominate Kerala by 2040,'' said a senior police officer.
Penned by S M Mushrif, a former IG in Maharashtra and a senior officer of Karkare, the book goes through a dozen terror strikes in the nation over the past few years and attempts to trace their links with Hindu fundamentalist outfits. It accuses the Intelligence Bureau of playing a role in creating a false propaganda against the Muslim community.
While suggesting a reinvestigation into the death of the ATS chief in the Mumbai terror strike, the former IPS officer also highlights the exposure of the links of Lt. Col. Purohit and other leaders of VHP, RSS and other Sangh Parivar organisations with the Malegaon blast of 2008 by Karkare.
Mushrif also smells a rat in the alleged negligence on the part of the Intelligence Bureau in alerting the agencies concerned, including the Mumbai Police, of the Mumbai terror strike. ''Not only this one, we publish several other books that expose Hindu fundamentalism. The book 'Karkareye Konnatharu' also exposes the real face of the IB and hence it is well received," said PFI leader Nazarudeen Elamaram.
arjun.raghunath@gmail.com
The New Indian Express
21 Jul 2010
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: 'Who killed Karkare? The real face of terrorism in India', the book penned by a retired IPS officer which points an accusing finger at Hindu fundamentalism for the rise in terrorist activities in India, has become a handbook for the Muslim extremist outfits, including the Popular Front of India (PFI).
Within a short span of time after its release, the book that tries to trace the 'Hinduist links' behind the death of Mumbai Anti-Terrorist Squad chief Hemanth Karkare, has been translated into various Indian languages, including Malayalam. The Malayalam edition of the book was brought out by Thejas Publications the publication wing of the Popular Front of India (PFI).
'Karkareye Konnatharu,' the Malayalam edition that was released in February is doing brisk sales, say the publishers.
Top sources in the State Police said that the book was widely read and circulated among PFI activists in the State as well as members of other Muslim extremist outfits. ''The book does not contain any objectionable content and hence we could not interfere in it, '' a senior police officer said.
Sources also said that it was a meeting held in connection with the release of the Tamil edition of 'Who killed Karkare?' at Thuckalay in Kanyakumari district on Sunday that led to the spreading of the message about a secret meeting of PFI cadres.
Though no PFI activists were evidently present at the meeting, Intelligence sources feel that it would be the counterparts of the Kerala PFI activists in Tamil Nadu who took part in the meeting. Besides Malayalam, the book has also been translated into Urdu, Kannada, Marathi and Tamil. ''The book could be used as an effective tool to woo more youths towards Muslim extremist ideologies. The Muslim extremist outfits are even resorting to the propaganda that the community will dominate Kerala by 2040,'' said a senior police officer.
Penned by S M Mushrif, a former IG in Maharashtra and a senior officer of Karkare, the book goes through a dozen terror strikes in the nation over the past few years and attempts to trace their links with Hindu fundamentalist outfits. It accuses the Intelligence Bureau of playing a role in creating a false propaganda against the Muslim community.
While suggesting a reinvestigation into the death of the ATS chief in the Mumbai terror strike, the former IPS officer also highlights the exposure of the links of Lt. Col. Purohit and other leaders of VHP, RSS and other Sangh Parivar organisations with the Malegaon blast of 2008 by Karkare.
Mushrif also smells a rat in the alleged negligence on the part of the Intelligence Bureau in alerting the agencies concerned, including the Mumbai Police, of the Mumbai terror strike. ''Not only this one, we publish several other books that expose Hindu fundamentalism. The book 'Karkareye Konnatharu' also exposes the real face of the IB and hence it is well received," said PFI leader Nazarudeen Elamaram.
arjun.raghunath@gmail.com
Friday 16 July 2010
Rackets making bogus job offers thriving on net
Arjun Raghunath
First Published : 16 Jul 2010 04:34:28 AM IST
Last Updated : 16 Jul 2010 09:26:19 AM IST
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Exploiting the grim job scenario in the aviation sector, rackets involved in trapping candidates by promising them highly-paid jobs in the aviation sector are thriving in cyber space.
It is more alarming that these offers are made even through reputed job portals. The roots of these rackets could also be traced to the infamous Nigerian financial-fraud rackets.
‘Express’ had recently reported that the aviation training centres which have mushroomed in the state over the past few years were wooing candidates by making bogus claims about job opportunities. The job cheating in the sector by offering bogus placements is considered as an extension to it.
The modus operandi of the racket is to offer overseas jobs to candidates through some of the leading job portals. A candidate would be sent an e-mail offering the job in a reputed airline. The logo of the company would also be included in all the communications in order to instil a sense of genuineness. Once the candidate expresses his/her interest to the offer, he would be sent a questionnaire which mainly includes personal details and interests. Subsequently, a confirmation letter would be sent to the candidate offering an attractive remuneration. The candidate would be asked to remit an amount in a bank account for meeting the visa and upward journey charges.
Pintu Rajan, hailing from Kottayam who had done Aircraft Maintenance Engineering course, had recently received a similar job offer from ‘Qatar Airways in Heathrow Airport in UK’ offering a monthly after-tax remuneration of 8,630 pounds - above Rs 6 lakh, besides other attractive allowances.
On verification with the Qatar Airways officials here, it was found that the offer was a bogus one. The offer had come through a leading job portal.
“I was asked to remit Rs 64,000 for arranging UK visa and upward journey ticket. As we became suspicious, one of my relatives in the UK tried to contact over a UK telephone number which was provided along with the job offer. The call was attended by a Nigerian guy. When my relative started asking questions about the bogus offer, the telephone got disconnected and thereafter no one had responded from that number yet, ‘’ says Pintu.
When contacted by `Express’, Qatar Airways station manager in Thiruvananthapuram Jayaprakash Nair said that several such cases were coming up these days not only in the name of Qatar Airways, but in the name of many other airlines.
We had reported this matter to our headquarters. “Those who receive such offers should cross-check it with the airline concerned, ‘’ he said.
First Published : 16 Jul 2010 04:34:28 AM IST
Last Updated : 16 Jul 2010 09:26:19 AM IST
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Exploiting the grim job scenario in the aviation sector, rackets involved in trapping candidates by promising them highly-paid jobs in the aviation sector are thriving in cyber space.
It is more alarming that these offers are made even through reputed job portals. The roots of these rackets could also be traced to the infamous Nigerian financial-fraud rackets.
‘Express’ had recently reported that the aviation training centres which have mushroomed in the state over the past few years were wooing candidates by making bogus claims about job opportunities. The job cheating in the sector by offering bogus placements is considered as an extension to it.
The modus operandi of the racket is to offer overseas jobs to candidates through some of the leading job portals. A candidate would be sent an e-mail offering the job in a reputed airline. The logo of the company would also be included in all the communications in order to instil a sense of genuineness. Once the candidate expresses his/her interest to the offer, he would be sent a questionnaire which mainly includes personal details and interests. Subsequently, a confirmation letter would be sent to the candidate offering an attractive remuneration. The candidate would be asked to remit an amount in a bank account for meeting the visa and upward journey charges.
Pintu Rajan, hailing from Kottayam who had done Aircraft Maintenance Engineering course, had recently received a similar job offer from ‘Qatar Airways in Heathrow Airport in UK’ offering a monthly after-tax remuneration of 8,630 pounds - above Rs 6 lakh, besides other attractive allowances.
On verification with the Qatar Airways officials here, it was found that the offer was a bogus one. The offer had come through a leading job portal.
“I was asked to remit Rs 64,000 for arranging UK visa and upward journey ticket. As we became suspicious, one of my relatives in the UK tried to contact over a UK telephone number which was provided along with the job offer. The call was attended by a Nigerian guy. When my relative started asking questions about the bogus offer, the telephone got disconnected and thereafter no one had responded from that number yet, ‘’ says Pintu.
When contacted by `Express’, Qatar Airways station manager in Thiruvananthapuram Jayaprakash Nair said that several such cases were coming up these days not only in the name of Qatar Airways, but in the name of many other airlines.
We had reported this matter to our headquarters. “Those who receive such offers should cross-check it with the airline concerned, ‘’ he said.
Monday 12 July 2010
Key LTTE operative still absconding
Arjun Raghunath
First Published : 10 Jul 2010 04:09:47 AM IST
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: It is Paraparan Sivam from Jaffna and not Shiva, the key operative behind the regrouping of LTTE cadre from Kerala and Tamil Nadu coasts, who was held by the Kollam police with the help of Central Intelligence Bureau from Tirunelveli the other day.
Top intelligence sources told `Express' that Shiva, a native of Mullaitivu a garrison of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in Colombo, is still absconding. He is suspected to be playing the key role in the regrouping of LTTE cadre. ``We are yet to get any clue regarding the whereabouts of Shiva. The arrest of Shiva would be a major breakthrough in cracking the whole network,'' the source told `Express.'
The intelligence agencies have also received a vital information from Paraparan Sivam that a group of people, including seven LTTE members, were trafficked to Australia in a boat from Kanyakumari in 2008. There is also information that Sunder Rajan, who is also a native of Jaffna and believed to be second to Shiva in the LTTE regrouping network, was held by the Tamil Nadu police about three months back on charges of human trafficking. He is still in Chennai prison. Paraparan is a close aide of Sunder Rajan.
The intelligence agencies have also received vital information that the LTTE cadre were being illegally trafficked not only to Australia, but to countries such as the UK, France and Italy. Besides setting up a safe haven for regrouping and planning further course of operations, gaining more funds for the operations is also an intention of the human trafficking to these countries, said sources.
Another person in the network, identified as Tony, who purchased the boat `Wahid' from Kozhikode, is still absconding. Sivam told interrogators that he had deposited the money for purchasing the boat in the bank. The money was routed through hawala channels. The LTTE operations from the state came to light following the detention of about 35 Tamilians in Kollam in May and the subsequent arrest of Dennis and Antony Miller who were suspected to be providing support for the human trafficking of Sri Lankans.
First Published : 10 Jul 2010 04:09:47 AM IST
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: It is Paraparan Sivam from Jaffna and not Shiva, the key operative behind the regrouping of LTTE cadre from Kerala and Tamil Nadu coasts, who was held by the Kollam police with the help of Central Intelligence Bureau from Tirunelveli the other day.
Top intelligence sources told `Express' that Shiva, a native of Mullaitivu a garrison of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in Colombo, is still absconding. He is suspected to be playing the key role in the regrouping of LTTE cadre. ``We are yet to get any clue regarding the whereabouts of Shiva. The arrest of Shiva would be a major breakthrough in cracking the whole network,'' the source told `Express.'
The intelligence agencies have also received a vital information from Paraparan Sivam that a group of people, including seven LTTE members, were trafficked to Australia in a boat from Kanyakumari in 2008. There is also information that Sunder Rajan, who is also a native of Jaffna and believed to be second to Shiva in the LTTE regrouping network, was held by the Tamil Nadu police about three months back on charges of human trafficking. He is still in Chennai prison. Paraparan is a close aide of Sunder Rajan.
The intelligence agencies have also received vital information that the LTTE cadre were being illegally trafficked not only to Australia, but to countries such as the UK, France and Italy. Besides setting up a safe haven for regrouping and planning further course of operations, gaining more funds for the operations is also an intention of the human trafficking to these countries, said sources.
Another person in the network, identified as Tony, who purchased the boat `Wahid' from Kozhikode, is still absconding. Sivam told interrogators that he had deposited the money for purchasing the boat in the bank. The money was routed through hawala channels. The LTTE operations from the state came to light following the detention of about 35 Tamilians in Kollam in May and the subsequent arrest of Dennis and Antony Miller who were suspected to be providing support for the human trafficking of Sri Lankans.
Sify to set up new State Data Centre
Arjun Raghunath
First Published : 09 Jul 2010 05:06:53 AM IST
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Sify, the Chennai-based IT giant, has bagged the contract for setting up the new State Data Centre (SDC) at Technopark.
The State Cabinet on Wednesday granted nod for a recommendation of the tender evaluation committee in this regard. It would be the second data centre of the State Government after the one set up at Co-Bank Towers here.
Sify has bagged the project for Rs 22.49 crore by sweeping aside competition from five other leading IT firms.
Reliance and HCL Infosys, which quoted Rs 24.26 crore and Rs 24.5 crore respectively, were the other front runners for the project. Other companies which competed in the bid were L&T Infotech, HCL Comnet and Prithvi Infosolutions, highly placed government sources told `Express.’
Nearly 4,000 sq ft space has been earmarked in the Thejaswini building of the Technopark for the project. Sify would be responsible for setting up the hardware and managing it for three years.
IT Principal Secretary Ajaykumar said the new SDC is expected to become functional within a year. ``As the e-governance applications of government departments keep on increasing, there is an urgent need for more data space. The existing data centre is finding it difficult to accommodate the increasing demand from various departments and hence the new one is a major leap in the state’s IT development, especially e-governance,’’ Ajaykumar said.
Kerala has the distinction of being the first state to have a data centre exclusively for the State Government’s e-governance applications. The existing data centre of the State Government started operations here in 2005. The data centres would be the backbone of the e-governance applications of the State Government. The existing data centre is currently hosting more than 100 government websites and Web Application Software.
Sources in the IT Department said that though there had been strict instructions of the Centre that all government websites should be hosted only in government-owned data centres for security reasons, it could not be implemented in the state in toto owing to unavailability of space in the existing data centre. This issue could be sorted out once the new data centre becomes operational.
Moreover, many of the critical applications of the State Government are still running without any back-up data, which is also due to the lack of space.
Once the new data centre comes up, there would be sufficient space for backing-up data. The State IT Department had even recently introduced a back-up policy to ensure proper backing-up of government data.
Meanwhile, the decision to grant the contract for the new data centre is likely to spark a fresh controversy over enabling a private firm to get access to vital information of the State Government. The recent decision to hand over the management of the existing data centre to Reliance had created a similar controversy.
First Published : 09 Jul 2010 05:06:53 AM IST
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Sify, the Chennai-based IT giant, has bagged the contract for setting up the new State Data Centre (SDC) at Technopark.
The State Cabinet on Wednesday granted nod for a recommendation of the tender evaluation committee in this regard. It would be the second data centre of the State Government after the one set up at Co-Bank Towers here.
Sify has bagged the project for Rs 22.49 crore by sweeping aside competition from five other leading IT firms.
Reliance and HCL Infosys, which quoted Rs 24.26 crore and Rs 24.5 crore respectively, were the other front runners for the project. Other companies which competed in the bid were L&T Infotech, HCL Comnet and Prithvi Infosolutions, highly placed government sources told `Express.’
Nearly 4,000 sq ft space has been earmarked in the Thejaswini building of the Technopark for the project. Sify would be responsible for setting up the hardware and managing it for three years.
IT Principal Secretary Ajaykumar said the new SDC is expected to become functional within a year. ``As the e-governance applications of government departments keep on increasing, there is an urgent need for more data space. The existing data centre is finding it difficult to accommodate the increasing demand from various departments and hence the new one is a major leap in the state’s IT development, especially e-governance,’’ Ajaykumar said.
Kerala has the distinction of being the first state to have a data centre exclusively for the State Government’s e-governance applications. The existing data centre of the State Government started operations here in 2005. The data centres would be the backbone of the e-governance applications of the State Government. The existing data centre is currently hosting more than 100 government websites and Web Application Software.
Sources in the IT Department said that though there had been strict instructions of the Centre that all government websites should be hosted only in government-owned data centres for security reasons, it could not be implemented in the state in toto owing to unavailability of space in the existing data centre. This issue could be sorted out once the new data centre becomes operational.
Moreover, many of the critical applications of the State Government are still running without any back-up data, which is also due to the lack of space.
Once the new data centre comes up, there would be sufficient space for backing-up data. The State IT Department had even recently introduced a back-up policy to ensure proper backing-up of government data.
Meanwhile, the decision to grant the contract for the new data centre is likely to spark a fresh controversy over enabling a private firm to get access to vital information of the State Government. The recent decision to hand over the management of the existing data centre to Reliance had created a similar controversy.
Thursday 8 July 2010
Appointment of Samsuddin as KSSDI director spark off row
Arjun Raghunath
First Published : 08 Jul 2010
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The appointment of a scientist of the Centre for Earth Science Studies (CESS) as director of the Kerala State Spatial Data Infrastructure (KSSDI) has sparked a row.
M Samsuddin, scientist in charge of the Geomatics Lab in CESS, has been appointed as director of KSSDI last week on deputation for two years. He has been serving as convener of a technical committee constituted by the government earlier to study various aspects for setting up KSSDI.
A section has alleged that Samsuddin had earlier faced various charges of irregularities and hence it would not be ideal to post him as the director of a sensitive body. Samsuddin had faced allegations pertaining to the missing of certain toposheets from CESS as well as certain other misappropriations in CESS. As director of KSSDI, he would have access to the spatial data of the state, which is highly critical, says the section which opposes his appointment to the post.
However, the IT Department justifies the appointment of Samsuddin. ``It is true that there were certain complaints against Samsuddin.
But those complaints were inquired into with the help of the Home Department and were found to be baseless. Hence, he was posted as KSSDI director,’’ a top official of the IT Department told `Express.’ Moreover, Samsuddin has been associated with KSSDI project since its beginning and he is competent to hold the post, says the IT Department source. Samsuddin is also a member of a 14-member technical committee that was recently constituted by the government to look into the objections raised against the Kerala State Spatial Data Infrastructure and SPARK projects, especially with regard to the use of proprietary software for the projects.
KSSDI is being set up with the aim of developing a common standard and framing policy guidelines of the state for spatial mapping.
The project is being developed on the lines of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure.
First Published : 08 Jul 2010
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The appointment of a scientist of the Centre for Earth Science Studies (CESS) as director of the Kerala State Spatial Data Infrastructure (KSSDI) has sparked a row.
M Samsuddin, scientist in charge of the Geomatics Lab in CESS, has been appointed as director of KSSDI last week on deputation for two years. He has been serving as convener of a technical committee constituted by the government earlier to study various aspects for setting up KSSDI.
A section has alleged that Samsuddin had earlier faced various charges of irregularities and hence it would not be ideal to post him as the director of a sensitive body. Samsuddin had faced allegations pertaining to the missing of certain toposheets from CESS as well as certain other misappropriations in CESS. As director of KSSDI, he would have access to the spatial data of the state, which is highly critical, says the section which opposes his appointment to the post.
However, the IT Department justifies the appointment of Samsuddin. ``It is true that there were certain complaints against Samsuddin.
But those complaints were inquired into with the help of the Home Department and were found to be baseless. Hence, he was posted as KSSDI director,’’ a top official of the IT Department told `Express.’ Moreover, Samsuddin has been associated with KSSDI project since its beginning and he is competent to hold the post, says the IT Department source. Samsuddin is also a member of a 14-member technical committee that was recently constituted by the government to look into the objections raised against the Kerala State Spatial Data Infrastructure and SPARK projects, especially with regard to the use of proprietary software for the projects.
KSSDI is being set up with the aim of developing a common standard and framing policy guidelines of the state for spatial mapping.
The project is being developed on the lines of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure.
A trip through Travancore history
Arjun Raghunath
First Published : 08 Jul 2010 01:47:29 AM IST
Last Updated : 08 Jul 2010 08:25:45 AM IST
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The new international terminal of the Thiruvananthapuram Airport which is being decked up for inauguration would not only throw open world class facilities to passengers, but may also serve as a window to the past glory of the capital city.
A mural depicting images of Thiruvananthapuram city taken around 150 years ago may become an attraction at the new terminal, with the blessings of the Travancore royal family. The information that the royal family is in possession of a collection of old photographs and paintings, has ignited the idea of exhibiting murals of the past legacy of the capital city amidst the world class facilities.
Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor has already spoken to Uthradom Thirunal Marthanda Varma, head of the Travancore royal family, in this regard and the latter has expressed his willingness to share the valuable treasure.
Sources close to the MP told this paper that following a suggestion from Airport Director V N Chandran, the MP had spoken to Uthradom Thirunal Marthanda Varma and the latter had expressed wholehearted support. But the pictures are yet to be traced. The MP has also communicated to the Airport Director that he may call on Uthradom Thirunal Marthanda Varma and pursue the idea.
The pictures and paintings that were done during the time of British rule mainly depict the past lifestyles in Thiruvananthapuram. Marthanda Varma is also known for his craze for photography.
The new terminal, developed at a total cost of Rs 289 core, is coming up at a time when the Thiruvananthapuram airport has entered its platinum jubilee year. Spread over 32,200 square metres, the new terminal can handle 1,600 passengers at a time and an annual capacity to handle 18 lakh passengers. It will have 30 check-in counters with Common User Terminal Equipment (CUTE) facility for easy transit of passengers, 14 immigration counters, two Customs counters and four security check counters in departure.
There will be 12 immigration counters and nine Customs check counters for the arriving passengers. With glass being a major portion of the new structure, it also provides natural lighting inside the terminal building.
Another attraction of the new terminal is that visitors can enter the terminal building up to a point so that they can see a departing passengers even after checking in, which is not possible in the existing terminal. The entry would, however, be restricted with a ticket.
Inauguration likely on July 16
Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel is likely to inaugurate the new terminal of the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on July 16. Though it was earlier scheduled to be inaugurated by Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi on July 14, the programme was postponed after the State Government raised strong objections to the major project being inaugurated by Vayalar Ravi.
Sources said that it had been almost finalised that the Civil Aviation Minister would inaugurate the airport in the presence of Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan on July 16. Vayalar Ravi would also be invited to the function as a guest.
First Published : 08 Jul 2010 01:47:29 AM IST
Last Updated : 08 Jul 2010 08:25:45 AM IST
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The new international terminal of the Thiruvananthapuram Airport which is being decked up for inauguration would not only throw open world class facilities to passengers, but may also serve as a window to the past glory of the capital city.
A mural depicting images of Thiruvananthapuram city taken around 150 years ago may become an attraction at the new terminal, with the blessings of the Travancore royal family. The information that the royal family is in possession of a collection of old photographs and paintings, has ignited the idea of exhibiting murals of the past legacy of the capital city amidst the world class facilities.
Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor has already spoken to Uthradom Thirunal Marthanda Varma, head of the Travancore royal family, in this regard and the latter has expressed his willingness to share the valuable treasure.
Sources close to the MP told this paper that following a suggestion from Airport Director V N Chandran, the MP had spoken to Uthradom Thirunal Marthanda Varma and the latter had expressed wholehearted support. But the pictures are yet to be traced. The MP has also communicated to the Airport Director that he may call on Uthradom Thirunal Marthanda Varma and pursue the idea.
The pictures and paintings that were done during the time of British rule mainly depict the past lifestyles in Thiruvananthapuram. Marthanda Varma is also known for his craze for photography.
The new terminal, developed at a total cost of Rs 289 core, is coming up at a time when the Thiruvananthapuram airport has entered its platinum jubilee year. Spread over 32,200 square metres, the new terminal can handle 1,600 passengers at a time and an annual capacity to handle 18 lakh passengers. It will have 30 check-in counters with Common User Terminal Equipment (CUTE) facility for easy transit of passengers, 14 immigration counters, two Customs counters and four security check counters in departure.
There will be 12 immigration counters and nine Customs check counters for the arriving passengers. With glass being a major portion of the new structure, it also provides natural lighting inside the terminal building.
Another attraction of the new terminal is that visitors can enter the terminal building up to a point so that they can see a departing passengers even after checking in, which is not possible in the existing terminal. The entry would, however, be restricted with a ticket.
Inauguration likely on July 16
Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel is likely to inaugurate the new terminal of the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on July 16. Though it was earlier scheduled to be inaugurated by Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi on July 14, the programme was postponed after the State Government raised strong objections to the major project being inaugurated by Vayalar Ravi.
Sources said that it had been almost finalised that the Civil Aviation Minister would inaugurate the airport in the presence of Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan on July 16. Vayalar Ravi would also be invited to the function as a guest.
Appointment of Samsuddin as KSSDI director spark off row
Arjun Raghunath
First Published : 08 Jul 2010 08:17:20 AM IST
Last Updated : 08 Jul 2010 12:03:57 PM IST
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The appointment of a scientist of the Centre for Earth Science Studies (CESS) as director of the Kerala State Spatial Data Infrastructure (KSSDI) has sparked a row.
M Samsuddin, scientist in charge of the Geomatics Lab in CESS, has been appointed as director of KSSDI last week on deputation for two years. He has been serving as convener of a technical committee constituted by the government earlier to study various aspects for setting up KSSDI.
A section has alleged that Samsuddin had earlier faced various charges of irregularities and hence it would not be ideal to post him as the director of a sensitive body. Samsuddin had faced allegations pertaining to the missing of certain toposheets from CESS as well as certain other misappropriations in CESS. As director of KSSDI, he would have access to the spatial data of the state, which is highly critical, says the section which opposes his appointment to the post.
However, the IT Department justifies the appointment of Samsuddin. ``It is true that there were certain complaints against Samsuddin.
But those complaints were inquired into with the help of the Home Department and were found to be baseless. Hence, he was posted as KSSDI director,’’ a top official of the IT Department told `Express.’ Moreover, Samsuddin has been associated with KSSDI project since its beginning and he is competent to hold the post, says the IT Department source. Samsuddin is also a member of a 14-member technical committee that was recently constituted by the government to look into the objections raised against the Kerala State Spatial Data Infrastructure and SPARK projects, especially with regard to the use of proprietary software for the projects.
KSSDI is being set up with the aim of developing a common standard and framing policy guidelines of the state for spatial mapping.
The project is being developed on the lines of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure.
First Published : 08 Jul 2010 08:17:20 AM IST
Last Updated : 08 Jul 2010 12:03:57 PM IST
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The appointment of a scientist of the Centre for Earth Science Studies (CESS) as director of the Kerala State Spatial Data Infrastructure (KSSDI) has sparked a row.
M Samsuddin, scientist in charge of the Geomatics Lab in CESS, has been appointed as director of KSSDI last week on deputation for two years. He has been serving as convener of a technical committee constituted by the government earlier to study various aspects for setting up KSSDI.
A section has alleged that Samsuddin had earlier faced various charges of irregularities and hence it would not be ideal to post him as the director of a sensitive body. Samsuddin had faced allegations pertaining to the missing of certain toposheets from CESS as well as certain other misappropriations in CESS. As director of KSSDI, he would have access to the spatial data of the state, which is highly critical, says the section which opposes his appointment to the post.
However, the IT Department justifies the appointment of Samsuddin. ``It is true that there were certain complaints against Samsuddin.
But those complaints were inquired into with the help of the Home Department and were found to be baseless. Hence, he was posted as KSSDI director,’’ a top official of the IT Department told `Express.’ Moreover, Samsuddin has been associated with KSSDI project since its beginning and he is competent to hold the post, says the IT Department source. Samsuddin is also a member of a 14-member technical committee that was recently constituted by the government to look into the objections raised against the Kerala State Spatial Data Infrastructure and SPARK projects, especially with regard to the use of proprietary software for the projects.
KSSDI is being set up with the aim of developing a common standard and framing policy guidelines of the state for spatial mapping.
The project is being developed on the lines of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure.
A trip through Travancore history
Arjun Raghunath
First Published : 08 Jul 2010 01:47:29 AM IST
Last Updated : 08 Jul 2010 08:25:45 AM IST
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The new international terminal of the Thiruvananthapuram Airport which is being decked up for inauguration would not only throw open world class facilities to passengers, but may also serve as a window to the past glory of the capital city.
A mural depicting images of Thiruvananthapuram city taken around 150 years ago may become an attraction at the new terminal, with the blessings of the Travancore royal family. The information that the royal family is in possession of a collection of old photographs and paintings, has ignited the idea of exhibiting murals of the past legacy of the capital city amidst the world class facilities.
Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor has already spoken to Uthradom Thirunal Marthanda Varma, head of the Travancore royal family, in this regard and the latter has expressed his willingness to share the valuable treasure.
Sources close to the MP told this paper that following a suggestion from Airport Director V N Chandran, the MP had spoken to Uthradom Thirunal Marthanda Varma and the latter had expressed wholehearted support. But the pictures are yet to be traced. The MP has also communicated to the Airport Director that he may call on Uthradom Thirunal Marthanda Varma and pursue the idea.
The pictures and paintings that were done during the time of British rule mainly depict the past lifestyles in Thiruvananthapuram. Marthanda Varma is also known for his craze for photography.
The new terminal, developed at a total cost of Rs 289 core, is coming up at a time when the Thiruvananthapuram airport has entered its platinum jubilee year. Spread over 32,200 square metres, the new terminal can handle 1,600 passengers at a time and an annual capacity to handle 18 lakh passengers. It will have 30 check-in counters with Common User Terminal Equipment (CUTE) facility for easy transit of passengers, 14 immigration counters, two Customs counters and four security check counters in departure.
There will be 12 immigration counters and nine Customs check counters for the arriving passengers. With glass being a major portion of the new structure, it also provides natural lighting inside the terminal building.
Another attraction of the new terminal is that visitors can enter the terminal building up to a point so that they can see a departing passengers even after checking in, which is not possible in the existing terminal. The entry would, however, be restricted with a ticket.
Inauguration likely on July 16
Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel is likely to inaugurate the new terminal of the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on July 16. Though it was earlier scheduled to be inaugurated by Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi on July 14, the programme was postponed after the State Government raised strong objections to the major project being inaugurated by Vayalar Ravi.
Sources said that it had been almost finalised that the Civil Aviation Minister would inaugurate the airport in the presence of Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan on July 16. Vayalar Ravi would also be invited to the function as a guest.
First Published : 08 Jul 2010 01:47:29 AM IST
Last Updated : 08 Jul 2010 08:25:45 AM IST
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The new international terminal of the Thiruvananthapuram Airport which is being decked up for inauguration would not only throw open world class facilities to passengers, but may also serve as a window to the past glory of the capital city.
A mural depicting images of Thiruvananthapuram city taken around 150 years ago may become an attraction at the new terminal, with the blessings of the Travancore royal family. The information that the royal family is in possession of a collection of old photographs and paintings, has ignited the idea of exhibiting murals of the past legacy of the capital city amidst the world class facilities.
Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor has already spoken to Uthradom Thirunal Marthanda Varma, head of the Travancore royal family, in this regard and the latter has expressed his willingness to share the valuable treasure.
Sources close to the MP told this paper that following a suggestion from Airport Director V N Chandran, the MP had spoken to Uthradom Thirunal Marthanda Varma and the latter had expressed wholehearted support. But the pictures are yet to be traced. The MP has also communicated to the Airport Director that he may call on Uthradom Thirunal Marthanda Varma and pursue the idea.
The pictures and paintings that were done during the time of British rule mainly depict the past lifestyles in Thiruvananthapuram. Marthanda Varma is also known for his craze for photography.
The new terminal, developed at a total cost of Rs 289 core, is coming up at a time when the Thiruvananthapuram airport has entered its platinum jubilee year. Spread over 32,200 square metres, the new terminal can handle 1,600 passengers at a time and an annual capacity to handle 18 lakh passengers. It will have 30 check-in counters with Common User Terminal Equipment (CUTE) facility for easy transit of passengers, 14 immigration counters, two Customs counters and four security check counters in departure.
There will be 12 immigration counters and nine Customs check counters for the arriving passengers. With glass being a major portion of the new structure, it also provides natural lighting inside the terminal building.
Another attraction of the new terminal is that visitors can enter the terminal building up to a point so that they can see a departing passengers even after checking in, which is not possible in the existing terminal. The entry would, however, be restricted with a ticket.
Inauguration likely on July 16
Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel is likely to inaugurate the new terminal of the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on July 16. Though it was earlier scheduled to be inaugurated by Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi on July 14, the programme was postponed after the State Government raised strong objections to the major project being inaugurated by Vayalar Ravi.
Sources said that it had been almost finalised that the Civil Aviation Minister would inaugurate the airport in the presence of Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan on July 16. Vayalar Ravi would also be invited to the function as a guest.
Sunday 4 July 2010
`NIA friends may bail out Thachankary'
Arjun Raghunath
Express News Service
First Published : 03 Jul 2010 04:46:21 AM IST
Last Updated : 03 Jul 2010 02:09:52 PM IST
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Centre’s decision to order a probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) into the suspected terror links of IPS officer Tomin Thachankary has sparked off rumours that it is an attempt to give a clean chit to the tainted officer.
The personal relations that Thanchankary has with two senior IPS officers who are holding key posts in NIA have ignited the rumours, not only in the State but also in Delhi.
IG (Operations and Coordination) in NIA Loknath Behera as well as IG (Investigations) in NIA Sanjeev Kumar Singh are known friends of Thachankary.
Behera, an IPS officer of the Kerala cadre, is the third top officer in NIA after NIA Director S C Sinha and Additional Director S Balaji.
Thachankary had succeeded Behera as IG Headquarters in Kerala Police, after the latter joined NIA on deputation last year. He also took over the charge of the Hi-Tech Crime Enquiry Cell from Behera.
“The close relations between Thachankary and Behera is an open secret,’’ a senior Kerala police officer said. Many other officers echoed the same view.
Union Home Ministry sources said that IG Sanjeev Kumar Singh, who is next to Behera in the NIA, is a batch-mate of Thachankary.
“Both Sanjeev Kumar and Thachankary are IPS officers of the 1987 batch and they had undergone IPS training during the same period. Since then they are said to have personal acquaintance, ‘’ the source told Express.
“Since there are rumours about the close connections of the two key officers in NIA with Thachankary, a probe against him under the supervision of any of these officers may not only torpedo the probe, but would also put the credibility of the key organisation under a shadow,’’ said sources.
The Home Ministry is likely to intervene in the matter and ensure that a foolproof probe is conducted into the suspicions against the senior IPS officer.
Express News Service
First Published : 03 Jul 2010 04:46:21 AM IST
Last Updated : 03 Jul 2010 02:09:52 PM IST
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Centre’s decision to order a probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) into the suspected terror links of IPS officer Tomin Thachankary has sparked off rumours that it is an attempt to give a clean chit to the tainted officer.
The personal relations that Thanchankary has with two senior IPS officers who are holding key posts in NIA have ignited the rumours, not only in the State but also in Delhi.
IG (Operations and Coordination) in NIA Loknath Behera as well as IG (Investigations) in NIA Sanjeev Kumar Singh are known friends of Thachankary.
Behera, an IPS officer of the Kerala cadre, is the third top officer in NIA after NIA Director S C Sinha and Additional Director S Balaji.
Thachankary had succeeded Behera as IG Headquarters in Kerala Police, after the latter joined NIA on deputation last year. He also took over the charge of the Hi-Tech Crime Enquiry Cell from Behera.
“The close relations between Thachankary and Behera is an open secret,’’ a senior Kerala police officer said. Many other officers echoed the same view.
Union Home Ministry sources said that IG Sanjeev Kumar Singh, who is next to Behera in the NIA, is a batch-mate of Thachankary.
“Both Sanjeev Kumar and Thachankary are IPS officers of the 1987 batch and they had undergone IPS training during the same period. Since then they are said to have personal acquaintance, ‘’ the source told Express.
“Since there are rumours about the close connections of the two key officers in NIA with Thachankary, a probe against him under the supervision of any of these officers may not only torpedo the probe, but would also put the credibility of the key organisation under a shadow,’’ said sources.
The Home Ministry is likely to intervene in the matter and ensure that a foolproof probe is conducted into the suspicions against the senior IPS officer.
Kerala Police plan GIS-based crime mapping
Arjun Raghunath
Express News Service
First Published : 02 Jul 2010 04:24:46 AM IST
Last Updated : 02 Jul 2010 09:54:19 AM IST
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With Geographical Information System (GIS) and Spatial Mapping being widely used in various fields, the Kerala Police is also gearing up to make use of the scope of the new technology for better management of law and order in the State.
The Police Department will be developing a GIS-based crime mapping facility for effectively managing the data pertaining to law and order and thereby to make intelligent decisions with emphasis on spatial logistics and patterns.
As a prelude to this, the state police have started imparting training to cops in GIS technology and its applications in crime mapping. The Technopark-based Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management-Kerala (IIITM-K) is imparting the training.
To begin with, training is being provided to the officials of the Special Branch - Crime Intelligence Division. The first batch has completed training. The training will be extended to all the wings in the Police Department in the due course, sources in the Department told ‘Express’.
The training programme is carried out in three levels - introductory, advanced and decision support. Emphasis will be on GIS fundamentals and data generation, spatial analysis and decision making, IIITM-K sources said.
GIS-based crime mapping could be utilised for easy and effective analysis of data pertaining to crimes, traffic accidents and other law and order problems in each locations. It would help easy deployment of forces based on the crime characteristics of each region. Digital mapping also helps effective traffic management.
With the State Government recently issuing a circular that all the Government Departments should share the digital maps they have prepared, the Police Department also expects to get spatial map of the State from other departments.
Already several departments are making use of spatial mapping technology for various purposes. Moreover 75 percent of the data being used by various departments are location specific. Hence several departments have prepared spatial maps. In order to avoid repetition, the Government has asked the departments to share the maps, sources said.
Express News Service
First Published : 02 Jul 2010 04:24:46 AM IST
Last Updated : 02 Jul 2010 09:54:19 AM IST
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With Geographical Information System (GIS) and Spatial Mapping being widely used in various fields, the Kerala Police is also gearing up to make use of the scope of the new technology for better management of law and order in the State.
The Police Department will be developing a GIS-based crime mapping facility for effectively managing the data pertaining to law and order and thereby to make intelligent decisions with emphasis on spatial logistics and patterns.
As a prelude to this, the state police have started imparting training to cops in GIS technology and its applications in crime mapping. The Technopark-based Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management-Kerala (IIITM-K) is imparting the training.
To begin with, training is being provided to the officials of the Special Branch - Crime Intelligence Division. The first batch has completed training. The training will be extended to all the wings in the Police Department in the due course, sources in the Department told ‘Express’.
The training programme is carried out in three levels - introductory, advanced and decision support. Emphasis will be on GIS fundamentals and data generation, spatial analysis and decision making, IIITM-K sources said.
GIS-based crime mapping could be utilised for easy and effective analysis of data pertaining to crimes, traffic accidents and other law and order problems in each locations. It would help easy deployment of forces based on the crime characteristics of each region. Digital mapping also helps effective traffic management.
With the State Government recently issuing a circular that all the Government Departments should share the digital maps they have prepared, the Police Department also expects to get spatial map of the State from other departments.
Already several departments are making use of spatial mapping technology for various purposes. Moreover 75 percent of the data being used by various departments are location specific. Hence several departments have prepared spatial maps. In order to avoid repetition, the Government has asked the departments to share the maps, sources said.
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