Irate customer locks Bank; Art of Living Camp

10:17 AM Posted by ukmad

The Art of Living will organize "Maha Satsang" and "Pranayama Dhyan" camp at the Nehru Stadium (Dist. Stadium) in the city from 5th of February. Sri Sri Ravishankar Guruji, the founder of the Art of Living will be conducting the program.

From Express News Service:

Irate customer locks Bank

A customer who had deposited lakhs of rupees in a private finance company had expressed his anger in a different way by locking the Society during the working hours as the Society failed to return his sum at the fixed time.

Basavaraj Bhagwant Anchi of Anjaneya Nagar had deposited some amount in the Mahantesh Co-operative Credit Society Ltd at Mahantesh Nagar.

The Society, which is having account in Basaveshwar Co-operative Bank Ltd, had issued cheques of the Bank and had asked Anchi to draw the money in September. However, the cheques bounced due to insufficient balance in the account.

Anchi called on the directors of the Bank on this issue who asked Anchi to submit the cheque after a few days. However, again the cheques bounced.

They neither responded nor gave the phone numbers of the concerned people to Anchi. Enraged by this, Anchi locked the doors of the Society. Later, he informed the matter to the Malmaruti police.

MES calls for 'hartal' today

11:04 AM Posted by ukmad

Taken from The Hindu:
The Belgaum city unit of Maharashtra Ekikaran Samithi has called for "hartal" and appealed people to observe a bandh on Thursday as a "tribute to the Marathi-speaking workers who sacrificed their lives while fighting for justice in the boundary dispute" between Maharashtra and Karnataka.

The MES has been observing January 17 as "Martyr's Day" since 51 years.

President of the city unit of the MES Narayanrao Tarale and working president Deepak Dalvi on Wednesday appealed to the people to respond positively to the "hartal" call.

Tributes would be paid to martyrs at Hutatma Chowk in the city, they said.

A public meeting would be held in the evening at Samyukt Maharashtra Chowk, they added.

The Hartal call has not received a great deal of response from the local pbulic. May be in the evening Khade Bazar and Ramdev Galli corner will be closed due to the meeting there.

Will do anything for Mayor

10:40 AM Posted by ukmad

 Taken fromExpress News Service:

Sarva Bhashik Sama Vichar Vikas Vedike, a forum of corporators who are against the Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES), has claimed that their group will capture the prestigious posts of Mayor and Deputy Mayor of the Belgaum City Corporation.
Forum leader and former mayor Sambhajirao Patil told reporters that out of 58 members in the Corporation, his group has 29 corporators.
He said the corporators who are against the MES have come on a common platform with an intention of developing the Belgaum city.
Four-time mayor Sambhajirao Patil said the forum has Kannada, Marathi and Urdu speaking corporators. He said seven more Marathi speaking corporators who at present are with the MES will join his forum before the elections for Mayor and Deputy Mayor.
He said the forum is committed to the development of the city an it has no interest in border dispute and border politics.
When asked whether he is interested to contest for the Mayor's post, Patil said he was not interested in Mayor's post but added that if all corporators of the forum want him to contest, then he will re-think on it.
He alleged that the MES has cheated the Marathi speaking people on Karnataka-Maharashtra border dispute. He said it (MES) is least bothered about the development of the city.
Senior Kannada and Urdu corporators N B Nirwani and Latifkhan Pathan were present. As many as 24 corporators were present in the press meet and five corporators remained absent. However, the forum claimed that all the five corporators have given in writing that they are with the forum.

Wow what a politicians Game, I should say. I am not instrested in becoming mayor but if you al insist I will surely be one. Anyways folks the mayor elections are getting hotter day by day and horse trading in this election is now MANDATORY I belive. Lets See Who wins it anyway. Still the reservation category for the Mayor is not declared, obce that is done the the HORSE TRADING will be at its peak.

Reliance Fresh Belgaum retial outlet and Distribution Unit

11:12 AM Posted by ukmad

Taken from Associate Blog BELGAUMNRI.BLOGSPOT.COM

I admire Reliance Fersh initiaitve to help farmers paying them directly and eliminating middlemen, I wish the Belgaum distribution unit would grow bigger in near future, creating employment and opportunities, Reliance fresh should tie up with Agricultureal collages in Belgaum to promote seed devlopment and more emphasis on biotic plantation then chemical and hybrid vegitables.
Source: oheraldo.in
Goa’s reliance on vegetables and fruits from Belgaum could be under threat and competition has come in from an economic giant. The setting up of a vegetable procuring unit at Belgaum by ‘Reliance Fresh’, a division of Reliance Industries Ltd, to provide vegetables to its growing chain of outlets in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra may adversely affect the supply of vegetables to Goa in the near future.
Farmers in Belgaum are only too happy to offer their produce to Reliance at better rates and with the vegetable supply from Belgaum — predominantly meant for Goa — now likely to be diverted elsewhere, Goans would have to pay much more for the few vegetables that enter the Goan market.Incidentally, though Reliance Fresh intends to set up seven outlets in Goa at ‘cheaper rates’, the supply of vegetables would be too meagre to cater to the entire state. Reliance has recently set up a procuring unit at Halga, about 10 km from here, where vegetables are being purchased directly from farmers. “Vegetables purchased are being sent to Hyderabad and other places,” Suresh D, the unit manager at Halga said.At present, about 10 tonnes of vegetables are being procured by Reliance everyday and sources speculate that the demand would rise sharply with the growing number of retail outlets to be opened in the region. The unit at Halga is strategically based at the hub of the vegetable growing hinterland of Belgaum district, where more than 60% of the farmers in the district are engaged in growing vegetables.Sudhatai Hiremath, Secretary of the Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC), the apex body controlling the procurement and sale of vegetables and other farm produce, said Reliance has been issued licences to procure vegetables from farmers and the company has been promptly paying the cess to APMC. Officials disclosed that Reliance plans to open seven outlets in Goa and attempts are being made to supply farm-fresh vegetables from Belgaum at rates cheaper than that offered by the Belgaum vegetable traders.This is because Reliance will buy vegetables directly from farmers, eliminating middlemen in the process. “Our intention is to give justice to the farmers by offering them better rates for their produce,” said Aniruddin of Reliance. According to Umesh Patil — a vegetable wholesaler and member of the Cantonment Wholesale Vegetable Merchants Association — over 100 brokers supply vegetables to Goa and other coastal areas including Karwar, Kumta (Karnataka) and Sindhudurg (Maharashtra).“About 30 tempo loads of vegetables are supplied to Goa everyday and more than 70% of the vegetables from Belgaum are sent to the coastal areas,” said Patil.To a query on the impact of ‘Reliance Fresh’ on the prevailing supply of vegetables to Goa, Patil admitted that while the prices may not increase in the immediate future, the increase of Reliance outlets in the region could spark off a shortage of vegetables en route to Goa.Meanwhile, the farmers in the district are pleased with the new development, as they are being paid a better rate as compared to the brokers.“We do not have to bother about the brokerage and other costs that we earlier used to pay,” said a farmer.

94,628 bogus voters in Belgaum

11:12 AM Posted by ukmad

Taken from Express News Service
Belgaum district with 18 Assembly segments has 94,628 bogus voters. The electoral staff deployed to trace out spurious voters from the voters’ list, has traced these names which were enrolled illegally.Disclosing this to reporters here on Friday, Deputy Commissioner M E Shivalingmurthy said the voters’ registrar office is engaged in erasing such names from the electoral roll under the People Representation Act 21 and 21 A.He said the staff conducted survey in three phases in all the 2,704 polling stations in the district from November 14, 2007 to Jan 5, 2008. After deleting the spurious names, the district will now has 28,87,155 voters which is 62.40% of the approximate 43,94,668 population.He said the department had started another special survey from Friday to trace out remaining illegal names in the electoral list. The survey will end on Jan 20.The survey team which will visit all the houses, will register new eligible voters in the voters’ list. The DC said people can file their complaints, grievances in the electoral office in two weeks time. The final voters’ list will be released on Feb 7, 2008.

RPD cross to have Belgaum's second multiplex

10:32 AM Posted by ukmad

The Nucleus Mall, first mall with multiplex is due to open in another 2-3 months time at the old Kapeel theatre. This is the picture of how it will look once its completed. Pyramid developers are building the mall.

 

Pyramid developers have also said that the work on the second multiplex at RPD cross will begin soon. (I am still unable to exactly locate the location on RPD cross, as soon as I get I will share it with you) Infact Pyramid developers have some great plans fro Belgaum in real estate. They are building international standard ROW HOUSES in Hanuman Nagar. They have also planned a township near the sambra airport.

 

Anyways nice thing for Belgaumites I can say.

New Luxury Business Hotel ‘VITS’ Launched in Belgaum

10:14 PM Posted by ukmad

A 60-room VITS property, part of a new chain of luxury business hotels from Kamat Hotels India Limited (KHIL), opened today in Belgaum. Located at Club Road, the new hotel offers contemporary luxury business accommodation for discerning business class travellers from across India.

Belgaum is well known for its prominent medical and education facilities and tourist attractions. With a VITS hotel in Belgaum, travelers visiting the city for leisure or for medical treatment from Karnataka, Maharastra or Goa will now have an alternate ‘home away from home’.
The launch of VITS Belgaum was a grand affair, with the crème-de-la-crème of Belgaum society attending the function. Corporate heads, golfers, defence personnel, doctors and renowned personalities from diverse fields were there to mark the occasion. A musical extravaganza by renowned DJ from Mumbai set the evening afire with sizzling numbers that drew the audience to the pulsating dance floor. The evening also witnessed the unveiling of the VITS logo amidst fire show and an impressive theme dance performances.
Facilities at VITS Belgaum are among the best in the category across the state. Its ideal location provides guests proximity to the domestic airport. It will offer varied dining options like an open terrace restaurant with a contemporary ambience and a 24x7 coffee shop with a midnight buffet option. VITS offers a range of spacious and luxurious accommodation to suit the needs of guests: twin and double rooms, a Presidential Suite, service apartments and studio rooms equipped with all modern & technical facilities. The rooms in VITS are one of a kind, they provide customers with varied options to select depending on the requirement and duration of stay. Guests visiting Belgaum for a long period e.g. business tour/medical treatment, can experience the ‘home away from home’ in the service apartments; while the Presidential Suite and studio rooms option can be explored by those who want to have a unique hospitality experience.Belgaum will witness many firsts with VITS, such as a pick-up and drop facility, terrace swimming pool and a wellness club. For guests who like to combine business with pleasure, VITS has a tie up with premium golf courses and spare golf kits that golf lovers can use. These and other special facilities will give guests an exclusive VITS experience.
In the VITS chain of hotels, standardized amenities will include world-class service -- from airport pickup by luxury car to one-time registration while checking in. The 24-hour, in-room dining, contemporary ambience, banquets for specific requirements, high-tech conference centers and seamless Wi-Fi connectivity on the premises will cater to all the needs of modern, business travellers. VITS also plans to include select facilities required by guests in specific locations.
WOW sounds great to me! But as I am not part of the crème-de-la-crème of Belgaum I could not be there. May be some of you might have been, some feedbacks on the same are most welcome.

ECS now in Belgaum also

7:21 PM Posted by ukmad

"ECS" Electronic Clearing Service was launched at the SBI Service branch( Clearing Branch) Kirloskar Road Belgaum yesterday.

By this facility coming to town now all your cheques debit and credit can be done immediately and also you could now pay your mobile, insurance premias, SIPs etc by making use of this service.

PVG Translines has started a new AC coach 2 by 1 service to MUMBAI from today. The ticket is priced at Rs.500 and you are also going to get drinking water in the journey. I think just another way to travel.

VITS Hotel: 4 star hotel in Belgaum opens on 10th jan

12:37 PM Posted by ukmad


The VITS hotel in Belgaum will open tomorrow i.e.10th Jan 2008.
Some important aspects about this hotel I have come to know.
Presently 60 rooms ready for occupation.
7th Floor houses the GYM and the Swimming pool. The 6th floor has rooms with kitchens for self cooking.
Need to see this place for sure I guess.
I had covered this story earlier and as I had said a new year gift for Belgaumites, here it is.

Belgaum News Breifs

8:22 AM Posted by ukmad

TWO KILLED in road accidents:
Kalavati Sontakki aged 50 died after a city bus run over her near the Kankavdi Ayurveda college.
In another incident and un indentified vechile dashed Amit More aged 26 on Shivaji Road and he fell down unconsious. He died on teh way to the hospital.



The 3rd Gate circle will be renovated and for the same all encroachments and TREES were broken by the Corporation. A similar thing was done at the RTO circle to Kolhapur Cross Road. The Forest Department yesterday seized 2 Trucks of WOOD, got from cutting the trees on those roads. The forest Dept.said permission for the same was not taken by the Corporation.

This photo has been taken from the Tarun Bharat.

Ek se Do Bhale Do se Teen Bhale: Belgaum Constituency RECONSTRUCTED

1:35 PM Posted by ukmad

All the election Constituency through out India have been redefined and Karnataka can be the first state to go to polls under these new Constituencies. The Central Govt has given its final approval and now waits only the Presidents Signature may be.

Some parties have opposed the way in which this exercise was done. But now Belgaum has been divided into 3 parts. Basically two parts of the old 197 Belgaum Constituency. It is renamed as Belgaum NORTH & Belgaum SOUTH. The other one is Belgaum RURAL.

If elections are held by this new Constituency, I tell you it will be fun. The Marathi's and the Kannadigas will have to fight two places. And the best part is the Marathi voters have been equally divided in North and South. Mahadwar road, Tashildar Galli etc Marathi strong hold fall in NORTH and Vadgaon, Tilakwadi areas and Shahpur fall in South.
I have given a list of areas included in both the Constituency here.
You can click here to read for more details, as to know which Constituency you now belong to.

I can assure you Belgaumites, now that we will have 2 (leave the rural) MLAs will that make any difference to us, that’s to wait and see.

Khanapur girl Now DHL New Zealand Head

4:17 PM Posted by ukmad

India has many global success stories, yet not many of them have women in the lead and to top it off not many from Belgaum. But Chitra Bhonsle, 36, who was born in a village and today heads the New Zealand operations of global courier company DHL, has always defied the odds.

Chitra was born in Khanapur , 26 km from Belgaum. She studied in her village school and went to college in Belgaum.

Chitra's road has been tough. After graduating in arts, a friend suggested that she do her masters in business administration (MBA). After her MBA, she moved to Mumbai in search of work.

Her brother Sanjay was a reporter in the Free Press Journal. They lived in a 'chawl' in Malad, a suburb in Mumbai. Chawls are shantytowns on the fringes of the city that offer one-room homes with common toilets.

After getting her masters degree, she decided to work for a courier company because it was a nascent industry and the potential for growth was high. She applied for a job at Blue Dart, a premier courier company, and got it.

Chitra used to travel by the local train, second class. After three months she shifted to DHL. 'Blue Dart did not appoint me as a manager trainee, even though I had a degree in business administration.

The girl from a village, who once traveled to Mumbai every day in suburban trains, is now the national operations manager of DHL, New Zealand. DHL is a Brussels-based courier firm that ferries cargo and letters across the world.

She met her husband Lakshmikant in DHL. They decided to tie the knot after a long romance and now have two daughters. Chitra, a Shinde now, feels that it is a coincidence that both Bhonsle and Shinde were generals under the legendary Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji.

Three years later, she moved to Papua New Guinea, where her brother was living with his family. She quit her job after DHL-India refused to relocate her and applied afresh on the strength of her experience in India.

She got the job and stayed there for three years after which she applied for a job in DHL, Australia. 'They told me that there was a vacancy in the Fiji islands and none in Australia. I took up the job in Fiji.'

She spent the next three years in Fiji before moving back to Australia. While in Australia, she applied for a residency in New Zealand and got a permit for four years.

She realised that she had to move to New Zealand or else she would lose her residency.

She has been in New Zealand for four years now. She was promoted as the country head of operations last month. She works late hours, but her 'commitment' to work, according to those who know her, is extraordinary.

Article taken from http://www.nerve.in/. Contibuted by Siddartha Hundre

Six-year-old Aniket Chindak eyes 100-car limbo-skate world record

12:47 PM Posted by ukmad


A six-year-old boy, Aniket Chindak is hoping to enter the record books after limbo-skating under 57 cars in less than a minute.
Aniket has already created an unofficial world record by squeezing himself under a row of 57 four-wheel drive cars in 45 seconds.
With legs split, chest bent forward and chin almost skimming along the road, Aniket is no more than eight inches above the ground when he vanishes under the vehicles in Belgaum.


The wonder-kid, who started skating when he was 18-months-old, is now training for four hours a day and plans to break his world record of 57 cars with a 100-car skate in New Delhi.

Kapileshwar Road Now Over Bridge: RTO Crcile Kolhapur cross Road Wide

8:22 AM Posted by ukmad

The proposed underbridge on Kapileshwar Road, Bhandur Galli Corner will go into the box again. Now a new report has suggested that building a under bridge wil not be a feasible option as there is a problem of water logging there, hence it is now suggested that a over bridge be built. A new committee has been set up and it will look into the same again. so Belgaumites, forget it for now, new one will be set up, then they will survey, then discuss and after 1 year one new plan will come up...
 

RTO Crcile Kolhapur cross Road Wide

The RTO circle to Kolhapur Cross road is being made into a 60 feet wide road. A few weeks ago all the sheds and walls were broken down. from today the HESCOM has planned to move the electric lines to the side. A sum Rs.96 lakh have been alloted for the same.

Shivteerth: A great place to rediscover history

3:18 PM Posted by ukmad


History of the great Maratha King Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj is being showcased in a one of its kind unique park on the grounds of the Miliraty Mahadev, named "Shri Shivteerth".

The park consists of 11 models or replicas of the forts of Shivaji Maharaj and all this has been possible, thanks to the Maratha Light Infantry Regimental Centre (MLIRC) & Shivapratishtan.

The layout of the park has been made after a through study of all the forts. The park has been designed as per the original map to the last detail. A person, who reaches a certain model of a fort, will know the way he has to take for reaching the fort. Thanks to the huge sign boards that are erected on the designated routes at the park that keep informing all about the route to reach the fort.

The models of the fort are built with concrete and hence can stand wind and rain and they exactly area replica of the original. The signboards just next to the replica will give full details of the fort.