TRIVANDRUM, India, 28 May 2006 — The Kerala State Haj Committee has invited applications from pilgrims who intend to perform next year’s Haj using its facilities. The KSHC executive officer Rachana Shah said completed applications should be sent by registered post to its office at Puthiyara, Calicut, by June 27. Applications will not be accepted in person. Those who have performed Haj during the last five years and women in advanced state of pregnancy would not be allowed to go on the pilgrimage. Those who conceal facts from the Haj Committee would forfeit their security deposit, she said. More than 100,000 Indian pilgrims performed Haj this year.
NRI Investments
The state is formulating a new industrial policy to promote investments from non-resident Indians (NRI) in core sectors. “The new policy will be ready before the next assembly session and priority will be given to NRIs to promote new industries,” Industries Minister Elamaram Kareem said. Noting that the state has abundant natural resources, he said the government would focus at bringing in huge investments from NRIs to start new industrial ventures in the state. He said huge deposits of mineral sand along the coasts should be exploited for industrial use.
Actor Unnikrishnan Dead
Actor Oduvil Unnikrishnan, the hangman in Adoor Gopalakrishnan’s Nizhal Kuthu (Shadow Kill), died of renal failure yesterday morning at a private hospital in Calicut at the age of 62. He acted in some 200 films. He won the best actor award from the state government for his role in Nizhal Kuthu. The funeral will take place today with official honors. “Malayalam film has become poorer. There’s no replacement for him,” Gopalakrishnan said.
Oath Wordings Challenged
The Kerala High Court has admitted a public interest litigation seeking to declare as unconstitutional oath taken by legislators “in the name of Allah,” instead of “in the name of God” or a “solemn affirmation” as specified in the constitution. Eleven legislators of the newly formed assembly have taken the oath in the name of Allah. The court heard preliminary arguments of the petitioner last week and posted the case for detailed hearing on Tuesday.
‘Anti-Labor Law’
Labor Minister P. K. Gurudasan said the government will not implement a law enacted by the previous government to control militant labor. He said it was a “black law” aimed at painting the head-load workers as anti-social elements. However, when it comes to disputes over loading of household articles, the right of the house owner would be fully protected. The laws that existed before were sufficient to check and restrict any unlawful practices of workers.
Choppers for Tourists
Deccan Aviation has launched helicopter services to various destinations. The six-seat craft would operate from their base here to tourist spots such as Munnar, Kumarakom and Thekkadi, the DA’s base manager Capt. Srinagesh B. Nair said. An hour-long flight will cost 70,000 rupees (about $1,555). The largest Indian private sector helicopter charter company has also added Trivandrum as its base along with Bangalore, Bombay, New Delhi, Bhubaneswar, Hyderabad and Katra in Jammu and Kashmir.
