Andhra Pradesh

Briefly

Governor, YSR condole

death of Bismillah Khan

HYDERABAD: Governor Rameshwar Thakur and Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy on Monday expressed grief at the demise of renowned shehnai maestro Ustad Bismillah Khan.

In a condolence message, Mr. Thakur said the country had lost a legend and a towering personality who won many laurels. Dr. Reddy said Bismillah Khan had spread his melodious tunes and entranced audiences in the East and the West.

The Chief Minister recalled Khan's performance here for helping cyclone victims. Telugu Desam Party president N. Chandrababu Naidu also condoled the death, saying the country had lost a great musician and patriot.

- Special Correspondent

SSC: no reduction

in question papers

HYDERABAD: The Education Department has decided to postpone reducing the SSC question papers from 11 to six, according to the Andhra Pradesh State Teachers' Union.

Instead, it would go for a grading system for classes six and seven from the academic year 2006-07 following a decision taken by the Government-appointed core committee and views expressed at SCERT workshops, union leaders P. Subba Reddy, president, and A. Lakshman, general secretary, said on Monday. - Special Correspondent

Counselling for

architecture admission

HYDERABAD: The centralised counselling for candidates who have qualified in the National Aptitude Test in architecture to seek admission to private unaided colleges of architecture and belonging to the State will be conducted here on August 30 and 31.

P. Padmavathi, convener of admissions, said in a press release on Monday that candidates have to register their names from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on August 29 at the JNTU School of Planning and Architecture, Masab Tank. - Special Correspondent

Dharna by college

teachers tomorrow

HYDERABAD: Members of the Andhra Pradesh Affiliated College Teachers' Association will stage dharna before the offices of Regional Joint Directors of Education on August 23 to press their demands and seeking withdrawal of G.O. 33 increasing student strength per section.

K. Satyanarayana Rao, president and others said in a press release on Monday that their demands were regular payment of salaries, extension of leave rules, filling of vacant aided posts, regularisation of part-time lecturers, medical reimbursement on a par with Government colleges, payment of Ph.D increment and those appointed before 1996 and to admit 14 degree colleges which were opened between March 1, 1985 and 1990.

They said if the Government did not concede the demands, the association would intensify its agitation.

- Special Correspondent

`One India, one rate'

speed post scheme

HYDERABAD: The Department of Posts introduced effective from Monday `One India, one rate' speed post to mark its 20th anniversary.

The highlight of scheme is a new weight slab of up to 50 gm, according to a press release.

Tariff will be Rs. 25 up to 50 gm irrespective of the distance. The current speed post rate will continue for `local.' - Special Correspondent

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