Date:13/11/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/11/13/stories/2006111307990400.htm

Assurance to oustees

HYDERABAD: Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy has assured farmers affected by the Krishnapatnam Thermal Power Plant that the Government will provide whatever possible compensation for loss of their lands. Reacting to a representation submitted by the farmers here on Saturday, Dr. Reddy recalled the Government's offer of Rs. 6.5 lakhs an acre six months ago following a plea made by former Minister S. Chandramohan Reddy. It was not right to now demand Rs. 12 lakhs. - Special Correspondent

`Scrap G.O. 297'

HYDERABAD: The Andhra Pradesh Beedi and Cigar Workers' Union has sought scrapping of G.O. 297 which, it said, deprived about eight lakh workers of employment.

G. Jyoti, convener, and S. Rama, co-convener, in a statement on Sunday alleged that such GOs were being issued by the State and the Central Governments to `boost the profits of multinational cigarette companies'. - Special Correspondent

Financial assistance

Sangareddy: Medak district Collector B. Venkatesam announced a financial assistance of Rs. 25,000 for a Dalit girl who was allegedly raped by her landlord's son in Hyderabad. The girl along with her parents and the baby visited the Collector on Sunday. He said cases would be booked against the culprits under the SC, ST Atrocities Act.

Later, they met SP R.B. Naik and complained that the local police in Medak refused to register a case against the perpetrators. - Staff Reporter

Fibre line technology

Rajahmundry: The Andhra Pradesh Paper Mills Limited (APPM), one of the oldest paper mills in the State occupying sixth place in production in the country, has commissioned a new Fibre Line, first of its kind in the Indian paper industry on Sunday.

Chairman L.N. Bangur, Executive Director R.C. Mall, Vice-President (CP & BD) Shreyesh Bangur and president P.K. Soori and others were present at the inaugural. - Staff Reporter

Fire destroys huts

KURNOOL: Six huts were destroyed in a fire accident at Kallur in the city on Sunday. According to reports, the thatched houses caught fire when a TV set exploded due to short-circuit. Six families lost every thing and the loss was estimated at Rs. 70,000. - Special Correspondent