The BK Birla group of companies has donated an amount of Rs 51.5 lakh to the army central welfare fund as an expression of gratitude to the armed forces of the country who are fighting Pakistani intruders in Kargil. According to a press release, the amount was contributed on behalf of BK Birla, Sarala Birla, Jayashree Mohta, Manjushree Khaitan, and Vidula Khaitan. The staff and workers of BK Birla group companies are sending their contribution separately.

Soli Sorabjee contributes Rs 2.5 lakh

Joining the nationwide solidarity being expressed with soldiers fighting in Kargil, attorney general Soli Sorabjee has contributed Rs 2.5 lakh to the national defence fund.

TNEB staff donate a day's wages

The workers and staff of Tamil Nadu Electricity Board have contributed one day's wages to the Tamil Nadu chief minister's Kargil victims relief fund. A cheque for Rs 2.3 crore, collected from the workers, was handed over by electricity minister Arcot NVeerasamy to chief minister M Karunanidhi.

Vel group's gesture

The Vel group of institutions has decided to grant free education to 20 students who are children of deceased martyrs of Tamil Nadu. The scheme worth about Rs 15 lakh is valid at Vel Tech Engineering, Vel Sri Ranga Sanga College( Arts and Science), Vel Tech Polytechnic, Vel R S Medical College and Vel school.

AIFACS donates Rs 1.01 lakh

The members of the All India Fine Arts & Crafts Society (AIFACS) handed over a cheque for Rs 1,01,000 to the PM at his residence for the national relief fund for Kargil victims.

Indian Bank offer

All branches of Indian Bank will issue demand drafts, mail transfers, telegraphic transfers towards donations to the Army Relief Fund, Army Central Welfare Fund, National Defence Welfare Fund or any other fund collected for our defence personnel, free of charge.

Karnataka postal staff contributes

The postal staff of Karnataka circle have contributed one day's salary towards theprime minister's national defence fund. The amount totalled to Rs 24 lakh, according to a release.

Dena Bank gives Rs 10 lakh

The board of directors of Dena Bank has taken a decision to donate Rs 10 lakh to the prime minister's relief fund. The staff members are also contributing a day's salary.

Cheminor Q1 sales up

Cheminor Drugs, part of the Dr Reddy's group, has registered a 30 per cent increase in sales at Rs 54.75 crore for the first quarter of 1999-2000 as against Rs 41.95 crore in the corresponding period of the previous year. The healthy topline growth, the company says, can be mainly attributed to the increase in sales to the US markets.

SRG Info posts Rs 7.79cr Q3 net

SRG Infotech Ltd has recorded an income of Rs 55.66 crore for the third quarter ended 30th April, 1999. The software development and exporting company has also posted a net profit of Rs 7.79 crore. The development division has bagged orders worth Rs 230 crore, which will have to be executed by May 2000.The company hopes to touch a turnover of Rs 150 crore by July 1999.

IPCL bags award

Indian Petrochemicals Corporation Ltd (IPCL) has won the prestigious safety award from the British Safety Council for the third consecutive year. The company has achieved 94 per cent reduction in accident rate in the group of industries placed under `Manufacture of chemicals and chemical products' in 1998, an official release said. The company also achieved the five-star rating as part of the safety management audit carried out by the council.