The Maharashtra Truck Owners' Association has announced an indefinite strike from the midnight of August 22 to protest the non-fulfilment of various pending demands, such as removal of the steep hike in motor insurance premium and octroi check posts.

Lok Nyayalayas in Mumbai

In association with the Bar Association, Bandra, a Lok Nyayalaya has been organised on August 29. Ever since the first Lok Nyayalaya was held at Girgaum in February this year, a series of Lok Nyayalayas have been held at Andheri, Ballard Estate, and Mazagaon which have disposed of many cases. The Secretary of Brihanmumbai Legal Aid Authority, in a press release, has expressed its gratitude to members of the Bar, judges and litigants for their co-operation in arranging the Nyayalayas at various courts.

Essay, elocution competition

The Indian Society for Cultural and Co-operation and Friendship will hold its annual Dr Baliga Memorial Friendship House Committee essay and elocutioncompetition for youth and students on September 26.

The topic for the elocution competition, in Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati and English, is: `Nuclear tests and weaponisation weakens the security of India instead of strengthening it.' Apart from the nuclear debate, the topics for the essays, of a maximum 1,000 words, include: `Liberalisation: a boon or curse', `Present education system provides neither knowledge nor employment', `Can India become a leading sports nation' and `Is a common civil code necessary'.

The last date for submission of entries for the elocution competition is September 20, and September 30 for the essays, to: Dr Baliga Hall, fifth floor, Syndicate Bank building, 26-A, Sir P M Road, Fort.

Environmental workshop

The Nehru Centre has organised a half-day workshop on `Environmental Sustainability for the New Millenium,' on August 30 between 2 pm and 6.30 pm. Dr Rashmi Mayur will deliver the keynote address. Other experts who are slated to speak are Dr P M Modak, Dr Shyam Asolekarand Dr S R Shaudhari. Those interested in participating can contact Kiran Hedukar on 4920510 on or before August 27.

TISS seminar on HRD

The Tata Institute of Social Sciences is organising a two-day seminar on human resource development `Manthan '98', starting August 28. The meet on `Metamorphosis in Business: The HR Connection' will be a platform for industry academia interface and an opportunity to bring human resources in the current Indian business context, a release stated.