After an assurance from the Bihar government of a hike in stipend, protesting junior doctors of the Patna Medical College and Hospital here Monday night withdrew their five-day long strike that has claimed the lives of 38 patients.
Speaking to newspersons after his meeting with Health Minister Nand Kishore Yadav, the Junior Doctors Association (JDA) president Rajiv Babu Prajapati said the association has withdrawn its agitation following an assurance from the government to address their demands as soon as possible.
The JDA has asked all the junior doctors to resume their duties.
The five-day-old strike by junior doctors in the Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) here has claimed the lives of at least 38 patients.
The state government Monday served notices to the medicos and asked them to return to work or face action, an official said.
A day after Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed his anger at the doctors' strike that has paralysed health services in the PMCH, Health Secretary C.K. Mishra served notices on doctors asking them to report back on duty.
More than 400 junior doctors went on an indefinite strike, first demanding a hike in stipend and then payment of salary instead of stipend.
The strike has badly hit emergency, outdoor and surgery services of the hospital.link
Monday 31 August 2009
Sold for Rs 500, he is now a wonder on stage
Gaja is nine years old. At the AHA! International Theatre Festival for Children, he wowed the audience with his bulti-jumping and drum stick tricks.
Little does anyone know he was sold for Rs 500 by his parents from Bihar to a factory owner in Bangalore four years ago. Now, the stage is his world.
Gaja and his friends belong to a troupe called Gondwana Band. They come from different streets of Bangalore and have worked as child labourers at homes or in factories. Having been rehabilitated by Bornfree Arts School, Jayanagar, these kids now learn dance, drama, music, sculpture, photography, film-making and architecture, apart from going to a regular school.
The children have performed at more than 1,000 venues by now. The programmes range from mimes to playing musical instruments. They have teachers who are popular artistes, like Yana Lewis, who coaches them regularly. The money from these arts sustain the 40 children.
The band is also a project of Bornfree Arts School. Children who somehow escape from their torturous life are rehabilitated. "It is usually spread by word of mouth. Children who are now with us tell others they know about the organization. They act as child liberators," said school founder John Devaraj.
When children come here, many are addicted to drugs or tobacco. The rigorous practice of these art forms kick their old habits away. The children are set into the mood by volunteers, who are artistes themselves. "They see us work and try to imitate us. That is the first step," John, an engineer, said. And then the taste develops. "Art is inherent in every human being. It is just a matter of triggering it," he said.
The organization was formed five years ago by John, when he realized the power of art in transforming people. "I do not want to run this as an NGO but want to make it a movement, whereby people realize that child labour is a crime," he said.
Many of them want to find their families and go back, but they know the task is not easy. "They sometimes get emotional when they see other children with parents. But they are tough. They have learnt how to live. Nothing can deter them now," John said.
The children had recently been to Pakistan on a cycle rally to spread the message of love and peace. They bicycled to Lahore from Bangalore and talked to their counterparts.link
Little does anyone know he was sold for Rs 500 by his parents from Bihar to a factory owner in Bangalore four years ago. Now, the stage is his world.
Gaja and his friends belong to a troupe called Gondwana Band. They come from different streets of Bangalore and have worked as child labourers at homes or in factories. Having been rehabilitated by Bornfree Arts School, Jayanagar, these kids now learn dance, drama, music, sculpture, photography, film-making and architecture, apart from going to a regular school.
The children have performed at more than 1,000 venues by now. The programmes range from mimes to playing musical instruments. They have teachers who are popular artistes, like Yana Lewis, who coaches them regularly. The money from these arts sustain the 40 children.
The band is also a project of Bornfree Arts School. Children who somehow escape from their torturous life are rehabilitated. "It is usually spread by word of mouth. Children who are now with us tell others they know about the organization. They act as child liberators," said school founder John Devaraj.
When children come here, many are addicted to drugs or tobacco. The rigorous practice of these art forms kick their old habits away. The children are set into the mood by volunteers, who are artistes themselves. "They see us work and try to imitate us. That is the first step," John, an engineer, said. And then the taste develops. "Art is inherent in every human being. It is just a matter of triggering it," he said.
The organization was formed five years ago by John, when he realized the power of art in transforming people. "I do not want to run this as an NGO but want to make it a movement, whereby people realize that child labour is a crime," he said.
Many of them want to find their families and go back, but they know the task is not easy. "They sometimes get emotional when they see other children with parents. But they are tough. They have learnt how to live. Nothing can deter them now," John said.
The children had recently been to Pakistan on a cycle rally to spread the message of love and peace. They bicycled to Lahore from Bangalore and talked to their counterparts.link
Minor refuses to clean toilets, beaten
11-year-old girl was beaten by her teacher after she refused to clean the toilets of her school in Rohtas district of Bihar, police said Monday. Chita, a Class 6 student of a government school at Huka in Rohtas, about 150 km from here, was beaten by her lady teacher Saturday.
“Chita told me and her mother that the headmaster and a teacher ordered her along with two other students to clean the toilets but when she refused citing her bad health, she was beaten with a stick by the teacher,” her father Sunil Kumar said.
“Frightened Chita fell ill after being beaten for no fault. She was admitted to a local health centre for treatment,” he said.
“After I lodged a complaint and demanded action against the school teacher, the education officer assured me of action,” Kumar added.
School headmaster Surajdeo Singh said that in the absence of a sweeper in the school, the responsibility to clean the school toilets was shared by students. Singh, however, denied that Chita was beaten after she refused to clean the toilets.
“I will take action against the teacher if she was found guilty,” Singh said.
Deputy village body head Nand Kumar also expressed his unhappiness and demanded action against the teacher. “It was a serious matter, action should be taken by authorities,” he said.link
“Chita told me and her mother that the headmaster and a teacher ordered her along with two other students to clean the toilets but when she refused citing her bad health, she was beaten with a stick by the teacher,” her father Sunil Kumar said.
“Frightened Chita fell ill after being beaten for no fault. She was admitted to a local health centre for treatment,” he said.
“After I lodged a complaint and demanded action against the school teacher, the education officer assured me of action,” Kumar added.
School headmaster Surajdeo Singh said that in the absence of a sweeper in the school, the responsibility to clean the school toilets was shared by students. Singh, however, denied that Chita was beaten after she refused to clean the toilets.
“I will take action against the teacher if she was found guilty,” Singh said.
Deputy village body head Nand Kumar also expressed his unhappiness and demanded action against the teacher. “It was a serious matter, action should be taken by authorities,” he said.link
Friday 28 August 2009
Class X Board Exams will not become optional in Bihar
Bihar has said no to the Union HRD ministry about doing away with the class X exams. It will also not wind up its Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) as scrapping of the state board would go against the federal structure of the country.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has decided to do away with the class X examination for various reasons, including de-stressing students.
“For the children of poor parents in Bihar, class X exams are important. It gives them a sense of pride and students seek jobs at various levels,” BSEB chairman AKP Yadav said, adding: “Besides, the high expectations of parents from their children, not the class X exams, are responsible for the suicides of students. Parents are putting them in various kinds of stress.”
As a matter of fact, Yadav’s assertion was not the isolated case at the two-day meet of the Council of Boards of School Education (COBSE) held in Delhi, beginning August 24.
“There was consensus and unanimity among the state school boards on several issues, including holding of class X exams and continuation of state boards,” Yadav said. “CBSE can issue guidelines, establish link among boards, make policies, discuss and frame common syllabus and set standards,” he pointed out.
Further, state boards, barring that of Haryana and Kerala, were unanimous in rejecting the grade system and clearly stated that the word fail should not be mentioned on the result sheet as that puts further stress on students, Yadav argued, adding that the introduction of the grading system would create problems for students and host institutions going for admisison to pursue higher studies.
“Grading will not be of any help if the number of admission seekers increases. The host institution will have to adopt some kind of selection process,” Yadav said, adding: “It was decided to have a unanimity of opinion even in the university system on the usefulness of grades.”
He said there was consensus regarding adoption of science and mathematics syllabus of CBSE, but BSEB has already adopted them. It was agreed that the state boards could decide their own syllabus in social sciences and literature, Yadav added.
BSEB, meanwhile, has decided to abolish the system of supplementary exams from next year for students who fail in matriculation. Instead, the compartmental system of CBSE would be in force. “The matter is awaiting the stamp of the CM,” Yadav said. As many as 53,000 students will take the supplementary exams this year. link
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has decided to do away with the class X examination for various reasons, including de-stressing students.
“For the children of poor parents in Bihar, class X exams are important. It gives them a sense of pride and students seek jobs at various levels,” BSEB chairman AKP Yadav said, adding: “Besides, the high expectations of parents from their children, not the class X exams, are responsible for the suicides of students. Parents are putting them in various kinds of stress.”
As a matter of fact, Yadav’s assertion was not the isolated case at the two-day meet of the Council of Boards of School Education (COBSE) held in Delhi, beginning August 24.
“There was consensus and unanimity among the state school boards on several issues, including holding of class X exams and continuation of state boards,” Yadav said. “CBSE can issue guidelines, establish link among boards, make policies, discuss and frame common syllabus and set standards,” he pointed out.
Further, state boards, barring that of Haryana and Kerala, were unanimous in rejecting the grade system and clearly stated that the word fail should not be mentioned on the result sheet as that puts further stress on students, Yadav argued, adding that the introduction of the grading system would create problems for students and host institutions going for admisison to pursue higher studies.
“Grading will not be of any help if the number of admission seekers increases. The host institution will have to adopt some kind of selection process,” Yadav said, adding: “It was decided to have a unanimity of opinion even in the university system on the usefulness of grades.”
He said there was consensus regarding adoption of science and mathematics syllabus of CBSE, but BSEB has already adopted them. It was agreed that the state boards could decide their own syllabus in social sciences and literature, Yadav added.
BSEB, meanwhile, has decided to abolish the system of supplementary exams from next year for students who fail in matriculation. Instead, the compartmental system of CBSE would be in force. “The matter is awaiting the stamp of the CM,” Yadav said. As many as 53,000 students will take the supplementary exams this year. link
Bihar Foundation's global meet meet in Janaury 2010
The next global meet of Bihar Foundation, formed by the state government to attract investments from Bihari NRIs and those living outside the state, will be held in the last week of January, 2010.
A decision to this effect was taken at a meeting chaired by deputy CM Sushil Kumar Modi. The meeting also decided that a Bihar minister or a senior bureaucrat will interact with Bihari NRIs and those living outside their state through internet and will apprise them of the steps taken for development of the state. Suggestions would also be sought from them in this regard.
The meeting decided to open more chambers of the foundation outside Bihar and abroad. The chambers will be opened in Kolkata and Banaglore soon. There is a move to open chambers in Mumbai, Jaipur and Bhopal and also in the UK, the USA, Russia, Australia, Canada, Mauritius and Gulf countries.
At a seminar organised by an undertaking of the Union ministry for urban development, Regional Centre for Urban and Environmental Studies-Lucknow, Modi stressed the need to take into account local needs before preparing a government plan.link
A decision to this effect was taken at a meeting chaired by deputy CM Sushil Kumar Modi. The meeting also decided that a Bihar minister or a senior bureaucrat will interact with Bihari NRIs and those living outside their state through internet and will apprise them of the steps taken for development of the state. Suggestions would also be sought from them in this regard.
The meeting decided to open more chambers of the foundation outside Bihar and abroad. The chambers will be opened in Kolkata and Banaglore soon. There is a move to open chambers in Mumbai, Jaipur and Bhopal and also in the UK, the USA, Russia, Australia, Canada, Mauritius and Gulf countries.
At a seminar organised by an undertaking of the Union ministry for urban development, Regional Centre for Urban and Environmental Studies-Lucknow, Modi stressed the need to take into account local needs before preparing a government plan.link
Patna police to go hi-tech
With Spurt in crime, the city police in Patna, is all set to go hi-tech, thanks to initiative taken by police head quarters in this regard. Police Patrol cars will now carry GPS. Only a few weeks ago, police officers from IG to Dy SP and many SHO of the state capital were reshuffled after a bizarre incident, in which one girl was stripped in a public place on a busy exhibition road round. It earned lot of criticism for the police and national media, both electronic and print, got flooded with news related to police apathy and non-competence.
The young IPS Manu Maharaj was made city SP and crackdown has been unleashed on the criminals bring the morale of criminals down to a considerable level. Now herculean task with the top cop of the city is to keep constant watch on the movement of patrol cars, which is said to be 100 odd in number, so that the police personnel performs up to the expectations. IG PN Roy, who is also an expert in disaster management and has undergone trainings in countries like USA has chalked out plans to install Global Positioning System (GPS) on all the patrolling cars of the city in first phase.
It has been seen in the recent times that Police patrol cars remained conspicuously absent from the site of crime and could only be located when the criminals left the place of occurrence (PO). The arrangement has already been done that at least one police patrol should touch one particular place within 10-15 minutes. But due to absence of any device, the police parties on the patrol cars could easily lie about their locations at the time of commitment of crimes. Now with the installation of GPS, this problem can be checked and no police patrol can lie about its location. The SP or any other senior police official can locate the particular police parties.
If this experiment gets successfully implemented, it will certainly enhance the mobility of the police patrol parties and also help, in a better way, to keep watch on the movement of police patrol cars. At present the city police use primitive method of wireless as the sole method of communication which is far from satisfaction. There are several electronic devices easily available in the market which can intercept and leak the messages. Naxalites are using this methodology on large scale and thus they easily track the movement of police force. The leakage of wireless messages are said to be major cause of attacks on police by Naxalites.
The use of GPS will certainly improve the efficiency and communication network of the police, provided it is implemented religiously. While Nitish Kumar, the CM, has been relentlessly trying to improve the police force to bring the house in order, there are large numbers of elements in the police department itself who leave no stone unturned to thwart the reform process. The official website of the police department still carries the name of DN Gautam as DGP, whereas he has retired few weeks ago. Such is the apathy and irresponsibility of the senior police officers. Hopefully this innovation would go un-sabotaged and is implemented in letter and spirit. If it happens so will improve efficiency of the city police and help improve law and order, bring down crime rate and un-choke the traffic of the city.link
The young IPS Manu Maharaj was made city SP and crackdown has been unleashed on the criminals bring the morale of criminals down to a considerable level. Now herculean task with the top cop of the city is to keep constant watch on the movement of patrol cars, which is said to be 100 odd in number, so that the police personnel performs up to the expectations. IG PN Roy, who is also an expert in disaster management and has undergone trainings in countries like USA has chalked out plans to install Global Positioning System (GPS) on all the patrolling cars of the city in first phase.
It has been seen in the recent times that Police patrol cars remained conspicuously absent from the site of crime and could only be located when the criminals left the place of occurrence (PO). The arrangement has already been done that at least one police patrol should touch one particular place within 10-15 minutes. But due to absence of any device, the police parties on the patrol cars could easily lie about their locations at the time of commitment of crimes. Now with the installation of GPS, this problem can be checked and no police patrol can lie about its location. The SP or any other senior police official can locate the particular police parties.
If this experiment gets successfully implemented, it will certainly enhance the mobility of the police patrol parties and also help, in a better way, to keep watch on the movement of police patrol cars. At present the city police use primitive method of wireless as the sole method of communication which is far from satisfaction. There are several electronic devices easily available in the market which can intercept and leak the messages. Naxalites are using this methodology on large scale and thus they easily track the movement of police force. The leakage of wireless messages are said to be major cause of attacks on police by Naxalites.
The use of GPS will certainly improve the efficiency and communication network of the police, provided it is implemented religiously. While Nitish Kumar, the CM, has been relentlessly trying to improve the police force to bring the house in order, there are large numbers of elements in the police department itself who leave no stone unturned to thwart the reform process. The official website of the police department still carries the name of DN Gautam as DGP, whereas he has retired few weeks ago. Such is the apathy and irresponsibility of the senior police officers. Hopefully this innovation would go un-sabotaged and is implemented in letter and spirit. If it happens so will improve efficiency of the city police and help improve law and order, bring down crime rate and un-choke the traffic of the city.link
Bihar government demands commission to define BPL families
Finding holes in the computation method of the Centre for calculating the number of BPL families, Bihar government today demanded setting up of a commission to fix the criteria to define the people living below poverty line.
"Centre's criteria with regard to computation of below poverty line (BPL) families is not correct and has many shortcomings which need a relook," Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi claimed.
He demanded setting up of a commission to fix the criteria to define the people living below poverty line saying "the Centre's criteria is marks based, which in most cases have adversely affected the poor itself".
Modi, who also holds Finance portfolio, said the state government has identified 1.50 lakh families living below the poverty line whereas Centre's figure stood at 60 lakh.link
"Centre's criteria with regard to computation of below poverty line (BPL) families is not correct and has many shortcomings which need a relook," Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi claimed.
He demanded setting up of a commission to fix the criteria to define the people living below poverty line saying "the Centre's criteria is marks based, which in most cases have adversely affected the poor itself".
Modi, who also holds Finance portfolio, said the state government has identified 1.50 lakh families living below the poverty line whereas Centre's figure stood at 60 lakh.link
Junior doctors' strike claims 6 lives in Bihar
Six patients admitted to the Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) here died amid a strike by junior doctors which entered its second day Friday crippling medical services.
Three patients died late Thursday while three others died Friday, an official said. More than 400 junior doctors went on an indefinite strike Thursday, demanding hike in stipends.
The strike has badly hit the emergency services and dozens of surgeries have been postponed. Meanwhile, the hospital authorities have sought the help of the health department to cope with the situation. More than 50 doctors have been requisitioned from nearby hospitals.
A leader of the junior doctors' association said their demand for hike in stipend has been pending for the last couple of years now.
'We are getting stipend of Rs.13,000 in the first year, Rs.14,000 in second year followed by Rs.15,000 in third year of post-graduation. We are demanding that this amount be increased to Rs.22,500 at par with some of the neighbouring states,' he said.
Hundreds of poor patients, who came for treatment from across the state, are victims of the ongoing strike.
'We are the main victims of the strike because there is no doctor to attend to patients,' said Kumtia Devi, who came from a village in Vaishali district three days ago with her husband. Devi's husband is admitted to the hospital.
Chandeshwar Yadav, a poor farmer whose son is a patient at PMCH, said: 'No doctor, no nurse to give injection to the patients... What more can I say, we are at the mercy of god.'
The state government has asked the hospital authorities to hold a meeting with the striking junior doctors and persuade them to end the strike.link
Three patients died late Thursday while three others died Friday, an official said. More than 400 junior doctors went on an indefinite strike Thursday, demanding hike in stipends.
The strike has badly hit the emergency services and dozens of surgeries have been postponed. Meanwhile, the hospital authorities have sought the help of the health department to cope with the situation. More than 50 doctors have been requisitioned from nearby hospitals.
A leader of the junior doctors' association said their demand for hike in stipend has been pending for the last couple of years now.
'We are getting stipend of Rs.13,000 in the first year, Rs.14,000 in second year followed by Rs.15,000 in third year of post-graduation. We are demanding that this amount be increased to Rs.22,500 at par with some of the neighbouring states,' he said.
Hundreds of poor patients, who came for treatment from across the state, are victims of the ongoing strike.
'We are the main victims of the strike because there is no doctor to attend to patients,' said Kumtia Devi, who came from a village in Vaishali district three days ago with her husband. Devi's husband is admitted to the hospital.
Chandeshwar Yadav, a poor farmer whose son is a patient at PMCH, said: 'No doctor, no nurse to give injection to the patients... What more can I say, we are at the mercy of god.'
The state government has asked the hospital authorities to hold a meeting with the striking junior doctors and persuade them to end the strike.link
Gaya International Airport runway to be extended
The State government also promised to transfer over 100 acres of land, which is in the process of acquisition, to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for extension of the international airport at Gaya.
Chief minister Nitish Kumar conveyed this to V P Agrawal during a two-hour meeting they had at the CM’s secretariat at 4, Deshratna Marg here.
“Operating international flights will become easier after the Gaya airport runway is extended to 9,000 feet,” Agrawal said, adding regular Haj flights may be introduced from Gaya after the runway extension.
Agrawal said the proposal airport in Bhagalpur has for now been shelved due to congested inhabitation there.
Nitish and Agrawal had a detailed discussions on AAI’s airports and aerodromes in Bihar. The issue of extra land for Raxaul and Muzaffarpur aerodromes was also discussed.
Apart from airports at Patna and Gaya, there are aerodromes at Raxaul, Muzaffarpur and Jogbani.
There are 29 airports, aerodromes and airstrips in Bihar. Of them, 18 are under the state government, five under the defence ministry and five under the AAI. There’s also a private aerodrome at Kursela.link
Chief minister Nitish Kumar conveyed this to V P Agrawal during a two-hour meeting they had at the CM’s secretariat at 4, Deshratna Marg here.
“Operating international flights will become easier after the Gaya airport runway is extended to 9,000 feet,” Agrawal said, adding regular Haj flights may be introduced from Gaya after the runway extension.
Agrawal said the proposal airport in Bhagalpur has for now been shelved due to congested inhabitation there.
Nitish and Agrawal had a detailed discussions on AAI’s airports and aerodromes in Bihar. The issue of extra land for Raxaul and Muzaffarpur aerodromes was also discussed.
Apart from airports at Patna and Gaya, there are aerodromes at Raxaul, Muzaffarpur and Jogbani.
There are 29 airports, aerodromes and airstrips in Bihar. Of them, 18 are under the state government, five under the defence ministry and five under the AAI. There’s also a private aerodrome at Kursela.link
New airport at Bihta
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has proposed to shift the Patna airport to Bihta and planning to approach the defence ministry for their nod for this.
“We hope there shouldn’t be any problem,” AAI chairman V P Agrawal said.
Jayaprakash Narayan International Airport at Patna runway length is only 5,500 feet as against the 9,000 feet required for operating international flights.
Agrawal said the extension of the Patna Airport was not possible because of hindrances such as the adjacent railway line and the Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park.
“One option before us is the IAF air-base at Bihta, and we are concentrating on it with a proposal to develop it into a civil enclave on 300 to 500 acres of land,” he said.
Agrawal said the Bihta air base has a 8,200-foot runway which can be extended up to 9,000 feet.link
“We hope there shouldn’t be any problem,” AAI chairman V P Agrawal said.
Jayaprakash Narayan International Airport at Patna runway length is only 5,500 feet as against the 9,000 feet required for operating international flights.
Agrawal said the extension of the Patna Airport was not possible because of hindrances such as the adjacent railway line and the Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park.
“One option before us is the IAF air-base at Bihta, and we are concentrating on it with a proposal to develop it into a civil enclave on 300 to 500 acres of land,” he said.
Agrawal said the Bihta air base has a 8,200-foot runway which can be extended up to 9,000 feet.link
Thursday 27 August 2009
Bihar floods: 23 dead, 10 lakh homeless
In Bihar, nature is at its ironic best. The state is split - there is severe drought in one part and now, floods in another. Already, 23 people have died in the Bihar floods and 10 lakh have been displaced.
In north Bihar, when it finally started raining, farmers were a relieved lot. But 10 days later, the rain hasn't stopped and the fear of the drought has been washed away by the fear of floods.
Katihar is the worst affected. The Mahananda river is in spate - its embankment broken, ruin all around. The river flowed into 70 villages and 60,000 people have lost their homes.
Engineers are now inspecting the embankment breach on a boat. Rajeshwar Dayal, Chief Engineer, Public Works Department says: ''We are finding it difficult to source boulders required for the repair work . Also, not many labourers are available. We are trying to plug the breach as soon as we can.''
The villagers are angry. Ranjit Kumar says: ''This is a drama, a waste of government money. All this repair will come undone soon. Why do they build weak embankments in the first place?''
In Madhubani and nearby Darbhanga people have been washed away by flood waters. With them, the paddy and maize in the fields and thousands of homes are a gone.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar says: ''We will survey the losses and compensate all farmers. I have asked my officers to work overtime on this.''
Meanwhile, other parts of the state like Jehanabad, Aurangabad, Gaya, Rohtas, Bhojpur, Buxar, Vaishali, Saran, Sivan Gopalganj, Shekhpura and Nawada are still reeling under drought.link
In north Bihar, when it finally started raining, farmers were a relieved lot. But 10 days later, the rain hasn't stopped and the fear of the drought has been washed away by the fear of floods.
Katihar is the worst affected. The Mahananda river is in spate - its embankment broken, ruin all around. The river flowed into 70 villages and 60,000 people have lost their homes.
Engineers are now inspecting the embankment breach on a boat. Rajeshwar Dayal, Chief Engineer, Public Works Department says: ''We are finding it difficult to source boulders required for the repair work . Also, not many labourers are available. We are trying to plug the breach as soon as we can.''
The villagers are angry. Ranjit Kumar says: ''This is a drama, a waste of government money. All this repair will come undone soon. Why do they build weak embankments in the first place?''
In Madhubani and nearby Darbhanga people have been washed away by flood waters. With them, the paddy and maize in the fields and thousands of homes are a gone.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar says: ''We will survey the losses and compensate all farmers. I have asked my officers to work overtime on this.''
Meanwhile, other parts of the state like Jehanabad, Aurangabad, Gaya, Rohtas, Bhojpur, Buxar, Vaishali, Saran, Sivan Gopalganj, Shekhpura and Nawada are still reeling under drought.link
Wednesday 26 August 2009
Man blinded and lynched over land dispute
A daily wage labourer in Bihar was blinded and then beaten to death allegedly by a group of powerful villagers over a land dispute, police said Thursday.
Chhotelal Bind, who was in his 20s, was killed Wednesday in Aurangabad's Lohri village, over a small piece of land, police said.
"The victim was blinded after his eyes were badly damaged and then he was beaten to death. Preliminary investigations suggest that the dispute was over land," a police official said.
Over half a dozen people have been named as accused in the case.
Over 50 cases of lynching have been reported from the state over the last two-and-half months.link
Chhotelal Bind, who was in his 20s, was killed Wednesday in Aurangabad's Lohri village, over a small piece of land, police said.
"The victim was blinded after his eyes were badly damaged and then he was beaten to death. Preliminary investigations suggest that the dispute was over land," a police official said.
Over half a dozen people have been named as accused in the case.
Over 50 cases of lynching have been reported from the state over the last two-and-half months.link
Tuesday 25 August 2009
Patna university expels student
Patna university has expelled a BBA Part I student of Bihar National College for abusing a girl student.
The university disciplinary committee headed by its Vice Chancellor Shyam Lal met here yesterday and decided to expel the student both from the college and the hostel.
The committee also suspended three students of Patna College -- Santan Raj, Ram Kishore Paswan and Niranjan Kumar, mass communiation students --- for one month for creating nuisance on the campus.link
The university disciplinary committee headed by its Vice Chancellor Shyam Lal met here yesterday and decided to expel the student both from the college and the hostel.
The committee also suspended three students of Patna College -- Santan Raj, Ram Kishore Paswan and Niranjan Kumar, mass communiation students --- for one month for creating nuisance on the campus.link
Sexploited minor is now chained at home
Poverty at times spawns the weirdest of tragedies. A poor woman has to keep her 11-year-old daughter chained in their house to save her from further exploitation by a handful of lechers who lured the gullible girl into a blue film racket while her parents were away at work.
Meena and Devendra, parents of Munni (name changed), worked as a domestic help and a daily wager respectively. They had married off their eldest daughter and, as such, Munni used to be all alone at their house at Chhoti Badalpura in Khagaul, while her parents were away at work for whole day.
"Three months ago, we allowed Munni to work as a help for a fisherman, Mantu, so as to augment our income," Meena told, tears rolling down her cheeks.
That was a blunder. The 30-plus fisherman sexually abused the girl. "I initially failed to fathom what he was up to," the girl told, Mantu introduced her to a photo studio owner who too sexually exploited the girl. He also made movies of the girl doing the act with a few other youths in his studio.
For reasons unknown, the minor girl clandestinely visited the studio every time she was called by the lechers. "I would not have known all this had my neighbours not told me about Munni's `awargardi' behind our back," Meena said, adding she then thrashed her daughter like no parent would ever have beaten her child.
Meena admitted she now locks her house while leaving behind her daughter inside whenever she and her husband both have to go for work. Asked why didn't she take police's help, the harried mother said she feared for her daughter's life. link
Meena and Devendra, parents of Munni (name changed), worked as a domestic help and a daily wager respectively. They had married off their eldest daughter and, as such, Munni used to be all alone at their house at Chhoti Badalpura in Khagaul, while her parents were away at work for whole day.
"Three months ago, we allowed Munni to work as a help for a fisherman, Mantu, so as to augment our income," Meena told, tears rolling down her cheeks.
That was a blunder. The 30-plus fisherman sexually abused the girl. "I initially failed to fathom what he was up to," the girl told, Mantu introduced her to a photo studio owner who too sexually exploited the girl. He also made movies of the girl doing the act with a few other youths in his studio.
For reasons unknown, the minor girl clandestinely visited the studio every time she was called by the lechers. "I would not have known all this had my neighbours not told me about Munni's `awargardi' behind our back," Meena said, adding she then thrashed her daughter like no parent would ever have beaten her child.
Meena admitted she now locks her house while leaving behind her daughter inside whenever she and her husband both have to go for work. Asked why didn't she take police's help, the harried mother said she feared for her daughter's life. link
Bihar policemen under fire for wearing khadi
Hundreds of members of two police associations in Bihar, who are wearing khadi instead of their uniform, are in trouble. The police headquarters will set up a committee to decide whether policemen should be allowed to wear khadi instead of their uniform.
The state's Director General of Police (DGP) Anand Shankar said Tuesday a committee would decide on uniform issues in the state. "The members of associations have to wear uniforms if the committee recommends it," he said.
Last week Shankar asked policemen to wear their uniforms since they get an allowance of Rs.4,500 per annum for it.
"What is wrong in being asked to wear the uniform?" he said.
"You all are members of an uniformed force. It does not suit you to present yourself before senior police officials in their offices in khadi," Shankar said.link
The state's Director General of Police (DGP) Anand Shankar said Tuesday a committee would decide on uniform issues in the state. "The members of associations have to wear uniforms if the committee recommends it," he said.
Last week Shankar asked policemen to wear their uniforms since they get an allowance of Rs.4,500 per annum for it.
"What is wrong in being asked to wear the uniform?" he said.
"You all are members of an uniformed force. It does not suit you to present yourself before senior police officials in their offices in khadi," Shankar said.link
Monday 24 August 2009
Business Reformer of the Year Award to Nitish Kumar
Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar is the Economic Times Business Reformer of the Year. The jury members were unanimous in their choice, giving Mr Nitish Kumar
Kumar’s performance a higher rating than Delhi chief minister Sheila Dixit.
The national calamity in Bihar following the Kosi river changing its course highlights the state of affairs in Bihar, once rated as the best in administration. Since taking over as the state chief minister, Nitish Kumar has been trying to rebuild the system of governance that has virtually broken down.
When the Janata Dal (United)-BJP alliance came to power in Bihar in 2005, it was heralded as the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the state.
Ending Lalu Prasad Yadav family’s 15-year reign, Nitish Kumar became the chief minister, with a promise to turn the state around. Three years on, Mr Kumar seems to be on track, although Bihar might take a while to show results.
The JD (U) leader, who is often referred to as the state’s last hope, wants to make Bihar a developed state by 2015. Bihar being primarily an agricultural state, Mr Kumar has been stressing on agro-based industries.
He believes this will help in keeping land acquisition to a minimum. The chief minister has gone to the extent of saying that he does not want SEZs in the state and his government has identified agro-processing, handloom and textiles, handicrafts, pharmaceuticals and leather as areas with comparative advantage.
The other areas where he has made a good start are employment generation and infrastructure development. He beat other states to put in place an employment-guarantee programme for agricultural labourers, which promises 80 days of work, in addition to the 100 days mandated by the National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme.
His government has adopted a new poverty measurement method, so that a bulk of the families living below the poverty line could be identified Nitish Kumar and have schemes targeted at them. His goal to develop roads in Bihar has been tagged to a three-year timeline, by when he hopes to have Bihar rival the best road networks in India.
Even on the administrative front, there are several big tasks waiting for his attention. For almost 15 years, Bihar didn’t even have a proper budget.
Mr Kumar has also identified promotion of investment opportunities as equally important. With poor infrastructure and the absence of long-term policies hindering private investment, he has kickstarted a series of legislative and administrative reforms. A new industrial policy was put in place in 2006, as was the Bihar Infrastructure Development Enabling Act. A new policy for the sugar processing sector — an important crop in the state — was also brought in.
The new industrial policy makes land available at concessional rates and promises reimbursement of 80% of VAT deposited. And these initiatives seem to have paid off, with the government receiving proposals from a number of big sugar manufacturers. An industrial complex with sugar mills, ethanol and power generation plants has been cleared. Measures to revive the textile industry have also been pushed through. With the state relying almost entirely on the Centre for its power needs, Bihar plans to put up new thermal and hydel power plants. ink
Kumar’s performance a higher rating than Delhi chief minister Sheila Dixit.
The national calamity in Bihar following the Kosi river changing its course highlights the state of affairs in Bihar, once rated as the best in administration. Since taking over as the state chief minister, Nitish Kumar has been trying to rebuild the system of governance that has virtually broken down.
When the Janata Dal (United)-BJP alliance came to power in Bihar in 2005, it was heralded as the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the state.
Ending Lalu Prasad Yadav family’s 15-year reign, Nitish Kumar became the chief minister, with a promise to turn the state around. Three years on, Mr Kumar seems to be on track, although Bihar might take a while to show results.
The JD (U) leader, who is often referred to as the state’s last hope, wants to make Bihar a developed state by 2015. Bihar being primarily an agricultural state, Mr Kumar has been stressing on agro-based industries.
He believes this will help in keeping land acquisition to a minimum. The chief minister has gone to the extent of saying that he does not want SEZs in the state and his government has identified agro-processing, handloom and textiles, handicrafts, pharmaceuticals and leather as areas with comparative advantage.
The other areas where he has made a good start are employment generation and infrastructure development. He beat other states to put in place an employment-guarantee programme for agricultural labourers, which promises 80 days of work, in addition to the 100 days mandated by the National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme.
His government has adopted a new poverty measurement method, so that a bulk of the families living below the poverty line could be identified Nitish Kumar and have schemes targeted at them. His goal to develop roads in Bihar has been tagged to a three-year timeline, by when he hopes to have Bihar rival the best road networks in India.
Even on the administrative front, there are several big tasks waiting for his attention. For almost 15 years, Bihar didn’t even have a proper budget.
Mr Kumar has also identified promotion of investment opportunities as equally important. With poor infrastructure and the absence of long-term policies hindering private investment, he has kickstarted a series of legislative and administrative reforms. A new industrial policy was put in place in 2006, as was the Bihar Infrastructure Development Enabling Act. A new policy for the sugar processing sector — an important crop in the state — was also brought in.
The new industrial policy makes land available at concessional rates and promises reimbursement of 80% of VAT deposited. And these initiatives seem to have paid off, with the government receiving proposals from a number of big sugar manufacturers. An industrial complex with sugar mills, ethanol and power generation plants has been cleared. Measures to revive the textile industry have also been pushed through. With the state relying almost entirely on the Centre for its power needs, Bihar plans to put up new thermal and hydel power plants. ink
Saturday 22 August 2009
Counter-Insurgency Schools to be opened in Bihar
The Bihar government has sent a proposal to Centre to set up four Counter-Insurgency Anti-Terrorist Schools (CIATS) in the state. Of this one at Bodh Gaya has been sanctioned.
The state government has also sent a proposal to the Centre for the inclusion of four more districts in the category of the Maoist-hit. At present 15 out of 38 districts already figure in that list.
According to sources these schools will train policemen for guerrilla warfare. This includes specialize training to combat Maoists and carry out anti-terror operation. The state government, according to reports, has received Rs 1.5 crore for Bodh Gaya (BMP-3) to set up specialized CIATS. The amount will be spent mainly to develop infrastructure and training.
According to police sources each batch of trainees would consists of 300 policemen and the duration of training would be three months.
The remaining three school would be set up at Dehri-on-Sone in Rohtas, Dumraon in Buxar and Valmikinagar in West Champaran districts. The propsoaed four new Naxal hit districts also require the security related expenditure.
The initiative to open such schools came after the Centre’s directive to contain the Ultra-Left violence.
According to reports in all 3,353 police officers would be appointed in the 15 existing naxal-hit districts.link
The state government has also sent a proposal to the Centre for the inclusion of four more districts in the category of the Maoist-hit. At present 15 out of 38 districts already figure in that list.
According to sources these schools will train policemen for guerrilla warfare. This includes specialize training to combat Maoists and carry out anti-terror operation. The state government, according to reports, has received Rs 1.5 crore for Bodh Gaya (BMP-3) to set up specialized CIATS. The amount will be spent mainly to develop infrastructure and training.
According to police sources each batch of trainees would consists of 300 policemen and the duration of training would be three months.
The remaining three school would be set up at Dehri-on-Sone in Rohtas, Dumraon in Buxar and Valmikinagar in West Champaran districts. The propsoaed four new Naxal hit districts also require the security related expenditure.
The initiative to open such schools came after the Centre’s directive to contain the Ultra-Left violence.
According to reports in all 3,353 police officers would be appointed in the 15 existing naxal-hit districts.link
Bihar hunger deaths: lower level bureaucracy apathetic
Investigations into five hunger deaths in Jehanabad and Nalanda last week paint a disturbing picture of the lower-level bureaucracy in Bihar.
Since June 2008, not a single family at Rattu Bigha, a Maha Dalit hamlet, has received regular supply of foodgrains on its yellow (Antyodaya Anna Yojana) card which entitles it to 25 kg of rice or wheat at Rs. 2 (for 10 kg rice) and Rs. 3 (for 15 kg wheat). The coupons are lying with the villagers, as the dealer is claiming “shortage of foodgrains” and keeping the shop closed for most of the time.
Among the 75 households at Rattu Bigha are 51 families of Maha Dalits and 10 Dalit families. According to records obtained from the Block Development Office, the hamlet has 20 Antyodaya, 53 red and 2 Annapurna Yojana cards.
The villagers also alleged that they had to pay Rs. 25 extra whenever they went to collect their allotted rice/wheat. So, they end up paying Rs. 90 per 25 kg instead of Rs. 65.One of the victims, Charittar Dom starved for 15 days before his death. His food cards — coupon no. 15938 for the period from June 2008 till May 2009 and no. 16133 from June 2009 till May 2010 — continue to remain with his kin as a sordid souvenir of his desperate condition.
Speaking to The Hindu over telephone, the newly appointed District Magistrate Palka Sahni said stern action would be taken against middlemen.
“It has been brought to my notice that the dealer had been absconding and I have already instructed the SDM to camp in the village,” said Ms. Sahni. Beneficiaries of the deceased were already identified, she said.
The DM said that as the foodgrains allotment last year was inadequate, many villagers were still left with their food coupons. Efforts were being made to identify the gaps and villagers were now being given foodgrains on priority.
Another problem. No entries have been made in job cards issued under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA).
Charittar Dom’s job card reads: card no. 0079, issued 2.02.2006, workday entries: 0. Dom died jobless though he was given the card in February, more than three winters ago. While Dom was fortunate enough to get a job card, Kunti Devi (who died on August 11) and Janardhan Mahto (entered as Singh in his voter ID card), who died on August 13, were without one.
The villagers complained that Rs. 30 was taken from every Maha Dalit family at Rattu Bigha to get photos of its members taken.
This is again a violation by officials, as it is the Government of India which is supposed to bear the expenses for photos of NREGA cardholders.
Apart from Charittar Dom, none of the deceased ever utilised the benefits under the Indira Awas Yojana.
According to Dom’s wife, the BDO gave only Rs. 10,000 under the scheme, instead of Rs. 35,000. As a result, the bricks are still lying in Dom’s hut.
However, there is no entry in his passbook (no.4290), issued by a local Punjab National Bank branch of his having ever received the amount, as it was directly handed over to him.
Under the Kabir Antyeshti Yojana, family members of the deceased are entitled to Rs. 1,500 for performing last rites. Block officials are supposed to hand over this amount to the kin of the deceased immediately after the death.
But at Rattu Bigha, officials had not done so until a hunger monitoring committee comprising representatives of NGOs reached the village and brought the matter to their notice. The BDO gave the assurance that the benefits would be given to the family of the deceased.link
Since June 2008, not a single family at Rattu Bigha, a Maha Dalit hamlet, has received regular supply of foodgrains on its yellow (Antyodaya Anna Yojana) card which entitles it to 25 kg of rice or wheat at Rs. 2 (for 10 kg rice) and Rs. 3 (for 15 kg wheat). The coupons are lying with the villagers, as the dealer is claiming “shortage of foodgrains” and keeping the shop closed for most of the time.
Among the 75 households at Rattu Bigha are 51 families of Maha Dalits and 10 Dalit families. According to records obtained from the Block Development Office, the hamlet has 20 Antyodaya, 53 red and 2 Annapurna Yojana cards.
The villagers also alleged that they had to pay Rs. 25 extra whenever they went to collect their allotted rice/wheat. So, they end up paying Rs. 90 per 25 kg instead of Rs. 65.One of the victims, Charittar Dom starved for 15 days before his death. His food cards — coupon no. 15938 for the period from June 2008 till May 2009 and no. 16133 from June 2009 till May 2010 — continue to remain with his kin as a sordid souvenir of his desperate condition.
Speaking to The Hindu over telephone, the newly appointed District Magistrate Palka Sahni said stern action would be taken against middlemen.
“It has been brought to my notice that the dealer had been absconding and I have already instructed the SDM to camp in the village,” said Ms. Sahni. Beneficiaries of the deceased were already identified, she said.
The DM said that as the foodgrains allotment last year was inadequate, many villagers were still left with their food coupons. Efforts were being made to identify the gaps and villagers were now being given foodgrains on priority.
Another problem. No entries have been made in job cards issued under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA).
Charittar Dom’s job card reads: card no. 0079, issued 2.02.2006, workday entries: 0. Dom died jobless though he was given the card in February, more than three winters ago. While Dom was fortunate enough to get a job card, Kunti Devi (who died on August 11) and Janardhan Mahto (entered as Singh in his voter ID card), who died on August 13, were without one.
The villagers complained that Rs. 30 was taken from every Maha Dalit family at Rattu Bigha to get photos of its members taken.
This is again a violation by officials, as it is the Government of India which is supposed to bear the expenses for photos of NREGA cardholders.
Apart from Charittar Dom, none of the deceased ever utilised the benefits under the Indira Awas Yojana.
According to Dom’s wife, the BDO gave only Rs. 10,000 under the scheme, instead of Rs. 35,000. As a result, the bricks are still lying in Dom’s hut.
However, there is no entry in his passbook (no.4290), issued by a local Punjab National Bank branch of his having ever received the amount, as it was directly handed over to him.
Under the Kabir Antyeshti Yojana, family members of the deceased are entitled to Rs. 1,500 for performing last rites. Block officials are supposed to hand over this amount to the kin of the deceased immediately after the death.
But at Rattu Bigha, officials had not done so until a hunger monitoring committee comprising representatives of NGOs reached the village and brought the matter to their notice. The BDO gave the assurance that the benefits would be given to the family of the deceased.link
Friday 21 August 2009
Army offers help for tackling Naxalism
The Bihar Regimental Centre (BRC) on Friday held a civil-military liaison conference on its campus at Danapur Cantonment.
Chief minister Nitish Kumar and General Officer in Command, Central Command, Lt Gen J K Mohanty discussed various matters related to welfare of Army personnel and general development in Bihar at the meet held after a gap of 11 years.
The Army officials at the meet said that the Army would extend all possible help to Bihar government in tackling Naxalism and natural calamities and added it is ready to raise a separate battalion of territorial Army to maintain an ecological balance across the state. Lt Gen Mohanty said that Army could play an important role in curbing growing menace of ultra forces in the state. He, however, ruled out any possibility of setting up any more Army stations near Bihar-Nepal border now.
Describing this meet as significant, an Army official of Danapur said that the chief minister assured to extend all possible help to the Army in carrying out welfare work for the jawans and ex-servicemen belonging to Bihar Regiment. The state government agreed to allot the required land to the Army to complete its various ambitious projects in the state. The Army was satisfied with the assurance of the state government to transfer land to it for building Sainik schools at Nalanda and Gopalganj. The state government would also help to the Army to build various polyclinics across the state to provide better health care to Army personnel.
The Army also sought enhancement in grant of ex gratia to victims of the counter insurgency operation. The Army demanded a little hike in the monthly salary of special auxiliary police (SAP) from the present Rs 10,000 per month so that they get attracted to serve the state police.
Chief secretary Anup Mukherjee, principal secretary, home, Afzal Amanullah, DGP Anand Shankar, revenue and land reforms commissioner C Ashokvardhan were among the senior state government officials attending the meet. The government assured that the Army could get adequate land at Gaya where an Army station is already located, to carry out its welfare work.
The Army is currently in need of about 10 acres of land to construct houses for jawans under the Centrally-sponsored Army Welfare Housing Organisation (AWHO). Among other issues which came up for discussion included internal security, felicitation of Gallantry Award winners at the Independence Day and Republic Day functions in Bihar and problem caused by the national highway (NH) road passing through the Cantonment area, an Army spokesperson said. link
Chief minister Nitish Kumar and General Officer in Command, Central Command, Lt Gen J K Mohanty discussed various matters related to welfare of Army personnel and general development in Bihar at the meet held after a gap of 11 years.
The Army officials at the meet said that the Army would extend all possible help to Bihar government in tackling Naxalism and natural calamities and added it is ready to raise a separate battalion of territorial Army to maintain an ecological balance across the state. Lt Gen Mohanty said that Army could play an important role in curbing growing menace of ultra forces in the state. He, however, ruled out any possibility of setting up any more Army stations near Bihar-Nepal border now.
Describing this meet as significant, an Army official of Danapur said that the chief minister assured to extend all possible help to the Army in carrying out welfare work for the jawans and ex-servicemen belonging to Bihar Regiment. The state government agreed to allot the required land to the Army to complete its various ambitious projects in the state. The Army was satisfied with the assurance of the state government to transfer land to it for building Sainik schools at Nalanda and Gopalganj. The state government would also help to the Army to build various polyclinics across the state to provide better health care to Army personnel.
The Army also sought enhancement in grant of ex gratia to victims of the counter insurgency operation. The Army demanded a little hike in the monthly salary of special auxiliary police (SAP) from the present Rs 10,000 per month so that they get attracted to serve the state police.
Chief secretary Anup Mukherjee, principal secretary, home, Afzal Amanullah, DGP Anand Shankar, revenue and land reforms commissioner C Ashokvardhan were among the senior state government officials attending the meet. The government assured that the Army could get adequate land at Gaya where an Army station is already located, to carry out its welfare work.
The Army is currently in need of about 10 acres of land to construct houses for jawans under the Centrally-sponsored Army Welfare Housing Organisation (AWHO). Among other issues which came up for discussion included internal security, felicitation of Gallantry Award winners at the Independence Day and Republic Day functions in Bihar and problem caused by the national highway (NH) road passing through the Cantonment area, an Army spokesperson said. link
Rs 3203 cr sanctioned for polio eradication programme for three years
As the country continues to struggle with spurt in the cases of polio outbreaks, the centre has approved Rs 3203 crore for the eradication of polio for the next three years from the current financial year.
The cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs gave its approval for implementation of the Polio eradication strategy with an estimated expenditure at Rs 3203.98 crore for the year 2009-2010 to 2011-12, according to the official statement. The main objective of the project is to achieve the goal of zero transmission of polio and obtaining international polio free certification for accomplishment of this goal, the annual strategy for polio eradication is decided on the basis of the recommendations of the India Expert Advisory Group (IEAG) consisting of national and international Experts. The IEAG has recommended a total of six National Immunization Day (NIDs), 9 Sub National Immunization Day (SNIDs), and 40 mop-up rounds for the period 2009-10 to 2011-12, the statement said.
However, the outbreak of the disease in areas like Western UP and some parts of Bihar continues to place India as the second most afflicted nation in the world, after Nigeria. The total number of cases went up to 676 in 2006, 874 in 2007 and 559 in 2008, though it came down drastically to 66 in 2005.
Pulse Polio Immunization (PPI) was started in India in 1995-96. This is the largest public health intervention ever taken up anywhere in the world. The estimated number of children aged between 0-5 years to be vaccinated in a NIDs is around 172 million. The SNIDs, in the high risk states/areas will cover about 69 million children between 0-5 years. Mop Up immunization round will be undertaken in the districts and in the surrounding areas, where polio cases will be reported, covering about 7.5 million target population,
According to the latest statistics with the WHO monitoring cell, India ranked second in the case of polio cases last year, behind Nigeria which recorded 798 cases. This year, upto July 31, India reported 206 cases whereas Nigeria had 363 cases. Pakistan is standing way down on the third spot with 31 cases.link
The cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs gave its approval for implementation of the Polio eradication strategy with an estimated expenditure at Rs 3203.98 crore for the year 2009-2010 to 2011-12, according to the official statement. The main objective of the project is to achieve the goal of zero transmission of polio and obtaining international polio free certification for accomplishment of this goal, the annual strategy for polio eradication is decided on the basis of the recommendations of the India Expert Advisory Group (IEAG) consisting of national and international Experts. The IEAG has recommended a total of six National Immunization Day (NIDs), 9 Sub National Immunization Day (SNIDs), and 40 mop-up rounds for the period 2009-10 to 2011-12, the statement said.
However, the outbreak of the disease in areas like Western UP and some parts of Bihar continues to place India as the second most afflicted nation in the world, after Nigeria. The total number of cases went up to 676 in 2006, 874 in 2007 and 559 in 2008, though it came down drastically to 66 in 2005.
Pulse Polio Immunization (PPI) was started in India in 1995-96. This is the largest public health intervention ever taken up anywhere in the world. The estimated number of children aged between 0-5 years to be vaccinated in a NIDs is around 172 million. The SNIDs, in the high risk states/areas will cover about 69 million children between 0-5 years. Mop Up immunization round will be undertaken in the districts and in the surrounding areas, where polio cases will be reported, covering about 7.5 million target population,
According to the latest statistics with the WHO monitoring cell, India ranked second in the case of polio cases last year, behind Nigeria which recorded 798 cases. This year, upto July 31, India reported 206 cases whereas Nigeria had 363 cases. Pakistan is standing way down on the third spot with 31 cases.link
Thursday 20 August 2009
'Bihar a role model through special programme
From a state that had become synonymous with 'poor' governance, Bihar has now emerged as a role model for other states through a specially-crafted programme, the Central government feels.
The Centre has asked nine Naxal-affected states to adopt Bihar's novel initiative 'Aapki Sarkar Aapke Dwaar' programme for providing essential services to people in gram panchayats.
The Union Panchayati Raj Ministry in a recent circular pointed out that weak governance structures and weakness of the local administration are both cause and effect of Left-wing extremism.
Every panchayat should be on the lines of 'Aapki Sarkar Aapke Dwaar' programme of Bihar, it said and asked the affected states to improve quality of governance and service delivery by delegating sufficient administrative and financial powers to panchayat raj institutions.
"This is needed urgently in at least the 33 most extremist-affected districts," the Ministry said in its circular to chief secretaries of the Naxal-hit states.
It further said that the innovative use of Backward Regions Growth Fund (BRGF) grants to address specific local problems, updating and computerising land records including forest land and common property resources and adopting an integrated strategy for tackling development and security challenges can also help check the menace.link
The Centre has asked nine Naxal-affected states to adopt Bihar's novel initiative 'Aapki Sarkar Aapke Dwaar' programme for providing essential services to people in gram panchayats.
The Union Panchayati Raj Ministry in a recent circular pointed out that weak governance structures and weakness of the local administration are both cause and effect of Left-wing extremism.
Every panchayat should be on the lines of 'Aapki Sarkar Aapke Dwaar' programme of Bihar, it said and asked the affected states to improve quality of governance and service delivery by delegating sufficient administrative and financial powers to panchayat raj institutions.
"This is needed urgently in at least the 33 most extremist-affected districts," the Ministry said in its circular to chief secretaries of the Naxal-hit states.
It further said that the innovative use of Backward Regions Growth Fund (BRGF) grants to address specific local problems, updating and computerising land records including forest land and common property resources and adopting an integrated strategy for tackling development and security challenges can also help check the menace.link
Lalu wants janata hotels for Bihar's poor
Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad on Thursday asked the Bihar government to open "janata hotels" in rural areas to provide cheap food to poor people in view of the drought.
Last week, 26 of the state's 38 districts were declared drought-hit. Bihar has recorded a 38 percent rainfall deficit so far this monsoon season.
"The government should initiate a move to provide lunch and dinner at Rs.2 for the poor who are likely to be hit hard by the drought," Lalu Prasad said on Thursday.
The former railway minister also asked middle class and affluent people to restrict their intake of food to save food grains.
"We should take care to consume less to save food grains," he said, adding that as per official records India has a foodstock buffer for just 13 months.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had requested Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for an aid package of Rs.23,071 crore to meet the financial burden caused by the "unprecedented drought".
A 11-member central team Wednesday embarked on a three-day visit to the drought-hit districts.
The drought has affected about 1.26 crore families in 26 districts with paddy coverage showing an overall shortfall of 57 percent. link
Last week, 26 of the state's 38 districts were declared drought-hit. Bihar has recorded a 38 percent rainfall deficit so far this monsoon season.
"The government should initiate a move to provide lunch and dinner at Rs.2 for the poor who are likely to be hit hard by the drought," Lalu Prasad said on Thursday.
The former railway minister also asked middle class and affluent people to restrict their intake of food to save food grains.
"We should take care to consume less to save food grains," he said, adding that as per official records India has a foodstock buffer for just 13 months.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had requested Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for an aid package of Rs.23,071 crore to meet the financial burden caused by the "unprecedented drought".
A 11-member central team Wednesday embarked on a three-day visit to the drought-hit districts.
The drought has affected about 1.26 crore families in 26 districts with paddy coverage showing an overall shortfall of 57 percent. link
Wednesday 19 August 2009
After mangoes, now export litchis to US
India, which exported mangoes to US in 2007 after a 17 year long ban, will now export fresh litchi to US for the first time. Export may begin in next summer season.
“We are gearing up for export of litchi to US for the first time. The procedures for treating the fruits have been mutually agreed. Farmers in Bihar, which is the country’s largest litchi producer, will be the main beneficiary,” said Asit Tripathy, chairman of Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).
Ranjan Kedia, promoter of Radha Krishna Impex Ltd, the country’s largest litchi exporter said the modalities have been worked out and a formal application will now go from APEDA to the USFDA. Permission is expected by the end of year.
“Currently, we only export processed litchi to US. Now, we shall be in a position to export fresh litchi as well. We will use sulphur dioxide as a post harvest fumigant and this will prevent blackening of skin and improves shelf life,” said Kedia.
At 250,000 tonnes of litchi production, India is the second biggest litchi producer after China. Bihar accounts for nearly 80 per cent of the produce. India exports around 1,300 tonnes of fresh and processed litchi, mainly to Europe and Asian countries. According to Kedia, the value of litchi export would be close to Rs 5 crore.link
“We are gearing up for export of litchi to US for the first time. The procedures for treating the fruits have been mutually agreed. Farmers in Bihar, which is the country’s largest litchi producer, will be the main beneficiary,” said Asit Tripathy, chairman of Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).
Ranjan Kedia, promoter of Radha Krishna Impex Ltd, the country’s largest litchi exporter said the modalities have been worked out and a formal application will now go from APEDA to the USFDA. Permission is expected by the end of year.
“Currently, we only export processed litchi to US. Now, we shall be in a position to export fresh litchi as well. We will use sulphur dioxide as a post harvest fumigant and this will prevent blackening of skin and improves shelf life,” said Kedia.
At 250,000 tonnes of litchi production, India is the second biggest litchi producer after China. Bihar accounts for nearly 80 per cent of the produce. India exports around 1,300 tonnes of fresh and processed litchi, mainly to Europe and Asian countries. According to Kedia, the value of litchi export would be close to Rs 5 crore.link
18 child labourers from Bihar rescued from Delhi
Eighteen child labourers, who were rescued from New Delhi by the officers of Bihar Labour department with the help of Delhi police and and NGO were brought to Patna by a train.
Mukhatarul Haque, State convenor of Bacchpan Bachao Andolan, a Patna based NGO told reporters here that the child labourers reached Patna by Shramjeevi express who were received by deputy labour commissioner Ramchandra Choudhry.
Choudhry later sent the child labourers to their respective villages under escort.
Of the 18 released children, six each belonged to Darbhanga and Sitamarhi, two to Samastipur and one each to Motihari, Purnea, Katihar and Begusarai districts, Haque said adding that they were engaged in the bakery, shoe factory and zari making factories located in different parts of the national capital.
He said a fine of Rs 20,000 would be realised from the owners of these factories and the amount would be deposited in the account of state government's Child labour development fund. The fine money would be spent on the rehabilitation of the released child labourers, Haque said.link
Mukhatarul Haque, State convenor of Bacchpan Bachao Andolan, a Patna based NGO told reporters here that the child labourers reached Patna by Shramjeevi express who were received by deputy labour commissioner Ramchandra Choudhry.
Choudhry later sent the child labourers to their respective villages under escort.
Of the 18 released children, six each belonged to Darbhanga and Sitamarhi, two to Samastipur and one each to Motihari, Purnea, Katihar and Begusarai districts, Haque said adding that they were engaged in the bakery, shoe factory and zari making factories located in different parts of the national capital.
He said a fine of Rs 20,000 would be realised from the owners of these factories and the amount would be deposited in the account of state government's Child labour development fund. The fine money would be spent on the rehabilitation of the released child labourers, Haque said.link
Huge quantity of explosives seized
One person was arrested with a huge cache of explosives near Kunda village in Bihar's Sheikhpura district, police said today.
Sub-Divisional Police Officer Santosh Kumar Gupta said police during patrolling last night intercepted a vehicle on Sheikhpura-Puraina road near Kunda village, about 3 km from the district headquarters, and held Mohammad Wahid for illegally carrying 76 packets of gelatine sticks and 100 kg of ammonium nitrate.
The license for these items, mainly used for mining purposes and destroying bunkers, is issued by the Defence Ministry, Gupta said, adding that the arrested person was being interrogated.link
Sub-Divisional Police Officer Santosh Kumar Gupta said police during patrolling last night intercepted a vehicle on Sheikhpura-Puraina road near Kunda village, about 3 km from the district headquarters, and held Mohammad Wahid for illegally carrying 76 packets of gelatine sticks and 100 kg of ammonium nitrate.
The license for these items, mainly used for mining purposes and destroying bunkers, is issued by the Defence Ministry, Gupta said, adding that the arrested person was being interrogated.link
Bihar officer found possessing property worth several crore
19 An enforcement officer of Bihar transport department has been found in possession of property worth several crore rupees during raids by the state vigilance authorities.
Sleuths of Bihar Vigilance Investigation Bureau raided the house of Kapil Muni Rai and seized Rs 22.30 lakh in cash, jewellery worth Rs 16 lakh and three luxury cars, ADG (vigilance) Anil Sinha told.
Sinha said raids, which lasted till late last night, were conducted simultaneously at various premises owned by Rai in Purnia, Ara and Patna .
Rai owns a palatial house and flat at posh A G Colony in Patna apart from having a large house and a three-storey commercial complex at Jagdev Nagar in Ara (Bhojpur), Sinha said.
Documents related to investment in several real estate projects were also seized.
This is the second major operation by the bureau against corrupt public servants within a fortnight. Earlier the bureau officials had disclosed property worth several crore from an official of the state industrial training institute, Sinha said.link
Sleuths of Bihar Vigilance Investigation Bureau raided the house of Kapil Muni Rai and seized Rs 22.30 lakh in cash, jewellery worth Rs 16 lakh and three luxury cars, ADG (vigilance) Anil Sinha told.
Sinha said raids, which lasted till late last night, were conducted simultaneously at various premises owned by Rai in Purnia, Ara and Patna .
Rai owns a palatial house and flat at posh A G Colony in Patna apart from having a large house and a three-storey commercial complex at Jagdev Nagar in Ara (Bhojpur), Sinha said.
Documents related to investment in several real estate projects were also seized.
This is the second major operation by the bureau against corrupt public servants within a fortnight. Earlier the bureau officials had disclosed property worth several crore from an official of the state industrial training institute, Sinha said.link
Tuesday 18 August 2009
Eight children to compete for Bal Shree awards
Eight Bihari children would represent the state at regional-level competition, to be held later this year in Kolkata, for selection of children for the national-level competition for the prestigious Bal Shree awards.
Those qualifying from Bihar are: Satish Kumar (Patna) and Rishi Raj (Munger) under the painting category, Subhi (Patna) and Aakansha (Darbhanga) under performing art category, Sarika Soumya (Muzaffarpur) and Divya Bhardwaj (Katihar) under creative writing category and Animan Thakur (Patna) and Raj Babu Kumar (Gopalganj) under the science category.
Selection of these children was made through a state-level competition held in July in which 69 participants from all the nine divisions of Bihar took part.
They will now compete for the prestigious `Bal Shree' awards for the first time after the state set up its Bal Bhawan christened `Kilkari' last year. Instituted by the National Bal Bhawan in 1995, the award, meant for children in the age group of 9 to 16 years, aims at identification and promotion of creativity among children in art, science, writing and performing art.
Kilkari director Jyoti Parihar said that the selected eight children would be felicitated by the state government on November 14. She said that a three-day training programme was also organized for the selected children in which experts from different fields imparted specialized training to them. link
Those qualifying from Bihar are: Satish Kumar (Patna) and Rishi Raj (Munger) under the painting category, Subhi (Patna) and Aakansha (Darbhanga) under performing art category, Sarika Soumya (Muzaffarpur) and Divya Bhardwaj (Katihar) under creative writing category and Animan Thakur (Patna) and Raj Babu Kumar (Gopalganj) under the science category.
Selection of these children was made through a state-level competition held in July in which 69 participants from all the nine divisions of Bihar took part.
They will now compete for the prestigious `Bal Shree' awards for the first time after the state set up its Bal Bhawan christened `Kilkari' last year. Instituted by the National Bal Bhawan in 1995, the award, meant for children in the age group of 9 to 16 years, aims at identification and promotion of creativity among children in art, science, writing and performing art.
Kilkari director Jyoti Parihar said that the selected eight children would be felicitated by the state government on November 14. She said that a three-day training programme was also organized for the selected children in which experts from different fields imparted specialized training to them. link
Students set train on fire in Bihar
Angry students on Tuesday clashed with personnel of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and vandalised two trains at the Bihta railway station in Bihar, following a row over tickets.
Reports said the students vandalised Shramjeevi and Sanghamitra Express and also set on fire four coaches of the former. They also pelted stones on RPF personnel.
The clashes began amidst a scuffle between RPF personnel and students over tickets. Reports said the RPF personnel boarded the Shramjeevi Express at the Bihta station and asked the students travelling on the train to show tickets.
However, a row broke out between the two groups leading to clashes following which the RPF fired in the air and resorted to lathicharge to disperse the angry students.
When the reports last came in, the situation was tense in the area. link
Reports said the students vandalised Shramjeevi and Sanghamitra Express and also set on fire four coaches of the former. They also pelted stones on RPF personnel.
The clashes began amidst a scuffle between RPF personnel and students over tickets. Reports said the RPF personnel boarded the Shramjeevi Express at the Bihta station and asked the students travelling on the train to show tickets.
However, a row broke out between the two groups leading to clashes following which the RPF fired in the air and resorted to lathicharge to disperse the angry students.
When the reports last came in, the situation was tense in the area. link
Monday 17 August 2009
First swine flu case confirmed in Bihar
Bihar has reported its first swine flu case with a senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) official testing positive for the viral disease, officials said here Tuesday.
The official, whose identity was not disclosed by the state government, is currently undergoing treatment at a private nursing home here.
“His condition is stable and he is showing signs of recovery after being administered the swine flu antidote Tamiflu,” an official of the state health department said.
His samples were sent to the New Delhi based National Institute of Communicable Diseases(NICD).
Health department sources said the official could have been infected in London from where he returned last week.
The influenza A (H1N1) virus has infected more than 1,900 patients in the country and killed 25.Former Bihar minister Sheonandan Jha dies
Veteran socialist leader and former Science and Techonolgy Minister of Bihar Sheonandan Jha passed away today.
He was 90.
Jha breathed his last this morning at his Jhaja residence.
He had represented Jhaja assembly constituency for five terms. He was elected to the state assembly for the first time in 1967.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar condoled the death of Jha saying it was a personal loss.
In a condolence message issued from New Delhi, Kumar said Jha would be cremated with full state honours at Jhaja this evening.
Kumar had gone to Delhi to attend chief ministers' conference convened by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.link
He was 90.
Jha breathed his last this morning at his Jhaja residence.
He had represented Jhaja assembly constituency for five terms. He was elected to the state assembly for the first time in 1967.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar condoled the death of Jha saying it was a personal loss.
In a condolence message issued from New Delhi, Kumar said Jha would be cremated with full state honours at Jhaja this evening.
Kumar had gone to Delhi to attend chief ministers' conference convened by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.link
Sunday 16 August 2009
Farmers use guns to guard water in drought-hit Bihar
Bihar has declared 26 of the 38 districts drought-hit and the water crisis in the state in now turning dangerous with farmer guarding their water sources with guns.
After scanty rainfall in many districts, the battle for water is being fought with guns.
"We are farmers. It has not rained properly this year. There is little water in the canals that we use. So we have to protect the water. We carry our agricultural equipments and guns together. When we are in the fields we use our agricultural equipments and when the need for the guns arises, then we use the guns," says Bal Bhushan Sharma, a farmer in Aurangabad which is one of the worst-hit districts.
Sharma is voice of desperation and of little hope. They are no robbers or henchmen but farmers.
With no rains and most canals drying up, water is more precious than gold and the farmers have now chosen to risk their lives to guard it.
They are ready to kill and get killed to protect their water.
"There is very little water. The villagers from neighbouring areas are on the lookout to divert the water in the canals towards their fields. We are trying to stop them. We don't want a fight but if some one diverts the canal water then how will we irrigate our fields," says another farmer Narendra Singh.
Farmers with guns in their hands are just a reflection of how bad the scene is at the ground. For them it's a question of their survival as the scarce rainfall has made the water flowing out of the canal the most precious commodity for them.
Canals irrigate most of central Bihar and the prolonged dry spell means no water for cultivation.
Out of 79.46 lakh hectares of land under cultivation, only 45.67 lakh hectares are irrigated.
"Just 20 per cent of canal system is functioning and the remaining 80 per cent are not functioning. The report of the Planning Commission has also pointed this," claims agricultural and social scientist Dr Ssachidanand Sinha.
With 39 per cent shortfall of rain, only 40 per cent canals have water and their water level is much below the normal.
Life has changed and farmers have little hope of revival. Celebrations have been postponed
More than half of Nand Kishore's 10 acres of land is barren and he struggles to feed his family of 12, to arrange food for cattle.
Even his sister's wedding will now have to wait for another year.
"If we don't have money then how will we survive? We are not able to sleep and keep on think about how we will get our next meal," says Nand Kishore's mother Sushila Devi.
Drought resulting in food crisis has not only affected the kitchens but has upset the entire life of millions of farmers who even otherwise live on a threshold.
Managing one full year without a penny being generated out of farming is a situation they have never faced before.
Foodgrains are cultivated in over 90 per cent of the fertile land in Bihar and little or no rain only adds to the farmers' woes, perhaps leaving the only option of fighting their destiny with guns.
But while farmers fight each other with guns, Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad has fired the latest salvo blaming the drought on Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, for eating during the recent solar eclipse, an act considered an omen by some.
"Bihar Chief Minister, my younger brother Nitish, was eating bisuits in front of everyone during a solar eclipse. He thinks he can take on the Sun God," says Lalu.
An angry Nitish has called Lalu's superstitions and indulging in petty politics.
"He (Lalu) is desperate enough to use superstition to come into power again," says Nitish.link
After scanty rainfall in many districts, the battle for water is being fought with guns.
"We are farmers. It has not rained properly this year. There is little water in the canals that we use. So we have to protect the water. We carry our agricultural equipments and guns together. When we are in the fields we use our agricultural equipments and when the need for the guns arises, then we use the guns," says Bal Bhushan Sharma, a farmer in Aurangabad which is one of the worst-hit districts.
Sharma is voice of desperation and of little hope. They are no robbers or henchmen but farmers.
With no rains and most canals drying up, water is more precious than gold and the farmers have now chosen to risk their lives to guard it.
They are ready to kill and get killed to protect their water.
"There is very little water. The villagers from neighbouring areas are on the lookout to divert the water in the canals towards their fields. We are trying to stop them. We don't want a fight but if some one diverts the canal water then how will we irrigate our fields," says another farmer Narendra Singh.
Farmers with guns in their hands are just a reflection of how bad the scene is at the ground. For them it's a question of their survival as the scarce rainfall has made the water flowing out of the canal the most precious commodity for them.
Canals irrigate most of central Bihar and the prolonged dry spell means no water for cultivation.
Out of 79.46 lakh hectares of land under cultivation, only 45.67 lakh hectares are irrigated.
"Just 20 per cent of canal system is functioning and the remaining 80 per cent are not functioning. The report of the Planning Commission has also pointed this," claims agricultural and social scientist Dr Ssachidanand Sinha.
With 39 per cent shortfall of rain, only 40 per cent canals have water and their water level is much below the normal.
Life has changed and farmers have little hope of revival. Celebrations have been postponed
More than half of Nand Kishore's 10 acres of land is barren and he struggles to feed his family of 12, to arrange food for cattle.
Even his sister's wedding will now have to wait for another year.
"If we don't have money then how will we survive? We are not able to sleep and keep on think about how we will get our next meal," says Nand Kishore's mother Sushila Devi.
Drought resulting in food crisis has not only affected the kitchens but has upset the entire life of millions of farmers who even otherwise live on a threshold.
Managing one full year without a penny being generated out of farming is a situation they have never faced before.
Foodgrains are cultivated in over 90 per cent of the fertile land in Bihar and little or no rain only adds to the farmers' woes, perhaps leaving the only option of fighting their destiny with guns.
But while farmers fight each other with guns, Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad has fired the latest salvo blaming the drought on Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, for eating during the recent solar eclipse, an act considered an omen by some.
"Bihar Chief Minister, my younger brother Nitish, was eating bisuits in front of everyone during a solar eclipse. He thinks he can take on the Sun God," says Lalu.
An angry Nitish has called Lalu's superstitions and indulging in petty politics.
"He (Lalu) is desperate enough to use superstition to come into power again," says Nitish.link
Growth and development cannot overlook hungry stomachs: Amartya Sen
Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen while speaking at a Right to Food campaign recently said, "India's stride towards development, prosperity and economic growth cannot happen with a major chunk of the children (around 40%) being malnourished or born underweight."
Appreciating the government for bringing about the Food Security Act, he said that improper distribution of food and malnourishment were injustice done onto the citizens of the country.
Amartya narrated his experience of his stay in regions like Nalanda, Gaya, Rajgir and Patna in Bihar. He could see the change in the administration even in the backward areas. According to him, India had a reason to be optimistic about, as a wider cross-section of people had access to food and that illustrated the change an able leadership can bring about.
The Right to Food Act was a pre election promise of the Congress government. It later proposed National Food Security Bill and mentioned the same in the Budget speech under which poor families would get 25 kg of rice/wheat per month at Rs 3 per kg.
The magnitude of malnourishment, especially in woman, mothers, children and babies at birth, in India was tremendous.
As reported by the Sunday Tribune, Amartya Sen said that India had beaten African nations in child malnourishment. Malnourishment incapacitates the mind and debilitates the body. It is a situation of manifest injustice and we have the means to remove it but there is a certain level of smugness about India's achievements. He said, one must recognise that poverty, lack of food, illnesses and state of education in India were closely linked and were of the same magnitude."
The Indian distribution system though has achieved a level, still needed to be strengthened and effective ways of distribution needed to be designed.
There was a general perception that if the supply of food has been ensured, then the poor do not need the employment guarantee scheme. But the way of getting to all is through diverse necessities.
Commenting on the mid-day meal scheme, Sen said that India had finally achieved what Europe achieved 200 years earlier. Europe had introduced the scheme in the 19th century.
Kids belonging to the wealthier families complain that they find it uncomfortable having food with the kids belonging to the poor families and prefer eating their Tiffin. Media is obsessed with the richer kids and consequently the quality of food gets more weight-age than the fact that many are able to fill their hungry stomachs.
Sen asserted that we have to stand by the mid-day meal scheme so that poorest schools do not lose the grants and benefits they have." Sen, who teaches at Harvard University in US, concluded, "It was easier to teach children in a full stomach than hungry children who could not concentrate and had short attention spans." The discussion was hosted by an umbrella of non-profit groups campaigning for the right to food.link
Appreciating the government for bringing about the Food Security Act, he said that improper distribution of food and malnourishment were injustice done onto the citizens of the country.
Amartya narrated his experience of his stay in regions like Nalanda, Gaya, Rajgir and Patna in Bihar. He could see the change in the administration even in the backward areas. According to him, India had a reason to be optimistic about, as a wider cross-section of people had access to food and that illustrated the change an able leadership can bring about.
The Right to Food Act was a pre election promise of the Congress government. It later proposed National Food Security Bill and mentioned the same in the Budget speech under which poor families would get 25 kg of rice/wheat per month at Rs 3 per kg.
The magnitude of malnourishment, especially in woman, mothers, children and babies at birth, in India was tremendous.
As reported by the Sunday Tribune, Amartya Sen said that India had beaten African nations in child malnourishment. Malnourishment incapacitates the mind and debilitates the body. It is a situation of manifest injustice and we have the means to remove it but there is a certain level of smugness about India's achievements. He said, one must recognise that poverty, lack of food, illnesses and state of education in India were closely linked and were of the same magnitude."
The Indian distribution system though has achieved a level, still needed to be strengthened and effective ways of distribution needed to be designed.
There was a general perception that if the supply of food has been ensured, then the poor do not need the employment guarantee scheme. But the way of getting to all is through diverse necessities.
Commenting on the mid-day meal scheme, Sen said that India had finally achieved what Europe achieved 200 years earlier. Europe had introduced the scheme in the 19th century.
Kids belonging to the wealthier families complain that they find it uncomfortable having food with the kids belonging to the poor families and prefer eating their Tiffin. Media is obsessed with the richer kids and consequently the quality of food gets more weight-age than the fact that many are able to fill their hungry stomachs.
Sen asserted that we have to stand by the mid-day meal scheme so that poorest schools do not lose the grants and benefits they have." Sen, who teaches at Harvard University in US, concluded, "It was easier to teach children in a full stomach than hungry children who could not concentrate and had short attention spans." The discussion was hosted by an umbrella of non-profit groups campaigning for the right to food.link
Girl sacrificed to appease god
The mutilated body of a seven-year-old girl who had gone missing two days ago has been found in Motihari district of Bihar, police said Sunday, adding that it looked like a case of human sacrifice. Two people, including a witch doctor, have been arrested.
A villager found the body of Gudia Saturday. She was a resident of Khagni village in Motihari and had gone missing two days ago.
The family alleged that the girl was sacrificed to appease a Hindu god.
“The girl’s throat was silt, her legs chopped off, her head was tonsured and there was a red mark on it. It looks like a clear cut case of human sacrifice,” a police officer said.
A police complaint has been filed and six people named as accused.
A villager found the body of Gudia Saturday. She was a resident of Khagni village in Motihari and had gone missing two days ago.
The family alleged that the girl was sacrificed to appease a Hindu god.
“The girl’s throat was silt, her legs chopped off, her head was tonsured and there was a red mark on it. It looks like a clear cut case of human sacrifice,” a police officer said.
A police complaint has been filed and six people named as accused.
Friday 14 August 2009
Patna SSP to Receive Gallantry Medal
Seven IPS officer of Bihar, including Patna Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Vineet Vinayak, would be recognized with gallantry award at the Independence Day celebration at Gandhi Maidan in Patna this Saturday.
Two other cops including Sergeant Major Ramesh Kumar Tripathi (Saran) and Arun Kumar Singh, the Sergeant Major of Police Lines, (Muzaffarpur), will be honored with the President's police medal.
Besides Patna SSP, the other six to receive the gallantry awards are STF commandos Surendra Kumar Singh, Sunil Kumar Singh, Narendra Kumar Jha, and Manoj Kumar, Patna STF jawan Raj Kumar, and Motihari police officer Birendra Kumar Singh.
Vinayak is to receive the gallantry award for his role in bringing down the notorious Sattan Chowdhary gang in Khagaria in which seven hardcore criminals were killed and several sophisticated assault weapons seized.
Thirteen members of the Bihar police will also be honored with police medals for their braveries and performing beyond the call of their duties, Bihar ADG Neelmani said.
Two other cops including Sergeant Major Ramesh Kumar Tripathi (Saran) and Arun Kumar Singh, the Sergeant Major of Police Lines, (Muzaffarpur), will be honored with the President's police medal.
Besides Patna SSP, the other six to receive the gallantry awards are STF commandos Surendra Kumar Singh, Sunil Kumar Singh, Narendra Kumar Jha, and Manoj Kumar, Patna STF jawan Raj Kumar, and Motihari police officer Birendra Kumar Singh.
Vinayak is to receive the gallantry award for his role in bringing down the notorious Sattan Chowdhary gang in Khagaria in which seven hardcore criminals were killed and several sophisticated assault weapons seized.
Thirteen members of the Bihar police will also be honored with police medals for their braveries and performing beyond the call of their duties, Bihar ADG Neelmani said.
Nuclear-power plant remains on paper
Inadequate water availability is proving a stumbling block in the way of setting up of Bihar's first nuclear power plant at Rajauli inNawada district.
According to Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) guidelines, at least 32,000 cubic metre water will be required per hour for running the proposed 4x700 MW plant. The water available at Phulwaria dam at Rajauli will fulfil only one third of the requirement, said an official.
Bihar State Electricity Board (BSEB) last month sent a letter to the NPCIL, requesting it to set up 4x450 MW or 2x700 MW power plant, instead of the earlier proposed 4x700 MW plant in view of the water problem. A response from the NPCIL is still awaited.
The water resources department (WRD) recently gave a commitment to provide a meagre 12,785 cubic metre water per hour from the nearby Phulwaria dam. The WRD had appointed a consultant for conducting a survey on the availability of water in the nearby rivers and reservoirs.
On the receipt of a go-ahead from the NPCIL, the state government will initiate the process of acquiring the land for the plant. The government has already identified 3,150 acres of land. However, some of the land owners have not consented for the land acquisition as they are totally dependent on their land.
BSEB had requested the Nawada DM to look into the matter and identify a suitable plot of land, which should be barren, undisputed and free from waterlogging.
A four-member expert team of the NPCIL had visited Nawada for the site selection in 2007. The team had made an on-the-spot assessment of the proposed site. NPCIL had even then raised doubts over the availability of adequate water required for the plant.
The total cost of the power plant is Rs 22,400 crore, and it would take four to five years to complete it.link
According to Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) guidelines, at least 32,000 cubic metre water will be required per hour for running the proposed 4x700 MW plant. The water available at Phulwaria dam at Rajauli will fulfil only one third of the requirement, said an official.
Bihar State Electricity Board (BSEB) last month sent a letter to the NPCIL, requesting it to set up 4x450 MW or 2x700 MW power plant, instead of the earlier proposed 4x700 MW plant in view of the water problem. A response from the NPCIL is still awaited.
The water resources department (WRD) recently gave a commitment to provide a meagre 12,785 cubic metre water per hour from the nearby Phulwaria dam. The WRD had appointed a consultant for conducting a survey on the availability of water in the nearby rivers and reservoirs.
On the receipt of a go-ahead from the NPCIL, the state government will initiate the process of acquiring the land for the plant. The government has already identified 3,150 acres of land. However, some of the land owners have not consented for the land acquisition as they are totally dependent on their land.
BSEB had requested the Nawada DM to look into the matter and identify a suitable plot of land, which should be barren, undisputed and free from waterlogging.
A four-member expert team of the NPCIL had visited Nawada for the site selection in 2007. The team had made an on-the-spot assessment of the proposed site. NPCIL had even then raised doubts over the availability of adequate water required for the plant.
The total cost of the power plant is Rs 22,400 crore, and it would take four to five years to complete it.link
Private air taxi service between Bihar, Jharkhand
Private air taxi service between Bihar and Jharkhand commenced today with a three-seater chartered plane making the first trip from Ranchi to Patna.
Spirit Air Private Ltd, a Lucknow-based private air-taxi service provider, entered into an agreement with DTDS Travel and Tour Planner Pvt Ltd, to begin its service on Airport Authority of India's (AAI) controlled airports such as Ranchi, Gaya and Patna.
Spirit Air has named its service provider company as 'Indian Air Taxi'.
"We have started our air-taxi service on the Ranchi-Gaya- Patna route from today...One person chartered the craft from Ranchi to Patna. For this, we have entered into an agreement with DTDS for one month," G C Biswas, Associate Vice-President (Marketing), told.link
Spirit Air Private Ltd, a Lucknow-based private air-taxi service provider, entered into an agreement with DTDS Travel and Tour Planner Pvt Ltd, to begin its service on Airport Authority of India's (AAI) controlled airports such as Ranchi, Gaya and Patna.
Spirit Air has named its service provider company as 'Indian Air Taxi'.
"We have started our air-taxi service on the Ranchi-Gaya- Patna route from today...One person chartered the craft from Ranchi to Patna. For this, we have entered into an agreement with DTDS for one month," G C Biswas, Associate Vice-President (Marketing), told.link
Security alerted in Bihar
A high-alert has been sounded in Bihar and security measures have been beefed along the porous Indo-Nepal border in the wake of the Maoists call to 'Boycott Independence day' celebrations on Saturday, Additional Director General of Police (headquarters) Neelmani said.
"We have put the security on high alert and the security has been increased along the porous Indo-Nepal border on areas connecting Bihar to ensure peaceful and trouble-free celebrations tomorrow," Mr. Neelmani said here today.
The Sashatra Seema Bal, other forces and state police personnel would ensure patrolling on the borders to stop the Maoists and other trouble-makers from sneaking into Bihar side of the areas from Nepal, he said.
Security has been tightened at all vital installations and public places including bus terminus, railway stations and airports, Mr. Neelmani informed. link
"We have put the security on high alert and the security has been increased along the porous Indo-Nepal border on areas connecting Bihar to ensure peaceful and trouble-free celebrations tomorrow," Mr. Neelmani said here today.
The Sashatra Seema Bal, other forces and state police personnel would ensure patrolling on the borders to stop the Maoists and other trouble-makers from sneaking into Bihar side of the areas from Nepal, he said.
Security has been tightened at all vital installations and public places including bus terminus, railway stations and airports, Mr. Neelmani informed. link
Thursday 13 August 2009
Nitish for Virology lab in Bihar
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today urged the Centre to set up a virology laboratory in the state for ensuring quick test of swine-flu samples in the wake of nation-wide panic over the disease.
"The Centre must set up a virology lab in Bihar in the wake of panic over the disease," Kumar said here.
Kumar said he would speak to Union Health and Family Welfare minister Ghulam Nabi Azad for approving the state's proposal for the lab.
Swine flu alert has already been sounded in Bihar, Kumar said, adding there was no no cause for panic.
A Central team had already visited Bihar to review the state's preparedness to tackle the disease.
The state Health department had launched an awareness campaign and mass contact drive to educate people about the swine flu.
A team of health officials were camping at Saraiya block in Bihar's Muzaffarpur district where it was suspected that a labourer Suraj Prakash, who returned home from Pune, was afflicted by the disease, sources said, adding if required, Prakash would be brought to Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital for check up and treatment.link
"The Centre must set up a virology lab in Bihar in the wake of panic over the disease," Kumar said here.
Kumar said he would speak to Union Health and Family Welfare minister Ghulam Nabi Azad for approving the state's proposal for the lab.
Swine flu alert has already been sounded in Bihar, Kumar said, adding there was no no cause for panic.
A Central team had already visited Bihar to review the state's preparedness to tackle the disease.
The state Health department had launched an awareness campaign and mass contact drive to educate people about the swine flu.
A team of health officials were camping at Saraiya block in Bihar's Muzaffarpur district where it was suspected that a labourer Suraj Prakash, who returned home from Pune, was afflicted by the disease, sources said, adding if required, Prakash would be brought to Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital for check up and treatment.link
Bharatiya Nritya Kala Mandir to be developed as music college
The Bharatiya Nritya Kala Mandir will be developed as a music college and a corpus fund of Rs three crore has been earmarked for it. A budgetary provision of Rs 60 lakh for the financial year 2009-10 has been made by the state government for this project.
Till now students trying to get music degree have to move out to other states. There is no music college in Bihar and most students appear in exam from Allahabad University and Chandigarh University.
According to Renu Devi, state’s cultural minister, the government decided to develop Kala Mandir as a college and has got temporary affiliation from Magadh University. Application will be given for permanent affiliation.link
Till now students trying to get music degree have to move out to other states. There is no music college in Bihar and most students appear in exam from Allahabad University and Chandigarh University.
According to Renu Devi, state’s cultural minister, the government decided to develop Kala Mandir as a college and has got temporary affiliation from Magadh University. Application will be given for permanent affiliation.link
Bihar IPS faces action over leave
The Bihar government has initiated departmental proceedings against controversial Bihar-cadre IPS officer Nirmal Dhoundial for going on unauthorised leave.
This, even as the state government awaits a reply from the Delhi home department on the issue of Lotika Sarkar and the house at L1/10 Hauz Khas Enclave, which Dhoundial claims has been gifted to his wife.
This newspaper had in a series of reports earlier this year exposed the story of Lotika — the 87-year-old former Delhi University don and now staying with friends and relatives — who has appealed to Dhoundial to return her house.
Describing the house as her “security” in her old age, Lotika, in a letter to Dhoundial clearly wrote that she never intended to give the house to “anyone at all”. And, she has no recollection of having signed any gift deed either.
Taking note of the reports, the state home department sought an explanation from the 1980 batch IPS officer on the issue. “Dhoundial furnished a short, vague reply, rubbishing the news reports,” a top state official said, adding that the home department subsequently wrote to its counterpart in the Delhi government, seeking details of the case. A reply is still awaited. Posted as IG-cum-chief security officer of the Bihar State Cooperative Marketing Union (BISCOMAUN), Dhoundial applied for leave soon after. He stopped attending office even though the departmental secretary did not sanction his leave. This was in February this year.
As per All-India Service (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969, proceeding on unsanctioned leave is a “serious act of indiscipline”. “Dhoundial complicated the matter as he sent a few letters in between, extending the leave that was not sanctioned in the first place,” the home department official said, adding that the officer has been on unauthorised leave for over six months now.
As part of disciplinary action against Dhoundial, the state home department on Monday issued a memorandum, asking him to explain his absence from his place of posting. Sources said issuing a memorandum is the first stage of departmental proceedings. In the second stage, an inquiry would be conducted by a superior officer. “Based on the inquiry report, the chief minister would decide on the action to be taken against the officer,” the source said, emphasising that the entire proceeding is usually completed within 90 days.
According to the all-India service rules, Dhoundial now faces a penalty, which could be either denial of salary for the period of his absence or denial of promotion for a certain period. “In extreme cases, the state government can recommend the officer’s dismissal from service to the Centre,” a personnel department official told explaining that much depends on
how the officer presents his case before the department.
Incidentally, because of his continued absence, Bihar Police’s departmental promotion committee, which cleared promotions of 1980-batch officers to the rank of ADG in February, did not take up Dhoundial’s case. link
This, even as the state government awaits a reply from the Delhi home department on the issue of Lotika Sarkar and the house at L1/10 Hauz Khas Enclave, which Dhoundial claims has been gifted to his wife.
This newspaper had in a series of reports earlier this year exposed the story of Lotika — the 87-year-old former Delhi University don and now staying with friends and relatives — who has appealed to Dhoundial to return her house.
Describing the house as her “security” in her old age, Lotika, in a letter to Dhoundial clearly wrote that she never intended to give the house to “anyone at all”. And, she has no recollection of having signed any gift deed either.
Taking note of the reports, the state home department sought an explanation from the 1980 batch IPS officer on the issue. “Dhoundial furnished a short, vague reply, rubbishing the news reports,” a top state official said, adding that the home department subsequently wrote to its counterpart in the Delhi government, seeking details of the case. A reply is still awaited. Posted as IG-cum-chief security officer of the Bihar State Cooperative Marketing Union (BISCOMAUN), Dhoundial applied for leave soon after. He stopped attending office even though the departmental secretary did not sanction his leave. This was in February this year.
As per All-India Service (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969, proceeding on unsanctioned leave is a “serious act of indiscipline”. “Dhoundial complicated the matter as he sent a few letters in between, extending the leave that was not sanctioned in the first place,” the home department official said, adding that the officer has been on unauthorised leave for over six months now.
As part of disciplinary action against Dhoundial, the state home department on Monday issued a memorandum, asking him to explain his absence from his place of posting. Sources said issuing a memorandum is the first stage of departmental proceedings. In the second stage, an inquiry would be conducted by a superior officer. “Based on the inquiry report, the chief minister would decide on the action to be taken against the officer,” the source said, emphasising that the entire proceeding is usually completed within 90 days.
According to the all-India service rules, Dhoundial now faces a penalty, which could be either denial of salary for the period of his absence or denial of promotion for a certain period. “In extreme cases, the state government can recommend the officer’s dismissal from service to the Centre,” a personnel department official told explaining that much depends on
how the officer presents his case before the department.
Incidentally, because of his continued absence, Bihar Police’s departmental promotion committee, which cleared promotions of 1980-batch officers to the rank of ADG in February, did not take up Dhoundial’s case. link
Bihar to seek Rs 23000 crore from Centre to combat drought
The state will ask for a package of Rs 23,000 crore from the Centre to meet the crisis arising out of the prevailing drought in Bihar, said chief minister Nitish Kumar. He added that a memorandum would be submitted to the Centre in this regard on Friday.
Nitish further stated that the state would also seek an additional allocation of Rs 38,000 kilolitre of kerosene every month and an additional allocation of 300 MW power per day. He added that if rainfall continues to be dismal, the remaining 12 districts of the state would also be declared drought hit like the other 26.
Addressing the people of the state through Akashvani, Nitish said diesel subsidy will also be allowed for Rabi plantation and shops for cheap breads will be opened, too.
Pointing out that another memorandum to be submitted to the Centre by all parties will be finalized soon, the CM said two senior ministers — Bijendra Prasad Yadav and Nand Kishore Yadav — would meet the leaders of other parties to finalize the draft. link
Nitish further stated that the state would also seek an additional allocation of Rs 38,000 kilolitre of kerosene every month and an additional allocation of 300 MW power per day. He added that if rainfall continues to be dismal, the remaining 12 districts of the state would also be declared drought hit like the other 26.
Addressing the people of the state through Akashvani, Nitish said diesel subsidy will also be allowed for Rabi plantation and shops for cheap breads will be opened, too.
Pointing out that another memorandum to be submitted to the Centre by all parties will be finalized soon, the CM said two senior ministers — Bijendra Prasad Yadav and Nand Kishore Yadav — would meet the leaders of other parties to finalize the draft. link
Wednesday 12 August 2009
Two students from patna selected for Wizkids finals
Two Patna students were selected to represent Bihar as Asian finalists at the Horlicks Wizkids 2009, the country's largest inter-school literary and cultural fiesta.
The two students are Chitranshu Tiwary of Don Bosco Academy and Akansha Singh of Notre Dame Academy. They will go to Bangalore to participate in the final event.
Deputy CM Sushil Kumar Modi, who gave away prizes to the winners, was impressed with the talent and confidence exhibited by the children and advised schools to regularly organize debates to develop the communicative skill of the children.
Modi also advised the organizers to hold such events for the students of government schools who mainly belong to poor sections of the society. He said the students of public schools should also visit the slum areas or villages and take up the challenge to teach a few childred there.
About 5,000 students from 48 schools of Patna took part in over 30 electrifying, enjoyable and action-packed literary, art, talent and cultural events. Syed Sultan Ahmad, who anchored the programme, continued non-stop for about eight hours giving messages to the children to dream and think big. Khurshid Ahmad of Advantage Services asked students to learn time management for better utilisation of the 24 hours they have.link
The two students are Chitranshu Tiwary of Don Bosco Academy and Akansha Singh of Notre Dame Academy. They will go to Bangalore to participate in the final event.
Deputy CM Sushil Kumar Modi, who gave away prizes to the winners, was impressed with the talent and confidence exhibited by the children and advised schools to regularly organize debates to develop the communicative skill of the children.
Modi also advised the organizers to hold such events for the students of government schools who mainly belong to poor sections of the society. He said the students of public schools should also visit the slum areas or villages and take up the challenge to teach a few childred there.
About 5,000 students from 48 schools of Patna took part in over 30 electrifying, enjoyable and action-packed literary, art, talent and cultural events. Syed Sultan Ahmad, who anchored the programme, continued non-stop for about eight hours giving messages to the children to dream and think big. Khurshid Ahmad of Advantage Services asked students to learn time management for better utilisation of the 24 hours they have.link
MLA, 7 others get life term for Bihar neta’s murder
A local court on Wednesday awarded life imprisonment to eight people, including a ruling JD(U) MLA and a former LJP MP, in the sensational murder case of former Bihar minister Brij Bihari Prasad on June 13, 1998. Another JD(U) MLA was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment for harbouring the assailants.
Additional district and sessions judge-III Vijay Prakash Mishra awarded life term to former LJP MP Surajbhan Singh, JD(U) MLA Vijay Kumar Shukla alias Munna Shukla and former independent MLA Rajan Tiwari. JD(U) MLA Shashi Kumar Rai, on whose residential premises the vehicles used by the assailants were found parked, was awarded two years’ imprisonment.
Others awarded life sentence are: Mantu Tiwari, Lallan Singh, Mukesh Singh, Ram Niranjan Chaudhary and Captain Sunil. The eight have also been imposed a fine of Rs 20,000 each.
Brij Bihari, an accused in the engineering admissions scam investigated by CBI, was gunned down while he was strolling in the garden of Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, where he was admitted for treatment under judicial custody. His security guard Lakshmeshwar Sah was also killed.
CBI, which probed the murder case, submitted chargesheet against 17 accused. Three of them were killed in an encounter with Ghaziabad police, two others died natural death while another accused committed suicide in jail in November 2007. Two of the accused — Satish Pandey and Naga Singh — are still absconding.
CBI special public prosecutor Rakesh Kumar examined 62 prosecution witnesses to submit that the accused reached the hospital on a Tata Sumo and an Ambassador car and opened fire to kill Brij Bihari around 8.15 pm. Mantu used a stengun while the other seven assailants used pistols and revolvers. Brij Bihari’s wife Rama Devi, currently BJP MP from Sheohar, was complainant in this case.
As many as 18 prosecution witnesses turned hostile during the trial. The defence counsel cross-examined the prosecution witnesses but did not produce any defence witness. The CBI counsel argued for capital punishment to the convicts, pleading that the killings fell in the category of the rarest of rare cases. However, the court disallowed his plea.link
Additional district and sessions judge-III Vijay Prakash Mishra awarded life term to former LJP MP Surajbhan Singh, JD(U) MLA Vijay Kumar Shukla alias Munna Shukla and former independent MLA Rajan Tiwari. JD(U) MLA Shashi Kumar Rai, on whose residential premises the vehicles used by the assailants were found parked, was awarded two years’ imprisonment.
Others awarded life sentence are: Mantu Tiwari, Lallan Singh, Mukesh Singh, Ram Niranjan Chaudhary and Captain Sunil. The eight have also been imposed a fine of Rs 20,000 each.
Brij Bihari, an accused in the engineering admissions scam investigated by CBI, was gunned down while he was strolling in the garden of Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, where he was admitted for treatment under judicial custody. His security guard Lakshmeshwar Sah was also killed.
CBI, which probed the murder case, submitted chargesheet against 17 accused. Three of them were killed in an encounter with Ghaziabad police, two others died natural death while another accused committed suicide in jail in November 2007. Two of the accused — Satish Pandey and Naga Singh — are still absconding.
CBI special public prosecutor Rakesh Kumar examined 62 prosecution witnesses to submit that the accused reached the hospital on a Tata Sumo and an Ambassador car and opened fire to kill Brij Bihari around 8.15 pm. Mantu used a stengun while the other seven assailants used pistols and revolvers. Brij Bihari’s wife Rama Devi, currently BJP MP from Sheohar, was complainant in this case.
As many as 18 prosecution witnesses turned hostile during the trial. The defence counsel cross-examined the prosecution witnesses but did not produce any defence witness. The CBI counsel argued for capital punishment to the convicts, pleading that the killings fell in the category of the rarest of rare cases. However, the court disallowed his plea.link
Tuesday 11 August 2009
People with 40% disability to get monthly pension in Bihar
The Bihar cabinet today decided to give pensions to those with 40 per cent disability removing the earlier criteria that the disabled persons should have an annual income of Rs 30,000 to be eligible for the pension.
The cabinet has done away with the earlier system under which disabled persons having annual income of upto Rs 30,000 were entitled to get a monthly pension of Rs 200, principal secretary, cabinet and coordination department, Girish Shanker told reporters.
Now anyone with 40 per cent disability would be entitled to the pension, Shanker said adding that about 25 lakh disabled people are likely to benefit from the scheme.
The cabinet also decided to provide Rs 200 monthly pension to widows of the families having an annual income of upto Rs 60,000 under the Laxmibai Social Security pension scheme.
Earlier, widows of the BPL families were only covered under the scheme. Widows of about three lakh families would get the benefit of this scheme, Shanker said.
The cabinet also sanctioned Rs 37.26 crore to provide subsidy to the farmers to purchase power tillers. It also cleared a sum of Rs 6.24 crore to strengthen the Bihar State Remote Sensing Application Centre.
A sum of Rs 74.66 crore was also sanctioned for the payment of salary of madrassas' teaching and non-teaching employees.
The cabinet has done away with the earlier system under which disabled persons having annual income of upto Rs 30,000 were entitled to get a monthly pension of Rs 200, principal secretary, cabinet and coordination department, Girish Shanker told reporters.
Now anyone with 40 per cent disability would be entitled to the pension, Shanker said adding that about 25 lakh disabled people are likely to benefit from the scheme.
The cabinet also decided to provide Rs 200 monthly pension to widows of the families having an annual income of upto Rs 60,000 under the Laxmibai Social Security pension scheme.
Earlier, widows of the BPL families were only covered under the scheme. Widows of about three lakh families would get the benefit of this scheme, Shanker said.
The cabinet also sanctioned Rs 37.26 crore to provide subsidy to the farmers to purchase power tillers. It also cleared a sum of Rs 6.24 crore to strengthen the Bihar State Remote Sensing Application Centre.
A sum of Rs 74.66 crore was also sanctioned for the payment of salary of madrassas' teaching and non-teaching employees.
BIADA to reinstate sacked staff
The Patna High Court on Monday disposed of a Letters Patent Appeal (LPA) of the Bihar Industrial Area Development Authority (BIADA) on its submission that it would reinstate the 108 employees whose services it had terminated.
A division bench presided by acting Chief Justice Shivakirti Singh and Justice Anjana Prakash disposed of the petition when additional advocate general Lalit Kishore submitted that BIADA had recently got an undertaking from the association of the terminated employees that they would not resort to strike and maintain discipline. On the basis of this undertaking, BIADA is going to reinstate them, he added.
BIADA had filed the LPA challenging the decision of a single bench of the Patna High Court, which had set aside the order of termination of the employees after they refused to go on contract. Soon after their termination, the employees had resorted to strike.
Panchayats:
A single bench presided by Justice Ajay Kumar Tripathi on Monday directed the state government to file a counter affidavit to writ petitions of the mukhiyas of four gram panchayats -Paspura, Ulao, Singhol and Mohammadpur Raghunathpur, challenging the government decision to bring the four panchayats under the Bhagalpur municipal corporation.
Mukhiyas Rajendra Das, Vishnu Priya, Uday Shankar Mishra and Meena Devi have challenged the government move on the ground that the gram panchayats were elected for five years under the provisions of the Constitution and Bihar Panchayat Raj Act.
Petitioners' counsel M P Gupta submitted the four gram panchayats cannot be made a part of the Bhagalpur municipal corporation before completion of their five-year term. link
A division bench presided by acting Chief Justice Shivakirti Singh and Justice Anjana Prakash disposed of the petition when additional advocate general Lalit Kishore submitted that BIADA had recently got an undertaking from the association of the terminated employees that they would not resort to strike and maintain discipline. On the basis of this undertaking, BIADA is going to reinstate them, he added.
BIADA had filed the LPA challenging the decision of a single bench of the Patna High Court, which had set aside the order of termination of the employees after they refused to go on contract. Soon after their termination, the employees had resorted to strike.
Panchayats:
A single bench presided by Justice Ajay Kumar Tripathi on Monday directed the state government to file a counter affidavit to writ petitions of the mukhiyas of four gram panchayats -Paspura, Ulao, Singhol and Mohammadpur Raghunathpur, challenging the government decision to bring the four panchayats under the Bhagalpur municipal corporation.
Mukhiyas Rajendra Das, Vishnu Priya, Uday Shankar Mishra and Meena Devi have challenged the government move on the ground that the gram panchayats were elected for five years under the provisions of the Constitution and Bihar Panchayat Raj Act.
Petitioners' counsel M P Gupta submitted the four gram panchayats cannot be made a part of the Bhagalpur municipal corporation before completion of their five-year term. link
Monday 10 August 2009
Improvement in human development in Bihar: Report
The primary results of Bihar's first Human Development Index (HDI) indicate that there has been improvement in the human development compared to the past due to better facilities created in the education and health sector.
The HDI value has gradually increased since 1981, but Bihar has been lagging far behind among the 15 major states. The indicators used for districts in Bihar to construct composite index are per capita district domestic product, adult literacy and infant survival rate, said project head Jagdish Prasad who is a senior faculty member of A N Sinha Institute of Social Studies (ANSISS).
The ANSISS has been entrusted with the task of preparation of Human Development Report (HDR). The project, which was sponsored by the department of planning and development, Government of Bihar, is likely to be completed by next month.
A substantial difference across districts has been found. Prasad told that there is a large regional disparity in the state which needs attention from development policy point of view.
He said that the indicators of HDI will certainly help Bihar to integrate human development concerns into its development strategies. He said that along with HDI, human population index and gross development index and district development index would also be prepared so that sectoral gap could be identified.
The report will consist of 14 chapters which mainly include development challenges and specifications of Bihar, human development in Bihar, health and nutrition, agrarian economy, social security, environment issues, gender equality and district development index: a comparative view and a road ahead.
Recently, the ANSISS had organized a day long workshop to introduce the theme of the HDR. It was also aimed at getting feedbacks from the experts of different fields on the coverage of the subject in the report. It was essential as the HDR would be an independent assessment of human development in the state, Prasad told.
Bihar's principal secretary, planning, Rameshwar Singh said that the HDR would be marked as beginning of new developed Bihar. It would be the first step towards monitoring the process of development in a manner that directly captures the quality of life of the state, Singh said.
Singh said that a major objective of the HDR was to bring about a certain consensus on the adoption of the human development approach in Bihar. The final report is likely to be submitted to the government next month, said an official.link
The HDI value has gradually increased since 1981, but Bihar has been lagging far behind among the 15 major states. The indicators used for districts in Bihar to construct composite index are per capita district domestic product, adult literacy and infant survival rate, said project head Jagdish Prasad who is a senior faculty member of A N Sinha Institute of Social Studies (ANSISS).
The ANSISS has been entrusted with the task of preparation of Human Development Report (HDR). The project, which was sponsored by the department of planning and development, Government of Bihar, is likely to be completed by next month.
A substantial difference across districts has been found. Prasad told that there is a large regional disparity in the state which needs attention from development policy point of view.
He said that the indicators of HDI will certainly help Bihar to integrate human development concerns into its development strategies. He said that along with HDI, human population index and gross development index and district development index would also be prepared so that sectoral gap could be identified.
The report will consist of 14 chapters which mainly include development challenges and specifications of Bihar, human development in Bihar, health and nutrition, agrarian economy, social security, environment issues, gender equality and district development index: a comparative view and a road ahead.
Recently, the ANSISS had organized a day long workshop to introduce the theme of the HDR. It was also aimed at getting feedbacks from the experts of different fields on the coverage of the subject in the report. It was essential as the HDR would be an independent assessment of human development in the state, Prasad told.
Bihar's principal secretary, planning, Rameshwar Singh said that the HDR would be marked as beginning of new developed Bihar. It would be the first step towards monitoring the process of development in a manner that directly captures the quality of life of the state, Singh said.
Singh said that a major objective of the HDR was to bring about a certain consensus on the adoption of the human development approach in Bihar. The final report is likely to be submitted to the government next month, said an official.link
39 encephalitis deaths, high alert in Bihar
After the death of at least 39 children in Bihar in the past 15 days, a high alert was sounded in Bihar, health officials said here Monday.
Most of the deaths took place at Patna Medical College and Hospital in the last two weeks.
“Several more children are in various hospitals for treatment,” Sanjata Roy Choudhary, head of the paediatric department at the hospital, told.
All the dead were below 10 years and from poor families, she said, adding she also suspected that two or three children died of Japanese encephalitis.
According to hospital officials, most of the fatalities were from different villages in the flood prone districts of Muzaffarpur and Vaishali in northern Bihar.
Choudhary said that she had already informed the departments concerned of the spread of the disease in the region.
Encephalitis, transmitted by a mosquito bite, is a viral infection occurring throughout south, south east and east Asia.link
Sunday 9 August 2009
Poverty, hunger drive elderly couple in Bihar to suicide
Poverty and hunger forced an elderly couple in a Bihar village to commit suicide, villagers said Sunday. However, a local official maintained the couple died of cancer but was unable to explain how the deaths occurred at the same time.
Farm labourers Inderdeo Mahto and his wife Kari Devi, both in their 60s and residents of Khushalpur village in Gaya district, allegedly consumed poison Saturday after going without food for days as they found no work since early July, villagers claimed.
'They were left in the lurch, no one helped them and hunger forced them to commit suicide,' Manoj Prasad, a villager, said.
'Mahto and his wife used to work as farm labourers to earn their livelihood but for over a month, there was no work available because of the drought like situation and people were reluctant to hire them for other jobs due to their age. He was not supported by his two sons, both of whom live separately and also work as labourers,' Suresh Singh, another resident of the village, said.
Village council head Rambha Devi also told Sunday that the couple died due to poverty and hunger.
The names of the couple reportedly did not figure in the list of those below poverty line (BPL). Villagers said the couple had requested authorities to add their names to the list but this was not done. However, both of Mahto's sons figure in the list.
Block Development Officer (BDO) Shivnarain Singh said the couple died of cancer but was unable to explain how the deaths occurred at the same time.
Police have recovered the bodies and sent them for post mortem. A case has been filed.
Scanty rainfall has affected millions of farmers in Bihar as transplanting of paddy seedlings has been badly hit. The state has seen a deficit of 43 percent rainfall so far in this monsoon season.
The state government admitted that a drought-like situation was prevailing in 32 of the state's 38 districts and has set up a crisis management team, headed by Chief Secretary Anup Mukherjee, for measures to tackle the situation.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has called an all-party meeting here Sunday to discuss the issue. The government is considering declaring some worst affected districts drought-hit.link
Farm labourers Inderdeo Mahto and his wife Kari Devi, both in their 60s and residents of Khushalpur village in Gaya district, allegedly consumed poison Saturday after going without food for days as they found no work since early July, villagers claimed.
'They were left in the lurch, no one helped them and hunger forced them to commit suicide,' Manoj Prasad, a villager, said.
'Mahto and his wife used to work as farm labourers to earn their livelihood but for over a month, there was no work available because of the drought like situation and people were reluctant to hire them for other jobs due to their age. He was not supported by his two sons, both of whom live separately and also work as labourers,' Suresh Singh, another resident of the village, said.
Village council head Rambha Devi also told Sunday that the couple died due to poverty and hunger.
The names of the couple reportedly did not figure in the list of those below poverty line (BPL). Villagers said the couple had requested authorities to add their names to the list but this was not done. However, both of Mahto's sons figure in the list.
Block Development Officer (BDO) Shivnarain Singh said the couple died of cancer but was unable to explain how the deaths occurred at the same time.
Police have recovered the bodies and sent them for post mortem. A case has been filed.
Scanty rainfall has affected millions of farmers in Bihar as transplanting of paddy seedlings has been badly hit. The state has seen a deficit of 43 percent rainfall so far in this monsoon season.
The state government admitted that a drought-like situation was prevailing in 32 of the state's 38 districts and has set up a crisis management team, headed by Chief Secretary Anup Mukherjee, for measures to tackle the situation.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has called an all-party meeting here Sunday to discuss the issue. The government is considering declaring some worst affected districts drought-hit.link
Six dead, 1,000 afflicted with cerebral malaria in Bihar
Six people have died and at least 1,000 were suffering from cerebral malaria in state of Bihar, news reports said Sunday.
All the victims were residents of Haveli Kharagpur area of Munger district, about 200 kilometres west of state capital Patna.
At least 80 villages in the area had reported cases of cerebral malaria, district health official RN Pandey was quoted as saying.
Local residents said at least 30 people including several children had succumbed to the disease.
"We are taking all measures on war-footing to provide medical care to affected people and spraying DDT in the villages," Munger district civil surgeon KC Singh said.
Cerebral malaria is caused by a type of mosquito bite and can be fatal if not treated in time. The disease, which causes high fever, can affect the brain.
A team of federal health officials are visiting the affected villages to assess the situation.
Senior Bihar health official RN Mishra said malaria was endemic in the hilly area along the border of Bihar and Jharkhand state.
Malaria parasite-carrying mosquitos tend to breed in rainwater that collects in pits and crags in the hill area during the monsoon season.
The region is largely inhabited by poor tribal people and has few hospitals or clinics.link
All the victims were residents of Haveli Kharagpur area of Munger district, about 200 kilometres west of state capital Patna.
At least 80 villages in the area had reported cases of cerebral malaria, district health official RN Pandey was quoted as saying.
Local residents said at least 30 people including several children had succumbed to the disease.
"We are taking all measures on war-footing to provide medical care to affected people and spraying DDT in the villages," Munger district civil surgeon KC Singh said.
Cerebral malaria is caused by a type of mosquito bite and can be fatal if not treated in time. The disease, which causes high fever, can affect the brain.
A team of federal health officials are visiting the affected villages to assess the situation.
Senior Bihar health official RN Mishra said malaria was endemic in the hilly area along the border of Bihar and Jharkhand state.
Malaria parasite-carrying mosquitos tend to breed in rainwater that collects in pits and crags in the hill area during the monsoon season.
The region is largely inhabited by poor tribal people and has few hospitals or clinics.link
Most areas of Bihar to be declared 'calamity-hit' tomorrow
Chief minister Nitish Kumar today said that most parts of Bihar will be declared 'calamity-hit' tomorrow in the wake of deficient rainfalls in the state.
Emerging from an all-party meeting here, Kumar asked prime minister Manmohan Singh to immediately send a ministerial team to the state to assess the magnitude of the damage due to calamity and recommend for financial package.
The representatives of all the political parties who turned up in the all-party meeting voiced unanimity over the issue of tackling severe drought conditions, Kumar told reporters.
He said a special meeting of the state cabinet will take place tomorrow to specify the areas to be declared calamity-hit in keeping with the guidelines under the Disaster Management Act and the National Calamity Fund (NCF).link
Emerging from an all-party meeting here, Kumar asked prime minister Manmohan Singh to immediately send a ministerial team to the state to assess the magnitude of the damage due to calamity and recommend for financial package.
The representatives of all the political parties who turned up in the all-party meeting voiced unanimity over the issue of tackling severe drought conditions, Kumar told reporters.
He said a special meeting of the state cabinet will take place tomorrow to specify the areas to be declared calamity-hit in keeping with the guidelines under the Disaster Management Act and the National Calamity Fund (NCF).link
Saturday 8 August 2009
Friday 7 August 2009
Cerebral malaria kills 25 in Munger
A Central team Friday visited the eastern state of Bihar to take stock of the situation in cerebral malaria-hit Munger district even as the death toll due to the disease rose to 25.
The four-member panel headed by joint director of Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry Dr S N Sharma would assist in providing medical care to the affected people, Munger District Malaria Officer B Sahu said.
Five more children succumbed to cerebral malaria during last two days in Kharagpur sub-division and Dharhara block in the district, he said, adding that the disease has so far claimed 25 lives and affected more than 1,500 others.
"Out of the 1,450 people whose serum samples were tested, 565 were positive," Sahu said.link
The four-member panel headed by joint director of Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry Dr S N Sharma would assist in providing medical care to the affected people, Munger District Malaria Officer B Sahu said.
Five more children succumbed to cerebral malaria during last two days in Kharagpur sub-division and Dharhara block in the district, he said, adding that the disease has so far claimed 25 lives and affected more than 1,500 others.
"Out of the 1,450 people whose serum samples were tested, 565 were positive," Sahu said.link
Administration Gears up for Pitripaksha Mela
The core committee of the annual Pitripaksha Mela in Patna on Thursday held a high-level meeting to review the administration's preparedness for the two-week religious event in Gaya that attracts thousands of visitors each year from across the globe.
The fair, known for 'Pind Daan', a Hindu ritual intended to free the soul of one's ancestors, opens on September 3.
Land Reform and Revenue Minister Narendra Narayan Yadav, who also heads the Fair committee, said that the government has made elaborate arrangement to ensure non-stop supply of electricity and water supply in the region and has appointed a number of health officials to maintain a clean and safe environment throughout the period of the fair.
Yadav said that 15 transformers were to be replaced and 20 others were to be secured to maintain uninterrupted supply of electricity in Gaya. He further said that the officials were directed to ensure all tube wells in the region were operating smoothly and health camps were set up in each locality to effectively handle any health-related issues.
The government has also arranged for additional food inspectors in Gaya who would conduct checks at various hotels and restaurants to ensure utmost hygiene is maintained at all places and ambulances are available round-the-clock to deal with any emergency.
PHED Minister Ashwini Kumar Choubey, Public Relations Minister Ramnath Thakur, Road Construction Minister Prem Kumar, and a number of top officials attended the meeting.link
The fair, known for 'Pind Daan', a Hindu ritual intended to free the soul of one's ancestors, opens on September 3.
Land Reform and Revenue Minister Narendra Narayan Yadav, who also heads the Fair committee, said that the government has made elaborate arrangement to ensure non-stop supply of electricity and water supply in the region and has appointed a number of health officials to maintain a clean and safe environment throughout the period of the fair.
Yadav said that 15 transformers were to be replaced and 20 others were to be secured to maintain uninterrupted supply of electricity in Gaya. He further said that the officials were directed to ensure all tube wells in the region were operating smoothly and health camps were set up in each locality to effectively handle any health-related issues.
The government has also arranged for additional food inspectors in Gaya who would conduct checks at various hotels and restaurants to ensure utmost hygiene is maintained at all places and ambulances are available round-the-clock to deal with any emergency.
PHED Minister Ashwini Kumar Choubey, Public Relations Minister Ramnath Thakur, Road Construction Minister Prem Kumar, and a number of top officials attended the meeting.link
Handloom products buyer-seller meet in Patna from Aug 8
A buyer-seller meet to promote the handloom and silk industry in the state of Bihar is being jointly organised by the Government of Bihar and Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services Cluster Development Initiative Ltd.
This meet will be held during August 8-10 at Hotel Maurya in Patna and will be inaugurated by the Minister of Industries, Govt of Bihar and will be presided by Principal Secretary, Department of Industries, Bihar in presence of Additional Commisioner (Handlooms), Government of India.
A pool of buyers from countries like Canada, UAE and Bangladesh along with about ten buyers from India will be participating in this meet.
The clusters involved in this buyer seller meet are Bihar Sharif, Nalanda; Sigori, Patna; Manpur, Gaya; Bhuwara, Madhubani; Katoria, Banka; Hussainabad, Nathnagar, Champa Nagar and Kharik Bazaar, all in Bhagalapur.
On showcase will be handloom products made by weavers of Bihar. Amongst the products to be on display are high and medium end silk and silk mix materials for furnishing, dress materials, sarees, dupattas etc. (tasar, mulberry, linen etc.) from Bhagalpur region.
Also on view from Bhagalpur region will be low and medium end cotton products like dress material, dhoti, towels, lungi etc, tasar and cotton dress materials like kurta, shirting, bedsheets from Gaya and Nalanda.
Beautiful cotton dress materials from Patna and Madhubani including kurtas will also be on display at the nine stalls to be set up at the buyer-seller meet to be organised in the capital city of Bihar.link
This meet will be held during August 8-10 at Hotel Maurya in Patna and will be inaugurated by the Minister of Industries, Govt of Bihar and will be presided by Principal Secretary, Department of Industries, Bihar in presence of Additional Commisioner (Handlooms), Government of India.
A pool of buyers from countries like Canada, UAE and Bangladesh along with about ten buyers from India will be participating in this meet.
The clusters involved in this buyer seller meet are Bihar Sharif, Nalanda; Sigori, Patna; Manpur, Gaya; Bhuwara, Madhubani; Katoria, Banka; Hussainabad, Nathnagar, Champa Nagar and Kharik Bazaar, all in Bhagalapur.
On showcase will be handloom products made by weavers of Bihar. Amongst the products to be on display are high and medium end silk and silk mix materials for furnishing, dress materials, sarees, dupattas etc. (tasar, mulberry, linen etc.) from Bhagalpur region.
Also on view from Bhagalpur region will be low and medium end cotton products like dress material, dhoti, towels, lungi etc, tasar and cotton dress materials like kurta, shirting, bedsheets from Gaya and Nalanda.
Beautiful cotton dress materials from Patna and Madhubani including kurtas will also be on display at the nine stalls to be set up at the buyer-seller meet to be organised in the capital city of Bihar.link
Swine flu alert in Bihar
The Bihar government has sounded a swine flu alert in the state, particularly in towns along the Indo-Nepal international border.
"A swine flu alert has been sounded in Bihar, especially in border towns of Raxaul and Jogbani, besides Gaya,"state Health Minister Nand Kishore Yadav said.
The pilgrim town of Gaya has a number of international flights, he said, adding that special arrangements have been made for flu tests in the state.
"A swine flu alert has been sounded in Bihar, especially in border towns of Raxaul and Jogbani, besides Gaya,"state Health Minister Nand Kishore Yadav said.
The pilgrim town of Gaya has a number of international flights, he said, adding that special arrangements have been made for flu tests in the state.
Monday 3 August 2009
First Major UK Solo Show for Subodh Gupta to Open at Hauser & Wirth in October
Describing himself as 'the idol thief', Subodh Gupta is one of the most exciting and audacious contemporary artists to have emerged in recent years. The man dubbed by The Guardian as the 'subcontinental Marcel Duchamp' will exhibit simultaneously at Hauser & Wirth’s Piccadilly and Old Bond Street galleries throughout October. Among the works he’s making specifically for this, his first major UK solo show, is a three-dimensional reworking in bronze of Duchamp’s moustachioed Mona Lisa, L.H.O.O.Q, (1919). 'Art language is the same all over the world', he claims, 'which allows me to be anywhere.'
Many will know Gupta for his works incorporating everyday objects that are ubiquitous throughout India, such as the mass-produced steel tiffin boxes used by millions to carry their lunch, as well as thali pans, bicycles and milk pails. From such ordinary items the artist produces breathtaking sculptures that reflect on the economic transformation of his homeland while acknowledging the reach of contemporary art. For instance, Line of Control (2008) — a colossal mushroom cloud constructed entirely of pots and pans prominently displayed in the last Tate Triennial — created an overarching symbol through small and commonplace items. Through its fusion of global issues with local ingredients the work spoke across cultural boundaries, commenting on the deadly extremes nations go to in maintaining their borders.
In his new works Gupta moves away from composite sculptures towards objects that possess an auratic quality. Readymade commodities experience transformations in scale and material, transmogrifying from factory-produced items into extraordinary artefacts. Employing such culturally loaded mediums as bronze, steel and marble, he presents subject matters whose symbolism varies from the universal to the enigmatic, and whose emotional impact ranges from menace to nostalgia. Appropriated icons from the canon of Western art share company with replicas of perishable, interchangeable goods associated with India, and items whose import is specific to the artist. Gupta’s work treats unlike things with equal respect, embodying the clash between impersonal and individual experience in contemporary society. He tests the ways in which meaning and value are constructed, exploring art’s capacity to withstand and channel the effects of expansion, displacement and translation.
Subodh Gupta was born in 1964 in Khagaul, Bihar, India. He studied at the College of Art, Patna (1983 – 1988) before moving to New Delhi where he currently lives and works. Trained as a painter, he went on to experiment with a variety of media, which culminated in his first installation in 1996 entitled '29 Mornings'. His work has been prominent in major international biennials and has been the subject of numerous solo exhibitions across Asia, Europe and America. Recent group exhibitions include The Garage (GCCC Moscow)’s 'A Certain State of the World?', works from the Pinault Collection (2009) curated by Caroline Bourgeois; 'Altermodern: Tate Triennial 09', curated by Nicolas Bourriaud; 'Indian Highway' (2008), curated by Julia Peyton-Jones and Hans Ulrich Obrist, Serpentine Gallery, London, currently on show at Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art, Oslo and touring to other venues; and 'Where in the World' (2008), curated by Kavita Singh, Shukla Sawant and Naman Ahuja, Devi Art Foundation, New Delhi. link
Many will know Gupta for his works incorporating everyday objects that are ubiquitous throughout India, such as the mass-produced steel tiffin boxes used by millions to carry their lunch, as well as thali pans, bicycles and milk pails. From such ordinary items the artist produces breathtaking sculptures that reflect on the economic transformation of his homeland while acknowledging the reach of contemporary art. For instance, Line of Control (2008) — a colossal mushroom cloud constructed entirely of pots and pans prominently displayed in the last Tate Triennial — created an overarching symbol through small and commonplace items. Through its fusion of global issues with local ingredients the work spoke across cultural boundaries, commenting on the deadly extremes nations go to in maintaining their borders.
In his new works Gupta moves away from composite sculptures towards objects that possess an auratic quality. Readymade commodities experience transformations in scale and material, transmogrifying from factory-produced items into extraordinary artefacts. Employing such culturally loaded mediums as bronze, steel and marble, he presents subject matters whose symbolism varies from the universal to the enigmatic, and whose emotional impact ranges from menace to nostalgia. Appropriated icons from the canon of Western art share company with replicas of perishable, interchangeable goods associated with India, and items whose import is specific to the artist. Gupta’s work treats unlike things with equal respect, embodying the clash between impersonal and individual experience in contemporary society. He tests the ways in which meaning and value are constructed, exploring art’s capacity to withstand and channel the effects of expansion, displacement and translation.
Subodh Gupta was born in 1964 in Khagaul, Bihar, India. He studied at the College of Art, Patna (1983 – 1988) before moving to New Delhi where he currently lives and works. Trained as a painter, he went on to experiment with a variety of media, which culminated in his first installation in 1996 entitled '29 Mornings'. His work has been prominent in major international biennials and has been the subject of numerous solo exhibitions across Asia, Europe and America. Recent group exhibitions include The Garage (GCCC Moscow)’s 'A Certain State of the World?', works from the Pinault Collection (2009) curated by Caroline Bourgeois; 'Altermodern: Tate Triennial 09', curated by Nicolas Bourriaud; 'Indian Highway' (2008), curated by Julia Peyton-Jones and Hans Ulrich Obrist, Serpentine Gallery, London, currently on show at Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art, Oslo and touring to other venues; and 'Where in the World' (2008), curated by Kavita Singh, Shukla Sawant and Naman Ahuja, Devi Art Foundation, New Delhi. link
Nalanda ordnance factory put on hold: Government
A corruption case involving an Israeli firm and a former head of Nalanda ordnance factory has delayed the plans to set up the munitions manufacturing unit in Bihar, parliament was told Monday.
India's 40th ordnance factory at Rajgir in Bihar was to be set up jointly with Israel Military Industries (IMI), which is under the Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) scanner for the bribery case.
"In view of the case registered by the CBI against Sudipto Ghosh, former DGOF (Director General Ordnance Factory), and others, it has been decided by the ministry of defence to put on hold for the present all procurement with IMI till further orders," Minister of State for Defence M.M. Pallam Raju told parliament Monday.
The Israeli ammunition firm was scheduled to complete the project to revive the factory on the lines of the IMI's ordnance factory in a Tel Aviv suburb by August 2011 under the Rs.12 billion deal.
Originally conceived in the late 1990s when George Fernandes was the defence minister, the Nalanda factory went into limbo when South African defence major Denel that was to collaborate in its construction was blacklisted on corruption charges.
The factory was to manufacture the propellant for the ammunition of the Bofors 155 mm howitzers and also Zitara carbines in collaboration with another Indian ordnance factory.
A review committee report in July 2007 gave the go-ahead to the project and it was finally approved by the government in January 2009.
All dealings with IMI were put on hold June 5 after its name surfaced in the bribery case against the retired chairman.
The CBI registered a case against Ghosh May 17.link
India's 40th ordnance factory at Rajgir in Bihar was to be set up jointly with Israel Military Industries (IMI), which is under the Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) scanner for the bribery case.
"In view of the case registered by the CBI against Sudipto Ghosh, former DGOF (Director General Ordnance Factory), and others, it has been decided by the ministry of defence to put on hold for the present all procurement with IMI till further orders," Minister of State for Defence M.M. Pallam Raju told parliament Monday.
The Israeli ammunition firm was scheduled to complete the project to revive the factory on the lines of the IMI's ordnance factory in a Tel Aviv suburb by August 2011 under the Rs.12 billion deal.
Originally conceived in the late 1990s when George Fernandes was the defence minister, the Nalanda factory went into limbo when South African defence major Denel that was to collaborate in its construction was blacklisted on corruption charges.
The factory was to manufacture the propellant for the ammunition of the Bofors 155 mm howitzers and also Zitara carbines in collaboration with another Indian ordnance factory.
A review committee report in July 2007 gave the go-ahead to the project and it was finally approved by the government in January 2009.
All dealings with IMI were put on hold June 5 after its name surfaced in the bribery case against the retired chairman.
The CBI registered a case against Ghosh May 17.link
Saturday 1 August 2009
Nalanda village wins Tourism Award 2009
Nepura in Nalanda district of Bihar bagged the Tourism Award-2009. The award was given by a private channel for women empowerment by way of tourism.
The award ceremony, held at a posh hotel in Bengaluru (Bangalore) on Thursday, was attended by Joint Secretary, Bihar Tourism.
In a message, the chief guest at the function, Union Tourism Minister Kumari Shailaja conveyed, “This is indeed a commendable initiative and we all know the tremendous opportunity that Buddhist circuit presents for Indian tourism.”
Nalanda and Buddhist circuit offers immense potential for rural tourism in Bihar, she said emphasising “more such initiatives for women participation for sustainable livelihood from tourism.”
This for the first time a community initiative has brought Bihar on national tourism map. This prestigious project under the UNDP and Ministry of Tourism was implemented by a Patna-based NGO, Adithi.
Located between the famous places Nalanda and Rajgir Town of Bihar, this small village is famous for weaving. There are about 250 families in this village, out of which 50 practice weaving. It is said that out of the three Mango Grooves of the Nalanda University, one of the Grooves is situated here. And it is here where Lord Mahavira and Gautam Buddha stayed.
In fact, it is so believed that Nepura is the first place where the Lord Buddha gave his first preaching. It is also considered the first major social reform movement. Lord Buddha, Lord Mahavira and Sanjaya has many followers from this village.
The award ceremony, held at a posh hotel in Bengaluru (Bangalore) on Thursday, was attended by Joint Secretary, Bihar Tourism.
In a message, the chief guest at the function, Union Tourism Minister Kumari Shailaja conveyed, “This is indeed a commendable initiative and we all know the tremendous opportunity that Buddhist circuit presents for Indian tourism.”
Nalanda and Buddhist circuit offers immense potential for rural tourism in Bihar, she said emphasising “more such initiatives for women participation for sustainable livelihood from tourism.”
This for the first time a community initiative has brought Bihar on national tourism map. This prestigious project under the UNDP and Ministry of Tourism was implemented by a Patna-based NGO, Adithi.
Located between the famous places Nalanda and Rajgir Town of Bihar, this small village is famous for weaving. There are about 250 families in this village, out of which 50 practice weaving. It is said that out of the three Mango Grooves of the Nalanda University, one of the Grooves is situated here. And it is here where Lord Mahavira and Gautam Buddha stayed.
In fact, it is so believed that Nepura is the first place where the Lord Buddha gave his first preaching. It is also considered the first major social reform movement. Lord Buddha, Lord Mahavira and Sanjaya has many followers from this village.
Nitish to head Bihar Population Council
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will head the state Population Council which will review all existing family welfare schemes as part of the aim to regulate population.
Health Minister Nand Kishore Yadav today said the council, which came into existence after the state health department issued a notification to this effect, will consist of 30 other members, including ministers and principal secretaries of various departments and pollution expert T V Antony.
The council will also comprise representatives of the UNICEF and UNFPA, Executive Director of state health society and the director-in-chief, health services, Bihar.
Yadav, also a member of the council, said the council will review all existing family welfare schemes and take steps, if required, for improvement in the projects.
The council will meet at least once a year.link
Health Minister Nand Kishore Yadav today said the council, which came into existence after the state health department issued a notification to this effect, will consist of 30 other members, including ministers and principal secretaries of various departments and pollution expert T V Antony.
The council will also comprise representatives of the UNICEF and UNFPA, Executive Director of state health society and the director-in-chief, health services, Bihar.
Yadav, also a member of the council, said the council will review all existing family welfare schemes and take steps, if required, for improvement in the projects.
The council will meet at least once a year.link
Girl stripped naked in classroom
A class III girl student from Dalit community studying in a government middle school was stripped naked in the presence of the school teacher by some boys of the same school in Bihar, according to a late-reaching report.
The incident which relates to an upgraded middle school in Mohanpur block of Samastipur district took place on July 25 but came to light when the Dalit girls stopped attending the schools.
Later, the angry villagers reported the matter to the Divisional Commissioner, Darbhanga Dr Rana Avadhesh who ordered for a through probe.
“We found the incident true during the inquiry and have recommended for stern action against the school principal and disciplinary action against the accused boy students”, said a police official who conducted the probe said wishing not to be quoted. He is not authorized to talk to the Press.
This is the third incident of stripping of females in the last one fortnight in Bihar. Earlier, a woman had been stripped in the streets of Patna while in Sitamarhi, a Dalit woman had been stripped by some upper caste members when her goat strayed into their field.link
The incident which relates to an upgraded middle school in Mohanpur block of Samastipur district took place on July 25 but came to light when the Dalit girls stopped attending the schools.
Later, the angry villagers reported the matter to the Divisional Commissioner, Darbhanga Dr Rana Avadhesh who ordered for a through probe.
“We found the incident true during the inquiry and have recommended for stern action against the school principal and disciplinary action against the accused boy students”, said a police official who conducted the probe said wishing not to be quoted. He is not authorized to talk to the Press.
This is the third incident of stripping of females in the last one fortnight in Bihar. Earlier, a woman had been stripped in the streets of Patna while in Sitamarhi, a Dalit woman had been stripped by some upper caste members when her goat strayed into their field.link
Floods affect one lakh people in Bihar, help rushed
Around one lakh people were affected as the swollen Bagmati breached its embankment near Tajpur in Bihar's Sitamarhi district on Saturday, prompting Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to order a high-level probe into the breach and deployment of National Disaster Response Force personnel.
The river breached its embankment in a stretch of 40 - 50 metres at Tajpur under the Runnisayedpur block, inundating vast areas and several villages in eight panchayats of the district, official sources said.
As reports of swirling waters of Bagmati breaching the embankment reached him, Kumar held a high-level meeting with state Water Resources minister Vijendra Yadav, Principal Secretary (Water Resources) M R Nayak, besides Principal Secretary (Disaster Management) and other senior officials.
He ordered immediate deployment of NDRF in the affected areas to step up relief and rescue operations, an official spokesman said.
The NDRF personnel would reach the site within hours with necessary equipment, the spokesman said.
Kumar said the breach repair works were being carried out by the experts, including the engineers of the flood-fighting cells, on a "war-footing".
An estimated one lakh people were hit by the floods, the sources said, adding reports of four to five children being swept away in the swift currents were being verified.
Road communication between Muzaffarpur and Sitamarhi was likely to be affected as flood waters submerged the National Highway near Koati, about 17 km from here, they said.
Unconfirmed reports suggested that the breach occurred due to digging near the embankment last night and the river swelled over a period of time because of sharp erosions.
Flood fighting continued at the breach-site and the engineers expected to plug the breach shortly, they said.
Divisional Commissioner, Tirhut, S M Raju, District Magistrate Sitamarhi and other senior officials reached the spot to oversee the relief and rescue operations.
The Water Resources Minister accompanied by Principal Secretary of the department and disaster management officials, airdashed to Sitamarhi to take stock of the situation.link
The river breached its embankment in a stretch of 40 - 50 metres at Tajpur under the Runnisayedpur block, inundating vast areas and several villages in eight panchayats of the district, official sources said.
As reports of swirling waters of Bagmati breaching the embankment reached him, Kumar held a high-level meeting with state Water Resources minister Vijendra Yadav, Principal Secretary (Water Resources) M R Nayak, besides Principal Secretary (Disaster Management) and other senior officials.
He ordered immediate deployment of NDRF in the affected areas to step up relief and rescue operations, an official spokesman said.
The NDRF personnel would reach the site within hours with necessary equipment, the spokesman said.
Kumar said the breach repair works were being carried out by the experts, including the engineers of the flood-fighting cells, on a "war-footing".
An estimated one lakh people were hit by the floods, the sources said, adding reports of four to five children being swept away in the swift currents were being verified.
Road communication between Muzaffarpur and Sitamarhi was likely to be affected as flood waters submerged the National Highway near Koati, about 17 km from here, they said.
Unconfirmed reports suggested that the breach occurred due to digging near the embankment last night and the river swelled over a period of time because of sharp erosions.
Flood fighting continued at the breach-site and the engineers expected to plug the breach shortly, they said.
Divisional Commissioner, Tirhut, S M Raju, District Magistrate Sitamarhi and other senior officials reached the spot to oversee the relief and rescue operations.
The Water Resources Minister accompanied by Principal Secretary of the department and disaster management officials, airdashed to Sitamarhi to take stock of the situation.link
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