A child died and over 100 people fell ill after eating adulterated sweets at the inauguration of a godown of the Primary Agriculture Cooperative Society in Bhojpur district.
"The sweet, cooked with adulterated flour and vanaspati distributed after puja during the inauguration, led to the child's death and over 100 people to fall ill yesterday," district magistrate Safeena AN Said said today.
The affected people complained of nausea, uneasiness, abdominal pain, while scores fainted at the function in Banauli under Narayanpur police station in the district, official sources said. The district magistrate said she had ordered an investigation. link
Monday 19 October 2009
Saturday 17 October 2009
Post Offices, SBI to sell police job forms in Bihar
Post Offices and State Bank of India branches will sell the forms related to police jobs in Bihar, police officials said today.
“We have disassociated ourself from the selling of police job forms. Now, these forms will be sold through post offices and SBI branches functioning in Bihar”, a senior police department official said today.
The official said the new arrangement would help thousands of job seekers making rounds of police offices to procure job forms.
“The syllabus for the written test is ready and the job forms will be available there within 10 days”, Bihar’s director general of police Anand Shankar said.
Officials said about 3,000 persons are to be recruited to fill the vacant posts in the police department.
The recruitment process will start from next month, they said.link
“We have disassociated ourself from the selling of police job forms. Now, these forms will be sold through post offices and SBI branches functioning in Bihar”, a senior police department official said today.
The official said the new arrangement would help thousands of job seekers making rounds of police offices to procure job forms.
“The syllabus for the written test is ready and the job forms will be available there within 10 days”, Bihar’s director general of police Anand Shankar said.
Officials said about 3,000 persons are to be recruited to fill the vacant posts in the police department.
The recruitment process will start from next month, they said.link
Friday 16 October 2009
France may fund Bihar's hydel project
France has evinced its interest in funding Bihar's proposed multi-purpose 126 MW hydel power project, the biggest one in the state, a senior government official said.
"France has shown its interest in external funding for the Dagmara project in Supaul district...We have sent the detailed project report through state's finance department to the Government of France for consideration," Principal Secretary (energy) Ravikant told.
The project is planned for irrigation, flood protection and power generation of 126 MW, he said.
A French delegation had inspected the project site.
The French Development Agency was expected to fund 70 to 80 per cent of the estimated Rs 693 crore, Ravikant said.
Earlier, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) was to fund the project, but it was later decided to hand it over to France.link
"France has shown its interest in external funding for the Dagmara project in Supaul district...We have sent the detailed project report through state's finance department to the Government of France for consideration," Principal Secretary (energy) Ravikant told.
The project is planned for irrigation, flood protection and power generation of 126 MW, he said.
A French delegation had inspected the project site.
The French Development Agency was expected to fund 70 to 80 per cent of the estimated Rs 693 crore, Ravikant said.
Earlier, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) was to fund the project, but it was later decided to hand it over to France.link
Bihar to launch E-shakti scheme
Aiming to root out corruption in implementation of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) in Bihar, the state government has decided to cover one million beneficiaries under the e-shakti scheme by March 31, 2010.
"In the very first year, the project, with the help of service provider Smaartech Technologies limited, will cover beneficiaries from Patna district. This will entail issuing 10 lakh E-shakti cards in over 1300 villages spread over 23 blocks in the district," Smaartech Director (Bihar) B K Mishra told the news agency.
Mishra said subsequently over the next four years, the project would be set up in the remaining 37 districts to cover 24 million NREGA beneficiaries in approximately 39,000 villages spread over 534 blocks.
In total, about three crore E-shakti cards would be distributed under the state pilot project in Patna which was in the process being implemented early.
Smart cards have already been processed for job card holders of village Baritangrila and the rest of the beneficiaries will be issued their personalised E-shakti cards once the smart card distribution starts in a few months.
E-shakti project is an initiative by the department of rural development, government of Bihar, inspired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for successful implementation of NREGA in the state.
Since there had been allegations that the NREGA is beset with corruption and there is no proper method of work measurement, taking attendance and disbursing wages, the ICT (Informatiion and Communication Technology) has been used to rid NREGA of corruption charges, official sources said.
The E-shakti would also facilitate registration process of individuals which includes recording of personal information as well as biometric information (photograph and all 10 fingerprints), Mishra said.
A separate bank account is being opened for each adult member of the household.
The E-shakti project was inaugurated on February 24, 2009 in the Paliganj block of Patna district by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and till now around 8.76 lakh village labourers of 14 blocks have been registered under it.
An estimated 3000 smart cards have already been distributed.
Mishra said the information technology application was introduced to bring effective coordination in execution, better targeting of beneficiaries, establishing transparency and accountability, e-based grievance redressal mechanism and establishing state of art financial management systems.
All these together constitute a complete technological solution for the preparation and execution of poverty alleviation programmes proposed by the Department of Rural Development in Bihar, Mishra said.
The project, when fully becoming functional, would empower the rural economy of the state.
Mishra said Bihar thus became the first state in the country to start a call centre under E-shakti project dedicated exclusively to NREGA.
Chief Minister Kumar had on October 14 last inaugurated the E-shakti call centre at 538, AG Place, West Boring Canal Road, Patna, by dialing a toll free number 18003452244 and asking a few questions regarding E-shakti.
He said Smaartech has the expertise in making innovative effort for increased efficiency in e-governance projects country wide.
Kumar had expressed hope that the call centre would not restrict itself to only providing information and registering complaints but in future would enable beneficiaries to know as to where they could get their work done in respective areas. link
"In the very first year, the project, with the help of service provider Smaartech Technologies limited, will cover beneficiaries from Patna district. This will entail issuing 10 lakh E-shakti cards in over 1300 villages spread over 23 blocks in the district," Smaartech Director (Bihar) B K Mishra told the news agency.
Mishra said subsequently over the next four years, the project would be set up in the remaining 37 districts to cover 24 million NREGA beneficiaries in approximately 39,000 villages spread over 534 blocks.
In total, about three crore E-shakti cards would be distributed under the state pilot project in Patna which was in the process being implemented early.
Smart cards have already been processed for job card holders of village Baritangrila and the rest of the beneficiaries will be issued their personalised E-shakti cards once the smart card distribution starts in a few months.
E-shakti project is an initiative by the department of rural development, government of Bihar, inspired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for successful implementation of NREGA in the state.
Since there had been allegations that the NREGA is beset with corruption and there is no proper method of work measurement, taking attendance and disbursing wages, the ICT (Informatiion and Communication Technology) has been used to rid NREGA of corruption charges, official sources said.
The E-shakti would also facilitate registration process of individuals which includes recording of personal information as well as biometric information (photograph and all 10 fingerprints), Mishra said.
A separate bank account is being opened for each adult member of the household.
The E-shakti project was inaugurated on February 24, 2009 in the Paliganj block of Patna district by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and till now around 8.76 lakh village labourers of 14 blocks have been registered under it.
An estimated 3000 smart cards have already been distributed.
Mishra said the information technology application was introduced to bring effective coordination in execution, better targeting of beneficiaries, establishing transparency and accountability, e-based grievance redressal mechanism and establishing state of art financial management systems.
All these together constitute a complete technological solution for the preparation and execution of poverty alleviation programmes proposed by the Department of Rural Development in Bihar, Mishra said.
The project, when fully becoming functional, would empower the rural economy of the state.
Mishra said Bihar thus became the first state in the country to start a call centre under E-shakti project dedicated exclusively to NREGA.
Chief Minister Kumar had on October 14 last inaugurated the E-shakti call centre at 538, AG Place, West Boring Canal Road, Patna, by dialing a toll free number 18003452244 and asking a few questions regarding E-shakti.
He said Smaartech has the expertise in making innovative effort for increased efficiency in e-governance projects country wide.
Kumar had expressed hope that the call centre would not restrict itself to only providing information and registering complaints but in future would enable beneficiaries to know as to where they could get their work done in respective areas. link
Sunday 11 October 2009
First Children's Film Festival in Patna
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday inaugurated children's film festival at Mona Theater in Patna organized by the state Information and Public Relations department in coordination with the Children's Film Society of India.
The festival that will run until November 14 would feature a host of nationally and internationally acclaimed film for the younger audience and would be replayed in Gaya, Muzaffarpur, and Bhagalpur later next month.
Kumar, in the presence of hundreds of children, wished them success in future and urged them to grow up to be good citizens and contribute towards a better, developed Bihar.
Prior to the screening of the first movie, children associated with 'Kilkari' presented a short play 'Sheikh Chilli' that left the audience laughing aloud.
The Chief Minister announced a grant of Rs. 5 lakh for developing 'Kilkari' and suggested an annual award event for its young artists.
Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi, in his address, lamented the decline – both in quantity and quality – in children's films saying the proliferation of television had resulted in the loss of interest in films.
"There used to be a certain pleasure in going to films with friends and family members and this film festival aims to revive that tradition," Modi said.
Information and Public Relations Minister Ramnath Thakur, department director Rajesh Bhushan and a number of senior bureaucrats were present on the occasion.link
The festival that will run until November 14 would feature a host of nationally and internationally acclaimed film for the younger audience and would be replayed in Gaya, Muzaffarpur, and Bhagalpur later next month.
Kumar, in the presence of hundreds of children, wished them success in future and urged them to grow up to be good citizens and contribute towards a better, developed Bihar.
Prior to the screening of the first movie, children associated with 'Kilkari' presented a short play 'Sheikh Chilli' that left the audience laughing aloud.
The Chief Minister announced a grant of Rs. 5 lakh for developing 'Kilkari' and suggested an annual award event for its young artists.
Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi, in his address, lamented the decline – both in quantity and quality – in children's films saying the proliferation of television had resulted in the loss of interest in films.
"There used to be a certain pleasure in going to films with friends and family members and this film festival aims to revive that tradition," Modi said.
Information and Public Relations Minister Ramnath Thakur, department director Rajesh Bhushan and a number of senior bureaucrats were present on the occasion.link
RTI a tool in hands of aam-admi to fight red-tapism
To own a house was the dream of 70-year-old rickshaw puller Mazloom Nadaf which he nurtured throughout his life.
For once, he felt his wish will be realised when he was given Rs 25,000 for a house under Indira Awaas Yozna but little did he know that getting the money from Block Development Officer would be a tough task.
Nadaf, hailing from Madhubani district in Bihar, claims that he was asked to pay a bribe of Rs 5,000 to get the due amount under the scheme.
Four years ago, the Right to Information Act came into being and Nadaf utilised it to the fullest, an NGO that helps educate people on the RTI Act said.
Not only did he get the substantial amount without paying any bribe within 10 days of filing an application, but he also became one of the first persons from Bihar to reap the benefits of the Act.
Later, the remaining portion was also sent to him with which he managed to fulfil his dream of buying a house.
On the eve of the Act completing four years, many a common man like him find themselves empowered.
"Nadaf was the first RTI applicant from Bihar and today many have followed his footsteps. Most of the time you will find Nadaf transporting people who have problems, in his rickshaw. He carries them to some RTI activist," said Ashok Kumar Singh, a member of the NGO.
Manish Sisodiya, an RTI activist in Delhi said, "This is the power of RTI - even an ordinary rickshawala becomes as powerful as the member of Parliament."
In another case, villagers filed different RTI applications and have successfully brought eight villages under the count of the Census.
"Bhawanipur, Bichiya, Naibarti Tadiya, Kailash Nagar Dhakia, Dilshad Nagar, Gokulpur, Mehboobnagar and Kautarniya Ghat were never under the count of the Census. All development work was denied with the excuse that it was not in the map. People were devoid of school, clean drinking water, toilet and all development schemes of the government," Sisodia said.
"People living in this area were considered encroacher of land by the government. We had bright students in this area who got selected in Shastastra Seema Bal but were denied jobs as they did not have a residence proof. They could vote but they did not have a voter I-card," he said.
Finally, these eight villages are recognised and all come under the count of the Census, he said.
"It's a very difficult question. The point here is that it has started having an impact. So to say that it has delivered is going a little far. What I can say that it has started making a major impact on government's functioning," Chief Information Commissioner Wajahat Habibullah said when asked whether the Act has delivered on the expectations of the common man.
For once, he felt his wish will be realised when he was given Rs 25,000 for a house under Indira Awaas Yozna but little did he know that getting the money from Block Development Officer would be a tough task.
Nadaf, hailing from Madhubani district in Bihar, claims that he was asked to pay a bribe of Rs 5,000 to get the due amount under the scheme.
Four years ago, the Right to Information Act came into being and Nadaf utilised it to the fullest, an NGO that helps educate people on the RTI Act said.
Not only did he get the substantial amount without paying any bribe within 10 days of filing an application, but he also became one of the first persons from Bihar to reap the benefits of the Act.
Later, the remaining portion was also sent to him with which he managed to fulfil his dream of buying a house.
On the eve of the Act completing four years, many a common man like him find themselves empowered.
"Nadaf was the first RTI applicant from Bihar and today many have followed his footsteps. Most of the time you will find Nadaf transporting people who have problems, in his rickshaw. He carries them to some RTI activist," said Ashok Kumar Singh, a member of the NGO.
Manish Sisodiya, an RTI activist in Delhi said, "This is the power of RTI - even an ordinary rickshawala becomes as powerful as the member of Parliament."
In another case, villagers filed different RTI applications and have successfully brought eight villages under the count of the Census.
"Bhawanipur, Bichiya, Naibarti Tadiya, Kailash Nagar Dhakia, Dilshad Nagar, Gokulpur, Mehboobnagar and Kautarniya Ghat were never under the count of the Census. All development work was denied with the excuse that it was not in the map. People were devoid of school, clean drinking water, toilet and all development schemes of the government," Sisodia said.
"People living in this area were considered encroacher of land by the government. We had bright students in this area who got selected in Shastastra Seema Bal but were denied jobs as they did not have a residence proof. They could vote but they did not have a voter I-card," he said.
Finally, these eight villages are recognised and all come under the count of the Census, he said.
"It's a very difficult question. The point here is that it has started having an impact. So to say that it has delivered is going a little far. What I can say that it has started making a major impact on government's functioning," Chief Information Commissioner Wajahat Habibullah said when asked whether the Act has delivered on the expectations of the common man.
Wednesday 7 October 2009
Magadh University 2009 PG Results
Magadh University, Bihar has declared Under Graduate (UG) and Post Graduate (PG) Results For Academic Year 2009.
Magadh University is today one of the largest universities of Bihar and India. The University has developed horizontally and vertically having 24 post Graduate Departments, 44 Constituent and 85 affiliated Colleges, altogether with above 2 lakh students and 2 thousand teachers. Prof. B.N.Pandey, an academician of excellence is the Vice – Chancellor. The university expands over an area comprising of Gaya, Jehanabad, Patna, Nalanda, Nawada and Aurangabad districts. The areas of Bhojpur, Buxar and Rohtas and Kaimur districts have been separated under a new University – Veer Kunwar Singh University, with its headquarters at Ara in October 1992. The headquarters of this university is established at Gaya, about 2.5 Km away from the world famed heritage site of Mahabodhi Mahavihara or the Great Temple.
The Gaya – Dobhi National Highway No. 83 passes by and gives it passage to east – west connections with other urban centres of the country. It is 16 Km from Gaya, linked with Railways communication getting linkages with Delhi – Kolkata and also from Patna – the Capital city of the state. The recently built up International Airport will further facilitate its academic importance to countries like Thailand, Srilanka, Myanmar, Colombia, Vietnam, Japan, Korea, China, Singapore and others. Naturally, the University is fortunate to have this background to remain developing in coming days.
Results on Magadh University Website – http://magadhuniversity.ac.in
Magadh University is today one of the largest universities of Bihar and India. The University has developed horizontally and vertically having 24 post Graduate Departments, 44 Constituent and 85 affiliated Colleges, altogether with above 2 lakh students and 2 thousand teachers. Prof. B.N.Pandey, an academician of excellence is the Vice – Chancellor. The university expands over an area comprising of Gaya, Jehanabad, Patna, Nalanda, Nawada and Aurangabad districts. The areas of Bhojpur, Buxar and Rohtas and Kaimur districts have been separated under a new University – Veer Kunwar Singh University, with its headquarters at Ara in October 1992. The headquarters of this university is established at Gaya, about 2.5 Km away from the world famed heritage site of Mahabodhi Mahavihara or the Great Temple.
The Gaya – Dobhi National Highway No. 83 passes by and gives it passage to east – west connections with other urban centres of the country. It is 16 Km from Gaya, linked with Railways communication getting linkages with Delhi – Kolkata and also from Patna – the Capital city of the state. The recently built up International Airport will further facilitate its academic importance to countries like Thailand, Srilanka, Myanmar, Colombia, Vietnam, Japan, Korea, China, Singapore and others. Naturally, the University is fortunate to have this background to remain developing in coming days.
Results on Magadh University Website – http://magadhuniversity.ac.in
One dead, 50 injured in Bihar train accident
A passenger was killed and at least 50 injured when the Amritsar-Katihar Amarpali Express express train derailed in Bihar, police said Thursday.
The engine and seven bogies of the train derailed late Wednesday between the Pasraha and Gauchari railway stations near Naugachia.
Railway sources said the accident took place because the track had caved in following incessant rain for 24 hours.
The dead passenger was identified as Puran Singh of Purnia district.
Train services on the Barauni-Katihar divison were paralysed due to the accident.
Additional Director General of Police Neelmani said the Government Railway Police escort party rescued the driver and dozens of passengers from the derailed bogies.
Railway officials and a medical relief team have reached the site of the accident.link
The engine and seven bogies of the train derailed late Wednesday between the Pasraha and Gauchari railway stations near Naugachia.
Railway sources said the accident took place because the track had caved in following incessant rain for 24 hours.
The dead passenger was identified as Puran Singh of Purnia district.
Train services on the Barauni-Katihar divison were paralysed due to the accident.
Additional Director General of Police Neelmani said the Government Railway Police escort party rescued the driver and dozens of passengers from the derailed bogies.
Railway officials and a medical relief team have reached the site of the accident.link
Tuesday 6 October 2009
Human rights violation cases very high in Bihar jails
A prisoner dies almost every second day in Bihar owing to very pathetic living conditions and alarming health facilities prevailing in jails, according to an official report.
According to an official report, a total of 175 prisoners died in various jails of Bihar last year, followed by 180 in 2007 and 164 in 2006 while the number of custodial death cases in 2005 was 205. This year, 56 prisoners have died till April.
“The allegations of tortures to the prisoners are not correct. In fact, the poor health facilities could be largely blamed for this”, said IG (Jails), Bihar, Shiv Kumar.
“The number of prisoners in Bihar jails has gone up alarmingly in recent years but in the same ratio, the number of doctors and para-medical staffs has not increased and this is the problem “, the IG said.
According to the jail officials, a total of about 1400 prisoners in the age-group of 65-70 are currently suffering from serious health ailments.
As per report, a total of about 44,000 prisoners are currently lodged in total 54 jails of Bihar.
Of the total prisoners, over 30,000 are Hindus, 6851 are Muslims, 115 Sikhs and 132 Christians.
Of them, 91 have been sentenced to hanging, 6765 have been awarded life imprisonment while 1828 have given imprisonment for 10 or more than 10 years.link
According to an official report, a total of 175 prisoners died in various jails of Bihar last year, followed by 180 in 2007 and 164 in 2006 while the number of custodial death cases in 2005 was 205. This year, 56 prisoners have died till April.
“The allegations of tortures to the prisoners are not correct. In fact, the poor health facilities could be largely blamed for this”, said IG (Jails), Bihar, Shiv Kumar.
“The number of prisoners in Bihar jails has gone up alarmingly in recent years but in the same ratio, the number of doctors and para-medical staffs has not increased and this is the problem “, the IG said.
According to the jail officials, a total of about 1400 prisoners in the age-group of 65-70 are currently suffering from serious health ailments.
As per report, a total of about 44,000 prisoners are currently lodged in total 54 jails of Bihar.
Of the total prisoners, over 30,000 are Hindus, 6851 are Muslims, 115 Sikhs and 132 Christians.
Of them, 91 have been sentenced to hanging, 6765 have been awarded life imprisonment while 1828 have given imprisonment for 10 or more than 10 years.link
Monday 5 October 2009
Bihar win National Sub-Junior Kabaddi competition
For the first time in the 21-year history of the National Sub-Junior Kabaddi competition, the Bihar team emerged as the winner of the tournament beating out the Delhi team with a score of 40-28 at the Moinul Haque stadium in Patna on Sunday.
Bihar's girl team, however, despite excellent display of skill, strategy, and agility, lost to Delhi 19-8.
Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan earned the third place in the boys category while Manipur and Haryana were placed third in the girl's category.
Bhawesh Kumar of Bihar and Delhi's Rakhi were adjudged the best players in the boys and girls categories respectively.
Earlier, Bihar's boys defeated Uttar Pradesh 41-23 in the semi-finals to reach the final where it met with Delhi that defeated Rajasthan 17-15 in the semi.
Bihar's girls team, on the other hand defeated Manipur 16-13 in the semifinals where it met with Delhi that earlier defeated Haryana 39-15 to reach the final round.
Governor Debananda Konwar and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP from Patna Central Shatrughan Sinha gave away the prizes to the first and second place winners.
Bihar's girl team, however, despite excellent display of skill, strategy, and agility, lost to Delhi 19-8.
Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan earned the third place in the boys category while Manipur and Haryana were placed third in the girl's category.
Bhawesh Kumar of Bihar and Delhi's Rakhi were adjudged the best players in the boys and girls categories respectively.
Earlier, Bihar's boys defeated Uttar Pradesh 41-23 in the semi-finals to reach the final where it met with Delhi that defeated Rajasthan 17-15 in the semi.
Bihar's girls team, on the other hand defeated Manipur 16-13 in the semifinals where it met with Delhi that earlier defeated Haryana 39-15 to reach the final round.
Governor Debananda Konwar and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP from Patna Central Shatrughan Sinha gave away the prizes to the first and second place winners.
Saturday 3 October 2009
Chief minister Nitish Kumar to open NREGA call centre on Oct 14
Bihar is set to become probably the first state in India to have a call centre for entertaining queries regarding National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) schemes and complaints regarding denial of benefits under the Act.
The Act guarantees 100 days of assured employment to people willing to work in the countryside.
Once operational, the call centre can be approached on the toll-free number, 1800-345-22-44. "The call centre would become operational from October 14 when chief minister Nitish Kumar would dedicate it to public," rural development department principal secretary Vijay Prakash told.
The call centre is being set up by the same agency which has been roped in by the state government for making biometric cards for NREGA beneficiaries under its ambitious e-Shakti project.
Prakash said anyone willing to get general information like making of a job card, work, wages etc could make a call to the call centre. Complaints pertaining to the problems facing the NREGA beneficiaries would also be received and forwarded to the official concerned for quick action.
"The complainant would be given a complaint number using which s/he can seek information about the follow-up action," Prakash said.
With the ultimate goal being providing biometric cards to all the NREGA beneficiaries, the call centre would be equipped with more features once these cards are distributed among the beneficiaries.
"In the next phase, the call centre could also be used by those looking for jobs under NREGA and the caller would have to give details of the job card number to get information about the jobs available under ongoing NREGA schemes," Prakash said.
Incidentally, details of six lakh NREGA beneficiaries have already been collected which would be used for making the biometric cards. "We expect to deliver the cards to many of these beneficiaries by next month," Prakash said.
He said efforts are also being made to ensure wage payment through these biometric cards. The new system entails payment to NREGA beneficiaries at the work site itself. The payment would be made by `bank correspondents' after verifying the beneficiary's biometric card. link
The Act guarantees 100 days of assured employment to people willing to work in the countryside.
Once operational, the call centre can be approached on the toll-free number, 1800-345-22-44. "The call centre would become operational from October 14 when chief minister Nitish Kumar would dedicate it to public," rural development department principal secretary Vijay Prakash told.
The call centre is being set up by the same agency which has been roped in by the state government for making biometric cards for NREGA beneficiaries under its ambitious e-Shakti project.
Prakash said anyone willing to get general information like making of a job card, work, wages etc could make a call to the call centre. Complaints pertaining to the problems facing the NREGA beneficiaries would also be received and forwarded to the official concerned for quick action.
"The complainant would be given a complaint number using which s/he can seek information about the follow-up action," Prakash said.
With the ultimate goal being providing biometric cards to all the NREGA beneficiaries, the call centre would be equipped with more features once these cards are distributed among the beneficiaries.
"In the next phase, the call centre could also be used by those looking for jobs under NREGA and the caller would have to give details of the job card number to get information about the jobs available under ongoing NREGA schemes," Prakash said.
Incidentally, details of six lakh NREGA beneficiaries have already been collected which would be used for making the biometric cards. "We expect to deliver the cards to many of these beneficiaries by next month," Prakash said.
He said efforts are also being made to ensure wage payment through these biometric cards. The new system entails payment to NREGA beneficiaries at the work site itself. The payment would be made by `bank correspondents' after verifying the beneficiary's biometric card. link
Friday 2 October 2009
Maoists threaten to kill Bihar Chief Minister
The banned CPI (Maoist) has threatened to kill Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar if two of their top leaders were not released from jail, official sources said today.
'Dabloo', a naxalite leader, in an sms from the mobile phone number -- 09308670993 -- to a reporter of a private TV channel, claimed that there was a plan to kill the chief minister, State Home Department Principal Secretary Amir Subhani said.
The message demanded the release of naxalite leaders 'Raviji' and Diren Singh.
"Director General of Police Anand Shankar and IGP (Operations) S K Bhardwaj are probing the issue," Subhani said.
"We have tightened the security for the CM," he said.link
'Dabloo', a naxalite leader, in an sms from the mobile phone number -- 09308670993 -- to a reporter of a private TV channel, claimed that there was a plan to kill the chief minister, State Home Department Principal Secretary Amir Subhani said.
The message demanded the release of naxalite leaders 'Raviji' and Diren Singh.
"Director General of Police Anand Shankar and IGP (Operations) S K Bhardwaj are probing the issue," Subhani said.
"We have tightened the security for the CM," he said.link
59% of Bihar school students consume tobacco
Around 59 per cent of the school students and approximately 60 per cent of the population consume tobacco in various forms in Bihar, this was revealed at a workshop organised here to mark the first anniversary of law coming to prohibit smoking at public places.
“As per the WHO report 58.9 per cent students of class 8 to 10 standard consume tobacco in various forms in Bihar schools...Around 60 per cent of the population of Bihar consume tobacco,” Mr Mahavir Das, Ex-Director-in-Chief Health Services, Bihar said a t a function organised by Bihar Voluntary Health Association (BVHA).
About 5.4 million people die every year from tobacco related disease worldwide and this figure could touch 10 million by the end of 2030 and seven million will fall prey to such diseases in south Asia alone, Mr Das said and added that 10 lakh people die in India from tobacco related disease.
If serious and concerted efforts like awareness campaign and other measures were not taken the number of deaths caused from tobacco consumption could rise phenomenally and may touch 160 million by 2050.link
“As per the WHO report 58.9 per cent students of class 8 to 10 standard consume tobacco in various forms in Bihar schools...Around 60 per cent of the population of Bihar consume tobacco,” Mr Mahavir Das, Ex-Director-in-Chief Health Services, Bihar said a t a function organised by Bihar Voluntary Health Association (BVHA).
About 5.4 million people die every year from tobacco related disease worldwide and this figure could touch 10 million by the end of 2030 and seven million will fall prey to such diseases in south Asia alone, Mr Das said and added that 10 lakh people die in India from tobacco related disease.
If serious and concerted efforts like awareness campaign and other measures were not taken the number of deaths caused from tobacco consumption could rise phenomenally and may touch 160 million by 2050.link
Maoists gun down 16 villagers including five children
At least 50 Maoist guerrillas attacked a Bihar village and brutally gunned down 16 people, including five children, after tying their hands and legs, police said Friday as the issue gained political overtones with demands for Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's resignation.
The incident, which appeared to be a dispute over land, took place late Thursday in Amausi village in Khagaria district, about 200 km north of Patna.
Villagers told police that the guerrillas had tied the hands and legs of the victims before shooting them dead.
Eleven people have been detained and are being interrogated.
'During raids, we have detained 11 people suspected to be involved in the incident,' Bhagalpur Inspector General of Police (IGP) A.R. Kinni told.
Bihar police chief Anand Shankar added that the priority was to arrest those involved in the incident.
'Over 50 armed Maoist rebels attacked Amausi village and shot dead 16 villagers, including five children,' Deputy Superintendent of Police Ajay Pandey said, adding that the killing appeared to be over a land dispute but that the police were still investigating.
'All senior district officials are camping in the village and security forces have been deployed. The Special Task Force along with district police have launched combing operations against Maoists in Khagaria,' Pandey added.
Nitish Kumar condemned the incident and asked top officials of the state administration to investigate.
'It is a shocking incident and should be condemned by one and all,' the chief minister said, while announcing compensation of Rs.150,000 to the families of each victim.
He said Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi and Director General of Police Anand Shankar would visit the village later Friday.
The incident prompted opposition Lok Janshakti Party chief Ram Vilas Paswan to demand Nitish Kumar's resignation.
Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad also targeted Nitish Kumar by saying the state government had failed to curb the spread of Maoists.
Lalu Prasad said it was not a caste massacre but a killing by Maoists.
He added that his party leaders had rushed to the village and so should Nitish Kumar.link
The incident, which appeared to be a dispute over land, took place late Thursday in Amausi village in Khagaria district, about 200 km north of Patna.
Villagers told police that the guerrillas had tied the hands and legs of the victims before shooting them dead.
Eleven people have been detained and are being interrogated.
'During raids, we have detained 11 people suspected to be involved in the incident,' Bhagalpur Inspector General of Police (IGP) A.R. Kinni told.
Bihar police chief Anand Shankar added that the priority was to arrest those involved in the incident.
'Over 50 armed Maoist rebels attacked Amausi village and shot dead 16 villagers, including five children,' Deputy Superintendent of Police Ajay Pandey said, adding that the killing appeared to be over a land dispute but that the police were still investigating.
'All senior district officials are camping in the village and security forces have been deployed. The Special Task Force along with district police have launched combing operations against Maoists in Khagaria,' Pandey added.
Nitish Kumar condemned the incident and asked top officials of the state administration to investigate.
'It is a shocking incident and should be condemned by one and all,' the chief minister said, while announcing compensation of Rs.150,000 to the families of each victim.
He said Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi and Director General of Police Anand Shankar would visit the village later Friday.
The incident prompted opposition Lok Janshakti Party chief Ram Vilas Paswan to demand Nitish Kumar's resignation.
Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad also targeted Nitish Kumar by saying the state government had failed to curb the spread of Maoists.
Lalu Prasad said it was not a caste massacre but a killing by Maoists.
He added that his party leaders had rushed to the village and so should Nitish Kumar.link
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