Bihar government today asked the Centre to immediately ban the export of casein and milk powder, besides effecting an increase in their export duties as pre-emptive measures to prevent milk scarcity in the country.
Although the availability of milk was adequate and there was no threat of an immediate price hike, the Centre should be proactive in discouraging the export of casein and the raw material for cattle feed to cool down prices of milk and milk products, Deputy Chief Minister S K Modi, who heads a cabinet sub-committee in Bihar to keep a watch on escalating prices of essential commodities.
The export of the casein and milk powder should be banned with immediate effect, he said.
"Their export duty should also be raised to discourage large-scale export as a pre-emptive measure to prevent scarcity of milk in the country, he said.link
Saturday 23 January 2010
Thursday 21 January 2010
Milk prices not to increase in Bihar
Amid indications by the Central government that milk prices may rise in the near future, the Bihar government today assured people that the rates will not be hiked in the state.
"There is no plan to increase milk prices in Bihar. We will not hike milk rates," Chief Minister Nitish Kumar told newspersons at a function.
"In Bihar, there was no shortage of milk and the COMPFED has already announced that it will not increase milk prices," Kumar said.
Bihar State Co-operative Milk Producers' Federation (COMPFED) sells milk and milk products in the state and outside under the brand name of Sudha.
Earlier, Managing director of Sudha dairy, Sudhir Kumar Singh said that prices of milk would not increase in Bihar for the time being.link
"There is no plan to increase milk prices in Bihar. We will not hike milk rates," Chief Minister Nitish Kumar told newspersons at a function.
"In Bihar, there was no shortage of milk and the COMPFED has already announced that it will not increase milk prices," Kumar said.
Bihar State Co-operative Milk Producers' Federation (COMPFED) sells milk and milk products in the state and outside under the brand name of Sudha.
Earlier, Managing director of Sudha dairy, Sudhir Kumar Singh said that prices of milk would not increase in Bihar for the time being.link
Tuesday 19 January 2010
One Al-Qaeda terrorist arrested
One Al-Qaeda terrorist carrying a Pakistani passport was arrested today after being kept in a week-long detention here, police said.
Gulam Rasool Khan was picked up by police on Tuesday last week following his suspicious movement in the town, Purnia SP N H Khan told.
Following a week-long interrogation, his Al-Qaeda link was established and he was subsequently arrested today, Khan said adding that Gulam's link with another little known terrorist outfit 'IMMM' was also traced.
"We have called various agencies for investigation and booked the terrorist under various sections of IPC and Passport Act for carrying a Pakistani passport in fake name," the SP said.
Gulam, a driver in Dubai, had come to Hyderabad in 1987 and stayed there for long period of time after marrying a local girl, Khan said.
He murdered his sister-in-law after his divorce and was jailed.link
Gulam Rasool Khan was picked up by police on Tuesday last week following his suspicious movement in the town, Purnia SP N H Khan told.
Following a week-long interrogation, his Al-Qaeda link was established and he was subsequently arrested today, Khan said adding that Gulam's link with another little known terrorist outfit 'IMMM' was also traced.
"We have called various agencies for investigation and booked the terrorist under various sections of IPC and Passport Act for carrying a Pakistani passport in fake name," the SP said.
Gulam, a driver in Dubai, had come to Hyderabad in 1987 and stayed there for long period of time after marrying a local girl, Khan said.
He murdered his sister-in-law after his divorce and was jailed.link
Monday 18 January 2010
Meditation under the sacred Bodhi Tree cancelled due to cold wave
Meditation under the sacred ''Bodhi Tree'' in Bodhgaya district has been temporarily cancelled due to the extreme cold weather.
Hundreds of devotees visit the ''Bodhi Tree'' under which Gautama Buddha is said to have achieved enlightenment.
"We have told the devotees coming here to meditate at night not to come due to the extreme cold conditions prevailing here," said monk Dinanand.
A cold wave is sweeping the Indo-Gangetic plains of northern India as icy winds blow in from the Himalayas in the north.
Foggy conditions in the northern plains have also hit road, rail and air traffic.link
Hundreds of devotees visit the ''Bodhi Tree'' under which Gautama Buddha is said to have achieved enlightenment.
"We have told the devotees coming here to meditate at night not to come due to the extreme cold conditions prevailing here," said monk Dinanand.
A cold wave is sweeping the Indo-Gangetic plains of northern India as icy winds blow in from the Himalayas in the north.
Foggy conditions in the northern plains have also hit road, rail and air traffic.link
Bihar to form two new state services
In a bid to improve governance, Bihar government has decided to form two new state services—Bihar Revenue Service and Bihar Rural Development Service.
Official sources said that the two new proposed services are set to end the shortage of the Block Development Officers (BDOs) and Circle Officers (COs) in the state." It will also speed up the disposal of land related cases, a big challenge for the government," officials said.
Cabinet Coordination Department Principal Secretary Girish Shankar said that the state cabinet approved to form two new state services. The recruitment to the services will be made through the combined competitive examinations conduct by the Bihar Public Service Commission.
The successful candidates of Bihar Revenue Service will be appointed as COs and those who qualify Bihar Rural Development Service will be appointed BDOs.
In another move, the state government decided to restructure the Bihar Administrative Service (BAS) that will enable the state administrative cadre officers to be appointed directly to the post of sub-divisional officers. It is likely to provide more opportunity to BAS officers to get into the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) cadre in the state.link
Official sources said that the two new proposed services are set to end the shortage of the Block Development Officers (BDOs) and Circle Officers (COs) in the state." It will also speed up the disposal of land related cases, a big challenge for the government," officials said.
Cabinet Coordination Department Principal Secretary Girish Shankar said that the state cabinet approved to form two new state services. The recruitment to the services will be made through the combined competitive examinations conduct by the Bihar Public Service Commission.
The successful candidates of Bihar Revenue Service will be appointed as COs and those who qualify Bihar Rural Development Service will be appointed BDOs.
In another move, the state government decided to restructure the Bihar Administrative Service (BAS) that will enable the state administrative cadre officers to be appointed directly to the post of sub-divisional officers. It is likely to provide more opportunity to BAS officers to get into the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) cadre in the state.link
Teen girl refuses to marry merry man
Chances are that Mohammed Abdul Hakim is now sober. And still single. A day ago he was dumped at the altar by the teenage bride-to-be for being a drunkard.
Kulsum Khatoon, a resident of Naharniya village in Madhubani district, Sunday refused to marry Hakim after she was informed that he was habitually drunk.
"Kulsum stunned villagers when a Muslim priest began to solemnize their wedding and she publicly declared that she would not marry Hakim," a local police official said.
She told her father Mohammed Razaullah that she would not marry Hakim. Taking his daughter's side, Razaullah told the bridegroom's marriage party to return.
In rural Bihar, where the social scales are tilted heavily against women, over half a dozen such cases have been reported in the last few months where brides have refused to marry unsuitable grooms because they are either illiterate or unemployed. Till a few years ago, it was rare for a woman to refuse a groom chosen for her.
According to the 2001 Census, the gender ratio was 921 women against 1,000 men in Bihar. The female population is 39.7 million as against 43.2 million males.link
Kulsum Khatoon, a resident of Naharniya village in Madhubani district, Sunday refused to marry Hakim after she was informed that he was habitually drunk.
"Kulsum stunned villagers when a Muslim priest began to solemnize their wedding and she publicly declared that she would not marry Hakim," a local police official said.
She told her father Mohammed Razaullah that she would not marry Hakim. Taking his daughter's side, Razaullah told the bridegroom's marriage party to return.
In rural Bihar, where the social scales are tilted heavily against women, over half a dozen such cases have been reported in the last few months where brides have refused to marry unsuitable grooms because they are either illiterate or unemployed. Till a few years ago, it was rare for a woman to refuse a groom chosen for her.
According to the 2001 Census, the gender ratio was 921 women against 1,000 men in Bihar. The female population is 39.7 million as against 43.2 million males.link
Recruitment in Bihar Kshetriya Gramin Bank
Bihar Kshetriya Gramin Bank is invited applications for the posts of clerk cum cashier. There are 86 vacant posts. The exam date is 4th April 2010.
The educational qualification required is graduation or diploma in banking. The age limit is 18-26 years. Candidates have to pay fee Rs 250 for UR and OBC and Rs 50 for reserved categories through DD. The DD should me in favor of Bihar Kshetriya Gramin Bank Clerical Recruitment Project 2009-10 paytable at Munger (Bihar). The candidates will be selected on the basis of written exam.
The applications should be sent at the given address: Post Box No. 7641, Malad (west), Mumbai-40064. For detailed advertisement visit at its official website.
The educational qualification required is graduation or diploma in banking. The age limit is 18-26 years. Candidates have to pay fee Rs 250 for UR and OBC and Rs 50 for reserved categories through DD. The DD should me in favor of Bihar Kshetriya Gramin Bank Clerical Recruitment Project 2009-10 paytable at Munger (Bihar). The candidates will be selected on the basis of written exam.
The applications should be sent at the given address: Post Box No. 7641, Malad (west), Mumbai-40064. For detailed advertisement visit at its official website.
Bihar set to join carbon credit club
The window of carbon trading has opened a new means of earning for those cutting down on their carbon footprints. Those contributing more to the emission of green house gases, purchase carbon credits earned by those who cut down on this front. This helps in achieving the end result of bringing down the global emission level to the desirable level.
Bihar too is on way to join the club of carbon credit traders. And the help has come from German agency GTZ, which would help Bihar in adopting ways for earning carbon credits and its subsequent trading.
GTZ, having worldwide operations, works for sustainable development. Its corporate objective is to improve peoples' living. Founded in 1975, the agency has operations in more than 130 countries.
The agency will help Bihar in introducing certain things in the design of the upcoming buildings of an International Museum at Patna and International Convention Centre at Rajgir so that these building could meet the criteria of becoming green buildings.
New buildings apart, the German agency would also help the state government in suggesting certain changes in the existing buildings of Patna Museum and city's Moinul Haq Stadium for reducing the energy consumption thus qualifying for being declared as green buildings.
The agency, for this purpose, would send its international experts to the state. "We have requested GTZ for providing the services of the international experts as soon as possible and the agency has agreed to it," art and culture department secretary Vivek Singh told.link
Bihar too is on way to join the club of carbon credit traders. And the help has come from German agency GTZ, which would help Bihar in adopting ways for earning carbon credits and its subsequent trading.
GTZ, having worldwide operations, works for sustainable development. Its corporate objective is to improve peoples' living. Founded in 1975, the agency has operations in more than 130 countries.
The agency will help Bihar in introducing certain things in the design of the upcoming buildings of an International Museum at Patna and International Convention Centre at Rajgir so that these building could meet the criteria of becoming green buildings.
New buildings apart, the German agency would also help the state government in suggesting certain changes in the existing buildings of Patna Museum and city's Moinul Haq Stadium for reducing the energy consumption thus qualifying for being declared as green buildings.
The agency, for this purpose, would send its international experts to the state. "We have requested GTZ for providing the services of the international experts as soon as possible and the agency has agreed to it," art and culture department secretary Vivek Singh told.link
Maoists blow up railway track in Bihar
Maoist guerrillas blew up a railway track in Bihar early on Monday and enforced a one-day strike in their strongholds to protest the arrest of senior leader Subodhji alias Anand, police said.
The Maoists blew up the track near Nadaul railway station in Jehanabad district, about 50 km from here. Nadaul is situated on Patna-Gaya rail route of East-Central Railway.
"Maoists first forced railway officials on duty in the cabin on the outer signal of Nadaul railway station to leave the place. They then blew up the railway track," Patna Railway Superintendent of Police Jitendra Rana said.
A railway official in Jehanabad said the incident disrupted rail traffic on the route and repair work was underway.
The strike call by Maoists evoked a mixed response in Bihar as urban areas remained unaffected but normal life was hit in villages.
An official in the home department said the Maoists' strike call evoked no response in Patna, Gaya, Muzaffarpur, Bhagalpur and Purnea. But it affected life in Aurangabad, Jehanabad, Arwal and Gaya districts that are considered Maoist strongholds.
The rebels had also torched a truck in Amas police station in Gaya district late on Sunday and blew up a mobile phone tower in Sherpur in Gaya district.
Subodhji alias Anand, Bihar-Jharkhand special area committee member of the outlawed Communist Party of India-Maoist, was arrested by the special task force and the district police Friday.
Additional Director General (headquarters) U.S. Dutt said an alert has been sounded across the state in the wake of the Maoists' strike call. link
The Maoists blew up the track near Nadaul railway station in Jehanabad district, about 50 km from here. Nadaul is situated on Patna-Gaya rail route of East-Central Railway.
"Maoists first forced railway officials on duty in the cabin on the outer signal of Nadaul railway station to leave the place. They then blew up the railway track," Patna Railway Superintendent of Police Jitendra Rana said.
A railway official in Jehanabad said the incident disrupted rail traffic on the route and repair work was underway.
The strike call by Maoists evoked a mixed response in Bihar as urban areas remained unaffected but normal life was hit in villages.
An official in the home department said the Maoists' strike call evoked no response in Patna, Gaya, Muzaffarpur, Bhagalpur and Purnea. But it affected life in Aurangabad, Jehanabad, Arwal and Gaya districts that are considered Maoist strongholds.
The rebels had also torched a truck in Amas police station in Gaya district late on Sunday and blew up a mobile phone tower in Sherpur in Gaya district.
Subodhji alias Anand, Bihar-Jharkhand special area committee member of the outlawed Communist Party of India-Maoist, was arrested by the special task force and the district police Friday.
Additional Director General (headquarters) U.S. Dutt said an alert has been sounded across the state in the wake of the Maoists' strike call. link
Saturday 16 January 2010
Poor in Patna warm themselves with bonfires as cold makes life unbearable
With mercury dipping below the normal level at different place of north India, people are having a tough time to move out and attend to duties in daily life.
There was less hustle and bustle on streets, as people preferred staying indoors on Saturday.
A number of poor people could be noticed sitting around bonfires in groups to save themselves from a harsh winter this time.
The streets and lanes wore a deserted look but people thronged the tea stalls.
Local people said that the sharp dip in temperature is affecting their work.
"The weather is extremely cold for the last two days, we are passing the day sitting in front of fire...we are we are not even going for work because of low temperature," said Vinod, a local resdient.
The weather is very cold for the last two days...we are warming themselves by sipping extra cups of tea...the temperature dipped further during last two days...we are shivering in cold," said Ravi, another local resident.
Harsh weather claimed maximum lives in north India. More than 300 people have died as the cold wave intensified its grip over northern state of Uttar Pradesh.link
There was less hustle and bustle on streets, as people preferred staying indoors on Saturday.
A number of poor people could be noticed sitting around bonfires in groups to save themselves from a harsh winter this time.
The streets and lanes wore a deserted look but people thronged the tea stalls.
Local people said that the sharp dip in temperature is affecting their work.
"The weather is extremely cold for the last two days, we are passing the day sitting in front of fire...we are we are not even going for work because of low temperature," said Vinod, a local resdient.
The weather is very cold for the last two days...we are warming themselves by sipping extra cups of tea...the temperature dipped further during last two days...we are shivering in cold," said Ravi, another local resident.
Harsh weather claimed maximum lives in north India. More than 300 people have died as the cold wave intensified its grip over northern state of Uttar Pradesh.link
Friday 15 January 2010
Theme parks to showcase Bihar heritage
You've had amusements parks, zoological parks and botanical parks, but what about theme parks depicting heritage? The concept should not sound too bizarre given the state's rich tradition of art and culture. And in an age of increasing globalisation, sometimes it pays to be in touch with one's roots, especially for Gen-Y.
So get ready to have a day out in the sun in theme parks across the state showcasing art works, including three-dimensional wonders. The state's art and culture department has shortlisted Patna, Darbhanga, Gaya, Bettiah and Chapra for the special makeover. Themes have also been decided for each park.
The one to come up at Patna on the premises of Golghar, would depict the city's history from Mauryan times to the modern era. The one at Darbhanga would depict the culture and history of Mithilanchal.
Gaya's theme park, to come up near the Mahabodhi temple, would be replete with Buddhist philosophy, while the one at Chapra would showcase rural culture of the region. Bettiah's heritage park would depict the history of Champaran, including the events leading to Mahatma Gandhi's struggle against the Britishers for the local farmers.
The art and culture department has roped in students of the College of Arts and Crafts, Patna, for creating the art pieces for the Darbhanga park. The art works area ready for installation.
With many more such parks on the cards, the department has decided to function in a more organised way and has invited applications from qualified persons and institutions for executing the projects.
The selected candidates and institutions would be entrusted with the task of setting up the parks on a turn-key basis. The department would provide land and funds. "We intend to spend around Rs 1 crore on these parks and our target is to have them in place by the next fiscal (2010-11)," said art and culture department secretary, Vivek Singh, on Thursday.
He said, the parks, apart from being a medium of knowledge for Gen-Y, would also work as added attractions for tourists. "We intend to publish brochures about the parks," Singh added.link
So get ready to have a day out in the sun in theme parks across the state showcasing art works, including three-dimensional wonders. The state's art and culture department has shortlisted Patna, Darbhanga, Gaya, Bettiah and Chapra for the special makeover. Themes have also been decided for each park.
The one to come up at Patna on the premises of Golghar, would depict the city's history from Mauryan times to the modern era. The one at Darbhanga would depict the culture and history of Mithilanchal.
Gaya's theme park, to come up near the Mahabodhi temple, would be replete with Buddhist philosophy, while the one at Chapra would showcase rural culture of the region. Bettiah's heritage park would depict the history of Champaran, including the events leading to Mahatma Gandhi's struggle against the Britishers for the local farmers.
The art and culture department has roped in students of the College of Arts and Crafts, Patna, for creating the art pieces for the Darbhanga park. The art works area ready for installation.
With many more such parks on the cards, the department has decided to function in a more organised way and has invited applications from qualified persons and institutions for executing the projects.
The selected candidates and institutions would be entrusted with the task of setting up the parks on a turn-key basis. The department would provide land and funds. "We intend to spend around Rs 1 crore on these parks and our target is to have them in place by the next fiscal (2010-11)," said art and culture department secretary, Vivek Singh, on Thursday.
He said, the parks, apart from being a medium of knowledge for Gen-Y, would also work as added attractions for tourists. "We intend to publish brochures about the parks," Singh added.link
Thursday 14 January 2010
Truck crash kills 31 in India
Some 31 people are dead after a truck carrying agriculture workers crashed into a gorge in eastern India. Thirteen others were injured.
State administrator Vinay Kumar Singh says the truck fell nearly 150 feet (45.72 meters) into the gorge after the driver lost control of the vehicle following a brake failure.
The accident occurred Thursday near Bhavnathpur, a village nearly 205 miles (325 kilometers) south of Patna.
Trucks are often used to transport workers in rural India.
Road accidents are a frequent occurrence in India and are often blamed on aging vehicles, overloading and poor quality of roads.
State administrator Vinay Kumar Singh says the truck fell nearly 150 feet (45.72 meters) into the gorge after the driver lost control of the vehicle following a brake failure.
The accident occurred Thursday near Bhavnathpur, a village nearly 205 miles (325 kilometers) south of Patna.
Trucks are often used to transport workers in rural India.
Road accidents are a frequent occurrence in India and are often blamed on aging vehicles, overloading and poor quality of roads.
Detonators recovered from Bihar bus
Police recovered 1250 detonators from a bus in Bihar’s Aurangabad district. According to police officials, the bus was to ply from Aurangabad to Ranchi when the explosives were seized. This newest development in the state has raised concerns over the increasing Maoist activity. Police suspect that the detonators were meant to be used by Maoists.
Police found 1,250 detonators were found in a bus in Bihar's Aurangabad district, a development that raised further concern over increase in Maoist activity in the state.
According to sources, the explosives were detected when the bus conductor brought to their attention a black bag that had been loaded into the bus by an unidentified man. The conductor, who noticed the man getting off the Ranchi bound bus after unloading the bag is said to have told the man to return soon, but the man in question went missing.link
Police found 1,250 detonators were found in a bus in Bihar's Aurangabad district, a development that raised further concern over increase in Maoist activity in the state.
According to sources, the explosives were detected when the bus conductor brought to their attention a black bag that had been loaded into the bus by an unidentified man. The conductor, who noticed the man getting off the Ranchi bound bus after unloading the bag is said to have told the man to return soon, but the man in question went missing.link
Wednesday 13 January 2010
Four charred to death in Bihar's Banka district
Four people, including three children, were charred to death when a fire broke out in their hut at Karhariya village in Bihar's Banka district in the wee hours today, police sources said.
The fire broke out after a lantern fell on the ground and soon engulfed the hut.
The victims were identified as Kailash Sah, his son Shivam and daughters Priya and Payal, sources said.
The bodies were handed over to their relatives after autopsy, they added.
The fire broke out after a lantern fell on the ground and soon engulfed the hut.
The victims were identified as Kailash Sah, his son Shivam and daughters Priya and Payal, sources said.
The bodies were handed over to their relatives after autopsy, they added.
Monday 11 January 2010
Maurya TV in Bihar from 2nd Feb. 2010
With an eye on the Rs 20 crore television broadcasting market in Bihar and Jharkhand, filmmaker Prakash Jha and former Adlabs chairman Manmohan Shetty are ready to launch Maurya TV in Bihar, through the newly formed company P&M Group.
Maurya TV will have its headquartered in Patna.
The channel is free-to-air channel and may give rise to regional competition with other such existing channels like ETV Bihar and Sahara Samay in the news category and other Bhojpuri channels like Mahua TV and Hamar TV for viewers as well as for the limited advertising.
P&M Group has appointed Rajiv Mishra as Chief Executive Officer. He moves from CineMaya Media Group Inc, where he has been senior vice-president. July 11, 2009 was his last day with the CineMaya Group.
Maurya TV is the only project of this group, it is also planning to launch digital cinema multiplex chain, malls and entertainment centres in Orissa, Jharkhand andBihar.
While we're on the subject, Bihar and Jharkhand have by now fascinated print media players like Hindustan, Dainik Jagran and Dainik Bhaskar to launch editions in the region to bite into the Rs 150 crore advertising market.link
Maurya TV will have its headquartered in Patna.
The channel is free-to-air channel and may give rise to regional competition with other such existing channels like ETV Bihar and Sahara Samay in the news category and other Bhojpuri channels like Mahua TV and Hamar TV for viewers as well as for the limited advertising.
P&M Group has appointed Rajiv Mishra as Chief Executive Officer. He moves from CineMaya Media Group Inc, where he has been senior vice-president. July 11, 2009 was his last day with the CineMaya Group.
Maurya TV is the only project of this group, it is also planning to launch digital cinema multiplex chain, malls and entertainment centres in Orissa, Jharkhand andBihar.
While we're on the subject, Bihar and Jharkhand have by now fascinated print media players like Hindustan, Dainik Jagran and Dainik Bhaskar to launch editions in the region to bite into the Rs 150 crore advertising market.link
Rs 25 lakh looted from bank in Bhojpur
Unidentified gunmen looted Rs 25 lakh from Oriental Bank near Sadar hospital in this district headquarter town of Bihar's Bhojpur district today, police sources said.
Around 10 motorcycle-borne gunmen stormed the bank, locked its employees and officials inside a room and looted the money from cash counters, sources said.
After carrying out their operations, they managed to flee, sources said.
Raids were on in the area to nab the looters and recover the money.link
Around 10 motorcycle-borne gunmen stormed the bank, locked its employees and officials inside a room and looted the money from cash counters, sources said.
After carrying out their operations, they managed to flee, sources said.
Raids were on in the area to nab the looters and recover the money.link
Sunday 10 January 2010
Nitish asks India Inc to invest in Bihar; assures them safety
Assuring India Inc of full safety, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday invited corporate honchos to invest in the state as there can be no inclusive growth unless the state catches up with the rest of the nation.
"I can assure you that you will be safe there (in Bihar)...you will return safely from Bihar and would love to visit Bihar again and again," he said after receiving the Economic Times' Business Reformer of the Year Award from Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee.
Kumar said things are changing and that there are no worries about the law and order situation in the state. Without naming his predecessor Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi, Kumar said, there was absence of governance in the state before he took over as Chief Minster in November 2005.
"Bihar has never been the case of bad governance. It was actually the case of absence of governance. Now governance is visible," he added.
According to the recent Central Statistical Organisation estimates, Bihar emerged as the fastest growing state in the country clocking a rate of over 11 per cent during 2008-09. link
"I can assure you that you will be safe there (in Bihar)...you will return safely from Bihar and would love to visit Bihar again and again," he said after receiving the Economic Times' Business Reformer of the Year Award from Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee.
Kumar said things are changing and that there are no worries about the law and order situation in the state. Without naming his predecessor Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi, Kumar said, there was absence of governance in the state before he took over as Chief Minster in November 2005.
"Bihar has never been the case of bad governance. It was actually the case of absence of governance. Now governance is visible," he added.
According to the recent Central Statistical Organisation estimates, Bihar emerged as the fastest growing state in the country clocking a rate of over 11 per cent during 2008-09. link
Saturday 9 January 2010
Freedom fighter, 90, fights for pension
A 90-year-old freedom fighter from Bihar has been on dharna in New Delhi for the past four years demanding her pension.
Gayatri Devi has been forced to live on the streets of Delhi because the government has withdrawn her freedom fighter's pension.
"I have been on dharna for four years, without little food or water. I have no one. I have been suffering for four years here on the street," the 90-year-old says crying with her hands folded.
Gayatri Devi says she was getting money from the government under the 'Samman' pension scheme for freedom fighters from 1997.
"I have these documents to prove I was a freedom fighter. But in 2002 suddenly my pension stopped. I was told that my name appeared in a list of fake freedom fighters. But these allegations are totally false," she says.
CNN-IBN filed an RTI with the Union Home Ministry and found that Gayatri Devi had submitted document declaring her wanted by the then British government which made her eligible for a freedom fighter's pension.
Based on the documents a special team in charge of sanctioning pensions granted Gayatri Devi her due after investigating the case.
She got pension from 1997. But in 2002 because of a media report about some fake freedom fighters, Gayatri Devi's case got caught in a web of red tape. She was declared a fraud and her pension was stopped.
"My health is failing. I have heart problems and high blood pressure. But I don't have the money to get any tests done," she pleads.
"The administration calls me a liar. They say go home old woman. Where is this home they are asking me to go?" she asks the country for whose freedom she fought.
When CNN-IBN first found Gayatri Devi, she was wandering in the emergency ward of RML Hospital in Delhi. She had been brought in complaining of chest pain and breathlessness.
She has been fighting her lonely battle from Jantar Mantar for the past four years. CNN-IBN filed an RTI on her behalf, and now plans to take it to the Bihar State Government, so that she can finally have her case re-investigated.
But meanwhile, Gayatri Devi's health is failing and she needs medical attention. So, if there are any organisations that are able to offer her help, please contact at editor@ibnlive.com.
Gayatri Devi has been forced to live on the streets of Delhi because the government has withdrawn her freedom fighter's pension.
"I have been on dharna for four years, without little food or water. I have no one. I have been suffering for four years here on the street," the 90-year-old says crying with her hands folded.
Gayatri Devi says she was getting money from the government under the 'Samman' pension scheme for freedom fighters from 1997.
"I have these documents to prove I was a freedom fighter. But in 2002 suddenly my pension stopped. I was told that my name appeared in a list of fake freedom fighters. But these allegations are totally false," she says.
CNN-IBN filed an RTI with the Union Home Ministry and found that Gayatri Devi had submitted document declaring her wanted by the then British government which made her eligible for a freedom fighter's pension.
Based on the documents a special team in charge of sanctioning pensions granted Gayatri Devi her due after investigating the case.
She got pension from 1997. But in 2002 because of a media report about some fake freedom fighters, Gayatri Devi's case got caught in a web of red tape. She was declared a fraud and her pension was stopped.
"My health is failing. I have heart problems and high blood pressure. But I don't have the money to get any tests done," she pleads.
"The administration calls me a liar. They say go home old woman. Where is this home they are asking me to go?" she asks the country for whose freedom she fought.
When CNN-IBN first found Gayatri Devi, she was wandering in the emergency ward of RML Hospital in Delhi. She had been brought in complaining of chest pain and breathlessness.
She has been fighting her lonely battle from Jantar Mantar for the past four years. CNN-IBN filed an RTI on her behalf, and now plans to take it to the Bihar State Government, so that she can finally have her case re-investigated.
But meanwhile, Gayatri Devi's health is failing and she needs medical attention. So, if there are any organisations that are able to offer her help, please contact at editor@ibnlive.com.
Wednesday 6 January 2010
Bank of the kids, by the kids
An unique bank run by children and for the children in Bihar allows poor children to save money and gives them soft loans to start small enterprises.
Ashna become a saviour of her family after her father suffered from spinal cord disease and his shop was on verge of closure after the children's bank, Bal Vikas Khajana, came to her help
The 16-year-old Ashna managed to get a soft loan of Rs 2,500 on her own credential and her father's shop is now up and running.
Ashna got the loan from the children's bank being run in Muzzafarpur district of Bihar.
"Our shop had shut down and I could do noting to save it. I decided to reopen the shop by taking a loan from Bal Vikas Khajana. My father can now make tazias," says Ashna.
Bal Vikas Khajana is a small cooperative bank, which is run by children for children.
The bank lends soft loans for starting small enterprise to child labourers, rag pickers or those working in factories
"We give loan and advance loan. We give two types of loans. One is for welfare and the other is for development," says Bal Vikas Khajana Branch Manager Mohammad Karim.
"Whatever money I earn a part of it goes to my mother and the rest is deposited in the bank," says rag picker Mushkan.
The smile and confidence on the faces of the children assures that the tribe of kid depositors would surely grow by leaps and bounds.link
Ashna become a saviour of her family after her father suffered from spinal cord disease and his shop was on verge of closure after the children's bank, Bal Vikas Khajana, came to her help
The 16-year-old Ashna managed to get a soft loan of Rs 2,500 on her own credential and her father's shop is now up and running.
Ashna got the loan from the children's bank being run in Muzzafarpur district of Bihar.
"Our shop had shut down and I could do noting to save it. I decided to reopen the shop by taking a loan from Bal Vikas Khajana. My father can now make tazias," says Ashna.
Bal Vikas Khajana is a small cooperative bank, which is run by children for children.
The bank lends soft loans for starting small enterprise to child labourers, rag pickers or those working in factories
"We give loan and advance loan. We give two types of loans. One is for welfare and the other is for development," says Bal Vikas Khajana Branch Manager Mohammad Karim.
"Whatever money I earn a part of it goes to my mother and the rest is deposited in the bank," says rag picker Mushkan.
The smile and confidence on the faces of the children assures that the tribe of kid depositors would surely grow by leaps and bounds.link
Monday 4 January 2010
Special package for the science and technology sector in Bihar
Prime minister Manmohan Singh today said that the government was considering revising the value of several government fellowships for scientists.
“The government is considering revision of the value of doctoral and post-doctoral fellowships, as well as formulation of new schemes that would cover all research scholars with some funding support,” he said inaugurating the 97th Indian Science Congress.
Singh also said that the government was planning a special package for the science and technology sector in Bihar and other such regions as part of its efforts to bridge asymmetries in development.
The prime minister said National Science and Engineering Research Board will start functioning before March. The Board is part of a government initiative to de-bureaucratise research, and hand over the task of funding research to an independent panel of eminent scientists.
Noting that under-representation of women was causing imbalance in the scientific resource pool, Singh asked science administrators to redouble efforts to attract talented young women to take up careers in science.
He announced a new scheme now available for women’s universities named Consolidation of University Research, Innovation and Excellence (Curie). This scheme provides financial help for complete upgrading of facilities in these universities, he said.
“The government is considering revision of the value of doctoral and post-doctoral fellowships, as well as formulation of new schemes that would cover all research scholars with some funding support,” he said inaugurating the 97th Indian Science Congress.
Singh also said that the government was planning a special package for the science and technology sector in Bihar and other such regions as part of its efforts to bridge asymmetries in development.
The prime minister said National Science and Engineering Research Board will start functioning before March. The Board is part of a government initiative to de-bureaucratise research, and hand over the task of funding research to an independent panel of eminent scientists.
Noting that under-representation of women was causing imbalance in the scientific resource pool, Singh asked science administrators to redouble efforts to attract talented young women to take up careers in science.
He announced a new scheme now available for women’s universities named Consolidation of University Research, Innovation and Excellence (Curie). This scheme provides financial help for complete upgrading of facilities in these universities, he said.
Bihar set exmaple for other
This is much more than the national average of 8.49%, making it the second fastest-growing state in the country. It has, of course, benefited from a low base effect since the state has long been a growth laggard, but governments before Mr Kumar had been unable to accelerate economic growth.
The output growth is a consequence of the restoration of normalcy. Kidnappings for ransom are no longer creating headlines, teachers have returned to schools and colleges, and doctors and nurses to primary health centres.
Villages and towns are being connected by a vast network of roads. Institutions are seeing a revival. Among Mr Kumar’s biggest achievements is the move to empower women—an experiment now being replicated in other states. Soon after assuming power, the state government decided to reserve 50% of the seats in panchayats and urban local bodies for women. The decision was hailed as a “revolutionary” step aimed at involving women in the decision-making process and giving them a voice in the political system.
The affable, soft-spoken chief minister has also made concerted efforts to improve education, health and infrastructure. In educational, the emphasis has been on persuading children to go to school. He kicked off two ambitious projects—Mukhyamantri Poshak Yojana and Mukhyamantri Cycle Yojana—to convince parents to send their daughters to school. All girl students above Class VIII were given free uniforms and a bicycle each. “The result has been remarkable. The drop-out rate among high school girl students has come down dramatically from 25 lakh to 10 lakh. So successful has the programme been that it’s now being extended to boys,” the Bihar CM pointed out.
The government simultaneously recruited 1 lakh teachers to attain a teacher-student ratio of 1:40, or one teacher for every 40 students. Schools in villages , which had become dilapidated because of the years of neglect, have been re-built and renovated.
In a state where poverty levels are still high, the health sector had taken a severe knock in the past few decades. Primary health centres (PHC) had been rendered non-functional , and doctors had stopped visiting them. The government has now appointed 25,000 doctors on contract, and a scheme has been launched to provide 102 free medicines to patients. The sector has, because of these measures, seen an impressive revival. Studies conducted in the state have shown that while, previously, only 39 patients visited a PHC every month on an average, the figure has shot up to 4,500 every month. Again, because of a series of incentives offered by the state administration, institutional deliveries, which were only 45,000 in 2005-06 , had gone up to 3.12 lakh by July this year.
Aware that no meaningful development can take place if the infrastructure is below par, the state government embarked on an ambitious mission to improve it. Thus, while just 318 km of roads were built in 2004-05 , 2,418 km of roads were constructed in 2008-09 . And while only 316 bridges could be constructed between 1975 and 2005, some 400 bridges have been built since this government came to power.link
The output growth is a consequence of the restoration of normalcy. Kidnappings for ransom are no longer creating headlines, teachers have returned to schools and colleges, and doctors and nurses to primary health centres.
Villages and towns are being connected by a vast network of roads. Institutions are seeing a revival. Among Mr Kumar’s biggest achievements is the move to empower women—an experiment now being replicated in other states. Soon after assuming power, the state government decided to reserve 50% of the seats in panchayats and urban local bodies for women. The decision was hailed as a “revolutionary” step aimed at involving women in the decision-making process and giving them a voice in the political system.
The affable, soft-spoken chief minister has also made concerted efforts to improve education, health and infrastructure. In educational, the emphasis has been on persuading children to go to school. He kicked off two ambitious projects—Mukhyamantri Poshak Yojana and Mukhyamantri Cycle Yojana—to convince parents to send their daughters to school. All girl students above Class VIII were given free uniforms and a bicycle each. “The result has been remarkable. The drop-out rate among high school girl students has come down dramatically from 25 lakh to 10 lakh. So successful has the programme been that it’s now being extended to boys,” the Bihar CM pointed out.
The government simultaneously recruited 1 lakh teachers to attain a teacher-student ratio of 1:40, or one teacher for every 40 students. Schools in villages , which had become dilapidated because of the years of neglect, have been re-built and renovated.
In a state where poverty levels are still high, the health sector had taken a severe knock in the past few decades. Primary health centres (PHC) had been rendered non-functional , and doctors had stopped visiting them. The government has now appointed 25,000 doctors on contract, and a scheme has been launched to provide 102 free medicines to patients. The sector has, because of these measures, seen an impressive revival. Studies conducted in the state have shown that while, previously, only 39 patients visited a PHC every month on an average, the figure has shot up to 4,500 every month. Again, because of a series of incentives offered by the state administration, institutional deliveries, which were only 45,000 in 2005-06 , had gone up to 3.12 lakh by July this year.
Aware that no meaningful development can take place if the infrastructure is below par, the state government embarked on an ambitious mission to improve it. Thus, while just 318 km of roads were built in 2004-05 , 2,418 km of roads were constructed in 2008-09 . And while only 316 bridges could be constructed between 1975 and 2005, some 400 bridges have been built since this government came to power.link
Saturday 2 January 2010
High security for Dalai Lama's visit to Bodh Gaya
High security arrangements were put in place for the visit of Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama to Bodh Gaya in Bihar where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment.
The Dalai Lama will spend a week in Bodh Gaya, starting Jan 4. He will pray at the Mahabodhi temple, said Tenzing Lama of the Tibetan monastery at Bodh Gaya.
'A fool proof security will be in place for Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama's visit to Bodh Gaya as he faces serious threat to his life,' an official said Sunday.
Tenzing Lama said Dalai Lama will give a five-day programme of teachings at Bodh Gaya from Jan 5-9.
'Over 50,000 people from all over the world are expected to assemble at Bodh Gaya's Kalchakra Maidan to hear a discourse by the Dalai Lama,' he said.
Thousands of Tibetans have already arrived in Bodh Gaya from all across India to attend Dalai Lama's meeting. A local police officer said Bodh Gaya has turned into a mini-Tibet with the huge gathering of Tibetans.
The 1,500-years-old holiest Buddhist shrine Mahabodhi temple at Bodh Gaya, 110 km from here, is where the Buddha attained enlightenment 2,550 years ago.link
The Dalai Lama will spend a week in Bodh Gaya, starting Jan 4. He will pray at the Mahabodhi temple, said Tenzing Lama of the Tibetan monastery at Bodh Gaya.
'A fool proof security will be in place for Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama's visit to Bodh Gaya as he faces serious threat to his life,' an official said Sunday.
Tenzing Lama said Dalai Lama will give a five-day programme of teachings at Bodh Gaya from Jan 5-9.
'Over 50,000 people from all over the world are expected to assemble at Bodh Gaya's Kalchakra Maidan to hear a discourse by the Dalai Lama,' he said.
Thousands of Tibetans have already arrived in Bodh Gaya from all across India to attend Dalai Lama's meeting. A local police officer said Bodh Gaya has turned into a mini-Tibet with the huge gathering of Tibetans.
The 1,500-years-old holiest Buddhist shrine Mahabodhi temple at Bodh Gaya, 110 km from here, is where the Buddha attained enlightenment 2,550 years ago.link
Cold wave, icy winds grip Bihar
A cold wave has gripped Bihar with icy winds sweeping across many parts of the state. Dense fog has also led to several long distance trains running late, officials said Sunday.
Most of the schools were to reopen after winter vacations Monday but the Patna district administration has extended the holidays by two days due to the cold wave.
People in rural areas also faced intense chill due to icy westerly winds blowing across the state.
Muzaffarpur district recorded a minimum temperature of 6 degrees Celsius Sunday morning while it was 7 degrees in Purnea and Kishanganj.
An official at the meteorological department here said Patna district recorded 8.8 degrees Celsius and added that the cold wave would continue in the coming days.
"There will be no respite from the cold wave. The westerlies blowing will keep the weather cold for the next two days at least," the official said.
Heavy fog and poor visibility have also delayed long route trains, officials said.
While most people preferred to stay indoors, the poor were seen huddled around fires to keep themselves warm in the cloudy, foggy weather. link
Most of the schools were to reopen after winter vacations Monday but the Patna district administration has extended the holidays by two days due to the cold wave.
People in rural areas also faced intense chill due to icy westerly winds blowing across the state.
Muzaffarpur district recorded a minimum temperature of 6 degrees Celsius Sunday morning while it was 7 degrees in Purnea and Kishanganj.
An official at the meteorological department here said Patna district recorded 8.8 degrees Celsius and added that the cold wave would continue in the coming days.
"There will be no respite from the cold wave. The westerlies blowing will keep the weather cold for the next two days at least," the official said.
Heavy fog and poor visibility have also delayed long route trains, officials said.
While most people preferred to stay indoors, the poor were seen huddled around fires to keep themselves warm in the cloudy, foggy weather. link
Bihar on high alert after Maoists threat
After receiving intelligence reports that the Maoists are planning to blow up railway installations, security has been tightened in Bihar.
The Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel frisked passengers and checked their luggage with bomb detection devices, and stepped up patrolling of platforms as a part of the drill.
Officials said a high alert was ordered since there was information that some anti-social elements from neighbouring Nepal had sneaked into the city.
"We are searching railway tracks. A high alert has been issued after observing the activities of Maoist rebels. We also received information that some anti-social elements sneaked in the region that is why we tightened the security," said Santosh Kumar, RPF official.link
The Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel frisked passengers and checked their luggage with bomb detection devices, and stepped up patrolling of platforms as a part of the drill.
Officials said a high alert was ordered since there was information that some anti-social elements from neighbouring Nepal had sneaked into the city.
"We are searching railway tracks. A high alert has been issued after observing the activities of Maoist rebels. We also received information that some anti-social elements sneaked in the region that is why we tightened the security," said Santosh Kumar, RPF official.link
Cop Shoots Two Colleagues, himself Dead
A policeman shot two colleagues dead before turning the gun on himself in Bihar's Aurangabad district, police said Saturday.
Pulwender Singh, a Special Auxiliary Police constable, shot dead Kishore Singh and Anil Kumar late Friday night and then shot himself.
All three were posted at Mufassil police station in Aurangabad town.
Aurangabad Superintendent of Police N.K. Tiwari said the police were trying to find out the reason for the killings. link
Pulwender Singh, a Special Auxiliary Police constable, shot dead Kishore Singh and Anil Kumar late Friday night and then shot himself.
All three were posted at Mufassil police station in Aurangabad town.
Aurangabad Superintendent of Police N.K. Tiwari said the police were trying to find out the reason for the killings. link
SSB jawans ransack shops, assault people in Madhubani
A group of Sashastra Seema Bal jawans, guarding the country's 1752-km border with Nepal, have allegedly ransacked several shops, vandalised a local MLA's vehicle and assaulted some civilians, sparking widespread protests by the people today, police said.
According to police, the SSB personnel went on the rampage after some of their colleagues were attacked and injured by a group of drunken youths following an altercation with them last night.
As the news of the "unruly" behaviour of the jawans spread, angry locals enforced closure of shops and markets and blocked roads in the town this morning.
They also jammed the railway tracks at Rajnagar railway station disrupting movement of Gangasagar Express and Janaki Express for several hours, police said.
The agitation was called off after the district authorities assured them of taking legal action against the erring jawans, they added.link
According to police, the SSB personnel went on the rampage after some of their colleagues were attacked and injured by a group of drunken youths following an altercation with them last night.
As the news of the "unruly" behaviour of the jawans spread, angry locals enforced closure of shops and markets and blocked roads in the town this morning.
They also jammed the railway tracks at Rajnagar railway station disrupting movement of Gangasagar Express and Janaki Express for several hours, police said.
The agitation was called off after the district authorities assured them of taking legal action against the erring jawans, they added.link
Friday 1 January 2010
Driver killed as Lichavi Express rams into Magadh Express
Amid dense fog, the Bihar-bound Lichavi Express rammed into the stationary Magadh Express at Saraibhopat near Etawah early on Saturday, killing the driver of one of the trains.
The driver of the Delhi-Sitamhari Lichavi Express was killed in the mishap, railway sources said.
The Delhi-Islampur Magadh Express was waiting at Saraibhopat when the Lichavi Express hit it from behind.link
The driver of the Delhi-Sitamhari Lichavi Express was killed in the mishap, railway sources said.
The Delhi-Islampur Magadh Express was waiting at Saraibhopat when the Lichavi Express hit it from behind.link
Bihar Pollution Control Board worries about burning tyres
The Pollution Control Board authorities in Bihar are apprehensive over the stance of pavement dwellers, as they burn tyres to keep themselves warm in winter.
Chairman of Bihar Pollution Control Board Subhash Chandra said the Board would organise awareness camp to educate people about the ill effects of such a practice.
"Not only does the practice affect their health but it also pollutes the environment. We at the pollution board appeal to those people not to follow the practice and we will create awareness among these people about the ill effects of that practice. We also organise awareness camp to educate people about the consequences of burning tyres," he said.
Singh added that action would be taken against those who do not abide by the Board''s rules and regulations.
"There are some rules and regulations in place and people who do not abide by those rules, action would be taken against them," he claimed.
On the other hand, the pavement dwellers say that despite knowing the ill effects of burning tyres, they do not have any alternative to beat the cold in winter.
"It is cold in Patna, so we burn tyres to keep ourselves warm. We know that burning tyres is harmful for our health but we do not have any choice. Earlier, the government used to distribute free blankets and wood, but this time we did not get even that," said Umesh Yadav, a pavement dweller.link
Chairman of Bihar Pollution Control Board Subhash Chandra said the Board would organise awareness camp to educate people about the ill effects of such a practice.
"Not only does the practice affect their health but it also pollutes the environment. We at the pollution board appeal to those people not to follow the practice and we will create awareness among these people about the ill effects of that practice. We also organise awareness camp to educate people about the consequences of burning tyres," he said.
Singh added that action would be taken against those who do not abide by the Board''s rules and regulations.
"There are some rules and regulations in place and people who do not abide by those rules, action would be taken against them," he claimed.
On the other hand, the pavement dwellers say that despite knowing the ill effects of burning tyres, they do not have any alternative to beat the cold in winter.
"It is cold in Patna, so we burn tyres to keep ourselves warm. We know that burning tyres is harmful for our health but we do not have any choice. Earlier, the government used to distribute free blankets and wood, but this time we did not get even that," said Umesh Yadav, a pavement dweller.link
Three killed in road mishap in West Champaran
Three persons, including two children, were killed when a car hit them at Lauria chowk in Bihar's West Champaran district today, police said.
The accident took place when the driver lost control over the car due to thick fog, the police said.
The bodies were brought to this district headquarter town for autopsy, they said. link
The accident took place when the driver lost control over the car due to thick fog, the police said.
The bodies were brought to this district headquarter town for autopsy, they said. link
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
