Congratulating the people of the state for the Janata Dal (United) led NDA’s sweeping win in the general elections, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday said people voted for development and peace.
Addressing a press conference here, Kumar said the people wanted the development of the state and that is what they voted the NDA back to power.
He said the thumping success of the NDA in the state was in continuation of the 2005 Assembly elections.
“The verdict is continuity of what people of the state voted for in 2005, while giving us the majority in assembly elections,” Kumar said.
Criticising RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav and LJP chief Ram Vilas Paswan, Kumar said the people had rejected the ‘negative politics’ of the two.
Kumar added that the verdict would certainly help the state in achieving what has been lost in the past, and it would witness a surge in developmental activities.
“I want the trend to go ahead,” Kumar said.
He constantly tried to evade questions regarding his future course of action and whether his party would support the UPA in forming the government at the Center,but reiterated that Bihar must be given a ‘Special Status’.link
Saturday 16 May 2009
Wives of criminal-turned-politicians trailing in Bihar
Four prominent criminal-turned-politicians of Bihar were barred from this Lok Sabha contest by courts. They put up their wives instead. Counting trends Saturday showed all four wives were trailing.
Jailed RJD MP Mohammad Shahabuddin's wife Heena Sahab, contesting from Siwan constituency as an RJD candidate, was trailing behind independent candidate Om Prakash Yadav.
Ranjeeta Ranjan, the wife of Pappu Yadav, was trailing behind Janata Dal-United (JD-U)'s Vishwa Mohan Kumar in Supaul. A sitting MP from Ram Vilas Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), Ranjeeta Ranjan had switched parties before polls and joined the Congress, which fielded her from Supaul.
Veena Devi, wife of LJP MP Surajbhan Singh, was trailing behind the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Bhola Singh in Nawada constituency.
Lovely Anand, the wife of former JD-U MP Anand Mohan and a former MP herself, was trailing behind BJP's Rama Devi in Sheohar constituency where she was the Congress candidate.
All the four husbands had been disallowed by the courts from contesting, with the pleas for suspension of their conviction in criminal cases rejected by the courts. All four were convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment in different cases.
The four are among a dozen politicians, including MPs and legislators, who have been convicted and sentenced by fast track courts in Bihar after 2005, thus becoming ineligible to contest. Anyone convicted for a crime and sentenced to more than a two-year-long jail term cannot fight elections until six years after the completion of his sentence.link
Jailed RJD MP Mohammad Shahabuddin's wife Heena Sahab, contesting from Siwan constituency as an RJD candidate, was trailing behind independent candidate Om Prakash Yadav.
Ranjeeta Ranjan, the wife of Pappu Yadav, was trailing behind Janata Dal-United (JD-U)'s Vishwa Mohan Kumar in Supaul. A sitting MP from Ram Vilas Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), Ranjeeta Ranjan had switched parties before polls and joined the Congress, which fielded her from Supaul.
Veena Devi, wife of LJP MP Surajbhan Singh, was trailing behind the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Bhola Singh in Nawada constituency.
Lovely Anand, the wife of former JD-U MP Anand Mohan and a former MP herself, was trailing behind BJP's Rama Devi in Sheohar constituency where she was the Congress candidate.
All the four husbands had been disallowed by the courts from contesting, with the pleas for suspension of their conviction in criminal cases rejected by the courts. All four were convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment in different cases.
The four are among a dozen politicians, including MPs and legislators, who have been convicted and sentenced by fast track courts in Bihar after 2005, thus becoming ineligible to contest. Anyone convicted for a crime and sentenced to more than a two-year-long jail term cannot fight elections until six years after the completion of his sentence.link
Friday 15 May 2009
Uniqueness of Bhagalpur Silk
Bhagalpur is a town with historical importance situated on the banks of the river Ganga in the state of Eastern Bihar. Once considered as the biggest trade centre of Eastern India, the city is famous for its unique silk fabrics called 'Tussah or Tusser'. Silk weaving is an age old tradition in the city. Fabrics produced in the city are famous both at the domestic and the international market. Bhagalpur cluster ranks the second highest, next to Karnataka in the production and exports of silk fabrics. It has been named as the Silk City due to its popularity for Bhagalpuri silk.
Uniqueness of Bhagalpur Silk
History of the Bhagalpur weavers date back to a period more than 100 years. The industry is 200 years old, with skills passed on to the craftsman over many generations. More than 35,000 handloom weavers, with 25,000 looms live in Bhagalpur. Total trade of Bhagalpur is approximately 100 crores per annum, 50% comprising domestic and 50% from the export market. Around 1,00,000 people are engaged in the work of separating silk threads from cocoons, and spinning the yarn to weave into cloth.
Silk fabrics made in Bhagalpur are being exported to countries like West Asia, Europe, U.S., and Japan. Home furnishings are becoming increasingly famous in the international market. Outfits designed with this exclusive silk fabric have gained immense popularity in ramp shows, and fashion weeks.
Is the Industry losing its sheen?
The industry makes 2 million meters of silk in a year. After reaching a profitable figure of Rs.3, 500 crore in 2007, silk exports are predicted to fall to Rs.2, 000 crore in 2009. Bhagalpur, once a booming place for silk fabric making is now losing its market to new centres such as Bangalore, and Ahmadabad. Lack of credit, power shortage, and increasing competition from the other silk manufacturing centres has put the Bhagalpur craftsmen under jeopardy. The subsidies offered by the Government to the silk making units in Bhagalpur are also drained off by some other people. Some of the looms are operated by generators, and are more dependent on them. Bhagalpur receives power supply only for two hours in a day. Chronic power cuts in the state have also intensified the problem.
The craftsmen are average people, with many of them living below the poverty line. While they make glorious fabrics for the elite people of the society, their lives always are in darkness. As the weavers are not able to grease the palms of officials they have problems in getting bank loans sanctioned. Most of them take loans from the market for an interest rate of 5% for a month. With the payments for their cloth getting delayed, they face problems in repayment. Possibilities exist that, weavers might shift for alternate source of earning, and leave the age old weaving tradition to deteriorate, and die gradually.
The silk industry of Bhagalpur is reeling under adverse conditions. The drying market is staring at the silk weavers, leaving them on the brink. Many factories are shut down, and weavers are moving to other cities, while some of them are doing labor works, and a few started selling vegetables. The silk industry of Bhagalpur is now fighting for a foothold.link
Uniqueness of Bhagalpur Silk
History of the Bhagalpur weavers date back to a period more than 100 years. The industry is 200 years old, with skills passed on to the craftsman over many generations. More than 35,000 handloom weavers, with 25,000 looms live in Bhagalpur. Total trade of Bhagalpur is approximately 100 crores per annum, 50% comprising domestic and 50% from the export market. Around 1,00,000 people are engaged in the work of separating silk threads from cocoons, and spinning the yarn to weave into cloth.
Silk fabrics made in Bhagalpur are being exported to countries like West Asia, Europe, U.S., and Japan. Home furnishings are becoming increasingly famous in the international market. Outfits designed with this exclusive silk fabric have gained immense popularity in ramp shows, and fashion weeks.
Is the Industry losing its sheen?
The industry makes 2 million meters of silk in a year. After reaching a profitable figure of Rs.3, 500 crore in 2007, silk exports are predicted to fall to Rs.2, 000 crore in 2009. Bhagalpur, once a booming place for silk fabric making is now losing its market to new centres such as Bangalore, and Ahmadabad. Lack of credit, power shortage, and increasing competition from the other silk manufacturing centres has put the Bhagalpur craftsmen under jeopardy. The subsidies offered by the Government to the silk making units in Bhagalpur are also drained off by some other people. Some of the looms are operated by generators, and are more dependent on them. Bhagalpur receives power supply only for two hours in a day. Chronic power cuts in the state have also intensified the problem.
The craftsmen are average people, with many of them living below the poverty line. While they make glorious fabrics for the elite people of the society, their lives always are in darkness. As the weavers are not able to grease the palms of officials they have problems in getting bank loans sanctioned. Most of them take loans from the market for an interest rate of 5% for a month. With the payments for their cloth getting delayed, they face problems in repayment. Possibilities exist that, weavers might shift for alternate source of earning, and leave the age old weaving tradition to deteriorate, and die gradually.
The silk industry of Bhagalpur is reeling under adverse conditions. The drying market is staring at the silk weavers, leaving them on the brink. Many factories are shut down, and weavers are moving to other cities, while some of them are doing labor works, and a few started selling vegetables. The silk industry of Bhagalpur is now fighting for a foothold.link
Nitish sets terms, Bihar special status a factor for support
Setting his terms, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday said special status for Bihar would be the deciding factor on whom to support in government formation inviting a quick response from both the Congress and BJP who indicated they may oblige.
"At a time when every party and pre-poll alliance is claiming that it would form government in Delhi, I ask parties in Bihar to make it a pre-condition for support that whichever party or alliance comes to power will provide special category status to Bihar," said Mr. Kumar, leader of the JD(U) a key NDA constituent being wooed by the Congress and the Left.
Mr. Nitish's comments seen as a blow to the BJP-led NDA alliance in the backdrop of his steadfast assertions that he was and will remain with the NDA comes at a time when the three major political formations are making a frenzied bid to ensure they have the numbers for government formation.
Mr. Nitish was speaking after release of a monograph 'Special Category Status: A Case for Bihar', endorsed by him and released by renowned economist Lord Meghnad Desai.
"I request all parties to make it a pre-condition that the basis for their support will be conferring special category status to Bihar....We have a good opportunity at hand (for a bargain in a hung house)," Mr. Nitish said.
The BJP sought to read Mr. Nitish's statement in its favour by hinting that as the two parties were in alliance in the state, NDA government at the Centre was more likely to provide special package to Bihar.
The Congress also indicated its willingness to accept Mr. Nitish's demand.link
"At a time when every party and pre-poll alliance is claiming that it would form government in Delhi, I ask parties in Bihar to make it a pre-condition for support that whichever party or alliance comes to power will provide special category status to Bihar," said Mr. Kumar, leader of the JD(U) a key NDA constituent being wooed by the Congress and the Left.
Mr. Nitish's comments seen as a blow to the BJP-led NDA alliance in the backdrop of his steadfast assertions that he was and will remain with the NDA comes at a time when the three major political formations are making a frenzied bid to ensure they have the numbers for government formation.
Mr. Nitish was speaking after release of a monograph 'Special Category Status: A Case for Bihar', endorsed by him and released by renowned economist Lord Meghnad Desai.
"I request all parties to make it a pre-condition that the basis for their support will be conferring special category status to Bihar....We have a good opportunity at hand (for a bargain in a hung house)," Mr. Nitish said.
The BJP sought to read Mr. Nitish's statement in its favour by hinting that as the two parties were in alliance in the state, NDA government at the Centre was more likely to provide special package to Bihar.
The Congress also indicated its willingness to accept Mr. Nitish's demand.link
Thursday 14 May 2009
ASI to repair, beautify Golghar for attracting tourists
Cracks have developed in city's landmark Golghar, a huge granary built by Captain John Garstin for the British army in 1786 after the terrible impact of the 1770 famine.
"At least half a dozen big cracks have been detected which needs immediate restoration work," said acting superintending archaeologist, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Patna circle, N G Nikose.
Nikose said that the 323-year-old structure also needs minor repairs on its stairway. During rainy season, the surface water also touches its base wall and has damaged the outer wall of the structure, he said.
The massive structure is 29m high and the walls are 3.6m wide at the base. The winding stairway around this monument offers a brilliant view of the city and the Ganga flowing by. Golghar is a state protected monument.
The Bihar government has already released Rs 96 lakh to the ASI for its restoration. "As soon as the amount is transferred to us, we will start the restoration work immediately. It will take at least four months to complete the restoration work," Nikose said.
The Bihar culture department has decided to develop the interiors as well as the exteriors of Golghar to make it one of the major tourists destinations in the state. On its exteriors, murals would be engraved on the walls depicting a complete history of Pataliputra till modern age, said an official.
A high tech audio-visual system would be installed inside the Golghar for screening short films on Buddhism and Jainism on regular basis. A children's park and an amphitheatre would also be set up for holding variety of programmes regularly. The much awaited light and sound programme at Golghar is also included in the detailed project report (DPR). It would cost nearly Rs 3 crore.link
"At least half a dozen big cracks have been detected which needs immediate restoration work," said acting superintending archaeologist, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Patna circle, N G Nikose.
Nikose said that the 323-year-old structure also needs minor repairs on its stairway. During rainy season, the surface water also touches its base wall and has damaged the outer wall of the structure, he said.
The massive structure is 29m high and the walls are 3.6m wide at the base. The winding stairway around this monument offers a brilliant view of the city and the Ganga flowing by. Golghar is a state protected monument.
The Bihar government has already released Rs 96 lakh to the ASI for its restoration. "As soon as the amount is transferred to us, we will start the restoration work immediately. It will take at least four months to complete the restoration work," Nikose said.
The Bihar culture department has decided to develop the interiors as well as the exteriors of Golghar to make it one of the major tourists destinations in the state. On its exteriors, murals would be engraved on the walls depicting a complete history of Pataliputra till modern age, said an official.
A high tech audio-visual system would be installed inside the Golghar for screening short films on Buddhism and Jainism on regular basis. A children's park and an amphitheatre would also be set up for holding variety of programmes regularly. The much awaited light and sound programme at Golghar is also included in the detailed project report (DPR). It would cost nearly Rs 3 crore.link
Patna Girl Cries Tears of Blood
In a weird and very unusual twist of medical fate, Rashida Khatoon, a young girl from northeast India cries tears of blood instead of water.
She and her unusual medical condition have been transformed into a holy shrine where worshipers come to watch in awe as blood drips from her eyelids several times a day.
Doctors in the region of Patna, northeast India, have no medical explanation as to the cause of this most unusual anomaly, but local Hindu holy men have declared Rashida a miracle. Followers bow in deference as they stand before her, showering her family with holy offerings.
“I do not feel any pain when it happens, but it’s a shock to see blood instead of water,” said Rashida of her most unusual situation.
What could be the cause of this weird occurrence? Some have suggested a brain tumor or malfunctioning of tear ducts, but there is no medical evidence to support that. No one in authority in fact, seems to know or will even venture a guess, which is even more disconcerting than to watch the phenomenon, which occurs every few hours.
Could Rashida be suffering from a case of a rare phenomenon known as Haemolacria? Little is known about this medical condition other than the fact that it occurs when a person produces tears, which are partially composed of blood. This can manifest as anything from red-tinged tears to those, which appear to be entirely blood.
Bleeding from the eyes is most certainly weird and creepy. It may be the result of a very rare medical condition, but whatever it is, it is not likely to be a gift of any sort from the holier powers that be. If you think about it, how could bleeding from the eyes be a gift except from a very creepy donor?link
Wednesday 13 May 2009
Court acquits widow's pet dog
A happy Raj Kumari Devi on Wednesday woke up tension free and "upbeat" after her pet dog Chhotu won a legal battle in a Bihar court.
This was one of several legal wars against Chhotu that Devi's neighbours have been waging. Chhotu was sentenced to death six years ago but Devi obtained clemency for her "only companion".
This time, Chhotu was accused of breaching peace in Purnia town, after neighbours alleged that the eight-year-old canine is mad and has bitten several people in the area.
The case was filed July last against Chhotu and Devi, a frail middle-aged childless widow, under CrPC section 107 (disturbing peace).
Sub divisional officer A D Thackeray Tuesday dismissed the case because it had become time-barred after six months.
The judgement brought back a smile on Devi's face, who was worried over Chhotu's fate.
"After months, I slept Tuesday night without tension and woke up Wednesday morning upbeat to take care of Chhotu," she said.
Official sources in the Purnia district administration said that hearing in the case was deferred several times in the last six months, due to floods and ongoing Lok Sabha elections.
"It is a conspiracy by my neighbours to grab my property. They are targeting my protector, Chhotu," she said.
Dilip Kumar, Devi's lawyer, said several cases had been lodged against Chhotu by her neighbours in the last few years.
She owns some land her neighbours are allegedly trying to encroach upon.
Nearly six years ago when the dog was sentenced to death by a local court she single-handedly fought a legal battle and mobilised the support of animal rights activists, including former central minister Maneka Gandhi.
The order was finally stayed.
"I simply begged for clemency saying that being a widow, Chhotu was my only companion and protector," Devi said.
This was one of several legal wars against Chhotu that Devi's neighbours have been waging. Chhotu was sentenced to death six years ago but Devi obtained clemency for her "only companion".
This time, Chhotu was accused of breaching peace in Purnia town, after neighbours alleged that the eight-year-old canine is mad and has bitten several people in the area.
The case was filed July last against Chhotu and Devi, a frail middle-aged childless widow, under CrPC section 107 (disturbing peace).
Sub divisional officer A D Thackeray Tuesday dismissed the case because it had become time-barred after six months.
The judgement brought back a smile on Devi's face, who was worried over Chhotu's fate.
"After months, I slept Tuesday night without tension and woke up Wednesday morning upbeat to take care of Chhotu," she said.
Official sources in the Purnia district administration said that hearing in the case was deferred several times in the last six months, due to floods and ongoing Lok Sabha elections.
"It is a conspiracy by my neighbours to grab my property. They are targeting my protector, Chhotu," she said.
Dilip Kumar, Devi's lawyer, said several cases had been lodged against Chhotu by her neighbours in the last few years.
She owns some land her neighbours are allegedly trying to encroach upon.
Nearly six years ago when the dog was sentenced to death by a local court she single-handedly fought a legal battle and mobilised the support of animal rights activists, including former central minister Maneka Gandhi.
The order was finally stayed.
"I simply begged for clemency saying that being a widow, Chhotu was my only companion and protector," Devi said.
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