The initiatives taken by Bihar government to boost the sagging tourism sector has begun to pay dividends as the number of foreign tourists in the state has gone up by nearly six times in three years.
The number of foreign tourists visiting Bihar has gone up from 63,321 in 2005-06 to 3,56,446 in 2008-09, which was nearly six times, state's tourism minister Ram Pravesh Rai said.
Rai said steady and healthy growth in the number of foreign and domestic tourists was the result of state's NDA government's concerted efforts to create a conducive environment and its commitment to provide better security to them.
"People (tourists) are now feeling safe and secured in the NDA regime and that's why they are visiting Bihar in big numbers", Rai said.
The number of foreigners visited the state in 2005-06 was 63,321 which rose to 94,446 in 2006-07. Similarly, it went up to 1,77,362 in 2007-08 and was almost doubled in the very next year to touch 3,56,446 foreigners in 2008-09. More than 1.14 lakh foreigners have visited till the end of April in the current fiscal.
Similarly, there has been steady rise in the domestic tourists also, except in 2007-08 when it showed a little decline. The number of domestic tourists, which was 86.87 lakh in 2005-06, was hovering over one crore in subsequent years and touched its all time high to 1.21 crore in 2008-09.
Realising the huge potential of tourism in Bihar, which was home to a number of Buddhist, Jain and Sikh shrines, the NDA government increased budgetary allocation to tourism department after coming to power in November, 2005.
The government made a substantial allocation from a meagre Rs 7.43 crore in 2005-06 to Rs 29.78 crore in the current financial year (2009-10) which was almost a four-time raise, the minister said.
Rai said the department has formulated a tourism policy to provide impetus to the sector which has also been accorded the status of industry by the state government.
With a view to making travel more convenient for all tourists including foreigners, steps were underway for broadening and strengthening roads linking to Buddhist, Jain, Sikh religious circuits, official sources said.
Talks were also on with several aviation companies for increasing the frequency of international flights connecting Bodh Gaya airport.
To woo the foreigners, the government has decided to build a three and five star rated hotels at tourist spots such as Patna, Rajgir and Bodh Gaya on public-private partnership (PPP) model.
Tourism Police Force would be deployed at Gaya, Bodh Gaya, Rajgir, Nalanda, Vaishali in the first phase and subsequently the force would be stationed at all the tourist sites.
The government was committed to develop tourist sites at Vaishali, Jehanabad, Maner, Kesariya, Lauria, Nandangarh, to attract more tourists, the minister said.
The government has plans to launch courses in travel and tourism, hospitality, hotel management, catering guide, tour and travel operator with assistance from Human Resources Development department to promote greater expertise for improved management of the tourism sector. link
Tuesday, 1 September 2009
BSNL launches Nova Net PC in Bihar
With a view to expand the usage of internet among the people particularly in rural areas, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) has launched a multi-featured computing service Nova net PC bundled with broadband over landline for both urban and rural areas in Bihar.
"BSNL has been constantly striving to have broadband penetration in the country especially in rural areas. With our huge connectivity and infrastructure, BSNL hopes to give a new wind to the computing and broadband revolution in the country, Chief General Manager, Bihar Telecom Circle S C Mishra said.
The Nova net PC, launched in association with Noavtium Solution Private Limited, can be used for both internet access and computing applications at economical prices, Mishra said.
In urban areas, Nova Net PC would be delivered to the users against a one-time payment of Rs 2,999 and tax, the BSNL chief GM said.
However, in rural areas, the system would be made available to the broadband users under USOF (Universal Service Obligation Fund) scheme which means that rural users would have to pay a secuirty deposit of Rs 1900 which was refundable if the facility was used for three years continuously, Mishra said.
The rural users, if they opted for Nova Net PC, would be provided with CRT Monitor, Modem, Keyboard and Mouse free of cost, he said.
The idea behind this shceme was to take broadband to the rural areas whcih was possible only by bundling it with the landline connections, Mishra said.
He said that the state has 38,000 broadband users till date and it (BSNL) has set a target to add 80,000 new subscriber by the end of the financial year 2009-10 with this launch.
The telecom department has also introduced two monthly rental plans for the broadband users in rural areas under USOF scheme.
The first one was of Rs 99 under which the users would be given 400 MB free download/upload whereas second monthly plan of Rs 150 provided 1GB free usage.link
"BSNL has been constantly striving to have broadband penetration in the country especially in rural areas. With our huge connectivity and infrastructure, BSNL hopes to give a new wind to the computing and broadband revolution in the country, Chief General Manager, Bihar Telecom Circle S C Mishra said.
The Nova net PC, launched in association with Noavtium Solution Private Limited, can be used for both internet access and computing applications at economical prices, Mishra said.
In urban areas, Nova Net PC would be delivered to the users against a one-time payment of Rs 2,999 and tax, the BSNL chief GM said.
However, in rural areas, the system would be made available to the broadband users under USOF (Universal Service Obligation Fund) scheme which means that rural users would have to pay a secuirty deposit of Rs 1900 which was refundable if the facility was used for three years continuously, Mishra said.
The rural users, if they opted for Nova Net PC, would be provided with CRT Monitor, Modem, Keyboard and Mouse free of cost, he said.
The idea behind this shceme was to take broadband to the rural areas whcih was possible only by bundling it with the landline connections, Mishra said.
He said that the state has 38,000 broadband users till date and it (BSNL) has set a target to add 80,000 new subscriber by the end of the financial year 2009-10 with this launch.
The telecom department has also introduced two monthly rental plans for the broadband users in rural areas under USOF scheme.
The first one was of Rs 99 under which the users would be given 400 MB free download/upload whereas second monthly plan of Rs 150 provided 1GB free usage.link
Monday, 31 August 2009
Junior doctors in Bihar end strike
After an assurance from the Bihar government of a hike in stipend, protesting junior doctors of the Patna Medical College and Hospital here Monday night withdrew their five-day long strike that has claimed the lives of 38 patients.
Speaking to newspersons after his meeting with Health Minister Nand Kishore Yadav, the Junior Doctors Association (JDA) president Rajiv Babu Prajapati said the association has withdrawn its agitation following an assurance from the government to address their demands as soon as possible.
The JDA has asked all the junior doctors to resume their duties.
The five-day-old strike by junior doctors in the Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) here has claimed the lives of at least 38 patients.
The state government Monday served notices to the medicos and asked them to return to work or face action, an official said.
A day after Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed his anger at the doctors' strike that has paralysed health services in the PMCH, Health Secretary C.K. Mishra served notices on doctors asking them to report back on duty.
More than 400 junior doctors went on an indefinite strike, first demanding a hike in stipend and then payment of salary instead of stipend.
The strike has badly hit emergency, outdoor and surgery services of the hospital.link
Speaking to newspersons after his meeting with Health Minister Nand Kishore Yadav, the Junior Doctors Association (JDA) president Rajiv Babu Prajapati said the association has withdrawn its agitation following an assurance from the government to address their demands as soon as possible.
The JDA has asked all the junior doctors to resume their duties.
The five-day-old strike by junior doctors in the Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) here has claimed the lives of at least 38 patients.
The state government Monday served notices to the medicos and asked them to return to work or face action, an official said.
A day after Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed his anger at the doctors' strike that has paralysed health services in the PMCH, Health Secretary C.K. Mishra served notices on doctors asking them to report back on duty.
More than 400 junior doctors went on an indefinite strike, first demanding a hike in stipend and then payment of salary instead of stipend.
The strike has badly hit emergency, outdoor and surgery services of the hospital.link
Sold for Rs 500, he is now a wonder on stage
Gaja is nine years old. At the AHA! International Theatre Festival for Children, he wowed the audience with his bulti-jumping and drum stick tricks.
Little does anyone know he was sold for Rs 500 by his parents from Bihar to a factory owner in Bangalore four years ago. Now, the stage is his world.
Gaja and his friends belong to a troupe called Gondwana Band. They come from different streets of Bangalore and have worked as child labourers at homes or in factories. Having been rehabilitated by Bornfree Arts School, Jayanagar, these kids now learn dance, drama, music, sculpture, photography, film-making and architecture, apart from going to a regular school.
The children have performed at more than 1,000 venues by now. The programmes range from mimes to playing musical instruments. They have teachers who are popular artistes, like Yana Lewis, who coaches them regularly. The money from these arts sustain the 40 children.
The band is also a project of Bornfree Arts School. Children who somehow escape from their torturous life are rehabilitated. "It is usually spread by word of mouth. Children who are now with us tell others they know about the organization. They act as child liberators," said school founder John Devaraj.
When children come here, many are addicted to drugs or tobacco. The rigorous practice of these art forms kick their old habits away. The children are set into the mood by volunteers, who are artistes themselves. "They see us work and try to imitate us. That is the first step," John, an engineer, said. And then the taste develops. "Art is inherent in every human being. It is just a matter of triggering it," he said.
The organization was formed five years ago by John, when he realized the power of art in transforming people. "I do not want to run this as an NGO but want to make it a movement, whereby people realize that child labour is a crime," he said.
Many of them want to find their families and go back, but they know the task is not easy. "They sometimes get emotional when they see other children with parents. But they are tough. They have learnt how to live. Nothing can deter them now," John said.
The children had recently been to Pakistan on a cycle rally to spread the message of love and peace. They bicycled to Lahore from Bangalore and talked to their counterparts.link
Little does anyone know he was sold for Rs 500 by his parents from Bihar to a factory owner in Bangalore four years ago. Now, the stage is his world.
Gaja and his friends belong to a troupe called Gondwana Band. They come from different streets of Bangalore and have worked as child labourers at homes or in factories. Having been rehabilitated by Bornfree Arts School, Jayanagar, these kids now learn dance, drama, music, sculpture, photography, film-making and architecture, apart from going to a regular school.
The children have performed at more than 1,000 venues by now. The programmes range from mimes to playing musical instruments. They have teachers who are popular artistes, like Yana Lewis, who coaches them regularly. The money from these arts sustain the 40 children.
The band is also a project of Bornfree Arts School. Children who somehow escape from their torturous life are rehabilitated. "It is usually spread by word of mouth. Children who are now with us tell others they know about the organization. They act as child liberators," said school founder John Devaraj.
When children come here, many are addicted to drugs or tobacco. The rigorous practice of these art forms kick their old habits away. The children are set into the mood by volunteers, who are artistes themselves. "They see us work and try to imitate us. That is the first step," John, an engineer, said. And then the taste develops. "Art is inherent in every human being. It is just a matter of triggering it," he said.
The organization was formed five years ago by John, when he realized the power of art in transforming people. "I do not want to run this as an NGO but want to make it a movement, whereby people realize that child labour is a crime," he said.
Many of them want to find their families and go back, but they know the task is not easy. "They sometimes get emotional when they see other children with parents. But they are tough. They have learnt how to live. Nothing can deter them now," John said.
The children had recently been to Pakistan on a cycle rally to spread the message of love and peace. They bicycled to Lahore from Bangalore and talked to their counterparts.link
Minor refuses to clean toilets, beaten
11-year-old girl was beaten by her teacher after she refused to clean the toilets of her school in Rohtas district of Bihar, police said Monday. Chita, a Class 6 student of a government school at Huka in Rohtas, about 150 km from here, was beaten by her lady teacher Saturday.
“Chita told me and her mother that the headmaster and a teacher ordered her along with two other students to clean the toilets but when she refused citing her bad health, she was beaten with a stick by the teacher,” her father Sunil Kumar said.
“Frightened Chita fell ill after being beaten for no fault. She was admitted to a local health centre for treatment,” he said.
“After I lodged a complaint and demanded action against the school teacher, the education officer assured me of action,” Kumar added.
School headmaster Surajdeo Singh said that in the absence of a sweeper in the school, the responsibility to clean the school toilets was shared by students. Singh, however, denied that Chita was beaten after she refused to clean the toilets.
“I will take action against the teacher if she was found guilty,” Singh said.
Deputy village body head Nand Kumar also expressed his unhappiness and demanded action against the teacher. “It was a serious matter, action should be taken by authorities,” he said.link
“Chita told me and her mother that the headmaster and a teacher ordered her along with two other students to clean the toilets but when she refused citing her bad health, she was beaten with a stick by the teacher,” her father Sunil Kumar said.
“Frightened Chita fell ill after being beaten for no fault. She was admitted to a local health centre for treatment,” he said.
“After I lodged a complaint and demanded action against the school teacher, the education officer assured me of action,” Kumar added.
School headmaster Surajdeo Singh said that in the absence of a sweeper in the school, the responsibility to clean the school toilets was shared by students. Singh, however, denied that Chita was beaten after she refused to clean the toilets.
“I will take action against the teacher if she was found guilty,” Singh said.
Deputy village body head Nand Kumar also expressed his unhappiness and demanded action against the teacher. “It was a serious matter, action should be taken by authorities,” he said.link
Friday, 28 August 2009
Class X Board Exams will not become optional in Bihar
Bihar has said no to the Union HRD ministry about doing away with the class X exams. It will also not wind up its Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) as scrapping of the state board would go against the federal structure of the country.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has decided to do away with the class X examination for various reasons, including de-stressing students.
“For the children of poor parents in Bihar, class X exams are important. It gives them a sense of pride and students seek jobs at various levels,” BSEB chairman AKP Yadav said, adding: “Besides, the high expectations of parents from their children, not the class X exams, are responsible for the suicides of students. Parents are putting them in various kinds of stress.”
As a matter of fact, Yadav’s assertion was not the isolated case at the two-day meet of the Council of Boards of School Education (COBSE) held in Delhi, beginning August 24.
“There was consensus and unanimity among the state school boards on several issues, including holding of class X exams and continuation of state boards,” Yadav said. “CBSE can issue guidelines, establish link among boards, make policies, discuss and frame common syllabus and set standards,” he pointed out.
Further, state boards, barring that of Haryana and Kerala, were unanimous in rejecting the grade system and clearly stated that the word fail should not be mentioned on the result sheet as that puts further stress on students, Yadav argued, adding that the introduction of the grading system would create problems for students and host institutions going for admisison to pursue higher studies.
“Grading will not be of any help if the number of admission seekers increases. The host institution will have to adopt some kind of selection process,” Yadav said, adding: “It was decided to have a unanimity of opinion even in the university system on the usefulness of grades.”
He said there was consensus regarding adoption of science and mathematics syllabus of CBSE, but BSEB has already adopted them. It was agreed that the state boards could decide their own syllabus in social sciences and literature, Yadav added.
BSEB, meanwhile, has decided to abolish the system of supplementary exams from next year for students who fail in matriculation. Instead, the compartmental system of CBSE would be in force. “The matter is awaiting the stamp of the CM,” Yadav said. As many as 53,000 students will take the supplementary exams this year. link
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has decided to do away with the class X examination for various reasons, including de-stressing students.
“For the children of poor parents in Bihar, class X exams are important. It gives them a sense of pride and students seek jobs at various levels,” BSEB chairman AKP Yadav said, adding: “Besides, the high expectations of parents from their children, not the class X exams, are responsible for the suicides of students. Parents are putting them in various kinds of stress.”
As a matter of fact, Yadav’s assertion was not the isolated case at the two-day meet of the Council of Boards of School Education (COBSE) held in Delhi, beginning August 24.
“There was consensus and unanimity among the state school boards on several issues, including holding of class X exams and continuation of state boards,” Yadav said. “CBSE can issue guidelines, establish link among boards, make policies, discuss and frame common syllabus and set standards,” he pointed out.
Further, state boards, barring that of Haryana and Kerala, were unanimous in rejecting the grade system and clearly stated that the word fail should not be mentioned on the result sheet as that puts further stress on students, Yadav argued, adding that the introduction of the grading system would create problems for students and host institutions going for admisison to pursue higher studies.
“Grading will not be of any help if the number of admission seekers increases. The host institution will have to adopt some kind of selection process,” Yadav said, adding: “It was decided to have a unanimity of opinion even in the university system on the usefulness of grades.”
He said there was consensus regarding adoption of science and mathematics syllabus of CBSE, but BSEB has already adopted them. It was agreed that the state boards could decide their own syllabus in social sciences and literature, Yadav added.
BSEB, meanwhile, has decided to abolish the system of supplementary exams from next year for students who fail in matriculation. Instead, the compartmental system of CBSE would be in force. “The matter is awaiting the stamp of the CM,” Yadav said. As many as 53,000 students will take the supplementary exams this year. link
Bihar Foundation's global meet meet in Janaury 2010
The next global meet of Bihar Foundation, formed by the state government to attract investments from Bihari NRIs and those living outside the state, will be held in the last week of January, 2010.
A decision to this effect was taken at a meeting chaired by deputy CM Sushil Kumar Modi. The meeting also decided that a Bihar minister or a senior bureaucrat will interact with Bihari NRIs and those living outside their state through internet and will apprise them of the steps taken for development of the state. Suggestions would also be sought from them in this regard.
The meeting decided to open more chambers of the foundation outside Bihar and abroad. The chambers will be opened in Kolkata and Banaglore soon. There is a move to open chambers in Mumbai, Jaipur and Bhopal and also in the UK, the USA, Russia, Australia, Canada, Mauritius and Gulf countries.
At a seminar organised by an undertaking of the Union ministry for urban development, Regional Centre for Urban and Environmental Studies-Lucknow, Modi stressed the need to take into account local needs before preparing a government plan.link
A decision to this effect was taken at a meeting chaired by deputy CM Sushil Kumar Modi. The meeting also decided that a Bihar minister or a senior bureaucrat will interact with Bihari NRIs and those living outside their state through internet and will apprise them of the steps taken for development of the state. Suggestions would also be sought from them in this regard.
The meeting decided to open more chambers of the foundation outside Bihar and abroad. The chambers will be opened in Kolkata and Banaglore soon. There is a move to open chambers in Mumbai, Jaipur and Bhopal and also in the UK, the USA, Russia, Australia, Canada, Mauritius and Gulf countries.
At a seminar organised by an undertaking of the Union ministry for urban development, Regional Centre for Urban and Environmental Studies-Lucknow, Modi stressed the need to take into account local needs before preparing a government plan.link
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