Vision 2010: a dangerous myopia
By Amiya Kumar Bagchi
The Central budget of 2010-11 is a further step in the realisation of a vision of India vibrant with the income, wealth, saving, education and the entrepreneurial energy of the top 5-10 per cent of the population and the rest of Indians, serving that minority and surviving as barely literate, malnourished multitude.
With the accession of Rajiv Gandhi to power, a vision began to germinate. That vision was that of an India that would be vibrant with the entrepreneurial energy of the few, and the rest of the population serving those few with their labour.
The argument was that despite more than 40 years of independence, with slogans of a ‘socialistic pattern of society,' Indians remained desperately poor. Most of them also remained actually illiterate or barely literate. The free market advocates backing Rajiv Gandhi thought that the energy of the business community could both enrich the rich and, through trickle-down effects, better the condition of ordinary people. The Central budget of 2010-11 is a further step towards the implementation of that vision.
Look at the successes of the budget: the professional middle class is happy with the cuts in taxes collected from it. The business community, including foreign investors, is happy, because of further privatisation of public assets by which the Finance Minister proposes to raise Rs. 25,000 crore, because of the looming privatisation of many operations of the Indian Railways, whose kitty is nowhere near what it should be for even partial implementation of the projects announced by the Railway Minister, because the FDI path would be further smoothed and because licences would be issued for fresh private banks. Never mind if they fail as the Global Trust Bank did, the government will pick up the bill directly or indirectly, in accordance with its earlier record and the recent practice in the United States and Britain where banks failed but bankers remained prosperous. The Indian stock market responded positively, thus sending a message of welcome to the budget and generating profits for the bulls.
The Finance Ministers of the neoliberal Central government had earlier instituted the Fiscal Responsibility and Responsibility Management Act. This became their excuse to drastically cut down public investment and expenditure on the social sector. As soon as the global financial crisis hit India and the interests of the Indian rich demanded fiscal stimulus, the government overthrew fiscal orthodoxy and budget deficits soared. North Block policymakers can claim that the stimulus worked and the growth rates did not crash. The problem is with the content of that growth.
The Indian Constitution is only quasi-federal. Using and abusing the power of centralisation vested in it, the neoliberal policymakers have concentrated more and more financial powers in their hands, leaving the State governments with scantier resources to carry out their constitutional responsibilities of providing health care, education and rural livelihoods. The Central government has introduced an enormous number of Centrally-Sponsored Schemes and encroached on the States' jurisdiction. The Centre has handed over much of the financing to aid agencies of the U.S. and European Union governments, which have imposed fresh conditionalities on the States. The irony is that the more backward the regions are, the less able they are in fulfilling the conditions. Hence, the greater the deprivation of those areas.
The centralising tendency has been rampant in the field of education: the government has established Central universities not just in backward or remote areas but in States with well-established universities, which continue to suffer stagnation because of lack of resources as well as political manipulation. Instead of learning the proper lessons from the often tardy responses of the over-centralised AICTE, NCERT or UGC, namely, that they need more and more assured supply of public money and must devolve some of their powers to regional bodies, the Ministry of Human Resource Development has decided, with the proposed National Commission on Higher Education and Research (NCHER) Bill to concentrate all powers in its single wise head. Not all wisdom resides in persons who tread the corridors of power in Delhi.
Moreover, the policymakers have proclaimed that they want the institutions to be of international standard, and that the scholars employed there will be judged according to international (read U.S. establishment) accreditation criteria. The idea that there is a single, uncontested international standard in economics, history, political science or sociology is laughable. In areas of technological education too, local adaptation is critical and ‘international' standards will not provide the knowledge of the local cost-benefit conditions in the diversity that is India. How would ‘international' standards be applied to scholars of Tamil or Bengali or Marathi literature, culture and history who do not write in English?
The acceptance of the NCHER Bill will have many unacceptable consequences. First, under an NCHER endowed with powers far exceeding its optimum span of control, decisions will be even slower in critical areas of education than they are now. Second, with a niggardly Central government, tuition fees will rise far beyond the paying capacity of poor students and, therefore, will exclude much larger numbers of meritorious but poor students from higher education. Third, the step will lead to further dilution of the quality of teaching in State universities, the further proliferation of private colleges doling out poor-quality education.
The Union Cabinet recently approved an agreement with the U.S. on ‘Agricultural co-operation and food security.' Under an India-U.S. Agricultural Knowledge Initiative, multinational agribusiness firms such as Cargill and Monsanto can become members of the policymaking body. This is ironical since most of U.S. agribusinesses are conducted under the umbrella of huge government subsidies, while the current budget has cut the measly subsidies poor farmers enjoy in India. Indian agriculture has grown slowly in recent years, and food grain production has lagged behind population growth.
Ordinary Indians are badly malnourished and calorie intake has fallen over time. An Expert Group appointed by the Planning Commission has proposed 1800 calories per day as the norm of consumption by an adult for fixing the poverty line. This norm is applicable only for light or sedentary work. How is a construction worker with heavy head loads or an agricultural worker driving buffaloes in a flooded paddy land going to do his work and lead a healthy life or survive long? Even this norm yields an estimate of poverty of about 42 per cent in 2004-05, much higher than the estimates quoted officially. If the Food Security Bill is passed by Parliament, it will presumably be implemented by accepting the older estimate or the new estimate of the Expert Group. Either way, a vast number of people who are malnourished will remain in that state.
Under the Common Minimum Programme, the first UPA government adopted the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. Even its partial implementation has helped the desperately poor and yielded rich dividends for the ruling parties under whose auspices there has been a better record of implementation. But this can be regarded only as a halting step towards a universal public distribution system, which is the proper way to address the issues. The budget is still focussed on the interests of the middle and richer classes and on tie-ups with the U.S. as the exemplar and leader of the system that the advisors want. The Right to Education Act, for example, excludes the education of children below the age of six, and the ICDS programme that is supposed to look after them is still poorly funded and poorly governed. The allocation in the current budget for mid-day meals for school children is far short of what would be needed to universalise them.
Finally, the whole saga of the nuclear agreement with the U.S., currently developing into a bill that caps the liability of suppliers and operators at Rs. 500 crore whereas a Chernobyl-like development could impose unimaginable costs on the current and future costs often appears like a black comedy in the making. We should remember that crime rates in U.S. cities still remain high, and there is a continual war going on on U.S. borders against ‘illegal' immigrants from Latin America. Do the policymakers at the Centre want a permanent state of civil war with the disaffected inside to be added to the worries on subversion across India's borders?
(Professor Amiya Kumar Bagchi is Director, Institute of Development Studies, Kolkata.)
source: The Hindu
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
CONGRATS INDIAN NATION. WOMEN'S RESERVATION BILL PASSED BY RAJYA SABHA
CONGRATS INDIAN NATION. WOMEN'S RESERVATION BILL PASSED BY RAJYA SABHA
History was created in the Rajya Sabha when it voted by an overwhelming majority a Bill to reserve 33 per cent of the seats in Lok Sabha and Assemblies for women after the Government pushed ahead with it, ignoring possible threats to its stability and after eviction of troublesome MPs opposed to it.
Fourteen years after the first attempt was made in the Lok Sabha and repeated failures subsequently, the Constitution Amendment Bill was adopted in the mandatory division with 186 members voting for it and one voting against.
In the 245-member House with an effective strength of 233, the Bill required the backing of at least 155 members and the UPA had the clear support of 165 in the run up to the event.
The Bill seeks to reserve for women 181 of the 543 seats in the Lok Sabha and 1,370 out of a total of 4,109 seats in the 28 State Assemblies.
History was created in the Rajya Sabha when it voted by an overwhelming majority a Bill to reserve 33 per cent of the seats in Lok Sabha and Assemblies for women after the Government pushed ahead with it, ignoring possible threats to its stability and after eviction of troublesome MPs opposed to it.
Fourteen years after the first attempt was made in the Lok Sabha and repeated failures subsequently, the Constitution Amendment Bill was adopted in the mandatory division with 186 members voting for it and one voting against.
In the 245-member House with an effective strength of 233, the Bill required the backing of at least 155 members and the UPA had the clear support of 165 in the run up to the event.
The Bill seeks to reserve for women 181 of the 543 seats in the Lok Sabha and 1,370 out of a total of 4,109 seats in the 28 State Assemblies.
Renumbering of National Highways
13:14 IST
LOK SABHA
The Government has decided to renumber the National Highways across the country as the system of numbering of National Highways (NHs) presently being used is not on scientific method. The Government has accepted the recommendations of the Committee set up by it in this regard in 2009.
As per the modified numbering system of National Highways, the NHs predominantly along the North-South direction and along the East-West direction are considered as Primary Routes. The Primary Routes along the North-South direction are being numbered in increasing order from east to west direction as even numbers in 2 digits and the Primary Routes along the East-West direction are being numbered in increasing order from north to south direction as odd numbers in 2 digits. The Secondary Routes are considered as those routes which are either circumferential routes around a Primary Route or a Spur Route originating from a Primary Route. The Secondary Routes are proposed to be numbered in 3 digits, with 2 digits as same as that of the Primary Route Number and the third digit prefixing the 2 digits as either even number or odd number depending upon whether it is a circumferential route around the Primary Route or it is a spur route originating from the Primary Route. Suffixes, such as A, B, C, D, etc. have also been proposed to be used for Secondary Routes with gap numbering in order to accommodate present as well as future such routes.
This information was provided by Shri R.P.N.Singh, Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways in the Lok Sabha today.
13:14 IST
LOK SABHA
The Government has decided to renumber the National Highways across the country as the system of numbering of National Highways (NHs) presently being used is not on scientific method. The Government has accepted the recommendations of the Committee set up by it in this regard in 2009.
As per the modified numbering system of National Highways, the NHs predominantly along the North-South direction and along the East-West direction are considered as Primary Routes. The Primary Routes along the North-South direction are being numbered in increasing order from east to west direction as even numbers in 2 digits and the Primary Routes along the East-West direction are being numbered in increasing order from north to south direction as odd numbers in 2 digits. The Secondary Routes are considered as those routes which are either circumferential routes around a Primary Route or a Spur Route originating from a Primary Route. The Secondary Routes are proposed to be numbered in 3 digits, with 2 digits as same as that of the Primary Route Number and the third digit prefixing the 2 digits as either even number or odd number depending upon whether it is a circumferential route around the Primary Route or it is a spur route originating from the Primary Route. Suffixes, such as A, B, C, D, etc. have also been proposed to be used for Secondary Routes with gap numbering in order to accommodate present as well as future such routes.
This information was provided by Shri R.P.N.Singh, Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways in the Lok Sabha today.
Alternative source of gas supply – import from Iran and Turkmenistan
15:52 IST
Rajya Sabha
The Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas Shri Murli Deora in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today informed that in order to enhance energy security of the country, import of natural gas is being pursued from Iran through Iran-Pakistan-India(IPI) Gas Pipeline Project. Various important issues concerning the Project are under discussion amongst the participating countries, viz., Iran, Pakistan & India. Such multilateral projects involve protracted discussions, as all the aspects have to be carefully examined and deliberated upon to the satisfaction of the participating countries to protect each country’s interests and to avoid any problems in the future in the successful operation of the project. Implementation of the Project will start only after satisfactory resolution of the issues under discussion amongst the countries participating in the Project.
Shri Deora also said that import of natural gas is being pursued from Turkmenistan as well. India has been formally admitted as a member of Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India(TAPI) gas pipeline project in the 10th Steering Committee Meeting (SCM) of the Project held in Islamabad on April 23-24, 2008. “Various important issues concerning the Project are under discussion amongst the participating countries, viz., Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan & India,” Shri Deora added.
In reply to another question in the House, the Minister of State for Petroleum & Natural Gas Shri Jitin Prasada informed that in recent years, there have been significant technological advancements in the field of Deep Sea Gas transportation technology. Accordingly, for the last few years, interest has been revived in deep sea gas pipeline route from Middle-East to India. Gas supplies from several gas rich countries of Middle East through Gas Gathering pipeline with hub in Oman (or its proximity) have been proposed, so as to supply gas to Indian Coast through the said Deep Sea Pipeline. “GAIL(India) Ltd. has entered into a Principles of Cooperation with M/s SAGE in the month of July 2009 for developing the pipeline Project. As such, the proposal is at its initial stage,” the Minister added.
source:PIB
15:52 IST
Rajya Sabha
The Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas Shri Murli Deora in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today informed that in order to enhance energy security of the country, import of natural gas is being pursued from Iran through Iran-Pakistan-India(IPI) Gas Pipeline Project. Various important issues concerning the Project are under discussion amongst the participating countries, viz., Iran, Pakistan & India. Such multilateral projects involve protracted discussions, as all the aspects have to be carefully examined and deliberated upon to the satisfaction of the participating countries to protect each country’s interests and to avoid any problems in the future in the successful operation of the project. Implementation of the Project will start only after satisfactory resolution of the issues under discussion amongst the countries participating in the Project.
Shri Deora also said that import of natural gas is being pursued from Turkmenistan as well. India has been formally admitted as a member of Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India(TAPI) gas pipeline project in the 10th Steering Committee Meeting (SCM) of the Project held in Islamabad on April 23-24, 2008. “Various important issues concerning the Project are under discussion amongst the participating countries, viz., Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan & India,” Shri Deora added.
In reply to another question in the House, the Minister of State for Petroleum & Natural Gas Shri Jitin Prasada informed that in recent years, there have been significant technological advancements in the field of Deep Sea Gas transportation technology. Accordingly, for the last few years, interest has been revived in deep sea gas pipeline route from Middle-East to India. Gas supplies from several gas rich countries of Middle East through Gas Gathering pipeline with hub in Oman (or its proximity) have been proposed, so as to supply gas to Indian Coast through the said Deep Sea Pipeline. “GAIL(India) Ltd. has entered into a Principles of Cooperation with M/s SAGE in the month of July 2009 for developing the pipeline Project. As such, the proposal is at its initial stage,” the Minister added.
source:PIB
Community Radio Station to start at Dehradun, we can explore for Sikkim too
Community Radio Station to start at Dehradun
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India has signed a Grant of Permission Agreement for establishing, maintaining and operating a Community Radio Station at National Institute for Visually Handicapped, Dehradun. Letter of Intent had been issued to the Institute after recommendations of Inter Ministerial Committee and seeking requisite clearances from various Ministries. The Community Radio Station is expected to be operational within three months as per the agreement. With this, the number of CRS will increase to 66 in the country.
The Community Radio Station will be established with the objectives to disseminate information on education, training, employment and other facilities available for blind persons, their families and community institutions and will serve as a platform to showcase talent of blind persons. It will be used as a training studio for blind students of mass communication and Broadcasting. The Community Radio will provide an opportunity for empowerment of women, to conduct, sponsor, co-ordinate or subsidize research into all aspects of education and rehabilitation of the visually handicapped and to promote the integration of visually handicapped children in schools and adults in the society.
The Ministry encourages setting up of Community Radio Station as it promises to provide an opportunity to the local communities to express themselves, share their views and particularly empower women, youth and the marginalized groups to take part in local self governance and overall socio economic and cultural development in the area.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India has signed a Grant of Permission Agreement for establishing, maintaining and operating a Community Radio Station at National Institute for Visually Handicapped, Dehradun. Letter of Intent had been issued to the Institute after recommendations of Inter Ministerial Committee and seeking requisite clearances from various Ministries. The Community Radio Station is expected to be operational within three months as per the agreement. With this, the number of CRS will increase to 66 in the country.
The Community Radio Station will be established with the objectives to disseminate information on education, training, employment and other facilities available for blind persons, their families and community institutions and will serve as a platform to showcase talent of blind persons. It will be used as a training studio for blind students of mass communication and Broadcasting. The Community Radio will provide an opportunity for empowerment of women, to conduct, sponsor, co-ordinate or subsidize research into all aspects of education and rehabilitation of the visually handicapped and to promote the integration of visually handicapped children in schools and adults in the society.
The Ministry encourages setting up of Community Radio Station as it promises to provide an opportunity to the local communities to express themselves, share their views and particularly empower women, youth and the marginalized groups to take part in local self governance and overall socio economic and cultural development in the area.
VISIT www.view360.in and enjoy trip to Tamil Nadu. Sikkim too can get such trip
A 360 degree view
by DIVYA KUMAR
A. Suresh Babu set out with nothing more than a camera in hand and the seed of an idea, to gorgeous old temples and monuments such as the Kailasanathar Kovil in Kanchipuram and the Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal in Madurai.
The exhaustive sets of photographs he took there were transformed into beautifully-lit, intricately-detailed virtual tours of ancient architectural structures on www.view360.in.
And, when Tourism Secretary V. Irai Anbu saw the website, Suresh was quickly commissioned to do a similar series on various tourist locations in the State.
A variety of places
Today, www.view360.in provides virtual tours of 22 tourist spots from Ooty and Kodaikanal to Topslip and Valparai for Tamil Nadu Tourism, and has had over 2.5 lakh hits from nearly 150 countries around the world in the last six months.
The boy from Chidambaram, who loved temple architecture and always wanted to be a photographer, had finally arrived.
“I met Mr. Irai Anbu on September 5th morning, and he had given me the order by evening,” says Suresh, who came to Chennai five years ago, and had been working as an ad film editor. “He said, ‘can you do 11 locations in the next 22 days?'”
The answer, of course, was yes. For the next three weeks, he travelled non-stop to Madurai, Rameswaram, Courtallam, Kanyakumari, Yelagiri, Kolli Hills and more, struggling often with permission to enter or take photographs.
“Invariably, I had to spend a day in each place fighting for permission,” he recalls with a laugh. “I couldn't have done it without help from the Tourism Department.”
The detailed photography, which captures 360 degree views of forts, temples, waterfalls and gardens, took time as well — just photographing the Meenakshi Amman Kovil in Madurai took him half a day, with a single courtyard needing about 28 shots. But, he managed to put them all together, including the post-production work, and the website was officially launched on September 30, 2009.
Commercial projects too
Since then, he's completed another 11 indoor and outdoor locations for the Department, including the Gingee Fort, the Chettinad Palace in Karaikudi and the Big Temple in Thanjavur, in addition to some commercial projects (hotels, hospitals, etc.) and some Chennai locations out of his own interest (the Armenian Church, the now-demolished Central Prison, etc.).
Virtual tour technology has been around since 1999, and has been applied to tourism extensively in the West, which is how Suresh got his initial idea. “You can see Paris through virtual tours; I thought, why not do the same for Tamil Nadu tourism?” says Suresh, who has been a photography enthusiast since the age of 18.
And, the ideas keep coming. At present, the locations covered by Suresh are embedded in a Google map on the homepage of www.view360.in; soon, he says, you'll be able to walk between them virtually. “I now do virtual tours full-time, and I couldn't be happier or more satisfied,” he says, smiling.
by DIVYA KUMAR
A. Suresh Babu set out with nothing more than a camera in hand and the seed of an idea, to gorgeous old temples and monuments such as the Kailasanathar Kovil in Kanchipuram and the Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal in Madurai.
The exhaustive sets of photographs he took there were transformed into beautifully-lit, intricately-detailed virtual tours of ancient architectural structures on www.view360.in.
And, when Tourism Secretary V. Irai Anbu saw the website, Suresh was quickly commissioned to do a similar series on various tourist locations in the State.
A variety of places
Today, www.view360.in provides virtual tours of 22 tourist spots from Ooty and Kodaikanal to Topslip and Valparai for Tamil Nadu Tourism, and has had over 2.5 lakh hits from nearly 150 countries around the world in the last six months.
The boy from Chidambaram, who loved temple architecture and always wanted to be a photographer, had finally arrived.
“I met Mr. Irai Anbu on September 5th morning, and he had given me the order by evening,” says Suresh, who came to Chennai five years ago, and had been working as an ad film editor. “He said, ‘can you do 11 locations in the next 22 days?'”
The answer, of course, was yes. For the next three weeks, he travelled non-stop to Madurai, Rameswaram, Courtallam, Kanyakumari, Yelagiri, Kolli Hills and more, struggling often with permission to enter or take photographs.
“Invariably, I had to spend a day in each place fighting for permission,” he recalls with a laugh. “I couldn't have done it without help from the Tourism Department.”
The detailed photography, which captures 360 degree views of forts, temples, waterfalls and gardens, took time as well — just photographing the Meenakshi Amman Kovil in Madurai took him half a day, with a single courtyard needing about 28 shots. But, he managed to put them all together, including the post-production work, and the website was officially launched on September 30, 2009.
Commercial projects too
Since then, he's completed another 11 indoor and outdoor locations for the Department, including the Gingee Fort, the Chettinad Palace in Karaikudi and the Big Temple in Thanjavur, in addition to some commercial projects (hotels, hospitals, etc.) and some Chennai locations out of his own interest (the Armenian Church, the now-demolished Central Prison, etc.).
Virtual tour technology has been around since 1999, and has been applied to tourism extensively in the West, which is how Suresh got his initial idea. “You can see Paris through virtual tours; I thought, why not do the same for Tamil Nadu tourism?” says Suresh, who has been a photography enthusiast since the age of 18.
And, the ideas keep coming. At present, the locations covered by Suresh are embedded in a Google map on the homepage of www.view360.in; soon, he says, you'll be able to walk between them virtually. “I now do virtual tours full-time, and I couldn't be happier or more satisfied,” he says, smiling.
Rajya Sabha discusses Women’s quota Bill
The Rajya Sabha on Tuesday began discussion on the Women’s Reservation Bill a day after it was moved in the House for consideration but could not be taken up because of unruly scenes with some members even trying to attack Chairman Hamid Ansari.
After three adjournments and suspension and eviction of seven disruptive members, the House took up the debate at 3 pm amid vociferous protests from members of the SP and the RJD, who were opposing the historic Bill and demanding withdrawal of the suspension order.
Before the discussion began, the House witnessed an unusual development wherein the Chairman put the Constitution (108th Amendment) Bill, granting 33 per cent reservation to women in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, to voice vote but later called for a debate on it.
Mr. Ansari put the Bill, moved on Monday for consideration, to voice vote as the suspended members, squatting in the well for three hours, refused to budge and continued to chant slogans to disrupt the proceedings.
But when the Chairman called for division of votes, members of BJP and Left parties, which are supporting the Bill, objected and wanted a debate.
Meanwhile, marshals were ordered eviction of the suspended members — Subhash Yadav (RJD), Sabir Ali (LJP), Veerpal Singh Yadav, Nand Kishore Yadav, Amir Alam Khan and Kamal Akhtar (all SP), and Ejaz Ali (Unattached), who had on Monday created unprecedented pandemonium.
Normalcy was restored in the House after their forcible eviction and the Bill was taken up for discussion.
Earlier in the day, the whip was cracked on the seven disruptive members as they were suspended for the remaining part of the Budget session.
The motion for their suspension was moved by Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Prithviraj Chavan and was passed by voice vote.
The action against members under Rule 256 was taken for showing total “disregard for dignity of Council and authority of the Chair” by obstructing the business of the House.
The rule under which the seven members were suspended does not allow any adjournment or debate.
After their suspension, the House was adjourned by Ansari till 2 PM, for the second time in the day. But, the suspended members squatted in the Well and refused to leave.
When the House re-assembled at 3 pm, the seven suspended members squatting in the well for three hours, stood up and started shouting slogans against the Bill.
Amid slogan shouting, Mr. Ansari took up the discussion on the Bill and asked Leader of Opposition Arun Jaitley to speak.
But, Mr. Jaitley had to wait till the suspended members were evicted.
The members, joined by Rajniti Prasad and P.C. Gupta (both RJD) and Brij Bhushan Tiwari, Ram Gopal Yadav and Ram Narayan Sahu (all SP), continued to raise slogans ignoring repeated pleas by Mr. Ansari against it.
As Mr. Ansari announced voting on the Bill, the suspended members turned aggressive and tried to throw the books and stationery lying on Secretary General’s table.
At this moment, marshals trooped in and formed a human chain around the suspended members before evicting them.
source: The Hindu
The Rajya Sabha on Tuesday began discussion on the Women’s Reservation Bill a day after it was moved in the House for consideration but could not be taken up because of unruly scenes with some members even trying to attack Chairman Hamid Ansari.
After three adjournments and suspension and eviction of seven disruptive members, the House took up the debate at 3 pm amid vociferous protests from members of the SP and the RJD, who were opposing the historic Bill and demanding withdrawal of the suspension order.
Before the discussion began, the House witnessed an unusual development wherein the Chairman put the Constitution (108th Amendment) Bill, granting 33 per cent reservation to women in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, to voice vote but later called for a debate on it.
Mr. Ansari put the Bill, moved on Monday for consideration, to voice vote as the suspended members, squatting in the well for three hours, refused to budge and continued to chant slogans to disrupt the proceedings.
But when the Chairman called for division of votes, members of BJP and Left parties, which are supporting the Bill, objected and wanted a debate.
Meanwhile, marshals were ordered eviction of the suspended members — Subhash Yadav (RJD), Sabir Ali (LJP), Veerpal Singh Yadav, Nand Kishore Yadav, Amir Alam Khan and Kamal Akhtar (all SP), and Ejaz Ali (Unattached), who had on Monday created unprecedented pandemonium.
Normalcy was restored in the House after their forcible eviction and the Bill was taken up for discussion.
Earlier in the day, the whip was cracked on the seven disruptive members as they were suspended for the remaining part of the Budget session.
The motion for their suspension was moved by Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Prithviraj Chavan and was passed by voice vote.
The action against members under Rule 256 was taken for showing total “disregard for dignity of Council and authority of the Chair” by obstructing the business of the House.
The rule under which the seven members were suspended does not allow any adjournment or debate.
After their suspension, the House was adjourned by Ansari till 2 PM, for the second time in the day. But, the suspended members squatted in the Well and refused to leave.
When the House re-assembled at 3 pm, the seven suspended members squatting in the well for three hours, stood up and started shouting slogans against the Bill.
Amid slogan shouting, Mr. Ansari took up the discussion on the Bill and asked Leader of Opposition Arun Jaitley to speak.
But, Mr. Jaitley had to wait till the suspended members were evicted.
The members, joined by Rajniti Prasad and P.C. Gupta (both RJD) and Brij Bhushan Tiwari, Ram Gopal Yadav and Ram Narayan Sahu (all SP), continued to raise slogans ignoring repeated pleas by Mr. Ansari against it.
As Mr. Ansari announced voting on the Bill, the suspended members turned aggressive and tried to throw the books and stationery lying on Secretary General’s table.
At this moment, marshals trooped in and formed a human chain around the suspended members before evicting them.
source: The Hindu
India: Steps for promoting Medicinal Plants
14:35 IST
RAJYA SABHA
Medicinal plant resources in the country are threatened by over exploitation to meet the demand of herbal industries. As per the information received from the Ministry of Environment and Forests, about 95% of medicinal plants used by the herbal industries are harvested from the wild primarily from forests.
The total annual demand of botanical raw drugs in the country for the year 2005-06 has been estimated as 3,19,500 MT with corresponding trade value of Rs. 1,069 crores as per the collaborative study conducted by the Department of AYUSH with the assistance of the Foundation for Revitalization of Local Health Traditions (FRLHT). In addition to above, rapid threat assessment exercises for the wild medicinal plants species occurring in different states have also been taken up. These assessments have involved conducting Conservation Assessment and Management Prioritization using International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) Red List Categories. These exercises have involved undertaking assessments for a total of 359 prioritized wild medicinal plant species. Out of the 359 species taken up for assessment, 335 have been assigned Red List status ranging from Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable to Near Threatened. In addition, a total number of 15 medicinal plants species recorded in trade have been found threatened.
Some of the rare medicinal plants reported to be threatened have been relocated during the last decade including Utleria salicifolia and Hydnocarpus pentandra in Western Ghats, Gymnocladus assamicus and Begonia tessaricarpa from Arunachal Pradesh and Agapetes smithiana in Sikkim as reported by the Botanical Survey of India.
National Medicinal Plants Board which was constituted on 24th November, 2000 has been implementing a Central Sector scheme for development and cultivation of medicinal plants since the year 2000-01. This scheme was revised and renamed as “Central Sector Scheme for Conservation, Development and Sustainable Management of Medicinal Plants” during 2008-09. The States Forest Departments have been granted assistance for protection and propagation of endangered species of medicinal plants, especially used by the herbal industries. Projects for setting up of 29 Medicinal Plants Conservation Areas (MPCAs) have also been implemented in the states covering mainly the medicinal plants viz. Asoka, Guggal and Dashmool varieties. The scheme is being implemented with an outlay of Rs. 321.30 crores during the 11th Plan.
In addition to above, a new “Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National Mission on Medicinal Plants” with a total outlay of Rs. 630 crores is being implemented since 2008-09 by the National Medicinal Plants Board. A total number of 24 states viz. Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Orissa, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and West Bengal have been covered so far under the scheme. Since the implementation of the Mission started only in the year 2008-09, it is too early to make any impact assessment.
This information was given by Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad in written reply to a question raised in Rajya Sabha today.
14:35 IST
RAJYA SABHA
Medicinal plant resources in the country are threatened by over exploitation to meet the demand of herbal industries. As per the information received from the Ministry of Environment and Forests, about 95% of medicinal plants used by the herbal industries are harvested from the wild primarily from forests.
The total annual demand of botanical raw drugs in the country for the year 2005-06 has been estimated as 3,19,500 MT with corresponding trade value of Rs. 1,069 crores as per the collaborative study conducted by the Department of AYUSH with the assistance of the Foundation for Revitalization of Local Health Traditions (FRLHT). In addition to above, rapid threat assessment exercises for the wild medicinal plants species occurring in different states have also been taken up. These assessments have involved conducting Conservation Assessment and Management Prioritization using International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) Red List Categories. These exercises have involved undertaking assessments for a total of 359 prioritized wild medicinal plant species. Out of the 359 species taken up for assessment, 335 have been assigned Red List status ranging from Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable to Near Threatened. In addition, a total number of 15 medicinal plants species recorded in trade have been found threatened.
Some of the rare medicinal plants reported to be threatened have been relocated during the last decade including Utleria salicifolia and Hydnocarpus pentandra in Western Ghats, Gymnocladus assamicus and Begonia tessaricarpa from Arunachal Pradesh and Agapetes smithiana in Sikkim as reported by the Botanical Survey of India.
National Medicinal Plants Board which was constituted on 24th November, 2000 has been implementing a Central Sector scheme for development and cultivation of medicinal plants since the year 2000-01. This scheme was revised and renamed as “Central Sector Scheme for Conservation, Development and Sustainable Management of Medicinal Plants” during 2008-09. The States Forest Departments have been granted assistance for protection and propagation of endangered species of medicinal plants, especially used by the herbal industries. Projects for setting up of 29 Medicinal Plants Conservation Areas (MPCAs) have also been implemented in the states covering mainly the medicinal plants viz. Asoka, Guggal and Dashmool varieties. The scheme is being implemented with an outlay of Rs. 321.30 crores during the 11th Plan.
In addition to above, a new “Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National Mission on Medicinal Plants” with a total outlay of Rs. 630 crores is being implemented since 2008-09 by the National Medicinal Plants Board. A total number of 24 states viz. Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Orissa, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and West Bengal have been covered so far under the scheme. Since the implementation of the Mission started only in the year 2008-09, it is too early to make any impact assessment.
This information was given by Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad in written reply to a question raised in Rajya Sabha today.
NEPAL: Ex-King backs Hindu state bid
March 9, 2010
FROM THE HIMALAYAN TIMES
KATHMANDU: Ex–King Gyanendra Shah and his wife Komal on Monday morning attended the ongoing Rudrachandi Akhanda Mahayagya at Pashupati Bankali in Kathmandu. They received the Tika and Prasad in the Mahayagya. He also held talks with the Kali Baba during their visit.
Talking to reporters, Gyanendra Shah also voiced his support for the bid to reinstate Nepal as a Hindu nation but with the consent of the Nepali people.
Kali Baba has been organising the ‘Mahayagya’ for the restoration of peace and for the Hindu nation status since last Sunday.
Kali Baba has also threatened to sacrifice his life if Nepal’s Hindu status is not restored.
Earlier, different leaders of Nepali politics such as Krishna Prasad Bhattarai, Sher Bhadur Deuba, Vice President Parmananda Jha and KP Oli had also visited the Mahayagya and expressed their support for it’s objective.
March 9, 2010
FROM THE HIMALAYAN TIMES
KATHMANDU: Ex–King Gyanendra Shah and his wife Komal on Monday morning attended the ongoing Rudrachandi Akhanda Mahayagya at Pashupati Bankali in Kathmandu. They received the Tika and Prasad in the Mahayagya. He also held talks with the Kali Baba during their visit.
Talking to reporters, Gyanendra Shah also voiced his support for the bid to reinstate Nepal as a Hindu nation but with the consent of the Nepali people.
Kali Baba has been organising the ‘Mahayagya’ for the restoration of peace and for the Hindu nation status since last Sunday.
Kali Baba has also threatened to sacrifice his life if Nepal’s Hindu status is not restored.
Earlier, different leaders of Nepali politics such as Krishna Prasad Bhattarai, Sher Bhadur Deuba, Vice President Parmananda Jha and KP Oli had also visited the Mahayagya and expressed their support for it’s objective.
New Enterprise: Local news on cellphone – Hill girls’ sms venture
(BY RAJEEV RAVIDAS
Pranita and Nikita at work. (Chinlop Fudong Lepcha)
Kalimpong, March 8: Two young girls have been making gainful use of their mobile phones, sending out text messages of local and regional news headlines to subscribers interested in keeping themselves updated with breaking and developing stories.
The duo of Pranita Chhetri, 21, and Nikita Bariely, 22, had launched their news service, SMS Headlines Every Evening on Mobile (SHEEM), a little more than a month back. Till date they have 150 odd subscribers with some of them based in as far as Mumbai and Mizoram.
In Kalimpong alone, they have around 100 subscribers.
To get this daily service, one has to pay Rs 10 for registration and Rs 50 per month as subscription fee.
“We source our stories from the local television channel, radio and even the Internet. While selecting the top stories of the day, we are guided by Manoj Rai, who works for a local news channel,” said Pranita, a second-year English honours student of Kalimpong College.
After selecting the top stories of the day, the girls sit together in the evening and type in the headlines in their cellphones as a text message before sending it to their subscribers.
Nikita, a graduate in geography from the same college, said: “We mainly work from home. However, before sending out the messages in the evening, we come together at one place and do our work.”
Heera Chhetri, who has been guiding the two friends with the selection and presentation of the news items, said it was refreshing to see youngsters making good use of SMS. “When other kids use the technology for meaningless stuff, these two are using the same for gainful purposes. They need to be encouraged,” he said.
Currently, the subscribers get to read only the headlines of the top stories through SMS. The girls, however, said they have plans to upgrade the service in future by providing links that will enable a subscriber to read, hear or watch the news in detail.
“Depending on the feedback we receive from our subscribers, we intend to improve our services,” said Pranita.
The experience of working in such a venture, the girls hope, would hold them in good stead when they look for a full-time career.
“As it is, getting government jobs, or even private ones, are becoming increasingly difficult. This experience will better prepare us to stand on our own feet in the future,” said Pranita.
source: The Telegraph
(BY RAJEEV RAVIDAS
Pranita and Nikita at work. (Chinlop Fudong Lepcha)
Kalimpong, March 8: Two young girls have been making gainful use of their mobile phones, sending out text messages of local and regional news headlines to subscribers interested in keeping themselves updated with breaking and developing stories.
The duo of Pranita Chhetri, 21, and Nikita Bariely, 22, had launched their news service, SMS Headlines Every Evening on Mobile (SHEEM), a little more than a month back. Till date they have 150 odd subscribers with some of them based in as far as Mumbai and Mizoram.
In Kalimpong alone, they have around 100 subscribers.
To get this daily service, one has to pay Rs 10 for registration and Rs 50 per month as subscription fee.
“We source our stories from the local television channel, radio and even the Internet. While selecting the top stories of the day, we are guided by Manoj Rai, who works for a local news channel,” said Pranita, a second-year English honours student of Kalimpong College.
After selecting the top stories of the day, the girls sit together in the evening and type in the headlines in their cellphones as a text message before sending it to their subscribers.
Nikita, a graduate in geography from the same college, said: “We mainly work from home. However, before sending out the messages in the evening, we come together at one place and do our work.”
Heera Chhetri, who has been guiding the two friends with the selection and presentation of the news items, said it was refreshing to see youngsters making good use of SMS. “When other kids use the technology for meaningless stuff, these two are using the same for gainful purposes. They need to be encouraged,” he said.
Currently, the subscribers get to read only the headlines of the top stories through SMS. The girls, however, said they have plans to upgrade the service in future by providing links that will enable a subscriber to read, hear or watch the news in detail.
“Depending on the feedback we receive from our subscribers, we intend to improve our services,” said Pranita.
The experience of working in such a venture, the girls hope, would hold them in good stead when they look for a full-time career.
“As it is, getting government jobs, or even private ones, are becoming increasingly difficult. This experience will better prepare us to stand on our own feet in the future,” said Pranita.
source: The Telegraph
PINK CARD IN SIKKIM
SNPP slams over ‘Pink Card’, readies for boycott of Municipal Election
source:VoiceofSikkim
18 March, Gangtok: The party held a meeting today to discuss the “pink card” issue and the upcoming Municipal elections. The party finds the new system of issuing pink cards to be against the interest of the Sikkimese people as the already confused identity of the Sikkimese people will be further diluted by such a step. The meeting found it surprising that the pink cards contain the same data which is already there in the Sikkim Subject Certificate (SSC) and finds this repetition a waste of public money. It also feels that there are ulterior motives behind this move which would, on the long run, make the SSC redundant. This would ultimately lead to a situation when the Sikkim Subject Certificate shall no longer be needed and shall die a quiet death if it is not opposed by the public. The people of Sikkim have to remember that in the past the SDF Government has been increasingly going against the spirit of Article 371F and has been violating its provisions repeatedly and this move may be seen as one of them which will go on to crush the Sikkimese identity.
The meeting also discussed the upcoming municipal election and it was commonly felt that till the status of the “Old Business Community” is settled, the elections should not be held. It felt that this section of the Sikkimese who are mostly residing in the urban areas shall be the most affected and till a solution is founds, the Municipal Elections shall harm their interest. The members also felt that despite stringent old laws which are in existence due to Article 371F, the Government of Sikkim has found backdoors to sell rural land to exploitative projects and companies and feels this will open the floodgates for land transfer in urban areas which will go against the interest of the local people.
The meeting further discussed the fact that even the electoral rolls as well as election formalities are not in harmony with the constitutional stipulations. It is a fact that the Constitution recognizes the assembly which was formed in 1974, before the merger, and it should be understood that only Sikkim subjects should be eligible to stands for elections as a consequence. But though the SSC is required for mundane things like a trade license, it is not required for a candidate for elections which is totally violative of the spirit of Article 371F and the 8th May Agreement of 1973. Till such things are specified, the party feels it shall be suicidal for the Sikkimese people to go ahead with these Municipal elections.
After much discussions on the agenda, the following resolution was passed unanimously.
Resolution 1: Resolved unanimously that the “pink card” introduced by the SDF Government is totally against the letter and spirit of Article 371F and the party condemns it as such and demands that the Scheme be withdrawn immediately. The party also appeals to the public at large not to co-operate with this scheme as this would lead towards the removal of the Sikkim Subject Certificate from the official lexicon finally.
Resolution 2: Resolved unanimously that the party shall boycott the Municipal elections and shall not put up any candidates till the status of the old business community is settled and eligibility criteria for candidates are reworked in line with the letter and spirit of Article 371F and the 8th May Agreement. Also resolved unanimously to appeal to all sections of Sikkimese society and all political parties to condemn and boycott these elections so that any elections which are held shall not have any legitimacy,
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3,15,693 Sikkim Subject holders with Vol No and Serial No in Sikkim
SOURCE:VoiceofSikkim
12 March, Gangtok: A meeting was held today at Community Center Gayzing regarding the issue of Pink Card to the bonafide Sikkimese and the meeting was conducted by the State Land Revenue and Disaster Management Department. The program preceded by Mr. T. N. Dhakal Deputy Secretary of the Department and was attended by District Collector Mr. Santa Kumar Pradhan, SDM, Mrs. Hondala Gyalsten, Upadhakshaya Mr. B. B. Bista, other officials and Panchayat member and Panchayat RDA.
The meeting stated the need for awareness regarding the issue of Pink Card to the bonafide Sikkimese people whose number in Sikkim is 3, 15, 693 and who posses volume no and serial no, if this Card is issued to the people this will segregate the Sikkimese people from other people of Sikkim and will benefited the original Sikkimese from Non Sikkimese.
The meeting was also addressed by the District Collector and mentioned his thought about the issue of Pink Card. According to Mr. Dhakal, this Pink Card is like a license to the Sikkimese which helps them to do any sort of job in Sikkim.
However it needs to be seen whether this Pink Card will discriminate between the bonafide Sikkimese and non- Sikkimese, this certainly will bring disparity between the people of Sikkimese who all these year are living like one ad regarding the facilities given to the Sikkimese but while looking at the modern trend where all the supplies and contract are in the hand of non Sikkimese it is to seen whether this pink card will really benefit it or not
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PINK CARD IN SIKKIM: List to be made public before issuing Pink Card or Green Card- Chettri
Prakash Adhikari
source: Voice of Sikkim
09 Mar, Gangtok: The Bharatiya Janta Party President of Sikkim Unit Padam Chettri today called up the media to brigade for the people of Sikkim in connection with government’s decision to issue an identity card to the people living in Sikkim.
He said, the very step of government to segregate community in basis of colour is against the constitution. Everyone living in India no matter he/she is from whichever class or creed is also eligible to live in Sikkim under a democratic air,
Sikkim being the Indian state,said Chettri. Criticizing the Chamling government, Chettri refers it as a master plan to bring a differentiation within people of Sikkim playing a game of Identity Card politics. In the process the Pink Card are allotted to those who possess Sikkim Subject and Green Card to those who do possess Sikkim Subject, non-locals. Pink Card in the case will be termed as local and Green Card holder a non-local. Centre should abruptly look into the matter and instruct the state government to stop faking with the people under emotional identity card politics.
Chettri also urged government for making the lists public before imposing the decesion.
==================================================================================
BJP slams Chamling govt for ID card politics
Gangtok, Mar 8 (PTI) The BJP today hit out at the Pawan Kumar Chamling government for proposing to issue pink cards to the Sikkimese people to preserve their exclusive identity, which, it said, was against the tenets of the Constitution.
"The Chamling government is deliberately violating the provisions of the Constitution by segregating the people on basis of identity cards. The pink ones would go to locals having Sikkim Subject Certificates and green cards to non-locals. The process has already begun," Sikkim BJP president Padam Bahadur Chettri told reporters here.
Describing the SDF's government's move as "dangerous" and potential threat to unity and integrity of the country, he urged the Centre to instruct the state government to withdraw the proposal to issue different identity cards to different people when all are citizens of India.
===============================================================================
SIKKIM:Pink Card survey coordination meet in North
DEEPAK SHARMA
source: sikkim express
MANGAN, March 7: The Land Revenue department yesterday organized a coordination meeting at Mangan for North Sikkim on the upcoming Pink Card survey process which will be issued to Sikkimese with Certificates of Identification only in the State.
The meeting was held at Zilla Bhavan here and chaired by Land Revenue department additional secretary TN Dhakal, DM (North) TN Kazi, sub-divisional officials, panchayats and Zilla Panchayat members of North Sikkim.
Speaking on the occasion, the DM said that objective of the Pink Card system is to properly identify the COI holders in Sikkim. The survey will begin from April 7, he said appealing the local representatives to sensitize the people for a smooth survey.
Additional secretary Dhakal said that the Pink Card will be an authentic document for the COI holders which not only give an exact figure of the COI holders and their legal descendants in the State and be a safeguard for the proper Sikkimese.
The official added that around 31,000 COIs are unauthenticated in Sikkim.
====================================================================================
Cabinet decides on PIC for the Old Sikkim Subject holders and their descendents
source:Sikkim Reporter > With IPR Input
Gangtok: Pink Identity Card (PIC) will be given to the Old Sikkim Subject holders and their direct legal descendents. This was decided in a Cabinet meeting on August 12 in Cabinet Hall at Tashiling Secretariat which was chaired by the Chief Minister Dr. Pawan Chamling. The Cabinet approved Rs.98.00 lakhs for Land Revenue and Disaster Management Department as the cost to prepare 3,15,693 PIC.
The purpose of PIC is, the Cabinet noted, primarily to facilitate the Government on certain issues, namely, reservation of Government and Private undertaking jobs for the local people; to allow Educational facilities to the local people which includes both facilities at school level and also for higher studies; to identify the bonafide Sikkimese for exemption of Central Income Tax; to extend benefits of various Government schemes to the local people on priority; and to preserve separate and distinct identity of the original inhabitants of the State of Sikkim.
===========================================================================
source:VoiceofSikkim
18 March, Gangtok: The party held a meeting today to discuss the “pink card” issue and the upcoming Municipal elections. The party finds the new system of issuing pink cards to be against the interest of the Sikkimese people as the already confused identity of the Sikkimese people will be further diluted by such a step. The meeting found it surprising that the pink cards contain the same data which is already there in the Sikkim Subject Certificate (SSC) and finds this repetition a waste of public money. It also feels that there are ulterior motives behind this move which would, on the long run, make the SSC redundant. This would ultimately lead to a situation when the Sikkim Subject Certificate shall no longer be needed and shall die a quiet death if it is not opposed by the public. The people of Sikkim have to remember that in the past the SDF Government has been increasingly going against the spirit of Article 371F and has been violating its provisions repeatedly and this move may be seen as one of them which will go on to crush the Sikkimese identity.
The meeting also discussed the upcoming municipal election and it was commonly felt that till the status of the “Old Business Community” is settled, the elections should not be held. It felt that this section of the Sikkimese who are mostly residing in the urban areas shall be the most affected and till a solution is founds, the Municipal Elections shall harm their interest. The members also felt that despite stringent old laws which are in existence due to Article 371F, the Government of Sikkim has found backdoors to sell rural land to exploitative projects and companies and feels this will open the floodgates for land transfer in urban areas which will go against the interest of the local people.
The meeting further discussed the fact that even the electoral rolls as well as election formalities are not in harmony with the constitutional stipulations. It is a fact that the Constitution recognizes the assembly which was formed in 1974, before the merger, and it should be understood that only Sikkim subjects should be eligible to stands for elections as a consequence. But though the SSC is required for mundane things like a trade license, it is not required for a candidate for elections which is totally violative of the spirit of Article 371F and the 8th May Agreement of 1973. Till such things are specified, the party feels it shall be suicidal for the Sikkimese people to go ahead with these Municipal elections.
After much discussions on the agenda, the following resolution was passed unanimously.
Resolution 1: Resolved unanimously that the “pink card” introduced by the SDF Government is totally against the letter and spirit of Article 371F and the party condemns it as such and demands that the Scheme be withdrawn immediately. The party also appeals to the public at large not to co-operate with this scheme as this would lead towards the removal of the Sikkim Subject Certificate from the official lexicon finally.
Resolution 2: Resolved unanimously that the party shall boycott the Municipal elections and shall not put up any candidates till the status of the old business community is settled and eligibility criteria for candidates are reworked in line with the letter and spirit of Article 371F and the 8th May Agreement. Also resolved unanimously to appeal to all sections of Sikkimese society and all political parties to condemn and boycott these elections so that any elections which are held shall not have any legitimacy,
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3,15,693 Sikkim Subject holders with Vol No and Serial No in Sikkim
SOURCE:VoiceofSikkim
12 March, Gangtok: A meeting was held today at Community Center Gayzing regarding the issue of Pink Card to the bonafide Sikkimese and the meeting was conducted by the State Land Revenue and Disaster Management Department. The program preceded by Mr. T. N. Dhakal Deputy Secretary of the Department and was attended by District Collector Mr. Santa Kumar Pradhan, SDM, Mrs. Hondala Gyalsten, Upadhakshaya Mr. B. B. Bista, other officials and Panchayat member and Panchayat RDA.
The meeting stated the need for awareness regarding the issue of Pink Card to the bonafide Sikkimese people whose number in Sikkim is 3, 15, 693 and who posses volume no and serial no, if this Card is issued to the people this will segregate the Sikkimese people from other people of Sikkim and will benefited the original Sikkimese from Non Sikkimese.
The meeting was also addressed by the District Collector and mentioned his thought about the issue of Pink Card. According to Mr. Dhakal, this Pink Card is like a license to the Sikkimese which helps them to do any sort of job in Sikkim.
However it needs to be seen whether this Pink Card will discriminate between the bonafide Sikkimese and non- Sikkimese, this certainly will bring disparity between the people of Sikkimese who all these year are living like one ad regarding the facilities given to the Sikkimese but while looking at the modern trend where all the supplies and contract are in the hand of non Sikkimese it is to seen whether this pink card will really benefit it or not
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PINK CARD IN SIKKIM: List to be made public before issuing Pink Card or Green Card- Chettri
Prakash Adhikari
source: Voice of Sikkim
09 Mar, Gangtok: The Bharatiya Janta Party President of Sikkim Unit Padam Chettri today called up the media to brigade for the people of Sikkim in connection with government’s decision to issue an identity card to the people living in Sikkim.
He said, the very step of government to segregate community in basis of colour is against the constitution. Everyone living in India no matter he/she is from whichever class or creed is also eligible to live in Sikkim under a democratic air,
Sikkim being the Indian state,said Chettri. Criticizing the Chamling government, Chettri refers it as a master plan to bring a differentiation within people of Sikkim playing a game of Identity Card politics. In the process the Pink Card are allotted to those who possess Sikkim Subject and Green Card to those who do possess Sikkim Subject, non-locals. Pink Card in the case will be termed as local and Green Card holder a non-local. Centre should abruptly look into the matter and instruct the state government to stop faking with the people under emotional identity card politics.
Chettri also urged government for making the lists public before imposing the decesion.
==================================================================================
BJP slams Chamling govt for ID card politics
Gangtok, Mar 8 (PTI) The BJP today hit out at the Pawan Kumar Chamling government for proposing to issue pink cards to the Sikkimese people to preserve their exclusive identity, which, it said, was against the tenets of the Constitution.
"The Chamling government is deliberately violating the provisions of the Constitution by segregating the people on basis of identity cards. The pink ones would go to locals having Sikkim Subject Certificates and green cards to non-locals. The process has already begun," Sikkim BJP president Padam Bahadur Chettri told reporters here.
Describing the SDF's government's move as "dangerous" and potential threat to unity and integrity of the country, he urged the Centre to instruct the state government to withdraw the proposal to issue different identity cards to different people when all are citizens of India.
===============================================================================
SIKKIM:Pink Card survey coordination meet in North
DEEPAK SHARMA
source: sikkim express
MANGAN, March 7: The Land Revenue department yesterday organized a coordination meeting at Mangan for North Sikkim on the upcoming Pink Card survey process which will be issued to Sikkimese with Certificates of Identification only in the State.
The meeting was held at Zilla Bhavan here and chaired by Land Revenue department additional secretary TN Dhakal, DM (North) TN Kazi, sub-divisional officials, panchayats and Zilla Panchayat members of North Sikkim.
Speaking on the occasion, the DM said that objective of the Pink Card system is to properly identify the COI holders in Sikkim. The survey will begin from April 7, he said appealing the local representatives to sensitize the people for a smooth survey.
Additional secretary Dhakal said that the Pink Card will be an authentic document for the COI holders which not only give an exact figure of the COI holders and their legal descendants in the State and be a safeguard for the proper Sikkimese.
The official added that around 31,000 COIs are unauthenticated in Sikkim.
====================================================================================
Cabinet decides on PIC for the Old Sikkim Subject holders and their descendents
source:Sikkim Reporter > With IPR Input
Gangtok: Pink Identity Card (PIC) will be given to the Old Sikkim Subject holders and their direct legal descendents. This was decided in a Cabinet meeting on August 12 in Cabinet Hall at Tashiling Secretariat which was chaired by the Chief Minister Dr. Pawan Chamling. The Cabinet approved Rs.98.00 lakhs for Land Revenue and Disaster Management Department as the cost to prepare 3,15,693 PIC.
The purpose of PIC is, the Cabinet noted, primarily to facilitate the Government on certain issues, namely, reservation of Government and Private undertaking jobs for the local people; to allow Educational facilities to the local people which includes both facilities at school level and also for higher studies; to identify the bonafide Sikkimese for exemption of Central Income Tax; to extend benefits of various Government schemes to the local people on priority; and to preserve separate and distinct identity of the original inhabitants of the State of Sikkim.
===========================================================================
Speech of the President of India at the Launching of National Mission for Socio Economic Empowerment of Women on the occasion of International Women’s Day and giving away of the Annual Stree Shakti Awards
It gives me immense pleasure to be with you when the Centenary Year of the International Women’s Day is being observed. It is a day to celebrate the spirit of ordinary women, who have played extraordinary roles in shaping their family, community, society and country. At the same time, it is a day to reflect on the progress made in achieving the goal of all-round development of women, and of implementing a pro-active agenda of change.
I remember, it was thirty five years ago, when I was Minister for Social Welfare in Maharashtra, that 1975 was designated as the International Women’s Year by the United Nations. Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who took particular interest in women’s welfare issues, constituted a National Committee for International Women’s Year. At the national level meeting of this Committee, many issues relating to the status of women were discussed and important initiatives were undertaken. Indiraji’s message to the women of the country and to the First Conference on Women held in Mexico in 1975 was that, and I quote, “a woman’s stature will be determined by her capacity to see with clarity and sympathy; and by her will to act.” Unquote. Twenty years later, in 1995, Beijing hosted the Fourth World Conference on Women, in which I participated. There, a global action plan to achieve the goal of gender equality was agreed to by the international community. I had said on that occasion, that I had read a poem in school:- “If all the trees were one tree, what a great tree it would be; If all the rivers were one river, what a great river it would be.” That is why I would like to say, if all the women in the world work unitedly, what a great work it would be, if they speak in one voice what a great voice it would be to bring peace, prosperity and happiness in the world. This year is the 15th anniversary of the Beijing Conference. I convey my greetings to all the women of the world.
I am informed that the theme for the 2010 International Women’s Day is, ‘Equal rights, equal opportunities: Progress for all”. It is an important theme that is in consonance with our vision to pursue an inclusive developmental agenda. The prosperity and growth of our nation requires that women - half of our population are actively drawn into the planning and development process, especially at the grassroots level in rural areas. Facts speak for themselves. Agriculture is the main employer of women. 75 percent of the total female workforce and 85 percent of rural women are employed in agriculture. In this context, schemes like Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana to meet the specific needs of women farmers are important.
We can draw strength from our Constitution in whose framework the principles of equity, equality, equal rights and equal opportunities are deeply entrenched. The women of our nation did get a head-start in free India, as universal adult franchise was adopted. Women got voting rights along with their male counterparts. This was not the case in many other countries, where women had to strive to get their voting rights. Women have been participating in the political life of the nation before, during and after independence. They have been elected to the office of the President, the Prime Minister and the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. At the grass roots level, there are 1.2 million elected women representatives in local bodies in villages and towns, which is about 36 percent. To increase the representation of women in elected bodies of local urban bodies and the Panchayati Raj institutions, it is proposed to increase this percentage to 50 percent. The Women’s Reservation Bill providing for 33 percent reservation to women in State Legislatures and in the Lok Sabha, has now been taken-up in the Rajya Sabha for its logical conclusion.
In these more than 60 years since our independence, we have also made significant strides in empowering our women, by addressing the social discriminations faced by them, providing them access to resources and spreading awareness amongst them of their rights. Continuing in that tradition, we are taking on this day, another step towards achieving the collective national goal of holistic empowerment of all women of this country, with the launch of the National Mission for Empowerment of Women which shall begin working from today. I am indeed very happy and have no words to express my feelings, as a dream has been fulfilled. My belief has been that empowerment of women is crucial for the empowerment of our nation, and with this belief I had announced the setting up of the National Mission for Empowerment of Women, in my address to the first session of both Houses of Parliament, after the elections to the 15th Lok Sabha. The idea of a national mission was first mooted by the Committee of Governors set up to study and recommend a strategy, for the speedy socio-economic development and empowerment of women. The launch of the Mission promises co-ordinated delivery of women-centric and women-related programmes of the Government.
The socio-economic development of women is deeply intertwined and if one dimension remains absent, the outcome would suffer. The Mission, with its objective of ensuring that the benefits of schemes and programmes of the Central, as well as of State Governments, reach their intended beneficiaries through convergence and coordination, gives me hope that it will bridge this gap between “what is” and “what ought to be”. But in order to make this a reality, the Central Government, States, and civil society would need to work together. Every citizen of this country has a role to play in making it successful. I would regard this Mission as a gift to the women of the country, on the occasion of International Women’s Day.
As the first woman President of India, there is a natural empathy that I have for the women of our country. I am conscious about the constraints and difficulties that they face in realizing their full potential. However, time and again, we have been witness to the strength that women have demonstrated in the face of adversities. It is their ability to face difficulties, and persist with attempts to be self independent that is admirable. Louisa May Alcott, an American woman writer, who was also an advocate for women’s suffrage, wrote in the 19th Century that, and I quote, “I am not afraid of storms, for I’m learning to sail my ship.” Unquote. It is in this spirit and for charting a further course on women’s empowerment that we are all here today. Their empowerment is necessary and that can only come through health, education and economic development.
It is only when we spread education and skill development among women that they can be agents of economic and social growth. I call for a special focus on implementation of education programmes for women and the girl child as tools of empowerment. It should be scrupulously ensured that necessary incentives for the girl child to go to school are extended. It is also important that necessary skills are imparted to women under our national skill building efforts in all sectors.
Legislative and administrative initiatives to empower our women are necessary and important, but not enough. We also need a fundamental change in our mindsets. We need a new social reform movement, for gender equality and empowerment of our women - a movement that changes society's attitude towards women. Grassroots women's movements can be the most vocal champions of women's empowerment. The over 2.2 million Self-Help Women Groups in India, have made a significant impact on the economic empowerment of rural women. They constitute essential partners in programmes for the upliftment of women and need our support as well as encouragement. It should be our endeavour to bring all eligible women under the umbrella of Self Help Groups, to facilitate their economic empowerment. In this context, I would also like to suggest that Women’s Self Help Groups, particularly those comprising the BPL category, are provided credit at reasonable rates of interest, in any case not exceeding 4 percent per annum, to make them viable and successful.
The annual Stree Shakti Puraskars on the occasion of International Women’s Day are to honour the achievements and personal triumphs of women, who have contributed meaningfully to various fields. I am happy to join them in the celebration of their achievements and congratulate them. I urge the women of this country to believe in themselves; every mother must also encourage her daughter, so that the impulses of growth and confidence are carried forward. The future beckons a more equitable world for all women of this country. Indeed, the future of this country lies in an equitable society, where all have equal opportunities.
In conclusion, I convey my best wishes to the Ministry of Women and Child Development. Now that the National Mission for Empowerment of Women has been launched, work must begin in earnest to make it a success. I would also like to thank the Prime Minister and his team for their efforts in this regard. I am sure that this Mission will not only empower women, but shall also empower society as a whole.
source:PIB
It gives me immense pleasure to be with you when the Centenary Year of the International Women’s Day is being observed. It is a day to celebrate the spirit of ordinary women, who have played extraordinary roles in shaping their family, community, society and country. At the same time, it is a day to reflect on the progress made in achieving the goal of all-round development of women, and of implementing a pro-active agenda of change.
I remember, it was thirty five years ago, when I was Minister for Social Welfare in Maharashtra, that 1975 was designated as the International Women’s Year by the United Nations. Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who took particular interest in women’s welfare issues, constituted a National Committee for International Women’s Year. At the national level meeting of this Committee, many issues relating to the status of women were discussed and important initiatives were undertaken. Indiraji’s message to the women of the country and to the First Conference on Women held in Mexico in 1975 was that, and I quote, “a woman’s stature will be determined by her capacity to see with clarity and sympathy; and by her will to act.” Unquote. Twenty years later, in 1995, Beijing hosted the Fourth World Conference on Women, in which I participated. There, a global action plan to achieve the goal of gender equality was agreed to by the international community. I had said on that occasion, that I had read a poem in school:- “If all the trees were one tree, what a great tree it would be; If all the rivers were one river, what a great river it would be.” That is why I would like to say, if all the women in the world work unitedly, what a great work it would be, if they speak in one voice what a great voice it would be to bring peace, prosperity and happiness in the world. This year is the 15th anniversary of the Beijing Conference. I convey my greetings to all the women of the world.
I am informed that the theme for the 2010 International Women’s Day is, ‘Equal rights, equal opportunities: Progress for all”. It is an important theme that is in consonance with our vision to pursue an inclusive developmental agenda. The prosperity and growth of our nation requires that women - half of our population are actively drawn into the planning and development process, especially at the grassroots level in rural areas. Facts speak for themselves. Agriculture is the main employer of women. 75 percent of the total female workforce and 85 percent of rural women are employed in agriculture. In this context, schemes like Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana to meet the specific needs of women farmers are important.
We can draw strength from our Constitution in whose framework the principles of equity, equality, equal rights and equal opportunities are deeply entrenched. The women of our nation did get a head-start in free India, as universal adult franchise was adopted. Women got voting rights along with their male counterparts. This was not the case in many other countries, where women had to strive to get their voting rights. Women have been participating in the political life of the nation before, during and after independence. They have been elected to the office of the President, the Prime Minister and the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. At the grass roots level, there are 1.2 million elected women representatives in local bodies in villages and towns, which is about 36 percent. To increase the representation of women in elected bodies of local urban bodies and the Panchayati Raj institutions, it is proposed to increase this percentage to 50 percent. The Women’s Reservation Bill providing for 33 percent reservation to women in State Legislatures and in the Lok Sabha, has now been taken-up in the Rajya Sabha for its logical conclusion.
In these more than 60 years since our independence, we have also made significant strides in empowering our women, by addressing the social discriminations faced by them, providing them access to resources and spreading awareness amongst them of their rights. Continuing in that tradition, we are taking on this day, another step towards achieving the collective national goal of holistic empowerment of all women of this country, with the launch of the National Mission for Empowerment of Women which shall begin working from today. I am indeed very happy and have no words to express my feelings, as a dream has been fulfilled. My belief has been that empowerment of women is crucial for the empowerment of our nation, and with this belief I had announced the setting up of the National Mission for Empowerment of Women, in my address to the first session of both Houses of Parliament, after the elections to the 15th Lok Sabha. The idea of a national mission was first mooted by the Committee of Governors set up to study and recommend a strategy, for the speedy socio-economic development and empowerment of women. The launch of the Mission promises co-ordinated delivery of women-centric and women-related programmes of the Government.
The socio-economic development of women is deeply intertwined and if one dimension remains absent, the outcome would suffer. The Mission, with its objective of ensuring that the benefits of schemes and programmes of the Central, as well as of State Governments, reach their intended beneficiaries through convergence and coordination, gives me hope that it will bridge this gap between “what is” and “what ought to be”. But in order to make this a reality, the Central Government, States, and civil society would need to work together. Every citizen of this country has a role to play in making it successful. I would regard this Mission as a gift to the women of the country, on the occasion of International Women’s Day.
As the first woman President of India, there is a natural empathy that I have for the women of our country. I am conscious about the constraints and difficulties that they face in realizing their full potential. However, time and again, we have been witness to the strength that women have demonstrated in the face of adversities. It is their ability to face difficulties, and persist with attempts to be self independent that is admirable. Louisa May Alcott, an American woman writer, who was also an advocate for women’s suffrage, wrote in the 19th Century that, and I quote, “I am not afraid of storms, for I’m learning to sail my ship.” Unquote. It is in this spirit and for charting a further course on women’s empowerment that we are all here today. Their empowerment is necessary and that can only come through health, education and economic development.
It is only when we spread education and skill development among women that they can be agents of economic and social growth. I call for a special focus on implementation of education programmes for women and the girl child as tools of empowerment. It should be scrupulously ensured that necessary incentives for the girl child to go to school are extended. It is also important that necessary skills are imparted to women under our national skill building efforts in all sectors.
Legislative and administrative initiatives to empower our women are necessary and important, but not enough. We also need a fundamental change in our mindsets. We need a new social reform movement, for gender equality and empowerment of our women - a movement that changes society's attitude towards women. Grassroots women's movements can be the most vocal champions of women's empowerment. The over 2.2 million Self-Help Women Groups in India, have made a significant impact on the economic empowerment of rural women. They constitute essential partners in programmes for the upliftment of women and need our support as well as encouragement. It should be our endeavour to bring all eligible women under the umbrella of Self Help Groups, to facilitate their economic empowerment. In this context, I would also like to suggest that Women’s Self Help Groups, particularly those comprising the BPL category, are provided credit at reasonable rates of interest, in any case not exceeding 4 percent per annum, to make them viable and successful.
The annual Stree Shakti Puraskars on the occasion of International Women’s Day are to honour the achievements and personal triumphs of women, who have contributed meaningfully to various fields. I am happy to join them in the celebration of their achievements and congratulate them. I urge the women of this country to believe in themselves; every mother must also encourage her daughter, so that the impulses of growth and confidence are carried forward. The future beckons a more equitable world for all women of this country. Indeed, the future of this country lies in an equitable society, where all have equal opportunities.
In conclusion, I convey my best wishes to the Ministry of Women and Child Development. Now that the National Mission for Empowerment of Women has been launched, work must begin in earnest to make it a success. I would also like to thank the Prime Minister and his team for their efforts in this regard. I am sure that this Mission will not only empower women, but shall also empower society as a whole.
source:PIB
German Development Bank team meets the Chief Minister
08 Mar, Gangtok (IPR): Dr. Jens Mackensen, vice President of German Development Bank (KfW), Senior Project Manager Dr. Marcus Stewen and Mr. Nand Kishore Agarwal, Project Manager who were accompanied by Minister for Science and Technology Department Mr. Bhim Dhungel and the Secretary, Mr. M.L. Arrawatia called on the Chief Minister Mr. Pawan Chamling at his official residence Mintokgang on 6th March, 2010.
During the brief meeting Dr. Mackensen informed Mr. Chamling how the programmes on climate change adaptation was the main objective of the German Development Bank in five of the North Eastern States, and how they have also been working on the economic development of the rural people by providing financial aid.
He also expressed his desire to work in tandem with the Sikkim Government in the field of Global warming and climate change if given an opportunity.
Dr Mackensen was all praise for the advanced steps taken by the Government of Sikkim on Climate Change and also expressed his contentment about how the state being very well governed under the leadership of Mr. Chamling, and also added that Sikkim was one of the most beautiful places in India, with its tranquil and peaceful environment.
On the other hand Chief Minister Mr. Pawan Chamling informed them about how his government was working sincerely on the serious subjects like climate change and global warming in the state by introducing flagship programmes like Green mission, eco tourism etc, and also enlightened them on how Sikkim was one of the most conscious state on this issue in India.
Expressing his desire to work with them on the subject Mr. Chamling further informed that people of Sikkim are extremely environmental friendly, and also conscious and concerned on these crucial issues, and despite being bottlenecked by geographical disadvantages Sikkim has always taken its drawbacks positively and turned them into its potency, he added.
To this Dr. Mackensen was quick to respond by saying that Sikkim truly proves that size does not matter.
08 Mar, Gangtok (IPR): Dr. Jens Mackensen, vice President of German Development Bank (KfW), Senior Project Manager Dr. Marcus Stewen and Mr. Nand Kishore Agarwal, Project Manager who were accompanied by Minister for Science and Technology Department Mr. Bhim Dhungel and the Secretary, Mr. M.L. Arrawatia called on the Chief Minister Mr. Pawan Chamling at his official residence Mintokgang on 6th March, 2010.
During the brief meeting Dr. Mackensen informed Mr. Chamling how the programmes on climate change adaptation was the main objective of the German Development Bank in five of the North Eastern States, and how they have also been working on the economic development of the rural people by providing financial aid.
He also expressed his desire to work in tandem with the Sikkim Government in the field of Global warming and climate change if given an opportunity.
Dr Mackensen was all praise for the advanced steps taken by the Government of Sikkim on Climate Change and also expressed his contentment about how the state being very well governed under the leadership of Mr. Chamling, and also added that Sikkim was one of the most beautiful places in India, with its tranquil and peaceful environment.
On the other hand Chief Minister Mr. Pawan Chamling informed them about how his government was working sincerely on the serious subjects like climate change and global warming in the state by introducing flagship programmes like Green mission, eco tourism etc, and also enlightened them on how Sikkim was one of the most conscious state on this issue in India.
Expressing his desire to work with them on the subject Mr. Chamling further informed that people of Sikkim are extremely environmental friendly, and also conscious and concerned on these crucial issues, and despite being bottlenecked by geographical disadvantages Sikkim has always taken its drawbacks positively and turned them into its potency, he added.
To this Dr. Mackensen was quick to respond by saying that Sikkim truly proves that size does not matter.
Bihar tea spreads its aroma
BY DHIRENDRA SINGH
source:www.JaiBihar.com
KISHANGANJ: India has the distinction of being the largest producer and consumer of tea in the world. The North-East region, mainly Assam and West Bengal, produces more than 50 per cent of the total production of the tea in the country. Despite stiff competition and dominance of the Darjeeling and Assam varieties, known all over the world for centuries, Bihar tea is spreading its wings to traditional Indian tea market as well as emerging global market.
Rated as on par with Assam tea, several Bihar brands such as Rajbari tea and Kishanbari tea are emerging as a popular brand among Indian consumers. Today brand Rajbari is identified with quality, consistency and reliability catering diverse variety of authentic Indian black tea. The Rajbari is supplied to the Border Security Force (BSF) throughout West Bengal and Bihar.
The tea gardens of Bihar situated in Kishanganj district, involves over 1000 small and medium planters employing about 30,000 people. As per an estimate Bihar tea weighs over four million kilograms annual market in India.
Kishanganj pioneered tea plantations thanks to the efforts of some enterprising investors who began plantations in 1992-93. The plantations accelerated in 1999 when the Tea Board of India under its “New Area Development Scheme” declared five blocks of – Pothia, Kishanganj, Bahdaurganj, Thakurganj and Dighalbank as “non-traditional area” for growing tea and announced a subsidy of Rs 40, 000 per hectare towards cost of tea plantation.
In 1998, Rajiv Lochan, a tea garden manager, decided to plant new tea bushes on a small plot of land. Many said that the land was ‘useless’. But Rajiv persisted and now his company is marketing organically produced Doke Teas in North America.
Rajiv, having more than 65 acres of land under tea plantation today, is selling organically produced tea worldwide at a premium price, branding it as “special White teas from the Land of Buddha”.
Five new tea processing units have come up in recent years due to surge in demand and increase in production. However, the high cost of production and equally high demand has pitched the price of Bihar varieties on par with the well known Assam CTC variety.
The potential of tea plantation is huge but the state’s industry department is yet to formulate its Tea Promotion Policy. Higher revenues can only accrue, when state laws help in boosting production. The absence of a favorable state policy still impedes investment by big planters,” said Shadab Ahmed, an entrepreneur involved in the tea business since 2005.
Though the government has laid emphasis on encouraging investments in food-processing and agro-based industries, its involvement to promote the nascent tea industry in Bihar has been lackadaisical, alleges Ahmed.
An official from state’s industry department said the government, under the new industry policy, is providing capital subsidy of 15 per cent (subject to Rs 20 lakh) for setting up tea processing units in Bihar. Apart from this, tea processing units will be given 30 per cent drawback in lieu of sales-tax paid by the units.”
However, the members of Bihar Tea Planters Association are not impressed. They want suitable amendments to the Tea Act, 1953. The Association has also demanded inclusion of an official of the Bihar government in the Tea Board as its member.
Rajkaran Daftari, secretary of the Association, is demanding formulation of a policy on the lines of Assam and West Bengal.
“A Tea Park with modern tea processing and packaging facility should also be setup,” Rajkiran said besides demanding subsidy on equipments related to the plantation and processing of tea.
“Land Ceiling Act is also a great hurdle for tea growers in Bihar,” he added.
“The growers pay nearly Rs 25 lakh as sales tax to the state government. The industry would contribute over Rs 50 lakh as revenue to the state when the GST replaces VAT from April next year,” said an Association member.
Tea plantation in Bihar would not just open a new vista, but also generate employment on a big scale and help augment the economy of the state. A recent survey of the tea industry in Bihar has estimated that it can generate 80.30 lakhs man days of work annually if the potential tea coverage area is doubled.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, on his recent visit to the district, had said that his government was contemplating announcing a policy for the promotion of tea cultivation in this district bordering West Bengal. But nothing concrete has come out.
SOURCE: BARUN ROY
BY DHIRENDRA SINGH
source:www.JaiBihar.com
KISHANGANJ: India has the distinction of being the largest producer and consumer of tea in the world. The North-East region, mainly Assam and West Bengal, produces more than 50 per cent of the total production of the tea in the country. Despite stiff competition and dominance of the Darjeeling and Assam varieties, known all over the world for centuries, Bihar tea is spreading its wings to traditional Indian tea market as well as emerging global market.
Rated as on par with Assam tea, several Bihar brands such as Rajbari tea and Kishanbari tea are emerging as a popular brand among Indian consumers. Today brand Rajbari is identified with quality, consistency and reliability catering diverse variety of authentic Indian black tea. The Rajbari is supplied to the Border Security Force (BSF) throughout West Bengal and Bihar.
The tea gardens of Bihar situated in Kishanganj district, involves over 1000 small and medium planters employing about 30,000 people. As per an estimate Bihar tea weighs over four million kilograms annual market in India.
Kishanganj pioneered tea plantations thanks to the efforts of some enterprising investors who began plantations in 1992-93. The plantations accelerated in 1999 when the Tea Board of India under its “New Area Development Scheme” declared five blocks of – Pothia, Kishanganj, Bahdaurganj, Thakurganj and Dighalbank as “non-traditional area” for growing tea and announced a subsidy of Rs 40, 000 per hectare towards cost of tea plantation.
In 1998, Rajiv Lochan, a tea garden manager, decided to plant new tea bushes on a small plot of land. Many said that the land was ‘useless’. But Rajiv persisted and now his company is marketing organically produced Doke Teas in North America.
Rajiv, having more than 65 acres of land under tea plantation today, is selling organically produced tea worldwide at a premium price, branding it as “special White teas from the Land of Buddha”.
Five new tea processing units have come up in recent years due to surge in demand and increase in production. However, the high cost of production and equally high demand has pitched the price of Bihar varieties on par with the well known Assam CTC variety.
The potential of tea plantation is huge but the state’s industry department is yet to formulate its Tea Promotion Policy. Higher revenues can only accrue, when state laws help in boosting production. The absence of a favorable state policy still impedes investment by big planters,” said Shadab Ahmed, an entrepreneur involved in the tea business since 2005.
Though the government has laid emphasis on encouraging investments in food-processing and agro-based industries, its involvement to promote the nascent tea industry in Bihar has been lackadaisical, alleges Ahmed.
An official from state’s industry department said the government, under the new industry policy, is providing capital subsidy of 15 per cent (subject to Rs 20 lakh) for setting up tea processing units in Bihar. Apart from this, tea processing units will be given 30 per cent drawback in lieu of sales-tax paid by the units.”
However, the members of Bihar Tea Planters Association are not impressed. They want suitable amendments to the Tea Act, 1953. The Association has also demanded inclusion of an official of the Bihar government in the Tea Board as its member.
Rajkaran Daftari, secretary of the Association, is demanding formulation of a policy on the lines of Assam and West Bengal.
“A Tea Park with modern tea processing and packaging facility should also be setup,” Rajkiran said besides demanding subsidy on equipments related to the plantation and processing of tea.
“Land Ceiling Act is also a great hurdle for tea growers in Bihar,” he added.
“The growers pay nearly Rs 25 lakh as sales tax to the state government. The industry would contribute over Rs 50 lakh as revenue to the state when the GST replaces VAT from April next year,” said an Association member.
Tea plantation in Bihar would not just open a new vista, but also generate employment on a big scale and help augment the economy of the state. A recent survey of the tea industry in Bihar has estimated that it can generate 80.30 lakhs man days of work annually if the potential tea coverage area is doubled.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, on his recent visit to the district, had said that his government was contemplating announcing a policy for the promotion of tea cultivation in this district bordering West Bengal. But nothing concrete has come out.
SOURCE: BARUN ROY
LABOUR REFORM NEEDED FOR CREATING MORE JOBS
For 10 million new jobs
India had emerged from the previous economic downturn amid fears of jobless growth. The current re- covery is stronger than the one we saw after the collapse of the tech bubble and should hope- fully create more jobs as well.
The harsh experience of the early naughties should remind us that jobs are not necessarily created in tandem with growth. Public policy has a role to play in ensuring that the employment elasticity of Indian growth is high. India needs at least 10 million new jobs a year--to take care of the annual growth in the labour force and to absorb excess farm labour.
There are three main challenges.
One, the government needs to ensure that there is strong growth in employment- intensive sectors such as tex- tile manufacturing and mod- ern retailing so that the de- mand for labour is strong.
Two, companies will employ workers only if they are well trained and have the requisite skills; a lot needs to be done in primary and technical educa- tion.
Three, the labour markets should not be so rigid that companies prefer to mecha- nize rather than hire new workers.
Not enough is being done on these three fronts. It is disturb- ing to see that essential re- forms such as removing re- strictions on modern retail, better urban land markets to help construction activity and more rational labour laws have completely slipped off the gov- ernment's agenda. Amid all the fashionable talk about inclusive growth, we often forget that the only way countries emerge out of poverty is by the shift of people into modern sectors with access to ma- chines, global markets and the latest management skills.
Development does not come from welfare programmes, however necessary they may be in the short run to bolster the low incomes of the poor. That is the lesson from South Korea, Thai- land, Taiwan, Hong Kong and even China.
Reform of labour laws will be a hot potato that this gov- ernment is unlikely to want to handle. Closing the skills gap is a long haul. That is why the two best ways to accelerate job creation are to create conditions for higher investment and growth, on the one hand, and to unshackle labour-intensive activities such as retailing and construction, on the other.
The government can play a direct role here by funding a massive programme to construct new roads, rail lines, irrigation projects and urban re- generation--these pro- grammes will collectively create millions of jobs for those with few skills.
India had emerged from the previous economic downturn amid fears of jobless growth. The current re- covery is stronger than the one we saw after the collapse of the tech bubble and should hope- fully create more jobs as well.
The harsh experience of the early naughties should remind us that jobs are not necessarily created in tandem with growth. Public policy has a role to play in ensuring that the employment elasticity of Indian growth is high. India needs at least 10 million new jobs a year--to take care of the annual growth in the labour force and to absorb excess farm labour.
There are three main challenges.
One, the government needs to ensure that there is strong growth in employment- intensive sectors such as tex- tile manufacturing and mod- ern retailing so that the de- mand for labour is strong.
Two, companies will employ workers only if they are well trained and have the requisite skills; a lot needs to be done in primary and technical educa- tion.
Three, the labour markets should not be so rigid that companies prefer to mecha- nize rather than hire new workers.
Not enough is being done on these three fronts. It is disturb- ing to see that essential re- forms such as removing re- strictions on modern retail, better urban land markets to help construction activity and more rational labour laws have completely slipped off the gov- ernment's agenda. Amid all the fashionable talk about inclusive growth, we often forget that the only way countries emerge out of poverty is by the shift of people into modern sectors with access to ma- chines, global markets and the latest management skills.
Development does not come from welfare programmes, however necessary they may be in the short run to bolster the low incomes of the poor. That is the lesson from South Korea, Thai- land, Taiwan, Hong Kong and even China.
Reform of labour laws will be a hot potato that this gov- ernment is unlikely to want to handle. Closing the skills gap is a long haul. That is why the two best ways to accelerate job creation are to create conditions for higher investment and growth, on the one hand, and to unshackle labour-intensive activities such as retailing and construction, on the other.
The government can play a direct role here by funding a massive programme to construct new roads, rail lines, irrigation projects and urban re- generation--these pro- grammes will collectively create millions of jobs for those with few skills.
FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT - Make the most of the womenonly benefits
B Y D EEPTI B HASKARAN & D EVESH C HANDRA S RIVASTAVA
Monday was International Women's Day, a day that celebrates social, political and economic strides made by women glob- ally. From being a relative of a male member of the house- hold, she now has a presence on the home nameplate.
On the long road to empow- erment, and perhaps to make this journey easier, the govern- ment and financial institutions have offers to make women feel special. As a woman, you are entitled to certain financial benefits and to be aware about them would also be a firm step towards empowerment. We list some of these here.
Income-tax rates Being a woman, the govern- ment asks you to pay less tax compared with men.
The exemption limit for a woman is Rs1.9 lakh, which means they have to pay no tax on income up to that amount.
On the other hand, the exemp- tion limit for a man is Rs1.6 lakh. So, a woman earning Rs10 lakh per annum would have a tax liability of about Rs1,21,540, assuming all de- ductions have been availed.
Compare this with the tax lia- bility of a man earning the same amount and you will find that he pays Rs3,000 more than the woman.
Anil Rego, CEO and founder, Right Horizons, a financial planning firm, says: "Working women need to look at them- selves as genuine breadwin- ners and should approach planning their finances with the required seriousness and focus. Women have higher tax slabs, which is a big plus, and they can boost their invest- ments with this headstart."
If you are a married couple, you could use the advantage of a higher exemption limit to bring down the total tax liabili- ty of you as a couple. Adds Rego: "Couples who are in the same tax bracket can lower their tax liability if the man claims a higher deduction on their joint investments. Even in cases, where the husband has a higher income, this will work. However, for couples in the 30% tax bracket, it doesn't make much of a difference as to who claims the deduction.
In such cases, the tax liability remains more or less the same." Insurance While there are no defined benefits as such, a woman pays much less than a man due to a variety of reasons. "Women are said to have more longevity then men. Also, a large section of women are not into alcohol consumption and smoking, which are detrimental to in- surance. The difference in pre- mium varies. On an average, for women between 18 years and 30 years, the difference could be in the range of 25-30%. The difference nar- rows as the age increases," says Anand Pejawar, executive director (marketing), SBI Life Insurance Co. Ltd.
If you are working and con- tributing in running the house- hold, you need life insurance and the fact that it comes cheap is a big incentive.
With medical costs galloping ahead of inflation, having suf- ficient health insurance is a must for everyone, let alone a woman. Here, you can score if you have a group health policy offered by your employer. Typ- ically, group policies cover maternity benefits, which most individual health policies do not cover. You may also get maternity benefits under your spouse's group health policy.
A few insurers are also trying to offer this benefit in individ- ual policies. For instance, Apollo Munich Health Insur- ance Co. Ltd covers all mater- nity expenses and also covers the baby from day one. This benefit comes if you have been with the policy for six years. In case of family floater, the wait- ing period is four years.
"The single biggest reason for hospitalization in India is maternity and yet very few re- tail policies cover maternity expenses," says Antony Jacob, CEO, Apollo Munich Health Insurance.
Banking products Here the freebies are more like gimmicks to increase cus- tomer base. Says Hemant Be- niwal, a Jaipur-based financial planner: "Customization hap- pens the most in credit cards, but there are no real benefits to be had. The features do not differ in a big way and the insurance that is offered in these cards are often loaded with fine print."
Among what could really benefit you are loan-related waivers that some banks offer.
For instance, if you take a car loan from Axis Bank Ltd, your interest rate would be 25 basis points less than a normal loan.
Also, 50% of your processing fee will be waived. HDFC Bank Ltd offers a cash-back of Re1 for every Rs200 spent through its Woman's Advantage debit card.
Giving a thrust to education among women, some banks of- fer education loan to women at cheaper rates than men. An education loan for a woman student is cheaper by 0.5-1 percentage point compared with a man in some banks.
This benefit is offered by most public sector banks and a few private sector banks, such as IDBI Bank Ltd.
Real estate There is merit in buying a house in a woman's name. A woman is entitled to pay less stamp duty during the registra- tion of a house, which makes the house that much cheaper.
Stamp duty varies between states.
Says Sachin Vasudev, a Del- hi-based chartered accoun- tant: "Stamp duty may be in single digits, but it can work up a neat number. Women pay lower stamp duty and, there- fore, it benefits to have them as the main applicant or at least a co-applicant. For in- stance, in Delhi, a women need to pay a stamp duty of 4% compared with 6% for men." Sample this: If your apartment costs Rs40 lakh, you would have to shell out Rs1.6 lakh as stamp duty if you are a woman against Rs2.4 lakh if you are a man.
In case it is not possible to buy a property in the name of the woman due to, say, the fact that she is a homemaker, con- sider a joint registration. In this case, the stamp duty rate is somewhere between the rates applicable to the man and the woman. In Delhi, it is 5%, which works to Rs2 lakh.
Discounts related to women in malls and other retail out- lets are common. Go out and make the most of the benefits of being a woman.
deepti.bh@livemint.com
B Y D EEPTI B HASKARAN & D EVESH C HANDRA S RIVASTAVA
Monday was International Women's Day, a day that celebrates social, political and economic strides made by women glob- ally. From being a relative of a male member of the house- hold, she now has a presence on the home nameplate.
On the long road to empow- erment, and perhaps to make this journey easier, the govern- ment and financial institutions have offers to make women feel special. As a woman, you are entitled to certain financial benefits and to be aware about them would also be a firm step towards empowerment. We list some of these here.
Income-tax rates Being a woman, the govern- ment asks you to pay less tax compared with men.
The exemption limit for a woman is Rs1.9 lakh, which means they have to pay no tax on income up to that amount.
On the other hand, the exemp- tion limit for a man is Rs1.6 lakh. So, a woman earning Rs10 lakh per annum would have a tax liability of about Rs1,21,540, assuming all de- ductions have been availed.
Compare this with the tax lia- bility of a man earning the same amount and you will find that he pays Rs3,000 more than the woman.
Anil Rego, CEO and founder, Right Horizons, a financial planning firm, says: "Working women need to look at them- selves as genuine breadwin- ners and should approach planning their finances with the required seriousness and focus. Women have higher tax slabs, which is a big plus, and they can boost their invest- ments with this headstart."
If you are a married couple, you could use the advantage of a higher exemption limit to bring down the total tax liabili- ty of you as a couple. Adds Rego: "Couples who are in the same tax bracket can lower their tax liability if the man claims a higher deduction on their joint investments. Even in cases, where the husband has a higher income, this will work. However, for couples in the 30% tax bracket, it doesn't make much of a difference as to who claims the deduction.
In such cases, the tax liability remains more or less the same." Insurance While there are no defined benefits as such, a woman pays much less than a man due to a variety of reasons. "Women are said to have more longevity then men. Also, a large section of women are not into alcohol consumption and smoking, which are detrimental to in- surance. The difference in pre- mium varies. On an average, for women between 18 years and 30 years, the difference could be in the range of 25-30%. The difference nar- rows as the age increases," says Anand Pejawar, executive director (marketing), SBI Life Insurance Co. Ltd.
If you are working and con- tributing in running the house- hold, you need life insurance and the fact that it comes cheap is a big incentive.
With medical costs galloping ahead of inflation, having suf- ficient health insurance is a must for everyone, let alone a woman. Here, you can score if you have a group health policy offered by your employer. Typ- ically, group policies cover maternity benefits, which most individual health policies do not cover. You may also get maternity benefits under your spouse's group health policy.
A few insurers are also trying to offer this benefit in individ- ual policies. For instance, Apollo Munich Health Insur- ance Co. Ltd covers all mater- nity expenses and also covers the baby from day one. This benefit comes if you have been with the policy for six years. In case of family floater, the wait- ing period is four years.
"The single biggest reason for hospitalization in India is maternity and yet very few re- tail policies cover maternity expenses," says Antony Jacob, CEO, Apollo Munich Health Insurance.
Banking products Here the freebies are more like gimmicks to increase cus- tomer base. Says Hemant Be- niwal, a Jaipur-based financial planner: "Customization hap- pens the most in credit cards, but there are no real benefits to be had. The features do not differ in a big way and the insurance that is offered in these cards are often loaded with fine print."
Among what could really benefit you are loan-related waivers that some banks offer.
For instance, if you take a car loan from Axis Bank Ltd, your interest rate would be 25 basis points less than a normal loan.
Also, 50% of your processing fee will be waived. HDFC Bank Ltd offers a cash-back of Re1 for every Rs200 spent through its Woman's Advantage debit card.
Giving a thrust to education among women, some banks of- fer education loan to women at cheaper rates than men. An education loan for a woman student is cheaper by 0.5-1 percentage point compared with a man in some banks.
This benefit is offered by most public sector banks and a few private sector banks, such as IDBI Bank Ltd.
Real estate There is merit in buying a house in a woman's name. A woman is entitled to pay less stamp duty during the registra- tion of a house, which makes the house that much cheaper.
Stamp duty varies between states.
Says Sachin Vasudev, a Del- hi-based chartered accoun- tant: "Stamp duty may be in single digits, but it can work up a neat number. Women pay lower stamp duty and, there- fore, it benefits to have them as the main applicant or at least a co-applicant. For in- stance, in Delhi, a women need to pay a stamp duty of 4% compared with 6% for men." Sample this: If your apartment costs Rs40 lakh, you would have to shell out Rs1.6 lakh as stamp duty if you are a woman against Rs2.4 lakh if you are a man.
In case it is not possible to buy a property in the name of the woman due to, say, the fact that she is a homemaker, con- sider a joint registration. In this case, the stamp duty rate is somewhere between the rates applicable to the man and the woman. In Delhi, it is 5%, which works to Rs2 lakh.
Discounts related to women in malls and other retail out- lets are common. Go out and make the most of the benefits of being a woman.
deepti.bh@livemint.com
Musthaves for your medicine cabinet
B Y K AVITA D EVGAN
Not all medicines need a prescription, and while you certainly shouldn't make it a habit to self-medicate, there are some over- the-counter (OTC) drugs that are good to have on hand for an emergency. Say, when the dis- comfort is mild enough not to require a house call or hospital visit in the middle of the night, or when the problem is known and the symptom is mild but chronic (in which case, check your best option with your doctor).
Of course, the household medicine cabinet should not be your first or last resort. Do not ignore symptoms that get worse or which persist for more than a couple of days.
Adults' medicine cabinet u For mild fevers, bodyaches and pains from un- usually high exertion (an unaccustomed game of cricket or spring cleaning), paracetamol (sold as Crocin DS, Metacin, etc.) is the ideal medication.
TIP: Avoid self-medicating with drugs that con- tain ibuprofen, as it may cause stomach ulcers or kidney-related problems in some. Also opoids (a group of painkillers) have an addiction potential.
u For acidity or heartburn from spicy food, alcohol or caffeinated drinks, keep an antacid syrup or tablet such as Gelusil MPS, Rantac or Omeprazole--as long as the problem is occasional.
u For nausea or vomiting, tablets such as Domstal, Avomine or Peri- norm may be use- ful. However, some people can be aller- gic to metoclopra- mide (Perinorm) and react badly.
Avomine is best tak- en half an hour be- fore travelling.
u Mild antidiarrhoe Dependal-M, should be on hand; but use cau- tiously in children and the elderly. Also keep ORS (oral rehydration solution) or rehydration salts at home.
NOTE: Persistent diarrhoea or vomiting warrants a visit to the hospital.
u Anti-allergy tablets such as cetirizine or Allegra can be useful for skin allergies, persistent sneezing, and bee or wasp stings.
u Keep a decongestant for adding to hot water, such as menthol drops.
u Keep on hand a mild laxative such as cremaffin.
u An antiseptic lotion or cream for minor cuts and bruises (Savlon or Dettol, or Tbact ointment) is one of the most popular items.
u For minor wounds, Betadine ointment or Sof- ramycin cream will check and treat infection.
u Keep calamine or other soothing lotion (such as Caladryl) for insect bites, stings or sunburn.
u Ointments for pain relief can ease the discomfort of sprains. Try Volini gel.
u Also include ointments for burns: A silver nitrate cream such as Silverex is a good option. Children's medicine cabinet There are different formulations of medicines for different ages. An example is Crocin, available as drops, syrup and suspension for children. The drops are meant for infants, syrup for one- to four-year-olds, and Crocin DS (the suspension) for five years and over. If your doctor suggests a pill, double-check whether it is available in a more age-appropriate formulation for a young child (if not, the doctor may suggest crushing the tablet or emptying a capsule for easier deliv- ery--but leave this to the experts, as mixing with water or other liquids and changing the mode of delivery can influence the efficacy of some medi- cines). Also, make sure to give tablets only with water, or check with your doctor if any other liq- uid will do: Juices, for example, should not be mixed with some drugs.
NOTE: Most of these medicines come in syrup form, which suits the widest age range, but check dosage with your doctor regularly: For children, it depends on body weight, not age.
u Crocin or paracetamol for sudden fevers.
Meftal-P or Combiflam can also be given.
u Benadryl syrup, an antihistamine, is useful for mild allergies. Makes children sleepy too, so good to use at bedtime for non-asthmatic cough.
u Auralgan Otic ear drops are good for sudden ear pain. However, make sure there is no discharge, which might indicate a per- foration and call for a visit to the emer- gency ward.
u Paediatric cough syrups (such as T- minic and Tixylix) or throat-soothing tab- lets, such as Honitus.
u Saline drops (such as NasoClear, Otrivin, Nasivion-P) and a steamer to clear congestion.
u Anti-allergens such as o be kept at home for hay fever and such.
IMPORTANT: Keep an accurate measuring device for liquids. Not every spoon is a standard "table- spoon" or "teaspoon". A syringe marked in "ml" is the most accurate and easy to use. Other options: marked measuring spoons, droppers and cups.
The medicine cabinet should be kept out of reach of children. Accidental ingestion is a common emergency. In Western countries, medications come in childproof containers, but this is not the case in India, so take extra care.
Experts: S.P. Byotra, senior consultant and chair- man, department of medicine, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi; Sunita Maheshwari, senior consultant paediatric cardiologist and head of department, Narayana Hrudayalaya, Bangalore; A.K. Bali, consultant, internal medicine, Moolchand Medcity, New Delhi; Rajiv Chabbra, consultant paediatric and neonatal intensivist, Artemis Health Institute, Gurgaon.
source:mint
B Y K AVITA D EVGAN
Not all medicines need a prescription, and while you certainly shouldn't make it a habit to self-medicate, there are some over- the-counter (OTC) drugs that are good to have on hand for an emergency. Say, when the dis- comfort is mild enough not to require a house call or hospital visit in the middle of the night, or when the problem is known and the symptom is mild but chronic (in which case, check your best option with your doctor).
Of course, the household medicine cabinet should not be your first or last resort. Do not ignore symptoms that get worse or which persist for more than a couple of days.
Adults' medicine cabinet u For mild fevers, bodyaches and pains from un- usually high exertion (an unaccustomed game of cricket or spring cleaning), paracetamol (sold as Crocin DS, Metacin, etc.) is the ideal medication.
TIP: Avoid self-medicating with drugs that con- tain ibuprofen, as it may cause stomach ulcers or kidney-related problems in some. Also opoids (a group of painkillers) have an addiction potential.
u For acidity or heartburn from spicy food, alcohol or caffeinated drinks, keep an antacid syrup or tablet such as Gelusil MPS, Rantac or Omeprazole--as long as the problem is occasional.
u For nausea or vomiting, tablets such as Domstal, Avomine or Peri- norm may be use- ful. However, some people can be aller- gic to metoclopra- mide (Perinorm) and react badly.
Avomine is best tak- en half an hour be- fore travelling.
u Mild antidiarrhoe Dependal-M, should be on hand; but use cau- tiously in children and the elderly. Also keep ORS (oral rehydration solution) or rehydration salts at home.
NOTE: Persistent diarrhoea or vomiting warrants a visit to the hospital.
u Anti-allergy tablets such as cetirizine or Allegra can be useful for skin allergies, persistent sneezing, and bee or wasp stings.
u Keep a decongestant for adding to hot water, such as menthol drops.
u Keep on hand a mild laxative such as cremaffin.
u An antiseptic lotion or cream for minor cuts and bruises (Savlon or Dettol, or Tbact ointment) is one of the most popular items.
u For minor wounds, Betadine ointment or Sof- ramycin cream will check and treat infection.
u Keep calamine or other soothing lotion (such as Caladryl) for insect bites, stings or sunburn.
u Ointments for pain relief can ease the discomfort of sprains. Try Volini gel.
u Also include ointments for burns: A silver nitrate cream such as Silverex is a good option. Children's medicine cabinet There are different formulations of medicines for different ages. An example is Crocin, available as drops, syrup and suspension for children. The drops are meant for infants, syrup for one- to four-year-olds, and Crocin DS (the suspension) for five years and over. If your doctor suggests a pill, double-check whether it is available in a more age-appropriate formulation for a young child (if not, the doctor may suggest crushing the tablet or emptying a capsule for easier deliv- ery--but leave this to the experts, as mixing with water or other liquids and changing the mode of delivery can influence the efficacy of some medi- cines). Also, make sure to give tablets only with water, or check with your doctor if any other liq- uid will do: Juices, for example, should not be mixed with some drugs.
NOTE: Most of these medicines come in syrup form, which suits the widest age range, but check dosage with your doctor regularly: For children, it depends on body weight, not age.
u Crocin or paracetamol for sudden fevers.
Meftal-P or Combiflam can also be given.
u Benadryl syrup, an antihistamine, is useful for mild allergies. Makes children sleepy too, so good to use at bedtime for non-asthmatic cough.
u Auralgan Otic ear drops are good for sudden ear pain. However, make sure there is no discharge, which might indicate a per- foration and call for a visit to the emer- gency ward.
u Paediatric cough syrups (such as T- minic and Tixylix) or throat-soothing tab- lets, such as Honitus.
u Saline drops (such as NasoClear, Otrivin, Nasivion-P) and a steamer to clear congestion.
u Anti-allergens such as o be kept at home for hay fever and such.
IMPORTANT: Keep an accurate measuring device for liquids. Not every spoon is a standard "table- spoon" or "teaspoon". A syringe marked in "ml" is the most accurate and easy to use. Other options: marked measuring spoons, droppers and cups.
The medicine cabinet should be kept out of reach of children. Accidental ingestion is a common emergency. In Western countries, medications come in childproof containers, but this is not the case in India, so take extra care.
Experts: S.P. Byotra, senior consultant and chair- man, department of medicine, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi; Sunita Maheshwari, senior consultant paediatric cardiologist and head of department, Narayana Hrudayalaya, Bangalore; A.K. Bali, consultant, internal medicine, Moolchand Medcity, New Delhi; Rajiv Chabbra, consultant paediatric and neonatal intensivist, Artemis Health Institute, Gurgaon.
source:mint
Monday, March 8, 2010
HIMALAYS: Construction of Border Roads
Out of 61 roads being constructed by Border Roads Organisation (BRO), 43 will be completed on scheduled by 2012. Another nine will be completed by 2013. The remaining nine are likely to be completed by 2018. The reasons for delay are adverse climatic conditions, hard rocks being encountered during construction, delay in obtaining forest and wild life clearances, shortage of manpower and inadequate availability of air effort.
Manpower shortage is reported to be one of the reasons for delay in construction of border roads. The present strength of BRO is 35,987 against authorized strength of 42,636. However steps have been taken to be meet the shortage by recruiting manpower. To expedite the recruitment process, mobile recruitment teams have been constituted at Rishikesh, Pathankot, Jodhpur and Tezpur besides the GREF Centre, Pune. For Group ‘A’ Civil Engineering Cadre officers, a case was also taken up with UPSC for direct recruitment on interview basis.
This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri SS Ramasubbu in Lok Sabha today.
---
Upgradation and development of 73 Sino – Indian border roads is under progress. In addition development of road infrastructure in Northern & Eastern sector is carried out in a holistic and comprehensive manner.
Government has prioritized and is expediting roads and infrastructure development along borders of Northern and Eastern sector for strategic requirements as well as speedy development of this area. It is planned to complete about 18000 kms of road length by 2022.
There are total 93 Forest clearance cases on 61 roads with Border Roads Organisation (out of 73 roads). Government has obtained Forest clearance for 48 cases and in addition Ministry of Environment & Forest (MoEF) has accorded Approval –in-Principle for 21 cases. MoEF and State Forest Departments are being regularly pursued for finalization of balance 24 cases. All these roads are targeted for completion by 2013.
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) adheres to all the guidelines of the Ministry of Environment & Forest, e.g adequate amount is paid for compensatory afforestation, alternative alignment is taken to avoid dense forest/wildlife, muck is not dumped in river etc.
This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri M Raja Mohan Reddy and others in Lok Sabha today.
Out of 61 roads being constructed by Border Roads Organisation (BRO), 43 will be completed on scheduled by 2012. Another nine will be completed by 2013. The remaining nine are likely to be completed by 2018. The reasons for delay are adverse climatic conditions, hard rocks being encountered during construction, delay in obtaining forest and wild life clearances, shortage of manpower and inadequate availability of air effort.
Manpower shortage is reported to be one of the reasons for delay in construction of border roads. The present strength of BRO is 35,987 against authorized strength of 42,636. However steps have been taken to be meet the shortage by recruiting manpower. To expedite the recruitment process, mobile recruitment teams have been constituted at Rishikesh, Pathankot, Jodhpur and Tezpur besides the GREF Centre, Pune. For Group ‘A’ Civil Engineering Cadre officers, a case was also taken up with UPSC for direct recruitment on interview basis.
This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri SS Ramasubbu in Lok Sabha today.
---
Upgradation and development of 73 Sino – Indian border roads is under progress. In addition development of road infrastructure in Northern & Eastern sector is carried out in a holistic and comprehensive manner.
Government has prioritized and is expediting roads and infrastructure development along borders of Northern and Eastern sector for strategic requirements as well as speedy development of this area. It is planned to complete about 18000 kms of road length by 2022.
There are total 93 Forest clearance cases on 61 roads with Border Roads Organisation (out of 73 roads). Government has obtained Forest clearance for 48 cases and in addition Ministry of Environment & Forest (MoEF) has accorded Approval –in-Principle for 21 cases. MoEF and State Forest Departments are being regularly pursued for finalization of balance 24 cases. All these roads are targeted for completion by 2013.
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) adheres to all the guidelines of the Ministry of Environment & Forest, e.g adequate amount is paid for compensatory afforestation, alternative alignment is taken to avoid dense forest/wildlife, muck is not dumped in river etc.
This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri M Raja Mohan Reddy and others in Lok Sabha today.
India: Increase of Forest Cover
The forest cover of the country has increased by 728 square kilometer as compared to State of Forest Report, 2005.This has been stated in the last report of Forest Survey of India titled India States of Forest Report 2009 (ISFR 2009).The Ministry of Environment & Forests has been extending financial assistance to States and Union Territories for afforestation with the aim to enhance forest cover under various schemes of National Afforestation & Eco-Development Board.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment and Forests (independent charge) Shri Jairam Ramesh in a written reply to a question by Prof. Saif-Ud-Soz in Rajya Sabha today.
The forest cover of the country has increased by 728 square kilometer as compared to State of Forest Report, 2005.This has been stated in the last report of Forest Survey of India titled India States of Forest Report 2009 (ISFR 2009).The Ministry of Environment & Forests has been extending financial assistance to States and Union Territories for afforestation with the aim to enhance forest cover under various schemes of National Afforestation & Eco-Development Board.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment and Forests (independent charge) Shri Jairam Ramesh in a written reply to a question by Prof. Saif-Ud-Soz in Rajya Sabha today.
Controversy on melting of Himalayan Glaciers
The Fourth Assessment Report of IPCC in its Report of Working Group II on Impact, Adaptation and Vulnerability published in 2007 has provided information that glaciers in Himalaya are receding faster than in any other part of the world. If the present rate continues, the likelihood of them disappearing by the year 2035 and perhaps sooner is very high if the earth keeps warming. In this context, IPCC has stated that clear and well established standards of evidence required by the IPCC procedures, were not applied properly in drafting the paragraph on the subject in question.
Government encourages discussions based on scientific findings on such issues. The Ministry of Environment and Forests has published a discussion paper titled “Himalayan Glaciers: A state –of-Art Review of Glacial Studies, Glacial Retreat and Climate Change, which notes that glaciers have retreated throughout history as part of a natural cyclic phenomenon.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment and Forests (independent charge) Shri Jairam Ramesh in a written reply to a question by Shri. Shantaram Laxman Naik in Rajya Sabha today.
KP
The Fourth Assessment Report of IPCC in its Report of Working Group II on Impact, Adaptation and Vulnerability published in 2007 has provided information that glaciers in Himalaya are receding faster than in any other part of the world. If the present rate continues, the likelihood of them disappearing by the year 2035 and perhaps sooner is very high if the earth keeps warming. In this context, IPCC has stated that clear and well established standards of evidence required by the IPCC procedures, were not applied properly in drafting the paragraph on the subject in question.
Government encourages discussions based on scientific findings on such issues. The Ministry of Environment and Forests has published a discussion paper titled “Himalayan Glaciers: A state –of-Art Review of Glacial Studies, Glacial Retreat and Climate Change, which notes that glaciers have retreated throughout history as part of a natural cyclic phenomenon.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment and Forests (independent charge) Shri Jairam Ramesh in a written reply to a question by Shri. Shantaram Laxman Naik in Rajya Sabha today.
KP
WORK ON 3300 CRORES RAILWAY PROJECT TO SIKKIM COMMENCES
SIKKIM:Work commences on new Railway Line Connecting Sikkim
Work on construction of new Railway link connecting North Bengal to Sikkim commenced on 20th February 2010 with ground breaking ceremony, which was attended by Shri Shiv Kumar, General Manager, Northeast Frontier Railway, Senior Officers of Northeast Frontier Railway and Ircon International Limited, a Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Railways.
The work is being executed by Ircon International Limited, which is having vast experience of construction of mega railway projects in India and abroad, including the construction of railway line in Jammu & Kashmir which offers similar challenges.
The proposed railway line passes through the foothills of Kanchanjungha mountain range and Tiesta river valley. The alignment connecting Rangpo from Sivok is 44.4 Km long, more than 70 per cent of which will be through tunnels. The work also involves spanning of deep gorges/valleys with likely bridge pier height more than that of Qutab Minar.
The project cost is estimated to be approximately Rs. 3300 crore. The work is expected to be completed in 5 years period. When completed, this project will greatly improve the connectivity to Sikkim and will be of great boost to the State's economy as well as tourism.
Work on construction of new Railway link connecting North Bengal to Sikkim commenced on 20th February 2010 with ground breaking ceremony, which was attended by Shri Shiv Kumar, General Manager, Northeast Frontier Railway, Senior Officers of Northeast Frontier Railway and Ircon International Limited, a Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Railways.
The work is being executed by Ircon International Limited, which is having vast experience of construction of mega railway projects in India and abroad, including the construction of railway line in Jammu & Kashmir which offers similar challenges.
The proposed railway line passes through the foothills of Kanchanjungha mountain range and Tiesta river valley. The alignment connecting Rangpo from Sivok is 44.4 Km long, more than 70 per cent of which will be through tunnels. The work also involves spanning of deep gorges/valleys with likely bridge pier height more than that of Qutab Minar.
The project cost is estimated to be approximately Rs. 3300 crore. The work is expected to be completed in 5 years period. When completed, this project will greatly improve the connectivity to Sikkim and will be of great boost to the State's economy as well as tourism.
On International women's day
Every year, International Women's Day is celebrated in various countries across the world. For women in countries across the globe, it is an occasion that celebrates their spirit and their role in the society. It honors the struggle, the tireless hard work and contribution of all women in their respective fields everywhere in the world and signifies their freedom, rights, and recognition in a patriarchal order.The day when we pay a tribute and hand over small gifts of appreciation to our mothers, sisters and all females who are a part of our lives.
Whether men like to admit it or not, women make this world go round.
Enjoy this ppt-"TRIBUTE TO ALL WOMEN"and make the women in your life feel special today.
HAPPY WOMENS DAY
Happiness always,
Aarti Sarda, Manipal,Karnatka.
Every year, International Women's Day is celebrated in various countries across the world. For women in countries across the globe, it is an occasion that celebrates their spirit and their role in the society. It honors the struggle, the tireless hard work and contribution of all women in their respective fields everywhere in the world and signifies their freedom, rights, and recognition in a patriarchal order.The day when we pay a tribute and hand over small gifts of appreciation to our mothers, sisters and all females who are a part of our lives.
Whether men like to admit it or not, women make this world go round.
Enjoy this ppt-"TRIBUTE TO ALL WOMEN"and make the women in your life feel special today.
HAPPY WOMENS DAY
Happiness always,
Aarti Sarda, Manipal,Karnatka.
Sikkim emerges top spender in tourism
New Delhi, Mar 7 (PTI) Sikkim has emerged as topper in utilising maximum funds in tourism infrastructure in the Eleventh Five Year Plan.
The small hilly state has spent Rs 163.44 crores, which is a maximum utilisation of funds by any state in tourism projects upto September 2009.
Sikkim is followed by Jammu and Kashmir which has spent Rs 141.70 crores for the development of tourism in the state.
"Sikkim is the top state in utilising maximum funds in tourism projects. It has recently undertaken three heliport projects," said Tourism Secretary Sujit Banerjee.
Beside Sikkim and Kashmir, according to the statistics prepared by the Tourism Ministry, Andhra Pradesh (Rs 129.82 crores), Madhya Pradesh (Rs 113.77 cr) and Karnataka (Rs 90.67 cr) also figure in the top ten states in terms of utilising funds in tourism projects.
New Delhi, Mar 7 (PTI) Sikkim has emerged as topper in utilising maximum funds in tourism infrastructure in the Eleventh Five Year Plan.
The small hilly state has spent Rs 163.44 crores, which is a maximum utilisation of funds by any state in tourism projects upto September 2009.
Sikkim is followed by Jammu and Kashmir which has spent Rs 141.70 crores for the development of tourism in the state.
"Sikkim is the top state in utilising maximum funds in tourism projects. It has recently undertaken three heliport projects," said Tourism Secretary Sujit Banerjee.
Beside Sikkim and Kashmir, according to the statistics prepared by the Tourism Ministry, Andhra Pradesh (Rs 129.82 crores), Madhya Pradesh (Rs 113.77 cr) and Karnataka (Rs 90.67 cr) also figure in the top ten states in terms of utilising funds in tourism projects.
NORTH EAST INCLUDING SIKKIM TO GET MORE CONNECTIVITY
NEW DELHI: The government has begun an ambitious programme to wire up the entire northeast and remote border regions with telecom, wimax and
broadband connectivity and unleash an IT revolution in the region, says Minister of State for IT and Communications Sachin Pilot.
"I believe that the northeast can become a big centre for attracting investments from the private sector - in business process outsourcing (BPOs), knowledge process outsourcing," Pilot, 32, told IANS during an exclusive interaction at the IANS office here.
"Young people there have a lot of talent and are easier to train and impart skills to for this kind of work. If we can have rural BPOs then I am sure we can have BPOs in the northeast," he added.
A bulk of the money under what is called universal service obligation fund, collected by the government from private players to meet the demands of rural connectivity, will be deployed in the northeast, he said.
At the start of this fiscal, more than Rs.18,000 crore ($3.6 billion) was available under this fund.
On a mission to do a "lot more" in the northeast that "has not been done so far", Pilot said Assam, for example, will see optical fibre cables laid across the state -- seen as a must for large data transfers required by such service providers.
"We are launching optical fibre cables at the panchayat level in Assam soon. This will be the first state in India to have it," Pilot said, adding Wimax services had already been unveiled there last month.
"We launched Wimax in Chaygaon, on the outskirts of Guwahati in Assam. It's a wireless, high speed internet broadband connectivity -- such that people living in a radius of 15 kilometres can access the internet easily," he said.
Moving beyond Assam, Pilot said the government is also planning a software parks project at Itanagar in Arunachal Pradesh, which will be an export-oriented scheme for developing computer software and extending related professional services.
"I have already met the chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh. We are hoping to start this project soon. The state will then have a lot more money from the government of India, which it can't afford now," he said.
India's northeastern region covers the states of Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim.
Pilot said he is also planning to give the satellite phone facilities to villages in the northeast, which are cut off from others due to their location, along with a much-subsidised tariff.
"There are some places of Arunachal Pradesh, which are 12,000 feet to 14,000 feet high -- no spectrum, no mobile phones. Therefore, besides the paramilitary forces, I am trying to give satellite phones to these villages and reduce the call charges," he said.
In Sikkim, Pilot said, the IT ministry has helped in the setting up of a small business process unit and launched 3G services through the state-run Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd.
"The chief minister of Sikkim wanted to set up a 50-seat unit through an entrepreneur. So, we not only gave them connectivity but also gave it to them at one-fourth the cost. We also launched 3G services there," the minister said.
"I want that all the states of the northeast to feel as involved in what's happening in New Delhi and Mumbai in terms of new innovative ideas
NEW DELHI: The government has begun an ambitious programme to wire up the entire northeast and remote border regions with telecom, wimax and
broadband connectivity and unleash an IT revolution in the region, says Minister of State for IT and Communications Sachin Pilot.
"I believe that the northeast can become a big centre for attracting investments from the private sector - in business process outsourcing (BPOs), knowledge process outsourcing," Pilot, 32, told IANS during an exclusive interaction at the IANS office here.
"Young people there have a lot of talent and are easier to train and impart skills to for this kind of work. If we can have rural BPOs then I am sure we can have BPOs in the northeast," he added.
A bulk of the money under what is called universal service obligation fund, collected by the government from private players to meet the demands of rural connectivity, will be deployed in the northeast, he said.
At the start of this fiscal, more than Rs.18,000 crore ($3.6 billion) was available under this fund.
On a mission to do a "lot more" in the northeast that "has not been done so far", Pilot said Assam, for example, will see optical fibre cables laid across the state -- seen as a must for large data transfers required by such service providers.
"We are launching optical fibre cables at the panchayat level in Assam soon. This will be the first state in India to have it," Pilot said, adding Wimax services had already been unveiled there last month.
"We launched Wimax in Chaygaon, on the outskirts of Guwahati in Assam. It's a wireless, high speed internet broadband connectivity -- such that people living in a radius of 15 kilometres can access the internet easily," he said.
Moving beyond Assam, Pilot said the government is also planning a software parks project at Itanagar in Arunachal Pradesh, which will be an export-oriented scheme for developing computer software and extending related professional services.
"I have already met the chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh. We are hoping to start this project soon. The state will then have a lot more money from the government of India, which it can't afford now," he said.
India's northeastern region covers the states of Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim.
Pilot said he is also planning to give the satellite phone facilities to villages in the northeast, which are cut off from others due to their location, along with a much-subsidised tariff.
"There are some places of Arunachal Pradesh, which are 12,000 feet to 14,000 feet high -- no spectrum, no mobile phones. Therefore, besides the paramilitary forces, I am trying to give satellite phones to these villages and reduce the call charges," he said.
In Sikkim, Pilot said, the IT ministry has helped in the setting up of a small business process unit and launched 3G services through the state-run Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd.
"The chief minister of Sikkim wanted to set up a 50-seat unit through an entrepreneur. So, we not only gave them connectivity but also gave it to them at one-fourth the cost. We also launched 3G services there," the minister said.
"I want that all the states of the northeast to feel as involved in what's happening in New Delhi and Mumbai in terms of new innovative ideas
KEEP SHOES OUTSIDE BED ROOM
Household dust 'a potpourri of toxins'
Most of the floor dust is actually tracked in from the outside and may contain potentially harmful substances, says the study. Dew drops hanging on to the cobwebs and dust on a mesh form amazing patterns.
Everyday household dust is a blend of harmful substances including lead and arsenic, a new study has revealed.
A 2009 study from the University of Arizona, appearing in Environmental Science & Technology, says most of the floor dust is actually tracked in from the outside and may contain potentially harmful substances.
The scientists first derived a formula to calculate the amount of outdoor soil and airborne particles that gets mixed with indoor dust.
Thereafter, using their mathematical model they found that around 60 per cent of floor dust comes from soil stuck on shoes. And if one’s house is near a contaminated Superfund site or industrial plant, this dirt could be a potpourri of toxins. “Although we’ve conducted a small pilot project to collect our own data to validate the model presented in this study, the next step would be to conduct a larger study where we’d collect data from several households,” Discovery News quoted Paloma Beamer, an environmental scientist at the University of Arizona, as saying.
Beamer went on: “Ideally, we’d also like to see if participants could collect their own samples.” Gary Holub, a spokesperson for Health Canada, which is conducting the Canadian House Dust Study, a separate, ongoing, four-year project, pointed out that indoor material also adds to indoor dusts’ metal content.
Holub said, “In addition to the outdoor sources listed in the University of Arizona study model, we’ve observed that indoor sources also contribute significantly to metal content of indoor dust.
“But the relative contributions of outdoor and indoor sources are highly variable.” Both Holub and Beamer believe kids are more at risk from indoor dust.
Holub said, “Indoor dust can be swallowed by young children through normal hand-to-mouth activities, and in that way, they can become exposed to any chemicals which are in the dust.” According to the University of Arizona study, the amount of lead particles in floor dust is a key determinant of children’s blood-lead levels.
The Arizona study also spelt out simple measures to prevent dust from settling indoors.
Beamer said, “You could consider leaving your shoes outside the door, and you can vacuum with a HEPA vacuum, especially ones equipped with a dirt detector.
“You can wet dust rather than dry dust, and you should also change your air conditioning filters regularly.” Beamer added.
Most of the floor dust is actually tracked in from the outside and may contain potentially harmful substances, says the study. Dew drops hanging on to the cobwebs and dust on a mesh form amazing patterns.
Everyday household dust is a blend of harmful substances including lead and arsenic, a new study has revealed.
A 2009 study from the University of Arizona, appearing in Environmental Science & Technology, says most of the floor dust is actually tracked in from the outside and may contain potentially harmful substances.
The scientists first derived a formula to calculate the amount of outdoor soil and airborne particles that gets mixed with indoor dust.
Thereafter, using their mathematical model they found that around 60 per cent of floor dust comes from soil stuck on shoes. And if one’s house is near a contaminated Superfund site or industrial plant, this dirt could be a potpourri of toxins. “Although we’ve conducted a small pilot project to collect our own data to validate the model presented in this study, the next step would be to conduct a larger study where we’d collect data from several households,” Discovery News quoted Paloma Beamer, an environmental scientist at the University of Arizona, as saying.
Beamer went on: “Ideally, we’d also like to see if participants could collect their own samples.” Gary Holub, a spokesperson for Health Canada, which is conducting the Canadian House Dust Study, a separate, ongoing, four-year project, pointed out that indoor material also adds to indoor dusts’ metal content.
Holub said, “In addition to the outdoor sources listed in the University of Arizona study model, we’ve observed that indoor sources also contribute significantly to metal content of indoor dust.
“But the relative contributions of outdoor and indoor sources are highly variable.” Both Holub and Beamer believe kids are more at risk from indoor dust.
Holub said, “Indoor dust can be swallowed by young children through normal hand-to-mouth activities, and in that way, they can become exposed to any chemicals which are in the dust.” According to the University of Arizona study, the amount of lead particles in floor dust is a key determinant of children’s blood-lead levels.
The Arizona study also spelt out simple measures to prevent dust from settling indoors.
Beamer said, “You could consider leaving your shoes outside the door, and you can vacuum with a HEPA vacuum, especially ones equipped with a dirt detector.
“You can wet dust rather than dry dust, and you should also change your air conditioning filters regularly.” Beamer added.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Companies present proposals for tourism development programmes
GANGTOK, March 6: Four private companies today presented proposals for various tourism development programmes planned in Sikkim as part of the State’s initiative to make Sikkim a world class tourist destination.
During a meeting chaired by State Tourism Minister Bhim Dhungel along with Dentam MLA and attended by officers of the department and consultants today, the Conveyor and Ropeway Services of Kolkata made a presentation on Tsomgo Ropeway in East District. Presentation on Tenzing Hillary Park in West District was also made by Archtech Ltd of Kolkata followed by presentation of feasibility report study to be undertaken at Bhaleydhunga by M/S Virendra Khanna & Associates of New Delhi and on IT mobile information technology by M/S Tech Chilly Consultants from Bangalore.
A detailed review of the progress of Ropeway at Namchi with officials of Damodar Ropeways was also conducted.
These projects, it is informed have been aimed at making Sikkim a world class tourist destination. The State Government has also been working on development of already existing infrastructure as well as new destinations.
“Areas which are unexplored and having a vast tourism potential are being identified and developed which will in the long run provide sustainable economic growth. While developing the areas the department has given stress on environmental protection and the local traditions and culture are being given utmost importance,” state tourism secretary SBS Bhadauria said in a press release issued today. He added that capacity building programmes conducted by the department have created a skilled manpower which enables them for self sustenance and self employment in these areas. “Each area of Sikkim offers unique culture and tradition with a landscape having their own identity. Development of these areas, while keeping the unique architecture intact, will give Sikkim a distinct image, the secretary said.
source:sikkim express
GANGTOK, March 6: Four private companies today presented proposals for various tourism development programmes planned in Sikkim as part of the State’s initiative to make Sikkim a world class tourist destination.
During a meeting chaired by State Tourism Minister Bhim Dhungel along with Dentam MLA and attended by officers of the department and consultants today, the Conveyor and Ropeway Services of Kolkata made a presentation on Tsomgo Ropeway in East District. Presentation on Tenzing Hillary Park in West District was also made by Archtech Ltd of Kolkata followed by presentation of feasibility report study to be undertaken at Bhaleydhunga by M/S Virendra Khanna & Associates of New Delhi and on IT mobile information technology by M/S Tech Chilly Consultants from Bangalore.
A detailed review of the progress of Ropeway at Namchi with officials of Damodar Ropeways was also conducted.
These projects, it is informed have been aimed at making Sikkim a world class tourist destination. The State Government has also been working on development of already existing infrastructure as well as new destinations.
“Areas which are unexplored and having a vast tourism potential are being identified and developed which will in the long run provide sustainable economic growth. While developing the areas the department has given stress on environmental protection and the local traditions and culture are being given utmost importance,” state tourism secretary SBS Bhadauria said in a press release issued today. He added that capacity building programmes conducted by the department have created a skilled manpower which enables them for self sustenance and self employment in these areas. “Each area of Sikkim offers unique culture and tradition with a landscape having their own identity. Development of these areas, while keeping the unique architecture intact, will give Sikkim a distinct image, the secretary said.
source:sikkim express
SC-ST migrants to Maharashtra after 1950 can’t get reservation: HC
PTI
In an important ruling, a full bench of the Bombay High Court has held that the persons who migrated to Maharashtra after 1950 cannot get the benefit of reservations for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
Due to difference of opinion between two benches of High Court as to how the Supreme Court’s 1990 decision in ‘Mari Chadrasshekhar Rao Vs. Dean of G.S. Medical College’ should be interpreted, a three—member bench of Justice F. I. Rebello, Justice D. Y. Chandrachud and Justice J. H. Bhatia had been specially set up.
The High Court ruled last week that “a migrant belonging to a SC, not ordinarily resident as on 10.3.1950 in the area that now constitutes the State of Maharashtra and in the case of a case of ST, on 6.9.1950, would not be entitled to benefits of reservation in Maharashtra.”
“They and their progeny will continue to get the benefits of reservation in the State of origin,” the court observed.
The court held that if this proposition wasn’t accepted, then all persons living in erstwhile Bombay state (which existed prior to creation of Maharashtra in 1960), would get reservation benefits in Maharashtra, thought they might not be living in present geographical boundaries of Maharashtra in 1950, when various castes and tribes were notified as SC or ST.
Such a situation can arise because Bombay State comprised parts of present-day Karnataka and Gujarat too.
“This would increase the population of SCs and STs for Maharashtra, and would deny to the members of the STs ordinarily resident in Maharashtra,” the High Court said.
“The benefits of reservation as they would have to share the same with ST from other States which formed the erstwhile State of Bombay as on 1—8—1950,” the High Court noted, ruling that such an interpretation of Supreme Court judgement is not possible.
PTI
In an important ruling, a full bench of the Bombay High Court has held that the persons who migrated to Maharashtra after 1950 cannot get the benefit of reservations for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
Due to difference of opinion between two benches of High Court as to how the Supreme Court’s 1990 decision in ‘Mari Chadrasshekhar Rao Vs. Dean of G.S. Medical College’ should be interpreted, a three—member bench of Justice F. I. Rebello, Justice D. Y. Chandrachud and Justice J. H. Bhatia had been specially set up.
The High Court ruled last week that “a migrant belonging to a SC, not ordinarily resident as on 10.3.1950 in the area that now constitutes the State of Maharashtra and in the case of a case of ST, on 6.9.1950, would not be entitled to benefits of reservation in Maharashtra.”
“They and their progeny will continue to get the benefits of reservation in the State of origin,” the court observed.
The court held that if this proposition wasn’t accepted, then all persons living in erstwhile Bombay state (which existed prior to creation of Maharashtra in 1960), would get reservation benefits in Maharashtra, thought they might not be living in present geographical boundaries of Maharashtra in 1950, when various castes and tribes were notified as SC or ST.
Such a situation can arise because Bombay State comprised parts of present-day Karnataka and Gujarat too.
“This would increase the population of SCs and STs for Maharashtra, and would deny to the members of the STs ordinarily resident in Maharashtra,” the High Court said.
“The benefits of reservation as they would have to share the same with ST from other States which formed the erstwhile State of Bombay as on 1—8—1950,” the High Court noted, ruling that such an interpretation of Supreme Court judgement is not possible.
North East India:Concessions for setting up medical colleges in NE: Azad
Special concessions have been granted to encourage setting up of medical colleges by private parties in the North Eastern states, union minister for Health and Family Welfare Gulam Nabi Azad said today.
“We have reduced the minimum area requirement for a medical college from 25 acre to 20 acre. The requisite bed capacity has been brought down from 300 to 200,” Mr. Azad said.
Besides, requisite ‘bed occupancy’ has been reduced from 80 per cent to 60 per cent and number of required laboratories from 14 to six.
These concessions, he said, would encourage private parties from setting up more medical colleges in the region.
The health minister said the government would be setting up a dozen nursing colleges in the region in the next two years.
Maintaining that the government as well as private health institutions were facing a shortage of faculty, Mr. Azad said his ministry has taken a number of initiatives in the last six months to increase the human resource.
“There are more teachers available for the students now. We have also added an additional 3800 PG seats in the government sector in this academic year,” he said
Special concessions have been granted to encourage setting up of medical colleges by private parties in the North Eastern states, union minister for Health and Family Welfare Gulam Nabi Azad said today.
“We have reduced the minimum area requirement for a medical college from 25 acre to 20 acre. The requisite bed capacity has been brought down from 300 to 200,” Mr. Azad said.
Besides, requisite ‘bed occupancy’ has been reduced from 80 per cent to 60 per cent and number of required laboratories from 14 to six.
These concessions, he said, would encourage private parties from setting up more medical colleges in the region.
The health minister said the government would be setting up a dozen nursing colleges in the region in the next two years.
Maintaining that the government as well as private health institutions were facing a shortage of faculty, Mr. Azad said his ministry has taken a number of initiatives in the last six months to increase the human resource.
“There are more teachers available for the students now. We have also added an additional 3800 PG seats in the government sector in this academic year,” he said
Brahmaputra Board plan on Teesta river
Brahmaputra Board has undertaken preparation of Master Plan on river Teesta in Darjeeling district of West Bengal and investigation is currently under way.
Divulging this in a Rajya Sabha reply, Minister of State for Water Resources Vincent H Pala, however, denied that any scheme submitted by West Bengal Government to Brahmaputra Board is pending with the Central Government.
The various types of works in respect of development schemes and flood prevention schemes pertaining to Teesta, Balson and Mahananda are not covered under master plans prepared by Brahmaputra Board,” he said.
Brahmaputra Board has undertaken preparation of Master Plan on river Teesta in Darjeeling district of West Bengal and investigation is currently under way.
Divulging this in a Rajya Sabha reply, Minister of State for Water Resources Vincent H Pala, however, denied that any scheme submitted by West Bengal Government to Brahmaputra Board is pending with the Central Government.
The various types of works in respect of development schemes and flood prevention schemes pertaining to Teesta, Balson and Mahananda are not covered under master plans prepared by Brahmaputra Board,” he said.
SIKKIM:Reforms for effective administrative system discussed
GANGTOK, March 5 (IPR): A meeting chaired by Chairman, Administrative Reform Commission, Government of Sikkim KS Rao was held at the conference hall of District Administration Centre Gangtok on March 5.
Addressing the meeting, Mr. Rao said that the meeting was being held to discuss about the present administration system and also to bring about some reforms for an effective administration system for the people of Sikkim duly keeping in mind the vision of the Chief Minister.
He urged the officials to be diligent in their duties. Mr. Rao also highlighted the role and functioning of Government machinery in the state and stressed on regular supervision and inspection by the authorities in their respective departments. He inspected the entire East District Administration Centre accompanied by the designated officials of East District.
The meeting was also attended by Additional District Magistrate, Superintendent of Police, District Development Officer, Sub-Divisional Magistrates and official representatives of various other departments.
source:sikkim Express
GANGTOK, March 5 (IPR): A meeting chaired by Chairman, Administrative Reform Commission, Government of Sikkim KS Rao was held at the conference hall of District Administration Centre Gangtok on March 5.
Addressing the meeting, Mr. Rao said that the meeting was being held to discuss about the present administration system and also to bring about some reforms for an effective administration system for the people of Sikkim duly keeping in mind the vision of the Chief Minister.
He urged the officials to be diligent in their duties. Mr. Rao also highlighted the role and functioning of Government machinery in the state and stressed on regular supervision and inspection by the authorities in their respective departments. He inspected the entire East District Administration Centre accompanied by the designated officials of East District.
The meeting was also attended by Additional District Magistrate, Superintendent of Police, District Development Officer, Sub-Divisional Magistrates and official representatives of various other departments.
source:sikkim Express
Bangladesh perspective
Bangladesh perspective
by Air Cdre (Retd) Ishfaq Ilahi Choudhury, ndc, psc
BANGLADESH, lying between the Himalayas in the north and the Bay of Bengal in the south, offers the only land route connecting South and Southeast Asia. Any invasion into South Asia from the East must pass through Bangladesh; the Japanese tried to do just that in the World War II. The British colonization of India also started from Bengal when the Bay of Bengal became the point of ingress. Bangladesh's close proximity to both India and China, two rising power in the 21st century, adds to its geographic importance.
India shares more than 3000 km of border with Bangladesh. The border is well demarcated except few stretches totalling about 9 km that remains unresolved due mainly to lack of political will. India envelops Bangladesh on three sides; similarly, Bangladesh almost dissects the north-eastern India from the heartland.
Lying only 30 miles north of Bangladesh is the strategically important Nathu La pass that connects India with China through Tibet. Despite rapprochement with India, the Chinese have not recognized the so-called “McMahon Line” or renounced claim on the Indian state of Arunachal. Thus, in the unlikely event of an India-China conflict, the access to or denial of the use of Bangladesh territory to the belligerent forces will be of utmost strategic importance. As India becomes an economic powerhouse its need for shorter, faster, and more diverse means of communication between the northeast and the rest of India becomes more urgent and therefore, the need to transit across Bangladesh.
Although Bangladesh-Myanmar land border is demarcated, inflow of minority Arakanese refugees has been a source of tension for many years. The Bay of Bengal spans the vital maritime route between SE Asia and ME. Bangladesh has vital interest in the Bay, but its neighbours - India and Myanmar - dispute its maritime boundary claim. Unless resolved amicably, the maritime boundary issue could be a serious irritant in inter-state relations.
Water and Energy: Bangladesh's primary strategic concerns
While the demand for fresh water continues to rise in Bangladesh, as elsewhere in the world, its supply dwindles. Some of the major rivers are being diverted upstream in India. The Ganges or Tista, once mighty rivers, have reduced to trickles. Lack of information from India regarding proposed Tipaimukh dam over the Barak has been a concern for Bangladesh.
The Chinese government's plan to divert the Brahmaputra could be a major issue affecting millions in India and Bangladesh. Unless the riparian countries join together to ensure optimum use of water, there is the likelihood of conflict and tension in the region in future. Our industrial growth continues to suffer due to shortage of electricity. Meanwhile, a regional power grid could be established to import power from countries such as India, Nepal and Bhutan, which have great potential for hydroelectricity.
Water and energy could be the two most important areas of regional cooperation or confrontation.
Bangladesh's national security priorities
Based on the discussion so far, it can be concluded that the danger of Bangladesh getting involved in an armed conflict with either India or Myanmar or with a country beyond the border is remote. Bangladesh's grievances with India could be addressed if the Mujib-Indira Pact of 1973 is implemented. Although the Maritime boundary has not yet been demarcated, the negotiation is already on with Myanmar and India, the prognosis so far is that a negotiated settlement will be arrived at with the spirit of compromise and cooperation. It is important for us to remember that rivers are the common heritage of mankind and an equitable share of the resources would benefit us all.
On the non-traditional front, however, there are quite a few challenges. The first is the threat of terrorist activities inside the country and across the border. All the SAARC countries have recognized this and they have signed a number of protocols to that effect. In the past, the Indians alleged that separatists from NE states used Bangladesh territory as sanctuary and even used our territory to smuggle in arms and ammunition. Bangladesh continued to deny their presence here. It is now alleged that some top-ranking security officials of Bangladesh were involved in the process. That is indeed deplorable, if true. These are the issues that we need to take care of for the future. In this respect the suggestion put forward by our PM to create a Counter Terrorism Task Force manned by security personnel from all South Asian countries will be a step in the right direction.
The neighbours have viewed Bangladesh's population as a possible security concern. But the good news here is that as the economy prospered and education spread, the population growth reduced. Since 1971, the population has doubled but per capita income has gone up nearly seven times. Instead of being afraid of hungry mass migrating across the border, our neighbours, India and Myanmar should invest here and enter into greater economic activities to the mutual benefit of all so that the people have no incentive to leave. One of our biggest security insurance would be to turn Bangladesh into a regional hub of transportation, transhipment, and transit that would attract investment and boost national economy. A powerful economy means a robust national security.
Bangladesh military and national security
Bangladesh armed forces are to provide a robust response to traditional security threats whenever and from whatever sources those appear. Building up an army, air or naval force is a long drawn out affair. Just because we do not have a threat in sight does not mean we have no need of an armed force. The purpose of the military is to ensure that the threat is not allowed to develop and nipped in the bud. A standing military provides quick response to crush the threat before it gains an upper hand. Our armed forces must be able to inflict sufficient damage to an aggressor to deter him from launching an attack in the first place, what is called deterrence capability. Given the financial resources that are made available now for the military, we would be able to further develop our forces to meet the challenges that might appear.
In the non-traditional sphere, we already have the threat of religious extremists who want to establish an Islamic state by violent means. We also have the extreme leftists who in the name of establishing a classless society are in fact, looting the countryside. Coupled with these are the separatist elements from across the border trying to use Bangladesh as sanctuary; arms and drug smugglers use Bangladesh as a conduit. The armed forces would be called upon to help the law enforcing agencies whenever required. Military's training and operational doctrine, force structuring and equipment procurement should reflect these urgent security imperatives.
Bangladesh armed forces had done a great job in peacekeeping missions worldwide. Although these do not contribute directly to national security, the goodwill that they earn in the international arena helps us boost our national image. Moreover, exposure to international arena, dangers and hazards of operations under different climatic, cultural and operational conditions enhances military professionalism, thus helping national security posture. Employment of armed forces in nation building works such as construction projects, disaster management, medical emergencies not only enhance the forces' professional capability but also contributes directly towards mitigating comprehensive security besides bettering civil-military relations.
Conclusion
National security is a vital issue for the nation, yet it is not often discussed in public. It is considered to be a classified matter best left to the military; ordinary citizen would not be privy to it. In the developed world research, debates and discussions are carried out in the universities and national security issues are in the open for all to participate. Thanks to organization such as Dhaka University, BIISS, BEI etc., we now have a pool of experts who could make important contribution in the security debate. While the issues are debated in civil society, media and on the floor of the parliament, the military and other security agencies would provide vital inputs so that a correct judgment could be arrived at. As the theoretical structure of the national security undergoes revision, we need to focus on the security challenges of Bangladesh, now and in the future, and prepare ourselves to face those challenges
source:The Daily Star
by Air Cdre (Retd) Ishfaq Ilahi Choudhury, ndc, psc
BANGLADESH, lying between the Himalayas in the north and the Bay of Bengal in the south, offers the only land route connecting South and Southeast Asia. Any invasion into South Asia from the East must pass through Bangladesh; the Japanese tried to do just that in the World War II. The British colonization of India also started from Bengal when the Bay of Bengal became the point of ingress. Bangladesh's close proximity to both India and China, two rising power in the 21st century, adds to its geographic importance.
India shares more than 3000 km of border with Bangladesh. The border is well demarcated except few stretches totalling about 9 km that remains unresolved due mainly to lack of political will. India envelops Bangladesh on three sides; similarly, Bangladesh almost dissects the north-eastern India from the heartland.
Lying only 30 miles north of Bangladesh is the strategically important Nathu La pass that connects India with China through Tibet. Despite rapprochement with India, the Chinese have not recognized the so-called “McMahon Line” or renounced claim on the Indian state of Arunachal. Thus, in the unlikely event of an India-China conflict, the access to or denial of the use of Bangladesh territory to the belligerent forces will be of utmost strategic importance. As India becomes an economic powerhouse its need for shorter, faster, and more diverse means of communication between the northeast and the rest of India becomes more urgent and therefore, the need to transit across Bangladesh.
Although Bangladesh-Myanmar land border is demarcated, inflow of minority Arakanese refugees has been a source of tension for many years. The Bay of Bengal spans the vital maritime route between SE Asia and ME. Bangladesh has vital interest in the Bay, but its neighbours - India and Myanmar - dispute its maritime boundary claim. Unless resolved amicably, the maritime boundary issue could be a serious irritant in inter-state relations.
Water and Energy: Bangladesh's primary strategic concerns
While the demand for fresh water continues to rise in Bangladesh, as elsewhere in the world, its supply dwindles. Some of the major rivers are being diverted upstream in India. The Ganges or Tista, once mighty rivers, have reduced to trickles. Lack of information from India regarding proposed Tipaimukh dam over the Barak has been a concern for Bangladesh.
The Chinese government's plan to divert the Brahmaputra could be a major issue affecting millions in India and Bangladesh. Unless the riparian countries join together to ensure optimum use of water, there is the likelihood of conflict and tension in the region in future. Our industrial growth continues to suffer due to shortage of electricity. Meanwhile, a regional power grid could be established to import power from countries such as India, Nepal and Bhutan, which have great potential for hydroelectricity.
Water and energy could be the two most important areas of regional cooperation or confrontation.
Bangladesh's national security priorities
Based on the discussion so far, it can be concluded that the danger of Bangladesh getting involved in an armed conflict with either India or Myanmar or with a country beyond the border is remote. Bangladesh's grievances with India could be addressed if the Mujib-Indira Pact of 1973 is implemented. Although the Maritime boundary has not yet been demarcated, the negotiation is already on with Myanmar and India, the prognosis so far is that a negotiated settlement will be arrived at with the spirit of compromise and cooperation. It is important for us to remember that rivers are the common heritage of mankind and an equitable share of the resources would benefit us all.
On the non-traditional front, however, there are quite a few challenges. The first is the threat of terrorist activities inside the country and across the border. All the SAARC countries have recognized this and they have signed a number of protocols to that effect. In the past, the Indians alleged that separatists from NE states used Bangladesh territory as sanctuary and even used our territory to smuggle in arms and ammunition. Bangladesh continued to deny their presence here. It is now alleged that some top-ranking security officials of Bangladesh were involved in the process. That is indeed deplorable, if true. These are the issues that we need to take care of for the future. In this respect the suggestion put forward by our PM to create a Counter Terrorism Task Force manned by security personnel from all South Asian countries will be a step in the right direction.
The neighbours have viewed Bangladesh's population as a possible security concern. But the good news here is that as the economy prospered and education spread, the population growth reduced. Since 1971, the population has doubled but per capita income has gone up nearly seven times. Instead of being afraid of hungry mass migrating across the border, our neighbours, India and Myanmar should invest here and enter into greater economic activities to the mutual benefit of all so that the people have no incentive to leave. One of our biggest security insurance would be to turn Bangladesh into a regional hub of transportation, transhipment, and transit that would attract investment and boost national economy. A powerful economy means a robust national security.
Bangladesh military and national security
Bangladesh armed forces are to provide a robust response to traditional security threats whenever and from whatever sources those appear. Building up an army, air or naval force is a long drawn out affair. Just because we do not have a threat in sight does not mean we have no need of an armed force. The purpose of the military is to ensure that the threat is not allowed to develop and nipped in the bud. A standing military provides quick response to crush the threat before it gains an upper hand. Our armed forces must be able to inflict sufficient damage to an aggressor to deter him from launching an attack in the first place, what is called deterrence capability. Given the financial resources that are made available now for the military, we would be able to further develop our forces to meet the challenges that might appear.
In the non-traditional sphere, we already have the threat of religious extremists who want to establish an Islamic state by violent means. We also have the extreme leftists who in the name of establishing a classless society are in fact, looting the countryside. Coupled with these are the separatist elements from across the border trying to use Bangladesh as sanctuary; arms and drug smugglers use Bangladesh as a conduit. The armed forces would be called upon to help the law enforcing agencies whenever required. Military's training and operational doctrine, force structuring and equipment procurement should reflect these urgent security imperatives.
Bangladesh armed forces had done a great job in peacekeeping missions worldwide. Although these do not contribute directly to national security, the goodwill that they earn in the international arena helps us boost our national image. Moreover, exposure to international arena, dangers and hazards of operations under different climatic, cultural and operational conditions enhances military professionalism, thus helping national security posture. Employment of armed forces in nation building works such as construction projects, disaster management, medical emergencies not only enhance the forces' professional capability but also contributes directly towards mitigating comprehensive security besides bettering civil-military relations.
Conclusion
National security is a vital issue for the nation, yet it is not often discussed in public. It is considered to be a classified matter best left to the military; ordinary citizen would not be privy to it. In the developed world research, debates and discussions are carried out in the universities and national security issues are in the open for all to participate. Thanks to organization such as Dhaka University, BIISS, BEI etc., we now have a pool of experts who could make important contribution in the security debate. While the issues are debated in civil society, media and on the floor of the parliament, the military and other security agencies would provide vital inputs so that a correct judgment could be arrived at. As the theoretical structure of the national security undergoes revision, we need to focus on the security challenges of Bangladesh, now and in the future, and prepare ourselves to face those challenges
source:The Daily Star
Sun launches FM radio station in Gangtok
6 March 2010
MUMBAI: Sun TV Network has announced the launch of its FM radio station in Gangtok (Sikkim) under the Red FM brand through its subsidiary, South Asia FM.
Launched on 6 March, the FM station can be tuned at 93.5 MHz frequency in Gangtok. The programmes will cater to audiences of all age groups
6 March 2010
MUMBAI: Sun TV Network has announced the launch of its FM radio station in Gangtok (Sikkim) under the Red FM brand through its subsidiary, South Asia FM.
Launched on 6 March, the FM station can be tuned at 93.5 MHz frequency in Gangtok. The programmes will cater to audiences of all age groups
Three Bangalore students drowned
Mar 6, 2010, 05.38pm IST
MANDYA: Three students out of four from Bangalore drowned in Cauvery river near the famous Gaganchukki falls where they had gone for a sight-seeing trip, 60-km from here in the early hours today, police said.
The deceased, identified as Sanjeev (22), Ravikumar (22), both natives of Sikkim and Jelfu (21) from Manipur, were pursuing their Masters in Business Administration from Dayanand Sagar college, police said.
The fourth member of the group who survived the tragedy, Ronajith, who is also from Sikkim, is said to be absconding, police said.
The mishap occurred when one of them went for a swim in the river and was a caught in whirlpool and the others tried to save him.
Mar 6, 2010, 05.38pm IST
MANDYA: Three students out of four from Bangalore drowned in Cauvery river near the famous Gaganchukki falls where they had gone for a sight-seeing trip, 60-km from here in the early hours today, police said.
The deceased, identified as Sanjeev (22), Ravikumar (22), both natives of Sikkim and Jelfu (21) from Manipur, were pursuing their Masters in Business Administration from Dayanand Sagar college, police said.
The fourth member of the group who survived the tragedy, Ronajith, who is also from Sikkim, is said to be absconding, police said.
The mishap occurred when one of them went for a swim in the river and was a caught in whirlpool and the others tried to save him.
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