Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, Kolkata, December 23, 2024 : Women beneficiaries under the Lakshmi Bhandar scheme will begin receiving old age allowance upon turning 60, as per the new proposal under consideration by the West Bengal government. The draft for this initiative has been prepared, but the final decision rests with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Following her approval, the proposal will proceed to the cabinet for formal ratification, after which official guidelines are expected to be issued by Nabanna, the state administrative headquarters. Implementation is anticipated in the upcoming year.
Category Archives: States
Traders and Farmers Urge State Government to Lift Potato Export Ban Amid Storage Crisis
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, Kolkata, December 22, 2024: Traders and farmers in West Bengal are raising concerns over the large quantities of potatoes stored in cold stores, fearing significant losses as the state government’s ban on exports to other regions continues. With new potatoes expected to enter the market soon, the future of the stored potatoes remains uncertain, prompting urgent appeals to the Mamata Banerjee-led administration to reconsider the export restrictions.
The cold stores in districts such as Chandrakona in Paschim Medinipur are reportedly holding lakhs of packets of potatoes, with traders expressing anxiety over the lack of local demand for these stocks. These potatoes are typically exported to neighboring states like Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, but the ongoing export ban has put traders and farmers in a precarious position. They fear that if the potatoes are not exported by December, much of the stock will spoil, leading to substantial financial losses.
In Paschim Medinipur alone, approximately 1.65 lakh metric tons of potatoes remain stored in cold storage facilities. Chandrakona block accounts for around 10.8 lakh packets of potatoes, which are primarily intended for export. Traders argue that these potatoes are not meant for the Kolkata market but for neighboring states, where demand is higher. They have expressed frustration over the imposition of checkposts along state highways, which are closely monitoring the transportation of potatoes.
In light of these challenges, traders are calling on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to immediately lift the export ban to prevent further deterioration of the stored potatoes and ensure the availability of storage space for the incoming crop. “We are facing extreme problems due to the ban. If we cannot clear the stock by December, there will be no room to store the new potatoes, and the old ones will rot,” said one trader.
As tensions mount, it remains to be seen whether the state government will take action to ease the concerns of both traders and farmers. The situation is becoming increasingly urgent as the clock ticks toward the new potato harvest season.
India-Bangladesh Relations Tense Amid Protests, But Shantanu Thakur’s Metro Rail Announcement Sparks Debate
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, Kolkata, December 22, 2024: Tensions in Indo-Bangladesh relations have escalated in recent weeks, with protests erupting across various parts of India over alleged attacks on minorities in Bangladesh. As the situation grows increasingly sensitive, certain medical centers in India have announced their decision to halt medical services for Bangladeshi patients, a move reportedly linked to the rising political tensions. However, despite these protests, the Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shantanu Thakur, has made a surprising announcement that is stirring discussions in political and public circles. Thakur revealed plans for a metro rail connection from the Bangladesh border to Kolkata, underlining India’s commitment to maintaining bilateral ties with Bangladesh.
Court Orders 14-Day Jail Custody for Sujoy Krishna Bhadra at CBI’s Request
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, Kolkata, December 21, 2024 : In a significant development in the teacher recruitment scam, a special CBI court on Saturday granted the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) permission to collect the voice sample of Sujoy Krishna Bhadra. The court also ordered that Bhadra be remanded to 14-day jail custody, as per the CBI’s request.
Mystery Surrounds Death of Engineering Student at Jadavpur University
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, December 21, 2024,
Kolkata, : The sudden death of Pratip Kumar Manna (21), a third-year engineering student at Jadavpur University, has left both his family and friends in shock. Pratip, a resident of Tamluk in Purba Medinipur, had come to Kolkata to pursue his studies in the Department of Food Technology and Biochemical Engineering. He was living in a rented accommodation in the city when the tragic incident occurred.Trinamool Congress Expels Several Leaders Over Alleged Breach of Discipline
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, December 20, 2024, Kolkata : The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has expelled several leaders for alleged anti-party activities and breaches of party discipline. Among those expelled is Manikar Mandal, vice president of the Trinamool Professors’ Organization Web Cooper. Mandal, who also served as an executive council member at Kalyani University, has been removed from both his positions in the university and within the party.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Inaugurates 2024 Kolkata Christmas Festival with Festive Spirit and Promises of Unity
Baby Charaborty, KalimNews, Kolkata, December 19, 2024: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee officially inaugurated the 2024 Kolkata Christmas Festival at Allen Park on Thursday, ushering in the season of joy and celebration for the city. The event, which coincides with the annual St. Xavier’s College Christmas Festival, marked the beginning of the much-awaited festive season in Kolkata. The city is known for its unique blend of culture and tradition, and as the streets light up with colorful decorations, the aroma of festive delicacies fills the air, and the sound of carols echoes, a sense of warmth and togetherness sweeps through the community.
Demands for Minority Rights Highlighted on International Minority Rights Day in Howrah
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, Howrah, December 18, 2024: On Wednesday, the All Bengal Minority Association marked International Minority Rights Day with a seminar on the “Position of Minorities” at the Maubesia Madrasa in Uluberia, Howrah district. The event brought together various speakers who highlighted several key demands aimed at improving the conditions of minorities in West Bengal and beyond.
Fear Grips Kamala Village as 300 Families Face Eviction Threat from Ministry of Defense
Baby Chakraborty, December 18, 2024, Shalbani:
Panic has struck Kamala village, located in the Bankibandh Panchayat of Shalbani block, Paschim Medinipur (West Midnapore) district, following an eviction notice issued by the Union Ministry of Defense. The notice, demanding that the villagers vacate the area within 15 days, has left approximately 300 families in a state of shock and uncertainty, fearing the loss of their homes and land.Mamata Inaugurates Infosys’ New Development Center in Newtown, Emphasizes Strong Coordination for Success
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, December 18, 2024, Kolkata: Kolkata witnessed a significant milestone in its technological landscape on Wednesday as the Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, inaugurated Infosys’ new campus at Hatishala in Newtown. The new development center stands as a testament to the growing influence of the state in the information technology sector.
Railways Cracks Down on Ticketless Travel with Special Operation; Results Show Promising Impact
Baby Chakraborty, Sealdah, December 15, 2024 : The Indian Railways has intensified its efforts to combat the issue of ticketless travel with a robust special ticket-checking operation. Despite sustained efforts to discourage passengers from boarding trains without tickets, violations have persisted, particularly on the Sealdah-Bangaon branch. In response, the Railways launched a high-impact campaign led by the Principal Chief Commercial Manager (PCCM) of the Sealdah Division.
Controversy Brews as CBI Fails to File Chargesheet in RG Kar Murder Case; Bail Granted to Key Accused
Baby Chakraborty, Kolkata, December 15, 2024: In a development that has sparked outrage among the public and political circles, former officers involved in the RG Kar murder case, including ex-Tala Police Station Officer Abhijit Mondal and former RG Kar Hospital principal Sandeep Ghosh, have been granted bail by a Sealdah court. This decision comes after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) failed to file a chargesheet within the mandated 90-day period following their arrests, despite the gravity of the allegations, which include rape and murder.
Outrage Over Bail in Kolkata Appellant Rape-Murder Case; Junior Doctors to Intensify Agitation
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, December 14, 2024, Kolkata : The Kolkata Appellant rape-murder case continues to stir controversy as former RG Kar Medical College Principal Sandeep Ghosh and police officer Abhijit Mondal were granted bail. This development has sparked widespread anger, with the victim’s father and junior doctors expressing strong discontent over the decision.
The Unsung Saga of Tamralipta: Bengal’s Torchbearer in India’s Independence Movement
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, December 14, 2024, Kolkata : India’s journey to independence on August 15, 1947, is a story embedded with countless small but powerful revolutions, each igniting the flames of freedom in its unique way. Among these was the Tamralipta National Government, a remarkable chapter in the Quit India Movement of 1942, which established India’s first independent government. Situated in East Midnapore, now known as Tamluk, this lesser-known yet extraordinary story continues to inspire as a testament to the resilience and indomitable spirit of the Indian freedom fighters.
Hindu Mahasabha Backs West Bengal Government’s Plan for Jagannath Temple in Digha
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, December 13, 2024, Kolkata : The West Bengal branch of Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha has expressed strong support for the state government’s decision to build a Jagannath Temple in Digha. Dr. Chandrachud Goswami, the state president of the organization, welcomed the initiative, stating that there is no objection to the government funding the construction of temples.
Political Controversy Erupts Over Digha Jagannath Temple Inauguration
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, December 13, 2024, Kolkata : A political storm broke out following Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s visit to the soon-to-be-completed Jagannath Temple in Digha on Wednesday. During her visit, Banerjee announced that the temple would be inaugurated on Akshaya Tritiya, a statement that immediately sparked controversy.
Opposition Leader Suvendu Adhikari quickly dismissed the announcement, accusing the Chief Minister of spreading falsehoods. Adhikari, speaking outside the assembly, claimed there was no official mention of the temple in state documents and argued that it was unconstitutional for the government to fund the construction of a religious institution. He further asserted that Puri Dham, not Digha, should remain the exclusive site for worship of Lord Jagannath, dismissing the Digha temple as a “fake” imitation.
Adhikari also presented documents from the state government’s agreement with HIDCO, which indicated that a Jagannath Cultural Center, not a full temple, was being built in Digha. His remarks prompted a sharp rebuttal from Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh, who responded on Thursday. Ghosh accused Adhikari of jealousy, asserting that the temple’s construction was nearing completion and that the Chief Minister’s initiative would further enhance Bengal’s reputation on the world stage.
He emphasized that Mamata Banerjee had made arrangements for religious worship across various faiths, underscoring the inclusive nature of her administration. Ghosh also mocked the opposition’s criticisms, suggesting that they were motivated by political rivalry. The public in Bengal has been following this heated exchange between the two political leaders with growing interest.
Dr. Barun Kumar Das Honored with ‘Global Human Rights Protection Award’ 2024
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, December 10, 2024, Kolkata : On the occasion of International Human Rights Day, Dr. Barun Kumar Das, a distinguished human rights law expert from West Bengal, was presented with the prestigious ‘Global Human Rights Protection Award’ by the Indian Institute of Human Rights in New Delhi. The award, conferred during the 24th World Human Rights Congress at the India International Center, recognizes his significant contributions to the field of human rights education, legal advocacy, and protection of marginalized communities.