Category Archives: States

Education, Health, National, Regional, West Bengal

Autism centres set up in every district

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Pradip Chatterjee, MP, 9 May 2024, Kolkata: In a unique initiative the state health department has set up a ‘district autism centre’ in all the districts of Bengal to strengthen early screening and diagnosis of autistic children for their better treatment at doorsteps and also to ensure that toddlers get all the benefits that the state government offers. 

An autism centre has come up in the district hospital in the districts where there is no medical college. The new facility has been introduced in the medical college in case of the districts which have a medical college and hospital. Earlier, the autism centre was not available in all the districts. A proper treatment for autistic children was only available in Kolkata and other cities. 
The autistic children from the districts will now be able to avail treatment at their doorsteps at state government hospitals. Earlier the parents had to take their autistic children to various private health establishments where the treatment cost remained hefty. The patients did not get any disability certificates earlier. Instead, they used to get a certificate based on mental retardation. 
Now, the patients will get an autism spectrum disorder certificate as a result they will be eligible to enjoy several facilities which are offered to them both by the Centre and the State government. 
After the ‘district autism centre’ comes up in each district, the people in villages will now be able to avail treatment by trained personnel. Assessment of autistic children, speech therapy, behavioural therapy and special education are being provided at all the ‘district autism centres’ to bring these children back to the mainstream of life. 
The Bengal government provides these children Rs 1000 per month as a pension while the Centre issues UID card that gives facilities to patients in hospitals in other states. Through UID cards autistic children can get train concessions. 
“If a child is unable to walk after he/she attains one year and fails to speak even after attaining 2 years of age, the parents should be alert and bring their children to the autism centre of the districts or to a clinical psychologist. 
Parents and the people around should be aware so that the affected children are brought for treatment when they attain one and half years of age,” said Abhishek Hansa, clinical psychologist, at Balurghat District Hospital. 
The awareness programme not only boosts their knowledge but also helps them cope with it more positively. 
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), commonly called autism, refers to a lifelong condition that affects the ability of the person to communicate and relate with others. Children with autism often have poor language skills, less eye contact and have limited interaction with people around them. 
https://www.millenniumpost.in/bengal/autism-centres-set-up-in-every-dist-563169
Crime, West Bengal

Teacher held for using forged documents to obtain loan

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Gourab Neto, MP, 9 May 2024, Kolkata: A primary school teacher was arrested on Wednesday afternoon by the cops of Bidhannagar Cyber Crime Police Station for allegedly obtaining a personal loan using forged documents. 

The woman identified as Payel Mondal was produced at the Bidhannagar ACJM Court on Thursday and has been remanded to police custody for five days. According to sources, during the middle of last year, Mondal, a school teacher at a primary school of Kashipur in South 24-Parganas had appealed for a personal loan of Rs 3 lakh through an agency from a private bank. 
After a few days, the loan was sanctioned and the amount was disbursed to Mondal’s State Bank of India (SBI) account. Sources informed that after obtaining the loan, the private bank noticed that the Easy Monthly Instalment (EMI) was not paid for a few months. 
While scrutinising the documents, the private bank authorities found that Mondal had used the PAN Card and Aadhar Card of another woman whose name is the same but the photo was different. Immediately a complaint was lodged at the Bidhannagar Cyber Crime police station against Mondal. 
During the probe, cops gathered evidence and finally on Wednesday she was arrested from her residence in Kasba. Police are further probing to find out who else is connected with this fraud and if any organised gang is active to cheat the banks.

https://www.millenniumpost.in/bengal/teacher-held-for-using-forged-documents-to-obtain-loan-563174
Education, Regional, West Bengal

Higher Secondary Edu Council enhances student admission limit for class XI

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SOUMITRA NANDI, MP, 9 May 2024, Kolkata: The West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education (WBCHSE) has enhanced the approved limit of admitting students in class XI to 300 from 275 with many schools seeking permission for admitting more students. “This year, the schools will be allowed to admit 300 students in class XI. 

When the limit is reached, the portal will automatically get closed and the process will stop. In case a school wants to admit more students, it has to apply to us through the concerned DI (District Inspector of School) and we will grant permission to admit an additional 100 students, taking the total number to 400. 
If any school seeks the nod for admitting students beyond 400 and apply to us, a team from our regional office will go for physical inspection. Only after examining the necessary infrastructure will we allow further admission,” said Chiranjib Bhattacharjee, president of WBCHSE . 
In the case of self-financed schools, the approved limit of admission is 400. In case they seek the nod for admitting excess students, the same process of physical verification from the regional office will be held for necessary action. 
The Council has communicated its decision to heads of all higher secondary institutions. The last date for submission of online application for seeking excess admission is June 30, 2024. ’ “There are some 6,000 odd schools in the Higher Secondary level. Some new subjects were introduced this year. 
In order to allow students to take up subjects of their choice, the approved limit of admitting students was increased by the Council,” said Partha Pratim Baidya, headmaster of Jadavpur Vidyapith. Subhrajit Dutta, headmaster of Hindu School said that the total seats in class XI is 230, out of which 173 students got direct admission. 
“The remaining students will be admitted from the merit list that will be published by May 20. If there is demand for more admission, we will seek permission from the School Education department. Being a direct government school, ours is not under DI. Hence the excess admission communique from the Council has little to do with Hindu School,” he added. 
https://www.millenniumpost.in/bengal/higher-secondary-edu-council-enhances-student-admission-limit-for-class-xi-563175
Politics, Regional, West Bengal

TMC writes to EC, demands criminal proceedings against Suvendu & others

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MP, 10 May 2024, Kolkata: Revealing yet another video where the BJP’s Basirhat candidate Rekha Patra, along with few other women, were purportedly heard alleging that random women were taken to meet the President of India instead of the victims of alleged sexual harassment in Sandeshkhali, 

Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Thursday requested the Election Commission (EC) to direct the appropriate police station to initiate criminal proceedings against state BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari and others involved in hatching a conspiracy. 
Following the first video clip revealed by TMC where a BJP leader Gangadhar Kayal was purportedly heard saying that few women in Sandeshkhali were paid by his party leaders, including Suvendu Adhikari, to lodge false complaints of sexual harassment against some of the local Trinamool leaders, another clip was released by TMC on Thursday which purportedly showed Rekha Patra and some other women alleging that random women were taken to meet the President of India instead of the victims. 
The authenticity of the video clips in question has not been verified by Millennium Post. In its deputation to the EC, Trinamool complained against Suvendu Adhikari, Gangadhar Kayal, BJP’s mandal sabhapati in Sandeshkhali-II, Shanti Dolui, BJP’s mandal sabhapati in Sandeshkhali-I and other unknown individuals associated for alleged commission of “serious fraud upon society by terrorizing the general public with a false narrative of hostility being committed against women of Sandeshkhali, including rape.” 
Trinamool alleged that these people engaged in a “deep-rooted conspiracy to orchestrate false rape complaints” against now suspended TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan Shibu Hazra and Uttam Sardar. The party alleged that it was done by the BJP to tarnish its image and sway public opinion in favour of the saffron brigade. 
The party further alleged that one of the complainant Jaba Rani Singha admitted to being misled and coerced into signing a false statement without fully understanding its implications. TMC demanded that the EC issue immediate direction to respective Inspector-in-Charges of competent police stations to initiate criminal proceedings against BJP leaders including Suvendu Adhikari and people associated with him for orchestrating the conspiracy. 
They demanded detention and interrogation of all individuals seen in the videos. Lastly, EC was requested to issue directions for restraining the BJP and its leaders from speaking on the “false Sandeshkhali incident”. 
On Thursday, BJP candidate Rekha Patra submitted her nominations in the district magistrate’s office in Barasat and was accompanied by Suvendu Adhikari but the duo reportedly refused to speak on the matter. Adhikari, however, reportedly told the media that the videos are a conspiracy hatched by Trinamool’s national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee and the I-PAC organisation. 
Meanwhile, a complaint has been filed against BJP leader Gangadhar Kayal and Basirhat BJP candidate Rekha Patra in the Sandeshkhali in connection with the sting video footage incident. 
According to sources, a local resident reportedly lodged the complaint against them 

https://www.millenniumpost.in/bengal/tmc-writes-to-ec-demands-criminal-proceedings-against-suvendu-others-563195
National, Regional, Sikkim

Another milestone in Sivok -Rangpo new rail link project

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EOI, GUWAHATI, MAY 9, 2024 :  In a major
milestone in the form of tunnel No. T-04/P2
(3948 meters long) to the Adit of the Sivok
– Rangpo Rail Project (SRRP), located in
Darjeeling district of West Bengal,
achieved a breakthrough on Wednesday. 


With the tunnel breakthrough, mining
activities have been successfully
accomplished in all the Adit tunnels of this
project. 

The length of the Main Tunnel of T-04
is 3948 meters, along with an Evacuation
Tunnel of length 599 meters situated near
the Hanuman Jhora in Darjeeling district,
according to an N R Railway communique. 

The Main Tunnel traverses through
vulnerable and challenging geological and
seismic conditions of the Younger
Himalayas. 

Like all other tunnels in the
SRRP, to counter vulnerability of the
ground mass, latest and most sophisticated
tunneling technology, i.e., New Austrian
Tunneling Method (NATM) has been used
here.


The Sivok – Rangpo new rail link project
connecting Sivok (West Bengal) and Rangpo
(Sikkim) is about 45 kms long and is
characterized by 14 tunnels, 13 major
bridges, nine minor bridges
and five stations.


The length of the longest
tunnel (T-10) is 5.3 km and
length of longest bridge (Br-
17) is 425 meters. About 38.65
kms of the entire project
alignment is passing through
tunnels. Ninety-three per
cent of the tunneling work
has already been completed.


At present final lining
has been completed in tunnel
T-14 & T-09 and is under
progress in tunnel T-02, T-03,
T-05, T-06, T-07, T-10, T-11 and T-12. Total
13.13 km lining has been completed till date.
Work in all sections is being carried out
round the clock 24×7. This is one of the most
prestigious ongoing national projects in
India and on completion of this project, first
time the state of Sikkim will be connected
via railways.

This rail network on its
completion is aimed to provide alternate and
stable connectivity to the state of Sikkim. At
present all the activities related to
construction of tunnels, bridges and station
yards are going on a war footing for early
completion of the project.

National, Northeast, Politics

Migrants threatening survival of indigenous people of Manipur: Biren Singh

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 Manipur CM says steps being taken to deport illegal immigrants

IANS, 

Imphal, May 9, 2024 :  Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh said that immigrants from across the border threatened the survival of indigenous people in the state and the government would not allow it to continue.

Singh in his series of social media posts without naming Myanmar said that till May 7, a total of 5,457 illegal immigrants have been detected and biometric data of 5,173 of them have been collected while the deportation process is underway.

“In this crucial juncture, we have noticed certain homegrown groups, based out of Western countries, criticising the steps taken up against illegal immigration by giving a communal tone and propagating it as violations of religious freedom,” the Chief Minister said.

“Ironically, this lobby is quiet about Western countries’ stance against illegal immigration but raises objections to the actions taken in Manipur, India. This selective outrage raises concerns about the agendas and propaganda pursued by these groups with secessionist tendencies.”

Singh, who also holds the home portfolio, during the past few days has been posting on various social media about aspects of illegal migrants in Manipur from neighbouring Myanmar.

Manipur shares around 400 km of international border with Myanmar. Works for fencing of the 20 km of the mountainous borders are now underway.

The Chief Minister had said that the influx of illegal immigrants from Myanmar led to the emergence of 996 new villages in the state in the past 18 years.

“The unnatural growth of 996 new villages since 2006 and illegal immigration from Myanmar is a threat to the indigenous people and national security. The immigrants have set up settlements by encroaching upon forest lands, leading to deforestation and environmental degradation,” a Manipur government report said.

It added that the immigrants have engaged in illicit activities such as poppy cultivation, further exacerbating the socio-economic and ecological challenges faced by the region.

In response to these challenges, the Manipur government has initiated several measures aimed at addressing the issue of illegal immigration and its associated impacts.

The report, accessed by IANS, said the state government following the advice of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has been collecting biometric data of the illegal immigrants and geotagging their settlements.

According to the report, the state government has taken various measures to curb the illegal influx from across the border.

The measures include enhancing security along around 400 km India-Myanmar border in Manipur, engagement of indigenous communities, empowering them to safeguard their rights and interests against encroachment and exploitation and urged the Central government to scrap the Free Movement Regime (FMR) between India and Myanmar.

The FMR allowed citizens residing close to both sides of the border to move 16 km into each other’s territory without a passport or a visa.

The Manipur Chief Minister had said that 877 square km of forest cover in the northeastern state were destroyed in 34 years (1987-2021), primarily for the illegal cultivation of poppy, which has been used to manufacture various drugs.

Singh, who also holds the Home portfolio, said that forest cover in Manipur was 17,475 sq km in 1987 and in 2021, it was destroyed to 16,598 sq km, primarily for the cultivation of poppy.

The eviction of unauthorised encroachers carried out ever since the BJP government led by him came to power in Manipur in 2017 and 291 encroachers were evicted from the Reserve Forest and Protected Forest throughout the state, the Chief Minister had said.

It was never targeted towards any particular community, Singh pointed out.
Economy, Misc, Sikkim

President of India confers Padma Shri on renowned bamboo craftsman Jorden Lepcha

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PIB, GANGTOK, MAY 9, 2024 : President of India Droupadi Murmu conferred Padma Shri on Jorden Lepcha from Sikkim in the field of Art at a Civil Investiture Ceremony in New Delhi today. Born on July 28,1971, in the serene village of Rubeyam Ram, nestled amidst the stunning landscapes of Dzongu, Mangan District, Sikkim, Lepcha’s early years were shaped by the teachings of his parents who introduced him to the art of bamboo crafting.

 
Driven by a deep passion to revive ancient traditions, Lepcha immersed himself in mastering the intricate techniques of crafting Lepchahats, known as Thyaktuks. The pivotal moment came in 1997 when he participated in a six- month training programme for traditional hat weaving organized by the Government of Sikkim’s Industry department. Despite facing challenges in selling his creations initially, he persevered, taking on additional jobs to support his family while honing his craft.
In 2005, Lepcha began sharing his knowledge by conducting training sessions for aspiring artisans in Gangtok, summoned by the Directorate of Handicrafts &Handlooms (Govt. of Sikkim). 
 
His commitment extended to offering free training sessions at his own residence, empowering individuals to embrace and propagate the ancient craft of Lepcha hat weaving. Lepcha’s legacy goes beyond individual accomplishments; it’s about the impact one person can have in preserving and perpetuating cultural traditions. 
 
Through his efforts, he has not only safeguarded a cherished cultural heritage but also empowered countless individuals to embrace their heritage and sustain themselves through craftsmanship.
 
Through dedication and hard work, Lepcha’s expertise gained recognition, earning him accolades such as a Certificate of Merit from the Ministry of Textile(Government of India) and the esteemed title of Master Craftsman for the State of Sikkim. But beyond personal achievements, his journey has always been about giving back to his community and preserving their cultural legacy.
 
Brief citation about the life and work of the awardee Jorden Lepcha is given below-
 
1. Shri Jorden Lepcha is a famous bamboo craftsman from Sikkim.
 
2. Born on July 28, 1971, in the serene village of Rubeyam Ram, nestled amidst the stunning landscapes of Dzongu, Mangan District, Sikkim, Shri Lepcha’s early years were shaped by the teachings of his parents who introduced him to the art of bamboo crafting.
 
3. Driven by a deep passion to revive ancient traditions, Shri Lepcha immersed himself in mastering the intricate techniques of crafting Lepcha hats, known as Thyaktuks. The pivotal moment came in 1997 when he participated in a six- month training program for traditional hat weaving organized by the Government of Sikkim’s Industry department. Despite facing challenges in selling his creations initially, he persevered, taking on additional jobs to support his family while honing his craft.
 
4. In 2005, Shri Lepcha began sharing his knowledge and skills by conducting training sessions for aspiring artisans in Gangtok, summoned by the Directorate of Handicrafts & Handlooms (Govt. of Sikkim). His commitment extended to offering free training sessions at his own residence, empowering individuals to embrace and propagate the ancient craft of Lepcha hat weaving.
 
5. Shri Lepcha’s legacy goes beyond individual accomplishments; it’s about the impact one person can have in preserving and perpetuating cultural traditions. Through his efforts, he has not only safeguarded a cherished cultural heritage but also empowered countless individuals to embrace their heritage and sustain themselves through craftsmanship.
 
6. Through dedication and hard work, Shri Lepcha’s expertise gained recognition, earning him accolades such as a Certificate of Merit from the Ministry of Textile (Government of India) and the esteemed title of Master Craftsman for the State of Sikkim. But beyond personal achievements, his journey has always been about giving back to his community and preserving their cultural legacy.
Crime, National, Politics, Regional, West Bengal

Guv Bose shows CCTV footage of Raj Bhavan to common people

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IANS, Kolkata, May 9, 2024 : Amid allegations of molestation against West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose, the Governor’s House on Thursday showed 69-minute CCTV footage of the Raj Bhavan premises dated May 2 to around 100 ‘common people’.


On May 2, a temporary female staff at the Raj Bhavan filed a police complaint accusing the Governor of ‘outraging her modesty’, triggering a political storm in the state.

Denying the charge vehemently from the beginning, the Governor on Wednesday announced that the CCTV footage of the Raj Bhavan will be screened at the Governor’s House for the common people, barring Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and members of the police force, on Thursday.

In the CCTV footage screened in three parts, the Governor could not be seen in any frame.

The footage from May 2 showed recordings of two CCTV cameras installed in the North Gate of the Raj Bhavan from 5.32 p,m. to 6.41 p.m. The screening event was titled ‘Sach Ka Samna’.

Although the Governor was not spotted in the footage, the complainant was seen twice — once entering the police post inside the Raj Bhavan premises, and then coming out of it and entering an adjacent room.

Heavy deployment of police was seen in the footage on account of the arrival of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Raj Bhavan on the night of May 2.

Since the announcement of the screening on Wednesday, the Governor’s office received hundreds of applications from the common people seeking to attend the event.

The CCTV cameras inside the Governor’s House are maintained by the Public Works Department, while the monitoring is done by the Kolkata Police.
Crime, Politics, Regional, West Bengal

New videos surface, claim women deceived to lodge complaints of rape; TMC slams BJP

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PTI, 09 May, 2024 : The Trinamool Congress on Thursday accused the BJP of spreading falsehood about the incidents of Sandeshkhali, after several purported videos claimed that a local female BJP leader made multiple women sign on blank papers, which were later filled up as complaints of sexual assault against TMC leaders.


The allegation was levelled within three days after the TMC took to social media to unveil a Sandeshkhali “sting operation” video featuring a local BJP leader Gangadhar Koyal who claimed that the rape allegations were “staged” and were lodged at the behest of state Leader of Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari.

In a bid to reassert its claims, the TMC shared a fresh set of videos on Thursday of purported women residents of Sandeshkhali who alleged they were “manipulated” by the BJP into filing “false rape cases”.

The party also shared a fresh video where BJP’s Basirhat candidate and one of the leading faces of Sandeshkhali protests, Rekha Patra, was seen questioning the identity of the contingent of “Sandeshkhali victims” who were earlier taken to Delhi by the state BJP leaders to meet President Draupadi Murmu and relate their ordeal.

On Wednesday, the TMC had alleged that BJP leaders were issuing death threats to women who have expressed their willingness to withdraw their complaints of rape.

PTI, however, could not independently verify the authenticity of any of the tapes released so far.

Referring to the newly released videos, state minister and senior TMC leader, Shashi Panja, condemned the BJP for “perpetuating a false narrative on Sandeshkhali sexual assaults” and threatening victims who sought to retract their police complaints.

“Sandeshkhali victims may have had a few complaints over land grab. But they never had complaints of sexual offence. This again proves that the BJP is spreading falsehood. This despicable act of fabrication and intimidation will not go unpunished,” Panja said.

West Bengal’s Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, on the other hand, dismissed TMC’s claims, alleging that the videos were fabricated by ‘bhaipo’ (nephew), an oblique reference to TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee and the party’s private poll-cum-political consultant, I-PAC, who “distributed money” to get the job done.

“We are soon moving court against both and will ensure they are taken to task for spreading such malicious lies,” Adhikari said while participating in a nomination filing rally of Rekha Patra at Basirhat.

BJP Rajya Sabha MP and party spokesperson Samik Bhattacharya told reporters that the more such videos surface, the higher the margin of votes by BJP from Sandeshkhali assembly segment under Basirhat Lok Sabha seat.

He said the state administration itself prepared a list of those whose plots of land had been taken away by TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh, who was arrested and later suspended by the party, and started the process of returning those.

So circulating one video after another now contradicts the state’s move to set right the wrongs committed by the ruling party, he said.

Bhattacharya said the BJP Sandeshkhali mondal president, whose name figured in the purported video, requested the CBI to include the clipping in its probe.

Leader of Opposition Adhikari claimed that people could see through the web of Trinamool’s deceit and Patra would gain a lead of 1.5 lakh votes from the Sandeshkhali region itself.

In one of the latest videos, a woman was heard saying, “We were deceived into signing on blank papers. We discovered later that rape complaints had been lodged in our names. This is a blatant lie.” The woman said the authorities should take action against the woman BJP leader who manipulated them to sign blank papers.

Another alleged Sandeshkhali resident echoed similar sentiments in a separate video, claiming that they have become victims of a scheme orchestrated by BJP leader Piyali Das.

According to information last received, Das has been summoned by the local police for questioning.

In the video which features Patra, the BJP candidate was heard seconding another woman standing next to her who alleged that the victims who were taken to meet the President were arbitrarily chosen by local BJP leaders.

“Several oppressed women were taken to meet the President. We weren’t part of that group. We had gone to meet the Prime Minister (in Barasat where he addressed a public meeting on March 6). If not us, then who were these so-called oppressed women who met the President?” she asked.

“We have a right to know that if we were in Sandeskhali at that time, then who became our faces to meet the President?” Patra was heard adding.

Regarding this, Bhattacharya said hundreds of women had levelled charges of atrocities against TMC leaders from different islands of the area.

“It is clear that Patra did not know every one of them and this purported video must have been recorded before she was fielded as a candidate from Basirhat,” he said.

The TMC, meanwhile, has moved the Election Commission urging the poll body to initiate criminal proceedings against the BJP leaders concerned, including Adhikari, for “orchestrating the conspiracy including paying bribes to the women of Sandeshkhali to falsely raise complaints and attempting to influence central investigating agencies and other constitutional authorities”.

CPI(M) Basirhat Lok Sabha candidate Nirapada Sardar claimed that both TMC and BJP are trying to confuse the people of Sandeshkhali by circulating such videos. 
Crime, Education, National, Regional, West Bengal

SC reserves orders on state’s challenge to CBI probing cases

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The stand taken by the Central government today was the reiteration of the position stated by it in the course of its submissions on 3 May and earlier in its affidavit in response to West Bengal government’s petition.

Parmod Kumar | SNS  |  New Delhi | May 9, 2024 : he Supreme Court on Wednesday reserved its judgment on the West Bengal government’s plea challenging the Central Bureau of Investigation undertaking investigation into the cases in the state without its statutorily mandated prior consent, as state government asserted that such a situation would be in derogation of the federal nature of Centre-State relationship under Indian constitution.

Reserving the judgment, a Bench of Justice B R Gavai and Justice Sandeep Mehta gave both – the petitioner West Bengal government and the central government time till Friday, 17 May, to file note of their respective submissions not more than 20 to 25 pages each. Giving time till 17 May to file written submissions, the Bench said that they would be writing the judgment during a seven week-long summer vacation of the top court starting from 20 May.

While the West Bengal government asserted that the Central Bureau of Investigation cannot register cases and undertake any investigation in the State without its prior nod, after it has already withdrawn its general consent since 16 November, 2018, the central government reiterated that the central investigating agency was an independent of its control and was not functioning under its control and supervision.

By its 16 November decision, the West Bengal government has withdrawn its general consent permitting the CBI to undertake any investigation in the state.

The Solicitor General, Tushar Mehta appearing for the central government said that its (central government) presence in the CBI was limited to the transfer, posting, territorial jurisdiction – areas it can investigate – and the finances of the agency including emoluments. As far as registration of cases and their investigation was concerned, the agency was an autonomous and independent entity.

On a poser from the Bench as to under which ministry the CBI comes, the Solicitor General Mehta said that it could be the department of personnel & training (DoPT) or the ministry of home affairs. However, the Solicitor General said that the government cannot ask the CBI to register cases.

The stand taken by the Central government today was the reiteration of the position stated by it in the course of its submissions on 3 May and earlier in its affidavit in response to West Bengal government’s petition.

However, an attempt by the Solicitor General Mehta drawing a parallel between the independence enjoyed by the CBI with that of the independence of the judiciary was not accepted by the Court. The bench said any comparison of independence of CBI with that of judiciary is an “incorrect analogy”.

Appearing for the West Bengal government, senior advocate Kapil Sibal told the Bench that after the state government withdrew its general consent to the CBI to probe cases in the state, the central agency could not have undertaken any investigation in the State without prior consent of the state government.

“The West Bengal government had withdrawn the consent on 16 November, 2018. The cases registered by the CBI, which are under the challenge, after the withdrawal of the consent” could not be investigated, Sibal told the Bench pointing out that, “The constitutional question is whether after the withdrawal of the consent, can you (central government) allow your agency to enters my State, without my consent.”

He further argued that when in parliament a question is asked about the CBI, it is the DoPT under the Prime Minister that answers the questions.

Assailing the Centre’s stand that CBI can register cases on its own, Sibal said, “That is the most dangerous proposition that the Centre has advanced before the court, which will be destructive of the federal nature of the Centre-State relationship.”

Sibal cited the instance of “CBI registering a case in a state without its prior nod and the same is challenged and by the time the matter is decided it would take 4 to 5 years and by then the trial in the case would be over.”

The West Bengal government in its suit has challenged the registration of cases by the CBI without its consent. It has referred to the provisions of the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act 1946, stating that the CBI is mandated under the statute to take the State government’s consent before registering cases.
National, Northeast, Regional, Sikkim, Techno/ Science, West Bengal

Delhi High Court asks Google, Microsoft to seek Delhi High Court asks Google, Microsoft to seek review of ruling on removal of non-consensual intimate images

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They said the search engines do not ‘host’ any content, and once an objectionable content has been removed from the site hosting it, it will not appear in search results as well

PTI, New Delhi, 09.05.24 : The Delhi High Court on Monday asked Microsoft, which owns ‘Bing’, and Google to seek a review of an order by a single judge directing them to identify and de-index non-consensual intimate images without requesting for their specific URLs, after the search engine giants filed an appeal against the ruling.

The senior counsel for the appellants said unlike in cases of child sexual abuse material, non-consensual intimate images cannot be detected by their current technology and therefore it was not possible for them to comply with the order passed by the single judge in April 2023.
Their senior lawyers assured the court a new technology is being developed but it has not yet reached a stage where it can detect such non-consensual content on its own.

They said the search engines do not “host” any content, and once an objectionable content has been removed from the site hosting it, it will not appear in search results as well.

Stating that “no one can ask you to do the impossible”, a bench headed by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan asked them to approach the single judge to reconsider his directions.

“Keeping view of the aforesaid, it would be appropriate if the appellants file a review and bring the aforesaid facts to the notice of the single judge. In the event the appellants are aggrieved by order of the single judge in the review petition, the appellants shall be at liberty to revive the present appeals,” the bench, also comprising Justice Manmeet PS Arora, said.

As the senior counsel for Google sought sought an assurance that no coercive action would be taken against them for non-compliance with the single judge’s directions, the court observed no such action has been taken till now.

In an order passed on April 26, 2023, the single judge had said it was the responsibility of the search engines to immediately cease access to any offending content and the victim cannot be made to face humiliation or harassment by having to approach the authorities again seeking the same relief.

The ruling came on a petition by a woman who sought blocking of certain sites exhibiting her intimate images.

The single judge had stated “Non-Consensual Intimate Images (NCII) abuse” , which includes “revenge porn”, violates the right to privacy and causes psychological damage to the victim.

The single judge had asserted that search engines were obligated to observe due diligence while discharging their duties under Rule 3 of the IT Rules, including making reasonable efforts to prevent hosting, displaying, uploading or sharing of any information that is invasive of another person’s privacy and violates any law for the time being in force, or they will lose the protection from liability accorded to them under Section 79 of the IT Act.

“If information is relating to content which is prima facie in the nature of any (NCII) material.., the search engine is required to take all reasonable and practicable measures to remove or disable access to such content which is hosted, stored, published or transmitted by it,” the single judge had said.

“The time-frame as stipulated under Rule 3 of the IT Rules must be strictly followed without any exceptions, and if there is even minor deviation from the said time-frame, then the protection from liability accorded to a search engine under Section 79 of the IT Rules cannot be invoked by the search engine,” the single judge bench had stated.
Education, Regional, West Bengal

HS: Science stream performs better in overall pass percentage

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MP, 9 May 2024, Kolkata: With 97.19 pass percentage in Science stream of Higher Secondary Examination 2024, it performs better in overall pass percentage. However, more candidates from Humanities score 90 per cent and above. 

The result of Higher Secondary Examination 2024 was announced by the West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education on Wednesday. 
Out of the total 7,55,324 candidates, 1,05,810 appeared in Science stream and 1,02,838 passed making the pass percentage 97.19 per cent which was the highest. A total of 38,429 appeared in Commerce stream, out of which 36,924 passed with 96.08 pass percentage. 
A total of 5,95,292 who appeared in Humanities stream, out of which 5,25,030 passed with 88.2 pass percentage. The pass percentage of all three streams have increased compared to 2023, wherein the pass percentage in science was 95.91 per cent, for commerce it was 92.94 per cent and for humanities it was 87.69 per cent. 
Amongst candidates who scored 90 per cent and more which was 8,331 candidates, 3022 were from science stream, 4462 were from Humanities and 718 were from commerce. 
According to a Council official, even with fewer students from Science stream, they performed better. Only 1.23 per cent of students scored 90 per cent and above this year. 
Council president Chiranjib Bhattacharjee said that he is hopeful that with the introduction of the semester system, more students will be able to perform better. 
Moreover, the Council will start giving percentiles along with scores in the marksheet. Currently, the candidates are able to see the overall percentile along individual percentile in the marks uploaded online. 
https://www.millenniumpost.in/bengal/hs-science-stream-performs-better-in-overall-pass-percentage-563033
National, Politics, Regional, West Bengal

Phase 3 records 77.53% voter turnout in 4 LS seats in state

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MP, 9 May 2024, Kolkata: The four Parliamentary constituencies in Bengal that went for polls on Tuesday in the third phase of elections, witnessed the lowest voter turnout in the last four decades. 

The four constituencies that had consistently witnessed 80 per cent turnout recorded 77.53 per cent voting, with the only saving grace being Murshidabad that saw over 80 per cent polls. Considering the last two Lok Sabha elections, there has been a decline of nearly four per cent. In 2019 and 2014, the four constituencies saw an average voter turnout of 81.66 and 81.85 per cent, respectively. 
Murshidabad, historically known for high voter participation, recorded 81.52 per cent in this election making it the lowest ever turnout in the last 40 years. In the 1980 Lok Sabha polls, Murshidabad recorded a turnout of 80.31 per cent, which is less than the current polling percentage.
Similarly, Jangipur registered a turnout of only 73.71 per cent, its lowest since 1977 when it was 58.07 percent. In Malda district, comprising Malda South and Malda North constituencies, the voter turnout was also low with Malda South recording 76.69 per cent and Malda North at 76.03 per cent. 
Prior to this, the district only saw a turnout of 75.54 per cent in 1980, which is lower than the current turnout. Interestingly, before the delimitation in 2004, Malda was only one constituency, which was subsequently divided into Malda South and Malda North. 
“The installation of CCTV cameras in all the polling stations and the strategic deployment of Central Forces have contributed significantly in keeping away the unwanted elements from the election process. We have also taken suitable measures for corrections in the voters list that resulted in weeding out fake voters from the list. This may have contributed to this turnout.  However, considering the other constituencies in the country that went for polls, our polling has been satisfactory,” an official in the office of Bengal CEO (Chief Electoral Officer) said. He added that there was hardly any complaint of false voting in this election. The genuine voters only exercised their franchise. 
A section of political analysts however believe that absentee voters and public apathy toward engaging in the democratic process, possibly due to widespread political corruption in recent months, may have significantly contributed to the low voter turnout in this election. 
https://www.millenniumpost.in/bengal/phase-3-records-7753-voter-turnout-in-4-ls-seats-in-state-563034
National, Regional, Sikkim, West Bengal

NH 10 opens today after 3 days closure and carpeting

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KalimNews, Kalimpong, 9 May 2024 : After 3 days of closure NH 10 from Rabi Jhora to 29th Mile opened today from 6 am. Normal traffic is plying in this highway. The road was closed for some repairing work and bituminous work. 

Earlier Balasubramanian T, District Magistrate of Kalimpong had notified that the said highway from Rabi Jhora to 29th Mile shall be closed from 6th May for 72 hours for carrying out bituminous work. 

His earlier order stated that a prayer has been received from the Executive Engineer II, National Highway, Division IX, P.W (Roads) requesting restriction and diversion of movement of all type of vehicles to carry out bituminous work at the stretch between Rabi bora to Gail Khola along NH 10. Therefore the administration finds it necessary to impose temporary restriction for movement of all type of vehicles to carry out the said bituminous work at the stretch between Rabi bora to Gail Khola along NH 10 to be carried on by PWD, National Highway, Division IX, P.W (Roads). 

There was protest from the drivers for closure of the highway as normal traffic on NH 10 was closed for several times and they had to follow the restriction of movement for all types of vehicles in the NH 10 specially from Rabi Jhora to 29th Mile.  

The alternative route allowed to were diversion routes for small vehicles to move from Rangpoo towards Siliguri via Munsong – 17’1′ Mile – Algarah – Lava -Gorubathan and to Siliguri and vice versa round the clock. 

For small vehicles was from Chitrey – Kalimpong town Algarah – Lava – Gorubathan and to Siliguri and vice versa round the clock. 

For goods Vehicle was from Chitrey – Kalimpong town Algarah – Lava – Gorubathan and to Siliguri and vice versa from 21.00 hrs to 06.00 hrs. 
And for goods vehicle and small vehicles from Reshi – Pedong – Algarah – Lava – Gorubathan and to Siliguri and vice versa round the clock. 
Regional, West Bengal

Rabindra Jayanti observed at Mungpoo

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Photo Courtesy: Hill Times, Facebook

EOI, DARJEELING, MAY 8/–/The West Bengal Information and Cultural Affairs department Darjeeling along with representatives of those associated with plantation of cinchona and other medicinal plants observed the164th birth anniversary of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore at Mungpoo on Wednesday in a sombre manner. 

Mungpoo, houses the Rabindra Bhawan and a museum dedicated to the bard. Tagore had visited Mungpoo four times between1938 and 1940 and wrote several of his poems and writings, here. The Darjeeling Additional District Magistrate, Anirban Chatterjee said locals and tourists and officials of the Cinchona plantation and district administration attended the programme to pay homage to the Nobel laureate on his birth anniversary. 
 “We organized a programme to pay our respect and remember Tagore. Many tourists attended the programme and participated in singing Rabindra sangeet. Even the local residents participated which was very encouraging,” he said. 
The Rabindra Bhawan houses important artefacts and personal belongings of Tagore including the bed and furniture he used and original writings. 
“When we visit Darjeeling, we make it a point to come to Mungpoo. This time our visit coincided with Tagore’s birthday. We are blessed. It was nice to sing the songs composed by the poet. It is nice that such events are organized in Mungpoo to remember Tagore who is our national treasure,” said Debashree Das, housewife from Kalighat. 
Sources said the unlike previous years the grandeur of the event was kept low key due to the ongoing Lok Sabha election
Crime, International, National, Regional, West Bengal

American nationals apprehended at Border with fake Aadhar card

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Photo Source & courtesy : Siliguri Times

PRASHANT ACHARYA, EOI, SILIGURI, MAY 8, 2024 : SSB’s 41 battalion on Tuesday afternoon apprehended two American nationals along with an Indian while they were entering India from Nepal via Panitanki border outpost. 

The arrested were identified as Naina Kala Poudel and Younis Biswakarma, both US national and Nima Poudel, a resident of Kalchini under Alipurduar district. 
According to SSB sources, Naina Kala Poudel (40) resident of English Drive in US along with her niece Eunice Biswa (11) of New York City came to India from America and landed at Bagdogra airport on March 19 this year. 
The two US citizens and the Indian were arrested with fake Aadhaar at Kharibari Indo-Nepal border.  
KalimNews: Siliguri Times reports that According to reports, the incident unfolded after Neena and Nima Tamang engaged in holy matrimony on April 13 in India, following which they embarked on a honeymoon trip to Nepal on April 21. 
However, their return journey encountered a setback when they were intercepted by Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) personnel at the border checkpoint. Sources within the SSB revealed that the trio attempted to enter India using counterfeit Aadhaar cards, raising suspicion among border security officials. 
Siluri Time further adds that  Upon investigation, it was revealed that the American nationals paid ₹10,000 in Hamiltonganj of Alipurduar for the making of the counterfeit aadhaar cards and left for Nepal. Subsequently, they were arrested at the Indo-Nepal border. Following their apprehension, the SSB handed over the individuals to Kharibari police for further legal proceedings. At present, the case has been forwarded to the Siliguri Sub-Divisional Court while the matter is under further investigation.  (source: https://siliguritimes.com/two-american-citizens-arrested-at-indo-nepal-border-with-fake-aadhaar-cards-in-kharibari/)
Crime, Northeast, Politics

Banned outfit’s cadre held in Manipur

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PTI, Imphal, May 8, 2024 :  A 33-year-old cadre of the banned National Revolutionary Front of Manipur was arrested from Imphal, police said on Wednesday.


Heisnam James Singh, an active member of the proscribed outfit, was involved in extortion and apprehended from the vicinity of the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences here on Tuesday, a police statement said.

A two-wheeler was seized from his possession, it said.

Search operations and area domination by security forces continued in the fringe and vulnerable areas of hill and valley districts in ethnic strife-torn Manipur, police said.

More than 219 people were killed and thousands displaced from homes after ethnic clashes broke out on May 3 last year in Manipur, when a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ was organised in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur’s population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley. Tribals – Nagas and Kukis – constitute little over 40 per cent and reside in the hill districts.