Category Archives: West Bengal

Regional, West Bengal

‘Rodents cut wire and caused short circuit’: Holong Bungalow fire probe smells a rat

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‘Those who have stayed in the Holong Bungalow are familiar with the presence of rats. According to the primary report, the rats cut through the electric wires, leading to a short circuit’

Snehamoy Chakraborty, TT, Calcutta, 26.06.24 : 
The Holong Bungalow in Alipurduar’s Jaldapara National Park.: Sourced by the Telegraph.
In Bihar they have acquired a reputation for swilling litres of liquor confiscated by the police. In north Bengal, now, they are becoming fabled as spitfires. Rats. What’s one to make of them?

A primary investigation by the forest department has blamed rats for the June 19 fire that gutted the 57-year-old wooden Holong Bungalow in Alipurduar’s Jaldapara National Park.
A source said a five-member committee, formed immediately after the fire at the bungalow that was once a favourite retreat of former chief minister Jyoti Basu, had suggested that rats had cut the electric wire, causing a short circuit that triggered the devastating fire.

However, the evidence is not conclusive as the building, and all wires, had been destroyed by the fire.
“Those who have stayed in the Holong Bungalow are familiar with the presence of rats. According to the primary report, the rats cut through the electric wires, leading to a short circuit. As the bungalow was made of wood, we got no time to save it,” forest minister Birbaha Hansda, to whom the committee has submitted its report, told The Telegraph.

The fire broke out around 9.30pm on June 19 at the conference hall of the bungalow and spread throughout the entire property.

Hansda said the forest department was waiting for reports submitted separately by the police and the fire and emergency services departments.

“The two agencies are conducting independent probes into the fire incident, and that is why we are waiting for their reports to see if they differ from ours,” she added.

The bungalow on the banks of the Holong stream was built in 1967 as a forest inspection house with eight double-bedded rooms. Five rooms are currently with the state tourism department and the remaining three are dedicated to forest officials on duty.

The Holong Bungalow was the first choice of tourists visiting the Dooars region because of its prime location, with frequent sightings of one-horned rhinos, elephants, leopards and deer. The animals visit the salt pit in front of the bungalow.

Apart from former chief minister Basu, Mamata Banerjee has also stayed at the property several times. Other important persons who have been to the
bungalow are former chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, several of his cabinet colleagues, former governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi and author Samaresh Majumdar.

Initially, foresters had suspected that a short circuit from air-conditioners could be the source of the fire. However, during the investigation, the probe team found out that all the air-conditioners and geysers had been disconnected from the power source when the bungalow stopped taking in visitors on June 15 in keeping with annual protocol. Forest bungalows in Bengal cannot be booked for three months during the monsoon starting June 15 as this is the mating period for wild animals.

“However, the electricity connection had been kept on to illuminate the building, mainly the facade. After talking to the staff, we learnt that rats had previously created trouble by cutting power wires. That is why we find reason to believe that this time too such a thing has happened, resulting in a spark,” said a forest official.

A senior forest official in Jaldapara said the bungalow was infested with rats. “As the building is made of wood, there is a gap of a few inches between two layers of the walls. Hundreds of rats used to inhabit these spaces. That has been pointed out in the probe report,” a source who has gone through the findings said.

“As the building was old, the wood had become dry. That is why, despite 30 employees reaching the spot within five minutes of spotting the flames, they could not do anything to save it,” he added.

Hansda has said the government will reconstruct the Holong Bungalow and reopen it for tourists. However, a forest official said reconstruction needed permission from the National Board for Wildlife, a body headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
West Bengal

‘Rupashree aid of Rs 25K must reach beneficiaries before marriage date’

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Pradip Chatterjee, MP, 24 June 2024, Kolkata: State government has directed all the district administrations to ensure that the one-time financial assistance of Rs 25,000 under Rupashree scheme is transferred to the bank account of the beneficiaries well before the date of their marriage. 

The move has been taken to accelerate the process of providing funds to the beneficiaries of the Rupashree scheme. The district officials have been asked to transfer the amount latest by the date of marriage of the beneficiaries failing which accountability would be fixed on those officers who are responsible for delivering the services. 
An order has been issued to the districts clearly stating that it was desirable that the financial assistance is given to the beneficiaries account four days ahead of their date of marriage. The concerned officials will have to ensure that the money is credited to the beneficiaries’ bank account latest by the date of marriage. 
Earlier, there were complaints that in several cases the one-time financial assistance of Rs 25,000 was transferred to the beneficiaries’ bank account after their marriage had taken place. The beneficiaries will also get to know the status of their applications from Duare Sarkar camps or through an online portal. 
The applicants can apply for the financial assistance through online or offline processes. Application forms are available in various government offices. The applicants can apply for the money 30-60 days prior to the date of marriage. 
The scheme, a brainchild of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee that was launched on April 1, 2018, provides one-time financial assistance of Rs 25,000 to the family of a girl at the time of her marriage if her family income is less than Rs 1,50,000 per year. 
Initially, Rs 1,500 crore was allocated for the project. The woman must be a permanent resident of West Bengal and above 18 years at the time of her marriage with a cap on an annual family income of Rs 1.5 lakh. No minimum educational qualifications are required to apply for the scheme. 
The scheme introduced by the Mamata Banerjee government has immensely benefited many families who used to find it extremely difficult to bear the expenditure of marriage of their daughters. 
https://www.millenniumpost.in/bengal/rupashree-aid-of-rs-25k-must-reach-beneficiaries-before-marriage-date-569272
Regional, West Bengal

Heavy rains likely in north Bengal till June 28

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PTI, 24 June 2024 : Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely in northern West Bengal owing to a trough from Rajasthan to Bangladesh and strong moisture incursion from the Bay of Bengal, officials said on Monday.


A warning was issued for landslides in the hill districts of Darjeeling and Kalimpong, and a rise in the water level of rivers such as Teesta, Jaldhaka, Sankosh and Torsa owing to the possible downpour, they said.

Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, Uttar and Dakshin Dinajpur are very likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall till June 28 owing to an east-west trough running from southeast Rajasthan to north Bangladesh and strong moisture incursion from the Bay of Bengal, the Met Department said in its forecast.

After days of continuous downpour, there was a respite from the rains in the region.

Thunderstorms with lightning are likely to occur at a few places in southern West Bengal, especially in the coastal and adjoining districts, over the next few days, the Met Department said.
Crime, West Bengal

𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐫𝐮𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬: 𝟒𝟏 𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐧 𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧, 𝐬𝐚𝐲 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐞

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 Barasat police have announced a helpline to report such rumour-mongering on social media platforms

Snehal Sengupta, Monalisa Chaudhuri, TT, Barasat, 22.06.24 : A 28-year-old man from Madhyamgram was arrested on Friday for allegedly spreading rumours on social media about alleged childlifters in Barasat, North 24-Parganas.

Police said 57 rumour-mongering posts on Facebook had been identified and 41 pulled down by Friday evening.

Abdul Karim was the fourth person arrested for allegedly spreading rumours that led to three persons getting beaten up at two places in Barasat on suspicion that they were child lifters.

Three persons — Pritam Mistry, Sheikh Mijanur Rehman and Payal Talukdar — were arrested on Thursday on similar charges. The police said the trio were administrators of two Facebook groups.

Barasat police have announced a helpline to report such rumour-mongering on social media platforms.

A senior police officer said on Friday that people can report suspicious posts on Facebook or other social media platforms by sending WhatsApp messages to 9163766694.

Karim, the police said, did odd jobs for a living and drove a bike taxi. He had allegedly shared multiple posts and videos aimed at spreading rumours that a gang of child traffickers was active in the area, an officer in the Barasat police district said.

“Karim had also commented multiple times on rumour-mongering posts uploaded on at least two Facebook groups,” the officer said.

Karim has been charged under the Information Technology Act and IPC sections related to mischief and causing breach of peace in society.

An officer said the 57 Facebook posts they had identified were meant to spread rumours and create panic. The posts had been made from various accounts.

The Barasat additional superintendent of police, Sparsh Nilangi, said that of the 57 Facebook posts, 41 hadbeen taken down till 5.30pm on Friday.

“We are in touch with Facebook and have asked them to take down these posts as they are solely aimed at spreading rumours,” Nilangi told Metro.

The Barasat superintendent of police, Pratiksha Jharkhariya, said the four in custody had been actively spreading rumours through two Facebook groups that a gang of child traffickers was active in the area.

“We have arrested 19 people for Wednesday’s assaulton two men and a woman,” she said.
Education, Regional, West Bengal

Government Directs District Inspectors to Monitor Energy Efficiency in Schools, Curtail Power Wastage

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 The official said the education department has received complaints that non-teaching employees at times forget to switch off lights, fans and other electric appliances after the classes are over or the campus shuts for the day

Subhankar Chowdhury, TT, Calcutta, 22.06.24 : The state education department has asked the district inspectors (DIs) of schools to be vigilant against consumption of power beyond school hours in government and government-aided schools and run random checks on campuses.

A notice addressed to the DIs and signed by the commissioner of school education says: “You are also requested to ensure visit in the schools under your jurisdiction beyond school hours by yourself and subordinate officials for random checks about any misuse of power consumption.”

The notice was issued on Thursday, hours after chief minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her dissatisfaction in a meeting over the alleged misuse of electricity in government offices and schools.

“The chief minister feels that if the office heads or institution heads remain cautious, the expenditure on electricity bills could be cut down to some extent,” said an official in the state primary education board.

The notice by the commissioner of school education says: “It has come to the knowledge at some places, the use of power/electricity is not efficient. At times, the misuse of power beyond class hours has been observed. It is thus be advised that all school authorities be communicated to remain extremely vigilant with regard to power consumption. Any unnecessary use of electricity must be avoided at each place.”

It further says: “You are also requested to ensure visit in the schools under your jurisdiction….”

The primary education board, secondary education board and the council of higher secondary education have been issued copies of the notice.

There are about 55,000 primary schools run or aided by the government in Bengal. The number of secondary and higher secondary schools run or aided by the government stands at close to 12,000 and 9,000, respectively.

“If misuse of power could be prevented at these institutions, a substantial amount of money could be saved,” said an official.

The official said the education department has received complaints that non-teaching employees at times forget to switch off lights, fans and other electric appliances after the classes are over or the campus shuts for the day.

“The teachers, too, stand accused of dereliction of duty,” the official said.

Swapan Mandal, the general secretary of the Bengal Teachers’ and Employees’ Association, said: “The schools are required to send data about their teachers or other information…. The work for that is done after classes. We have to keep lights and fans on for this work.”
West Bengal

HC: Upload teacher info on govt website

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 The guardians should know whether the teachers, engaged in schools, deserve tutoring their wards.

SNS | Kolkata | June 21, 2024 : Calcutta High Court today in a ruling asked the state government to upload all requisite information on the teachers teaching in various schools in the state on the government website to make it public for the sake of the guardians, who have the rights to know, who are teaching their wards in the schools.

The guardians should know whether the teachers, engaged in schools, deserve tutoring their wards. Many are still doing jobs as teachers for four to five years without having an appointment letter. It should not be delayed further, observed Justice Biswajit Basu of Calcutta High Court today.

To this, government counsel told the court that it would take at least two months to collect all the requisite information.

Justice Basu observed the state should do it on a war footing. The state should do the needful on teachers on the website at the earliest.
Regional, West Bengal

Reconstruction of famous bungalow at Holong in limbo until approved by PM Modi

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 On Tuesday night, the 57-year-old wooden bungalow, a popular destination of many prominent personalities, including former chief minister Jyoti Basu, was gutted in a blaze
The bungalow before the blaze at Holong in the Jaldapara National Park

TT Correspondent, Alipurduar, 21.06.24 :  The reconstruction of the famous bungalow at Holong in the Jaldapara National Park of Alipurduar district depends on the approval of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) which is headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, senior Bengal forest department officers said on Thursday.

On Tuesday night, the 57-year-old wooden bungalow, a popular destination of many prominent personalities, including former chief minister Jyoti Basu, was gutted in a blaze.

Debal Roy, the state’s chief wildlife warden (CWLW), visited the site on Thursday in Jaldapara — the largest habitat of one-horned rhinos in Bengal.

“As of now, we have no plan to reconstruct the bungalow in Holong. This is because such construction can be carried out only if the NBWL approves it. Police and some other agencies are probing the fire,” said Roy.

He, however, didn’t clarify whether the Bengal forest department would approach the NBWL with a proposal to rebuild the bungalow.

After the incident, many people have written posts on social media, seeking the reconstruction of the bungalow the way it was.

Sources in the forest department said construction of any property for commercial purposes — five rooms of the gutted bungalow were with the state tourism department and people could book rooms to stay there — is not allowed in reserve forest areas according to the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.

“When the bungalow was built (in 1967), the restriction was not there. But now, the decision has to be taken by the NBWL. Even if it is reconstructed, it would most likely be for the use of the department and not for visitors,” said a retired forest officer.

He said the forest bungalow at Jainti in the Buxa Tiger Reserve had also been damaged in a blaze. Later, it was reconstructed but only foresters could stay there.

“No commercial booking is available for this bungalow,” the former forester added.

Around 10 years ago, the state tourist department started constructing a bungalow at a location in Sajnekhali of the Sundarbans on a patch of forest land. Its construction was stopped by the NBWL.

“We understand the emotions of people… but we have to abide by the law,” said Roy, the CWLW.

On Wednesday, the department had constituted a five-member committee to investigate the fire. The team will reach the site soon.

MP irked

Manoj Tigga, the BJP MP of Alipurduar and the former MLA of Madarihat, in which Jaldapara is located, expressed his disgruntlement as foresters stopped him from visiting the gutted bungalow on Thursday.

When Tigga reached the entry gate, which is off Asian Highway 48 and around 8km from the bungalow, foresters posted there denied him permission.

“I wanted to speak with senior foresters to know how the fire broke out. But they didn’t allow me. It seems the department is trying to conceal something,” said Tigga.
Crime, Regional, West Bengal

Train crash probe widens to training, investigations undergoing behind collision

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 The chief commissioner of railway safety (CCRS), Janak Kumar Garg, of the Northeast Frontier Circle has been investigating the incident in which a goods train rammed into the rear end of the Sealdah-bound Kanchenjunga Express near the Rangapani station of the Darjeeling district
Workers cover the mangled coaches at the accident site on Thursday: Picture by Passang Yolmo

Bireswar Banerjee, TT, Siliguri, 21.06.24 : The claim by loco pilots of the Northeast Frontier Railway that their training is deficient has gained ground as instructors and others associated with the zonal training centre of the NFR have been brought under the ambit of the probe into the collision of the two trains near Siliguri on Monday.

The chief commissioner of railway safety (CCRS), Janak Kumar Garg, of the Northeast Frontier Circle has been investigating the incident in which a goods train rammed into the rear end of the Sealdah-bound Kanchenjunga Express near the Rangapani station of the Darjeeling district.

“Those associated with the zonal training centre in Alipurduar have been called. Their statements would be recorded. In the course of the inquiry, all possible angles would be explored to find out what has led to the accident,” Surendra Kumar, the divisional railway manager of the Katihar division of the NFR, said on Thursday.

He said statements of 16 persons had been recorded since Wednesday.

After the accident, loco pilots and representatives of the All India Loco Running Staff Association had said although an automated signalling system had been introduced in the NFR, they were not trained properly.

“The loco pilots need proper training so that they can run trains along stretches where the automatic signalling has been introduced and also if the system is not running,” a representative of the association had said.

In the NFR, loco pilots are provided with practical training at the specialized loco training institute in Siliguri Junction station.

“The would-be loco pilots are trained for two months at the institute. After the training, he/she is declared eligible as an assistant loco pilot. In due course, he takes further training to be promoted as a loco pilot,” said a source.

In one batch, around 60 candidates can be trained at the institute.

From there, the candidates are sent to the Multi-Disciplinary Zonal Railway Training Institute in Alipurduar for further training.

Also, loco pilots, station managers and others working in different wings of the railways are provided with training at the centre.

The training modules include theoretical and practical classes and are followed by exams and interviews.

“According to the rule, a loco pilot has to pass the exam and the interview. Only then, he/she gets a certificate which mentions that the loco pilot or the assistant loco pilot is proficient to run trains along stretches where there is an automatic signalling system,” said a source.

A loco pilot based at NJP has said that as the instructors and others who provide training have been called for the inquiry, it is evident that the CCRS will record their statements to find out whether adequate training was provided to loco pilots, station managers and others associated with railway operations.

Kumar, the DRM, however, rejected the charge raised by loco pilots.

“Training is conducted systematically.” he said this evening.
Regional, West Bengal

Meshes Conceal Rail Wreckage from Onlookers at Kanchenjungha Train Crash Site

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GRP jawans walk near the accident site on Thursday: Picture by Passang Yolmo

TT Correspondent, Siliguri, 21.06.24 : 

The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has engaged workers at the accident site near the Rangapani station of Jalpaiguri district to place green-coloured meshes to cover the wreckage while the final repair of the tracks is in progress.

Mangled coaches and other debris were still lying at the site on Thursday when the workers placed the meshes.
“It will discourage curious onlookers from swarming the site. Also, trains are running along the route and passengers are standing near the doors to catch a glimpse of the wreckage. This is risky. That is why the wreckage has been covered,” said a source in the NFR.

After the mishap on Monday, railways restored train movement along the up track (the second track) around 5.40pm on the same day. Repairs were carried out throughout the night and on Tuesday morning, the down track where the accident had occurred was restored for movement of trains.

“However, some final repairs have to be done as trains are moving at a lower speed along the stretch. That work is going on at the site in an intermittent manner and trains are passing through the area with utmost caution,” the source added.

Personnel of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) have been posted at the site. Sources said they are using carbolic acid to keep themselves safe.

“It is raining these days and snakes can be seen near the site. That is why, necessary precautions are being taken,” said a source.

In the ADRM’s office in New Jalpaiguri, the hearing of railway staff continued for the second day today. A number of employees appeared before the chief commissioner of railway safety (CCRS) and got their statements recorded.

“Their statements, along with documentary evidence would be corroborated. The inquiry is likely to continue for some more time as various information has to be gathered,” said Surendra Kumar, the divisional railway manager of the Katihar division of the NFR.

The railway authorities are yet to talk to Manu Kumar, the assistant loco pilot of the goods train, who is under treatment.

“Our doctors will speak with doctors who are treating him to know his condition. Once he recovers, we will talk to him. His statement is vital as the loco pilot of the goods train has died in the accident,” said an official.

New trains

The NFR has decided to start two pairs of Garib Rath Express from July to connect Calcutta with the Northeast.

While a pair will run between Agartala and Kolkata stations, the other will connect Kolkata station with Guwahati.

Both would be weekly trains and will stop at different stations in Bengal and the Northeast.

“There will be 16 AC-III economy coaches in each train,” said an official.

Courtesy & source- The Telegraph
National, Politics, West Bengal

PM must defer new criminal laws: Mamata, Congress turn up Opposition chorus volume

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 After Tamil Nadu CM Stalin, Bengal CM writes to Modi; Manish Tewari demands new laws must go through Parliament again

TT, 21.06.24 : Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday joined the ranks of Opposition leaders who have opposed the three new criminal laws that are to come into effect on July 1.

The new laws, the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, are to replace the colonial-era Indian Penal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and the Indian Evidence Act of 1872, respectively.

Parliament passed the three new laws – one of the big projects of the new government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi – during the monsoon session in August last year.

“Any far-reaching legal, change requires meticulous groundwork beforehand to ensure effective enforcement and administration and we do not have any reason to avert such homework,” Mamata wrote in her letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday.

Earlier, civil liberty activists such as senior Supreme Court lawyer Indira Jaising have raised concerns over the new laws.

Critics of the government and legal activists say that only 20 to 25 per cent of the provisions are new and that they give too much power to the police. The new laws have provisions that could criminalise dissent, the critics of the government say.

“The new criminal Laws that come into effect from July 1st 2024 lay the foundations of turning India into a Police State. Their implementation must be stopped forthwith and Parliament must re-examine them,” Congress leader Manish Tewari posted on X on Friday, with a link to his article in the New Indian Express headlined ‘New criminal laws must go through Parliament again’.

A few days earlier, Tewari had posted: “The three new Criminal Laws were arbitrarily passed in Parliament after suspending a record 146 MP’s belonging to the opposition. These three Laws therefore reflect the will of only a section of Parliament those who then sat on the Treasury benches. They do not reflect the collective wisdom of Parliament. Even the dissenting views expressed by learned members of the Standing Parliamentary Committee of Home Affairs were not taken on board. The implementation of these Laws from July 1st 2024 will tantamount to throwing a spanner into India’s legal system. The operationalisation of these Laws must be put on hold till the time Parliament does not “ collectively reapply” itself to these three legislation’s

“Certain provisions in these laws represent the broadest assault on Civil liberties since the foundation of the Indian Republic,” he had posted. .

Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin has also earlier this week reportedly written to the Centre on the new criminal laws, urging Prime Minister Modi take the states’ views into consideration.

He had reportedly said that the new laws had been pushed through “without adequate deliberations and consultations”.

He had also pointed to the Constitution.

“These enactments are falling within List III – concurrent list of the Constitution of India and hence extensive consultation ought to have been done with the State Government,” he reportedly wrote. “The States were not given adequate time to express their views and the new laws were passed by the Parliament without the participation of the opposition parties.”

He had pointed to things like Section 103 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) allegedly having two subsections for two distinct classes of murder with the same punishment.
Economy, West Bengal

State govt to expand old age pension scheme

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Pradip Chatterjee, MP, 19 June 2024, Kolkata: In a visionary move to bolster support for those entering their golden years without a steady income, the Bengal government is poised to expand its benevolent old-age pension scheme, embracing an additional 50,000 deserving individuals.

This initiative aims to ease the financial strains often encountered in the twilight of life, offering a beacon of hope and security to more of the state’s elderly population. The Mamata Banerjee government presently extends a monthly allowance of Rs 1,000 to approximately 20.15 lakh beneficiaries throughout the state. With the addition of 50,000 new recipients, the total number of beneficiaries under this scheme will soon increase to an impressive 20.65 lakh. This significant expansion demonstrates the government’s steadfast commitment to supporting its elderly citizens in their time of need.

Extending support to people of all ages and from all walks of life with a humane approach, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in 2021 had proposed to provide old age pension to every person above 60 years of age and widows above 18 years of age in the state aiming to provide stable source of income to senior citizens of the state.

It was learnt that out of the financial allowance of Rs 1,000 to all individuals, the Centre is supposed to provide Rs 200 in case the beneficiaries belong to the 60-80 age bracket. The Centre is supposed to bear its share of Rs 300 out of a total of Rs 1,000 if the beneficiaries are above 80.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had repeatedly criticised the Centre for stopping funds in connection with old age pensions. Earlier this year, Banerjee had announced that her government would be extending benefits of old age pension to another 9 lakh women while another 1.04 lakh will get benefits of widow pension.

Incidentally, the Chief Minister in 2022 announced that women receiving the widow pension would also be entitled to the benefits of the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme. Social security pensions of Rs 1,000 per month are provided to women in Bengal. In the case of Lakshmir Bhandar, women in the age group of 25-60 years get Rs 1200 for the SC/ST and OBC while for the general caste, the amount is Rs 1000 per month.

 
https://www.millenniumpost.in/bengal/state-govt-to-expand-old-age-pension-scheme-568626
Education, West Bengal

‘Centre has not released funds for Sarva Siksha Abhiyan’

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MP, 20 June 2024, Kolkata: The Centre has not released to the tune of Rs 1,600 crore under Samagra Siksha Abhiyan (SSA) on the ground that the state has not signed an MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) with the Union government on PM (Prime Minister) Shri Scheme. 

“In PM Shri Scheme, the Central share is 60 per cent while the state’s share is 40 per cent so why should it be christened as PM Shri? It will either be called PM-CM Shri or by any other name. 
Moreover, this scheme has nothing to do with SSA through which Mid Day Meal is provided to students. 
They are trying to deprive the students of their share of Mid Day Meal. The stopping of funds under SSA is inhuman, barbaric and a shame for the federal structure,” state Education minister Bratya Basu said. 
A senior official of the state Education department said that Rs 1,200 crore is due for the year 2023-24 while for this year (till today), another Rs 400 crore (considering that the amount for SSA is given in three to four installments) is due. 
https://www.millenniumpost.in/bengal/centre-has-not-released-funds-for-sarva-siksha-abhiyan-568636
Regional, Sikkim, West Bengal

Nighttime Restrictions Implemented for All Vehicles on NH10

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KalimNews, Kalimpong, 19 June 2024: The district administration of Kalimpong has imposed restrictions on all vehicular movement along NH10 during nighttime hours. In a notification issued today by Balasubramanian T, District Magistrate of Kalimpong, it has been announced that the movement of all vehicles, including heavy vehicles and small vehicles, is prohibited from 6 pm to 6 am, effective immediately until further notice.

The decision comes in response to significant damage caused by recent heavy rainfall near Melli Bridge, Rabi Jhora, and Likhu Veer along NH10. These measures are necessary to facilitate repairs and ensure the safety and security of the public.

However, the administration has allowed for the movement of heavy vehicles, including buses, from Seti Jhora to Rangpoo and vice versa via NH10 during daytime hours from 6 am to 6 pm until further notice. Similarly, small vehicles are permitted to travel this route from 6 am to 8 pm.

Additionally, it has been advised to maintain single-lane traffic at Bhalu Khola, Gareri Khola, Rabi Jhora, and Likhu bhir.

For diversions, small vehicles are recommended to take alternative routes from Rangpoo towards Siliguri via Munsong, 17 Mile, Algarah, Lava, and Gorubathan, operational round the clock. Heavy goods vehicles, buses, and small vehicles can use the Reshi-Pedong-Algarah-Lava-Gorubathan route to Siliguri and vice versa, also accessible 24/7.

Police (Traffic) will enforce necessary restrictions at Rangpoo Check post, Melli Bazaar, Chitrey, 29 Mile, and at the district border along NH10 to assist with the route diversions.

Career / Jobs, West Bengal

HC directs state govt to ensure 1% reservation for transgender persons in public employment

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Agencies, 16 June 2024, Kolkata: The Calcutta High Court has directed the Bengal government to ensure one per cent reservation for transgender persons in all public employment in the state. Noting that the state government adopted a policy of equal treatment in employment to transgenders, the court said the reservation has, however, not yet been made for them. 

Justice Rajasekhar Mantha directed the chief secretary of the Bengal government to ensure one per cent reservation for transgenders in all public employment. 
The high court order was passed on a petition by a transgender person, who succeeded in the Teachers’ Eligibility Test (TET) 2014 and also in the TET 2022, but was not called for counseling or interview. A
In the order passed on Friday, Justice Mantha noted that the Supreme Court had declared in a 2014 case that ‘hijras’ and eunuchs, apart from binary genders, be treated as “third gender” for the purpose of safeguarding their rights under Part III of the Constitution. 
The apex court had also upheld transgender persons’ right to decide their self-identified gender, and directed the Centre and state governments to grant legal recognition of their gender identity such as male, female or as third gender. 
Justice Mantha also noted that the top court had directed the Centre and the state governments to take steps to treat them as socially and educationally backward classes of citizens, and “extend all kinds of reservation in cases of admission in educational institutions and for public appointments”. 
https://www.millenniumpost.in/bengal/hc-directs-state-govt-to-ensure-1-reservation-for-transgender-persons-in-public-employment-568193
Regional, Sikkim, West Bengal

CM Sikkim asks Centre to manage Sevoke – Rangpo stretch of NH 10

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SUJAL PRADHAN, EOI, GANGTOK, JUNE 16, 2024 : Chief Minister of Sikkim Prem Singh Tamang on Sunday called upon the Centre to manage the stretch of the National Highway 10 from Sevoke to Rangpo. His demand followed his visit to the border town of Melli on Saturday where he assessed the significant damage caused by flash floods and the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood of October 3 last.

Talking to newspersons, the Chief Minister highlighted the critical condition of the 50-kmstretch of NH 10 running along the banks of the Teesta River in West Bengal. “The road from Sevoke near Siliguri to the Rangpo border in Sikkim, although part of NH 10,is maintained by the West Bengal Government. While the funding is provided by the Union government, Sikkim does not receive the necessary support under state management,” Golay said.
The Chief Minister pointed out that, in contrast, the road from Rangpo to Gangtok was managed as a National Highway by Central agencies. This allowed for better maintenance and support. He stressed that the current condition of the stretch of the road under the management of West Bengal was in adequate; particularly in view of its strategic importance.
“This road is vital for Sikkim and the Indian army, given Sikkim’s strategic border position.
Heavy vehicles struggle on these precarious roads, causing a rise in goods prices due to detours through Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts,” Golay explained
Politics, West Bengal

Rising Crime Wave in West Bengal: Extortion Gangs Draw 1990s Mumbai Parallels

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Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar accused West Bengal of experiencing a surge in extortion rackets reminiscent of 1990s Mumbai. He cited recent shootouts and dacoities, suggesting a deteriorating law and order situation, and highlighted violence against opposition party workers. Minister Firhad Hakim linked recent crimes to out-of-state miscreants.


PTI, 16 June, 2024, Kolkata :  Union Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar on Sunday alleged that extortion rackets were thriving in West Bengal, drawing parallels to the notorious activities of Dawood Ibrahim and Chhota Rajan gangs in Mumbai during the 1990s.

He claimed that instances of shootouts and dacoities in jewellery shops over the last couple of months prove that the “law and order situation in the state is not good.” Majumdar, also the state BJP president, alleged that these developments are reminiscent of past criminal activities in Mumbai, suggesting a worrying trend in West Bengal.

“I am reminded of the way Dawood Ibrahim, Chhota Shakil, Chhota Rajan gangs used to operate extortion rackets in Mumbai in the 1990’s. Similar rackets seem to have started in West Bengal,” Majumdar said.

He further alleged that opposition party workers have been subjected to attacks while such criminal activities continue unchecked.

Majumdar, who met with BJP workers claiming to be victims of post-poll violence perpetrated by supporters of the ruling party in West Bengal, highlighted an incident where motorbike-borne assailants shot at a businessman’s car on the busy B T Road here on Saturday.

In the early hours of Saturday, a shooting incident took place at Mirza Galib Street in central Kolkata. The incident stemmed from an altercation between two men, reportedly linked to a road rage incident the previous day.

West Bengal Minister Firhad Hakim attributed the recent dacoities in jewellery shops, including the latest one at Raniganj a few days ago, to miscreants from neighbouring states. In this connection, two persons were arrested from Jharkhand in a coordinated operation conducted jointly by the police forces of both states, officials said. 
Regional, West Bengal

Monsoon to advance into whole of north Bengal in few days, heavy rain likely: Met department

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While the sub-Himalayan districts are facing disruption in a few areas owing to heavy rain, some districts in south Bengal are likely to experience heatwave and severe heatwave conditions for the next few days, the weather office said

PTI, Calcutta, 14.06.24 : The southwest monsoon is likely to advance into the whole of sub-Himalayan West Bengal and some parts of Gangetic West Bengal in the next four to five days, the Met Department said on Friday.

Heavy to very heavy rainfall at one or two places is very likely to continue over the state’s northern districts, which are reeling under relentless downpour for the past few days.

While the sub-Himalayan districts are facing disruption in a few areas owing to heavy rain, some districts in south Bengal are likely to experience heatwave and severe heatwave conditions for the next few days, the weather office said.

It also warned of landslides in the hilly areas of Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts.

The water level is likely to rise in rivers flowing through the sub-Himalayan districts, including Teesta, Jaldhaka, Sankosh and Torsa, it said.

The Met Department recommended regulation of traffic and avoiding movement in landslide-prone areas in the hills.

In the past 24 hours till 8.30 am on Friday, Rongo in Kalimpong district recorded the highest rainfall in West Bengal at 150 mm, followed by Alipurduar (140 mm), Jhalong (140 mm), Dhupguri (120 mm), Sevoke (100 mm), Pundibari (100 mm) and Champasari (80 mm), it said.

The weatherman forecast heavy to very heavy rain in Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts in the next few days, with extremely heavy rainfall in Alipurduar district till Saturday.