Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, December 1, 2024, Kolkata: Trinamool Congress All India General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee has once again raised pointed questions that left Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal struggling to provide clear answers. On Friday, during a session in Parliament, Banerjee questioned the Union Law Ministry about the post-retirement appointments of judges from various courts, including the Supreme Court. Specifically, he sought detailed information on whether these appointments were made in government or private positions and how such decisions were being recorded.

In response, Union Minister of State for the Law Ministry, Arjun Ram Meghwal, admitted that the central government does not maintain any records on the matter. Meghwal further stated that both the central and state governments had the discretion to appoint retired judges as needed, citing the decentralization policy as the basis for these appointments. However, he acknowledged that the government did not have detailed information or a centralized database on the specific positions these retired judges had taken up.

Banerjee’s inquiry highlighted concerns over transparency and the potential for conflicts of interest, urging the government to provide clarity on the issue. Despite the Minister’s assertions, the lack of detailed records raised eyebrows, with critics questioning the oversight and accountability of such appointments.

The exchange marks another instance of Abhishek Banerjee challenging the Union government over issues of governance and transparency. His continued scrutiny of judicial appointments and the broader functioning of the legal system suggests a growing opposition effort to hold the government to account on these critical matters.

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, November 27, 2024, Kolkata: The West Bengal Assembly was thrown into chaos this morning following a protest by BJP MLAs over the rising violence against women and children in the state. The protest was sparked by an incident involving the suspension of BJP MLA Tapsi Mandal’s microphone during a discussion on an adjournment motion addressing the issue.

BJP MLA Shankar Ghosh, leading the protest, criticized the Mamata Banerjee government for its failure to address the growing violence against women, citing the recent RG Kar incident as an example. “Even after the RG Kar tragedy, violence against women and children continues unabated in Bengal. Physical assault and even murders are on the rise,” Ghosh said, urging immediate action from the state government.

In the Assembly, women BJP MLAs, including Tapsi Mandal, Shikha Chatterjee, Malti Rava, and Chandana Bauri, submitted an adjournment motion demanding urgent discussion on the issue. The motion was allowed to proceed, with the women MLAs permitted to read an edited version of their commentary. However, when Mandal began reading the commentary, her microphone was abruptly switched off, sparking an uproar in the House.

Shankar Ghosh condemned the Speaker’s actions, accusing the Speaker, Biman Banerjee, of silencing the voices of women and children across Bengal. “The Chief Minister had said upon taking office that the opposition’s voices would be silenced. Today, the Speaker did exactly that. Tapsi Mandal’s microphone was not just turned off – it was the microphone of countless women and children of Bengal that was silenced,” Ghosh stated, further criticizing the ruling government for suppressing important discussions on women’s safety.

The incident quickly escalated, with BJP members walking out of the Assembly in protest against what they called undemocratic behavior. According to Assembly sources, Speaker Biman Banerjee defended the action, stating that the edited version of the commentary was to be read as per the rules, and since Mandal was reading from the unapproved portion, the microphone was switched off to ensure adherence to protocol.

The BJP’s protest highlights the ongoing concerns over women’s safety in the state, which have become a significant point of contention between the opposition and the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress government. BJP leaders have been vocal in their criticism of the state’s handling of women’s issues, particularly after several high-profile cases of violence, including the RG Kar incident.

While the disruption in the Assembly has drawn attention to the issue, it also underscores the growing tension between the ruling TMC and the opposition BJP, particularly on matters of governance and accountability.

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, November 26, 2024, Kolkata: In a recent discussion, Information Technology Minister Babul Supriyo praised the remarkable growth of Kolkata’s IT sector under the leadership of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. He emphasized that the IT industry in the city has seen an impressive 70% annual growth, significantly contributing to the state’s economy and creating a wealth of new employment opportunities.

Supriyo attributed this rapid expansion to Banerjee’s focused efforts to position Kolkata as a major hub for technology and innovation. He pointed out that the introduction of both front office and back office systems has resulted in a surge in job creation, particularly in the back office sector, further boosting employment in the city. According to the minister, this burgeoning industry is poised to attract significant foreign investment, marking a new phase of growth for the region.

“The Chief Minister is committed to making Kolkata a leading player in the national IT landscape,” Supriyo stated. “Her initiatives have laid the foundation for a thriving IT ecosystem, and the state is poised to become a magnet for both domestic and international investors.”

Supriyo also highlighted three key state policies designed to accelerate the growth of the IT sector: the Drone Policy, the Semi-conductor Policy, and the Global Capability Center. These policies, he explained, are expected to significantly enhance the state’s appeal to global investors, making Kolkata a key destination for cutting-edge technology companies.

Further underscoring the region’s potential, Supriyo mentioned that Webull, a major player in the IT industry, is developing a sprawling Silicon Valley-like campus spanning approximately 200 acres in New Town, Kolkata. The development will host major global companies, including Infosys and Reliance, which are already set to establish a presence in the area.

Additionally, Supriyo revealed that discussions are ongoing with British Telecom, the world’s third-largest telecommunications company, and that a recent delegation of 17 British representatives visited Kolkata to explore opportunities for collaboration. These talks signal a promising future for Kolkata as a key player in the global IT landscape.

In conclusion, Supriyo expressed confidence that with continued investment and policy support, Kolkata will soon emerge as India’s foremost city in the information technology sector. “In the near future, Kolkata will not only lead in India but also become a global hub for IT,” he said.

The state’s concerted efforts, combined with its growing infrastructure and favorable policies, are positioning Kolkata to become a powerhouse in the IT industry, attracting both national and international players.