Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, June 24, 2025, Kolkata : A sit-in protest has been announced for Wednesday, June 25, by the eligible Group C and Group D education staff under the banner of Odhikar Mancha, intensifying the ongoing movement surrounding the West Bengal school recruitment controversy. The protest will press for urgent action on three specific demands related to the employment and legal rights of 3,394 staff members deemed eligible.

The demonstrators are demanding immediate redress in the wake of administrative and legal actions that led to mass dismissals and a call for fresh recruitment, which has triggered widespread discontent among affected education workers across the state.

According to the call issued by Odhikar Mancha, the demands are as follows:

1. Immediate publication of the certificate list for the 1,255 eligible Group C and 2,139 eligible Group D employees—a total of 3,394 candidates—who have already been declared qualified through official proceedings.

2. Uploading of all scanned OMR sheets recovered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on the official SSC website to ensure transparency, enable cross-verification, and restore public confidence in the recruitment process.

3. Reinstatement of all 3,394 eligible Group C and D education workers to their respective school positions in accordance with proper legal procedure, thereby ensuring no further delay in justice for those wrongfully affected.

This mobilization comes amid continued unrest in West Bengal’s education sector, following the Supreme Court’s cancellation of thousands of school appointments made from the 2016 recruitment panel. The move severely impacted many teachers and staff who had served for years, leading to legal petitions, hunger strikes, and ongoing protests.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has previously urged patience and expressed the state government’s willingness to file a review petition regarding the employment of Group C and D staff. However, with no concrete resolution in place, eligible candidates say they are left in limbo, prompting the renewed agitation.

Odhikar Mancha has positioned the sit-in as a peaceful and lawful assertion of rights, calling on both the government and the School Service Commission (SSC) to act without delay. The protest is expected to draw significant attention and participation from the affected teaching and non-teaching community and civil society allies.

As pressure mounts from all sides, the spotlight remains on how the government and relevant authorities respond to the intensifying demands for justice and reinstatement.

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, Kolkata, June 22, 2025 : The 50th foundation celebration of the Homeopathic Medical Association of India (HMAI) kicked off with a grand event organized by its Sealdah branch at Nalban Food Park. The event not only commemorated the establishment of the association but also marked the 270th birth anniversary of Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, the revered father of homeopathy, and the birth anniversary of another notable figure in homeopathy, Dr. J. N. Kanjilal.

Baby Chakraborty | KalimNews | Kolkata | June 21, 2025 : With the monsoon now firmly established and heavy rainfall already triggering alarm, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee convened an emergency high-level meeting at Nabanna on Friday to assess and coordinate immediate flood response efforts in South Bengal. The region, vulnerable due to a chronically strained drainage system and the rising water levels in major rivers, is bracing for what officials warn could be the worst monsoon flooding since 1978.

The Chief Minister, acutely aware of the mounting risk, spoke directly with administrative officials in the affected districts, using the phone of Chief Secretary Manoj Pant during the meeting. She issued strict instructions for real-time monitoring and rapid mobilization of relief measures across multiple districts. Responsibilities have been distributed among senior ministers, with each assigned to specific flood-prone areas to oversee preparedness and response on the ground.

According to Nabanna sources, Minister Pulak Roy will supervise operations in Amta and Udaynarayanpur in Howrah, Manas Bhuiyan will monitor developments in West Midnapore, Firhad Hakim is tasked with overseeing Goghat in Hooghly, and Malay Ghatak has been assigned to the Bankura-Purulia belt. The government is also coordinating with local administrations to ensure swift responses where needed.

In parallel, a state-level briefing was held by the Chief Secretary with District Magistrates a day prior, underlining the seriousness of the situation. Relief materials—including tarpaulin sheets, dry rations, clean clothes, essential medicines, and drinking water—have already been dispatched to district stockpiles, allowing for immediate distribution once floodwaters begin affecting civilian areas.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is currently on high alert and has been stationed strategically across vulnerable zones to assist in evacuation and relief operations. Over 50 rescue camps have been set up, providing shelter, food, water, and basic medical care for displaced residents.

Despite these measures, tensions have resurfaced between the state and central governments. Irrigation Minister Manas Bhuiyan expressed sharp criticism of the Centre, particularly over delays and inaction in desilting operations by the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC). While the DVC has historically been blamed for contributing to downstream flooding due to poor water management, state officials now emphasize that the crisis cannot be resolved by scapegoating a single entity. Instead, they are pushing for long-term structural improvements and better inter-state coordination, especially with Jharkhand, where upstream releases significantly impact South Bengal’s floodplain.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has offered a small window of relief, predicting a temporary dip in rainfall intensity over the next two days. However, officials are not taking any chances, citing past experiences where a brief lull was quickly followed by torrential downpours. Preparations remain aggressive and proactive, especially in low-lying and river-adjacent zones.

As flood response operations scale up, public attention is also turning toward the distribution of relief materials, an area historically marred by allegations of nepotism and corruption. Civil society groups and local watchdogs are calling for transparency and accountability in relief logistics this time around.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has made it clear that the state cannot afford complacency. With lessons learned from past disasters and this year’s monsoon already exceeding expectations, the administration is under pressure to protect lives, property, and public trust in the days ahead.

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, June 20, 2025, Kolkata :  

In an awe-inspiring display of unity, health, and spiritual connection, millions of people across India gathered on June 21 to celebrate the 11th International Day of Yoga. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, leading the nationwide festivities, conducted a mass yoga demonstration in the coastal city of Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, where thousands of participants gathered at RK Beach.

Dressed in traditional white, PM Modi emphasized the global significance of yoga, especially in today’s world, which faces growing tensions and unrest. “Yoga is the pause button that humanity needs to breathe, to balance, to become whole again,” he said. Highlighting this year’s theme, ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health,’ he reminded the crowd of the interconnectedness of all life on Earth, from the soil that nurtures us to the rivers and animals that sustain our ecosystem. He also called for a “Yoga for Humanity 2.0,” where inner peace becomes a global priority.

In Manmathpur, a special yoga event organized by the Bharat Sevashram Sangha at the Pranab Mandir took place, highlighting the importance of yoga not just for physical well-being but as a means of spiritual growth. Revered Gautam Maharaj of the Mahishadal branch explained, “Yoga is not just a physical practice, it is a path of deep spiritual practice. It harmonizes our body, mind, and soul, leading to inner peace and self-discipline.”

In addition, the Bharat Sevashram Sangha celebrated Yoga Day in multiple locations, following the principles of the organization’s founder, Acharya Srimat Swami Pranabanandaji Maharaj, to promote Indian culture and philosophy. Participants performed yoga under strict adherence to government protocols, underscoring the event’s significance in cultivating a healthy, balanced life.

In Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, alongside Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan, joined the celebrations, marking a record turnout. Naidu announced that the state set a remarkable 23 global records, including two Guinness World Records and 21 World Book of Records titles. The most notable achievement was the participation of 3.03 lakh people performing yoga together at a single location, setting a world record. Another Guinness World Record was created by 22,122 tribal students who performed 108 Surya Namaskars for 108 minutes.

In Delhi, 3,400 participants, including diplomats, NCC cadets, and students, gathered at the Cariappa Parade Ground for a grand yoga session. Lt. Gen. N.S. Raja Subramani, Vice Chief of the Army Staff, led the event, while Indian Air Force personnel formed a symbolic display of ‘OP SINDOOR’ as they performed asanas at Subroto Park.

President Droupadi Murmu, speaking at an event in Dehradun, described yoga as a “shared legacy of mankind,” emphasizing that it transcends religion and community. Similarly, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, alongside other dignitaries, participated in yoga sessions across the country, reinforcing yoga’s global reach.

Many state leaders took the opportunity to launch significant initiatives. In Delhi, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta performed yoga by the Yamuna River, while UP CM Yogi Adityanath led celebrations in Gorakhpur. In Haryana, CM Nayab Singh Saini, joined by yoga guru Ramdev, introduced a five-minute daily yoga break in all government offices and proposed a uniform yoga curriculum across universities and colleges in the state.

Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami introduced India’s first Yoga Policy, aiming to transform the state into a global wellness hub. Goa CM Pramod Sawant encouraged schools to dedicate 15 minutes daily to yoga, while in Bihar, Governor Arif Mohammed Khan joined a special session at Raj Bhavan’s Darbar Hall.

The celebration also saw over 3,000 persons with disabilities performing yoga in Hyderabad, sending a powerful message of inclusivity. Additionally, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) organized sessions at 81 heritage sites, including the Konark Sun Temple, Adalaj Ki Vav, and Jantar Mantar, further integrating India’s rich cultural heritage with the yoga movement.

The global recognition of International Yoga Day, proclaimed by the United Nations in December 2014, is now a widespread movement with India’s initiative earning the backing of a record 175 countries. Over the years, this celebration has grown beyond a mere physical exercise event, symbolizing a global call for peace, wellness, and a deeper connection to the self.

As International Yoga Day 2025 concluded, the collective spirit of mindfulness, health, and unity resonated from India’s cities, rural landscapes, and historic sites, reaffirming yoga’s status as both a gift of India to the world and a tool for universal well-being.

Baby Chakraborty | KalimNews | June 20, 2025 | Kolkata:  Irrigation Minister Manas Bhuiyan, continuing his tour of flood-affected regions, visited Paschim Medinipur following his earlier inspections in Durgapur and Bankura. During his visit, he conducted a ground assessment of the inundated areas and directed the local administration to provide all necessary support to the affected residents. The minister emphasized the urgent need for proactive disaster management and accused the central government of prolonged inaction regarding critical infrastructural issues.

Speaking to journalists on-site, Bhuiyan attributed the declining water-holding capacity of the Durgapur Barrage to years of silt accumulation. He stated that despite the state government’s repeated appeals to the Centre for desilting assistance, no meaningful response had been received. “The Centre has not extended any support since 2015 for repairing the lock gates of the Durgapur Barrage. The Chief Minister is funding these works from the state’s own resources,” he said, expressing frustration. “Over the last thirteen years, several formal requests have been made to increase the barrage’s capacity by removing silt, but we have only received empty promises.”

On Friday morning, the minister inspected the recently renovated road atop the Durgapur Barrage and again voiced strong criticism of the Centre’s alleged neglect. He revealed that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had personally written to both the Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Prime Minister, urging action, but to no avail. Bhuiyan added that plans were being discussed to construct a new bridge adjacent to the existing one and pledged to escalate the proposal to higher authorities for consideration.

Discussing the status of the road renovation work, the minister acknowledged delays caused by rainfall and noted that rubber seals—critical for completing the barrage road—were yet to be installed and are being procured from Hyderabad. The road repair had necessitated halting the water flow for about one and a half months. Now, water is being cautiously released in small volumes to stabilize water levels in Maithan, Panchet, and Durgapur Barrages.

The recent spell of heavy rainfall in districts including Bankura, Purulia, Paschim Medinipur, Jhargram, and parts of Jharkhand has intensified water flow in the Damodar River, raising concerns over potential overflow. Minister Bhuiyan stressed that a formal request had been submitted to ensure the state government is notified in advance before any water is released, to better manage the situation. He confirmed that irrigation department officials are closely monitoring developments.

Accompanying the minister on this inspection were key officials and political representatives, including Paschim Medinipur District Magistrate Khurshid Ali Qadri, Superintendent of Police Dhritimaan Sarkar, District President Pratibha Maiti, District Vice President Ajit Maiti, Ghatal Sub-Divisional Officer Suman Biswas, Garbeta MLA Uttara Singh Hazra, and Shalbani MLA and State Minister Shrikant Mahato.

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews | June 20, 2025 | Kolkata : Abhijit Gangopadhyay, Member of Parliament from Tamluk and former judge of the Calcutta High Court, has been airlifted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi following a sharp deterioration in his health. Gangopadhyay, 63, was undergoing treatment in the intensive care unit of a private hospital in South Kolkata for several days, where he remained in a critically unstable condition. According to hospital officials, he has been placed on low-flow oxygen support as his condition continues to remain extremely serious.

The MP is battling acute pancreatitis and gastrointestinal sepsis, a combination doctors have described as highly dangerous. Medical experts explain that acute pancreatitis typically causes intense abdominal pain, which may radiate to the chest or back, while gastrointestinal sepsis aggressively compromises the body’s immune system, potentially leading to widespread infection and multi-organ failure. Sources indicate that the infection has entered his bloodstream through the esophagus, placing his kidneys, heart, and brain under significant risk. The next 72 hours are considered crucial, as medical staff strive to control the progression of the sepsis.

Gangopadhyay was transferred to AIIMS via air ambulance on Thursday afternoon, accompanied by a team of experienced doctors. The decision was taken in consultation with his family and party leadership to ensure he receives the most advanced care possible. The Prime Minister’s Office reportedly reached out to the family soon after his hospital admission, assuring them of full support, and senior BJP leaders including Opposition Leader Suvendu Adhikari and former state president Dilip Ghosh have visited him personally.

The sudden health crisis has sent waves of concern through the state’s political landscape. Gangopadhyay, known for his straightforward and assertive judicial pronouncements during his tenure on the Calcutta High Court bench, stepped down ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections to contest on a BJP ticket. His transition from judiciary to politics drew widespread attention, especially for his stance in high-profile cases related to administrative transparency and education.

As he continues to fight for his life, the people of Tamluk, his parliamentary constituency, as well as supporters across West Bengal, remain on edge. His family, party colleagues, and well-wishers await further updates with hope and anxiety. Medical professionals emphasize that gastrointestinal sepsis, although sometimes starting with mild symptoms like stomach discomfort, can rapidly escalate into a life-threatening condition if not promptly treated. Symptoms may include high fever, vomiting, plummeting blood pressure, and difficulty breathing as the infection spreads across various bodily systems.

Currently, the BJP’s central leadership is closely monitoring the situation, and the entire state is united in prayer for the MP’s recovery.

Baby Chakraborty | KalimNews | June 19, 2025 | Pune, Maharashtra : A devastating road accident in Pune, Maharashtra claimed nine lives, including that of a six-year-old child, after a speeding car lost control and rammed into a group of people outside a roadside eatery. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening, June 18, at approximately 6:45 pm, on the Jejuri-Morgaon road in the Pune district during a spell of heavy rainfall.

According to local police and national media reports, the accident happened outside a dhaba where a pick-up vehicle had parked. The owner of the eatery and several workers were unloading a refrigerator from the vehicle when a Swift Dzire, reportedly carrying six occupants and moving at a dangerously high speed, veered off the road and smashed into the scene.

The force of the impact crushed nine people, including five who were on the ground assisting with the unloading operation and four from inside the car. Among the dead were the hotel owner, the pick-up driver, three workers helping him, a child, and a woman traveling in the car. Three more individuals sustained injuries and were rushed to a local hospital in Jejuri. One of the injured later succumbed to injuries, bringing the death toll to nine. Two others, including a woman and her daughter from the car, are still receiving treatment.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Tanaji Barade confirmed that the deceased included those working at the hotel and passengers of the ill-fated car. He stated that the vehicle had suddenly lost control in the rain and struck the parked pick-up and the group standing nearby. Superintendent of Police Sandeep Singh Gill added that a full investigation is underway to determine whether reckless driving or mechanical failure led to the accident.

Eyewitnesses reported that the car appeared to skid before it ploughed into the victims, adding that the area was experiencing a torrential downpour at the time. Locals rushed to the site upon hearing the loud crash and immediately informed the police. Emergency responders arrived quickly and carried out rescue operations, pulling victims from under the wreckage and transporting them to the hospital.

The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the community, and officials have urged motorists to exercise caution while driving during monsoon conditions. Police continue to examine surveillance footage and conduct technical assessments of the vehicle as part of the ongoing probe.

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, June 16, 2025, Kolkata : A major protest took place today near the West Bengal Legislative Assembly as thousands rallied to demand immediate reinstatement of 32,965 teachers and school assistants who lost their jobs following a landmark verdict delivered by the Calcutta High Court on April 6, 2026. The ruling, which impacted candidates appointed under the Primary and School Assistant (Vidyalayasathi) recruitment process, has left thousands unemployed, many of whom had been serving in primary education roles after clearing the 2009 Teacher Eligibility Test (TET).

The affected educators, most of whom had secured jobs after a long and competitive selection process, are now facing acute financial and mental hardship. Reports of rising stress-related health issues and even suicides have surfaced among the dismissed personnel, prompting urgent calls for intervention.

To draw attention to their plight and press for a solution, the group of dismissed teachers and education workers staged a peaceful campaign near the Vidhan Sabha. Their primary demand was the immediate reinstatement of all 32,965 affected individuals and a permanent resolution to the issue through legislative or executive action.

The protest was supported by members of several civil society organizations, including We Are The Common People, People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL), Bengal Students’ Unite, and the All India Human Rights Organisation, under the banner of the West Bengal Democratic Civil Society.

Subhajit Duttagupta, a prominent member of the West Bengal Democratic Citizens’ Forum and editor of We Are The Common People, addressed the gathering. He called for swift governmental action to safeguard the jobs of eligible candidates from the 2016 School Service Commission (SSC) panel and demanded the withdrawal of the controversial notification and gazette issued by the SSC regarding re-examination procedures. Duttagupta also insisted on the immediate public release of approximately 22 lakh OMR mirror image copies, relating to eligible and awaiting candidates — including those not called for verification.

He further urged the state government to convene an emergency session of the Assembly to resolve this escalating crisis. While not all member organizations of the West Bengal Democratic Citizens’ Forum could attend the event on short notice, Duttagupta confirmed that the forum stands in full solidarity with the movement and will continue to support future campaigns for justice.

The demonstrators have appealed directly to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, seeking her urgent intervention in the matter. They emphasized the importance of preserving the livelihoods of qualified educators and the stability of the state’s public education system.

As the movement gathers momentum, the affected teachers and their supporters remain hopeful that the government will respond with empathy and a prompt solution, acknowledging both the legal complexity and the human cost of the verdict.

Baby Chakraborty | KalimNews | June 13, 2025 | Kolkata  :  he state government has assured full support to those affected by the devastating fire that broke out in the Orphanganj Market of Khidirpur in the early hours of Sunday. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited the site directly from the Assembly on Monday and pledged comprehensive assistance to the affected traders. She announced that a new market will be constructed at the government’s expense, with no financial burden placed on the traders. The new market, to be built by the municipal corporation, will incorporate modern and scientific infrastructure, including proper firefighting systems to prevent future incidents.

In the interim, temporary arrangements will be made to ensure traders can continue their livelihood until the new market is operational. The state will provide financial relief of Rs 1 lakh to traders who have lost their entire shops and Rs 50,000 to those whose shops were partially damaged. A thorough investigation is being initiated to assess the extent of damage, identify the affected traders, and compile a detailed report. To maintain safety and order, the Chief Minister directed that barricades be erected around the fire-affected zone.

The fire reportedly broke out at around 1:00 a.m. on Sunday in the Orphanganj Market, which houses warehouses storing oil and butter—materials known to accelerate fire spread. Witnesses described the flames engulfing one shop and warehouse after another in rapid succession. The fire brigade was promptly alerted, but local traders have raised concerns over delayed action, alleging that initial emergency calls received no immediate response and that attempts to contact the local Watganj police station went unanswered.

According to the traders, a call to the national emergency helpline (100) was made, after which approximately twenty fire engines arrived at the scene an hour and a half later. They also claimed that the firefighting team initially lacked sufficient water to tackle the blaze, and that it was only after water was sourced from the Ganga that the fire could be brought under control.

Despite the challenges and the devastation caused, the state government’s prompt commitment to rebuilding and rehabilitation has brought a measure of reassurance to the affected community. An official damage report is expected soon, following which compensation disbursements and rebuilding efforts will be rolled out in full force.