Category Archives: States

Crime, West Bengal

Fraudulent Scheme Unveiled: Young Man Arrested for Using Forged Number Plate to Evade Traffic Fines

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Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews,  January 8, 2025, Kolkata : In an unusual case of fraud, a young man has been arrested for using a forged number plate to exploit the online traffic fine system. The police have also seized a bike involved in the scheme. According to police sources, the incident unfolded during a routine naka checking on the night of January 4 at the Rajarhat intersection.


At the checkpoint, the police seized a bike, which was then issued an online fine for a traffic violation. A fine notice was promptly sent to the phone linked to the vehicle’s registration number. However, the message was inadvertently sent to a person named Dipanjan Kar, whose registered vehicle also bore the same number. Dipanjan, who owns a four-wheeler Maruti car, was taken aback by the fine message, as his car was currently in the garage for repairs at that time.

Shocked by the notification, Dipanjan immediately contacted the Rajarhat police station. Upon investigation, it was revealed that the vehicle associated with the fine was linked to his Maruti car, which is registered at the Barasat RTO. Further probing uncovered that the bike in question had the same number plate as Dipanjan’s car, and the registration details were found to be associated with a different individual – one Bhaskarat Krishna Mandal, a resident of the Shashan area.

The police began an investigation into how the fraudulent registration and forged number plate were created. Initial findings suggest that a Blue Book for the bike was forged, potentially indicating a larger scam involving the RTO. Investigators are looking into whether a gang might be behind this operation and whether there was any corruption or malfeasance within the RTO.

The arrested individual, Bhaskarat Krishna Mandal, will be produced in court today. Authorities are continuing to probe the case to uncover the full extent of the fraud and any other individuals or networks that may be involved.

This incident highlights the growing concerns regarding the misuse of forged documents and online systems, prompting calls for stricter verification processes to prevent such fraudulent activities.
Economy, Politics, West Bengal

Mamata Banerjee Returns to Kolkata, Plans Key Meeting on World Bengal Trade Conference and Infrastructure Development

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Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, Kolkata, January 8, 2025 : Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee returned to Kolkata today after her visit to the Gangasagar Fair, where she took stock of the arrangements for the annual event. Upon her return, the Chief Minister has called for an emergency meeting at Nabanna, scheduled for tomorrow, January 9, to discuss important matters, including the upcoming World Bengal Trade Conference, slated for February 5-6. The conference is expected to be a major platform for showcasing Bengal’s industrial potential ahead of the 2026 assembly elections.


Sources within the administration revealed that the meeting will involve detailed discussions with administrative officials on the planning and execution of the trade conference. Chief Minister Banerjee has been proactive in organizing the event, holding multiple meetings with administrative officials to ensure its success. The World Bengal Trade Conference is seen as a significant initiative to attract global attention to the state’s industrial capabilities, especially as the Chief Minister aims to present Bengal as a key investment hub.

In this crucial meeting, the Chief Minister is expected to receive a comprehensive report from state officials, including Chief Secretary Manoj Pant, on the progress made so far. Last week, a high-level meeting was held under the Chief Secretary’s leadership, and this upcoming session will provide an opportunity for further review and fine-tuning of the plans. Once the Chief Minister gives her approval, the work on the conference will begin in earnest.

Banerjee has placed a strong emphasis on industrial development and attracting investment to West Bengal. She has previously undertaken foreign tours to bring in investments and now intends to leverage this trade conference as a platform to bring the state’s potential to the people. Her vision is to generate employment for Bengal’s educated youth by showcasing the state as an ideal destination for industries. Representatives from the West Bengal Industrial Development Corporation (WBIDC) will also be present to update the Chief Minister on the progress of various industrial and infrastructure development initiatives.

Earlier today, in a separate event, the Chief Minister inaugurated 30 projects and laid the foundation stones for 19 more in South 24 Parganas district, with an estimated financial value of ₹153 crore for completed projects and ₹61 crore for ongoing ones. Notable initiatives include the construction of 17 Anganwadi centers in Sagar block, 12 jetties across Patharpratima, Gosaba, and Namkhana blocks, and the upgrading of the Canning bus terminus. Three bridges over the Moni, Sundarika-Dwarika, and Piyali rivers were also inaugurated. These projects, aimed at improving the quality of life for approximately 19 lakh residents, are seen as vital to the region’s infrastructure and economic development.

In her address, the Chief Minister also emphasized her deep emotional connection with Sagar Island and the Gangasagar Mela, stating that the fair had created a special bond of love between her and the people of the region. To ensure the convenience of pilgrims attending the fair, the government has put in place a range of services, including a stretched power line over the Muriganga river, three permanent helipads, 2,250 government buses, and 250 private buses. Additionally, 100 launches, 21 jetties, and over 12,000 toilets will be made available for the smooth conduct of the fair. A new initiative this year includes providing biodegradable carry bags for devotees to promote an eco-friendly and sustainable fair.

Banerjee also assured that government officials, along with many volunteers, will be working tirelessly around the clock to ensure the welfare of all those attending the fair. She expressed her heartfelt wishes for the well-being of the pilgrims, saying, “With a pious heart, bid farewell to all the unhappy and become a part of this pious bath – this is my prayer to the Almighty.” She urged everyone to participate in the religious event with devotion and unity.

The Chief Minister’s initiatives reflect her ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure, attract investment, and ensure the welfare of the people in both urban and rural areas across the state.
Education, West Bengal

Report Highlights Worsening Education Crisis in Bengal: Increased Dropout Rates and School Closures

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Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, Kolkata, January 7, 2025: A recent report by the central government paints a grim picture of the state of education in Bengal, highlighting alarming trends that differ sharply from the situation in other parts of India. The dropout rate in classes nine and ten has surged by more than 12 percent, showing a sharp increase in students leaving school in these crucial years. In comparison, states like Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan have reported lower dropout rates, underlining the severity of the issue in Bengal.


The report also reveals that over 6,000 schools in the state are functioning with just one teacher, making it increasingly difficult to deliver quality education. In many cases, a single teacher is responsible for managing multiple grades and subjects, which compromises the learning experience for students. This situation has been exacerbated by the state’s ongoing struggle with regular teacher recruitment, leaving vacancies unfilled in schools, especially in rural areas, for years. As a result, students often lose interest in their education due to a lack of adequate guidance and support, contributing further to the rising dropout rates.

The situation is also dire for many schools, with over 1,500 institutions facing the threat of closure due to a lack of student enrollment, exacerbating the crisis. The report paints a stark picture of Bengal’s education system, where even basic infrastructure and resources are lacking.

Experts offer insights into the causes behind these worrying trends. According to their analysis, of every 100 students progressing from ninth to tenth grade, 12 drop out of the education system altogether. This leads to the pressing question: where do these students go? Experts suggest that many of these dropouts are being forced into child labor as they seek to contribute to their families’ incomes. Additionally, a number of students are migrating to other states in search of better opportunities.

The root cause of this rising dropout rate, according to experts, can be traced to several systemic issues within the education system. A significant factor is the absence of a pass-fail policy up to the eighth grade. This often leads to students progressing through the system without gaining sufficient knowledge or skills, making it harder for them to continue their education beyond a certain point. Moreover, the removal of the mid-day meal scheme for students in class nine has been cited as another contributing factor. The mid-day meal program, which has been crucial for keeping students engaged in school, has been discontinued for higher classes, making education less appealing for many students.

Another challenge faced by families is the rising cost of education. For many households, continuing education beyond class eight becomes a financial burden, as parents are required to spend considerable amounts on additional resources like books, uniforms, and tuition. This is pushing many students out of the education system in favor of earning money to support their families.

The report calls for urgent reforms to address these challenges, including measures to reduce dropout rates, improve school infrastructure, and provide better financial support for students and their families. Without these changes, experts warn that Bengal’s education system may continue to face a downward spiral, leaving many children deprived of the opportunities education can provide.


Also Read: https://kalimpongonlinenews.blogspot.com/2025/01/bengal-achieves-zero-per-cent-dropout.html