Category Archives: States

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

June 22, 2024 Kalimpong News Leave a comment

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 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.”

National, Northeast

Manipur going through difficult phase, our govt will lay path for betterment of society: CM

June 22, 2024 Kalimpong News Leave a comment

More than 200 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic violence in Manipur between hills-based Kuki-Zo people and Imphal Valley-based Meiteis since May last year

PTI, Jun 21 2024, Imphal : Noting that ethnic strife-torn Manipur was going through a difficult phase, Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Friday asserted that his government will lay the path for betterment of the society.

Speaking at the state-level International Yoga Day function at Khuman Lampak Sports Complex, Singh said the current situation in Manipur is a turning point for indigenous people and their future and if things are tackled wisely, a safe and secure future is guaranteed.

“We shouldn’t allow emotions and politics to drive our actions, and in the process divert from the core issues. We know we are tired… but we have to endure it for a few more days. We cannot be happy without going through a tough phase,” he said.

More than 200 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic violence in Manipur between hills-based Kuki-Zo people and Imphal Valley-based Meiteis since May last year.

Agencies: He urged people to strive for peace and “identify and face the real enemies of the state”. While speaking at an event, Singh said, “We are passing through a difficult phase. This is not the first time that we are facing a difficult phase. During the 1992-93 ethnic conflict, more than 1000 lives were lost. Today, we are struggling. We are dealing with elements who want to break up a state with more than 2,000 years of history.”

The Chief Minister further said that the state had not slept for more than nine months now, adding that more than 3,000 state forces have been deployed in peripheral areas.

Singh appealed to the people of the state not to foment disturbance in Imphal valley.

“Let the valley be peaceful. Let the protection of Manipur be our sole duty. No more rallies. Let’s identify and face the real enemies of the state,” he said.

The Chief Minister also said the state had improved a lot during the last six years, and the relationship between police and people had improved.

“However, we cannot tolerate elements who want to destroy the state by supplying drugs, by engaging in widespread deforestation and poppy cultivation and bringing in illegal immigrants from outside. We need to unite and stop making allegations. There may be lapses, but we need to forgive and forget to save the land,” said the Chief Minister.

The Chief Minister made these statements at an event where he laid the foundation stone for the Imphal Ring Road Project, worth Rs 1,766 crore, at Takyel Khongbal Maning Leikai.

The Manipur government has undertaken this much-anticipated project with the objective of easing the problem of traffic congestion in Imphal areas, with financial assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Regarding the Imphal Ring Road project, Singh stated that the Rs 1,700 crore project was prompted by the rising population and increasing traffic congestion within the capital, Imphal.

West Bengal

HC: Upload teacher info on govt website

June 21, 2024 Kalimpong News Leave a comment

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

June 21, 2024 Kalimpong News Leave a comment

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

June 21, 2024 Kalimpong News Leave a comment

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.

“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

June 21, 2024 Kalimpong News Leave a comment

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

June 21, 2024 Kalimpong News Leave a comment

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.

Regional, Sikkim

Danger looms over the Teesta and adjoining areas

June 21, 2024 Kalimpong News Leave a comment

YOWAN MOTHAY, EOI, KALIMPONG, JUNE 20, 2024 : The continuous rains in Sikkim and Kalimpong caused the water level of Teesta river to rise today which led to flooding the road to Darjeeling.

The construction work started by PWD a few days ago was also stopped today. Traffic has also been halted on this route. According to information provided by Kalimpong District Magistrate Balasubramanyam T, those flood affected families have been temporarily kept in a camp at Labarbote.

There are 31 flood affected families in the relief camp and they are being looked after by the Kalimpong district administration.

However people still living in their houses express fear of a water burial as Teesta swells. water levels rise.

Says a Malli resident, Mahendra Chowdhary: “There is an atmosphere of fear in Malli at night because all the buildings on Malli Road are on the edge of the Teesta River. I was awake till 3 am.

Life has become horrible,’’ he said. In the same way, the National Highway-10, which is considered the lifeline of Sikkim and Kalimpong has been damaged because of the rains.

Kalimpong district administration has restricted the movement of vehicles from 6 pm to 6 am at Malli Bridge, Ravi Jhoda and Likhuvir on National Highway-10 keeping in mind the safety of the people.

Vehicles going to Siliguri from Sikkim and Kalipong were often seen taking an alternate route to Siliguri through Lava.Traffic police personnel were deployed at Chitra and Ravijhoda for direction to vehicles.

Regional, Sikkim

Kalimpong sees the debut of “Tara: The Lost Star” at Dream Theater

June 20, 2024 Kalimpong News Leave a comment

KalimNews, Kalimpong, 20 June 2024 : Tara: the Lost Star, is finally being screened at Dream Theater in Kalimpong. The film was released across India, starting from Sikkim to the northeastern states and beyond, since June 14, 2024. Directed by Samten Bhutia, the film is co-produced by Sabitri Chettri and actor Shyama Shree Sherpa. It is presented by SaDa Productions in association with Passang Mintok Films. Several crew members including actor Shyama Shree Sherpa were present today at Kalimpong and addressed the press.

This film has made history as the first film from Sikkim to debut at the Marché Du Film, the official film market of the prestigious Cannes International Film Festival. The 77th Annual Cannes International Film Festival was attended by the actor cum producer Shyama Shree Sherpa.

Completed in about seven months, the film is 1.5 hours long. Tara: the Lost Star, was filmed against the breathtaking backdrop of Gnathang-Memenchu near Changu Lake in Sikkim. It encapsulates the essence of Sikkim’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, representing the creative synergy and cultural richness of the region.

The film features popular artists from Sikkim, Nepal, and Darjeeling. It is a Nepali-language feature film that offers a glimpse into the beliefs of the Himalayas and the vibrant culture of Sikkim. It is a social drama about the struggle between superstitious beliefs and medical science, and one woman’s fight for freedom from religious constraints.

Actors Shyama Shree Sherpa (Tara), Sushmita Bhujel (Manita), Nityam Bhattarai (Kale), Shashikala Pradhan (Sanmaya), Basanta Sharma (Kishor), Anand Gurung (Pema), Timothy Rai (Dhupaure) are from Sikkim, while Kiran Dahal (Suman) and Loonibha Tuladhar (Kopila) are from Nepal. Deoraj Sherpa (Agam), a well-known actor from Darjeeling, is also part of the team. Sikkim’s Prasant Rasaily and Pramod Karki contributed to the background score and cinematography, respectively.

Tara: the Lost Star, follows the journey of 21-year-old Tara, who resides in a scenic and secluded village near Gangtok, Sikkim. Since childhood, she has grappled with dissociative trance disorder, which frequently results in seizures. While her father advocates for medical treatment to alleviate her condition, her mother holds steadfastly to a contrasting belief.

Blinded by unfounded faith and prejudice, she perceives Tara as a reincarnation of the revered goddess “Mata,” a belief ingrained since Tara’s youth. Consequently, she seeks spiritual intervention from a shaman rather than embracing medical solutions. Tara finds herself torn between her parents’ divergent perspectives as she navigates the complexities of her existence.

A reserved individual by nature, Tara silently witnesses their disputes concerning her well-being, feeling powerless. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when her friend Manita provides unwavering support, and she discovers comfort and affection in her classmate, Suman. In this tumultuous environment, Tara begins to discover her voice for the first time.

Despite the village’s proximity to modern civilization, the film sheds light on a world often overlooked or misunderstood by outsiders.

The performances of its two lead actors, along with those of other supporting actors in this tale of a young couple’s struggles, are highly praised in the film Tara: the Lost Star. Not only the story but also the dialogue in the local language, and the cinematography played significant roles in it. Technically, the location, makeup, and lighting are well-managed and executed superbly in the film.

National, Northeast

Transwoman Dr. Beoncy Seeks Gender Correction in Educational Certificates, Moves Manipur High Court

June 20, 2024 Kalimpong News Leave a comment

Asem Bhakta, KalimNews, 19 June 2024, Imphal : Dr. Beoncy Laishram, a 32-year-old transwoman from Imphal, has gained prominence for becoming the first medical doctor among the transgender community in the entire northeast region in 2018. Despite this significant achievement, Dr. Beoncy faces challenges as her request for reissued educational certificates reflecting her current name and gender identity as “female” has been denied by the relevant authorities.

Dr. Beoncy, residing in the Kakwa area of Imphal West district, has filed a writ petition with the Manipur High Court. On June 13, the case was taken up by Justice Ahanthem Bimol Singh, who issued notices to the respondents to provide their replies. The next hearing is scheduled for July 17.

Dr. Beoncy contends that the inconsistency in her educational certificates causes significant hardship in pursuing further education and employment. She has petitioned the court to direct the relevant authorities to issue new certificates reflecting her current name and gender.

According to the petition, Dr. Beoncy was born biologically male and named “Boboi Laishram,” a name reflected in her X and XII standard, MBBS, and other educational certificates. She underwent gender reassignment surgery on October 8, 2019, and legally changed her name to “Beoncy Laishram” and her gender to “female” on her Aadhaar card. She also obtained a “trans ID card” from the district magistrate (Imphal West) on February 16, 2022, and a voter ID card on March 4, 2023, reflecting her new status.

While Dr. Beoncy’s identity is recognized as female in all government and legal records, her educational certificates still display her former name “Boboi Laishram” and her gender as male. In February, she requested new certificates from the Board of Secondary Education Manipur (BSEM), Council of Higher Secondary Education Manipur (COHSEM), and Manipur University (MU), but her requests were denied.

Additionally, Dr. Beoncy has requested that the directors of the Department of University and Higher Education and the School Education Department issue a circular affirming the rights of transgender individuals to change their name and gender on educational certificates, in line with Supreme Court directives, without requiring them to resort to legal action.

Laishram helps the Nupi Maanbis in need to get healthcare access. The post-operative transwoman has stepped forth to help and give hope to the community who have suffered the most because of the COVID-19 pandemic as it has quashed livelihoods. The community has been most involved in the beauty parlour business in Imphal for financial freedom, but these have been shut amidst the lockdown. Shanta Khurai of the All Manipur Nupi Maanbi Association, a prominent transgender activist, feels that Lashiram “represents aspiration among the Nupi Maanbis. We don’t just work as beauticians.”

Santa Khurai, an iconic trans activist and secretary of the All Manipur Nupi Manbi Association (AMANA), stated that Dr. Beoncy approached the Court after consulting with the association.

Agencies: Laishram changed her name to Beoncy when she took part in Miss Trans Queen Northeast, a beauty pageant in 2013. On completing her MBBS in 2011, she decided to come out from her family in 2013. “My father was so upset he tried to kill himself,” she said in an interview with TOI, “I went right back into the closet. Around 2016, I realised I could no longer live that life. It was when I began openly identifying as a Nupi Maanbi.”

While Manipuri has known about the existence of Nupi Maanbi as an identity for very long, the community continues to be marginalised. Laishram has a good relationship with her parents now and is also has a partner from a long-term relationship. Having supportive colleagues is most important for her as she feels safe at work.

Economy, West Bengal

State govt to expand old age pension scheme

June 20, 2024 Kalimpong News Leave a comment

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’

June 20, 2024 Kalimpong News Leave a comment

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

Rescue operations in North Sikkim end with evacuation of remaining 158 stranded tourists

June 20, 2024 Kalimpong News Leave a comment

PTI, Gangtok, Jun 19, 2024 : The rescue operations in North Sikkim ended on Wednesday with the evacuation of the remaining 158 stranded tourists, a senior official said.

Mangan District Magistrate Hem Kumar Chettri said that all the 1,447 stranded tourists have been evacuated in the last three days. A total of 1,225 tourists were rescued on Tuesday and 64 on Monday.

“With the rescue of 158 tourists on the third and final day of the operation, we have evacuated all the 1,447 stranded tourists,” he said.

Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang said that the 1,447 tourists have been sent back to their respective destinations.

“The incessant rainfall from June 12-14, 2024, caused by a cloudburst in North Sikkim, had left a total of 1,447 tourists stranded in Mangan district… All of them have now been successfully evacuated and sent back to their respective destinations through extensive rescue operations,” he said.

The CM thanked all those who were involved in the rescue operation and to the tourists for their patience during the challenging time.

Chettri said the tourists, who were holed up in Lachung for several days, were evacuated to Mangan town via Chungthang.

Most of the tourists were transported to state capital Gangtok in vehicles provided by the transport department, Chettri said.

Besides the district administration and police, BRO, NDRF, SDRF, Travel Agents’ Association of Sikkim (TAAS), local panchayats and volunteers were involved in the rescue operation.

Mangan district is known for popular tourist spots like Gurudongmar Lake and Yumthang Valley.

At least six people have been killed in Sikkim due to landslides triggered by heavy rain over the last few days. The natural calamity has also damaged properties and disrupted power and food supplies and mobile networks in several areas, officials said.

Around 1,500 tourists, including some foreigners, were stranded in Lachung town due to the landslides.

The road network in Mangan district has become severely damaged, with the district magistrate ordering the closure of schools in 10 clusters of Mangan and Dzongu blocks till further orders.

The Border Roads Organisation has been working to clear the roads and restore connectivity.

PIB, 19 JUN 2024, Gangtok : Despite incessant rains and inclement weather the last batch of 150 tourists was evacuated from North Sikkim on 19 Jun. Trishakti Corps, responsible has been working relentlessly to assist the civil administration and locals in the evacuation of the 1200 tourists that got stranded in North Sikkim since 12/13 Jun 24.Due to incessant rains and landslides at a number of places, evacuation of the stranded tourists could begin only on the 17th. The tourists had to cross the sites of landslides on foot and travel in vehicles on the stretches in between wherever road connectivity existed.

Out of the 150 tourists that were evacuated on 19th Jun, many needed medical care & walking assistance during their evacuation. Three persons requiring urgent medical support were given treatment at Military Hospital and then safely moved on stretchers.The tourists were shifted utilising all resources including two wheelers and carried on backs.

Every year number of times due to sudden snowfall, excessive rainfall, landslides and road closure, the tourists get stranded in the border areas and then Army soldiers do their best to rescue the tourists, providing food, shelter, medical comfort and bringing them to safety.

Indian Army while guarding the borders in the Himalayas is always proactive in providing assistance to the tourists & local populations.

Regional, Sikkim, West Bengal

Nighttime Restrictions Implemented for All Vehicles on NH10

June 19, 2024 Kalimpong News Leave a comment

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.

Sikkim

Sikkim floods: Evacuation by road after poor weather rules out chopper rescue plan

June 17, 2024 Kalimpong News Leave a comment

Around 1,200 tourists, including foreign visitors, are stranded in Mangan, the northern district along the China border, following landslides and flash floods on Thursday that have damaged roads and bridges

Avijit Sinha, TT, Siliguri, 17.06.24 : The Sikkim government has decided to evacuate by road on Tuesday the tourists stranded in Lachung and other northern areas of the state, with poor weather ruling out chopper rescue.

“It was initially planned to airlift the tourists, as after the flash floods last October. However, because of bad weather, it’s not feasible to engage choppers. Therefore, the alternative option of evacuation by road has been planned for Tuesday,” a source in the state government said.

The tourists stuck in Lachung, a popular hotspot in north Sikkim, and neighbouring areas are to be brought in cars to Tung, around 18km from Mangan, the district headquarters.

“As there are multiple landslide zones from Tung to Mangan, they will be taken to Mangan on foot. From Mangan, vehicles will be arranged for their onward journey,” the source said.

Representatives of the Travel Agents Association of Sikkim (TAAS) and all travel agencies, particularly those that have customers stranded in north Sikkim, have been asked to reach Mangan on Monday.

“From Mangan, the travel agents who have sent tourists to north Sikkim will have the responsibility for further movement of the tourists…. If any travel agency ignores the directions, steps will be taken against it,” a TAAS representative said.

The tourists stuck in Mangan are facing hardship because of disruptions in power supply and the telecommunications network. “Around 360 of them are staying at a gurudwara in Chungthang. The gurudwara authorities have provided them with food and shelter,” a source said.

Samrat Sanyal, general secretary of the Himalayan Hospitality & Tourism Development Network, an apex body of tourism stakeholders in the region, said it was important that the evacuation of the tourists began on Monday.

“Four days have passed and they are still stuck in north Sikkim. Since it is not possible to use choppers unless the weather improves, it is pertinent to work on alternative options,” Sanyal said. “We hope a section of tourists will reach Mangan soon. We will extend the necessary help to them.”

As monsoon showers continue in Sikkim and sub-Himalayan Bengal, fresh landslides have damaged some stretches along NH10, the principal highway that connects Sikkim and Kalimpong with Siliguri and the rest of the country.

“The Kalimpong district administration has advised drivers not to take NH10 and instead travel along the Algara-Lava route to Siliguri and vice versa. As the rain has not stopped, there is always a risk of landslides or boulders falling on the road,” an official said.

With Sikkim-bound heavy vehicles forced to make detours since Thursday, bringing essential supplies to the state is taking more time.

On Sunday, the state food and civil supplies department formed a team “to check the stock of LPG cylinders and the inventory of essential items”, a source said.

“Retailers and wholesalers have been cautioned not to hoard essential items or raise food prices,” the source added.

Weather experts at the regional Met office in Gangtok said an alert had been sounded against heavy to very heavy rainfall (70mm to 200mm) in the Mangan and Namchi districts in the next 24 hours.

“The southwest monsoon is active over the region and is causing regular downpours,” an expert said.

Courtesy & source: The Telegraph

https://assets.telegraphindia.com/telegraph/2024/Jun/1718452528_1718440553_sikkim.jpg

Regional, Sikkim

Air evacuation of stranded tourists called off due to inclement weather

June 17, 2024 Kalimpong News Leave a comment

Amitava Banerjee, MP, 16 June 2024, Darjeeling: The air evacuation of around 1,200 tourists (as per official records) from North Sikkim, especially Lachen did not take place as per schedule on Sunday owing to inclement weather.

Travel Agents Association of Sikkim (TAAS) has directed all travel agencies, especially those whose guests are stranded in North Sikkim, to reach Mangan in North Sikkim on Tuesday. This decision was made after the Dzomsa Pipon and Hotel Association, with the help of the minister and area MLA Samdup Lepcha, closely monitored the road status in Mangan district.

“As the road condition till Tung is favourable (an air evac is not possible), tourists will be evacuated till Tung and then onto Mangan on foot as there are 3 to 4 landslides enroute. From Mangan the respective travel agencies will have to take responsibility to tranship them to Gangtok,” stated Ramesh Basnet, president, TAAS.

Around 360 tourists are reportedly stranded and have been given refuge at the Chungthang Gurudwara. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is working on a war footing to restore the roads.

“Around 700 personnel and 20 excavators are deployed to address the issue of multiple landslides, ensuring faster communication to Mangan, North Sikkim,” stated a post from the spokesperson, Ministry of Defence.

As rains continued unabated, National Highway 10 was shut down for a few hours on Sunday with rock slides on the road at Likhubhir.

Though the debris were cleared and the road opened to vehicular traffic, the Kalimpong district administration and police made an appeal to vehicles traveling between Gangtok, Sikkim and Siliguri to use alternate routes via Kalimpong instead of taking risks of using the NH10, vulnerable to rock slides owing to the incessant rainfall.

At around 8:30 am on Sunday vehicles were diverted from Sikkim and Siliguri from the Rangpoo and Coronation Bridge respectively owing to boulder slides at Likhubhir. At around 1:30 pm the road opened up, with the debris being cleared. “As the falling of boulders is intermittent, for the general safety public are requested to avoid the NH10 and use the alternative routes,” stated Balasubramanian T, District Magistrate, Kalimpong.

The Kalimpong to Darjeeling road via Teesta Bazar, Lopchu is still closed. Meanwhile Raju Bista, MP, visited the flood affected areas of Teesta Bazar on Saturday. Bista stated that given the strategic significance of the region, particularly in terms of national security, he has requested for a central team to assess the situation and take necessary actions to fix the damages at the earliest.

“The Central government has allocated Rs 500 crore towards addressing the immediate repair and restoration of National Highway 10 (NH-10). Further, the Central government is preparing a DPR under the supervision of scientific and terrain experts for rebuilding NH-10 and expanding it by further 10 m, for which a budget of Rs 2000 crore will be additionally sanctioned,” claimed Bista in a media release.

“Raju Bista has to stop the blame game. When the flash flood had struck on October 4, 2023, the GTA had done everything possible. The regions have been voting for the BJP in the Lok Sabha elections for the past 20 years.

What did the BJP-led Central government do? They did not give any funds nor did they declare this as a national disaster,” stated Anit Thapa, chief executive, GTA.

Courtesy & source- Millennium Post

https://www.millenniumpost.in/bengal/air-evacuation-of-stranded-tourists-called-off-due-to-inclement-weather-568177

Career / Jobs, West Bengal

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

June 17, 2024 Kalimpong News Leave a comment

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