Category Archives: West Bengal

Politics, West Bengal

Governor Hints at Withholding Clearance for Aparajita Bill Amid Political Tensions

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Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, Kolkata, September 6, 2024: In a significant political development, West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose has hinted that the Raj Bhavan will likely withhold clearance for the ‘Aparajita’ Bill, recently passed by the state assembly. Governor Bose cited the absence of a required technical report from the state government as the primary reason for not granting assent to the bill.
“No technical report has been sent by the state with this bill, which is necessary for giving clearance,” stated the Governor, expressing concerns over the procedural lapses by the state government. “Despite knowing that, the state has not sent any technical report,” he added, indicating a clear stance against the bill without the necessary documentation.
The ‘Aparajita’ Bill, formally named the “Unprivileged Women and Children Bill,” aims to address the protection and rights of underprivileged women and children in the state. It was passed unanimously by the West Bengal Legislative Assembly last Tuesday. The bill received support even from the opposition, with Leader of the Opposition, Subhendu Adhikari, stating that they would assist in the bill’s passage as “a responsible opposition.”
However, Governor Bose criticized the bill as an “imitation” of similar legislation from other states like Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Maharashtra. “The Aparajita Bill of Bengal is nothing new. It is just an imitation of Andhra, Arunachal, and Maharashtra Women’s Protection Bills. These bills are now lying with the President,” he remarked, suggesting that the Chief Minister deliberately pushed such a bill despite knowing its possible fate.
The Governor’s Office issued a statement emphasizing the procedural protocol that the state government must follow. “It is the duty of the state government to send its technical report along with the bill. The state government has not sent it. This is not the first time that the state government has blamed the Raj Bhavan for withholding the bill despite not sending the technical report several times,” read the statement. The Governor has also communicated with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, advising that “the State should do more homework before introducing the Bill.”
As per established legislative procedures, once a bill is passed by the state assembly, it is forwarded to the Governor for assent. If the Governor approves it, the bill becomes law. If the Governor is unable to decide, the bill is escalated to the President of India, who makes the final decision.
The Chief Minister has responded to the Governor’s comments, urging the opposition to put pressure on the Governor to approve the bill. “Opposition leaders should ask the governor to approve the bill soon,” she stated, emphasizing the need for swift action on this issue.
Meanwhile, the Trinamool Mahila Morcha, the women’s wing of the ruling Trinamool Congress, has warned of protests if the Governor refuses to clear the bill. “If the governor does not give clearance to the bill, they will sit on dharna in front of the Raj Bhavan,” a spokesperson for the organization declared.
The situation is poised to escalate into a broader political confrontation, with the state’s ruling party and opposition aligning on the bill, while the Governor stands firm on procedural grounds. The unfolding scenario is likely to test the dynamics between the state government and Raj Bhavan, potentially impacting future legislative processes in West Bengal. 
Crime, West Bengal

ED raids houses of ex-principal of RG Kar hospital, aides over financial irregularities

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MP, 6 September 2024, Kolkata: Enforcement Directorate (ED) officers on Friday conducted simultaneous search operations at the residences of Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, and three of his associates in connection with alleged financial irregularities at the institute, an officer said. 

The raids were carried out at Ghosh’s residence in Beliaghata and at two locations in Howrah and Subhasgram. 
All the four are already in CBI custody. “We reached these places around 6.15 am and started our raids,” the officer said. 
The ED has filed an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) against Ghosh, which is analogous to a First Information Report (FIR) in criminal cases. 
On August 23, the Calcutta High Court ordered the transfer of the investigation into the alleged financial irregularities at state-run hospital from a state-constituted Special Investigation Team (SIT) to the CBI.
This decision followed a petition by Dr. Akhtar Ali, the former deputy superintendent of the facility, who sought an investigation by the ED into multiple allegations of financial misconduct during Ghosh’s tenure as principal.
Ghosh served as principal from February 2021 to September 2023. He was briefly transferred from RG Kar in October 2023 but was reinstated within a month. Dr. Ali had raised concerns that the corruption at RG Kar hospital might be linked to the doctor’s death, suggesting that the victim was aware of the misconduct and might have threatened to expose it. 
https://www.millenniumpost.in/big-stories/ed-raids-houses-of-ex-principal-of-rg-kar-hospital-aides-over-financial-irregularities-578626
National, West Bengal

The Legacy of a Monk and a Businessman: How Vivekananda’s Counsel Helped Forge Tata Steel and Scientific Institutions

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Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, August 31, 2024 : In July 1893, two passengers on a ship traveling from Yokohama to Vancouver were an ocher-robed monk and a middle-aged Parsi businessman. During the 12-day journey, their conversation began. One was heading to the USA for business, while the other was on his way to the Chicago World’s Parliament of Religions. One was Swami Vivekananda, and the other was Jamshedji Tata, the father of modern Indian industry.


Their discussion turned to India’s future economy and trade. Swami Vivekananda encouraged Jamshedji to establish steel factories and educational institutions in India. During their conversation, Vivekananda raised the issue of Japan’s Deslai factory, questioning why Jamshedji was not building a factory in India instead of importing Deslai from Japan. He argued that having a factory in India would strengthen the country’s economy by providing employment and keeping wealth within the nation. Jamshedji Tata was impressed by the insights of the monk.

Swami Vivekananda elaborated on the oppression of the Indian people under British rule and the struggle of obtaining basic necessities. On September 11, 1893, Vivekananda gained global recognition with his historic speech at the Chicago World’s Parliament of Religions. Jamshedji Tata, residing in Bombay, was pleased with Vivekananda’s success and was deeply moved by their shipboard conversation.

On November 23, 1898, Jamshedji wrote to Swami Vivekananda, expressing his intention to establish an institution for scientific research and requesting a pamphlet to promote science education in India. Although Swami Vivekananda was occupied with the Ramakrishna Mission and unable to fulfill the request himself, he asked his sister, Sister Nivedita, to meet with Jamshedji Tata.

Swami Vivekananda passed away in 1902, and Jamshedji Tata died in 1904. Tata’s vision of a steel industry in India was carried forward by his successors. In 1907, Tata Steel was established and has since become one of the largest multinational companies. Additionally, the Indian Institute of Science, founded in 1909 through the efforts of the Tata family, remains a source of pride for India today.
Crime, West Bengal

CBI Questions Female Assistant Superintendent in RG Kar Hospital Case: Suspicious Behavior Under Scrutiny

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Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, August 31, 2024, Kolkata : The female Assistant Superintendent of RG Kar Hospital is now under intense scrutiny by the CBI in connection with the rape and murder case involving a young doctor at the hospital. The CBI has begun questioning her regarding the circumstances surrounding the doctor’s death.


The investigation follows a complaint from the doctor Tilottama’s parents, who allege that the Assistant Superintendent first contacted them regarding their daughter’s illness and later informed them of her suicide. This has led to heightened scrutiny of the Assistant Superintendent’s actions.

In a recent hearing, the Supreme Court raised questions about this official’s conduct. Justice Pardiwala queried state lawyer Kapil Sibal about the Assistant Superintendent’s identity, asking, “Who is this Assistant Superintendent? Is he a woman or a man?” When Sibal confirmed that the official is indeed a woman, Justice Pardiwala expressed concern over her suspicious behavior, questioning, “What is the reason behind her behavior?”

Adding to the controversy, three audio recordings have surfaced, showing conversations between the Assistant Superintendent and the young doctor’s father. In the first call, the Assistant Superintendent reportedly instructed the father to come to the hospital quickly due to the daughter’s illness. In a subsequent call, she informed him of the suicide and death, urging him to arrive as soon as possible.

The Assistant Superintendent, currently under CBI interrogation, claims that her statements about the suicide were made under significant stress and amidst the presence of numerous students and officials after the doctor’s body was recovered. This defense is part of her ongoing explanation to the CBI.
Crime, Politics, West Bengal

Debate Intensifies Over Arjikar Case as Questions Arise About Police Handling and FIR Timing

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Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, August 31, 2024, Kolkata : The investigation into the RG Kar Hospital case, involving the tragic death of a female doctor, has ignited a fresh wave of debate as new, potentially explosive information emerges. The case, which has already attracted significant judicial scrutiny, is now facing intense scrutiny over the handling of the FIR and the procedural actions of the police.


Delayed FIR Sparks Legal and Public Outcry

The Calcutta High Court and the Supreme Court have both previously expressed concerns over the delayed registration of the FIR. The incident in question unfolded on August 9, when the police arrived at RG Kar Hospital by 10 a.m. to investigate the death of the female doctor. Despite their prompt arrival, the FIR was not lodged until 11:45 p.m. on the same day—well after the body had been recovered and examined.

The FIR, filed at Tala police station under FIR No. 52, accuses an unidentified individual of intentional rape and murder. This delay in FIR registration has become a focal point of contention, with critics questioning the effectiveness and transparency of the investigative process.

FIR Content and Discrepancies

The FIR was initially recorded based on General Diary No. 577, with the formal complaint being filed around 12:15 p.m. on August 9. The FIR references Unnatural Death Case No. 861, citing Sections 64 (rape) and 103 (1) (murder) of the Indian Penal Code. However, the post-mortem report, which is crucial to establishing the cause of death and the nature of any assault, did not directly confirm rape. This discrepancy has led to widespread questioning of the police’s decision to include allegations of rape and murder in the FIR without concrete forensic evidence.

Family’s Outcry and Demands for Justice

The victim’s family has publicly expressed their frustration and dismay over the handling of the case. They have alleged that their daughter was subjected to severe torture and ultimately murdered, and are demanding exemplary punishment for those responsible. Their concern is compounded by the apparent mismatch between the FIR’s allegations and the post-mortem findings, which they argue undermines the integrity of the investigation.

Criticism from the Medical Community

An agitating doctor involved in the case has voiced strong criticism of the police’s actions, particularly the decision to file an FIR based on assumptions of criminal activity rather than on substantiated evidence. The lack of direct evidence of rape has further fueled skepticism about the thoroughness and objectivity of the investigation.

Ongoing Controversy and Investigation

As the investigation continues, the controversy surrounding the FIR timing and content remains unresolved. The case has raised critical concerns about procedural integrity and the administration of justice, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability in high-profile investigations. The legal and public discourse surrounding the Arjikar case underscores the broader issues of procedural justice and the need for rigorous investigative standards.
National, Politics, West Bengal

Union Minister Criticizes Mamata Banerjee Over RG Kar Scandal and Fast Track Court Claims

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Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, August 31, 2024, New Delhi : The ongoing RG Kar Hospital scandal has prompted a sharp exchange between Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the Union Minister for Women and Child Welfare, Annapurna Devi. The latest development involves a response from the Union Minister to a recent letter from Banerjee, highlighting discrepancies and criticisms related to the handling of rape cases and the functioning of Fast Track Courts.


In her letter to the Prime Minister, Mamata Banerjee reiterated her call for stricter laws to address rape and improve the justice system’s efficiency. This request follows a series of high-profile cases that have underscored the need for more robust legal measures.

Responding to Banerjee’s letter, Union Minister Annapurna Devi issued a second letter, addressing several points raised by the Chief Minister. Devi emphasized that the state administration’s approach to investigating rape cases must be more sensitive and proactive. She asserted that existing Indian laws, including the Indian Penal Code and the Indian Civil Protection Code, already provide comprehensive measures for addressing and investigating rape within specified timelines.

Devi also contested Banerjee’s statements regarding the Fast Track Courts. The Union Minister clarified that the Fast Track Special Courts established under the central scheme, intended specifically for handling rape and POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) cases, are distinct from the Fast Track Courts operating in West Bengal. Devi highlighted that West Bengal still has a backlog of 48,600 rape and POCSO cases that remain unresolved.

Furthermore, Devi rejected Banerjee’s claim of a shortage of judicial officers in Fast Track Courts. According to Devi, the current judicial framework and resources are adequate for handling the cases, and the focus should be on ensuring effective implementation of existing legal provisions.

The exchange underscores the contentious debate over the handling of sexual violence cases and the effectiveness of legal mechanisms designed to address such issues. As the RG Kar scandal continues to unfold, the contrasting perspectives of state and central authorities reflect ongoing tensions and challenges in the pursuit of justice.
Crime, National, West Bengal

DNA Report Confirms Sanjay Roy as Rapist in High-Profile RG Kar Case; CBI Faces Pressure to Uncover More Complexities

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Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, August 31, 2024, Kolkata: In a dramatic turn of events, the highly publicized RG Kar rape and murder case has taken a significant step forward with the release of a damning DNA report by the Central Forensic Science Lab (CFSL). The report conclusively identifies Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer, as the rapist of the female doctor, setting the stage for a potential landmark judgment.


Forensic Evidence Points Decisively at Sanjay Roy
The CFSL report, awaited for months, has confirmed that Sanjay Roy’s DNA matches the semen samples found on the body of the murdered doctor. This finding is critical, as it not only ties Roy directly to the crime but also strengthens the case against him amidst growing calls for justice from the public and the medical community. The DNA evidence was gathered from various sources, including samples collected from the victim’s body during the post-mortem, Sanjay Roy’s clothing from the night of the incident, bed sheets from the seminar room, a red blanket, and hair samples seized from the crime scene.

CBI Investigation Intensifies Amidst Public Outcry
With the forensic evidence squarely pointing to Sanjay Roy, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has now intensified its probe into the RG Kar case. Despite the clarity provided by the DNA report, the investigation is far from over. Public sentiment has been highly charged, with significant pressure on the CBI to delve deeper and unravel any potential hidden layers to this heinous crime.

Rumors and speculations have been circulating widely, with some doctors and members of the public suggesting the possibility of a gang rape. The outrage has been palpable, with demands for a more thorough investigation to ensure that all culprits are brought to justice. “The DNA evidence is a step forward, but it might just be the tip of the iceberg. There could be more involved,” said a senior doctor from RG Kar Medical College who wished to remain anonymous.

CBI Faces Pressure to Provide Admissible Evidence and Clarity
The CFSL’s findings provide the CBI with a solid foundation to proceed, but the road ahead is fraught with complexities. The investigative agency must now piece together the remaining evidence and testimonies to build a compelling case that can withstand scrutiny in court. In cases involving such intense public interest, the need for concrete, admissible evidence is crucial to prevent any loopholes that could lead to the accused walking free.

The CFSL report hints that there could be more angles to explore, suggesting that Sanjay Roy’s actions may be only a part of the larger narrative. The CBI’s next steps are critical, as any missteps could lead to further public distrust and backlash. Legal experts have pointed out that while DNA evidence is powerful, a comprehensive investigation is essential to corroborate it with circumstantial evidence, witness testimonies, and other forensic findings to ensure a watertight case.

A Community on Edge: Calls for Justice and Accountability
The RG Kar case has gripped the city of Kolkata and drawn national attention, becoming a flashpoint for discussions on women’s safety, the accountability of civic volunteers, and the efficacy of law enforcement. Public demonstrations have erupted across the city, with activists, medical professionals, and concerned citizens demanding swift justice and more stringent measures to protect women. The case has also raised questions about the accountability of civic volunteers like Sanjay Roy and the systems in place to prevent such crimes.

Many in the community feel that this case represents more than just one tragic incident; it symbolizes a larger systemic failure that needs urgent redressal. “We need more than just one man being held accountable. We need to ensure this never happens again,” said a protestor at a recent rally.

What Lies Ahead?
As the CBI navigates through the complexities of this case, the spotlight remains on the need for transparency and thoroughness. The public, the media, and legal observers are all watching closely as the investigation unfolds. The CFSL report has provided a pivotal breakthrough, but it has also raised more questions about what really happened that fateful night at RG Kar Medical College.

The road to justice may still be long, but the CFSL report has brought the truth closer to light. For now, the nation waits with bated breath to see how the investigation develops and whether it will bring closure to a case that has shaken Kolkata to its core.
Politics, Regional, West Bengal

Statewide Protests Erupt as Junior Doctors Seek Justice for RG Kar Victim and Call for Police Chief’s Resignation

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Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, August 30, 2024, Kolkata: Junior doctors across Kolkata and the state are staging widespread protests, demanding justice for Tilottama, a young doctor who was tragically raped and murdered at RG Kar Hospital on August 9. The outcry has escalated into a major political and social movement, with calls for justice reverberating through the medical community and beyond.


The shocking incident has ignited a fierce response from junior doctors and medical professionals, who have taken to the streets in protest. Slogans such as “Demand Justice” and “Hang the Criminals” are prominently displayed, underscoring the gravity of their demands. The protests have garnered significant political support, with various political parties aligning with the cause and voicing their support for the junior doctors’ demands.

In response to the RG Kar Hospital tragedy, junior doctors have organized a series of demonstrations. A prominent campaign, known as the “Lalbazar Campaign,” is scheduled for September 2. During this event, protesters will demand the resignation of Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal. Following this, on September 3, doctors across all public and private hospitals in , including private chambers, will observe a pendown strike.

Additionally, a march will take place on the streets of Kolkata to demand the punishment of those involved in the crime. The protestors are determined to keep the issue in the public eye until justice is served.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has addressed the situation in a recent meeting of the Trinamool Congress student council at Mayo Road. She expressed support for the junior doctors, acknowledging their anger and frustration. “I understand your anger and pride,” she said. “However, I urge you to gradually return to work. The Supreme Court has granted special powers to states to address such matters, and I assure you that no punitive action will be taken against you. Careers and opportunities should not be jeopardized.”

In the midst of the ongoing protests, Chief Minister Banerjee took to her X (formerly Twitter) handle to clarify her stance. “I did not threaten the doctors. My comments are being misinterpreted,” she wrote, addressing concerns that her earlier remarks were perceived as a threat.

The protests have not been confined to local or national boundaries. The incident has sparked demonstrations abroad as well, with international solidarity highlighting the severity of the case. Doctors from RG Kar Hospital have been on strike, and efforts are being made to restore normalcy at the facility.

The Junior Doctors’ Association has issued a statement reinforcing their demands and the ongoing nature of their protest. “Our five-point demand continues to evolve,” the statement reads. “We will persist with our movement until justice is achieved.”

The situation remains dynamic, with both state administration and political circles closely watching the developments. The key question now is how the state government will respond to the junior doctors’ demands and the broader implications of the ongoing protests.
Politics, West Bengal

Shubhendu Adhikari Warns of Political Fallout: “Mothers’ Tears Will Destroy Mamata”

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Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, August 30, 2024, Kolkata: Leader of the Opposition, Shubhendu Adhikari, issued a stern warning against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, claiming that “Mamata Banerjee will be destroyed in the tears of mothers.” He further asserted that the situation of the Kolkata and state police would become worse than that in Bangladesh.


Adhikari also criticized Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s remarks made at a rally on Mayo Road, stating that she is “trembling with fear.” He accused her of having “blood on her hands.” His comments came after the arrest of Sion Lahiri, a prominent face of the West Bengal student movement, who was taken into custody by the police last night and remanded to 14 days of police custody.

Adhikari claimed that around 70 people arrested during the “Navanna Chalo” program have been held in custody at Bankshal and Metropolitan Courts. With Sion’s mother sitting beside him, Adhikari assured that the BJP would provide legal assistance to all those arrested, including Sion. “A contact number has already been released by the party. We will field senior lawyers in the Calcutta High Court and the Supreme Court for Sion. We believe we will get justice in the court regarding Mamata’s politics of revenge,” he said.

Calling Sion a “nationalist and protesting youth,” Shubhendu added, “He is active on social media. I am not aware that students were involved in politics like this, but he was protesting against injustice. Three cases have been filed against him.” He also challenged Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal, saying, “Show me any evidence of Sion breaking barricades, attacking the police, or engaging in vandalism or anarchy.”

Sion’s mother, who lost her husband when Sion was young, said that neither she nor her son is afraid. Sion, an MBA student and a former student of Ballygunge Government School, has been accused of charges that his family and Adhikari claim are “completely baseless.”

Convinced of Sion’s innocence and the innocence of others involved, Adhikari stated, “I myself have faced 47 cases; no section was left out. I don’t engage in the politics of revenge!” Referring to the three-hour protest at Nabanna, which he described as a “non-political program,” he said, “The Chief Minister’s actions using the police will have consequences.”
Business, Regional, West Bengal

Bengal government’s Yatri Sathi app formally launched in Siliguri

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The zero-commission app, police officials said, will provide cab and bike services at cheaper rates
TT Correspondent, Siliguri, 17.08.24 : The Siliguri Metropolitan Police on Friday formally launched Yatri Sathi, an app for booking cabs introduced by the state government.

“The Yatri Sathi app is an initiative of the Bengal government and was earlier launched in Calcutta. In Siliguri, we introduced it on a trial basis during the past month and formally launched it here today. Anybody can get registered from our assistance booths located at Bagdogra airport, Siliguri junction and New Jalpaiguri station,” said C. Sudhakar, the commissioner of Siliguri Metropolitan Police.

Sudhakar said around 600 cabs and 200 two-wheelers have already registered with the app. There is also a plan to introduce ambulance service through the app, sources said.

The zero-commission app, police officials said, will provide cab and bike services at cheaper rates.

“The private apps charge around 30 per cent commission from cabs and bike owners. Here, they will not have to pay any commission and, therefore, the rental charges are expected to be lower. Being a government-run app, it will also ensure the safety and security of passengers,” said a police officer.

“We want more and more cab owners and two-wheeler owners based in and around Siliguri to register themselves with Yatri Sathi,” he added.

The tourism industry has welcomed the initiative. Every day, thousands of tourists visit Siliguri and they can use the app to book a cab or bike, an industry stakeholder said.

Also, tourists often complain about overcharging by cab drivers, especially during peak tourist seasons. This problem can be resolved by availing cab services through the app, he said.

“We welcome the decision and would also request the Siliguri Metropolitan Police to hold a meeting with transporters to discuss and decide on the fares which would be charged for different destinations,” said Samrat Sanyal, general secretary of the Himalayan Hospitality & Tourism Development Network.
Regional, West Bengal

CM doubles down on Teesta: Didi draws attention to water scarcity in North Bengal

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 The Bengal chief minister, while speaking on a resolution demanding the Indo-Bhutan Joint River Commission at the state Assembly, also questioned the Centre’s decision to initiate discussions with the Bangladesh government over the renewal of the Ganga Water Sharing Treaty without involving Bengal
Snehamoy Chakraborty, TT, Calcutta, 30.07.24 : Mamata Banerjee on Monday reiterated her opposition to sharing water from Teesta with Bangladesh, stressing that such an arrangement would result in scarcity of drinking water for the people of north Bengal.

The Bengal chief minister, while speaking on a resolution demanding the Indo-Bhutan Joint River Commission at the state Assembly, also questioned the Centre’s decision to initiate discussions with the Bangladesh government over the renewal of the Ganga Water Sharing Treaty without involving Bengal.

“The central government unilaterally discussed the Teesta water-sharing agreement and the renewal of the Farakka agreement (Ganga Water Sharing Treaty) for 2026 without consulting the matter with Bengal. This is the first time that Bengal, the prime stakeholder in both issues, was not involved in the discussion,” Mamata said in the Assembly.

She said such accords would lead to the suffering of people, especially those in north Bengal who are facing a severe water crisis.

“Is there sufficient water in the Teesta that you (the Union government) want to share? Even in the rainy season, the Teesta remains almost dry as its water is blocked by Sikkim with its 14 hydropower projects in the upstream. Now, if Teesta’s water is shared with Bangladesh, the people of north Bengal will not even get drinking water… I will not allow anything like that,” she said, before underscoring her “love for Bangladesh.”

During Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to New Delhi last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had proposed that India would help the neighbouring country in the conservation and management of the transboundary river. The proposal is part of India’s hydro diplomacy with Bangladesh, which has been waiting for a deal on sharing of Teesta water since 2011 when Mamata put a spanner on it.

A technical team from India is scheduled to visit Bangladesh soon to draw up the modalities of the project, which China is also keen to implement.

Mamata recounted how she was earlier consulted about important bilateral issues such as the exchange of enclaves by sealing the land boundary agreement or launching train and bus services between the two countries.

“But this time they did not involve us,” said Mamata referring to how former chief minister Jyoti Basu was felicitated in Bangladesh after the Ganga Water Treaty.

“When the Farakka agreement was done in 1996, Jyotibabu was invited to the neighbouring country and the Bangladesh government felicitated him. Now they have formed a committee to discuss the Farakka issue and I doubt whether there is a member from Bengal on the panel,” she added.

“Our priority is the people of our state. A discussion on those issues related to Teesta and Farakka without Bengal is a blow to federal unity and I have strong reservations about it. I have already written a letter to the Prime Minister informing the state’s opinion. The Bengal government is not ready to compromise with the issue (sharing of river water) at all,” she went on.

The Bengal chief minister mounted a sharp attack on the Narendra Modi government demanding that the Farakka Barrage Authority — which is under the Union government — has to take responsibility for controlling erosion and flood mitigation along a 120km stretch of the Ganga in keeping with the agreement signed in 1994.

“When the Farakka agreement was signed in 1996, the central government was responsible for taking care of 120km stretch — 80km downstream and 40km upstream — of the Ganga. They have curtailed the jurisdiction to 12.5km now,” she said.

Mamata, who was the key speaker in the discussion of the resolution demanding the Indo-Bhutan Joint River Commission, asked Speaker Biman Banerjee to form a committee comprising the members of the House who would meet the Union irrigation minister.
Crime, West Bengal

Five years rigorous imprisonment for former post office superintendent

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SNS, 28 July 2024 : A special CBI court in Asansol has sent former Senior Superintendent of Post Office, Maloy Pal to five years in jail along with a fine of Rs.40,000 in a case of misappropriation of public money. On 25 July, Rajesh Chakraborty, judge of special CBI court has pronounced him guilty. Maloy Pal has been sent to Asansol Sp[ecial Correctional Home immediately after the judge announced his punishment.

In a post on its ‘X’ handle, the Central Bureau of Investigations (CBI) stated that on 27 January 2009, a case was registered by CBI, then superintendent of the post office in Asansol after allegations of misappropriation of funds by manipulating savings banks withdrawals and vouchers.

On 18 March the CBI has submitted the charge sheet against him. Specifically he has increased the withdrawal amounts and decreased the deposit amounts in 42 withdrawal vouchers and 2 deposit vouchers ,relat ed to several different savings bank account holders. After trial the court held him guilty and sentenced him to five years of rigorous imprisonment along with a fine of Rs.40,000. The incident was during 2006.
Crime, Education, West Bengal

Calcutta High Court sets aside single-bench order in TET case

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The board moved the division bench of Justice Harish Tandon and Justice Prasenjit Biswas contending that the candidate had applied to write the test, held on December 11, 2022, as a general category candidate
Subhankar Chowdhury, Calcutta, 13.07.24 :  A division bench of the high court on Friday set aside an October 2023 order by Justice Abhjit Gangopadhyay that directed the state primary education board to treat a candidate who had failed to clear the teachers’ eligibility test (TET) in the general category as an OBC candidate.

Justice Gangopadhyay had declared the candidate as having passed the test because her score was sufficient for reserved category candidates.

The judge resigned a few months later and won in the Lok Sabha elections as a BJP candidate.

The board moved the division bench of Justice Harish Tandon and Justice Prasenjit Biswas contending that the candidate had applied to write the test, held on December 11, 2022, as a general category candidate.

The board submitted that the petitioner got a copy of the certificate that identified her as an OBC candidate in November 2023, long after the test was held. Hence, the examinee could not be treated as an OBC candidate.

TET is held to shortlist candidates for teaching jobs in government-aided primary schools.

The division bench said in its order on Friday: “The petitioner has not filed the category of certificate before the cut-off date, which means that she had not claimed reservation…. Production of certificate by the writ petitioner at the later stage could not make her entitled to seek reservation. Therefore, on the said date she could not be considered eligible to apply under the OBC-B category, especially when the advertisement notice issued by the appellant/board stipulated that the last date for receipt of applications shall for all purpose be the cut-off date for determining the eligibility.”

The order said the single bench “is not correct” in holding that the petitioner can be considered an OBC-B candidate and she should be declared as passed.

“Therefore, there is illegality and material irregularity in the impugned order dated 09.10.2023 passed by the learned Single Bench…and as such it is liable to be
set aside.”

The president of the board, Gautam Paul, said: “We do not know how Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay considered the petitioner’s prayer. We are happy with the order of the division bench.” 
Politics, West Bengal

Saffron party leadership to revamp state BJP, major reshuffle awaited

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Central BJP leaders are aiming to restructure the saffron party’s organisation at the state and district level ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections in view of the party’s poor performance in the Lok Sabha elections.
RAJIB CHAKRABORTY | SNS  | Kolkata | July 8, 2024 : Saffron party leadership to revamp state BJP, major reshuffle awaited

Central BJP leaders are aiming to restructure the saffron party’s organisation at the state and district level ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections in view of the party’s poor performance in the Lok Sabha elections. According to sources, some central party leaders, who are dealing with organisation affairs are keeping in close touch with some state BJP leaders. The party leadership is said to be planning to replace the presidents of at least 15 out of 43 organisational districts in Bengal. Both winning and losing candidates in the Lok Sabha elections will be utilised for organisational work, said the BJP sources. There is even a possibility of a change in the state BJP president.

On Friday, BJP’s national president J P Nadda assigned new organisational responsibilities in 24 states except West Bengal. Sources said that as the post-election analysis at the grassroots level has revealed several reasons for the BJP’s poor performance in the Lok Sabha elections in Bengal, so the Delhi headquarters are taking stock of the situation. The saffron party leadership is planning a significant organisational overhaul in view of the disappointing election results.Reports indicated that nearly 15 district presidents will be replaced before the Puja. Additionally, recently state president Sukanta Majumdar hinted at a possible change in his position, noting that the party’s principle is “one person, one post”. He had recently stated: “Our party’s policy is one person, one post.

Therefore, since I have become a minister, I may have to step down. However, the final decision will be made by the central leadership. Our party’s structure undergoes changes from the top to the bottom in terms of organisational restructuring.” The focus will primarily be on revamping the district organisations, from the district to the mandal levels. Most district presidents in areas with poor results in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections will be replaced.

Over 300 mandal presidents may also be replaced. Furthermore, the majority of booth committees will be restructured. While Mr Majumdar did not directly comment on the organisational reshuffle, a state BJP leader claimed that any changes in the state BJP’s organisational structure would be on the directives of the central leadership. However, sources within the BJP have confirmed that organisational changes are indeed taking place at various levels within the state BJP.

A few days ago, state BJP leaders met at the Salt Lake party office for a post-election review meeting, where it was decided to gather reports from the district level. Subsequently, review meetings are being held in various districts with mandal presidents, district and zone in-charges, and assembly in-charges. The complete grassroots reports will soon be submitted to the state committee, which will then send the refined reports to the central leadership. The grassroots leaders and workers have identified several issues responsible for the party’s poor performance in the Lok Sabha elections during the review meetings, including that many senior workers were not involved in the election work, booth organisations were quite lax, incorrect booth reports were sent, with optimistic projections that did not match reality.

BJP workers were lax in door-to-door campaigning, and voters were not adequately approached. There was also a lack of coordination between district presidents and party candidates in most Lok Sabha constituencies. Frequent meetings and large gatherings by central leaders resulted in insufficient grassroots voter outreach, said the sources. These issues are being discussed within the party. Organisational reshuffles are expected in several districts, including Howrah, Hooghly, South 24-Parganas, West Midnapore, Jhargram, Bankura, and Burdwan. Both Lok Sabha constituencies in Howrah did not yield satisfactory results, the Hooghly seat was lost, and even though Arambagh was considered a positive seat, it was lost. The Burdwan-Durgapur seat was lost, and even though Asansol was considered positive, it was lost as well.

Additionally, there is internal conflict within the party in Burdwan, necessitating organisational restructuring. South 24-Parganas performed very poorly, and reports of factionalism have surfaced. Organisational changes are also expected in Midnapur, Jhargram, and Ghatal. The Bankura seat was lost, and there was significant internal conflict within the party before the elections. In Bishnupur, BJP won by a very small margin. Consequently, organisational changes are planned in Bankura, Bishnupur, Birbhum, and Bolpur.
Education, West Bengal

Yet to get reply from Centre on conducting own medical entrance exam: Bengal Education Minister Bratya Basu

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Basu said the Centre’s mishandling of the UGC-NET exam jeopardised the careers of lakhs of teaching job aspirants in higher educational institutions

PTI, Calcutta, 06.07.24 : West Bengal Education Minister Bratya Basu on Saturday sought the scrapping of NEET, and demanded that the states be allowed to conduct their own entrance exams for medical courses as was the practice earlier.


Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the pre-counselling fair organised by the Association of Professional Academic Institutions, he said the irregularities in NEET have plunged the future of 23 lakh students into uncertainty.

Basu said his government has already written to the Centre regarding this but is yet to get a reply.

“Before academic year 2016-17, medical entrance exams were conducted by West Bengal Joint Entrance Examinations Board in a transparent manner, and there used to be no controversy over it,” he claimed.

Basu alleged the Centre’s attitude was against the federal structure of the country.

“In a democracy, you cannot ignore the opinions of the state governments, you cannot disregard the states that are run by non-BJP governments,” he said.

Basu said the Centre’s mishandling of the UGC-NET exam jeopardised the careers of lakhs of teaching job aspirants in higher educational institutions.

On the pending students’ union elections in colleges, he said, “We are positive about it. The process will begin after Durga Puja.” While inaugurating the fair, Basu called upon students to take up whichever course he or she wanted.

“With the emergence of digital media, a fourth industrial revolution has begun,” he said.

“A student can now choose topics in sync with current trends,” he added.
Regional, West Bengal

Teesta River erosion leaves hundreds displaced

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Dibyendu Sinha, MP, 5 July 2024, Jalpaiguri: Around 50 to 60 houses have been submerged in the erosion of the Teesta River basin, leaving hundreds homeless. Approximately 500 bighas of agricultural land, including a primary school and an ICDS centre, have been engulfed by the river. 

This incident occurred in the Bahir Char area of Jalpaiguri Sadar Block, within the Bowalmari Nandan Pur Gram Panchayat area. According to local sources, river erosion began last week but intensified significantly over the past two days. 
The issue has been reported to the local Gram Panchayat and block administration. Mihir Karmakar, BDO of Sadar Block, stated that authorities are investigating the matter. Meanwhile, the District Flood Control has issued a yellow alert for the unprotected area of Teesta in Jalpaiguri Domhani and a red alert for the unprotected area in Mekhliganj. 
Jalpaiguri Sadar Block encompasses several basin areas along the Teesta River. Among them, Bahir Char, situated alongside Teesta in the Boalmari Nandanpur Gram Panchayat area, is the largest. This char, measuring 8-km-long and 4-km-wide, is home to 260 families with a population exceeding 2,000. 
While the river’s water level rises every monsoon, recent years have seen exacerbated erosion issues. Last year, 2,000 bighas of land was lost to river erosion, a situation repeated this year. 
Local resident Charan Mandal reported that his house and 20 bighas of land were lost to erosion on Thursday, with Sadhan Sarkar experiencing a similar loss of 15 bighas of land. Most of the damage occurred in the Dhar Para, Kanai Nagar and Kalampur areas. 
Jiten Chandra Biswas, local Panchayat member, lamented: “The Char area previously housed the only primary school in Kalampur. 
On Friday morning, the school was swept into the river, leaving the future uncertain for 50 students. The ICDS centre adjacent to the school suffered the same fate. Residents have demanded a protective ring dam to mitigate river erosion, but no action has been taken yet. If this situation persists, conditions will worsen in the days ahead.” 
Meanwhile, the Sikkim Meteorological department has issued a red alert for five districts in North Bengal. Gopinath Raha, a department official, warned: 
“These districts are likely to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall in the next 48 hours, tapering off by Sunday.” 
The Jalpaiguri district Irrigation department’s Flood Control reported periodic releases of water from the Gajoldoba Teesta Barrage, with 3,010 cumec water released on Friday afternoon. 
 https://www.millenniumpost.in/bengal/teesta-river-erosion-leaves-hundreds-displaced-570747
Education, West Bengal

WBJEEB publishes rules & regulations for e-counselling of students

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Amitava Banerjee4 July 2024 11:35 PM Darjeeling: Teesta Bazar in Kalimpong observed a bandh on Thursday demanding compensation, rehabilitation and permanent protection from the River Teesta. The bandh call was given by Teesta Sangrakshan Mancha (TSM). All business establishments remained closed on Thursday with a public meeting also being held apprising the residents of the demands.
The TSM has demanded a reassessment of the compensation to be handed over by the NHPC. Incidentally, Teesta Bazar was badly flooded in the flash flood in the River Teesta triggered by a glacial lake outburst in North Sikkim on October 4, 2023. Many families were displaced, houses damaged and livelihoods ended owing to the Teesta flood. According to the National Emergency Response Centre of India (NDMI) in the October 2023 Teesta disaster, there were over 100 deaths and over 70 missing individuals. Around 4,500 were evacuated. Around 90,000 people were affected. Additionally, about 2,000 houses were damaged.
With the advent of monsoons, Teesta Bazar continues to suffer with surge in the water level and the roads inundated. The residents complain that not much has been done in the way of compensation or rehabilitation of the affected families despite more than 8 months having passed since the widespread devastation.
“There were many (read political parties) who came and made tall promises but failed to live up to their commitments. Finally we were compelled to constitute the TSM, consisting of residents and people who have been affected by the calamity. It is an apolitical outfit. The day was observed in memory of all those who had lost their lives in the flash flood of October 4, 2023. It is also in support of our demands for permanent protection, rehabilitation and relief,” stated Madan Chettri of the TSM. “Earlier the district administration had worked out the compensation with the NHPC.
This time it is being done by the GTA and the compensation amount is not sufficient. Though we thank the GTA for initiating the process, we want a reassessment of the compensation amount,” stated Kishor Pradhan of the Mancha.
He further added that the GTA’s proposal to the NHPC of Rs 21 crore to build the protection wall to strengthen the embankment is not sufficient.
“We don’t want stop gap measures. Let there be permanent protection,” added Pradhan. Regarding future programmes, Pradhan stated: “It will depend on the reaction of the government and administration. We dont expect things to happen in a day or two. We know it will take time and we are willing to wait. However, we want a clear policy to be framed to mitigate this problem all along the Teesta permanently.”
The Mancha plans to invite experts, NGO, representatives of all political parties, public representatives, administration in the next meeting.
Courtesy & source- Millennium Post

https://www.millenniumpost.in/bengal/teesta-bazar-observes-bandh-in-demand-of-speedy-rehabilitation-570614