Border infiltration worries security forces

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Nov. 30: The DIG BSF Malda sector Mr PS Tomar said today that illegal infiltration along the Indo-Bangladesh border has become a serious problem to the security of the nation. While addressing a Press meet on the eve of BSF's Raising Day, to be celebrated on 1 December Mr PS Tomar said: “Infiltration of men and material is likely to supply oxygen to terrorist and insurgent movements. If this supply is cut off the flames of the movement would start flickering and fading”. “The border population has dubious characters like smugglers and sympathisers without whose help the extremists would find it difficult to come across or find a shelter after infiltrating into Indian territory,” he added. While speaking to The Statesman, Mr Tomar said: “The zone under the south Bengal frontier has been identified as the transit points for terrorists and it has been established that Harkat-ul-Jehad-al-Islami men are using the border in this zone.” “The villager’s cooperation is needed to curb the menace. It is better if they do not give shelter to unidentified people,” he urged. According to a Press release by the Malda sector BSF, 21 people were killed in BSF firing in 2007 in the border areas comprising parts of Malda and South Dinajpur districts. Out of those killed only two were Indians. This year the border security forces have intercepted a total of 224 Bangladeshi people and 264 Indian citizens who were illegally crossing the border. Malda BSF sector officials claimed they seized smuggled goods amounting to Rs 13.63 crore this year. “The densely populated villages close to the Indo-Bangladesh border need to be shifted. It is getting difficult for the BSF to keep vigilance. In order to shift the population, a proposal has been sent to the government which is still under consideration,” an officer said. Besides, DIG Malda BSF also expressed concern regarding the people who are using Bangladeshi SIM card in India since it would be difficult to trace them if they commit a crime. Two persons were intercepted in this connection last month, he added.

No food itmes to be lifted without examination

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Nov. 30: The district controller food and supplies Mr Asim Basu has decided and informed the modified ration dealers not to lift the food items from essential commodities supply corporation (ECSC) without examination. Mr Asim Basu said: “Our inspector will examine the food items first like suji and flour in the godown of ECSC, if the inspector thinks they it is fit for consumption, then we will decide to ask the dealers to lift the materials for distribution." The ECSC has bought new stock of some materials recently and our inspector will examine the quality, date of expiry and manufacturing. According to him all old stocks of suji and flour, which were identified as ‘unfit for human consummation’, are rotting in the godown of dealers and even the ECSC. It may be noted that the district magistrate Mr CR Das had instructed the district food and supplies department to ‘hold back’ stock of non PDS items like flour and suji which are allegedly identified as unfit for human consumption. In order to avoid fresh public outrage on ration issue such decision was taken after receiving complaints from the public and as well as ration dealers. The district controller food and supplies suspended three more modified ration dealers in Ratua and Harishchandrapur block areas after investigation based on the complaints from the local people. A total of 28 modified ration dealers have been suspended till date due to public outrage in Malda. “We are in the process to start investigation against more than 200 ration dealers on merit. Everyday we are receiving complaints against the dealers,” said Asim Basu, Malda district controller food and supplies. It was reported that one M R dealer was heckled at Laxmighaat in English Bazaar. The DCFS said: “I do not have the information on the issue."

'Youth festival a CPM's programme'

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Nov. 30: In a letter addressed to the chief minister Mr Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, the sabhadhipati of Malda zilla parishad, Mr Goutam Chakraborty has asked: “Why the state sports and youth welfare department has issued a separate notification only for Malda and Murshidabad to organise youth festival”. In his letter dated 28 November Mr Chakraborty, also district Congress leader, pointed out that according to the general notification it has been instructed to form the organising committee where the chief patron will be sabhadhipati of ZP, except Darjeeling and Kolkata. According to the notification dated 14 September chief of the ZP and panchayat samiti will be the chief patron of the organising committee of the youth festival in all districts and all block level. But the department has issued another notification on 7 November only for Malda and Murshidabad and according to this notification the chief of the ZP and panchayat samiti will not be entitled to hold the post of chief patron . The Malda ZP sabhadhipati Mr Chakraborty claimed in his letter to the CM that in Malda the environment minister Mr Sailen Sarkar has been selected as chief patron and the animal resources development minister Mr Anisur Rahaman has been selected as chief patron for the organising committee in Murshidabad. It may be noted that the Malda and Murshidabad ZPs are under the control of the Congress and non-Left parties and both sabhadhipatis belong to the Congress. Mr Chakraborty asked: “Is the youth festival government programme? Or a CPI-M party’s programme”. Speaking to the reporters today the sabhadhipati said: “In block level the organising committee head is not the panchayat samiti chief belonging to the CPI-M but other ‘cadres’ have been selected as head of block festival committee”. The Malda district youth officer has prepared the committee according to the direction of the minister Mr Sarkar. In the last paragraph of his letter Mr Chakraborty urged the CM to look into the matter and to take action against the discrimination for holding the festival only in Malda and Murshidabad.

Silk park in Malda soon

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Nov 29: - The Malda sericulture department has forwarded 85 interested applicants for the proposed Silk Park to the infrastructure leasing financial development corporation (IDFLC) for screening. The sericulture officials said all interested 85 entrepreneurs have come from this district to take part in the Silk Park. “We would be able to set up Silk Park here if at least 40 entrepreneurs out of 85 are selected”, said Mr. Bijan Mandal, the deputy director, Malda sericulture. Mr. Mandal said: “we are facing problem land (35 to 40 acres) in this district for setting up the park at present. As alternative to the required land we have selected an unused state filature at Madhughaat in Kaliachak and another sericulture farm house at Ramchandrapur of our department.” “At present we have a total of 15 acres land. Owing to lack of required land it was discussed that multi storied building may meet up the crisis of land for setting up the park”, Mr. Mandal said. According to the sericulture officials, the experts of the ILFDC will organise another workshop to train the selected entrepreneurs interested to join the Silk Park here after selecting them from 85 applicants. The object of it is to produce finished silk products for export to foreign countries within a park where there would be various units from reeling of silk yarn to finished items silk.A top ranking sericulture official said: “the district does not have its own silk brand like Bangalore silk or Murshidabad silk but Malda is producing quantity of raw silk and other districts and states depend on the production of this district. This silk park may establish a brand name for Malda silk if everything goes in the right direction.” The primary survey reports that 44,700 farmers are engaged in sericulture. The district produces 12,576 MT reeling cocoon, 1,350 MT raw silk and 585 MT waste silk.

Sericulture affected after death of silkworms

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Nov 29: - The Malda sericulture department has started survey to estimate loss after death of huge silkworms in particular areas of Kaliachak block I. The departmental officials are expecting that they would be able to complete the estimation of losses of sericulture farmers by 3 December. The sericulture farmers at Shershahi and Majampur areas have failed to produce cocoons due to sudden disease of silkworms. The deputy director of Malda sericulture Mr Bijan Mandal said: “Silkworms were suffering from infection due to lack of ignorance of farmers and lack of disinfection procedure in the rearing houses”. “Silkworm may be infected owing to climatic disorder for example high humidity and temperature”, Mr. Mandal said. According to him only the two zones Shershari and Majampur sericulture has been affected by infection problem but other areas rate of cocoon production is better. "We need to find out the cause of such diseases in this particular pockets”, the deputy director added. Both the central silk board and state sericulture officials denied allegation of the farmers that the poor quality of silkworm eggs were held responsible for this diseases. This year silk farmers had faced acute crisis of silkworm eggs at the initial stage and had to buy eggs from the private producers.

Govt to obtain Nabard loans for Muslims

MALDA, Nov. 28: The West Bengal government will be obtaining soft loans from the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development specifically for the development of the Muslim community. The government has asked the districts to submit schemes based on Rural Infrastructure Development Fund of Nabard for minority development. The Malda district-planning department has informed the matter to the elected bodies concerned at the block level, the sabhadhipati of Malda zilla parishad and MLAs seeking ideas and schemes for the development of minorities in the rural areas. According to the district planning officer, the department has initially estimated Rs 12 crore for the purpose. The department has decided to submit proposals estimating Rs 4 crore in the first phase. “We are in the process and have decided to submit schemes, under the RIDF-XIII, to the government by November,” said Mr Angshuman Adhikary, the district-planning officer. In Malda, nearly 50 per cent people belong to minority community and many of them belong to the BPL category. The Malda district has submitted a total of 300 applications of such minority candidates including women to the state government for sanction of loans with the help of the West Bengal Minority Development and Finance Corporation. The district planning officials hope that they would be able to offer sanctioned letter to the 300 applicants by early 2008. People from the Kaliachak, Sujapur, Ratua, Harishchandrapur and other blocks are mostly from the minority community and have turned into migrant workers and go out of state for livelihood despite the introduction of the 100 days job scheme. The worker exodus reduces during the mango harvesting season but remains high for the rest of the year. SNS

Soil tests labs to come up in Malda

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Nov. 28: In order to maintain the fertility of the agricultural land of Malda, the district administrative officials have planned to set up soil test laboratories in each of the 15 Blocks. They have already sent proposals to the government for sanctioning funds through the agriculture department. The department hopes to launch the project soon. Besides the laboratory this unit will also function as clinic for agricultural produces in each Block. Reports reveal that the by the rampant use of fertilisers, ignorant farmers have ‘killed’ 'soil characters' and did not have the capacity to produce more crops. “Agriculture officials fear that if the rampant use of chemical fertilisers continues the fertile crop lands will become barren in future,” said an administrative officer at the Malda district magistrate's office. He further said that the soil test laboratories would guide the farmers, informing them regarding the character and texture of soil. Moreover, the agriculture officials would be able to advice them on the methods of maintaining soil character for further production, the officer said. The present problem of the agricultural lands was discussed at the meeting held in the district magistrate's office on Monday for implementing the Rashtriya Krishi Vikash Yojona. In order to boost up agriculture the additional district magistrate (development) held a meeting with the concerned officials of the agri-irrigation department recently. It was learnt that the project for conservation of water for minor irrigation in rain fed areas in the Barind belt has not been implemented properly. Though the agri-irrigation had excavated ponds for the conservation of water but many of them dried up. Today, a team of agri-irrigation and other officials including people's representatives visited the sites of Barind belt for water conservation project. It has been decided that the officials will use polythene sheets at the ground level to keep the the water separate from the ground level of water.

NHAI submits proposals for bypasses

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Nov. 27: The national highway authority of India (NHAI) has submitted land proposals to the Malda land acquisition department for verification of proposed lands to be acquired for two-bypass roads alternative to National Highway 34 at Kaliachak and English Bazaar. In order to avoid congestions on the present N H 34 in English Bazaar town and Kaliachak areas in Malda district the NHAI has prepared fresh alignment under the widening project of this National Highway 34 North 24 Parganas to North Dinajpur with the financial assistance of Asian Development Bank, NHAI officials said. The Malda land acquisition officials have been asked to verify the location of lands and original owners of the lands proposed by the NHAI to start the process of land acquisition. The senior engineer of the Malda NHAI division Mr Srikumar Bhattacharya said that after verification of land proposals and alignments by the competent authority (land acquisition department) the NHAI would publish gazette notification based of National Highway Act 1956 NHAI submits proposals for bypass roads for land acquisition. The NHAI and the state land acquisition department will complete the process phase wise very soon by paying compensation to the landowners, he said. It may be noted that with a view to avoiding congestion of N H 34 at Kaliachak Market place the NHAI would build nearly 7 km long bypass road and similarly more than 10 km long bypass road will be built to avoid the congested N H 34 presently passing through English Bazaar town in Malda. Sources said the NHAI would build fly over for bypass road to avoid any crossing of state highways and rail track for this project. According to the NHAI officials, six more bypass roads will be built in North Dinajpur and a part of Murshidabad districts under the jurisdiction of the Malda NHAI division. After completion of the land survey and finalisation of alignment for bypass roads land proposals have been submitted to the land acquisition department in North Dinjapur and Murshidabad districts, NHAI officials said. The NHAI has planned to build bypass road at two places -- Dhulian and Omarpur under Jangipur subdivision in Murshidabad district and four places including Itahar, Raiganj, Karandighi and Tungidighi in North Dinjapur district. The NHAI officials claimed that the department has started construction of bypass road at Dalkhola in North Dinajpur.

'Ghost' ration cards to be cancelled

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Nov. 27: In order to check alleged malpractice of ration dealers the Malda food and supplies department has planned to launch a special drive in January and February to cancel the ration cards of dead persons.It has been reported that dealers lift food materials for themselves in the name of dead persons due to lack of monitoring by the food and supplies department.The district controller of food and supplies Mr Asim Basu said: “We will have to launch a special drive twice a year to cancel ration cards of the dead persons. “We have to do the job with the help of gram panchayat because they maintain a register of dead persons”. “We are planning to cancel ration cards of the dead persons in January and February”, Mr Basu said. According to him, the department could not cancel such ration cards of dead persons owing to lack of time and staff. This is a very tough job and requires more time to cancel such ration cards one by one with thorough checking in each ration shop.The dealers do not have the right to cancel ration cards but they can inform the matter to the department. But it has not been executed, food officials said. The department has been changing the system of cancellation of ration cards of dead persons after detection of abnormal number of excess cards based on the voter lists and growth rate of population but failed to check the menace.After public outrage for alleged rationing practices Malda villagers informed the block administrative officials that dealers were lifting food materials in the name of dead persons.

Congress and Left councillors boycott monthly meeting

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Nov 27: Seven rebel councillors of the Congress led English Bazaar Municipality and the Left councillors today boycotted the board of councillors’ monthly meeting today. Only six councillors including the chairman were present at first. Since 19 out of the 25 councillors did not attend the meeting till 3 p.m. today it had to be cancelled. Interestingly it may be noted that seven people, who had expressed ‘no confidence’ against the chairman a few days ago, had been asked by their leader Mr KN Choudhury, English Bazaar Congress MLA, to attend the meeting. But the councillors took the decision not to attend the meeting to teach Mr Choudhury a lesson for taking a whimsical decision. It was learnt that Ms Rubi Noor, the district Congress president held a meeting with Mr Choudhury twice to resolve the crisis in the EBM where the latter was thrashed. Even the Union minister of I & B Mr PR Das Munshi had come down heavily on Mr Choudhury on this issue following the complaint against him recently. The chairman, vice chairman and other Congress councillors lodged a complaint with the district Congress president against Mr Choudhury. Today the Left councillors took advantage of the situation to expose the ‘internal squabbling’ of the board by boycotting the meeting. The Left councillors submitted a written statement to the chairman explaining the cause of their absence where they expressed their unhappiness over the activities of the present board under the leadership of the Congress chairman Mr Narendranath Tiwari. The Opposition leader Mr DN Chaki said: “We did not attend last month's meeting because they adopted the resolution according to their will despite protests”.

State gets Rs.60 crore for improving agriculture

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Nov. 26: The chief secretary Mr Amit Kiran Deb has convened a meeting on 7 December in Kolkata, inviting all top district officials for implementing Rashtriya Krishi Vikash Yojona (RKVY) which is a central government scheme for national agriculture development. The state has received Rs 60 crore for the financial year 2007-08, for implementing RKVY. If it can utilise the fund within the stipulated time it can claim Rs 500 crore from the Centre for the next financial year under this project. The secretary agriculture, Mr Sanjiv Chopra said, the state will be able to utilise the fund on time. The objective of RKVY is to increase growth and yield rate in agricultural sector. It wants to achieve a growth rate of at least 4 per cent. At present the rate is 1.5 per cent at the national level. According to the officials though the growth rate in West Bengal is better than that at the national level it is gradually decreasing. While addressing today's meeting, a top official said the reason behind the drop in the rate is because the farmers cannot use the latest technologies in this sector. The state has directed all districts to prepare their own plans on agricultural development by 7 December before attending the meeting. Top officials including district magistrates and sabhadhipaties of the four districts ~ Malda, Murshidabad, north and south Dinajpur ~ today attended the meeting convened by the secretary agriculture in Malda. The officials will cover other districts in north and south Bengal and soon inform them about the programme of RKVY so that they can prepare their plans by 7 December. The district officials have been directed to maintain coordination with other concerned departments like agriculture, irrigation, horticulture, animal resources, agriculture marketing and others to chalk out the district's plans, keeping in consideration the basic needs required to develop the agriculture sector, as well as the socio-economy in under developed villages.

Leaders chargesheeted in police outpost ransacking case

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Nov. 26: Two Malda Congress leaders have been chargesheeted under section 147, 148, 149, 353, 427 and 3PD PP Act in Malda court in connection with case of ransacking a police outpost in Malda district hospital in September this year. Malda district Congress leaders are upset with the police after getting this information from the court today. The lawyers of the two Congress leaders today suggested them to surrender before court to avoid arrest warrant, which will be issued soon by the court on the basis of the merit of charge sheet submitted by the police. According to the charge sheet, Malda zilla parishad office bearer Mr Soumitra Roy and the youth Congress leader Mr Chhoton Mallick have been accused of rioting with deadly weapons and damaging public properties and preventing government officials from doing their official duty. It may be recalled that on 20 September, Youth Congress workers staged an agitation at the district hospital when a woman Surji Malakar (50) alleged that one policeman of the police outpost attempted to rape her. Youth Congress workers led by Mr Roy reached the hospital in a moment and allegedly ransacked the police outpost apart from blocking the National Highway-34 in demand of arrest of the policeman. The policeman (NVF) was beaten up by an angry mob. He was finally arrested and admitted to the Malda district hospital. Two different cases were initiated on the basis of Surji's complaint and another in connection with ransacking of the police camp. However, in enquiry police reportedly found Surji's complaint ‘baseless’, while, in the other case police found the Youth Congress workers guilty.

Public outrage feared on rationing issue

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Nov. 26: Malda dealers association fears that public outrage on the issue of rationing system may be aggravated in December due to curtailment of allotment of rice for the people belonging to below the poverty line. The state committee of the ration dealers’ association has taken a decision to draw the attention of the government for taking necessary action to inform the people that the allotment of rice has been reduced. The FCI has issued the notification regarding 50 per cent curtailment of rice from the earlier rate of allotment and informed the matter to the government on 14 November. The Malda district controller of food and supplies Mr NK Saha said that he got such information that allotment of rice would be reduced by at least 50 per cent. “It would create another problem for the dealers to manage the people who will demand rice that he used to get earlier”, Mr Saha said. The ration dealers criticised both the state and FCI for the decision and blamed both of them for failing to procure rice according to the system of procurement through its agencies from the market. “It is very difficult to convince irate mob that the government has reduced allotment of rice. We want the government would come forward to inform the people about the scale of distribution with proper notification”, said Mr. Pramod Ghosh, secretary of the Malda dealers association. In Malda, public outrage is still on in many remote villages and few ration shops are closed fearing villagers’ attack. Villagers are complaining against dealers about malpractice collecting ration cards of the dead persons. The latest system is the dealers will collect ration cards of the dead persons from his area and they will write off their name from his register and inform the matter to the food and supplies department. “But in practice dealers collect ration cards but does not write off their names or inform the department. “Owing to lack of special drive to detect ration cards of dead people due to shortage of staffs dealers took such advantage”, said an inspector of food and supplies department.

Irrigation officials fear trouble during land acquisition

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Nov. 26: A section of irrigation officials fear they may have to face a problem while surveying the land required to prepare a proposal for land acquisition to finalise the alignment of the proposed 5-km-long ninth retired embankment in Kaliachak II Block due to the Nandigram issue. “Following the issue common people can easily raise their voices against land acquisition proposals for agricultural lands. This area would not be an exceptional one,” a senior engineer said. Prior to the Nandigram issue the district administration could not acquire agricultural land and mango orchards in erosion hit areas Kaliachak II for the construction of the same embankment, keeping a safe distance of 1,200 metres from the bank line of the Ganges, the engineer recalled. The ninth retired embankment was imperative after the eight one was eroded. Mainly villagers of Panchanandapur and Bangitola in Kaliachak II had objected to the land acquisition though the political leaders agreed to build an embankment for protection against flood when the district magistrate called an all party political meeting. It may be noted that leaders including the then Malda MP, ABA Ghani Khan Choudhury and other district leaders were present at Bangitola village but they could not convince the villagers in favour of the embankment which was in the interest of the people of Malda. No political leader wanted to go against the villagers’ protests ahead of parliamentary election 2005. But the Malda irrigation executive engineer Mr Soumen Misra is confident, they would be able to convince the people of Bangitola shortening the safe distance from 1,200 metres to 700 metres between the bank line of the Ganges and alignment of the proposed embankment. “Considering past experiences regarding land acquisition here, I have proposed the district magistrate to call an all party meeting. Following the administrative decision and resolution adopted at the meeting we would proceed for land survey to acquire land, submitting proposal for the land acquisition,” Mr Misra said. "No date has been finalised for the meeting," he added. It may be noted that the state irrigation and waterways department has sanctioned Rs 7.48 crore for the construction of night retired embankment on the left bank of the Ganges for flood protection and it has been instructed to submit estimated plans after finalising its alignment so that the department can finish the work before monsoon.

Director may visit Malda and Balurghat airstrips

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Nov. 25: The executive director of the Airports Authority of India (AII), eastern region, Mr SP Singh Boxi may visit the Malda and Balurghat airstrips, tentatively on 30 November, the Malda airport officials have said. The objective behind his visit is to review the progress of the ongoing construction of the boundary wall in the two airstrips, for the protection of land and also to observe the existing position of the airports, which are likely to be renovated soon. Sources said that the director of Airports Authority of India may visit Raiganj too, in accordance with the request of the Union information and broadcasting minister, Mr Priyaranjan Das Munshi. Mr Das Munshi had suggested to the Airports Authority of India authorities to set up an airport in North Dinajpur district and asked them to visit the spot for the selection of the required land. To revive air services, political leaders are planning to connect the north Bengal districts by air services from Cooch Behar to Malda, connecting three other districts of North and South Dinajpur. It may be noted that the Malda district magistrate had written missives to the director of Airports Authority of India , eastern region, for the development of the Malda airport and on the basis of correspondence, the Airports Authority of India had conducted joint survey to study the chances of revival. On 23 November, the local officials met the district magistrate and handed over a computed disc in which the Airports Authority of India has recorded pictures of more than 18 identified constructions, which are creating obstruction to the flying zone of the present position of the Malda air strip. The district magistrate, Mr CR Das has studied the video footage of the obstructions and is reportedly trying hard to take the necessary action to revive the airport project in Malda, in consultation with his higher authorities in the state secretariat at the Writers’ Buildings. The Malda airport authorities are constructing a boundary wall leaving the western side of the airstrip at present. The ministry of civil aviation has told the state government that the Airports Authority of India needs more land on the western side for its revival project, due to obstruction on the eastern side by high rise buildings which have created problems for the present runway for air craft. The district administration has already surveyed the area on the western side of the airport and estimated that it would be able to acquire nearly 40 to 50 acres of required land to extend the runway. At present, the district administration has been facing problems on account of the high rise constructions on either the side of the Malda airport, including multi storied buildings on the eastern side and BSNL tower and a 50 metres high electrical high tension line tower on the western side.

WBCS body complains against Malda Sabhadhipati

MALDA, Nov. 23: The WBCS (Executive) Association, Malda branch, has lodged a complaint with the district magistrate yesterday against the Sabhadhipati of Malda zilla parishad Mr Goutam Chakraborty for his allegedly misbehaviour with a deputy magistrate. The district secretary, Mr Angshuman Adhikary said they urged the district magistrate Mr CR Das to ensure proper working environment in the Malda zilla parishad office so that the WBCS officers can do their job impartially. “The Sabhadhipati not only misbehaved with our colleague Mr S Mukherjee but he said something rude in the presence of other people. This is undesirable,” Mr Adhikary said. The district magistrate said he would look into the matter, he added. The Malda WBCS Association has informed the matter to its state committee to look into the matter. When contacted, the Sabhadhipati Malda zilla parishad, Mr Goutam Chakraborty, denied the charges and said: “I don't have information that WBCS Association lodged a complaint against me.” n SNS

Malda private bus helpers call off 'cease work'

MALDA, Nov 23: Workers called off their strike and buses started plying from evening. Earlier, private buses were off the roads in Malda district today following a clash between the vehicle owners and helpers. The trouble broke out late morning at private bus terminus in Malda town when wage increase discussions between owners and helpers became violent. Following the clash and after intervention of trade unions the workers called a ‘cease work’ for an indefinite period. The CPI-M-backed Citu workers’ union of private buses blocked BG Road, in front of the private bus terminus, and other busy road connectors by parking several buses on the roads this afternoon. The workers demanded the arrest of a bus owner who they alleged had beaten one of their colleagues.In consultation with the regional transport officer, the Malda SDO Mrs Arunima De has convened a meeting to sort out the problem. Daily passengers and other passengers were in trouble for this sudden decision to call ‘cease work’. n SNS

'Dealer made most of invalid cards'

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Nov. 22: Villagers have lodged a complaint with the Habibpur block development officer, informing that a modified ration dealer, Mr Binoy Choudhury, used to lift food and other materials in the name of 27 dead persons, the administrative officials said today. Though the villagers had lodged several complaints against Mr Choudhury, but the administration could not take any action against him due to technical problem based on the West Bengal Public Distribution System and Control Order 2003. Besides lifting food materials in the name of the dead persons, it was also alleged that the dealer used to sell rice to the people who were below the poverty line at Rs 9 per kg, when the government rate was only Rs 3 under the Antyadaya Yojona. The CPI (ML) Liberation leader, Mr Mrityunjay Das claimed that the villagers had submitted a complaint, regarding the dead persons, by pointing out their ration card numbers. The Malda sub divisional officer, Mrs Arunima De and the district controller, food and supplies, Mr Asim Basu admitted that they have received the complaints from the villagers. “We have informed the matter to the DCFS and they would take a final decision against the dealer after an inquiry”, said Mrs De, the Malda SDO. Interestingly, due to some technical problems of PDSC order, the administration is not in a position to lodge a complaint with the police against the dealer, owing to lack of a nod from the DCFS. The villagers had been protesting against the corrupt dealer since mid-October and lodged a written complaint against the dealer on 17 and 19 October and again on 21 November. “We cannot suspend him now and we also cannot start an inquiry against him, according to the PDSC Order of 2003”, said Mr Asim Basu, the deputy director and district controller, in charge of the Malda food and supplies. “The dealer Mr Binoy Choudhury fell ill and was admitted to a hospital. Two days ago he was discharged. He met with the officials and submitted a doctor’s certificate to say that he needs at least one month’s rest,” Mr Basu informed The Statesman.

Woman branded as witch forced to leave village with husband

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Nov. 22: Having failed to pacify a group of 47 families belonging to Mushahar community, the Malda administration has shifted a couple to government affiliated homes in Murshidabad. The leaders of the community have branded the woman, Jharna Mushahar,wife of Ganesh Mushahar, as a witch and boycotted them a month ago. A notice was issued asking them to leave the village. This incident took place at Manoharpur under the Ratua police station. The police rescued the couple and put them in safe custody at the Samsi police out post as they got information that the couple might be killed. The district magistrate got the information and instructed the district project officer of social welfare, Mr Pratyarpan Singha Ray to take the necessary actions. Having failed to convince the people belonging to the Mushahar community, he sent the couple to the government affiliated home at Beldanga and Rejinagar in Murshidabad a few days ago. The Mushahar families have also boycotted Dulal Mushahar, the couple's son and a 18-month-old baby who was on a visit to the village a few days ago. Dulal is daily wage earner in Delhi and has married a girl of the same village. The welfare department is now in problem as to how they would provide shelter to Dulal and his family. According to Mr Singha Ray, the village leader Mr Habi Mushahar issued another notice to Dulal asking him to leave the village by 20 December. "Mr Habi told me that if they allow Dulal to stay, then his parents would come here in the future”, Mr Singha Ray said.

Civic body's meet to resolve crisis

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Nov 22: The district Congress president Mrs Rubi Noor today sought clarification from the English Bazaar MLA Mr KN Choudhury for opposing the Congress led civic board meeting to resolve the crisis in English Bazaar Municipality.The meeting continued for over four hours where the civic body chief Mr Narendranath Tiwari and Congress councillor Mr Asis Kundu criticised Mr Choudhury's actions and accused him of conspiring against the board. Sources said Mr Choudhury expressed his grievances against the board members, including the chairman. Seven councillors out of 14, all followers of Mr Choudhury, had withdrawn support from the board a few days back. The civic body chief Mr Tiwari is, however, hoping that seven rebel members would support him at the board of councillors meeting scheduled to be held on 27 November. "I don't know what they will do on 27 November”, said Mr KN Choudhury.

Protest forces action against ration dealer

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Nov 21: The additional district magistrate Mr PC Shit has instructed the district controller of food and supplies to take stern action against a modified ration dealer, Mr Binoy Choudhury, based on public complaints. Ninety people submitted written complaints against the dealer in the third week of October but no inquiry was started against him. It was alleged the dealer used to sell rice to the people who were below the poverty line at Rs 9 per kg when the government rate was only Rs 3 under Antyadaya Yojona for BPL group. It may be noted that hundreds of backward class people protested in front of Habibpur block development office yesterday demanding that Mr Choudhury be punished. The Habibpur block development officer controlled the angry mob yesterday evening by assuring people that "we (administration) would take action against the dealer within two days". Talking to the people and going through their complaints, the BDO reported the matter to the Malda SDO, seeking serious administrative intervention because he had forwarded the complaints to the food department in October but no action was taken. The Malda sub divisional officer, Mrs Arunima De and the additional district magistrate Mr PC Shit both talked to the district food controller yesterday to start an inquiry against the dealer. Mr Shit reportedly told the district controller that the civic administration would not interfere with their departmental system of inquiry but "nobody will be spared if anyone is found guilty". The district controller argued that since he (Mr Choudhury) was ill and hospitalised, no action could be taken against him. "We would take action when he resumes his charges," said the district controller. Mrs De said: “At present the dealer is not in the hospital. Tactfully, he took admission in the district hospital to avoid inquiry and punishment. The food department has been asked to take stern action against the dealer if he is found guilty.”

Seven withdraw from civic board

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Nov 20: Protesting against the English Bazaar Municipality chairman’s alleged divide and rule policy, seven non-left councillors have withdrawn support from the Congress led civic board.The withdrawal would not result in the dissolution of the 25-member board because of the numbers, but the development surely would weaken the board.Backed by the English Bazaar Congress MLA Mr KN Choudhury, the seven councillors expressed their ‘no confidence’ against the chairman of the municipality Mr Narendranath Tiwari last night and submitted their resignation letter jointly. The EBM chairman and the dissenters have been at loggerheads for quite some time. The same group of councillors had declared a non co-operation movement against the chairman Mr Tiwari some months back. Senior Congress leaders had intervened to save the situation in that instance. The dissenting councillors Ms Sandhya Das, Mr Ashok Saha, Mr Surojit Das, Ms Protiva Singh, Mr Shantanu Saha, Ms Kakali Choudhury and Mr Rama Prasad Banerjee are loyal to the Congress MLA Mr KN Choudhury. Most of them won from Trinamul Congress tickets.If the development has left the chairman shaken, he is hiding it well. “It is their style of bargaining to enjoy ‘undue advantage’ from the board and earn money. “I did not allow them to do so, which frustrated them,” Mr Tiwari said. He is aware of the numbers game too. “They need at least nine councillors to dislodge me. They do not have the required number now,” he added. The action has drawn flak from the Opposition leader and CPI-M councillor Mr DN Chaki. “The withdrawal is not based on any ideology. It was simply a fallout of an internal feud on the issue of commission and shares from some big projects,” he stated. One of the rebel councillors Mr Rama Prasad Banerjee said: “ We have lost faith in the present chairman. He did not bother to allot funds equally to all 25 wards for development. Our withdrawal is in protest against his divide and rule policy.” Having distanced themselves from the board, some of the dissenting councillors are apparently unhappy with Mr Krishnendu Choudhury’s role on whose advise they decided to withdraw To some it was a “hasty decision.” Mr Choudhury has his own logic but. “I decided to protest against the board because the people are being deprived of proper services by the present board,” he claimed.

Ration dealer takes refuge in a hospital

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Nov. 20: Demanding punishment for a modified ration dealer Mr Binoy Choudhury, hundreds of villagers led by the CPI-ML Liberation and a few local BJP leaders today staged an agitation in front of the Habibpur Block office. Tribals and people from other backward classes had started an agitation at Dhumpur against the dealer a few weeks back and lodged a complaint against him with the Habibpur Block Development Officer. Having failed to bear the pressure from the villagers Mr Choudhury was admitted to the District Hospital which saved himself from the angry mob. The food department closed the ration shop and informed the villagers to collect food and other items from the nearest dealer. According to the CPI- ML leader, Mr Mrityunjay Das: “A total of 60 people lodged two separate complaints with the BDO against the dealer on 17 and 19 October but no action was taken against him. “Mr Choudhury used to sell rice to the people who were below the poverty line at Rs 9 per kg when the government rate was only Rs 3 under Antyadaya Yojona for BPL group,” he said. Villagers alleged the dealer never issued any cash memo to them. It may be noted that he is very close to the Congress and his wife is the chief of Dhumpur gram panchayat. “We have received complaint against him. Since he is ill and hospitalised we cannot take any action against him. We would, however, take action against him when he resumes his charge,” said Mr NK Saha, district controller food and supplies.

Mission comes to the end of convicts' children

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Nov. 19: Malda Ramkrishna Mission has sanctioned financial assistance and provided shelter for boys and girls for studying primary and upper primary level. These boys and girls have come to Malda RKM through correctional homes because their fathers are languishing in various jails at Behrampur, Alipore and Cooch Behar. The Malda RKM chief Swami Divyananda Maharaj took the responsibility of the children while visiting the jails and admitted them in schools. Raj Kumar Das and Bistu Mudi are studying in class VII and VI respectively in Badalmoni High School in English Bazaar town with the help of the Malda RKM. Their fathers are in Beherampore central jail and are serving life imprisonment sentences. In the same way Ranjit Murmu is studying in class IV at Malda RKM's Shishu Bhawan while Pradip Bhaskar is receiving education at Mathabanga RKM's Seba Sadan. Ranjit's sisters Aloka and Sanoka have been engaged in Sarada Ashram in Horwah for vocational training. The fathers of these children have been convicted for life in connection with robbery and murder and they were helpless, the Swami said. He also said Malda RKM has also launched a system of yearly stipend for such students in Malda and north Dinajpur. Primary-level students will get Rs 500 while high school students will get Rs 1,000 per year. Interestingly, after observing the social work of Divyananda, Mohammed Anaur Islam came to Malda RKM yesterday and donated Rs 500 to RKM's relief fund. According to Swami Divyananda, Anaur (25), is a teacher at a private madrassa in Kolkata. But a few months back he was in Balurghat and Malda jail for committing various crimes. He was even beaten up severely by local residents at Hyderpur in English Bazaar town for stealing and admitted to Malda District Hospital. A cleric from Sahapur in Old Malda urged Divyananda to save Anaur so that police cannot send him to jail again. “The cleric engaged him in a Madrasa. Now he earns Rs 2,500 per month and came to donate Rs 500 for the organisation,” Swami Divyananda said.

Nexus between dealers and food dept officails alleged

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Nov 19: The arrest of MR dealer Naresh Ghosh last week against alleged corrupt practices concerning ration cards and distribution of MR items in Malda district and subsequent investigation on the issue has led to some serious exposures suggesting a nexus between the MR dealers and a section of food department officials.The Malda district administration launched an investigation into the alleged offence committed by the dealer. “The investigation conducted by officers of the Old Malda block reveals that the MR dealer was in cahoots with a section of food department officials and with their help used to arrange ration cards for the people against large sums of money,” said the Malda SDO, Ms Arunima De.According to her, people residing within 15 Kms of the Bangladesh border required permission from the district magistrate to obtain ration cards. “Food department officials cannot issue ration cards to such residents without the permission of the DM, which has happened in this instance proving a nexus,” the SDO, said. According to the report of the district administration's inquiry, Ghosh used to squeeze anything between Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000 from the locals besides taking advantage of the women of the area, to arrange for ration cards. The matter came to light after locals of Jatradanga village, rose in revolt against his corrupt practices last week. An FIR was lodged against Ghosh and he was arrested. He was produced in Malda court on Friday and his bail plea was rejected. The administration suspects that several others could be more cases of this type but this requires a thorough investigation. The issue is likely to come up for discussions in the next administrative meeting with the food and supplies officials. DCFS Mr NK Saha was not available for comments.

Jatropha cultivation opens new avenues

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Nov. 19: Emami officials may visit Malda on 27 November to review the progress of jatropha cultivation at Nayachar, a barren island at Manikchak. Hundreds of people, who were mostly dependent on fishing, in Nayachar and its adjoining villages are struggling for a better life by cultivating jatropha with the help of the administration. Though the local people were informed about the cultivation in 2005 there were no takers. Since mid 2006 the district administration took a fresh initiative. Finally the officials of Emami expressed their interest in the project and ensured the administration they would buy their produce for producing bio-diesel. After selecting more than 140 acres barren lands on the island and forming self-help groups the Block and district administration inspired the local people to cultivate jatropha by supplying seeds and saplings. The government departments took part in the project starting from the soil tests to producing the saplings. Even the fertiliser producing company undertaken government extended its assistance to the villagers for cultivating jatropha. Initially NREGS (national rural employment guarantee scheme) had helped organise the cultivation process under the leadership of Manikchak block officer. Women also extended their help in the production of the crop. A group of junior staff members of Emami are supervising the new cultivators. The senior officials will meet the district officials and visit the field to monitor the progress of the work. The Block officials expect that when the people would reap the profits after jatropha they will be automatically interested in continuing with the cultivation.

Right info sought by RTI cell

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Nov. 18: Having failed to provide information regarding the charges of hiring cars of the Malda district judges within a month, the district nodal official, right to information cell, Mr Pratyarpan Singha Ray has sought clarification from the judicial department. He wanted to know the name of the Assistant Public Information Officer (ASPIO) who would be able to provide information about the district judges’ car hire charges in response to an applicant based on the Right to Information Act. A month back an English Bazaar resident Mr Rajesh Choudhury had submitted an application to Malda RTI cell. He wanted to know about the system of car hire for the judges in Malda Court in last 10 years. Mr Choudhury wanted to know “whether the cars for the judges have been hired without floating a tender, the amount the department pays for the cars per day, how they increased the payment for the hired car from Rs 200 to 250 per day and if the department floated a tender for this enhancement”. He also asked if the judges were entitled to use air-conditioned cars and the distance they travelled everyday”. Interestingly, the nodal officer Mr Singha Roy had sent the application to the Malda district judge to let him know of the matter. But the letter was sent back to the nodal official. “I had mistaken... being a nodal officer I cannot send such a letter to the district judge. I will have to ask the departmental ASPIO to inform the judge regarding the matter,” he told The Statesman. It may be noted that the district had sent the matter to the West Bengal Information Commission. On 24 October, the secretary of the commission wrote a letter to the district authorities including the district magistrate and sub-divisional officer asking them to dispose of the matter of Mr Rajesh Choudhury. The secretary had also mentioned points with reference to articles numbers of the Act. But the file is gathering dust now. “I have sent a letter to the judiciary department to know the name of ASIPO. It would be easy to resolve the matter if we get to know who the ASPIO of the judicial department in this district is,” said Mr Singha Ray. According to him, 120 persons had submitted applications since the introduction of RTI cell here. Almost all applications have been forwarded to the concerned departments. Some departments replied promptly and few of them did not.

Treasury says no to salary release

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Nov. 18: The Malda treasury has objected to release the salary of the teachers of the Maharajpur Refatullah High School. The reason is that the school authorities have withdrawn their salaries in the past 20 years for some teachers who were recruited for the science section, but there is no such thing. There was no a science laboratory also. “But the laboratory assistant and other science teachers are receiving their salaries over 20 years from the government exchequer, keeping the education department in the dark”, said an official of the Malda treasury. The district inspector of schools (secondary education) and the treasury officials have decided not to release the salary for 162 schools and madrasas (out of 333 ones) in the district who could not furnish report fulfilling the 21 points criteria. Following an objection from the Malda treasury before the Durga puja, the district inspector of schools, in consultation with the authorities took such drastic steps to stop paying salary from October to maintain government rules. Many teachers are now arguing with the leaders of the ABTA and requested them to do something for them. The treasury has released salary to only 171 schools and madrassas** who had fulfilled the direction of the DI of schools before claiming salary for the month of October. It has been learnt that the ABTA leaders will meet the authorities soon to sort out the problem with the teachers.

Intellectuals raise a voice against Nandigram issue

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Nov. 16: Malda Shilpi Sanskritik Kormi Buddhijibi Manch today took out a rally in protest this afternoon against the relentless violence in Nandigram in English Bazaar town. In a statement, the convenor of local intellectuals’ platform Mr Maheshwar Bhattacharya criticised the role of armed CPI-M forces in capturing Nandigram which killed several innocent people. More than 200 people took part in the rally today. They condemned the the role of the state and its administration and police led by chief minister Mr Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee. A few days back some of the local artists organised an art exhibition to protest against police action for torturing artists, poets, writers and actors in front of Nandan. To counter the voices against the government on Nandigram issue, Malda CPI-M started preparation to take out a rally and a meeting in English Bazaar town on 19 November, party sources said. The party leaders have already started circulating invitation to reputed persons here.

Bail rejected

MALDA, Nov. 16: The Malda Court today rejected bail plea of Shubhankar Sarkar and Debapriya Pal arrested on charges of a twin murder case in Malda in September. Maya Sarkar (52), a teacher and her 22 year old daughter, Anusha Sarkar, were murdered at their residence at Air View Complex in Malda town on 26 September. n SNS

Food items 'not fit for cunsumption' held back

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Nov. 16: The district controller for food and supplies Mr NK Saha today faxed a message to the director of district distribution, procurement and supplies (DDPS), seeking suggestions regarding the complaints related to suji and flour. He faxed another message today, to the chief of the Essential Commodities Supply Corporation (ECSC) about the complaint received from the public and ration dealers that those items were not fit for human consumption. The district magistrate instructed the Malda DCFS to ‘hold back’ the stock of suji and flour until further notice. “We have stopped the distribution of those two items after receiving the complaints,” said Mr Saha. “We have sought clarification from the director DDPS and ECSC and we would be able to take further course of action after their reply,” he added. The administration held back the stock to control unnecessary public outrage. According to the complaints: “There was a caution on the bag of flour which said the product would be the best if used within a month from the date of production. But the product is now more than two months old and the date of ‘expiry’ is over. Similarly the stock of suji is also old and allegedly unfit for human consumption.” On the other hand, the DCFS had received more than 130 complaints against the dealers from various government agencies and suspended a total of 25 dealers for investigation. “We would suspend some dealers from the remaining 105 before the investigations based on the merit of the complaints.” Mr Naresh Ghosh, a ration dealer from the Old Malda block area, was arrested today on the basis of the complaints lodged by the administration. The Malda court has rejected the dealer's bail plea today. Several ration dealers were attacked in Malda due to public outrage and the people even assaulted two food officials.

Two suspended in custodial suicide case

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Nov 16: Two policemen of the Gazole police station were suspended today in connection with the custodial death of an arrested person in Gazole police station on 14 November. A departmental inquiry has also been initiated in the incident.In addition to suspending sub-inspector R Islam and another policeman R Das of Gazole police station, the department has also initiated an inquiry against the officer in-charge of Gazole police station and two other policemen, said Malda ASP Mr S Sarkar, today. The actions come following the death of one Goutam Rabidas alias Bablu in Gazole police custody on 14 November. The police had summoned Goutam to the police station on 12 November after receiving complaints from his in-laws that he was torturing his wife Rakhi for dowry. Though the police picked up Goutam on Tuesday they suggested the victim's family to settle the matter through discussions and allowed them to hold a conciliatory meeting in their presence at the police station on 14 November. The meeting ended in a stalemate and the complainant refused to accept to accept Goutam, which prompted the police to arrest him.Goutam's physical condition started to deteriorate after the arrest and he was soon found writhing on lock up floor with froth pouring out of his mouth. He was declared dead in the evening. It was learnt that the man had consumed pesticide inside the police lock up and that landed the police in a serious spot.A magistrate inquiry was started into the incident yesterday.

Silk farmers fear loss

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Nov 15: Sericulture farmers and officials fear that the silk producers here may face loss if they do not get proper market price of cocoons in this present Aghrayani crop season.This time the Malda farmers had to procure silkworm eggs with high prices due to inadequate supply from the government.The price of 100 disease free laying (DFL) was Rs 300 though it was Rs 150 on an average according to the government level every crop season.“The price of cocoons may go down this year if silk from China floods the market. Though anti dumping law was imposed few years back to stop supply of silk from China but at present China silk is coming in Indian market”, said a senior officer of the Malda sericulture department.The Malda cocoon producers depend on the buyers coming from outside here and the government has no system to fix prices of cocoons to save the interest of the farmers, he added.Since last four years Malda farmers got decent profit selling cocoons due to strict imposition of anti dumping law.Now it will depend on the desire of the buyers based on demand and supply, farmers say.“There is no system like Jute Corporation of India to procure produce so that external buyers for cocoons will be bound to pay the rate above the government price,” said Mr Julfikar Ali, a silk trader in Kaliachak.At present the farmers are busy with rearing of silkworms and collecting mulberry plants but the situation may worsen if there is no demand of Malda cocoons.

Malda traders to launch movement

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Nov 15: Malda traders' body has planned to launch another movement against massive power cut in the industrial growth centre at Narayanpur.The traders' body is concerned about their industrialist friends who are suffering losses due to massive power cut at Narayanpur in Old Malda, according to the president of the Malda Merchants' Chamber of Commerce Mr Debabrata Basu.Though the MMCC has wanted to know the position of Narayanpur in the new map for load shedding on the basis of 'loss concept', the divisional manager Malda electricity distribution department Mr A K Ghosh did not respond to MMCC's letter written twice.The body wanted to make sure the present status of the district industrial growth centre for providing uninterrupted power supply before launching movement against the state electricity distribution company." We are also planning to launch movement claiming rebate for the industrial units at Narayanpur for interrupted power supply based on the recent tariff published by the regulatory commission", said Mr. Ujjal Saha, a senior member of the MMCC.Yesterday there was no power cut in Malda town. But today the whole English Bazaar town (belongs to category II on the basis of loss concept and revenue earning map) was out of gear over two hours power cut from 9.26 am to 11.23 am."I do not know anything about the programme of load shedding. Yesterday evening, I 'expected' that there would be power cut but there was no power cut", said Mr Ghosh."The decision to cut down power is planned by central body in the state level. They e-mail instruction to us when they face crisis or heavy crisis", he said.A few months back when the duration of power cut was for one hour, but now duration of power cut is nearly two hours in English Bazaar town. The town sometimes faces power cut thrice a day including night.On the other hand, the duration of the load shedding in some areas belong to category I like Old Malda, Gazole and Kaliachak is more than two to three hours.

Village girl discovers body

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Nov 15: Police today exhumed a body of a 60-year-old Habil Sheikh who was killed by his kin seven days ago. This incident took place at Anandipur near Narhatta in English Bazaar police station. Today a village girl discovered a piece of shirt sticking out of the ground. This information drew attention of others and police finally exhumed the body. Police also arrested his wife Jalmur, eldest son Ujir and son in law. "The man had a piece of land and that is what lured among others his sons. Refusal to 'write' this land in their name angered both mother and daughter and the old man had to pay a price with his life," police said. Habil Sk (60), a bullock cart driver by profession, had a piece of land about five katha*. His married daughters wanted the land be in their names, which Habil refused to comply with. Interestingly the daughters got their mother Jalmur Biwi too on their side. Unable to make Habil agree, Jalmur brought an adultery charge against her husband for which the villagers had to organise conciliatory meeting in October. The village court found Habil 'not guilty'. This turned his wife and daughters more violent. They hatched the conspiracy to take Habil's life. Accordingly since first week of November Habil went 'missing'. Jalmur informed the villagers and a missing diary was lodged in the English Bazaar police station on 7 November. However, it was noticed that Jalmur stopped wearing her bangle and nose-ring following the custom of Muslim widows. The villagers became curious and finally the girl saw a piece of the shirt jutting out of the ground and then it was recovered.

Food inspector attacked

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Nov 15: - Food inspector Mortuza Hossian was assaulted by a angry mob at Ratua II block this afternoon, the Malda district controller of food and supplies said.The angry villagers were demanding action against the corrupt dealers. Villagers alleged that food inspectors are reluctant to take action against the modified ration dealers. The DCFS Mr N K Saha said: "The inspector lodged a complaint with the Ratua police station. No one has been arrested so far". Villagers attacked him when he was working at his office in Ratua Block II office, Mr. Saha added.

Suji and flour unfit for human consumption

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Nov 15: The district magistrate Mr CR Das instructed the district food and supplies department to ‘hold back’ stock of non PDS items like flour and Suji which are allegedly identified as unfit for human consumption. In order to avoid fresh public outrage on ration issue such decision was taken yesterday after receiving complaints from the public and as well as ration dealers. After packaged flour another item Suji has been identified as ‘unfit for human consumption’. The ration dealers yesterday drew the attention of the district magistrate about the problem of some items supplied by the essential commodity supply department. They showed some packets of poor quality Suji to the district magistrate yesterday and alleged that ration distributors insisted dealers to receive such poor quality items. “ I have instructed the food and supplies department to ‘hold back’ disputed items which is apparently not fit for human consumption. The district controller and food and supplies department will take final decision whether those items would be distributed “, said Mr Das. The DCFS Mr N K Saha is trying hard to get opinion from the quality control officials about items. The Malda modified ration dealers’ association called off strike yesterday evening after a meeting with the district magistrate. The Malda D M ensured the safety and security of the dealers and requested them to develop public rapport to reduce public outrage by opening shops more than four hours on the scheduled date every week and do something for people with transparency. “DM or DCFS or police will not be able to reduce public grievances on the ration issue. Dealers will have to manage their own consumers”, the DM said. The district magistrate has turned down the plea not to for to suspend MR dealers on the basis of the complaints from the people. “For investigation into a public complaint against a dealer, the departmental officials will suspend the dealer first before investigation”, Mr. C R Das pointed out. “The district administration will not tolerate any complaints where people are suffering”, he added. A total of 25 dealers have been suspended. The Malda DM admitted their problem and said that demand for money and compensation from dealers is illegal and that could not be accepted lawfully and police will take stern action against such activities if dealers communicate the information to the government officials on time.

Complaint against PDS flour

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Nov. 14: Malda district controller of food and supplies department has received a complaint that flour, which was sold to the people through the public distribution system, was not fit for human consumption. It may be noted that the state government had recently decided to provide packaged flour to the people at a reasonable price. A huge quantity of flour was allotted to Malda and through the essential commodities department the packets were distributed among the dealers for phase-wise distribution. According to the district controller of food and supplies, the product was distributed to the dealers in specific areas according to phases. In some blocks the packets have already been distributed. While in others areas the dealers have received the product but are yet to distribute them and the rest will distribute it in future according to allotment. The Malda DCFS, Mr NK Saha said: “Yes, I have received a complaint regarding the matter. I am trying to contact the quality control department in Kolkata. We will take decision after we get to know their opinion regarding the matter. There is no question of an expiry date in this case like that of medicine. It was, however, mentioned on the packets that the products was best for use before one month from the date of production. It does not mean that the expiry date is over and product is not fit for human consumption,” he told The Statesman over phone. The stock is now more than a month old. “We will take a decision after receiving a comment from the quality control officials. If they point out it is not fit for distribution we will stop,” Mr Saha added. According to him, the department has received a total of 116 complaints regarding the irregularities against the modified ration dealers till date. It may be noted that 25 dealers have been suspended due to public outrage.

Rs. 7.48 crore for building Ganga embankment

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Nov. 14: The state irrigation and waterways department has allotted Rs 7.48 crore for the construction of ninth retired embankment on the left bank of the River Ganges in Malda before monsoon for flood protection, a senior engineer of the Malda irrigation division said today.The executive engineer Malda irrigation division Mr Soumen Misra yesterday urged the district magistrate to hold an all-political party meeting to adopt a resolution for land acquisition for the construction of the proposed embankment.“If the administration can adopt resolution to finalise the matter of the proposed embankment including the land acquisition proposal, we will be able to conduct a survey of land to make an alignment for the construction”, said Mr Misra.He also said that the department would have to submit land acquisition proposal to the land acquisition department after conducting survey to finalise the scheme.The Malda irrigation division has been asked to submit the scheme as soon as possible to its headquarter.It may be noted the proposal for ninth retired embankment was conceived three year ago when the eight retired embankment was eroded away but the administration could not build the embankment due to villagers’ opposition related to land acquisition on the left bank of the river Ganges. Villagers particularly Bangitola in Kalaichak II block had objected to acquire land keeping 1,200 metres distance from the bank line. Political leaders were also divided on this issue. The Bangitola village will come under the protected area according to the new plan of proposed alignment," he added. According to him, the alignment will cover at least 5 km for the construction of the embankment. "It would prevent flood water to save Malda district when the water level of the Ganges will cross 26 metres at Manikchak Ghaat point during monsoon”, said the district magistrate Mr CR Das.

Question over custodial suicide

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Nov. 14: Goutam Rabidas alias Bablu died in Gazole police custody this afternoon. Police suspects he consumed pesticide, which has given rise to the question, how he acquired the poison inside police custody. The assistant superintendent of police Malda, Mr Sujit Sarkar admitted police lapses behind the incident stating that he was on his way to Gazole police station. It was learnt that the authorities at the police station had summoned Goutam on Monday after receiving complaints from his in-laws that he was torturing his wife Rakhi for dowry. He had married four years back and the couple had two daughters. Interestingly, the police suggested the victim’s family to settle the matter through discussions and had allowed them to hold a conciliatory meeting in their presence today. Though they had picked him up yesterday, the meeting was held at Gazole police station this afternoon. The meeting remained inconclusive since the family members could not reach a solution and Rakhi refused to live with Goutam. Following the development, police arrested him in the end and locked him up. Goutam’s physical condition started to deteriorate thereafter and the police allegedly found him lying on the floor with froth coming out of his mouth. He was taken to the Gazole health centre where he was declared dead about 3.40 p.m.

Ration dealers call off strike

Malda, Nov 14: After a meeting with the district magistrate, Mr CR Das, the modified ration dealers called off the strike. The state president Mr Mihir Ghosh was present at the meeting. The dealers would start work from tomorrow district controller of food and supplies department Mr NK Saha said. n SNS

Fate of Malda airstrip revival to be decided later this month

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Nov. 13: A team of Airport Authority of India will be coming here during the last week of November to finalise the fate of the proposed revival project of the Malda airstrip, a senior officer of the administration said today. On receiving the information the district magistrate Mr CR Das planned to convene a meeting with the concerned officials to sort out the problem of present hindrances of the airport in presence of the AAI officials.In a letter to the district magistrate recently the director of the AAI pointed out some technical problems to make a risk free flying zone of an aircraft in the Malda airport. "Mainly the director has pointed out problem of some towers of cell phone on the eastern side and high tension line of electricity on the western side of the present airport”, Mr. CR Das said.It may be noted that before puja a team of experts came to Malda and conducted a technical survey about obstruction on the eastern side due to high-rise buildings along the NH-34 and station road. The district magistrate said: “We will have to shorten the height of the buildings and existing towers on either side of the present airport land according to the direction of the AAI officials”.It may be noted that local residents had damaged the newly constructed boundary wall of the Malda airstrip demanding a passage which was blocked after construction due to lack of any alternative road for them. The district administration has instructed the local airport officials to maintain status quo in the interest of the local people. .

'Drastic steps can be taken against dealers if strike is not called off'

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Nov. 13: Despite district magistrate Mr CR Das's earnest requests, the Malda modified dealers’ association has not called off the strike which had started from yesterday. Mr Das convened a meeting where he served them an ultimatum so that the public distribution system is not disrupted. While, speaking to the reporters today, he said: “We can take drastic steps against them any time if they do not call off the strike. We need to seek permission from the government.” The district magistrate also criticised the irregularities of the dealers detected by the officials after public outrage. Mr Das requested all party leaders, at a meeting on electoral roll today, to tackle the situation in order to control public outrage on the issue of the attacks on the dealers. The district secretary of Malda modified ration dealers’ association Mr Pramod Ghosh said they would hold a meeting with other dealers of the district on the issue. "We will take a final decision tomorrow in consultation with Mr Mihir Ghosh, the state president of our association,” he said. The district controller of food and supplies Mr NK Saha has sought police protection at his office tomorrow as a preventive measure against the deputation from Malda dealers’ association that will visit him. The association today informed the Mr Saha they would submit another deputation to him demanding safety and security for dealers of the district. They also criticised the system for suspending dealers on the basis of public complaint. Citing an example, dealers’ association secretary Mr Ghosh said: “A dealer was suspended at Noorpur in Manikchak on a false petition by the people. He was innocent." It may be noted that angry people (backed by the dealers) damaged the vehicles of food department officials at Noorpur a few days back. The district magistrate said: “Officials always inquire into public complaints with a senior government officials from the Block level.” The CPI-M district secretary Mr Jiban Moitra said: “The administration are doing nothing to sort out the present problem.”

Ration dealers urged not to go on strike

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Nov. 12: The district administration including the controller of food and supplies, Mr NK Saha today requested the district secretary of the Malda ration dealers’ association not to go on an indefinite strike. “I have spoken to the district magistrate and the director of our department regarding the matter and conveyed our views to the dealers requesting them not to go on strike. We told them that we would try to provide security to save them from public outrage,” said Mr Saha. “We would not change our decision. The administration has failed to provide protection to our dealers. As a result we would go on strike from today," said Mr Pramod Ghosh, the district secretary of the Malda ration dealers, over the phone from his meeting with other dealers today. Last week the dealers’ association informed the administration that they would go on strike from today if people continue to attack dealers. “We do not believe in the administration's assurance. "Today our dealer Mr Bishnu Pada Saha was attacked by several villagers in Kaliachak-III area," Mr Ghosh told The Statesman. The mob had blocked the road and prevented the police from entering the village by throwing stones at them, said sources. Mr Saha admitted that one dealer was attacked by an angry mob today at Bhagabanpur in Kaliachak III. The department has sent officials for investigation there. Two more dealers have been suspended on charges of irregularities in Kaliachak II and Old Malda Block. In all 25 modified ration dealers have been suspended till date due to public outrage.

Doc assaulted after woman gives birth to stillborn

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Nov. 12: A government doctor, Dr Pannalal Sikdar was assaulted by a group of people at Malda District Hospital today. Trouble broke out when a patient, Mrs Jayanti Roy gave birth to a stillborn baby at the hospital today morning. She was admitted to the Malda District Hospital on Tuesday night and was under the supervision of Dr Anupam Bera. Mrs Roy alleged that everything was normal but the doctors did not take care of her properly. "My baby was normal but died due to negligence of doctor,” she informed her husband Mr Mukul Roy, a resident of Mangalbari in Old Malda municipal area. Her relatives turned violent on receiving the news and attacked Dr Sikdar since she was under his supervision before being admitted to the hospital. According to the doctors at the hospital Mrs Jayanti Roy's relatives slapped him. Senior members of Health Service Doctors and Indian Medical Association, Malda branch, condemned the incident and demanded punishment for the culprits. Dr Sikdar had lodged a complaint with the superintendent of the district hospital Dr Animesh Roy. Dr Roy lodged a complaint with the English Bazaar police station. The doctors have been demanding safety and security in the hospital to avoid such public outrage following similar incidents that had occurred earlier at the Malda district hospital. According to information received last the patient's relatives had not lodged a complaint with the authorities.

Ration dealers to shut down shops from Monday

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Nov 11: Malda modified ration dealers’ association will shut down all ration shops in this district from Monday demanding security and in protest against continuous attacks, said food and supplies departmental officials today.“I have heard the information but not officially from the dealers’ association. They would hold a meeting on Monday, but we do not know whether they would go on an indefinite strike”, said Mr NK Saha the district controller, food and supplies. The Malda district modified ration dealers’ association secretary Mr Pramod Ghosh said they had primarily informed the decision to the sub divisional food controller of food and supplies and its copy forwarded to other concerned authorities including the block level. “It is not possible for us to continue the ‘public distribution business’ under tremendous pressure from public. A total of 35 dealers and their family members have been attacked by hoodlums. They have also damaged our houses, looted food materials, valuable ornaments and assets in the last few weeks”, Mr. Ghosh said.Interestingly Malda police for the first time rescued a ration dealer Mr Hemanta Sarkar from the villagers’ attack at Meghutola in Kaliachak II block three days back and then arrested him on charges of ‘breach of trust’ based on the complaints from the villagers. According to Mr Ghosh, they would hold a meeting on Monday to take ultimate decision to shut down all shops in this district and they would not lift food materials from the government depot and also not distribute it to the people.The dealers had also met district administrative officials recently and urged them to issue a general notification for the people to curb widespread rumour that people would be getting compensation of Rs 2,000 each from the M R dealers. The district administration has considered their appeal and already taken a decision to issue public notification to curb the ration fury across the district with the help of police.The dealers have reported to the district magistrate that people in Kaliachak blocks are spreading wrong information that they would be getting Rs 2000 each as 1998 flood relief compensation from M R dealers.The police as well as the food and supplies departmental officials are in trouble to control the angry mob against allegedly ‘corrupted’ rationing practices in Kaliachak, Ratua, Gazole, Habibpur, Ratua and Harischandrapur block areas. According to the food and supplies department, a total of 23 M R dealers have been suspended last week and seven more dealers are under scanner and would be suspended this week. Food officials have started inquiry against more than 75 ration dealers on the basis of the complaints received by the district magistrate, block development officials and the department itself.

Group protests against armed violence

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Nov 11: Malda Krishi Jami Jibika Raksha Committee today called an agitation programme in English Bazaar town in protest against CPI-M cadres’ armed violence that took place in Nandigram on 10 November. The district Trinamul president Mr Dulal Sarkar and another CPI-ML leader Mr Manab Banerjee called all political parties in this programme except the CPI-M. The present leaders belonging to other political parties urged people to support Mamata Banerjee’s call for an ‘indefinite paralysed programme’ in this state.

Malda may get a radio centre !

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Nov 11: Two years ago when Mr PR Das Munshi was not the Union minister for information and broadcasting a team from All India Radio, Siliguri came to Malda and met district officials in search a plot of land in English Bazaar and Old Malda block areas for setting up of a FM radio station.When Mr Munshi became the minister for I&B local people mainly the Congress workers and followers of former MP AB Ghani Khan Choudhury expected that the venture for setting up of a radio station would materialised soon. Though, the minister did not tell where the radio centre would be set up, a senior officer of the department recently hinted that the radio station would be set up in Raiganj in North Dinajpur. This centre would cover Malda district, he added. Earlier it was learnt that the radio centre would be set up at Chanchal in northern part of Malda which is under the Raiganj parliamentary constituency from where Mr Das Munshi was elected.A decade ago the former MP and Union minister had set up a relay centre for Doordarshan at Malda Rabindra Bhawan. After that there has been no development by the I&B ministry in Malda.

Illicit lovers caned and fined by villagers

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Nov. 9: Piyara Bibi (32) and Nasirul Islam (25), were subjected to severe caning at Bundhia village under the English Bazaar police station yesterday. Villagers thought their affair as an illicit one and as a result they had organised a conciliatory meeting yesterday. It was learnt that Nasirul was first found to be close to Piyara who was married three years ago. Some of the villagers objected to talk to her and disapproved their meeting occasionally. When he was warned against it Nasirul left the village, but again returned a few days back. On Wednesday he was again found talking to Piyara. This infuriated a section of the villagers terming it as ‘crime’. Villagers roughed up Piyara on Wednesday night and even her five-year-old son who came to rescue his mother was not spared either.It was decided that a trial would be held on Thursday. Interestingly, Piyara’s husband like many others of the village had gone to Uttar Pradesh as day labourer. The woman was warned against going for treatment or lodging a complaint with police in which case she would be tonsured or paraded naked.The panchayat gave the verdict of caning the couple. In addition, Nasirul was slapped a fine of Rs 5,000 and Piyara Rs 2,000.“We have sent a police team to inquire into the matter,” said the Malda additional SP Mr S Sarkar.

Probe into fake note incident

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Nov. 8: The chairman of the Malda District Central Co-operative Bank Mr Tushar Bhattachar-jee has issued an order to conduct an internal inquiry after the detection of a fake 500 rupee note in a sealed packet. On Tuesday, a cashier of the UBI Ne-taji Market branch had detected a fake 500 rupee note from a packet containing 100 notes of the same denomination made by the MDCCB at the time of transaction. On receiving the information and a report published in The Statesman on Wednesday, the chairman has officially alerted all the branches of the district to keep a close watch, before receiving notes from the people. He also informed the concerned authorities to become cautious about the menace. Speaking to The Statesman, Mr Bhattacharjee said: “We have star-ted an internal inquiry into the incident to detect how the fake note was put in a sealed packet, and the person responsible for this.” “We have alerted the staff to keep a vigil on the situation, and check notes seriously, so that such an incident is not repeated.” Mr Bhattacharjee said: “We had also received a fake note from a packet given by the State Bank of India.” A caution order has been issued to all the branches as the district is close to the Bangladesh border. There is a route by which fake currency notes are circulated. On the other hand, the Malda traders’ body has criticised the incident. According to them, the bank has a responsibility to check the circulation of fake notes in the open market. The traders’ body chief Mr Jayanta Kundu said that if the circulation of fake currency notes continues, they would start an agitation against the bankers. Traders detected fake currencies in the sealed packet made by private banks in English Bazaar town recently. A trader said: “If any dishonest cashier of a bank regularly puts fake currency notes of Rs 500 or Rs 1000 in a packet, he would earn a huge amount of money. The bankers should keep a watch on the cashier to maintain their reputation. The Malda police and the border security forces have seized fake currency notes, along the border in the last few months.

Malda S P dead

MALDA, Nov. 7: Malda SP Dilip Kumar Mondal (55), passed away today after suffering a cerebral attack. He was reportedly feeling uneasy since morning. The situation worsened and he was admitted to a nursing home. n SNS

Chamber of Commerce declared unauthorised

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Nov. 7: Nine rebel members of the Malda Merchants’ Chamber of Commerce have criticised the present activities of their body and called a Press conference today to brief them about the “unauthorised, unprincipled conductors by any way (s) of the traders’ body.” They have received an order from Malda second court, dated 9 October 2007, according to which the body is unauthorised. Terming the Malda Merchants’ Chamber of Commerce as an unauthorised body the rebel leaders said: “The election procedure was wrong and its voter's list was full of ghost voters.” Expressing unhappiness over the activities of the present ruling leaders they claimed that a group of present leaders of this body are involved in corruption and are saving themselves with the help of the district administration by sponsoring various programmes of the district administration. The 9 rebel members are Mr Ujjal Majumdar, Mr Anjan Paul, Mr Hemendra Saha, Mr Samiran Barman, Mr Gopal Barman, Mr Koushik Saha, Mr SA Kaji, Mr Sukumar Saha, Mr Krishna Saha and others according to the (invitation) letter circulated to the Press. The present district secretary of the Malda Merchants’ Chamber of Commerce Mr Jayanta Kundu brushed aside their allegation and said: “Mr Hemendra Saha was the former president of this body. He was elected twice and has been selected for the past six years, illegally. We have planned to lodge a complaint against Mr Saha with the police on charges of keeping important files and documents of the Malda Merchants’ Chamber of Commerce in his house,” he said. He also alleged that Mr Anjan Paul who he was also the president of Malda Merchants’ Chamber of Commerce for two years without winning the election. The Malda Merchants’ Chamber of Commerce was registered under Company Act during their tenure and we were elected with the permission of the district court when they tried to stop Malda Merchants’ Chamber of Commerce election last year by managing an injunction order from the lower court. The present president had secured 750 votes out of 950 voters but Mr Anjan Paul got only 125 ones, Mr Kundu claimed.

Fake notes in banks' sealed packets

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Nov. 6: Fake currencies have flooded in the open market and even the bankers have failed to detect these, Malda traders’ body alleged today.The Malda merchants’ chamber of commerce leaders expressed concern over the fake currency menace after receiving fake currency from the bank’s sealed bundle. Mr Sudipta Roy, a local trader, was embarrassed when the UBI officials of its Netaji Market branch in English Bazaar town refused to accept Rs 50,000 after detection of a fake Rs 500 note from a packet sealed by Malda district central co-operative bank.Mr Roy withdrew the money from MDCCB evening branch and was depositing it to UBI. The bank officials suggested him to inform the matter to the MDCCB bank authorities to get the original one.Similarly the district secretary of the Malda Merchants’ Chamber of Commerce Mr Jayanta Kundu today detected a fake Rs 500 note from a sealed packet made by the branch of Indus Ind Bank in Malda. Just after detection of only one fake currency out of 100 pieces of Rs 500 notes of the sealed packet he sent it back to the branch seeking them to change the packet. “The bank has finally changed the packet”, Mr. Kundu told The Statesman. Showing a fake Rs 1000 note (7 DN 610511) Mr Kundu said: “We are in great problem to tackle fake currency menace. One of my customers gave it during his payment and my staff has failed to detect it as fake as he received the payment”.“I have informed him about the matter to pay an original one and then I would destroy the fake note,” he said.No body including traders and banks are interested to inform about fake currency detection to police to avoid ‘unnecessary harassment’.“Many traders have been victimised receiving fake currencies during transaction. Traders would be either arrested or harassed if they inform police”, a leader of traders’ body said.The chairman of the Malda district central co-operative bank Mr. Tushar Bhattacharjee said: “I do not have information on this. I will be out of town and as soon as I come back, I will do something to safeguard the reputation of our bank. We have a fake currency detection machine and I do not know how our staff made these packets,” Mr Bhattacherjee said. Indus-Ind Bank officials denied the incident. “It is a common feature. Bank does not inform us despite several reminders to the lead bank manager in several meeting to curb the menace”, said Mr DK Mondal, Malda SP. He said that in order to arrest the persons concerned, they need complaints against the bank from its customers. #

Follow the rules to get paid

Statesman News Service

MALDA Nov. 6: Following objection from the treasury Malda district inspector of schools (secondary) has decided to stop salary for the month of October of teachers of more than 150 schools and madrasas.The district’s secondary school authorities had to take such a decision because many could not follow the 21-point government directions to claim grant in aid once a year. It may be noted that school authorities will have to submit a grant in aid application every year to the district authorities where they are bound to fulfil the 21-point criteria.Following the objection raised by the Malda treasury the Malda district inspector has considered to check mainly three points, such as audit report of the school, approval for additional posts of teachers and status report of any pending pension papers for any retired teacher, to clear the salary bill for the school teachers.A few months ago the district inspector had to stop the salary of hundreds of schoolteachers on this issue and lastly it was decided to release the salary considering Id and Durga Puja. The district inspector lastly set up a deadline of 31 October and instructed all school authorities to follow government’s direction before claiming salary bill.“I have also informed of the decision to the district magistrate, higher authorities including the minister of school education,” said Mr Chinmoy Sarkar. Yesterday the district inspector of schools Mr Sarkar released the salary bills for 127 schools and 27 madrassa’s out of 333 education institutions in this district. These bills were submitted to the Malda treasury.Today the district inspector released salary for 15 schools and two madrasas those who have fulfilled main three points. After scrutinising the district inspector has planned to release the salary of 34 more schools and seven madrasas. “I will have to handle the decision strictly because of my commitment to the Malda treasury office,” the inspector said.