Cafes to follow guidelines steps to combat cyber crimes

MALDA, July 31: The superintendent of police in Malda Mr. Satyajit Bandyopadhaya said that police would monitor cyber cafes in the district to put a stop to cyber crimes following the system issued in Kolkata.Though no instruction has come from the government till date regarding the system of monitoring cyber cafes in the district, we must consider the guideline and monitor the cyber cafes according to the guidelines”, said Mr. Bandyopadhayay. Guidelines frame for Kolkata cyber faces for the prevention of cyber crimes a few months ago were not issued to the districts. After the recent bomb scare in Kolkata through email the state government reportedly asked the district magistrates to consider the move. According to the Malda SP, the district police do no have a list of cyber cafes running here and police did not instruct the café owners to maintain records of internet users. Even the district police did not have information about cafes in rural town such as Chanchal, Gazole and Kaliachak, close to the India Bangladesh border.There are more than six cafes running in English Bazaar town where hundreds of people including marketing representative, professionals visit the cafes. Mr Subhasis Choudhury, who runs a cyber cafe said, “Till date no police officer informed us about the system of maintaining records of known and unknown internet users, but in the interest of the country we would keep record of the original name and address of unknown internet users". n SNS

Local traders oppose setting up Big Bazaar

Statesman News Service

MALDA, July 30: The Malda Merchants’ Chamber of Commerce has protested against setting up Big Bazaar in English Bazaar town. The MMCC has submitted a memorandum to the English Bazaar Municipality requesting them not to allow permission for Big Bazaar here. The copy of the letter also sent to the district magistrate and concerned officials. The MMCC is also planning to send another protest letter to stop such a venture of a reputed business group who is trying to set up a Big Bazaar in the heart of the English Bazaar town. The MMCC district secretary, Mr. Jayanta Kundu said: “We have got information that Reliance Group is planning to set up Big Bazaar at NBSTC (north Bengal state transport corporation) in this town. The business group has already started dialogue with the authorities of NBSTC in Cooch Behar”. According to Mr Kundu, the Reliance Group may build multistoried building for Big Bazaar in the existing place of the NBSTC depot at its own cost providing space for NBSTC depot in the ground floor according to their proposed contract. Neither the EBM nor the NBSTC officials have authenticated the information about setting up of a Big Bazaar here. In the protest letter of MMCC, the secretary of the traders’ body claimed that local retail traders in this town will face problem in their business. “It is very difficult for small retail traders in various markets to cope with the competition and price of various items fixed by the Big Bazaar”, said Mr. Jayanta Kundu, district secretary, MMCC. “We can allow Big Bazaar concept here if local entrepreneur wants to set up Big Bazaar because we will be able to control that businessman over price fixation. But we do not have control over corporate houses. We must protest if a corporate house like Reliance group sets up Big Bazaar here”, he said.

Fake currency seized , one arrested

MALDA, July 30: The Malda police seized Rs 3.19 lakh in fake Indian currency from two separate places and arrested one person in this connection, officials said today.The police have arrested one Sarafat Ali from the Urush fairground at Pandua in Gazole police station. The local court remanded Sarafat, a resident of Katihar in Bihar, to police custody for seven days. The police are on the lookout for one Ramesh Mandal and his wife Sucharini Mandal, residents of Chorianantapur under Baishnabnagar police station, in connection with the case. According to the police, a footwear shop owner at Urush fair informed the police about Sarafat who had given him a fake five rupee note. According to Malda SP Mr Satyajit Bandyopadhyay, the couple from Chorianantapur fled the area leaving behind a packet, which the BSF recovered. The packet contained Rs 3 lakh in fake Indian currency. The BSF handed over the fake currency to the police and lodged a complaint against the couple. “We are certain that fake notes from Bangladesh are being circulated in India,” said Mr Bandyopadhyay. n SNS

Power cut yes, but not without notification

MALDA, July 29: The Malda merchants’ chamber of commerce has protested against rampant power cut problem in last three weeks in Malda district ‘without notification'. The traders’ body MMCC has planned to take out a protest rally and demonstration in front of electricity distribution office in English Bazaar tomorrow inviting students of schools and colleges and senior citizens of Malda district to participate in the rally. The body has informed about their programme to the authorities including the district magistrate and police superintendent. The district secretary of MMCC, Mr Jayanta Kundu, said: “The electricity distribution company limited may cut power to make up scarcity of power generation. But they will have to inform about the schedule of load shedding”.“We will not tolerate rampant power cut without notification,” Mr Kundu added. Besides, the traders’ body will also protest against the decision to enhance the amount of security of its consumers. It may be noted that the state electricity department has issued notice and asked the old consumers to show the papers of their security deposit. “Consumers are deep trouble to show papers of security deposit at the time when they got electricity connection two or three decades ago”, the traders argued. Mr Amalendu Maity, the circle manager of state electricity distribution company limited in Malda, said: “It is very difficult to inform them of the power cut schedule which is not in our control. Power cut problem is not only in Malda almost every district including Kolkata. Malda may not be exceptional”.He also said that the department had requested the consumers to show papers of security deposit just to update the computerised records of it.The department has also planned to enhance the amount of security deposit which in old rate, Mr Maity added. The MMCC has criticised collection of meter rent every month despite security deposit and demanded uninterrupted power supply in industrial belt. n SNS

Ganga crosses danger level

Statesman News Service

MALDA, July 29: The irrigation officials in Malda are worried about the water level of Ganga which is still flowing above the ‘extreme danger level’ (EDL - 25.29 metres) since 21 July. The water level was recorded as 25.38 metres today. “We are unable to understand the cause of such increase in water level when there are no reports of rainfalls in upper catchments and rise of Ganga in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh,” said Mr S Misra, the executive engineer, irrigation department in Malda. At present Ganga is discharging more than 16 lakh cusec of waters through this waterway here. The red alert for the protected side of the Ganga is still on.Irrigation departmental records show that after 2003, the water level of Ganga crossed EDL of 25.29 metres this year and is flowing at 25.38 metres. The highest water level in 2003 was 26.16 metres. On 6 September, 1998, the water level of Ganga had touched 26.56 metres and the Malda district had faced devastating flood.In 1998 water level of the Ganga crossed EDL in July and in August finally the river broke its banks when its upper catchments received huge rainfall in August. The executive engineer Mr Misra is concerned about the increasing water level. Floods are feared in the area as the river will lose its capacity to hold excess water if the upper catchments receive fresh rainfalls.

Clash between BSF, smugglers injures 2

MALDA, July 29: Cattle smugglers clashed with some BSF personnel injuring a sub-inspector and an assistant commandant near the Mahedipur border out post, Bangladesh border in Malda district this morning.Mr Narayan Singh (SI) and Mr Sitaram Rawat (AC) were admitted to the Malda district hospital this morning with head injuries from the attack by the cattle smugglers Trouble broke out about 3 a.m. when a group of cattle smugglers were trying to cross over to Bangladesh near the Loton mosque in Malda district and were chased by BSF personnel of 123-battalion. Instead of running away, the smugglers, armed with lethal weapons and firearms, attacked the BSF personnel injuring two of them.According to police, the BSF party fired several rounds in the air dispersing the criminals as the latter outnumbered them. The criminals fled with most of the cattle but the BSF managed to intercept 10 heads of cattle.The BSF have lodged a complaint and informed the police about the identity of the criminals involved in the smuggling. Police have started conducting raids in the Mahedipur villages in search of the criminals.The BSF is on high alert in the area and have been especially asked to keep a tight vigil on the unfenced areas of the border following the serial blasts at Bangalore and Ahmedabad.Cattle smuggling racket is active along the border in Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling, North Dinajpur, Malda, South Dinajpur and Murshidabad districts. The criminals, who are always in touch amongst themselves, use the unfenced zones as corridors for smuggling and trans-border movement of criminals. n SNS

Bangla for more imports into India

Statesman News Service

MALDA, July 28: Shaikh Qamrul Hasan, first secretary (commercial), Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata today urged the Indian exporters in Malda to increase import of competitive products from Bangladesh. He today visited Mahedipur land customs station in English Bazaar and interacted with Indian customs officials and local exporters. “I have been asked by our Bangladesh government to assess the land port station in West Bengal and progress of infrastructure development for the promotion of trade between the two countries,” he told reporters. He also said: “Bangladesh had been able to increase export globally. The country exports nearly 80 products in India. It has been able to increase export from $89 million to $310 million in last financial year after 36 years of independence”. “We want to increase export items like garments, food products and others including Hilsa,” he said. Speaking to the reporters here Shaikh Qamrul Hasan said: “The Mahedipur land customs station is lagging behind and progress of its infrastructure development is very slow. There is no warehouse, truck terminal and other facilities for importers and exporters. Even the condition of a fourteen km road to land customs station connecting national highway is very bad”. “Besides Petra-pole and some ports in northeast India, the infrastructure of the lands customs stations in West Bengal is not up to the mark,” he said. He has stressed the need to maintain peace along the border for smooth export and import between the two countries and said: “Higher authorities always were trying to resolve dispute between border security forces of two countries which sometimes hampered border trade following exchange of fire between the Border Security Forces (BSF) and Bangladesh Rifles (BDR)”. “I do not know about proposal for legal trade of cattle from higher officials of BDR to Indian official, at a coordination meeting between the two countries held in Kolkata from 21-24 July, to resolve unrest along the border on the issue of cattle smuggling”, he told The Statesman. He assured the members of Malda Merchants’ Chamber of Commerce that he would look into the matter of non payment problem from Bangladesh. The MMCC today submitted a memorandum to Shaikh Qamrul Hasan and alleged that Indian exporters had been harassed by some importers in Bangladesh and they failed to realize payment. Admitting the problem of ‘uncertainty of payment’ he said : We always discuss about the matters in the joint customs officials level meetings and other high level meetings between the two counties to maintain congenial atmosphere for the development of trade between the two countries”.

'Witchcraft'surfaces in Rajadighi

Statesman News Service

MALDA, July 28: Timely intervention of the Malda district administration has saved the lives of four middle-aged women who were branded as witches by a few tribals of Rajadighi village in Gazole block of the district.The section of the tribals were also raising subscription to summon a soothsayer from adjacent South Dinajpur district to have their suspicion confirmed and then slay the women who were branded as witches.It was learnt that about 45 tribal families of Rajadighi had raised an amount of Rs 23,500 and had struck a deal with a South Dinajpur based soothsayer for a sum of Rs 10,000 as his fees to identify the witches.Getting to know of the plot, the Malda district administration stepped in and made a firsthand check of the situation at Rajadighi. Some of the people informed the soothsayer of the official's presence in the village and advised her to stay away. The soothsayer was on her way to the village to carry out the work she was commissioned with. She ducked out after getting the news over a cell phone. Police are looking out for her.According to the district administrative officials, Rajadighi is not new to the practice of witch hunting. “Some people of the village fell ill due to several reasons at Rajadighi in recent times, which a section of the locals attributed to witchcraft,” said an administrative official.Having saved the situation, the district administration has set up police vigil in the area and launched an awareness campaign besides organising health check-up camps at Rajadighi village. Educated locals have been engaged in interacting with the tribal people and glean information before any incident of witch hunting can take place.

TTE 'pushes' teen off train

MALDA, July 27: A fourteen year-old boy was critically injured after he was pushed off a running train allegedly by a travelling ticket examiner (TTE) near Kashimbazar station in Murshidabad this afternoon. Nayan Biswas is battling for his life at Berhampur State General Hospital. Nayan, a class VIII student of Jogapur High School in Murshidabad, fled his Raninagar home to Kolkata a week ago after stealing more than Rs 10,000. He was returning home today with a neighbour by 103 UP Lalgola express. They had only one ticket between them. According to Nayan's neighbour, the TTE, Mr D Roy, started frisking them after they had failed to produce two tickets. When the TTE chanced upon Rs 10,000 stashed in Nayan's pocket, he snatched it, the eyewitness said. And, when Nayan protested, his neighbour said, the TTE shoved the teenager off the train. Angry passengers hunted down Mr Roy to the next station from where he disappeared. Railway authorities insisted that Nayan had jumped off the train to evade the TTE since he was travelling with only one ticket for two persons. A complaint was yet to be lodged with railway police. n SNS

Malda combats erosion

Statesman News Service

BHUTNIDIARA, July 27: The Malda irrigation division today started anti erosion work to save the circuit embankment at Kasharpur on Bhutni Diara, an island on mid Ganga, in Manikchak block. The officials have also decided to build a dwarf embankment there as a second defence line of the circuit embankment at Kesharpur for flood prevention of the circuit embankment fails due to severe erosion. Today, the irrigation officials including the superintending engineer, north central irrigation circle, Mr ML Mitra and executive engineer of Malda irrigation division Mr S Misra visited the vulnerable spots at Kesharpur and Bagdogra in Bhutni Diara and chalked out plans to protect the present circuit embankment. The officials also examined the bank line of the Ganga from Manikchak Ghaat to Panchanandapur especially the dwarf embankment. The district magistrate Mr CR Das had instructed the executive engineer in Malda irrigation department to take up anti erosion work at Bhutni Diara, immediately to save the flood protection embankment. The block development officer in Manikchak had reported the district magistrate that severe erosion could eat up the existing embankment at Nanditola, Kesharpur and Bagdogra points in the island. In order to save nearly one lakh people from flood waters the BDO had approached the district magistrate. Mr Misra today expressed his concern about fresh erosion at the confluence point of Kosi and Ganga. “More land may be eroded away due to erosion in this area,” he added. “The waterways of Ganga have come inward nearly 150 metre," said Mr Prakash Mahata, a member of Manikchak panchayat samity. “People have lost crop land due to erosion of the Ganga at Kesharpur in the last few days,” said Mr Suresh Mahata, a member of Hiranandapur gram panchayat. According to executive engineer, the Ganga is flowing 9 cm above the ‘extreme danger level (EDL-25.29 metres) in the last six days. Today's water level is 25.38 metre at Manikchak Ghaat. Red alert for protected areas is still on in the Ganga today. “If the upper catchments (Bihar and Uttar Pradesh) receive fresh rainfall at present the present waterways of the Ganga will lose its capacity and there may devastating floods if the dwarf embankment fails at Kaliachak II,” Mr Misra said.

Fresh row after BSF jawan's death

MALDA, July 27: Tension prevailed at the Indo-Bangla border in Malda district after the unnatural death of a BSF jawan last night. 25 year old Yeduriyappa, a BSF jawan of 108- Battalion, was found dead at Doulatpur border under Kaliachak- III block area last late night . It was alleged that someone on the part of Bangladesh shot him to death. Naturally the blame was on Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) who shot one BSF jawan to death along the border at Sultanpur, a few days back. However, the DIG BSF, Berhampur Sector in Murshidabad Mr D S Sidhu was not sure whether it was BDR behind the killing. It was also alleged that after his death shots were exchanged between BSF and BDR in the border area triggering panic in the border village. Mr Satyajit Bandyopadhyay , the Malda SP, said, “We have got a complaint on the part of BSF that Yeduriyappa was shot by some unknown persons from Bangladesh part of the border”“A case has been initiated based on the complaint that about four persons were seen crossing the border after the jawan was shot. It seems that he was shot from a close range”, a senior police officer said. Of late the Indo-Bangla border in Malda and Murshidabad has become tensed as two BDR jawans and one BSF jawan were killed in recent attacks. n SNS

Security forces to maintain peace along Indo-Bangla border

Statesman News Service

MALDA, July 25: India-Bangladesh border security forces of both countries have been asked to maintain calm and peace along the border, a senior BSF official said today. “The issue of gun battle between the Border Security Forces (BSF) and Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) at Nimtita in Murshidabad on 18 July and at Sultanpur in Malda districts on 23 July was discussed at the coordination meeting between the BSF and BDR in Kolkata”, said Mr. P S Tomar, the DIG, BSF, Malda sector. Two BDR personnel and one BSF personnel were killed and one civilian injured in the gun battle in two separate areas. “It was discussed that security forces of both the countries would be asked to maintain calm and peace along the border”, Mr. P S Tomar said. Mr. Tomar was present at the four day coordination meeting in Kolkata. Both areas along the border after gun battle are under control and there was no unrest between BSF and BDR, they claimed. The BSF officials today denied that villagers residing along the border line were evacuated from the border line to Akandaberia High Schools today for safety and prevailing tension along the border between two countries. The CPI (M) local MLA Mr. Biswanath Ghosh informed the local reporters that villagers were fearful of cross firing after hearing sounds of firing from both sides. “Farmers are not in position to go to their field for work after the incident. They have been evacuated from the border line. They took shelter in Akandabaria High Schools temporarily”, Mr. Ghosh told reporters. Senior BSF officials denied such an incident and said: “Such ‘provocative’ information from political leaders would create problems to maintain peace along the border”. (END)

Tube wells remain defunct in Malda

Statesman News Service

MALDA, July 25: Although it is the monsoon season but several tube wells are not functioning in Habibpur block areas.The tube wells were set up by the Malda Zilla Parishad a few months ago, just before the panchayat elections. Numerous people face trouble while drawing drinking water in different areas where tube wells are the only alternative sources of drinking water.The newly formed panchayat samiti in Habibpur backed by the LF took an initiative to repair the defunct tube wells but their work could not materialise owing to a fund crunch. Though the Malda Zilla Parishad set up tube wells, now it is the responsibility of the block officials to repair the defunct tube wells.A senior administrative official said: “All tube wells have been defunct because of the scarcity of water sources in the under ground level. The water table of this area is far below the normal level”.Investigations revealed that locals including political personalities have been setting up submersible pumps indiscriminately to collect water for irrigation. This is the chief cause of the decreasing water levels drastically in Habibpur areas. “The local people are least bothered about the alarming situation of drinking water crisis but they manage to get permission for setting up shallow tube wells but use submersible pumps illegally,” said a senior official of water investigation department.Though the district administration had discussed the matter to recharge the under ground level water by implementing a project of ‘check dam’ through national rural employment guarantee scheme ( NREGS) but nothing has materialized in Habibpur block , a rain fed area. “I will ask block authorities and look into the problem”, said Mr. C R Das, the district magistrate in Malda.

Man stopped from selling son

Statesman News Service

MALDA, July 24: Intervention from the Malda district administration today saved the father of a poor family from selling off a male child to meet his wife's treatment expenses. The incident occurred at Budhia village in English Bazaar block of Malda district. Mahela Bibi (30), a resident of Budhia village is suffering from cancer. Her husband Samsuddin Haque, a wage earner and who himself does not keep well either, was forced to sell off all their belongings including the homestead land for Mahela's treatment. Left with nothing else to sell, a desperate Haque finally decided to sell one of his sons to raise money for Mahela's treatment. The couple has three daughters, and two sons,. Learning of the situation and what Haque had planned, Mrs Arunima De, the SDO Malda, asked the local BDO to visit the family and inquire into the matter. Accordingly, Mr Ananda Sarkar, the BDO, English Bazaar, met the family and handed over Rs 120 as government cash relief to the family and ensured to provide food grains as well. The SDO, in the meanwhile, contacted the assistant chief medical officer, Malda, Mr S Datta and decided to provide Rs 5,000 to the family from the District Illness Assistance Fund. “Mahela Bibi would be admitted to Malda district hospital and from there would be taken to Kolkata for treatment with government assistance,” the Malda, SDO, said. The SDO said that she would approach the State Bank of India to adopt one of Haque's school-going child Rezina Khatun, who is a student of Budhia High Madrassa

Sultanpur tense after BSF-BDR clash , one killed

Statesman News Service

MALDA, July 24: Tension prevails along the border at Sultanpur in Kaliachak after a gun battle between BSF and BDR since yesterday. One BSF jawan was killed and one civilian injured in BDR firing yesterday. Today, the border security forces have been reinforced along the border to retaliate if BDR opens fire again. According to Mr Dilwar Singh Sidhu, DIG, BSF, Berhampur sector, the situation is under control and villagers are working in the fields with the help of security forces today. “No flag meeting has been held here at commandant level. The matter is being discussed at high authority levels in Kolkata where a coordination meeting between the BSF and BDR is being held,” said Mr Dilwar Singh Sidhu. "We had sent a protest letter to the BDR after the unprovoked firing,” he added. The IC, Kaliachak police station, has registered a case against the BDR after the death of Sudarshan Keji, a BSF jawan. According to district police, the export to Bangladesh has been restored since yesterday afternoon which was suspended after the incident early morning. The company commandant of 123-battalion BSF said: “The BDR belonging to 39-battalion opened fire at dawn suddenly from three different places from their side”. “BDR fired at least 12 rounds from the maize fields secretly at dawn when we were on way to the agriculture field for cultivation work,” said Sunil Mandal, a farmer wounded in BDR firing. He is out of danger and under going treatment in Malda district hospital. n SNS

Traffic disrupted on N H 34

Statesman News Service

MALDA, July 24: Traffic was completely disrupted on National Highway 34 in Gazole block area throughout the day due to deplorable condition of road and road blocked by college students. The school teachers and office goers were in deep trouble to reach their destination and many of them gave up hope and returned home finally when their vehicles were stranded mid way for hours. There was traffic snarl at Gazole Patrol Pump more due to craters formed today following heavy rain on the potholed NH 34. According to eye witnesses’ account, the loaded trucks were not in position to cross the craters on the NH 34 in Gazole and many of them broke down mid way causing traffic jam. “We hired a taxi to go to school but our taxi failed to cross the craters in Gazole and so at last we decided to return home at around 12 p.m. today,” said Mr Asish Saha, a school teacher. The OC Gazole said: “Due to bad condition of road our vehicles take at least two hours to reach Gazole, more than 23 km from Malda town. I had informed the national highway authorities about the situation.” The NH authorities took up patch work mid day to fill craters in Gazole so that heavy vehicles can cross the ‘hurdle'.Today, around 3 p.m. the students of Gazole College blocked the road demanding stoppage of local buses near their college. Following the intervention of the SDO, BDO and police the students lifted blockade around 4.30 p.m.

BSF jawan killed in BDR firing

Statesman News Service

MALDA, July 23: A BSF jawan died in Bangladesh Rifles firing at Mirik-Sultanpur under Kaliachak police station, Malda today. The victim was identified as Sudarshan Keji of the123 battalion. In addition to the BSF jawan, a civilian, Sunil Mandal alias Ashok was struck by a BDR bullet. He is fighting for his life at the Malda hospital.Trouble broke out about 5.20 am at Mirik Sultanpur when BDR opened fire ‘without any provocation’, said a senior BSF official. The exchange of fire continued for about three hours. While the BSF fired 15 rounds, the BDR allegedly fired over100 rounds. “The firing was unprovoked from the BDR,” said the Malda district magistrate Mr C R Das. “The BDR fired out of frustration after the recent Nimtita incident in Murhishidabad where two BDR personnel were shot dead and one BSF jawan was injured in exchange of bullets,” BSF officials said.Both the police and the BSF have denied any case of smuggling at dawn as cause of firing from the BDR. “I was shot at while going to work in the fields,” the injured farmer Sunil Mandal said. Tension prevails along the Indo Bangladesh border in Malda district after the incident and all border-out posts including Mahedipur in English Bazaar, have been alerted. Border guards from both sides are still keeping watch over each other's movement with weapons on the ready.The BSF at Mirik-Sultanpur has asked the villagers not to venture out of home today and restricted movement of civilians on the border road following tension in the Kaliachak border areas.

Flood situation worsens in Malda

Statesman News Service

MALDA, July 23: Flood situation in Malda has deteriorated inundating unprotected areas of six blocks where nearly 50,000 people have been affected.While the Ganga is flowing more than five cm above the ‘extreme danger level’ (EDL - 25.29 metres) from Manikchak to Farrakka, another river Fulohar, connected with it, is rising steadily since yesterday inundating unprotected areas like Bilaimari and Mahanandatola islands. Thousands of residents from Bilaimari and Mahanandatola are facing difficulty as the places are water logged. The district magistrate Mr C R Das today sought reports from all the BDOs regarding flood situation and number of affected persons. The administration and the Farakka Barrage Project (FBP) authorities are worried about a vulnerable point of an embankment at Gandharitola near Simultala in Kaliachak block III where the Ganga is threatening the newly constructed embankment. The FBP could not complete embankment at Shimultola area owing to villagers’ resistance after land acquisition there. But the water level of the Ganga in this area continues to rise steadily due to the constricted zone near Farakka Barrage. It may be pointed out that the width of the Ganga between Manikchak and Kaliachak II is more than 10 km but in the down stream of Kaliachak III block area, near Farakka Barrage, the width of the Ganga is more than 2 km. As a result, the water level of the Ganga is comparatively higher than up stream. The irrigation officials today deployed its workers to keep vigilance on embankments for emergency restoration at three points in Kaliachak II and Manikchak block areas. To save another circuit embankment at Kasharpur at Bhutni Diara, an island, in Manikchak the irrigation department today has taken up measures to check erosion of Ganga.Large part of unprotected areas of three blocks on bank of the Ganga was inundated rendering hundreds of people homeless.“The water level of the Ganga has fallen only four cm from 6 am to 12 pm today for the first time in this spell. We hope , water level would be falling more from tomorrow if upper catchments ( Bihar and Uttar Pradesh) do not receive heavy rains”, said Mr. S Misra, executive engineer , Malda irrigation division.According to him, the water level of the Ganga was 25.38 metres, nine cm above the EDL, from yesterday evening to 6am this morning. But around12 pm today, the water level of the Ganga was recorded as 25.34 metres. The irrigation engineers predict fresh erosion at Jotepatta near Domhaat in Manikchak, where the existing embankment may be threatened, if severe erosion eats up large track of land due to fluctuation water level of the Ganga.

CWC to initiate bank line protection work

Statesman News Service

MALDA, July 22: After receiving a ‘green signal’ from the Bangladesh authorities, the Central Water Commission (CWC) has taken an initiative to start bank line protection works on several rivers’ bank flowing through Indo-Bangla border in three districts of north Bengal.The CWC officials have sought fresh anti erosion plans from the districts irrigation departments in Malda, North and South Dinajpur through the state irrigation and waterways department recently. According to sources of irrigation department in Malda, the CWC has planned to carry out bank line protection work to save Indian lands and put barbed wire fencing at six places in North Dinajpur, two places in Malda and at Samjhia border in South Dinajpur district.Following the instruction from the chief engineer of the state irrigation and water ways department, the executive engineer of Malda irrigation department, Mr Soumen Misra, and deputy inspector general of BSF visited the bank line of the Mahananda a few days ago just to watch the situation of unabated erosion in the areas under Adampur, Muchia, Krishnanagar, Rwishipur border out posts. It may be noted that BSF and BDR had exchanged heavy fire on 19 August 2005 when irrigation department had taken up measures to check erosion of the Mahananda at Adampur and Muchia in a bid to save fencing in Indian land. After the controversy over the land dispute between the two countries, talks were initiated to take up anti erosion work on the Indian side where rivers flowing through the border line had been eroding away large part of lands on the Indian side damaging barbed wire fencing.Though the central government's wing, CWC, took up ‘permanent’ anti erosion projects on banks of several rivers along the Indo-Bangla border in 2005 but it could not implement its plans due to objection by the Bangladesh authorities. A joint survey comprising officials of two countries was conducted in early 2006. During the survey the officials found that several referring pillars were eroded away and missing due to erosion of the river Mahananda. The officials had completed installation of almost 21 subsidiary lands pillars out of 56, which were proposed to fix the alignment between the two countries As a result, the anti erosion project taken up earlier has been extended after the recent survey and the estimated cost of the projects has been increased from Rs 14 crore to at least 30 crores.According to the executive engineer, Mr Soumen Misra, there are several vulnerable points stretching six km on the bank of the Mahananda from Adampur to Krishnagar and Rwishipur. Nearly 30 crore will be required to build concrete guard wall along bank lines of the Mahananda and other works based on the specification of the CWC.The Malda irrigation department has also proposed another anti erosion scheme stretching one km between Battali and Khutadaha on the bank of the river Punarbhaba in Bamongola block. The estimated cost of this project will be nearly Rs. 5 crore. “We can start the anti erosion work in winter if the CWC okays the project after allotting funds”, Mr. Misra said.

Irrigation dept starts anti-erosion work

MALDA, July 22: The irrigation department in Malda today began emergency anti erosion works on a 500 meter stretch of the bank of the river Punarbhaba in the Bamongola block area. The work is designed to save several houses and a high school from falling into the river. “To save the land we need to construct spur to ‘deflect’ water flows of the river Punarbhaba at Kupadaha so it can not eat up the land”, said Mr. S Misra, the executive engineer, of the Malda irrigation department. The Mahananda embankment division in Malda has also started anti-erosion work at Bhaluka Bazaar to save an existing flood protection embankment from erosion by the river Fulohar In the last three days the water level of the river Fulohar has been fluctuating frequently and eroding its banks in northern part of Malda district. Water levels in rivers across the region such as the Tangan, Punarbhaba, Kalindri, Mahananda, Srimati and the mighty river Ganges are have all been rising in recent days. Red alerts from yesterday are still active in protected areas of four blocks on the bank of the river Ganges and on the unprotected side of the river Fulohar. According to the Malda irrigation officials, the water level of the Ganges is seven cm above the ‘extreme danger mark’ (EDL- 25.29 metres) as of mid day today. “The water level of Ganga is now steady. We expect that water level will be receding from tomorrow if upper catchments (Bihar and Uttar Pradesh) do not receive fresh rainfalls”, said Mr. S Misra. The district magistrate has alerted all block development officials to monitor the flood situation in order to ensure that disaster management authorities are given sufficient warning. n SNS

Newly-wed teenage found dead

MALDA, July 22: A girl was killed just three days after her marriage at 16-Mile village under Kaliachak police station, police said today. The victim dentified as Raseda Bibi (19) was found murdered near an embankment early this morning. She was strangled to death, police said. Police also recovered a scarf near the site.She married a local youth, Asraful Hoque, on 19 July without the consent of her parents. Asraful eloped with her few days back and took her to his home yesterday, locals informed police. Though Raseda’s uncle lodged an FIR against Asraful and his family members ,no one has been arrested so far. n SNS

Flood alert in Malda

Statesman News Service

MALDA, July 21: The Malda administration today warned the local residents living on the bank of the Ganga in four blocks to shift in safer areas as the water levels rose last night.“The Ganga is flowing 5 cm above the extreme danger level (EDL-25.29 metres) in mid day today”, said Mr. Soumen Misra , the executive engineer , Malda irrigation department this morning.The Malda district magistrate Mr C R Das held an emergent meeting with all BDOs regarding flood management and to take stock of the situation. The Malda DM has asked all BDOs to report regarding positioning of flood shelters identified earlier.The administration has identified four vulnerable places on the bank of the Ganga and the river Fulohar where the embankments are weak. Last late night a large part of land eroded away by the flood waters of Fulohar at Bhaluka in Harishchandrapur threatening the present embankment.According to the irrigation department, the safe distance between the bank line and the bundh was now only 7 metres and at any moment it could be wiped out. The district magistrate alerted the irrigation officials requesting them to start an emergency work so that the flood waters can not inundate Bhaluka Bazaar area. A large part of unprotected areas have already inundated rendering many people homeless on the bank of Fulohar and Ganges in six blocks of this district. Irrigation and FBP are at war foot to save embankments which are under threat at Shimultal in Kaliachak III, at Panchanandapur in Kaliachak II, at Domhaat, Nanditala and Keshabtola in Manikchak and at Bhaluka in Harishchandrapur.The Manikchak BDO today reported the administration that a total of 146 families were rendered homeless at Domhaat areas due to severe erosion this monsoon. The executive engineer of Malda irrigation department Mr. Misra predicted that the water level would continue to rise till tomorrow.According to him, water level of the Ganga in the upper catchments is steady and in some places it has started receding and also there was no fresh rainfall in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh since yesterday. Several families have been inundated at Balutola in Kaliachak II due to water logging following continuous rains. The sluice gate set up in dwarf embankment was shut down to prevent flood waters from the Ganga. As a result rain waters at Balutola have no way to drain out to Ganga at present, irrigation official said.

Health dept to supply arsenic-free water

MALDA, July 21: The public health engineering department today agreed to prepare a project to supply arsenic free water in English Bazaar Municipal areas on a large scale from Mathurapur surface water treatment plant located in Manikchak block. Following the instruction of Mr. Asok Bhattacharya, urban development and municipal affairs minister, the district magistrate Mr. C R Das convened a meeting with the English Bazaar civic body officials and the PHE engineers today. It was decided that the PHE would prepare the scheme for over head and under ground reservoir at Maheshmati near Netaji market complex. The Congress led civic body has proposed a plot of land at Mahesmati for the construction of reservoirs there. The PHE will supply drinking water from Mathurapur surface water treatment plant to Mahesmati from where the civic body would distribute arsenic free water for the people. Mr. Asok Bhattacharya had finally ensured that his department would allot funds for the construction of reservoir for this project. According to the civic body officials, the PHE would prepare the scheme as soon as possible and submit it to the district magistrate. The district magistrate would forward the project to the minister for municipal affairs for its approval. It was a long standing demand of the people of the English Bazaar particularly from added areas like wards no 23, 24 and 25 to get arsenic free waters from Mathurapur. n SNS

Additional land to be acquired for Adina forest extension

MALDA, July 21: The district land acquisition department issued a notification yesterday that more than 34 acres of land are to be acquired to extend the Adina forest in the Gazole block area. The Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Mr. Rejendra Jakhar said that the territory will be extended to build a habitat for migratory birds making the Adina forest a tourist attraction.Plans were also announced to build a rehabilitation centre for rescued reptiles in the forest. In addition, as the first step to foster eco-tourism in this district, the Adina Deer Park is to be expanded. At present the forest covers 70 hectares of land where more than 65 spotted deer are the main attraction. According to Mr. Jakhar, the total estimated cost of the project is nearly Rs. 80 lakh most of which will be spent in purchasing the additional land. The Forest Department and district administration have planned to implement the project with the assistance of several government schemes such as the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) and the National Rural Employment Guarantee Schemes (NREGS).After the land is acquired the construction of fencing and other similar projects are to be completed with the help of the RIDF and the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).The excavation of ponds for the birds and the rescued reptiles and also the planting of new trees are all to be implemented with the help of the NREGS. n SNS

Left bank of Ganga inundated

Statesman News Service

MALDA, July 20: A large part of unprotected area on the left of the Ganga was inundated rendering hundreds of families homeless in Manikchak, English Bazaar, Kaliachak II block areas today. The flood victims have been shifted to safer highlands since yesterday when the water level of the Ganges at Manikchak Ghaat crossed danger mark. “The water level of the Ganga is still rising and it will continue to rise till Tuesday crossing the ‘extreme danger level’ i.e. 25.29 metre at Manikchak Ghaat due to massive rainfall in the upper catchments,” said Mr Soumen Misra, executive engineer, Malda irrigation department. According to the irrigation department, the water level of the Ganges at Manikchak Ghaat is 25.20 metre this evening, just 9 cm below the ‘extreme danger level’ (EDL). On the left bank of the Ganga, flood waters inundated the unprotected areas from Manikchak to Kaliachak II and III areas in the down stream. The existing embankments including a dwarf embankment at Panchanandapur in Kaliachak II are preventing flood waters at present. The irrigation department is continuing maintenance work to save the dwarf embankment to prevent flood water from entering into the ‘protected country side’ in bid to save Malda district. Irrigation officials fear that if the water level of the Ganga continues to rise above the extreme danger level (EDL) the dwarf embankment may be breached. The district administration has requested the Farakka Barrage Project to keep a vigil on the newly constructed embankment at Shimultala in Kaliachak III to prevent flood water. More that fifty percent stretch of anti erosion work carried out by the Farraka Barrage Project at Domhaat in Manikchak block was damaged due to erosion this year. More than 100 families have been rendered homeless due to erosion in Manikchak block. Since yesterday, nearly 70 houses collapsed due to inundation of flood waters on the left bank of the Ganga in Manikchak and English Bazaar block areas, administrative officials said. In Kaliachak II many people living in the unprotected areas have been shifted to high lands and atop the existing embankment. Some islands in the mid Ganga have been inundated and people living on the islands have been shifted to safer areas. According to Mr Misra: “The water level of the Ganga in Gandhighaat, Kahelgaon, Munger and Bhagalpur in the upper catchments are still rising following massive rainfalls. We predict that water level of the Ganga here will cross ‘extreme danger level’ (EDL- 25.29) tomorrow."

Spiritual light changes inmates' lives

Statesman News Service

MALDA, July 20: The Malda Ramkrishna Mission is trying hard to bring back criminals into the main stream by organising various programmes in correctional homes. Some inmates have changed their way of life in Malda jail. Recently a bike lifter Anoarul Sheikh is working as teacher of a Madrassa. On Thursday Anoarul came to meet Swami Divyananda in Malda Ramkrishna Mission and donated 12 books on Islam religion to its library and donated Rs 100 for its development work. Anoarul, a resident of Madhaipur in old Malda, was lodged in Malda jail and came in contact with Swami Divyananda a few months back. “A few months ago he got a job in Hazi Kalutola Madrassa in Kolkata as a teacher for the students of Hafiz. Now he gets Rs 3500 and lives with his wife Sagarika Khatun there. He came to meet us and donated books for our library,” said Swami Divyananda. Divyananda expressed happiness over his mission in jail to bring criminals back to the main stream of their lives. Yesterday, Divyananda was able to call off the hunger strike of an inmate of Malda jail out of three who had started fasting from 12 July demanding justice. "Nipen Haldar, accused under section 302 IPC, has been denied justice for the last four years owing to the absence of a particular judge in Malda court," said Swami Divyananda. Though he had sent an appeal to the High Court through Malda Ramkrishna Mission but no one has responded. Yesterday, Divyananda met Nipen following the request of his mother Mrs Panchami Haldar, and requested him to call off his hunger strike at Malda district hospital. On 14 July the three inmates were admitted to Malda district hospital when they fell ill.

Funds to be allotted for safe drinking water

Statesman News Service

MALDA, July 18:- The municipal affairs and urban development minister, Mr Asok Bhattacharya, today, agreed to allot funds from his department, for expanding a project that involves supply of arsenic free water, in and around the English Bazaar municipal.In a meeting with the bigwigs of English Bazaar and Balurghat Municipalities, Mr Bhattacharya confirmed that his department would provide funds for constructing one overhead reservoir and pumping station. As demanded by the people, this will help the civic body to expand the supply of arsenic free water in large areas of the town. Mr Bhattacharya said: “The district magistrate has been asked to meet the PHE officials and civic body, on Monday, to chalk out a plan and budget for distribution of safe drinking water”. PHE minister, Mr Goutam Deb agreed to supply safe drinking water to urban areas, from the rural surface water treatment plant at Mathurapur, Manikchak. The plan did not materialise, due to money worries.Presently, the PHE supplies arsenic free water, in parts of two wards, in English Bazaar, through street taps. The minister, for the sake of safe drinking water, has also asked the Balurghat Municipality officials to prepare a plan for the surface water treatment plant, across Atryee River.Mr. Bhattacharya said: “According to the government, three projects, in English Bazaar, are indispensable, for expanding drinking water supply, developing slum areas and an electric crematorium”. He said: “Around Rs16 crore has been allotted for housing development in the slums of English Bazaar Municipality. The civic body will build houses worth Rs. 1 Lakh for the poor. The beneficiary should have his own land, with valid documents and will have to pay Rs 16,000. The centre will bear Rs. 64,000 and the state will splash Rs. 20,000, on this project called Integrated Housing Slum Development."The English Bazaar civic body has been asked to come up with more than 800 similar housing projects in the slums. A survey has already started in slum areas. Mr Bhattacharya informed that Rs 46 crore was sanctioned for English Bazaar, Old Malda and Balurghat Municipality, for slum development. The English Bazaar civic body officials, today, demanded more funds for development of a surface water treatment plant, based on Mahananda river.Mr Bhattacharya, today, laid the foundation stone of a surface water treatment plant at Nolabag, in Old Malda Municipal area. The cost of the project was more than Rs 18 crore. The Municipal engineering department will contract the project to supply drinking water. The urban development minister, today, also laid the foundation stone of a solid waste management project in Old Malda Municipality area. The cost of the project is Rs. 1.5 crore. Presently, the environment department has allotted Rs. 50 lakh.

Malda DM to form board for jatropha

MALDA, July 18:- The Malda district magistrate Mr. C R Das today held a meeting with the district officials and panachayat officials to form a new board for development of jatropha cultivation in this district. The Emami officials were also present at the meeting today to demonstrate the prospect of jatropha cultivation. They expressed their interest to buy jatropha seeds from Malda farmers, after a suitable agreement with the present farmers. It may be noted that the district administration have engaged 250 families in Narayanpur island on the Ganges in Manikchak block area for jatropha cultivation in the last three years. The project was taken up by the administration after a report of starvation death at Narayanpur Island a few years ago. “We have ensured the administration that we would buy matured jatropha seeds from the farmers at Narayanpur Island from next year. In the forthcoming year jatropha seeds will be matured enough for manufacturing bio diesel”, said Mr. B B Guha , chief corporate business development , Emami. The Emami has set a bio diesel manufacturing plant at Haldia in Midnapore east and decided to procure jatropha seeds from five other districts in south Bengal. The district magistrate Mr. C R Das said: “After providing government assistance to 250 families jatropha cultivation has started in Narayanpur Island".n SNS

Jawan shot

MALDA, July 18: Mr Ramkrishna Pande, a BSF jawan , who was shot at by the Bangladesh Rifles at Nimtita in Murshidabad early today is undergoing treatment in Malda district hospital. BSF and BDR exchanged heavy fire during river patrolling on the Padma at Nimtita in Murshidabad in the wee hours over cattle smuggling. n SNS

Protest

MALDA, July 18: Three inmates of Malda jail are fasting for the past seven days demanding justice in the Court. Nipen Haldar, resident of Habibpur, accused of a murder case, alleged that they had been deprived of a trial the last four years. Nipen sent a letter to the High Court through the Malda Ramkrishna Mission seeking justice a month ago. n SNS

Rickshaw fare

MALDA, July 18: The English Bazaar civic body has finally decided to increase rickshaw fare by 40 per cent. The minimum rate of rickshaw fare would be Rs 5 once the new rate comes into effect. n SNS

Flood alert issued by irrigation department

Statesman News Service

MALDA, July 17:- The irrigation department in Malda, today, alerted the district administration about the forthcoming flood, following the rise of water level in all rivers, including the mighty Ganges.The executive engineer, Malda irrigation department, Mr Soumen Misra, today, instructed supervising staff to inspect all embankments on the banks of three major rivers- Ganges, Mahananda and Fulohar.“The supervising staff were asked to look for weaker embankments for immediate repairment in a bid to prevent flood”, Mr Misra said.The decision was taken, after they were informed of the rising water level by the GFCC (Ganga Flood Control Commission) office, in Patna, this morning. “Water level of Ganges, in eleven points, from Allahabad to Sahebganj, is rising steadily, due to heavy rainfall in all the catchments. The water level of Ganges, which is 24.90 metres at Manikchak Ghaat, this mid-day, will cross the danger mark, tomorrow”, Mr Misra struck a note of warning. Rivers, including Mahananda and Fulohar, are swelling considerably, due to unabated rainfall in their catchments.According to the report of the GFCC, rivers, Sone and Ghagra, are no better, following non-stop rainfall, in the last two days. As it continues pelting down in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, the excess river water is gushing into the Ganges. Excessive flood waters will also not spare this region, irrigation officials said.At present, more than 13 lakh cusec of water has been discharged through the Ganges waterway. The Malda irrigation officials anticipate more erosion at Domhaat, Manikchak. Huge volume of water, from the Ganges, has hit Domhaat and its adjoining areas massively.Fearing fresh erosion, residents of Domhaat Bazaar have already started shifting from their present places to safer areas. According to them, the Bazaar is only 100 metres away from the bank. The area between them may be wiped out, any moment, due to water pressure. The Farakka Barrage Project (FBP) was fighting erosion at Domhaat. But it could not save certain areas on the left bank of the Ganges, a few days ago. The FBP is dealing with the sluice gates of Farakka Barrage, discharging excessive water, to save its left bank from the clutches of absolute erosion.

Airstrip-survey for more land

MALDA, July 17: Malda's land acquisition department has started surveying the acquisition of additional five acres of land, on the west of the existing air strip, in English Bazaar town.Earlier, the department sent a survey report to the transport department, proposing 50 acres to be acquired on the west of the present air strip. Urged by the airport authorities, recently, the additional chief secretary has asked the Malda administration to prepare a proposal for the acquisition. According to the district officials, the state government was keen on knowing about the land features, to be acquired, in a bid to estimate its cost. The additional land acquisition aims to extend run-ways on the west to evade the east's obstruction by high rise buildings and mobile towers. Conducting a survey, two days ago, the district land acquisition department has planned to send the final report of additional five acre land to the transport department, this week. A political initiative was taken to restore the Malda airport with the revival project of Cooch Behar. n SNS

Rickshaw pullers demand rise in fares

Statesman News Service

MALDA, July 16: Backed by the Citu and Intuc, Trade unions of rickshaw pullers’ association have demanded new rickshaw fares to cope with the present price hike of essential commodities. They also demanded that the civic body would have to include all the names of rickshaw pullers in the Below the Poverty Level (BPL) category from the register of their license issued from the EBM.The vice chairman of the EBM, Mr. Dulal Sarkar said that they would discuss the matter with the administration only for the rickshaw pullers who are residents of the municipal area but not for the residents of the rural belt. They also demanded traffic training for rickshaw pullers before taking action on charges of violation of traffic rules. The rickshaw pullers’ associations here have united against the decision of the administration and civic body regarding ‘re-arrangement of traffic system’ and restriction imposed on unauthorised rickshaw pullers for violation of traffic system. Yesterday, the trade unions leader of rickshaw pullers met the civic body officials and demanded that the civic body would have to provide for ‘headlights’ of rickshaws here.The leaders have argued that headlights of rickshaw are not available here. The civic body should be ordered to get headlights from Kolkata by placing a supply order to a manufacturing company.Following the direction of the administration the civic body has instructed to set up headlights in each rickshaw at night, particularly during load shedding it is essential to avoid accident.The civic body has allowed one year for reconstruction of rickshaw's body which will be made of wood, and there would be scientific seat capacity with a handle for the safety of passengers. The civic body will not confiscate rickshaws made of an iron frame.

High rise buidlings to collect NOC from fire deptt.

Statesman News Service

MALDA, July 16: The English Bazaar Municipality (EBM) has adopted a resolution which states that owners of buildings which are over two storied will have to submit a ‘no objection certificate’ from the fire service department.The vice chairman of EBM, Mr Dulal Sarkar said that the civic body has adopted this resolution in today's board of councillors’ meeting. “Submission of a ‘no objection certificate’ is mandatory for the owners of buildings which are over two storied in this town”, Mr. Sarkar said.It may be noted that there are several three to five storied buildings in this town but no one has submitted a ‘no objection’ certificate from the fire service department. On the other hand, though the civic body was determined to collect 1 percent tax (cess) on the total cost of building as a contribution to the welfare fund for unorganised labourers like masons and their helpers but it could not be implemented.Earlier the board had tried to adopt a resolution twice to implement the plan based on the government order but failed to come to a conclusion. Today the board adopted a resolution to collect one percent cess from the contractor on the estimated cost of the building.According to the labour department, the state government will collect one per cent tax valuation of a constructed building, above Rs. 10,000,000 as a contribution to the welfare fund for unorganised labourers.The state had directed the civic body to collect 1 percent tax from the building owners before implementing its plan. The civic body had also planned not to pass the building plan if the applicant does not pay the tax on valuation.Though the state government had introduced such collection of tax in January and February this year but nothing has been implemented through the civic body.

Railway passengers stage protest

MALDA, July 16: Railway daily passengers’ association staged an agitation against the railway authorities at Malda station this morning. Hundreds of passengers became violent when the New Jalpaiguri Passenger train did not start for its destination on its scheduled time at 8.55 am. Finally the train left for New Jalpaiguri after 10 am today. The office goers, who take the train to go to the northern part of Malda, lost their patience when the passenger train was detained . They staged a dharna in front of the office of the station master Mr. D Sinha.When the station master left his office ignoring passengers’ demands,the passengers protested more violently, before senior officials rushed to the spot to bring things under control. The protest was called off when the officials ensured that they would try to run the train on time. “The railway passengers’ welfare association has been protesting against railway authorities for the delay of this train on a regular basis. We had complained several times to the authorities but no action was taken”, said Mr. T K Das, a member of the association. The Malda town station officials, who are under eastern rail, only argued that the N F railway authorities were responsible for running the train, Mr. Das said. n SNS

Malignant malaria claimes 3 in Malda

Statesman News Service

MALDA, July 14: At least three people have died and six migrant workers have been detected with malignant malaria in Malda. According to the district health authorities, the affected are residents of tribal villages in Bhabuk gram panchayat of Old Malda block. Cornel Mardi died of malaria in Malda district hospital a few days ago while Shymal Tudu and Pratik Sarkar, all migrant workers, died in their respective homes recently.District health workers found out about their deaths today.The health officials have launched a surveillance exercise in the affected villages, collecting blood samples. According to the health authorities, a migrant worker called Nimai Murmu, resident of the Bhabuk area, died from malignant malaria at Dumka hospital in Jharkhand.“After the death of Nimai Murmu, the rest of the workers suffering from high fever returned to their respective homes in the Bhabuk area. The affected are undergoing treatment under the supervision of the district malaria department,” said Mr D Haldar, deputy CMOH II, Malda. Today, a team of health workers including the block medical health officer visited some villages in Bhabuk gram panchayat where many other migrant labourers suffering from fever have returned from different states including Jharkhand. Block health officials said at least six tribal labourers who went to Jharkhand for construction work have tested positive for malignant malaria. The health workers today visited Kamaldighi, Bhabuk, Shimuldhab, Chirakuti and other villages to probe into the matter and collect blood samples wherever necessary.The deputy CMOH-II, said: “The health workers will provide free medicine to those affected by malignant malaria.”

Erosion in Malda continues

Statesman News Service

MALDA, July 14: Owing to the ‘heavy’ fluctuation of water levels of the Ganges and Fulohar, a large part of land was eroded away at Domhat in Manikchak block partially damaging the ‘permanent’ anti erosion work , irrigation officials said today.Abandoned homestead lands of 30 families near Domhat were eroded away increasing the number of erosion victims from 100 to 130 in Manikchak block area. Fearing fresh erosion, at least 30 families had demolished their homes and shifted to other areas a few days ago.The local CPI (M) MLA Mrs Asima Choudhury visited the place and informed authorities about the ‘damaged’ condition of anti erosion work carried out by the Farakka Barrage authorities.According to the Malda irrigation executive engineer, the water level of the Ganges is rising steadily following rain fall in the catchments of Sone, Gandak, Ghagra and Buri Ganga connected with the Ganges. The water level of the Ganges will continue rising for two more days. Explaining the heavy fluctuating trend of two rivers, the executive engineer Mr S Misra said: “The water level of the Ganges was recorded at 24.75 metre on 9 July evening and it came down to 24.10 metres on 12 July. But from yesterday to 12 pm today the water level has touched 24.63 metres again”. “Similarly, the water level of the Fulohar , which is connected with the Ganges and its confluence point is located at Manikchak Ghaat , was 26.15 metres on Friday but it was recorded at 27.56 metres today”, he added. “Heavy fluctuation of water level was the chief cause of yesterday's erosion”, claimed Mr S Misra.A few villages located in low lying areas on the banks of the Fulohar have been inundated since yesterday. The district has opened the flood control cell to monitor the water level of three main rivers including the Mahananda for flood management.

Commuters harrassed by bus strike

MALDA, July 14: Private bus workers decision to go for an indefinite strike from today has caused huge inconvenience to commuters across the district.Passengers faced difficulties as they had to wait for government owned vehicles which were too packed. The district administration called for a meeting about 4 pm today to sort the on going problem, so that leaders of bus workers withdraw their strike. Workers called a strike to demand for the punishment for a group of students who allegedly beat them up in Kaliachak last week. The students of Kaliachak College wanted all private buses stop near their institution. With only seven limited stoppages, it was difficult to comply with the students requests. n SNS

Private bus workers on an indefinite strike

Statesman News Service

MALDA, July 13: The workers of all private buses in Malda called an indefinite strike from Monday in the district demanding security for workers and punishment for a group of students who allegedly beat them up in Kaliachak a few days ago.The bus owners’ association has extended their support to their workers’ decision to begin the strike. Workers engaged in Malda-Behrampore (Murshidabad) route observed a token strike from 10 July after a clash between college students and bus workers. Since the administration did not take any action against the ‘culprits’, the workers unions called an indefinite strike from tomorrow.The bus workers lodged a complaint with the English Bazaar police station when they were allegedly refused by the Kaliachak police station. The students want all private buses stop near their college. Sources said hundreds of students allegedly attacked bus workers near Kaliachak College.According to bus owners, a total of 140 buses ply on NH~34 every day between Malda and Murshidabad. Of them only seven buses do not stop near Kaliachak College because it does not have permission from regional transport authorities. But students of Kaliachak colleges demanded that all buses would have to stop near their college. Sources said administrative officials would call the bus owners tomorrow to withdraw the strike.

'Technical faults' force election deferment

MALDA, July 13: The election of the Sthayee Samiti in English Bazaar Panchayat Samiti which was scheduled to be held on 12 July has been deferred due to technical difficulties.The district administration took the decision in order to avoid controversy over the results of the Sthayee Samiti election in English Bazaar. The election will be held on 30 July. Sources said the district administration has sought clarification from the state panchayat department regarding recent developments in two gram panchayats under the English Bazaar block.Though the English Bazaar Panchayat Samiti was captured by the Left Front, the Congress leaders were interested in taking part in the Sthayee Samiti election. Despite busy schedules of the English Bazaar Congress MLA Mr. K N Choudhury and Malda MP Mr. A H Khan Choudhury, both the leaders came to the venue where the Sthayee Samiti election was scheduled to be held.The newly elected Pradhan of Kazigram Gram Panchayat resigned from his post. On the other hand, another Pradhan of Milki Gram Panchayat of this block was co-opted. The administration has sought clarification from the state panchayat officials over whether they have voting rights in the Sthayee Samiti.It may be recalled that a CPI member was elected as Pradhan of Kazigram G P with the support of the Congress. This had caused trouble and there was a clash between the Congress and the CPI(M) workers a few days ago. n SNS

School girl faints after punishment

MALDA, July 11: Piya Ghosh, a class VIII student of government aided Hazi Muhammad High School in English Bazaar, fainted in her classroom after she was allegedly made to kneel down by the physical science teacher yesterday. Though the teachers of the school attended her and sent her home after the incident, she fell ill again last night. Her guardians admitted her to Malda district hospital today when she complained of severe pain in her head. According to Mrs Shymali Ghosh, the student's mother, her daughter was chatting with another girl during the class. “Noticing it, the teacher asked her a question. But instead of answering, Piya giggled. Annoyed, the teacher hit her on her hand with a hand fan and asked her to kneel down in the classroom in the presence of other students,” Mrs Ghosh alleged. Mr Amiya Saha, an assistant teacher of the school admitted the incident. “When she fainted we took care of her and sent her home after she recovered. But we do not know what happened in the night,” said Mr Saha. He further added that Mr Jahangir Alam, the physical science teacher was also shaken by the incident and informed the other teachers. Piya's father, a daily wage earner, has not lodged any complaint with police. The district inspector of schools (secondary) Mr Chinmay Sarkar said that he was not aware of the incident. “I am hearing of it for the first time. We need to find out the girl's medical history,” he said. n sns

Noor leaves behind a void

Statesman News Service

MALDA, July 11: The Congress in Malda is in a stupor following the death of the party district president and Sujapur MLA Rubi Noor. Hundreds of followers of Ghani Khan Choudhury family are in mourning in Malda. Rubi Noor had taken up the reins of the party in Malda after the death of the Congress patriarch and her brother the late ABA Ghani Khan Choudhury. “Her death has created a major void in the party's district unit,” most Congress leaders wailed. Congress supporters are also anxious about who the next party district president would be and who would contest from Sujapur. A section of the Congress supporters want Malda MP Mr AH Khan Choudhury, brother of Rubi Noor to become the next party district president and Mr Priya Ranjan Das Munshi as the PCC chief should control the party in the district. Noor (63) passed away in a private hospital in Kolkata last night. She was suffering from cancer. Noor entered politics in 1991, as desired by ABA Ghani Khan Choudhury, contesting from the Sujapur assembly segment in Kaliachak block. She was unbeaten in Sujapur and won every election she contested in as MLA. She had replaced Mrs Sabitri Mitra in taking charge of the party district president's post in 2001. Her body will be brought to Malda tomorrow for the last rites.

Severe erosion renders 100 families homeless

Statesman News Service

MALDA, July 10: Severe erosion at the Domhat area, in Manikchak block, has rendered over 100 families homeless, in the past few days. More than 500 people are living in temporary shacks in different places. Some are even residing on existing embankments, to the the left of the Ganges. Others are hunting high and low for a spot to shift to.The victims complained that they have not received adequate food grains from the block offices after they lost their houses and belongings to erosion. Denying all charges, the block officials claimed that the relief department has already provided 106 tarpaulin sheets and adequate food to the victims.“The block officials further claimed that till date, 82 units (per unit equal to Rs 60) of cash (relief) have been distributed among 41 families,” said the Malda SDO, Mrs Arunima De. But, the government officials have not distributed cash relief to victims, who are above poverty line and have concrete buildings. According to block officials, 86 families, until Tuesday, were rendered homeless and 20 more were affected similarly in the last two days. One more family lost its home to severe erosion on the left bank of Ganges at Domhaat and its adjoining villages, today. Villagers have lost large sections of crop and orchards, in addition to their homes. The newly elected Malda zilla sabhadhipati Mrs Sabina Yesmin would be inspecting the erosion-hit areas to take stock of the situation. She discussed the plight of victims with the district magistrate, today. The irrigation officials fear that fresh erosion could occur at Domhat in Manikchak.

Permanent committees to be formed in all panchayat

Statesman News Service

MALDA, July 10: Panchayat bigwigs, both elected and ex -officio members, today, embarked upon forming Sthayee (Permanent Committee) Samitities in all the respective Panchayat Samities ( P S ) of Malda. The operation, according to them, will be complete on 22 July.Permanent Committes were formed in the panchayat centres of Old Malda, Gazole, Chanchal I and Harischandrapur I (P S), today. The CPI (M) has proven to be the majority in all the nine permanent committees of Gazole panchayat samiti (P S). To elect Karmadhyakshya, the Congress proved its superiority during formation of permanent committees in Chanchal I and Harishchandrapur - I.Though the Congress and BJP jointly rose to power in Old Malda Panchayat samiti, the L F was the leading power in six permanent committees. The Congress took three permanent committees under its wing.Two congress members, including the Malda MP Mr. A H Khan Choudhury, were absent today to cast their votes to form the Sthayee Samiti in Old Malda. Even, the CPI (M) MLA of Old Malda was not there to cast his vote. To avenge the Congress, the BJP members in Old Malda panchayat samiti were not keen on forming the permanent committee with the same.Earlier, the Congress took side of another member for the post of Saha-Sabhadhipati in Malda zilla parishad. This incident egged the BJPs on to take a drastic step against their rivals.The BJP, initially, had extended support to the Congress to help them form the Old Malda Panchayat Samiti. Infact, the BJP leaders were expecting that the Congress would offer the Saha-Sabhadhipati's post to Mr. Mohan Tudu, an elected BJP member of Malda Zilla Parishad (MZP). The Congress did not have an elected member from the tribal community for the reserved post in MZP. The administration issued a notice to form permanent committee in MZP on 23 July. Election of Karmadhyakshaya will take place on 31 July.

Acid attack on mother , son in Malda

MALDA, July 9: In an unfortunately ghastly incident, miscreants poured acid on a mother and her son at Jainpur village, in Malda district, last night. Victims suspect that Shiblal Mandal, from the neighbouring village, is the man behind the plot.According to the victim Mrs Tulsi Singh, the suspect approached her daughter with an indecent proposal, last week and even, threatened to harm them, after it was turned down. “My daughter is married with two children. She was visiting us, last week, when Mandal approached her with his nasty intentions. He even barged into our house and when we asked him to leave, he warned us of dire consequences,” alleged Mrs Singh. According to the victim, her daughter left for Katihar, on Monday, to attend a family function. As Tulsi and her son Bablu slept in their shack, last night, someone stealthily shifted the roof-tiles to pour acid from above. Tension erupted in Jainpur village, as injured mother and son were admitted to the Malda district hospital. The locals are hunting high and low for the asconding attacker, who according to many, is a driver by profession. n sns

Eviction drive in and around N H 34

MALDA, July 9: The district administration today, launched an eviction drive to clear encroached footpaths, in and around N H 34 in the heart of English Bazaar town. With the administration's help, the English Bazaar Municipality started cleaning garbage from two lanes of N H 34, from Rathbari to Sukanta More. A lane of N H 34, to the east of Rathbari, was occupied by unauthorised vendors who even made it an extension of Netaji Market.Owners of light vehicles like auto rickshaws, maxi-taxi and trekkers used N H 34 as their ‘stand’, due to mismanagement of traffic. At around 9 am today, police forces were deployed on N H 34, not only to clear foot paths, but also to protect the municipality workers, who were engaged in trash-busting and spotting other blockages. The administration also took necessary steps to sort out the traffic on six roads, including the N H 34 highway, following complaints from the locals. In fact, in a meeting with political bigwigs, chairmen of two municipalities and leaders of traders over this issue, district magistrate MrC R Das and police-super Mr. Satyajit Bandyopadhayay decided to evict the lanes and sort out the traffic system. Yesterday afternoon, the district magistrate, police super and other officials, including the authorities of NH and civic bodies, were present at the site for verification and to straighten the traffic after eviction. The district police chief has decided to fence the foot paths to protect them from encroachment. Fence will be constructed on one side of the four lanes of NH~34. The state transport department has sanctioned sufficient funds to rearrange traffic over here. It has even come with posts for additional 40 traffic home guards. The civic body has appointed causal workers who get Rs.45 everyday to control traffic and identify unauthorised rickshaws. At the administration's request, the English Bazaar civic body has also planned to construct foot path on B G road.Foot bridgesThe English Bazaar civic body would seek permission from the National Highway Authority of India for the construction of two foot bridges over the N H 34, between Rathbari and Sukanta More, in Malda. n SNS

Hoax call triggers panic in Malda

MALDA, July 8: Misled by queries from a section of the media that the recently jailed superintendent of a child welfare home in Malda had suffered a heart attack inside the jail, the Malda district administration including the newly appointed Malda zilla sabhadipati suffered some harrowing moments today.The superintendent of the Sahapur Child Welfare Home, who is in jail following the controversial death of an inmate who was electrocuted recently, was finally found in good health. The Malda SDO Mrs Arunima De stressed on the need to trace those who spread the rumours.Confusion erupted after a section of the media called the Malda SDO stating that the Sahapur Child Welfare Home superintendent had suffered a heart attack inside the Malda correctional home. Responding to the call, the administrative officials including the district magistrate Mr C R Das and ADM Mr P C Sit contacted the jail authorities seeking information about the inmate.Having heard of the news too, the newly elected sbhadhipati of Malda zilla parishad Mrs Sabina Yesmin, who was attending her first day in office also turned up at the jail. All concern proved futile as the jailed superintendent Mr Sukumar De Das was found in good health proving the information wrong. Meanwhile, the director of mass education has sought detailed report from the district mass education officer regarding the death of the inmate at the Sahapur Child Welfare Home. The DMEO Mr Sanjoy Banerjee will submit a report to the director and discuss about provisions of compensation for the victim's family. The administration paid only Rs 1300 to the victim's family member for cremation. n SNS

Student hospitalised after being slapped by teacher

Statesman News Service

MALDA, July 8: Controversy broke out in Malda today after a lady teacher of a school in Samsi allegedly slapped a class III student yesterday. The child's guardian lodged a complaint with the Chanchal police station today demanding punishment of the concerned teacher.It was reported that the teacher slapped Asif Iqbal for making noise in the classroom yesterday following which the child fell ill after returning to the hostel. The hostel superintendent later informed the authorities and the child's father of the boy's ill health. A local doctor examined him and advised the authorities to admit him to a hospital for treatment.Asif's father brought his son to Malda district hospital last night as he was suffered pain around his ear and head. The hostel superintendent Mrs Roseline Lethorn said: “I noticed that Asif was suffering from ear pain last evening. I asked him about his problem. He and his friends informed me that he had been punished in the classroom.” Asif was discharged from Malda district hospital this evening.

Erosion wreaks havoc in Malda

Statesman News Service

MALDA, July 8: A large section of crop-land at Jotepatta is worn out, due to severe erosion on the left bank of the Ganges, this morning.A part of the protection work subsided due to erosion at Domhat, villagers claimed. This has triggered panic among the residents of Jotepatta and adjoining villages, including Manikchak, where erosion affected the work adversely. Erosion on the bank of Ganges in Manikchak continues unabated from Friday due to the sudden release of flood waters. The Malda irrigation department has already struck a note of warning in unprotected areas by the Ganges, including the Southern part and Fulohar, the northern part. The water level of the Ganges has been rising steadily, today but thankfully, it is well below the danger mark- 25.29 metres at Manikchak, according to the irrigation department.“In the next two-three days, when the water level starts receding, the problem will be worse in the Manikchak area”, said Mr S Misra, the executive engineer of Malda irrigation division. At present, villages like Jotepatta, Bechutola and Madantola, have been badly hit by erosion, affecting around 32 families.Two water level measuring posts for Ganges were washed away at Domhat, irrigation engineers said. Yesterday, the irrigation department set up another water level measuring post there.Anticipating more erosion, villagers have started demolishing their own houses to save what is left.“Villagers are looking for land in near by areas for temporary shelter”, political leaders said, alleging that “officials have not turned up to extend help to the victims”. The Malda SDO, Ms Arunima De said: “We are in touch with the Manikchak block development officer for updated and detailed reports of the damage so that we can provide assistance to the victims as and when required”

Survey on secondary education

Statesman News Service

MALDA, July 8: The state education department has instructed all district inspectors of schools to conduct a ‘base line survey’ of secondary education in their respective districts. Following the instruction of the National Human Resources Development, the district inspector of schools will complete data capture format and submit it to the state by July. The state would submit detail reports of all the districts to the NHRD. The objective of this survey is to collect information of secondary and higher secondary schools for the preparation of a “scheme for universal quality and access at secondary stage”. The district inspector of schools in Malda, Mr Chinmay Sarkar has already informed all the institutions heads affiliated to the Board of Secondary Education, Madrassa board, CBSE, ICSE and the Central Schools and invited all of them to attend a workshop for the survey. The district education department will organise the workshop on this subject on 12 to 14 July at English Bazaar and on 15 July, the workshop will be held at Chanchal in the northern part of Malda district. Education officials will hand over to the head of the institutions about 25 pages data capture format and how to provide correct information for the preparation of the project which is going to be made by the NHRD for required support to the districts. The head of the institution will individually fill in the data capture format and submit it to the DI of schools as early as possible. The basic plan is development of education, officials said.The district inspector of schools, Mr Chinmay Sarkar, said that earlier teachers in primary and upper primary level casually or intentionally had provided ‘wrong information’ to make District Information System on Education (Dise). “This report was sent to the Centre without cross checking and as a result of which Malda district was identified as backward,” Mr Sarkar said.

Malda gets Sabina as Sabhadhipati

Statesman News Service

MALDA, July 7: Mrs Sabina Yesmin, a Congress candidate, was finally elected as Sabhadhipati of Malda Zilla Parishad (MZP) today. She got 19 out of 34 votes against Mr Hamidur Rahaman, a CPI-M candidate. Yesterday, the West Bengal PCC chief and Union minister for information and broadcasting held a three hours meeting and Mrs Sabina Yesmin was chosen to be the Sabhadhipati. The meeting was inclusive and few were against a women candidate. Yesterday, the PCC chief Mr Priya Ranjan Das Munshi had been able to collect 10 votes in favour of Mrs Yesmin after interacting with them individually following which he made a panel of three members to decide, making his preference for Mrs Yesmin clear. He was taken ill before leaving Malda. Interestingly, one of the members Mr Mostaque Alam, another contender, proposed her name as Congress candidate for Sabhadhipati. The election was conducted today amid tight security. Section 144 CrPC was imposed in Malda Zilla Parishad building premises to avoid any clash. After swearing ceremony of all elected members of Zilla Parishad Mr Mohan Tudu walked out of conference room to stay off the election. “When Congress co-opted another tribal member for Saha-Sabhadhipati, my presence is useless,” Mr Tudu told reporters. It may be recalled that Congress today co-opted Mr Joy Murmu, who had faced defeat in Habibpur. Mr Murmu was also elected as Saha-Sabhadhipati and cast his vote during election process. As a result, both Sabhadhipati and Saha-Sabhadhipati got 19 votes out of 34 member board. Eighteen Congress candidates were elected and retained the MZP.

Probe follows child home inmate's death

MALDA, July 6: After the arrest of Mr Sukumar De Das, the superintendent of Sahapur Child Welfare Home, the district administration has started a magisterial inquiry into the institution following the death of a 14-year-old inmate who was electrocuted. Police arrested Mr Das last evening on charges of negligence based on the complaint lodged by the district administrative official. The additional district magistrate Mr P C Sit has started a probe into the matter. Yesterday, the Malda sub divisional officer closed down the Home for a certain period. The administration has planned to start its reconstruction with a special emphasis on electric wiring . After its completion, the Home will start functioning, officials said. An inmate was recently electrocuted due to damaged electric wiring. following which 35 inmates staged a protest . Police had arrested 12 inmates of this state run Home on charges of rioting on 3 July. n SNS

Inmates protest against youth's death, 12 held

Statesman News Service

MALDA, July 4: Malda police arrested 12 inmates of state run Sahapur Child Welfare Home on charges of rioting and damaging three government vehicles following a complaint lodged by the Malda sub divisional officer late last night.Police had rounded up 31 inmates and four inmates have managed to escape, administrative officials said. Yesterday, a 14 year old boy, Rajib Soren died after being electrocuted causing inmates of that Home to turn violent. Agitated inmates torched government vehicles and tried to kill an officer in charge of the district mass education department.The administration has decided to close down the Home till reconstruction is completed. The Superintendent, who was absent at the time of incident, was asked to vacate the Home soon. The administration also lodged another FIR against the Superintendent of the Home, Mr. Sukumar De Das this evening. The rest of the inmates were shifted to Bharat Sebashram Sangha where the administration arranged food for them for the next two days.Also the parents of the inmates have been informed to take away their respective wards within two days.The district magistrate Mr CR Das has sought a detailed report of the incident and status report of the home from the Malda SDO, Ms Arunima De.The Malda DM today issued a probe into the incident which would be submitted within seven days. A senior officer above the rank of the SDO will inquire into the incident. Twelve inmates were produced in the Malda Court today. Five of them identified as Rice Murmu, Ajoy Soren, Uttpal Mandal, Shambhu Saha, Jharu Biswas, all above 18 years, were sent to Malda jail, police said. Of the 12 inmates, seven were sent to the Juvenile Court in Cooch Behar. “Despite several requests to repair the electric wiring, no action was taken”, arrested inmates said. “Inmates came down heavily yesterday after the death of another inmate who was electrocuted", said additional S P, Mr. S K Sarkar.Another decision against 10 inmates of the Home provoked inmates to resort to violence and kill Mrs Bharati Goswami, officer of the district mass education yesterday, official said. “It was decided that 10 inmates, who were above 18 year old, would have to leave the Home and the district inspector of schools was asked to get them admitted to other schools considering their respective addresses”, said Ms Arunima De. “Inmates were aggrieved against Mrs Goswami because she casually disclosed the decision to them a few days ago”, she added.After the incident corruption charges regarding finance against the Superintendent have come up. The Superintendent claimed that more than 93 inmates were lodging whereas it was found that about 50 to 60 inmates used to put up. The government meanwhile would spend Rs. 900 per month for each inmate. The anomalies were detected recently from the attendance of the voluntary private tutors engaged for the inmates there.There was sufficient fund for maintenance of electric wiring, said an administrative officer adding “Rs. 5.98 lakh was granted for modernisation of the Home and more than 6 lakhs was awaiting approval”.“Some youths from outside would stay there considering the Home as ‘hotel’ and used to work out side”, said Malda SDO, who is also chairman of the child welfare home committee. #####

Students fret over admission

Statesman News Service
MALDA, July 3:- The Malda sub divisional officer and district inspector of schools have formed a six men committee to resolve the ongoing admission problems in Class XI, this year.

Yesterday, the meeting was organized by the SDO and DI in a bid to form this committee and review the entire situation.

The district inspector of schools has received nearly 500 complaints, regarding admission problems, from the students and their guardians.

Ms. Arunima De, the Malda SDO said: "After primary security of these applications, it was unveiled that around 300 students, all this year’s Madhyamik pass-outs, have been denied admission forms by the schools authorities”.

"The authorities of all higher secondary schools have been instructed to declare the sanctioned strength and present number of students, admitted in Class XI in science, arts and commerce within three days", Ms. De added.

According to the secondary district inspector of schools, the six men committee presided by headmistress of Malda Barlow Girls' Higher Secondary School , would take necessary steps to admit the deprived students , based on their merit .

The Malda DI, Mr. Chinmay Sarkar indicated that committee can also recommend students and get them admitted to certain schools, according to their vacancies and accommodation.


Several higher secondary school teachers were clearly vocal about the problems related to admission. They also argued that, for some students, selecting reputed schools has become problematic.

This year, it was discovered that many students, who have secured marks between 45 to 50 percent or more, in the Madhyamik , were denied admission to may famous schools , that topped the priority list of most.


Several students encountered admission problems to the reputed schools of English Bazaar town. They had to pit against students, who secured more than 65 and 70 percent in the secondary.

One girl, who passed Madhymik from the Malda Girls’ High School, securing 619 marks in aggregate, wanted admission in Barlow Girls’ School.

She preferred science to any other stream but to her dismay, she was not selected by her preferred school since she was judged on the basis of merit and was lagging behind, in terms of marks. #

Malda ZP Sabhadhipati election on 7 July

Statesman News Service

MALDA, July 3: After the formation of panchayat samities, it is speculated that the election for the Sabhadhipati of Malda Zilla Parishad will commence on 7 July. The Congress high command has still not released the names of elected candidates, who are competing for the chair in MZP.This has evoked curiosity among the regional Congress workers and claimants. The WB PCC chief, Mr Priya Ranjan Das Munshi is endowed with the absolute authority of voting a candidate for the election over here.But he democratically prefers the district Congress president, Mrs Rubi Noor, and Malda M P Mr AH Khan Choudhury and has entrusted them with the responsibility of selecting a suitable candidate for the post. Names of three candidates, who are competing for the post, have come to the forefront.Out of three, one elected candidate, Mr Mostaq Alam is the former MLA of Harishchandrapur. He has not only projected himself as the next Sabhadhipati to capture votes but also, has conducted a meeting with the MZP staffs, after he was elected in MZP, several times. Abdul Matin, a senior Congress worker and retired school teacher, is in the priority list of Congress workers and leaders, as the candidate for Sabhadhipati. Besides, many male candidates have tried hard to project themselves as the ideal leader for the post. However, who will finally get the ‘lucky ticket’ from Mrs Rubi Noor, is still a daunting question. A few days back, a highly educated young female, Sabina Yesmin has been elected from Kaliachak as a ZP member. All the eyes are glued on her and she is even considered as the ‘best alternative’ to others in the rat-race.According to sources, the Congress leaders evidently prefer her over others and they are even keen on applying the method of selection, formulated by Mr Rahul Gandhi, on her. The Congress has not been clear on who to nominate for the role from the BJP and CPI-M pool of candidates, falling under the ST quota. The Congress has no ST candidate elected for MZP, as yet. Following the Congress-BJP alliance and formation of Old Malda panchayat samity, anticipations are running riot. Political bigwigs have opined that the Congress would prefer a BJP candidate for the post of a saha-sabhadhipati. There is a provision for a fresh tribal candidate for this reserved post. If the Congress launches a fresh tribal candidate as the saha-sabhadhipati, within three months, the candidate has to win a Zilla Parishad seat.In such a case, one elected Congress candidate will have to sacrifice and quit membership.