Hailakandi

Hailakandi

Hailakandi is considered to be one of the first as well as the oldest subdivisions that can be found in Assam. On 1st June 1869, the district was represented as the civil subdivision which was then upgraded to the district in the year 1989. Having an area of 1326.10 square km, the Hailakandi also has two forest reserves namely Katakhal reserve forest and Inner line reserve forest.

Besides the reserve forest, this district also shares an inter state border on its south with Mizoram which is as long as 76km besides the inter district border with Cachar and Karimganj districts on the other side.  Almost half of the district is sheltered by the forests and the remaining half has 33% of area under cultivation. There are seventeen tea gardens in the Hailakandi district

The Hailakandi district also possesses a city named Hailakandi. Besides being the city, it is also the municipal board in the Hailakandi district in Assam. This district owns seventeen beautiful tea gardens.  

According to the census 2001, the projected population of the Hailakandi district is said to be 542872 in which there are 280513 males and 262359 females. Almost 57% of the population that is 312849 consists of Muslims while there are 223191 Hindu populations and the least population of 5424 is taken by the Christians. The density of population in the Hailakandi district is higher than that of the average density of population in the state. It is 451 per km2  while that of the state is 340 per km2.    

It consists of two towns namely Hailakandi as specified above and Lala. The Hailakandi district has 5 development blocks namely Katilcherra, Algapur, Lala, South Hailakandi and Hailakandi Development blocks. This district is a hone to numerous different communities where the people belonging to different castes and cultures live together.

Rahul Roy’s indecent behaviour irks people of Barak Valley

Rahul Roy’s indecent behaviour irks ACKHSA

From our Staff Reporter
Silchar, March 2: Some non-political organizations led by the All Cachar Karimganj Hailakandi Students’ Association (ACKHSA) has called a 12-hour Hailakandi bandh tomorrow protesting Algapur MLA Rahul Roy’s misbehaviour with the general secretary of Dreams, a cultural organization, on Monday. Roy had allegedly slapped Rupam Gupta, younger brother of Gautam Gupta, the private secretary of Rahul’s father Excise Minister Gautam Roy.

Barowari Puja Committee brought out a cultural  procession on Monday as part of the Holi celebrations in which Dreams also participated. It was alleged that Rahul Roy, who was driving his car, suddenly stopped his car and slapped Rupam in front of hundreds of people. Rahul then reportedly drove away from the spot.

The Puja committee vehemently criticized the indecent behaviour of Rahul Roy and appealed to the people of the town to protest the act of Rahul. It was also reported that Rahul had similarly assaulted Rupam publicly a few years ago. The incident resulted in ego clash between the father and son as Gautam Roy openly criticized Rahul. Sources said Gautam Gupta has become the most trusted lieutenant of Gautam Roy and that Rahul might be finding it difficult to accept this. THE SENTINEL

Devotees throng Sidheswar temple on Shivaratri in Hailakandi

Special Correspondent

SILCHAR, Feb 12: Hundreds of devotees today visited the famous Sidheswar Shiva temple at Kapilagram, Panchgram in Hailakandi district, 30 km from here, located on the bank of river Barak and by the side of NH-53. The uniqueness of the temple is that it stands on the rocky defile built up in natural course of time, defying the sweeping currents of the river during monsoon.

This pilgrimage destination is thronged by devotees from different parts of this valley and even beyond which has its own background and history. On the day of holy “Shiva Chaturdashi” the devotees besides offering prayers and performing other rituals and rites for seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva take a dip in Barak in order to absolve themselves of sins, as if it were, in accordance with the religious tradition. According to legend, Kapil Muni, creator of Sankhyadarshan, is believed to have meditated at this temple and thereafter it has also come to be known as Kapilashram. It is also said that since it has also been a place of meditation and prayer for fulfilment of one’s wishes, the temple is also known as “Sidheswar Tirtha.”

In the distant past, according to another legend, vast stretches of the area and land were under the domination of tribals. Eminent historian Rajmohan Nath quoting census of India, 1961, Assam, and district census handbook of Cachar says “another tradition speaks of the shrine being installed by one Pura King, a local chief who was a vassal either of the Tipperah king or of Lokenath, a governor of the Joytunga – Varsha, today’s Jatinga Valley, under the suzerainty of the Tipperah King.” It was at the initiative of this Tipperah King that the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva was built up.

On the holy occasion of Baruni Mela held in April every year, the pilgrimage is also visited by devotees for bathing in the river which according to their belief and tradition becomes as pure as the Ganges.

Among the milling crowd of devotees was Shakal Deb Roy, a CWC worker, and his family members consisting of his three and half year old son Biswajit Kumar, who is said to be born by the blessings of Lord Shiva, when Shakal was serving at Badarpur. They came all the way from Patna to offer prayers at the shrine for being blessed with a son. Janaki Mohan Das (80) who was paralysed came around, overcoming the deformity, was also at the temple to offer a cow as donation to the Ashram as he had prayed for his recovery.

The temple is a complex of Durga, Bishnu, Bhairob and Kapil Muni, besides that of Shiva. After Giri family priests, it is now the Chakraborty clan who have taken over the responsibility of performing day to day function, prayer and other rituals of the temple. People in general have been demanding to bring this holy pilgrimage on the tourist circuit of Assam. THE SENTINEL

MLA Siddique Ahmed to seek Congress ticket for the 2011 Assembly elections

From our Staff Reporter

SILCHAR, Jan 19: Challenging State Excise Minister Gautam Roy’s authority, controversial South Karimganj MLA Siddique Ahmed announced that he would seek Congress ticket for the 2011 Assembly elections.

Ahmed, who won the seat twice as an independent candidate, is an associate member of the Congress. He has developed enmity with his one-time mentor Roy in recent times. It is presumed that Roy will exert all his influence to prevent Ahmed from getting Congress nomination. Ahmed, however, made it clear that he would seek nomination directly from Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi.

The associate Congress MLA further said Gogoi will personally intervene in finalizing party candidates this time around as he is not happy with Roy for his unwanted interference in party affairs. He said both Roy and former Union Minister Sontosh Mohan Dev field their loyal persons as party candidates without taking into consideration their winning prospects. Gogoi is well aware of this fact, he claimed.

Lashing out at Roy, Ahmed alleged that at the directive of Roy crores of rupees meant for rural development was siphoned off by the DRDA that failed to furnish the utilization certificates. This, he said, led to the Centre to stall the second instalments of a number of projects. THE SENTINEL

Karimganj Industrial Training Institute (ITI)

KARIMGANJ, Dec 31: The Karimganj Industrial Training Institute (ITI) Surakhsha Chhatra Sanstha staged a sit-in at the BR Ambedkar Park at Karimganj recently reiterating its demand to finalize a permanent site for construction of the Karimganj ITI at Maizgram near Karimganj. Citizens from different sections of the society also participated in the demonstration supporting the demand to finalize the ITI site at Maizgram.

According to the students body, the site, as proposed by the Land Advisory Committee of the district for the purpose, will be suitable for the students and teachers of the institution. Explaining the point, a member of the committee said the proposed site at Maizgram will be near to a railway station, national highway-151, civil hospital and a big daily market. Besides, facilities for modern telecom system can also be availed by the teaching faculty, other staff members and the students of the institution.

 A meeting was also organized and was addressed, among others, by Mahitosh Das, Balram Das, Nirmalya Das, Uttam Majumder, Dipankar Ghosh and Samir Das. Later a delegation comprising chief convenor of the organization Debajyoti Debroy, Biswajit Deb, Soumitro Chakravarty, Rinku Malakar, Nirmalya Das and Dipanker Ghosh submitted a memorandum addressed to the Assam Labour Employment Minister and to the Karimganj Deputy Commissioner demanding that the existing ITI be set up at Maizgram. The students’ body further threatened to resort to vigorous agitation if a decision was not taken within five days in favour of their demand.

According to reports, the existing Karimganj ITI has been functioning in a rented house at Karimganj since 1991 and no suitable plot of land has been found in the vicinity of the town. Now a suitable land at Maizgram has been found but an influential lobby has been trying to mislead the government by demanding the Karimganj ITI to be shifted to Ramkrishna nagar near Hailakandi. THE SENTINEL

Badrauddin Ajmal fails to approve the Hailakandi ad hoc committee

SILCHAR, Dec 28: AIUDF president Badrauddin Ajmal suffered a setback in his attempt to approve the Hailakandi ad hoc committee of the party as Moulana Tayeebur Rahman, an influential cleric who is chief advisor to the party since its inception, stood as a roadblock. The ad hoc committee was constituted by local MLA Salim Uddin Barbhuiya.

Salim had allegedly constituted the Hailakandi ad hoc committee of the party only with members loyal to him. He, according to allegations, had ousted former district president Anil Nath, the only Hindu leader in the Hailakandi district unit of the party. Outspoken Nath had openly criticized the party high command when the district committee of the party had been dissolved after the last general elections.

Ajmal arrived in Hailakandi after eight long months, and now he is trying his best to convince the irate party workers about the prospects of AIUDF in Barak Valley. When he made it clear that the ad hoc committee that was constituted by Salim Uddin would get his final nod, Moulana Tayeebur, chief of Northeast Nadwatut Tamir, raised his objection to the move. There are allegations that Salim Uddin had allegedly neglected Nadwatut and Jamiat leaders while forming the Hailakandi district committee.

Moulana Tayeebur, according to sources, had suggested that the new Hailakandi committee of the party should be constituted with five representatives each from Nadwatut and Jamiat, five to be picked up by Salim Uddin and two each from Anil Nath and Mafajjul Barbhuiya camps. Ajmal spent two hours with Moulana Tayeebur on Saturday to convince the latter, but to no avail.

Meanwhile, Ajmal asked party workers in Hailakandi to get united to fight State Excise Minister Gautam Roy in Karimganj. Ajmal alleged that Muslim youths in Hailakandi district were falsely branded as terrorists. THE SENTINEL

Gautam Roy and Bikash Barua reelected as ACA President and Secretary resp.

GUWAHATI, Dec 25: The new committee of the Assam Cricket Association (ACA) was formed  in its annual general meeting held in Hailakandi today. There was not too much change in the committee as both Gautam Roy and Bikash Barua have retained the post of president and  general secretary respectively.  Both were unopposed at the meeting. Ghanshyam Barua, treasurer of the last committee, too extended his tenure in the same post without any opposition. The election was held for only vice-president’s post and Dr Brojen Gohain won it by defeating Prabin Konwar by 42-38 votes.

It may be mentioned here that a lot of discussion was held during the last few days on the election of Assam Cricket Association as dissident members, both from within and out of the Assam Cricket Association, were in a mood to bring a change because they were not happy at the performance of the earlier committee. However, good performance of the State teams at various level competitions of BCCI and the ongoing work of the ACA’s new cricket stadium at Barshapara possibly helped the top brass of the Assam Cricket Association to stay in their posts for one more term.

The new committee:

President: Gautam Roy.

Vice-presidents: Himanta Biswa Sharma, Rockybul Hussain, Rup Kamal Kakati, Babul Hore, Abdul Gaffar Zaman, Brojen Gohain and Rani Narah.

Secretary: Bikash Barua.

Treasurer: Ghanshyam Barua.

Joint secretaries: Bishnuram Nunisha and Umananda Bora.

Assistant secretaries: Ajoy Sharma and Sushanta Biswa Sharma.

Governing body members: Niloy Dutta, Anjan Dutta,  Pradip Hazarika, Pradip Buragohain, Dilip Choudhury, Aravinda Das, Bhakti Medhi, Pradip Das, Imdad Hussain, Munindra Saikia and Biman Bihari Sinha. THE SENTINEL

Don’t react to Ahmed’s rhetoric: Gautam Roy

SILCHAR, Dec 14: Excise Minister Gautam Roy had instructed both the units of Hailakandi and Karimganj units of the Congress to restrain themselves from criticising South Karimganj MLA Siddique Ahmed. It is to be noted that Ahmed had virtually waged a war against the Excise Minister a few months back. Roy has also told the district committees not to respond to any rhetoric of Ahmed, an associate member of the Congress Legislative Party said.

According to sources, Siddique, in the recent times, had warned people that he would paralyze normal life in Hailakandi and Karimganj following police atrocities on people who had raised voice against Roy’s autocracy. This had sparked protests from various organizations owing allegiance to Roy against Siddique, the sources added.

Some of the “anti-Siddique” organizations alleged that the recent dacoities in Hindu families were instigated by Ahmed and Roy had already brought the case of frequent dacoities in South Karimganj along the Bangladesh border to the notice of the Assam Chief Minister. The Southern range DIG has also, in the meantime, reportedly asked the Karimganj superintendent of police to furnish a report on the sudden rise of dacoity in the area. THE SENTINEL

Barak Valley flays Centre’s stand on Rly station issue

SILCHAR, Dec 11: The decision of the Union Home Ministry against renaming Silchar Railway Station as Bhasa Shwahid Station has evoked strong reaction in Barak Valley. Sammilit Sanskritik Mancha (SSM), a conglomerate of various socio-cultural and literary bodies of this valley, has been agitating for changing the nomenclature of the Silchar Railway Station in recognition of the sacrifice of 11 martyrs, who laid down their lives for the cause of the Bengali language on May 19, 1961, which was ultimately recognized as the medium of instruction for this valley.

In order to commemorate the memory of these martyrs, the Mancha stated its demand for renaming the Silchar Railway Station since 2005. Many public meetings, rallies as well as mass convention were organized from time to time on the issue, besides addressing a series of memoranda to Delhi and Dispur till date. After receiving a favourable report from the official team sent by the then Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav to this valley, hope flickered for a positive move. Even after Mamata Benerjee took charge of the Railway Ministry, a delegation of the Mancha briefed her on the matter and sought her intervention and she assured the delegation of her all possible help.

Meanwhile, the Centre sent seven reminders to the State Government for its no objection certificate but Dispur took time to clear the file and the Union Home Ministry came out with the decision, conveying its objection on the ground that the martyrs died for a regional and not a national cause and this “does not fall within their guidelines” to rename the railway station.

Eminent journalist Paritosh Paul Choudhury, who was on the forefront of the language movement of 1961 as the secretary of Gana Sangram Parishad, decried the decision of the Union Home Ministry and said that at the Durgapur All India Congress convention held in September 1961, Congress stalwarts JL Nehru, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Morarji Desai and others expressed deep sorrow and observed a minute’s silence as a tribute to the martyrs. It was a sort of national homage paid to the martyrs and to describe the language movement as regional “is most despicable and an insult to the sentiments and feelings of 35 lakh people of this valley.”

Paul Choudhury also said: “The Home Ministry has no correct information of the language movement and its background.” He added that the language movement was in no way different from that of east Pakistan, now Bangladesh, in 1952 but the sacrifices of Rafique, Salam and Barkat got recognition at the international level and February 21 of that year was observed as “martyrs day.”  Also, Bengali replaced Urdu as the national language of that country.

Litterateur and former professor of Bengali at Assam University Dr Subir Kar described the decision of the  Home Ministry as most unfortunate and was also skeptical about the role of Dispur and wondered why the Centre did not examine the relevant legislation or guidelines before saying “no” after a long time to the proposition. Dr Kar favoured the renewed and intensified agitation involving all classes and masses.

On the other hand, writer, poet and journalist Atin Das reacted on the decision by saying “the decision was not unexpected as even after 48 years, the status of the martyrs has not yet been decided.” He was doubtful about the materialization of the demand raised by the Mancha. He also blamed the Bengali leadership for their failure to focus the language movement and the martyrdom on the national level. Those who laid down their lives fought for the democratic and constitutional rights of the minorities and it was in no way a regional movement.

Bhasha Sahid Station Demand Committee convenor Dr Rajiv Kar regretted the stand of the Union Home Ministry and the statement of P Chidambaram in Parliament and said: “it is really puzzling that his ministry should take four long years to reject the renaming of Silchar Railway Station. He also did not find any logic behind the helplessness expressed by Mamata Banerjee in this regard after the decision of the Home Ministry.” He said how could she rename metro stations in Kolkata after Uttam Kumar or Bidhan Chandra Roy who were no national heroes?

“Our movement will continue till the demand is fulfilled,” he pointed out. In order to chalk out future course of action, a citizens’ meet would be held at Gandhi Bhawan on Sunday. The people of Barak Valley would take a final decision, he added. THE SENTINEL

Rahul Roy allegedly assaulted Debabrata Paul with his leather belt

SILCHAR, Nov 11: A Hailakandi Munsif court today issued a warrant against Algapur MLA Rahul Roy for allegedly assaulting a youth Debabrata Paul, a student of SK Dey College, Katakhal. Paul recently lodged a complaint against Roy alleging that Roy had mercilessly beaten him at his house.

Based on this allegation, the Munsif court issued the warrant against the Algapur MLA, who is the son of State Excise Minister Gautam Roy.

It was reported that Rahul Roy along with Dhananjoy Deb, manager of Sarashpur TE and father of a girl with whom Debabrata reportedly had a love affair, Hemendra Deb and Gourango Das were summoned by the Court to be physically present at the Court on November 30.

Sources said Rahul Roy had called Debabrata at his Hailakandi residence on October 26 and cautioned him not to harass the daughter of Dhananjoy Deb. After that Roy allegedly started whipping Debabrata with his leather belt. Debabrata later, on November 6, lodged a written complaint with the Court against Roy. THE SENTINEL 

Hailakandi tense, MLA Siddique detained

SILCHAR, Nov 1: Firing by CRFP marred the Ainakhal rally in Hailakandi, called by the Progressive Students’ Youth Forum (PSFY). The CRPF had to fire at least 20 rounds to disperse the mob led by former AGP minister Sahidul Alom Choudhury.

South Karimganj MLA Siddique Ahmed and Karimganj Zila Parishad Chairman Mantaj Ali, along with thousands of supporters, were detained on their way to the rally for at least three hours at Dholeswari crossing in Hailakandi. This resulted in a long road blockade on the national highway when the DIG (Southern Range) was trying to pacify the mob.

Meanwhile, one Saddam Hussain Laskar of the Lakshminagar area in Hailakandi sustained bullet injury on his chest during the firing by the CRPF. He was immediately admitted to the Silchar Medical College Hospital in a critical condition. Apart from Saddam, three other persons also sustained injuries in the CRPF firing and lathi-charge. Two of the injured have been identified as Nijumuddin and Tabal Hussain. They have been admitted to the Hailakandi Civil Hospital.

The PSFY has called a 12-hour Hailakandi bandh tomorrow demanding immediate transfer of Deputy Commissioner Tapan Chandra Goswami and SP Vivekananda Das. It was also reported that Mantaj Ali had indicated that they would also call a Karimganj bandh on Monday in protest against police atrocities.

Today’s rally was convened by the PSFY at Ainakhal, 15 km from Hailakandi town, in protest against the alleged corruption in various government schemes meant for the poor. Sources said the rally assumes political significance as the organizers planned to felicitate Siddique Ahmed, Mantaj Ali, Sahidul Alom and an AUDF leader, all known rivals of Excise Minister Gautam Roy. Sensation prevailed once the Hailakandi district administration clamped 144 CrPC sniffing a communal flare-up in and after the rally.

Some organizations, allegedly instigated by Roy, tried to hold a kirtan at the proposed site for the rally. In this backdrop, the district administration represented by AWC Debashish Chokraborty, DSP Dilip Saha and CI SK Das visited Ainakhal and ordered the PSFY not to hold the rally. In the meantime, Sahidul arrived in the place. Soon the news spread like a wildfire that Sahidul Alom led a huge rally towards Hailakandi. When the processionists reached Gudamghat, CRPF jawans tried to resist them. The mob then started pelting stones at the CRPF forcing the jawans to start firing. Saddum Hussain (15) sustained bullet injury in his chest. THE SENTINEL

ICDS programmes of Hailakandi district

CORRESPONDENT
HAILAKANDI, June 15 – Social Welfare and Jail Minister Akon Bora reviewed the ongoing ICDS programmes of Hailakandi district. In a meeting at Circuit House here on June 4 last, Bora expressed serious concern over the delay in implementing the ICDS programmes in the district and urged the ICDS officers to take steps for its speedy implementation. He held the view that the grassroot level Anganwadi workers are not getting any benefit despite spending huge amounts of money. He cautioned the officials that stern action will be taken against the officials if there is any negligence in implementing the programmes.

Excise and Border Areas Development Minister Gautam Roy, while speaking in the meeting, urged the officials to dedicate themselves for the cause of the people. He informed that Hailakandi district has 1810 workers in 905 Anganwadi centres and hoped that they will work properly for the benefit of the children. The Commissioner of Social Welfare Department Harish Sonowal also spoke on the occasion.

Later, Bora visited the Hailakandi District Jail and handed over Rs 10,000 each to the recently released inmates, namely, Gule Ahmed and Rajat Maal for their rehabilitation. ASSAM TRIBUNE

Silchar Railway Station named Bhasa Sahid Station

SILCHAR, June 7: Sammilito Samskritik Mancha, a platform of various cultural organizations of Silchar town, today expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for instructing the Railway Ministry to rechristen the Silchar Railway Station as ‘Bhasa Sahid Station’.

Addressing a press meet at the historic Silchar Railway Station, the representatives of the Mancha said that it was an overall success for the people of Barak Valley and the ultimate recognition to the language martyrs who sacrificed their lives for their language on May 19, 1961. They said, 1,44,000 people put their signature on the memorandum demanding the rechristening of the station.

Former Union Minister Sontosh Mohan Dev, on June 4, personally took up the matter with the PMO, and the process would be completed during the ensuing Railway budget. Accordingly, the PMO, on the following day, ordered the Railway Ministry to fulfil the formalities in the budget.
A team of Mancha would meet Mamta Banerjee to personally visit the Silchar Station and formally inaugurate the new name-plate.

They would also take up the issue of jinxed broad-gauge project and would invite intervention of Banerjee for speedy completion of the project. The press meet was attended by Dr Rajib Kar, Bhanu Shome and Nikhil Paul, among others. THE SENTINEL

ABVP for foolproof measures against infiltration

SILCHAR, Feb 18: Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) leaders and members today held a sit-in-demonstration before the office of the deputy commissioner of Cachar with banners and playcards, demanding stringent action against unabated infiltration of Bangladeshis in different parts of the country. The Parishad also submitted a memorandum on the issue to the Prime Minister of India through the deputy commissioner of Cachar.

The memorandum pinpointed Asom, West Bengal, Tripura, Bihar and Jharkhand in particular and said these states have become more than vulnerable to illegal migrants from across the border. The influx has assumed serious dimension, telling heavily on the demographic structure of these states. The problem is manifold as the Bangladeshis are involved in growing crimes; upsetting the socio-economic life of people.

In the bomb-blasts of Jaipur, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Guwahati and other places, the involvement of these illegal migrants has been more than substantiated. This influx is not only confined to Northeast and eastern countries but also spreading to the entire country. In order to contain this menace, ABVP presses for identification of Bangladeshis and deletion of their names from the voters lists, completion of fencing without further delay, more BOPs and more powers should be given to BSF to deal with the situation.

ABVP also demands deportation of illegal migrants from the most sensitive areas of ‘chicken neck’ that connects north east with the rest of the country, firm and definite steps to crush terrorism and extremism as well as cross border crimes, beside exerting diplomatic pressure on Bangladesh to take back the illegal migrants from the country. source: the sentinel assam

BG and Mahasadak issue: ACKHSA and ADSU to hold demonstration in Delhi

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SILCHAR, Feb 12: All Cachar Karimganj and Hailakandi Students’ Association (ACKHSA) and All Dimasa Students’ Union (ADSU) will jointly hold a demonstration at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on February 16 from 11 am to 3 pm in order to press their twin demands for the early completion of Silchar-Lumding BG and Silchar-Saurashtra Mahasadak (East-West Corridor).
This was stated by ACKHSA president Rupam Nandi Purkayastha at a press-meet today in the conference hall of a hotel.

Purkayastha castigated both the Government of India and the State of Asom for their lackadaisical attitude towards the two national projects on which depends rapid economic development of North Cachar Hills, Barak Valley, Mizoram, Tripura and Manipur. The BG and the Mahasadak, according to him, are the lifelines of supply for the region.

It was most unfortunate that in the worst insurgency hit Jammu and Kashmir and Tripura, the railway services could be introduced for the benefit of travelling public and for accelerating socio-economic development.

The BG and Mahasadak are yet to make any significant progress and the state government put the cause of delay on militancy which is quite untenable, pointed out Purkayastha.
He called upon all the political parties to make their stand clear on the issue of unigauge conversion and super highway before the ensuing LS polls.

He also asked all the MPs and MLAs of Barak Valley and North Cachar Hills to explain their silence on the projects. Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises Union Minister Sontosh Mohan Dev in particular, was criticized for not playing effective role in this regard.

Purkayastha said their joint movement and agitation for the last two years have failed to move either the Centre or the State. Nor have they received any positive response from people’s representatives.

He added to say, “failure of our leaders have prompted us to hold the demonstration in New Delhi to draw the attention of the Prime Minister, the Railway Minister and the Minister of Surface Road, Shipping and Highways.” Both the Association and the Union are expected to meet and submit memorandum to the Prime Minister and other Ministers concerned.

ADSU advisor Sanjay Burman while addressing the press-meet, said around 100 leaders and members of both the organizations would participate in the Jantar-Mantar demonstration with playcards and banners, highlighting their demands and the apathy of both the Centre and the State towards the people of north east, making a mockery of “Look East Policy”.
In the meantime, the supporters and workers of ACKHSA and ADSU are leaving for the national capital on Friday to take part in the dharna.
source: the sentinel assam

Public schools to be set up at Badarpur, Silchar, Hailakandi

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Public schools to be set up at Badarpur, Silchar, Hailakandi

Correspondent KARIMGANJ, Jan 27 – The Education, Research and Development Foundation (ERDF), a trust which is presently running the Central IT College with 3,500 students, the first of its kind in Assam, central public schools at Patherkandi of Karimganj district and a package of academic institutions across the North-east, has planned 10 other CBSE schools to be set up in rural, backward and remote areas of the region.Speaking about this scheme of the foundation at a press meet, its chairman M Haque said the plans include setting up of central public schools in Badarpur, Silchar and Hailakandi.Haque pointed out that the Foundation would give particular preference to very poor meritorious students of Barak Valley in its scheme for BPL students during admission to its colleges established in Guwahati. Apart from this plan, the Foundation has on its agenda an employment generation drive in Barak Valley.Under this school of career guidance the Foundation is going to start on trial basis, short-term job-oriented diploma courses on computer application, communication skills in English, office management, cutting and embroidery, besides sales and marketing.To develop the entrepreneurial scenario of Barak Valley, the Foundation would provide local self-help groups of rural areas with necessary micro finance and entrepreneurial capacity build up.NI Laskar, chief consultant said, ERDF since its inception has been involved in various welfare activities through awareness programmes organised by the students of the institutes under its management.Other areas where the Foundation has involved itself are AIDS awareness, peace and justice, cancer awareness, etc.As a positive step in this direction, the Foundation of its Regional Institute of Science and Technology was laid by the Chief Minister of Meghalaya at Ninth Mile in the district of Ri Bhoi. The Bill in this regard was passed by the Meghalaya Assembly.Pro Vice-Chancellor of Assam University Professor G D Sharma lauded the academic packages of ERDF which he believed would contribute in its own way to create the desired milieu for teaching and learning in various faculties and build up the infrastructure of socio-economic development of the region. source: assam tribune

ERDF to set up school of career guidance

: Special Correspondent
SILCHAR, Jan 13: Education, Research and Development Foundation (ERDF), a trust, which is presently running the Central IT College with 3,500 students, the first of its kind in Asom, Central Public School in Patharkandi of Karimganj district and a package of academic institutions across Northeast, has planned 10 other CBSE schools to be set up in rural, backward and remote areas of the region.

Speaking about this scheme of the Foundation at a press-meet in Borail View Hotel conference hall, its chairman M Hoque, said among the plans are, to establish central public school in Badarpur, Silchar and Hailakandi.

Hoque pointed out that the Foundation would give particular preference to very poor meritorious students of Barak Valley in its scheme for BPL students during admission to its colleges established in Guwahati. Apart from these plans, the Foundation has on its agenda an employment generation drive in Barak Valley.

Under this school of career guidance, the Foundation is going to start on trial basis, short term job oriented diploma courses on computer application, communication skills in English, office management, cutting and embroidery, sales and marketing.

Furthermore, to develop the entrepreneurial scenario of Barak Valley, the Foundation would provide local self–help groups of rural areas with necessary micro finance and entrepreneurial capacity build up.

N I Laskar, chief consultant, said ERDF since its inception has been involved in various welfare activities through awareness programmes organized by the students of the institutes under its management.

Other areas where the Foundation has involved itself are AIDS awareness, peace and justice, cancer awareness etc.

Chief technical advisor Prof S D Phukan revealed that the Foundation has envisaged concrete plans in making Asom and Meghalaya in particular and the entire Northeast in general, an educational hub in the near future.

As a positive step in this direction, the foundation of its Regional Institute of Science and Technology was laid by the Chief Minister of Meghalaya at Ninth Mile in the district of Rio Bhoi. The Bill in this regard was passed by the Meghalaya Assembly.

Pro vice-chancellor of Assam University Prof G D Sharma lauded the academic packages of ERDF which he believed would contribute in its own way to create the desired milieu for teaching and learning in various faculties and build up the infrastructure for socioeconomic development of the region. source: sentinel assam

Silchar News

Centre’s economic policy spelling doom on country
: Special Correspondent
SILCHAR, Jan 5: “The economic policy followed by the country since the time of Narsimha Rao, the then Prime Minister, has its disastrous consequences, affecting both agriculture and industry.

Many challenges have been thrown open which are only complicating the economic scenario”, was the observation of all India secretary of Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh Baijnath Rai while addressing the 13th Asom Pradesh Conference of the union here today which was attended by more than 300 delegates from across the state.

He castigated the successive governments at Delhi for coping the European countries, America and China in respect of liberalization, privatization and globalization which have only resulted in adversely affecting industrial production, leading to retrenchment of workers in huge numbers and blocking employment generation. He did admit that service and IT sectors calling for skilled jobs have been exceptions.

The economic stagnation as the country faces today has created a situation, as Rai pointed out, where the very security of the country has been put at stake.

He stressed on the fact that for all round development, a new policy different from the western countries was the need of the hour. The best option for India is not to go for import or export but to explore its own internal markets for production and consumption, he added to say. Ignoring its own potential and expanding markets have caused inflationary trends and the phenomenon of share markets, equity and mutual fund.

All this arrangement and system with massive investments have failed, Rai maintained. Worst affected by it are the middle and lower classes of people. Of the 246 public sectors, 120 are closed due to losses. 3.22 lakh mills and factories have also been shut down. The slump in agriculture has been driving rural masses to urban areas, leading to social conflict as witnessed in Mumbai. The poison of regionalism and chauvinism has struck at the fabric of solidarity.

According to him, global terrorism is the offshoot of international economic recession and depression. Even the communist China has felt the heat, weakening its economic structure. Instead of copying other nations, India should follow its own economic policy based on its own concept and strong sense of nationalism and patriotism.

Vice-president of BMS Sudhakar Kulkarni in his address came down heavily on the centre for its anti-labour policy. The workers and employees in public and private sectors are denied basic facilities. This is an all India phenomenon. Referring to Northeast in particular. He also said that lack of industrialization has failed to boost up economy of the region.

The only paper mill in Barak Valley is in dire strait due to politician, management and contractor’s unholy nexus. General secretary of the Union Nirmal Kanti Das also addressed the conference. Earlier, noted journalist and chairman of the reception committee Paresh Dutta welcomed the delegates and other invitees. source: sentinel assam

Electoral rolls published
Special Correspondent

SILCHAR, Jan 5: The draft electoral rolls of areas under Silchar Municipal Board and Lakhipur Municipal Board have been published on January 3 and the copies of which have been kept for public notice in the offices of the deputy commissioner and Silchar Municipal Board as well as in the office of the Lakhipur civil SDO.

It was reported that applications for entry of new names and objections if any would be received till January 12 next and the final electoral rolls would be published by the state election commission on January 29. source: sentinel assam

Lions Club eye camp on January 7
From our Staff Reporter

SILCHAR, Jan 5: Lions Club of Silchar Central is organizing an eye camp on January 7 at Tarapur Tea Estate in Labac. Patients with cataract will be operated upon at Lions Eye Hospital in Silchar. The camp will be sponsored by Dewan Group of Tea Estates. On January 21 a similar camp will be organized by Lions Club at Bandou Tea Estate. source: sentinel assam

Triennial conference to begin from January 5
: Special Correspondent
SILCHAR, Jan 4: The 13th All Assam Conference of Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh is slated to begin from January 5 here under the aegis of Cachar district unit.

The two day conference would deliberate over the important issues related to workers and employees of various public and private sector organizations as well as tea gardens.
President of BMS Cachar Sabyasachi Bhattacharjee said that around 300 delegates from different parts of the state would participate in the conference.

All India secretary of the Sangh Baijnath Rai would take part in the conference as the chief guest. The inaugural session will begin at 9.30 am on Tuesday while the open session is fixed at 2.30 pm the next day.

Among the prominent leaders, vice president of the union Dr Sudhakar Kukarni would also be present in the conference. source: sentinel assam

Merit test of Science Forum conducted
: Special Correspondent
SILCHAR, Jan 4: The 10th merit test for the students of different schools of Cachar district was conducted by Science Forum today in the premises of Government Girls Higher Secondary School here, member of the Forum Champak Saha said.

In all, 1,303 students from 105 schools sat for the merit test. There were 17 examination centres spread over eight academic circles of the district. He pointed out that this merit test will help in evincing keen interest among the students which is reflected in the growing number of participants. source: sentinel assam

ABVP stir against Bangladeshi infiltrators
Correspondent
BADARPUR, Jan 1 – The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) has strongly demanded the Central government to immediately declare Bangladesh and Pakistan as enemy State.

The ABVP said that these two countries are betrayers and non-peace lovers. This was demanded by the ABVP leaders recently at Kisanganj Bihar, recently as a part of their movement against Bangladeshi infiltration.

The ABVP said that in the entire country there are more than 3.5 crore Bangladeshi infiltrators out of these there are 50 lakh in Assam, which is a matter of deep concern for the people of the State as this State will be fully captured in future by the Bangladeshis if it is not tackled by the governments. source: assam tribune

BHRPC takes umbrage at ‘passport bribe’
: Special Correspondent
SILCHAR, Jan 1: Barak Human Rights Protection Committee (BHRPC) has taken serious exception on the bribe demanded by passport in-charge officer, Abdur Rahman Laskar of SP office Cachar while dealing with the applications of Faruk Ahmed Barlaskar, Makhmadur Rahman Laskar and Ikbal Hussain Laskar.

In a written complaint to SP of Cachar Violet Barua, a copy of which was given to The Sentinel on December 30 last, Secretary N A Mazumdar, Secretary General of BHRPC, said that the trio applied for passport verification report under tatkal system.

According to the submission, the said passport in-charge officer asked for the greasing of his palms for processing the applications. But, Faruk and others refused to oblige him. In fact, the SP (DSB) of Cachar directed the officer in charge of Lakhipur police station to carry out the necessary verification and submit the same to the department concerned. With due process, the verification reports of Faruk Makhmadur and Ikbal were submitted to the SP office.

Further, the written complaint stated that the passport-in-charge officer Abdur Rahman Laskar demanded Rs 300 only as fees from Faruk which he paid. After that Faruk and the other two applicants have been regularly meeting the officer who have been giving one excuse or the other everyday for not completing the verification process. On their subsequent meetings, the officer demanded another amount of Rs 6000 for the three verification reports.

The secretary general of BHRPC said the statement of the applicants recorded by them reveals that Abdur Rahman Laskar received an amount as gratification and demanded another amount from the three applicants. This, according to the Committee, constitutes an offence under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. The Committee has demanded intervention of the SP for taking necessary action on the matter since it is a serious offence. source: sentinel assam

Siguilong Puinah Oneness celebration
Special Correspondent
SILCHAR, Jan 7: The first ever Siguilong Puinah Oneness celebration cum development workshop would be held from January 13 to January 16 at Siguilong in Tousem sub-division of Tamenglong district of Manipur. This unique meet, according to Disinlung Kamei, Chairman of Siguilong village, would be attended by people Siguilong scattered in different parts of northeast, east and west of the country.

Disinlung Kamei said the theme of this celebration would be ‘one origin, one vision’ which would be graced by Mani Charenamei, MP outer Manipur, G Gaingam, former vice-president Naga Hoho, Khianiyang Panmei, commissioner excise, Government of Manipur, G Phaomei, Pastor Bethel Baptist Church Tamenglong and Graceson Pastor, SDA, Tamenglong. source: sentinel assam


BMS urges upon Centre to review economic policy
: Special Correspondent
SILCHAR, Jan 6: The 13th triennial conference of Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, Asom, which concluded here to day in its string of resolutions adopted, expressed its serious concern at the mounting problem of workers in the private and public sectors and demanded review of the economic policy pursued by the central government. A study of Indian economy, it notes, reveals that reforms have led to damage of Indian business, trade and commerce in contrast to the bright prospect under liberalization.

Though liberalization has increased the inflow of foreign capital and funds in the Indian market, the firms of the country have been adversely affected. The changes in patent laws, foreign investment and foreign trade have vastly pushed the Indian industries to a state of uncertainty. BMS is of the considered opinion that economic reforms can not be implemented in a straight jacket method. It insists on evolving indigenous ideas for economic governance and better results.

In another resolution, BMS takes exception to the indifferent attitude of the government- management combine towards tea workers in order to mitigate their suffering and hardship. It has been therefore reiterated that the government-management combine should take immediate measures for the implementation of Plantation Labour Act. All the facilities and amenities as provided under the Act should be extended to the tea tribes. The conference also calls upon the workers to prepare themselves for united struggle to realize their legitimate demands.

The problems of Anganwadi workers and helpers of Northeast region have also been brought in to sharp focus. It has been observed that neither the centre nor the state has taken any proper steps to solve the problems of Anganwadi workers. It is therefore imperative that the Government of India and State Governments should look in to their problems for their betterment. source: sentinel assam


Peace rally for justice held
: Special Correspondent
SILCHAR, Jan 6: A mass rally with placards and festoons was brought out on Monday under the aegis of Jadikhe Naiso Hoshom, Dimasa Mothers’ Association, student bodies and other social organizations which paraded through the main thoroughfares of Haflong, demanding justice and human rights protection. Later on a joint memorandum was submitted to the Chief Minister of Asom through the deputy commissioner of NC Hills district.

The memorandum expressed serious concern at the prevailing situation in the Hills district due to the factional feuds and clashes between DHD (Dilip Nunisa) and DHD (Jewel Gorlosa) which often result in killings of the cadres of each other. Even relatives of the factions are becoming victims of gory conflict. Quite shockingly many people including gaon burahs, mauzadars, politicians and people of different communities are also being killed as suspects.

The joint memorandum stresses for declaring bilateral ceasefire with DHD (J) by the government. In spite of army operation, it has been pointed out that people are not safe. Militants are rarely nabbed. Innocent people are picked up, tortured and killed without any reason. Several such cases have been cited by the signatories to the memorandum. During 2008 alone, about 100 people, civilians, security and extremists were killed in the district.

Many have become widows and orphans in this orgy violence. Many have been disabled for life. The continuing violence has seriously affected normal life and created a reign of panic among people who are virtually sandwiched between the strikes of extremists and counter insurgency operations of the security forces. People have lost the right to existence.

Besides the activities of DHD (J) or DHD (Dilip), the district is also caught in the vortex of extremism of NSCN (IM), NSCN (K), HPC, KNA, MC and KNLF who are freely operating in the district, extorting money and resorting to violent actions. The memorandum calls for tough measures in order to control the militant organization. It also urges upon the government to take initiative for adequate payment of ex-gratia to the victims of violence. source: sentinel assam

Waterways to open new vista of development

Special Correspondent

SILCHAR, Dec 25: “With waterways becoming operational between Kolkata and Silchar, it will open a new vista of development not only for Barak Valley but also for the entire Northeast. It will, at the same time, bring about a surge in economic activities and create a climate conducive for investment,” said Union Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways Secretary APVN Sarma while inaugurating a jetty at Badarpur and dedicating the Badarpur terminal located on the proposed National Waterways-VI to the nation.

Sarma said Barak and Kushiara rivers to the length of 121 km will soon be declared national highways, and a Bill to this effect was introduced in Parliament. He revealed the Bill enjoins upon Bangladesh to take up dredging of Meghna, Padma and other connected rivers. India, on its part, will also go for dredging of Barak and Kushiara. Once the waterways get the national status, navigational facilities on Barak and Kushiara round the year will be a reality.
Currently, he pointed out, the navigation of ships and vessels on the rivers is for six months only. The most positive development is that Bangladesh has agreed to extend all help and cooperation to make the waterways an effective means of transportation.

Sarma said both the countries will be benefited by this waterways as it will speed up economic development and attract investors for industrialization. Transportation of raw and finished goods between the two countries will be easier and cost effective, and that will lead to rapid development. Regular and round the year shipping of goods will also contribute towards the preservation of river vegetation and other creatures.

Central Inland Water Transport Corporation Chairman-cum-Managing Director Praful Tayal gave a brief history of the once booming waterways between Barak Valley and Kolkata. The revival of the waterways in all its pristine glory, he was confident, would create job opportunities and boost up economic development. The vessels were last operated by the CIWTC to Silchar in 1975. After a gap of over three decades, from 2006 the corporation has carrying cargo from Kolkata to Barak Valley. The corporation has an inland water terminal at Karimganj also on the river Kushiara. source: sentinel assam

News on Barak Valley

Anti-AIDS project under way at Hailakandi
Correspondent
HTML clipboard Hailakandi, Dec 25 – Monacherra Athletic & Cultural Club, a non-government organisation has started Targeted Intervention Project for Prevention of HIV/AIDS for 400 female sex workers (FSWs) of Hailakandi district.

They are implementing this project under the sponsorship of HTML clipboardAssam State AIDS Control Society (ASACS).

Project Manager Anwar Hussain Mazumdar said, “early prevention by targeting adolescents with proper information on HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) and to make them assertive can be an effective way to safeguard their future health status. Considering the need of the youth and the female sex workers, this 6-months long project has been launched in Hailakandi district”.

MAC has identified 400 female sex workers in Hailakandi district and the entire district has been divided into seven zones. These zones are Panchgram, Algapur, Hailakandi, Monacherra, Aenakhal, Lalabazar and Katlicherra. The MAC has identified 20 peer educators for counselling of the identified female sex workers and also to educate those regarding affects of spreading HIV.

The president of MAC, Subhrabaran Dasgupta informed that there is also provision for providing loan through micro finance if HIV positive blood is dectected among the female sex workers. They may also get SHG linked micro finance for their rehabilitation. They (female sex workers) are also provided TA/DA for attending the counselling and awareness campaign.

He also informed that most of the female sex workers are in the age group of 18-28 years. Most of the girls have come in the profession due to poverty, he said. He said that their volunteers visited almost all the houses of the targeted female sex workers and in most cases they found that these girls first gained sexual experience from their relatives or close ones.

Dasgupta informed that they regularly organise blood testing camp for these female sex workers with the help of the Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre (ICTC) of Hailakandi’s SK Roy Civil Hospital. If any case of Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) found, they refer the case to the hospital immediately. He said that major behavioural changes have been detected among the targeted female sex workers in regard to safe sex.

A sex worker confided that they do not hesitate to create pressure on their clients regarding use of condoms. source: assam tribune

Public awareness on domestic violence emphasized
Special Correspondent

SILCHAR, Dec 25: It was a packed auditorium of Gandhi Bhawan. A public meet was organized by the NGO ‘All Cachar Rural Development Organization’ in order to make people aware of the evils of domestic violence and how best to tackle it. It was a well meaning and well-intentioned campaign against a social evil which has been raising its ugly head, the cause of family dispute and unrest. Ram Mohan Chakraborty, retired district and session judge, speaking as chief guest, was quite appreciative of the move of the NGO to form GP level counselling centres for addressing it to the complaints and cases of domestic violence for their easy resolution.

Chakraborty admitted that the Domestic Violence Act, 2005 was yet to prove that it was effective enough to contain the atrocities against women. Nor was there any guarantee that it would be effective to check or minimize violence against women. The victims belonging to weaker sex often, as he said, fail to be bold and courageous enough to stand up and protest. He however expressed his confidence that with more campaigns and awareness the incidents of violence against women would be a thing of the past. Advocate Anup Chowdhury who presided over the meeting said of the 163 GPs in HTML clipboard Cachar , counselling centres in 80 of them have been set up and both the complainants and accused have been responding to the calls or voluntarily coming to seek counselling and resolving the dispute or conflict. He was hopeful more and more women would take advantage of these centres for better living through resolution of family misunderstanding leading to violence. The concept of counselling was more or less on the pattern of Lok Adalat whose arbitration and judgement in all cases was final and beyond the scope of any Court to interfere. The meeting today was attended by large number of women who came spontaneously from different parts of the district in order to get themselves enlightened about the counselling centres. Others who spoke on the occasion included AGP leader Sahidul Alam Chowdhury, advocates Nazmul Haque Mazarbhuiya and Dulal Mitra. source: sentinel assam

BJYM campaign to woo youth under way in Karimganj dist
Correspondent
NILAMBAZAR, Dec 26 – In view of the Lok Sabha election, the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), the youth wing of the BJP, has begun a mass campaign aimed at wooing the impressionable voters towards the ideology of the saffron party.

National observer of BJYM Nitish Nitin, while addressing a press conference here on Thursday, informed that the campaign has been launched to motivate the young voters against corruption and other burning issues of the State. The campaign will continue till January 10.

The Morcha has also constituted an observer team for each constituency of the district, which would promote an anti-Bangladeshi campaign in the State. He stated that the problem of Bangladeshi infiltration should be delt with a firm hand both by the State and the Central governments to avert bigger threats to the country.

Sudip Chakrabarty, vice-president of State BJYM stated that the target groups for the saffron party would be voters between 18 to 25 years of age.

He also urged the top leadership to give tickets to young and dynamic leaders in the ensuing elections to strengthen the party’s image amongst the impressionable voters.

Taking strong exception to the deteriorating law and order scenario in the country, Chakrabarty pressed the Centre to launch strikes to bust terrorist camps in neighbouring Bangladesh and Pakistan. He also criticised LM Suklabaidya, MP Karimganj for his long silence in Parliament regarding the border fencing and other burning issues of the border-located district of Karimganj.

Mission Ranjan Das, MLA and leader of the legislature party stated that the recent incident of violence in the country has once again brought to the fore the fatal implication of terrorist activities based in Bangladesh and Pakistan on India. It is high time to take stern action against the anti-national forces, he reiterated. Mriganka Barman, general secretary of BJYM, Biswarup Bhattacharjee, president, BJP Karimganj district committee, Shipra Goon, national executive member, Nitya Bushan Dey, organising secretary in Barak Valley, Nihar Das, state secretary BJYM, and Kishore Dey, general secretary of Karimganj BJYM explained the objectives of the ‘yuvajura’ campaign. source: assam tribune

Controversy over killing of Dimasa youth
From our Staff Reporter
SILCHAR, Dec 29: The bullet-riddled body of one Nityalal Kemprai, an auto-rickshaw driver who was reportedly missing since Saturday last, was handed over to Haflong police by 8th Sikh Regiment. Nityalal (25) was reportedly killed in an encounter with the Army at Govinbasti, 16 km from Haflong in the wee hours on Monday. The Army had reportedly claimed that the slain youth was a cadre of the Black Widow. A China-made hand grenade, a rifle, a radio set and six rounds of live cartridges were recovered from the possession of Nityalal.

However, the local residents are not ready to accept the version of Army and police version at its face value.

An autorickshaw driver said Nityalal, who hailed from Sabujai village under Maibong subdivision, was staying with his elder sister’s family in Haflong and his source of income was from autorickshaw deriving. On Saturday evening, he came out form his sister’s residence for weekly marketing, but did not return home.

Another source claimed, some people hired his autorickshaw for a trip to Gunjungbasti, 25 km from Haflong.

Nityalal was traceless since then, so was his autorickshaw (No. As-08-4416). source: sentinel assam

Silchar book fair concludes
Correspondent
SILCHAR, Dec 29 – The 70th book fair in HTML clipboard Silchar which started on December 17 at Bipin Chandra Paul field, concluded on December 25 last.

Earlier, attending the inaugural function as the chief guest, Prof Tapodhir Bhattacharjee, VC, Assam University said that it is encouraging to see such a gathering in these days, indicating that people still love books. To get good readers in these days is really tough, but readers are showing a positive sign still here.

Paritosh Paul Choudhury, general secretary, organising committee, spoke about the history of this book fair. He emphasized that it is not easy to handle this type fair in a remote area. He requested the Silchar Municipal Board to take up this fair for smooth functioning. Eminent scholar at Bhakti Madhav Chottopadhyay in his speech said book fair is the expression of self analysis and self realisation of a reader. source: assam tribune


Consumers’ meet deliberates over relevant issues
Special Correspondent
SILCHAR, Dec 29: The Consumers’ Meet held today under the banner of Grahak Suraksha Samiti, HTML clipboard Cachar, deliberated over basic and relevant issues concerning the consumers. The meet was presided over by the president of the Samiti Atin Das. General Secretary Biplab Kumar Goswami, in his written submission spoke about the various activities of the Samiti and its relentless campaign for awareness among the consumers for creating proper ambivalence in consumer affairs.

Goswami said till now since its inception eight years ago, the Samiti has been able to communicate with more than 20,000 consumers and provided relief to them by mitigating their grievances. He admitted that despite all the vigilance and monitoring, black marketers and profit makers continue to rule the roost, often compelling the consumers to pay through their nose. He called upon people in general to be watchful and in any case of black marketing has to be brought to the notice of the Samiti and the authorities concerned for administrative and legal steps.
Deputy commissioner of Cachar Gautam Ganguli, appreciated the positive role of the Samiti and he expressed his satisfaction at the large turn out of people which he said was an indication of consumers’ growing awareness about their rights and duties. He assured that any complaint brought to his notice would be properly investigated and action would be initiated. Member of Consumers’ Court Dr Jahar Kanti Sen lamented the declining public complaints before the Court which he said was quite inexplicable.

FCI Zonal Manager T Deshmukh said that his department has no role in the PDS for sugar, rice and flour which could eliminate much of the anomalies. Food Inspector Tarun Dutta Chowdhury said that there was legal provision to take action against those who adulterated consumer items. People have to be conscious about it. Legal strategy Inspector Subodh Sinha pointed out that people did come with complaints about weights and measures, but there were few who submitted them in writing. Superintendent of Food and Civil Supplies Utpal Barkakoti spoke about the problems of PDS. source: sentinel assam