Meghalaya Lok Sabha Election

SHILLONG: All the 11 nomination papers filed for two Lok Sabha seats -Shillong and Tura - were found valid after scrutiny on Tuesday.

Altogether seven candidates are in the fray for Shillong seat. They are Vincent Pala (Congress), John F Kharshiing (UDP), Pritchard BM Basaiawmoit (HSPDP), Martle N Mukhim (MDP), Dallington Dympep (CPI), Denis Siangshai (Independent) and Tierod Passah (Independent).

Sitting MP Agatha Sangma (NCP), Deborah C Marak (Congress), Arlene N Sangma (Independent) and Boston Marak (ANC-D) are in the fray for Tura seat.

Last date for withdrawal of nominations for both the seats is April 2.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission has deputed two observers to oversee conduct of the April 16 Lok Sabha election from Shillong seat. For East Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills districts, the poll observer is V Chandrasekaran and his contact number is 98562-61620 while for West Khasi Hills and Ri-Bhoi districts, the observer is KS Bains whose contact number is 98562-61628.

Further, for the Tura seat, the election observer for West Garo Hills district is Arvind Agarwal and his contact number is 98562-61565 while for East Garo Hills and South Garo Hills district, the observer is Harsh Vardhan whose contact number is 98562-61629.

The election authorities have also requested political parties, candidates and the public to contact the observers of their respective districts in case of any violation of the model code of conduct and other poll related matters in the two parliamentary constituencies.

Election monitoring cell in Jaintia Hills: The District Election Officer, also the Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner said that an Election General Control Room cum Complaint monitoring cell has been set up at Room No 9 in the DC Office at Jowai, Our Jowai correspondent adds.

The Control Room will look into complaints and queries received from various stakeholders regarding the Model Code of Conduct on various electoral issues pertaining to the General Elections to the Lok Sabha slated on April 16.

The Deputy Commissioner informed that complaints or queries from public, if any, may be lodged at the Control Room or directly on telephone no. 03652-220351.

The Deputy Commissioner also held a review meeting with all the Officers-in-charge of various branches in the district. The meeting was convened for smooth conduction of the coming Lok Sabha Election. The DC stressed that all precautions should be taken to see that the election passes off smoothly and there is no breakdown in the maintenance of peace and tranquility in the district. THE SHILLONG TIMES

Imposition of PR main poll plank for MPA, Congress

Shillong: The electioneering in the State for the Lok Sabha elections has been a low-key affair with no party holding any major rally in the State so far.

Following imposition of President's rule in the State on March 18, most of the front-ranking leaders like Opposition Congress leader D D Lapang, former Chief Minister Dr Donkupar Roy and NCP leader P A Sangma are busy dealing with the turmoil in the State politics.

However, political observers feel that the main issue of campaigning in the State will be imposition of President's rule which, according to them, would be the main poll plank for both MPA and Congress.

Political parties, contesting for the two Lok Sabha seats, have started campaigning in favour of their respective party candidates, though the electioneering was low-key so far. The campaigning is likely to pick up within the next few days.

Barring the MPA's big public meeting here on Saturday, there was no other major rally in the state capital, though the Congress arranged a number of street corner meetings at different areas highlighting the party's development activities at the Centre as well as in the state.

Meanwhile, the MPA was trying to woo voters, saying that President's rule was imposed in the state, suspending the MPA government even though they won the trust vote on March 17, and termed it as ''unjustified and undemocratic''.

On the other hand, the opposition Congress spoke in support of imposition of President's Rule and alleged that the MPA had failed on all fronts.

Eleven persons have filed nomination papers till yesterday which was the last day of filing of nomination papers. (UNI)

SHILLONG LOK SABHA ELECTION, UDP leader axed for defying party line

SHILLONG: UDP's Women's Wing president Arlene N Sangma has been expelled from the party for defying the party line by filing her nomination papers as an Independent candidate for Tura Lok Sabha constituency.

Ms Sangma submitted her papers on Monday violating the agreement between UDP and NCP that they would not be rivals in Shillong and Tura constituencies for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.

In a statement issued here on Tuesday, UDP general secretary RA Lyngdoh said Ms Sangma had been expelled from the party with immediate effect.

"We have expelled Ms Sangma on the ground that she has not abided by the party decision not to contest the Lok Sabha poll from Tura constituency," Mr Lyngdoh said.

He pointed out that UDP had already reached an agreement with NCP whereby UDP would support PA Sangma's daughter Agatha Sangma, NCP candidate for Tura parliamentary seat. NCP also has not put up any candidate for Shillong constituency as it would support UDP nominee John F Kharshiing. THE SHILLONG TIMES

Issue notices to Paul, Limison, says SC

By CK Nayak

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday ruled that notices be issued to KHNAM legislator Paul Lyngdoh and Independent MLA Limison D Sangma, upholding the power of Meghalaya Assembly Speaker Bindo M Lanong to go ahead with the disqualification proceedings against them.

The Bench headed by Chief Justice KG Balakrishnan, hearing a petition filed by former Meghalaya Finance Minister Conrad Sangma on behalf of MPA, said notices should be issued to Mr Lyngdoh and Mr Sangma. Senior advocate Amit Kumar argued for the petitioner.

The apex court order is now applicable to all the five suspended MLAs.

It was learnt that though the apex court upheld the supremacy of the Speaker, the voting rights of Mr Lyngdoh and Mr Sangma have remained intact as ruled by the Shillong Bench of the Gauhati High Court.

Speaker likely to issue fresh notices to Paul, Shullai today

Our Reporter adds in Shillong: Assembly Speaker Bindo M Lanong is likely to issue fresh show-cause notices to KHNAM legislator Paul Lyngdoh and Deputy Speaker Sanbor Shullai on Wednesday.

Mr Lanong on Tuesday said show-cause notices would be issued again to Mr Lyngdoh and Mr Shullai for their failure to respond to the notices served on them earlier.

Sources said both Mr Lyngdoh and Mr Shullai would have to reply to the new show-cause notices by April 7.

"Mr Lanong would like to disqualify the suspended legislators before April 15 to ensure early restoration of a popular government in the State," the sources added.

Meanwhile, asked if the voting rights of the suspended MLAs had been restored by the Supreme Court, the Speaker said, "This is just a rumour spread by Congress in order to create confusion in the minds of the public. In the fresh ruling on Tuesday, the Supreme Court has only upheld the power of the Speaker to go ahead with the disqualification proceedings."

Mr Lanong pointed out that the apex court had, by an order similar to the earlier one given in the case of Independent legislator Limison Sangma, also quashed the High Court stay order on suspension of KHNAM MLA Paul Lyngdoh. "The Speaker's ruling will prevail in all such (court) rulings," he said.

Earlier, Mr Lanong had made it clear that he would abide by his own decision.

Lapang complains to PC against Speaker

A PTI report from Shillong says Opposition leader DD Lapang has complained to Union Home Minister P Chidambaram about Assembly Speaker BM Lanong's alleged "partisan and arbitrary" behaviour.

"I met Chidambaram on Monday and explained the circumstances under which the Speaker violated the constitutional powers. Even though there is a no-confidence motion pending against him, he first invalidated five votes and cast his vote to save the government," Mr Lapang said on Tuesday.

Blaming the Speaker for the complete "breakdown of constitutional machinery" in the State, Mr Lapang said, "His (Speaker's) remarks that the court's ruling staying the suspension of the five MLAs is not binding on him is unwarranted, uncalled-for and unconstitutional."

"The dictatorial manner of functioning of the Speaker is a blot in the constitutional scheme of things in the country," he alleged.

Maintaining that the Supreme Court has not interfered in the High Court's ruling staying the suspension of the five MLAs, the Congress leader claimed that the voting rights of the five MLAs, four of whom had reportedly pledged support to Congress, had been restored. THE SHILLONG TIMES

CCTVs for vote count centres

SHILLONG: The State Election Department has decided to install close circuit televisions (CCTVs) and night vision devices, the first such move in the State, in eight vote counting centres for the Lok Sabha elections to clear people's doubts about any attempt to tamper with ballot boxes,

Shillong and Tura constituencies will go to polls in the first phase of the parliamentary elections on April 16. Counting of votes will be held on May 16.

Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Prashant K Naik on Tuesday said the details of the new initiative to fix CCTVs would be available in a day or two.

"There will be a long period between voting and counting of votes for the first time. Therefore, we have decided to install surveillance cameras to ensure transparency and clear people's doubts," Mr Naik said.

Apart from CCTVs and night vision devices, central paramilitary forces will be deployed in all the counting centres, the CEO added. THE SHILLONG TIMES

MPA criticises Governor over Advocate General

Shillong: The Meghalaya Progressive Alliance (MPA) on Tuesday voiced its protest against the removal of state's Advocate General G S Massar and appointment of K S Kynjing to the post.

Governor R S Mooshahary removed Mr Massar, who had ignored his directives ahead of the trust vote of the dismissed NCP-backed MPA coalition government, from the post last night.

''The sudden removal of Mr Massar as the state's Advocate General and appointing Mr Kynjing, a Congress supporter, has indicated that the governor is functioning on the advice of the Congress,'' former Chief Minister Dr Donkupar Roy told UNI here.

Dr Roy also expressed doubt whether the new appointments of Mr Kynjing as state's Advocate General and S P Mahanta as his deputy had been discussed in the Union Cabinet.

The MPA had appointed Mr Massar as Advocate General soon after assuming power in March 2008. (UNI)

Ranjit Shekhar Mooshahary to examine legalities

SHILLONG: With both MPA and MUA claiming majority to form the new government in the State, Governor Ranjit Shekhar Mooshahary has said that he will first examine all the legal aspects before inviting any group for government formation.

"There are various verdicts by both the Supreme Court and the High Court relating to disqualification of MLAs. I will examine all legal aspects before inviting any group to form the government," Mr Mooshahary told reporters on the sidelines of his surprise visit to the Shillong Civil Hospital here on Tuesday.

The Governor made it clear that he would have no problem with asking a group having a clear majority to form the government, saying the Assembly was kept in suspended animation.

"I'm ready to call the group having a clear majority to form the government, but I have to look into the legal provisions," Mr Mooshahary said.

MPA on Saturday staked its claim to form the government by submitting a list of 28 MLAs to the Governor. MPA claimed majority on the ground that four MLAs still remained suspended as per the ruling of the Speaker. The MPA list of legislators, however, included Dr Adviser Pariong (HSPDP), the other suspended MLA. The non-congress alliance said the Speaker should drop the disqualification proceedings against Dr Pariong as HSPDP had already withdrawn its complaint against him.

Similarly, Congress-led MUA on Monday claimed that it had the majority in the 60-member House and so the Governor should invite it to form the government. Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader DD Lapang faxed a list of 31 legislators supporting MUA from New Delhi to the Raj Bhavan here. Among the 31 legislators were four of the five suspended MLAs - Paul Lyngdoh (KHNAM), Sanbor Shullai (NCP) and two Independents Ismail R Marak and Limison D Sangma.

CLP spokesperson Dr RC Laloo, who led a 14-member delegation of Congress legislators to the Governor's House, said since the voting rights of the suspended legislators had been restored by an order of the Shillong Bench of the Gauhati High Court, MUA should be asked to form the government. THE SHILLONG TIMES

Close shave for Pranab Mukherjee, in air and on land

GUWAHATI, March 31: Union External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee today survived two major scares during his Asom visit today. When the helicopter carrying Mukherjee and Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Bhubaneswar Kalita was on its way to Silchar from Guwahati it entered an “air pocket”. According to sources, it was the skill on the part of the pilot that saved the helicopter from a possible accident. That was not all. In Guwahati, an IED went off killing one person and injuring over 16 in the Lokhra area under Fatasil Ambari police station where Mukherjee was scheduled to address an election rally. The rally was, however, cancelled after the blast. The blast site is around one km from the field where Mukherjee was scheduled to address the rally.

According to the police, the bomb was planted on a motorcycle. It went off in the area which was packed with evening shoppers and vendors. The motorcycle (AS14A7924) on which the device was planted was badly damaged. However, the police said the number of the motorcycle was fake. Additional DGP (law and order) Bhaskarjyoti Mahanta said the ULFA was behind the blast.
The injured, including an eight-year-old child, were admitted to the Gauhati Medical College Hospital (GMCH). The person who died in the blast has not been identified as yet. The people of the locality, however, said he was from the Udalbakra area in Kahilipara. Some of the injured have been identified as Ram Naresh Roy, Ranjit Pandit, Narayan Dutta, Satish Dutta, Mantu Chetri, Bugu Gogoi, Rajesh Bora, Jyoti Mahanta and Gobinda Chetri.

Meanwhile, police sources said a three-member team of ULFA has entered the city to carry out subversive activities ahead of the outfit’s raising day on April 7.

Mukherjee, who was addressing a press conference at a city hotel, said terrorists might strike during the elections. “The Centre has adopted its zero-tolerance approach to terror. The democracy of India is so strong that the citizens will not allow any force to derail the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls. The people will come out in large number to exercise their franchise.”

When asked if militants’ threat from Bangladesh and Pakistan during the Lok Sabha poll still persists, Mukherjee said: “The threat is there, but we have deployed adequate number of security forces. In Asom also adequate number of security forces have been deployed so as to ensure free-and-fair elections.”

On the Bangladesh front, Mukherjee said: “Earlier the neighbouring country was against any extradition treaty with India, but now the Bangladesh Government is holding talks with us on extradition of criminals and militants.” THE SENTINEL

Barpeta MP Golam Osmani passes away

GUWAHATI, March 31: Barpeta MP and senior Congress leader Abul Fazal Golam Osmani passed away at AIIMS in New Delhi at 11.50 am on Tuesday. He was admitted at AIIMS on March 25 due to illness. He was survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter. Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi condoled the death of Osmani. AGP leaders too expressed their grief at the demise of the veteran politician. THE SENTINEL

Training on modern agri technology

Correspondent
JONAI, March 31 – At a time when the rural farmers had to face economic hardship due to their inadequate agricultural land and rapid retardation of agricultural production rate, the ‘Friends of Rural Mass (FORM)’, a Jonai-based NGO, is raising hope by imparting training on modern agriculture technologies.

A three-day training-cum-workshop for rural farmers was organised under the aegis of the NGO in active collaboration with the Dhemaji district Agriculture department at Jonai Agriculture Training Hall recently.

The three-day training programme which concluded last month stressed judicious application of chemical pesticides in edible crops and vegetables, integrated pest management (IPM) with special reference to biological control of pest, soil testing and management, integrated nutrients management (INM) and methods and methodologies of System of Rice Intensification (SRI).

Inaugurating the programme, Madan Pegu, SDAO of Jonai, explained the various wings of Agriculture department with the recent agriculture schemes that has been implemented in the State. He laid stress on the importance to attend agriculture training for achieving increased agricultural produce by adopting modern technologies.

Dipen Saikia, an agriculture resource person-cum-coordinator of Silapathar RVC (NGO) had elaborately explained on application of SRI technology with special reference to improved varieties of paddy crop while Navajyoti Deori from North Star Club (Jonai) discussed the ways of upliftment of rural economy through the local NGOs.

The technical session was also attended by Yusub Ali, Agriculture Development Officer, Kamal Pegu and Prafulla Kaman as resource persons, discussed various topics like mechanical and traditional methods of IPM, bio-pesticides, concept of ETL (economic threshold level) and application of Bordo-Mixture etc. The training witnessed by 30 farmers of the subdivision including NGO members had sessions on practical demonstration of traditional methods of pests control and soil testing. The concluding programmes was ended with valedictory functions. The participant trainers were given certificates after successful completion of the training programme.

Training on agriculture marketing: A three-day training for the farmers of Dhemaji district on ‘Marketing of agriculture products’ was held at Guwahati Sankardev Kalakshetra recently, a press release stated. The programme was organised by the State Agriculture department under its Rashtriya Krishi Vikash Yojna (RKVY) scheme. The training which ended on February 18 last was attended by about 60 farmers of Dhemaji district.

The first day’s programme included a tour to the nearby agriculture and plantation project sites.

The training was inaugurated by Gunajit Goswami, marketing consultant of World Bank aided project. In course of his speech, he elaborated various commercial cultivations including processing and marketing of edible crops, grain species and oil seeds. Another resource person Durgeswar Thakuria, Deputy Director of Agriculture (seed) had explained on quality seed production with special reference to improved varieties of rice and different levels of seed village scheme.

On the concluding day Banshidhar Kalita Sr ADO discussed on organic farming while Pabitra Kalita, faculty member, SIRD elaborated the various aspects of agriculture marketing. Besides then Raman Bhuyan, technical assistant of marketing, and Sr ADO Kailash Ch Talukdar also delivered a lecture on the occasion. ASSAM TRIBUNE

Guwahati Mail

Dangerous planting of trees on busy roads
This is to protest to the Deputy Commissioner of Kamrup Metro against the indiscriminate planting of trees in the middle of busy roads and thoroughfares, a senseless decision which is causing accidents and leading to loss of lives in certain parts of the city. Not only does such a move reflect very poorly on the mental faculties of the people behind it, but it also betrays an utter lack of concern for public safety. From the point of view of common sense, it is absurd as to why anybody would want to prevent the driver of a speeding vehicle from having a clear view of the adjacent segment of the road ahead of him, knowing fully well that such a step would only serve to obscure the driver’s vision.

Yet, this is precisely what the trees (most of them have grown quite tall due to zero maintenance) on the dividers are doing. Apart from the fact that there is practically no fencing around them, numerous openings have been provided for, on the dividers. As a combined result of these factors, the drivers on the highway (with speeds of not less than 80-90 kmph), particularly on the Khanapara-Jalukbari stretch, find it impossible to avoid a collision with any object, human being or animal, that darts out from the other side of the road through one of the many ‘outlets’ on the divider.

The fact that I refer to here is not some remote hypothesis, but a terrible reality which has already taken a heavy toll of both human as well as animal lives in places such as Lokhra, Balaji, Garchuk, etc, on the Khanapara-Jalukbari Highway. But ministers, bureaucrats and other members of the ‘top brass’ who regularly ‘fly’ on the same route have failed to notice this single most important reason behind accidents in this ‘highway of blood’. And now, strangely and shockingly enough, the same ‘highway model’ is being sought to be replicated in certain other parts of the city (for example, near the Six-Mile Over-Bridge)! Surely this is the height of ridiculousness!

In view of the grim situation and even grimmer possibilities referred to above, we request the Deputy Commissioner of Kamrup Metro to take immediate steps to prevent any further loss of innocent lives which this dangerous planting of trees has brought about. Be it on the plea of ignorance or arrogance, we must not allow any compromises to be made in issues of public safety. – Arunava Gupta, Rukmininagar, Dispur

City buses
It is a matter of dismay that city buses keep waiting for a long time at bus stops and it is really troublesome for the office goers as well as school and college students. They wait in one bus stop for about 15-20 minutes, as a result of which the public has to suffer a great deal. In spite of legal provisions related to this offence, this practice still continues. Therefore, the government should take certain measures to stop this action of the bus drivers.

Buses are meant for the public, but if the public is irritated instead of being facilitated, then there is no utility of bus service. A rule should, therefore, be made mentioning the time a bus can wait at every stop, so that both the public as well as the bus drivers are not troubled. – Sreyashi Sharma ASSAM TRIBUNE

Sikkim varsity office ransacked, 9 held

CORRESPONDENT
GANGTOK, March 31 – Sikkim University came under open hostilities from enraged students who turned violent at Namchi Government College in South Sikkim with reports of some Tadong Government College students ransacking the university office at 6th Mile coming in.

Police later arrested nine students of the Tadong Government College who had gheraoed the college principal Dr MP Kharel. “Nine college students have been arrested for ransacking the Sikkim University office and threatening the college principal”, said SP (East) Dr MS Tuli.

It may be recalled that following the declaration of re-assessment result, the first year students of Sikkim Government College (SGC) had called a strike protesting against the Sikkim Central University.

“This is shocking that only 52 percent of the students passed in the re-assessment,” Devansh Rai, one of the students initiating the strike told newspersons. The students submitted a memorandum to the office of the Vice Chancellor on Monday demanding him to consider the matter.

Later, a meeting was held between Principal SGC, Dr MP Kharel and the Dean, Sudan Pradhan and the student representatives.

In the meeting, the students were asked by the Sikkim University to appear for the second semester. “We have been told that we can complete our graduation but at the same time we have to clear our exam in the seventh semester,” Milan Sharma, one of the students who attended the meeting said.

As soon as this decision was made, the students called off their strike. According to reports, about 60 students of Namchi Government College, in South Sikkim, dissatisfied with the re-assessment turned violent and broke furniture, window panes and flower vases at the college premises. ASSAM TRIBUNE

President arriving in Arunachal today

CORRESPONDENT
ITANAGAR, March 31 – Amid a heightened security cover, President Pratibha Devisingh Patil is arriving on a three-day maiden visit to this frontier State of Arunachal Pradesh tomorrow.

The President will address the first convocation of North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST), a deemed university, at Nirjuli, 18 km from the State capital here. Besides delivering the convocation address, she will confer the degrees of various under-graduate and post-graduate courses to the students who passed out during the years 2006 to 2008.

The first convocation of the premier institute, also marks its on-going silver jubilee celebrations.

After a night’s halt at the Raj Bhawan here, the President will leave for Tawang the next day where she will visit the Tawang Monastery and War Memorial. She is also expected to interact with the State Government officials there.

After returning from Tawang the same day, the President will visit the Itanagar-based Ramakrishna Mission Hospital and Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum in the afternoon.

In the evening, Patil will inaugurate ‘Arun Self-Help Mela’ here where she will have interaction with the members of more than 25 self-help groups (SHGs) and local NGO representatives. Being organised as a part of the State Government’s effort to promote entrepreneurship in the State, the mela is facilitating the local entrepreneurs to showcase their handicrafts and handloom products.

Before returning to the national capital on April 3, the President will fly to Kibithu area in Anjaw district of Arunachal bordering China, and the Lohit district headquarters of Tezu. The supreme commander of the armed forces, Patil, is expected to interact with the security personnel posted at Kibithu along the India-China border, informed sources said. ASSAM TRIBUNE

NREGA: haunted by the ghost of corruption

— Dr H K Goswami The ghost of corruption has haunted many public agencies and the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) is no exception. Bank payments of NREGA wages were recently introduced on a mass scale, and projected as a foolproof remedy against corruption. But recent evidence suggests that the banking system itself is not above corruption. So corrective steps are urgently needed.

The main technique of embezzlement in public employment programmes, including National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme is to fudge the muster rolls (attendance sheets). Fake names or inflated attendance figures are entered in the muster rolls, and middlemen pocket the difference. This has been possible because of the cloud of secrecy that surrounded the muster rolls. The NREGA sought to change that based on a range of safeguards, starting with the transparency of muster rolls. For instance, NREGA muster rolls are supposed to be available at the worksite and filled there every day in the presence of the workers, giving them an opportunity to check the details at any time. Similarly, payment details from the muster rolls are supposed to be entered in the workers’ Job cards, enabling them to monitor these payments. However, in practice, it is not done.

Another factor that facilitated corrupt practices in the past was that the same person or agency was in charge of maintaining muster rolls and paying the wages. Since both functions were in the same hands, fudging muster rolls was both easy and profitable. The separation of these two functions is a powerful safeguard against embezzlement. Even before NREGA, this was the norm of drought relief progamme in Rajasthan. There muster rolls were prepared by Gram Pranchyat functionaries with the help of the worksite supervisors whereas wages were paid by the Patwari (a Panchayat level employee of the revenue department). This makes it harder to siphon off funds by fudging muster rolls unless the different actors collude with each other. The need to separate payment agencies from implementation agencies was an important argument for the recent introduction of bank/post office payments of NREGA wages.

Significantly. from a long-term perspective, the payment of wages through bank/post offices is probably a move in the right direction. However, the transition to bank/post office payments has been made in a very haphazard manner. And the results have often been sober. The Union government seems to regard bank payments as a ‘magic bullet” against corruption, but the bullet is in danger of ending up in its own foot.

In Banglapara Gram Panchayat under Bongaigaon district, in Lower Assam, many bogus names were detected in the master rolls prepared for a major water project under NREGA. A report published in a daily published from Guwahati on December 13, 2008, reveals that names of even many school children below 18 years were found in the master rolls. Fake job cards were issued against these names and a huge amount was misappropriated by the concerned junior engineer, post master and the corrupt middlemen.

In Jharkhand, one of the worst performing States as far as NREGA is concerned. the tremendous potential of NREGA is in danger of being wasted due to massive corruption. A survey of NREGA initiated by the GB Pant Social Science Institute in Palamau and Koderma districts reveals that transparency safeguards are routinely violated and funds are being siphoned off with abandon. In Jharkhand, in the absence of Gram Panchayats (the chief “implementing agency” under the NREGA), the implementation of NREGA is effectively under the control of private contractors, or quasi-contractors such as the so-called ‘labhuk samitis’ (beneficiary committees). But private contractors work for profit, and the only way to make profit from NREG scheme is to cheat. In Jharkhand, therefore, corruption is built into the system.

In Haryana, implementation of NREGA is far from satisfactory. The report of the Comptroller and Auditor-General (CAG) of India for 2007-08 tabled in the Haryana State Assembly on February 10, 2009, says that there were cases of over payment of wages to the same persons and payments shown as disbursed without obtaining proper receipts/signatures/thumb impressions of workers. Similarly, large number of complaints regarding use of machines in execution of works and insertion of bogus names in muster rolls, who were not deployed on the works, were also found. Pointing out that assets created were not beneficial to community, the report says that ponds dug up at a cost of whopping Rs 8.37 crore in Mahendergarh district were without water. The district faces water shortage with water table having gone down alarmingly over the years, the CAG report said. The CAG has criticised dilution of the scheme under NREGA due to poor record maintenance. delayed payment of wages and non-payment of unemployment allowance. The CAG held that the NREGA being a Central law, the Ministry of Rural Development should accept the overall responsibility for coordinating and monitoring its administration and ensuring economical, efficient and effective utilisation of funds provided by the Union government.

In Chhattisgarh, three government officials, including a Sub-divisional Officer (SDO) with Rural Engineering Services (RES) and to Sub-Engineers were arrested on January 19, 2009, and later sent to Jail by a court in Bilaigarh in Raipur district, for irregularities in NREGA work in Bilaigarh. For 54 projects under NREGA in Bilaigarh block, Rs 14.72 crore was sanctioned in March 2008. However, large-scale irregularities were detected in the implementation of work soon after work began in all those projects.

Given that 90 per cent of NREGA funds come from the Centre, The Central government has a right to enforce high standard of transparency and accountability in the programme. The Act gives the Centre wide powers to do so, whether it is through framing rules. conducting investigations, designing an effective monitoring and information system or taking action where there is evidence of fraud. Instead of seizing these opportunities, the Ministry of Rural Development largely expects the State governments to comply with its Operational Guidelines. These guidelines are indeed very good, but their legal status is unclear, and many State governments are treating them lightly. Thus, NREGA is being implemented in a dangerous vacuum, with a few mandatory norms except for the general provisions of the Act. Even basic safeguards, such as the maintenance of job cards and transparency of muster rolls, are effectively left to the discretion of the State governments. This state of affairs makes NREGA quite vulnerable to corruption and other irregularities.
(The writer is former Principal, Mangaldoi College). ASSAM TRIBUNE

Save Deepor Beel

— Deepor Beel, the State’s lone Ramsar Site and a wetland of immense significance, especially for the city, bears testimony to the havoc that unbridled urbanisation, human greed, and shockingly inert government authorities are perpetrating on the environment. Situated within the city precincts, the Beel, once spread over an area of 41 sq km, now covers barely 5 sq km. This once-pristine wetland is made to bear the brunt of many ills — from large-scale encroachment and heavy siltation from the denuded hills to accumulation of filth and toxic wastes from the Bharalu and Bahini rivers to growing industrial activities within its periphery. Add to it unregulated fishing practices, invasion of aquatic weeds, a railway line along the southern boundary, and quarrying within the Beel bionetwork, the survival prospects of this unique ecosystem look remote. The significance of Deepor lies on many counts. A natural wetland, it harbours a rich variety of flora and fauna including some 200 species of birds, many of which are endangered. It is a major storm-water storage basin for Guawhati, which experiences the severe water-logging every monsoon. It recharges groundwater, and is the best indicator of the city’s environmental status. The entire Deepor-Rani-Garbhanga belt, endowed with diverse wildlife and spectacular scenery, needs to be developed as a protected area with thrust on tourism promotion.

For restoring Deepor Beel, it is highly imperative that the anthropogenic and industrial pressures on the wetland are halted. Of late, there have been some efforts towards digging up the Beel bed and enhancing its water-retaining capacity. But the long-term survival prospects of the wetland are intrinsically linked to reducing human interference on its fragile ecosystem. Of equal importance is to extend protection to the green cover on the city’s hills, because widespread deforestation on the hills has a bearing on the accumulation of huge deposits of earth and silt on the Beel bed. And finally, it is not just Deepor, but thousands of other wetlands in the State that are on the verge of dying. Assam has a vast network of wetland with over 5,000 water bodies having a minimum area of 2.25 hectares. Apart from being economic assets that provide sustenance to lakhs, the ecological significance of these wetlands is simply immeasurable. If the wetlands are degraded and destroyed, Assam will lose a major part of its natural heritage and the damage on the environment will be irreparable. ASSAM TRIBUNE

Obama’s new policy

In launching a new policy initiative in US foreign affairs, President Barack Obama is trying to undo the mistakes made by his predecessor, George W. Bush. The latter, it may be recalled, had his popularity graph soaring when he launched a campaign to drive theTaliban out of Afghanistan. It had, on the military level, been successful enough to have propelled one of the most incompetent of US Presidents into a second term. Bush’s Waterloo had been Iraq, a misadventure that landed America into yet another Vietnam type situation. His preoccupation with the post-Saddam chaos in that country had taken the focus away from Afghanistan, enabling the Taliban to find safe havens, regroup and reassert itself. Obama’s Afghan-Pak policy, in essence, will try to reverse the process by diluting US involvement in Iraq and refocus on Afghanistan. His administration believes that the area around the Afghan-Pak border is the cradle of global terrorism, with forces inimical to the West, such as the Al Qaida, joining hands with the Taliban there. However, there are significant differences between Obama’s and Bush’s approaches. Unlike Bush, who had almost given a blank cheque to Pakistan, Obama’s aid to that country would be conditional and subject to scrutiny with regards to effectiveness. While Bush had gone about his campaigns unilaterally, with scant regard for global opinion, Obama is trying to involve as many countries as he can in his war against terrorism.

The change of focus has already been effected, with a proposed surge of additional troops and announcement of non-military aid to Afghanistan and Pakistan. But, like all policies, the chances of failure are as high as of success. No doubt, the realist that he is, Obama has extended a conciliatory hand towards traditional US adversaries such as Iran, knowing full well that their cooperation is sine qua non if international terrorism is to be contained. In fact, such a goal needs active involvement of quite a few key players, apart from America’s allies, which has led Obama to propose formation of a “contact group” with UN assistance. But, while a country like India might be happy to contribute towards the ultimate goal, it is not certain how far countries like Russia or Iran would go to help out the US. Most pertinent, of course, is the ability or otherwise of the administration of Pakistan to play the role assigned to it in the new Afghan-Pak policy. The series of terror-strikes in Pakistan has been constant reminders of how impotent it has so far been in combating home-grown terror. Moreover, many wings of its administration, particularly intelligence agencies like the ISI, are so closely involved with terrorist organisations that it is often hard to tell which side they are on. Pakistan well might prove to be Achilles’ heel of Obama’s Afghan-Pak policy, putting a question mark on its ultimate success. ASSAM TRIBUNE

BDR chief Mainul Islam to meet Chidambaram

BDR chief to meet Chidambaram
Spl Correspondent
NEW DELHI, March 31 – On his first visit to India after assuming charge, chief of Bangladesh Rifles, Mainul Islam, is meeting Union Home Minister, P Chidambaram and expected to brief about the recent carnage involving his Force. Islam, who was appointed as Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) chief following the killing of Major General Shakil Ahmed in a mutiny last month, is scheduled to meet India’s Border Security Force (BSF) head M L Kumawat during his three-day trip.

The meeting is a ‘familiarisation meeting’ by Dhaka though BSF officials said it is more of a thanks-giving tour. Bangladesh has appreciated BSF’s role during those tumultuous days of the rebellion by BDR personnel, some of whom deserted their post, leaving the border unguarded.

Islam is leading a six-member delegation and will take part in a commemorative meeting in honour of late Major General, Shakil Ahmed.

However, the two chiefs are expected to discuss contentious issue of militant camps being run by the Indian Insurgent Groups, border management to check cross-border crimes and smuggling. Dhaka has already conveyed positive signals regarding handing over of wanted militant leaders, including Anup Chetia. Though it is silent about handing over Ranjan Daimary..

According to a BDR official, Islam will also express his gratitude to the Indian BSF for its cooperation in maintaining a peaceful border during the mutiny at the BDR headquarters last month. “We appreciate BSF’s role which reflects the friendly relations the two countries have,” the Brigadier General was quoted as saying. ASSAM TRIBUNE

Parbati Prasad Barua, Bhupendra Sangeet contest results

Correspondent
KALIABOR, March 29 – The 7th All Assam Parbati Prasad Boruah and Bhupendra Sangeet contest was held at Hatbor, Kaliabor on March 2 with a day-long programme under the auspices of Mancha, a literary, cultural and sports organisation of Sorubhagiya.

Keshab Mahanta MLA, Kaliabor inaugurated the competition by lighting an earthen lamp before the portrait of Parbati Prasad Barua. About 100 competitors from all over Assam participated in the contest. Geetikabi Pranabi Ram Barua, Samar Hazarika brother of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, music director Ramen Choudhury, distinguished tablist Surya Goswami and artist Naren Bora conducted the competition as honourable judges. The prize winners of PP Barua Geet contest in group ‘A’ are- 1st Nilotpol Gayan (Nagaon, 2nd Dipak Kr Das (Nagaon) and 3rd Ratul Ratan Konwar (Sivasagar) while in Group ‘B’ the winners were - Priyanka Gogoi (Demow, Sivasagar), 2nd Priyabat S Barua (Tezpur), 3rd Dorodi Gogoi (Sivasagar).

In the Bhupendra Sangeet contest the following were declared as prize winners in Group ‘A’ – 1st Pranami Borthakur (Nikamul, Tezpur), 2nd Nilotpol Gayan (Nagaon) and 3rd Nileswar Das (Guwahati) while in Group ‘B’ the prize winners were - 1st Dikshit Mahanta (Tezpur), 2nd Ananya Bora (Kaliabor) and 3rd Priyabat S Borua (Tezpur).

On the occasion, a prize distribution function was held soon after the contest where the prizes were awarded to the winners. Pranami Borthakur of Nikamul obtained Late Nilakanta Hazarika and Santi Hazarika memorial running trophy as best competitor. Other received permanent award, certificate and cash amount as declared by ‘Mancha’. After this, a cultural function was held where among others Artist Samar Hazarika and Pranabi Ram Barua attracted audiences by their songs while Ramen Choudhury presented accordian performance. ASSAM TRIBUNE

Rongali Bihu celebrated in Bhetapara

Rongali Bihu
GUWAHATI, March 29 – The people of greater Bhetapara will celebrate Rongali Bihu on April 14 to 16 with a variety of programmes, including bathing of cows, cultural procession, sports and games, flag hoisting, release of souvenir, cultural evening, go-as-you-like, art competition, extempore speech competition among others, stated a press release. ASSAM TRIBUNE

Uruli contest on April 10

Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, March 29 – The Bagharbori Asomi Mahila Samiti, Panjabari, is organizing the Nirmala Chakravorty memorial ‘Uruli’ competition and a ‘Nisukoni Geet’ contest besides an extempore speech contest with a daylong programme at the reception hall of Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra from 10 am on April 10, a press release stated. Interested participants have been requested to contact the Samiti office at Sankardev Nagar opposite Kalakshetra. ASSAM TRIBUNE

Airport modernisation

— Development is impossible without a good communication network. For long the north eastern region was deprived of the gains of development due to poor and faulty communication links. The waterways which are the cheapest and most convenient form of communication link for the region did not get the attention which it so rightly deserved. The natural waterway in the shape of Brahmaputra river has a great potential which is waiting to be tapped. Road and rail links are not just enough to cater to the ever growing needs of the region. Gauge conversion and four lane highway work which are now being undertaken in the region, if completed, will to some extent help ease the communication bottleneck. Along with these forms of communication links, air connectivity has emerged as the most favoured mode of transport. But even in this sector the region is lagging far behind. A well thought out air connectivity plan can go a long way in ushering in the much needed development in the region. To reap the benefits of the much touted Look East Policy, a good air network is a must. Though there are airports in the region, they are not equipped with the latest gadgets and infrastructure. As a result they can handle a limited number of flights.

Though belatedly, a move has been initiated to modernise and develop the airports of the region. The Airports Authority of India has embarked on a drive to modernise the Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport, which is the hub of air traffic in the North East. The runway of the airport has been extended to 10,200 feet so that larger aircraft can use the airport. This in turn will help in increasing the volume of passengers and cargo. The expanded runway will also ensure safe landing and takeoff in wet condition which is frequent in the region. The modernisation work of the airport would also involve building of a link taxiway, construction of isolation bay and a new apron for parking of five AB 321 and six ATR 72 aircraft. Plans are also afoot to develop 240 acres of land for expanding the airport. The modernisation drive will definitely help in attracting commercial airliners both domestic and international to this airport. Along with the LGBI airport, the infrastructure of the other airports of the region too must be upgraded. Air connectivity holds the key in ushering in development for the region in certain key sectors and it should be availed at all costs. ASSAM TRIBUNE

The earth: crying for survival

— Dr Jyotirmoy Das Chowdhury Though the origin of the earth remains a mystery, the process of destruction of the earth is visible everywhere. The ominous reports from the frozen Antarctic regarding the dwindling rainy forests of the tropical region, the receding glaciers and drying rivers all over the world give us an evidence of an unprecedented scale that we are facing an emergency in future. The only abode of mankind, the planet earth with fixed mass and volume is in danger and crying for survival.

The four vital components of earth, atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphereare attached like a chain to nourish the flora and fauna surviving in our earth. The world is now confronting the fundamental question regarding the future of biosphere and its capacity to sustain, both society and nature. In ancient time, the use of fire by the cave dwellers may be treated as first symptom of human interference with nature. But soon people learnt harvesting food through agriculture, and in the process they set up permanent settlement. As its size started growing, township originated and thus urban settlement developed. Man’s need increased rapidly and with the Industrial Revolution, the scale, rates and kinds of environmental changes have fundamentally altered all earlier concepts of human intervention on nature.

Heavy industries like iron and steel, railway engines, cars, paper, fertilizer, chemicals have dumped toxic wastes into perennial rivers and streams; automobiles have guzzled irreplaceable fossil fuels and fouled the air with their waste materials. The modern society, especially the developed countries depleted forest cover, lakes and swamps being poisoned with pesticides, underground aquifers pumped dry and to extract minerals, earth’s surface has been ruthlessly deracinated to the maximum extent possible to facilitate open cast mining.

At the same time, population explosion is a world wide phenomenon and is staggering and unpredictable in its space allied distribution and socio-economic repercussions. In 1800 A.D., there were 1 billion human beings living on the earth. The number has doubled by 1930 and again doubled in 1975. In fact, the growth of world population since the end of the 19th century is of a magnitude unparalleled in history. Between 1920 and 1950, in spite of enormous death and destruction of the catastrophic World War 11, population increased by 31 per cent from 1834 million to 2406 million. By 2015 world population would cross 8 billion.

Thus unnatural growth of population has created a number of uncalled for problems. Our climate is warming, species are disappearing and human population on the other hand is increasing at a very fast rate. The rising temperatures are transforming polar landscapes and global epidemiology. Added to this, the West Antarctica’s massive ice sheet is shrinking, sea ice and glaciers melting, in the North Polar Region, permafrost is thawing, the Tundra region abdicating its grassy plants to shrubs.

All these changes took place because of unwise destruction of resources. Coal for example takes million of years to transform from biotic matter to lignite and ultimately to high grade anthracite. Today we are consuming 6.2 billion tonnes annually. China produced 2.38 billion tonnes in 2006 and India produced 447.3 million tonnes. Being unconcerned of its impact, China generates 68.7 per cent of her electricity from coal. The developed county like US even generates 70 per cent of her electricity from coal, exerting tremendous pressure on earth. As a whole, 40 per cent of world’s electricity comes from coal. This has caused a number of adverse effects on our environment as it releases carbon dioxide and methane causing climate change and global warming. In fact, coal is the single largest contributor to human made increase of carbon dioxide in the air. In a materialistic world, human greed for resources is so acute that of the last 10,000 years of use of copper, 95 per cent of copper smelting was performed only in the last 100 years. The rate of exhaustion is such that with the present rate of consumption of copper, it will last only for 25 to 61 years.

Consumption of resources not only attenuates the geologically transformed materials, but also causes pollution which expands beyond a regional area to cause global effect. The stratosphere (16km - 50km) above sea level is the layer of atmosphere. It is rich in ozone, which forms a protection layer absorbing ultraviolet - B (UV-B) that damages deaxyribo nucleic acid (DNA), the genetic molecule found in every living cell, bemusing one at the risk of cancer. The chlorofluoro carbons (CFC)3 breaks under intense UV radiation releasing chlorine atoms. These chlorine atoms when mixed with ozone, convert oxygen molecules that do not absorb UV - B. A single chlorine atom can destroy up to 100,000 ozone molecules in the stratosphere which is responsible for thinning the ozone layer causing more and more skin cancers and cataracts.

The growing pollution has also cast its imprint on world fauna and flora also. There are now 41,415 species on the IUCN ( International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List and 16,306 of these are threatened with extinction. Last year the number of Red List species was 16118. In fact one in 4 mammals, one in 8 birds, one third of all amphibians and 70 per cent of the world’s assessed plants on the IUCN Red List are in danger. Our hopeless unconcerned attitude towards our environment made 785 species extinct till today and another 65 species are found only in captivity. It is the history of last 500 years that human activity has forced most of these species into extinction.

Another vivid example of human impudence with nature is to control half of the world’s large rivers by building dams. The ubiquity of changed landscape caused its direct impact on natural flow of water, rate of erosion and deposition. In each minute, we are destroying 50 acres of rainforest and thus impinging its associated impact on our ecosystem. On average, one US citizen uses 50 times more energy than an Indian, signifying the rate of consumption differences in a developed and in a developing country. As a whole, there are 500 million automobiles in our earth using an average 2 gallons of fuel per day. Each 2 gallon releases 20 pounds of carbon dioxide into the air. Now, it is time for us to ponder how much pollution we are adding everyday to our atmosphere.

Now, what should we do to protect our earth? Should we wriggle our hands and do nothing? Should we wait for an absolute proof a disaster and then to act? How long will our planet take to reach the irreversible stage? Is not it the most opportune time to exert force for a recovery process of our damaged earth?

What we can do now? Can scientists protect our earth from destruction? No Scientists and environmentalists can only evaluate the degree of damage incurred to our earth, prognosticate the future and pin point the severely damaged areas for immediate attention. It is the general people who are to be conscious about preserving our earth. We should have to take collective protective measures and extend unequivocal support to those organisations and clubs who are relentlessly working for protection of our environment. The student community, who would be the direct victim of ecological degradation in future, should take the lead in environmental protection and sustainable development. The local press, news channels too should give extensive coverage to environment related programmes and make people more and more conscious of the impending danger that may destroy earth and threaten the existence of life on this beautiful planet.
(The writer teaches Geogeaphy in Jagiroad College) ASSAM TRIBUNE

Women’s human rights: an insight

— Dr Tapati Baruah Kashyap The idea of women’s human rights came into existence when Mary Wollstonecraft published her book Vindication of the Rights of Women in 1792.Wollstonecraft also wrote Thoughts on the education of daughters (1788) as well as an autobiographical novel titled Mary (1788) which were based on her own experiences as the daughter of a violent father and as a governess and teacher. Wollstonecraft was also against Rousseau’s views about women. Rousseau asserted that women’s purpose in life was to serve and entertain men. Thus a gradual protest against women’s existence started evolving in western countries. In this context, the contributions of the nineteenth-century women writers are also noticeable. Between the late eighteenth and nineteenth century novels, the novels of Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte, Fanny Burney of England and Madame de Stael of France described the world of women and the role of women during that time. Gradually, women came to realise their own subordinate position and started raising voice against it.

The idea of women’s voting rights and the struggle to achieve it was started in Great Britain and United States during the nineteenth century. However, these countries were not the first to grant women the right to vote. By the early years of the 20th century, women had won the right to vote in national elections in New Zealand in 1893, Australia in 1902, Finland in 1906 and Norway in 1913. In Sweden and the United States they had voting rights in some local elections. In the United States, the territory of Wyoming led the way by granting women full voting rights in local elections as early as 1869. On the national level, Elizabeth Stanton and Susan B Anthony led the drive for women’s voting rights. By 1918, all major political parties favoured universal suffrage, and the United States Congress passed the 19th Amendment to the Constitution in 1919 granting women equal voting rights with men. After the Second World War, women in France and Italy could vote. Full suffrage for women was introduced in India by the constitution in 1950. In Pakistan women received full voting rights in national elections in 1956.

The last developed country to grant women full voting rights was Switzerland in 1971. The United Nations convention on the political rights of women, adopted in 1952, provides that ‘women shall be entitled to vote in all elections on equal terms with men, without any discrimination.’ Although the right to vote for women marked a significant and positive step in the history of women empowerment, yet women’s position is not a significant one till today. Women still need some more opportunities to go ahead with their male counterparts.

While drawing a picture of women in Assam, we must try to incorporate women from both urban and rural background and that can only give us a comprehensive picture of women’s status in Assam. Undoubtedly women have been progressing in every field, which, a few years back, were exclusively occupied by men. Women have now been able to handle their works successfully even at petrol pumps, shopping malls, hotels, hospitals and everywhere. But this is not the final picture of our state. In this context if we take an example of Asam Sahitya Sabha, ‘we see that only two women have occupied the president’s posts in this apex literary body of the state. That is why the UN Convention on Elimination of all forms of Discriminations Against Women (CEDAW), provides a comprehensive framework for the advancement of women and provides a framework for understanding the concept of equality – equality of opportunity and equality of results.

The broad structure of the convention comprises 30 Articles. 1 provides a definition of discrimination and forms a fundamental basis for eliminating discrimination. Article 2-4 outlines the nature of State obligation in the form of law policy and programmes that the State needs to undertake in order to eliminate discrimination. Articles 5-16 specify the different areas under which governments are obliged to eliminate discrimination through measures described in Article 2-4. These include sex roles and stereotyping and customary practices detrimental to women (Article 5), prostitution (Article 6), political and public life (Article 7), participation at the international level (Article 8), nationality (Article 9), education (Article 12), economic and social benefits (Article 13), rural women (Article l4), equality before the law (Article 15), marriage and family relationship (Article 16). Articles 17-22 detail the establishment and functions of CEDAW (the committee) and Articles 23-30 deal largely with the administration and other procedural aspects of the convention.

This UN Convention is considered to be the passport to equality, which needs to be interpreted to each woman in our State. There are still a major chunk of women who are being deprived of the knowledge of CEDAW and their genuine rights. The traditional norms of society still act as a hindrance to their progress. For them earning money to get both ends meet is more important than enjoying their genuine rights. The government has recently introduced several new and innovative policies relating to the empowerment of women. But in the urban arena, poverty is a chronic issue fora large section of women. The major noticeable thing is that there are still a large, section of women whose status remains as it was and whatever they have been achieving as benefit from different women-friendly policies are not enough.

Half the population of the world are women. Women play a vital role in the socio economic development as producers, providers, managers of natural resources, and of the overall well being of the communities, but often they are marginalised and discriminated by the society. Article 2 (b) of CEDAW enjoins the State to take all appropriate measures including legislation, to modify or abolish existing laws, registrations, customs and practices, which constitute discrimination against women. Yet it is woman who constitutes to be targets of exploitations, violations, discriminations and abuse. Gender disparities make women more vulnerable and that results in high rate of poverty. The 2000 UN Millennium Development Goals and the international community’s action plan for eradicating global poverty lists gender equality as one of its eight targets and considers women’s empowerment essential to achieving all of them. Nobel prize winning economist Amartya Sen had once said, “Nothing is more important for development today than the economic, political, and social participation of women. Increasingly women, who were long treated as passive recipients of aid, are now regarded as active promoters of change, who can help society at large. And various studies specifically show that the benefits of promoting women are greatest when assistance focuses on increasing their education, their control over resources and their political voice.” Thus, educating girls and women is the single most effective way to empower women and that can eradicate poverty in the long run. ASSAM TRIBUNE

64 rhinos found in ONP in mid-term census

MANGALDAI, March 25: In spite of lack of infrastructure and minimum facilities only due to the utter negligence and indifferent attitude of the state government, the staffs of Orang National Park (ONP) who have been rendering their dedicated service for conservation of the Park deserve appreciation for their achievement in the increase of the population of the one horned rhinos in the Park. This was evident from the mid-term Rhino census carried out in the Park on March 24 last, where a total of 64 rhinos were counted by the enumerators. Of the total rhinos counted during the census day, 16 are adult males, 22 are adult females, a single un sex adult, 2 are sub adult females and 7 are un sex sub adults while 11 are calves and 5 are calf up to one year of age.

For the smooth conduct of the mid-term rhino census, the entire area of the Park was divided into 17 blocks and seventeen enumerators assisted by equal number of Mahouts and forest guards on departmental elephants conducted the census on the early hours. On the previous night, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife) Mohan Chandra Malakar accompanied by Conservator of Forest Abhijit Rabha, DFO HP Phukan, State Forest School Principal RC Bhattacharya briefed all the enumerators consisting of six Forest Rangers, members of NGOs, media persons at the interpretation centre at the Tourist Lodge adjacent to the Park. Mangaldai Wildlife Division DFO Sukumar Momin and Park Ranger Jayanta Deka earlier gave a detailed picture of the Park besides welcoming all the participants. Mention may be made here that ONP with an area of 78.82 sq km is the only habitat of the endangered species of one horned rhinos on the northern bank of river Brahmaputra which is at the road distance of 130 km from Guwahati off the NH-52 at Dhansirighat near Rowta. Of the total seventeen blocks, the highest number of rhino population of 27 rhinos was counted in the Sat Simalu block followed by 11 in the Molamari block while not a single rhino was sighted in five blocks. According to the forest officials, these five blocks where no rhino was spotted was not a known area of rhinos.

It may be recalled here that the first rhino census was carried out in the Park in the year 1985 where a total of 67 rhinos were sighted as per the official records. On the other hand in the previous year in 1984 along with the country wide census for tigers taken in hand for the first time in the country, 17 numbers of Royal Bengal Tigers were sighted in the Park. However, the Park witnessed the highest number of one horned rhinos in the year 1991 as a total of 98 rhinos were sighted by the enumerators as per the official records. What is of more significant in the field of conservation of the one horned rhinos in the Park that though a total number of 68 rhinos were counted in the year 2006, at the same time unfortunately a total of 11 numbers of rhinos were killed by the organized gang of armed poachers during the period from 2006 to March 2009 while 17 number of rhinos ended their life with natural death. In view of the death of total 28 rhinos during this period, all feared that the rhino population would come down below fifty. But bringing the lost smile into the face of every staff and wildlife activist with a ray of new hope, the rhino population was counted to 64 which is a positive sign for this protected area.

Talking to The Sentinel at ONP soon after the end of the census, prominent wildlife activist and Secretary of Dalgaon Bon Aru Bonyaprani Surakkha Samiti Abdul Aziz who has recently been elected as the President of Kalyan Gaon Panchayat in Dalgaon LAC said that it is the high time that the state government should come forward with an open mind to look into the grievances of the staffs of the Park and to deploy adequate staffs for the anti poaching operation. He also stressed on the of the development of infrastructure to provide more facilities for the tourists. THE SENTINEL

Scribes condemn killing of Anil Mazumdar

DIBRUGARH, March 25: The Dibrugarh Press Club and the Greater Dibrugarh Press Club have condemned the killing of Anil Majumdar yesterday.

In a meeting held here, the Dibrugarh Press Club said that members of the media were being targeted just for doing their job. Speakers said that the state government had failed to bring to book the culprits responsible for the murders of the journalists, including Kamala Saikia and Parag Das. They criticized the government for failing to provide security to people. The Club demanded that the culprits behind the heinous deed should be brought to book and adequate compensation paid to the family of the deceased.

The Greater Dibrugarh Press Club also raised similar demands. In the meeting held at their office, speakers said that the government should not only identify the people involved in the killing but also ensure that they were brought to justice fast. A memorandum was submitted to the district administration. Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner said that the incident was deplorable and condoled the journalist's death.

The All Assam Journalists’ Union has also announced a series of statewide agitational programmes to protest the killing of Majumdar.

Similarly, the Dibrugarh unit of BJP expressed grief over the death of Anil Majumdar during the condolence meeting held today. The All Assam Moran Students’ Union, All Assam Mottock Students’ Union, All Assam Sonowal Kachari Students’ Union, All Assam Koch Rajbongshi Students’ Union, All Assam Tai Ahom Yuba Parishad, Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad and All Assam Gorkha Students Union have also condemned the incident. They also stated the recent killing has proved that the state government’s claim of maintaining law and order in the state was baseless. THE SENTINEL

10,000 criminals on the loose in city

SANJoY RaY
GUWAHATI, March 22 – At least 10,000 criminals wanted in connection with different criminal cases are moving freely in and around the city. These include over 4,000 criminals against whom warrants of arrest have been issued by different courts in connection with city crimes, but which are yet to be executed by City Police.

Moreover, at least 6,000 people wanted in connection with some 10, 000 pending criminal cases are still to be traced.

These cases are pending with various police stations in Guwahati.

“It is very unfortunate that the department concerned does not seem too worried about the issue, which has emerged as a grave threat to the security of the common man,” sources in the police department revealed before The Assam Tribune.

“Owing to various reasons, the department, over the years, remained confined to keeping a track of the activities of insurgent groups, which has resulted in such a scenario, but even at this moment there is hardly any concern expressed by the department,” sources asserted.

“Such a lackadaisical approach on the part of the authority concerned has compounded the woes of the Guwahatians who have been at the receiving end of the growing criminal activities,” the sources stated.

“Manpower crunch is leading to an increased workload but it is not the only factor behind such a scenario. We, at times, become complacent about the petty criminals, the price for which we are paying now,” the sources said.

“The crime graph is on the rise and the authorities continue to remain unmindful about it,” the sources reiterated.

“The law enforcing agencies are so concerned with militancy-related issues that petty criminals are having a free run in the city,” the sources stated.

“Even our prisons are overcrowded and even if half of them are arrested in due course of time, there is hardly any place to accommodate them,” another senior official pointed out. ASSAM TRIBUNE

Remembering Rajani Kanta Bordoloi

— Babul Tamuli Rajani Kanta Bordoloi was one of the pioneers of the romantic movement in Assamese literature who contributed immensely to the domain of Assamese fictional literature. Prior to him, a number of writers had tried to write many novels, but they failed to master the art of fiction. True to the concept of literary genre, Bordoloi’s Miri Jiyari published in 1894 is regarded as the first Assamese novel and he is considered to be the father of Assamese fictional literature.

After passing the Entrance examination from Guwahati Govt High School in 1885, Bordoloi left for Kolkata to pursue higher studies. There he came to the contact of western thoughts and ideas brought by English language and literature. Imbued with nationalist fervour, a group of Assamese students studying at Kolkata at that time brought out a literary magazine called Jonaki. The literary upsurge brought by the magazine inspired Bordoloi to write his first article called Sarir Tatwa in the pages of Jonaki that was the beginning of literary career of Rajani Kanta Bordoloi who laid the foundation of Assamese fictional literature.

After graduating in Arts from Calcutta University in 1890, Bordoloi joined the office of the Deputy Commissioner at Guwahati as a clerk. In 1903, he had been promoted to the rank of Extra Assistant Commissioner and transferred to Golaghat. As a government officer he had served in many places of Assam in different capacities. It gave Bordoloi a rare opportunity to closely observe the diverse culture, customs and traditions of different sections of people live in different parts of the State.

In 1892, Bordoloi was transferred to North Lakhimpur as Sub-Deputy Collector. The colorful life of the Mishings was live on the bank of the river Subansiri inspired Bordoloi to pen his maiden novel called Miri Jiyari. Through a simple love story he beautifully described the rich culture and tradition of the Mishings in the novel. The novel published in 1894 laid a milestone in Assamese literature. After more than 100 years of its publication, the novel is still regarded as the widely read book in Assamese literature.

His second novel Manomoti (1900) is based on the historical background of the last few years of Ahom rule in Assam. From literary point of view, it has been acclaimed as the best work of Bordoloi. With the help of an appealing story full of romance and horror he neatly described a vivid picture of the Burmese invasion of Assam. His other six novels viz Dandua Droh ( 1909), Rongili (1925), Radha Rukminir Ran (1925), Nirmal Bhakat (1925), Tamreswari Mandir (1926) and Rahdoi Ligiri (1930) described a particular period of Assam history. His last novel Khamba Thoibir Sadhukatha (1932) is actually an adaptation of a Manipuri folk legend called Khamba Thoibi Givari. With the help of a tragic love story he beautifully described the Manipuri culture, traditions, religious faiths and beliefs in the novel.

In terms of the treatment of subject matter and style of description, among his nine novels only Miri Jiyari and Khamba Thoibir Sadhukatha belong to the category of the social novels. All others can be regarded as historical novels. Rather than the story, Bordoloi seems to gave more emphasis upon history and traditions of the society in his novels. So many critics treated them as historical narratives rather than novels in proper. Through a romantic love story, Bordoloi tried to project the glorious past of the State in his novels. Therefore, many critics called him as Walter Scott of Assam.

A master craftsman of fiction, Bordoloi artistically drew a panoramic picture of the contemporary Assamese society in his novels. The multifacial culture of Assamese society, its rich heritage, folk songs and dances are a part and parcel of his novels. In Miri Jiyari he beautifully described the tradition of Marong Ghar and Nara Singa Bihu of the Mishing society. He extensively used Bihu songs in his novel Rongili and gave a vivid description of the celebration of Rongali Bihu at Rongpur, the capital of Ahom kingdom. In Manomoti he beautifully described Holi festival of Barpeta celebrated annually with pomp and geity.

Reverentially called as Upanyash Samrat (king of novel) the writings of Bordoloi are not confined only to fictional literature. An exponent of Vaishnavite culture and tradition, he prepared a paper on Sankardeva as Mahapurush Sri Sri Sankardeva and presented it in a public function held on the occasion of the death anniversary of Sankardeva in 1920. He also wrote an article on Mayamoriyas, a major Vaishnavite sect in Assam as About the Mayamoriy. He prepared the outline of a biographical sketch of Bhattadeva, the founder of Assamese prose literature and published it in Awahan. He was a regular contributor to many leading magazines like Banhi, Usha and Awahan. He also left an indelible imprint in the field of journalism by editing a monthly magazine called Pradipika.

Bordoloi was a pioneer in the tea plantation of Assam. After retiring from his service, he set up a tea estate at Makum in Tinsukia district and devoted himself for the cause of Assamese language and literature. He also adorned the prestigious post of president of the Asam Sahitya Sabha held at Nagaon in 1920.
(Published on the occasion of death anniversary of Bordoloi). ASSAM TRIBUNE

Netagiri Vidyalaya

— The celebrated American satirist, Ambrose Bierce, had disagreed with the venerable English lexicographer, Dr. Samuel Johnson, when the latter had commented that politics was the last refuge of the scoundrel. Bierce had instead asserted with full confidence that it was not the last but the first! Such nitpicking details are, of course, of little significance. What matters is that in juxtaposing politics with skulduggery, the two gentlemen had hit the nail right on the head, given the perception of the aam admi regarding politicians, in particular the desi variety. Whether it be through their antics in the Parliament or State Assemblies, or unsavoury episodes such as purchasing votes with money, Indian politicians in recent years have built for themselves a decidedly unclean image. Certainly there are honest politicians, but those of the dishonest variety are so numerous that they have tarred the entire profession with the same brush. The problem lies in the fact that no specific qualification is needed to become a politician. All other professions demand education and training. A scientist, for instance, has to undergo years of schooling to be deemed to be one. In contrast, all that is needed to become a neta is the gift of the gab as well as a mind crafty enough to be able to chart through the murky political waters.

Thus the news that an institute does exist in the country to educate politicians comes as a breath of fresh air. Started in 2001, this school called Netagiri Vidyalaya had been opened by a former Congressman, who believes “political thinking should be inculcated deep into human mind to curb corruption.” Based upon idealistic intentions, the aim of the school is to groom future politicians by imparting to them lessons on ethics, moral values, government-sponsored welfare schemes, election manifestos etc. The news item neither mentions whether the Netagiri Vidyalaya is a recognised institution affiliated to some Board or the other, nor whether pass certificates are bestowed upon pupils after they had sat through the entire course! Yet there can be little doubt that it has worthy objectives and needs to be encouraged. Unfortunately, it appears to be the sole institution in a vast nation, and thus a proverbial drop in the ocean. But surely the Human Resources Ministry can emulate its example and set up similar institutions all across the country! Academic brains can be picked to frame a syllabus that would be ideally suited to train up future netas, particular attention being paid to those with criminal backgrounds. Perhaps these schools can be affiliated to other “institutions of excellence” and certificates awarded. Naturally, scholarships to “needy students” should also be included in the facilities offered. Cynics might refer to such institutes as Schools for Scoundrels, but Kendriya Netagiri Vidyalaya might be a better option! ASSAM TRIBUNE

It’s India’s Time

Pradeep Gupta

Economists have been predicting it, stargazers have been forecasting it, and now the technology trend watchers are saying it — the coming decade is surely going to belong to India. Jason Pontin, the charismatic editor and publisher of MIT’s Technology Review confidently proclaims that India is going to dominate the innovation space. This is why the 109-year old magazine has launched an edition in the country. ‘‘I want to be the first to tell the world about the action in the labs here,’’ says Potin.

Economists may predict superpower status for India based on its growth figures and the economy’s resilience in the face of global downturn. But the motor of this growth will be investments in science and technology, believe experts.

At EmTech2009, an emerging technologies conclave recently hosted in New Delhi by Technology Review and CyberMedia, the exciting forecast is that India’s knowledge superpower domain is all set to extend beyond the field of IT. Areas where India is seen making major inroads include healthcare, education, biomaterials and nano-technology. From being a service providing nation, India is finally heralding its arrival as a knowledge-creating nation, as befitting a country that centuries ago was the original fount of all knowledge. Tantalizing glimpses of how technology that is developed by Indians is already empowering and enabling millions were provided at the conclave. Pontin talked about how Technology Review’s annual list of technologists who could change the world is increasingly being dominated by Indians.

In 2004, there was Vikram Sheel Kumar, founder of Dimagi — a unique combination of engineering and medicine. Kumar is an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology in Delhi and the Harvard Medical School. His software products have encouraged compliance from diabetic patients and removed stigma from HIV/AIDS testing. Then in 2007, Tapan Pareek’s work, which helped Kerala fishermen keep track of market prices on their cell phones, was highlighted. This year, it is the turn of computer science professor Vivek Pai to turn out a technology that will help store web content to enable poor students in developing nations beat bad net connections.

As can be seen from the examples above, the nature of the technologies emerging from innovation labs around the world today is completely democratic, having the power to touch billions — the literate and the unlettered, the affluent as well as those at the bottom of the pyramid. If the Indian innovators, tuned to the needs of the less advantaged in their country, are coming out with technologies to address this space, then large multinational corporations, admittedly driven by marketing compulsions, are also now focusing on this segment. Companies in the IT, mobile and electronics space, looking to expand their market to the next billion ‘‘non-premium’’ users, are tweaking the characteristics of the new technology so that it is in sync with the needs of their new target base.

It is perhaps fitting that the largest democracy in the world should be the one taking a lead in democratizing technology. Innovations by the people, for the people, are all set to take India to the next level.

(The writer is the publisher of CyberMedia) (IANS) THE SENTINEL

Exploring Tourism Potential

Jatindra Nath Mahanta

While everyone is making loud and clear statements that there is a huge potential for growth of tourism in the Northeast, agencies and government departments concerned are not taking any concrete actions to realize this potential. On the face of it everyone is aware of the basic requirements of the region to extract maximum advantage of the huge potential, which is infrastructure in the form of road/rail/air connectivity, landline/mobile/internet/broadband communication facilities and decent budget and star accommodation.

For improving road/rail/air connectivity, the Central government has substantial proposals and projects in hand. But the pace of execution is not commensurate with the need of the hour. It will be advantageous for all concerned if these plans are given concrete shape and brought to a speedy completion. Some burning examples of delay and lethargy in the implementation of projects are Bogibeel Bridge over the Brahmaputra, Gas Cracker Project, BG conversion of a few sectors in the region, EW Corridor, SARDP-NE etc. Surface and air connectivity are considered to be the most important basic infrastructure needed for development of any region in any field. This is the single basic requirement for any industry to take form and develop. The same authorities who are making statements about the tourism potential of the region are also somewhat responsible for ensuring speedy implementation of these road/rail projects in time. Otherwise the potential will remain unexplored, not only in the tourism sector but also in all other sectors of industry which can be based on locally available raw materials. It should be the primary focus of both the Central and State governments to ensure completion of the proposed road building and rail link extension/conversion projects on a priority basis.

During the last NE business summit, some Southeast Asian countries had evinced keen interest to associate with the Northeast in many fields, with tourism getting a fair share of attention. They also hoped that the proposed trans-Asian Highway linking India through the Northeast to the Southeast Asian nations would be completed expeditiously so that exchanges in trading and industrial activities get a real boost. It would definitely have a significant impact on the economy of the Northeast by way of enhanced industrial activities, particularly in the tourism sector.

A few of the participating countries were also mentioning about making Guwahati the aviation hub of the Northeast in place of Kolkata, which will be of advantage to the Southeast Asian countries as well as to the northeastern region of India. It is necessary to operationalize the international airport at Guwahati in a meaningful way. The government needs to carry out a survey to ascertain the most likely nationals to tour the Northeast and accordingly plan flight schedules from Guwahati to these countries. This is another very important sphere of activity for opening wide the door of tourism industry to welcome a large chunk of tourists from these countries to the Northeast. All the northeastern States will need to unite on this issue of operating direct flights from Guwahati to the Southeast Asian countries and bring considerable pressure on the Aviation Ministry at the Centre for early action. And linked to this, on-going construction activities for the additional facilities comprising runway and terminal are required to be completed expeditiously.

The communication network — landline and mobile — are well spread out and performance is strong. Expansion to certain pockets, hitherto out of reach, may need to be planned. Since there are a number of companies vying for enhanced market participation, this aspect will definitely get looked into and very soon these pockets will get covered.

As far as the accommodation and hospitality aspects are concerned, it is for the local people to play a big role. They have to come up with the right kind of solutions. We can take Goa and Kerala as model and guide. It is not always five-star hotels that only can attract tourists. Take the example of Goa where the locals are operating a large number of beach-front guest houses and eating joints. Tourists enjoying these facilities far outnumber those enjoying five-star facilities. The local people of the Northeast must come up with similar innovative ideas to suit our condition and to capture the imagination of tourists. Here the government can definitely extend substantial help in the form of information on the tourists’ preference of facilities and expectations, design and developments of small lodges/resorts/guest houses, guidance on banking and financial aspects, and in making water/power/communication facilities available.

The main hindrances faced by the local would-be entrepreneurs are lack of support from the government and administration, lack of knowledge about financing, and red tapism in various connected departments coupled with deep-rooted corruption. The government departments and other agencies concerned cannot just wash their hands off simply by labelling the local unemployed youths as a ‘‘bunch of good for nothing’’. The mindset needs a change on both sides. Educated youths must come up with viable projects and government departments should extend all necessary help with a sense of service and not as a favour. Many would-be entrepreneurs’ dreams die at the initial stage of infancy because of the apathy shown by some government departments and financial institutions. This trend must be reversed for the happening of tourism in the Northeast. THE SENTINEL