Bilaspur division to plant one crore saplings

Chhattisgarh Tourism Board is all set to sign a multi-crore rupee deal with Ogilvy & Mather India (O&M) creatorsof Khushboo Gujarat ki, starring Amitabh Bachchan, whichhas been a phenomenal success to promote and market itstourism. O&M was also behind the "Ab ki baar Modi Sarkar"poll campaign. Gujarat campaign, with catchy tag lines -Kuch din to gujariye Gujarat mein and Kutch Nahi DekhaToh Kuchh Nahi Dekha ? instantly caught the fascination ofthe people across the globe and has resulted in a tourismboom in the state.

According to Gujarat Tourism Board, state has wit-nessed an increase of 2.5 million tourists in 2011-12. Theamazing increase oftourist inflow inGujarat, which inci-dentally was doublethe national aver-age, has been attrib-uted single headedlyto the KhushbooGujarat ki' cam-paign.

The campaignwas the brainchildof the O&M's cre-ative director,Piyush Pandey.Hoping to replicatethe success, theChhattisgarh tourism department has finalised a deal withO&M and is working out the modalities of the campaign,which would include short TV commercials and print ads.

While officials aren't ready to comment on the costinvolved in the campaign, sources claim that it could run inseveral crores of rupees only for the creative part. "The TV

commercial campaigns wouldrequire Rs 25 to Rs 30 crores

extra", claimed sources. Confirming the move, Sanjay Singh,General Manager Tourism, said that O&M has been hiredfor making TV commercials. He refused to get into thedetails of the deal on the plea that much would depend onthe creative aspect, i.e. the length of the films etc.Interestingly, while the state has roped in O&M, it's yet to

find an acceptable face like Amitabh Bachchan market thedestinations and grab eyeballs. Sources in the departmentclaim that names of several stars, including actor-directorAamir Khan, are being discussed.

"Some officials are very keen to get Aamir and are dis-cussing the issue with the O&M creative team, since theyfeel that he fits the bill with his image of a crusader for socialjustice," said sources.

Chhattisgarh to launch ad campaign to promote tourism

2 AUGUST 11 TO AUGUST 17 , 2014 (MP & CG)Chhattisgarh Explore

The Bilaspur division has set

a target to plant more than one

crore saplings in the division.

Commissioner Sonmoni Bora has

asked all the CEOs of district

panchayats that the task of pro-

tecting and nurturing is neces-

sary along with planting of

saplings.

In a meeting held here

recently, Bora told the chief exec-

utive officers (CEOs) of all dis-

trict panchayats in the division

that if you would be self-disci-

plined, it would have better effect

on the officers and employees

under you. Bora said that sensi-

tivity is necessary with disci-

pline. Hear those who are under

you seriously and then take

action. None should leave head-

quarters without permission.

Immediate reply should be given

to the senior officers if they call

up. Information could be given

through SMS. Feedback of com-

plaint should not be taken with

prejudice, he said. Bora told the

CEOs to give special attention

about quality and time-limit in

the implementation of different

schemes. He instructed to take

strict action on finding serious

irregularities in works.

Originality in the implementa-

tion of different schemes should

be promoted. If any kind of

improvement is needed, efforts

could be made in it. Powers given

for development could be used

widely in public interest, he

added.

The Divisional Commissioner

told the officers to work for social

welfare and preserving environ-

ment along with the implementa-

tion of various schemes. While

making assets, its maintenance

is needed.

Drawing their attention

towards some important works in

different districts, the divisional

commissioner instructed them to

ensure its implementation.

Giving suggestions, he said that

maintenance and beautification

of the place of origin of the Arpa

and the Jamwant Project, instal-

lation of Sitaphal processing unit

at Pendra area in Bilaspur dis-

trict, Dalha Pahad and Crocodile

Park in Janjgir Champa district

and vegetable production in

Raigarh district could be promot-

ed.

While reviewing the social

security pension scheme, the

Divisional Commissioner said to

ensure that eligible beneficiary

should get the benefit on time.

He also instructed better imple-

mentation of water conservation

works. Bora asked officials to

ensure payment of wages of dif-

ferent works on time. He suggest-

ed to develop such big villages

having freedom fighters, haat

bazaars, mela-madai as model

villages.

Bilaspur

RAIPUR

3 AUGUST 11 TO AUGUST 17 , 2014 (MP & CG)MADHYA PRADESH

Madhya Pradeshgovernment has set atarget to end open-areadefecation practicecompletely by year2017. Sanitation ofcities is the biggestproblem before thestate government.Taking serious note ofit, activities are beingconstantly undertakenthrough Mukhyamantri ShehriSwachhta Mission. The state gov-ernment has also given importanceto urban sanitation in VisionDocument-2018. Individual toiletsand also community and public toi-lets as per requirement are beingconstructed in cities underMukhyamantri Shehri SwachhtaMission. Works of solid waste man-agement, waste water manage-ment and waste disposal manage-ment are also being undertaken.Under the scheme, 92 thousand406 individual toilets and 608 com-munity toilets have been con-structed in 140 urban bodies so farat a cost of Rs. 208 crore 75 lakh. Asum of Rs. 87 crore has been provi-sioned in the current years budgetfor the scheme.

Before Mukhyamantri ShehriSwachhta Mission, IntegratedUrban Sanitation Programme waslaunched as pilot project to ensureurban sanitation and improveurban environment in year 2009.This programme has been upgrad-ed as a mission in year 2012-13with a Rs. 459 crore 44 lakh actionplan for 5 years. Under the mis-

sion, toilets will be constructed for3.50 lakh BPL families in next 5years. Besides, a target has alsobeen set to construct 390 commu-nity/public toilets.

The state government hasundertaken concrete steps toimplement modern and scientificsolid waste management underPPP mode through zonal landfillsites.

Under its first phase, waste isbeing collected door-to-door inKatni and nearby urban bodiesand disposed of in landfill sites.Action plans regarding this havealso been chalked out for othercities. Solid waste managementproject in Gwalior city is beingimplemented with financial coop-eration of the Defence Ministryand Indore with AsianDevelopment Banks cooperation.In Maheshwar and Namli NagarParishads, cent percent garbage isbeing collected from houses andused to make organic fertiliser.Door-to-door waste collection workin 2 wards of all MunicipalCorporations has been included in100-day action plan.

Target to end open-area defecationpractice by 2017

Shaurya Dals empowerwomen in MP

Undertake weekly review of CM Helpline 181: CS

Bhopal

Madhya Pradesh government

has created better atmosphere for

women to empower women who

are victims of violence and social

evils by constituting Shaurya

Dals. A year ago, Shaurya Dals

were constituted as pilot projects

in Mandla, Dindori, Tikamgarh,

Chhatarpur, Panna and Balaghat

districts. These districts Shaurya

Dals achieved impressive results.

Now, Shaurya Dals are being con-

stituted in 14 more districts of

the state including Bhopal,

Sehore, Rajgarh, Raisen, Vidisha,

Betul, Hoshangabad, Jabalpur,

Ujjain, Dewas, Morena, Gwalior,

Sagar and Indore.

In the 6 pilot project districts,

2620 Shaurya Dals were consti-

tuted with more than 26 thou-

sand male and female members.

The works done to empower

women in these 6 districts have

resulted in a new atmosphere in

the society. Smt. Shakuntala

Mishra raised voice against ter-

ror of taxi operators in

Tikamgarh. She is member of

Shaurya Dal of village Asati. Taxi

operators did not allow plying

any other private motor vehicle

in the village. When Smt.

Shakuntala was carrying her

belongings to the village in a pri-

vate vehicle, it was intercepted

by taxi operators. Smt.

Shakuntala opposed it and regis-

tered a complaint in police sta-

tion. As a result, taxi operators

apologized and promised not to do

this in future. Shaurya Dal mem-

bers of village Chikhla Bandh of

Balaghat joined hands to prohibit

manufacture of liquor, which was

main profession of the village. As

a result of strong objection by

Shaurya Dal, manufacture, sale

and purchase of liquor was

banned in the village. Shaurya

Dal re-united a couple with their

families after they were discard-

ed by the families following love

marriage in village Sendri in

Tikamgarh district. Several other

instances of bravery and active-

ness came to fore which proved as

meaningful the constitution of

Shaurya Dals in Dindori,

Chhatarpur and Mandla dis-

tricts. In view of these impressive

results, the state government is

constituting Shaurya Dals in 14

more districts. Shaurya Dals

opposed atrocities against women

and eradicated social evils. They

also empowered women by help-

ing them avail benefits of govern-

ments welfare schemes.

Awareness campaigns were

launched to remove differentia-

tion between boys and girls and

they achieved success in impress-

ing upon people in this regard.

Shaurya Dals main objectives

include sensitisation of people on

issues pertaining to women and

children, reduce atrocities

against them and create awaken-

ing in society apart from eradica-

tion of malpractices like child

marriage, dowry system and gen-

der discrimination. They also

make people aware about rights

of women and girls and disposal

of issues pertaining to violence

against them with their partici-

pation. Besides, Shaurya Dals

also make efforts for extending

benefits of governments welfare

schemes to women and girls.

Chief Secretary Shri

Anthony de Sa has directed

to undertake weekly review

of complaint redressal

through CM Helpline 181.

In a letter to all heads of

departments, directives

have been given to dispose of

complaints registered by

people within time-limit.

The Chief Secretary said

that the state government

wishes to give information

about its all welfare

schemes and redress peo-

ples complaints within

time-limit. The Chief

Secretary has directed all

heads of departments and

offices to undertaken weekly

review of activities under

the scheme. action should be

taken against officer who

have not disposed off com-

plaints within time-limit.

They should be warned on

first mistake verbally or in

writing and punish them as

per departmental procedure

if they repeat the mistake.

The Chief Secretary has also

written that if any head of

department does not act

against his subordinate

guilty officer then it will be

regarded as his laxity and

action will be taken against

him. The Chief Secretary

has also directed heads of

offices to confirm redressal

of 2 cases daily pertaining to

their department to concern-

ing complainant over tele-

phone and ask about his or

her satisfaction. The Chief

Secretary directed to main-

tain date-wise register of

random calls made by heads

of departments. Information

about it will be seen at high-

er level from time to time, he

added.

Bhopal

Bhopal

4 AUGUST 11 TO AUGUST 17 , 2014 (MP & CG)

Chhattisgarh MedicalServices Corpn buyinginjection at higher price

Chhattisgarh Medical Services Corporation(CMSC) is in midst of a row after it floated a tenderfor purchase of surfactant porcine injection, used totreat respiratory distress syndrome in pre-term orpremature babies, with specifications that couldbenefit specific companies and at a much higherprice. Smelling a rat, Indian Foundation forPremature Babies (IFPB), a non-profit organizationthat deals with causes and care of pre-term births,shot a letter to CMSC pointing out that surfactantis an essential medicine that helps reduce InfantMortality Rate (IMR) and that it is in the essentiallist of World Health Organization (WHO).

A copy of IFPB letter indicated that natural sur-factant was available from two sourcesporcineand bovinehaving efficacy and safety. However,the tender floated by CMSC specified only porcineand not bovine, indicating that this specificationhas been made to favour specific companies. In hisletter to the corporation, IFPB administratorAnandhraj said porcine surfactant, which is speci-fied in the tender, is almost double the price ofbovine surfactant available in the country.Requesting the corporation to look into the matter,health department insiders said that the tenderspecification favours a supplier which imports themedicine. Maximum retail price of this product isRs 22,500.

Pointing out that in India mostly bovine surfac-tant 4ml is being used as it is economical as com-pared to porcine, health department experts saidthere was no difference as far as the clinical out-come of the products is concerned. Meanwhile, ahealth department spokesperson said he was not ina position to offer any immediate comment withoutgoing through the relevant files.

Amid Parliament passing the contro-

versial bill on Polavaram project, BJP gov-

ernment in Chhattisgarh is now facing a

piquant situation in taking a politically

correct stand on the project that would

submerge vast tract of land and displace a

large number of tribals in state's southern

tip. "So far the state has been opposing

Polavaram Project for which the undivid-

ed Madhya Pradesh had entered into an

agreement way back in 1978. Now, with

BJP at Centre deciding to go ahead with

it, we are in a dilemma," a government

official said.

Even as the court case filed by

Chhattisgarh, challenging the project, is

still pending, state's BJP government's

dilemma is that going ahead with the

court proceedings would be seen as a

stand against the Modi government and

withdrawing the case would be perceived

as compromising the state's interests and

allowing submergence of land and dis-

placement of tribals, that too in a Maoist

affected area. Maoists, who have been

opposing the project, would also get an

issue to turn local sentiments against the

government. Indications are that the state

government may consult Central leader-

ship before taking any further stand on

the issue. Andhra Pradesh and undivided

Madhya Pradesh had entered into an

agreement on August 7, 1978, for the proj-

ect aimed at irrigation, power generation

and augmentation of water in Krishna

basin. Without taking the then Madhya

Pradesh government into confidence,

Andhra had surveyed the area likely to be

submerged and prepared a project report.

The report indicated that 2,717 people of

680 families, 42 pucca and 300 'kutcha'

houses would be affected. About 2,398

hectares would be submerged.

When Andhra government began con-

struction work in early 2006,

Chhattisgarh government lodged its

protest with Centre and the Godavari

Water Disputes Tribunal saying it will

withdraw from the project. Chhattisgarh

government termed the Andhra report as

bogus. Indravati project officials maintain

that actual affected area would be known

only after another survey.

Polavaram Project: Chhattisgarh government in dilemma

RAIPUR TRAIL

Govt to take help from ISRO, NASAfor research on rock paintings

RAIPUR

CHARAMA (Chhattisgarh): Chhattisgarh state depart-

ment of archaeology and culture plans to seek help from

NASA and ISRO for research on 10,000-year-old rock paint-

ings depicting aliens and UFOs in Charama region in Kanker

district in tribal Bastar region.

According to archaeologist JR Bhagat, these paintings

have depicted aliens like those shown in Hollywood and

Bollywood flicks. Located about 130km from Raipur, the

caves come under village Chandeli and Gotitola.

"The findings suggest that humans in prehistoric times

may have seen or imagined beings from other planets which

still create curiosity among people and researchers.

Extensive research is needed for further findings.

Chhattisgarh presently

doesn't have any such

expert who could give

clarity on the subject,"

Bhagat told TOI.

There are several

beliefs among locals in

these villages. While

few worship the paint-

ings, others narrate

stories they have heard

from ancestors about

" r o h e l a

people"

the small

sized ones

who

used to

land from

sky in a

r o u n d

shaped fly-

ing object

and take away one or

two persons of village who never returned.

"The paintings are done in natural colours that have

hardly faded despite the years. The strangely carved figures

are seen holding weapon-like objects and do not have clear

features. Specially, the nose and mouth are missing. In few

pictures, they are even shown wearing space suits. We can't

refute possibility of imagination by prehistoric men but

humans usually fancy such things," the archaeologist said.

He added that it is a co-incidence that such ancient

images appear to have sharp resemblance to UFOs shown in

alien movies. "The fan-like antenna and three legs of vehicle's

stand clearly show a similarity to UFO type craft," he said.

Other archaeologists would also be consulted for further ver-

ification.

RAIPUR

RAIPUR------------------------------------------------------------------

5 AUGUST 11 TO AUGUST 17 , 2014 (MP & CG)MADHYA PRADESH

One lakh 55 thousand students to get smart phones

Medical and engineering educationto be imparted in Hindi in MP

The state government hasdecided to provide free smartphones to students takingadmission in first semesterof graduation in governmentcolleges in the state. Duringcurrent academic session2014-15, free smart phoneswill be given to about onelakh 55 thousand newlyadmitted students of col-leges. This facility to stu-dents is being given to bringthem at par with otherdeveloped countries studentsand introducing various com-munication mediums to pro-mote e-learning in this ageof globalization. Throughthis, students will be able toincrease their knowledge.

Bhopal

Atal Bihari Vajpayee HindiVishwavidyalaya of Madhya Pradesh ismoving ahead towards arrangements forteaching and learning of science, literature,arts, commerce, management, medicine,engineering and other courses in Hindi. Thisis the first state-level effort of its kind in thecountry for teaching in Hindi medium.

As many as 60 students took admissionin the university in the first academic ses-

sion 2012-13 and 394 in 2013-14. Besides,265 students registered themselves for regu-lar courses and 3770 for M. Phil, PhD in aca-demic session 2014-15. Admissions in theuniversity are made both online and off-line.

In the university, PhD, M Phil, post-graduate, graduate, Pratishtha, diplomaand certificate course as well as trainingprogrammes have been prepared. Latestsystems are being used for evaluation ofthese degrees and courses.

There is also a plan to translate andpublish works of other languages in Hindiand to conduct job-oriented courses usingaudio-visual medium in distance coursesthrough information technology. Similarly,objective of Atal Bihari Vajpayee HindiVishwavidyalaya is to raise such a younggeneration with overall personality develop-ment which is of world-level in terms of

employment, skill and character. Side byside with teaching of various courses of mod-ern learning, students will also be acquaint-ed with Indic knowledge traditions and willalso teach Yoga, social service and values oflife for their all-round personality develop-ment. There is also a plan to construct girlsand boys hostels on the university premises.

Bhopal

All domicile students of Madhya

Pradesh, who take admission in graduation

first semester will be benefited with the

scheme. There will be no age or caste bar.

Smart phone will be taken back if a student

abandons studies midway or does not study

regularly. The scheme will also benefit stu-

dents of remote areas. This will help

increase gross enrolment

ratio. Number of smart

phone users in the country

has increased by 33 percent

during last 2 years. Time of

using smart phones has also

increased by 20 percent. A

smart phone user in India

spends average 3 hours a

day on its use. About 25 per-

cent users check smart

phones for over 100 times a

day. One-third of users time

is spent on use of various

applications of smart phone.

World of mobile computing

has undergone a revolutionary change with

increase of speed and expansion of network

connectivity in the state and arrival of 2G,

3G and 4G. This change has been brought

about by mobile applications like

WhatsApp and WeChat. Smart phone has

been successful in becoming a pocket learn-

ing appliance for mobile users. Due to lack

of proper wi-fi and broadband facility in

offices and houses, 8 out of 10 persons use

mobile broadband, 2G, 3G and 4G through

smart phones. In this way, youths are using

a new pocket technology in the form of

smart phone. Education sector is also not

untouched by this technology, which is

being used for various purposes in the sec-

tor. During recent online admission process,

such an android mobile application was

evolved in cooperation with NIC, which

applicants obtained information about col-

leges on their smart phones.

Students also saw online information

about their admission details through

mobiles. Such smart phone applications are

being evolved for aiding studies in online

computing world through which students

will be able to write notes through online

quizzes, real-time broadcasts, e-reader,

book-scan, voice recording and making

notes through hearing, collection of web-

clipping and other important academic

works. This will help students avoid pur-

chase of syllabus materials and getting pho-

tocopies of notes.

Hindi Vishwavidyalayaat a glance

Atal Bihari Vajpayee HindiVishwavidyalaya Bill passed with con-sensus in Madhya Pradesh VidhanSabha on December 2, 2011.

Governor ratifies the Bill onDecember 16, 2011.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee HindiVishwavidyalaya set up after publica-tion of notification in Madhya PradeshGazette on December 19, 2011.

Prof Mohanlal Chheepa appointedas the vice-chancellor of the universityon June 28, 2012.

50 acre land reserved for the univer-sity at village Mugalia Kot.

Proposed study centresHindi Boli Vishisht Addhyan Kendra, Bharat Vidya Addhyan Evam Anusandhan

Kendra, Bharat Paariya Bharat Addhyan Kendra, Prachin Sanskriti Evam SabhyataKendra, Vishwa Sabhyata Evam Sanskriti Kendra, Lok Vigyan Evam ProudyogikiKendra, Lok Swasthya Evam Vaikalpik Chikitsa Kendra, Drishya Evam ShravayaKendra, Anuvad Evam Prakashan Kendra, Mahila Addhyan Kendra and ChhattraAddhyan Kendra are proposed to be set up in the university. Madhya pradesh governmenthas established Hindi Vishwavidyalaya on December 19, 2011 to provide teaching-trainingin Hindi to students of state and country and according pride of place to Hindi. PresidentPranab Mukherjee laid foundation stone of the universitys building at village MugaliyaKot near Bhopal on June 6, 2013. The building will be constructed in 50 acre area.

No age or caste bar

13-08-2014- Wednesday -BhadrapadMah Krishnapaksh-TritiyaPositive directions -North and WestBad time 12:32 pm to 2:10 pmGood time 6:01 am to 9:17 amand 10:55 am to 12:31 pm and 3:48 pmto 7:04 pm

14-08-2014-Thursday-Bhadrapad MahKrishnapaksh-ChaturthiPositive directions-North and WestBad time 2:10 pm to 3:48 pmGood time 6:01 am to 7:39 amand 10:55 am to 2:09 pm and 5:25pm to7:03 pm

15-08-2014- Friday -Bhadrapad MahKrishnapaksh-PanchamiPositive direction-North and EastBad Time 10:55 am to 12:32 pm

Good time 6:02 am to 10:54 amand 12:33 pm to 2:10 pm and 5:25 pm to7:03 pm

16-08-2014- Saturday -Bhadrapad MahKrishnapaksh-Shashthi(Saptam TithiKshay)Positive directions-North and EastBad time 9:17 am to 10:55 amGood time 7:40 am to 9:16 amand 12:32 pm to 5:24 pm

17-08-2014- Sunday - Bhadrapad MahKrishnapaksh-AshtamiPositive directions-South and EastBad time 5:24 pm to 7:01 pm Good time 7:40 am to 12:32 pmand 2:09 pm to 3:47 pm

18-08-2014- Monday -Bhadrapad MahKrishnapaksh-NavamiPositive directions- East and South

Bad time 7:40 am to 9:17 amGood time 6:03 am to 7:39 am

and 9:18 am to 10:55 am and 2:09 pmto 7:01 pm

19-08-2014-Tuesday-Bhadrapad MahKrishnapaksh-DashamiPositive directions-North and WestBad time 3:46 pm to 5:23 pmGood time 9:17 am to 2:09 pm

By AACHARYA SARVESHE-Mail: acharya.sarvesh@yahoo.com

Mobile: 9826609192

Vastu tips for OfficesThe shape of theoffice is best if it issquare or rectangular. The building shouldbe of equal heightin all directions. No hospital, templeor a graveyardshould be found inthe vicinity of thelocation of theoffice.The pantry of theoffice is perfect inthe northwest or thesoutheast zone.

ASTROLOGY

6 AUGUST 11 TO AUGUST 17 , 2014 (MP & CG)EDITORIAL

f we look at the state-wise distribution of the childrens

workforce, Uttar Pradesh tops the list with a whopping

21 lakh. Bihar, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Madhya

Pradesh closely follow, together to contribute to the total

population of working children by 55%.

Glaring gaps in addressing the issue lie both in the pol-

icy level and at the mindset of the people at large. The Right

to Education Act (RTE) does not include children in the age

group of 14-18 years, and similar gaps are there in the exist-

ing Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act

(CLPRA), which does not bring in children aged 14-18 years

within its purview. Several childrens rights organisations

have been advocating for the modification of child labour

laws. Apart from age-related issues in defining childhood,

weak provisions of punishment and fines for the offending

employers in the existing Child Labour Act also have some-

what diluted the effectiveness of the law. Also, engaging in

home-based work denies children of their right to education

and recreation. This is also a very common experience that

large numbers of children are trafficked from rural areas for

work. Efforts should be made to evolve village and block

level mechanisms for the protection of children.

Strengthening livelihood opportunities and social security

of the affected families are perhaps equally important, if not

more, so that parents are not compelled to send their chil-

dren to work for the mere reason of subsistence.

We must remember that child protection is not, as it

should not be, only an administrative agenda. It is, by all

means, everyones responsibility. Child labour can never be

eliminated until we make it a social priority. Its always eas-

ier to call for widespread awareness campaigns, but the

need of the hour is to start the battle against our age-old

practice to employ children.

Shockingly, over 76% of child labourers rescued in raids

conducted six years ago in Mumbai went back to work,

according to an NGO working for children's rights. The fact

was highlighted in a study commissioned by Child Rights

and You (CRY) in Mumbai with research partner CARE.

I

tudents and scholars from all over theworld will soon be converging again at

ancient capital of Magadha kings - Rajgir,Bihar, to study at the NalandaInternational University.

The name Nalanda in Sanskrit meansgiver of knowledge. Nalanda University ofyore was founded according to historians inthe fifth century (427 A.D.) as a place oflearning for Buddhist monks and is knownto have been one of the first great residen-tial universities in recorded history. TodayNalanda is a World Heritage site. The ruinsof the monastery are located about 55 milessoutheast of the modern Indian city ofPatna. As part of an international effort theworld renowned ancient NalandaUniversity is now being revived with thesetting up of a modern university as aninternational centre of excellence. Way back

in 2006 former President APJ Abdul Kalamwhile addressing the Bihar Legislature onMarch 28, 2006 stressed the need for estab-lishing a new Nalanda University thatwould be a place for meeting of minds fromthe national and international arenas, tocarry out research that would link philoso-phy to science, to technology, economy andspirituality and integrate both ancient andmodern thinking.

As Bihar Government was also toyingwith the idea it unanimously passed theUniversity of Nalanda Bill in March 2007.In the mid-March 2006 Singapore showedinterest in the development of Nalanda aspart of Buddhist circuit for the growth oftourism and as a site for a twenty first cen-tury learning institution linking South andEast Asia. The Nalanda University Bill wascleared by the Indian Parliament in 2010 to

set up the University with a cost of Rs.1005crore. The University is initially going tohave schools for Buddhist Studies,Philosophy and Comparative Religions;Historical Studies; International Relationsand Peace Studies; Business Managementin relation to Public Policy andDevelopment Studies; Languages andLiterature; Ecology and EnvironmentalStudies.

There are also plans to add one onInformation Technology. It is envisagedthat the revival of the University will leadto the growth of Buddhist circuit giving aboost to the tourism industry. TheUniversity aims at contributing to the pro-motion of regional peace and understand-ing by bringing together future leaders ofthe region and reminding them of theirshared history.

Reviving Ancient Glory: Nalanda International University

Govt fails to check child labour1 cr kids not even attend schoolsMore than 2.5 crore children inIndia are still denied theirrights, and still have to spendtheir childhood working inbrick kilns, open hearth coalpits, or in the dingy bidi rollingworkshops? About one crorechildren in the country are yetto take their steps to schools?According to last census, among25 crore children in the agegroup of 5-14 years, more thanthree crore are engaged in somesort of work. Detailed age-group-wise data suggests 2.5crore working children belongto the age group of 5-9 years,while around 76 lakh come fromthe age group of 10-14 years.

S

7 AUGUST 11 TO AUGUST 17 , 2014 (MP & CG)Development

Health officials in India have issues

warnings at leading airports in the coun-

try, especially in Delhi and Mumbai, after

the deadly Ebola outbreak in West Africa.

The warning stems from the fact that

there are possibilities of passengers with

Ebola virus entering the country from

Indira Gandhi International Airport,

Delhi and Chattrapati Shivaji

International Airport, Mumbai.

The question here is if Indiais ready to tackle the virus?

The army blockaded rural areas hit

by the deadly Ebola virus in Sierra Leone

on August 8, 2013, after neighbouring

Liberia declared a state of emergency to

tackle the worst-ever outbreak of the dis-

ease, which has killed 932 people.

According to media reports, India has

put forward a five point must do pro-

gramme at the airports.

1. Passengers travelling from Africannations to be screened properly.

2. Passengers to self report at various3. Immigration and custom officials to

keep tight vigil

4. Proper facilities at airports to tack-le any situation

5. Immediate coordination with IMAdoctors after detection

In addition to this, Health Minister

Harsh Vardhan on August 8, 2014

informed Parliament that there are close

to 45,000 Indians in the affected countries.

Vardhan said in-flight announcements

regarding the outbreak and subsequent

self reporting by passengers, would also be

made by the airlines. "There would be

designated facilities at the relevant air-

ports/ports to manage travellers manifest-

ing symptoms of the disease. The surveil-

lance system would be geared up to track

these travellers for four weeks and to

detect them early, in case they develop

symptoms," he said.

India takes precautionsagainst deadly Ebola

Among the many priorities of revamping

Indian Railways, stands an important one:

improving the food quality. Sources from

the Railways have said that the Indian

Railways is set to begin with trials over bet-

ter quality food on certain trains.

Popular Food Chain like Haldirams is

set to supply vegetarian food in the

Karnataka Express and Paschim Express.

On the other hand, ITC is set to supply both

of vegetarian and non-vegetarian food in

the Bangalore-Ahmedabad Express.

Passenger feedback would be taken regard-

ing the services and supply of food from

these chains and based on that, the same is

likely to be implemented in other trains as

well. Godrej, Vadilal and Tysen Food are

also interested in catering for the Indian

Railways. Sources have said that the gov-

ernment is considering allowing them to

cater other trains after 15 days.

The move has come days after the

Indian Railways has fined nine caterers,

including the IRCTC, for serving poor qual-

ity food. A cockroach was found in the food

served in the Kolkata Rajdhani, which

many passengers said was absolutely unac-

ceptable.

Besides Indian Railways Catering and

Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), RK

Associates, Sunshine Caterers, Satyam

Caterers, Brandavan Food Products were

also among those fined. Besides Kolkata

Rajdhani, other trains covered during the

special drive include Paschim Express,

Pushpak Express, Motihari Express, Shiv

Ganga Express, Golden Temple Mail,

Netravati Express, Punjab Mail, Howrah-

Amritsar Mail and Chandigarh Shatabdi.

While in some trains food was found to

be kept in unhygienic conditions, in others

it was either found to be stale or substan-

dard, the official said, adding, fines ranging

from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh have been

imposed. Plagued by a number of com-

plaints regarding the quality of food,

Railways have made a concerted attempt to

improve the quality of food being served in

trains. The Union Railway Minister

Sadananda Gowda had announced in the

Rail Budget to make course correction in

catering service to address the problem.

Bhopal

Railways to improve foodquality; Haldirams, ITC tosupply on few trains

Indian Railways wants toinstall solar power plants ofabout 8.8 Mega Watt (MW)-capacity at railway stations,railway office buildings and

level crossing gates through-out the country under railwayfunding.

The Railways is keen toharness solar energy by utiliz-ing roof top space of railway

stations, other railway build-ings and land includingthrough the PPP mode as perthe feasibility, the modalitiesof which are being worked out.

However, solar power

plants have been provided ontop of two narrow gauge trainsplying on Pathankot-Jogindernagar route inKangra Valley section andKalka-Shimla section on trialbasis.

On evaluation of trial andcost benefit analysis, furtherstudy of economic viability willbe undertaken, he said.

The estimated cost ofabout 8.8 MW-capacity for theproposed projects of providingsolar panels under railwayfunding for works mentionedabove is about Rs 100 crore.The benefits of these projectsare reliable power supply par-ticularly at remote locationsand saving in diesel due toreduced running of diesel gen-erators.

Railways keen to harness solar energy

New Delhi

New Delhi

African catfish, locally known as Magur

and a banned variety of fish that poses

threat to indigenous varieties, is being ille-

gally reared and sold in market in and

around the state capital.

The species known as Clarias

Garipeneus, is being reared by fish farmers

in Raipur, Tilda, Dharsivan and Abhanpur

but fisheries department is allegedly over-

looking the ban on its rearing and sale to

protect indigenous fish from becoming

extinct. "Every week we come here to buy

fish as we get it fresh and this fish is much

tastier and cheaper than other fish", said

Chandrika Sahu, a buyer at Shastri Market.

A fish vendor said exotic Magur is cultured

in various water bodies in and around

Raipur and they collect it from fish farmers.

Fish farmers are more interested in this

variety as it gives much profit in a short

period. Each fish can grow up to three feet

and 25kg, but the harvest is done early,

when the fish have attained a weight of one

or two kgs.

Lokesh Vashistha, who had obtained

information through Right to Information

(RTI) Act from the department of fisheries,

alleged that there has been an unholy nexus

between fish farmers and officials in allow-

ing its cultivation.

"We are taking action against illegal

farming of African catfish," said deputy

director fisheries DK Singh, pointing out

that this fish posed threat to other aquatic

creatures. "As per existing policy, we have

taken action against many people. We are

contemplating some changes in existing

policies so as to make it stricter than

before." Singh said the fisheries department

is watchful to ensure that Magur does not

enter natural water bodies such as rivers

and ponds as it can destroy other varieties.

Singh said district and block level officials

have been directed to implement the ban

while the complaints regarding cultivation

of banned fish is being examined.

8 AUGUST 11 TO AUGUST 17 , 2014 (MP & CG)Health

New Delhi: Efforts by the UnionMinistry of Environment and Forests to putthe spotlight on India's e-waste manage-ment crisis are much appreciated. OnWednesday, Mr Prakash Javadekar toldParliament that the Government willimprove India's capacity to process e-waste,including setting up an integrated recyclingfacility, and raise awareness about the issue.India currently generates more than 2.7 mil-lion tonnes of e-waste every year thisincludes a variety of objects and materials,from computers and cell phones to house-hold appliances and car parts; just aboutanything that has an electrical component.However, much of this waste is not disposedproperly.

This, in turn, contributes to environ-mental pollution and poses a direct threatto human health. The problem will onlytake on menacing proportions as an eco-nomically resurgent India's growing popu-lation buys an increasing number of con-sumer goods, all of which will add to the e-waste pile. Well before the end of thisdecade, the country will be generating 500times more e-waste.

As of now, almost 90 per cent of the e-waste is handled by the unorganised sector in other words, the local kabari-wallah.Lethal chemicals and toxic substances areprocessed' in junk yards by unskilled work-

ers who use crude techniques such as acidleaching and open air burning. Toxins arereleased into the air, water and soil, eventu-ally impacting the health of the general pop-ulation.

Equally importantly, the labourers whoare directly handling the waste are also putat immediate risk. Worse still, children arecommonly employed in this industry in bla-

tant violation of labour laws. They are themost vulnerable of the lot. In 2011, theUnion Government notified the E-Waste(Management and Handling) Rules, whichwas a good first step towards defusing thecrisis. However, as expected, the Rules havenot been implemented effectively. For exam-ple, the primary producer of the electronic orelectrical product is responsible for its

effective disposal. This isknown as the ExtendedProducer Responsibility. Arecent study done by anenvironmental NGO hasfound that even two yearsafter the Rules came intoeffect, few corporates careabout EPR. Not even ahandful of mobile phonecompanies, mandated totake back products that arepast their use-by date, havethe mechanism to do so.There are few drop-off/take-back locations, and the onesthat exist are not adver-tised. The public too isunaware that discardedproducts have to bereturned to the producer.

State pollution boards,which are responsible formonitoring e-waste man-agement, are doing an

equally shoddy job. Forget about hauling upnon-compliant units, only seven States havemade e-waste inventories. More than 19States still have no infrastructure to dealwith e-waste. Add to that the problem of ille-gally imported e-waste, dumped by thedeveloping world, and it is clear why Indiaspoor management of e-waste is a tickingtime-bomb.

Pune

Poorly treated e-wastethreat to public health

African catfish poses threatto indigenous varieties

New Delhi

The government is planning to set up an Export

Promotion Mission as announced in the Budget 2014-

15, which is aimed at preparing a comprehensive pol-

icy for promoting foreign trade. It has also taken

various measures to ease norms for exporters.

The move will involve deeper involvement of the

States in achieving targets to be fixed under the for-

eign trade Policy, Minister of Commerce and Industry,

Nirmala Sitharaman said here recently. Meanwhile,

Sitharaman also informed Parliament that increasing

exports in specific products and providing necessary

thrust by way of strategy is a continuous process

through market study initiatives. Issues relating to

tariff/non-tariff barriers are actively taken up during

the bilateral meetings and also under the

Institutional dialogues and accordingly Foreign Trade

Agreement (FTA) are signed between countries. The

ongoing trade procedures and infrastructure are

reviewed through Trade Policy Review regularly. She

said that the Government is engaged in negotiating a

WTO Agreement on

Trade Facilitation in

terms of the modalities

contained in the

Ministerial Decision on

7th December 2013.

The ongoing WTO

negotiations on Trade

Facilitation (TF) seek to

develop a set of multi-

lateral trade rules that

aim to simplify, modern-

ize and harmonize trade

procedure with a view to

ensure smooth move-

ment of import, export

and transit of goods across the international borders,

she said. The Foreign Trade Policy provides certain

incentives to compensate for high transport costs and

offset other disadvantages with a view to enhance

exports. Various incentives are supported through the

different schemes under Foreign Trade Policy like

Vishesh Krishi and Gram Udyog Yojana (VKGUY),

Focus Market Scheme, Market Linked Focus Product

Scheme and Focus Product Scheme.

Apart from above various Industry and Trade

Bodies are given support for participation in Buyer

Seller Meets (BSMs), Trade fairs and exhibitions in

various countries under Market Access Initiative

(MAI) scheme.

The Minister said that the two per cent Interest

Subvention Scheme, which was available for certain

export sectors viz. Handicrafts, Carpet, Handlooms,

SMEs, Readymade Garments, Processed Agriculture

Products and Toys, was widened to include 134 tariff

lines of Engineering Sector with effect from 1st

January, 2013.

9 AUGUST 11 TO AUGUST 17 , 2014(MP & CG)Commerce

Railways jumbo gift to N BengalRs 300 crore for doubling of tracks

Use of pesticides endangeringbees: Gaurishankar Bisen

Bhopal: Addressing a

seminar Bees endangered

held by K.J. Education

Society here recently,

Farmers Welfare and

Agriculture Minister

Gaurishankar Bisen said

that bees have important

role in food grains produc-

tion. Bee species are found in

various parts of the world.

The honey produced by them

is very useful for human

health. Maximum business

can be transacted by under-

standing their requirements

properly and ensuring that

they suffer minimum harm.

Bisen said that bees

have been endangered due to

use of pesticides in all crops these

days. Their breeding is being

adopted as source of livelihood in

rural areas. It has a number of

benefits including excellent rural

industry, nutritious food, medical

importance, hybrid pollination,

employment opportunities to rural

people as per their needs etc.

Bisen said that organic fer-

tilisers should be used to save

bees. A number of researches have

been conducted about this.

Scientists should convey their ben-

efits to common people. Bees col-

lect juice from all crops including

Kharif, Rabi and Zayed and the

lifecycle is completed in 4 stages.

Ever-increasing use of pesticide

will have to be stopped. It is harm-

ful for human health. Farmers

should also pay attention to cow

keeping to increase their level of

income. He said that environ-

ments cleanliness and balance of

nature both are necessary for

human health. Increase in organic

food grains production is also nec-

essary, he added.

Director Agriculture Dr. D.N.

Sharma, Director Horticulture

and Farm Forestry Anurag vas-

tava, former Director Agriculture

Dr. G.S. Kaushal and Prasoon

Sircar also gave presentations at

the programme. A booklet on bee

keeping was released on the occa-

sion. Sunil Gangrade presented

mementoes to all guests.

Govt to set up Export PromotionMission to promote foreign trade

There is finally some good news for

wildlife enthusiasts in the forests of North

Bengal. The ministry of railways has allot-

ted Rs 300 crore towards doubling of tracks

in the New Jalpaiguri-New Cooch Behar-

Samuktala Road route in the 2014-15 rail-

way budget tabled in Parliament on

Tuesday. Once the tracks are doubled, more

trains can be diverted from the New

Jalpaiguri-Bagdogra-New Mal Jn-

Nagrakata-Hasimara-Alipurduar Junction

route that runs through the forests of North

Bengal and accounts for the largest number

of elephant deaths in the country.

As many as 20 pachyderms died in this

stretch due to collision with trains since

2013, forest department officials said. The

last incident was reported on July 1 when a

special military train slammed into two jum-

bos a mother and a calf between

Hasimara and Hamiltongunj, killing them

on the spot. Official records reveal that

between 2004 and 2013, as many as 44 ele-

phants were killed by trains in the forests of

the Dooars.

"This is very encouraging. The govern-

ment has sanctioned Rs 160 crore for the

36.52 km Ambari Falakata-New Moynaguri

stretch. In addition, Rs 140 crore has been

sanctioned for the 29.02 km New Cooch

Behar-Samuktala Road stretch. Now, the

projects will be reviewed and timeframes

set. Work can now start in earnest," said

Sugato Lahiri, CPRO, Northeast Frontier

Railway (NFR). With these sanctions, the

ministry of railways has cleared the bulk of

the estimated cost for doubling of the

stretch. Now, a mere Rs 107.55 crore is

pending of the Rs 529.89 crore that the proj-

ect is estimated to cost. "This was a long

pending demand. After doubling is complet-

ed, trains can be diverted and elephant

deaths can be checked," said chief wildlife

warden Ujjal Bhattacharya.

Siliguri or New Jalpaiguri is connected

to Alipurduar through two railway routes.

One of these is the 168km link that passes

through Bagdogra, New Mal Jn, Nagrakata

and Hasimara. After 2003, this became a

broad gauge section and now passes through

nearly 74 km across three protected areas

and the buffer zone of the Buxa Tiger

Reserve (BTR) as well as nine well-estab-

lished elephant corridors.

KOLKATA

New Delhi