Month: January 2015

WB CM announces development board for Sherpas

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After the formation of the development boards for the Lepcha and Tamang communities, West Bengal Chief Minister Ms Mamata Banerjee on Friday announced the formation of a separate development board for the Sherpa community in the Darjeeling Hills.

She further declared that the Sherpa Cultural Development board will receive a cheque of Rs 5 Crore for the development of the Sherpa community, in the 119th birth anniversary celebration of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at Chowrastha, Darjeeling.

The CM also declared that an amount of Rs 1 lakh will be given to 10 people who climb mountains amidst thick and thin situation for the nation but is still poverty stricken. This event also witnessed several cultural songs and dances by renowned artists from Kolkata as well as Darjeeling.

Surge of development in Darjeeling will continue: WB CM

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WB CM Mamata Banerjee today addressed a meeting of the Tamang community at Darjeeling. She announced that like last year, this year too the West Bengal Government will allocate Rs 5 crore to the Tamang community for building houses for the poor people.

“I love my brothers and sisters of Darjeeling. They are sweet, innocent, lovable and affectionate towards me. We are extending all help possible for the development of Darjeeling. I love Darjeeling. Kanchenjunga is smiling” she said.

“A new medical college is coming up in Kurseong and a multi specialty hospital will also be set up in the Hills. We will create new tourist spots in the Hills so that more employment is generated. The Hills are also educational hubs. So many reputed schools are here”, she added.

WB CM Mamata Banerjee focused on areas of development in tourism and creating an educational hub. Schools, hospitals, power stations and drinking water projects are being set up in the hills, which will create employment. She said, “I work for all communities and religions living in Darjeeling. Your culture is very high. Preserve your heritage. Whether it is Independence Day or Republic Day, Darjeeling always holds a prominent place in the celebrations.”

The hills have always been close to WB CM Mamata Banerjee. Bringing peace, increasing footfall of tourists and having a holistic development to the hills were a challenge for the new government, which was successfully addressed by WB CM Mamata Banerjee. She as a Chief Minister has visited the hills more than 40 times and addressed the issues of development and gained the confidence of the people.

Kanyashree Bengal

The success story of Kanyashree – Mamata Banerjee’s brainchild

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The historic Kanyashree Project, launched by the West Bengal Chief Minister Ms Mamata Banerjee in 2013 is now bearing the fruits of her outstanding farsightedness.

The Chief Minister said that girls are precious assets of the society and in future they will lead the country. She laid stress empowering the future citizens of the nation through proper education. She appealed to the parents not to marry off minor girls only to achieve social security; they should be allowed to study and build their future.

About the scheme

Launched on 1st October, 2013, the response had been so huge that within a year 16 lakh girls were registered under the scheme. Till date 22 lakh girls have been registered under the scheme and the government plans to extend the benefit to 40 lakh girls in the next two years.

In terms of simplicity, transparency and outreach, Kanyashree scheme is unique and first of its kind in India. Not only can an applicant apply for the scheme in her school, madrassah, vocational training centre or wherever she is studying, for transparency purpose, the entire scheme can be accessed online on a dedicated website – www.wbkanyashree.gov.in

UNICEF partners West Bengal Government for the implementation of Kanyashree

UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) has become a partner of the West Bengal Government for the implementation of Kanyashree scheme. The objective is to instill confidence among them, to encourage their education, and to discourage their early marriage.

The partnership between UNICEF and West Bengal Government is not a superficial involvement but a technical partnership. UNICEF has decided to hire a premium agency with the best expertise in India to do a “baseline survey” regarding the scheme. This will be followed by an “impact assessment”, to be funded by UNICEF.

Kanyashree scheme receives international recognition

Department for International Development ,United Kingdom and UNICEF had selected the scheme for presentation at the”Girl Summit” 2014 to be held at London. The State Government has been invited to make a presentation of the scheme before a global audience.

Union Women and Child Development Minister praises Kanyashree scheme

Union Minister of Women and Child Development praised the Kanyashree scheme of West Bengal Government during a reply on the motion for stricter measures to curb the rising crimes against women. During her speech she said that the Kanyashree scheme was an excellent idea.

The first Kanyashreee Dibas

The first Kanyashreee Dibas was celebrated on August 14, 2014 in every block of the State. On the day, The Chief Minister felicitated fifty girl students for their achievement in different competitions, as well as distributed prizes to three best districts, three best schools and three best colleges for their contribution to the Kanyashree scheme.

Film on Kanyashree by Oscar-winning filmmaker

After international accolades, recognition by UNICEF and invitation to the Girl Summit 2014 in London, the Kanyashree scheme has also been portrayed in a short-film made by an Oscar-winning director on a young girl’s fight to stave off marriage and help her family make ends meet and was screened at the Kolkata International Film Festival. Made by Oscar winning American short filmmaker Megan Mylan, the film, ‘After My Garden Grows’, was about a beneficiary of the West Bengal Government’s Kanyashree and Sabala schemes that are aimed at empowering the women of rural Bengal.

Kanyashree impact: School dropout rate among girls falls in Bengal

According to data from the National Sample Survey 2014, the school dropout rate among girls in the State has come down. The report says that while the National average for school dropout rate for girls is 3.23%, the same for the State is 1.28%. In the 2009 survey, the figure stood at 2.34% for Bengal.

National honours for Kanyashree

The Department of Woman Development and Social Welfare, Government of West Bengal has been awarded Silver Medal for the “Kanyasshree Prakalpo” in the Category of “Outstanding Service in Citizen-Centric Service.”

Bottomline

Using Kanyashree as a weapon, the state government is now urging the police and non-government organizations to go ahead to the micro level to generate awareness so that such crimes are minimised in the state. In a special training programme for police personnel jointly organized by the district police, district legal services authority (DLSA) and an NGO, the joint secretary emphasised on the utility of Kanyashree.

West Bengal is home to 88.34 lakh teenager girls as per the National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB). Most of these girls are vulnerable to child trafficking in the form of child marriage and other forms of coercion. Kanyasree project is an exclusive scheme to save the vulnerable girls. Police personnel are being explained on how to take action against trafficking of teenagers and prevent banes like child marriage.

Subhas Utsav – Celebrating Netaji’s Birth Anniversary

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West Bengal Government is celebrating ‘Subhas Utasav’ on 22-23 January, 2015 to commemorate the 118th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. The festival is being organised by the Department of Youth Affairs, Govt of West Bengal.

WB CM Ms Mamata Banerjee  participated in the celebrations along with other dignitaries at Darjeeling Mall on 23rd January at 12 noon. Celebrations in the past took place in Kolkata but on the initiative of our present Chief Minister, the official celebration of Netaji’s birth anniversary was held in Darjeeling last year.

This Utsav will comprise many programmes and competitions including processions, exhibitions on the life and work of Subhas Chandra, quizzes on him, debates, sit & draw competition, essay writing and other events.

Incidentally, the grand nephew of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Sugata Bose is a Trinamool MP representing Jadavpur constituency in the Lok Sabha.

Highlights of the Chief Minister’s speech at Darjeeling Mall:

  • Netaji is one of the most inspirational persons in Indian history.
  • There can never be a substitute for Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
  • Netaji gave the slogan Jai Hind. He formed the Indian National Army.
  • Netaji said renunciation and realisation are two sides of the coin.
  • “Kadam kadam badaye jaa” is still a popular song.
  • The final days of Netaji is still a mystery. What happened to him, no one knows. History is incomplete.
  • History of India is incomplete. Netaji has not got the honour he deserved from the powers that be.
  • Netaji gave the slogan of Dilli Chalo. People loved and adored Netaji.
  • We have set up Jai Hind Bahini to serve people.
  • Earlier the official celebration of Netaji’s birthday happened in #Kolkata. Now we hold it in the Hills.
  • Earlier no one used to come to Darjeeling. I came to the Hills more than 40 times in 3 years.
  • I love my brothers and sisters of the Hills. I do not discriminate on the basis of caste, creed, race or religion.
  • If tourism prospers, Darjeeling will prosper. People will get jobs. Finances will improve.
  • We love the soil of Bengal, the soil of India. Saare jahaan se acha, Hindustan humara.
  • I pay my tributes to all those who risk their lives for the security of the country.
  • I pay my tributes to all the martyrs who laid down their lives for India.
  • I am ready to sacrifice my life for preserving the unity of this country.
  • Let us salute the great son of the soil Netaji on his birth anniversary. Jai Hind.

 

(Updated on 23 January, 2015 at 1:00 PM)

Abhishek Banerjee takes on ABP and BJP

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National President of Trinamool Youth Congress Abhishek Banerjee  today slammed Anandabazar Patrika group and BJP for their malicious propaganda of lies and smear campaign against Mamata Banerjee and Trinamool Congress.

He was addressing a rally of Trinamool Youth Congress at Bardhaman Chowringhee Maidan. The rally was attended by various leaders of the party  Partha Chatterjee, Secretary General of AITC, Firhad Hakim, General Secretary Subrata Bakhsi, WB State President, Chandrima Bhattacharya, State President of Trinamool Mahila Congress and senior leader Subrata Mukherjee. The meeting was attended by a sea of enthusiast supporters.

He said that he has slapped legal notices to ABP for false news regarding him, which the media group is yet to respond to.  He also questioned how front page headlines in ABP and Ganasakti was exactly similar. He reiterated what the Chairperson has been saying all these while, that ABP published several advertisements of Saradha.

Abhishek Banerjee challeneged the owner of ABP group, Aveek Sarkar to produce the balance sheet of all the companies he is associated with, and he is ready to produce his record within 30 minutes.

Highlights of Abhishek Banerjee’s speech:

  • Yesterday Amit Shah said Saradha raised Rs 15000 crore. But in SC order it is said an independent auditor from SEBI said the amount was Rs 2459 crore.
  • I have sent legal notices to ABP group for false news. They haven’t furnished any proof yet. Will take them to court.
  • Every evening on TV shows, few dalals are carrying out negative propaganda against Mamata Banerjee.
  • ABP is spreading malicious lies against Mamata Banerjee and TMC.
  • Will ABP do a panel discussion on the manifold increase in assets of BJP Ministers?
  • On 13th January, ABP and Ganashakti carried the exact same headline on front page.
  • What is the connection between ABP and Ganashakti? ABP also published advertisements of Saradha.
  • If Aveek Sarkar produces balance sheets of all companies he is associated with, I will produce my records within 30 mins.
  • Neither CBI nor ABP will be able to save BJP. Common people are the only saviour in elections.
  • After becoming the President of BJP, Amit Shah came to Chowringhee to campaign for by-polls. TMC won that seat by 15000 votes.
  • In the students’ union polls, TMCP has formed the union in majority colleges.
  • The more they criticise TMC; people will shower their support on us.
  • BJP returned the pilot cars sent by WB Government so that they could criticise Mamata Banerjee.
  • They traveled without pilot cars in Bardhaman. This is an example that Bengal is safe and secure.
  • Did they talk about development, peace, culture or progress? No. They only talked about capturing power.
  • Mamata Banerjee has a long history of struggle. She did not become a mass leader overnight. From Netai to Nandigram, Singur to Tapasi Malik,  Mamata Banerjee has always stood by the people.
  • They want to defeat Mamata Banerjee by indulging in propaganda through a section of media.
  • Can you block the sunlight by covering your eyes with your hand? No. Defeating Mamata Banerjee is not easy.
  • Let there be a competition based on development. Let them talk based on facts and figures.
  • They do not know the Bengali language, Bengali culture. Will Amit Shah be able to read the banner on stage?
  • Mamata Banerjee started her struggle wearing a hawai chappal 3 decades ago. She still follows the same lifestyle.
  • They think they will bring poriborton in Bengal by visiting the State for 5 minutes.
  • Did Amit Shah say a word against Biman babu or Buddha babu? Did he say anything about Adhir babu?
  • Mamata Banerjee visited Jangalmahal 38 times and Darjeeling 42 times in the last 3.5 years. Standing in Darjeeling, Mamata Banerjee made it clear that she will not allow division of Bengal.
  • A few dalals are carrying out negative propaganda against Mamata Banerjee.
  • The support of people is with TMC and Mamata Banerjee. BJP cannot digest this fact.
  • Yesterday BJP said in their rally ABVP won elections at Raghunathpur College. In reality TMCP won the polls in that college.
  • A particular media group is spreading malicious lies against Mamata Banerjee and TMC.
  • The assets of BJP MPs and Ministers are increasing manifold since Lok Sabha elections.
  • Should there not be a CBI probe into the multifold increase in assets of BJP Ministers? Will there be panel discussions in TV?
  • Investments r pouring into Bengal. WB CM is visiting different places with industrialists for investment opportunities.
  • Trinamool will win the upcoming Municipal polls in Bengal.
  • BJP will suffer a huge defeat in the upcoming polls.

WB CM attends the closing ceremony of Himal-Terai-Dooars Krira Utsav

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West Bengal Chief Minister Ms Mamata Banerjee was present at the concluding ceremony of the two-month long Himal-Terai-Dooars Spots Festival 2015 at a programme held at Darjeeling Police Ground today.

She distributed the prizes to the winners and also inaugurated the ladies hostel of the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute.

The sports festival was jointly oganised by the district police departments of Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, the police commissionerate of Siliguri and the State Sports dept.

The West Bengal Chief Minister is on a visit to North Bengal. On January 19, she attended the North Bengal Industry Meet, 2015 at Siliguri, which was the first of its kind in North Bengal. Yesterday, the week-long ‘Uttarbanga Utsav’, 2015 was inaugurated in a colourful programme at Kanchenjunga Stadium, Siliguri by the West Bengal Chief Minister.West Bengal Chief Minister to distribute prizes of the Himal-Terai-Dooars Spots Festival 2015 today

The revival of Bengal’s Public Finances

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West Bengal has gone through a significant transformation with the public finances. The state of the public finances was in a dilapidated condition when Mamata Banerjee took over as the Chief Minister of West Bengal.

Figures clearly show that the State’s fiscal measures have borne fruit:

  • Revenue Deficit (difference between budgeted net revenue and actual net revenue) which was 3.6% (2010-11) has declined over the years. It was 2.7% (2011-12) to 2.1% (2012-13) and is projected at 0.5% (2013-14). The Revenue Deficit has sharply fallen from Rs 21,578 crore (2009-10) to Rs 13,308 crore (2012-13) and to Rs 3,488 crore (2013-14).
  •  Gross Fiscal Deficit (difference between government’s expenditure and revenue expressed as a percentage of GDP/GSDP) which was 4.4% (2010-11) has also declined over the years. It was 3.3 % (2011-12) and in 2013-14, it is projected at 1.8%. In the non special category states, in terms of Gross Fiscal Deficit, West Bengal had second highest GFD (2011-12), while in 2013-14, 6 states are above WB.
  • The state’s own tax collection has increased historically. It was at Rs 22,000 crore (2011-12) and increased by more than 40% in 2012-13 and to Rs 39,100 crore (2013-14).
  • Capital Expenditure Disbursement (it is the expenditure on development of machinery, equipment, building and other infrastructure) a greater growth of infrastructure like roads, bridges etc) grew by 44% in 2012-13, from Rs 10,505 crore (2011-12) to Rs 15,137 crore (2012-13) and further to Rs 18,914 crore (2013-14).
  • The ‘Development Expenditure’ (as defined by RBI) has increased from 52% (2011-12) to 57% (2012-13 and 2013-14).
  • The ratio of own revenue generation to the revenue expenditure has significantly increased from 35.8% (2011-12) to 39.8% (2012-13) and to 45.2% (2013-14).

 

Note: The figures of 2010-11 and 2011-12 are actual figures while figures of 2012-13 are Revised Estimates and 2013-14 are Budget Estimates.

Source of data: RBI publications and State Budgets.

Bengal bags awards for e-governance and Kanyashree

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Actions speak louder than words. West Bengal has shown the way again. West Bengal Government has bagged prestigious National Awards for “Excellence in Government Process Reengineering” and “Outstanding Service in Citizen-Centric Service.” Bengal won Silver awards in both the categories, given away by the Central Government.

E-initiatives in Commercial Taxes:

The Finance Department of West Bengal has been awarded Silver Medal for the e-taxation project under the category of “Excellence in Government Process Reengineering”. The Finance Minister, Amit Mitra welcomed the decision. “The cutting edge use of e-taxation has revolutionized the ease of doing business and doubled tax collections here”, he added.

West Bengal’s tax revenues have gone up from Rs 21,000 crore in 2010-11, to about Rs 40,000 crore, which is historic.

Kanyashree Prakalpo:

The Department of Woman Development and Social Welfare, Government of West Bengal has been awarded Silver Medal for the “Kanyasshree Prakalpo” in the Category of “Outstanding Service in Citizen-Centric Service.”

The Chief Minister opened the Kanyashree Prakalpo, which consists of an annual stipend of Rs 500 for girls aged between 13 to 18, studying in school and providing one time grant of Rs 25,000 to unmarried girl between the age to 18 and 19 and who are undergoing study or training. About 11 lakh girls have already been enlisted and another 8 lakh sanctioned.

BJP Burdwan rally a big flop show: Partha Chatterjee

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Partha Chatterjee, Secretary General, All India Trinamool Congress, today addressed a press conference at Trinamool Bhavan.

Here is what he said:

  • Today’s BJP rally at Bardhaman was a flop-show. Main speaker’s speech lasted only a few minutes.
  • People who have no capacity to bloom shapla, are talking of lotus blooming in Bengal.
  • I hope Amit babu has understood it is difficult for lotus to bloom in Bengal.
  • The political culture of Bengal has no place for bad utterances like “Bhaag Bhaag”.
  • Mamata Banerjee has a long history of struggle and people’s movements in Bengal. BJP has no such history.
  • BJP’s campaign is based on only propaganda. They want to uproot TMC from power through missed calls.
  • If Rahul Sinha cared about Bengal, he would speak out against Center’s negligence towards the State.
  • The way Mr Rahul Sinha used the name of a particular community, in a derogatory manner, is deplorable.

Surge of development in Bengal will continue: WB CM at Uttarbanga Utsav

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West Bengal Chief Minister Ms Mamata Banerjee inaugurated the 4th edition of the Uttarbanga Utsav at Kanchenjunga Stadium in Siliguri today. The festival, continuing till January 20, will be held simultaneously in the seven North Bengal districts – Coochbehar, Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling, Uttar Dinajpur, Dakshin Dinjapur, Malda and Alipurduar.

On the inaugural day Banga Ratna Samman was awarded to eminent personalities by the Chief Minister.

Places where the Utsab will take place in the seven districts :

  • Darjeeling – Siliguri, Bagdogra
  • Coochbehar – Dinhata, Haldibari, Mathabhanga
  • Jalpaiguri – Jalpaiguri, Gayerkata, Moinaguri, Kranti, Rajganj
  • Uttar Dinajpur- Raiganj, Islampur
  • Dakshin Dinjapur – Balurghat, Gangarampur
  • Malda – Englishbazar, Gajole, Manikchawk
  • Alipurduar- Falakata, Kalchini

The seven day long festival focuses on film, theater, classical and modern music, sports, dance forms and other such activities.

Highlights of the Chief Minister’s speech:

  • A lot of development is happening in North Bengal.
  • We have set up a branch Secretariat in north Bengal. People do not need to go to Kolkata anymore.
  • We have set up schools and colleges for north Bengal. Institutes like St Xavier’s College have set up branches here.
  • I have come to North Bengal multiple times. We treat North and South Bengal equally.
  • I have come of North Bengal for more than 60-70 times.
  • From Kanyashree to Yuvashree to grants and aid to farmers like power tillers and tractors – we are helping everyone.
  • Few media houses are continuously spreading negativity. They are spreading lies.
  • I request you not to spread lies and negativity about Bengal. Please do not insult Bangla Ma.
  • CPM incurred debts. We are repaying them. Centre is taking away major part of our revenue.
  • We want ration, not bhashan.
  • Centre is not giving us funds for JNNURM, food procurement, 100 Days’ Work. These funds are our right.
  • Centre does not do us a favour by giving funds. They take our revenue.
  • We will organise Maati Utsav on 28 January.
  • Just like I did Global Business Summit, I also care for farmers. I will interact with them at Maati Utsav.
  • We are providing assistance to clubs for sports infrastructure development.
  • Several industries are coming up in north Bengal. The surge of development will continue.
  • Bengal will progress despite all the negativity and propaganda. Do not create hurdles for development by calling bandhs.
  • 10 lakh youths will get skill development training.
  • We could have created many more job opportunities had the CPM not destroyed the infrastructure for 35 years.
  • I will keep working for Maa, Mati, Manush of Bengal. From here I will go to Darjeeling.