Bengal Tourism’s big social media push

To increase its reach, especially among the younger generation, the State Tourism Department has decided to go all out to promote itself on social media. It has a fairly good presence on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and now it is aiming to strengthen its position with regard to content.

For this, it has divided the state into six regions, and has appointed professional photographers, videographers and agencies to visit each of these and create a database of images and videos for putting up on the social media vehicles.

The six regions are Hills, Dooars, Central Bengal, Rarh Bengal, Gangetic Bengal and Western Bengal. Five to ten-second video clips are also being planned for showing on television.

 

Source: Bartaman

Bengal CM writes to the PM to allow for CSR in Chief Minister’s Relief Funds

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has written to the Prime Minister to allow business houses to contribute money for corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities to Chief Minister’s Relief Funds (CMRF).

The letter points out ‘one major infirmity in the present CSR framework as provided in the Companies Act 2013’ concerning the interest of the States. While contributions to the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) was mentioned as an eligible activity under CSR in the 2013 Act, the same made to CMRFs was not considered as an activity ‘eligible for contribution under the CSR’, as per the letter.

Hence, the letter reads, ‘it will indeed be praiseworthy if contribution to CMRF in the states is also made an eligible activity under CSR. The little contribution would be very helpful to all the states to extend the much-desired assistance and relief to people in need.’

Mamata Banerjee has written that the CMRFs are always under financial constraints because of limited donations from companies, and also that, if the proposal is accepted by the Centre, the contributions will also enable the donors to claim tax breaks.

 

Source: Millennium Post

Committed to working for the people: Mamata Banerjee on the seventh anniversary of Maa, Mati, Manush Govt

On the occasion of the seventh anniversary of Trinamool coming to power, Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee greeted the people Bengal and reiterated her commitment towards working for the betterment of the people.

She posted on her Twitter page: “On May 20, 2011 the first Maa, Mati, Manush Government took oath of office. It has been seven years and we continue to be committed to working for the betterment of the people.”

On May 13, 2011, the people of Bengal gave a historic mandate, ousting the Left Front out of power. Mamata Banerjee took oath as the Chief Minister of Bengal on May 20, 2011 at 1:05 PM. To read more about the historic day, click here.

It is a constitutional crisis in Karnataka: Mamata Banerjee

Calling the political chaos in Karnataka as a ‘constitutional crisis’, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee raises question on the alleged “horse-trading” in the State.

“In Karnataka,this is a constitutional crisis. The governor is a constitutional post. he cannot act like a political guide. Why he is not calling the Congress-JD(S) when they have already submitted letter with the adequate numbers. A governor should act abiding by the Constitution and not by his personal choice. I endorse all Opposition leaders’ views in this regard. I support Mayawati Ji, Stalin, Chandrababu Naidu and Akhilesh’s opinion on this issue,” said Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee.

Hinting at the Karnataka crisis, she said: “Of late, there are so many instances of horse trading. If this becomes a rule, a bad precedence will be set in the country. It will not only destroy democracy, but the country as well.”

 

Doctors are our pride: Mamata Banerjee

West Bengal Chief Minister was present at the convocation ceremony of West Bengal Health University. She heaped praises on the doctors and research scholars, while highlighting the work done in the health sector in the last seven years.

 

 

Highlights of the Chief Minister’s speech:

  • The dream of many research scholars will come true today. The convocation is a special day for many. Hard work and sacrifice of several years bears fruit on this day. Your continuous efforts will be honoured. My best wishes to all.
  • The merit of Bengali students is unmatched elsewhere in the country. The health infrastructure of Bengal is also unparalleled.
  • I have written to the Centre about the lapses in NEET papers. How can there be mistakes in the question paper that will determine the future of lakhs of students? This must be pursued.
  • We are proud of our doctors and nurses.
  • 42 new multi super speciality hospitals have been set up.
  • 16 Mother and Child Hubs have been set up. 78 SNCUs and 307 SNSUs have been set up.
  • 115 fair price medicine shops. 85 fair price diagnostic centres. ICCU, HDUs set up in districts.
  • We provide free treatment in hospitals. Even people from other States are coming to Bengal for treatment.
  • From Rs 700 crore the health budget has increased to Rs 8000 crore in seven years.
  • 99% of doctors are honest and hard-working. For the wrong actions of just 1% the entire fraternity has to bear the brunt.
  • We must keep our heads held high and work for the people.
  • Institutional delivery rate has increased from 65% to 95% in six years.
  • We have increased seats in medical colleges by 1400, 9 new medical colleges have been set up.
  • I encourage my new generation to take up research – there are many unexplored avenues. Cancer cure is still not available, high blood sugar is becoming a concern. Research will only take the medical field forward.
  • Bengal will become the best in the world. One day people will say the health infrastructure in Bengal is the best.

Rabindranath Tagore is timeless: Mamata Banerjee

Today is 25se Boishakh – the 157th birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore. The day is being observed across the State with full fervour.

A cultural programme was organised by the State Information and Culture Department today at Rabindra Sadan. Titled ‘Kobi Pronam’, the function was inaugurated by the Chief Minister.

Highlights of the CM’s speech:

It is impossible to discuss patriotism, education, culture, environment, love, separation or any other subject with a reference to Rabindranath. He was ‘Bishwa Kobi’ (world poet).

Rabindranath is omnipresent. He belongs to everyone. Poetry, plays, music, painting – he has left his mark in every sphere.

Rabindranath’s writings are our driving force, our inspiration.

Rabindranath showed the way to the rest of the world. It is our pride that he was born in Bengal.

Rabindranath epitomised humamnism, modernism, culture, senstivity, patriotism. Gandhiji gave him the title ‘Gurudev’.

Rabindranath loved people of all communities and classes equally. He stood for unity and harmony, which are burning issues in this day and age. Even, Netaji, Gandhiji and Ambedkar believed in these ideals.

This day is like Bengali new year. Some people call this day World Culture Day, while others celebrate this day as Rabi Dibas.

Rabindranath Tagore is timeless. He will live in our hearts as long as culture and civilization exists on earth.

Rabindranath’s “Where are the mind is without fear” is an inspiration for the youth.

Being oblivious about Rabindranath is like forgetting one’s culture. We will live with our heads held high, following the ideals espoused by Rabindranath. We will not be led astray by intimidation.

 

Mamata Banerjee pens street play, ‘Jayatu’– running to full houses

With the Panchayat elections in mind, Trinamool Congress Chairperson and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has turned playwright too. After giving ample examples of her talent as an artist, a poet and a writer, she has now turned her attention to street plays.

The play is titled ‘Jayatu’, meaning ‘be victorious’. The 15-minute play, performed by eight actors and actresses, has already been a huge hit in the various districts. On the opening day – May 7– 69 groups performed the play across all the 23 districts. As of now, the plan is for 100 theatre groups to perform 1,200 shows.

The issues highlighted in the play follow three broad themes – the developmental schemes undertaken by the Trinamool Congress Government since coming to power in 2011, which have brought about all-round development of the State, the negative policies of the BJP and the 34-year misrule of the Left Front.

Among the schemes and achievements highlighted are foodgrains at Rs 2 per kg, Kanyashree, Rupashree, fair-price medicine shops in government hospitals, Lokprasar Prakalpa (for folk artistes), Manabik (for the differently abled), setting up of new universities and Kisan Mandis. The various festivals initiated by the State Government across Bengal, Tele Academy Awards, theatre festivals in the districts, the annual Sangeet Mela and other entertainment programmes are also highlighted.

As far as the BJP is concerned, highlighted have been the communal politics that the party is indulging across the country, including in Bengal, like encouraging processions with weapons on Ram Navami, and disastrous policies like demonetisation. Through the play, the three-decade long disastrous rule of the Left Front has also been brought into focus.

Mahishadal Shilpakriti, Laksha Padatik, Rajarshi Raghunandan Chhau and Drama Academy, Bally Ankur, Sonarpur Abirbhab and many other theatre groups are staging the plays. The play was staged and its video, as well as the script, were sent to all the participating theatre groups to bring about uniformity in performances.

Sources: Sangbad Pratidin and Bartaman

Agriculture Dept ensures sustainability of production & income for farmers

The crop scenario of Bengal is very bright. The Agriculture Department has devised crop-specific interventions to ensure long-term sustainability of production, coupled with assured and improved incomes for farmers.

Rice, wheat, maize, jute, pulses, oilseeds and sugarcane are some of the major crops of the state.

Rice: System of Rice Intensification (SRI), an improved technology, has been adopted to increase production of rice at low cost. The State Government has been able to increase the area and production of aromatic rice like Gobindobhog and Tulaipanji.

Pulses: The Government has fixed an ambitious target of 4.75 lakh metric tonnes (MT) for financial year (FY) 2018-19 by using its extension machinery to increase the area under pulse production by utilising the rice fallow areas. From FY 2010-11 to FY 2016-17, the area under pulses has increased by 65 per cent and production by 77 per cent. The production during 2016-17 was 3.13 lakh MT. The estimated production for 2017-18 is 4.63 lakh MT, an estimated increase by 48 per cent.

Oilseeds: Stress has been given in increased production and yield of sunflower and groundnut because of their high potential. Distribution of quality seeds and other agricultural inputs, and training of farmers have been identified as the key components by the State Government to achieve its targets. Like for pulses, the Government is using its extension machinery to increase the area under production by utilising the rice fallow areas. Production was 9.24 lakh MT during 2016-17 and is estimated to be 9.67 lakh MT during 2017-18. The target for 2018-19 has been kept at 9.99 lakh MT.

Jute: Jute is an important cash crop of Bengal, covering an area of around 5.22 lakh hectares (ha). During 2016-17, the production and productivity were 81.87lakh bales and 15.67 bales/ha, respectively. The target for area under production and production for 2017-18 were 5.6 lakh ha and 84 lakh bales, respectively. The State Government, in collaboration with the National Food Security Mission (Commercial Crops) – Jute, runs Demonstration Centres, and supports the distribution of quality seeds and training of farmers with the aim of producing higher quality fibres.

Potato: Potato is a major crop in the State. The production and productivity during 2016-17 were 129.32 lakh MT and 30,608 kg/ha, respectively. For 2017-18, the targets for area under production and production have been kept at 4.36 lakh ha and 140 lakh MT, respectively. Emphasis has been given on the availability of disease-free quality micro-tubers. For this, the government has undertaken a programme for the production of good quality foundation seeds of potato from breeder seeds in government farms, so that high-quality seeds are available for the production of certified seeds.

Courtesy Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her Trinamool Congress Government, farmers have never had it as good. Every aspect of their lives has undergone a lot of changes. There are schemes to cover everything – from production to storage to financial aid for losses due to natural calamities to several other aspects.

 

রাজ্যে ফসলের হাল-হকিকত

 

২০১১ সালে ক্ষমতায় আসা থেকে মুখ্যমন্ত্রী মমতা বন্দ্যোপাধ্যায় জোর দিয়েছেন কৃষিজ ক্ষেত্রে ধীরে ধীরে স্বয়ংসম্পূর্ণ রাজ্য হিসেবে আত্মপ্রকাশ করা। এর জন্য দিয়েছেন কৃষিতে ব্যাপক গুরুত্ব। দেখে নেওয়া যাক এই মুহূর্তে রাজ্যে ফসলের হাল হকিকত।

এই দপ্তর শস্য ভিত্তিক উদ্যোগ নিয়েছে যাতে দীর্ঘদিন ধরে এই উদ্যোগ কার্যকরী হয় ও এর ফলে চাষিদের আয় বৃদ্ধি পায়।

চালঃঅল্প খরচে চালের উৎপাদন বৃদ্ধির জন্য সিস্টেম অফ রাইস ইন্টেন্সিফিকেশন গ্রহণ করা হয়েছে। রাজ্য সরকার গোবিন্দভোগ ও তুলাইপঞ্জির মতো জিআই ট্যাগপ্রাপ্ত সুগন্ধী চালের উৎপাদন ও উৎপাদনের ক্ষেত্র দুইই বাড়াতে সক্ষম হয়েছে। আরকেভিওয়াই-এর অধীনে ২০১৩-১৪ সাল থেকে চালের উৎপাদনের অঞ্চল ও সুগন্ধী চালের বীজ উৎপাদন বৃদ্ধিতে সক্ষম হয়েছে রাজ্য।

ডালঃরাজ্যের চাহিদার নিরিখে ডালের উৎপাদন কম হওয়ায়, সরকার জোর দিয়েছে ডালের উৎপাদনের ওপর। ২০১৬-১৭ সালে রাজ্যে ডাল উৎপাদন হয় ৩.১২ লক্ষ মেট্রিক টন, ২০১৭-১৮ সালে উৎপাদন হয় ৪.৬৩ লক্ষ টন। ২০১৮-১৯ সালে লক্ষ্য নেওয়া হয়েছে ৪.৭৫ লক্ষ মেট্রিক টন উৎপাদনের। ২০১০-১১ থেকে ২০১৬-১৭ সালে ডাল উৎপাদনের ক্ষেত্র বেড়েছে ৬৫ থেকে ৭৭ শতাংশ।

তৈলবীজঃএনএমওওপি উচ্চমানের বীজ ও অন্যান্য প্রয়োজনীয় সামগ্রী যোগান দিয়ে থাকে, এছাড়া কৃষকদের প্রশিক্ষণ দেওয়া হয় যাতে তৈলবীজের উৎপাদন ও তৈলবীজ উৎপাদনের স্থান বৃদ্ধি পায়। এর ফলে রাজ্যে চাহিদা ও উৎপাদনের মাঝে ব্যবধান কমবে। সূর্যমুখী ও বাদাম উৎপাদনে জোর দেওয়া হয়েছে। ২০১৬-১৭ সালে তৈলবীজ উৎপাদন হয়েছে ৯.২৪ লক্ষ মেট্রিক টন, ২০১৭-১৮তে ৯.৬৭ লক্ষ মেট্রিক টন ও ২০১৮-১৯ সালে উৎপাদনের লক্ষ্য নেওয়া হয়েছে ৯.৯৯ লক্ষ মেট্রিক টন।

পাটঃপাট একটি উল্লেখযোগ্য ক্যাশ ক্রপ। ৫.২২ লক্ষ হেক্টরে পাট চাষ হয়। ২০১৬-১৭ সালে ৮১.৮৭ গাঁট পাট উৎপাদন হয়, সেখানে প্রতি হেক্টরে উৎপাদন হয় ১৫.৬৭ গাঁট। ২০১৭-১৮ সালে পাট চাষের জমি বেড়ে হয় ৫.৬০লক্ষ হেক্টর ও মোট উৎপাদন বেড়ে হয় ৮৪ লক্ষ গাঁট।

আলুঃরাজ্যের অন্যতম গুরুত্বপূর্ণ ফসল আলু। ২০১৬-১৭ সালে উৎপাদন ও উৎপাদন ক্ষমতা ছিল যথাক্রমে ১২৯.৩২ লক্ষ টন ও ৩০,৬০৮ কিলো হেক্টর পিছু। ২০১৭-১৮ সালে ৪.৩৬ লক্ষ হেক্টর জমিতে উৎপাদন হয় ১৪০ লক্ষ মেট্রিক টন। জোর দেওয়া হয়েছে উন্নতমানের রোগমুক্ত আলুর কন্দ জোগানের।

Master Plan for drinking water in arsenic-affected areas

The Bengal Government has taken numerous measures to make drinking water available in every part of the State, and efforts are on towards implementing these measures. Piped Water Supply Schemes (PWSS) have been taken up across the State to make for healthy and happy lives.

The Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department Minister, in his departmental budget for financial year (FY) 2018-19, has outlined a number of measures to achieve self-sufficiency in generation, storage and distribution of drinking water.

Over 94 per cent population in affected areas covered

Till date, as a part of the Master Plan for supplying arsenic-free water, the State Government has been able to provide drinking water to a rural population of 157.05 lakh, which amounts to 94.3 per cent of the population in arsenic-affected blocks. All the arsenic-affected villages shall be provided with water within March 2019.

The Habra-Gaighata surface water-based water supply scheme in North 24 Parganas district has been sanctioned at a cost of Rs 578.94 crore for a population of 18.04 lakh in 327 mouzas. It will be commissioned by June 2018.

Of the 338 Piped Water Supply Schemes (PWSS) under the Master Plan, 329 have been commissioned. As a part of these piped water schemes, 165 arsenic-removal plants working on breakthrough indigenous technology are being installed.

The PHE Department is implementing the setting up of 385 Community Purification Plants, 58 Arsenic and Iron Removal Plants (AIRP) and 138 water ATMs in schools to provide arsenic-free drinking water, to be completed by June 2018. Water ATM is an innovative concept – an ATM will dispense 1 litre of purified water at a time.

 

আর্সেনিক নির্বাহে রাজ্য সরকার

 

মুখ্যমন্ত্রী মমতা বন্দোপাধ্যায়ের অনুপ্রেরণায় ২০১১ সাল থেকেই তৃনমূল কংগ্রেস পরিচালিত পশ্চিমবঙ্গ সরকার সবার জন্য জল সরবরাহে বদ্ধপরিকর।

পানীয় জল যাতে এই রাজ্যের সমস্ত প্রান্তে সুলভে পাওয়া যায় তার জন্য রাজ্য সরকার প্রচুর প্রকল্প শুরু করেছে।

জনস্বাস্থ্য কারিগরি দপ্তরের ভারপ্রাপ্ত মন্ত্রী শ্রী সুব্রত মুখোপাধ্যায় তার দপ্তরের ২০১৮-১৯ সালের বাজেটে পানীয় জল উৎপন্ন করা,তা সংরক্ষণ করা এবং সঠিক ভাবে বন্টন করার জন্য নেওয়া বিভিন্ন পদক্ষেপের বিবরণ দিয়েছেন।

 

আর্সেনিক প্রভাবিত এলাকায় জল সরবরাহ ব্যবস্থার মাস্টার প্ল্যান

  • এখনও পর্যন্ত রাজ্য সরকার মোট ১৫৭ লক্ষ গ্রামীণ জনজাতির জন্য আর্সেনিক-মুক্ত পানীয় জলের ব্যবস্থা করতে পেরেছে যা কিনা মোট আর্সেনিক প্রভাবিত এলাকার প্রায় ৯৫%। ২০১৯ সালের মার্চ মাসের মধ্যে রাজ্যের প্রত্যেক প্রান্তে আর্সেনিক-মুক্ত পানীয় জল পৌঁছে দেওয়া হবে।
  • ২০১৮ সালের জুন মাসের মধ্যে হাবড়া- গাইঘাটা জল সরবরাহ পরিকল্পত ব্যবস্থার কাজ শুরু হয়ে যাবে, যা কিনা ৩২৭ টি মৌজার প্রায় ১৮ লাখ মানুষের উপকারে আসবে।
  • ৩৩৮ টি পাইপ-জাত জল সরবরাহ পরিকাঠামোর মধ্যে ৩২৯-টির কাজ শুরু হয়ে গেছে। এই প্রকল্পের মাধ্যমে স্থানীয় প্রযুক্তির সাহাজ্য নিয়ে ১৬৫ টি আর্সেনিক নিষ্কাশন কেন্দ্র স্থাপন করা হয়েছে.
  • জনস্বাস্থ্য কারিগরি দপ্তর ৩৮৫ টি জল পরিশোধন কেন্দ্র, ৫৮ টি আর্সেনিক ও লোহা নিষ্কাশন কেন্দ্র এবং ১৩৮ টি বিদ্যালয়ে পানীয় জলের এটিএম আগামী জুন মাসের মধ্যে স্থাপন করবে। এক একটি পানীয় জলের এটিএম থেকে প্রতিবারে ১ লিটার করে জল পাওয়া যাবে।

 

Financial security for landless labourers

The State Government ensures financial security for landless labourers through the Provident Fund for Landless Agricultural Labourers (PROFLAL) scheme. Around 13.01 lakh landless labourers have been covered under the programme so far.

All landless agricultural labourers within the age group of 18 to 50 years who are recorded holders of up to 50 decimal of land, including homestead land, and whose major source of earnings is from their work as agricultural labourers, are eligible for the scheme. The eligible subscribers have to deposit Rs 20 per month and the State Government contributes an equal amount till the subscribers attain the age of 50. The accumulated amount, along with usual interest, is then paid to the subscribers.

The scheme is administered by the Gram Panchayats at the village level. The block development officer concerned has a supervisory role in implementing the scheme.

There is another social security scheme especially for landless labourers – Aam Admi Bima Yojana. This covers all landless labourers, not just agricultural ones. It is administered jointly by the State and the Centre, each paying an annual instalment of Rs 200 per person. Till date, 8.74 lakh have been covered under this scheme.

 

ভূমিহীন কৃষকদের আর্থিক নিরাপত্তা নিশ্চিত করছে পশ্চিমবঙ্গ সরকার

২০১১ সালে ক্ষমতায় আসার পর মমতা বন্দ্যোপাধ্যায়ের নেতৃত্বাধীন তৃণমূল সরকার রাজ্যের সার্বিক উন্নয়নে জোর দিয়েছেন। সমস্ত দপ্তরের উন্নয়নের জন্য নেওয়া হয়েছে একগুচ্ছ পদক্ষেপ।

ভূমিহীন কৃষকদের আর্থিক নিরাপত্তা প্রদান করছে রাজ্য সরকার। আনুমানিক ১৩.০১ লক্ষ ভূমিহীন কৃষককে এই প্রকল্পের আওতায় আনা হয়েছে।তাদের প্রভিডেন্ট ফান্ড প্রদানের পাশাপাশি বীমার মাধ্যমে সুরক্ষাও প্রদান করা হচ্ছে। এই মুহূর্তে এই বীমা প্রকল্পের আওতায় আছেন ৮.৭৪ লক্ষ মানুষ। এই বীমার অন্তর্গত ৮৫৫১৭১ জন এলআইসিআই তে নথিভুক্ত।

রাজ্য সরকার ২০১৮-১৯ সালে প্রভিডেন্ট ফান্ড ফর ল্যান্ডলেস এগ্রিকালচারাল লেবারার্স (ভূমিহীন কৃষকদের জন্য প্রভিডেন্ট ফান্ড) প্রকল্পের জন্য ২১ কোটি টাকা ও বীমা প্রকল্পের জন্য ৫ কোটি টাকা বরাদ্দ করা হয়েছে।