Bangla committed to the welfare of backward classes and tribal development

Bangla committed to the welfare of backward classes and tribal development

Posted on March 24, 2019 | by aitc | Leave a Comment

The State Government’s policies and programmes for the welfare and development of backward classes and tribal communities have been successfully transforming people across Bangla.

Some of the main achievements:

Separate Tribal Development Department was created in 2013 by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee

Department’s budget has increased by more than five times – from Rs 360 crore for financial year (FY) 2010-11 to Rs 1,878 crore for FY 2020.

Special recruitment drives undertaken for filling up vacant reserved posts – 2,669 posts for Adivasis and 10,241 posts for scheduled castes

Getting caste certificates is much easier now – through online application

Number of caste certificates being given has increased substantially – 9 lakh on an average every year

Almost 1 crore caste certificates can be viewed on the internet now

12 lakh schedule castes (SC), 1.5 lakh scheduled tribes (ST) and 7 lakh other backward caste (OBC) students at the secondary and higher secondary levels getting stipends

On an average, 10.5 lakh SC students and 2.25 lakh ST students getting scholarships under Shikshashree

Bicycles have been provided to 1 crore students (of all categories) from classes IX to XII under Sabooj Sathi Scheme

Sabooj Sathi has also been named a Champion Project at the WSIS Prizes 2019 given by the ITU, an organisation under the United Nations (award to be given on April 9)

Best performance in the country in providing skill development courses – 28,000 SC and Adivasi women trained in beautician course and another 1 lakh in plastic utensils making, stitching and other courses

Student loan for professional and vocational courses for SC and ST students – a maximum of Rs 10 lakh for studying within the country and a maximum of Rs 20 lakh for studying outside the country; this has been recognised as a model scheme by the Centre

Special training at 36 centres across the State for SC and ST students for getting admitted to government medical colleges, IITs and other recognised institutions

Assistance for self-help groups (SHG) run by women belonging to SC and ST communities has resulting in self-employment opportunities for 75,000 women on an average every year

35,000 kendu leaf collectors covered under the West Bengal Kendu Leaves Collectors’ Social Security Scheme, a part of the 2015 Samajik Suraksha Scheme; these people are also covered by the Swasthya Sathi Scheme

Under the Forest rights Act, 2006, 46,500 ST people distributed personal patta deeds and 323 community pattas for ‘Jaher Than’ distributed

Special law promulgated to prevent transfer of tribal land

20 development and culture boards formed for 20 communities

Kurukh, Kamtapuri and Rajbanshi recognised as State languages

Special recognition for Santhali language: Made an elective language for WBCS examination; school textbooks brought out in ol-Chiki; trilingual dictionary (Santhali-English-Bengali) published

To give recognition to Adivasi people and their cultures, Jangalmahal Utsav started, and special days like Adivasi Divas, Karm Divas and Hul Divas being celebrated every year

India’s first State Assembly-mandated Scheduled Caste Advisory Council formed

Under the chairpersonship of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Tribal Advisory Council and Scheduled Caste Advisory Council regularly undertaking development programmes

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If the schemes for the poor not continued, then they will suffer: Mamata Banerjee

Posted on March 18, 2019 | by aitc | Leave a Comment

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee addressed the media at Nabanna today.

Here are the salient points that she said:

* Have instructed the chief secy to request EC to allow development programmes started before the poll dates were announced.

* Told to carry out relief work in storm affected areas. Permission sought to give relief to the families of deceased and severely affected

* If the schemes for the poor not continued, then they will suffer

* Among them are Khadya Sathi scheme, pension and health schemes, tea garden schemes

* These are public schemes and the people will suffer if they are discontinued for almost three months

Scared BJP trying to control the media: Mamata Banerjee

Posted on March 13, 2019 | by aitc | Leave a Comment

Trinamool Chairperson Mamata Banerjee today met the party’s Lok Sabha candidates at her Kalighat residence. She addressed the press after the meeting.

Here are some highlights of the press meet:

Reaction to BJP’s demand of declaring every booth in Bengal as super sensitive

I am really astonished. What is the reason for such a demand? This is an insult to the people of Bengal. Why are they so afraid? Why are they scared?

I have seen statements of BJP about law and order situation in Kerala. But there elections are being held in single phase.

During the panchayat elections in Tripura, 98% seats were uncontested. Now they have become saints? They are saying absolute lies, blatant lies, about Bengal.

99% of those who were killed during panchayat elections in Bengal were Trinamool workers. BJP is killing our workers.

Bengal is a peaceful state. All festivals are held peacefully here.

They are targeting Bengal because we are raising our voice against Modi and Amit Shah.

More than 40 lakh people came to Gangasagar for the mela. Not a single untoward incident took place. Durga Puja was held peacefully.

Even during the bypolls held last year, conducted by CEC, we won by 50,000 votes.

There must be a limit for everything. BJP wants CISF and CRPF to guard their leaders, not the country.

They want the media to be controlled also. This is a matter of shame, shame, SHAME.

They have lost their credibility. They want to control Trinamool, the forces, and even do not want collectors to work.

Does the BJP think there is President’s Rule in Bengal? We believe in federal structure. What audacity they have.

We must ask, is there any democracy in the country? Where is the freedom of press? They started persecuting N. Ram because he exposed the Rafale case. Now they want to control Bengal media.

Bengal is an intellectual land. This is the land of culture, unity. People of all castes, creed, communities live here in harmony.

We respect the Election Commission. They have to take care of the demands of all the political parties, not just BJP.

What is happening in Uttar Pradesh? How many people have been lynched in the name of gau-raksha? Mother of thieves shouts the loudest.

BJP wants to control me? They are so afraid of me?

They want to control the media. Next, they will ask the EC to ensure all votes go to BJP. They have become a laughing stock. Their expiry date is over.

I want to advise the BJP – go home and take rest. Media cannot be controlled by anybody.

They want to destroy the Constitution. Dalits, tribals, minorities, women and even Hindus have been persecuted.

In the name of NRC, names of 22 lakh Hindus have been removed. What is the motive behind Citizenship Bill?

I condemn the attitude of BJP leaders. Some vagabond leaders of the BJP are using money power, scaring the agencies.

I feel the press fraternity must rise against the BJP’s attempt to control the media.

Reaction to fake news on social media

Fake news is created and spread by the BJP. They are spending crores for running fake propaganda on social media.

The Election Commission must seriously look into the expenditure of the BJP.

BJP should not misuse their power.

BJP is using photos of the prime minister and the armed forces in political hoardings. We have complained against them.

Reaction to BJP’s charge of some police officers in Bengal being close to the administration

I respect all police officers, whether they belong to the State or the Centre.

I want to ask Ravi babu, Asthana owes his allegiance to whom?

There is undeclared super-emergency in the country.

Comments on Trinamool’s candidates for Lok Sabha election

41% candidates of Trinamool are women. We have not given them a ticket for the sake of it. All of them will win. We are confident.

Trinamool’s ideology is we are of the people, for the people, by the people.

We will work for the people. We will serve the people. We have to protect the Constitution. We have to restore the freedom of institutions. We have to maintain peace and harmony

Comments regarding non-payment of salaries to BSNL employees

BSNL employees are not getting their salaries. Many industries have closed down, and employees are not getting benefits. I have written a strong letter to the Prime Minister.

Comments on mahagathbandhan

We want United India. Our aim should be to defeat the BJP and remove Modi as the PM. We want a democratic government to be formed at the Centre.

For five years, the Prime Minister has not addressed a single press conference. The PM must answer what he thinks of this demand to control the media. He must answer.

Message to media

Don’t bow down your head. I am giving you my support. Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high… Be fearless. BJP has become very scared.

Yuvashree Arpan – Bangla CM announces new scheme for employment of youths

Posted on March 6, 2019 | by admin2 | Leave a Comment

Bangla CM Mamata Banerjee today announced a new scheme ‘Yuvashree Arpan’ for the youth. Under this scheme 50,000 youths in the State will receive financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh for setting up an enterprise. The MSME department will be funding this scheme.

The CM said, “When demonetisation was announced, I was the first to call it a disaster. More than 2 crore people have lost their jobs since then. More than 12,000 farmers have committed suicide in the country.”

She also said, “We have reduced unemployment by 40%. It is on record in Parliament. Bangla is No. 1 in generating employment under MGNREGA. We are No. 1 in skill development training through Utkarsh Bangla.”

She also slammed the Centre in her speech: “Charity begins at home. Modi babu knows only how to manipulate data. Five years are over. This government’s expiry date is over. Will taking expired medicines treat the ailment?”

The CM also laid the foundation stone for the State’s first Hindi University at today’s function.

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State Govt creates mega-plans for sustainable solar power

Posted on March 1, 2019 | by admin2 | Leave a Comment

To increase the share of sustainable energy in its total energy production, the Bangla Government has set up plans to produce a total of 120 megawatt (MW) of solar energy per year.

The work for building the solar power plants would start from the financial year 2019-20. They would be spread all across the State.

Spreading out the locations of the power plants would also help in bringing solar power to the remotest regions of the State.

Each power plant would produce 6 to 10 MW, and would cost of at least Rs 50 crore to build. All of them would be set up on land belonging to the State Government, with each occupying 30 to 40 acres.

All these solar power plants would be run by the West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Corporation Limited (WBSEDDCL).

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State Govt launches Silpa Disha app for MSME sector

Posted on March 1, 2019 | by admin2 | Leave a Comment

The State Government has launched an app, Silpa Disha to enable communication between small investors and the State Government. The app is run by the Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises and Textiles (MSME&T) Department.

Importantly, communication here includes the conveying of any grievances that micro, small and medium enterprises might have. Through the app, the issues are submitted to the department and the MSME Directorate. The status of the issue submitted can be tracked with the help of a docket number.

The government has always been open about solving industry-related issues promptly, and this app is another example of that approach.

Grievances related to land, power, infrastructure, pollution certification and several more aspects can be submitted through Silpa Disha.

It is significant to note that around 100 questions, mostly related to land, have come through the app from across the State, which officials of the department and directorate have answered through the app.

As of now, questions are answered during working hours. However, soon officials would be appointed for a 24-hour query-solving system.

The app can be downloaded by clicking here

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Bangla Govt to develop ‘theme cities’ under PPP model

Posted on March 1, 2019 | by admin2 | Leave a Comment

Bangla is set to develop six ‘theme cities’, covering approximately 50 acres of land in total, on a public-private partnership (PPP) model. Bids from private investors are being seeked.

This was announced by the chairman of the development agency, Hidco (who is also the additional principal secretary to the Information Technology and Electronics Department) at a seminar organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in Kolkata.

It may be mentioned that New Town near Kolkata, under the stewardship of Hidco, has been developed as the first smart city of the State, and is considered a model worth emulating in the country.

In addition to this, he also said that the construction of the hardware parks in Naihati, Falta and Sonarpur are going on in full swing, and on completion, these would add a new dimension to the IT infrastructure of the State.

Source: Ei Samay

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72 lakh farmer families to get cheques under Krishak Bandhu Scheme

Posted on March 1, 2019 | by admin2 | Leave a Comment

The State Government has aimed for a target of 72 lakh farmer families for paying the grants under the Krishak Bandhu Scheme, announced by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on December 31.

The handing over of the cheques had begun on January 30 at a programme in Rampurhat in Birbhum district, which the Agriculture Minister presided over.

For now, the Agriculture Department has listed the names of 15 lakh farmers as beneficiaries, with the rest of the names to be finalised soon. The Finance Department has allotted Rs 4,500 crore to the Agriculture Department for the purpose in the first week of February.

The grant for each farmer amounts to Rs 5,000 for an acre of land, to be paid through cheques. The amount would be handed over in two instalments of Rs 2,500 each.

Those owning less than an acre would received a proportional amount. However, in the first phase, each farmer would get a minimum amount of Rs 2,000. The first instalment would be given now and the next, six months later.

The beneficiaries are being selected only after showing proper documents for the plots in question. For those who do not have the documents, special camps have been opened in every panchayat office for making them. Officers of the Land and Land Reforms Department are also present in these camps.

Valid documents include property deeds for owned plots and lease deeds for leased plots. Sharecroppers or bargadars and owners of pattas are also eligible to receive payment under Krishak Bangla Scheme, the relevant ownership documents for them being record of rights (ROR) document and patta record, respectively.

Source: Ei Samay

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Swasthya Sathi: Bangla beats Centre’s target by 28 lakh families

Posted on February 22, 2019 | by admin2 | Leave a Comment

When the memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the Bangla Government and the Central Government for family health insurance, for combining Swasthya Sathi and Ayushmaan Bharat, the target set was to enlist 1.12 crore families.

However, when the scheme started to be implemented, the Centre started sending letters to the families with the prime minister’s photo on the letters, despite the State’s Swasthya Sathi playing a crucial role in building up the number of beneficiaries.

This rightly prompted Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to withdraw from the agreement and make the Bangla Government entirely responsible for the health insurance scheme. In terms of department, the scheme is run by the Health and Family Welfare Department.

Not only is the State entirely responsible for the scheme now, it has also increased the total number of beneficiary families to 1.5 crore, thus beating the Centre-set target by 28 lakh. There were already 54.76 lakh Swasthya Sathi beneficiary families in Bangla.

This has made the Bangla Government the first State Government to have so many families enlisted under a government health insurance scheme.

With the number of families increasing to 1.5 crore, the number of individual beneficiaries has now increased to about 7.5 crore. To pay the entire premium for these new families, the State Government would be spending more than Rs 850 crore additionally.

The benefits of Swasthya Sathi are available at 1,300 hospitals (including 745 private ones) registered under the scheme.

Another facility under the scheme, as part of the State Government’s efforts for the empowerment of women, is the providing of Swasthya Sathi smart cards to female members of the beneficiary families.

To know all the details regarding Swasthya Sathi, including how to get the smart cards, contact the nearest BDO or municipality office, or call the toll-free number, 1800 345 5384, or visit the website, swasthyasathi.gov.in.

Source: Bartaman

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Total loan amount to farmers by State Govt to see substantial increase

Posted on February 2, 2019 | by admin2 | Leave a Comment

The Bangla Government has decided to increase the total amount of loan it provides to farmers for farming-related purposes by a significant Rs 3,000 crore. While at the end of financial year 2018-19, the estimated amount would stand at Rs 5,000 crore, in financial year 2019-120, the government would be providing a total of Rs 8,000 crore.

About 90 lakh families would be benefitted as a result of the disbursal of the loans, to be disbursed by agricultural cooperative banks at a rate of interest of 7 per cent.

As a big incentive to farmers, those who would pay repay the total amount, consisting of the capital and interest, within the stipulated time frame, would have 3 per cent of the interest paid back to them. The amount of 3 per cent would be transferred electronically to the farmer’s bank account as soon as the total amount is repaid.

In terms of amount, loans are provided depending on the crops. As examples, for aman rice cultivation, Rs 15,000 per acre is provided, for boro paddy cultivation, Rs 45,000 per acre is provided, while for potato cultivation, Rs 60,000 per acre is provided.

In terms of types of loans, there are three types: one-year loans, short-term loans and long-term loans. For one-year loans, as the name suggests, the loan, along with the interest, has to be repaid within one year. Short-terms loans are for a period less than one year. Long-term loans can span several years; for example, for buying a tractor, a farmer can get a loan whose repayment period can span from seven to nine years.

To ensure that farmers get the loans through Kisan Credit Cards (by adopting which means loans can be transferred electronically), in financial year 2018-19, the State Government has set up banking infrastructure at 3,000 primary agricultural cooperative societies (PACS), including setting up micro-ATMs. Rs 400 crore has been allocated for the purpose.

For leasing of farming machinery on easy terms, the government is creating machinery hubs at total cost of Rs 1,000 crore. Tractors, paddy cleaning machines and several other machines and tools crucial for making farmers’ work easier can be hired from these hubs.

Then, on December 31, 2018, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced a few other crucial measures meant to make farmers’ lives easier. These were her New Year gifts to them.

The Krishak Bandhu Scheme was introduced, which is made up of two components. Krishak Bandhu 1 is in the form of an assurance model, wherein if a farmer dies between the ages of 18 and 60, due to any cause, the family would receive a one-time grant of Rs 2 lakh. Krishak Bandhu 2 is in the form of a yearly grant to farmers’ families, of Rs 5,000 per acre per annum in two instalments.

Besides these, another announcement was also made. The full premium under the crop insurance scheme, Bangla Fasal Bima Yojana (BFBY) would henceforth be handled by the State Government, which means that the 20 per cent paid by the Centre too would now be paid by the State. The latter was already paying the farmers’ share of the premium for the last few years besides, of course, its own share.

Source: Aajkaal