Tag: inauguration

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WB Govt launches ‘Amar Dhan Amar Chatal’ – A beneficiary scheme for farmers

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The West Bengal government is taking up the agriculture scheme – ‘Amar Dhan Amar Chatal‘ in which sheds will be set up and paddy drying machines will be provided to farmers across the state to protect the procured paddy from getting damaged before it is sent to the rice mills.

The scheme which is under the central government entails farmers to protect paddy by bringing it under a shed and the drying machines will be supplied to farmers to produce rice in the mills. It is more of a post harvesting care for ensuring food security. The scheme will fall under the second green revolution in eastern India.

Farmers from all districts across the state will come under the purview of the scheme. The drying machines, that will be brought from Germany, costs around Rs 10,000 each.

Earlier, the state government slashed the levy imposed on the rice mills for procuring rice from the government from 50% to 25%, with the food and supplies department keeping its procurement target of 22 lakh metric tonne intact for the next procurement season. Food camps will be held in 165 blocks across the state for selling rice to the farmers. The state government will also give 15 paisa of subsidy for procuring per kilogram of rice.

Besides, Agriculture department officials have started working on distributing leaflets to farmers to make them aware on how potato plants could be protected from various kinds of diseases.

Soil has an integral connection with the people: WB CM at Mati Utsav

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The seven-day long Mati Utsav was inaugurated by West Bengal Chief Minister Ms Mamata Banerjee at Panagarh, Barddhaman. on 28th January, 2015 at Birudiha, Panagarh in Durgapur sub-division of Burdhaman district. This was the third edition of the unique programme connecting soils with humanity.

To showcase and encourage culture and tradition of rural Bengal, Chief Minister Ms Mamata Banerjee envisaged the ‘Mati Utsav’. The festival is being celebrated since 2013.

In an innovative manner, the Government of West Bengal also enlightens the people about the various services, schemes and programmes launched and run by state government, through this festival. This is a people’s festival and common people will be informed about their various privileges and rights through this festival. Apart from this, the festival will also showcase whole range of village life and the real essence of rural Bengal.

The opening function witnessed the Government’s commitment to the people through a slew of developmental projects and programs. The festival also included laying foundation stones for new projects and inauguration of completed projects.

Over two hundred stalls consisting of various governments’ departments have been put up in this festival.

Highlights of WB CM speech:

  • Land gives us work and it is purer than gold, it defines our culture.
  • I am born in this soil. This soil is my ‘Janma Bhumi’, ‘Karma Bhumi’ and ‘Dharma Bhumi’.
  • Soil has an integral connection with the people.
  • I am proud of the young generation. They are the future of our country.
  • Farmers are our assets. We are proud of them. We are providing them with bicycles, machines and skill development programmes for all round development.
  • I have given away Krishi Ratna and Krishak Samman today.
  • On 9 February we are inaugurating Mati Tirtha at Bardhaman. It will act as a permanent center for dissemination of knowledge and socio‐economic exchanges on soil‐based activities.
  • United Nations and Food and Agriculture Organization, for the first time, has decided to celebrate 2015 as the “International Year of Soils”.
  • We are celebrating Mati Utsav in every block and every district.
  • Bengal is number 1 in Skill Development and Small Scale Industries.
  • We have to preserve the environment. We must stop destruction of Nature. We must love Nature.
  • We have kept our commitment of Healthcare for all. We have made all beds free at Govt hospitals.
  • We have opened fair price medicine shops and fair price diagnostic centres. We will also be setting fair price shops in rural Bengal.
  • 40 multi super specialty hospitals are coming up in Bengal.
  • 83 Kisan Bazars have been completed. 100 more are coming up. Farmers will now be able to directly sell their crops in the Kisan Bazar.
  • 500 Karma Tirthas are coming up across the State. These Marketing centers will create new job opportunities.
  •  From ITIs to Polytechnics, we are moving ahead. We will provide free skill development training to 1 lakh people.
  • Bengal shows the way. Our fair price shops are national model now.
  • We are No. 1 in 100 Days’ Work. But Centre is not giving us due funds.
  • I can understand the sentiments of common man. I will always work for my poor people. I will always stand up to protect the rights of common man.
  • CPM incurred huge debts. Centre is taking away a large part of our revenue. We do not have fiscal autonomy.
  • The Centre has taken away Rs 21000 crore in the first year, then Rs 25000 crore in the second year and now Rs 28000 crore in this year.
  • We have increased our revenues. It has increased from Rs 21000 crore to Rs 40000 crore.
  • We believe in courtesy. Our motto is “Badla Noy Bodol Chai” (Change not Revenge).
  • Our courtesy is not our weakness. People who insult the soil of Bengal will not get our respect.
  • Tomorrow I will speak about investment and industry at the business meet in Asansol. I will make further announcements of investments at Industrial Trade Fair tomorrow.
  • Some media houses are criticising us because they want to please Delhi. Reject such adulterated news shops.
  • We will provide skill development training to 10 lakh youths.
  • We received investment proposals worth Rs 2.4 lakh crore at Business Summit. 1 crore jobs will be generated.
  • We are giving unemployment allowance to 1 lakh youths under Yuvashree scheme. We have set up employment bank.
  • As long as I live, I will go across the State and interact with people.

 

 

 

 

mati utsab

WB CM to interact with farmers during ‘Krishi Katha’

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‘Krishi Katha’ a three days programme for farmers, will be inaugurated at Bardhaman on 9th February, 2015 organised by the State Government. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will directly meet the farmers and listen to their problems in this programme. She will give the information about many socio-economic development schemes taken up by the State Government. The Chief Minister will also meet the North Bengal farmers in the coming March.

All schemes related to agricultural and farmers’ development will described elaborately by State Government in this program.  Some schemes may also be announced. More than one lakh farmers will participate here. In this three days program, government experts as well as Agricultural University professors will participate.

State Agricultural Minister Mr Purnendu Bose informed that ‘Krishi Katha’ will be turn in to a fair and there will be many agriculture related stalls and the experts who will try to solve problem related to agriculture. Small and medium farmers will be participating along with the big farmers in this program.

The State Government has received the ‘Krishi Kormon’ awards for agricultural development three times. Last year on the 1st of Baishakh, the agriculture calendar was published by the Government.  Farmers can get information about the profitable crops and their diseases and pesticides to be applied from this calendar.

The department of Animal Husbandry will also participate in the three-day programme. The farmers will be able to get information about loans from banks and governmental agencies for animal husbandry from this programme.

WB CM to inaugurate 39th International Kolkata Book Fair

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The 39th International Kolkata Book Fair 2015 will be inaugurated today at 4 pm at the SBI Auditorium, Milan Mela Prangan, Kolkata by British radio and television presenter and journalist Ms Anita Anand and West Bengal Chief Minister Ms Mamata Banerjee.

The focal theme of this year’s International Kolkata Book Fair is Great Britain.

Mr Rob Lynes, Director, British Council India and litterateur Mr Nemai Bhattacharyya will be present at the inaugural ceremony.

Events at the International Kolkata Book Fair 2015

28.1.2015, Wednesday
A) Interactive Session with Anita Anand at 3:15pm at SBI Auditorium
B) In conversation with Shereen El Feki at 5:45 pm at SBI Auditorium

29.1.2015, Thursday
A) Ashoke Kumar Sarkar Memorial Lecture by Zia Haider Rahman, Novelist at 4:30pm. Topic: Freedom of Expression at SBI Auditorium
B) Bangladesh Day

30.1.2015, Friday
A) Screening and discussion of film The Auction House: Ed Owles and Scott F.Wood (British Deputy High Commissioner) at 4:30pm at SBI Auditorium
B) Musical performance by Surojit (Bhumi) at 7pm at SBI Auditorium

31.1.2015, Saturday
Bogola Charit Manas — drama of Badol Sircar to be staged by CFD, Bangalore at 7pm at SBI Auditorium

1.2.2015, Sunday — Children’s Day
Special Program at 3:15pm at SBI Auditorium

2.2.2015, Monday
A) In conversation Viviene Baumfield with Sanjib Chattopadhyay at 2pm at SBI Auditorium
B) In conversation Bill Herbert with Srijato / Amit Chaudhuri at at 4:30pm at SBI Auditorium

3.2.2015, Tuesday
A) Musical performance by Santanu Roychowdhury & Nabanita Roychowdhury at 7pm at SBI Auditorium

04.02.2015, Wednesday
A) Prize Distribution Ceremony at 4:30pm at SBI Auditorium
B) Musical performance by Debojit Bandyopadhyay & Ridhhi Bandyopadyay at 5:45pm at SBI Auditorium
C) ‘Biswacup er adda’ with Saurav Ganguli at 7pm at SBI Auditorium

KOLKATA LITERATURE FESTIVAL — 6 to 8 February 2015

7.2.2015, Saturday
In conversation with Tracy Irish at 5:45pm at Press Corner

8.02.2015, Sunday, 8:30pm

Closing Ceremony

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.

We want Bengal to keep moving ahead on the path of development: WB CM at North Bengal Industry Meet

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West Bengal Chief Minister Ms Mamata Banerjee today inaugurated the North Bengal Industry Meet-2015 at Uttar Kanya. She interacted with the prospective investors and renowned business persons of North Bengal during the meet.

Many industry and business representatives from neighbouring countries of Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh and 7 North Bengal districts participated. Many captains of industry from Kolkata have joined the programme.

North Bengal is the gateway to the North East, and its strategic proximity to Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh offers huge business potential. The region already received more than Rs. 4000 Crore investment proposals very recently which are being implemented on a fast track. Today’s Industry Meet has generated significant enthusiasm and lots of investment proposals are in the offing.

All the investment proposals will be monitored by a Core Committee for North Bengal and I will personally come every six months to review the progress. For the convenience of investors and tax payers of North Bengal, a new Bench of the West Bengal Sales Tax Appellate and Revisional Board in Siliguri has been launched today. An MSME Facilitation Centre and an Unique Clearance Centre to look into mutation and conversion of land for industrial purposes at “Uttarkanya” have also been created. The government is going to set up a new Convention Centre and an Industrial Fair Ground in North Bengal.

Highlights of the CM’s speech:

  • From now, for paying taxes you do not have to go to Kolkata. Work can be done in Siliguri itself.
  • We have brought down the loss in mandays due to Bandhs to zero.
  • We do not support the politics of Bandh. We do not believe in destructive politics.
  • Disputes should be solved through negotiations and talks.
  • We want Bengal to move forward. We need your help and cooperation.
  • Some media houses have negative attitude. They only show bad news 24X7.
  • We will be providing skill development training to 10 lakh youth.
  • We hosted Bengal Global Summit few days ago. Job opportunities will be created for 1 crore people in 2-3 years.
  • We will create a fund worth Rs 200 crore to support entrepreneurs.
  • We have set up a Unique Clearance Centre. A branch has been established today at Uttarkanya.
  • We are committed to rejuvenate the tea industry.
  • Ambuja group & Keventer Group are investing in north Bengal. We wish them all the best for their new venture.

Bengal Global Business Summit 2015: Day II schedule

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The Bengal Global Business Summit 2015 began on a high note with the presence of representatives of more than twenty countries besides national Industry Captains.

Delegates from more than 20 countries participated in the Bengal Global Business Summit and praised about the growth of Bengal.

The second day of the Summit will present a Conclave on the MSME sector as well as a Breakaway Session where presentations of recommendations will be done.

The most awaited part of today’s Session will be the signing of the business agreements in presence of the West Bengal Chief Minister Ms Mamata Banerjee.

The Chief Minister will also address the Closing Session.

Schedule of events on January 8, 2015

  • 9:00 AM to 11:00  AM  MSME Conclave
  • 11:30 AM to 12:15 PM  Presentation of Recommendations arising out of Breakaway Sessions
  • 12:15 PM  to 1:15  PM  Signing of Business Agreements and other Announcements in the presence of Ms Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal
  • 1:25   PM to 1:55    PM  Closing Session Address by Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal
WB CM Bengal Global Summit

Bengal Global Business Summit Day 1: Investments flow in

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The Bengal Global Business Summit started with great success on the first day.

Representatives from 20 countries visited the summit and took interest in the state and praised efforts by the new government.

The participating countries include United States, United Kingdom, Japan, China, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Luxembourg and Australia.

The new investments for the day are:

  • MoUs worth Rs 41,600 crore were signed by the Union Shipping Ministry. This includes a deep sea port named Bhor Sagar (New Dawn) at Sagar Islands, with investment of Rs 12,000 crore (2 billion USD). Rs 1200 crore will be invested in the development of a second port in Haldia. Haldia-Varanasi waterway development with investment worth Rs 4,500 crore
  • MoUs on Deocha Pachami Coal Mines was signed which will bring investment worth Rs 12000 crore
  • Global CEO of Mitsubishi Chemicals committed fresh investments in Haldia plant
  • GoAir, with an investment of Rs 1000 crore, intends to start operation from the Nazrul Islam Airport at Andal
  • Fresh investment by ITC worth Rs 3000 crore
  • SAIL have announced projects worth Rs 40000 crore
  • Massive hydrocarbon gas project is coming up, with investment worth Rs 5000 crore from Hiranandani group
  • Kolkata Eye MoU has been signed with Port Trust worth Rs 300 crore
  • TCS will create 20,000 new jobs in Kolkata

Fruitful morning session of Bengal Global Business Summit: WB CM

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West Bengal Chief Minister Ms Mamata Banerjee lit the ceremonial lamps to inaugurate the Bengal Global Business Summit 2015, being held at Saltlake Stadium. She was accompanied by Union Minister of Finance, Corporate Affairs and Information & Broadcasting and captains of industries and state Industry and Finance Minister, besides other industry captains.

The Chief Minister felicitated the industrialists and delegates with the ceremonial uttariya.

The Chief Minister showcased the state government’s policies and achievement in different sectors encouraging the growth of industry.

 

Highlights of the speech of West Bengal Chief Minister:

•    Bengal is a land of billion opportunities

•    Bengal is rising and shining

•    The captain of the industries are guiding us, advising us

•    Last three years have seen big difference in Bengal

•    Bengal is your own motherland, your own sweet home

•    We have our land bank and land map, land policy ready and enough manpower

•    Our manpower is skilled and cheap

•    Bengal is Number one in MSME when it comes to banking loans growth in this sector

•    Bengal is the Gateway to South East Asia

•    State has announced new policy for IT, Industry and clear policies for other sectors too

•    We are setting up new IT college, Eco-tourism hubs, hospitals in PPP mode

•    We invite the Union Finance Minister’s suggestion and vision

•    Political difference will not block the way for development

•    Good governance mean credibility, determination, accountability, dedication, responsibilities

•    Bengal is the destination of world’s industrialists

•    Bengal is our kormobhumi dhormobhumi matri bhumi sonskritirbhumi

•    Let us work together; service is mine, your vision

•    As a leader I want to work as a sister, as your worker

•    Let us work together . If Bengal shines, India will also shine

•    Bengal is the land of many great leaders. Bengal is the land of Maa, Mati, Manush

•    Your presence has encouraged us to go ahead with our mission and vision

•    We have six helicopter services. Infrastructure is already here

•    We want to extend our assistance to all.

 

Highlights of the speech of West Bengal Finance Minister:

•    No bandhs in the State. The govt wants to change the work culture and this was most difficult, but we have changed that

•    When I came to office, there were 53 thousand factories closed, 1 crore unemployed, 78 thousand lakh mandays lost. In the next year we diminished the mandays lost to 5020 and zero in the current year

•    Work culture has changed radically, even on the day of a bandh, the Finance Dept. has an attendance of over 94%

•    Bengal is the heart of Southeast Asia, north east India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan

•    One lakh acres of land is available for industry

 

Highlights of the speech of Union Finance Minister:

•    I am glad that in your address Madame CM you sent out an invitation to attract investment

•    Delighted that Bengal invited the world at large. Bengal has a historic industrial legacy

•    I am sure that initiatives like these will drive investments to Bengal

Come to Bengal. Ride the Growth

Industry captains praise Bengal at Global Business Summit

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The inaugural day of the Global Bengal Business Summit 2015 started off with the Industry Captains sharing their experiences of working in Bengal as well as intentions of investments in the State.

Reactions by the Industry Captains:

Well done CM of Bengal for improving the ease of doing business in Bengal. Highest acceleration of consumer goods growth in the last 3 months has been in Eastern India and most so in Bengal: Adi Godrej, Chairman, Godrej Group

It is not easy to turn around a sick industry. But Bengal is taking a firm step. I commend industry to come to India. Come to Bengal. Of our new investments of Rs 25000 crore, Rs 3000 crore is in Bengal.: YC Deveshwar, MD, ITC

We find it very rewarding to work in Bengal. We are creating 20,000 more top class talent and jobs: TCS Chief in Bengal

Bengal is back in business. You don’t invest thousands of crores on emotion. We do so because it makes sound business sense. Despite what is being said in the media, decision making in Bengal is quick and precise. Land acquisition was like a dream: Sanjeev Goenka, Chairman, RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group

Massive hydrocarbon gas project is coming up in Bengal. This Rs 5000 crore project to be completed in 2018: Niranjan Hiranandani,  House of Hiranandani

We will be doubling our investment in Bengal. We will be setting up a wagon factory at Kulti: Chairman, SAIL

We will take part in Education sector, Agri business, revamping of universities and tourism, Say Yes to West Bengal: Rana Kapur, President, Yes Bank

The CM is working very hard to rejuvenate tourism industry. The State developing infrastructure to promote tourism: Dr Jyotsna Suri, Chairperson & Managing Director, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group