During the pandemic, while Bengal’s GDP grew, the country’s GDP fell: Mamata Banerjee at the inauguration of BGBS

Today, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee inaugurated the sixth edition of the Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS). It is being attended by several business tycoons and foreign delegates.

In her speech, the chief minister stated that during the pandemic, while Bengal’s GDP grew, that of India took a dip. “While Bengal’s GDP was in plus, the GDP of the country’s was in minus.”

She said her government has brought down person-days lost due to strikes and disruptions to zero, from 75 lakh per year during the erstwhile Left Front rule.

She also stressed on creating job opportunities through a twin thrust on industry and agriculture. “My thrust area is industry and agriculture, and job opportunities in Bengal should go up,” she said.

Harping further on the Bengal government’s intent to bring further prosperity for the people of the state, Mamata Banerjee said, “Bengal is the first state to organise a physical business summit since the Covid pandemic struck.” The annual summit could not be held in 2020 and 2021 due to the spike in COVID-19 infections.

Bangla no. 1 in growth rate

In a Facebook post written today, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee put up the news that according to a report by the Central Government, Bangla has achieved the highest growth rate in the country – 12.58 per cent, in financial year (FY) 2018-19.

Sharp contrast to the national scene

Congratulating everyone concerned, she also noted that this was in sharp contrast to the deep recession and policy paralysis that has engulfed the country, courtesy the policies of the Union Government.

As a result, there has been a significant decline in the overall growth rate in the country as well as the highest rate of unemployment in 45 years.

In recent months, the automobile and leather sectors saw job losses to the tune of 3 lakh.

Disinvestment dampener

On top of so much unemployment, the Centre is actively pursuing the disinvestment of 45 public sector companies. This will lead to further loss of jobs for lakhs of people.

Investments going down

And on the other hand, she wrote, investment in new projects has plunged to a 15-year low in the quarter ending June 2019.

Implementation of new projects worth Rs 13 trillion has stalled, according to the well-respected business and economic data research company, Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE). This is the highest value since it began compiling data in 1995.

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has shown a negative growth rate of 1.09 per cent in FY 2018-19, as compared to 2017-18.

Figures prove the desperate state of economy

Figures put up in her post point to the desperate state of the Indian economy:

GDP growth: 5.8% in Q4 of 2018-19, lowest in last five years (from FY 2014-15)

Industrial Output growth: 2% in June 2019, against 7% in June 2018

Growth: 3.6% in Q1 of 2019-20, compared to 5.1% in Q1 of 2018-19

Index of Industrial Production: 1.2% in June 2019, compared to 6.9% in June 2018

Capital Goods Sector growth: -6.5% in June 2019, compared to 9.7% in June 2018

Mining Sector growth: 1.6% in June 2019 , compared to 6.5% in June 2018

Unemployment rate: 6.1% in FY 2018-19, the highest in the last 45 years

Number of new projects announced: In Q1 of FY 2019-20, 87% lower compared to Q1 of FY 2018-19 and 81% lower in compared to Q4 of the same FY

Politics trumps development

Mamata Banerjee ended her post saying, for the new government at the Centre, it is all about “politics, politics and only politics” now, rather than economy and development.

She exhorted the people of the country to realise the true situation India has been dragged into by this government.

 

Bengal Govt organises workshop for women engaged in fishing sector

The State Fisheries Department recently organised a workshop, at its office in Haldia block of Purba Medinipur district, to train women engaged in the fishing sector to make and repair fishing nets. This would add another dimension to their livelihoods.

The weekly workshop (since the women had to make time out of their work) was run for one-and-a-half months. Making a cast net takes around 15 days and it costs Rs 500 to 550. These are usually sold for around Rs 3,000. Hence, the women can earn a decent income.

There are different types of cast nets. Not just from those who catch fish, different types of nets are in big demand from hatcheries too. The State Government is constantly setting up, or helping in the setting up of hatcheries across the State, more so in the southern coastal districts. Various types of fish are cultivated both for domestic consumption and export to other countries and other States of India.

Source: Khabar 365 Din

India’s first transgender lit fest to be held in Kolkata

India’s first literature festival for transgender people in the second week of July.

This was recently announced in Kolkata by Sahitya Akademi, whose eastern India branch is organising the meet. According to the organisers, the event will empower the community.

In this connection, it needs to be mentioned that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has always prioritised transgender rights, and the Trinamool Congress Government was only the third State Government to set up a development board for the community in 2015.

Manabi Bandopadhyay, a trendsetter in transgender rights and the vice-chairman of the above-mentioned board, who is also the country’s first transgender college principal, is taking the lead role in suggesting the names of authors who will be participating in the event.

Source: The Times of India

 

It is India’s misfortune that BJP is in power at Centre: Mamata Banerjee

Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for several projects for Murshidabad district, at a function in Baharampur Stadium.

Some of the projects inaugurated include Shishu Siksha centres, Madhyamik Siksha centres, schools, classrooms for Madrassahs, Karma Tirtha, roads, Anganwadi centres, renovation work for Baharampur stadium, among others.

She laid the foundation stones for flood shelters, new roads, renovation work for ghats, watch towers for disaster management, among other projects.

She also distributed benefits for several schemes, such as, Kanyashree, Sabuj Sathi, Samaj Sathi, Gatidhara; the CM distributed tractors, Kisan Credit Cards and other benefits too.

Highlights of her speech:

My best wishes to all the students who are appearing for Madhyamik and Higher Secondary exams. Students are the future of the society. They will build the nation in future.

Murshidabad has a glorious history. We have undertaken a slew of developmental projects for the district. The tide of development will continue.

Power project worth Rs 7000 crore is coming up in Sagardighi.

We have set up Krishak Bazar, polytechnics, ITIs, multi super speciality hospitals, colleges. We are setting up Karma Tirthas as well.

I have chaired more than 395 administrative review meetings in districts. The amount of work we have done in Bengal in the last six years, is unmatched.

We must all feel proud about Bengal. Today we have distributed direct government benefits to nearly 1 lakh people.

Students are getting Sikshashree scholarship. 8 crore people are receiving rice at Rs 2 per kilo. Healthcare is free in Bengal.

Girls are getting Kanyashree scholarship for pursuing education. We are giving cycles for free to students of classes IX-XII. To ensure a bright future of kids, we are distributing saplings under ‘Sabuj Shree’.

Scholarship under Kanyashree has been increased to Rs 1000. We have started a new scheme ‘Ruposhree’. Families with annual income less than Rs 15 lakh will receive Rs 25,000 for the wedding of their daughters.

From birth (Sabuj Shree) till death (Samabyathi), we have a scheme for all. We are always with the people. No other government has done the work done by our government.

Self-help groups are getting 30% subsidy in loans. Interest rates have been reduced from 4% to 2%.

We are paying off the debt incurred by CPI(M). The BJP government in the Centre takes away Rs 48,000 crore from our revenues. Yet we are doing developmental works, without burdening the people.

Contractual workers, ASHA, ICDS workers, civic volunteers have been brought under Swasthya Sathi scheme. A separate insurance scheme has been started for SHGs.

We have started a pension scheme or bidi workers. Masons, drivers and other workers have been brought under social security schemes.

1.7 minority students are receiving scholarships. We are giving school uniforms, bags, books, shoes to children of primary schools. We send ambulances to ferry pregnant women to hospitals.

I respect priests as well as Imams. Bengal’s perspective of the world is wide. Our actions speak louder than words.

A lot of politics has happened over the development of Murshidabad district. People have been deprived for long.

Centre’s ‘Beti Bachao’ scheme is actually ‘Beti Hatao’. Their budget is only Rs 100 crore. We have spent nearly Rs 5000 crore for Kanyashree in the last five years (Rs 1200 crore per year).

Without any financial allocation, Centre has announced health insurance scheme. Now they want states to pay 40% of the cost. They should first learn to do their job properly.

Healthcare is free in Bengal. They should make Bengal the model for healthcare.

If you keep money in banks, you will lose it. If you invest in cricket or land, you will lose it. They are a government of

Several villages in Bengal do not have banks. We have started co-operative banks in those villages.

Centre is bringing FRDI Bill. People’s savings are not safe in banks anymore. People’s money is given away to others.

Not just Punjab National Bank, many other banks are involved in this scam. A thorough probe must be carried out to ascertain who is behind this scam.

Planning for this scam started a year before demonetisation. Senior officials in some banks were changed. There is proof. Facts never lie.

I never trust those who talk big and never deliver. They only deliver bhashan on TV and fail when it comes to working.

Farmers in Bengal are receiving farming equipment. We have waived off all tax on agricultural land. Even mutation fees on agri land have been waived off.

We have schemes for the welfare of all – SC/ST, Adivasi, OBC as well as general caste. We have to work for all.

We have constructed 25 lakh houses under Banglar Abaar Yojana. 5 lakh more houses will be constructed

We have constructed 23,000 km rural roads. Work for 13,000 km more has started.

We have to ensure road safety. Do not cross roads while talking on the phone. Drive cars carefully. Safe drive, save life.

It is our responsibility to ensure your well-being. Stay happy. Live in harmony. My best wishes to you all. Even when others indulge in riots, Murshidabad maintains peace.

We do not indulge in politics of division. We do not support riots. We do not make false promises. We do not deceive people by putting up false statements on TV.

It is India’s misfortune that BJP is in power. They are taking away the rights of the people.

They are asking people to link Aadhaar to their bank accounts. While some others are running away with crores of rupees. People live in misery, while they build grand offices.

Political parties must always work for the people. Parties should be proud of people power, not money power.

Democracy and the voice of the people can never be purchased with money power.

The more you work for the people, the happier you will be.

We have created 81 lakh employment opportunities. This year we will generate 10 lakh jobs. We will keep serving you in the future too.

Bengal is No. 1 in MGNREGA scheme. We are No. 1 in rural job creation.

We will fight, we will perform, we will build (a new Bengal), we will win.

 

ভারতবর্ষের দুর্ভাগ্য, কেন্দ্রে ক্ষমতায় বিজেপি: মুখ্যমন্ত্রী

আজ মুর্শিদাবাদ জেলার বহরমপুরের স্টেডিয়াম মাঠে পরিষেবা প্রদান অনুষ্ঠানের মঞ্চ থেকে একগুচ্ছ প্রকল্পের উদ্বোধন করলেন মুখ্যমন্ত্রী মমতা বন্দ্যোপাধ্যায়। তিনি বিভিন্ন প্রকল্পের শিলান্যাসও করেন।

মুখ্যমন্ত্রী যে সকল প্রকল্পের উদ্বোধন করেন, তার কয়েকটি হল, বিভিন্ন ব্লকের শিশু শিক্ষা কেন্দ্র, মাধ্যমিক শিক্ষা কেন্দ্র, বিদ্যালয়, মাদ্রাসার অতিরিক্ত শ্রেণীকক্ষ, অঙ্গনওয়াড়ি কেন্দ্রকে শিশু আলয়ে উন্নীতকরণ, কর্মতীর্থ, নতুন রাস্তা, বহরমপুর স্টেডিয়ামের সংস্কার, ভাগীরথী-দ্বারকা-ভৈরব নদীর পাড়ের উন্নতিসাধন ইত্যাদি।

তিনি যে সকল প্রকল্পের শিলান্যাস করেন, তার কয়েকটি হল, অঙ্গনওয়াড়ি কেন্দ্র, নতুন রাস্তা, বিভিন্ন মৌজায় মোট ১৪টি ফ্লাড শেল্টার, বিপর্যয় মোকাবিলার জন্য ওয়াচ টাওয়ার, জঙ্গীপুর পুরসভা-মুর্শিদাবাদ-জিয়াগঞ্জ ব্লকের তিনটি স্থানে ভাগিরথী নদীর পাড় সংরক্ষণ ইত্যাদি।

এছাড়াও তিনি কন্যাশ্রী, সবুজসাথী, সমাজসাথী, গতিধারা, ট্র্যাক্টর, কিষাণ ক্রেডিট কার্ড ইত্যাদি পরিষেবা প্রদান করেন।উপস্থিত ছিলেন আরও অনেক মন্ত্রী ও স্থানীয় জনপ্রতিনিধিরা।

তাঁর বক্তব্যের কিছু অংশঃ-

মাধ্যমিক ও উচ্চ মাধ্যমিক সহ অন্যান্য পরীক্ষার্থীদের অনেক শুভেচ্ছা। ছাত্রছাত্রীরাই দেশ ও জাতির ভবিষ্যৎ। তারাই সমাজ গড়ে, তারাই সমাজের প্লাবন।

মুর্শিদাবাদের একটা ইতিহাস আছে। এই জেলায় অনেক উন্নয়ন হচ্ছে, উন্নয়নের কাজ এখনও চলছে।

সাগরদীঘিতে ৭ হাজার কোটি টাকা বিনিয়োগ করে বিদ্যুৎ প্রকল্প তৈরি হচ্ছে।

কৃষক বাজার, পলিটেকনিক, আই টি আই, মাল্টি সুপার হাসপাতাল, কলেজ তৈরি করা হয়েছে। কর্মতীর্থ তৈরির পরিকল্পনাও রয়েছে।

আজ পর্যন্ত আমি জেলায় জেলায় গিয়ে ৩৯৫টিরও বেশি প্রশাসনিক বৈঠক করেছি, বাংলায় আমরা ৬ বছর ধরে যা কাজ করছি তা আর কোথাও হয় না।

বাংলা নিয়ে গর্ব করা উচিত। আজ প্রায় ১ লক্ষ মানুষের কাছে সরকারী পরিষেবা পৌঁছে দেওয়া হল।

ছাত্রছাত্রীদের ‘শিক্ষাশ্রী’ স্কলারশিপ দেওয়া হচ্ছে। ‘খাদ্য সাথী’ প্রকল্পের আওতায় ৮ কোটির বেশি মানুষকে ২ টাকা কেজি দরে চাল, গম দেওয়া হচ্ছে। বিনামূল্যে চিকিৎসা পাওয়া যায়।

মেয়েদের উচ্চ শিক্ষার জন্য ‘কন্যাশ্রী’ স্কলারশিপ দেওয়া হচ্ছে। বিনামূল্যে সবুজ সাথীর সাইকেল দেওয়া হচ্ছে নবম থেকে দ্বাদশ শ্রেণীর ছাত্রছাত্রীদের। ‘সবুজশ্রী’ প্রকল্পের আওতায় শিশুর জন্মের পর একটি করে গাছের চারা দেওয়া হয় তাদের ভবিষ্যৎ সুরক্ষিত করার জন্য।

কন্যাশ্রীর স্কলারশিপের টাকা ৭৫০ টাকা থেকে বারিয়ে ১০০০ টাকা করা হয়েছে। এবার বাজেটে নতুন ‘রূপশ্রী’ প্রকল্প চালু করা হয়েছে। এর মাধ্যমে যে সব পরিবারের বার্ষিক ইনকাম ১.৫ লক্ষ টাকা পর্যন্ত তাদের মেয়েদের বিবাহের জন্য ২৫০০০ টাকা আর্থিক সহায়তা দেওয়া হবে।

আমাদের সরকার জন্ম (সবুজশ্রী) থেকে মৃত্যু (সমব্যাথী) অবধি মানুষের সঙ্গে আছে, পাশে আছে। আমাদের সরকার যা করে তা কোনদিন কোন সরকার করতে পারবে না।

আমরা স্বনির্ভর গোষ্ঠীকে ঋণের ক্ষেত্রে ৩০% সাবসিডি দিই। সুদের হার ৪% থেকে কমিয়ে ২% করে দেওয়া হয়েছে।

সিপিএমের দেনা শোধ করছি, বিজেপি ৪৮০০০ কোটি টাকা কেটে নিয়ে যাচ্ছে। তারপরেও এত কর্মসূচি দেওয়া হচ্ছে সাধারণ মানুষের ওপর কোনরকম বোঝা না বাড়িয়ে।

চুক্তিভিত্তিক কর্মী, আশা-আই সি ডি এস এর কর্মী, সিভিক ভলেন্টিয়ারদের ‘স্বাস্থ্য সাথী’ প্রকল্পের আওতায় আনা হয়েছে। স্বনির্ভর গোষ্ঠীদের জন্য আলাদা বীমা চালু করা হয়েছে।

বিড়ি শ্রমিকদের জন্য পেনশন প্রকল্প চালু হয়েছে, এছাড়া যারা বাড়ি তৈরি করেন, যারা গাড়ি চালায় তাদের জন্যও প্রকল্প চালু করা হয়েছে।

১.৭১ লক্ষ সংখ্যালঘু ছেলেমেয়েরা স্কলারশিপ পাচ্ছে। প্রাইমারি স্কুলের বাচ্চাদের ড্রেস, ব্যাগ, বই-খাতা, জুতো, মিড-ডে মিল দেওয়া হয়। গর্ভবতী মায়েদের জন্য অ্যাম্বুলেন্স পাঠানো হয়।

আমি পুরোহিতদের যেমন সম্মান করি, ইমামদেরও তেমন সম্মান করি। বাংলার দৃষ্টিভঙ্গি অনেক বড়। আমারা কথায় নয় কাজে করে দেখাই।

মুর্শিদাবাদ জেলার উন্নয়ন নিয়ে অনেক রাজনীতি হয়েছে। এতদিন শুধু মানুষের থেকে নেওয়া হয়েছে, মানুষকে কিছু দেওয়া হয়নি।

কেন্দ্রীয় সরকারের বেটি বাঁচাও বেটি পড়াও প্রকল্পে (ওটা বেটি হাটাও প্রকল্প) বরাদ্দ ১০০ কোটি টাকা। আর আমরা কন্যাশ্রী প্রকল্পের জন্য খরছ করেছি ৫০০০ কোটি টাকা। বছরে ১২০০ কোটি টাকা বরাদ্দ করেছি এর জন্য।

কেন্দ্রীয় সরকার টাকা ছাড়াই স্বাস্থ্য সুরক্ষার পরিকল্পনা করছে।আবার বলছে রাজ্যকে ৪০% দিতে হবে। আগে কাজ শিখুন তারপর বড় বড় কথা বলুন।

বাংলায় বিনামূল্যে চিকিৎসা দেওয়া হয়।ওদের উচিত বাংলাকে মডেল করে সারা ভারতে বিনাপয়সায় চিকিৎসা দেওয়া।

ওরা ব্যাঙ্কে, ক্রিকেটে, ল্যান্ডে টাকা রাখলে নিয়ে নেবে।

বাংলায় অনেক গ্রামে এখন ও ব্যাঙ্ক নেই, আমরা সেখানে কো-অপারেটিভ ব্যাঙ্ক চালু করেছি।

কেন্দ্রীয় সরকার এফ আর ডি আই বিল আনছে; এর মাধ্যমে মানুষের টাকা আত্মস্যাৎ করবে।মানুষের টাকা আজ ব্যাঙ্কে সুরক্ষিত নয়। জনগণের টাকা অন্যদের দিয়ে দেওয়া হচ্ছে।

শুধু পাঞ্জাব ন্যাশনাল ব্যাঙ্ক নয়, আরও অনেক ব্যাঙ্ক আছে, এদের মাথায় কোন কোন ছাতা আছে সেটা তদন্ত করার দরকার আছে।কারা সুরক্ষা দিয়েছে?

আমি মনে করি নোটবন্দির এক বছর আগে থেকে এই সব পরিকল্পনা করা হয়েছে। কিছু কিছু ব্যাঙ্কে ইচ্ছেমতো লোক নেওয়া হয়েছিল এর সব তথ্য আছে। তথ্য কখনো মিথ্যে কথা বলে না।

যারা শুধু মুখে বড় বড় কথা বলে তাদের আমি বিশ্বাস করি না। টিভি তে বড় বড় ভাষণ দেয় আর কাজের বেলায় লবডঙ্কা।

কৃষকদের কৃষি জমির যন্ত্রপাতি দেওয়া হচ্ছে। বাংলার কৃষকদের সব ঋণ মুকুব করে দিয়েছে সরকার। কৃষি জমির মিউটেশন ফি লাগবে না।

তপসিলি জাতি-উপজাতি, আদিবাসী, ওবিসি সকলের জন্য আমরা প্রকল্প চালু করেছি। সবুজ সাথী সাইকেল স্বামী বিবেকানন্দ স্কলারশিপ দেওয়া হয় জেনারেল কাস্টদের। সবাইকে নিয়ে চলতে হবে।

প্রায় ২৫ লক্ষ মানুষকে বাংলার আবাস যোজনায় বাড়ি দিয়েছি। আরও ৫ লক্ষ দেওয়া হচ্ছে।

প্রায় ২৩০০০ কিঃমিঃ নতুন গ্রামীণ রাস্তা আমরা করেছি। আরও ১৩০০০ কিঃমিঃ স্টার্ট করা হয়েছে।

এক্সিডেন্ট কমাতে হবে। মোবাইলে কথা বলতে বলতে রাস্তা পার হবেন না। জোর করে গাড়ি চালাবেন না, সেফ ড্রাইভ সেভ লাইফ।

মানুষ ভালো থাকলে তবেই আমরা ভালো থাকবো। সবাই মিলেমিশে চলবেন। যখন চারদিকে দাঙ্গা হয়, এই জেলা দাঙ্গা করে না, আপনাদের অভিনন্দন জানাই।

আমরা মানুষে মানুষে ভেদাভেদ করি না, দাঙ্গা লাগাই না। মিথ্যে কথা বলে ভোট নিই না। টিভির সামনে চাটুকারি করে বক্তৃতা দিয়ে মানুষকে প্রতারনা করি না।

ভারতবাসীর দুর্ভাগ্য, বিজেপির মতো দল ক্ষমতায় আছে। তারা মানুষের সব অধিকার কেড়ে নিচ্ছে।

মানুষকে বলছে আধার কার্ড নাও, সেই কার্ডে টাকা রেখে সব টাকা লোপাট হয়ে গেল। মানুষকে অন্ধকারে রেখে, নিজেরা নিজেদের সব থেকে ধনীদের পার্টি অফিস তৈরী করেছে।

রাজনৈতিক দল, মানুষের পাশে থাকবে, আমার কত টাকা আছে এ নিয়ে কখনও গর্ব করে না, গর্ব করে মানুষ নিয়ে।

গণতন্ত্র, মানুষ কখনও টাকার কাছে বিক্রি হয় না।

যত মানুষের জন্য খাটবেন, তত ভালো থাকবেন।

৮১ লক্ষ বেকার ছেলেমেয়েদের কর্মসংস্থান হয়েছে, এ বছরেও ১০ লক্ষ হবে। আগামী দিন আরও বেশী করে আমরা চেষ্টা করব।

১০০ দিনের কাজে বাংলা ১ নম্বরে, গ্রামীণ কর্মসংস্থান বৃদ্ধিতে আমরা নাম্বার ওয়ান।

আমরা লড়ব, করব, গড়ব, আমরা জিতব।

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saugata Roy speaks seeks clarificarion from the External Affairs Minister on Indo-Pakistan ties

Firstly, the Minister visited Islamabad on 8th and 9th on December. Why did it take her five days after that to come to the Parliament? That too she came to the Lok Sabha after laying a statement in Rajya Sabha at 11 o’clock. Why has the Lok Sabha been kept in the dark on such an important matter?

The minister said there was a talk of the NSAs scheduled in September, 2015, which was cancelled because the Pakistan people met the Hurriyat. What has happened from September to December that the Prime minster, NSA, Foreign Minister again started talking with them. What has happened? Has the border infiltration reduced? Has the Pakistani intelligence activities reduced? Or has the firing on the border reduced? So suddenly from September to December we have a flip-flop and the government starts talking.

The Minister has said that the NSAs discussed everything including terrorism and Jammu & Kashmir. What is there to discuss about Jammu & Kashmir? It is an integral part of India, why are you discussing Jammu & Kashmir? That has been the position of India all along.

I want to know that we dealt with the need of Pakistan to expedite the Mumbai terrorist attacks trial. The country would be interested to know what Pakistan has assured. It was 2008. This is 2015. When will the trial be completed in Pakistan?

Lastly, we also want good relations with Pakistan, but not at the cost of our territorial integrity, not when we are being shelled along the border. Not when the Pakistani intelligence is increasing their activities including the ISI.

Nadimul Haque speaks on India-Nepal relations

Sir, the new Constitution of Nepal promises an era peace and progress in a democratic and federal structure. However, the Madhesis and the Tharus, residents of Terai region, have been protesting to the provisions of the Constitution related to political representation, citizenship and inclusion.

Sir, while we cannot ignore our centuries-old relationship with Nepal, we must also consider the fact that Madhesis and Tharus have social, cultural and religious links with Indians living across the border. The interim Constitution of Nepal of 2007 provided for proportionate representation of Madhesis and other such groups in the state organs. But the present Constitution does not provide such options.

The present Constitutions says that only citizens by descent will be eligible to hold public offices like President, Prime Minister, Chief Justice, Chief Secretary etc. This clause may have a discriminatory effect on Madhesis, many of whom have acquired citizenship by naturalisation.

Citizenship by naturalisation is mainly acquired by those who are born to a Nepali parent and a foreigner. Typically, Madhesis tend to marry people from the Indo-Nepal border. As my colleague was saying that ‘roti-beti ka rishta hai’.

Sir, in demarcating the seven provincial boundaries, their Constitution has merged 12 out of the 20 districts of the Terai region with various Hill provinces. The Madhesis and Tharus are arguing that this would allow the Hill districts to dominate in the provinces and deprive them of resources.

Sir, in light of this issue, India expressed concerns after the protests in October, 2015. Also at United Nations Human Rights Council, in November, 2015, India had recommended that the Government of Nepal should accommodate all sections of Nepal in the Constitution building process.

It is pertinent to mention that before raising emerging issues of Indo-Nepal relations in an international forum, it would have been better for our government to continue the process of dialogue with Government of Nepal, keeping in mind the long-standing, friendly bilateral relations between the two countries; even China has started fishing in troubled waters.

Sir, India and Nepal have arguments with regard to trade and commerce, sharing of river waters, energy cooperation, investment protection etc India has also exported petroleum products, motor vehicles, spare parts etc to the tune of around Rs 28000 crore whereas it has imported polyester yarns, textiles, jutes and other products for around Rs 4000 crore in 2014-15. It is therefore a mutual interest that both countries should explore all means to resolve the contentious issues; the sooner it is done the better it would be better for both the countries.

Sir, Nepal shares its borders with five Indian states. These are West Bengal, Sikkim, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Bengal shares its border with three countries. These are Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal. Sir, on a side note it has to be noted that this is a very sensitive area and any cut in state funding is also affecting police modernisation in this area. But I am coming back to the larger issue, Sir.

There are large numbers of people of Nepalese origin who reside both permanently and temporarily in India, particularly in these five states in a conducive atmosphere of amity and fraternity. The Madhesis in Nepal are our brothers and we should have a duty towards them.

In this background, we welcome the meeting between our Minister of External Affairs with the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Nepal recently where discussion were held on 4 key issues concerning:

  1. Constituency de-limitation
  2. Political representation
  3. Citizenship
  4. Demarcation of provinces

Sir, my party sincerely hopes and believes that considering the warmth exuded by the Indian Government during the April, 2015 earthquake in Nepal, a similar gesture would be extended by the Government of Nepal for betterment of relations with India.

Sir, I rest my case.

Aparupa Poddar raises the issue of malnutrition in India during Zero Hour

Thank you Madam.

India is one of the fastest growing countries as far as its population and its economy are concerned. Every year 1.2 billion population is added at the rate of 1.5 per cent to 1.7 per cent. Though we are growing economically, a major part of our population is still living below the National Poverty Line.

India is highly ranked in the world by World Bank for the number of children suffering from malnutrition. The main cause for malnutrition in India is gender inequality as the social status of women is still under developed. Women who suffer from malnutrition give birth to less healthier babies. Reports state that every second child in India is malnourished.

Children from Muslim households, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes face higher rates of malnourishment. Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand have very high rates of under-nutrition. Many welfare schemes like the Integrated Child Development Scheme, National Children’s Fund, National Health Mission have been launched by the Government of India, but still the number of malnourished children is increasing. The United Nations estimates that 2.1 million Indian children die before reaching the age of five years every year. The malnutrition rate is 42 per cent among children in India. As many as 1,500 children die every day due to lack of a balanced diet.

The West Bengal Government under the leadership of our hon. Chief Minister, Kumari Mamata Banerjee has brought various steps like Support to Training & Employment Programme, Organizational Assistance for Women & Child Development, Integrated Programme for Street Children, Balika Samridhi Yojana.

The Government has to monitor and improve nutritional status of children in India by ensuring Nutritional Status of Women during pregnancy; dietary intake of children and lactating mothers; availability of safe, clean drinking water, sanitation and hygiene facilities; well balanced, nutritious diet to be provided through ICDS and improved medical assistance through Government and NGOs; and by providing good environment.

Madam, I would like to make a last suggestion to the Government. A Committee should be formed consisting of Members from the Central and State Governments to monitor the training programmes and schemes carried out to eradicate malnutrition, and also strict action should be taken against those who malpractice in this human cause.

Thank you.

WB CM welcomes first batch of enclave-dwellers from Bangladesh to India

First batch of people, who were living in Indian Enclaves in Bangladesh have today entered India. A group of 19 families that included 62 persons reached Coochbehar district crossing Changrabandha border post.

Following the implementation of Land Boundary agreement, around 1000 people living in Indian Enclaves opted for Indian citizenship while rest of them chose to stay in Bangladesh. However, people living in Bangladeshi enclaves in India preferred to stay in India.

Welcoming the people from Bangladesh, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee posted in social networking websites, “Pursuant to the historic Land Boundary Agreement between India and Bangladesh held in Dhaka in June 2015, where I was also present, the first batch of 19 families consisting of 62 persons from Indian enclaves in Bangladesh who have opted to stay in India entered our country today through Changrabandha in Coochbehar.”

She further adds, “I heartily welcome our brothers and sisters from “opar bangla” and wish them a very pleasant stay here.Our government will take full care of them.”

WB CM attends the India-Bhutan Business Conclave at Thimphu in Bhutan

West Bengal Chief Minister Ms Mamata Banerjee today attended the India-Bhutan Business Conclave at Thimphu in Bhutan, during the first day of her visit to the country.

Present at the Conclave were the Ambassador of India in Bhutan and the Hon’ble Minister of Economic Affairs, Bhutan Government among many other dignitaries.

Ambassador of India in Bhutan hailed the visit by the West Bengal Chief Minister in Bhutan as historic. He said that the GDP growth rate of Bengal is well over 10%, higher than the National GDP.

The Hon’ble Minister of Economic Affairs, Government of Bhutan addressed the West Bengal Chief Minister as Didi and said that he was extremely happy to have her in Bhutan. He said that Didi has endeared herself to the people of Bhutan and is popular for her simplicity & humility.

The West Bengal Chief Minister started her address at India-Bhutan Business Conclave by greeting the audience in Dzongkha language. She said that Bhutan is a beautiful country, the air being fresh and the people humble and simple.

The West Bengal Chief Minister said that she was happy to know that the Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bhutan had studied in Dr Graham’s Homes in Bengal.

She urged people of Bhutan to consider Bengal as their sweet home and said that the Bhutanese people were her brothers and sisters. She said that Bengal will partner with Bhutan and will do business with the country.

The West Bengal Chief Minister informed that she has requested the Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bhutan to make Andal a stoppage for Bhutan Air and the West Bengal Government will give tax free fuel.

Bengal is the gateway to North East and other Asian countries like Singapore. There can be a partnership in education, culture, the WB CM said. She said that there can be partnerships in agro industry, food processing, MSME.

The WB CM said that out of 1.3 lakh tourists to Bhutan, 68,000 are Indians. She informed that the Bengal Govt has started LTC programme for Govt employees to visit Bhutan. The West Bengal Chief Minister urged that a tourism corridor be started. Buddhist circuits can be developed, she suggested.

The West Bengal Chief Minister informed that a Business Corridor involving Bhutan-Bangladesh-India-Nepal has been proposed and requested the four countries to sign the memorandum in Bengal. She informed that she had invited the Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bhutan and the Hon’ble Minister of Economic Affairs to attend the North Bengal Business Conclave. She also proposed that the Government of Bhutan and Bengal set up a steering committee to promote industry and businesses.

Market is ready, business is ready, intention is clear, now a decision must be made, said the West Bengal Chief Minister.