Tag: All India Trinamool Congress

Environment Department: Working towards a more livable future

Posted on | by aitc | Leave a Comment on Environment Department: Working towards a more livable future

The scope of work of the Environment Department is very wide, exhaustive and challenging. The wings of the department work in close coordination to fulfil the commitment of the Bengal Government towards its people for a clean and more livable environment – be it in terms of air, water, noise or several other aspects.

For effective control of pollution, a number of steps, measures and policies have been initiated by the Environment Department which include stringent regulations, development and periodical revision of environment standards, control of vehicular pollution, control of air and water pollution, abatement and prevention of noise pollution, revisiting and revision of the list of critically polluted areas and their environment improvement plans, etc.

The department has been funding research projects through grants-in-aid both to its parastatals like West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB), West Bengal Biodiversity Board (WBBB), East Kolkata Wetlands Management Authority (EKWMA) and Institute of Environmental Studies and Wetland Management (IES&WM), and also to some research institutions.

Some of the salient points regarding the working of the Environment Department:

  • WBPCB is constantly monitoring and taking suitable measures for improving air quality and reducing water body pollution.
  • An online system of WBPCB’s consent administration has been developed for transparency. All monitoring data can now be accessed from the board’s website. The consent administration has also been simplified.
  • The ‘consent to operate’ periods have been increased: from two years to five years for Red Category Industries, from three years to five years for Orange Category Industries and from five years to seven years for Green Category Industries. A new White Category has been introduced which only requires the relevant industries to give information to the WBPCB and is exempt from ‘consent’ administration.
  • The State Action Plan for climate change is being amended to strengthen the plan, introduce mitigation measures in addition to adaptation measures and bring it in line with the latest developments in various fields.
  • Actions on conservation of biodiversity, preparing a comprehensive register and promoting conservation have been accelerated.
  • A lot of work has been done for restoration and beautification of many waterbodies.
  • More emphasis has been laid on organising awareness activities to spread environment education among all sections of society and mobilising people’s participation for preservation and conservation of environment.

Source: Departmental Budget

Protection of wetlands and coastal zones in Bengal

Posted on | by aitc | Leave a Comment on Protection of wetlands and coastal zones in Bengal

East Kolkata Wetlands Management Authority (EKWMA) and Institute of Environmental Studies and Wetland Management (IESWM) are two agencies under the Environment Department. They carry out protection work for the wetlands in eastern Kolkata and research in management and conservation of wetlands across the State and coastal zones, respectively.

East Kolkata Wetlands Management Authority (EKWMA)

EKWMA has the responsibility of managing the East Kolkata Wetlands (EKW).

The East Kolkata Wetlands are situated along the eastern fringes of Kolkata. It contains a number of shallow fish ponds, agricultural fields and villages.

It is one of the most important Ramsar sites of the country, a designation implying the EKW as a ‘Wetland of International Importance’.

The wetlands possess the unique natural facility of waste water purification for the entire metropolis of Kolkata, the only Ramsar site in the world with such a function.

The wetlands are also a major source of food for the fish and other aquatic creatures inhabiting there, which in turn provide livelihood to a lot of people.

Institute of Environmental Studies and Wetland Management (IESWM)

IESWM carries out research on wetlands and coastal zones of Bengal as well as of other parts of the country.

It houses the State Project Management Unit (SPMU) of the World Bank, which aids the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project.

The Coastal Zone Management Plan of Bengal is being prepared as part of the project. As a result of the project, which is nearing completion, significant achievements have been made, like improvement of civic infrastructure and beach amenities in Digha, 100 per cent electrification of Sagar Island (where the famous Sagar Mela is held annually), livelihood enhancement through self-help groups (SHG), 25 cyclone shelters and eco-tourism activities.

The institute is also one of the eight authorised agencies in the country for the preparation of coastal regulation zone (CRZ) maps, which are referred to for getting the mandatory CRZ clearance for coastal projects. It has also prepared CRZ maps for the Central Government organisations, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Kolkata Port Trust (Haldia and Diamond Harbour sites).

Together, these two institutes have been doing a lot of significant work for various aspects of the environment of Bengal, and in the case of the latter, India too.

Source: Departmental Budget

Sabuj Sathi – Symbol of empowerment of students in Bengal

Posted on | by aitc | Leave a Comment on Sabuj Sathi – Symbol of empowerment of students in Bengal

During one of her district tours in 2015, a young boy had asked West Bengal Chief Mamata Banerjee: “I study in school; you have started the Kanyashree scholarship for girls, why is there no scheme for boys?”

This had planted a seed in her head. The thought has at last led to a happy conclusion: ‘Sabuj Sathi’ – a project wherein students of classes IX to XII are given bicycles by the State Government.

This beautiful name for the project came to the Chief Minister’s mind while on her way from Darjeeling to Bagdogra Airport. The rain-drenched sylvan mountains piqued her creativity; she began penning poems for children. Thus was born the name ‘Sabuj Sathi’ – ‘Sabuj’, the word for ‘green’ or environment-friendly and ‘Sathi’ means ‘companion’, hence ‘Sabuj Sathi’ or ‘environemnt-friendly companion.’

The Chief Minister has created the logo for the project as well. It consists of a young boy running, with two spinning bicycle wheels alongside his legs. 70 lakh cycles have been distributed so far. The scheme also bagged an award for e-governance from the Centre.

For more details, visit the website for the scheme.

Bengal CM slams Centre over LPG price hike

Posted on | by aitc | Leave a Comment on Bengal CM slams Centre over LPG price hike

Coming down heavily on the BJP, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday said the soaring prices of essential commodities will result in the middle-class being badly hit which will, in turn, become a question of their basic sustenance.

“The hike in fuel price will affect the kitchen while the rise in the price of petrol and diesel will hit the transport sector badly,” she told newsmen on Saturday. The Chief Minister also said that the price of cooking gas has skyrocketed without any rhyme or reason.

“Things are going beyond the reach of the middle-class. How can they make their both ends meet? How can they sustain,” she said and added: “But the Centre is not taking any measure to bring down the prices of petrol and diesel and that of the cooking gas.”

Mamata Banerjee has said over and again that the hike in the prices of petrol and diesel are affecting the transport sector badly. “The Centre is totally indifferent towards this problem faced by the common people,” she maintained.

Bengal Govt to open geriatric care units in district hospitals

Posted on | by aitc | Leave a Comment on Bengal Govt to open geriatric care units in district hospitals

The Bengal Government is planning to set up comprehensive geriatric care units in various districts hospitals of the State. The units would be exclusive centres for the elderly, which would understand their medical backgrounds and offer them customised care.

The project will be carried out in various phases, with pilot projects in some districts to start with.

Currently, there are separate arrangements for elderly citizens in the outpatient departments (OPD) of all the State-run hospitals and medical colleges in Bengal. The existing infrastructure of elderly care in some of the hospitals across the State will be given a complete overhaul.

Specialised geriatric care centres would be set at the district-level where proficient geriatricians and allied medical professionals will provide comprehensive assessment to address all-round needs of a patient and recommend the best treatment.

According to sources in the Health Department, there are plans to divide the geriatric care centres into four zones – Outpatient Care, In-Patient Care, Emergency Care and Home Health Care. They will offer comprehensive physical, cognitive and psychosocial assessments, a personal care plan, rehabilitation, and recommendations on safe use of medicines.

Source: Millennium Post

Focus on development at Bengal CM’s administrative meeting in the Hills

Posted on | by aitc | Leave a Comment on Focus on development at Bengal CM’s administrative meeting in the Hills

On Wednesday, May 30, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee held an administrative review meeting of Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts. Emphasising on the development roadmap, the Chief Minister advised the state government authorities in Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts to focus on the water supply, sewerage, construction and upkeep of roads and waste management.

Speaking at the administrative review meeting of the two districts in Kalimpong, she said: “Darjeeling and Kalimpong have immense potential. There is unmatched natural beauty here. It is your duty to present a clean and green Darjeeling to the tourists who visit these places. For the next two years, we should concentrate on four key areas — water, sewerage, roads and waste management.”

She asked the GTA and Hill Municipalities to sit with the Municipal and PHE departments in Kolkata during the next 10 days and work out a consolidated plan to resolve the drinking water crisis in the Hills.

She also insisted that henceforth funds for construction of houses of the beneficiaries through the 15 development boards should go directly to their bank accounts in two instalments. The Chief Minister spoke on the new avenues for employment generation for the youth and stressed on skill development to impart training in beautician courses, hospitality, as tourist guides and in the medical field as well.

Speaking of the immense potential in the field of tourism, she added: “Tourism industry is one of the most important industries of Bengal. We are giving a lot of emphasis to North Bengal as this place has a lot to offer. All projects have to be finished on time.”

She asked the state Tourism department and the GTA to renovate the Swiss Cottages in Mirik. De-siltation of the Mirik Lake, landscaping including gardens and pathways around the area is on the anvil. Inquiring about the progress of work at Tiger Hill, she stated that the gallery needs to be renovated. Around 19 tourist cottages are said to come up at Tiger Hill in Darjeeling.

The Chief Minister also asked the Power department to look into the electricity problems faced by Lava, Loleygaon and Reshyap in the Kalimpong district.

A proposal has also been given for six new police stations in Darjeeling and three in Kalimpong district. A new administrative building is being constructed in Kalimpong as well. Around 2 acre of land has been allotted for the Police Lines and correctional home in Kalimpong. Banerjee also inquired about the 100 day work scheme in Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts.

Around 500 schemes are underway in the Hills currently. Land right documents (pattas) will be handed over to 271 beneficiaries from the forest villages of Kalimpong on Thursday at Lohapool. The CM also inaugurated a number of projects on Thursday.

Synergy MSME to bring in big investments in the MSME sector

Posted on | by aitc | Leave a Comment on Synergy MSME to bring in big investments in the MSME sector

In a bid to attract big investments in the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) sector, the Bengal Government is going to organise a major business summit in September, titled ‘Synergy MSME’.

It will certainly be a big boost to the small business sector of the State. As it is, the MSME sector of Bengal has been earning a lot of praise ever since the Trinamool Congress Government came to power, as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has made it a mission to promote this sector in the interest of the ordinary citizens across the State.

‘Synergy’ is also the name of a series of successful MSME investment meets organised by the State Government in various districts.

Source: Bartaman

Muslin gaining popularity at Biswa Bangla stores

Posted on | by aitc | Leave a Comment on Muslin gaining popularity at Biswa Bangla stores

Due to the sustained effort of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her Trinamool Congress Government, muslin is gaining popularity again. This is evident from the fact that the sale of muslin products at Biswa Bangla outlets – in Bengal and Delhi – has been rising steadily.

Having its origin in Dhaka, and hence called ‘Dhakai muslin’ in Bengali, the fabric is the pride of Bengal, when it comes to handmade fabrics. Muslin is made from the finest cotton, weaved into a glossy and a very light fabric, and hence an embodiment of royalty and luxury.

The muslin products sold through Biswa Bangla outlets are in high demand – sarees, handkerchiefs and jewellery for women, and shirts for men. The glossy jewellery and sarees are quick attraction-grabbers for the eyes of customers.

After coming to power in 2011, Mamata Banerjee had taken a special initiative to organise the weavers of muslin. There are around 300 families who are associated with the production of muslin sarees. They have been given training by experts to bring their designs and production techniques up-to-date and a Muslin Hub has come up in the district of Nadia, the traditional centre for muslin in the State. An exclusive outlet named Club Muslin has also been opened at the Dakshinapan shopping complex in Kolkata.

In keeping with the times, along with sarees, the weavers are also manufacturing kurta, pyjama, kurti, handkerchief, bed linen and costume jewellery. Kurta, pyjama and kurti are available in different colours.

Source: Millennium Post

Riding on the popularity of budget tourism, Benfish sees profit for the first time

Posted on | by aitc | Leave a Comment on Riding on the popularity of budget tourism, Benfish sees profit for the first time

Benfish, the State fishermen’s cooperative, has seen profits for the first time. This historic achievement has been made possible by the Trinamool Congress Government under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Benfish is the acronym for West Bengal State Fishermen’s Cooperative Federation Limited. It is run by the State Fisheries Department. A neglected organisation during the erstwhile Left Front era, the present Government has brought the organisation from red to black.

The major reason for profiting is the successful operating of the lodges under the organisation. These lodges are affordably priced, and their popularity is also directly linked to the encouraging of budget tourism, for which the Tourism and Transport Departments also play major roles.

Online booking has been introduced; hence booking slips are no longer required. On reaching a lodge, just showing the booking number sent on mobile phone is enough. Besides affordability, another reason for booking these lodges is the availability of tasty and healthy fish dishes, which is the speciality of Benfish.

Though budget hotels, the rooms are of very good quality. Then, the personnel running these lodges have been provided with special hospitality training.

According to the Fisheries Minister, the department has plans for opening more lodges.

Source: Khabar 365 Din

Bengal ranks number 1 nationally, in multiple spheres

Posted on | by aitc | Leave a Comment on Bengal ranks number 1 nationally, in multiple spheres

In May 2011, the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, established efficient governance in Bengal, with the Government of Maa, Mati, Manush. On May 27, 2016, through a historic verdict, the Government was sworn in for the second time in a row.

On the anniversary of this historic day, the Government of Maa, Mati, Manush rededicates itself to the service of people.

In the last seven years, Bengal has witnessed phenomenal growth in development and prosperity. Today, due to the unfaltering efforts of the State Government, Bengal ranks number 1 nationally, in multiple spheres.

The present day Government has achieved comprehensive development in multiple sectors including education, health, agriculture, industry, transport, culture etc. The State has set a shining example in maintaining communal harmony.

Bengal is no. 1 in the country with respect to the following:

• Generation of man-days and expenditure under the ‘100 Days’ Work’ scheme

• Construction of rural houses and establishment of rural connectivity

• Sanction of loans for the minorities as well as scholarships for minority students

• Provision of loans for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME)

• Skill Development

• Ease of Doing Business

• Transparency in work and highest number of contracts allotted via e-tendering

Awards and accolades received by the State:

• The ‘Kanyashree’ scheme of the State conferred with the 1st prize in the United Nations Public Service Award category

• The State’s ‘Kanyashree’ scheme conferred with the ‘National e-governance Award’

• The significant role of gram panchayats, with respect to Decentralised Planning, awarded by the Government of India

• ‘Skoch Smart Governance Award’, in the sphere of health services, for the innovative practices of ‘Fair Price Medicine Shop’, ‘Diagnostic Centre’, as well as for the provision of ‘Critical Care Facility’ below the district level

• ‘Krishi Karman’ award in agriculture for 5 consecutive years

• Declared as the ‘Best State’ at the ‘All India Skill Competition’ for 3 years

• ‘Tantuja’ conferred with National Award for ‘Marketing in Handloom Products’ and appreciated by ‘NITI Aayog’

• Award by ‘IPPAI’ for the electrification of rural households

• ‘Skoch Smart Governance Award’ in the labour sector

• 6 municipalities of the State honoured with the ‘International C-40 Award’ for solid waste management

• Received the first prize for ‘Chhau Dance’ of Bengal the Republic Day Parade in one year, while bagging the first prize for tableau of ‘Bauls of Bengal’ in another year

• CSI-Nihilent Award for i-Budget and e-Governance. Bengal is the first State to introduce online payment through e-Kuber of RBI and the Human Resource Management System

 

As we complete a journey of seven years, we pledge anew to serve the people of the State to ensure holistic development, with unwavering passion.