Bengal Govt connects Purulia to Kolkata via helicopter flights

Bengal Govt connects Purulia to Kolkata via helicopter flights

Posted on July 17, 2018 | by aitc | Leave a Comment

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, during her recent district visit to Purulia, announced the starting of helicopter services to the district. This is a big step in the promotion of industry in Purulia.

The service would be under the aegis of the State Transport Department. A successful pilot flight was conducted on July 3 from Kolkata to the Charra Airfield, 8 km from Purulia town.

The airfield had long been abandoned. It was used during World War II by the US Air Force. Now, under the initiative of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee the Charra Airfield would again be actively used.

Source: Aajkaal

20 more CNG buses for south Bengal

Posted on July 17, 2018 | by aitc | Leave a Comment

The State Environment Department has decided to introduce 20 more CNG buses in the districts of south Bengal. It will be fully funding the project.

CNG or compressed natural gas is a non-polluting fuel and hence does not adversely impact the environment.

The Transport Department has a plan to operate CNG buses all over the state, a plan which will be implemented in phases.

Besides being environment-friendly, CNG buses have another major advantage: though the cost of a bus is more – around Rs 1 crore – the cost of maintenance is considerably less than conventional buses. The cost of fuel is also much cheaper too.

The Government had earlier introduced CNG buses in Asansol and Durgapur, wherea total of 30 such buses ply. Wherever they have been introduced, CNG services have become very popular as well.

With respect to promoting environment-friendly means of travel, the Transport Department has also been giving a lot of support for the promotion of electric and biogas-run vehicles. Electric buses are run in New Town, the model smart city of the State Government. Eighty more electric buses will be introduced in various places by August. Buses using compressed biogas (CBG), produced from cow dung, as fuel run on certain routes in Kolkata.

Source: Millennium Post

Bengal performing very well on crucial forest health parameters

Posted on July 14, 2018 | by aitc | Leave a Comment

The State Forest Department’s exemplary work has resulted in significant improvement of three crucial parameters – forest and tree cover, amount distributed to Forest Protection Committees (FPC) and revenue collection.

Forest and tree cover: 21.35% of the total area during financial year (FY) 2017-18, from 17.27% during FY 2010-11.

The amount distributed to Forest Protection Committees (FPC): Rs 167.25 crore from FY 2011-12 to 2017-18, from Rs 66.17 crore from FY 2004-05 to 2010-11.

Revenue collection: Rs 135.33 crore during FY 2017-18, from Rs 75.49 crore during FY 2010-11

The forest cover in Bengal, as a percentage of the total geographical area, has been growing over the last seven years. Currently, the total forest cover stands at 12,102 square kilometres (sq km).

Another related data is that, between 2010 and 2015, forest cover went up by 3,810 sq km, or 4.29 per cent, which was one of the highest in the country (according to Forest Survey of India data), and this trend continues. This is the result of the large amount of afforestation work, both inside and outside the forest areas, undertaken by the State Government.

From FY 2011-12 to 2016-17, the Forest Directorate has afforested 72,697 hectares (ha) of forest area, besides extensive soil and moisture conservation work. During FY 2018-19, approximately 10,000 ha of plantation will be taken up. One hundred modern nurseries have been created, and the work for 20 tall seedling nurseries will be taken up in different forest divisions.

As per the numbers stated above, the amount distributed to Forest Protection Committees has seen an increase of more than 2.5 times. Also, FPCs are rewarded for their invaluable contributions.

According to the revenue collection data mentioned earlier, the revenue collection by the Forest Department in Bengal has almost doubled, enabling more resources for developmental activities.

The Forest Department has also prepared a Vision and Mission Document for the period from 2017 to 2030.

Source: 7 Years: Chronicles of Bengal’s Progress

Bengal CM flays Centre for not fulfilling promise of taking over 7 tea gardens

Posted on July 12, 2018 | by aitc | Leave a Comment

Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today chaired a meeting regarding the condition of tea gardens in north Bengal. The meeting was held at Uttarkanya.

At the end of the meeting, she announced that the government has given clearance to the wage-hike of workers and formed a committee to find a solution to the problems facing tea industry.

She also attacked the Centre for failing to fulfill its promise of taking over 7 tea gardens. The promise was made by a Union Minister during 2016 Assembly election campaign.

Highlights of the Chief Minister’s press meet:

We have allocated more than 1000 crore for the welfare of tea garden workers since 2011.
We need a permanent solution to the problem of tea gardens.
Some trade unions are calling bandhs for their vested political interests
Centre had promised to take over 7 tea gardens before 2016 elections. It was a lie for garnering votes. The tea garden owner went to court, got the tea garden declared ‘abandoned’ and workers are suffering. Centre must withdraw the notification.
Some owners open their ‘abandoned’ tea gardens for some days, and close it down again.
We have formed an expert committee under the leadership of our Chief Secretary. They will submit a report within 3 months.
There are 2.72 lakh workers in tea gardens and 8 lakh non-workers who leave in tea gardens.
We give 35 kg rice at Rs 2 per kg, electricity, water supply to tea gardens.
We have increased wages of tea garden workers after coming to power. The cash component has now become Rs 159. We have given interim relief of Rs 17.50.
Lease of abandoned tea gardens which are closed, will be cancelled and they will be auctioned.
We will take action against organisations which don’t pay PF and gratuity.
We will focus on ICDS through community development programmes.
Non-workers in tea gardens will be given skill development training. They will be given training in poultry farming, rearing hens, ducks etc.
Tea tourism is also under consideration.
Peace prevails in the Hills. People are happy and in peace. We will observe the birth anniversary of Bhanu Bhakta Acharya in the Hills tomorrow.

Bengal Govt to bring school education under the aegis of Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan

Posted on July 12, 2018 | by aitc | Leave a Comment

Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan – a programme created by combining Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan – will now form the basis of the Bengal Government’s approach to school education. This would help in optimising the administration of education in Bengal.

This programme would work for all aspects of management and betterment of education (including aspects like the free distribution of school textbooks, shoes and uniforms) right from the pre-primary to the higher secondary level.

A person experienced in the administration of education would be nominated by the State Government for heading the programme. There would a district head for each of the districts too.

Scientists would be inducted in the programme to visit schools and awaken interest in science among students.

Source: Sangbad Pratidin

Fisheries sector infrastructure improves under Trinamool

Posted on July 10, 2018 | by admin2 | Leave a Comment

The State Fisheries Department has endeavoured to give every manner of infrastructural help to fishermen, including fish research facilities to increase yield and to experiment on newer and more profitable species.

Storage infrastructure: As part of the ‘cold chain scheme’, the department has been sanctioned money for the construction of cold storages and, through the distribution of bicycles with insulated boxes, the development of transit and terminal markets, including retail outlets. Eight cold storages and six ice plants have been constructed.

Khuti societies: The State Government provides financial aid for the development of khuti societies, that is, fish drying centres. A total of 53 khuti societies in Contai and Diamond Harbour benefit from this aid. Considering essential aspects, the aid includes money for the operation and maintenance of the khutis or fish drying centres, including wages for khuti attendants and sweepers, development of khuti infrastructure like link roads, submersible pumps, solar lights, fish-drying platforms and bamboo structures, supply of hygienic materials and small equipments, and the repair of tube-wells.

Fishing harbours and fish landing centres: Under the department, there are seven minor fishing harbours and 13 fish landing centres. The entry channel at Kakdwip Harbour has been completed. Benfish has constructed modernised fish markets in Kalyani (Nadia district), Bolpur (Birbhum district), Uluberia (Howrah district) and Gangarampur (Dakshin Dinajpur district). Five fish landing centres have been recently constructed benefiting 8,700 fishermen in Indrapur, Satyadaspur, Kantamari, Raidighi/Domkal, Kheyaghat and Namkhana in South 24 Parganas.

Hatchery accreditation: Nineteen hatcheries have been constructed to ensure production of quality fish seed, and 231 hatcheries have been accredited.

Fish markets: Ten fish markets have been constructed – fish seed markets in Sinhati (Bankura district) and Rajendrapur (North 24 Parganas), wholesale and retail fish markets in Haldibari (Cooch Behar), Bolpur (Birbhum), Kalyani (Nadia), Fuleshwar (Howrah) and Udayrampur (South 24 Parganas), Nalban International Ornamental Fish Market, Kantamari (South 24 Parganas) and Jharkhali (South 24 Parganas) markets. Besides these, the upgrading of the wholesale fish market in Howrah is in progress.

Fish research centres: The department is setting up block-level laboratory-cum-training centres for testing water and soil of water bodies to determine suitability for pisciculture. So far 308 have been built; another 25 have been sanctioned. Research on fish and fisheries is being conducted at Pailan Research Centre in South 24 Parganas. At the Fresh Water Research Centre in Kulia near Kalyani in Nadia district, research is being carried out on production of seeds of freshwater fish, including endangered species, ornamental or aquarium fish, etc. The latter has a high export value. Rural women are being trained on ornamental fishery.

Hilsa production & research: To combat the issue of the decline in the catch of hilsa over the past decade, a dedicated Hilsa Conservation and Research Centre (HCRC) has been established at Sultanpur, Diamond Harbour, in collaboration with the Norwegian research institute, Norwegian Institute of Food Fisheries and Aquaculture Research (NOFIMA).

Brackish water fishery: The Government provides substantial aid for increasing the production of fish in regions of brackish water, mainly found in the Sundarbans delta.

The above facts prove that the Trinamool Congress Government is committed to the all-round development of the fisheries sector.

Developments undertaken by the Fisheries Department in the last seven years

Posted on July 10, 2018 | by admin2 | Leave a Comment

The State Fisheries Department has undertaken various programmes for the development of the fisheries sector across Bengal. It is leading a balanced approach by enhancing fish production and thus ensuring nutritious food for all. Simultaneously, it is looking after the sustainability of fisher-folk by ensuring the adoption of sustainable methods of fishing and fish production.

This approach has brought about considerable poverty alleviation. The Panchayats Department is also actively involved with the Fisheries Department on a few aspects.

Aquaculture: Bengal has achieved remarkable results in both the inland fishery and marine fishery sectors. During financial year (FY) 2017-18, the production of fish was 17.42 lakh metric tonnes (MT), a substantial increase over the 2010-11 figures, the last year of the Left Front rule.

Fish seeds: During 2017-18, production of fish seeds was 2,017.7 crore, again a big increase from 2010-11. Fingerlings, numbering 1,700 lakh, have been distributed in about 1.21 lakh water bodies from 2011-12 to 2017-18. Bengal also caters to a huge 40 per cent of the country’s demand for fish seeds.

Fish feed: Nutritionally balanced floating feed is being supplied free of cost since 2014-15. Till 2017-18, 27,000 metric tonnes (MT) of fish feed has been supplied to about 14,000 fish farmers.

Conservation of indigenous local fish: To conserve local indigenous fish species, steps have been taken to introduce indigenous fish (ie, pabda, saral punti, deshi tangra, mourala, chital, folui, etc.) in bheels, backyard water bodies, etc. Special emphasis has been given for increasing production of deshi magur.

Introduction of new species: Culture of many new species like silver pompano, nona tangra, cobia, chanos (milk fish) and marine crab has been introduced in brackish water during the last seven years. The culture of boroli is now also being attempted in the freshwater bodies of south Bengal.

Moyna Model and its replication:For augmenting the production of fish, a new model called Moyna Model was adopted during FY 2017-18. Its prime objective is the culture of mainly rohu, catla and mrigel at the rate of 12,000 kg (12 MT) per hectare per year in the seven districts of Cooch Behar, Murshidabad, Dakshin Dinajpur, North 24 Parganas, Nadia, Howrah and South 24 Parganas as well as in Kalyani Fish Farm in Baro Sagar Dighi (Nadia district).Model fish farms have been identified covering 90 hectares of water bodies, along with 113 progressive farmers.

Export:Achievements in the export sector have also been quite significant under the Trinamool Congress Government. From 61,709 MT of fish worth Rs 1,734 crore during FY 2011-12, the figures reached 1,04,762 MT worth Rs 4,455.74 crore during FY 2016-17.

Thus, Bengal is marching ahead towards not only self-sufficiency in fish production but substantial contribution towards exports too.

Fisheries sector policies of the Bengal Govt benefiting fishermen

Posted on July 10, 2018 | by admin2 | Leave a Comment

The State Government has created several policies for the development of the fisheries sector. The important ones are given below.

West Bengal Fisheries Investment Policy 2015:For attracting substantial investments in the fisheries sector, the Government has promulgated the West Bengal Fisheries Investment Policy 2015. From FY 2015-17 till now, 30 projects have been initiated at an investment (by both private and Government players) of Rs 339.35 crore. During the Bengal Global Business Summit 2018, 19 memorandums of understanding (MoU) worth Rs 760.3 crore were signed.

Amendment of method of settlement of Government waterbodies:The chapter dedicated to Government water bodies in the West Bengal Land & Land Reforms Manual was amended by the State Government with the intention of infusing better competitiveness and adoption of scientific methods of pisciculture and thereby increasing the production of fish. This step has boosted rural employment generation and optimum use of Government fisheries as a resource by giving priority in the tendering process to functional fishermen’s cooperative societies, fish production groups and self-help groups (SHG).

Training and extension:The number of fishermen who have received training has gone up from 6,170 in 2010-11 to 16,394 in 2017-18. Awareness camps in the form of Krishi Mela, Wetland Day, Fish Farmers’ Day, etc., are being regularly organised.

Skill development training for employment in jute industry

Posted on July 6, 2018 | by aitc | Leave a Comment

The Bengal Government has announced the starting of a skill development programme for people wanting to get employed in the jute industry.

Jute is a traditional industry of Bengal. Though it has suffered for many years, with the earnest effort of the Trinamool Congress Government, things are gradually looking up.

Important features of the programme are the provision for stipends and placement opportunities in the jute industry.

The courses, to be run by the Labour Department, would run for a period of three months, of which one month would be theoretical training and two months would be practical training.

The training centres have been set up at the employment centres in Bankura, Howrah and Dum Dum. With regards to qualifications, the minimum educational qualification should be class 8 passed and the minimum age should be 18 years.

Source: Govt ad

New initiatives taken by the Cooperation Department in Bengal

Posted on July 6, 2018 | by aitc | Leave a Comment

The Bengal Government’s Cooperation Department has taken several initiatives to improve the reach of cooperative societies across the State by converting cooperative societies into banks, and introducing computerisation and modern banking services. Regular audits of cooperative societies are being conducted and special initiatives are being taken for increasing memberships of cooperative societies.

New initiatives

Overhauling rural cooperative system: The department has set a target of overhauling the entire rural cooperative system and mobilising deposits of about Rs 1 lakh crore in the next two to three years. As a result, cooperative banks and primary agricultural credit societies (PACS) will be able to contribute more effectively towards various Government schemes and extend loans to SHGs. They should be able to extend at least 50 per cent of the almost Rs 40,000 crore loan required annually for crop production and marketing.

Banking for the unbanked: The department has set a target of opening at least 75 cooperative bank branches in unbanked gram panchayats (GP) by the end of financial year 2018-19.

Modern banking: Modern banking facilities, viz., ATM, RTGS, NEFT, etc. are being provided at existing cooperative banks. Till now, 350 branches of West Bengal State Cooperative Bank (WBSCB) and Central Cooperative Bank (CCB) have already been CBS-enabled and 80 ATMs are in operation. Besides, mobile ATM services have also been introduced.

Assistance to PACS: An assistance of Rs 34.75 crore has been given for the computerisation of 2,780 primary agricultural cooperative societies (PACS).

New cold storage units: Construction of six cold storage units has been taken up, having a total capacity of 49,000 MT, which are likely to be completed during the current year.

Regular audit: Initiatives have been taken to conduct timely and regular audit of cooperative societies.

Increasing membership: Special initiatives have been taken to enhance the memberships of cooperative societies.

Samabay Bhavans: The State Government has decided to establish Samabay Bhavans in all the districts to accommodate all offices related to the Cooperation Department under one roof. So far, bhavans have been completed in Purba Bardhaman (Bardhaman), Paschim Bardhaman (Asansol), Bankura, Purulia, North 24 Parganas and Paschim Medinipur. Construction is going on in Malda.