Guwahati's FM channel to present Durga Puja Award

Nanda Kirati Dewan 06 October, 2008 09:11:00
Based on the scientific hygienist and religious fervour and logical belief and also environment friendly criterion the best Puja Committee of the eight nominees namely Rest Camp Kalibari Durgotsav, Binapani, Nayantar Puja Samity, Lachitnagar Sarvajanin Durgotsav, Guwahati Barwari Puja Committee, Fancy Bazar Puja Samity, Rehabari Bilpar Puja Samity and West Silpukhuri Puja Samity will be presented the one prestigious BIG PUJA AWRD intiated by Big 92.7 FM. This was informed by one of the jury member for BIG Puja Award Anuradha Sharma Pujari in presence of Associate Producer Rupam and Station Director BIG FM Swapon Sinha at a media interaction at Guwahati Press Club. The other jury member are singer Pulok Banerjee who also addressed the media and actor Nishita Goswami Rupom added that the reason for initiation this award since 2007 are to give the people of Guwahati an opportunity to also express their views about the puja celebrations and the best Puja Pandal in the city according to them and to recognize the efforts of the various Puja Pandals in organizing and presenting a spectacular show and encourage them to do better, on the lines of similar contests held in other metropolitan cities of the country. BIG Puja Awards are the two different awards namely:BIG Public Choice Award & BIG Jury Award The panel announced the list of the 8 nominated Pujas. The BIG Public Choice Awards will be decided by SMS votes received from the listening public of Guwahati. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Swapan Sinha, Station Head of BIG 92.7 FM, Guwahati said that "It is a great honour for BIG 92.7 FM to join the people of Guwahati in recognizing and celebrating the tradition of Sarvajanin Durga Puja and encouraging the organizers to higher standards of excellence and service. These awards will highlight Durga Puja Celebrations of Guwahati to the rest of the country and make us proud. source: assam times
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Dibrugarh Durga Puja

Devotees offering anjali on the Mahaastomi day at the Manipuribasti Durga Puja mandap in Guwahati on Tuesday. (Sentinel)

Violence fails to dampen Puja spirit
From our Staff Correspondent DIBRUGARH, Oct 7: Today is Maha Astami and people’s joys know no bounds. They seem to leave their homes and thronging the puja pandals. The numbers of such puja goers appear belies the sinful hopes of the forces of evil that a few explosions would make people apprehensive and avoid participating in the festivities. Never the less, the tensions exists and in the midst of all these uncertainties, we had asked the cross section of society as to what take on such apprehension and how they would pass the puja days.Aswaini Duara, Principal, Salt Brook Academy says “I am sure the news of unfortunate incidents of the place will deter the festive spirit of the public. After all Ma –Mahisashurmardini visiting once in a year and the people at large are expected to take full advantage of the festivities.”“I generally enjoy my Puja at home and taking out my mother and the family to visit pujas which are in existence since the last century and where religiosity and the puja spirit is given more importance than the present day shows of light and sound,” she said. She added, “Off course, nostalgia do sometime creep in and I steel yarn for the days when I along with my all friends used to cover all the pujas of town on foot but now though the spirit is willing the flesh and nerves are weak.”Moni Saikia, Businessman and President of Dibrugarh District Sports Association says,“ Puja for me is a time for recollecting with my relatives and catching up of old friends. Now, I am at Amguri doing the same. However, I will make time to visit a few puja Mandaps which are a part of my growing ups. As for the apprehensive of disruptive activities I may mention that the relationship at Dibrugarh town unlike most other places are essentially based on irrespective of caste, colour, religion and also irrespective of once social and economic position. This being the basis, I am very sure nothing untoward will happen during the pujas. ”Ajoy Barua, General Secretary of Dibrugarh Nagarik Sangha says,“ I hope that the attempts the division among the peaceful people of Assam, irrespective caste, creed and religion, stays a constant inspite of the recent attempts by anti-social elements to cause disharmony in the society. Let the Ma Durga bless us to rise above all evils and that the state of Assam be peaceful and prosperous. Personally speaking I will be away from Dibrugarh town intending to spend the holiday with my son who works outside the state and who’s holidays are very limited. Speaking about the fear percolating in some section, it is my view that if our minds are free and the thoughts pure Ma- Durgotinashini will make sure no untoward will happen.”Rajiv Konwar, former Chief Administrative Officer, BVFCL,Namrup presently an advocate, sharing his view said,“ I sit in solitude enjoying the happy hours in the evening imbibing the spirit of the occasion. The pujas however, being a heavy cocktail religious fervour and unbridle gaiety, I however make sure, the members of the family enjoy the occasion to the fullest.” “The Mahisasur (the demon) of the day symbolized by acts of explosion and other forms of violence need to be destroyed. Therefore, sitting at home would only encourage those forces. The people therefore, need to enjoy pujas or for that matter any other religious occasion to the fullest. Shuva puja to all.”Ashok Das , Deputy Manager, Behating Tea Estate, commented,“ Do I regret the absence of the spirit that existed in the earlier years. I have no doubts that the people will enjoy the atmosphere to the fullest, which is praiseworthy. Because of such participation, will no doubt send the strong signal to those forces, which are attempting to disrupt the peace of the state. However, because of my growing years, I restrict my movement but I am sure partake in the festivities at the puja organized adjacent to my ancestral home which may lack the glitz of the present day arrangement seen elsewhere but will move them compensative by religiosity, camaraderie and the sense of brotherhood present.” source: sentinel assam
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Eiffel Tower replica in Guwahati Durga Puja

An Eiffel Tower replica dazzles at the night at Shantipur in Guwahati on Sunday. Picture by Eastern Projections

Guwahati/Shillong, Oct. 6: Revellers thronged Puja pandals in both Guwahati and Shillong, braving rains and terror threats, amid very tight security in the two state capitals today.

The four-day celebrations began in Shillong amid a flutter as an abandoned bag at Police Bazar created panic in the busy area this morning. Police, however, later found that the bag contained some clothes. Superintendent of police of East Khasi Hills A.R. Mawthoh said a man from Calcutta claimed the bag from the police saying he had kept it in a shop and forgotten to take it back.

The SP said elaborate security arrangements had been made for a peaceful Puja.
Besides the existing police forces, six more companies of police were deployed for security duty in and around the pandals. Two more companies of additional paramilitary forces will help the police if the need arose. The police personnel on duty were asked to have close look at the abandoned objects, dustbins and motorbikes parked near the Puja pandals as preventive measures.

The Central Puja Committee, the nodal agency co-ordinating the Puja celebrations in Shillong, had a series of meetings with the East Khasi Hills deputy commissioner B. Dhar and discussed the security requirements. The volunteers of the committee are also helping the police to maintain law and order. None of the Puja pandals, however, have CCTV.
Meghalaya chief secretary Ranjan Chatterjee said bomb disposal squads, the army, the air force and the city hospitals had been alerted for any kind of eventuality.

In Guwahati, Durga Puja was welcomed in a grand manner on the first day (Saptami) of the four-day festival today.

Thousands came out of their homes sporting their festive best and visited several Puja pandals.
The idol of the goddess clad in colourful attire and different sizes remained the centre of attraction at nearly 500 Puja pandals across greater Guwahati and both young and old prayed for peace and prosperity.

Mridul Sarma, a government official and resident of Chandmari, said, “The sun came out bright in the morning and it inspired my entire family to visit the Puja pandals on the GNB Road before noon.” He said the rain would not be a spoilsport for his family and they would go out pandal-hopping and eat out in the evening.

“I cannot miss the Puja festivities even for a single day and love to spend lavishly,” he said.
Rana Goswami, assistant treasurer of the Pub Guwahati Rajkhowa Durga Puja Committee, said, “Going by the number of visitors today we are expecting lakhs of devotees to visit the pandal in the coming days. We hope and pray for a sunny weather so that the people enjoy the festival at their best.” He added that the committee has made all arrangements, including boys and girls volunteers to maintain discipline and prevent any untoward incident in and around the Puja pandal.

Similar was the situation at other Puja pandals. B. Das, secretary of the Guwahati Sarbajanin Durga Puja Samity at Latasil playground, said the committee has made arrangements for cultural programmes everyday during the Pujas for more fun and frolic.

There was heavy rush at Fancy Bazar, Lakhtoklia, Paltan Bazar and many shopping malls the last-minute Puja shopping. Long queues were seen in front of ATMs of different banks. Security arrangements have been made in front of every Puja pandal. Some of the Puja pandals at Panbazar, Latasil and Maligaon have prominently displayed the telephone numbers of police stations, officials and members of the Puja committees so that the visitors can lodge a complain and inform in case of any untoward incident. source: the telegraph india

Durga Puja India Durga Puja Kolkata Durga Puja West Bengal Durga Puja Delhi Durga Puja Mumbai Durga Puja Chennai Durga Puja Bangalore Durga Puja Guwahati Durga Puja Assam Durga Puja Silchar Durga Puja Shillong Durga Puja

Mahasaptami today, American Colony Durga puja mandap in Guwahati

Mahasasti puja (Belboron) being offered at the American Colony Durga puja mandap in Guwahati on Sunday. (Sentinel)

PCB issues pollution control steps for puja’s
By our Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Oct 5: To lessen the environmental pollution during the puja’s, the Pollution Control Board (PCB), Assam has issued directives to all the district administration in the State vide letter No. WB/G-581/07-08/57 dated Oct 1, 2008.

The PCB directive has asked the puja committees to avoid the use of thermo coal paper for decoration and idol-making. For distribution of prasad, the PCB has directed the use of eco-friendly paper plates, banana leaf, shal leafs or clay plates.

On the sound pollution front, the PCB directive asks the puja committees not to play music systems before 8 am and after 10 pm. Further, in the remaining part of the day, music must be played within permissible limits. Mounted loud speakers are prohibited from 10 pm-8 am.

The PCB has taken serious notice of pollution caused to the Brahmaputra due to immersion of idols. The PCB said that it has asked the puja organizers to dispose off the idols from the riverbed after 24 hours of its immersion. The district administration has arranged for designated immersion ghats to avoid overcrowding and localization of water pollution. If necessary, immersion ceremony mat be spread over 2 days to avoid pollution of water bodies.

The PCB suggested the setting up of a coordination committee comprising of district administration officials, municipal officers, police and NGOs to guide the puja committees in the immersion of idols with minimal adverse effect on environment.

The PCB will see to that waste bins are placed at strategic points and to keep vehicles away from the puja mandaps as far as practicable. The board has also asked the puja committees to arrange for suitable drinking water which is clean and disinfected.

To measure the environmental status, the PCB will organize a noise level monitoring, ambient air quality monitoring and collect the water samples during and after the immersion of the puja idols. sourcE: sentinel assam

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Kamakhya Temple

One of the best known temple of Guwahati is Kamakhya, situated on Nilachal Hill, eight km west of the city. This temple honour the Mother Goddess Kamakhya, the essence of female energy. It is one of the 108 Shakti Peethas of Goddess Durga. Legend has it that Kamakhya came into existence when Lord Shiva was carrying the corpse of his wife Sati, and her "yoni" (female genitalia) fell to the ground at the spot where the temple now stands. The temple is a natural cave with a spring. Down a flight of steps to the bowel of earth, is located a dark, mysterious chamber. Here, draped with a silk sari and covered with flowers, is kept the "matra yoni". The Temple was rebuilt in 1665 after being destroyed by Muslim invaders, but its origins are much older than that. It was probably an ancient Khasi sacrificial site, sacrifices are still very much part of worshiping here. Group of devotees arrive each morning with goats to offer to Shakti. Here, Durga Puja is celebrated annually during Navaratri in the month of September- October. It is a three day festival attracting several visitors. A unique festival observed here is the Ambuvaci (Ameti) fertility festival wherein it is believed that the Goddess (mother Earth) undergoes her menstrual period. sourcE: http://www.durga-puja.org/kamakhya-temple.html

Tea majors avoiding Guwahati auction centre

Staff reporter
GUWAHATI, Sept 27 – Tea giants like the Warren Tea, Assam Company, Jorehaut Group and MK Shah, which have their major tea gardens in the State, are allegedly selling less than one per cent of their Assam crop through the Guwahati Tea Auction Centre (GTAC). What is more, only 30 per cent of the State’s tea is sold through the GTAC. The above companies are selling the lion’s share of their Assam crop through the Calcutta Tea Auction Centre, known as the CTTA. The revenue loss caused by this practice of the companies to the State exchequer is estimated to be at least Rs 10 crore annually. This is despite the fact that these companies are using the prime highland, which is a precious resource of the State.

The bought tealeaf factories are also no different in their attitude towards the GTAC. Though these factories produce over 100 million kgs of made tea per annum, that is, 20 per cent of the total crop, they allegedly send less than 20 per cent of their produce to the GTAC.

It needs mention here that the sales in the GTAC came down to 142.36 million kgs in 2006 against 159.43 million kgs in 2000 – a drop of nearly 11 per cent. During the same period, sales in the CTTA rose by about 37 per cent from 98.11 million kgs to 134.70 million kgs. And more than 80 per cent of the tea sold through the CTTA is the produce of Assam.

The case of the bought tealeaf factories seems to be more hideous when the incentives granted to them under the North East Industrial Investment Promotion Policy (NEIIPP) 2007 is taken into account.

The NEIIPP incentives for a period of ten years include 30 per cent capital investment subsidy on plant and machinery, 100 per cent excise duty exemption on finished products, reimbursement of premium on comprehensive insurance, 100 per cent income tax exemption and 3 per cent working capital interest subsidy.

According to records, in 2007, the Jorehaut group sent no quantity of its Assam crop of 3971400 kgs to the GTAC and sent 37.02 per cent of the crop to the CTTA. The MK Shah group sent 61.06 per cent of its total Assam crop of 9809935 kgs to the CTTA and remained absent in the GTAC.

The Grob Tea Company, which produced 3301092 kgs of tea in Assam, sent only 1.68 percent of the crop to the GTAC, while 33.88 per cent of the crop went to the CTTA.

Similarly, the Assam Company Ltd sent 31.57 per cent of its total Assam crop of 18057611 kgs to the CTTA leaving a meagre 0.14 per cent to be auctioned at the GTAC. The Warren Tea Ltd sent only 0.12 per cent of its Assam crop of 14632088 kgs to the GTAC that year, while 53.92 per cent of that yield was sent to the CTTA.

The Andrew Yule sold 9.16 per cent of its total produce of 5697317 kgs through the GTAC and 60.89 per cent of the produce through the CTTA that year. The Goodricke sold only 9.92 per cent of its total produce of 12954579 kgs in Assam that year through the GTAC, sending 60.51 per cent of the produce to the CTTA in the same year.

However, in the same year, the McLeod Russel sold 24.89 per cent of its Assam crop through the GTAC and 17.86 per cent of the crop through the CTTA. Similarly, the Amalgamated Plantations Pvt Ltd, which was earlier known as the Tata Tea, sold 17.99 per cent of its Assam crop through the GTAC and 17.72 per cent of the crop through the CTTA.

Secretary of the GTAC Jayanta Kakati has refuted the impression given by the big tea companies that price realisation in CTTA is better than the GTAC as a wrong one. He said, if the ‘same quality’ of CTC teas were sold in both GTAC and CTTA, price realisation would remain the same. And if an additional selling expense of Rs 2.60 per kg for selling in CTTA were taken into account, the seller would be benefited at the GTAC.

Vice-Chairman of the North Eastern Tea Association (NETA) Bidyananda Barkakoty suggested better exposure of the sellers to the export buyers, exemption of the export buyers from sales tax registration, waiving of the proposed Cess of 20 paisa per kg of purchased green leaf on the quantity of such tea sold through the Guwahati Auction Centre and transport subsidy to the GTAC registered buyers under the NEIIP 2007, to boost up sales at the Auction Centre. source: assam tribune

News Guwahati

We suspect Gogoi is hiding facts: Patowary
By our Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Sept 27: Reacting to Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi’s statement before the press today that the identity of the seven militants who were killed in an encounter with the Army yesterday has not been ascertained as yet, AGP president Chandra Mohan Patowary said it is unfortunate that the Chief Minister, who is also the Home Minister and the head of the Unified Command structure, is without complete information even after about 36 hours of the incident.
Talking to The Sentinel, Patowary said: “We suspect that the Chief Minister is trying to hush up some facts, since we have told him time and again that Islamic fundamentalist groups have set up their hideouts in the State. In a press release issued yesterday, the PIB said the killed militants were HuJI cadres.”
According to Patowary, Islamic militants enter the State through the open Indo-Bangladesh border. “During its seven-year rule, the Congress Government in the State failed to take any concrete steps to seal the Indo-Bangladesh border,” he rued. source: sentinel assam

‘Cong conspiring against SC community’
By our Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Sept 27: The Anususita Jati Mahasabha (AJM) today blamed the State Government for ignoring the interests of the SC people of the State and said that the Congress Government is conspiring to destroy the identity of the SC people. In a press meet held today, the president of AJM Chandra Kamal Baghawati said that the future of 70 lakh SC people in the State are at stake as they are not getting the requisite facilities and privileges meant for them.
The AJM president threatened that if their demands are not met by the Government by November 15, then they would be compelled to take action on their own. The president of AJM said that they would file a PIL in the Gauhati High Court asking for a committee to be formed to look into the issue of fake SC certificates in the State. Baghawati said that the issue of people possessing fake SC certificate in the State has assumed grave proportions and the Government needs to crack down on the guilty persons.
Many people of SC community are deprived of many facilities as non-SC persons possessing fake certificates are in the increase, said Baghawati. The AJM also plans to plans to gehrao the office of the DC on November 12.
The AJM claimed that the SC certificates given by the Anususita Jati Parishad from 1995 are all fake. The organization demanded that all such certificates should be cancelled with immediate effect.
The president said that they would be filing a case against a member of the Kamrup Zila Parishad—Parimal Das— for possessing a fake SC certificate. Another case will also filed against a enforcement inspector of Tezpur for the same reason, said the AJM president. The Mahasabha president said that on March 20, a AJM team met the Chief Minister and appraised him about the racket of fake SC certificates. They also submitted a 7-point charter of demand to the Chief Minister and the Governor.
The AJM demanded that the Government constitute an inquiry commission headed by a Justice of the High Court to get to the bottom of the fake certificate racket. The AJM team also asked for a ministerial berth to a person belonging to the SC community. But the AJM lamented the fact that their request for a cabinet post was turned down. source: sentinel assam

OIL records Rs 1,788.93 cr profit in 2007-08
From our Correspondence
Tinsukia, Sept 27: The Oil India Limited (OIL) today announced of Rs 1788.93 crore profit after tax for 2007-08 with the net worth of the company increasing by 16 per cent in the previous year to reach Rs 7,933 crore.
It had also recorded a quantum jump in crude oil production in the first quarter of 2008-09, OIL to be conferred with ‘Navaratna’ status, after listing on the bourses. Last year’s profit stood at Rs 6,795 crore as compared to Rs 6,008 crore for 2006-07, OIL CMD M R Pasrija said at the company 49th annual general meeting at its headquarters at Duilajan today.
He stated that the net worth of the company increased even after providing for discount of Rs 2305 crore on crude oil and LPG towards the sharing of under recoveries suffered by oil marketing companies.
Pasrija informed that as recognition of its performance, the Government had found OIL eligible for conferring ‘Navaratna’ status.
“But this may come into force only after OIL completes the formality of listing its shares through the IPO,” he said.
The CMD informed that the crude oil production had gone up by 18 per cent during the first quarter of 2008-09 as compared to the same period last year.
For the year 2007-08, OIL’s Board of Directors had recommended a final dividend of 150 per cent. This was over and above the interim dividend of 125 per cent. The total dividend of 275 per cent stood at Rs 588.51 crore.
The company had also made the highest ever contribution both to the state and Central exchequer in terms of Cess, Royalty, Sales Tax and so and so forth with contribution to the state exchequer being Rs 1,454.73 crore and to the Central exchequer Rs 2,360.86 crore.
Pasrija informed that there were nine small to medium size discoveries during the year, eight of which were in Assam and one in Rajasthan. In addition, gas was struck in one of the JVC Block in Dirak in Asom.
Hydrocarbon was also discovered in Farsi offshore block, Iran, where OIL held 20 per cent participating interest.
From being a North East-based company, OIL today has a pan India presence with 21 NELP blocks, including 14 onshore and 7 offshore blocks. OIL is operator in 12 onshore blocks.
In addition, OIL also plans to get four Blocks in the just concluded NELP-VII. OIL has made a presence in seven countries - Libya, Gabon, Nigeria, Yemen, Sudan, Iran and East Timor.
During the year 2007-08 OIL has been accredited with two International Standard Certifications - International safety rating System (ISRS) certification to Intermediate Tank Farm (ITF) Tengakhat, and Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) validation for Green House Gas Emission Reduction through Recovery and Utilisation of Flare Gas in respect of Kumchai to Dumduma Gas Pipeline.
Besides, its 26 per cent stake in Numaligarh refinery and 10 per cent stake in the Assam gas Cracker Project, OIL was planning to be a partner in the upcoming Vishakhapatnam Refinery and Petrochemical complex on the east coast along with TOTAL, HPCL, GAIL and Mittal Energy. The company had recently commissioned the product-pipeline (NRL to Siliguri) which would generate additional revenue of over Rs 100 crore annually. source: sentinel assam

World Tourism Day observed
By our Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Sept 27: State Tourism Minister Nurul Hussain said today that the Government has sanctioned an amount of Rs 21 crore for the current financial year. Hussain was speaking at a function organized to mark World Tourism Day at Hotel Brahmaputra Ashok.
The minister said that under the leadership of chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, tourism in the State has received importance and that can be seen from the increase in the number of tourists visiting the State.
The State last year saw 34 lakh domestic tourist and 13,105 foreign tourists. This has been possible to the efforts of Tarun Gogoi who has said that tourism can be the major bread earner of the State, said Hussain. Asking the local people to be more involved in tourism, Hussain said that people must be conscious of keeping places of tourist attraction clean and always lend a helping hand to the tourists.
Coming down heavily on previous Government’s, Hussain said that in 2001, a merge amount of Rs 4 crore was earmarked for tourism. The department was totally ignored and the present Government has been able to repair some of the damage caused by the policies of the past Governments, said Hussain.
The minister said that the Government proposes to increase the tenure of punishment for persons found guilty of cutting trees. Asom has a rich bio-diversity and the Government will do everything possible to save and protect the natural flora and fauna of the State, quipped Hussain. source: sentinel assam

Dairy sector to get international help
By our Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Sept 27: The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), a global learning institute with its headquarters in Nairobi is coming forward to assist in improving the efficiency of traditional milk marketing system in Asom under the its new project on “Knowledge to Action: Enhancing the traditional Dairy Value Chains in Assam” with financial support from the Department for International Development (DFID), United Kingdom.
It may be mentioned here that milk quality and hygiene remains a major concern for the milk consumers in Asom and there have been several reports in the media about the adverse effects of it. The total milk marketed in Asom, more than 97 per cent is contributed through traditional systems (milk vendors/processors/ sweet makers) while this system has been largely overlooked or underestimated over the decades by both the Government and non-Government agencies.
Under the project, ILRI intends to enhance the demand for locally produced quality milk in the State through improving the hygiene and quality of milk marketed by milk vendors and to stimulate a demand driven production system.
The project is going to be implemented in association with local partners including the Directorate of Dairy Development, Assam Agricultural University and few other local NGOs in the districts of Kamrup, Jorhat, Sonitpur and Barpeta.
The ceremonial launch of the project will be held on September 29 at Shilpagram and it will chaired by Additional Chief Secretary of Asom Ms Parul Devi Das.
For designing the project, findings from a earlier study titled “ Comprehensive Study on Dairy Sector of Assam, 2007” conducted by ILRI and its partners under the Assam Agricultural Competitiveness Project (AACP) funded by the World Bank will be used.
Citing reasons for the need of such a project, a member closely associated with the project said that in Asom, 42 per cent of urban and 26 per cent of rural consumers are dissatisfied with the present level of milk quality and hygiene. Samples of raw milk contained 21 per cent added water and pasteurized milk contained 4 per cent of added water.
The State also losses 85 million litres of milk every year due to wastage and spoilage. Production ineffiencies, wastage, spoilage and lack of consumer confidence in milk quality and safety are major bottleneck for promoting demand and supply in Asom, the member said.
The project will adopt a three-pronged approach addressing the demand for milk, improving its quality and increasing its supply. The project aims to benefit dairy farmers, milk traders, vendors and consumers. The project will develop business for the milk traders through linking them with business service providers and training them in good practices to decrease spoilage, spillage and wastage.
Technology in milk production will get a major boost through this project. The ILRI will provide tools to detect adulteration and provide incentives to produce safe and pure milk. source: sentinel assam

Gupta, Shabana get national integration award
By our Staff Reporter
Guwahati, Sept 27: The Asom Government today announced to confer the Fakaruddin Ali Ahmed Award for National Integration on eminent journalist Shekhar Gupta and noted actress and social activist Shabana Azmi for the year 2006-07 and 2007-08. Informing this at a press conference here, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said, “They have been chosen for the award for their contribution towards bringing the people together and closer through their respective work.” source: sentinel assam

Somnath Paul bags Amala Bezboruah Memorial Award
By a Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Sept 27: The 6th Amala Bezboruah Memorial Award-2007, was given to Shri Somnath Paul at a small but solemn function held at the Gauhati University here today in the presence of the faculty members, distinguished guests and students of the Mathematics Department besides family members of Late Amala Bezboruah. The function was presided over by Prof BC Kalita and faculty members and guests recalled the qualities of Late Amala Bezboruah who served the university with great dedication and distinction. The award is given every year to the student of the Mathematics discipline of the university who secures the highest aggregate marks in the 1st and 2nd semester of the M. A. / M. Sc. course. The award carries a cash amount of Rs 10,000 and a certificate issued jointly by the Head, Mathematics Department Gauhati University and the Chairperson, Amala Bezboruah Memorial Trust. source: sentinel assam

15 countries confirm participation

By our Sports Reporter GUWAHATI, July 16 – The secretary of the All India Powerlifting Federation (AIPF) Subrata Dutta disclosd here today that 15 countries have already confirmed their participation in the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championship wich is scheduled to be held here from December 9 to 13 next year.Interecting with the media persons here today, the Arjuna Award winner athlete said taht the AIPF is gearing up for the championship where over 200 powerlifters will take part. He intimated that countries like South Africa, Ireland, New Zealand, England, Australia, Pakistan, Canada, Fiji, Tahiti, Scotland, Walse, Kenya, Nigeria, besides India, have already sent their confirmation.Dutta also revealed that dope test will be conducted for the participating lifters prior to the competition. Kailash Sarma, president of the North East Powerlifting Association, the organiser of the championship, revealed that the dope test has to be conducted at the district level so that the malpractice could be prevented from the initial stage. Former sports commissioner Pradip Hazarika was also present on the occasion.

source: assam tribune

O’Brien all set to grill students

By Our Correspondent GUWAHATI, July 12 – The wait is over and ace quizmaster Barry O’Brien is all set to taste the intellect of the students in the much-awaited third edition of the NEDFi Brain Jam Open Quiz 2008 to be held tomorrow in Pragjyoti ITA Machkhowa from 3 pm onwards. Interacting with the media persons here today at the Guwahati Press Club, Barry said, “ I always look forward to coming to Guwahati and this time too I am equally excited.” “There would certainly be change in the format and things like buzzer round would be added for the first time,” he informed.When asked, Barry said, “Though the general awareness of the people in the North East is on the rise, however, there is still scope of improvement.”He insisted on the need for hosting more and more quiz competitions in the State to develop a sense of inquisitiveness in the minds of the young and old alike.“Combination of life skills, general knowledge and general awareness is what can develop the overall personality of the people. In this regard, the role of education system and the family environment is immense,” he pointed out.NEDFi Brain Jam Open Quiz 2008 is being organised and co-ordinated by Priya Communication.The ace quizmaster today further divulged that he is seriously considering opening up learning centres in Guwahati and other parts of the North East, which would help in developing an individual’s personality. “May be in another 12 months time, I would have more to share with you about my plan to open the learning centres in Guwahati,” he asserted.On his love for Assam, Barry said, “ If ever I leave Kolkota and had to find a new place to live in, it would be either Pune or Guwahati.”“The preliminary round of the quiz competition will qualify six teams for the final rounds with two participants in each team. The winning team will win a package trip to Thailand. The total budget for the prizes is estimated at Rs 2.5 lakh,” informed Anoop Khanna of Priya Communications. source: assam tribune

18 Guwahati Central Jail inmates sit for exams

By A Staff Reporter GUWAHATI, July 9 – For 18 inmates of the Guwahati Central Jail, it was a never-before experience. The inmates – pursuing six-month courses under the KK Handique State Open University — sat for a two-day examination, marking probably the first time that such an exercise was held in a jail campus in the State. The inmates appeared in English, Mathematics, Social Science, Electronics and Advanced Mathematics. Those who appeared in Electronics and Advanced Mathematics intend to seek admission in Bachelor of Computer Application (BCA) course. “The enthusiasm of the examinees was commendable, and they were confident that they did well. This could give them a new lease of life once they are out of jail,” Ankuran Dutta of the university who was also the officer-in-charge of the examination, told The Assam Tribune. The jail at present has 26 inmates pursuing courses, called bachelors’ preparatory programme (BPP) meant for non-10+2 jail inmates. Among those who appeared in the examination were several members of the militant outfit, ULFA. “The course is totally free of cost and includes all the study materials. Besides, we supply pen and paper to the examinees,” Dutta said, adding that gauging from the enthusiasm of the inmates they were expecting more students in the forthcoming admission. Dutta said that the classes, held twice a week, were taken by the university’s faculty. Prof Robin Goswami, former Head of the Department of English, Cotton College, is the senior consultant. “The weekly classes apart, we also hold special classes,” he added. Dutta said that the university had plans to reach out to other jails in a phased manner. “Going by the positive response we are having in the Guwahati Central jail, we would love to have study centres in all the jails of the State. We plan to proceed in a phased manner,” he said. source: assam tribune

RTI Act powerful tool for transparency

By A Staff Reporter GUWAHATI, July 5 – With the emergence of corruption as the greatest public enemy, the relevance of the Right to Information Act has become all the more relevant in a region like India’s Northeast. The Act could act as a tool to usher in probity in public affairs and also pinpoint accountability to all government functionaries and organisations receiving substantial government funds.Recently appointed Governor of Meghalaya and former State Information Commissioner, Assam, RS Mooshahary said this in Guwahati today. Delivering a talk on the RTI Act in a meet organised by the Gauhati Management Association, Mooshahary said that it was not enough that people received information through the process, but used that knowledge to identify corrupt practices and persons. Spelling out the Act in some detail, he said that it was a powerful tool that was brought in for greater transparency and accountability in governance. Because of its marked autonomy, the Information Commissions are held in high regard by various government departments. People could either approach the Public Information Officers in departments concerned to seek information, or approach the head of the office if there were not any PIOs. In case they failed to receive information, or believed that the information provided was doctored they could approach the State Information Commissioner.Significantly, he revealed that even though in most of the cases the authorities had 30 days to dispense information, in the event of “life and liberty,” government officials must provide information within a 48-hour time frame. He cited several instances, which showed how information was extracted from several government offices even though they were initially reluctant to provide it. In one case, gross irregularities were found in the working of the Public Distribution System of Golaghat district.Finally, information acquired through RTI applications were able to help investigation, which led to the arrest of several officials and streamlining of the system. This has been an eye-opening development for several other NGOs working in Assam.Mooshahary was of the belief that the RTI has been able to make a change in the mindset of some people as well as officials who are aware of its power. Officials now know that whatever notes they made on files could now be examined by a member of the public. With a note of regret, he mentioned that the Assam Government has not done much to spread public awareness about the Act. He said that much better awareness was necessary for the Act to be become a real harbinger of change. source: assam tribune

Both AGP-BJP wants Guwahati seat

The main Opposition Asom Gana Parishad is finalising a pre poll pact with the Bharatiya Janata Party for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. The deal was finalised on Friday when AGP top guns now camping in New Delhi called on BJP leader Sushma Swaraj and discussed the groundwork in detail.Talking to Assam Times, senior AGP leaders said both the parties have started finalising the seat sharing formula for the same. The process for finalising seat sharing deal has yet to complete, they said adding that a few seats have yet to be finalised. According to information, Dibrugarh, Lakhimpur, Tezpur, Barpeta will go to AGP while BJP will be fielding its candidates in Nagaon, Mangaldoi, Silchar, Karimganj. AGP is seeking Kaliabor and Guwahati while BJP is seeking Jorhat and Dhubri. Once the formula is finalised, the BJP and AGP central leadership will be meeting soon to approve it. source: assam times

Cancer wing for GMCH

Guwahati, July 1: Dispur today announced its plan to set up a separate cancer hospital under Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH).

Making the announcement, Assam health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the proposed speciality hospital would give a fillip to facilities for cancer cure in the state. The minister said construction of the 200-bed hospital would begin this month. The target date of completion is March 31, 2009.

The total cost of setting up the hospital will be around Rs 52 crore. Of that amount, around Rs 7 crore will be spent on construction of the building while Rs 45 crore will be used for procuring machinery and equipment.

The proposed hospital will have three divisions — radiotherapy, surgical oncology and medical oncology. According to the minister, the cancer hospital will have a Positron Emission Tomography scanner, which is one of the latest imaging techniques that can detect cancer at an early stage.
The government has zeroed in on two sites to set up the hospital and one of them will be finalised soon.
The minister said preparations are under way for holding a daylong convention of the Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers under the National Rural Health Mission at the Veterinary College playground in Khanapara on July 8. Union health minister Anbumani Ramadoss will attend the convention.
Sarma said two new schemes for the health sector would be launched coinciding with the ASHA convention. “On July 8, the state government will sign an MoU with Satyam Computers to provide ambulance services to one and all free of cost for any health emergency — be it a heart attack or road accident,” the minister said.
According to the MoU, the government and Satyam will set up an Emergency Management and Research Institute (EMRI), which will run the ambulance service.
The EMRI will be set up in public-private partnership, where Satyam will bear 10 per cent of the total cost while the remaining amount will be borne by the government.
An amount of Rs 50 crore will be required to run the service in the first year of its launch. Under this scheme, one in need of emergency medical help anywhere in the state will only have to dial the toll-free number 108 and within 12 seconds the call will be received at the EMRI control room to be set up in Guwahati.
According to the minister, the EMRI will then send in a well-equipped ambulance from its nearest centre to the spot within half an hour.
The ambulances will have life support system with all facilities required for intensive care. One ambulance each will be provided to every ward in Guwahati and to every block in the rest of the state.
The EMRI service will start all over the state by March 31 next year. The service is already running in Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat.
Sarma said mobile phone handsets with SIM cards would be provided to 7,000 health workers, including doctors, nurses, health department officials and the health minister. “This will be the second scheme to be launched by the government on the sidelines of the ASHA meet.”
All the SIMs to be provided by the BSNL will be connected under the close user group scheme so that any calls made between two numbers under the scheme can be toll-free. Those calls which will be made to numbers outside the scheme will only be charged. The objective of this scheme is to improve connectivity among the health workers in the state to enable them to deliver better healthcare to the people. source: telegraph india

the OP-ED page

the OP-ED page

Of Rivers, Floods and Riparian Rights

KN SAIKIA

What may be the lawful rights that may be shown to have been violated by the respective State authorities when it comes to water disputes? Could the Roman principles of riparian rights, as exposed by Roman jurists and writers Home and Buckland, be used in modern practice in India?The frequency and intensity of floods in all the plains districts of Assam is known to all. Inundation also results from southern tributaries like Dihing, Desang, Dikhou, Jhanji, Dhansiri, Kalang, and Kaliapani flowing from the southern Patkai hills and the Naga hills. The Barak Valley is also similarly inundated by rivers like the Kushiara flowing from the Mizo hills. The lower Assam rivers flowing from the hills of Bhutan inundate districts like Goalpara, Dhubri, Kokrajhar, Udalguri, Barpeta and Baksa.Recurrence of floods, three or more times a year, has been a regular feature in all districts of Assam. When all the rivers from north and south are in spate, flood emergency is the call of the entire people of the State. The Brahmaputra valley economy is utterly ruined due to destruction of rice cultivation during the summer season, leading to the spectre of famine and starvation deaths all over the State. It is an established principle since the Roman law era that the riparian owners of public navigable rivers have equal rights of collection and use of the river waters, though not always to the river bed. The lower riparians have the same right of collection and use of the river waters as the upper riparians do. All have the right to use the waters of the river and can take water from it for one’s use. The higher riparian owners do not have the right to so collect and use such river waters as to cause to the lower riparians any detriment, loss or deprivation of collection and use of such waters. This principle has been accepted by the Damodar, Godavari and Narmada water dispute authorities, and upheld by the Supreme Court. If the appropriate authorities at the upper reaches so collect and use such waters in dams and reservoirs, and so release some of those waters without synchronizing with the prevailing water levels, or being oblivious of the lower riparian regions’ water levels, and should that result in floods and damages, the suffering lower riparians should have a remedy in law against the perpetrators as also the State government. When riparian rights are denied, it would amount to violation of such rights, and the law will protect the riparian rights. The Brahmaputra has virtually been Assam’s sorrow. Recurrence of floods, three or more times a year, has been a regular calamity in the Brahmaputra and Barak valleys of Assam. Construction of dams, dykes and reservoirs, for whatever purpose, may result in obstruction and even denial of riparian rights for the lower riparians. During the recent decades, under different hydroelectric projects, a number of dams, dykes and reservoirs have been erected across some of the tributaries of the Brahmaputra, maybe on the Brahmaputra itself, thereby affecting the rights of the lower riparians. Some of the dams and dykes are of great heights serving as reservoirs of the enormous quantities of river waters obstructing the natural flow of the river waters to which all the riparians have their rights under the law. Besides, the reservoir waters sometimes submerge vast areas and population necessitating their displacement and relocation. In case of constant rains in the catchment areas, these dams and dykes prove to be unable to contain water beyond their capacity and a serious problem arises. At such times, the lower riparian areas also reach the end of their saturation point. At such a stage, when the dam/reservoir authorities, without measuring its possible effects on the lower riparian region, without any intimation or forewarning, release the excess dam/reservoir waters, the lower riparian areas — already having been under imminent or even prevailing flooded condition — bear a tsunami effect, with enormous loss in terms of damage to life and property.In recent years, often there have been bolts from the blue. There has been tremendous rise of water levels in Assam valleys even without there being preceding copious rainwater flow, and continuation of the flood waters even after the rains have stopped for some time. This raises the curiosity to know the cause or causes of there being floods sans immediately proceeding or contemporary rains in the catchment areas. Such were the cases reported in lower Assam riparian districts of Barpeta and Baksa in 2007/2008, and of Dhemaji, Dhakuakhana, North Lakhimpur and Majuli areas after only two or three, reportedly, raining days in the catchment areas during the last week of May 2008, when the weathermen forecasted onset of monsoon in the first week of June. One, therefore, wonders if these had anything to do with unsynchronized and uninformed release of dam or reservoir waters at the upper reaches of the catchment areas. If that be so, there is some room for suggesting that there should be information and synchronization between release of dam or reservoir waters from the upper reaches’ hydel projects and the downstream authorities on contemporary water levels at the lower reaches, so as to avoid causing sudden devastating floods at lower reaches by such water releases — unmindful of the water levels prevailing at lower reaches. Production of hydel power is undoubtedly a need of the day, but only that it should be done without unduly submerging and devastating the lower riparian regions and economy thereby. This may kindly be understood only as a suggestion, and not as an accusation against anyone. Another possible reason may be, as often reported, rapid denudation and deforestation for infrastructure development of areas at the upper reaches of the Brahmaputra and its tributaries, thereby sending down heavily silt-and-run-offs-laden downstream, thereby possibly raising the beds of the Brahmaputra and its tributaries. This may also have been the result of increasing soil erosion and excess silting and consequent rising of the river beds. In such a situation, the floodwaters, needing wider flowing space, are sure to erode river banks, particularly where the river banks are sandy, loamy and/or alluvial. Indeed, it was a lesson learnt in economic geography that once you raise embankments confining river flow, the embankment levels need to be raised every year so that raising of the river bed raises the high water levels. The example cited was that of the Hoangho (known as “China’s sorrow”) and the Yangshikiyang river’ embankments which ultimately happened to be as high as standing bamboos, and the river beds were virtually higher than the ground level of the bank areas. When the flood water spreads, the silting and alluvium deposits take place over a wider area; when embankments confine the waters to the river bed only, naturally silting is likely to increase on the river bed only. An extensive hydro-geological study of the river beds concerned and dredging may be called for in this regard in the valleys of the Brahmaputra and Barak. This would need Central help and rescue. But the question remains: where would the remedy be available to the vast section of the devastated lower riparian people of the Brahmaputra valley?It may be jurisprudentially safe to proceed with the proposition that the upper and the lower riparian regions of a public river have equal rights to the use of the waters that natural flow in it. When such naturally flowing waters result in foods and inundations, the people can have no right against the other riparian people of the river. But when some of the riparian people obstruct, divert or overuse the water of the river and that results in deprivation, damage and destruction to other riparian population, there is breach of riparian rights and the law has to find a remedy against this. It is the basis of public river water disputes. source: sentinel assam

The Guwahati Deluge

The Guwahati Deluge

Dr Jyotsna Bhattacharjee

T he summer months are never pleasant for us. They imply sweltering heat, perspiration and a blazing sun. For weeks Guwahatians had been gasping under the blazing heat of a brilliant sun. Only those who sold soft drink, coconut water and ice cream were happy. This was the season for them to make pots of money. But the people were getting scorched by the intense heat and all of us were praying and waiting eagerly for a shower of rain to cool the city. Our prayers were answered, the sky opened up, and how!The rains were wild. The residents were awestruck at the intensity of nature’s fury. Very soon the entire city was under water due to the deluge.For years we have noticed water-logging in various parts of the city and the plight of the residents. In fact Guwahatians get ready to cope with the rains as best they can, before the advent of the rainy season. But this time the situation was much worse. We know that a single shower is enough to drown this B-grade city of ours, and some areas always get submerged after a shower lasting for a few minutes. Chandmari, RG Baruah Road and other areas like Lachit Nagar, Tarun Nagar and Nabin Nagar get submerged very soon. But this time the busy GS Road, which never faced water-logging before, was under waist-deep water. On June 14, a vast stretch of the road was under water. The motorists could not make out where the road was.It was amazing that a shower, lasting for so short a duration, could cause so much havoc in the city. The next morning arrived clear, large areas in the city were still under water, but the blazing sun beamed merrily. We thought that possibly the rains had departed. The city was still under knee-deep water and the residents of the city, especially in the low-lying areas, were hard at work to remove water from their homes as far as practicable. But before they could recover from their watery existence, again the clouds gathered up in the late afternoon to throw the city and its people out of gear in the customary fashion.That is our problem. In this sweltering summer when the sun mercilessly scorches us with its blazing rays, we eagerly wait for a cool shower, but along with the rains come water-logging, mud, slush and filth. So it is a Hobson’s choice for us. Both the sun and rains bring untold misery to us of different kinds. Both are equally pleasant and unpleasant — though they do seem to involve contradictions and go against the rule of logic. The blazing sun nearly bakes us alive, though it keeps the homes and the roads dry. On the other hand, rains do soothe us, yet they make artificial floods causing immense hardship to the people. In either case we are caught between the devil and the deep sea.The rains which started around 4.45 pm in the late afternoon on June 16 caught most of the commuters off guard when they were about to go to their respective homes after a torrid day in the office. The situation grew worse as the rains lashed the city for more than an hour, resulting in the accumulation of knee-deep water in some areas and waist-deep water in some other areas. People had to wade across the filth and stench on to the roads, lanes and by-lanes, and then to various homes all around the city.Vehicular traffic caused nasty jams in various areas, and some errant drivers made the situation worse by violating traffic rules. It was awful for the people to be confined inside their cars or buses in traffic jams on those submerged roads. The situation is still grim. In Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi and other mega cities too, large areas get submerged after heavy showers, but the accumulated water does not remain for weeks together as is seen in Guwahati. In those cities effective measures are taken to clear the water throughout the rainy season. Anyway, Guwahatians are prepared for any eventuality — since we can very well visualize the situation in the coming months. Through years of experience housewives have become adept in the art of cooking, eating and living on table tops. We have to manage as best as we can, since the political masters are apparently unaware of the plight of the taxpayers in this beleaguered city of ours. People living in low-lying areas are going through a harrowing time in this rain-soaked city. It is perhaps to be expected. How can the political masters know about the suffering of the afflicted people when they live a comfortable life far from the madding crowd? Our only fear is that if we have continuous rains for a couple of weeks, we may need a Noah’s ark to row us to safety — but whether we merit for it is another question. As long as the drainage system in Guwahati is not improved and blockages not cleared, people will continue to suffer. Is there any doubt about it?(The writer is a former HoD, Philosophy, Cotton College, Guwahati) source: sentinel assam

Invitational Karate Competition in Guwahati

Invitational Karate Competition in Guwahati

The 1st International Invitational Karate-Do Championship 2008 is scheduled to be held at Bhogeshwar Phukannini Indoor Stadium, Guwahati from 28th to 29th June 2008 organised jointly by All Assam Shito-Ryo Karate Do Association and Arkawa-Stanley Wado-Ryu(KAI) Karate-Do Association Assam in loving memory of Late Biswajit Das, Memboob Rahman and Partha Pratim Medhi. Four Asian country namely Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and SriLanka have consented to participate in the said competition. Nepal Army , Assam Rifles,Naga Regiment and SimaSurksha Bal ina separate entity will participate in the Championship recognized by World Karate Do-Federation and Internatiuonal Olympic Association.

Players will be accommodated in various hotels of the city apart from Shilpagram and Kalashetra. A free health will be organized for the players on 27th June by Ranjit Deka and Co. All medical needs through out the tournament will be circulated by them. Referees of International repute and recognized by World Karate Do-Federation will officiate the tournament. '

'Around 300 participants are expected to take the ring in the two day mega event where the Indian contingent consists of 120 players and notably 40 players from Assam will represent the tri-colour'. Sensei Champak Deka said this in a press conference held at Bhogeshwar Phukannini Indoor Stadium, Guwahati today. His Excellency Governor of Assam will inaugurate the championship on 28th June at 11am and Assam Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma will attend the closing ceremony.

- Nanda Kirati Dewan, Guwahati

Flood Fury

Flood Fury

For Misdeeds of a Few, Many Suffer Ranjit S Mooshahary As always, monsoon showers have inundated many places, Guwahati included, and cut off road communications. The Chief Minister surveyed the devastation in Lakhimpur district in a manner that has been in practice year after year — a few hours of aerial eye view from a chopper and meeting the officials and some members of the public in the district and returning to the capital the same day. Such visits are but a ritual destitute of any resolve to change the situation; the people continue to suffer every summer with no hope for a better next year. The adjacent district — Dhemaji — is even worse. The first rains flood the district and its road communications disappear thereafter. People are forced to live with the surging waters in stilt houses, helpless and hungry. Even without flood, the district is inaccessible and hardly is it in the circuit of visiting dignitaries from the capital. I travelled there in April; a three-hour floundering from Lakhimpur to cover the distance of 72 kilometres over the track that distantly resembled a road. Rains had not started then but the drive after the sunset was uneasy; the vehicle could land on some treacherous ground or get stuck in mud and water. Flood is a recurring event — predictable — and so it must be possible to tame it, control it and prevent it from playing havoc with the lives of the multitudes. No special engineering skill is required for this but only commitment and honesty. The flood-prone spots are already known, and to control it our engineers know where to make dykes, embankments, bridges and realign the roads. If only all that money sanctioned so far had been used honestly with this simple focal concern, the disaster could be averted. Human greed, corruption and lack of accountability are the main reasons for the recurring floods and not some hydel projects or the shifting course of rivers. This tendency to look for excuses is at the root of inaction; it is perpetuating disaster in all spheres.There will be a flurry of construction activities now that the monsoon has arrived. It gives fresh opportunity to make hay in the summer sun to those who have brought this calamity. The railways have laid the tracks all along the same soil, which are hardly breached. This should be the model to emulate in road making and other flood control measures. The flashflood washing away embankments and dykes is a myth; no work worth the name is done on the ground. The Ahom general Lachit Borphukan chopped off his indolent maternal uncle’s head to save the state from the Mughals. We need more of his likes to make the heads roll and save the people from the rapacious lot of fraud merchants.Our problem is not of fund but its proper utilization. It is inexcusable that the State Water Resource Department failed to utilize 33.6 per cent of Rs 1524.42 crore calamity relief fund received in 2001-02 to 2007-08 when the State is repeatedly flooded by calamities. Should we continue to suffer such disastrous inaction? Government within the Government This newspaper wrote some days ago whether the Finance Department was above the Chief Minister. It seems true. This department, in trying to regulate government spending, is actually impeding government functioning. Financial discipline is necessary but in enforcing it, the administration should not be rendered ineffectual. The administrative heads and the department heads must have discretion to function within their budgetary limits and not become subordinate of the Finance Department by having to obtain its approval for incurring expenditures, which are within their power to spend.More often than not, the Finance Department holds up release of fund for projects, delays sanction and payments through too many restrictions. Even the staff salaries and the pensioners’ dues are not released regularly. It has centralized financial administration so much that the heads of the departments can no longer sanction payment for even routine purposes without its approval or concurrence. It is not the remedy for ills but the cause of it, and it undermines accountability in administration.The department is like an administrative black hole — nothing resurfaces once gone there. It seems content to control from the iron curtains and sees no need to learn from the interface. Recently, to get a response from them I had to exercise my right as a citizen under the RTI Act having officially failed as the State Chief Information Commissioner to elicit one. Verily, the Finance Department is not only a government within the government but also a stronger government at that.Police and Politicians: The Two Common Faces They are the most visible public faces — the politicians and the police — and both make news more for the wrong reasons. The public distrusts them but cannot do without them. It will be of course uncharitable to say that the whole of the police and the politicians are scoundrels. There are some honest and conscientious among them and they are doing great service for the people.In the case involving the disgraced Assam politician, Ripun Bora, CBI deputy superintendent AB Gupta showed exemplary integrity in the face of a huge temptation. Bora gave him Rs 10 lakh to secure exoneration from a murder charge. He was promised even more but Gupta did what he was expected to do: he arrested Bora and his accomplices in a carefully organized trap. Gupta will take ten years or more to save that much money through his official income, yet he refused it. It proves that there are still honest policemen in this wicked world and they could not be bought. The media, however, completely ignored this aspect and did not highlight the singular contribution that a junior police officer made in combating corruption. When I was in the IPS in Kerala, I had always taken the stand that we should hand over investigation to the CBI whenever there was a public demand for it. It was not the issue of whether we could not do it ourselves but that we should be above suspicion. Resisting handing over a case to the CBI makes the people suspicious of police intention. When we agree to it readily, no one can accuse us for any motive and the demand declines. In one case, actually some politicians who demanded CBI investigation thought we would resist it, but when we agreed they were caught on the wrong foot — it put their political steam off and worse; the CBI found no substance in the case.Politicians use the police to advance their agenda but do not come to aid them when they fall victims of a situation. There are many instances of the crowd and militants killing the policemen on duty. Recently in the Gujjar riots in Rajasthan, a police detail deployed to guard the railways was outnumbered and attacked by the mob. All could run away but one got trapped in the railway tracks; he was caught and beheaded in cold blood by the violent Gujjars. The media ignored it; the public did not condemn it; and the police chief who stood by his men was shown the door. People should know that 29,255 policemen have likewise been sacrificed at the altar of duty up to 2007. That is more than all the martyrs of the Army, Air Force and Navy combined in independent India. The difference between the policemen and the politicians is that the former die so that others can live in safety and security, while the latter live in comfort and luxury at the cost of others. (The writer, a former Director General of Police in Kerala and Director General of the National Security Guard and the Border Security Force, was the State Chief Information Commissioner, Assam till he resigned on June 24, 2008. This column may not continue because of his new assignment) Source: sentinel assam editorial