Friday 31 August 2012
Mamta declares to develop South Dinajpur
Chief Minister at her meeting in Buniadpur mentions that South Dinajpur is way behind from any development. She at the very beginning promises to change the entire scenario and already introduced the same by inaugurating the Rail Wagon Factory. She orders not to keep any work pending and to start fresh with positive energy.
Like other districts, Mamata Banerjee announces to establish multi speciality hospitals, ITIs, 3 model schools, shopping malls, ladies hostels and many more. She focussed mostly towards the protection of women nd have requested parents to be more careful before commencing towards the marriage of their daughters.
অটোর ‘কাটা রুট’ বন্ধের নির্দেশ
শহরে দিনদিন রাড়ছে অটোর দ্যরাত্ম্য৷ অটোর একটি রুটকে ভেঙে একাধিক রুটে পরিণত করা হচ্ছে৷ যার জেরে খরচ বাড়ার সঙ্গে যাত্রীদের হয়রানিরও অভিযোগ উঠেছে৷ বেড়ে চলা সেই অটোরাজ রুখতে এবার রাশ টানতে চায় সরকার৷ ইউনিয়নগুলির দাবি মেনে কয়েকটি রুটকে ছাড় দিতে গিয়ে ভাঙা যাবে না নিয়ম৷ বন্ধ করতে হবে কাটা রুট৷ জানিয়ে দিলেন পরিবহণমন্ত্রী মদন মিত্র৷
শুক্রবার মহাকরণে অটো ইউনিয়নগুলির প্রতিনিধিদের সঙ্গে বৈঠক করেন পরিবহণমন্ত্রী৷ বৈঠকে ছিলেন কলকাতা, হাওড়া ও উত্তর ২৪ পরগনার পুলিশ কর্তারাও৷ বৈঠকে কাটা রুট বন্ধে অটো ইউনিয়নগুলি ব্যবস্থা নেওয়ার আশ্বাস দিয়েছে বলে জানান পরিবহণমন্ত্রী৷
তবে, আলো দিয়ে অটো সাজানোর ক্ষেত্রে কিছুটা শিথিলতা দেখানো হয়েছে৷ অন্যের অসুবিধা না করলে এব্যাপারে পুলিশ আপত্তি জানাবে না বলে জানিয়েছেন পরিবহণমন্ত্রী৷ পাশাপাশি, কালীপুজোর মধ্যে অটোগুলিতে হাই সিকিউরিটি প্লেট লাগনো এবং অটো চালকদের দ্রুত সচিত্র পরিচয়পত্রের জন্য অটো ইউনিয়নগুলিকে উদ্যোগী হতে নির্দেশ দিয়েছেন পরিবহণমন্ত্রী৷
শুক্রবার মহাকরণে অটো ইউনিয়নগুলির প্রতিনিধিদের সঙ্গে বৈঠক করেন পরিবহণমন্ত্রী৷ বৈঠকে ছিলেন কলকাতা, হাওড়া ও উত্তর ২৪ পরগনার পুলিশ কর্তারাও৷ বৈঠকে কাটা রুট বন্ধে অটো ইউনিয়নগুলি ব্যবস্থা নেওয়ার আশ্বাস দিয়েছে বলে জানান পরিবহণমন্ত্রী৷
তবে, আলো দিয়ে অটো সাজানোর ক্ষেত্রে কিছুটা শিথিলতা দেখানো হয়েছে৷ অন্যের অসুবিধা না করলে এব্যাপারে পুলিশ আপত্তি জানাবে না বলে জানিয়েছেন পরিবহণমন্ত্রী৷ পাশাপাশি, কালীপুজোর মধ্যে অটোগুলিতে হাই সিকিউরিটি প্লেট লাগনো এবং অটো চালকদের দ্রুত সচিত্র পরিচয়পত্রের জন্য অটো ইউনিয়নগুলিকে উদ্যোগী হতে নির্দেশ দিয়েছেন পরিবহণমন্ত্রী৷
দক্ষিন দিনাজপুর মমতা-ময়;৪ কিমি হেঁটে সভাস্থলে মূখ্যমন্ত্রী
দক্ষিণ দিনাজপুরের বালুরঘাটের জনসভায় কৃষকদের প্রশ্নের জবাবে মুখ্যমন্ত্রীর দাওয়াই, জেলাশাসকের অফিসে রাখতে হবে কমপ্লেন বক্স৷ মমতা বন্দ্যোপাধ্যায়ের সভায় বাম শরিক আরএসপির সাংসদের উপস্থিতি উস্কে দিল জল্পনা৷
মুখ্যমন্ত্রী হওয়ার পর প্রথমবার দক্ষিণ দিনাজপুর জেলা সফরে গিয়ে শুক্রবার বুনিয়াদপুরে ধানের সহায়ক মূল্য, কিষাণ ক্রেডিট কার্ড নিয়ে সমস্যার মতো কৃষকদের নানা প্রশ্নের উত্তরে প্রত্যেকটি জেলায় জেলাশাসকের অফিসে অভিযোগ নেওয়ার ব্যবস্থা করার নির্দেশ দেন তিনি৷
বালুরঘাট সার্কিট হাউস থেকে বুনিয়াদপুরের জনসভায় যাওয়ার পথে এদিন মানুষের ভিড়ে আটকে যায় মুখ্যমন্ত্রীর কনভয়৷ প্রায় ৪ কিলোমিটার হেঁটে সভাস্থলে পৌঁছন মুখ্যমন্ত্রী৷ মূলত কৃষি নির্ভর দক্ষিণ দিনাজপুরের রেলের কারখানার শিলান্যাসের মাধ্যমে শিল্পের মাধ্যমে কর্মসংস্থানের বার্তা দেন মমতা বন্দ্যোপাধ্যায়৷ জেলায় দু’টি মাল্টি স্পেশালিটি হাসপাতাল তৈরির ঘোষণা করেন তিনি৷
মুখ্যমন্ত্রীর এদিনের সভায় কংগ্রেসের কেউ হাজির না থাকলেও, অত্যন্ত তাত্পর্যপূর্ণভাবে হাজির ছিলেন বালুরঘাটের আরএসপি সাংসদ প্রশান্ত মজুমদার৷ সিপিএম যখন মুখ্যমন্ত্রীর জেলা সফরের সমালোচনায় সরব তখন বাম শরিক দলের সাংসদের এই উপস্থিতি তাত্পর্যপূর্ণ বলেই মনে করছে রাজনৈতিক মহল৷
Mamata Banerjee the best Maoist fighter
Mamata Banerjee the best Maoist fighter
Published: Friday, Aug 31, 2012, 9:30 IST
By Manan Kumar | Place: New Delhi | Agency: DNA
By Manan Kumar | Place: New Delhi | Agency: DNA
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee has proved to be a better administrator in containing Maoism than the chief ministers of the nine Maoist-affected areas, according to data compiled by the home ministry. In contrast, Maharashtra’s Prithviraj Chavan has emerged as one among the worst.
The latest compilation of data shows that Maoist-related killings have come to zero in all the three Moist-affected districts of West Midnapore, Purulia and Bankura. Not a single death was reported in all the three districts this year till August 15. These districts, especially Midnapore, which accounted for 453 killings and 636 incidents, had emerged among the worst Maoist-affected districts during 2009-11.
As far as the incidents this year are concerned, West Midnapore has reported only 5 and the other two districts have not reported any incidents. In comparison, the two Maoist-affected districts of Maharashtra - Gadchiroli and Gondia - have seen an increase in both Maoist-related incidents and killings. In the back and beyond of Vidarbha, the Gadchiroli district has emerged as a new flash point with 35 killings and 74 incidents reported till August 15.
Though last year 103 incidents and 53 killings were reported from Gadchiroli, given the trend, the figures are expected to either increase this year or remain the same.
Incidentally, all other Maoist hotspots, including Dantewada, Bastar, Sukma and Bijapur in Chhattisgarh, have reported lesser killings and incidents than Gadchiroli. In Gondia, the Maoist violence-related incidents this year have already risen to 14, compared to only 6 incidents last year. Though the district has reported 2 killings so far this year compared to just 1 last year, the figure can change, warn officials.
“The reason lies in how strongly the state administration feels about the Maoist issue and reacts to it. While most states have responded at different scale to tackle the issue, West Bengal has been the best because of the CM’s steadfastness. However, response from Maharashtra has been almost zero. We feel that the state has not even acknowledged that Maoism is a threat,” a senior official said.
They officials rue the lack of political will and interest in Maharashtra for doing simple things like filling up police vacancies, building basic public infrastructure and reaching out to people through developmental schemes.
“If the Maharashtra government does not react even now, Gadchiroli can become worse than Dantewada as it sits on the trijunction of Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra with vast swathes of dense forests around,” warned the official.
2nd Test: Taylor ton leads NZ revival on Day 1
Hyderabad: New Zealand reached 328 for 6 at the close of day one of the second Test, riding on skipper Ross Taylor's brilliant century.
Resuming from 240 for 5, New Zealand lost Ross Taylor soon after the tea. Pragyan Ojha tossed the ball up and Taylor went for a sweep but missed the ball. He was trapped in front of the wickets for 113. His innings was embellished with 16 fours and two sixes
At 246 for 6, India were looking to wrap up New Zealand's innings before 300 but wicketkeeper Kruger van Wyk foiled their plans by striking his first Test half-century. He unfurled a couple of fine pull shots off Umesh Yadav and followed it up with two boundaries in Ojha's next over. He raced to his half-century in 60 balls. Doug Bracewell gave him creditable support and they both put on an unbeaten partnership of 82 for the seventh wicket before bad light brought an premature end to the day's play.
R Ashwin gave India a crucial breakthrough after lunch as he dismissed Daniel Flynn to break a solid fourth-wicket stand between him and Taylor. He shared a 107-run partnership for the fourth wicket with his skipper before being trapped leg before wicket by Ashwin.
Offspinner Pragyan Ojha delivered New Zealand the fifth blow by getting Franklin caught by Suresh Raina for 8 to reduce the visitors to 215 for 5.
At tea, Taylor and wicketkeeer Kruger van Wyk were unbeaten on 112 and 7, respectively.
Electing to bat, New Zealand were 108 for 3 in their first innings at lunch on the opening day of the second and final Test against India here on Friday.
Pragyan Ojha took two wickets and Zaheer Khan scalped one, while Martin Guptill scored 53 for the Kiwis before he got out.
Zaheer got India off to a great start as he dismissed Brendon McCullum for a duck in his very first over. Offspinner Ojha then trapped Williamson (17) leg before wicket before getting Guptill caught by Gautam Gambhir after his good knock.
Taylor (27) and Daniel Flynn were at the crease at the end of the first session.
The visitors made one change to their bowling attack from the first Test in Hyderabad by bringing in paceman Tim Southee for Chris Martin. India went in with the unchanged squad from the first Test.
Thursday 30 August 2012
Chief Minister addresses gathering at Itahar, announces packages and projects
aAugust 30, 2012
West Bengal Chief Minister Ms. Mamata Banerjee on the second day of her district tour reached Itahar in the afternoon where she addressed a gathering at Itahar High School Park. The venue was filled with people and many would take place on trees just to have a glimpse of their favourite Chief Minister.
Chief Minister requested the crowd to remain calm and maintain decline. In her unique way of communication she said, `I would request my youth friends to maintain order as only then you will be able to listen to me and I will request you today and always to stand beside sisters and mothers as it is your duty to respect and protect their dignity`. I know many of you have come from far off places, I have no words to express my gratitude to you, I am really grateful. I too have come from far off place just to interact with you all. I know you all my strength.
Ms. Mamata Banerjee inaugurated many railway projects and distributes SC/ST, OBC certificates and Patta. She also gave away crutches and wheelchairs to the handicap people. Chief Minister requested people to avail advantage of the Samajik Mukti card, Kisan Credit Card and Employment since these programmes are made to benefit people. She asked them to contact the administrative officials to know more on the schemes. `I am moving from district to district and carrying entire Writers� Building with me, I feel Writers� should come to people rather people going there`, said Chief Minister who added, `We have taken the initiative to issue Kisan Credit Cards to farmers and you will be happy to know that till now we have issued 1,80,000 Kisan Credit Cards. I will request all the farmers to enlist their names with the crop insurance. In this scheme you do not suffer if your crops are destroyed as the insurance will take care of your loss. Remember the farmer is not required to pay anything since the premium is being paid by the state government.
She said that there are plans to build nearly 10,000 Madrasa, `I was surprised to know that there is a criteria to have minimum three-acres of land to open a Madrasa but I refused to agree as I may open a school in a small place also provided my intention are honest`, said Ms. Banerjee who informed that there will be a Minority Bhawan across all blocks in the state. She requested all to maintain communal harmony in the state during the Durga Puja and Bakhri Eid which will take place almost at the same time. `Remember both Hindu and Muslim are brother and sisters, I will put it this way suppose 30-Hindus and 30-Muslims donate blood. After it goes to blood bank, can you differentiate between the two`, smiled Chief Minister.
I am very happy that the farmers in the state had got good price for their crops. Those farmers who would sell their potatoes for rupees two per kilogram are now getting near about rupees eight for the same quantity. This was due to the touts involved in forwarding trading. I want to inform those who are saying ill about the Trinamool Congress and saying that prices are soaring high, let me tell then it is in Bengal on ly wher you can buy potatoes for rupees eight per kilogram where as in all other states the prices are rupees 24 per kilogram. I also would like to ask which city takes the initiative to build a task force to monitor the price inflation in market. .
We have taken initiative to build three-universities one in the name of Panchanan Barma in Cooch Behar, second one on the name of Kazi Nazrul in Asansol and third Kazi, the CPI(M) during their 35-years of rule could build only one-university in private. We have also taken initiative to extend the age-limit from 32 to 40 years in case of employment and the for Tapasili community the limit is upto 45 years. We have introduced 17 per cent reservation for OBC and out of this nearly 80 per cent is reserved for the minority community. We have made Urdu speaking where there is 10 percent. We are giving subsidy to Imams.
Previously the CPI(M) did not bother to pay any respect to the personalities in the field of art and culture but our government have started the trend of paying tributes to these great men. There is stadium in the name of Dwijendralal Roy, Rabi Tirtha in the name Rabindranath Tagore and Nazrul Tirtha in the name of Kazi Nazrul. `I was surprised to see that the previous government did not even care to build any institution on Kazi nazrul Islam and I decided to build Nazrul Tirtha and also an University on his name in Asansol. Imagine, CPI(M) made three universities in 35-years and we have constructed three universities in one-year`, said Chief Minister.
Chief Minister requested the crowd to remain calm and maintain decline. In her unique way of communication she said, `I would request my youth friends to maintain order as only then you will be able to listen to me and I will request you today and always to stand beside sisters and mothers as it is your duty to respect and protect their dignity`. I know many of you have come from far off places, I have no words to express my gratitude to you, I am really grateful. I too have come from far off place just to interact with you all. I know you all my strength.
Ms. Mamata Banerjee inaugurated many railway projects and distributes SC/ST, OBC certificates and Patta. She also gave away crutches and wheelchairs to the handicap people. Chief Minister requested people to avail advantage of the Samajik Mukti card, Kisan Credit Card and Employment since these programmes are made to benefit people. She asked them to contact the administrative officials to know more on the schemes. `I am moving from district to district and carrying entire Writers� Building with me, I feel Writers� should come to people rather people going there`, said Chief Minister who added, `We have taken the initiative to issue Kisan Credit Cards to farmers and you will be happy to know that till now we have issued 1,80,000 Kisan Credit Cards. I will request all the farmers to enlist their names with the crop insurance. In this scheme you do not suffer if your crops are destroyed as the insurance will take care of your loss. Remember the farmer is not required to pay anything since the premium is being paid by the state government.
She said that there are plans to build nearly 10,000 Madrasa, `I was surprised to know that there is a criteria to have minimum three-acres of land to open a Madrasa but I refused to agree as I may open a school in a small place also provided my intention are honest`, said Ms. Banerjee who informed that there will be a Minority Bhawan across all blocks in the state. She requested all to maintain communal harmony in the state during the Durga Puja and Bakhri Eid which will take place almost at the same time. `Remember both Hindu and Muslim are brother and sisters, I will put it this way suppose 30-Hindus and 30-Muslims donate blood. After it goes to blood bank, can you differentiate between the two`, smiled Chief Minister.
I am very happy that the farmers in the state had got good price for their crops. Those farmers who would sell their potatoes for rupees two per kilogram are now getting near about rupees eight for the same quantity. This was due to the touts involved in forwarding trading. I want to inform those who are saying ill about the Trinamool Congress and saying that prices are soaring high, let me tell then it is in Bengal on ly wher you can buy potatoes for rupees eight per kilogram where as in all other states the prices are rupees 24 per kilogram. I also would like to ask which city takes the initiative to build a task force to monitor the price inflation in market. .
We have taken initiative to build three-universities one in the name of Panchanan Barma in Cooch Behar, second one on the name of Kazi Nazrul in Asansol and third Kazi, the CPI(M) during their 35-years of rule could build only one-university in private. We have also taken initiative to extend the age-limit from 32 to 40 years in case of employment and the for Tapasili community the limit is upto 45 years. We have introduced 17 per cent reservation for OBC and out of this nearly 80 per cent is reserved for the minority community. We have made Urdu speaking where there is 10 percent. We are giving subsidy to Imams.
Previously the CPI(M) did not bother to pay any respect to the personalities in the field of art and culture but our government have started the trend of paying tributes to these great men. There is stadium in the name of Dwijendralal Roy, Rabi Tirtha in the name Rabindranath Tagore and Nazrul Tirtha in the name of Kazi Nazrul. `I was surprised to see that the previous government did not even care to build any institution on Kazi nazrul Islam and I decided to build Nazrul Tirtha and also an University on his name in Asansol. Imagine, CPI(M) made three universities in 35-years and we have constructed three universities in one-year`, said Chief Minister.
Chief Minister inaugurated a girls hostel and Industrial Estate at Islampur. She also laid foundation stone of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Bidyalaya at Itahar-Durgapur, Hemtabad. ITI at Gowalpokhar, a model school at Karandighi, a bus-stand at Hemtabad. Five bridges at Gowalpokar, Hemtabad, Chopra, Itahar respectively.
China calls Arunachal Pradesh 'southern Tibet'
"China disputes the international boundary between India and China in the eastern sector and claims approximately 90,000 sq km of Indian territory in the state of Arunachal Pradesh," minister of state for external affairs E Ahamed said in written reply.
"China illegally refers to Arunachal Pradesh as 'southern Tibet'," he said.
The minister said China has been told that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of India.
India, China to discuss CBMs
India and China are expected to discuss revival of their 'hand-in-hand' exercise and more confidence building measures during the three-day visit of Chinese defence minister General Liang Guanglie starting September 2 in Mumbai.
During the first visit by a Chinese defence minister in last seven years, the two sides will discuss ways of strengthening their defence ties, ministry officials said.
The two sides will also discuss holding of the exercise 'Hand-in-Hand' in China next year, they said.
Guanglie will hold discussions with defence minister A K Antony on the last day of his visit.
The bilateral exercises had started in 2007 but were put on hold after a series of hiccups in the defence ties between the two sides.
The first exercise was held in Kunming in 2007 in China whereas the second was held in India at Belgaum in 2008.
After the denial of visa to the then Northern Army Commander Lt Gen B S Jaswal by the Chinese in 2010, India froze all bilateral defence exchanges with Beijing.
Though the defence exchanges have started now, there are still some problems as China declined to issue visa to an IAF officer belonging to Arunachal Pradesh.
Mamata 'prefers death to forcible land acquisition'
ITAHAR (WB): Sticking to her stand of not acquiring land forcibly, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday said said she would prefer death than agree to it.
"I am against acquisition of land forcibly. We will not acquire land by pointing guns at farmers. I will prefer death than acquire land forcibly from farmers," Banerjee said here in North Dinajpur district on the second day of her tour of five districts.
"I went on a 26-day fast and was about to die, but did not compromise," she said referring to her 26-day hunger-strike in December 2006 to demand return of 400 acre to farmers who unwillingly parted with their land for the Tata Motors small car project at Singur.
"I am against acquisition of land forcibly. We will not acquire land by pointing guns at farmers. I will prefer death than acquire land forcibly from farmers," Banerjee said here in North Dinajpur district on the second day of her tour of five districts.
"I went on a 26-day fast and was about to die, but did not compromise," she said referring to her 26-day hunger-strike in December 2006 to demand return of 400 acre to farmers who unwillingly parted with their land for the Tata Motors small car project at Singur.
Banerjee said "I see that some here are engaged in politicking over the hospital at Raiganj. "I am telling those who are criticizing me that we will not acquire land forcibly. 100 acre of land will be required. Let them those are politicking arrange the land. I have no objection," she said. The chief minister also announced the setting up of two multi-specialty hospitals at Raiganj and Islampur.
Ban on bulk SMSs, MMSs withdrawn with immediate effect
NEW DELHI: Government on Thursday lifted the ban on bulk SMSs and MMSs with immediate effect -- a day before the earlier stipulated deadline of August 31.
The telecom ministry had, on direction of home ministry, imposed the ban for 15 days on August 17. Later, the restriction was reviewed on August 24 when the telecom ministry increased the limit from five SMSes to 20 SMSes.
"After reviewing the matter again on Thursday, the ministry lifted the restriction allowing citizens to use text messages and MMSes without any limit of numbers with immediate effect," said a home ministry official.
As MPs cutting across party lines had pitched for a foolproof mechanism to check spread of rumours that led to exodus of people from the northeast in certain states, the government on August 17 had imposed the ban on bulk SMSs and MMSs for 15 days across the country.
As per that decision, no one was allowed to send more than five SMSs at one go and more than 20 KB of data from a cellphone for the next 15 days.
Though such a ban may not put a complete check on spread of false or misleading information, officials believed that the mechanism coupled with strict monitoring of flow of SMSs had certainly acted as a deterrent.
The telecom ministry had, on direction of home ministry, imposed the ban for 15 days on August 17. Later, the restriction was reviewed on August 24 when the telecom ministry increased the limit from five SMSes to 20 SMSes.
"After reviewing the matter again on Thursday, the ministry lifted the restriction allowing citizens to use text messages and MMSes without any limit of numbers with immediate effect," said a home ministry official.
As MPs cutting across party lines had pitched for a foolproof mechanism to check spread of rumours that led to exodus of people from the northeast in certain states, the government on August 17 had imposed the ban on bulk SMSs and MMSs for 15 days across the country.
As per that decision, no one was allowed to send more than five SMSs at one go and more than 20 KB of data from a cellphone for the next 15 days.
Though such a ban may not put a complete check on spread of false or misleading information, officials believed that the mechanism coupled with strict monitoring of flow of SMSs had certainly acted as a deterrent.
Bangalore Police arrest journalist, 10 others for suspected terror links
Bangalore: Bangalore Police on Wednesday arrested 11 people, including a journalist with a popular English daily, for having terror links. Sources said the arrests were made as they were planning to kill a prominent columnist with a Kannada newspaper.
The 11 people arrested have links with Lashkar-e-Toiba and HuJI, said Karnataka DGP Lalrokhuma Pachau. They had plotted to kill the columnist on Wednesday as he had written an anti-Islam article.
Addressing a press conference, Commissioner of Police Bangalore JP Mirji said a foreign-made pistol has also been recovered. He added that those arrested were also planning to target prominent personalities of the state including MPs, MLAs and journalists.
Mirji said those arrested have links with Saudi Arabia-based LeT and HuJI and it is suspected that they have more supporters in other states. "Targeting individuals could have created communal tension," he added.
Mirji said more details cannot be revealed as the investigation is still on.
Sources say Uttar Pradesh Police had provided their Bangalore counterparts the intelligence about the terror group, which has links with Indian Mujahideen. Sources add that the questioning of those arrested is on.
At least three arrests were made in Hubli in north Karnataka.
Meanwhile, four suspected Indian Mujahideen activists involved in the 2010 Chinnaswamy Stadium blast case were detained in Bangalore on Thursday for questioning, police said.
Fifteen people were injured when two bombs exploded at the Chinnaswamy Stadium on April 18, 2010 on the eve of the Bangalore-Mumbai IPL semifinal match.
Speaking to reporters in Bangalore, Director General of Police Lalrokhuma Pachau said backgrounds of those picked up was being checked. "Their backgrounds are being checked. After we come to some stage, we will tell you", he said, adding investigation is on.
Politics snuffs out diesel, LPG price hike
Diesel and cooking gas (LPG) prices are unlikely to be hiked even after the end of the Monsoon Session of Parliament next week as the government is wary of taking such a decision at a time when it already has political battles on hand.
Diesel, domestic LPG and PDS kerosene rates, which have not been revised since June last year, were expected to be raised after the Parliament session ends on September 7.
"It is extremely difficult under present circumstances to raise fuel prices," a top government source said here. "I am not saying that it is impossible but it certainly does not look feasible at this moment of time".
Even a hike in prices of petrol, a fuel which was freed from government control in June 2010, would be "difficult," he said.
Oil PSUs are losing Rs 3.85 per litre on sale of petrol as global oil prices have firmed up since the last revision in July. Petrol price were last hiked by Rs 0.70 a litre on July 24. It currently costs Rs 68.46 per litre in Delhi and oil firms were hoping to be able to raise rates once Parliament session ends next week.
The government has been in fire-fighting mode since the time Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) in a report stated that undue benefit of about Rs 1.86 lakh crore was extended to private firms by allocating coal blocks for free since 2004.
The source said while state-owned oil firms are empowered to revise petrol prices, a decision on diesel, domestic LPG and kerosene rates has to be taken by the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA).
Oil firms are losing Rs 450 crore per day on selling diesel at prices that are Rs 15.55 a litre lower than its cost, kerosene at a discount of Rs 29.97 a litre and under selling of Rs 231 per 14.2-kg LPG cylinder.
Oil Minister S Jaipal Reddy hinted of Government's desire to make up for the losses incurred by oil firms instead of raising prices when he told Lok Sabha in a written reply that he has sought reduction in excise duty on petrol.
"In order to offset the under-recovery (loss) on petrol, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has taken up the matter with the Ministry of Finance for bringing down the incidence of excise duty," he said.
The government levies Rs 14.78 a litre excise duty on petrol and it can be lowered in proportion to the losses oil firms incur currently.
"In order to mitigate losses on sale of petrol, oil marketing companies had, inter alia, suggested to the government to either declare petrol as a 'regulated' product temporarily and provide cash compensation for the under- recovery or reduce the excise duty on petrol from Rs 14.78 per litre by an amount equivalent to the under-recovery on petrol," he said.
Not raising prices would mean the government will have to shell out a massive cash subsidy this fiscal to make up losses incurred by state-owned oil firms on sale of diesel, domestic LPG and kerosene. At current rate, the three PSU firms may end the fiscal with a record revenue loss of Rs 1,67,468 crore.
Tendulkar not thinking of retirement
Bangalore: His contemporaries may have hung up but Sachin Tendulkar says he continues to enjoy his game and is not even thinking about retirement.
Chief Minister convenes administrative meeting at Maldah, says performance satisfactory, announces packages and programmes
August 30, 2012
West Bengal Chief Minister Ms. Mamata Banerjee who is presently on a four-day district visit reached Maldah district on Wednesday evening after completing her schedules in Nadia and Murshidabad. Chief Minister convened a high-level-administrative meeting at Maldah College Auditorium in the morning.
Immediately after the meeting Chief Minister addressed the PRESS and expressed her happiness over the working of the Maldah administration, `The administration here in Maldah district is doing a wonderful work and has taken up various developmental programmes in their respective areas. I have complimented them on their performances`.
Ms. Banerjee said, `I had a positive discussion today with the district administration official here and we have touched issues like education, health, mid-day-meal, roads, minority development,100-day-programme, administrative issues, law and order including issues relating to SC/ST and OBC. We have discussed almost everything, many project that are in the pipeline and will be taken up shortly`.
Chief Minister said she has an state-of-the-art Information Technology Hub will be built in Maldah and she had discussed the project with State IT Minister Mr. Partha Chatterjee and will soon formulate a plan. `I have requested the concerned authority to locate a five-acre-land where we can build the hub`, added Chief Minister.
On the development of health facilities she said, `We are planning to build and upgrade the health centres and I have give instructions to concerned authority. There will be mother and child hub and 22-Sick newborn care units (SNCU)`. Ms. Banerjee said there will be overall development of Jute industry, small scale industry and special attention will be given towards Self Help Groups.
Chief Minister said that there also plans to upgrade large number of primary school to upper primary and secondary to higher secondary schools in Maldah. Also there are plans to open polytechnics and construct hostels.
`We have already allocated 10-crore rupees for the development of tourism in Maldah district and I can assure you that we will make this district a good tourism destivation since it has so many important places of tourist importance and people come from far off place to see the monuments especially the Muslim architecture`, said Chief Minister. Chief Minister said the she has received requests to have separate municipality in Gajol and Chanchal
Chief Minister left for Itahar where she will address a gathering at Itahar High School Park today later in the day.
Wednesday 29 August 2012
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