Press Information Bureau
(C.M. Information Campus)
Information & Public Relations Department, U.P.
C.M. greets people on Deepawali
Lucknow: October 16, 2009
The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Ms. Mayawati has
extended her heartiest greetings to the people of the
State on the occasion of Deepawali, the festival of lights
and wished for their happiness and prosperity.
In a message issued on eve of Deepawali, Ms.
Mayawati said that Deepawali festival symbolised our
ancient culture and glorious heritage of the country. This
festival gives the message of moving from darkness to
light, from ignorance to knowledge. It also strengthens
mutual brotherhood, integrity and harmony, she added.
The Chief Minister appealed the people to celebrate
the festival with full fervour and gaiety in an atmosphere
of peace and harmony. She also emphasised the need for
mass awakening about environmental protection on the
occasion of Deepawali.
********
C.M. writes letter to Prime Minister
C.M. requests Prime Minister to make sugar
available to BPL and Antyodya card holders in fixed quantity
Lucknow: October 16, 2009
The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Ms. Mayawati has requested the
Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to give proper directives to Union
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public distribution for distribution
of sugar to BPL and Antyodya card holders of the state in fixed quantity.
In a letter written to PM in this connection, Ms. Mayawati said that
maximum quantity of levy sugar allotted by Sugar Directorate under
Public Distribution System in Uttar Pradesh was from those mills which
had been either closed or controversial owing to conversion from nonlevy
sugar to levy sugar or got stay from the Court or their
representation had been pending in sugar directorate on the directives of
the Court. She said that shortfall in sugar was continuously increasing
due to the maximum allotment of levy sugar by Sugar Directorate to such
sugar mills.
Ms. Mayawati said that sugar had not been distributed to consumers
on the occasion of important festivals like - Ramzan, Eid, Dusshera and
Deepawali in the state. Though the State Government had apprised sugar
directorate in this connection, the allotment had not been changed and
the shortfall had increased up to the extent of more than 75,000 mt.
tonne. She said that allotment of levy sugar for October 2009 had been
issued from some sugar mills of Maharashtra, while the levy sugar
allotment for Jammu-Kashmir had been made from U.P. sugar mills.
The Chief Minister in her letter has written that sugar distribution to
BPL and Antyodya Card Holders in fixed quantity is not possible owing to
less production of sugar in current season, price rise of sugar in open
market and non receiving of allotted levy sugar, due to which card
holders are getting depressed towards Public Distribution System. She
has requested the Prime Minister to issue necessary directives to the
concerning department in this regard.
********
C.M. calls on Governor,
greets him on Deepawali
Lucknow : October 14, 2009
The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Ms.
Mayawati today called on the Governor of the
State Mr. B.L. Joshi at Raj Bhawan and extended
Deepawali greetings and good wishes to him.
*******
All universities should run necessary courses
of higher education apart from holding
examinations and giving affiliations
— Chief Minister
Basic Education Department should conduct survey in unserved
slum localities and make arrangement to run schools
—Mayawati
E-tendering system should be compulsorily
implemented in all engineering departments to
stop interference of contract mafias
— Chief Minister
Principal Secretaries should conduct spot verification
of works being carried out by departments in
various districts twice in a month
— Mayawati
Lucknow : October 14, 2009
The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Ms. Mayawati has said that
the educational atmosphere of the universities should be improved
all over the state. She said that the universities should not confine
themselves up to holding examinations and providing affiliations,
instead they should utilise available resources in running
programmes related to research and self-employment. She said
that parameters should be fixed for wide improvement in the quality
of secondary education and the officers should also review the same
in that light from their level. She said that a comprehensive act
should be formulated for setting up universities in private sector.
The Chief Minister gave these directives, when the Cabinet
Secretary Mr. Shashank Shekhar Singh, Chief Secretary Mr. Atul
Kumar Gupta and Additional Cabinet Secretary Mr. Vijay Shankar
Pandey apprised her about the outcome of the monthly meeting of
the Principal Secretaries/Secretaries held at the Yojna Bhawan here
today.
Giving strict orders to the officers of the Irrigation Department
to ensure water till the tail ends of the canals, Ms. Mayawati said
that the de-silting of the canals should be completed on war-footing
in this month itself. She said that this work should be completed
before the sowing of the Rabi crops at all costs, so that the farmers
got water smoothly. Emphasising the need to expand the capacity
of the working agencies involved in construction works, she said
that for the rapid development of the state and quick completion of
projects, outsourcing should be done as per the requirements.
The Chief Minister directed the officers to effectively
implement e-tendering system in various departments to check the
interference of mafias. She said that these departments should also
set up cells to take action against these mafias. The Principal
Secretary Home should be immediately informed through these cells
for taking action against mafias so that, stern action could be
ensured against them. She also directed all the departments to
strictly implement reservation in departmental contracts.
Directing the officers to take tough measures to check
irregularities in bitumen (coal tar) by the contractors of the working
agencies, Ms. Mayawati said that the Public Works Department
should coordinate with refineries and verify the purchase of bitumen
by various contractors every day. She said that she was getting
information that poor quality bitumen like products were being
produced at several places. She directed that the DMs and SPs of
the concerning districts should take stern action against those
indulging in these activities.
The Chief Minister directed to ask for explanation from such
departments which had spent only 25 to 30 per cent of released
budget, so far. She said that a large amount of money had been
received from 12th Finance Commission. All concerning departments
should send utilisation certificate to Government of India timely by
ensuring the expenditure according to estimates. She directed
different departments to take action regarding the release of
pending amount with Government of India by completing all
formalities immediately, so that people of the State could get the
benefit of concerning schemes. She warned that any slackness in
this regard would not be tolerated.
Taking serious note of less realisation of revenue by Stamps,
Tax and Registration Department, Ms. Mayawati directed to ask an
explanation from I.G. Registration. She said that revenue income of
Transport Department was much less than the target and warned
the department that it should achieve the required revenue
collection within one month. She directed the U.P. State Road
Transport Corporation to identify new routes, so that people of
those areas could be benefited by transport services and the income
of the department could also increase. She directed to keep
government money in those banks, which had better cash-credit
ratio and giving cooperation in the development of the State.
The Chief Minister while underlining the need of making
immediate improvement in the water supply, directed to provide
clean drinking water to people. She said that relief and
rehabilitation works should be speeded up in flood-affected areas
and works should be started by chalking out an action plan to
prevent floods next year. She said that proposal for widening of
roads should be sent to National Highways Authority of India,
keeping in view the heavy traffic on those routes and land was
available to widen the road to four lanes.
Ms. Mayawati directed the Basic Education Department to
make arrangements for running schools in un-served malin basties
after survey, so that children of malin basties could get education.
Bicycles should be distributed to girls under Savitri Bai Phule
Shiksha Madad Yojna from the amount, which had already been
made available, she added.
The Chief Minister directed the Principal Secretaries/
Secretaries to visit districts at-least twice a month to verify the
works of their respective departments. She also directed that reply
should be given to public representatives after making disposal of
pending references in a time-bound manner.
Ms. Mayawati directed to fix the responsibility after asking for
explanation from those districts where the implementation of
Manywar Shri Kanshiramji Shahari Gharib Awas Yojna was getting
delayed. She said that beneficiaries of houses under this scheme
should be given possession compulsorily by December 31. She also
directed for report of eligible persons under Sarvjan Hitai Malikana
Haq Yojna after re-survey from Commissioners/District Magistrates.
Directing the departments for the implementation of Egovernance,
the Chief Minister said that all concerning
administrative departments should make projects and get it
sanctioned by sending to the Centre through the Department of
Information Technology for getting financial assistance under
Mission Mode Project of Union Government.
*******
C.M. directs to curtail unproductive expenditure
Heavy financial burden on state after implementation
of sixth pay commission recommendations
— Mayawati
Lucknow: October 13, 2009
The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister has strictly directed all
departments to curtail unproductive expenditure and maintain
financial discipline at every level. She said that the present
government was running several welfare programmes for poor,
dalits, girls and slum-dwellers that remained deprived since last 62
years, despite limited financial resources. Several projects were
being implemented for the development of resources in rural and
urban areas. Besides, decision had been taken to implement the
recommendations of sixth pay commission owing to which
government suffered heavy financial burden, she added.
While giving information for austerity measures to Cabinet
members for the implementation in their departments, the Chief
Minister directed them to ensure following directives strictly -
1. New guest houses should not be opened by the
departments, public enterprises, authorities and other
state owned autonomous institutions.
2. New offices/residential buildings should not be constructed
at divisions/districts except newly created
divisions/districts.
3. New vehicles should not be purchased barring security
needs. Five per cent cut in the number of present vehicles
to be maintained.
4. Officers and employees should not be nominated for
training courses and seminars etc. except necessary
training.
5. Tours for important and necessary government works
should be minimised. Personal staff of officers should not
accompany during these tours.
6. Government lunch/dinners should not be organised in fivestar
hotels. For any special occasion, it could be held with
prior sanction of Chief Secretary as an exception.
7. Display advertisement and publicity etc. by different
departments, if it is not for commercial encouragement, is
being banned with immediate effect.
8. Greeting message, calendar, diary etc. on government
expenditure should not be distributed on New Year and
other occasions.
Following these directives of the Chief Minister, the
government spokesman said that state financial condition was very
poor owing to the lavish expenditure incurred by previous
governments of other parties before the formation of the present
government in the year of 2007. State Government made serious
efforts to bring poor financial situation on rails and it improved up
to some extent. Government curtailed non-productive expenditure
and took several important decisions to increase the revenue of the
state. Necessary directives were given to the Chief Secretary for
reviewing the increase in revenue regularly. The Chief Minister also
monitored the situation seriously at her own level and issued
directives from time to time.
The spokesman said that government had started several
ambitious schemes for the welfare of deprived sections during last
two years despite limited resources. He said that decision was
taken to implement Savitri Bai Phule Balika Shiksha Maddad Yojna
with a view to educate girls and their all-round development. Dr.
Bhimrao Ambedkar tube-well scheme and Dr. Gram Sabha
development scheme were launched to increase irrigation capacity
and development of villages respectively. Sarvajan Hitai Shahri
Garib Awas Malikana Haq Yojna and Health Insurance Scheme were
also launched for poor people, he added.
The spokesman said that Manyawar Kanshiramji Shahri Garib
Awas Yojna was launched by government from its own resources
besides, construction of CC roads for better infrastructure facilities
in villages. Several large and world-level ambitious schemes were
also launched for infrastructure development in cities keeping in
view the increasing population.
The spokesman said that government demanded Rs. 80,000
crore economic package to remove poverty and regional imbalances
but Central government had not taken any decision in this regard
so far, though the Chief Minister had written several letters and
requested from the Prime Minister by meeting him personally. With
the implementation of sixth pay commission recommendations, the
payment of increased salary and arrears amounting to Rs. 6,000
crore to state employees, the government was being suffering from
heavy financial burden. The state government took several
decisions for austerity measures in government expenditures in
view of these circumstances and additional financial burden, he
added.
********
Police officers should ensure all necessary arrangements to
maintain communal harmony and law and order
during forthcoming festivals
— Chief Minister
Maintain strict vigil on crowded areas, religious and public
places; rumour mongers should also be put under scanner
— Chief Minister
Chief Minister holds meeting with Principal Secretary Home and DGP
Lucknow : October 13, 2009
The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Ms. Mayawati has directed all
I.Gs., D.I.Gs., S.S.Ps./S.Ps. not to go on leave except under
unavoidable circumstances, so that peace could be maintained
during Dhanteras, Deepawali and Bhaiyadwija festivals. She
directed the D.I.Gs., S.Ps. and Dy.S.Ps. to hold meetings with their
subordinates and tell them about these directives.
Ms. Mayawati has asked all the police officers to remain
present at their places of postings along with their subordinates and
observe full alert. She directed the police officers to make all
necessary arrangements to maintain communal harmony and law
and order.
The Chief Minister, in view of the forthcoming festivals, here
today held a meeting with the Principal Secretary Home and D.G.P.,
immediately after holding cabinet meeting. She gave them
necessary directives for maintaining law and order and peace during
these festivals. She said that incidents of gambling, etc. took place
during Deepawali. Besides, anti-social elements tried to undermine
law and order under the influence of intoxicants. So, tough action
should be taken against these elements, she pointed out.
Ms. Mayawati said that women came out in large numbers for
shopping during Deepawali. Therefore, there was a possibility of
incidents like — eve-teasing, chain-snatching and other untoward
incidents that may occur with women. She said that keeping this in
view, the police administration needed to remain watchful, so that
women could come out without any fear and go for shopping.
The Chief Minister said that intelligentsia and prominent
citizens should be asked to make appeal to the people to maintain
law and order during the Deepawali by holding meetings of district
peace committees. She said that incidents of spurious liquor also
occurred during festivals. Tough action should be taken against
those indulging in drunken brawls and those selling spurious liquor,
she directed. She said that it was noticed that the police registered
petty cases under serious sections under the influence of one party,
which was very objectionable and directed that such cases should
be withdrawn.
Ms. Mayawati said that the problems should be solved through
social policing and petty disputes should be settled through mutual
discussions. This would save time and energy and police would get
more time to deal with serious crimes, she added.
The Chief Minister said that there was always a possibility of
terrorist incidents during the festivals. Besides, the anti social
elements used bombs in place of crackers to affect law and order by
creating communal frenzy and tension. Therefore, the police
administration needed to remain more alert. She asked the officers
to observe alertness on crowded places, public places, railway
stations, bus stations, historical buildings, memorials, religious
places etc. She also directed the officers to keep an eye on the
activities of rumour mongers as some people tried to spread
rumours to adversely affect law and order during festivals.
Ms. Mayawati directed the Principal Secretary Home and
D.G.P. to issue necessary directives to the police officers of the all
districts by holding video conferencing, so that law and order could
be maintained during festivals and the same passed off peacefully.
Besides, these two senior officers should also direct the police
officers of all the districts through video conferencing to take all
possible steps, so that Deepawali and other festivals could be
celebrated in a peaceful atmosphere.
The Principal Secretary Home Mr. Kunwar Fateh Bahadur and
D.G.P. Mr. Karmveer Singh were present during the meeting.
*******
Manyawar Shri Kanshiram Ji inspired people of weaker
sections, showed them way to live with dignity and self-pride
— Mayawati
Sticking to the political acumen of Manyawar Shri Kanshiram Ji
BSP succeeded in wresting power four times in U.P. Chief Minister
Lucknow : October 09, 2009
Paying warm tributes to the founder of Bamsef, DS4 and BSP Manyawar
Shri Kanshiram Ji today on his third death anniversary (Punyatithi) on behalf of
the country, the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and the National President of
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) Ms. Mayawati said that he was a charismatic leader
of the masses.
The Chief Minister, along with her senior Cabinet colleagues, MPs/MLAs,
Mr. Satish Chandra Mishra, MP, Shri Babu Singh Kushwaha and senior party
workers, visited Bahujan Samaj Prerna Kendra situated at Lal Bahadur Shastri
Marg, where the mortal remains of Manyawar Shri Kanshiram Ji have been put
up, and paid homage to the late leader. After paying homage, the C.M.
recounted the sacrifices made by Manyawar Shri Kanshiram Ji and said that his
contribution can never be forgotten.
Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Mayawati said that Manyawar Shri
Kanshiram Ji devoted his entire life to establish an egalitarian society in the
country. She said that the BSP Government of Uttar Pradesh was following the
path shown by him. That’s why the BSP Government was following the policy of
‘Sarvajan Hitai Sarvajan Sukhai’.
The Chief Minister said that owing to the scientific thinking and political
acumen of Manyawar Shri Kanshiram Ji, the BSP succeeded in getting power
four times in U.P. within a span of 10 years. She said that the struggle waged
by Manyawar Shri Kanshiram Ji could not be forgotten. She said that the late
leader strongly voiced the concerns of the Dalits and weaker sections of the
society and created mass awakening among them. He woke up a race which
was sleeping and took them to the centre of power.
Ms. Mayawati said that all of us should take resolve to follow the path
shown by all those great men, saints and gurus, irrespective of their caste and
creed, who had struggled to establish an equality based society. Citing the
reason as to why she had come first to Prateek Sthal to pay floral tributes at
the statue of the late leader installed there instead of going to Manyawar Shri
Kanshiram Ji Smark Sthal, she said that Samtamulak Chowk and Samajik
Parivartan Prateek Sthal had been developed earlier, therefore, she had come
here first to pay homage.
The C.M., on the occasion, criticised the Congress led UPA Government,
which was in power when Manyawar Shri Kanshiram Ji passed away on 09
October 2006, for not declaring national mourning in his honour.
Thereafter, the Chief Minister visited Samajik Parivartan Prateek Sthal
and paid floral tributes at the statue of Manyawar Shri Kanshiram Ji installed
there.
Ms. Mayawati, in her brief speech, said that Manyawar Shri Kanshiram Ji
devoted his entire life for the welfare of SC/ST, OBC and other neglected
classes. He was inspired by the works and deeds of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule,
Chhatrapati Sahuji Maharaj, Shri Narayana Guru and Baba Saheb Dr. Bhimrao
Ambedkar. He waged battle to fight against casteism and to establish an
egalitarian society.
The C.M. said that by following the path shown by him and efforts made
through BSP movement, her party had been able to form Government in U.P.
through its own efforts. She said that the BSP Government was following the
policy of ‘Sarvajan Hitai Sarvajan Sukhai’ so that an equality based society
could be established.
Ms. Mayawati said that the BSP Government had carried out some
important works in the memory of Manyawar Shri Kanshiram Ji which included
construction of Manyawar Shri Kanshiram Ji Smark Sthal and creation of a new
district in his name. Likewise, 1.01 lakh houses were being constructed all over
the state under the Manyawar Shri Kanshiram Ji Shahri Garib Awas Yojna.
Besides, the C.M. said that awards like Manyawar Shri Kanshiram Ji
International Sports Award, Manyawar Shri Kanshiram Ji Samajik Parivartan
Puraskar and Manyawar Shri Kanshiram Ji Rajya Hathkargha Puraskar had also
been introduced. Moreover, Manyawar Shri Kanshiram Ji Bahujan Nayak Park
had been constructed and foundation of Manyawar Shri Kanshiram Ji Green
Garden (Eco) Park had also been laid.
The Chief Minister also visited Manyawar Shri Kanshiram Ji Smarak Sthal
at the old Jail Road of the city. The C.M. along with several ministers, MPs,
legislators paid floral tributes at the statue of the late leader.
The Chairman of the State Advisory Council and MP Mr. Satish Chandra
Mishra, Mr. Ramvir Upadhyaya, Mr. Nakul Dubey, Mr. Abdul Mannan and Mr.
Anant Mishra along with several ministers, Cabinet Secretary Mr. Shashank
Shekhar Singh, Chief Secretary Mr. Atul Kumar Gupta, Additional Cabinet
Secretary Mr. Vijay Shankar Pandey, APC, Principal Secretaries to CM, other
Principal Secretaries and State Police Chief Mr. Karmvir Singh along with other
senior officers were present on the occasion.
********
C.M. grieved
Lucknow: October 05, 2009
The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Ms. Mayawati has
expressed her profound grief over the death of Mrs.
Lajjawati Devi, w/o of late Ram Swaroop Agrawal and
mother of Mr. Anand Swaroop Agrawal, Chief Editor,
“Danik Rashtriya Swaroop”, Lucknow.
The Chief Minister has conveyed deep sympathies
and heartfelt condolences to the family members of the
deceased and prayed for peace to the departed soul.
Mrs. Lajjawati breathed her last on October 04, 2009.
******
Mayawati hails Kanshi Ram as greatest SC/ST messiah
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati Friday hailed her mentor and ruling Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) founder Kanshi Ram as the greatest messiah of SC/STs.
Speaking at a brief function here to mark his third death
anniversary, Mayawati said, “There was no parallel to Kanshi Ram-ji in
championing the cause of SC/STs across the country.”
She first paid floral tributes at a statue of Kanshi Ram at the
threshold of the Rs.1,200 crore Ambedkar Memorial in Gomati Nagar,
where construction activity stands suspended after a Supreme Court
order.
Then she offered flowers at another statue of the BSP
founder in the Rs.1,000 crore Kanshi Ram Memorial cum eco park, spread
across 195 acres on the debris of a jail that has been shifted to make
room for the project.
Both functions were held under unusually tight security and entry to the two places was highly restricted.
‘Equitable society our goal’Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati pays floral tribute to
her mentor and Bahujan Samaj Party founder, Kanshi Ram, at the newly
built Kanshi Ram Memorial in Lucknow on Friday.
Mayawati
pays homage to Kanshi Ram on his death anniversary
Remembering her mentor: Chief Minister Mayawati with
party general secretary and chairman UP State Advisory Board S.C.
Mishra coming out of the newly-built Kanshi Ram Memorial on Jail road
in Lucknow on Friday.
LUCKNOW: Adhering to the policy of “sarvjan hitaya sarvjan sukhaya”,
the Bahujan Samaj Party government is determined to establish a society
whose basis is equality, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati said on
Friday. She was addressing a gathering after paying floral tributes to
BSP founder Kanshi Ram at the Samajik Parivartan Prateek Sthal at
Gomtinagar here on the occasion of his third death anniversary.
Kanshi Ram’s vision
Ms. Mayawati attributed the formation of the BSP government to the
vision of Kanshi Ram, who stood for an equitable society. The Chief
Minister then paid floral tribute at the Kanshi Ram Smarak Sthal
(memorial site) on Jail Road.
Earlier, she visited the Bahujan Samaj Prerna Kendra, where the leader’s ashes are kept.
Press Information Bureau
(C.M. Information Campus)
Information & Public Relations Department, U.P.
C.M. grieved
Lucknow: October 05, 2009
The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Ms. Mayawati has
expressed her profound grief over the death of Mrs.
Lajjawati Devi, w/o of late Ram Swaroop Agrawal and
mother of Mr. Anand Swaroop Agrawal, Chief Editor,
“Danik Rashtriya Swaroop”, Lucknow.
The Chief Minister has conveyed deep sympathies
and heartfelt condolences to the family members of the
deceased and prayed for peace to the departed soul.
Mrs. Lajjawati breathed her last on October 04, 2009.
******
U.P. asks Government of India to provide 90 per cent
finance for second phase of Ganga Action Plan
Demands Rs. 11,000 crore for preservation
of River Ganga and its tributaries in 26 cities
Parliamentary Affairs Minister presents U.P. Government’s
side at the first meeting of National Ganga River Basin Authority
Lucknow: October 05, 2009
The Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mr. Lalji Verma, who represented the U.P.
Chief Minister Ms. Mayawati at the first meeting of the National Ganga River Basin
Authority headed by the Prime Minister, at New Delhi today, requested that
considering the financial condition of the State Government, the Government of India
should provide 90 per cent finance for the second phase of the Ganga Action Plan like
the first phase. He also demanded Rs. 11,000 crore for preservation and pollution
control of rivers in 26 cities situated on the banks of river Ganga and its tributaries.
Besides, he also requested that the projects for Varanasi City, Allahabad and Kanpur
should be sanctioned on priority basis. The Prime Minister appreciated the points
raised by Mr. Verma at the meeting.
Putting the State Government’s case at the meeting, Mr. Verma said that the
U.P. Government was bearing a financial burden up to 85 per cent in some projects
at present. He requested that the Government of India should sanction the schemes
sent for the Varanasi City at the earliest. He further requested that the projects for
Allahabad and Kanpur, which would be presented in this month itself, should also be
sanctioned on a priority basis.
Representing the Chief Minister, the Parliamentary Affairs Minister said that the
constitution of National Ganga River Basin Authority was a good initiative and the
U.P. Government had also sent a proposal to Government of India to set up State
River Conservation Authority after the notification of this authority. He said that the
U.P. Government was very serious about checking the pollution of rivers. For that,
the State Government has set up a 74 MLD Sewage Treatment Plant at Ghaziabad to
control pollution of Yamuna River through Hindon River. It has been set up through
the resources of the State Government. The State Government has also implemented
scheme costing Rs. 114.41 crore for setting up STPs having capacity of 85.55 MLD at
Ballia, Kannauj and Etawah through state sector and other related works.
Mr. Verma said that an amount of Rs. 11,000 was required for the preservation
and pollution control of Ganga and its tributaries in the 26 districts situated on the
banks of these rivers. The Solid Waste Management works have also been included in
it. He also requested the Government of India to increase the expenditure by Rs. 500
crore every year from the next year. He said that the approval of the Central
Government and Ministry of Environment and Forests was required for works like
trunk sewer, STP, pumping station branch and lateral sewer and sewer connection
works and solid waste management works for the proposals being prepared for the
cities situated on the banks of River Ganga.
Mr. Verma suggested that considering the financial condition of the state and
local bodies, the ratio of Centre’s share and State’s share should be 90:10. Besides,
the Central Government should also share the expenditure being incurred on the
maintenance of created properties for a fixed period or for five years. It should
continue until the local bodies became independent to realise sewer user charges
under the STP. He said that since there was no clear provision for sanctioning amount
for Storm Water Drainage by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of
India, therefore, the condition for financing of the Storm Water Drainage Projects
should be made clear.
Small and marginal farmers should be given
top priority in paddy purchase
- Chief Secretary
Chief Secretary holds video - conferencing
for implementation of token system in paddy purchase
Lucknow: October 03, 2009
Following the directives of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Ms. Mayawati,
Chief Secretary Mr. Atul Kumar Gupta directed all Commissioners and District
Magistrates regarding the proposed token system for paddy purchase in 2009
with a view to providing maximum benefits to paddy growers, especially to
small and marginal farmers under paddy price support scheme through video
conferencing. He gave detailed directives for the implementation of this
scheme.
The Chief Secretary said in the video conferencing organised at Yojna
Bhawan today that the price fixed by the Government should be given
compulsorily to all paddy growers. Expressing concern for small and marginal
farmers, he said that District Magistrate would issue token slip to paddy
farmers. In this token slip, it would be mentioned that farmers would visit
which purchase centre on which date to sell his produce. On the basis of this
token, purchase centre would purchase the paddy on the fix date. If any
farmer could not bring the paddy on the scheduled date, then he could sell it
on Saturday in same week. Similarly, last two days of the month had been
kept reserved for those farmers who could not bring their paddy to purchase
centres on scheduled dates. District Magistrate would give priority to small
and marginal farmers. All payment would be made through account payee
cheque to farmers, he said.
The Chief Secretary has directed that all District Magistrates should
complete the work of token distribution on priority basis very soon. These
slips should be distributed in villages through holding public meetings. If any
farmer comes to the centre before the distribution of slip, then his paddy
should be purchased on the basis of cultivating land on minimum support
price. The purchase centres of Mandi Parishad would remain free from token
system. The District Magistrate would have the right to separate any purchase
centre from token system apart from Mandi Parishad, he added.
The Chief Secretary gave necessary directives to officers of
Shahjahanpur, Bareilly, Lakhimpur Khiri, Varanasi, Faizabad, Azamgarh,
Farrukhabad, Kanpur, Barabanki etc. districts and received feed back
regarding the scheme.
On this occasion, Principal Secretary Food and Civil Supplies Mr. Jaikob
Thomas, Principal Secretary Cooperatives Mr. Amal Kumar Verma, Principal
Secretary Agriculture Mr. Rohit Nandan, Food Commissioner Mr. Kishan Singh
Atoria and Director Mandi Parishad Mr. Rajesh Kumar Singh were present
besides, other concerning officers.
********
Addressing the meeting, the Minister for Parliamentary Affairs said that a
survey was necessary for silting and de-silting or rivers. Therefore, Union
Government should assign this work to any specialist institution like— Irrigation
Research Institute (IRI), Roorkee. He said that arrangements should be made for
inter-state coordination to ensure minimum ecological flow in Ganga River. He said
that the Union Ministry for Environment and Forests had constituted state level
Environmental Impact Assessment Authority and State Level Expert Appraisal
Committee by the notification dated July 12, 2007 for Environmental clearance for
which the notification EIA was issued on September 14, 2006. Keeping in view these
facts, there was no need of separate sanction/clearance from National Ganga River
Basin Authority for new projects which included the estimation of possible
environmental effects from the proposed project.
Mr. Verma said that a project for Varanasi with an estimated cost of about Rs.
495 crore had already been sent to the Central Government for approval. Besides,
under JNNURM programme, a project costing Rs. 309.12 crore for Trans Varuna Area
had been approved, on which works had been started.
The Parliamentary Affairs Minister said that a project of Rs. 336.07 crore had
been prepared for Allahabad city and it would be sent to Union Ministry for
Environment and Forests very soon. Besides, estimate for two projects have been
prepared which would be presented till December 2009. He said that work was being
started on Rs. 355.98 crore project under JNNURM progremme by Union Urban
Development Ministry.
Mr. Lalji Verma said that three estimates were being prepared costing Rs. 1600
crore for Kanpur Nagar. These estimates would be sent to Government of India till
December 2009 for getting sanction. He said that two sewage projects have been
approved under JNNURM programme at present, on which work was being started.
Drawing the attention towards the pollution from tannery industry in Kanpur Nagar,
he said that a proposal on PPP model was being prepared for cleansing of tannery
flow and up-gradation of STP costing an estimated cost of Rs. 175 crore.
The Parliamentary Affairs Minister said that 26 cities were situated beside
Ganga River and the quality of Ganga water was being affected owing to the increase
in population of cities and domestic/ industrial waste. He said that Ganga River was
not only important for country but also for the Uttar Pradesh. It was considered as
the life line, he added.
********
U.P. Governor and Chief Minister
pay floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi
Lucknow: October 02, 2009
The Uttar Pradesh Governor Mr. B.L. Joshi and Chief
Minister Ms. Mayawati paid their tributes to father of the
nation Mahatma Gandhi by garlanding his portrait in a
programme organised at Tilak Hall, Vidhan Bhawan here
today on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti.
The programme was started by reciting of “Vande
Matram” followed by the devotional songs liked by Bapu.
The programme came to an end by singing of national
anthem.
On this occasion, Chairman State Advisory Council
Mr. Satish Chandra Mishra, several Ministers, Cabinet
Secretary Mr. Shashank Shekhar Singh, Chief Secretary
Mr. Atul Kumar Gupta, Additional Cabinet Secretary Mr.
Vijay Shankar Pandey, APC Mr. V.K. Sharma, Principal
Secretary Home Mr. Kunwar Fateh Bahadur, DGP Mr.
Karamveer Singh were present besides other senior
administrative and police officers.
********
C.M. inspected works of Gomti Action Plan and cleansing of river
C.M. directs to increase water storage capacity of
Gomti river and complete STP construction works
Lucknow: October 02, 2009
The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Ms. Mayawati made spot inspection and
saw the works pertaining to Gomti Action Plan and cleanliness of river today. She
called for people’s participation to make Gomti river clean and pollution free.
Besides, she also enquired about construction work of sewage treatment plant.
Ms. Mayawati inspected the works of making Gomti River pollution free
from barrage to memorial on the road constructed on bandha. She expressed her
satisfaction on the condition of cleanliness of Gomti river up to Barrage. She
directed to make arrangements for more water in the river and improvement of
river banks after barrage.
The Chief Minister reviewed the progress of sewage treatment plant
construction works and directed to complete it within stipulated time period
without any compromise on quality. She said that after the completion of STP all
Nallahs and sewer should be diverted to STP to make the water of Gomti river
clean and pollution free.
Ms. Mayawati said that keeping in view the increasing population of
Lucknow city, it had become necessary to increase the capacity of water tank to
fulfil the need of drinking water. Therefore, the barrage had to be shifted from its
present location and action plan should be prepared to construct the new
Barrage. She said that owing to water storage capacity of the river, drinking
water problem would be solved and it would also provide a new life to Gomti
river and increase the beauty of the city.
Earlier, the Chief Minister had also directed for beautification of river banks
and draising work on the surface of river by Jal Nigam, wherever necessary
under the supervision of irrigation department, so that Gomti could again
become the life-line of Lucknow.
It may be recalled that earlier water tank about 12 km. in length from
Gaughat to Barrage was built keeping in view the needs of the population of
Lucknow city many years before from which Jal Sansthan had been supplying
water to the city after purification. But, now the demand for drinking water has
increased owing to the manifold increase in the population for which water
storage capacity has to be increased.
After coming to power for the fourth time, the Chief Minister not only
formulated plans for drinking water, cleanliness and civic amenities, but she also
directed to take action for providing infrastructure facilities after making enough
monitory arrangements. Besides, she also laid foundation stone on July 25, 2008
for Sewage Treatment Plant Project worth Rs. 170 crore having the capacity of
345 MLD based on UASB technology under the second phase of Gomti Pollution
Control Scheme to make river pollution free.
********
C.M. greets people on Gandhi Jayanti
Lucknow: October 01, 2009
The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Ms. Mayawati has
extended her heartiest felicitations to the people of the State
on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti.
In a greeting message, Ms. Mayawati said that India
got independence due to the struggle and sacrifices of
Gandhiji. We are proud on being the independent citizen of
an independent country. The path adopted by Gandhiji for
independence gave a new direction to the entire world, she
added.
The Chief Minister said that the feeling of mutual
brotherhood could be strengthened by following the principle
of truth, non-violence and Satyagraha. She said that the
philosophy and thoughts of Gandhiji were still relevant, when
the danger of terrorism was engulfing the entire world. A
society free from fear and exploitation could be established
by the path shown by Gandhiji.
The Chief Minister appealed to the people to make
resolve for establishing a society based on equality by the
betterment of poor, deprived and exploited people on the
occasion of Gandhi Jayanti. It would be a real tribute towards
Gandhiji, she added.
********
C.M. directs for intensive commando training to ATS
C.M. reviews conclusions of top Police units meeting
Lucknow : September 30, 2009
The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Ms. Mayawati has directed to provide
intensive commando training to Anti Terrorist Squad (ATS) to face every
challenge. She said that such training should be imparted to all three Wings
of ATS by November 2009. She has also directed to strengthen the transport
system of cities, so that traffic could go in smooth manner and people could
not face any difficulty.
Following the directives of the Chief Minister, Cabinet Secretary Mr.
Shashank Shekhar Singh, Chief Secretary Mr. Atul Kumar Gupta and
Additional Cabinet Secretary Mr. Vijay Shankar Pandey reviewed the works
of top police units and pending cases. After the meeting, the officers
apprised the Chief Minister about the conclusions of the meeting, on which
the Chief Minister directed that modern traffic system should be
implemented in any one area of Lucknow city on experimental basis. In the
selected area, such a system should be ensured that people could not face
any traffic problem.
Ms. Mayawati directed for speedy disposal of pending cases pertaining
to Home Department in absence of coordination with other departments by
holding a meeting under the Chairmanship of Chief Secretary. She said that
with a view to making the top units of police department more effective their
budget should be decided after the assessment of their needs and priorities.
The Chief Minister directed to DGP for immediate improvement in the
investigation of crimes by ensuring the necessary arrangements of using
forensic lab and other methods of scientific investigation. She directed for
putting up an integrated plan for this purpose and said that district police
should also utilise the facilities of modern scientific investigation methods
like— C.B.C.I.D., E.O.W., Vigilance etc. agencies, so that criminal elements
could be punished on the basis of proof presented in the courts in criminal
cases. The officers involved in investigation should be given training in new
genres of investigation, she added.
The Chief Minister directed for modernisation of police force in a time
bound manner. Necessary steps should be taken to provide high-level
training to police force after the new recruitment, she pointed out.
On this occasion, Principal Secretary to C.M. Mr. Ravindra Singh and
D.G.P. Mr. Karmveer Singh were present besides, other senior officers of
different police units.
*******
C.M. greets people on Dussehra
Vijaydashmi symbolises win of truth over falsehood
— C.M.
Lucknow: September 27, 2009
The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Ms. Mayawati has
extended her heartiest greetings to the people of the State on
the occasion of Vijaydashmi (Dussehra).
In a greetings message issued here today, Ms. Mayawati
said that festivals had a special place in Indian culture. The
festival of Dussehra symbolises the win of truth over falsehood
and it inspired all of us to stick to our ideals. She said that the
festival of Dussehra strengthened the feeling of cultural unity all
over the country.
The Chief Minister has appealed to the people to celebrate
Dussehra with full fervour, gaiety and joy in an atmosphere of
peace and harmony.
********
C.M. directs for necessary steps to prevent road accidents
Take stringent action against overloading and crossing of speed limit
—Chief Minister
C.M. reviews the works of transport department
Lucknow: 25 September 2009
The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Ms. Mayawati has directed to take all
necessary steps to prevent road accidents immediately. Keeping in view, the
safety of people, she has also directed for the fitness of vehicles and to take
stringent action against overloading. She said that State Government was
committed to provide better transport facilities to people.
The Chief Minister was reviewing the works of transport department at a
high-level meeting organised at her official resident here today. She directed
for better management of transport, effective implementation of road safety
methods, publicity for traffic awareness and arrangement of modern
equipments for traffic enforcement.
During the review meeting, Ms. Mayawati directed to speed up
computerisation works. She said that quality of transport works would be
improved and transport department would be able to provide better services to
the people.
The Chief Minister directed to set up good training schools for drivers’
training. In this connection, she referred to Vehicles’ Drivers Training Centre of
U.P. State Road Transport Corporation situated at Kanpur. Training work would
fetch additional income for the corporation, she added.
With a view to making traffic enforcement system more effective, the
Chief Minister directed to take stringent action against drivers crossing the fixed
speed limit. She said that campaign should be launched to create awareness
among school children for road safety methods and directed for the fitness and
better maintenance of school vehicles. Expressing concern on the tendency of
overloading, she said that condition of roads became poorer due to overloading
problem, besides the possibility of accidents.
Ms. Mayawati directed to get equipped the buses of Transport Corporation
and commercial vehicles with GPS system and said that this system should be
implemented on priority basis. It would monitor the situation of buses and their
speed limit easily. It would also provide the correct information, if any vehicle
got stranded due to any reason. She directed the road corporation to provide
better services to the people of far-flung rural areas of the state.
The Chief Minister also directed to prevent illegal plying of surrendered
vehicles and stringent action should be taken against the person responsible for
it. She said that plying of modern and luxury city buses should be ensured to
provide better urban transport system in Agra, Lucknow, Varanasi, Meerut,
Kanpur, Mathura and Allahabad.
********
C.M. writes letter to Prime Minister for extensive
electrification of villages of U.P. to achieve target of
ensuring power supply to every household by year 2012
Power supply to rural areas of other
districts than Rae Bareli and Sultanpur is also necessary
—Chief Minister
Lucknow: 24 September 2009
The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Ms. Mayawati today wrote a
letter to the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh demanding that
the Ministry of Energy, Government of India should be directed to
approve all the projects under Rajiv Gandhi Rural Electrification
Scheme at the earliest. She said that the target of supplying power
to every household of the state by year 2012 could not be achieved
until extensive electrification of villages/majras was not carried out.
The Chief Minister said that the State Government, under the
11th Five Year Plan, had set a target of electrification of each and
every rural household by year 2012 under its Rural Electrification
Scheme. Besides, the Government of India had also set a similar
target by year 2012. Drawing Prime Minister’s attention towards the
Rajiv Gandhi Rural Electrification Scheme, she said that since the
scheme for the electrification of remaining villages and majras was
not approved by the Government of India under this scheme,
therefore, these targets could not be achieved.
Ms. Mayawati said that she had come to know that the scheme
sanctioned by the Government of India in the February/March 2005,
had been sanctioned under the Accelerated Rural Electrification
Programme (AREP) approved earlier. In between, the Government
of India implemented Rajiv Gandhi Electrification Programme. Under
it, the projects, which had been approved earlier for U.P., were kept
intact. She said that during informal discussions in this regard, it
was informed that to achieve the objectives of Rajiv Gandhi Rural
Electrification Scheme, extensive electrification projects would be
sanctioned again during the second phase of the scheme.
The Chief Minister said that because all projects of the State
with regard to accelerated Rural Electrification Programme was
made according to the definition of electrified village, therefore a
large number of partially electrified villages and majras of the State
remained devoid of the benefits of this scheme. She said that
several works were still pending owing to non inclusion of different
electrified villages in the action plan of electrification according to
earlier definition during the first phase under AREP scheme in the
State at present, in which works with regard to extensive
electrification of partially electrified villages according to new
definition which was accepted as electrified according to earlier
definition of CEA, complete electrification of non-electrified/partially
electrified majras, free of cost connection to all BPL residences of
the State including the BPL residences left during the first phase of
the scheme and construction/strengthening of electricity distribution
basis poles according to the increased load due to electrification of
villages covered under this scheme etc. were included.
Ms. Mayawati said that DPR starting from the month of June
2006 was being sent to M/s REC Lucknow with the inclusion of these
works in all districts of the State. DPR proposals had been sent to
60 districts, so far. Out of which, DPR of any district had not been
sanctioned except the districts of Rae Bareli and Sultanpur. The
Chief Minister said that she had received the information that
extensive electrification projects had already been approved under
Rajiv Gandhi Rural Electrification Scheme in most of the States in
first phase and in some states during the second phase.
The Chief Minister said to the Prime Minister that he would
agree that besides, the districts of Rae Bareli and Sultanpur,
electricity was needed in the houses of rural areas of other districts
of the State also. Otherwise, such strategy would create resentment
among the villagers of the other districts. Besides, the target of
electricity in every house by 2012 would not be possible to fulfil by
Government of India, unless extensive electrification of
villages/majras devoid of electricity in large numbers would not be
done. She requested the Prime Minister that he himself should
examine this matter on personal basis and direct to Union Ministry
for Energy to sanction all projects under Rajiv Gandhi Rural
Electrification Scheme in Uttar Pradesh very soon.
********
Blessing in disguise? Uttar Pradesh
chief minister Mayawati
Stoping construction work on the
memorials of Scheduled Caste
(Aboriginal nhabitants of Jambudvipa; that is, the Great Prabuddha Bharath)
leaders being built in
upholding the law, has
given the state’s chief minister Mayawati ammunition to chart a
political comeback.
Analysts say the court directives
against the controversial memorial
constructions may be spun to portray Mayawati as the victim of a
conspiracy and thereby provide the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), fresh
wind.
Any resurgence before elections to the
key state assemblies of
Maharashtra and Haryana, where the BSP has the potential to play
spoiler by weaning SC/ST votes, will pose a political challenge to the
Congress, which is the incumbent in both states. BSP is contesting all
of the 90 and 288 seats, respectively, for the assembly elections due
on 13 October.
A Congress leader who did not want to be identified said the BSP could
spoil an “otherwise easy” election in Haryana.
The BSP declined to comment on the
Supreme Court’s remarks on Tuesday.
“This is a matter related to (the) court. I will not make any comment
for the time being,” said BSP member of Parliament and party treasurer
Ambeth Rajan.
Political analysts say the issue
would now become a useful political
tool for Mayawati.
Mayawati will take refuge in
victimhood but very cautiously because
she respects courts too. She will not attack the court directly, but will make
it a poll issue, said Badri Narayan,
an Uttar
Pradesh-based political analyst specializing in SC/ST affairs. The
construction of the memorials in the name of Babasaheb Ambedkar, BSP
founder Kanshi Ram and Mayawati herself, for which the state has a
total budgetary allocation of Rs5,200 crore, has apparently become a
prestige issue for the SC/ST leader.
Mayawati will use all the campaigns
against the statues and memorials as a useful
political tool,” he said. “SC/STs, who feel themselves as a victim
community, will cling to their leader when the leader is under
perceived attack. The conspiracy theory has always worked magic for
her in politics.
From being a party that had forfeited
its deposit in 222
constituencies in 1989, the BSP, whose support base is SC/STs, won
majority single-handedly in the 403-member Uttar Pradesh assembly in
the 2007 elections. According to figures made available by the
Election Commission of
the BSP got 23.19% votes in the 2002
assembly polls and 24.67% in the 2004 general election in Uttar
Pradesh. It won 206 of the 403 seats in the May 2007 assembly
elections, winning 30.43% of the votes in the most populous state
which had long been a bastion of the Congress, the BJP and the
socialists. The party has a presence in almost all states of the
country.
Congress retain power in
could pose a serious threat. “If she
decides, we had it,” a Congress general
secretary said referring to the Haryana elections. Political observers
also agreed that the BSP chief had “an axe to grind” after the Uttar
Pradesh state Congress leaders led by Gandhi started focusing on SC/ST
voters in the state. Rahul Gandhi has launched efforts to woo SC/ST
voters by making forays into their villages and spending nights at
their homes.
Controversy over the statues and the
court proceedings will reflect in the forthcoming by-elections. Eleven constituencies
in Uttar Pradesh are going to polls on 7 November.
“The media reports and the campaign against her does not mean that she
has become less powerful politically. Politically, SC/STs being the core
support
base for her will come to her help.
Although the BSP’s growth was consistent. “It is true that she gives her best
when
she is an underdog”. “Her biography is really fascinating. She knows the saga
very well and she knows how to play the underdog very well.”
Mayawati campaigns in Pune
Ani
October
5th, 2009
PUNE - Kick-starting her poll campaign in
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati addressed a public rally in Pune on
Sunday.
Mayawati sought support for her party
during the October 13 assembly polls.
“Now I want to say that if you want
similar environment as in Uttar Pradesh, in your State, where work is done keeping
in mind the interest of all sections of society, then you will have to work for
the victory of our party’s maximum candidates from your state in the assembly
elections,” Mayawati said.
BSP is contesting 282 of 288 seats in
Maharashtra, the highest number of seats by any party though it did not win any
of the 272 seats the party contested in the 2004 elections, securing 3.88
percent of vote share.
The entire construction site covered
75 acres and construction was continued at three sites spread over about 30
acres, which were not the subject matter of the writ petitions.
The projects had been split into 24
sites to show that they were not covered under the restraint order and on that
basis government was continuing
construction at the memorial sites in
and maintained that there was no
violation of the order.
The media has animus towards the Mayawati government to say
something false.
What was done was only maintenance,
cleaning, and removing garbage at the sites which were not the subject matter
of the writ petitions. Mr. Mishra said he gave the undertaking on his own and
immediately informed the senior officials, including the Cabinet Secretary and
the Chief Secretary.
unemployment problem, narrowing the caste divide, recycling garbage and
a cleaner State.
statue bashing and publicity for leaders eating and in sleeping in
dalit homes.
By Brij Khandelwal
Agra, Oct 3 (IANS) When
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati launched a rural cleanliness
scheme in 2008, not many realised the revolutionary potential of “this
seemingly innocent and unattractive scheme” now being implemented all
over the state.
More than 100,000 ’safai karamcharis’, or community sweepers, were
recruited under the scheme, two for each village. “These young men and
women from all castes, educated but without work, initially thought
they would not have to do any work but would get paid. A large number
paid hefty amounts to recruiting committees to get the jobs.
“What is happening now is that these people are being forced to
work, clean up the villages, the choked drains. If someone is
reluctant, the village pradhan can immediately stop payment of salary,”
says village development functionary Subhash Jha working at the
community development office (CDO) here.
In the 636 villages of Agra district, 996 people were recruited —
550 of them from the general category including Brahmins and Thakurs. A
large number are young women from this city. Many have to go to the
villages early in the morning.
“Lakshmi Kumari has given the impression to all in her locality she
goes out teaching in a village school,” said Pratap Singh, a social
activist of Dayalbagh area here. But once in the village, she has to
pick up the broom and start cleaning the drains, while the villagers
watch.
“In our village Akhwai, in Akola block, there is a youngster Neeraj
Singh, son of Kadheru. He is a Jat who has completed school. Now he has
to go to work in Kheria village. The villagers make sure he really
cleans up the place,” Gandhian activist Chandraveer Singh told IANS.
“All these fellows thought it was a regular government job and they
would get away without cleaning by bribing the village pradhans. But
the villagers have become clever. Many derive sadistic pleasure by
making them work, knowing some of them come from higher castes,”
Chandraveer added.
In Agra district, at least 100 mostly upper caste cleaners are
alleged to be working at the homes of district officials instead of
where they are supposed to work. But the villagers know their
whereabouts and make inquiries about them, Subhash said.
Madhu Devi, 35, goes from Agra city to work in Ghamauta village.
Another cleaner called Lakhan Singh goes to work on a motorcycle, gets
into his jeans and finishes off his cleaning assignment speedily to get
back to the city. One cleaner Sunil is a Yadav, while Santosh Singh is
a Lodhi, says Subhash.
They have to work in two shifts, one from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. and the
other from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. They cannot bunk as every day they have to
report to the village pradhan who has been given the power to stop
their salary.
“These fellows are getting something like Rs.9,000-10,000 a month as
fourth class employees of the state. This is a pretty attractive
package in the villages,” said local resident Bahadur Singh, president
of the Gram Pradhans Association. A few months ago more than a dozen
were suspended by the chief development officer for not doing their
work satisfactorily.
Ravi Singh, environmentalist and progressive farmer of the Baruli
Ahir block, told IANS: “On paper the scheme does have the potential of
changing social equations in the countryside, but because of corruption
the scheme was not being implemented fairly.
“My village has three safai mitras. In the village set-up there’s
not much garbage like in the cities. All the dirt eventually gets mixed
up with cow dung and becomes usable in the fields. They clean up the
approach roads and pick up the garbage from visible areas.”
Ravi said the jobs should have gone to the really needy people and not to just anyone who applied.
Social activist Netra Pal Singh, working for the Agra unit of the
All India Women’s Conference, points out: “It’s not easy in our social
order to pick up the broom and start cleaning public roads in full view
of the community. It does need lots of courage. Even if some people
have managed to get into the government muster rolls by bribing
officials, the community knows their new status of a safai karamchari
and in our scheme of things who would be happy with this new tag?”
But others say Mayawati has taken a major leap by bulldozing caste prejudices.
In a February 2008 speech Mayawati had spelt out the contours of the
scheme which was later modified to include other castes. She said: “My
government has taken an unprecedented and historic decision to provide
more than one lakh permanent government jobs in rural areas for the
Valmiki community of Scheduled Castes.
“By this decision, all the 1.08 lakh revenue villages of Uttar
Pradesh will have at least one safai karamchari, and the person
appointed will be from the same village in most of the cases… This,
besides meeting the employment problem, will also make a sea change in
the health atmosphere of rural areas for it will ensure cleanliness and
help eradicate diseases spreading due to unhygienic conditions.”
(Brij Khandelwal can be contacted at brij.k@ians.in)
Read more: http://www.thaindian.com/
Guidelines on quota for SCs, STs stayed
Staff Reporter
BANGALORE: The Karnataka High Court on Thursday stayed the
guidelines that the State Government had notified on reservation for
Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in Bruhat Bangalore
Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) which is slated to go to the polls shortly.
Justice H. Bilappa stayed the guidelines after Ramakrishna Pai of Bangalore filed a petition challenging the norms.
Mr. Pai said when reservation is taken up for SCs and STs for local
bodies, the entire population of the city should be taken as the index.
In this case, the State Government had taken a constituency as an index
before coming up with the reservation.
Mr. Bilappa stayed the guidelines for two weeks and adjourned the case.
BBMP elections: draft voters’ list put up at polling stations
Staff Reporter
Final list to be published on October 15 |
Bangalore: To know where to cast your vote in the coming Bruhat
Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) elections, just visit the nearest
polling station and check the draft voters’ list that has been put up
there.
Deputy Commissioner, Bangalore Urban, G.N. Nayak told presspersons
here on Thursday that the draft voters’ list had been published in all
the polling stations in the 40 wards coming under the district. The
remaining 158 of the 198 delimited wards came under the three zones of
the BBMP, he said.
In the 40 wards under Bangalore Urban, as many as 1,281 polling
stations and 100 auxiliary stations had been set up. He said in areas
where there were more than 1,500 voters, auxiliary booths would be set
up. Meanwhile, A.M. Kunjappa, BBMP Additional Commissioner and District
Electoral Officer, Bangalore Central, said that the BBMP had taken
similar steps to publish the draft voters’ list in the 158 wards coming
under it.
He also said that the draft list had been shared with major
political parties. “People may submit suggestions or objections till
October 6. The final list will be published on October 15,” he said.
He said that the BBMP Central Zone had 51 wards and 1,617 polling
stations, while BBMP North Zone had 53 wards and 1,815 polling
stations, and BBMP South Zone 54 wards and 1,765 polling stations.
There would be a total of 6,579 polling stations for the 65.78 lakh voters for the BBMP elections.
Heera Nayak, District Electoral Officer, said that electronic voting
machines would be used in the BBMP polls. People may submit
applications for being included in the voters’ list till 10 days before
the last date to file nominations, as per the directions from the State
Election Commission.
Appointed
He also said that Electoral Registration Officer and Assistant
Electoral Registration Officers had been appointed for each ward. He
said that the election officials had met the booth agents, political
parties and local representatives and invited them to submit their
suggestions and objections if any.
To know about polling stations, wards and other details, visit www.bbmpelections.info.
Voters’ list
Sir, — It is reported that the revised (provisional) list of voters
in the new BBMP wards has been displayed at the polling booths. It is
time the voters, political parties, and non-governmental organisations
went through the list and verified its accuracy. It is better if the
voters’ lists are put up on the website of the Election Commission for easy access to citizens with a provision to suggest corrections.
D.B.N. Murthy,
Bangalore
Akrama Sakrama: suggested penalty not people-friendlyStaff Reporter
| The original scheme was framed by the Kumaraswamy government |
BANGALORE: The claim of the Cabinet Sub-committee on Regularisation
of Unauthorised Construction that has recommended slashing of penalty
by over 50 per cent appears to be eyewash.
The suggested penalty is not only higher than the previous
recommendations, but is also more than double of what was fixed by the
H.D. Kumaraswamy government and more than four times of that fixed
during the President’s Rule.
Though the State Cabinet has to take a final call on the
recommendations of the sub-committee, headed by Transport Minister R.
Ashok, the final outcome is expected to be more or less the same.
Hence, those who plan to opt for the scheme to regularise their sites
and constructions might have to shell out more than what they had
planned.
Immediately after assuming office, the BJP Government constituted
the sub-committee promising to offer a “people-friendly” Akrama-Sakrama
scheme.
Mr. Ashok had on September 22 announced that the penalty to
regularise construction on a 20 ft X 30 ft site could range between Rs.
30,000 and Rs. 45,000 as against the original Rs. 72,000; between Rs.
60,000 and Rs. 90,000 on a 30 ft X 40 ft site as against the original
Rs. 1.62 lakh; and between Rs. 1.8 lakh and Rs. 2.1 lakh for 40 ft X 60
ft site as against Rs. 4.23 lakh fixed earlier.
As per the original Akrama-Sakrama scheme, framed by the Kumaraswamy
government, Rs. 200 per sq m was fixed as penalty to regularise
violations relating to formation of sites for land measuring up to 60
sq m (a 20 ft X 30 ft site measures 54 sq m).
As per this, the penalty would have been Rs. 10,800. For sites
measuring between 60 sq m and 120 sq m, the penalty was fixed at Rs.
400 per sq m.
For a 30 ft X 40 ft site, which measures 108 sq m, the penalty would
have been Rs. 43,200. For sites measuring beyond 120 sq m, the penalty
was fixed at Rs. 600 and for a 40 ft X 60 ft site (360 sq m) Rs. 2.16
lakh. After protests and court cases, the penalty was slashed when the
State was under Central rule.
Accordingly, the penalty for sites measuring less than 60 sq m was
reduced to Rs. 40 per sq m, i.e., Rs. 2,160 for a 20 ft X 30 ft site;
and Rs. 160 for sites measuring between 60 sq m and 120 sq m, i.e., Rs.
17,820 for a 30 ft X 40 ft site. Penalty for bigger sites, however, was
unchanged.
G.R. Somashekhara, who has built his house on a revenue site
measuring 108 sq m (30 ft X 40 ft) off Magadi Road, termed the
sub-committee recommendations as farcical. “When the Government
announced that it would rework the penalty structure and come out with
a people-friendly Akram-Sakrama scheme, I had thought the penalty would
be below Rs. 10,000. Now, I’ll have to pay more than what the
Kumaraswamy government had prescribed.”