Free-for-all admission to pvt enggn colleges!!

It'd prove judicious if govt backtrack on its decision of admission of students who're poor rank holders in WBJEE and even those who've simply passed XIISc with minimum 45% each in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics to elite institutions like Besu and J.U as well.Such a decision is unthinkable to the academic circle, let alone to the authorities of the two premier institutes of engineering education in our state.As expected, they've refused to compromise with merit and requested the govt to reconsider its decision.They're, however, unwilling to go in collision course with govt.

For private engineering colleges, however, the case is altogether different.Seats are lying vacant in many colleges and it inflicts financial loss on the owners of these colleges.So quite normally they'd try to fill up these seats by any means even by giving a go-by to merit.Govt has come to their rescue and lowered the norms of admission even to the XIIsc pass level.Money permitting even the most ordinary students who're not even fit for studying pass course in general stream would be admitted to these colleges.and might find it difficult to continue and ultimately drop out.Nevertheless those who'd be able to carry on are unlikely to finish with good results.Certainly, there are exceptions.WBJEE is a one day game where many good students fared badly.Similar is the case with XII exams or any examination in general.However,exceptions don't prove the rule.That apart. those who recruit engineers also consider the performance of the candidates in board examinations too.What's more to study engineering in private colleges is pretty costly now.Some take education loans.But after managing to have passed engineering exams some how if these ordinary students who are referred to here can't afford to have a job,will not they suffer from frustrations? Our private engineering colleges would also earn bad name.So govt should reconsider its decision of almost free-for-all admission rule for private engineering colleges in the interest of education and also for reputation of our state.

Compliments to Prakas Bajaj&Aranab Goswami

Prakash Bajaj,
Editor,
Times Of India,Bombay.

Thank you a lot for your sincerest active support to Anna's crusade against corruptions.No words are sufficient to praise your efforts to mobilise public opinion for this noble cause through your sustained campaign.Your social commitments and concern for social malaise should deserve praise from all those who like to see corruptions minimised in India.

The way you've boldly lashed out at corruptions of the politicians by name in your open letter to the Prime minister is unbelievable.You've not spared even the Prez of India.Really very few editors have the courage and conviction to do so.I once again thank you specially for this brave job.

I would fail in my duty if I skip, on behalf of all well meaning people, to extend thanks to Arnab Goswami of Times Now, a TV channel belonging to Times of India(if I'm not wrong) for successfully making people identifying with Anna's war against corruptions by his electrifying anchoring skill that was surcharged with rare combination of emotion and logic at the same time.
Wish you best of luck.
With Regards,

Dr.U.K.Pal,
Kolkata

Anna drama-a historical moment!

Anna drama ends with a happy note punctuated with some tense moments.Anna's triumph is people's triumph.Govt's reaction to Anna's demand for a stronger and effective Lokpal Bill was initially very rigid.It stuck to its own version of the Bill.Anna threatened to go on indefinite fast.Govt had an experience of Anna's earlier fast and the unprecedented mass support it enlisted.But it couldn't dare to foil Anna's fast the way it put an end to Baba Ramdev's movement against black money by midnight swoop either.So it tried to beat Anna before Anna could beat it. Govt put Anna behind the bar even before he could start his fast.Little did it think that Anna could start fast even in jail.Yes, he did and refused to leave jail unless he was permitted to fast in Ramlila ground.Govt conceded to Anna's demand.Then parliament was in session and govt had to face the opposition .On the other hand people started pouring in Ramlila ground from across the country.As days rolled on support to Anna grew tremendously.Entire nation seemed to have rallied behind him.Govt was put on the spot.It'd to suffer twin pressures-one from Anna team another from the opposition. Bouts of negotiations continued among Anna team,govt and the opposition.Now the problem boiled down to incorporation of three points in the Bill namely inclusion of lower bureaucracy,formation of Lokayuta in the state and introduction of Citizen charter.Anna claimed if these three points in Anna's Lokpal Bill were not accepted by the parliament he would not break his fast. Talk continued .Some times it seemingly resulted in break-through and sometimes in break-down.Oscillation between hope and despair breath takingly continued.At last parliament accepted Anna's three sticking points on the 11th day of his fast.Anna broke his fast on the 12th day.He said only half the battle was won.Whole nation watched the drama with bated breath.

Besu and J.U too!

Lowering the standard of Enggn education:
State govt's insistence on premier institutes like Besu and JU to admit candidates who've got lower ranks in WBJEE is really deplorable and unthinkable too.These institutes are well known for their excellence in Engineering educations and are normally first choices for very high rank holders in WBJEE.For campus violence, of course,BESU has, of late, earned bad reputation.But in academic excellence it still stands out as one of the best institutes in the country.To admit poor ranking students in these institutes just to fill up some empty seats in mechanical and civil engineering is a copromise on their standard and it merits no justification on any count.It's a long standing process for an institution to attain a high standard and it's all the more difficult to sustain it.For an academy to maintain its reputation it essentially needs good students apart from a good faculty.Govt should desist from imposing this unjust decision on these institutes particularly when it's put its best foot forward to make Presidency University a world class one.Incidentally,mentors of Presidency university have called such a move of the education department is quite unjust.

For private engineering colleges too govt's decision to fill up the vacant seats, if needed, even by students who passed class XII Sc with mere 45% marks each in Physics,Chemistry and Mathematics is also utterly unfortunate and impractical .Such a move is probably made with a view to making good the financial loss incurred by the corporates who own these colleges for quite a large number of seats are still falling vacant even after the counseling is over.Except a few private Eng colleges in our state most private colleges are yet to reach the desired level in terms of faculties and infrastructure.Now if no holds barred system is allowed for admission to such colleges, what message does it send to the corporate world that recruits engineering graduates?.
--

Banning Bandh

To Editor, TOI
Dear sir,
I beg to differ from Times view (25 August) that bandhs be banned.Nor do I think bandh be called at the drop of a hat as once Didi herself did.Bandh is a democratic tool of protest that should be used as a last resort.Fortunately, there're now fewer bandhs in our state.No political party except TMC would support the move to make bandhs illegal.However,I fully share your view regarding road blockade, rallies etc. in the city.

What's very interesting is once Didi called bandhs on flimsy grounds and now when in power she's campaigning for banning bandhs.It's still remembered how her supporters blocked a busy and very important high way like Durgapur Express Way for days together(15days) totally throwing traffic movement out of the gear during her Singur stir.It's also fresh in people's memory how her MLAs went on the rampage at Assembly house and ruthlessly broke furniture and other properties of the house.However,it's heartening that at last good sense has dawned on her

On Arundhati Roy's comments on Anna Hazare

Arundhati Roy has said nothing new.She's only echoed what the govt is saying.Does she think Lokpal Bill that govt has approved could be capable of combating corruptions?Since Independence we've seen umpteen instances of scams.But how many of scamsters have been punished?Perhaps not many or none.Immediately after India won freedom one of our national leaders assured us that black marketeers would be hanged at the lamp posts.But so far how many of such people have been awarded punishment by our law enforcing authorities?Definitely the number is too small to mention.In fact, the corrupt people have a free run in our society and common people watch it helplessly.Lokpal Bill that was conceived in 1969 languished in parliament for last 43 years.Corruptions have been way of our life and for those in high places they are mind boggling.Sad to say, many of our elected representatives who're in the corridor of power are abjectly corrupt.Raja and Kalmadi are just tip of the iceberg.When we, common people, resigned to fate that perhaps our country was destined to be one of the most corrupt countries of the world ,it's Anna Hazare who came like a god send and launched his movement against corruptions through his fast unto death.It gave a jolt to the govt and a knee jerk efforts were made to draft Lokpal Bill.Then where was social activist Arundhati Ray?It's easy to criticise Anna's movement and try to vilify his honest effort.Mind it's for nothing almost the entire nation has rallied behind him for a strong Lokpal Bill.These people are no fools as you think them to be.It's Govt Bill that is intended to pamper and perpetuate corruptions.Do you support this Bill simply because it has been approved of by our people;s representatives.Have you ever thought why people have lost faith in our elected representatives and reposed confidence in Anna whom you might criticise as extra constitutional center of power?Because our representatives have betrayed us and let us down.Unfortunately, nevertheless they enjoy the patronage of people like you in the name of supremacy of parliamentary democracy.Really sad!

Escape Route!

Lokpal Bill
Anna Hazare's fast falls on the 6th day today.Anna looks quite steady and cheerful. Effect of fast seems not to have yet touched Anna.Many others who're fasting with him have fallen ill and are suffering from dehydration.Anna is physically no superman but his extraordinary determination and power of will keeps him going.Nevertheless with days rolling on fast would take its toll and the septuagenarian might fall ill.Though initially the Gandhian leader was on indefinite fast but later he's declared he is on fast unto death.His fast would continue till his Jan Lokpal Bill is accepted by the govt.However, govt is yet to bend perhaps waiting for Anna to fall ill so that he could be removed to hospital.It is thought absence of Anna would dampen the spirit of the crowd who'll gradually thin out.But by all indications it's not going to happen and rather the opposite might happen with more people pouring in the capital to see Anna at hospital.Then it would be a trying time for Delhi administration to control the crowd which could turn violent.It's the electrifying presence of Anna that has restrained the crowd and no untoward incident has not so far taken place despite the presence of unprecedented mobilization of people.

What's unfortunate is the mood of the govt is one of confrontation and it's unwilling to open dialogue with Anna team though the latter has offered to sort out the matter through negotiation.Govt is rather unwilling to pay any special weightage to Anna as it argues Lokpal Bill as approved by the cabinet is now its property.It seeks people's opinion on the Bill by giving ad of the bill in print media and has decided to discuss the Bill only in the Standing Committee.What now govt tries to bring home to all is that there's no practically any difference between Anna and ordinary people of the country.They weigh equally the opinion of the civil society and that of common men.However, govt at heart knows it's consciously ignoring the ground realities and is at the receiving end in view of of the overwhelming support Anna is receiving from all sections of people.Now govt in fact tries to bail out of the present situation honourably and is groping for an escape route.Now the best option for the govt is to get the Lokpal Bill modified by the Standing Committee in the light of Anna's suggestions and passed in parliament.Hopefully, political parties wouldn't object to the provisions of the Bill in parliament considering the popular mood of the country.

State's name

After much fanfare West Bengal is renamed Paschimbanga.It's helped the state to ascend only a few steps in alphabetical ladder.Only for this marginal gain the hassles of changing the name of the state should not have taken.In fact, the name Paschimbanga is irrelevant as there's no Purbabanga now, only Banga could have been chosen.In that case in alphabetical order it could go much higher up.Even simple Bangla couldn't be a mean choice.It's no excuse that Bangla would be confused with our neighbouring state Bangladesh.Again,Bengal could be another option.If our country is called India and Bharat,why not our state be called Bangla and Bengal?I think Pachimbanga is rather an inferior choice to other names mentioned above, so a second thought may be given to the matter by the appropriate authority.

Anna's Fast

Govt has ultimately bent down.They've permitted Anna Hazare to go on fast for fifteen days at Ramlila Maidan ,Delhi. Anna would start indefinite fast today and not fast unto death as was his program on earlier occasion.It means he'd continue fast as long as his health would permit.This decision is communicated to press and public by Kiran Bedi, a member of Anna's team.

Interestingly,Anna is capable of continuing fast for nine consecutive days without any serious health problem, a social activist doctor closely associated with Anna claims.Incidentally,Anna is a patient of high blood pressure and takes anti hypertensive medicine regularly.That apart,he's a patient of peptic ulcer too.Still so enormous is his mental strength he'd manage to continue fast for days together putting govt on the spot.

However,a section of people in UPA govt think otherwise.They expect at this age Anna would not be able to continue fast for long as he'll fall ill and be hospitalized.When Anna will be in hospital, his supporters will thin out and as a result Anna's movement will lose momentum and might ultimately die down.

Perhaps those who indulge in harbouring above facile optimism are in fools' paradise.Popular discontent against corruptions is so intense and support to Anna is so spontaneous and overwhelming this anti-corruption stir will not tone down until parliament passes a strong Lokpal Bill to arrest corruptions.

What's most shocking is some people have started vilification campaign against Anna.They question Anna's honesty and integrity.Some even smell foreign hand behind the present movement.However, the Gandhian leader is made of sterner stuff.Nothing can stand in the way of his mission.

In view of the prevailing unrelenting popular mood against corruptions govt should shun its ego that whatever be the suggestions of Anna and the civil society regarding Lokpal Bill it's the parliament which would decide the final form of the Bill, no matter the legislation is not strong enough to take on corruptions effectively.The present unrest should not be allowed drift any more and it's high time govt could reach a compromise formula through dialogue with Anna and his team so that parliament can pass a strong Lokpal Bill as desired by millions of people of our country.

In lighter vein only!

On anti-corruption movement:

(1)Mayawati joins Anna's movement!
Son:Dad, Mayawati has extended support to Anna Hazare for his crusade against corruption.
Dad:I think Lalu prasad too would soon follow suit.
Son:May be, dad.
Dad:It's high time Anna could revise his decision of continuing fast.

(2)UPA on tiger's back!
Son: They say Anna's put UPA govt on a tiger's back making it difficult to alight by refusing to leave Tihar Jail.
Dad; But govt is behaving like a tiger still roaring against Anna's demand of Jana Lokpal Bill.
Son: If so, it reminds one of Bikram-Aur-Betal.

(3)USA behind anti-corruption movement
Son:Dad, UPA claims America is behind Anna's movement against Corruptions
Dad:Then we should be grateful to USA in helping us fighting corruptions.

--

Message on 65th Independencen Day

Have my heartiest greetings on the 65th Independence Day of our nation.Many of you've not seen the British Raj but fortunately or unfortunately I did.I can proudly claim I happened to be a witness to historic event of transfer of power from the British and emergence of an independent and sovereign nation India.On this auspicious day I can't help striking a discordant note like our Prime Minister that India has earned the dubious distinction of emerging as one of the most corrupt countries of the world in 65 years also.What's most worrying is our elected leaders fail or don't like to realize this home truth.So they're reluctant to weed out corruptions and instead endeavour to pamper them.It's people who can bring them to senses.Perhaps those days are not far off.We have to find solace in such optimism,may it be a wishful thinking.Thank you.

Proposed Agitation Against Lokpal Bill

It's shocking after passing a toothless and spineless Lokpal Bill that is to all appearances intend to perpetuate corruptions instead of eradicating them some of the high profile cabinet ministers vociferously demand any law passed by the parliament can't be objected to or adversely criticized by the civil society or any attempt to go in for agitation to modify the law in favour of their demand is an affront to parliament.Whatever is passed in parliament is not sacrosanct and so to contest it is no sacrilege either.The argument put forward by our elected leaders are not only silly but it's an attempt to take people for a ride. We have elected some people to parliament by electoral process who're entrusted with the power to pass legislations.It's expected they'd frame the appropriate law to suit the purpose and make no mistake deliberately or otherwise to serve some vested interest.So in case the law is found wanting in merit to tackle the situation people has every right to protest against such an impotent law as in case of Lokpal Bill.Delhi administration should in no way prevent Anna Hazare and civil society from launching agitation against Lokpal Bill.

Presidency University:Mentor group vs Council

Perhaps every institution has teething trouble when it starts functioning.So Presidency university might not be an exception.There has arisen a difference of opinion between the Presidency Council and the mentor group over opening of new courses at post graduate level though both members of the council and mentors are trying hard to make Presidency university as one of the best universities of the country by redeeming the lost glory.True, Presidency authorities have already taken decision to open PG courses in six new subjects like mathematics, statistics, history, political science, sociology and philosophy.But the decision can be reconsidered in view of the mentors' suggestion not to launch these courses because of lack of infrastructure.Though mentor group is only an advisory body and its suggestion is no binding on the council, it does not augur well for the new born university to respect the mentors more in defiance than in observance from the very beginning.Nor does it send a good message to people at large.It's expected the council and the mentor group would work in tandem.What 's worrying again Prof.Suranjan Das, vice- chancellor of Calcutta University who is member of the Presidency Council has contested the decision of the Council to open new courses at Post graduate level.It sadly reflects lack of coordination even among the members of the Executive Council.Any way, a spirit of confrontation between the members of the council and those of mentor group is extremely unfortunate and if it continues as such, the purpose of forming the mentor group to aid and advise the executive council for better functioning of the latter will be lost.So the problem should be sorted out as early as possible in the interest of the university.Other wise, it would only bear out the old saying:too many cooks spoil the broth.

Derailed Railways

Indian Railways are now in complete mess.It seems there's no administration worth the name to look after such massive network like Railways.Rail carries millions of people and is considered the main life line of our country.Rail is also the largest employer in public sector.What's very alarming is the safety and security of Railways are at the receiving end and so Rail is plagued with frequent accidents People now fear to board trains.Those who're on long journey by trains remain worried all the way and thank providence when they reach their destination safely. In fact, no body can assure a passenger that he/she would travel safe and reach the destination.What's very worrying again is more often that not faults in railway tracks are found to be root cause of accidents as they're not well maintained.In the recent derailment and head on collision between Guwahati-B'lore and Azimganj-Malda Passenger near Malda soil below the railway track was found to have subsided due to rains.It was not earlier detected for sheer lack of supervision.

Again, railway men sometimes badly lack their sense of responsibility.In the accident referred to above the guard of Guwahati express who remained unhurt after the accident didn't allegedly care to inform the station master of the nearest station with the help of his walkie talkie so that he(station master) could halt Azimganj Passenger there.Or he could show the in-coming Azimganj Passenger red signal from his lantern.In fact, he did none of the two.What a callousness!

Most of the Railway accidents now occur because of human errors.In post accident rescue operation and other related crisis management activities Rail's performance is far from satisfactory. Introduction of large number of new trains without upgrading infrastructure to bear the burnt has made the matter worse and also contribute to frequent accidents.

Rail has decreased man power sufficiently and so there're fewer people to check tracks and railway equipments regularly or properly.What's unfortunate, Rail has failed to press into service the much talked about anti-collision devices as yet reportedly due to lack of fund.It's difficult to think Rail stakes people's lives for financial constraints.

Passenger amenities have also touched almost rock bottom.Quality of food served from Railways pantry cars are normally poor and some times inedible.What's more,incidences of passengers being roughed up by employees of pantry car services of mail or express trains are now almost daily occurrences.New Railway minister is expected to take proper initiative to address the problems and put the Railways on right track.

It's hammer and not humour!

An open letter to Mir regarding Mirakkel:
Dear Mir,
Though I admire your sense of humour and your consummate skill to anchor a program, I can’t stomach many of the humours dished out in your much hyped program Mirakkel .They’re more hammers than humours as their punch lines more often than not grievously punch the listeners-cum- viewers’ mind. If I’m not wrong your Mirakkel is primarily a family show.But many of the humours are so overtly bed-pan type that they cannot be viewed or listened to with children. Of course, you might well contest my sense of obscenity and it might trigger a never ending debate about what’s obscene and what’s not. You might call me puritan too. Anyway, I’m not going to delve into such a debate and simply speak my mind and for that matter my opinion as a viewer. In fact, what’s shocked me is many of your participants have penchant for presenting sex-oriented jokes, that too bordering on vulgarity. What’s more shocking you along with your judges greet the contestants with thunderous applause when such jokes are presented. However, nothing is unmixed good or bad in the world. Many of your contestants on the other hand really present brilliant and sometimes thought provoking jokes that can cheer up even the most depressed and melancholic personalities. Admittedly, it’s really difficult to prepare intelligent jokes but it doesn’t necessarily means the contestants would indulge in openly sex-related jokes and you would encourage them by deafening claps. Isn’t it unfortunate?

An impotent Lokpal Bill!

It has happened what we were afraid of.Govt has approved of long awaited Lokpal Bill.But the Bill is toothless,clawless an impotent one and it's purportedly conceived to perpetuate corruptions.Since 1969 the anti corruption bill(Lokpal) was revived in parliament as many as ten times in long 43 years but it couldn't see the light of the day. So after inordinately long wait our parliament would deliver us a weak crippled and maimed Lokpal baby(Bill).If people don't vehemently oppose the approved Bill in the present form that would soon be placed in Parliament and to all probabilities easily passed dashing all our hopes to have a very powerful and all-encompassing Lokpal Bill that would effectively take on corruptions in every sphere of life and ours would be the least corrupt country of the world would be dashed to the ground.

Govt officers in the A grade and above are placed in the purview of the Bill though corruptions are found to amply pervade the lower rungs too.So unless a comprehensive approach is made to eradicate corruptions among govt officials the Bill is unlikely to produce desired effect.CBI has been left out of Lokpal and it's an open secret people in high places in govt are apt to influence CBI.It's under duress CBI has recently charge sheeted two union ministers who're now behind the bar.It's looked upon as more an exception than a rule.PM and higher judiciary are not placed in the ambit of Lokpal Bill despite strong and repeated suggestion by the members of the Civil society and innumerable people of our country.Even MPs' accountability to Lokpal for their corrupt activities in parliament like cash for vote etc. has not been conceded to.What's more, govt is trying to gag the dissenting voice regarding the Bill.Anna Hazare who initiated movement against corruptions through his fast unto death that gave a jolt to the union govt which was virtually caught napping over Lokpal Bill has now been denied permission by the adminitration to observe indefinite fast at Delhi in protest against the toothless Lokpal Bill.In fact, most of the important and valued suggestions of Anna's civil society have been honoured more in nonchalant defiance than in acceptance by the govt.

In jest only!

(1)Gorkhaland
Son: Dad, Center initially objected to the term Gorkhaland in the tripartite accord that has been signed but Didi convinced center that the term would do no harm. Why?
Dad: Because Gorkhas were unwilling to part with their land.

(2)Demand for statehood.
Son: Dad, Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) say they have not given up their demand for Gorkhaland as a separate state.
Dad: Similarly, Didi has not given up her demand for undivided Bengal, my son.

(3)Greater Coochbehar
Son: Dad, we all should support the demand for Greater Coochbehar.
Dad: Why my son?
Son: Then we’ll obviously get greater Bengal, dad.

Why in so hurry?

Mamata's fulfilling electoral promises:
Even the worst detractor of Mamata Banerjee would admit she's a woman gifted with inexhaustible treasure of energy and rare ability to work hard and fast too.She is an extraordinary personality ingrained with remarkable quality of taking drive and initiative whenever necessary.With in two months of her assuming office as Chief minister she's tried hard to fulfill many of her electoral promises.

What's interesting is she's always in a hurry and this hurriedness more often than not makes a mess of things.Immediately after taking oath as CM she attempted to make the treaty that LF govt made with Tatas on Singur Nano factory public.But due to legal hurdle she'd to back track.

To fulfill her electoral promise to return land from Singur Nano factory site to the 'unwilling' farmers she hurriedly made an ordinance.But she'd to hark back as the ordinance was later found to be unconstitutional by legal experts.So she hurriedly again passed a special legislation for return of the promised land in Singur in the assembly amid walk-out of the opposition.Later this legislation was contested in court of law by Tata Motors and is still subjudice.

Next to solve the problem of GJM who was long agitating at hills for separate Gorkhaland she made a Tripartite treaty between state govt, central govt and GJM on Gorkhaland Territorial Administration which has conferred maximum possible autonomy to GJM along with a portion of Dooars and Terai to be added to their territory.GJM is happy with this treaty particularly for inclusion of name Gorkhaland which paves the way for future movement for statehood.Not only that, the treaty itself categorically mentions GJM is not parting with their demand for separate Gorkhaland.In fact GJM leadership is making no bones about their demand for separate statehood.It simply means division of Bengal can't be altogether ruled out in days to come.What's more, resentment is running high among the tribals and other ethnic groups in Dooars and Terai against the merging of their land with Gorkhaland territory.That apart,the treaty is a shot in the arm of the sponsors of movement for Greater Coochbehar, who have started indefinite fast at Delhi and Coochbehar in support of their demand.

To bring peace in Jungalmahal she visited the place and promised to begin developmental activities there shortly.She declared all tribals of Jungalmahal were entitled to BPL cards.However,Maoists have their persistent demand for withdrawal of joint forces and release of all prisoners.CM has called upon the Maoists to open dialogue with the govt,abjure violence and return to main stream of politics.So whether peace would return to Jungalmahal depends on how Maoists react to CM's overture of peace.However, political circles are not very optimistic in this regard.

What is important is Mamata Banerjee's claim yesterday during her speech at victory celebration and observing martyr's day at Brigade Parade Ground that she solved all the above noted problems with in record time of two months has not yet proved true and we need to wait and watch for some time more for the results.

Hoax?

When LF govt, routed in assembly polls ,left writers’, coffer was reportedly empty. State’s now over head and ears in debt. However, Central govt has assured state to pay assistance to partially wriggle out of the financial crisis and advised it to earn revenue to strengthen economic position. But state govt fight sigh of taking measures to augment state’s income by levying taxes in some form or other lest it could be unpopular to public. Nevertheless it continues to make promises galore of developmental activities almost everywhere without caring for money to implement these developmental programs. The state has promised almost 70,000 new jobs in different spheres. Who will pay their salaries while state feel constrained to pay salaries of those who are already in service? Then are most of these promises made simply hoax? If so, isn’t it very unfortunate?

Paving way for statehood!

It’s not wise to believe Bimal Gurung’s statement(July 19) that GJM has not budged from their demand for separate Gorkhaland state almost with in 24 hrs of signing the tripartite treaty on GTA was made under duress to satisfy the sentiment of the hill people. It’s more so because in the treaty itself it has been put on record the GJM is not parting with their demand for separate statehood. The treaty has, in fact, officially accorded the right to GJM for movement for separate Gorkhaland perhaps in near future. In reality Mamata Banerjee has been able to purchase peace in hills in record time after assuming office. What’s interesting is a section of press has been almost hysteric about this treaty calling it ‘historic’. However, the word ‘Historic’ has lost its gloss due to frequent use. What’s certain our state is to be prepared to face a serious movement for separate Gorkhaland in days to come.