West Bengal in IITF 2021-The Story of Self-Reliance and Growth

New Delhi, Nov 14, 2021: The India International Trade Fair is returning after a coronavirus-induced hiatus, and West Bengal is back with a display of its crafts, culture, cuisine and creativity, as well as its rapid and inclusive growth in various spheres.

The popular annual event is taking place in the newly redeveloped premises in Pragati Maidan, in which West Bengal has been allocated a place in First Floor of Hall-2.

In conformity with the theme decided by ITPO, the organizer, for IITF 2021, that is, ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat-Self Reliant India’, the focus in West Bengal Pavilion is also to project the self- sufficiency of the state in sectors of development and growth.

In keeping with this, the central theme area has been designed. On a revolving platform, depicting the different fields of development of the state on an illuminated profile, are placed two replicas of Dokra art forged in Bankura, West Bengal, highlighting the self-reliant and indomitable spirit of the people of rural Bengal. Aiding them are schemes and projects undertaken by Government of West Bengal, the fruits of which are reaching citizens through programmes like ‘Duare Sarkar’, or doorstep delivery of government services. The symbol of Duare Sarkar, shaped like a tree, has been projected in the background. Towering over it is a likeness of Biswa Bangla Gate, the iconic modern architectural marvel of New Town, Kolkata. Together, they symbolize the strides made by the state in improving the lives of people in both rural and urban sectors.

The three facades of the state stall portray likenesses of three landmarks in Kolkata/Howrah – Victoria Memorial Hall, Howrah Bridge/Station and Dakshineshwar Kali temple.

West Bengal Pavilion is also projecting the enviable tradition of the state in rural craftsmanship through its superb handicrafts and handloom products. The Pavilion has brought together units and enterprises such as Tantuja, Manjusha, Bangashree, Biswa Bangla, West Bengal Khadi and Village Industries Board, Paschim Banga Resham Shilpi Samabaya Mahasangha and several self-help group units. Departments of Tourism, Agricultural Marketing and Animal Resources Development have also taken pride of place in the Pavilion.

Dr Krishna Gupta, Principal Resident Commissioner and Shri R D Meena, Principal Advisor, Government of West Bengal, inaugurated the West Bengal Pavilion at IITF 2021 this evening.

They also took a round of the Pavilion and interacted with participants.

Promotion of Bengal Mangoes in Delhi

Delhi summers and Bengal mangoes make an enduring narrative. To ensure continuity, Government of West Bengal has organized promotional activities related to the brand “Bengal Mangoes” in the national capital this week. However, with the pandemic still looming large on our collective psyche, the initiative is being undertaken on a minimalistic scale, with all Covid-appropriate norms in place. The annual Bengal Mango Mela is being held in Delhi since 2013, and it has gradually evolved into an eagerly-awaited event for mango connoisseurs among the cross-section of society in the city. The exposition could not be held last year due to the outbreak of the Covid crisis, but this time, efforts are being made to carry out a campaign to ensure brand outreach and to provide a platform to the farmers from the state. The Office of the Resident Commissioner, Government of West Bengal, has come together with Malda Mango Merchants’ Association, with support from the state’s Department of Horticulture and Food Processing, to bring around three tonnes of Himsagar, Langra and Lakshmanbhog mangoes to Delhi in the first consignment. The Himsagar and Lakshmanbhog varieties among them boast of the coveted GI tag. The promotional initiative will have the following components: – 1) An outlet at the agri-marketing counter at Gate 2, Banga Bhawan, 3, Hailey Road, where mangoes will be available for purchase. 2) Bengal Mango on Wheels: Fabricated promotional canters for sale of mangoes will be placed at city neighbourhoods and locations for visibility and bringing the king of fruit at your doorstep. 3) Mango merchants have tied up with wholesale markets in the NCR for supplying a part of the consignment so that it can reach a wider section of people in Delhi and neighbouring states.4) Mangoes are being sent for sampling to all the Resident Commissioner’s Offices, Information Offices and state bhawans to ensure an outreach on a pan-India basis. 5) Facilitation of a tie-up between our state guest house caterers M/s Bijoli Grill, and the Oxford Cha Bar Connaught Place with the Malda mango merchants for promotion of the mangoes, wherein bookings may be made through food delivery apps, has been contemplated and explored in a revenue-sharing model and the facility should be available in a day or two. Packing, handling and selling of mangoes are being done with utmost caution ensuring appropriate norms of hygiene. With the DDMA curbs still in place, the present endeavour is a part of our efforts to re-strategise and elicit responses in view of the paradigm shift in consumer behaviour and marketing trends due to the Covid19 outbreak. Feedbacks in the form of mails (Mail ID: info@rcwb.in) would be valued and appreciated

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Report on transporation of Migrant Labourers from Jammu to Kolkata

On the evening of 1st November, 2019, this office received information that 133 migrant labourers mainly from West Bengal working in various parts of Kashmir were being brought to the plains of Jammu for safety by CRPF.

This was following the gruesome murder of 5 migrant labourers in Kashmir on 30th October, 2019. The Office of the Hon’ble Chief Minister reacted with alacrity and entrusted the co-ordination of the operation to the Office of the Resident Commissioner, Government of West Bengal, New Delhi.

The matter was actively pursued by the Office of the Resident Commissioner, Government of West Bengal and taken up with the Railway Board and it was decided that a Coach would be allotted to the Jammu Tawi Express on 2nd November, 2019 for safe transportation of the traumatised migrant labourers.

A team comprising of Shri Prasenjit Das, Deputy Resident Commissioner, Shri Rajdeep Datta, Liaison Officer and Shri Somnath Chakraborty, Shri Amba Dutt, LDA and Shri Sanjay Verrma, Protocol Executive was sent to Jammu to coordinate with the CRPF, Railway Authority and Local Administration for ensuring safe evacuation.

138 migrant labourers mainly from West Bengal working in Jammu & Kashmir with the following break up were facilitated to travel to their homes:

Dakshin Dinajpur – 112

Uttar Dinajpur – 6

North 24 Parganas – 2

Jalpaiguri – 2

Cooch Behar – 2

Birbhum – 8

Maldah – 1

Assam – 5

9 police personnel (2 from Cooch Behar, 4 from South Dinajpur, 3 from Bidhannagar) reached Jammu and boarded along with the 138 migrant labourers for covering them during the travel period Train No.: 13152 Jammu Tawi Expess on 2nd November, 2019.

All meals till reaching on 4th November, 2019 (viz., dinner, breakfast, lunch, tea/ snacks, dinner throughout the journey were booked for the comfort of the people.

The train left Jammu Tawi on 2nd November, 2019 at 7:00 PM and reached Kolkata Station on 4th November, 2019 at around 4:00 PM and was received by the Hon’ble Mayor of Kolkata, Shri Firhad Hakim.

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IITF-‘16: BENGAL TO HIGHLIGHT DIGITAL REVOLUTION, INDIGENOUS SKILS

New Delhi, November 14: The role of new technologies like electronics and IT — especially of effective e-governance initiatives, stronger online infrastructure and wider internet connectivity — in ensuring a better, faster and more transparent public service delivery and overall improvement in the quality of lives of people, is the highlight of the West Bengal Pavilion at the India International Trade Fair-2016, which is focusing on the theme of “Digital India” this year.

The State is also exhibiting Bengal’s great artistic and cultural heritage, its superb handicrafts and handloom products, its prowess in Power Generation, Industry, Agriculture and Tourism, the digital boost in Higher Education and School Education sector as well as its present achievements and future opportunities.

Enumerated below are some of the key facets of West Bengal Pavilion, which was inaugurated today by Dr. Partha Chatterjee, Hon’ble Minister for School Education, Higher Education and Parliamentary Affairs, in the presence of senior officials of the Government of West Bengal and other top dignitaries:-

v In keeping with the catch-phrase of “Egiye Bangla”, the West Bengal Pavilion fascia has projected the iconic symbol of the Biswa Bangla brand — connected through linear tracks as seen in a circuit board — to images of different walks of life, signifying the all-pervading IT and digital revolution that has brought positive changes in different sectors and all sections of the population.

v The signature development projects of the state government find a pride of place in the fascia, including the internationally acclaimed Kanyashree scheme for girl child empowerment and the “Sabooj Sathi” project for distribution of bi-cycles to the students of class IX to XII in schools run, aided and sponsored by the government.

v The theme area has outlined the growth trajectory of Bengal with emphasis on “powering progress, empowering people”. Various departments such as Information and Cultural Affairs, Commerce and Industries, Higher Education, Minority Affairs, Animal Resources Development etc. have also highlighted their achievements in the Pavilion.

v The Tourism section, apart from visually portraying famous tourist destinations of Bengal, such as Mandarmani, Murshidabad, Purulia and Sundarbans, has depicted the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, which has been accorded UNESCO World Heritage status. Live demonstration by handicrafts artisans will also be a special attraction here.

v The Pavilion, with a total floor area of 22,000 sq feet, is featuring around 50 stalls representing small scale industries and 23 others from Self-Help Groups.

v The Department of Agriculture Marketing is operating a stall to promote aromatic rice and processed food items.

v Bengali sweets will also be there to tickle the taste buds of the visitors. Darjeeling tea and Bengali books will be on sale at the stall of Oxford Book Store.

v ‘West Bengal Day’ will be celebrated in IITF on November 26, 2016. Dr. Amit Mitra, Hon’ble Minister, Finance, Commerce and Industries & Excise, is scheduled to address a press conference at Pragati Auditorium in the afternoon.

v Special attractions in the evening on the State Day will be an ensemble of folk cultural programmes, comprising Khol Badya, Sherpa Dance, Chandi Dance and Natua Dance.

Bengal Mango Mela in Delhi

New Delhi, June 16: To provide a memorable, tasty and juicy treat to the connoisseurs of the national capital during the summer season, the Government of West Bengal is organizing a special “Mango Mela” at Handloom Haat, Janpath, Connaught Place, New Delhi, from 16th June, 2016 to 30th June, 2016.

This is the 4th Edition of Bengal mango festival being held in Delhi, which was inaugurated today in the gracious presence of Shri R.D. Meena, Advisor, Industries and Officer on Special Duty, Government of West Bengal, and other senior officials of the State Government.

The exhibition, which will be on display at the AC Hall at the Second Floor of Handloom Haat, is bringing together delectable varieties from Malda, Hooghly, 24 Parganas (North) and Bankura districts such as Golapkhas, Gopalbhog, Brindaboni, Ranipasand, Mallika, Chatterjee, Langra, Fazli, Himsagar and Laxmanbhog, the last three having received the coveted registration under the Geographical Indication (GI) Index. A GI is a name or sign used on certain products which corresponds to a specific geographical location or origin. Typically, such a name conveys an assurance of quality and distinctiveness essentially attributable to the fact of its origin in that defined geographical locality.

Select handloom and handicrafts from Bengal will also be on sale at the venue during the period. Cultural soirees will be organized at the courtyard of Handloom Haat in the evenings of 18th June, 2016 and 25th June, 2016, with Chhau and Raibenshe folk dances and traditional music bringing out the vibrant, rich and living cultural heritage of Bengal.

The initiative is being supported by the Departments of Food Processing Industries & Horticulture, Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises and Textiles, Tourism and Information & Cultural Affairs, Government of West Bengal, as well as the offices of the respective District Magistrates. The Office of the Resident Commissioner, Government of West Bengal, is coordinating the event.

The Office of the Development Commissioner (Handlooms), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, which is the controlling authority of Handloom Haat, has extended valuable assistance and prompt cooperation to this endevour.

IITF-‘15: BENGAL TO HIGHLIGHT GROWTH TRAJECTORY, INDIGENOUS SKILLS

Press Note

New Delhi: The growth story of a buoyant Bengal, aided by the power of traditional knowledge, indigenous skills and creative genius wedded to a resurgent spirit of positivity and aspiration, is the highlight of the West Bengal Pavilion at the India International Trade Fair-2015, which is focusing on the theme of “Make in India” this year.The State is also exhibiting Bengal’s great artistic and cultural heritage, its superb handicrafts and handloom products, its prowess in Information Technology, Power Generation, Industry, Agriculture, Education, Tourism etc. and its present achievements and future opportunities.
A pride of place has been reserved for the “Biswa Bangla” initiative, through which all aspects of Bengal’s crafts, culture and creativity will be projected under a single umbrella organization to build a “brand Bengal” in the international market.

In keeping with the catch-phrase of “Come to Bengal: Ride the Growth”, the West Bengal Pavilion fascia has projected the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger in all its splendor. The vigorous leap of the Bengal tiger symbolizes the force which powers the wheels of progress and the State’s potential for future advancements.

The overwhelming presence of Goddess Durga – resplendent in full regalia in the magnificent Mahishasuramardini form as well as in a stunning representation of the “tri-nayana’ (three eyes) as a centerpiece — epitomizes empowerment, knowledge and determination.

Enumerated below are some of the key facets of West Bengal Pavilion, which was inaugurated on November 14, 2015 by Shri Partha Chatterjee, Hon’ble Minister for School Education, Higher Education and Parliamentary Affairs, in the presence of senior officials of the Government of West Bengal and other top dignitaries:-

A special attraction in the Pavilion is a separate section dedicated to the great freedom leader Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. Apart from panels showcasing some pages of the files on Netaji which were recently de-classified by the State Government, photographs, CDs and books on his life and times are being displayed. DVDs of the de-classified files are also be available for sale.

The façade has highlighted advancement of the State in various fields such as art, culture, science, education and industry through terracotta motifs.

Life-like figurines of artisans and folk performers at the frontage of the Pavilion have depicted the traditional skill enhancement initiatives and promotion and preservation of heritage by the State Government.

The Lok Prasar Prakalpa, under which financial assistance is being given to folk artistes, and the internationally acclaimed Kanyashree scheme for girl child empowerment have been projected.

The theme area has outlined the growth trajectory of Bengal with emphasis on “powering progress, empowering people”. It has been highlighted that the State gives emphasis on facilitating growth of industry and investment through creation of a conducive atmosphere and necessary infrastructure while it also boasts of a large pool of skilled manpower.

The concept of “Theme-based and Smart Cities for West Bengal” has been highlighted in the Urban Development Panels.
The normalization initiatives by the State Government and prevailing atmosphere of peace in Jangal Mahal and Darjeeling Hills have also been depicted.
The Pavilion, with a total floor area of 22,000 sq feet, is featuring around 45 stalls representing small scale industries and 23 others from Self-Help Groups.
Handloom and handicrafts on sale will include wood and jute products, zari work, sitalpati (fine mats), ‘nakshi kantha’ (traditional needle craft), leather goods of Shantiniketan, Baluchari sarees, readymade garments. batik work, clay models, terracotta jewellery as well as Darjeeling tea.
The Department of Agriculture Marketing is operating a stall to promote aromatic rice and processed food items.
Bengali sweets are also be there to tickle the taste buds of the visitors.
Tourism, one of the sectors identified under the “Make in India” initiative for job creation and skill enhancement, is a key industry in the State with huge potential for expansion, investment and advancement. The State is endowed with all the diversities of nature – from snow-peaked mountains in the north to the golden sea beaches in the south – which has been highlighted through a diorama at the front of the Pavilion. Various famous tourist destinations such as Darjeeling, Dooars, Sundarbans and Bishnupur have been visually presented in the Tourism Section.
‘West Bengal Day’ will be celebrated in IITF on November 25, 2015. Dr. Amit Mitra, Hon’ble Minister, Finance, Excise & Commerce and Industries, is scheduled to address a press conference at Pragati Auditorium on that day.
Special attractions in the evening on the State Day will be an ensemble of folk cultural programmes comprising Dhol Badya (drumbeats), Baul Songs, Raibenshe Dance, Rava Dance and Chhau Dance.

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Situation Report at 10.30 am on 30-06-2013

Last night 66 pilgrims boarded the special AC 3 Tier coach hired by us in Doon Express. The train left Haridwar at 11 pm with scheduled arrival at Hawrah at 6.55 am on 1st July, 2013. Arrangements for their reception and onward transfer to home may kindly be planned.

On persuasion railways agreed to provide concession in the hiring amount and we were required to pay only Rs. 2.05 lakh instead of Rs. 3.5 lakh. Since haulage charges to the originating point are also included in this cost, relatives of missing persons can avail of free service to reach Haridwar by this coach. Already 10 persons have been enrolled for this. This coach will leave Hawrah with Doon Express on 1st July 2013 at 20.30 hrs.

So far 5 persons have arrived at Rishikesh from Badrinath and 22 are on way. By this evening, with sorties operational and road open we expect a sizable number of pilgrims arriving late this evening or by noon tomorrow. Accordingly, arrangements of hiring a special coach are being made.

According to reports compiled at Banga Bhawan Control Room 3080 stranded pilgrims have been reported to be safe. The first list of pilgrims still untraced has been provided to the Secretary Disaster Management Uttarakhand and missing people’s cell of Uttarakhand for tracing them.

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Situation Report at 10:30 am on 29-06-2013

We have 44 pilgrims available for Journey back to West Bengal tonight and another 40 pilgrims on way. Last night we helped 28 pilgrims board the train in addition to 5 pilgrims made to entrain after revalidation of their tickets. By now we have enabled 805 pilgrims (including 108 by air) safe return to West Bengal. If necessary, we will request railway to provide an extra coach tonight.

Yesterday 281 pilgrims were airlifted from Badrinath besides 720 moved on foot to Joshimath. All of them are expected to reach Haridwar by today evening. Due to heavy fog sorties are not operating at Badrinath now, but are expected to run by 11am today.

According to reports compiled at Banga Bhawan Control Room 2517 stranded pilgrims have been reported to be safe. We are contacting the family members of about 17 groups whose whereabouts are still not confirmed. As per our records all these persons were last contacted by their family members on the Kedarnath Route. We have provided the first list of such pilgrims to Secretary Disaster Management Uttarakhand to do a thorough search for them near their last contact points.

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Situation Report at 10:30 am on 28-06-2013

Arrangements for hiring an AC 3-tier coach to facilitate movement of pilgrims by the Doon Express on Saturday 29.6.2013 have been made with reservation fee of Rs.50,000 paid yesterday. So far, 40 pilgrims have enrolled for availing of the coach. 18 people were put on train last night (16 at Haridwar and 2 at Dehradun). 9 are likely to do the same tonight. Besides these, 22 pilgrims have only sought support to buy grains which is being arranged today (Earlier, 82 pilgrims were provided cash assistance of Rs. 300 each on 26.6.2013 to enable them to buy food etc en route. Record has been maintained for this.) In all we have enabled 675 pilgrims (including 108 by air) safe return to West Bengal till now.

Balance payment of the chartered aircraft will be made today by the Treasury Officer in Delhi on receiving the bill from Air India.

The air sorties are not operating today from Badrinath due to bad weather but are expected to resume by 11am. Harshil sector has been almost evacuated. Yesterday, 17 Helicopters have airlifted 572 pilgrims from Badrinath to Joshimath. Secretary Disaster Management Uttarakhand has told me that all stranded pilgrims at Badrinath have been issued evacuation slips and he estimates that such work should be over latest by tomorrow evening. We expect airlifted pilgrims to be reaching Rishikesh by late evening today/ tomorrow.

As per information released by in the Disaster Management Department, Uttarakhand at 10:00 am 1500 persons are still stranded.

According to reports compiled at Banga Bhawan Control Room 2362 stranded pilgrims have been reported to be safe. We are preparing the list of pilgrims still missing for sharing with Secretary Disaster Management Uttarakhand to do a thorough search for them near their last contact points.

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Situation Report at 10:30 am on 27-06-2013

All the 108 passengers who are to board the special flight at 2 pm are en route the airport in 3 buses hired by us and should reach there in next 15 minutes. MIC Planning will remain present at Jolly Grant Airport to send off the 108 pilgrims. This flight AI 3401 will leave Dehradun at 02:00 pm with scheduled arrival in Kolkata at 16:15 pm. Principal Secretary, Disaster Management may kindly make suitable arrangements for their reception and transport at Kolkata airport. Although, none of the 108 passengers require any medical support yet it will be useful to keep a Medical Officer available at the Airport in Kolkata for dealing with any contingency.

The air sorties have been working at full strength in Badrinath and Harshil sector and since morning have airlifted 40 pilgrims from Badrinath and 191 from Harshil. As per estimate of Secretary, Disaster Management Uttarakhand about 2,900 pilgrims are still stranded at Badrinath and 250 at Harshil.

A group of 14 persons from West Bengal led by Sri Gaurav (9038663797) was assisted by the Army to first reach Pandukeshwar from Badrinath and then to Govindghat at 08:00 am this morning. Sri S.A. Murugesan, D.M. Chamoli has assured to provide a transport for them for their safe journey to Rishikesh by this evening.

According to compiled reports 2131 stranded pilgrims have been reported to be safe. We are preparing the list of persons still missing.

450 pilgrims who have left Chinyalisor for Rishikesh in the morning are likely to reach Rishikesh by 05:00 pm today. Our Rishikesh help centre is active for providing any assistance to pilgrims from Bengal in this group.

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Situation Report at 10:30 am on 26-06-2013

The arrangement for hiring a helicopter for going to Badrinath had to be abandoned due to last evening’s helicopter accident at Gaurikund. I felt it was unsafe flying the MIC Planning in a single engine helicopter given the rough weather conditions in Badrinath.

Owing to the accident at Gaurikund, since morning no sorties are being operated by the Airforce and they are expected to be operational by the afternoon. Meanwhile, on foot movement of pilgrims from Badrinath to Lambagarh is continuing. The road from Chiniyalisor to Tehri is likely to be opened for traffic this afternoon.

46 stranded pilgrims who had returned to Haridwar boarded the Doon Express last night for Howrah. So far, we have 42 willing persons to avail of the Chartered flight. If sufficient numbers of pilgrims are not available for flying tomorrow we might operate the flight on Friday-Saturday.

After DGCA’s intervention CMD Air India has agreed to operate the flight on credit arrangement. However, we are paying some advance from Delhi today.

According to compiled reports 1698 stranded pilgrims have been reported to be safe. We are preparing the list of persons still missing.

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Situation Report at 11:00 am on 25-06-2013

We have facilitated 97 persons to board train from Haridwar to West Bengal last night. Till now 68 pilgrims are enrolled to entrain tonight.

Shri Debasis Sharma Sarkar & family with a child having health problem stranded at Military Camp Harsil have been brought to Haridwar and we are facilitating their safe return to Kolkata tonight.

We got information of about 145 pilgrims of West Bengal stranded in Badrinath from Bharat Sevasram Sangha (95 persons) and Balananda Ashram (50 persons), list of stranded pilgrims at Badrinath. We have requested 3 other ashrams at Badrinath to prepare and provide similar list by this evening. I request that the available list of 145 pilgrims may be publicised for knowledge of their being safe at Badrinath to their kith & kin. We have requested Uttarakhand Rescue Authority to airlift them as soon as possible.

Due to landslides in Guptkashi & Rudraprayag road from Joshimath to Tihri is closed today. I met Chief Secretary Uttarakhand today morning and he directed DM Rudraprayg & DM Uttarkashi to assist immediate evacuation of stranded pilgrims there.

Now sorties are flying for Badrinath & Harshil and evacuation work will be completed soon.

As per information compiled in Banga Bhavan control room 1373 contacts out of 2200 reportedly stranded pilgrims have confirmed their safety.

We intend to contact the injured pilgrims admitted in different hospitals for providing them whatever assistance they need.

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Situation Report at 11:00 am on 22-06-2013

Till Last night 130 pilgrims from West Bengal were put on train for journey back to West Bengal.

Today we have information about 86 pilgrims camping at Haridwar and ready to board the train in the night.

We have requested Secretary Disaster Management Uttrakhand to rush food supplies at Badrinath, Gauri Kund and Sukhitop. Shri Piyush Routela Director Disaster Management has just confirmed that food supplies are being made to these three points. The road from Guptkashi and Joshimath to Rishikesh is open. The weather today made turn inclement and hinder rescue operation.

To supplement our help desk strength at Haridwar Shri Prasenjit Das, DRC (09958300499) and Shri Bipul Nath ATO (08826259170)are reaching at Dehradun at 4 pm today.

Our Rishikesh help desk has information about 50 more pilgrims reaching rishikesh by this evening.

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Situation Report at 10:00 am on 21-06-2013

Last night 22 pilgrims from West Bengal were helped to board train for Kolkata.

We expect large number of pilgrims to arrive at Haridwar by 12:00 noon today and our team is ready to help them for whatever assistance they need. To suppliment resources at two help centers at Haridwar and Rishikesh four more staff have left Delhi in the morning and would join us by 04:00 pm. They will be also coordinating with the main Control Room of Uttarakhand administration at Harki Pauri Haridwar (01334-265876).

ED Coaching Railways has confirmed availability of three rakes with 16, 18 and 15 Coaches at Haridwar by 02:00 pm, 04:00 pm and 05:00 pm today for running special trains to West Bengal should such need arise. Otherwise railways will help the passengers to get seats in the normal trains available at Haridwar.

AT Gouri Kund the weather now clearing at 09:30 am 65 Helicopter sorties to evacuate stranded passengers to safe locations. Other roads have also opened up below Joshimath from Badrinath route. We expect pilgrims to be reaching Haridwar by late this evening. MIC Planning and Transport are camping at Tehri and have been apprised of the ongoing facilitation work.

MIC Planning was requesting to consider the need for a help desk at Howrah besides buses at Durgapur for those pilgrims who may like to disembark there to reach Bankura or close by places instead of going to Howrah. For this purpose we will convey information well in advance so that the DM concerned can be alerted in time.

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Situation Report at 05:00 pm on date 20-06-2013

At Rishikesh we have set up our help center at Rajkiya Prathmik Vidyalay No. 1 opposite Kotwali half km. away from the bus stand, where Amba Dutt (8826009238) and Uday Ray (9868243956) will assist the tourists/pilgrims and help them gain whatever assistance is required. Arrangements for transit stay have also been made close to our help center.

For Haridwar a similar help center will be functional shortly with Divyendu (9868097778) and Surendra (9868243631) present to assist specially for providing railway journey arrangements.

Executive Director Railways has coveyed that at Haridwar Sri Malhotra (09760534001) and at Rishikesh Sri D.K. Singh (09717630950) and at Dehradun Sanjeev Garg (09717630953) will be available for providing support for train journey reservations on Howrah Bound Trains.

Our two Ministers are already at Tehri and DM Tehri Sri Nitesh Jha (09458350100) has made all arrangements for their helping the stranded tourists/pilgrims from West Bengal.

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20th June, 2013

With the Roads from Uttarkashi and Gupatkashi now opening up for traffic we expect the stranded tourists/pilgrims to be reaching Rishikesh by late evening today. Accordingly we have contacted RTO Rishikesh and SDM to provide for transit arrangements and Buses for ferrying people from Rishikesh to Haridwar for onwards rail journey back to West Bengal.

At Rishikesh and Haridwar two each of RC office staff are being stationed to facilitate. (At Rishikesh : Shri Amba Dutt-08826009328 & Shri Uday – 09868243956 and at Haridwar: Shri Dibyendu-09868097778 & Shri Surender- 9868243631). They are on way to Rishikesh from Delhi. Meanwhile, LO (Shri Rajdeep Datta- 08826009307 )and Protocol Assistant (Shri Vivek Negi – 08826008994) are in Rishikesh to make all the necessory arrengements for water, Food, Medicine, Transit Stay and movement. Executive Director Coaching Railways Shri Guha has on contact deployed ADRM Shri Malhotra at Haridwar to help people Board Howrah Bound trains from tonight the first one of which leaves Haridwar at 2155 hours today. To those who are aged or ill due to fatigue or otherwise the exceptional recourse of making them travel by flight from Delhi to Kolkata will be made for which Air India has already promised 120 Seats from 21 June onwards on AI 0231 departing Delhi at 05:45 AM. If needed, transit stay arrangments at Banga Bhavan Delhi, Kali bari and Bharat Sevashram have been made to keep about 400 people, before they leave for home.

The two Ministers are now at Dehradun and likely to shift base to Rishikesh by this evening after they have met the Chief Minister, Uttarakhand and Minister in-charge Disaster Management this afternoon.

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11th September, 2012

The inclusion of a chapter “Bal Bibah Kakhono Noi” on preventing  child marriage in the Class-V text book “Amader Paribesh”  depicts the heroic activism of 6 girls from Purulia who resisted child marriage in 2008 when they were only 12-13 years of age. It is intended to create a strong message for moulding societal opinion against this social evil and leave an indelible imprint in the young reader’s mind.  These girls are still studying and spreading the social message of anti-child marriage wherever they go.

16th August, 2012

5 Freedom fighters from West Bengal viz., S/Shri Shambhu Nath Dutta, Sudhanshu Samanta, Dr. Kartik Dutta, Brajokrishna Das and Khitish Chandra Acharya had the Honor of presenting themselves before the Hon’ble President of India on 9th August, 2012. The gallery has pictures of this “At Home” function.

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17th March, 2012

The recent decision of the State Government to restructure the RC’s Office by creating a unified set-up for all State Government’s offices in Delhi bolsters our commitment to discharge our responsibilities efficiently and effectively. The corresponding benefit of smooth career progression to the disposition and higher devolution of administrative and financial powers on the system will motivate all of us for improved governance. We are on the threshold of migrating to a paperless office soon.

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The campaign against child marriage in West Bengal is gaining strength. It is proved by the presence of 22 valiant activist girls from Purulia, Bankura, Murshidabad and Malda as participants in the CNN-IBN anchored programme ” All the President’s Children” at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on 17th January, 2012. In Purulia & Malda alone last year 115 girls successfully refused their child marriage. Similar data from other districts are under compilation.

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The Hon’ble President of India acclaimed on 7th December, 2011 the role of 5 young social messengers from Purulia who overcame pressures from the society & their parents and refused child marriage. In her message to the State, the Hon’ble President desired that these torchbearers carry their campaign far & wide so that this social evil can be effectively combated through sensitization, empowerment, economic growth and social development.

From right Sunita Mahato, Bina Kalindi, Her Excellency The President of India, Sangita Bauri, Afsana Khatun, Mukti Majhi