US President Donald Trump has said he wants immigrants to come from everywhere even as the White House pushes for a merit-based immigration system.

“I want them to come in from everywhere everywhere,” Trump told reporters yesterday in a brief response to a question surrounding the controversy about his recent statement in which he allegedly said he wants more people to come from Norway.

Later in the day, White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders told reporters that the president is pushing for a merit-based system irrespective of the country, religion and ethnicity of an applicant.

“He wants immigrants to come in from everywhere, but he wants to do that through a merit-based system,” said Sanders.

“By definition a merit based system is color blind. It’s not basing it on any of that criteria.It’s not based on race, religion or country of origin. It’s actually based on the merits of whether or not this person’s going to be contributing to society,” she said in response to a question.

Sanders said it was a “much more fair system” and the one supported and voted by Democrats “just years ago”.

“But now Trump is championing it. The opposition, Democrats, are just showing absolute signs and definitions of what hypocrisy looks like,” said Sanders.

“Democrats need to quit playing politics.. They need to come to the table with a real deal based on the parameters that were discussed in the meeting that most of you saw, and let’s try to get something done for the American people,” Sanders said.

The Border Security Force has seized 23 kg of ganja from near the Bangladesh border in West Bengal, it said on Tuesday.

Information was received on Monday regarding smuggling of ganja in North 24 Parganas district’s Swarupnagar area.

Accordingly, an ambush was planned by troops of Amudia Border outpost (BOP) near the India-Bangladesh border on Monday.

When the troops confronted the miscreants, they fled leaving behind their head load, a BSF release said.

After a thorough search of the area, the BSF troops recovered six bundles in which 23 kg of ganja was packed, the release said.

The seized ganja has been handed over to Customs Office Tentulia, it said.

In a bid to attract investments to the state, the Maharashtra government has decided to hold a “Magnetic Maharashtra: Convergence 2018” conclave in Mumbai from February 18 to 20 and it will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Conversion rate for memorandums of understanding (MoU) in the state had been highest in the country, as it was a place made for business, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said during an event here.

“The average conversion rate for MoUs is 30 per cent. In Maharashtra, it is over 50 per cent,” Fadnavis said.

He said that out of the MoUs worth Rs 8 lakh-crore signed during the “Make in India Summit 2016”, investment of Rs 4.5 lakh-crore had already been made so far.

Maharashtra’s economy is worth $400 billion and its growth rate over 10 per cent.

“So, if we can sustain this growth rate for next seven-eight years, we will become first $1-trillion economy in the country. In order to achieve that, we want to showcase our strengths and opportunities,” he added.

A war with North Korea is avoidable, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Wednesday, urging direct talks between key powers on dismantling Pyongyang’s nuclear program.

Guterres said recent moves by South and North Korea to ease tensions were important, but he added: “let’s not forget that the essential problem is yet to be solved.”

“I believe war is avoidable,” Guterres told reporters, but he added: “I am not yet sure that peace is guaranteed.”

The UN chief said his goal was to ensure that “those who are more relevant in this process are able to seriously talk to each other and seriously find a way to denuclearization.”

The former Portuguese prime minister begins his second year as UN chief this month with North Korea looming large as the most pressing global security threat.

The United States and North Korea have shown little interest in holding direct talks to address the crisis.

Presenting his priorities for 2018 to the General Assembly, Guterres said there were “small signs of hope” after North Korea agreed to take part in the Winter Olympics in the South and the re-opening of a military hotline between Pyongyang and Seoul.

Guterres will attend the opening ceremony of the Pyeongchang Games next month.

North Korea’s race to build an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of hitting the United States with a nuclear warhead has raised fears of a devastating conflict.

At the United Nations in September, President Donald Trump vowed to “totally destroy” North Korea if it launches an attack on the United States.

Trump’s administration has been adamant that North Korea must first freeze its military programs before talks can take place.

The United States has led the drive at the Security Council to ratchet up economic sanctions on North Korea such as restrictions on oil supplies that were adopted in December.

Pakistani troops opened fire at Indian posts along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district on Tuesday, injuring an Army Captain, officials said.

“There was a ceasefire violation by the Pakistan Army.

They resorted to firing along the LoC in Chakan Da Bagh area in Poonch this evening,” a security force official said.

The injured Army Captain has been hospitalised, they said.

The Indian troops retaliated and the exchange of fire continued till late night, they said.

The latest violation of the ceasefire came a day after seven Pakistani Army men, including a Major, were killed and four others injured in retaliatory action by the Indian Army in Poonch.

Authorities had on Monday suspended the cross-LoC bus service between Chakan Da Bagh and Rawalakot, following heightened tension on the LoC.

Lungi Ngidi bowled a fantastic spell and took six wickets to help South Africa beat India by 135 runs in the second Test match of the three-match Test series at Centurion on Wednesday. With this win, the Proteas also took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.

South Africa proved to be a superior team at Centurion, as except for Rohit Sharma (47) and Mohammed Shami (28), none of the Indian batsman could cross the score of 20 runs.

Earlier, chasing 287 runs for a series-equalising win, India faltered from the start in their second innings and lost three quick wickets to close the penultimate day of their second cricket Test against South Africa at 35 for three here on Tuesday.

India lost openers Murali Vijay and Lokesh Rahul and skipper — and first inning centurion — Virat Kohli to the South African pace battery before they could even settle down.

Cheteshwar Pujara (11 batting) and Parthiv Patel (5 batting) were at the crease when umpires ended play for the day.

The Indians now require 252 runs on the fifth and final day in order to earn victory and pull level in the series.

For South Africa, Lungisani Ngidi scalped two wickets while fellow pacer Kagiso Rabada took one wicket.

Chasing a target of 287 runs, the visitors lost opener Murali Vijay early on when a Rabada delivery pitched outside off and nipped sharply in to hit the stumps.

Vijay’s fellow opener Lokesh Rahul departed shortly afterwards when he handed a soft catch to Keshav Maharaj at point off Ngidi’s bowling.

Ngidi then struck a crucial blow to the visitors when he sent back the in-form Kohli a short while later.

Kohli never looked comfortable during his 24-ball stay in the middle and was trapped leg before when he misjudged a low, incoming delivery.

Earlier, India bowled out South Africa for 258 in their second innings and set themselves a 287-run target.

AB de Villiers (80) and captain Faf du Plessis (48) were the key contributors for the hosts at the SuperSport Park.

For India, Mohammed Shami was the pick of the bowler, taking 4/49, while fellow fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah bagged three wickets for 70 runs.

Resuming their second innings at the overnight score of 90/2, the Proteas rode on the partnership of de Villiers and Elgar as they threatened to take the game away from India.

The duo had joined hands with South Africa struggling at 3/2 and on Tuesday, they continued from where they left off, adding 141 runs between them to pull the hosts out of trouble.

Both of them looked bright and maintained a very healthy rate in the first hour of the day with boundaries coming their way easily at regular intervals.

De Villiers was in control against the Indian bowlers while Elgar, who completed his ninth Test half-century, was resolute.

Shami however, took three wickets to pull India back into contention as they reduced South Africa to 173/5 at lunch.

The Bengal fast bowler removed de Villiers, Elgar and Quinton de Kock in the first session as the hosts managed to add 83 runs to their overnight score before lunch.

Shami got the first breakthrough of the day for India when a rising delivery kissed de Villiers’ gloves for an easy catch to wicket-keeper Parthiv Patel.

Soon, Elgar pulled one straight into the hands of Lokesh Rahul at deep square leg as the hosts lost their fourth wicket for 151 runs.

It could have been 151/5 had Rahul pulled off a half chance at short-leg off du Plessis, who was then on six. Du Plessis struggled against off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and managed to push it to the right of Rahul.

Shami continued his impressive spell as he got rid of de Kock, who edged an away-moving ball to Parthiv, leaving his side at 163/5.

Du Plessis and Philander then negated the Indian bowlers till the umpires called for lunch.

Faf du Plesis and Vernon Philander then batted steadily to help the hosts post 230/7 by the tea break.

The duo batted together for most of the post-lunch session and added 45 runs between them as the hosts increased their lead to 258 runs.

Du Plesis remained unbeaten on 37 runs at the break with Kagiso Rabada yet to open his account at the other end.

Philander scored a patient 26 off 85 balls with two hits to the fence before being caught by Murali Vijay at square leg after hitting out at a short pitched delivery from Ishant Sharma.

The rest of the South African tailenders also batted patiently to frustrate the Indian bowlers.

Ishant bowled with pace and aggression, putting the Proteas batsmen under pressure on several occasions and was rewarded with a couple of wickets after lunch.

Philander was the very picture of resolute defence during his innings. But he eventually lost his patience and lashed out at an Ishant delivery which cost him his wicket.

Keshav Maharaj did not last very long before falling to another excellent delivery from Ishant just before tea.

Struggling to survive despite the government ‘s clean energy dream, biodiesel industies have demanded the Goods and Service Tax (GST) rate on them be slashed from the current 18 to 5 per cent.

The demand came days after solar industry made a similar pitch, stating while unrealistic levy on the solar panels is killing the indian industry and giving an edge to Chinese exporters.

On Tuesday, the Biodiesel Association of India (BDAI) wrote to Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and Finance Ministers of West Bengal and Rajasthan seeking reduction of high GST rate.

The apex industry body pointed out that while there is a huge potential of producing more cleaner fuel in India, the extraordinary levy has bought the industry at the “brink of extinction”.

With implementation of GST from July 1 2017, levy on Biodiesel has gone from 6 percent in excise duty to 18 per cent in GST.

“This has made Biodiesel costlier than High Speed Diesel (HSD) and biodiesel users will not get any Input Credit for use of it. Both these put together, effective cost of Biodiesel has become unviable to the end users. Eventually the entire Biodiesel industry will come to a halt, despite this Green Fuel having such environment and social benefits,” BDAI said in the letters.

Made directly from edible oil in equal quantity, of which India is second highest consumer, the bio-diesel helps in reducing the emissions by 30 to 100 percent, depending upon its blend in the normal diesel.

“With 18 per cent GST, the price come around Rs. 10 per litres, this is equivalent to normal diesel,” BDAI President Sandeep Chaturvedi told IANS.

At present few states like Karnataka use 100 percent or zero emission biodiesel buses, while states like Andhra Pradesh use 20 percent blend bio-diesel.

“This means cleaner environment, drop in imports and several jobs,” Chaturvedi said.

Indian Railways, state transport corporations, port authorities, construction and mining, jute, textile and chemical manufacturers among others are users of biodiesel in India.

Currently India has an installed capacity of 12 lakh ton per annum of biodiesel, of which actual production is 3.5 lac ton per annum, however estimated or potential production is about 27.5 lakh tons per annum.

“The industry employs 25,000 people directly and 100,000 people indirectly and with the demand, employment requirement would go to an estimated 500,000,” Chaturvedi said.

He further added that by replacement of 3.95 million MT diesel by biodiesel, India would save its foreign currency of approx. S$1.47 billion.

“This can go further up with increase in Blend Ratio from 5 per cent to 20 per cent,” he said, adding that the biodiesel industry is also in discussions with the defence sector.

President Donald Trump warned his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, that Washington’s trade deficit with China “has continued to grow” and that the situation “is not sustainable,” the White House said on Tuesday.

Trump and Xi spoke by telephone late on Monday in Washington, when it was already Tuesday morning in Beijing, and also discussed diplomatic progress on the Korean peninsula, Efe reported.

“President Trump expressed disappointment that the United States’ trade deficit with China has continued to grow. President Trump made clear that the situation is not sustainable,” said the White House in a statement after the call.

The US trade deficit with China increased by 13 percent in 2017, the first year of Trump’s presidency, to 1.87 trillion yuan ($288 billion), according to official figures released last Friday in Beijing.

Meanwhile, the US Department of Commerce reported in early January that the negative trade balance between the US and China totalled $344.4 billion between January-November 2017, with figures for December still being unavailable at the time.

Trump considers the trade deficit to be a sign of economic weakness and has blamed it on the existing trade agreements with other countries that, in his judgment, are the root cause of job losses in the US manufacturing sector.

The US president during his election campaign threatened to impose tariffs of up to 45 percent on Chinese products and to declare China to be a currency manipulator, but for the moment he has not taken any action on those two issues, believing that first he must develop a closer working relationship with Xi to resolve the crisis involving North Korea.

In their telephone conversation, Trump and Xi “acknowledged the resumption of inter-Korean dialogue and expressed hope that it might prompt a change in North Korea’s destructive behaviour,” the White House said.

“President Trump committed to sustain the United States-led global campaign of maximum pressure to compel North Korea to commit to denuclearisation,” the White House added.

According to the official Chinese press, Xi insisted during the call that all parties must join efforts to capitalize on advances on the Korean peninsula and create the conditions for resuming diplomatic negotiations.

Regarding trade, Xi emphasized that economic and trade cooperation between Washington and Beijing has provided concrete benefits for both parties, and thus constructive methods should be used to resolve bilateral differences in this area via greater opening of both markets, according to the Chinese version of the call.

US President Donald Trump has said that his South Asia strategy is “working far more rapidly than anybody would understand” and denying protection for terrorists in Afhganistan.

The policy he announced in August was “providing crucial support for our forces in Afghanistan and denying safe haven for terrorists,” Trump told reporters on Tuesday at the White House in Washington where he was meeting Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev.

“Our troops fighting (the) IS and Taliban where we have made tremendous strides,” he added.

Trump’s South Asia policy gave New Delhi an enhanced role in the region. It focused on Afghanistan and covered India, Pakistan and the Central Asian nations and included a warning to Islamabad that it has much to lose by supporting terrorists.

Following up the August policy announcement and other pronouncements warning Islamabad about its support to terrorists operating in Afghanistan, the Trump administration froze security aid to Pakistan this month.

Nazarbayev said: “While the American troops (are) in Afghanistan, I think it’s the mission of the whole world to make sure that Afghanistan is stabilized and it also a mission for us as a neighbouring country to to see that peace prevails in Afghanistan.”

On Thursday, he is to preside over a high-level meeting of the United Nations Security Council on non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

At the time of the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991, Kazakhstan was left with the world’s fourth largest nuclear arsenal, which it voluntarily gave up.

“I think Kazakhstan has the moral right to talk to the nations that are seeking nuclear weapons,” Nazarbayev said. “And this is the way we are talking to Iran and this is the way we will be talking to North Korea.”

Veteran actor Kamal Haasan has announced he will commence his political journey from his hometown Ramanathapuram on February 21, when he will also reveal the name of his party.

He made the announcement in a statement issued late on Tuesday night, saying his purpose in life is to “challenge the status quo that has been plaguing the politics of Tamil Nadu for some time now”.

“I intend to embark on a journey across the state from February 21, 2018 to truly understand as to what the needs of my people are?, what is afflicting them?, what their aspirations are?

“Further, this momentous journey of meeting people across Tamil Nadu is neither an act of rebellion nor is it a gathering for glamour. Simply put, this is a journey of discovery and learning and an opportunity for me to truly understand my people,” said Haasan, 63.

This, he said, is being planned and executed in phases and over a period of time.

“I believe it will be truly appropriate if my political journey commences from the place of my birth and hometown Ramanathapuram. Following this, I intend on meeting and spending time with the people from the districts of Madurai, Dindigul and Sivagangai.

“In addition, at the commencement of the journey, I intend to announce the name of my political party along with the guiding principles we intend to live by,” Haasan added.

With his political foray, Haasan intends to “question mediocrity and raise the bar on governance and welfare for the people of Tamil Nadu”.

“The journey is intended towards that goal. I begin this journey with your support. Join hands with me to empower our country and state,” said the acclaimed actor, who feels the love he has for people of the state needs to be “manifested in action and deed”.

Following directives from the state government, the Raiganj  Coronation High School and Raiganj Girls’ High School in North Dinajpur district are all ready to introduce English medium courses separately, beside the Bengali medium, in their syllabus this year. The schools will begin taking in pupils for the new syllabus from this week.

However, the schools have alleged that they will be facing a lack of staff for the new course. They have claimed that are already facing several problems, but that they are “ready to start the new course only for the betterment of the students.” It is learnt that the state government recently directed the two schools to start the English medium course of study for students under the West Bengal Board.

The government has reportedly assured the schools adequate infrastructure soon. Guardians have started to queue up at the schools for admission of their wards in the government-aided schools. Ranjan Das, a guardian who visited Raiganj Girls’ High School seeking information on the new course, said, “My daughter is studying in a private English medium school now. It is very expensive. I came to know that the English medium course will start shortly in this school. It will be cheaper. I am going to admit my girl here in class V.”

The Headmaster of the Raiganj Coronation High School (HS), Subhendu Mukharjee, said, “It is true that we have a lack of staff and infrastructure to start an English Medium course now. But we will start this course despite the many difficulties in our school only for the benefit of the poor and the meritorious students.

Gorkha Jan Mukti Morcha (GJMM) leader Binoy Tamang today labeled Morcha leader Bimal Gurung as a man with “double standards.” According to him, while Mr Gurung claimed he did not express his desire to hold talks with chief minister Mamata Banerjee, in reality, he did make such statements. “Bimal Gurung’s lies have come out in the open, as he claimed two days back that he did not make statements saying that he is willing to talk to the state government.

He maintained that the newspapers published false reports. However, we have a video of the statement he gave to the Press in Delhi that day (11 January), and where he has said that he was ready to talk with the state government for the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration since long,” Mr Tamang said in the statement he released late in the evening.

“To a question thrown at him by the media on whether he was willing to sit for a meeting with the state government for a solution to the Hill problems, he has replied that he is ready since long and that useless displays will not bring in a solution. He has also said that it is only dialogues that can solve problems.

He has further said that the GTA was formed by the Centre, state and the Hill leaders, and whatever problems that arise must be solved by talks among the three parties,” Mr Tamang added.

The release further gave instances of Mr Gurung being “double-faced, which was also seen previously where he has betrayed the people.”

“This way, Gurung has not worked for the benefit of the people, but only tried to save his chair and himself. It is not only the common people that he is fooling, but hehas also been fooling the people in his own camp, as very recently, a statement was issued by a youth leader saying that Gurung had not made any statement regarding his wish to hold dialogue with the state government,” Mr Tamang said.

As the chairman of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) board of administrators, Binoy Tamang, becomes the first leader of the Hills to be invited to the twoday Bengal Global Business Summit that kicks off in Kolkata on Wednesday, industrialists here have expressed optimism when it comes to the much-needed development in the Hills of Darjeeling and Kalimpong.

The industrialists hope for fresh investments in the Hills. “Darjeeling and Kalimpong Hills have a lot of potential, while Hill people are also now showing interest in industrial development. Industries can be set up in the Hills, especially for tourism, floriculture, horticulture and MSME (medium, small and micro enterprises),” a senior member of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), North Bengal, said. “The region is gradually developing. So many positive initiatives have been taken recently for the development of the region. Mr Tamang must surely meet industrialists and investors during the two-day industrial summit to be held in Kolkata,” the member said.

It may be mentioned here that the tea and tourism industries in the Hills were severely hit by the 104-day-shutdown and the agitation for statehood recently. After he was made the chairman of the GTA board, Mr Tamang expressed his desire, during a meeting with chief minister Mamata Banerjee at Pintail Village near Siliguri last year, to organize a tourism festival and an industrial meet in Darjeeling for ushering in development. “It is a very big thing that Mr Binoy Tamang is joining the Industrial Summit in Kolkata.

The state government’s decision to invite him is very important and it indicates that the state has planned to develop the Hills,” said a senior tour operator, Samrat Sanyal. “Investment came in Darjeeling during the British era in the tea sector, and then the education sector later.

But there is no such remarkable investment for the Hills in the recent past,” Mr Sanyal said, adding, “An investment friendly atmosphere is, however, a must in Darjeeling before expecting investment and industrial development. With a vision of 10 to 20 years, there must be a master plan with land map and land bank for the development of tea and tourism.” According to him, Mr Tamang must meet brand hoteliers and invite them by offering ready land and infrastructure in the Hills.

Tourism destination meet at Gajoldoba

Meanwhile, the state tourism department has decided to invite Mr Tamang to attend another ‘tourism destination meet’ to be held at Gajoldoba on the banks of the Teesta river in Jalpaiguri on 21 January, sources said here today. Official sources added that more than 50 international delegates from at least 30 countries will also be attending that meeting.

“International delegates will also visit the Hills, including Kurseong, Kalimpong and Darjeeling,” the sources said, adding that state tourism minister Gautam Deb will make an official announcement on this very soon.

Out on a mission to conquer ‘Seven Summits’ in seven continents, Siliguri man Debabrata Ghosh is all set to climb Mt Aconcagua (6962 meters), the highest  mountain outside Asia and located in the Andes mountain range in the Mendoza Province in Argentina.

The peak there will be the third he would be scaling, as Mr Ghosh has already set foot atop Mt Elbrus in Russia and Mt Kilimanjaro in Africa in 2016 and 2017 respectively. His target is to scale the highest mountain in the world, Mt Everest. Mr Ghosh, who is a member of the Siliguri-based Himalayan Nature and Adventure Foundation (HNAF), said scaling all the summits is regarded a mountaineering challenge.  “Mountaineering is my passion. I keep myself fit, participating in long marathons.

It has been my dream to scale all the seven continental peaks. It is summer time in Argentina now, so it is a good time for the expedition. My last mission among the Seven Summits will be Mt Everest. So far, seven mountaineers from India have scaled all the seven summits,” he said.A Kolkatabased mountaineer, Debabrata Mukherjee, will join Mr Ghosh in the Argentina expedition.

Forty-two-year-old Mr Ghosh has undergone the Basic & Advance Mountaineering Courses along with Search & Rescue Courses and Alpine Style Climbing Courses. He has also taken training courses on paragliding, and has already scaled several peaks including Mt Blanc, Mt Koa Rong III, Mt Jongsong, Mt Saser  Kangri, and Mt Mamostong Kangri.

The Seven Summits are the highest mountains in each of the seven continents. Mr Ghosh said his nexttarget would be to scale Mt Denali in North America and Mt Punack Jaya in Indonesia
and Mt Kosciuszko in Australia.

HNAF members handed Mr Ghosh the Tricolour to be unfurled atop the mountain. Secretary of the organization, Sankar Majumdar, said the mission will be an example for youths interested in adventure sports. “However, the young generation in this region is not taking much interest in mountaineering and adventure sports.

We are hopeful that they would be encouraged by examples set by Mr Ghosh,” Mr Majumdar said.

The Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps celebrated the 70th Army Day at Sukna near Siliguri today. Lt Gen PM Bali, VSM, General Officer Commanding, Trishakti Corps, laid the wreath at the War Memorial to pay homage to the valiant soldiers of the Corps who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.

Army Day is celebrated in recognition of General (later Field Marshal) KM Cariappa’s taking over as the first Commander-in-Chief of the Army from Sir Francis Butcher, the last British Commander. “Today’s event was special as the year 2018 is being observed as the year of disabled soldiers, to recognise the invaluable service rendered by these soldiers in the course of their duty,” the Army said in a statement.

Meanwhile, at Bengdubi,also near Siliguri, a minimarathon was organised under the aegis of Trinetra Division and the Bengdubi Military Station yesterday. “The entire Bengdubi town came alive as around 600 participants from all age and strata of society displayed their enthusiasm and respect for the forces and their dedication to the nation during the mini-marathon,” the Army said.

The participants were categorizedas per their age, while the first six runners in each category were given prizes. Some consolation prizes were also given away to the participants. “The event received overwhelming response, while everyone present on the occasion was joyful and lively, especially the ladies and the children.

The successful conduct reflects a sense of deep integrity to the nation and a feeling of pride and gratitude towards the Armed Forces,” the Army added in a statement.

The Labour Department in Kurseong today began a ‘shramik-mela’ (fair for labourers) at the Park-Location Community hall in Kurseong to make labourers and other general public aware of of the different programmes and facilities being provided by the government through various government departments.

People and labour representatives in large numbers from different sectors, including tea estates under the Kurseong sub-division, attended today’s programme, where several government departments and non-government organizations are also participating. The government and the organizations have put up information booths and counters at the programme.

“We are organizing the fair in the initiative of the government and its labour department,” assistant labour commissioner, Kurseong, Neil Chettri, said. Talking to reporters, he added that Kurseong MLA Dr Rohit Sharma inaugurated the ‘shramik mela’ today.

Apart from spreading awareness about the labour department and its programmes and facilities, Dr Sharma also emphasized on skilled development programmes. “I will take up measures to introduce and implement different skill-development programmes for the interest of the workers and people living at different places in the Hills,” he said. Kurseong municipality chairman Krishna Limboo said the government has been providing different programmes and facilities to daily workers and labourers.

“But due to lack of proper knowledge and awareness on the matter, the workers have been facing different problems in their normal life. Hence, not only the labourers, all the general public should be aware of the different aspects of the different government program.” he said. The other participants of the programme include Childline Kurseong, Health Department- Kurseong and ICDSKurseong.

As part of the ongoing Road Safety Week, the Balurghat traffic wing has decided to engage school students in the town to make their parents, relatives and the general people aware of the rules of the road. The Balurghat traffic police have taken a step ahead to make people in Balurghat aware of road safety.

They arranged for a special seminar with the students today, where more than 150 students were present. The speakers discussed about road safety and responsibility of the students to make the roads safe for all. The South Dinajpur traffic police have kicked off several awareness programmes as they observe the road safety week.

“However, the Balurghat traffic police decided to do something different and they involved school going students to make their parents aware of road safety,” police sources said. In the seminar today, traffic policemen instructed the students on how to talk to their parents on safe riving. Use of helmets, seat belts, speed control, signaling and several other issues related to road safety were discussed in the meet, it is
learnt. “Parents are usually accountable for their child.

They can never ignore the demands of their child. We have decided to educate children toinform their parents at home and they will ask their to obey traffic rules. We hope that this will be much effective than any other campaign,” said the traffic officer- in-charge, Biswajit Bhattacharjee.