Press Trust of India
KOLKATA, 5 AUG: One of the major operators’ bodies of state, the Joint Council of Bus Syndicates, today issued an ultimatum to the West Bengal government demanding a positive decision on bus fare hike within 9 August.
“We are now fighting for our survival in the trade. We urged the government to take a decision within 9 August for hike in bus fares, otherwise we shall announce our next course of action the next day,” JCBS General Secretary Sadhan Das said here today after his meeting with state Transport Minister Madan Mitra.
Since the bus fare hike last time, Mr Das said that there was a hike in diesel price by Rs 19 per litre in nine instalments. “But the bus operators are yet to get any hike in bus fares despite their cooperation with state government,” he said.
Stating that 30 per cent of the 35,000 buses in the state under the JCBS banner had already withdrawn vehicles failing to run the fleet properly, Mr Das said more buses were likely to be withdrawn if there was no hike in bus fares immediately. The minister, however, assured them to look into the matter, Mr Das claimed.

Press Trust of India
NEW DELHI, 5 AUG: A petition was today filed in the Supreme Court seeking a review of its judgment scrapping the single common entrance test (NEET) for admissions to MBBS, BDS and post-graduate courses in all medical colleges.
The plea filed NGO ‘Sankalp’, through lawyer Prashant Bhushan, has sought a review of the 18 July majority (2-1) verdict of the apex court that had quashed the notifications for National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) on the ground that it violated the rights of state and private institutions to administer such institutions.
Seeking the review on the grounds including that of rampant corruption in the absence of NEET, the plea said the verdict also needed to be re-looked as there was “no discussion at all among the judges before delivering it, which is apparent from the minority judgement itself”.
“In fact, in the very second para of the judgment, it has been observed ‘as the learned Chief Justice is to retire within a few days, I have to be quick and therefore, also short. Prior to preparation of our draft judgments, we had no discussion on the subject due to paucity of time’, It is respectfully submitted that this observation in the minority judgment makes it all the more necessary that the aforesaid judgement is reviewed,” it said.
The judgment quashing the NEET was delivered by a three-judge Bench headed by Chief Justice Altamas Kabir (now retired) by a 2-1 division.
The view of the then CJI was shared by Mr Justice Vikramjit Sen, while Mr Justice A R Dave had dissented and upheld the NEET saying the policy was “legal” as it would stop corrupt practice which enabled undeserving students to get admissions by paying huge capitation fees or donations.
“In fact, one of the main considerations of having one common entrance test conducted by Medical Council of India is to check the malaise of money-making business in the admission process by selling their seats in crores, which has been going on for last so many years in private colleges,” it said.
The petition said “one of the main objectives of having NEET was to check rampant corruption/backdoor entries of non-deserving candidates to this highly skilled and respected profession,” the petition said while referring to a recent sting operation on how private colleges sell seats in medical colleges in return for huge money.
“The majority judgment completely erred in observing that there has not been any complaint of maladministration in the admission process in these private colleges.”
The review petition also said the minority view in the judgment rightly held that if the NEET is conducted under the supervision of the apex professional body, no extraneous and irrelevant factors like caste, creed, social or economic standing would come into play.
The judgment was sought to be reviewed on the ground that it failed to appreciate that a common entrance test can by no stretch of imagination curtail the fundamental right to carry own profession guaranteed in the Constitution.

 BRIEF e-TENDER NOTICE
Executive Engineer, Kharagpur Divn., PWD, Paschim Medinipur invites sealed e-Tender against N.I.T. No. 07 of 2013-14 for the works mentioned below:
e-Tender invited against N.I.T. No. 07 of 2013-14 for 1 (one) No. work (circulated Memo No. 1190/E. Dt.: 02-08-2013).
Start date of downloading the documents: 03-08-2013.
Closing date of submission of Technical and Financial Bid: 19-08-2013.
Details will be available from the office of the undersigned & website: http://etender.wb.nic.in
Executive Engineer-I
PWD, Kharagpur Division                     (B0003)         C20774
N.I.T. 8 OF 2013-14 of the Assistant Engineer, P.W.D., Serampore Sub-Division. Last date of application: 12-08-2013. Last date of purchase: 16-08-2013 & Last date of dropping: 20-08-2013. Details of N.I.T. and tender documents may be seen at the office on any working day and from website: www.pwdwb.in           (B0005)         C20776
NIT NO. -DEV-167/12-13/1 OF 2013-2014
SFDC Ltd. invites tenders from resourceful, bona fide and experienced agencies for the construction of Office-cum-Watcher Shed at Krishnabundh Fisheries Project at Bishnupur.
Estimated Amount: Rs. 5,94,668.
Cost of tender document: Rs. 1,000.
Last date of application: 10-08-2013.
Sale of tender papers: 14-08-2013.
Last date of submission of tender: 19-08-2013 up to 2-00 p.m.
Opening of tender: 19-08-2013 at 3-00 p.m.
Venue of sale & submission of tender papers will be at Krishnabundh Fisheries Project, Bankura, Bishnupur. Visit: www.wbsfdc.com for further details.     (B0004)         C20775
NOTICE INVITING
TENDER
Sealed tenders are invited for supply of 672 Blood Pressure Machine (Aneroid type) by the C.M.O.H., Hooghly. For details visit: www.wbhealth.gov.in and www.hooghlyhealth.com
Sd/-
C.M.O.H., Hooghly         (B0001)         C20765
STATE BANK OF INDIA
Contai Branch
Dist. Purba Medinipur, W.B.
Possession Notice
APPENDIX- IV (Rule-8 (1) (For immovable property)
Whereas, the undersigned being the Authorised Officer of the Slate Bank of India, Contai Branch under the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002 and in exercise of powers conferred U/s 13 (2) read with Rule 9 of the Security Interest (Enforcement) Rules, 2002 issued Demand Notice on (1) 13-09-2012 & (2) 31-01-2013 calling upon the borrowers and guarantor/s, to repay the amount mentioned in the notice within 60 days from the date of the said notice.
The borrower having failed to repay the amount, notice is hereby given to the borrowers & Guarantors and the public in general that the Authorised Officers has taken possession of the property described herein below in exercise of powers conferred on him / her under Section 13 (4) of the said Act read with Rule 8 of the said rules on the date mentioned against their names.
The borrowers & guarantors in particular and the public in general is hereby cautioned not to deal with the property and any dealings with the property will be subject to the charge of the State Bank of India, Contai Branch for the amounts and interest thereon. Persons interested is in buying the said immovable properties may contact the Branch for further details / terms of sale, if required.
Sl. No.: 1.
Name, Address of Borrower / Mortgagor: M/s. Itaberia Service Station, Prop.: 1. Miss. Pravati Dey, D/o. Lt. Jatindra Nath Dey, Vill. + P.O.: Boyal, P.S.: Nandigram, Purba Medinipur, 2. Smt. Arati Pal, W/o. Amar Pal, Vill.: Hauer, P.O. + P.S.: Paskura, Purba Medinipur. 3. Smt. Sandhya Kundu, W/o. Tapan Kundu, Vill. + P.O.: Panchet, P.S.: Pataspur, Purba Medinipur, 4. Satyaranjan Dey (Guarantor), Vill.: Madhakhali, P.O. + P.S.: Bhupatinagar, Purba Medinipur. 5. Smt. Sikha Dey, 6. Supriya Dey, 7. Sujoy Dey, 8. Kum Jai Dey, 9. Manoranjan Dey, 10. Pravanjan Dey, 11, Puranjan Dey, 12. Chiranjan Dey, 13. Gouri Sankar Dey, 14. Bhagyadhra Dey. All name Legal Heir of Lt. Jatindra Nath Dey (Guarantor), Vill. + P.O.: Boyal, P.S.: Nandigram, Purba Medinipur & Smt. Putul Rani Dey, W/o. Satyaranjan Dey (Guarantor), Vill.: Madhakhali, P.O. + P.S.: Bhupatinagar, Purba Medinipur.
Description of the Property: (1) All that self contained land & building situated at Mouza: Laudighi, J. L. No.: 282, Khatian No.: 464, Plot No.: 559 & 560, Classification: Bastu, Area: 59 Decimal, Deed No.: 0434, Year: 2004, Book No.: 1, Volume No.: 15, Page No.: 1 to 9, Property stands in the name of Miss Pravati Dey, D/o Jatindra Nath Dey, P.S.: Bhupatinagar, Dist.: Purba Medinipur. (2) Deed No.: 0309, Dated: 1975, Mouza Name: Uttar Maddhakhali, J. L. No.: 221, Khatian No.: 783/1, Plot No.: 159, Area: 03, Decimal, Book No.: 1, Volume No.: 16, Page No.: 42 to 46, property stands in the name of Jatindra Nath Dey, S/o. Baikuntha Nath Dey, P.S.: Bhupatinagar, Dist.: Purba Medinipur. (3) Deed No.: 0162 & 169, Dated: 1987, Mouza Name: Uttar Madhakhali, J. L. No.: 221, Khatian No.: 507/1, Plot No.: 40 / 2582, Area: 01 Decimal: Property stands in the name of Putul Rani Dey, W/o. Satyaranjan Dey, P.S.: Bhupatinagar, Dist.: Purba Medinipur.
Amount of Debt: Rs. 45,32,111.00 + Interest.
Date of Possession: 29-07-2013.
Sl. No.: 2.
Name, Address of Borrower / Mortgagor: Gopal Ch. Manna, S/o. Panchanan Manna, Panchanan Manna (Guarantor), Nepal Manna (Guarantor), S/o. Panchanan Manna, Vill.: Uttar Dihi Mukundapur, P.O.: Uttar Amtalia, P.S.: Contai, Dist.: Purba Medinipur.
Description of the Property: (1) Mouza: Uttar Amtalia, J. L. No.: 444, Khatian No.: 184 (LR) Plot No.: 631, Area: 05 Decimal, Deed No.: 4187, Year: 2006, Book No.: 1, Volume No.: 151, Page No.: 12 to 17, Owner of the Property: Nepal Manna, S/o. Panchanan Manna, P.S.: Contai, Purba Medinipur. (2) Mouza: Uttar Amtalia, J. L. No.: 444, Khatian No.: 184 (LR) Plot No.: 631, 630/757 & 631/758, Area: 06 Decimal, Deed No.: 4188, Year: 15-05-2000, Book No.: 1, Volume No.: 151, Page No.: 18 to 23, Owner of the Property: Gopal Ch. Manna, S/o. Panchanan Manna, P.S.: Contai, Purba Medinipur. (3) Mouza: Uttar Dihi Mukundapur, J. L. No.: 445, Khatian No.: 485, Plot No.: 573, Area: 2.88 Decimal, Deed No.: 3669, Year: 16-04-1974, Book No.: 1, Volume No.: 49, Page No.: 98 to 101, Owner of the Property: Panchanan Manna, P.S.: Contai, Purba Medinipur. (4) Mouza: Manoharchak, J. L. No.: 538, Khatian No.: 141 (Hal) 577, Plot No.: 339 (Hal) 749, Area: 14.40 Decimal, Deed No.: 6386, Year: 13-11-2001, Owner of the Property: Gopal Manna & Nepal Manna, S/o. Panchanan Manna, Contai Municipality, Ward No.: 07, P.S.: Contai, Purba Medinipur.
Amount of Debt: Rs. 26,05,915.37 + Interest.
Date of Possession: 29-07-2013.
Date:
Place: Contai           
Sd/-
Authorised Officer
State Bank of India
 

CORRIGENDUM NOTICE
In place of Touzi No. 145 it will be rectified that Touzi No. 145 mother now 1298/2833, Khanda Touzi No. 2833 in place of Touzi No. 54, J.L. No. 21, P.S. Behala now Thakurpukur, District: 24 Parganas now South 24 Parganas the then District – 24 Parganas now South 24 Parganas which is under progress.
Sanjay Daima
Estate Manager
Estate of Atindra Nath Das
Rashmoni Bhawan
119, Rash Behari Avenue
P.S. Lake, Kolkata-29                         C20779
I, ARUN Mackar, do hereby declare that my son Aniket Mackar shall henceforth be known as Anirudh Mackar, vide affidavit sworn before the Notary Public, Kolkata on 04-03-13.        C20778
I, KUM Godawari, R/o. 2A, Purna Chandra Mitra Lane, 4th Floor, Kolkata-700033, shall henceforth be known as Jyoti Virwani, vide affidavit sworn before the Notary Public at Kolkata on 05-08-2013.           C20766
I, SANDEEP Kumar Bhattacharyya, R/o. 66, Naylankar Thakur Rd., Bhatpara, 24 Pgs. (N), 743123, do hereby declare that my minor son, Shabar Bhattacharyya, shall henceforth be known as Siddharta Bhattacharyya, vide affidavit sworn before the Notary Public at Kolkata, on
03-08-2013.         C20767
I, SHIB Sankar Roy, S/o. Nemai Chandra Roy, R/o. Vill.: Kheye, P.O.: Akna, P.S.: Polba, Dist.: Hooghly, Pin-712148, shall henceforth be known as Sankar Roy, vide affidavit sworn before the Court of Ld. Executive Magistrate, Sadar: Hooghly, on 11-04-2013. Both are same and identical person.         C20768

LEGAL NOTICE
A.C.R. No. 4 of 2013
In the High Court at Calcutta
Ordinary Original
Civil Jurisdiction
In the Matter of:
Sree Sree Radha Raman Jew Debuttar Estate and In the Matter of: Pashupati Roy & Ors.
NOTICE OF LET OUT
OR LEASE OF LAND
Under Orders dated July 8, 2013 and July 16, 2013 passed by the Hon’ble High Court at Calcutta, the Shebaits of the abovenamed Debuttar Estates invite offers for let out or lease a portion of the land belong to the said Debuttar Estates measuring 18 Cottahs, 11 Chittacks and 9 Sq.ft. more or less on the Premises No. 57 A/2, B.T. Road, Kolkata-700002 “As is where is basis”. Interested persons may contact over Phone No. given below for inspection of the land and submission of offers. The let out or lease will be subject to the confirmation of the Hon’ble Court.
Dibanath Dey
Advocate
High Court, Calcutta
Pashupati Roy (Shebait)
Phone No.: 8013825583
57 A/2, B.T. Road
Kolkata-700002         C20773
NOTICE
District: North 24 Parganas
In the Court of Ld. District Delegate at Barasat
Ref.: Case No. Act 3942 of 2012 (Probate)
Smt. Sanju Singh, W/o. Alok Singh, D/o. late Ram Hulas Singh, of Flat No. 0/2, Cluster 12, Purbachal Housing, ‘GA’ Block, Sector-III, Salt Lake City, Kolkata-700097;
… Applicant
The applicant has filed the above probate case in respect of the last will and testament of Ram Hulas Singh since deceased of Flat No. 0/2, Cluster 12, Purbachal Housing Estate, Block-’GA’, Sector-III, Salt Lake, Bidhan Nagar, Kolkata-700097.
Any person having any objection may file objection in the above case within 30 days from the date of Notice published, otherwise the above case will be heard ex parte.
By Order
Soumen Bhowmick
Serestadar
District Delegate
Barasat, North 24 Parganas                       (B0002)                        C20772

Press Trust of India
DARJEELING, 5 AUG: Four Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) workers were today detained when they tried to block the entrance of the district magistrate’s office here on the third day of the indefinite bandh in the hills to demand a separate state of Gorkhaland.
Police intervened when a group of GJM workers tried to block the main gate of the district magistrate’s office at about 9.30 a.m. Four of them were detained, police said.
Sixteen persons were arrested last night for setting afire the Takdah forest bunglow last week, police said. With this, the total number of those arrested has risen to 19 in connection with the incident.
The bandh continued to paralyse life in Darjeeling hill areas with shops, markets, offices, schools and colleges remaining closed. Vehicles also did not ply, official sources said.
 

Press Trust of India
NEW DELHI, 5 AUG: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today appealed to the Opposition to cooperate in smooth functioning of Parliament and said government is willing to discuss all issues during the monsoon session.
“We have wasted a lot of time in the last two-three sessions and hope this is not repeated in this session,” Mr Singh told reporters outside Parliament.
“Government is willing to discuss all issues on the floor of the House”, he said while urging the Opposition to ensure that the session is “truly productive and constructive with solid results”.
A heavy agenda including the ordinance on the Food Security Bill awaits the nearly month-long Monsoon session which began today.
While several parties including the BJP have said that they support the Food Security Bill in principle, a host of other issues including the decision on separate Telangana could cast a a shadow on the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha in the first few days with members from Andhra Pradesh agitated over the development.
Several members from the Seemandhra region belonging to Congress and TDP have tendered their resignations in protest against the decision, but they have not been accepted and Congress leadership is attempting to persuade its MPs and ministers not to revolt.
The Prime Minister has already sought Opposition’s cooperation in the passage of the legislative business including the “most important” ordinance on food security Bill.
Finance minister P Chidambaram had reached out to BJP for support to key reform Bills on opening up the insurance and pension sector, but failed to get any assurance.
Mr Chidambaram had a discussion with BJP leaders Sushma Swaraj, Arun Jaitley and Yashwant Sinha on the financial Bills that have been listed for consideration during the session.
The BJP leaders agreed to support routine and necessary financial business but indicated that the party will continue to oppose further opening of the insurance and pension sectors to foreign direct investment (FDI).
Mrs Swaraj, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, has demanded a debate on the current economic situation in the backdrop of the declining rupee, rising prices and slowing GDP growth.
As many as some 40 Bills have been listed for consideration and passage in the session, which will have only 12 working days and government has expressed readiness to extend the session if need be.
 

Press Trust of India
NEW DELHI, 5 AUG: Lok Sabha witnessed slogan shouting by members against the proposal to form Telangana and demand for Bodoland during Question Hour on the first day of the monsoon session of Parliament today.
Soon after new members took oath and obituary references were made, TDP members and Congress MPs opposed to Telangana walked into the Well and shouted slogans.
TDP members, who were also protesting against TRS chief K Chandrasekar Rao’s remarks that officials who hail from Seemandhra but are working in Telangana region will have to go back, were heard shouting “We want justice”.
Congress MPs from Andhra Pradesh opposing Telangana walked into the Well to press for their demand. They carried placards which said, “We want justice for Seemandhra area” and “We want united Andhra Pradesh”.
At one point, TDP member N Sivaprasad walked up to one of the protestors from the Congress with a threatening gesture but was stopped by his party colleagues.
Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) member S K Bwiswmuthiary walked into the Well with a banner that read: “Bodoland MPs strongly stand for a separate state of Bodoland”.
Parliamentary affairs minister Kamal Nath tried to pacify the members but could not be heard in the din.
Speaker Meira Kumar asked the agitating members to go back to their seats but her request went unheeded. After one starred question was taken up amid din, she adjourned the House till noon.
Earlier when the House met for the day, new members ~ Prabhunath Singh (RJD), Haribhai Parthibhai Chaudhary (BJP), Vithalbhai H Radadiya (BJP), Partibha Singh (Cong) and Prasun Banerjee (TMC) ~ took oath.
Prabhunath Singh demanded Bhojpuri be included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution to give it an official status, but the Speaker asked him to take oath in Hindi.
Lok Sabha also condoled the death of former members, including Mahendra Karma and Vidya Charan Shukla, who were killed in a brutal Naxal attack in Chhattisgarh on 25 May.
The House also paid homage to those killed in Uttarakhand floods and the 23 children who died after consuming mid-day meal in Chhapra, Bihar.
The Speaker led the House in condemning the Naxal attack in Chhattisgarh, Maoist attack on policemen in Jharkhand in which a Superintendent of Police was killed and the terrorist attack in Srinagar in which eight jawans lost their lives.
She described these attacks as “cowardly”.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh introduced new ministers inducted into his Council of Ministers – Sis Ram Ola, Oscar Fernandes, Girija Vyas, K S Rao, E M S Natchiappan, Manik Rao Gavit, Santosh Chaudhary and J D Seelam.
 
 

Press Trust of India
NEW DELHI, 5 AUG: As the UP government charge sheeted IAS officer Durga Sakhti Nagpal, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said the Centre is in touch with the state authorities on the issue and that laid down rules will be followed.
“We are in touch with the state government to find out the full details of the issue,” he told reporters outside Parliament House ahead of the start of the monsoon session.
He also said the the laid down rules to deal with such cases will be followed. “There are rules laid down and the rules will be followed,” he said.
The Centre had yesterday asked the UP government to immediately give a report on the suspension of Ms Nagpal, who had cracked down on sand mafia in Gautam Budh Nagar area.
Minister of state for personnel V Narayanasamy said this is the third such letter sent to the state government so far after the 2010-batch IAS officer was suspended on 27 July.
The Centre’s fresh reminder came in the backdrop of Mrs Sonia Gandhi, who is chairperson of National Advisory Council (NAC), writing a letter to the Prime Minister, saying that Ms Nagpal should not be “unfairly treated”.
“We must ensure that the officer is not unfairly treated,” Mrs Gandhi had said in her letter to Mr Singh, who holds the charge of personnel ministry.
The UP government yesterday served a charge sheet to the IAS officer.
Ms Nagpal, the 28-year-old SDM of Gautam Budh Nagar, who led the crackdown on sand mining mafia in her district, was suspended on 27 July ostensibly for ordering demolition of a wall of a under-construction mosque allegedly without following the due process. Ms Nagpal belonged to the UP cadre.
Sources said that the charge sheet, which is believed to be running into 10 pages, was prepared based on a report of Commissioner (Meerut Division). It is being reported that the officer has got 15 days to respond to the charge sheet.
 

She eclipsed the  record shared by Tracy Caulkins and Libby Trickett
associated press
Barcelona, 4 August
Missy Franklin claimed her record sixth gold medal of the world championships on Sunday night, swimming the leadoff leg for the Americans in the 400-meter medley relay. She gave the U.S. a slight lead, and her teammates — Jessica Hardy, Dana Vollmer and Megan Romano — made it look easy from there. The winning time was 3 minutes, 53.23 seconds, nearly two seconds ahead of runner-up Australia.
The 18-year-old Franklin became the most decorated female swimmer ever at the worlds and improved on her performance at the London Olympics, where she was one of the biggest stars with four golds and a bronze.
She eclipsed the women’s record that had had been shared by Tracy Caulkins, who won five times at the 1978 worlds, and Libby Trickett, who did it in 2007.
Franklin also joins Michael Phelps, Mark Spitz, Australia’s Ian Thorpe and East Germany’s Kristin Otto as the only swimmers to capture as many as six golds at either worlds or an Olympics. "I still can’t really believe that it happened," Franklin said. The Aussies took the silver in 3:55.22. Russia held on for the bronze (3:56.47). Franklin completed a grueling week in which she competed in eight events. She dropped out of the 50 backstroke after swimming in the preliminaries of the non-OIympic event, wanting to focus on more important races, and took fourth in the 100 freestyle.
The victory in the final race of the meet came after a stunning result for the Americans in the next-to-last event. The men appeared to have an easy victory in their 400 medley relay, but 19-year-old breaststroker Kevin Cordes, the least experienced member of the foursome, left too soon on the exchange between the first and second legs.
The U.S. team, which touched nearly one and a half seconds ahead of France, was disqualified. The French moved up to take the gold, while the silver went to Australia and Japan snatched the bronze. Franklin stood above them all — even though, amazingly enough, she was not even chosen the top female swimmer of the meet.
That award went to fellow American Katie Ledecky, who won four golds and set two world records. She edged out Franklin based on a formula that doesn’t count the relays and gives bonus points for world marks.
Sun was named the top male swimmer after sweeping the freestyle distance events. He closed with a victory in the 1,500 free, adding to his triumphs in the 400 and 800.  Japan’s Daiya Seto held off American Chase Kalisz to  win the 400 individual medley. Yuliya Efimova won the 50m breaststroke.

SHIBA NANDA BASU
shiba@thestatesman.net
Kolkata, 4 August
RTI activists from the city urged the President of India to stop the Central government from amending the RTI Act and demanding that political parties not be left out of the RTI ambit. They said they would join a protest rally in Delhi to oppose the move.
On Thursday, the Cabinet cleared the proposal to keep political parties out of the ambit of the Right to Information Act (RTI). But RTI activists from all over India, including Kolkata, have decided to hold rallies and meetings to protest the decision. Activists have also sought the President’s intervention to stop the government from amending the Act.
An RTI activist from the city who would participate in the protest rally on 6 and 7 August outside Jantar Mantar in Delhi said that the government would next prepare an ordinance to amend the RTI Act and declare that political parties are not public authorities. Interestingly, the protest rally in Delhi will be organised by National Campaign for People’s Right to Information (NCPRI), which is considered to be close to the Congress party. 
"The ostensible purpose of the government is to counter the decision of the CIC declaring six political parties as public authorities which are subject to the Right to Information Act. Representatives of all political parties have stated that they believe the CIC decision is unsound legally and so they are opposing it. If they are are true, they can certainly go in a writ to the Courts. Hundreds of CIC decisions have been quashed by the courts," said Mr Amitav Choudhury, an RTI activist who would join the rally.
Mr Venkatesh, one of the conveners of NCPRI, said from Delhi that they are opposing the move and the rally would be lead by members like Ms Aruna Roy, Mr Shailesh Gandhi, Ms Anjali Bhardwaj and Mr Nikhil Dey. "We urge all RTI activist to join the rally or to organise protest rallies in their respective states," said Mr Venkatesh. 
Mr Choudhury said that the Act is a landmark legislation which has empowered citizens to meaningfully participate in the functioning of our democracy. But the move of the government to amend the Act only goes to show that political parties are not willing to subject themselves to the transparency of law and are not ready for public scrutiny under the Act, he said.

STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE
Kolkata, 4 August
Before the row over the tenure of the Vice-Chancellor of Presidency University could die down, two back-to-back resignations from the board of the faculty has intensified the tussle between the university and the state government. 
Professor Paulavi Das, of Philosophy department who joined Presidency University leaving a college of Delhi has recently resigned. On the other hand, Prof. Dipak Mondal of Chemistry department who was there in the erstwhile Presidency College and was selected for the university, also resigned. 
Presidency Mentor Group (PMG) in its latest report has suggested that since the state government cannot allow more salary to Presidency professors, it should sit with the PMG to discuss some way-out.  
As alternative ways, the PMG suggested special increment for good researchers. It also suggested that the state government should allow the university authorities to supplement the salary from its own fund. 
However, the state government did not pay any heed to these suggestions and clarified that it is not possible for the state government to pay more to the Presidency professors apart from the professional development funds, already promised, because of the “special” status. 
A source in the university confirmed that though Prof Mondal had no issues with salary and infrastructure of the university, Prof Das decided to leave Presidency just because of the “salary gap”. Prof Mondal returned to a government college because he would receive the post retirement benefits easily.   The total number of resignations now stand at 10, including Prof Benzamin Zachariah of History department whose service was also terminated.
Though not every one has pointed out money matters, many regretted the decision of leaving Central institutes. However, all of them were aware of the salary structure of a state university like Presidency and nobody was promised any extra amount, said the university authorities. “In case of Prof Das, she knew that her dearness allowance will dip if she switches to a state government job from a Central government one. But after she joined, Central government increased the DA again which resulted in a huge gap between what she gets here and what she could have got in her earlier job,” said an official of the university, adding: “We are helpless. It has nothing to do with our infrastructure.”  Prior to this those who left the university, include Prabir Mukherjee, Physics department, Prakash Maiti, Bengali department, Sudipto Saraswati, Physiology department, Samit Kar, Sociology department, Subha Sankar Dhar, Statistics department, Bidyut Senapoti, Chemistry department, Subhasish Banerjee, Zoology department.

Prantakatha, a city-based ngo, promotes active citizenship
SUBHRA PRASANTA DAS
subhra@thestatesman.net
Kolkata, 4 August
Though people are aware of their rights as citizens, the concept of active citizenship is an alien concept to many. Prantakatha, a Kolkata-based NGO, with a focus on youths is vigorously promoting active citizenship amongst the residents of Kolkata.
Bappaditya Mukherjee, founder and director of Prantakatha, visions Prantakatha as a catalyst in this responsibility-based movement which aims to bring about a change in the deep-seated rights based mindset of the citizens. He said that every citizen has a responsibility towards the society, towards the state and towards the country and in order to claim rights for oneself, one should be performing the duties of a citizen.
Prantakatha has several programmes to integrate the concept of active citizenship into the society. With Alliance Asking for Maintenance of Non-enmity (AAMAN), it strives to bring peace and harmony in the society. Under this programme, victims of violence especially women and children get free legal support from well-established lawyers. 
Making Us Smile Through Care Network (MUSCAN), is another initiative to bring back smiles on the faces of the lonely aged people. Volunteers of this programme visit an elderly loner or a couple on a weekly basis, buy groceries for those who are unable to do so, give them company and make them smile. God Caring Programme (GCP), rehabilitates children and adolescents who had violent pasts by providing parental empathy and love. Both monetary and emotional support are provided to these young people to bring them back to the mainstream of life. Several music concerts are hosted to reinforce the pluralist strength of music to bring harmony and peace amongst different communities. Mr Mukherjee believes that music can harmonise the heterogeneous society. 
The NGO runs an one-and-half year programme called "Melting Pot" and BADAL to train its volunteers on the idea of Active Citizenship and to promote leadership. Through these programmes, volunteers identify their own aspirations for change in life and the get an opportunity to work on field which involves rescuing trafficked victims, blood donation camps etc.  Anupam Sircar, co-ordinator of programmes and a volunteer of Prantakatha, said: "The society has seen and experienced rights-based movements so far and hence the concept of Active Citizenship which is a responsibility-based movement is completely new and to a great extent, incomprehensible." 

Main accused absconding, victim says she doesn’t trust cops
STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE 
Kolkata, 4 August
Three people were arrested last night in connection with the molestation of a student inside the Rabindra Bharati University campus. They were remanded in police custody till 8 August after they were produced at Sealdah court today. 
While Srijit Seal, Kanu Mondal, Sankha Talukdar were arrested in the Tala bridge area last night, the prime accused ~ Biswajit Dey, Simion Soren, Mouli Banerjee and Tanmay Aditya Das are still at large.  “Local councillor, Mr Santanu Sen is shielding Biswajit and police are afraid to arrest him. I want him to get arrested as there are many other students who don’t come to the university after being threatened by him,” said the girl today.
The incident happened last Monday when the girl was standing at the bus stop. Some students led by TMCP’s Biswajit Dey forced her to move inside the campus and she was allegedly molested by them in room no 113.
Her earrings were snatched and she was robbed of Rs 1700. Late at night she managed to flee and lodged a complaint with the Sinthee police station. 
After receiving threat calls from the aides of Biswajit, the complainant was afraid to take an examination, held on Friday. 
But tomorrow I will appear in the examination, though I have no faith in police protection,” added the girl.
The girl is believed to be a close associate of Aliur Rahman, former students of RBU and a TMCP leader. Owing to her closeness to Aliur, she became a target of the faction led by Biswajit popularly known as Bappa. 
“This has happened to many. Even some teachers were manhandled by Bappa. No one dared to speak out against him. Police have not brought any proper charges accused. I am unsure whether I will get justice,” added the girl.

statesman news service
Barasat, 4 August
The family members of the rape victim and villagers of Kamduni today met the food minister, Mr Jyotipriyo Mallick, at his party office in Madhyamgram and demanded a meeting with Miss Mamata Banerjee again.
Today at round 10 a.am. villagers, including the family members of the murdered girl went to the Madhyamgram party office and told him that they wished to meet the chief minister again. The food minister assured them that he will convey their message to Miss Banerjee.
Mr Nirmal Ghosh, the district Trinamul Congress president, was also present at the party office. He heard  the grievances of the victim’s family members and the villagers. The villagers also requested that they be provided safety.
The uncle of the victim, who runs a shop in the area, where the incident took place, has been receiving threats from unidentified goons. He asked the minister to arrange for his safety. 
The victim’s brother iterated his demand justice for his sister. He demanded death sentence for the accused and speedy justice.
He said: “I want to meet the CM again and inform her that Safikul is not the only accused in this case. I also want to discuss the legal aspects of the case with the the chief minister.”

statesman news service
Kolkata, 4 August
 The Alipore Zoo officially launched the  “Adoption of Zoo Animals” scheme today.  The zoo has, in initiating this project, followed in the footsteps of many other zoos from across the country and the world. This innovative scheme has already managed to fetch more than Rs 30 lakh since its unveiling.   
Celebrities such as MP Derek O’ Brien and actress and MLA Debasree Roy were present during the ceremony. Mr O’ Brien announced a donation of Rs 1 crore from his MP Local Area Development (LAD) fund for the development of the historic zoo. 
Mr Hiten Barman, the state forest minister, insisted that  the “Zoo Adoption Scheme” encourages participation of the common people in the welfare of  animals held in captivity and thus helps forge a bond between man and nature. 
Mr Barman further emphasised that the launching of this scheme shouldn’t be interpreted as a sign that Alipore Zoo lacks funds required for its maintenance. Dr. B. R. Sharma, IFS, ex-director of Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park-Darjeeling,  has informed that this adoption scheme will be of financial help to the zoo authorities.  He also said that depending on the scheme’s success, this scheme would be extended to other zoos in the state. 
Efforts are underway to create a safari park centred around the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary at Siliguri, according to the state forest minister. He said that the creation of a satellite zoo in the state is also on the anvil and a hundred-acre land has been purchased for the same.  The zoo authorities also informed that the “Adoption of Zoo Animals” scheme has received an overwhelming response with celebrities like Ms Debasree Roy adopting an elephant, Ms Vaishali Dalmiya, daughter of Mr Jagmohan Dalmiya, adopting a Jaguar, Senco Jewellers adopting a peacock and the like.  Renowned novelist and academic Ms Nabaneeta Dev Sen has agreed to adopt any animal that no one else is adopting. 
The zoo authorities are soon coming up with another scheme called “Zoo Volunteer Scheme” for people who cannot afford to invest in the current project. 

STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE
Rourkela, 4 August
At least seven persons were killed in separate incidents of lightning in the state today.
According to reports from Rourkela, two persons were killed and at least five others sustained grievous injuries when lightning struck Jalda stadium this afternoon.
The mishap took place when a friendly football match was going on. The playground was packed to near capacity for the sporting event which started at about 3pm.
 “The sky was heavily overcast and there were ominous signs of heavy thundershower and thunder. The lightning struck at about 4pm and hit the east side of the gallery,” said one youth who was present during the accident.
The impact was so heavy that it killed two persons on the spot and left five seriously injured with burn injuries.
 The injured were immediately shifted to Rourkela Government Hospital (RGH). The condition of the injured is reported to stable at the moment after initial first-aid.
The dead and injured reportedly belonged to Jalda and its nearby areas. The identities of the deceased were to be ascertained.
Meanwhile, Mr PC Mishra, ADM, Rourkela has declared Rs. 75,000 for the deceased from the Red Cross fund.
Reports from Puri said that the three women were killed in lighting when working in an agricultural field in Baliguali gram panchayat. Lightning deaths have also been reported from Ganjam and Sundergarh.