Mr President, Please come to Jharkhand again and again

Sanjeev Shekhar

With President Pranab Mukherjee proposed visit on April 29, the Ranchi city is being spruced up as like never before. The beautification work at the war-footing indicates that President should have stayed in Jharkhand for a little longer period. This would have helped more than 20 lakh population of Ranchi to see their city beautiful and stunning. Right now the main roads are being taken care, the longer stay of President might have alerted the government machinery to spruce the lanes and by-lanes even.

“The way the city is beautified, Ranchiites have already started praying Almighty that President Pranab Mukherjee should stay here as state’s guest for long, so that they could get the feel of quality life in the state capital,” says the lawyer practicing in the High Court. If this has to happen the President should come here again and again.

The speed of work is an indication if the government wants, it can change the face of the place overnight or within a very short span of time. Laying of grass or green patch in the middle of the main roads, painting of grills, colouring of zebra crossing/road dividers, construction and cleaning of roads overnight, planting of some ready plants, laying of red earth by the side of the roads has added a different and fresh look to the city, which was never seen before.

Even during the visit of former President Pratibha Patil some two years back, such beautification work was not seen. She was here for the convocation ceremony of the Ranchi University.

Strict orders have been passed to all the general managers of the State Electricity Board to take care of round the clock power supply. Engineers of the respective area will be taken to task if there is power failure in any locality. Officers of the Board have been asked to keep their mobile on for 24 hours so that any contingency could be tackled.

The way administration is handling the two-day visit of President Pranab Mukherjee this time, it appears that the officers can do wonders if they want. Under normal circumstances, it’s always the resources crunch in terms of manpower, money, and fund availability. The question lingers in the minds of conscious citizens as to how come things are translated into reality so fast now? The administration is same, officials are same, workers are same and people associated with the work and responsibilities are same, but the work goes on without any complaint, the rare thing that has been happening.

The approval time which used to take long is now happening fast, in fact very fast. Budget preparation for any work to be done at the government level involves several days and is apparently a cumbersome process, they say. But with President visit knocking at the door, the speed is unimaginable. This actually reminds of the student days when you prepare for your examination well. And with each approaching day the speed of preparation gets escalated to ensure that the questions are answered well. It appears that the administration too is preparing for the similar test to give its best.

As per itinerary, during his two-day visit, Mukherjee will lay the foundation stone for the first mega power plant of Santhal Pargana at Baristand village in Godda district and will also pay visits to Dumka and Deoghar.

Raj Bhavan, it is said, a raj bhoj of four to five courses will be planned in Mukherjee's honour, who will spend a night in Ranchi. The consent of his secretariat will be taken for this. "It will be a non-vegetarian platter and we are planning to have at least three to four varieties of fish including Hilsa," said a media report adding that they are also trying to get the famous Bengali sweet ‘rosogolla’ and other desserts which Mr Mukherjee likes.

Alas, the government machinery could have developed sensitivity, irrespective of the demand of situation.

JVM to contest Assembly without any alliance

Desperate to dent the BJP’s forte, the former Jharkhand Chief Minister Babulal Marandi has decided to contest the next Assembly election without a pre-poll alliance with the Congress, unlike 2009. Then, Marandi’s Jharkhand Vikas Morcha and Congress had jointly contested the polls for 81-member Assembly and had clinched 11 and 14 seats, respectively.

The JVM had fielded candidates on 25 seats in the 2009 election and had secured around 29 per cent of votes in these constituencies. Since then, Marandi is trying to expand the base of his party. “We have completed Assembly wise conference of party workers in around 50 seats. We now have our party’s unit at the Panchayat level. This is the best time to take the giant leap,” Marandi told the daily.

Marandi’s statement comes at a time when strains have developed in the relationship of ruling coalition partners BJP and the JMM over the latter’s decision to support Congress’ on FDI issue.

Having withdrawn support to the UPA on FDI in multi-brand retail issue, the JVM will also field candidates in all the 14 Lok Sabha seats of Jharkhand. “It is time for us to test our real strength. We will not have any pre-poll alliance in coming election,” he said.

Political Backdrop-

The BJP had withdrawn support to the Sibu Soren Government in May 2010 after Soren voted against a BJP-sponsored cut motion against UPA Government’s Budget proposals in the Lok Sabha. The JMM is now daring the BJP to repeat history, as it has sided with the UPA on FDI issue this time. Sources claim JMM emissaries are in the national capital to explore possibilities of a new Government in alliance with the Congress, if the latter agrees to make Hemant Soren the new CM. Son of JMM patriarch Sibu Soren, Hemant is deputy CM in the Arjun Munda-led coalition Government in the State.

Support of 42 MLAs is required for a simple majority in Jharkhand Assembly and if the Congress (14) agrees to side with JMM (18), they would need support of additional 10 MLAs. That could be arranged with the support of AJSU (6), currently a part of the coalition Government, and the RJD (5).

Wary about its electoral prospect in the next election, the BJP’s central leadership is expected to take stock of the situation after Chief Minister Arjun Munda returns from his personal trip abroad on December 18.

Ends---Sanjeev Shekhar

Human development index lowest in mining areas, claim industry experts

By Sanjeev Shekhar

 

• CII meet in Ranchi on ‘Sustainable mining-the road ahead

• Conference focus on raising human development index

• Human development matters most to the government, said Jharkhand Chief Minister Arjun Munda in his message

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) organised a conference on “Sustainable mining-the road ahead” in Ranchi. The industry leaders focussed on the human development and philanthropic work around the mining areas. The reclamation of the land may soon see the policy of the centre in the interest of the ‘raiyyats’ (land owners), although some of the PSUs have already returned their land.

The speakers emphasised on raising the human development index in mining areas and putting a philanthropic and pro-environment attitude before anything else.

Jharkhand department of mines and geology Secretary AK Sarkar said, “There have been talks about the First World utilising resources with a free hand first, and imposing restrictions on the Third World later. It may be true but we cannot say there is no need for sustainable attitude.”

“We need this now on the priority basis. Mining companies should adopt sound techniques that can deal with challenges arising out of mining activities,” he added.

The Secretary laid emphasis on minimising the social impact of mining activities, by adopting a people-centric policy and scheme benefiting their life and livelihood, along with increasing awareness about this.

Chief Minister Arjun Munda asked the mining industry in Jharkhand to be concerned about human development.

Munda, who could not make it to the Confederation of Indian Industries' day-long conference on 'Sustainable Mining -- The Road Ahead', said in a message that, "Human development matters most to the government."

The former CII chairman and Telcon managing director Ranaveer Sinha said, “The lowest human development index in mining areas is the biggest challenge the industry is facing. Unfortunately, this trend is persistent all over the world and people live in penury in most mineral-rich areas. This trend has to be reversed and sustainable development is the need of the hour”

He also underlined the reluctance of mining companies to share revenue, apart from conducting corporate social responsibility.

CCL advocated the idea of reclamation of land-

Echoing a similar sentiment, the Central Coalfields CMD Gopal Singh said, “There is certainly a massive side effect of mining activities in the social and environmental but business is necessary as well,” he stated.

“Almost 50 per cent of the power generated is based on coal and we need power for a better quality of life. But that should come by adopting cleaner mechanisms. Gone are the days, when miners ignore environmental concerns,” Gopal Singh added.

He hinted at a policy by the Coal Ministry in which returning land to land losers after mining or reclamation of land is being considered.

Gopal Singh also spoke about adopting a philanthropic attitude towards the society which, he said, would surely mitigate the resistance coming from land owners.

Former Coal India chairman and managing director PS Bhattacharyya said mining people must not only react to circumstances arising from mining but also take proactive steps to undo the trouble.

“Degradation of land has not been taken care of, which could have been converted into productive land with some investment. It should be the duty of the companies,” he pointed out.

The conference had leaders from mining industry, who explored possibilities of human development in areas of mining. Although mining is plagued by problems ranging from ecological, environmental, human development to deforestation, still it can flourish, feel experts.

PR/Media Consultant

Sycophancy & Intellect goes hand in hand

Sanjeev Shekhar

Recently, one of the top brass of the neighbouring state of Chotakhand expressed his desire to visit Kannes hill top. As per protocol, the administration was alerted. The magistrate and the cops were on their toes to welcome the Boss.

“Sir will be reaching the Hill by 12 noon. He is likely to spend his day with his family,” informed the office of the Boss.

The hill top has a park, cluster of small lakes and an observation tower. It serves to be a favourite picnic spot or day out for the tourists.

While the Boss was on way to his destination, preparations were on full swing to give him a warm reception. Thanks to the alert officials posted there. The magistrate was active in his role and so was the cop to give their ‘best impression’ before their 'high command' regarding their commitment and concern for his visit.

The magistrate was guiding some of the staff to refurbish the place and the observation tower in order to make it clean and tidy. The cop was posting his personnel to give grand salute to the top brass.

“I think today is the birthday of the Saheb. He wanted to remain aloof from the din of the city and spend his day at this beautiful location,” murmured somebody. The magistrate and the cop was nearby and could overhear what somebody had murmured.

Within few seconds the cop realized that the magsitrate is nowhere around. However, the cop was doing well to keep his force in order. While there was still time for the arrival of the 'Saheb', the cop thought it better to take rest for a while and sat on a nearby chair.

“Saheb will be reaching in another 15-minute or so,” said the microphone in the hands of the police personnel.

The cop yawned on hearing the news. He stretched his legs and arms to ward off the sluggishness of his body. While he was thinking of the magistrate, who had left the scene sometime back was yet to return, he saw some staff coming with the big packet and bouquet. The magistrate was just behind them. He walked close to the cop and sat on the other chair.

“Boss will be here in a short while,” told the cop to the magistrate.

“I know. Just heard on the wireless,” the cop said.

As expected when the Boss reached, the officials accorded him a grand reception. While welcoming the Saheb, the magistrate was quick enough to take the credit of wishing him “Happy Birthday, Sir”. The cop looked blank and realized little late that he missed the opportunity of wishing him first.

Consolidating himself, the cop said, “Wishing you Many Happy Returns of the Day Sir.” The Boss was apparently overwhelmed with Greetings pouring from people around.

The magistrate in the scene was happy to see the gesture of the Boss and asked somebody to get the packet from inside.

The table was ready and the packet was kept on it. You guessed it right; it was a Birthday Cake for the Saheb. The cop, who was standing nearby, substantiated without losing time, “Sir, we could arrange only this much for you. Had you given us time, we could have done more.” This time the awestruck magistrate was dumbfounded as he heard the Boss saying, “No cop, it’s too good. Your gesture as well as arrangement is noteworthy and I’m really happy with this.”

The Boss cut the chocolate cake amid clapping and Birthday song by all. He took out the first slice of the cake and proceeded towards the cop to give him the bite. The magistrate , who was instrumental in making things happen, had no choice but to watch the scene apparently pondering, “intellect is necessary for sycophancy”.

“You have done a good job,” the Boss reiterated to the cop while he invited others including the magistrate to help themselves to have a piece of cake.

Sanjeev Shekhar
PR/Media Consultant

Memorable Darshan of SAI BABA

By Sanjeev Shekhar

Ranchi-
God gives “Darshan” when HE wants, they say. I had the experience and feel of this for the first time ever in the month of March, when I and my family wanted to visit Shirdi for Sai Baba darshan.
I applied for leave at my office two months in advance. I was willing to visit Sai Baba temple. I was scheduled to fly with my family on March 18, 2012 and visit Baba’s temple on March 19, 2012. This was pre-planned with to and fro tickets done.
I was at one point getting apprehensive that I might not be able to go on tour. However, I was firm and determined at the back of mind to go for ‘Darshan’. As the date approached there were some developments in my office pertaining to new assignments coming my way at that time when I was on leave.
I even tried to explain to my office but my seniors were unwilling to go by what I said. My boss put his foot down, as he felt that launching assignment of the store was more important than anything else. I would have lost several thousand rupees if I would have cancelled my tickets as all were non-refundable flight tickets.
I waited for the time. I was about to cancel my tickets. But for Baba, the magic happened. Few days before the programme of visiting Shirdi, I came down to my office. I called up the travel agent with the heavy heart to cancel the tickets or postponed the period of visit, if possible. I kept the phone’s receiver and within a fraction of second my mobile started ringing.
“Hello,” I said.
“Sanjeev, you have to come to Mumbai on March 18, as the launch of one of the company’s magazine edited by you will take place on March 19,” said the voice on the other side, who was my senior colleague. I said dejectedly “right Sir, I’ll be there. Now I’ll not be able to visit Shirdi.”
I had explained my colleague about the programme earlier. He said, “Why not? You will certainly be able to visit the temple. Come with your family and I’ll make all arrangements for the guest house. You attend the function on March 19 and leave for Shirdi the same day so that next morning i.e March 20 you can go for darshan.
I asked my colleague to hold on, while I dialed the travel agent from the other phone at my table. I told him to witdraw the cancellation of the tickets till he doesn’t hear from me next. The travel agent did accordingly. I immediately kept the receiver to continue my conversation with my senior colleague who was on mobile phone.
He elaborated and helped me in planning my tour for Shirdi. He said that as the launch at Patna is on March 22, “you can always take a direct flight for yourself for Patna and let your family go to Ranchi the same day by another flight”. His words were music to my ears. I don’t know how many times I thanked him and thought good and only good about him. I pray for my senior colleague to give him all the happiness that the Almighty could afford.
Wonderful and warm personality, this senior colleague of mine did not stop here. Perhaps Baba had sent him to help me. He guided me to book the company’s guest house at Mumbai and planned out my visit to Shirdi after the launch of the magazine. Believe it or not, the company guest house was easily done by the facilitator and even the date of stay was extended as per my requirement. Things started rolling down on it’s own.
Sai Baba was calling me and my family. The magazine release programme in Mumbai got over by 6.30 pm and turned out to be a successful event. I immediately rushed for to pick up my family from the guest house. My kids, my wife was waiting anxiously. They were ready and boarded the car that was booked for Shirdi. We left Mumbai at around 7.20 pm. Roads were fine, highway was too good. The driver was polite and helpful. We reached Shirdi at around midnight. Our hotel room was booked in advance.
We slept for five hours. I was the first to get up. Asked my wife is she is willing to get up and get ready. Without a demur she got out of the bed. My son and my daughter were in slumber. My wife gently shook my son and asked, “Will you go for darshan now”. He said “why not. I will miss it if I don’t go”. My four and half year old daughter also got up. As if Baba was asking all of us to come and pay visit to him, for which we all were longing for past so many months.
We all were ready by 6.15 am. Reached temple gate by 6.25 am. Bought prasad and went inside. Unbelievable, it may sound; we stood in the queue, which kept moving at its own pace. This was the first time we were not having the VIP entry pass. My friends in Mumbai and Pune could not arrange any special entry for us for reasons galore.
By 7.10 a.m we all were in front of SAI BABA. My wife, kids and I touched the Samadhi and our heart virtually pumped fast because we never had the Darshan like this before.
Baba made us VIP; we never ever had HIS “Darshan” so close and so nice. It was like mission successful in cent percent manner.

SAI BABA-“WE RESIGN BEFORE YOU- PRAY TO PROTECT US AND KEEP EVERYBODY HAPPY.”

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Jharkhand to form NRI cell to boost investments in state

The State government is understood to have decided over the constitution of the NRI cell in order to get more investments in the state in different sectors. This cell will deal with NRIs exclusively that will work in their interest.The framework for the constitution of the NRI cell is getting final touches and is likely to be placed in next cabinet. The constitution of the cell is the brainchild of the Chief Minister Arjun Munda, who has returned from the NRI meet recently held at Jaipur. He has already invited NRIs to invest in Jharkhand.
It is said that they (NRIs) have shown interest in making investments provided the government help them to establish their shops. Under the given circumstances naxal threat coupled with poor law and order has kept the investors at bay. “We are not willing to take the risk of making investments where the projects are not coming or commissioned on time,” stated a high level corporate official.
According to him, the time-period of investment and subsequent establishment of project/shop does not synchronize thereby escalating the cost of production. Moreover the non-supportive attitude of the bureaucrats and politicians also heckle the timely set-up of the shop.
It may be noted that this is not the first time the Chief Minister has made tall promises to the investors vis-à-vis NRIs. Earlier in 2003-2005, Arjun Munda in the capacity of chief minister has signed more than 64 MoUs but as things stand very less number of projects i.e hardly 10-12 took off. With the return of the chief minister after the conference of NRI, the government is apparently looking for adding some more points from NRI perspective. This is likely to consume more time before the final draft is ready. The wait has left the industry sector restless. The draft is prepared by the industry department pending with the Chief Minister, as some points need discussion, the sources in the industry department said.

Ends--

Upcoming actor Chirag Paswan all set to don the mantle of success, wins hearts of Ranchi

Chirag PaswanBy Sanjeev Shekhar

Ranchi-
His smile is charming. His body language reflects the inherited confidence of the elite family. He is no ordinary person as he walks inside the hall. The actor in him is evident. He is Chirag Paswan, the son of the former minister-cum-chief of the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), Ram Vilas Paswan.
Apparently happy with the overwhelming response for his debut movie “Mile Na Mile Hum,”this young actor has a long way to go. He has perhaps learnt his lessons fast that rightly suits the adage, “Failure should never go to the heart and success should never go to head.”
Having grown with the dream of becoming an actor and idolising the legendary hero of the Bollywood, Amitabh Bachchan, since childhood he has promised himself to preserve his individuality and originality. He is unable to hide his reaction towards the great hero.
“He (read Amitabh Bachchan) is one-man institution and can fit into any role. Every aspiring actor grooms himself by watching his movies,” Chirag told the packed Press in Ranchi at the local hotel here.
‘Chirag’ means ‘light’ and he is burning midnight oil to fulfil his family aspirations. His father Ram Vilas Paswan is the happiest person to learn about reports regarding the success of his son’s movie. “It’s his sincere efforts and blessings of elder, he is set to shine,” said Ram Vilas, the former minister over the phone.
Chirag is all set to take his goal ahead and establish himself as a good actor. He doesn’t shy away to take challenges to cater to the aspirations now even the Bollywood would have from him. Chirag dream of working with the director Prakash Jha and candidly admitted the fact. “I’ll concentrate on films for at least 10-12 years. The public response towards my film is overwhelming. My dream is to work with Prakash Jha,” Chirag revealed.
Talking about the movie, Chirag informed that the script is fresh. “I’m sure the audience will like it. The best part of the movie is the sequence of the tennis game. Rahulji watched the scene and said that never before the game was screened so well in the Hindi movie,” said the actor.
The movie revolves around the hero, Chirag, who is a tennis player. He romances three actresses-Kangana Ranaut, Neeru Bajwa and Sagarika Ghatge. Good music and choreography adds to the flavour to strike a chord with youngsters.
Bubbly and down to earth, Chirag greets everybody with a broad smile. He informed that the beginning of next year he would shoot for two-three films, the shooting of which will start very soon.
Ends--