By Sanjeev Shekhar
Amid political upheaval and uncertainty, the state of Jharkhand has always been one of the most sought after destination for the prospective investors and industrial houses. In fact, the poor logistics has also never discouraged the mega investors to come down to the state to establish their shops.
States like Gujarat, Maharastra and Karnataka might be more developed than Jharkhand but the fact is that this state has the potential of alluring investors and mega investors in large numbers and can boast of having 100 houses expressing interest to invest here. The senior government authorities strongly held that if everything materialize on time vis-à-vis effective implementation of Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy, allotment of land, renewal of lease, the state is likely to emerge as a Steel hub, producing 64 million tones of Indian government’s target of 110 million tonnes by 2020.
The transformation of the projects on ground is likely to benefit the people of state in term of revenue and employment. The deputy Chief Minister, Stephen Marandi, strongly believes that investment in the state will open new opportunities in the area of development. “The resettlement and rehabilitation policy of the state is one of the best that has been given shape to benefit the displaced and investors as well,” the Minister said. With the total investment by the mega investors crossing six lakh 40,000 crores majorly in steel, power and cement sectors, the state has the potential growth capacity that could stand parallel to any other state in the country.
On one hand, the UPA led Madhu Koda government has decided to identify non-serious players unwilling to establish their shops, whereas on the other, there are nearly three times the number of companies in steel and power sectors waiting in queue to sign MoUs with the government. “This trend speaks volume regarding the interest of the mega-investors. In fact all speculations regarding setting up of the steel plant by Arcelor-Mittal has been set aside with the company taking initiative to apply for land for opening its shop,” said the sources in the CMO.The private investors strongly held that the government needs to speed up its activities regarding statutory clearances and providing convenience to them.
Though land acquisition has been a major problem in the state but a major chunk of investors have managed to procure land from the land owners in lieu of the company’s benefits and monetary gains. “We’re seriously contemplating that the government will expedite the process of land acquisition, the major problem in this state,” stated the CEO of the company.The different steel, power and cement plants are likely to generate nearly 20 lakh employment directly and indirectly, thereby providing ample opportunities to the people of this state to overcome the problem of mass unemployment.
Officials claimed that over the next 10 years private investors are expected to pump in a whopping Rs.14, 00,000 crore into the steel sector in Jharkhand enriching the state coffers by around Rs.10,000-15000 crore by way of royalties, sales taxes and cess annually. Chotanagpur and Santhal Pargana had been deprived in large and medium industries when they were part of Bihar regime, causing high-level unemployment. If all the proposed steel investments materialize, it is expected to generate direct and indirect employment besides triggering the setting up of ancillary industrial units and a revival of ailing small scale industrial units.
There are 11 companies that are waiting in the queue for signing MoU with the state government. Reports suggested that companies like Gold Line Industries, Bhramaputra Metal, Staco Power and Steel, Sinosteel, Bhushan Steel, Anil Industries, Hi-Tech Iron and Steel, Pawanjay Steel, Vini Iron and Vinayak Industries are there in the list for signing MoUs while the companies like Ispat, Sarthak, Brahmi Impex, Ma Cahndi Durga Steel, Ranchi Ispat etc are awaiting the renewal of MoUs with the government.Some of the companies like Tata Steel, Jindal South West, Jindal Steel and Power, Adhunik, Abhijeet Infrastructure, SAIL etc have begun their ground work. While SAIL and Tata Steel have recently enhanced their plant capacities to 7 MT and 10 MT respectively in Bokaro and Jamshedpur, Abhijeet Infrastructure Corporate Ispat and Alloys has began the preliminary work at Seraikella-Kharsawan, the site for the new plant with the capacity of 2.8 MT per year. “We have decided to give the best to local people as per our company’s R&R and have also given in writing to the landowners that if there is any missing clause of the government that is not included in the company’s policy, it will be immediately incorporated for their benefit,” said the Chief Executive Officer, Abhijeet Infrastructure, Arun Gupta recently.
Corporate houses top brass asserted that the companies would not ignore the interest of anybody and will certainly take care of the locals in terms of employability and other benefits of those who have given their land for the commissioning of the project. “The industrial scenario in Jharkhand will take a new shape with the coming up of several modern townships, the plan of which were taken up by the government,” the CEO affirmed adding that the setting up new plants and capacity expansion by Steel giants during the last two years has created a sense of economic security among the people of Jharkhand. While the major companies like Mittal, JSW, JSPL, Essar and others have already been recommended for mines by state at Karampada and Ankua, the mining activities could not begun due to some technical reasons. However, the state government has set the ball rolling in terms of lease allotment for mines to the different companies.
Sanjeev Shekhar
Media Consultant/Journalist/PR
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Finding ground water with bamboo stick-a God gifted trait
By Sanjeev Shekhar
His dexterity to find ground water availability is a God gifted trait. He is not following any scientific thump rule, but is able to locate water beneath the ground with a simple bamboo stick.
Bizarre it may sound but one has to believe it on getting the first hand experience of it. He is a simple man residing at the Dumkagora village falling under the Potka block of East Singhbhum village. Fondly known as ‘water Pastor’, this 45-year old O.R.Surin, is a preacher of Christianity and has the rare tact to assess ground water.
The modus operandi of Surin is simple. He breaks the bamboo stick measuring about two feet into two halves from the upper portion but joined at the bottom giving it a ‘V’ shape, which starts rotating when put at a place with a high water level.
He does the demonstration of his product whosoever visits him at his place. The bamboo sticks when touched on ground starts rotating near a water table at his house. Without attaching any scientific reason, Surin is modest enough to accept, “I’m not literate to do research in this area. I believe that the Lord (Almighty) has provided me this insight to help people residing in this desiccated land.”
Surin is able to locate water table as deep as 70-80 feet below ground that may be due to some supernatural syndrome. Surin has his native place at Karra block in Ranchi district but has been residing at Potka for the past one decade. His wife and three daughters stay with him and are contended that they are able to help people at the time of need.
The villagers of neighbouring villages also do not forget to remember him at the time of need. During summer and unbearable heat people call upon him from different places like Baridih, Parsudih, Sarjamda, Haldipokhar, Karandih, Sundernagar, Birsanagar, Telco and even from the adjoining district Mayurbanj in Orissa to help them find suitable location to dig ponds or install tubewells in their houses," claimed Surin.
God fearing person, Surin does not charge anything for the ‘valuable’ service that he renders to the villagers. He fears that once he commercialize his trait he might lose the capacity to assess water table and the God might punish him for utilizing his inherent trait for his benefit. He admits that people at times gives him voluntarily and even force something in his pocket when he refuse to accept. “I believe that Lord help’s everybody. I’m just His messenger to tell people, as to where they will find their basic requirement of life,” he concludes.
Sanjeev Shekhar
Media Consultant/Journalist
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Primitive Tribe to be appointed in government jobs directly
By Sanjeev Shekhar
Ranchi-
With an idea to motivate the most depressed section of people belonging to primitive tribe, the state of Jharkhand has chalked out a plan for direct recruitment of youth belonging to the community. The Chief Minister, Madhu Koda, would be providing them appointment letter on August 15.
The decision to this effect was taken on Wednesday in the high-level meeting presided by the Chief Minister. The government has directed the Welfare department to conduct the survey of youth belonging to the primitive tribe across the state by the end of this month or first week of August who have passed out their graduation examinations after 2005. Earlier the government claimed to have provided jobs to 90-youth belonging to the primitive tribe who passed their graduation examinations.
“We will continue the process of direct appointment of primitive tribe youth who have completed their graduation and are sitting idle. We’ll identify and conduct survey of youth since 2005 of the community in order to enable them for the job,” the Chief Minister, Madhu Koda, directed the officials of the department.
Such youth will also be included in the list of appointments, who for some reason or the other, missed out the opportunity to secure the job in 2005. The survey will cover the primitive tribe unemployed youth in between 2005-06. They will be provided with a job in various departments like health, education, welfare, collectorate of districts etc.
“The level of job will be of grade four presently,” an official present in the meeting said.
The government has also decided to grant scholarship to such students of the primitive tribe who are pursuing their higher studies. The appointment letter will be provided on the Independence Day as a mark of reverence to such youth in order to boost them for future growth and connect them to the main stream of society, said the official present in the meeting.
Those present in the meeting included the deputy chief minister, Stephen Marandi, and Welfare Minister, Joba Manjhi. Among the top ranking officials were the principal secretary to the chief minister, Sukhdev Singh, development commissioner, A.K.Singh, finance secretary, Rajbala Verma and officials from the welfare department.
Sanjeev Shekhar
Ranchi-
With an idea to motivate the most depressed section of people belonging to primitive tribe, the state of Jharkhand has chalked out a plan for direct recruitment of youth belonging to the community. The Chief Minister, Madhu Koda, would be providing them appointment letter on August 15.
The decision to this effect was taken on Wednesday in the high-level meeting presided by the Chief Minister. The government has directed the Welfare department to conduct the survey of youth belonging to the primitive tribe across the state by the end of this month or first week of August who have passed out their graduation examinations after 2005. Earlier the government claimed to have provided jobs to 90-youth belonging to the primitive tribe who passed their graduation examinations.
“We will continue the process of direct appointment of primitive tribe youth who have completed their graduation and are sitting idle. We’ll identify and conduct survey of youth since 2005 of the community in order to enable them for the job,” the Chief Minister, Madhu Koda, directed the officials of the department.
Such youth will also be included in the list of appointments, who for some reason or the other, missed out the opportunity to secure the job in 2005. The survey will cover the primitive tribe unemployed youth in between 2005-06. They will be provided with a job in various departments like health, education, welfare, collectorate of districts etc.
“The level of job will be of grade four presently,” an official present in the meeting said.
The government has also decided to grant scholarship to such students of the primitive tribe who are pursuing their higher studies. The appointment letter will be provided on the Independence Day as a mark of reverence to such youth in order to boost them for future growth and connect them to the main stream of society, said the official present in the meeting.
Those present in the meeting included the deputy chief minister, Stephen Marandi, and Welfare Minister, Joba Manjhi. Among the top ranking officials were the principal secretary to the chief minister, Sukhdev Singh, development commissioner, A.K.Singh, finance secretary, Rajbala Verma and officials from the welfare department.
Sanjeev Shekhar
Media Consultant/Journalist/PR
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Never allow your CREDIT CARD to be out of sight, when you give it for swiping...
This is the e-mail I've received from Amit Hakoo working with Punj Lyold, which is matter of interest for all. Credit card or use of plastic money has become the integral part of our daily life. Hence it's necessary to know the frauds involved in the process of swiping the card. Courtesy-Times News Network.
Always keep your CREDIT CARD in sight, when you give it for swiping......
The next time you decide to use your credit card on a shopping trip, think again. The Mumbai police have busted a hitech credit card fraud which they believe is the crime of the future. Four gadget-savvy youngsters from Andheri, two of them software engineers, got together to earn a quick buck and ended up ripping off over Rs 3 lakh of citizens' money. The foursome were arrested by the Juhu police recently. Interestingly, one of the boys was all set to leave for the United State s for a job in a wellplaced computer firm .
According to the police, the mastermind of the gang is 19-year-old Leo Paul . A second-year engineering student at a Bandra college, Paul had read about a magnetic card-reading device which could store data once you swipe a card through it. Data from at least 12 such cards could be stored at a time. Paul realised that if credit cards were swiped though the
machine, the personal data of a customer stored on it could be accessed.
He then teamed with Akash Kamble , a 19-year-old Lokhandwala resident, and ordered the card-reader from USA , using the Internet, since it's not available in India .. 'The boys befriended a waiter at Kings International Hotel at Juhu to take their plan ahead. Every time someone ate a meal in the hotel and paid by credit card, the waiter would discreetly swipe it through the magnetic card-reader, which is no more than 6-inches long and can be stored in the pocket,'' said investigating officer Ramesh Nangare.
Once the waiter was done, he would hand over the device to Paul who would download the data from the cards on to Kamble's personal computer. The duo would then feed the data into blank cards, available in the grey market. The cards were now ready to be used in Shopping malls and theatres, or to withdraw money from an ATM.
Senior Inspector Pradeep Shinde said that the boys forged information from more than 22 cards in this manner. The fraud came to light after officials from HSBC bank complained to the police. The cops quizzed customers whose cards had been duplicated and discovered they had all visited Hotel Kings International and paid by credit card. Investigators then caught the waiter who led them to the four youngsters. Paul , Kamble and the two other collegians identified as Manoj Chauhan (24) and Mahesh Valani (20), have been remanded to police custody.
NEW-AGE CRIME A portable magnetic cardreader can store data from around a dozen cards tha t have been swiped through it; made in China, the device was bought on the net for Rs 18,000. The card-reader is connected to a computer and the entire data is transferred there. The data is then stored in blank cards available in the grey market.. These duplicate cards can now be used to buy a fortune and also withdraw money from ATMs.
Ends-
Monday, July 7, 2008
Parking Fee in New York- a real life story
From Sanjeev Shekhar
I’ve been getting lot of interesting e-mails from my friends and acquaintances related to events based on varied topics. One fine day, an idea struck to me, why not share them with more and more friends of mine. Hence, I thought of putting them in my blog from now onwards. I begin with the first one from today. This was sent to me by one of my very dear friend, Yogesh Kislaya, presently working with India TV.
NOT A STORY BUT A TRUE INCIDENT
An Indian man walks into a bank in New York City and asks for the loan officer. He tells the loan officer that he is going to India on business for two weeks and needs to borrow $5,000.
The bank officer tells him that the bank will need some form of security for the loan, so the Indian man hands over the keys and documents of new Ferrari parked on the street in front of the bank. He produces the title and everything checks out. The loan officer agrees to accept the car as collateral for the loan. The bank's president and its officers all enjoy a good laugh at the Indian for using a $250,000 Ferrari as collateral against a $5,000 loan.
An employee of the bank then drives the Ferrari into the bank's underground garage and parks it there. Two weeks later, the Indian returns, repays the $5,000 and the interest, which comes to $15.41. The loan officer says, "Sir, we are very happy to have had your business, and this transaction has worked out very nicely, but we are a little puzzled.
While you were away, we checked you out and found that you are a multi millionaire. What puzzles us is, why would you bother to borrow "$5,000" ? The Indian replies: "Where else in New York City can I park my car for two weeks for only $15.41 and expect it to be there when I return'" Ah, the mind of the Indian... This is why India is shining
I’ve been getting lot of interesting e-mails from my friends and acquaintances related to events based on varied topics. One fine day, an idea struck to me, why not share them with more and more friends of mine. Hence, I thought of putting them in my blog from now onwards. I begin with the first one from today. This was sent to me by one of my very dear friend, Yogesh Kislaya, presently working with India TV.
NOT A STORY BUT A TRUE INCIDENT
An Indian man walks into a bank in New York City and asks for the loan officer. He tells the loan officer that he is going to India on business for two weeks and needs to borrow $5,000.
The bank officer tells him that the bank will need some form of security for the loan, so the Indian man hands over the keys and documents of new Ferrari parked on the street in front of the bank. He produces the title and everything checks out. The loan officer agrees to accept the car as collateral for the loan. The bank's president and its officers all enjoy a good laugh at the Indian for using a $250,000 Ferrari as collateral against a $5,000 loan.
An employee of the bank then drives the Ferrari into the bank's underground garage and parks it there. Two weeks later, the Indian returns, repays the $5,000 and the interest, which comes to $15.41. The loan officer says, "Sir, we are very happy to have had your business, and this transaction has worked out very nicely, but we are a little puzzled.
While you were away, we checked you out and found that you are a multi millionaire. What puzzles us is, why would you bother to borrow "$5,000" ? The Indian replies: "Where else in New York City can I park my car for two weeks for only $15.41 and expect it to be there when I return'" Ah, the mind of the Indian... This is why India is shining
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Naxals attack going hi-tech, likely to witness more violence in Jharkhand & neighbouring states
Sanjeev Shekhar
Even as attacks and counter attacks between the Jharkhand Police and Naxalites are on, the state of Jharkhand is all set to witness more violence and arson given the logistics and hi-tech armoury the outfits possessed.
The recovery of the pen grenade and a paper bomb from Maoists in the West Singhbhum district has send alarm bells ringing for the state police machinery. In a major development, the police recovered the pen grenade at the time of conducting raids in the hideouts of the naxals.
“We have recovered the pen grenade from one of the hideouts of the Jharkhand Liberation Tigers (JLT) in the Saranda jungle of West Singhbhum district. The JLT is a banned outfit that is carrying out the operation in the dense forest areas of Saranda,” stated the superintendent of police, Chaibasa, Sudhir Jha.
Disclosing about the precious catch, Sudhir Jha pointed out that the grenade is in the form of a pen and is an improvised explosive device (IED). He said that though the police recovered the device but it needs investigation to assess its impact when exploded.
Asked about its efficiency, the SP said, “Only experts can say anything about its efficiency. We will send the pen grenade to experts for detailed examination.” The recovery of the hi-tech pen grenade can blow a person at a time. This grenade has now compelled the police think-tank to explore the ways for providing safety to the common man, the police informed.
Last month, the police recovered a paper bomb from Jhumra hills of Bokaro district. The explosive is hidden between two sheets of paper and looks like an ordinary file or a children’s storybook. The security personnel found 800 grams of RDX hidden in the recovered paper bomb. Jharkhand police spokesperson R.K. Mallik said, “This is first time that such a bomb has been recovered from the Maoists. Experts are analysing the bomb.” According to sources, the Maoist rebels are already in possession of hi-tech wireless sets capable of tapping communications of security personnel. Rebels also possess weapons like AK-47 rifles and 9-mm pistols among other explosives. Of the 24 districts in Jharkhand, the Maoists are active in 18 districts of the state, while the government puts the figure to around 11 districts only. The sudden spurt in the naxals incidents has started giving sleepless nights to the police, though it’s trying hard to strike bacn and contain such disruptive activities.
In the past seven years, more than 1,000 people, including 614 civilians and 290 security personnel, have been killed in Maoist violence.
Sanjeev Shekhar,
Jounalist/Media Consultant/ PR
Even as attacks and counter attacks between the Jharkhand Police and Naxalites are on, the state of Jharkhand is all set to witness more violence and arson given the logistics and hi-tech armoury the outfits possessed.
The recovery of the pen grenade and a paper bomb from Maoists in the West Singhbhum district has send alarm bells ringing for the state police machinery. In a major development, the police recovered the pen grenade at the time of conducting raids in the hideouts of the naxals.
“We have recovered the pen grenade from one of the hideouts of the Jharkhand Liberation Tigers (JLT) in the Saranda jungle of West Singhbhum district. The JLT is a banned outfit that is carrying out the operation in the dense forest areas of Saranda,” stated the superintendent of police, Chaibasa, Sudhir Jha.
Disclosing about the precious catch, Sudhir Jha pointed out that the grenade is in the form of a pen and is an improvised explosive device (IED). He said that though the police recovered the device but it needs investigation to assess its impact when exploded.
Asked about its efficiency, the SP said, “Only experts can say anything about its efficiency. We will send the pen grenade to experts for detailed examination.” The recovery of the hi-tech pen grenade can blow a person at a time. This grenade has now compelled the police think-tank to explore the ways for providing safety to the common man, the police informed.
Last month, the police recovered a paper bomb from Jhumra hills of Bokaro district. The explosive is hidden between two sheets of paper and looks like an ordinary file or a children’s storybook. The security personnel found 800 grams of RDX hidden in the recovered paper bomb. Jharkhand police spokesperson R.K. Mallik said, “This is first time that such a bomb has been recovered from the Maoists. Experts are analysing the bomb.” According to sources, the Maoist rebels are already in possession of hi-tech wireless sets capable of tapping communications of security personnel. Rebels also possess weapons like AK-47 rifles and 9-mm pistols among other explosives. Of the 24 districts in Jharkhand, the Maoists are active in 18 districts of the state, while the government puts the figure to around 11 districts only. The sudden spurt in the naxals incidents has started giving sleepless nights to the police, though it’s trying hard to strike bacn and contain such disruptive activities.
In the past seven years, more than 1,000 people, including 614 civilians and 290 security personnel, have been killed in Maoist violence.
Sanjeev Shekhar,
Jounalist/Media Consultant/ PR
Monday, June 30, 2008
Seraikella 'Ladoos' tickles tastebuds of all
Sanjeev Shekhar/Seraikella
The name of ‘laddoo’ (round shaped balls, sweet in taste) waters the mouth, and if it’s the special laddoos of Seraikella, it’s difficult to restrain taste buds even for diabetic patients.
More than 110-year old tradition, the small time shop of sweets, prominently known for its ‘besan laddoo’, which has now been given an identity of the “Seraikella ka laddoo” has done roaring business on day to day basis, apart from its huge demand during special occasions of marriages or any sacred ceremonies.
Locals take pride over the matter that they have something special attached to the area. The shop situated right near the fort of the King of Singhdeo dynasty has become a stopping place for tourists and visitors.
“We start our work at 6 in the morning and carry out our business till 10 in the night to cater to the demands of the customers,” says Jagmohan Das, the chef. He puts the demand to at least a quintal daily and says that the demand for the sweet is not only confined to local populace.
“People from Calcutta, Purulia and Jamshedpur are our main customers, who demand laddoos of this place. We even go out on special occasions to prepare these sweets during marriages,” informs Das.
Customers thronging the shop are of the opinion that the foreign tourists, who visit the place, during special occasions or take classes in Chau, the folk dance of the area, love laddoos and even take it away to their homeland abroad.
“A woman who was here for quite sometime from United States in recent past, was the regular visitor to the place to relish the taste of laddoo,” disclosed Yogi, the customer.
People recall that the king of Seraikella provided support and patronage to the local ‘karigar’ (chefs) specialized in making laddoos and even helped them in popularizing their specialty.
Correct mixture and ingredient of ‘besan, ghee and ilaichi’ makes the laddoos tastier. “The proportion of correct mixing bears significance in terms of taste and flavour that make it unique and inimitable,” claims Nakul, the nephew of Jagmohan, who helps him in business.
In the past there were scores of cooks who learnt to prepare ‘laddoos’ and tried to venture out by opening their own shops. Some even tried their luck at Gamharia and Jamshedpur by opening small time shop, but failed to maintain consistency in their quality.
“Not only this, they could not allure the customers on the pretext of preparing the same sweets that we prepare here,” Nakul said brimming with pride.
So next time if you’re in Seraikella, don’t forget to get “Seraikella ka laddoo”.
Sanjeev Shekhar,
Media Consultant/Journalist/PR
The name of ‘laddoo’ (round shaped balls, sweet in taste) waters the mouth, and if it’s the special laddoos of Seraikella, it’s difficult to restrain taste buds even for diabetic patients.
More than 110-year old tradition, the small time shop of sweets, prominently known for its ‘besan laddoo’, which has now been given an identity of the “Seraikella ka laddoo” has done roaring business on day to day basis, apart from its huge demand during special occasions of marriages or any sacred ceremonies.
Locals take pride over the matter that they have something special attached to the area. The shop situated right near the fort of the King of Singhdeo dynasty has become a stopping place for tourists and visitors.
“We start our work at 6 in the morning and carry out our business till 10 in the night to cater to the demands of the customers,” says Jagmohan Das, the chef. He puts the demand to at least a quintal daily and says that the demand for the sweet is not only confined to local populace.
“People from Calcutta, Purulia and Jamshedpur are our main customers, who demand laddoos of this place. We even go out on special occasions to prepare these sweets during marriages,” informs Das.
Customers thronging the shop are of the opinion that the foreign tourists, who visit the place, during special occasions or take classes in Chau, the folk dance of the area, love laddoos and even take it away to their homeland abroad.
“A woman who was here for quite sometime from United States in recent past, was the regular visitor to the place to relish the taste of laddoo,” disclosed Yogi, the customer.
People recall that the king of Seraikella provided support and patronage to the local ‘karigar’ (chefs) specialized in making laddoos and even helped them in popularizing their specialty.
Correct mixture and ingredient of ‘besan, ghee and ilaichi’ makes the laddoos tastier. “The proportion of correct mixing bears significance in terms of taste and flavour that make it unique and inimitable,” claims Nakul, the nephew of Jagmohan, who helps him in business.
In the past there were scores of cooks who learnt to prepare ‘laddoos’ and tried to venture out by opening their own shops. Some even tried their luck at Gamharia and Jamshedpur by opening small time shop, but failed to maintain consistency in their quality.
“Not only this, they could not allure the customers on the pretext of preparing the same sweets that we prepare here,” Nakul said brimming with pride.
So next time if you’re in Seraikella, don’t forget to get “Seraikella ka laddoo”.
Sanjeev Shekhar,
Media Consultant/Journalist/PR
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