1 MAY 2017 Bihar MAY 2017 The land of enlightenment He said these evils have now come to afflict even the lower strata of the society, which is a cause for great concern. He said the custom of dowry was a curse on women. He said people should boycott such marriages which may have been solemnized after accepting dowry, only then will there be social change. AFTER LIQUOR PROHIBITION, CHIEF MINISTER NITISH KUMAR S STRESS IS ON ERADICATION OF CHILD MARRIAGE AND THE SYSTEM OF DOWRY After the notable success of liquor prohibition in Bihar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has turned his attention towards social evils like child marriage and dowry. In the recent past, the Chief Minister has also been stressing on the need for a movement against child marriage and the system of dowry. The Chief Minister has called upon the people of Bihar to join the drive against these social evils with the same zeal that they had displayed in their support to prohibition. The Chief Minister said after prohibition, a drive will now be launched against dowry system and child marriage from Gandhi Jayanti. Despite having been illegalized, dowry and child marriage continue on account of lack of public awareness. He said these evils have now come to afflict even the lower strata of the society, which is a cause for great concern. He said the custom of dowry was a curse on women. He said people should boycott such marriages which may have been solemnized after accepting dowry, only then will there be social change. Nitish Kumar said our government will soon launch a campaign against dowry and child marriage and a policy was being framed to this end. Significantly, an anti child marriage law had been brought in 90 years ago to curb this social evil.. GOVERNMENT S SPECIAL FOCUS ON THE HEALTH OF ITS PEOPLE, STATE TO BECOME FREE FROM KALA AZAR BY THE YEAR 2019. Kala Azar has been a big problem for the state. The state s health department has intensified its drive to eradicate this killer disease. For this, a campaign has been launched, from the capital to the villages, for eliminating mosquitoes. The government is focussing on those villages and households from where Kala Azar cases have been reported in the recent past. According to the state health department, not a single case of Kala Azar has been reported from Patna district in the last six months. Health department personnel have been conducting fogging operations in villages and dwelling places across the state. Synthetic pyrethroids are being sprayed this year. Meanwhile, three urban centres will be set up for facilitating delivery of medical facilities to the people of the state capital Patna. According to officials, locations have been identified and preparations have begun for establishment of these urban centres. At present, 20 urban centres are functioning across various localities of the state capital. Get in touch Tel. +91-612-2547371 email:info@biharfoundation.in Web: http://www.biharfoundation.in
2 MAY 2017 Contents 01 01 04 After prohibition, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar s stress is on eradication of child marriage and the system of dowry Government s special focus on the health of its people, state to become free from Kala Azar by the year 2019. PMCH to soon have a seven-storeyed super speciality hospital 04 04 Government takes several steps to for promoting tourism in the state, two packages announced for Patna Darshan Digital survey to be conducted of state capital Patna s Metropolitan Area 05 Eastern India s biggest call centre comes up in Patna 05 Short film festival held in Patna 05 Classes to begin soon at 216 model schools 06 PMCH to have model rehabilitation centre from next month 06 Four new check posts to come up in Bihar for imports and exports 06 20 new hostels soon for working women 07 Scheme for increasing milk production 07 Direct flight between Patna and Hyderabad 08 Some important decisions
3 MAY 2017 Editorial The people associated with Bihar Foundation were planning to launch a monthly newsletter since a long time, which could provide a factual account of that month s positive activities in Bihar; an account, which could encourage them to be emotionally attached to the social-cultural and economic mainstream of Bihar. At the same time, it is a natural feeling for any immigrant to be attached to ones roots and heritage. The mainstream media, because of its inherent characteristics, is unable to highlight those points to the nonresident Biharis, which would make them feel very proud of their heritage. Even though, there is no dearth of such initiatives, every day, every week and every month in Bihar, what is required is to preserve such efforts. Bihar Foundation took this step around two years back through social media. This newsletter was the second important step taken in the same direction. It helped nonresident Biharis to connect to each other, to their roots and to the positive energy flowing in Bihar. The third and the most critical of these steps is to also write about its soft power - language, art, music, painting, food and such binding constituents - in an e-magazine so that people develop self pride and a stronger sense of identity. All these 3 steps - would help all non-resident Biharis to become brand ambassadors of Bihar, wherever they are. - Dr S. Siddharth, IAS Chief Executive Officer, Bihar Foundation
4 MAY 2017 PMCH TO SOON HAVE A SEVEN-STOREYED SUPER SPECIALITY HOSPITAL Construction of a super speciality hospital inside the premises of Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) will begin soon. Senior officials recently held a high-level meeting to discuss the project for which Rs 180 crore have been allocated. The first package includes a visit to places like Patandevi, Kumhrar, Sheetla Mandir, Gurudwara, Buddha Memorial Park, Patna Museum, Golghar etc. In the second package, Danapur Handi Sahib Gurudwara and Golghar s laser show find place in addition to the aforementioned spots. According to the officials, the state s three medical colleges shall be equipped with super speciality hospitals and Rs 180 crore have been approved for each of these. AIIMS Patna has been made the coordinator for developing these super speciality hospitals. At the super speciality complexes, facilities like registration of patients to diagnostic tests, treatment and medicines will all be available under one roof. Another special feature would be Post Graduate courses offered at these places. Each department will be equipped with 15 beds in addition to a seven-bed ICU. GOVERNMENT TAKES SEVERAL STEPS FOR PROMOTING TOURISM IN THE STATE, TWO PACKAGES ANNOUNCED FOR PATNA DARSHAN Following the success of Pawapuri-Kakolath tour package, the Bihar State Tourism Corporation has come up with Patna Darshan. As part of this, tourists will enjoy their journey in airconditioned vehicles. According to officials, these packages will be of two types. These include a five-hour-long package which would cost Rs 150 per person and an eight-hour-long one the fair of which would be Rs 200. DIGITAL SURVEY TO BE CONDUCTED OF STATE CAPITAL PATNA S METROPOLITAN AREA Digital survey of Patna Metropolitan Area Authority will begin from June. Patna Metropolitan Area Authority has commenced the selection process for the agency which would undertake the digital survey. As part of the digital survey, the latitudinal and longitudinal positions of the Patna Metropolitan Area Authority will be identified. Eighty metres wide road will be constructed in the metro city area. In the initial phase, this road will be developed between New Bypass South and Danapur. After digital survey, videos would be shot of selective areas with the help of drone cameras and a presentation thereof will be made before the Chief Minister. It will include the mention of five satellite towns. There will be detailed information about new colonies that are likely to come up in Patna, Fatuha, Maner, Naubatpur, Danapur and Bihta.
5 MAY 2017 EASTERN INDIA S BIGGEST CALL CENTRE COMES UP IN PATNA Recently, the biggest call centre of TCS for eastern India was opened in the state capital Patna. It was inaugurated by Union Minister Ravishankar Prasad who said Patna will become an IT hub along the lines of Bengaluru, Pune and Hyderabad. TCS is among the largest BPO and IT companies world over with its operations spread across more than 50 countries. At present this BPO employs one thousand persons and the number is likely to reach 1,900 in future. on the inaugural day which coincided with Guru Purnima. These included Buddha Comes To Bodh Gaya, directed by Pranav Shahi, which depicts the ideals of the Buddha. CLASSES TO BEGIN SOON AT 216 MODEL SCHOOLS The state government has issued directions for holding classes at the 216 newly-built model schools at the earliest. Besides, instructions have been given for holding virtual classes at one thousand high schools from August 15. At a high-level meeting held recently, construction of model schools Prasad said Patna will have six more BPOs and call centres will be opened in cities like Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur and Dalsinghsarai. SHORT FILM FESTIVAL HELD IN PATNA A three-day short film festival was recently held at the Kalidas Rangalay in the state capital Patna. It was inaugurated by Bihar s minister for arts and culture, Shiv chandra Ram who disclosed that the state will soon have its film policy which would immensely benefit local artists. The festival was co-organized by Cine Society, Patna, Bihar Art Theatre and Rang Maati. Eight films were screened
6 MAY 2017 and progress in the implementation of various schemes were reviewed. During the review, it came to the fore that construction of 216 models schools was complete. The state government has issued orders for holding classes at such high schools at the earliest. PMCH TO HAVE MODEL REHABILITATION CENTRE FROM NEXT MONTH A model rehabilitation centre will come up at the Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) soon. At the centre, treatment will be offered to malnourished children from across the state while mothers will be given tips on nutrition. Malnourished children admitted here will be treated upon by senior doctors of PMCH. Guardians will be educated about nutrition as well as all-round development of children. According to medical experts, malnutrition is a major problem facing the state. Notably, malnourishment is found not just among children from poor families but even among those born in well to do households. The reason is lack of a balanced diet. FOUR NEW CHECK POSTS TO COME UP IN BIHAR FOR IMPORTS AND EXPORTS of Commerce has for long been demanding new check posts for trade with Nepal. One check post each will come up in the districts of Araria, Kishenganj, East Champaran and West Champaran. Among the new check posts, the first will come up at Valmiki Nagar in West Champaran. As per statistics, the volume of trade with Nepal which happens through Bihar is about Rs 25,000 crore per year. Once the new check posts become operational, it will facilitate even a greater volume of trade besides helping in bringing under control illegal business. 20 NEW HOSTELS SOON FOR WORKING WOMEN Working women s hostels will be established in major cities of the state for the benefit of those making a living away from their homes. The ministry of social welfare has proposed to set up 20 such working women s hostels. In the first phase, these would be opened at Chhapra, Gaya, Darbhanga, West Champaran, East Champaran, Katihar, Muzaffarpur, Bhagalpur, Munger and Kishenganj. According to the social welfare department, the need for such hostels has been felt since long in view of the increasing number of women employed in the organized sector. Security and other amenities will be ensured at such hostels. Four new check posts will be set up to facilitate imports and exports via Bihar. The government has already sanctioned, with immediate effect, construction of one such check post. At present there are 12 check posts at various points in Bihar for exports to and imports from Nepal and Bangladesh. With the construction of the new check posts, it will be possible to keep a tab on illegal trade from 16 points. Bihar Chambers
7 MAY 2017 SCHEME FOR INCREASING MILK PRODUCTION The Bihar government has launched a small scheme, the success of which will lead to a significant increase in the state s milk production. The scheme is being launched on an experimental basis in six districts of the state. Under this scheme of the animal husbandry department, pregnant cows will be given an injection after which they will be able to conceive only female calves. The Bihar government has launched a small scheme, the success of which will lead to a significant increase in the state s milk production. The scheme is being launched on an experimental basis in six districts of the state. Under this scheme of the animal husbandry department, pregnant cows will be given an injection after which they will be able to conceive only female calves. According to officials, this will result in an increase in cows stock and augment the the availability of milk and dairy products. More districts will later be covered under this scheme if it is found to be successful. DIRECT FLIGHT BETWEEN PATNA AND HYDERABAD For long a need was being felt for a direct flight connecting Bihar to the city of Hyderabad. This facility will become available soon as airlines company Sky Air will be running a direct flight between Patna and Hyderabad from July. Besides Hyderabad, the company would launch direct flights between Patna and cities like Chennai, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Kolkata. In addition, Indigo airlines is scheduled to launch a new Delhi-Patna-Delhi flight soon.
8 MAY 2017 Key decisions taken by the Nitish cabinet in the month of May The state cabinet approved, in accordance with the Bihar Fire Safety Act, a proposal for creation of posts for fire-fighting personnel to be deployed at important buildings. The state cabinet approved a proposal for notifiying societies for prevention of cruelty to animals which have been set up across all the districts. The state cabinet cleared a proposal for amending recruitment, on contractual basis, of retired Army and Navy personnel and the Bihar Homeguards into the State Disaster Response Force. The state cabinet gave its nod to a proposal for recovery of loans by the government to the tune of Rs 21612 crore in the year 2017-18. The state cabinet also gave its green signal to a proposal whereby personnel posted in the Vigilance Investigation Bureau, Patna, will be entitled like their counterparts in other units to honorarium equivalent to one month s salary in view of services rendered on holidays. A proposal for revised pay scale to state government employees, in accordance with recommendation of the State Pay Commission, was approved by the cabinet. The state cabinet approved a policy for building lowcost residential complexes and rehabilitation of Malin Bastis, for the year 2017. Cabinet nods were given for setting up of Sandip University at Sijoul in Madhubani district and KK University at Biharsharif of Nalanda district. State cabinet accepted the proposal for revised pay scale to teachers and librarians employed at educational institutions run by panchayats and urban local bodies. Approval was given by the cabinet to a proposal by the building construction department for recruitment of 100 junior engineers on contract basis. Cabinet also cleared a proposal for linking bank accounts with Aadhar numbers so that payment of subsidies, scholarships etc. provided under welfare schemes of the state government, was made through direct cash transfer into the accounts of beneficiaries www.sauvcommunications.com http://www.facebook.com/biharfoundation2015 http://twitter.com/biharfoundation http://www.youtube.com/channel/ucol7yyzjftghrb4padk3a2a Bihar Foundation Head Office: 6th Floor, Indira Bhawan, RCS Path, Patna, Bihar (INDIA). Phone: +91-612-2547371 Email: General: info@biharfoundation.in Helpdesk: helpdesk@biharfoundation.in