New assignment as Secretary to State Government after working as District Magistrate in Nadia and Burdwan.

State Govt posted me as Secretary in Health department yesterday. After getting supertime scale of IAS I was promoted to Secretary in January 2013. It's pride to get status as Secretary to the State Govt., more challenges and opportunities to serve the people.
It has been wonderful experience to work in the field as ADM in Coochbehar and Hooghly from 2001 to 2006. Thereafter District Magistrate Nadia from October 2006 to March 2010 and Burdwan from March 2010 to August 2013, completing 82 months uninterrupted. I feel satisfied about my assignments in the field as District Officer. Intensive touring, interaction with cross section of society and adoptive innovative approaches has been very helpful to give me great satisfaction. I sincerely thank all those associated, colleagues and general public for their love, affection and encouragement.
Team Burdwan blog title is changed now onwards but team spirit will always remain.

Helpline to Polling Personnel and others - check www.bwnpge2013.org for General Panchayat Election 2013 in Burdwan

Our web pages launched fro GPE 2013 have been very useful and liked by people during Nomination process. Now, we have decided to upload all information on different administrative arrangements and helplines for the use of all those deputed for election duties.

Interested person can get information and help on :-

• Location and contact numbers of DCRCs at Blocks where polling personnel are required to report. Contact phone numbers are available to communicate in case of any exigency.
• Transport arrangements to pick up from Railway Stations or main Bus stands to DCRCs and back after poll duty is over. Routes, timings of departure and contact persons to help are noted. There will be help counters at important halting stands/ stations.
• Medical arrangements from Primary Health Centres onwards up to District Hospital. Control room numbers of CMOH/ ACMOH at Sub division are available. In case of any emergecy, help may be sought.
• Disaster Management Teams are being deployed in all low lying areas and flood prone GPs with trained Civil Defence volunteers for rescue and relief measures. Contact numbers and names of volunteers are available on the website.
• General contact numbers of election machinery at Blocks and district are also given.
• Public information on Poll day will also be made available.

Log on at www.bwnpge2013.org

Some of the latest orders from SEC West Bengal regarding General Panchayat Election 2013

1. At booths where only ZP seat election is being held due to uncontested GP and PS seats, there will be one less polling party i.e. one Presiding Officer plus three Polling Officers in place of 1+4 at other places.
2. If any elector refuses to vote for GP or PS seats, he will not be issued ballot paper at all. That means, voter has to accept all three ballot papers and vote or keep it blank as per his choice and drop in ballot box.
3. Only one vehicle each Sub division per political party will be issued permits by SDOs for 14th and 15th July. ZP Candidates can also get permission for use of one vehicle to ply in their ZP constituency area. NO outsider will be allowed to move in an area where he is not elector. However, there is no restriction on staying in block/ district party offices.
4. Those on Ramadan fast will be given opportunity to vote on priority. Arrangements will be made for Ramadan to all poll officers from Muslim community being deployed so that they can get fruits and other food items at booths with the help of Mid Day Meal cooks.
5. Dedicated Disaster Management and Rescue Teams shall be deputed in each Panchayat locality which is vulnerable to water logging and submergence in low lying areas. Teams will have boats, tractors, rescue equipments and relief stock at their disposal.
6. Round the clock medical team arrangements at each Primary Health centres upwards up to SD hospitals shall be made by CMOH. Additional Medical Officers to be deployed in PHCs so that MO is available round the clock on 14th July morning to 16th July afternoon. Control rooms at CMOH/ACMOH level will monitor the arrangements. Ambulances attached to health units shall be available for emergency situations. No separate medical teams shall be stationed at DCRC, Sectors or other places. Medical kits are being provided to all Polling booths, sectors and DCRC.
7. WBSEDCL will ensure maintenance teams to ensure uninterrupted supply on Poll day.
8. Poll day is declared as dry day, all excise shops will remain closed.
9. Adequate security arrangements at all booths and area is being ensured. Central/ State armed forces are likely to reach district from first phase on 12th July late evening and will be deployed on 13th July in blocks for area domination and confidence building measures. All sensitive booths will have minimum two armed constable, in addition to adequate armed police at sectors covering 8-10 booths, RT mobiles, QRT teams and HRFS. Details on security arrangements are being worked out by Police authorities.

Meeting regarding Police Deployment Plan for General Panchayat Election 2013 at Asansol today

Plan for deployment of police forces in terms of orders of State Election is one of the most difficult task to be completed well in time. Once block wise number of armed police and normal police is finalised based on vulnerability mapping and other inputs, arrangements for bringing them from first phase districts, accommodation and logistics, electricity arrangements and area domination tasks can be taken up by the Police Stations/ Block. So, it is crucial to decide source and strength of forces, both State and Central at least five days before date of election so that field officers get adequate time to make arrangements.

Discussions completed for Burdwan District Police on 8th July 2013 with Observer and Police. Today, similar discussions are scheduled to be held at 12 noon at Katha Conference Hall Asansol with Asansol Police Commissionerate areas. There are 812 booths in ADCP and 3982 in BDP.

Land Revenue Officers told to organise special camps to clear mutations and conversions

Mutations and conversion of land are the most common citizen services BLLRO offices provide. In general there is always long pending applications due to manpower constraints. Today, called officers of Land and land Reforms department of all blocks and Sub divisions and told them to organise mouja wise camps to clear the backlog. Each RO has to dispose off 400 cases per month.

Learning to use Paddy Thrasher in a village at Khandghosh - interesting experience to learn from this farmer couple

Paddy thrashing on paddle thrasher in Khandghosh in 2010

Sal leaf - livelihood of tribals in Jungalmahal

 

Picture : Making of Pattals of Sal leaves and drying

 

Picture : Tribal from Tudu community in Jadabganj earns his livelihood from Sal leaf.

Livelihood of forest dwellers and tribals is mainly dependent on Minor forest produce like Sal Leaves. These tribals collects leaves from Forest and makes Pattals/ stitched leaf plates for sale in the market. It takes one day for two labourers to make 2000 plates using sal leaves, stiched by sticks. Thereafter, the leaf plates are required to be stitched using machines before these are sold in town markets.

This tribal person stated to me that he and his wife make 2000 plates in a day and gets Rs 300 wages. Family can get Rs 302 under MGNREGA provided local GPs generates enough works.

The machine used to stitch sal leaves costs only approximately Rs 7500 which adds value to the produce. This person claims that he can also use the machine and could have got more than Rs 500 wages for the work but he can't afford to buy one.

Sal making machines were supplied to different SHGs and are in use. There is need to supply more. My interaction with these tribal during recent visit prompts me to think about a larger plan for development of this sector, value addition by skill development and market linkage in a systematic manner.

Re visited Sanatan Tudu in Bonpara Ausgram1 block - Geetanjali housing completed.

In my earlier posts I narrated the story of Sanatan Tudu, tribal living in kutcha muddy house in Bonpara village of Ausgram1 block. While visiting watershed project sites on 21st February 2013 I met this young hard working man in his 40s. He told us that their family is not enlisted in BPL and MGNREGA works is the only source of family income, besides day labourer on others land. Family is landless and owns only homestead land where they live in kutcha house.  During interactions, he demanded more works under MGNREGA and a house under IAY.

 

I am happy that after this visit Bdo Ausgram1 not only sanctioned Rs 1.65 Lakhs for pucca house under Geetanjali scheme to economically weaker sections but also constructed the house in record two months time.

 

Now, Sanatan and his family has a pucca house of their own. I visited them last week and found them quite happy. They got more works under MGNREGA after our intervention. Time bound specific intervention as per needs of tribal is required in all areas.

 

 

TEAM BURDWAN: Sanatan Tudu's open air kitchen. Got new pucca hou...

TEAM BURDWAN: Sanatan Tudu's open air kitchen. Got new pucca hou...: This is open air kitchen of Sanatan Tudu, a poor tribal having kutcha mud hut in Bonpara village of Ausgram1.  In this picture his father a...

MGNREGA Burdwan updates in first quarter of 2013-14 : Rs 150 crores utilized created 60 Lakhs man days

Burdwan maintains its position in utilizing MGNREGA funds in the current financial year also. As per information, district could spend Rs 150 crores out of Rs 180 crores available funds till 30th June 2013. Further, requisition for funds sent to Govt. Last year, we spent Rs 158 crores in first quarter and finally spent Rs 515 crores till March 2013 which was highest ever expenditure by any district in the country.

In first quarter this year, 60 Lakhs man days has been created providing employment to 3 Lakhs plus families. Programme Officers have been authorized to make payments of ongoing and completed works till new Panchayat bodies are constituted.

Special measures during General Panchayat Election 2013 on 15th July in Burdwan

General Panchayat Elections are scheduled to be held on 15th July in Burdwan district, for the first time since during monsoon season since inception. Add to it, this Ramzan month.

We have experienced General Parliament Elections in 1999 during the monsoon months, when floods and heavy rains forced authorities to set up temporary booths in boats at few low lying areas. After careful visualisation of possible situation following steps may be taken by blocks for smooth conduct of elections :-

1. Transport arrangements - hire at least 4-5 tractors and 1-2 recovery vans in each block and station those in areas identified as water logged prone, submerged prone and flood prone localities. Ensure that these are stationed at a place from where to be easily moved to affected areas. In addition, list out small country boats in all areas where water logging or flooding due to heavy rains and river waters generally causes disconnection of road connectivity. Contact numbers of boats men must be kept with respective control rooms and sector officers. Proper shed or cover on mini trucks and lorries must be provided.
2. Disaster management teams - we have trained civil defence and disaster management volunteers in each block and GPs. They should be deployed in vulnerable areas, in proper attire. Provide them rescue equipments and life saving tools. In case of need, additional CD volunteers can be engaged. There should be arrangements for relief materials, reserve medicines, water tube wells at higher places and sand bags at the disposal of these Disaster Management Teams. All disaster management officers at block and sub division must be kept out of other election duties so that they can ensure proper management of this action plan. That means, dedicated response teams fully equipped is the need of hour.
3. Sheds and water proof arrangements at booths and DCRC- there must be temporary sheds in front of booths to protect people in voters queue from adverse weather conditions. State election commission funds can be utilized for the purpose. Water proof top must be ensured at DCRC also. Windows, doors and drains of booths must be repaired and cleaned so that no water leakage takes place. We have released maintenance grants from Sarva Siksha Mission to all schools, that can be utilized. 
4. Approach roads repairs with limited fund involvement to make it road worthy can be done including spread of gravel or coarse sand.
5. Mid day meal cooks can be asked to arrange food for polling parties at booths. Issue ID cards, maximum permissible rates of food items. There can be arrangements for fruits, juice etc as per requirement of Ramzan to be made available by cooks on payment basis. Facilitate arrangements to break fast to all personnel on election duty among Ramzan fast holders. Water carriers appointed for each booth must be told to assist them in all possible ways.  Make arrangements at DCRC also, for reserve personnel.
6. Plastic bags or covers must be provided to protect ballot papers and statutory covers.
7. Medical emergency management plan should be in place at all blocks. Keep all health units from PHCs onward open round the clock from 10 am on 14th July till 12 noon 16th July. CMOH and his teams to issue orders, depute additional manpower, ambulances at strategic locations and control rooms at ACMOH/ CMOH level. 

33 KV sub station at Dihika for WTP of 11 MGD JnNURM project at Asansol, to be ready by June 2013

Health Check up of NSAP pensioners - innovative approach getting good response

There are 1.30 lakhs persons getting Old Aged, widow and disability pension in Burdwan district at the rates of Rs 600 pm to Rs 750 pm.

• As per norms, annual life certificate of each beneficiary is required to be submitted every year to continue pensions.
• It is noticed that due to poor collection of life certificates claims of pensions are not cleared in time in most of the pension schemes.
• District administration decided to organise health check up camps to all pension holders as innovative alternative to life certificate as it will not only confirm the life of beneficiary in easy way but also ensures medical check up free of cost.
• In health check up camps at 10 Sub centres/ PHCs in four GPs of Mangalkote block today, 1375 pensioners got free health check up done by Govt. medical teams arranged by BDO. Mangalkote. All of them were brought to the camps by ASHA workers/ GP employees as per sansad wise list of pension holders. Medicines as per prescription were also supplied free of cost.
• Follow up in each case is also been noted by concerned health workers and doctors.
• We plan to cover all the beneficiaries in next one month.
• Health check up camps are being organised at Govt costs at nearest sub centres within one kilometre from home.
• We are happy to get so good response to the initiative.

Thanks BDO Mangalkote.

All BDOs will please follow up as per orders issued.

Rs 1573 Crores Collected from Coal revenue by Burdwan in 2012-13, increased by five times in three years - results of conducive environment for coal mining and better collection strategy

Coal mining operations in Raniganj Coal Fields Areas contributes a substantial revenue to State Govt in the form of Coal Cess & Royalty, Surface Rents, Water Rents and Land Revenue from mining lands held by coal companies and sand stowing used in refilling etc.

• District administration monitors and supervises the collections from Coal companies like ECL, EMTA, ICML, IISCO and other private miners.
• All the collections are assessed and collected by Govt agencies at district level under the overall control of District Administration. Chief Mining Officer under Commerce & Industry department, Dy Cess Collector Asansol, Commissioner Commercial Taxes and Land & Land Reforms department officers are involved in assessment and collection of the taxes and rents.
• District administration ensured well planned monitoring system, assessment and collection reviewed regularly with all the agencies and coal companies in last three years. At the same time, Coal companies also got best conducive environment for coal mining in few years, with almost no labour unrest affecting production, cessation of illegal coal mining due to strict enforcement policy of State and easy clearances of Govt agencies for lands and other issues that helped increasing coal production.
• We could realise most of the revenue dues and also collected long pending arrears through regular persuasions.
• Here are the results :-
• Total collection by District Officers in Burdwan Treasuries in 2012-13 stood at Rs 1573 Crores as on 31st March 2013.
• It was Rs 292 crores only in 2009-10.
• Collections from coal mining increased to Rs 454 Crores next year in 2010-11
• It further increased to Rs 1444 crores in 2011-12, record growth
• This year collection stood at Rs 1573 crores. Thereby, revenue increased five folds in last three years.

As per assessment Burdwan Collected approximately Rs 1800 crores from Coal revenues in the current year including some of the funds deposited at Kolkata Office by Coal companies not shown in Rs 1573 crores.

Record Motor Vehicle revenue collection in Burdwan in last three years - effect of administrative management

Burdwan District Administration has drastically increased motor vehicle revenue through various measures to enforce the rules and improve delivery of services in last few years.

• All three offices of motor vehicle in district at Asansol, Durgapur and Burdwan are online now, with upgraded computer hard wares and modern technology for registration plates. In 2010 the condition of these offices was deplorable with outdated old computers, poor service delivery taking months and problems in office management. Well planned replacement of hardwares, software and office management was put in place by District Administration in last three years,
• RCs and DLs smart cards of good quality are provided to the owners taking very less time of processing.
• Now, all RCs and DLs are delivered in less than a week, which used to take months in 2010.
• Payment of taxes can be done online also. General services like transfer of ownership, renewals and temporary permits can be obtained on the same day.
• Effective enforcement of motor vehicle rules and well planned regular raids by senior officers has yielded good results in motor vehicle revenue collection in last three years. Total revenue collection in last four years is as follows :-
• Rs 97 Crores in 2008-09
• Rs 118 Crores in 2009-10
• Rs 147 crores in 2010-11
• Rs 164 crores in 2011-12
• and Rs 189 crores in 2012-13

It is clear that MV revenue increased from Rs 97 crores in 2009 to Rs 189 crores in the current financial year ending on 31st March 2013. It is almost 200 percent growth in last three years. Annual growth rate of 24 percent could be achieved due to close supervision, strengthening of MV offices to quicken service delivery and effective enforcement by Officers under leadership of SDOs/ RTO.

 

Well done TEAM BURDWAN.

Now registration of vehicles, tax payments, fitness etc can be done at Kalna also, Motor Vehicle office at Kalna starts functioning from 16th April 2013.

People of Kalna need not come to Burdwan RTO Office for registration of new vehicles, tax payment of existing vehicles, fitness certificates, driving licenses and other works related to motor vehicles from first working day of Bengali New year 1420. Motor Vehicle Office at SDO Kalna is ready and going to be inaugurated tomorrow at 10 am.

• This office is fully computerised with counters for citizens to get instant quick service. New office is located on the ground floor of SDO office.
• Networking of the software with central server of transport department is under process and likely to be functional in next two weeks. Delivery of Registration Certificate of new vehicles and Driving Licenses will be done in 3-4 days of presentation of applications initially, that will be available in 48 hours once the office is fully functional by May 2013.
• Now, we have MV offices at Asansol, Burdwan, Durgapur and Kalna. New MV office at Kalna will be helpful to the vehicle owners of Kalna Sub division, who need not come to RTO Burdwan office.

Anandabazar Patrika on 15th April 2013 : Burdwan tops in revenue collection

রাজস্ব আদায়ে সেরা বর্ধমান, দাবি প্রশাসনের নিজস্ব সংবাদদাতা • বর্ধমান

জমি, ইট ও বালি থেকে জেলা প্রশাসন ৭৬ কোটি টাকার রাজস্ব আদায় করেছে বলে রবিবার জানালেন জেলাশাসক ওঙ্কার সিংহ মিনা। ২০১২-১৩ অর্থবর্ষে এত বেশি রাজস্ব অন্য কোনও জেলা আদায় করতে পারেনি বলেই দাবি তাঁর। গত বছরের চেয়ে এর পরিমাণ প্রায় ১৪ কোটি টাকা বেশি। বালি ও ইট আদায় হওয়া রাজস্বের পরিমাণ ৬ কোটি টাকা। তিনি আরও জানান, যে ব্লক ও রাজস্বআদায়কারী আধিকারিকেরা রাজস্ব আদায়ে উল্লেখযোগা সাফল্য দেখিয়েছেন, তাঁদের পুরস্কৃত করা হবে। উল্লেখ্য, বর্ধমানের দামোদর ও অজয় নদী থেকে তোলা বালি রাজ্যের প্রায় সব জেলায় নির্মাণ কাজে ব্যবহৃত হলেও এতদিন সরবরাহকারীরা বিপুল রাজস্ব ফাঁকি দিত। তা রুখতে বিডিও, রাজস্বআদায় দফতর ও পুলিশ অভিযান চালায়।

Subho Nababarsho 1420

Apnader O apnar Paribarer sakalke ke janai Bangla Nababarsher priti o subhechha. Sabai bhalo thakben.

Record collections revenue of Rs 76 crores from land and minerals in Burdwan.

Burdwan collected Rs 76 Crore revenue from Land Revenue, minerals like sands and bricks in 2012-13 year ending today.

• Its highest ever revenue by Land Revenue dept by any district in WB and increased by Rs 14 crores over last year collection of Rs 62 crores.
• Collection from sand & brick fields alone crossed Rs 26 Cr, increase by Rs 6 Cr. Best performing blocks and RI to be awarded.
• These collections in Burdwan increased 4 times since 2010 when it was Rs 18 Cr.

7500 homeless land less benefitted under Nijo Griho Nijo Bhumi (NGNB) in Burdwan

One of the most successful initiative of Govt of West Bengal, pattas of homestead land of three kathas, known as NGNB, extended benefits to 7503 homeless and landless poor families in Burdwan district till 31st March 2013.

• NGNB was launched in January 2012 with target of covering all land less in two years.
• We identified 9100 families in rural areas through intensive field surveys last year and enlisted them for benefits under NGNB.
• In 2011-12 last quarter only we could provide pattas of vested Govt lands to 1150 families.
• In 2012-13 financial year we could cover record number of 5353 families throughout Burdwan district and 1000 further pattas are being distributed in April 2013.
• All sincere efforts are being taken to cover rest 1600 families and more to be identified subsequently through field verifications by May 2013.
• So, Burdwan is all set to achieve its target in record 18 months time. 
• NGNB beneficiaries have also been provided grants to construct houses under IAY, Geetanjali, Amar Thikana and other rural housing schemes.
• We constructed 14048 IAY houses, 521 Geetanjali and 1200 Amar thikana houses last year where substantial number of NGNB patta holders were covered.
• Reviewed the performance of scheme with Sdos and Bdos on 12th April 2013 at VC room Burdwan. Instructions issued to extend benefits of credit schemes, SHGs and social welfare schemes to these beneficiaries.

We appreciate the best performance of this scheme in Burdwan and look forward to cover all eligible persons on vested lands available and to be resumed from illegal encroachments/ possession. Applications may be sent to BLLRO by any interested but eligible person to enlist.

Well done Team Burdwan.

Burdwan district collected highest ever revenue from Land, minor minerals and coal.

Land revenue : Rs 65 crores as on 11th April 2013, likely to cross Rs 70 crores by Poila Baisakh closing day of year. Good collections from Sands, murram and bricks.
Last year it was Rs 62 crores.
Coal cess and royalty : Rs 1561 crores as per collection in Burdwan, does not include deposits at Kolkata Pay and accounts.
Last year Rs 1441 crores, increased by Rs 120 crores. Mainly from ECL, BCCL, EMTA, ICML, IISCO coal units and other small coal companies.
Motor Vehicles : Rs 186 crores. Last year Rs 162 crores,  increased by Rs 24 crores. Enforcement collection by Motor Vehicle Inspectors and Sdos Rs 32 crores,  record growth.
Stamp duty and registration : Rs 150 crores.
Overall revenue growth 36 percent over previous year.
Well done Team Burdwan

Economic Rehabilitation grants, ex gratia to next of kins to 152 families at Burdwan Sanskriti Metro today

District administration has arranged distribution of Economic Rehabilitation grants and Ex Gratia grants to economically poor families who are in distress. 152 beneficiaries collected cheques from District Magistrate, Burdwan on 11th April 2013 at 12 noon at Sanskriti Metro.

• ER grants provided to 80 persons today to the persons who have insignificant means of livelihood, mostly beggars, destitute, disabled and single family females and divorced. We extended benefits to 200 spending Rs 16.65 lakhs this year.
• Each of them were given Rs 5000 for purchase of sewing machine, stitching machines and Rs 10000 each for starting their own business like tea stall, goatary, grocery shop, ready made garments, van rickshaw, cycle repair shop etc so as to earn for their livelihood. Beneficiaries expressed their satisfaction and felt honoured to start their own business with the small grants provided by administration.
• District administration took initiated to rehabilitate beggars, orphans from Railway Stations, Streets and Bus stands of major towns in Burdwan through special surveys conducted during winter last year. While, some of them were deported to their home states, locals have been selected for Economically Rehabilitation schemes of Disaster Management department. Some of those identified in Urban areas as well Blocks are being provided grants today.
• We are also distributing Ex Gratia grants of Rs 2 lakhs in each case to Next of Kins who died during natural calamities like storms, cyclones, floods, snake bite and major road accidents. 72 families families were given the grants sanctioned by the District Magistrate today. This year administration released Rs 214 lakhs to 325 Next of Kins in Burdwan district.

We are happy to assist these distressful families and endeavour to continue such welfare activities. Further grants will be distributed from Bocks and Sub divisions.

One Lakh rupees to Destitute Minority women, sanctioned for construction of House

One destitute woman looking very fragile and ill, namely Aleya Bagam, met DM Burdwan this morning and requested to get sanction of house to her as she has nobody to take care and no shelter. She is 70 years old and stays at c/o Abdul Oyahid of Mathrun GP Simulia-I under Mongolkote block. She approached Hon'ble CM Office and was advised to meet DM Burdwan.

 

Considering the condition and need of the destitute woman, a sum of Rupees one lakh sanctioned today and BDO Mangalkote advised to ensure construction of her house over two decimal land she owns. The funds has been sanctioned under Destitute Women Rehabilitation Programme. 49 persons have been benefited so far under the scheme.

News item on surgery of ICDS kids as published in Sambad Pratidin today.

Meeting with Hon'ble Governor West Bengal at Burdwan Circuit House

Received Hon'ble Governor Mr MK Narayanan on 10th April at 7.30 pm at Burdwan Circuit House. I had interacted with him on several earlier occasions at Durgapur and Burdwan during official visits. It's always pride and privilege to talk to him.

Our all respects and salute to his simplicity and encouragement to district officers.
Hon'ble Governor left for Joyrambati in Bankura at 8 am this morning after Guard of Honour presented by Burdwan District Police.

From the Statesman on 11th April 2013 "Administration to bear surgery costs of ICDS kids"

Administration to bear surgery costs of ICDS kids

10 April 2013statesman news serviceDURGAPUR, 10 APRIL: The district administration has agreed to bear surgery expenses of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) kids suffering from cardiac ailments. Five such children have primarily been selected for the same.Roni Mete, around four-and-a-half-years underwent successful surgery on 4 April and is now recovering. He belongs to a BPL family from the  Bonkati village, Kanksa PS area.

 

On 5 April, Anita Hasda was admitted to a private hospital. Parvin Khatoon, another such patient was admitted on 8 April.Today, Nandini Kisku and Sk Niamuddin, underwent cardiac surgeries.

The district administration provided Rs 1.20 lakh for both. The DM, Burdwan, Mr Onkar S Meena, the one responsible for the venture, said: “We run 9,300 ICDS Centres in Burdwan and we had initiated a programme to take stock of the children's health, which exposed that many were suffering from malnutrition and that some were also facing acute cardiac disorder.” He also said: “We discussed the matter with the private tertiary care hospital, whether they would agree to operate the children against subsidies expense.”

The DM said the undertaking became possible after the hospital authority in Durgapur agreed.After last year’s positive health check-up camps in ICDS Centres, the district authority has now replicated the affirmative for ICDS kids. Growth monitoring, including regular health and weight check-ups of 5 lakh kids were conducted at ICDS centres of the district, covering 39 projects, by ICDS workers visiting each house in the past six months across the district. In all, around 3,400 children were identified through screening with below average growth moderate to severely malnourished children and they were facilitated health check up by medical teams and child specialists to ascertain their causes of illness and poor body growth. On their recommendations, the officials said that it was found that out of them 146 children needed immediate surgeries for serious ailments related to heart, eyes, kidney, hernia, orthopaedic.

The DM said: “We submitted a proposal to the state and got sanction of Rs 35 lakh from NRHM funds for treatment of these kids at private and state-run hospitals at our expenses to be paid to a hospital of the parents' choice.”

Economic Rehabilitation grants, ex gratia to next of kins to 152 families at Burdwan Sanskriti Metro today

District administration has arranged distribution of Economic Rehabilitation grants and Ex Gratia grants to economically poor families who are in distress. 152 beneficiaries collected cheques from District Magistrate, Burdwan on 11th April 2013 at 12 noon at Sanskriti Metro.

• ER grants provided to 80 persons today to the persons who have insignificant means of livelihood, mostly beggars, destitute, disabled and single family females and divorced. We extended benefits to 200 spending Rs 16.65 lakhs this year.
• Each of them were given Rs 5000 for purchase of sewing machine, stitching machines and Rs 10000 each for starting their own business like tea stall, goatary, grocery shop, ready made garments, van rickshaw, cycle repair shop etc so as to earn for their livelihood. Beneficiaries expressed their satisfaction and felt honoured to start their own business with the small grants provided by administration.
• District administration took initiated to rehabilitate beggars, orphans from Railway Stations, Streets and Bus stands of major towns in Burdwan through special surveys conducted during winter last year. While, some of them were deported to their home states, locals have been selected for Economically Rehabilitation schemes of Disaster Management department. Some of those identified in Urban areas as well Blocks are being provided grants today.
• We are also distributing Ex Gratia grants of Rs 2 lakhs in each case to Next of Kins who died during natural calamities like storms, cyclones, floods, snake bite and major road accidents. 72 families families were given the grants sanctioned by the District Magistrate today. This year administration released Rs 214 lakhs to 325 Next of Kins in Burdwan district.

We are happy to assist these distressful families and endeavour to continue such welfare activities. Further grants will be distributed from Bocks and Sub divisions.

Press release on mgnrega burdwan page2

Press release on MGNREGA in Burdwan page1

MGNREGA BURDWAN 2012-13 : Record Rs 503 Crores spent generating 230 lakhs man days, highest ever by any district in India

Annual reports on MGNREGA achievements for 2012-13 in Burdwan district shows that district spent Rs 503 crores out of which payments of 490 crores cleared and uploaded on MIS at www.nrega.nic.in. 

 

Expenditure

 

District got Rs 495 crores only, so wage payments in some of the GPs are still pending.

1. Last year we spent Rs 359 crores. The expenditure this year has increased by Rs 144 crores. 
2. Burdwan is the only district in the country to have crossed expenditure of Rs 500 crores in a financial year and tops among all districts of India. No other district could cross expenditure of Rs 400 crores.

Employment generation

1. Employment generation is 230 lakhs man days involving 5.97 lakhs families. There is increase of 41 lakhs over previous year and highest ever by any district in West Bengal.
2. Burdwan generated 189 lakhs man days last year. Employment generation is the highest in Bhatar, 28 lakhs followed by Mangalkote 22 lakhs.
3. Employment generation is very good in Kanksa, Jamalpur, Ausgram2, Raina1, Raina2, Khandghosh, Monteswar and Memari2 blocks also and has increased over last year in all blocks.
4. Wage payments to such a large number of families is the record.

• We could have reached 300 lakhs man days, but adequate funds were not released in last six months. District got only Rs 78 crores in January to March 2013 which was used to clear pending wage bills.
• Annual Labour Budget was sanctioned for 227 lakhs man days by Govt of India assuring Rs 515 crores this year but only Rs 460 crores were actual released, though district submitted online reports in time, had no audit paras and pending issues.
• District has no funds at present to make payment of wages against ongoing works where more than one lakh labourers are engaged. There are pending dues of Rs 33 crores wages as per the information collected from GPs. Pending bills of material is approximately Rs 20 crores. 
• We hope to get adequate funds by end of April 2013 to clear pending dues and take up new works.

We thank all those associated with MGNREGA implementation at Panchayat level to blocks for such a remarkable success and expect them to show better performance in current financial year.

 

Well done Team Burdwan.

 

Summer starts, with temperature touching 40 degree C, water in wells dry

Weather reports issued yesterday warns high temperatures in parts of Burdwan district,  mainly industrial areas. Water level of wells has gone down, as also the tube Wells.

• We have asked PHE to expedite handing over of all 300 rig bores set up out of PUP funds. Already 280 plus handed over to public for use.
• All bdos of Asansol and Durgapur sub divisions have been asked to immediately start supplying water through hired tankers in all the rural areas where water sources are dried up or not available.
• Adequate funds have been placed. 
• Health authorities have been asked to keep adequate salines including medicines, generator back up, additional fans/ coolers and ensure that health personnel are available round the clock. 
• Drinking water in public places is appealed to be arranged by local bodies,  civil societies and chamber of commerce so as to assist general public. Administration will be happy to refill water hiring tankers. All needs to take extra care during summer.
• Video Conference was held with Durgapur and Asansol officers and issued details guidelines to mitigate impact of heat wave.

River damodar at Dakshin Bhasapur in Galsi2. Dry river, no water.

This is picture of Damodar River at Galsi2 on 7th April 2013 at 1 pm. We visited the vested land of 399 acres in the Char of river along with officers from Agriculture department to explore possibility of seed production on this fertile land. Land is suitable.
One can notice immense potential of this place due to sand mining getting revenue to state and fertile lands that can produce good quality seeds.

 

Some photographs of Ashram Hostel at SHAR attached to Chintaharan Mukherjee Smriti Vidyamandir

 

This is dinning hall for 165 students. There are only two ceiling fans in this large hall and no benches or tables. Students sit on the floor and take their meals. Infrastructure is not adequate.

 

I have asked SAE of PO DWO office to prepare estimates for sufficient fans, dinning table, benches and adequate lights in dinning hall. Funds to be provided in the similar manner as was allotted to 16 hostels @ Rs 2.8 to 3 lakhs each.

 

Students led by 9th Class boy narrating the condition of their hostel to me during by visit last week. It is known that cost of text books for class nine or ten students is Rs 1500 to 2000 per session which is borne by poor students. Maintenance charges @ Rs 750 pm is paid from Backward Classes Welfare funds released on quarterly basis. Students from class 1 to 8 gets the text books from Govt. free of cost.

 

I have suggested one time grants of Rs 50000 to buy books to be kept as book bank. Students can deposit the text books after end of session for use by their juniors. Funds for the purpose can be allotted from Govt. grants. Bank accounts of all students have been opened to get Rs 2250 special education grants to students of class 9 & 10. PO DWO has been asked to release the grants immediately.

 

 

 

 

 

These are urinals. There is only one block of urinals and one block of toilets. Toilets are defunct as not repaired. Urinals are  not cleaned properly. There are three Mark II hand pumps for taking bath in open for 165 students.

Asked School authorities to send estimates. Funds shall be provide to repair facilities and add more units. I have also advised BDO who accompanied me to supply them carom boards, volleyballs, footballs and other kits of games from Sports allotment. Regular visit to hostels is required to take care of needs of students.

Double storied building constructed for Mathematics Laboratory in Chintaharan Smriti High School at Shar under Aushram2

This is photograph of Chintaharan Mukherjee Smriti Vidya Mandir High School at SHAR in Ausgram2 block.

• During my recent visit I found that this double storied building has been constructed out of Additional Class Room funds of Sarva Siksha Mission but school authorities decided to run Mathematics Laboratory of High Secondary classes not covered under SSM grants.
• Now, see that inside photo. The room is occupied by Contractors for stay of their workers who are constructing class rooms of school and first floor is vacant and fully non utilised.
• I don't understand why school authorities plan so badly. It can't be treated proper utilisation of SSM grants but wasteful expenditure. In the same school, there is tremendous shortage of class rooms and accommodation in 165 bedded hostels attached to school is inadequate.
• Best use of infrastructure is expected.

 

Picture below shows vacant first floor, never used after construction one year ago.

This picture shows inside view of Mathematics Laboratory

Once infamous for Political disturbances and violences, Mangalkote Block created a record in MGNREGA employment generation this year. Development is the key to peace.

Mangalkote has been in news for Political clashes leading to violence, cause loss of human lives and property since 2008-09 onwards. There are several instances of intense group rivalry leading to violent attacks and several litigation affecting almost every village.

• But, now the same Mangalkote has created a history creating maximum employment generation under MGNREGA in 2012-13 financial year. Conducive environment for work in villages of Mangalkote could facilitate good results due to combined efforts of TEAM BURDWAN in such excellent performance.
• In 2009-10 financial year this block could generate only 3.10 lakhs man days, that increased to 6.84 lakhs in 2010-11 and 9.8 lakhs in 2011-12 financial year.
• Mangalkote block created a history in 2012-13 financial year with employment generation of 21.7 lakhs involving 55248 families. So, employment generation has increased three times over last two years.
• Similarly, the expenditure incurred by this block has increased from Rs 9.70 crores only in 2010-11 to Rs 46 crores in 2012-13 financial year.
• It was Rs 16.7 crores in 2011-12. This increase in expenditure by more than four times is possible due to peaceful and conducive environment for development works.
• It is estimated that final expenditure of 2012-13 financial year may be approximately Rs 50 crores and man days may be 23 lakhs.

Well done Mangalkote.

Thanks to all employees and others associated with this remarkable  achievement.

ICDS Students surgeries - most satisfying intervention

I remember in 2002-03 working at Cooch Behar as ADM Development, visiting several ICDS and Health Centres noticed that children from economically weaker sections in villages can't afford adequate nutrition and health care and this is the main reason for their poor body growth physically as well as mentally.

• My experience to make frequent visits to villages, in the interiors and interacting with people at their door step to enquire on actual reach of Govt.'s services/ benefits on health, child care, nutrition, social pensions and similar individual benefit oriented services, shaped my decision making skills towards more humane.
• This is the zeal to gain more satisfaction by way of appreciation by those benefited and encouragement received from well wishers, that led me to always think some new ways and innovations to help the poorest of the poor.
• I have been associated with several instances of extending helping hands to so many people in providing treatments, education and social pensions or rehabilitation of physically challenged/ shelter less using good offices of the posts I held. But, I am most satisfied to have successfully planned and executed innovative scheme of surgical treatments of school and ICDS children in Burdwan district.
• I have experience of conducting health check up of all school students in Nadia district in 2008-09 when we arranged doctors from Kolkata also to conduct check ups at Health Centre level and later, arranged check up by specialists for some of them.
• In Burdwan, we planned and successfully conducted health check up of 9.6 lakhs students in 2010-11 and later organised treatment of all those found with ailments.
• 563 students were supported with full treatment costs at Private and Govt hospitals at Govt cost up to Rs 1.2 lakhs per patient. All these operations were done in 2012, some still going on.
• Last year, we decided to do screening of small kids between 3 to 6 years of age at ICDS Centres through growth chart monitoring. There are 9300 plus ICDS centres in Burdwan district, one in each village/ ward for every 1000 population where one ICDS worker and one helper takes care of their feeding, taking weight on monthly basis to record growth with age, pre school education, immunisation etc.
• When we started, weighing efficiency of these centres was only 70-75%. That means, weight of 25-30 percent children attending the ICDS centres was never recorded. More than that, enrollment efficiency was less than 70 percent i.e. 30 percent of eligible children in age group 3 yrs to 6 years were never enrolled in ICDS. In order to improve these parameters, we provided spring scales, flat weighing machines to each ICDS worker in 2010 and 2011 and asked them to ensure that weight of all children must be recorded in growth chart for individuals. They were asked to visit house to house just like pulse polio programme and record their weights every month. We must thank the workers of ICDS and CDPOs that weighing efficiency increased to 94 percent of enrolled and more than 90 percent of eligible children population now in 2012-13. Growth charts were updated and children falling under red and yellow zone of the growth chart were tracked in ICDS projects.
• There are 39 projects in Burdwan district. More than 5.6 lakhs children are enrolled. 3400 children were found to be severe to moderate malnourished, tracked as per growth chart monitoring. Our workers took them to Medical Officers and got them medically examined in last six months. Based on medical examinations, kids with serious ailments were referred to specialists in Govt hospitals and private facilities. So far, 146 children have been referred for surgical intervention for cardiac problems, orthopaedic, kidney and hernia related disorders.
• We are happy that full responsibility of surgical costs and treatment has been taken care under the Innovative Health project initiated by District Administration.
• Roni Mete, 4 years from Bonkati GP of Kanksa ICDS Project had problem of heart and as per advice of doctors surgery was the only option. His father Nirad Mete is a poor tribal, who can't afford cost of Rs 1.5 lakhs claimed by the Durgapur Mission Hospital. Our workers got him checked and referred application for assistance. We agreed and sanctioned Rs 1.20 lakhs to the Mission Hospital last week. Dr Satyajit Bose, Cardiac Surgeon and Head of the Mission Hospital has agreed to charge 80 percent of the cost of surgeries for the children referred under this special project. Roni was successfully operated upon to close VS on 4th April 2013. His parents are happy to have got the support, which they could never imagine.
• Four other children already funded for surgeries in this week, each Rs 1.20 lakhs. We have Rs 75 lakhs arranged under the innovative fund and we are hopeful of supporting all those identified by our dedicated teams at ICDS centres.
• May also read http://teamburdwan.blogspot.in/2013/04/cardiac-surgery-of-icds-kids-at-govt.html

It's really the most satisfying job we could perform as administrator. Well done TEAM BURDWAN.

Cardiac surgery of ICDS kids at Govt cost - poor children got new lease of normal life

 

Roni Mete S/o Nirad Mete from Bonkati Kanksa in ICU recovery room after VSD closure done successfully at the Mission Hospital Durgapur

District administration organised surgical intervention at Govt cost for 146 ICDS children in Burdwan district, identified through health check up camps. Roni Mete aged around 4.5 years from Bonkati Kanksa was successful operated upon by Dr Satyajot Bose at The Durgapur Mission Hospital on 4th April 2013. He is now recovering fast at the hospital.

• The parents are from poor background and had applied for financial assistance for the treatment at several places. Finally the child could be treated under innovative intervention of District administration at the cost of Rs 1.20 lakhs paid by Govt.
• Today, on 5/4/13 another child Anita Hasda admitted at The Mission hospital and further Parvin Khatoon will be admitted on 8th April and on 10th April, Nandini Kisku and Sk.Niamuddin will be operated for heart surgeries. Incidentally, it's pertinent to note that these children are from backward class/ tribal/ minority background and without this intervention by Dist administration, these families could not have afforded these kind of treatment. Further the food and other arrangements of parents are being taken care of by admn. We will continue to support poor children in need of treatment.

Letter in Bengali to all beneficiaries of IAY must be sent through GP staff

All BDOs please recall the instructions to issue Letter in Bengali to all IAY beneficiaries who got only first installment requesting him to start the works of his house and submit claim for next installment of Rs 22500 plus Rs 3200 or 4600 for sanitary latrines. Beneficiary is required to submit one photograph of house under construction.

• During my visit to different villages in Eral GP, it is noticed that no such letters have been issued despite orders from our end. One beneficiary Mahato Bauri complained that in absence of any proper communication he has not yet received next installment, thereby finding it difficult to complete the house. It is known from verification in BDO office that 2nd installment of Mr Mahato and others have been released in last week of March 2013 but due to communication gaps he did not up date bank passbook. Asked him to withdraw the funds from bank and complete the house.
• BDOs please ensure that one staff from GP visits every under construction house and intimates the beneficiary in writing through simple language Bengali letter about fund release and procedure to claim sanitary latrines funds.
• There are 15 such cases in Eral GP out of 84 where 2nd installment has not yet been released to beneficiary and no information is available with them as to how to claim it.

We need to sensitise staff properly. Let them also assist in taking photographs and purchase of bricks at reasonable rates.

Some of the Geetanjali houses constructed by administration in Ausgram1 and Ausgram2 blocks under PUP @ Rs 1.64 lakhs each

Shar Ashram hostel for Tribals in Ausgram2 block. Triple decker wooden beds

Visited Shar Ashram attached Adiwasi hostel today. Verified basic facilities of drinking water, toilets,  infrastructure of kitchen, dinning rooms and hostel.  Well maintained hostel where 165 students stay. Suggested to increase number of bathrooms and toilets and furniture in dinning rooms. Also advised to provide English newspapers,  magazines and book banks to students.  Grants needs to be released in time.  Asked PO DWO to release advance funds till June 2013 next week.
Good hostel, students are happy and satisfied.  Sports facilities are OK. Assured some carom boards, sports and games kits. Up to date payments of maintenance grants is OK.

Four Additional Class Rooms under construction at the cost of Rs 16.16 lakhs at Chintaharan Smiriti High School at Shar in Ausgram2

 

School authorities are constructing the rooms with extended grill verandas, that is why the work could not be completed within allotted funds. Sarba Siksha funds are allotted for ACRs with specific estimates and designs but local modifications by school authorities escalates the cost. Hope the school will arrange funds from other sources at their own so as to complete the works. 

IAY house under construction at Bahadurpur in Eral GP of Ausgram2

This is Mahato Bauri in front of IAY house he is constructing in his village Bahadurpur under Eral GP of Ausgram 2 block when we visited today.

• The house is made of mud with bamboo support, traditionally. As per norms of IAY pucca brick wall house with asbestos roof is to be constructed at the cost of Rs 45000.
• Considering the high cost of bricks and cement it is not possible to construct house with Rs 45000 without own imvestment of at least Rs 25000 to 35000, that is not affordable to poor tribals. So they prefer mud house, double storied out of IAY funds. Several beneficiaries of these areas did the same despite adverse reports by visiting national monitors from Govt of India. We are aso convinced about quality of house constructed by these tribals and understands their difficulties.
• Visited several houses today in three villages including Geetanjali pucca houses constructed at the cost of Rs 1.64 lakhs.  Plinth area of both houses is 245 Sq Feet each but IAY costs Rs 45000 only and Geetanjali Rs 1.64 lakhs. 
• Both the houses are two rooms with four windows and two doors.

Another Geetanjali house in Bahadurpur Eral GP

Geetanjali House under construction at Bahadurpur village in Ausgram2.

Sonamani Hembram in front of Geetanjali house constructed under PUP funds

She got this house constructed by administration under Geetanjali schemes funded by PUP @ Rs 1.64 lakhs four months ago. Village Chandipur Adivasipara of Eral GP in Ausgram2. 

 

Visited several houses today. Beneficiaries are happy to get beautifully constructed houses.

 

Sanatan Tudu's open air kitchen. Got new pucca house now on our intervention

This is open air kitchen of Sanatan Tudu, a poor tribal having kutcha mud hut in Bonpara village of Ausgram1.  In this picture his father and wife are seen.

• Sanatan requested me to provide pucca house during my visit to his house on 9th March 2013 while inspecting MGNREGA works. 
• Bdo Ausgram1 informed me today that one pucca house at Rs 1.64 lakhs has been sanctioned, construction  started and to be completed in this month by 15th April.  He was arranged house under Geetanjali along with 521 others.
• We are happy to help genuine poor tribal. Thanks Bdo Ausgram1.

 

Geetanjali houses handed over to beneficiaries in Paschimanchal in record six months time

521 houses to economically weaker sections were sanctioned in September 2012 under Geetanjali scheme in 10 blocks of Paschimanchal in Burdwan district. 

• Each house costs Rs 1.64 lakhs.
• Reviewed the progress of construction of houses with officials today and noted that 180 houses have already been handed over to the beneficiaries for living and progress of other houses is very good. All the houses will be handed over to beneficiaries in next two months after completion.
• District administration awarded the works to civil contractors through open competitive biddings in September 2012 in small package of 8-10 houses each. Rate schedule, item wise quantity,  specification and estimates were shared with individual beneficiary in one to one sitting organised by district administration before commencement of works on the lands of beneficiary. During these conferencing,  first of its kind in contractual public works, all the details of material and workmanship were agreed upon and handed over to the owner of house. 
• This ensured that owner of the house supervises the work as if he is getting it done investing own money and contractors were strictly told to adhere to the requirement of owner.
• There was strict advice not to permit interference by local Panchayat or any public representatives regarding work execution by agency but to consult beneficiary only. Quality of work and workmanship is expectedly very good as per reports of social audits conducted in some cases. 
• We are happy to complete so many houses to homeless needy tribals and other weaker sections in record time.

Well done Team Burdwan.

Economic Rehabilitation grants to 90 shelter less/ destitutte or poor women to be disbursed on 11th April 2013

District administration identified 90 women in Burdwan among shelter less, destitute, widows and unemployed poor persons without adequate livelihood support and have arranged one time financial package up to Rs 20000 in each case for income generating works to earn their livelihood. beneficiaries will purchase stitching machine, sewing machine or the similar nature of machines for starting their own works at home. In some cases, skill works of handicrafts and ready garments may also be taken up by them.

Cheques of Economic Rehabilitation grants will be distributed on 11th April 2013 among these beneficiaries at Sanskriti Metro.

Orders issued to Officials of land and land reforms department at blocks to Resume Govt. vested lands from unauthorised occupation.

In terms of recent circular from Land and Land Reforms department directions have been issued to all BLLROs through DLLRO to resume Govt vested lands occupied unauthorisedly by organisations or individuals without any written approval of Govt and orders of Collector.

• Directions were issued earlier for physical verification of vested lands recorded in favour of Collector in khatian number 1 and verify the same with Long Term Lease Registers to ascertain its legal validity. 
• On verification of LT Registers at BLLROs, it is noticed that some of the lease applications were either not allowed by authority or no LT settlement was obtained. 
• In several cases LT settlements were allowed by Govt but payments have not been paid up to date.
• There are cases where Govt vested lands have been kept un utilised for years together or used unauthorisedly for other purposes in violations of conditions.
• There are also cases where Govt vested lands allowed possession to Registered Societies by local bodies without any authority and with no permission from Govt.
• After getting preliminary verification reports from all blocks, strict directions issued to resume all such lands and update in Land Bank for public purposes.
• Already approximately 450 acres resumed and being added in Land Bank.
• In a review meeting with officials of Land and Land Reforms department today instructions issued to expedite resumption in all cases identified through field verification.

2. Land revenue and minor mineral revenue collection is also reviewed today. It is estimated that total collection from Land Revenue will be Rs 65 crores plus this year compared to Rs 62 crores last year.

3. Incidentally, overall resources mobilisation in Burdwan district has crossed Rs 3500 crores, in increase of Rs 400 crores over previous year.

Meeting with BDOs/ SDOs to be held on 12th at 11 am at VC Room

Next monthly meeting with SDOs and BDOs shall be held at 11 am on 12th April 2013 to review schemes and projects, administrative matters, Govt benefits and other welfare schemes in the district. Meeting in first half will concentrate more on internal administrative matters and second half those of line departments. Annual achievements of all blocks/ projects for 2012-13 and target setting of 2013-14 will be discussed.

 

Monthly development monitoring meeting shall be held on 13th April at 11 am onwards. Annual Review of all departments to be done.

Free surgeries to ICDS kids under NRHM, applications invited.

After successful surgeries of 563 school students organised by Burdwan District administration, treatment of 11000 others at Govt expenses out of 9.6 lakhs health check up last year, we have now replicated the affirmative and innovative actions for ICDS kids also.

• Growth monitoring by taking weight and check up of health of 5 lakhs kids conducted at 9300 ICDS centers of district covering 39 projects, by ICDS workers visiting house to house in last six months. 3400 children identified through screening with below average growth i.e. moderate to severely malnourished children were facilitated health check up by medical teams and child specialists to ascertain cause of illness/ poor body growth.
• On their recommendations it is found that out of them 146 children need immediate surgeries for serious ailments related to Heart, eyes Kidney, Hernea, Orthopaedic etc. We submitted proposal and got sanction of Rs 35 lakhs from NRHM funds for treatment of these kids at Private/ Govt hospitals at our expenses to be paid to hospital of choice of parents.
• Full actual Expenditure up to Rs 1.20 lakhs in each case to be provided for treatment. First Five kids to be operated for Cardiac surgery next week, on 3rd, 5th and 10th April 2013. We are happy to assist them living normal life. Sanction of Rs six lakhs for five kids sanctioned today.
• Any needy student/ ICDS kid may approach us at dm-burd@nic.in or in DM office/ SDO offices.

My blog is open to public again.

After almost one month gap, I am back on blog deactivating FB. All updates on our activities will be available here.

Monthly meeting with SDOs and BDOs will be held on 6th March 2013 at 11 am onwards

Letters already issued for Monthly Development Meeting with SDOs/ BDOs to be held at 11 am on 6th March 2013 at VC Room of DM Office. In first half we will discuss all flagship programmes at GP level, review on Paddy Purchase, Govt benefits like NGNB, Housing, Caste certificate etc.

• 2nd half meeting will be on Panchayat Election preparedness and other administrative meetings. ADMs may please furnish written agenda notes on matters of their sections/ line departments, schemes/ flagship matters and administrative matters for circulation among SDOs/ BDOs.
• In general discussions will be held on MDM, SSM, RGGVY, PRD schemes, NGNB, Educational grants, KCC, Artisan credit cards, RSBY, MGNREGA, ARD & Agri matters, Paddy procurement, Water arrangement in summer season, UCs and Advance including March closing, Minority schemes, Land transfer matters for projects, ICDS, Sanitation, SSK/MSK, PHE projects, PUP, BEUP, MPLADS, DIF and misc matters as raised by ADMs.

Paddy purchase by CMR agencies - progress to be reviwed at 3 pm on 5th March 2013 at VC Room

Paddy purchase by CMR agencies will be reviewed on 5th March 2013 at 3 pm at VC room.

• WBECSC and BENFED state officers have been asked to attend the meeting along with PACS and Rice Mills who failed to deliver CMR Rice to FCI/ State go downs OR did not submit bills for reimbursement.
• We also plan to review PPC wise paddy purchased, rice milled, delivered against EC and Bill payment by each agency.
• All blocks please note that after the incidents of delayed payment to farmers causing inconvenience to farmers, as in the case of Jamna PACS of Monteswar, State Govt desires that BDOs must closely monitor the PPC wise Paddy purchased, milled by tagged rice mill, Offered to FCI/State, Actual delivered to Go downs, Bills raised by PACS and submitted to CMR agency and amount actual paid to PACS.
• This information for rice mill wise must be collected from Purchase Officers of CMR agencies or PACS on weekly basis. Any delay in the system affecting release of payments to farmers must be taken care immediately.
• This is also advised to examine the functioning of individual PPCs/ PACS by local task forces at block level and try to improve daily purchase capacity. At present it is only 300 Qtls per day per PPC due to various local problems. If required, BDOs may suggest best suitable locations for PPCs running in their blocks.
• In the review meeting on 5th March 2013, CMR agencies will be told to deliver rice and expedite payments to PACS/ Rice mills.
• It is noticed that out of one lakh plus paddy purchased by CMR agencies, rice delivered to go downs is only 30000 MT, thereby gap of 38000 MT.
• Cost of paddy purchased is Rs 125 crores while cost of rice delivered to go downs is Rs 65 crores. As per information available cost of rice delivered to State account is 35 crores whereas amount paid by ECSC alone is only Rs 6 crores so far. In case of Benfed, there has been no payments cleared in State account. Such a poor payment position will result into non payment to farmers by PACS and Rice mills. It is therefore emphasised to take all possible steps to submit EC of all Rice already milled and make delivery to FCI immediately to get the payment claims cleared.
• It is decided that CMR rice of BENFED to be delivered to State account as they have offered instant payments. We may allow WBECSC CMR also to FCI provided there are written assurance from WBECSC for instant payments of claims.