2nd State Panchayat Saptah Mela from 18th to 20th December 2010 at Panagarh Burdwan

Rajya Panchayat O Gramonnayan Saptah (The State Panchayat & Rural Development Week) for the 2nd year is being organised from 18th to 20th December 2010 at 11.45 am at Mitra Sangha Math Panagarh. First such programme was organised at Behrampore last year, where Burdwan got maximum number of prizes in execution of Rural Development schemes. In recognition of this achievement the State Govt decided to held the programme for 2nd year at Burdwan.

Best blocks in terms of performance of Rural Development Schemes shall be felicitated by the district authority in the afternoon of 20th December. Based on performance parameters blocks will be awarded first and second under IAY, NREGA, Sanitation, SGSY, SSK MSK SSM, BEUP+MPLADS, overall categories.

Forthcoming meetings in December 2010

• 1st December : DEC ECI holds meeting with South Bengal districts at Kolkata in CEO Office regarding SRER, Election preparedness. All SDOs to send updated report on conduct of election preparedness to OC Election by 30th November 2010 positively.
• 3rd December : Paschimanchal Unnayan Parishad (PUP) review with PUP blocks at Unnayan Bhawan Burdwan. Principal Secretary PUP to attend. We held meeting at Durgapur recently and issued necessary directions. BDOs of PUP blocks to come with updated UCs and status on Work orders. DPLO to prepare compiled report duly updated.
• 7th December at 2 pm: District Health & Family Welfare Samity Executive Committee meeting at Angeekar, ZP. Performance of SD hospitals shall be reviewed thoroughly. SDO must come prepared with specific proposals on infrastructure development, utilisation of hospital equipments and diagnostic facilities and manpower planing.
• 9th December 10.30 am : District level meeting on Primary health care covering Sub Centres, PHCs, BPHCs and Rural hospitals. Programmes like NRHM, RCH and Centrally Sponsored schemes shall be reviewed. BDOs and SDOs must bring updated position on ASHA, ANM recruitment, utilisation of health grants and proposals for Institutional deliveries.
• 9th December at 2.00 pm : Monthly Development meeting covering all blocks. All P&RD programmes shall be reviewed. All district level officers must send notes on agenda in brief to blocks by 5th December 2010.

State Panchayat Mela 2010 to be held at Kanksa from 18th December 2010

This year State Level Panchayat Saptah Mela shall be held in Burdwan district at Kanksa from 18th December 2010. Preparedness meeting shall be held at Kanksa on 23rd November afternoon. All SDOs and ADMs to please attend.

PUP reviewed at Durgapur on 16th Nov 2010 - complete all schemes upto 2009-10 by December 2010

I reviewed the performance of Paschimanchal Unnayan Parishad schemes with Sabhapaties, Bdos and SAEs of PUP blocks of Asansol, Durgapur and Sadar North Subdivisions at SDO Durgapur office on 16th November 2010. Decisions are :- 1. All blocks have completed schemes of 2008-09 except two schemes in Baraboni. We need full utilisation certificates for funds released upto 2008-09 by 30th November 2010 positively. All blocks must send the reports to DPLO as assured. 2. Performance of PUP funds released in 2009-10 needs to be improved in all blocks except Salanpur where it is good. It appears from the review that works are likely to be completed in all blocks by end of December 2010. All blocks must submit UCs accordingly. Wherever, there is need to change site or the scheme due to local problems, the same may be done with intimation to district authority. Our target is to complete and close all schemes by 31st December 2010. 3. We have released a large sum of funds for 2010-11 year recently. List of approved schemes is also circulated in the meeting. Preparation of plan & estimates, NIT and work order must be completed by 15th December 2010 so as to complete all the schemes by 31st March 2010 positively. All blocks assured to achieve these milestones. Each block is also required to submit list of 100 Tribal girls studying in secondary classes to get bicycle. Families should belong to BPL category.

Three inmates of Burdwan Shelter home got jobs under ICDS

There is one shelter home at Burdwan.

Many many thanks team burdwan, Burdwan at top under BEUP

Standing Committee of Assembly on BEUP scheme under Development and Planning department called three districts today at West Bengal Assembly to take evidence on performance of Bidhayak Elaka Unnayan Prokalpa (BEUP). Burdwan's performance was well appreciated.

Out of 26 assembly seats in Burdwan, we have received 2nd installment of current year for nine MLAs and became eligible to claim the same for nine other MLAs. That means 18 out of 26 MLAs got full funds released during their tenure period. In case of rest eight MLAs, we have claimed 1st installment of 2010-11 financial year and endeavour to claim last installment by December 2010 so that all our hon'ble MLAs can utilise their full amount within their tenure. Burdwan is one of the districts got full amount of 2009-10 financial year for all MLAs and could get final installment of 18 MLAs. Our efforts of constant monitoring and innovative idea of collecting UCs from the door step of executing agencies yielded good results. Thanks to all and the proud TEAM Burdwan.

Blocks must send estimates of schemes already sanctioned so that we can release the funds.

2nd installment of IAY being released by end of this month, NREGA funds of 75 crores received

We have received Rs 2299.19 lakhs as 2nd installment under IAY this week and fund is being released by the end of October to all eligible GPs. Burdwan is only district in the state to have received the 2nd installment and 6th distict in the country to have claimed IAY 2nd installment within October. My sincere thanks to TEAM BURDWAN and all associated with the programme. Please gear up the system at GPs to disburse this amount on verification of house construction against first release. We must endeavour to claim additional installment by end of November 2010.

We have also received RS 7500 lakhs NREGA funds recently and are in a position to meet all the demands of PIAs where MIS expenditure against fund availability is more than 60 % or the total MIS against MPR expenditure is more than 80 %.

Wish all Shubh Bijoya and greetings of the season.

Agenda for administrative meeting on 1st October 2010

• Follow up on last meeting with SDOs in DM's chamber on 21st September 2010.
• Summary revision of rolls - health check analysis.
• School health programme.
• Functioning of Executive Magistrate courts.
• Preparedness for OBC caste certificate camps between 4th to 12th October 2010.
• Pending advances with treasuries.
• Inspections and field visits by SDOs/ officers.
• Office management and citizen services.
• Miscellaneous matters.

Patta distribution in all blocks on 4th October 2010

It is decided to do patta distribution on 4th October 2010 throughout Burdwan district at each block inviting public representatives and Panchayats. As per the preliminary reports available to us an area of 110 acres to 1014 beneficiaries is identified for distribution in 14 blocks. However, about 20 acres of land patta could not be prepared in Katwa subdivision as SDO office has not cleared the cases. All SDOs are requested to take a review with SDLLROs and see that all approvals are accorded well in time. Those who could not prepare pattas must fix another date of distribution of pattas before Puja vacations.

2. We could identify 45 acres of land for purchase under Chas O Basobaser Bhumidan Prokalpa in the district. It is noted that the process of land identification has not yet been completed in most of the blocks except Sadar South and few blocks of Sadar North. In other subdivisions the figure is NIL in most of the blocks. All blocks are reminded that minimum 5 acres of land each block is the target to be achieved before December 2010. SDOs may please follow up.

3. EWS scheme in urban areas is under implementation where vested land is required to be leased to economically weaker families for LT settlement for house construction. Jt Survey and meeting of the committee headed by SDO needs to be done effectively. So far little progress has been made in Durgapur, while the work on ground level is yet to start in other Subdivision. All Subdivisions conducted meeting of the committee except Katwa. SDOs please review the position.

These issues will be taken up during VC on 1st October 2010 at 4 pm with all SDOs.

ICDS MIS model of Nadia replicated in several states

ABP, Bengali newspaper carried a news story on 23rd Sep 2010 regarding ICDS MIS sotware developed in Nadia West Bengal is now successfully implemented in other states. In Chattisgarh it has been awarded as one of the best egovernance intitiative.

I feel delighted and proud that this initiative of mine while working in Hooghly and then replicated in Nadia is now followed by several states.

Those who are interested about the initiative may read my earlier blog in December 2008.

This video footage of drought condition in Affected blocks of Burdwan in West Bengal. Footage taken on 8th September 2010 after rainfall in lst week.

Ashray to Old Aged and alone

A cheque of Rs 35000 to this old aged woman plus Rs 10000 from local Panchayat Samity ensure her own house as she is alone. Thanks Ashray home scheme of West Bengal Govt economically poor are also getting low cost house benefits. In a function at Raina2 Panchayat Samity on 4th September 2010.

Strengthen monitoring and supervision of Cooked Mid Day Meal (CMDM)

School Education Secretary West Bengal held video conference regarding CMDM in the State wherein following informations have been furnished to follow up :-

• Cooks - One cook at the remuneration of Rs 1000 pm is to be engaged for each school up to Roll strength of 26, two up to 100 and one additional thereafter for additional 100 students. Govt order to this effect was circulated to all blocks/ subdivisions earlier. I am asking the office to repeat it again. Please assess the present status and see that instructions are followed in all schools up to upper primary classes.
• Cost of cooking enhanced w.e.f. April 1st 2010 - Rs 3.10 per student primary schools and Rs 4.03 per student in upper primary school. This rate was Rs 2.88 in Primary and Rs 3.02 in upper primary school between December 2009 to March 2010. Fund should be released to school at the revised rates. Govt order was circulated earlier, will again be repeated from district.
• Unit cost of kitchen shed revised - Cost of construction of kitchen shed of 20 Sq M is Rs two lakhs for 100 roll strength, add additional 4 Sq M per additional 100 students @ Rs 2.35 lakhs. This order was circulated in December 2009, will be repeated again. Funds released earlier @ Rs 60000 per kitchen should be spent at the earlier norms. However, GOI has been moved to allow revised norms for the funds released last year.
• NCLP, Madrasah and minority institutions recognised by Minority Affairs department have been allowed CMDM coverage.
• Proactive disclosure on CMDM as adopted in Burdwan has been appreciated. All schools must complete the wall writing and update it regularly.
• Fund must be released to all schools up to September 2010 in advance, thereafter for quarter ending December 2010 at a time.
• Submission of QPR has not yet improved despite repeated request to SDOs/ blocks. QPR for quarter ending September 2010 must be furnished by 8th October from SDO's end.
• Reports on visits to check CMDM must be shared with the district authority. Identify inspectors of school not made even a single school visit in the quarter, so that we can take up the matter with the concerned authority.

Administrative meetings at Asansol on 13th September 2010

Meetings on following matters shall be held at Asansol on 13th September 2010:-

• Matters related to drinking water supply schemes hand over in Kulti Municipality.
• BEUP schemes review for Kulti Assembly.
• Coal Subsidence Rehabilitation matters - review of Land Acquisition issues, LA officials should also attend.
• Review of SSM, Mid Day Meal, PDS, Caste certificate issue matters with block level officials.
• Review of Land department matters with officials of land department. ADSR should also be invited.
• Matters related to PWD departments, roads, building constructions etc.
• Meeting with ECL authorities on matters related to coal bearing areas.

ADM Asansol and SDO to convene meetings starting from 11 am onwards with Lunch Break at 1.30 pm. Officials at Subdivision, block and Sabhapaties must also be invited. Municipal bodies may be invited for specific agenda or we may hold separate meeting with them only.

Social Security Pensions must be disbursed forthwith upto August 2010

All blocks please ensure that all Social Security Pensions are disbursed to beneficiaries forthwith before 10th September 2010. Any delay will be treated as lapse.

Postal authorities has requested to send only DD with list of beneficiaries at Head Post Master level, not at Branch PO. Please inform all.

IAY - complete disbursement of funds in hand and keep the list of second installment in readiness by the end of September 2010

IAY funds for the first installment and balance of last year already released to all blocks and as per reports fund has been disbursed to all beneficiaries in most of the cases. This is high time to take stock GP wise at block level and see that list for the full year is kept in readiness by the end of September 2010. We are sending proposal for second installment by first week of September 2010 as state share is also released to us now. Our endeavour should be to claim third installment by January 2011, with the cooperation of all GPs.

Blocks are also reminded to conduct social audit of houses under construction or constructed, documenting the same. Since the scheme of land purchase for landless families has now been simplified, we expect more lands be purchased under Chas O Basobaser Prokalpa. Let each block purchase minimum 5 acres of land before December 2010. Rate is allowed upto 125 % of the market cost.

Pension funds must be disbursed before 5th September 2010

We have already released funds to make payment of pensions for the months of May to August 2010. Bdos may please check their accounts and put extra efforts to send the money in the accounts of beneficiaries before 5th September positively. Let's give extra labour and team work to ensure smile on the faces of 1.20 lakhs families during the festive season. Each one of them may get 1600 to 2000.

In case there is any problems with any bank/ post office matter should be reported to us at district HQ.

School Health Check up - identify Doctors/ private service providers to treat screened students

I hope first stage screening of all the students in all Primary Schools, Upper Primary Schools and High Schools is completed now and second stage checking has started. This is the time to plan the medical check up taking personal interest, involving all stakeholders. I have reports that there is shortage of medical officers and specialists in some of the blocks. Please finalise the check up programme and inform DPO SSM so that we can depute additional doctors. Private hospitals enlisted under RSBY and private doctors may also be engaged on payment basis.

SDOs may consider to hold meetings with eye hospitals, dental facilities/ surgeons and dermatologists and appeal them to extend their support on nominal payment. We must see that all students are not only treated with quality medicare but follow up without zero payments by parents is ensured. This will all depend on the kind of leadership our blocks are providing to make this unique initiative a grand success. I am assuring full funding as per requirement.

my visit to Collectorate on 23rd August at 10:30

I reached sharp at 10.30 at 4th Floor assigned to me by Colleagues.

My observations are as follows :-

positives

1. FLOOR IS NEAT AND CLEAN, PROBABLY WASHED WITH DETERGENT.

2. BECAUSE OF TILES ON THIS FLOOR IT IS ATTRACTIVE AND WELL MAINTAINED.

3. CITIZEN SERVICE CHARTERS PROPERLY AND MEANINGFULLY DISPLAYED.

4. ALL STAFF PRESENT ON THEIR SEATS, ID CARDS PROUDLY DISPLAYED ON THE BODY.

5. PENDING LIST IS PREPARED BY SOME OF THE ACTIVE DEALING ASSISTANTS.

6. OLD FURNITURES, ELECTRONIC DEAD STOCKS ALMOST CLEARED AND REPAIRED.

7. PEOPLE ARE AWARE ABOUT NEW INITIATIVES AND COMMON GOALS.

AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT ARE

1. ACTUAL KEY PERSON FOR CITIZEN SERVICES SHOULD BE IDENTIFIED AND WRITTEN.

2. IN cs; rm SECTIONS OLD COMPUTERS, FILES, EWASTE FOUND CONCEALED IN STORAGE RACKS.

3. DISPOSAL OD OLD PAPERS NOT YET STARTED.3. COMPREHENSICE PENDING .IST NOT PREPARED.

4. STAFF NOT TO BE MADE AWARE ABOUT MEETING DECISIONS.

Monthly development meting on 25th August 2010 - review of drought to be done

Since we could not connect Katwa and Kalna Subdivisions through VC yesterday, review of drought will be again held in meeting on 25th August 2010. Meanwhile, all blocks are requested to bring the list of minor irrigation installations not yet repaired and also the cases of pending electricity connections.

Pension funds upto August 2010 released

• IGNOAPS, IGNDPS and IGNWPS funds were released till April 2010 earlier. Since allotment of further funds may be delayed from the Govt, Burdwan Zilla Parishad has allotted sum of Rs 1600 lakhs out of it's funds on loan basis to make pension payment upto August 2010 for all beneficiaries. Blocks must send requirement of funds by email or fax to ADM ZP giving balance fund required to cover all pension holders till August 2010. All payments must be completed before EID festival.
• Blocks are further requested to let us know bank branch and post office names where payments of IAY, Pensions or NREGA funds are held up more than one month's time so that the matter can be taken up with the concerned authorities.
• NREGA funds of Rs 2800 lakhs received. All pending indents must be submitted immediately.

Action plan to combat Drought - immediate requirements

• All irrigation installations like DTWs. STWs, MDTWs, RLI should be functional and in operational to save crop already planted. Pump sets, transformers, HT line wherever required must be arranged on war footing basis. WBSEDCL has been asked to mobilise required items, new transformers.
• Temporary Service connection for shallow must be provided by WBSEDCL for 30 days duration in anticipation of SWID permission at nominal rates of approximately Rs 2500 to 2600 per HP.
• DTWs installed under BCW funds, RIDF must be energised on emergency basis. WBSEDCL has been asked to clear all pending cases within this month.
• Paddy un sown area to be covered by alternative crops like maize, mustard, pulses (early Rabi). Agriculture deptt has been asked to prepare block wise contingent plan in consultation with Sabhapaties.
• NREGA works should be intensified in affected areas. Further fund is being released immediately on requisition. We have received Rs 2600 lakhs from the Govt.
• Block level meetings of Krishi Sthayee samity must be held immediately to take stock of functioning of minor irrigation installations inviting WBSEDCL also and take corrective measures.
• Drinking water arrangements through tankers can be made in Paschimanchal, if required in view of drought.
• Food grains supply under PDS must be reviewed on weekly basis.
• Provide additional water supply using pumpset to supplement water for Jute Retting. Agri Irrigation and Agri Mech has been asked.
• Sand bags and bamboo work in beels, khals, rivers can be done to check water for irrigation water and conservation. Life Saving irrigation can be provided if it does not rain. NREGA funds can be utilised for the purpose. Model estimates to be prepared and circulated from DNO end.

Smart Card driving licenses and Registration Certificates from October 2010

As part of modernisation of MV offices at Burdwan, Asansol and Durgapur it is now decided that smart card printing facility shall be installed by the end of September 2010. A sum of Rs 54 lakhs has been sanctioned by the State Govt for the purpose. Meanwhile, special arrangements are being made to clear the backlog by end of September 2010.

Some informations to SDOs/ BDOs

• Monthly development meeting on 25th August 2010 at 10.30 am.
• MPLADS for 2008-09 released to district. Executing Agencies of Asansol and Katwa are being released funds for incomplete schemes. May contact DPLO for cheques.
• BEUP all funds for schemes submitted to district released.

DVC water release extended for three more days to save paddy seedlings

Considering the present situation of inadequate rainfall, we have requested to DVC to continue release of 12000 acres feet water for three more days starting from 14th August 2010. meanwhile, all blocks must review the functioning of minor irrigation installations like DTW, STW and RLIs and take steps to operational defunct units with the help of Agri irrigation and Agri Mech divisions. We are releasing necessary funds to them for the purpose. WBSEDCL has also been asked not to disconnect any connection to such units during the crisis period for any default in payment.

WBSEDCL has also agreed to allow temporary service connection to the needy farmers on the spot to run pumps for irrigation purpose at the nominal rates. All efforts should be made by block authorities to ensure irrigation to the paddy already planted.

Identity Cards issued to all Employees of the Collectorate - Others may follow

Laminated photo identity cards have been issued to all Employees of the Collectorate today. The card is printed on high resolution good quality paper and contain a strip to display the card on the body. We believe such ID cards will be of immense help to the employees of the Collectorate. Block and Subdivision offices may also try.

EROs meeting at 9.30 at RTC on 10th August - all EROs to attend

Observer likes to hold meeting with all EROs at 9.30 am on 10th August 2010 at RTC, Burdwan. All EROs must attend alongwith disposal files of atleast 10 parts.

Caste certificate camp at Durgapur = 1473 certificates issue

AMSY/ MSY beneficiaries getting cheques in the function at Durgapur on 6th August 2010

View of audience in the functin : All caste certificate recepients

In well attended function at Srijani Durgapur caste certificates were distributed to 1473 persons: Thanks to sdo durgapur and team work of Panchayat Samities and DMC this subdivision reaching close to Zero Pendency. All MLAs, Sabhapaties, BDOs, DMC elected representatives and officials attended. Blocks may organise more such functions at their level including benefits to ST/SC/OBC/Minority.

Visit to Jamalpur block on 29th July

This is Dispensary at Panchra set up in 1917 and now run by Burdwan Zilla Parishad. The then Divisional Commissioner Burdwan laid the foundation on 17th December 1917. A JSY beneficiary with six months old baby at ICDS centre. No JSY funds given to this woman even now. She delivered baby at Burdwan Medical College & Hospital on 19th October 2009 but till date no payments received. Child is irregular in immunisations. It could be discovered that child & mother care services are not available in this area for last few months as Health Worker in seriously ill and no alternative arrangements have been made. Now, BMOH has been instructed to extend all services through special camp in the village itself within two weeks. Funds of JSY and RT will also be cleared. Field visits of such kind are really helpful.

School based caste certificate distribution camp at Jadavganj, DignagarII GP in Ausgram I block

75 Caste certificate issued within 25 days cycle in the school itself. This is 60th camp in the district in last two months. Certificates were distributed in function at Jadavganj where 65 Tribal Old Age pensions, 67 book grants to SSK/MSK were also disbursed. All blocks may please organise such functions.

Thanks to All SDOs and their teams

QPR of Mid day meal upto June 2010 not submitted by 24 blocks and all municipalities

• Mid day meal QPR, both financial and food grains not yet received from 24 blocks. No SDO submitted it for ULBs, nor the ULBs directly despite orders to SDOs to compile it for all units and submit to district office. SDOs/ BDOs please take time and review the position. Submit it by 10th August positively, else terminate the services of supervisors.
• Please release funds to all Institutions upto September 2010. Seek fund from district if required to meet up.
• Proactive disclosure of Mid day meal daily purchases must be done on school walls immediately.
• All funds for construction of kitchen must be utilised in the school where it is required to extend the kitchen, storage facility within the allotted unit cost of Rs 60000/ each.
• Food grain stock verification report must also be submitted.

Matter most urgent.

Caste certificate distribution camp at Durgapur on 5th August 2010

Divisional Commissioner Burdwan division is unable to come on 6th August due to some unavoidable urgent engagement elsewhere. However, he has kindly allowed us to conduct the programme as scheduled. SDO Durgapur will please go ahead as scheduled. I am confident, with this big camp, the Subdivision will progress further to achieve Zero Pendency of applications by the end of August 2010.

We are organising another camp at Kalna on 5th where all MLAs have been invited. SDO Kalna has already achieved ZERO Pendency status. Similarly, SDO Katwa has also achieved ZERO pendency status. Other Subdivisions must endeavour to do so by end of this quarter.

Let me remind all the Subdivisions and blocks that any claim of ZERO Pendency is subjected to criticism if the pending applications at block level are not disposed off in true sense. I am sure that has been taken into account.

Next, we would like to organise more number of School based camps to collect applications for caste certificate from class IX to XII students, hearing of applicant at school by BDO/ Dy Magistrate/ Jt BDO and issue of final caste certificates from the class rooms in total processing cycle of 25 to 30 days. Already more than 50 camps have been organised. We must complete it in all high schools by the end of this session. Minority OBC must also be covered under this special initiative of Burdwan district. Additional Inspector BCW in each block has been sanctioned. Retired officers of any service including UDC and above may be engaged on fixed remuneration basis.

District level Monitors to visit blocks to review NREGA work by 20th August 2010

Meeting held with supervisory officers today at RTC in presence of ADM NREGA and others senior officers, where it is agreed that all supervisory officers to visit blocks in first three weeks of August 2010 and act as DLMs to review implementation of NREGA, Panchayat & Social Welfare pensions and other flagship programmes. DLMs must also attend block level development meetings and interact with block officials to understand the problems. They will be asked to make presentation in next meeting after 20th August 2010. Let's spend only two days in a month for this work in addition to field visits related to their own departmental works.

Important dates next week - field visits to blocks

• 26th July at 4.00 pm Meeting with NREGA Supervisory Officers
• 27th July - Monthly development meeting of all blocks.
• 28th July at 10.00 am SDO office Durgapur Inspection of Nazareth, MV, Executive Magistrate Court and Public Grievance sections.
• 28th July at 12 noon Programme related to Patta distribution at DMC.
• 28th July at 3 pm at Raina High School, caste certificate distribution in school (SDO North to arrange) Cancelled in view of Festival
• 29th July at 9.30 am Jamalpur block area to visit ICDS, Sub centres and Schools followed meeting with BDO Sabhapati in block office at 11.30 am.
• 4th August same programme at Mangalkote block followed by Inspection of SDO Katwa office. SDO to send Inspection Notes to me by 3rd August. Meeting with Officials of SDO office at 1.30 pm.
• 5th August same programme at Purbasthali samudragarh followed by SDO office inspection at Kalna. SDO to send Inspection Notes by 4th August and also to arrange visit to hand loom units. Programme modified as Caste Certificate distribution camp, Kalna declaring ZERO pendency of caste certificate applications. Good work Kalna TEAM.
• 6th August at 11.30 am caste certificate distribution camp at SDO Durgapur office. Divisional Commissioner consented to attend along with Sabhadhipati, local Mayor, MLAs and Sabhapaties. Zero pendency more than three months old to be announced.

DVC agreed to release water to save paddy seedlngs

Meeting held with DVC Chief Engineers and IWD Engineers at Katha Conference hall at Asansol where DVC agreed to release 4500 acres foot water per day starting from Saturday to save paddy seedlings in the district. This is despite acute shortage of water level in Maithon dam and other reservoirs of the DVC. Meanwhile, the work of Head Regulator and dam repair at Durgapur is also progressing well, though with some local site problems. SDO Durgapur to please visit the site on Monday and sort out issues so that the work is completed by end of July.

Aranya Saptah - innovative ideas of BDO Galsi II

Aranya Saptah has been organised from 14th to 1st July 2010 in the district. We ordered massive plantation in Institutions, Households out of NREGA funds during the programme. I received a letter in Bengali with a packet of plant seeds in a plastic cover attached to it from BDO Galsi II. The seeds are required to be sown at home. I'll certainly sow the seeds, to grow plant which will develop into the greenery in coming days. I believe this personal request to the recipients of the letters will be cost effective, easy way of making the Aranya Saptah successful and reach to all the interested households easily. Thanks BDO Galsi II for the idea.

Queen's Baton Relay - review meetings at Burdwan, Durgapur and Asansol shall be held on 21st, 23rd, and 24th July respectively

QBR is scheduled to reach Burdwan on 2nd August 2010. All preparations already decided. Review at the highest decision making level shall be doen on 21st July at 2 pm at DM Bungalow Office, on 23rd at 2 pm at Durgapur and after 2 pm on 24th July at Asansol. Govt sanctioned Rs 4 lakhs, rest amount to be mobilised locally by the event managers and partners.

Monthly Development meeting to be held at Sanskriti Annexe on 27th July 2010

In modification to earlier circulars, it is now decided that monthly meetings for all blocks shall be held on 27th July 2010 at Sanskriti from 10.30 hrs onwards. Programme Officers must prepare notes on agenda in brief and circulate copies to blocks through email by 23rd July 2010 so that they come prepared with responses. Hand out notes must be circulated in the meeting to minimise time of presentation. PPP must be to the point and specific.

Kudos to Divers from Chakdah - could search dead body from 100 m+ deep coal mines in few minutes

There has been tragic death of one coal workers in a coal mines on 17th July 2010, while working inside. Incident is unfortunate and pathetic. Divers from Kolkata Police were called by the district police but could not dare to go beyond 40m deep in the water. Official rescue teams from NDRF were also reluctant to do the job. Finally, SDO Durgapur requested private divers from Chakdah in Nadia to come. They were approached on 18th July morning and reached here by afternoon. Within 30 minutes these volunteers could trace out the dead body. Their experience and dedication is praiseworthy. This is third consecutive incident where these divers from Chakdah came to our rescue, when our own arrangements failed.

We need to train up some more such youths as part of our emergency preparedness. The youths can earn a handsome. ECL authorities paid them Rs 25000 for the job. But what I feel is that civil defence our Disaster Management volunteers can be equipped to tackle such emergencies. We can provide equipment support. SDOs may give a serious thought to it.

Meeting with Principal Secretary, Health at Burdwan

Dr. M.N. Roy, Principal Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of West Bengal during his visit at Burdwan on 10th July 2010 held a meeting with the District Level Officials in presence of District Magistrate, CMOH, ADM(Health), ADM & AEO ZP, Karmadhyakshya Janaswasthya o Paribesh Sthayee Samity Burdwan Zilla Parishad, all SDOs, all Dy. CMOH, ACMOH, Superintendent of Hospitals. He stressed on the following points :

• Preventive & Promotive health care facilities must be improved. The general ambience of the hospitals is to be made better. SDOs and ACMOHs are to take up one BPHC in each sub division to start with. Emergency services, toilets, labour rooms, OT are to be improved.
• Routine regular visits must be made from the sub division jointly by the SDO & ACMOH.
• Special emphasis should be givenon programmes like Pulse Polio Immunisation and TB detection.
• There are a good no. of sub centres in the district where there is no all weather approach road. There are times when patients cannot reach the sub centres due to poor connectivity. These are needed to be taken up in MGNREGS or other Schemes.
• Mark-III model pumps with overhead tanks are needed to be installed at sub centres with no pipeline water supply.
• Services of mobile health camps are needed to be improved.
• There is scope for improvement of functioning of Health Supervisors. They mostly do not attend the Gram Panvhayat which is their mandatory place of posting. Their sitting arrangement must be made at Gram Panchayat Office. BMOH is to check the Diaries of Supervisors.
• Routine Immunisation must be ensured.
• Institutional Delivery at PHCs to be improved. SDOs & ACMOHs are to take the leadership by choosing pilot PHCs @ 1 at each block at first.
• Fund allotted from NRHM to BPHC are to be utilised properly. Upgraded PHCs are to be made functional.
• Each and every maternal death is to be audited by concerned ACMOH.
• THe RKS Fund is to be utilised properly and with adequate planning and pace so that the outcome is effective and visible.
• ASHA is to be raised as effective community health worker.
• SDO & ACMOH must be more proactive in both financial & physical monitoring.
• Residential Quarters of BMOH, MO & Health Staff in rural areas are to be improved wherever necessary.
• Schol Health Programme is already under way in the district. This is a commendable effort and all out effort must be given to make it successful.

Fortunately, much of the targets which Dr. Roy mentioned have already been taken up by us in recent effort taken in the district; the sub divisional and block level teams are already on the go. The general health scenario, be it preventive & promotive or curative is bound to improve in the Team effort.

Mission - improvement of quality citizen servces, motor vehicles

BURDWAN IS ONE OF THE FEW DISTRICTS WHERE HARDWARE USED IN MOTOR VEHICLE SECTIONS AT ASANSOL, BURDWAN AND DURGAPUR IS OWNED BY PRIVATE PARTNERS. The agreement signed with the private partner three years ago needs to be reviewed in view of lots of complaints from the public about poor quality and delayed service delivery at all the places. In the recent visit to the MV sections by district authorities, the pendency of large number of driving licences (DL), Registration Certificates (RC) of new vehicles and Fitness certificate delays of several thousands of applications were reported. The agency chose not to upgrade the hardware as per the technological improvements and continuing with the old hardware in most of the cases.

To overcome the problems with the view to deliver quality services, we have procured new hardware from Transport department and shortly replacing the agency from Burdwan MV office. Other offices will also be taken up in phases. Our motto is to deliver driving licences in one week utmost and RCs in three days. Let's endeavour to achieve the target. Public services i.e. citizen centric services must be given topmost priorities by all team Burdwan.

Subdivisional Development Meetings from 27th July 2010

Sub divisional development meetings will be held from 27th to 29th July 2010.

• 27th July at 10.00 hrs Sadar North and at 14.00 hrs Sadar South at Sanskriti Annex.
• 28th July 2010 at 10.00 hrs at 10.00 hrs Kalna Municipal hall and at 14.00 hrs at Katwa I.
• 29th July at 10.00 hrs Asansol Katha hall and at 14.00 hrs SDO Durgapur office.

District Planning Committee meeting shall be held at 14.00 hrs on 30th July 2010.

Thanks Block NREGA teams for updating MIS

MIC P&RD held video conference today. Our MIS was merely 12 % three weeks ago. Today it is 85 % with 35 % data uploaded reflected in the website. I express my sincere thanks to all those who could make it possible in record time. Congratulations and my salute to all of them.

However, some of the blocks are yet to reach the target. These are Raina I, Ausgram II, Ketugram I, Pandaveshwar, Memari II etc. Please do update it within this week.

We have assured the Govt that MIS will be 100 % by 15th July 2010. I am hopeful that team Burdwan will be make it to achieve the target. All the best.

We need to ensure that henceforth all muster rolls are uploaded within a week. Our performance is best in the State today, with expenditure of Rs 102 Crores out of 137 Crores we received this year. Paschimanchal Blocks must improve as their employment generation is very poor. Utilise Forest Week starting from 14th July to ensure that all the Institutions are covered by social forestry.

ECI meeting at Kolkata - important decisions for follow up

• Booth Level Officers must be elector of the part where posted, not the working place. Change all BLOs accordingly.
• One BLO One Booth norms to be followed mandatory. Report compliance. Even postman, electric reading man and central Govt employee can be appointed BLOs. Persons willing to work may be invited through local publicity.
• Polling stations having more than 1200 electors should be rationalised after the revision process.
• All EVMs go down must be physically verified by SDO personally and log books must be strictly followed. Proposals for new go down on hire or construction can be sent in a week.
• Double lock should be followed, keeping one key with SDO or OC Election personally and another copy to be sent to DEO Office. All opening of go down with written permission of DEO.
• Revision programme should be widely published through cable, local newspapers.
• BLO BLA meeting mandatory. ERO level meetings can be done during the revision process.
• NOn EPIC coverage should be taken care through special initiatives. Target is 100 % EPIC for elections.
• Vulnerability mapping to be initiated from now.
• List of vacancies be sent to Govt immediately.
• Observers for electoral roll revision are scheduled to come from 15th July 2010 onwards and will stay for two months. EROs to do part analysis and personally monitor the revision work. Message should go down the line that revision is supervised thoroughly.
• All eligible electors must be enrolled and elector population ration should be more than 0.6. Asansol to note.
• All Polling stations must have ramps, drinking water and road connectivity. Action plan may be prepared and BDOs may do the work under different schemes including SSM, NREGA , PUP etc.
• Helpline at ERO and BDO level be operational.

Rest I'll hold VC shortly.

NREGA MIS should be 100 % by 10th July 2010

Emergent video conference regarding MIS held today by me with all block NREGA cell employees. We are one of the best performing districts in NREGA as on today but MIS uploading is not very good in most of the blocks. It's pointed out that due to late receipt of software we started late. Now, we are not in a position to get further fund unless that MIS is 60 % by 30th June 2010 and ultimately 100 % by 10th July 2010. BDOs and their team members are requested to gear up the efforts and ensure to achieve the target.

We have spoken to state authorities regarding use of multi computers and got clarified that it is technically possible. What the GP is required to take care is that data of the works in a sansad must be entered in one computer on a particular day i.e. sansad wise data must be entered in the offline software at a time. There is no need to install LAN. While uploading data of each GP can be uploaded once a day only. Therefore, data of each computer can be uploaded on alternate day.

Please install additional computers, engage more manpower, provide generator support so that the work is completed in time. SDOs to monitor the progress on daily basis.

While congratulating to SDO Sadar North, I do appreciate the possessiveness of School authorities to have organised such a wonderful programme. All SDOs may share their experience. Chief Secretary is planning to hold VC next week. I would like to send a write up to him about our strategy. We need to cover OBCs also in the high schools. DM Burdwan

SC ST Certificate Distribution Camp at School at Ausgram-II Block

The Distribution Programme of SC ST Certificate was held at Sar Chintaharan CMS High School in Ausgram-II Block, the first of its kind in this district. 28 SC and 2 ST students were given Certificate-they applied at the School, Enquiry Camp was held at the School and Certificates were processed and sent to SDO for Signature, total process took 22 days. There was a good cultural programme at the School and the Certificates were distributed by ADM(BCW) and SDO Sadar (North) on 21st June, 2010 at the School itself in presence of the teachers, students and guardians.

Video Conference with SDOs at 4 pm on 18th June 2010

Next video conference with SDOs regarding administrative matters and citizen services shall be held on 18th June 2010 at 4 pm. I'll attend from Asansol SDO Office. Agenda follow up on earlier meetings including IAY, NSAP, Health & ICDS matters etc.

upload database of NSAP pensions and send updated database to get additional pension sanctioned

• Upload the payment status of IGNOAPS, IGNDPS, IGNWPS on the website, directly from SEBA software as it is very poorly reflected.
• Additional pension beneficiaries as on 01.01.2010 can be sanctioned only against the beneficiary details uploaded in the website. Those failed to submit data by 31st March 2010 must send it now before July end so that their pensions can be sanctioned wef 1st September 2010.
• Correction of database based on physical verification must be completed by 30th June 2010, if not already done.

Mid Day meal - intensify monitoring at SDO level and go for proactive dislcosure under RTI

Mid day meal is one of the flagship programmes covering a larger population in the district. SDOs are requested to take following steps to improve quality, access and effectiveness of the programme in the schools :-

• Quarterly Progress Report (QPR) must be compiled by 8th of July, October, January and April for all block and Urban local bodies at Subdivision and send consolidated report to district. QPR must contain food grain report, fund utilisation, status of kitchen shed construction, toilet & drinking water availability and MME etc as per prescribed format.
• Take stock of food grain at each Institution and suggest adjustment of excess balance in next allotment. There is no point allowing wastage of food grains stocked for long time. Schools may serve mid day meal on Saturdays also.
• Take stock of fund availability at Institution level and adjust excess/ shortfall from the next allotment. We are in a position to release funds till September 2010 at a time. Block authorities may release cooking cost in advance for the months till September so that the school authorities are not compelled to buy ration on credit.
• Fund release can be simplified, opening accounts of schools in the branch next to CLRC, where BDO may also open account.
• Do write the number of students present, menu of food and market rate of daily items on the wall of the school daily. Format may be printed on the wall as has been done in NREGA at GPs. SHGs doing cooking or the class monitors on rotation may update the daily figures. Transparency in this matter may be helpful for public awareness.
• Kitchen sheds should be constructed with the help of VECs/ MCs @ Rs 60000 each released earlier without engaging contractors.
• Quarterly review at Subdivision level with SIs, Schools and Block/ ULBs may be held once the QPRs are ready.

Please assign the work to one of the Deputy Magistrate. Computer support can be provided out of MME funds.

I'll review the position during my fortnightly video conference next time.

VISIT of NLM in Burdwan

The National Level Monitor visited works of MGNREGS, SGSY, NSAP, IAY, TSC and other centrally sponsored schemes in the District of Burdwan in the first week of June. He visited Kanksa, Ausgram-II and Galsi-I and expressed his satisfaction about the effort of Team Burdwan. He held a review meeting on his findings with the District Magistrate and his team.

Journey into Wilderness

The herd of 32 elephants have entered Burdwan District in the late nights of 7th June, 2010. They stayed at around the forest at Ausgram-2. DFO Bankura & DFO Burdwan contacted DM Burdwan. SDO Sadar North and BDO Ausgram-2 moved there and they controlled the people gathered there so that the herd passed on to get back to Bankura on 11th June. The photos are when they were in Ausgram-2 Block.

Thanks SDOs and their teams for peacful and incident free elections

I express my sincere thanks to SDOs of Sadar South, Asansol, Katwa and Kalna and their teams for giving effective leadership to conduct Municipal Election 2010 with almost no incidents except sporadic reports in Jamuria. Well done.

EVMs giving trouble - how to manage

Municipal Election 2010 tomorrow. More than 100 batteries had to be replaced today due to low charges reported. SDOs may please send extra battery at sectors out of new batteries sent this evening.Sectors officers may replace batteries at booths, resealing the battery section in presence of Candidate's agent. Proceedings should be drawn.

2. replaced EVM number must be notified.

3. Reserve EVMs should be used carefully.

Visit to Asansol on 29th May 2010 - red ribbon express on HIV AIDS

Red ribbon express is scheduled to reach Burnapur at 10 am on 29th may 2010. Function to be attended, followed by visit to Election areas to review the preparedness.

Newly constructed Hostel Building for OBCs. I inaugurated this building on 20th May 2010 evening at Hatgobindapur College. It's 80 seated Hostel, 2nd OBC hostel in the State.

Health Mela at Monteswar under MPLADS

Burdwan Zilla Parishad's Sanitation Cell displayed different models on low cost sanitation. District has launched special drive to achieve Nirmal GP status of 105 GPs in June 2010.

Long queue of patients on the first day of the Mela, mostly women. Specialists on Gynaecologists, child specialists, dental, eye surgeon etc were arranged in this mela. 3000 patients attended on day one. Science awareness regarding poisonous and non-poisonous snakes. This thin snake in green colour is presumed to be poisonous but it is not.

Inaugural audience, mostly school children.

visit to Krishi Vigyan Kendra Bud Bud on 23rd May 2010

It is my provilege to be invited to visit the KVK under ICAR at Bud Bud today. Being POst Graduate in Agriculture from IARI, the premier Institute of ICAR, I feel this as honour. Let's get some new innovative ideas.

Video Conference on MGNREGS

The Fortnightly Video Conference on MGNREGS with the Block MGNREGS Cell will be held on 21-05-10 at 3 PM. Last time it was observed that many blocks failed to join the VC. Planned efforts must be taken by BDOs to ensure that their REGS Team takes part in the VC this time without fail. The District has to share a lot for planning in the near future on the Scheme. NLM is supposed to visit from 2nd or 3rd June and we must be able to highlight our performance.

Visit to Kanksa block - pictures

Sub-divisional health, ICDS and sanitation meeting for Durgapur Asansol Subdivisions. Decided that all PHC and upward health unit to prepare AWP by 30th June and 100 % ICDS centres must achieve total weighment by July 2010.

Pond excavated in Malandhibi in Kanksa under NREGA, local GP has been advised to do afforestation and fruit tree plantation on the pattern of Khandghosh. ICDS Cebtre in Tilakchandrapur GP at Sundinaran visited at 9.20 am. Only 5 out of 43 children were present, rest reportedly left to change dress (?). food quality is good, but attendance needs improvement. Child on the lap is under Grade II as per weighing reports. Sabhapati assured to construct new building. Worker is efficient.

This boy is not regular in attendance and not also weighed earlier. At two years he is only 8.5 Kgs, falling under GradeII. There are more than 50% such children not covered by ICDS services. We need to activate the system.

River Kunur in Kanksa - may be lifeline to the block

Field visit to Block Khandhghosh

As indicated earlier, a team of officials including DM, ADM G, Sabhapati and BDO visited different sites of Khandhghosh Block on 9th May. In total, we have covered seven sites of six GPs. First we have visited the place called Raudara. The river Dwarkeswar threatens the very existence of this tiny village. We have seen the extensive damages caused by river erosion. The program under MGNREGA was contemplated and 5 Spars ( Bundh like structure) are under construction. Each spar is able to control erosion for 500 feet. The scheme value is more than Rs. 1 crore. It was very interesting to see more than 300 labours, mostly of same village working for the scheme. The water supplier was very old woman and found distributing water for labours. The medical camp was going on. Some labours were taking rest under rest shed which was constructed under the program. We had a talk with one labour. He said that he was getting Rs 100/ day as wage. He told that he spent some amount for his mother’s medical treatment and renovation of his house. The job card was not updated. We learnt that the new cards are not available. DNO and BDO please make arrangement. It is one of the model scheme and other blocks may emulate.

Next we went to Kendur Non-GPHQ sub-centre. The approach road was under construction under PMGSY program. The sub-centre is not started and it seems that ANM is not staying there as per norm. The centre shall be started immediately. The awareness slogans may be written on the wall. The surrounding area may be developed under NREGA Program and plantations may be done. BDO, please take necessary action.

MSK building is under construction at Pitamburpur, the birth place of Sh Rasbehari Bose. The pond was excavated under NREGA program and Pucca ghats were constructed. We were happy to see large numbers of children were enjoying the bath in the pond in the scorching sun.

In Dahuka village, the pond was excavated and fruit bearing trees were planted. Nirman Sahayak is very active. The children park is under construction near by pond. GUS is active in the village. The sub-centre was opened. The weighing machine was found dumped at the corner. It seems that it is not utilized for weighing of babies. The new weighing machines are distributed under CHCMI scheme. If necessary, BDO may assess the required quantity and inform the district.

The pond at Sondapukur was excavated and fruit bearing trees mainly mango and banana are planted.

We have visited one IAY house at Alladipur village. It is brick walled and plastering was not done due to want of fund. We have interacted with owner of house. She informed that she sold some of the goats to complete the house as Rs 35000/ which was allotted was not enough. She could not get the loan amount of Rs 20000 at DRI. Many bank branches are not sanctioning this loan and try to avoid. AEO ZP may request LBM and district coordinators of all banks to issue instruction to branches. No doubt that the block is doing well in NREGA. The following points be considered in future. 1. In many villages, large number of ponds were unexcavated. A comprehensive scheme may be drawn to excavate such ponds and do plantation. 2. The field channels are not maintained properly and cause wastage of water by seepage. Some of the schemes under NREGA- minor irrigation may be implemented on pilot basis. 3. If found successful, the spar construction may be started wherever the river erosion causes excessive damages. It is true that the weather was extremely hot that day, but we have enjoyed the field visit thoroughly as people have treated us nicely and interacted with team members with lot of enthusiasm. Team Khandhghosh is doing excellent work... ..... Big Kudos to TEAM KHANDHGHOSH.....

Decisions in SD level Health & ICDS meeting at Asansol Durgapur

Meeting of Asansol Durgapur Subdivisions held on 14th May 2010, with following decisions :-

• UC of all the funds related to RKS, Untied funds and Maintenance grants at SC, PHC, BPHC and RH shall be submitted by 31st May 2010 upto 2008-09. All RKS at different levels shall prepare need based annual budget and work plan for 2010-11 and submit the same to CMOH by 15th June 2010, considering the funds as per allocation norms shall be alloted plus unspent balance is available. This should be based on actual field verification, to upgrade the quality and accesibility of services as per Statndard Treatment Protocol (STP). In case of major repairs in hospital or residential buildings not covered under the available funds, sanction can be obtained from the Govt on submission of plan & estimates.
• All PHCs must identify services to be provided by them based on availability of manpower, demand etc and take endeavour to start those services from June 2010 positively. Necessary fund budgeting must be done as above.
• RKS meetings shall hencforth be held on 15th or 16th of each month from 2.30 pm onwards in the hospital premises only. Regular meetings shall be held where fund position, hospital indicators, MO wise performance, diagnsotic facility wise performance and NRHM reports must be placed for review.
• For petty repairs, electrical manitenance and sanitation etc each RKS shall enlist annual maintenance providers.
• Expenditure on Medical items out of RKS fund should be improved.
• GP based mobile health camp to be improved through public awareness and regualrity of MOs.
• All Sub Centres where civil work is complete or likely to be completed must be inaugurated within 30th June 2010, ensuring operationalisation of services.
• Sanitation :- Mass meetings at GP level in May 2010 to prepare for Nirmal Puruskar.
• ICDS :- Target for >90% weighing efficiency by June 2010, including taking weight at door step. Necessary machines aleady supplied by CHCMI should be used to cover 0-6 month children.
• Rate of malnourishment to be brought below 10 % by the end of this year.
• CDPOs shall share MIS and indicators with BDOs and Sabhapaties on regular basis.
• 3rd Saturday convergence meetings at Sub Centres and 4th Saturday meetings at GP must be held regularly.

Health Meeting for Katwa Kalna deferred on 21st May 2010

Sub-Divisional Health ICDS meeting will now be held on 21st May 2010 instead of 12th May 2010 for unaviodable circumstances.

Paddy Thrashing at Tarkona

Machine shown here costs only Rs 2500 per piece. Hire charges are Rs 60 per day. It can be good item for non credit input under SGSY or grants under SCP to SHGs. I did thrashing of some paddy, it is exciting.

Good Practices on NREGA in Khandghosh - well done

Fruit Plantation along the side of newly excavated pond

Pucca ghat at Rasbehari Bose Birth Place.

Spar to protect against river erosion at Rawtari