Jharkhand News

Forest Dept. interfering in JPSCB work, says Tileshwar

2007-01-27T00:04:00.000+01:00

Palamu DIG OP Khare, Gumla SP JDH Gudia and Jharkhand Armed Police-I Havildar Sagar Gurung have been selected for the coveted President's medal this year. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a notification in this regard. While Gudia has bagged the distinguished service medal, Khare and Gurung have been give the meritorious service medal.

Meanwhile, Governor Syed Sibtey Razi, would inspect the guard of honour on the Republic Day at the Morabadi Ground and later review the parade. The parade would be led by Army Personnel of the 23 Infantry Division who would be joined by personnel from the State police, the Central Industrial Security Force, the Jharkhand Armed Police and the NCC cadets.

President medal for Jharkhand Cops

2007-01-27T00:03:00.000+01:00

Railways aid on track for National Games-07

2007-01-27T00:00:00.000+01:00

The South Eastern Railway (SER) will help in making the 34th National Games, a success. SE Railway, General Manager, VK Raina, gave this assurance to Jharkhand Olympic Association (JOA) general secretary SM Hashmi on Wednesday. Hashmi had called on Raina in Kolkata.

Hashmi requested the General Manager for temporary stoppage of importance trains at Tatisilwai during the game peiod. He also requested Raina to run Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) trains between Hatia and Tatisilwai at an interval of 30 minutes till late evening, during the games.

Responding positively, Raina assured convene a meeting of the higher officials of SE Railway in February over the issues. The railways have to arrange the EMU coaches from other divisions to meet the JOA request.

Natrajan's suspension to continue, says panel

2007-01-26T23:58:00.000+01:00

The suspension Review Committee (SRC) headed by Chief Secretary MK Mandal, recommended to continue the suspension of IG PS Natrajan, who has been charged with raping and sexually exploiting a tribal girl.

This is the third time that the SRC has recommended 'continuance of suspension' concerning Natjarajan. A 1975-batch IPS officer, Natrajan, is currently out on bail.

Confirming the decision, the Chief Secretary said that the recommendation was made in view of the fact that a chargesheet has been filed against Natrajan in the court. "The committee recommended that Natrajan should continue being under suspension till the time the trial continues," Mandal told mediapersons.

Ultras attack Hindalco mine

2007-01-26T23:57:00.000+01:00

Activists of Tirtiya Sammellan Prastuti Committee (TPSC), late on Wednesday, attacked the Pakhar bauxite mine of Hindalco in Lohardaga and toched nine vehicles including an ambulance.

The TSPC activists, numbering over 40, also included some women. The attackers also ransacked the Hindalco guesthouse and demolished furniture inside. The attackers caused injuries to 15 employees, who were in the night shift. The condition of two (Rajan Mandal and Bajendra Giri) is stated to be critical and have been shifted to Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Ranchi for treatment.

Wednesday night's attack was the second extremist attack on half years. The TSPC had earlier, in December last, abducted a Hindalco official from Bagru Mines.The employee was later released.

Stephen convenes meet to talk on Santhal Parganas

2007-01-26T23:56:00.000+01:00

Deputy Chief Minister Stephen Marandi has convened a high-level meeting here on January 29 to form a strategy for faster growth in Santhal Parganas.

Ministers, MPs, MLAs and key functionaries of the government hailing from the region have been invited to the meeting. Stephen told mediapersons that he was compelled to seek the support of political leaders of the region to join hands for development of the region, which had remained completely ignored since Independence.

"I had pinned great hopes on the present government to alter the scenario. But the programmes mooted by the government for the area seem too little to make any preceptible change," he said.

Refund scam-tainted three BCCL staffs suspended

2007-01-26T23:54:00.000+01:00

The Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) management on Thursday suspended all the three BCCL employees embroiled in the refund scam case being prbed by the CBI.

BCCL Director (Personel) Dinesh Chandra Garg said that BM Jha\, finance manager, sales department and RK Sahay, senior manager (Legal), sales department were suspended after registration of police case against them by the CBI, Dhanbad. Meanwhile, CBI sources said that the senior statistical assistant AK Sinha, a non-executive employee, was also suspended.

Sinha worked as a clerk in the sales department, when the controversial refund was made to the coal traders in October 2005. The trio was suspended after BCCL CVO Anand Prakash sent a report to the BCCL CMD AK Pal in this regard in light of CBI cases against them in the refund scam. The CMD asked GM, Executive, H Kuzur to serve the suspension orders.

Administration in a fix over CM's gift of freedom

2007-01-24T19:43:00.002+01:00

Chief Minister Madhu Koda wants to release prisoners on the eve of the Republic Day. The focus, according to IG, Prisons S. Kushwaha, is on life convicts, who have already served 14 mandatory years in jail and have been granted six-year remission.

A preliminary decision on the issue has been reached after Koda held discussion to this effect with Kushwaha and his principal secretary Sukhdeo Singh. According to sources, the chief minister's directive could facilitate release of almost 100 prisoners in Jharkhand.

But, the Chief Minister's order appears to have landed the concerned district authorities in a dilemma. The release process, Kushwaha added, requires five-point clearance from the respective deputy commissioners and the superintendents of police.

Rich tributes paid to Netaji Subash Chandra Bose in Capital

2007-01-24T19:43:00.001+01:00

Patriotic fervour prevailed in every nook and corners of the State Capital as people celebrated the 111th birthday of Netaji Subash Chandra Bose on Tuesday. Various social and political organisations in the State Capital paid rich tributes to the freedom fighter.

Garlanding the statue of the National leader at the Netaji Park at Kutchery Chowk, MLA CP Singh said Netaji was one of the finest leaders India could boast of. "Today you might find politicians in every lane but none are like Netaji. We need to take up the path shown by him," he added. The BJP Mahanagar Bangla Prakosht celebrated the day at CP Singh's residence. On the occasion PG Bengali Department Dr SS Bansuri highlighted on the life of Netaji and said that he is next to Swami Vivekananda.

Centre steps in for mega power project at Tilaiya

2007-01-24T19:42:00.000+01:00

The Centre has taken the initiative to set up an ultra mega thermal power plant in Jharkhand as the State has failed to make capacity addition in power generation in the past six years. The 4000 MW Ultra Mega Thermal Power Plant would come up in Tilaiya (Koderma).

Floating the tender the Centre directed the Jharkhand Government to set up Jharkhand Integrated Power Limited to look after the construction of the state-of-the-art greenfield power plant.

Jharkhand was allotted one Ultra Mega Thermal Power Project out of the 16 projects proposed throughout the country to meet the target of 40,000 MW capacity additions. The plants would come up by the end of 11th Five Year Plan.

Medical Council of India team begins RIMS inspection

2007-01-24T19:41:00.000+01:00

A three member of team of the Medical Council of India (MCI) on Tuesday began its two-day inspection of the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) amidst the 'threats' of 'de-recognition.'

Interestingly, more than the institute, it is the RIMS Director, Dr NN Agarwal who has come under the scanner. A recent Right to Information (RTI) 'revelation' points out that Agarwal has no five year mandatory teaching experience as a professor in any medical college before his appointment as RIMS director, for which it is a criterion.

A social worker Lotan Choudhary contacted the MCI team with necessary RTI documents. The MCI team assured him that they would go through it.

CBI detects scam worth Rs 1.32 crore involving BCCL officers and coal traders

2007-01-24T19:36:00.000+01:00

The Anti-Corruption Branch of Central Bureau of Investigation has detected a scam worth Rs 1.32 crore involving Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) officials and Coal traders from Dhanbad, Bokaro and Jammu.

CBI Superintendent of Police, Dhanbad Ramnath Azad said the agency seized incriminating documents on Tuesday during a dawn-to-dusk search operation carried out at six places in Dhanbad, five in Bokaro and two in Jammu.

The CBI has registered two cases for criminal conspiracy, abetment, cheating, forgery of documents, falsification of accounts and misusing office for personal gains against three BCCL officers, seven private persons under section 120 B rw/109, 420, 467, 468, 471, 477A, of IPC and 13/2 rw13/1/D of Prevention of Corruption Act 1988.

JPSC to appoint 958 lecturers in 75 days

2007-01-23T22:06:00.001+01:00

The Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) Chairman, Dr Dilip Prasad on Monday said that the entire appointment process of lecturers in the three state universities would be completed in the next 75 days.

There are about 958 vacant posts of lectures in Ranchi University, Vinobha Bhave University and Sidho Kanhu Murmu University. Talking to mediapersons, Prasad said that appointment would be made in accordance with the High Court directive given in July 2006 and guidelines given in July 2006 and guidelines of University Grants Commission (UGC). He said that advertisement in this regard would be made public by the end of this month.

As per the UGC guidelines candidates having Ph.D and M.Phil in the concerned and subjects are also eligible for applying for the post of lecturers.

Jharkhand HC quashes Government order on tax department

2007-01-23T22:05:00.001+01:00

The Jharkhand High Court on Monday quashed the State Government's notifications and orders, rejecting claims for deferment of tax under Section 95 (3) of the Value Added Tax (VAT) Act.

The HC passed the judgement while hearing the writ petitions filed by Tata Steel Limited, ACM Fuels Private Limited Dhanbad, Krishna Coke Private Limited Dhanbad, Bisco Sponge Iron Private Limited Jamshedpur an several other companies challenging the State Government's statutory notification numbers SO 201 and SO 202 dated March 30, 2006. The State Government, through the said notifications, had withdrawn the exemptions granted to the petitioners from payment of sales tax both on raw material and finished products.

The petitioners had also challenged the Government's order dated May 5, 2006 by which it had rejected the claim for converting the Sales Tax exemption into deferment.

Sibu asks for TV to see Jharkhand Diwas rally

2007-01-23T22:04:00.000+01:00

It would be for the first time that JMM chief, Sibu Soren would be seen missing from the party's Jharkhand Diwas rally scheduled on February 2 in Dumka.

Soren, currently lodged in Dumka central jail, has requested the jail authorities to arrange a TV to watch the programme, said sources. Agriculture Minister Nalin Soren has been entrusted with the job to successfully organise the rally.

Though talk of chosing a sucessor to Soren continues to do the rounds, Deputy Chief Minister and senior JMM leader, Sudhir Mahto, has already indicated that Soren would again be elected as party president. "Mahto said it did not mater whether "Guruji is in jail or not". Despite Mahto's contention, the infighting within the JMM refuses to subside as some senior party leaders are hopeful of getting a chance to lead the party.

Sibu Soren appeals against Delhi court verdict

2007-01-23T22:03:00.000+01:00

Former Union Coal Minister Sibu Soren, awarded life imprisonment for the abduction and murder of his private secretary Shashi Nath Jha, on Monday filed an appeal in the Delhi High Court challenging his conviction.

A Tis Hazari Court had convicted Soren and four others on November 28. The appeal termed the conviction 'manifestedly wrong, contrary to established law and evidence on record".

It questioned as to how Soren could be found guilty of murdering Jha when four DNA tests conducted on a body exhumed from Piska Nagri near Ranchi on August 13, 1998 could not establish the identity. The appeal charged that the trial judge had ignored a well-established fact that DNA test is considered to be conclusive evidence.

CM assures NTPC in acquisition of land for 1980-MW power project

2007-01-23T22:02:00.001+01:00

Chief Minister Madhu Koda on Monday assured all assistance to National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) in acquisition of 2,600 acre of government and private land required for setting up the 1980-MW North Karnpura super thermal power project (STPP) at Tandwa in Chatra distrct.

"Officials of Revenue & Land Reforms Department and the Deputy Commissioner of Chatra and Hazaribag will be asked to expedite the work pertaining to land acquisition for the STPP," Koda told mediapersons after viewing a presentation by the NTPC on the North Karnpura project.

He said the State Government would also ensure appropriate payment of compensation to affected farmers before acquiring their land.

Jharkhand, Orissa, Chattisgarh universities join hands

2007-01-23T22:01:00.001+01:00

In an effort to play a more crucial role in the development of the tribals, universities of Jharkhand, Orissa and Chattisgarh have now resolved to develop a knowledge base on the issue.

They would be donning the mantle of philosopher, teacher and guide- both for the concerned State Governments and the tribal society of their respective regions.

Pioneered by Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), universities of the three states have formed a 14-member Working Group that would study, suggest and guide the State government on tribal development. The expert members of the committee would also make 'continuous studies on the issue and prepare a knowledge base of it."

PMO to keep 'watchful' eye on Tata Steel projects in Jharkhand

2007-01-23T21:59:00.000+01:00

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) will, henceforth, keep a 'watchful' eye on the Tata Steel's Projects in Jharkhand, Chattisgarh and Orissa. The steel major has in these states proposed a collective investment of about Rs 80,000 crore for producing 28 million tonnes of steel over the next decade.

The PMO has not only directed the three state governments to ensure a "regular monitoring" of the Tata Projects in their respective regions, but also "reporting its status from time to time" to it.

It means the 'Partnership Pact for Prosperity', signed by the Jharkhand Government and Tata Steel-envisaging an investment of Rs 53,000 crore for 17 million tonnes of steel- would now be under the PMO scanner.

State to get a cancer hospital in Ranchi

2007-01-21T21:15:00.000+01:00

The State would soon have a state-of-art Cancer Hospital at Irba. SAC Hospital Management & Consultancy Services, Ranchi floated by the Abdur Razzaque Ansari Memorial Weavers' Hospital has entered into collaboration with Health Care Global Enterprise Ltd to establish the hospital to be built at a cost of Rs 20 crore.

The ARAM Hospital group, through a press communiqué' informed that the proposed 30-bed hospital with future expansion capacity would be constructed with 60 percent funding by HCG and the remaining 40 percent SAC. It would be completed within a year and would have a state of the art Linear Accellator, for providing high end radiation therapy so that the tissues of the affected area of the patient could be saved while giving radiation to the patients. This would be the first LINAC in the State.

XLRI plans centre for rural management

2007-01-21T21:14:00.002+01:00

The Rural market and its growing potential seem to have caught the attention of the country's premier B-School, the XLRI School of Business and Human Resources.

Realising the influence of rural buyers on Indian economy and the potential of rural artisans agro entrepreneurs, the XLRI has decided to introduce a course in rural management from next academic session.

Director of XLRI, Father N Cashimir Raj told media, "We are opening a Centre for Rural Management from the next session. We have hired four experts (professors) in rural management from Institute of Rural Management, Anand, who will work here as full-time faculty. Right now, we are planning the structure of the course."

Miracle at RIMS! 57 doctors appointed overnight

2007-01-21T21:14:00.001+01:00

Unnerved by the de-recognition threat that the Medical Council of India (MCI) had issued of late, the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) on Saturday finalised a list of 57 doctors and asked them to take up various teaching posts within the next 10 days.

The MCI, according to sources had informed the State Government that its team of experts would be inspecting the RIMS on January 23 and 24. It was only thereafter that the RIMS Governing Bogy got cracking and decided to issue appointment letters to successful candidates who were interviewed in June last year.

The list includes the names of four Professors-Dr Ajit Kumar of the Department of Anesthesiology, Dr Satish Chandra of the Pharmacology department, Dr Vivek Kachyap from the department of Preventive and Social Medicine and Dr Rajiv Kumar of the Eye department besides two Associate Professors, Dr Alok Kumar Dubey of the Anatomy department and Dr Keshav Mohan Jha from the department of Neuro Surgery.

JMM plans stir for greater Jharkhand comprising 29 districts

2007-01-21T21:13:00.001+01:00

he Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) is set to begin a fresh stir for greater Jharkhand comprising 29 districts spread over Chattisgarh, West Bengal and Orissa besides the present geographical boundary of Jharkhand. The announcement is likely in the 8th party convention, to be held in Deoghar from January 27.

The three-day convention will be held as per schedule without the party president Sibu Soren who has been lodged in Dumka Central Jail in connection with the murder of his private secretary Sashi Nath Jha.

Feeling "humiliated" following the arrest of the party chief the rank and file of the JMM feel that it is the right time to reinvigorate the demand of greater Jharkhand, which the party had shelved temporarily after the creation of Jharkhand State bifurcating Bihar.

State government seeks increase in Assembly constituencies in Jharkhand

2007-01-21T21:12:00.000+01:00

The Madhu Koda Government would bring a fresh proposal in the Budget session to increase assembly constituencies in Jharkhand to 150 from existing 81.

"The next Budget session will be held in February. And we have planned to pass a fresh proposal in the Assembly to increase the number of assembly constituencies," Chief Minister Madhu Koda said here on Saturday. The proposal would later be sent to the Centre for making necessary law to increase the assembly seats, he said.

The CM said, last year the previous Arjun Munda Government had passed a similar resolution from the assembly. Though it was sent to the Centre, the union government was yet to take any concrete steps over the proposal. "We want to send a reminder to the Centre by passing a fresh resolution in the assembly," Koda said.

Delimitation Commission of India to hold two public hearings in April

2007-01-21T21:11:00.000+01:00

The Delimitation Commission Of India (DCI) on Saturday decided to hold two public hearings in Jharkhand before taking a final decision on fresh demarcation of Assembly and Lok Sabha constituencies. The decision was taken at a time when an all-party delegation, led by Chief Minister Madhu Koda, continued its campaign in New Delhi against the DCI proposal to reduce the ST reserved seats in Jharkhand.

"The two public hearings will take place at Ranchi and Dumka in April. The hearings would provide an opportunity to representatives of all political parties, social organisations and common citizens to register their objections or suggestions with DCI on fresh demarcation of seats," said Sudesh Kumar Mahto, the commission's associate member, from New delhi.

He said the Commission's present proposals were not final and the Commission would review all objections and suggestions before taking a final decision on fresh demarcation of constituencies.

Contractual doctors strike continues, health services severely affected

2007-01-20T00:09:00.001+01:00

Health services remained severely affected for fourth consecutive day following 'mass leave' by 1,158 doctors on contract in the State. While the doctors up in arms remained adamant on their stand of not recalling their 'agitation' unless the Government regularised their services, the Government reiterated that it was not going to pay any heed to their demand.

Health Minister Heemndra Preatap Dehati said it was not possible to regularize their services as it would set a wrong perception and nearly 20,000 employees on contract in the State would also demand regularisation of their services. He said the Government was ready to renew their contract without going into formalities.

However, the Jharkhand Contract Doctor's Association President, Dr Bimlesh Singh said they would resume their duties only if the Government made efforts for regularisation and kept them on 'adhoc' at present.

Mazdoor Sangh stages dharna

2007-01-20T00:08:00.001+01:00

Rashtriya Colliery Mazdoor Sangh (RCMS) owing to allegiance to INTUC (OP Lal group) staged a demonstration before CCL HQ (Dharbhanga House) on Thursday. Addressing workers, Sangh president OP Lal said the CCL management was ignoring the demands of the workers. Lal said that the union had submitted 41 points demand to the management but no action was taken in this regard. He also threatened to start work to rule agitation from January 29. He further said that if the demands are not met the union has would stop the work from February 5.

Addressing the demonstration Dhanbad MP Chandrashekhar Dubey said the union would strongly oppose the privatization of the company. He accused the management of outsourcing most of the working in the company. Dadai also alleged that there is corruption in awarding job on teh compassionate ground.

General secretary of state INTUC Lalan Chaoubey said that the Congress president Sonia Gandhi has assured the union on the constitution of 8th wage board of the coal workers. The Union also accused the CIL management of failing to implement several agreed points of the last wage board.

Jharkhand government decides to give insurance cover for State squad

2007-01-20T00:07:00.000+01:00

Following recent attacks on Bihari migrant labourers in Assam, the Jharkhand government has decided on complete insurance cover for the State contingent for the National Games, slated on February 9-18 in Guwahati.

Sports, Youth Arts and Culture secretary NN Sinha said, "The entire contingent, including sportspersons as well as officials, would be insured. We are holding talks with the insurance agencies and things would be finalised soon".

He, however, refused to interpret the insurance cover for the contingent as fallout of the extremists targeting a particular community of late. "Sports federation officials were unanimous on the need of an insurance cover for the squad and the sports minister had given his consent," said Sinha, adding that, "We are satisfied with the security arrangements in Assam. We are just taking following the example of States like Kerela which insure their entire contigent".

State government submits Abhishek's Case diary to HC

2007-01-20T00:06:00.002+01:00

The State Government on Thursday submitted the case diary of Abhishek Mishra death case with the Jharkhand High Court. The Court fixed February 1, as the next date for hearing the case.

Meanwhile, the High Court directed Advocate General (AG) SB Gadodia to file a written submission detailing the facts of the case on January 22. The AG would hand over a copy of his submission to amicus curiae Rajiv Ranjan also.

The division bench comprising Chief Justice M Karpagavniyagam and Justice Permod Kohli was hearig, a criminal writ seeking a CBI probe into the death of Abhishek's father SC Mishra, suspecting foul play in the death, had written a letter to the then Chief Justice of India and the Chief Justice of Jharkhand seeking a CBI probe into his son's death. The Jharhand High Court taking son's death. The Jharkhand High Court taking suo motu cognisance converted the letter into a criminal writ.

Former CM Arjun Munda for CBI probe into unholy nexus in illegal coal trade

2007-01-20T00:06:00.001+01:00

Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition , Arjun Munda, who met Union Minister of State for Coal Dasari Narayan Rao, in Delhi, on Thursday, demanded a CBI probe into the rampant illegal mining in Jharkhand and the State and Centre's policy of posting officials at the coal centres.

Munda told mediapersons after the meeting , " I have demanded a CBI probe into the unabated coal mining and the deputation of State and Central government officials at these places. For, it has resulted in a strong officials-politicians-police-coal mafia nexus".

All party delegation pleads not to reduce ST seats, Chairman expresses inability

2007-01-20T00:05:00.000+01:00

Chief Minister Madhu Koda on Thursday said tribals of Jharkhand unlike their counterparts in other states have fared better in population stabilization.

"However, implementing the Delimitation Commission's recommendation to reduce the number of ST reserved Assembly and Lok Sabha seats in Jharkhand would tantamount to penalising them for their good work," Koda told Kuldeep Singh, the Chairman of the Delimitation Commission of India (DCI) on Thurday.

The DCI has suggested reduction of the ST reserved Assembly seats in Jharkhand from the existing 28 to 21 and the Lok Sabha seats from five to four. Opposing the recommendations, on all-party Jharkhand delegation led by Koda on Thursday held separate discussions with the DCI chairman and Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil in New Delhi. It will also call on Union Law Minister Hansraj Bhardwaj on Friday to seek Centre's intervention on the issue.

Three pilot projects start to combat illegal mining

2007-01-20T00:04:00.000+01:00

The High-level meeting of the top brass of the coal sector held in New Delhi under the chairmanship of the Union Minister of State for Coal, Dasari Narayan Rao, on Thursday, hammered out a well-knit plan to combat the menace of illegal mining in Jharkhand and the bordering areas of West Bengal.

It was decided at the meeting, that was attended, among others, by Arjun Munda, leader of Opposition, Jharkhand Assembly, to initiate three pilot projects in three coal companies operating in Jharkhand.

Munda, at the outset pointed out several lapses on the part of the coal companies that had been responsible for rise in illegal mining. Munda told the meeting that despite pro-active steps taken by the State Government, coal companies remained-reluctant to end illegal mining. Munda called for a concrete plan for both the rehabilitation of those engaged in illegal mining as well as stern action against the coal mafia.

Dribbling past hockey camp

2007-01-17T22:11:00.000+01:00

The third phase of the women’s hockey camp in the run-up to the Guwahati National Games seems to have run out of steam. For, several top players are busy playing in other tournaments.

Jharkhand State Women’s Hockey Association (JSWHA) treasurer Suresh Kumar said:“The phase-wise camp had been planned to enable the players to practice as a unit. But as many players are away, the combined practice is getting hampered in the third phase of the camp, which started on January 7. It might affect the team’s performance in the National Games, Guwahati.”

JSWHA officials said most of the top players of the state are railway employees. They would not be able to join the camp as they would have to take part in the Federation Cup hockey tournament, which starts on January 19 at Andhra Pradesh.

Five of the state’s top international players — Ashunta Lakra, Subhadra Pradhan, Pushpa Pradhan, Marita Tirkey and Sumrai Tete — have been invited by the railway to participate in the event.

These players (excepting former Indian captain Sumrai Tete, who was nursing injury) could not join the second phase of the camp held in December as they were in Doha for the Asian Games.

All the three phases of the camp were conducted under former Indian coach S.S. Walia at the astroturf in Ranchi, which is also in dire straits.

After the camp gets over on January 31, the JSWHA has planned practice matches with local teams in Rourkela.

The lack of a proper astroturf in Ranchi has compelled the association to switch base to Rourkela where a turf is available.

The team would play with other local teams to improve their performance, an official said.

JSWHA members pointed out that the practice session at Rourkela would go on for a week so that the girls could get an exposure to match situations and get a feel of a proper astroturf, JSWHA officials added.

Practical pill for stress

2007-01-17T22:10:00.000+01:00

Forget exam pangs. Over 2.86 lakh students taking the matriculation examination conducted by the Jharkhand Academic Council (JAC) this session would have scope to score well.

Taking a cue from the CBSE, the JAC, which also conducts the intermediate examinations in the state, has decided to increase the marks in science subjects’ practical papers. It has also introduced practical papers in mathematics and social sciences.

JAC chairman Shaligram Prasad Yadav told The Telegraph that introducing more practical papers was an effort to streamline the matriculation examination as per the CBSE curriculum.

“This would help the council adopt the mechanism of awarding marks and the examination pattern of the CBSE. The students would be subjected to less pressure during the examination. It is expected that students will be able to secure more marks once the practical papers are introduced,” said Yadav.

As per the new system, which would come into effect from February, 2007, examinations, the full marks for theory papers of science subjects — physics, chemistry and biology — would be 60. The rest of the 40 marks would be earmarked for practical in each subject.

Further, the practical papers in science subjects have been segregated into a written practical session and the traditional laboratory-based session. The written one-and-a-half-hour session would carry 20 marks and the laboratory drill, which would be conducted under external examiners, would have the same numbers.

A major change has been made in the “cumbersome” mathematics paper, where the council has introduced a 20-mark practical paper.

“The students are supposed to undertake project work to score in mathematics practical. The details have been given to the respective district education officers (DEOs),” said a JAC official, who had a meeting with all district education officers today.

The DEOs who attended the meeting also confirmed that project work would be a must in the mathematics practical.

Ratan Kumar, the DEO of East Singhbhum, said: “We have been told that the practical papers in mathematics would be internal and the authorities of respective schools would have the discretion to allot marks on the basis of the project works.”

Teachers would help students undertake the project work, he added.

The matriculation examination would begin this year on February 21 end on March 19.

The internal practical examination would be held from March 13 to March 15 in the respective schools.

DEOs and students have welcomed the JAC decision to introduce more practical papers in the matriculation examination.

East Singhbhum area education officer S.P. Singh said besides securing good marks, the new pattern would expose the students to basic concepts of mathematics, science and other subjects.

He added that there was no dearth of infrastructure to conduct practical sessions and several high schools have been provided with a fund of Rs 1 lakh for this.

JAC sources said introducing practical papers would also help improve the secondary education scenario.

Last year, only 63 per cent of the examinees had passed the matriculation exams, they said, adding that the change in pattern would hopefully improve the scenario.

Cockfight, the most liked sport for Jharkhand tribals

2007-01-17T22:07:00.001+01:00

The game of cockfight is part and parcel of tribal tradition in Jharkhand and remains a major medium of entertainment even in the days of television, protests from animal lovers notwithstanding.

Small blades or knives are tied to the foot of the fowls so that they can cause maximum injury to the opponent. The game ends when a foul sustains serious injuries or dies, caused by the other fowl.

Although animal rights groups are opposed to the game, two Jharkhand ministers were seen busy in the traditional sport Sunday in the steel city of Jamshedpur.

Deputy Chief Minister Sudhir Mahto and Land and Revenue Minister Dulal Bhuiya were encouraging their fowls.

While the game has been a tribal tradition since ages, to most cockfight lovers Ramgarh village is a favourite venue.

Before the fight, the cock is kept in a dark room for one week to ignite anger. 'We give them clove before fight, which keeps them warm. But on the day of fight they are not fed, which make them angrier,' said Shivanandan, a cock owner.

Owners also say that the cocks used for fighting are kept separate from the groups. They are prepared to gain stamina and strength to defeat the opponent.

They are also taught how to attack and defend.

'I regularly watch the game. It gives us immense pleasure. This is our medium of entertainment,' said Ganesh Kumar, a resident of Ramgarh.

Jharkhand unhappy with coal block allocation

2007-01-17T22:06:00.000+01:00

Jharkhand is unhappy with the allocation of coal blocks by the union coal ministry and officials say the state's industries have been completely neglected.

M.K. Mandal, Jharkhand's chief secretary, is learnt to have written a letter to the ministry expressing dissatisfaction over the allocation.

'The coal ministry overlooked the state government's recommendation and allocated nearly half a dozen coal blocks to industries of other states,' an official said.

'The coal blocks have been allocated to industries of Karnataka, Orissa, Maharashtra and other states.'

Officials pointed out that the coal ministry had assured to keep Jharkhand's interest in mind while allocating the blocks. But the state-run Jharkhand Mineral Development Corporation (JMDC) has not been allocated a single coal block.

The state government had recommended that three coal blocks be allocated to the firm.

Jharkhand to approach PM, president over reserved seats

2007-01-17T22:00:00.000+01:00

The Jharkhand government will approach Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President A.P.J Abdul Kalam requesting them to appeal to the Delimitation Commission not to reduce the number of tribal seats in the assembly.

The Delimitation Commission has recommended that reserved tribal seats in the Jharkhand assembly be reduced to 21 from 28.

A meeting of the Tribal Advisory Committee (TAC) here Tuesday authorised Chief Minister Madhu Koda to take up the issue with the prime minister and president. Participants at the meeting demanded that Jharkhand be given the same status as Tripura where the number of reserved seats remain unchanged even if the tribal population reduces.

The issue has united leaders cutting across party lines.

Said the chief minister: 'If the situation continues in future there will be no reserved seats for the tribal people.'

Added Bharatiya Janata Party leader and former chief minister Babulal Marandi: 'The recommendation of the Delimitation Commission is matter of serious concern. Laws should be framed to protect the reserved seats of tribal people.'

Madhu Koda assures SAIL of lease renewal

2007-01-17T07:26:00.000+01:00

Chief Minister Madhu Koda on Tuesday told Steel Authority of India (SAIL) Chairman SK Rungta that the company's applications for the renewal of iron ore mining lease were being considered by the government.

Koda said the government would soon renew the lease of mines, which were not sub juice. The company has 10 requests for the renewal of iron ore mining leases pending with the Jharkhand Government. The government had cancelled the lease of three iron ore mines of the erstwhile IISCO that has been taken over by the SAIL last year. Bokaro Steel Limited MD BK Srivastava, who was accompanying the SAIL Chairman, however, requested the Chief Minister to withdraw State government's claim over Chirya mines.

Rungta informed Koda about SAIL's expansion plans and maintained that the company would be requiring 5-6 million ton (MT) of iron ore soon. He said SAIL was planning to increase its production to 7 MT from the present 4.5 MT in the first phase. SAIL's production would cross the 10 MT mark in the next phase, he said. The SAIL delegation also informed the Chief Minister that the Steel Ministry has targeted 110 MT by 2010.

JMM Chief Sibu Soren ill, fails to reach Jamtara Court

2007-01-17T07:25:00.000+01:00

JMM chief Sibu Soren could not appear before a Jamtara Court on Tuesday for hearing in the Chirudih massacre case due to illness.

The court of first additional district and sessions judge district and sessions judge fixed February 3 as the next day of hearing after Sibu's lawyer submitted a medical certificate stating his client's illness.

Additional public prosecutor Anil Mahto said the statements of other accused could not be recorded because of Soren's absence. He said Section 313 of the CrPC makes the presence of all accused in court mandatory for recording statements.

Soren, who is lodged in Dumka Central Jail, complained of uneasiness on Monday afternoon after appearing before a local court in a case related to violation of model code of conduct during the last parliament elections. The medical board, which examined Soren, advised him rest.

Dust on stadium - Government sits on JSCA’s land proposal

2007-01-15T22:50:00.001+01:00

The Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) proposal for a stadium is a win-win situation for the state, yet the government does not seem to be doing anything to realise it.

The JSCA proposal — which could be profitable to the state as it has to invest nothing — sought a 20-acre plot to construct a stadium. The BCCI will fund the construction, said Ranchi District Cricket Association secretary Sunil Singh. Once the stadium starts hosting international matches, the state could derive various other benefits too, monetary and otherwise.

Though there are several suitable plots available in and around Ranchi, the government has not taken any decision on the issue. The JSCA had sent the proposal in December and a reminder was forwarded last week. JSCA is among those few sports associations that has no stadium or an office of its own.

The Mohali stadium in Punjab, venue of several ODIs and Tests, was constructed after getting the land from the government, said cricketers, referring to the potential of such an arena. The JSCA demand, they added, is nothing compared to the National Games sports complex, spread over 250 acres. “It is amazing that the chief minister and the government are not taking an interest in the proposal,” said Singh.

Jindal Steel will revive Bihar Alloy and Steel Ltd. in Patratu

2007-01-15T22:48:00.000+01:00

Having recently taken over the Bihar Alloy and Steel Limited (BASL) in Patratu for Rs 108.9 crore through a bid, steel major Jindal Steel & Powe Limited (JSPL) is now set to revive it, besides setting up a new steel project of 6 million tonne (MT) capacity on 2,000 acres adjacent to the existing plant.

Intially, JSPL plans to revive the rolling mill of the factory and replace the old furnace with a new blast furnace. As things stand, the company would procure blooms (a sort of steel) from its operative plans elsewhere and shape them into proper steel at BASL. BASL, at one point of time was Asia's leading steel player with total production between 6,000-8,000 tonnes.

JSPL assistant general manager SP Sharan said leading consultant Mecon has been entrusted with the job of preparing the detailed project report for revival of BASL, which would now be known as JSPL. The civil works at the factory, he said, would start from February.

'Chanda' collectors ransack petrol pump

2007-01-15T22:47:00.000+01:00

At irate mob of the students on Sunday ransacked the Kanke Service Centre, a Petrol outlet at Kanke Road under Gonda Police Station here when the owner reportedly refused to shell out the amount that the donation seekers demanded.

The petrol pump owner, Rohit Modi lodged an FIR at Gonda Police Station alleging that the miscreants were Post-Graduate students of Ranchi University (RU), all residents of PG Hostel Number 2.

It started off innocuously enough with a group of students descending upon the Kanke Service Centre, seeking Rs 501 as chanda. The owner , Rohit Modi told them that he would pay Rs 201.

But the students stuck to their demand. A lot of haggling later Modi shelled out of Rs 300. But the students had already made a receipt of Rs 501. When Modi refused to pay up any more, the students left but only after hurling abuses and threats of setting the petrol outlet on fire.

Deputy CM to convene meet on rehabilitation policy on January 18

2007-01-15T22:46:00.000+01:00

Deputy Chief Minister-cum-Industries Minister Sudhir Mahto has convened a special meeting of social organisations and NGOs here on January 18 to seek their views on the proposed Rehabilitation and Resettlement (RR) Policy.

The suggestions of the meeting are likely to give a final shape to the policy. "After seeking suggestions from organisations and NGOs, we would convene yet another joint meeting and finally frame the policy," Mahto told mediapersons.

As per information, only four out of 35 government departments to which the draft of RR Policy was sent for their suggestions have responded to it. The departments to have given their suggestions include PHED, Welfare, Urban Development and Road Construction

Left wants no reduction in Assembly seats of STs

2007-01-15T22:45:00.000+01:00

The CPI and CPI(M) on Sunday said that there was unanimity among the Left parties that the existing number of seats for Scheduled Tribes (STs) should not be reduced in the State Assembly.

The two Left parties have come forward with probable solutions to the issue. One is that the Article 332 (3B) of the Indian Constitution should be amended so as to include Jharkhand with Tripura by way of which present proportion of ST seats in the State can be maintained irrespective of change of population profile.

State Secretaries of the CPI and CPI (M), Bhubneshwar Prasad Mehta and J.S. Majumdar, in joint statement, demanded the State government to press the Centre to bring a bill in the budget session of Parliament for amendment in the Constitution to make the tribal of Jharkhand on par with those in Tripura.

Kolhan University to be based in Chaibasa says CM

2007-01-15T22:42:00.000+01:00

Chief Minister Madhu Koda celebrated Makar Sakranti at Ramtrith Dham on the banks of river Vaitrani in his constituency on the Orissa-Jharkhand border.

The CM inaugurated a ghat for sacred dip of the devotees in the river before turning to people who had assembled in great numbers to celebrate the festivities there. The CM after offering prayers to Lord Shiva in the shrine prayed for the prosperity of the State.

The CM pledged for the development of the tirth. The river is held sacred in Hindu mythology and is considered the doorway to the heaven. The CM said the action plan for the development of the place as a tourist destination is ready and soon work will start on the project. He announced development of the stretch of river vaitrani flowing along the temple complex as water sports centre and a residential complex for the lodging of devotees flocking there from across the States.

‘Dead’ man in cop net after 18 yrs

2007-01-14T19:49:00.000+01:00

Nirmal Kumar Singh (face covered) in Dhanbad

A person considered dead 18 years ago was sent to 14 days’ judicial custody after he was arrested today.

The chief judicial magistrate of Dhanbad, Deepak Kumar, sent the accused, Nirmal Kumar Singh, to judicial remand after he was produced before the court. The DSP (law and order), Varun Kumar Mishra, said the culprit was yet to confess that he was living in Varanasi in the guise of Narendra Pratap Singh after duping an insurance company.

The police were looking for Nirmal after one Uday Shankar Singh of Dhanbad lodged an FIR at the Bank More police station in June 2006 alleging that Nirmal was alive and living in Varanasi as Narendra Pratap Singh. Uday Shankar also claimed in the FIR that the family members of Nirmal had fraudulently withdrawn Rs 1.5 lakh from an insurance company.

According to sources, the family members of Nirmal claimed he had died in a boat capsize on August 6, 1988, and his body was missing. The news of his “death” was published in local dailies and was justified by a fake death certificate, the copy of which was attached with the FIR lodged by Uday Shankar.

Subsequently, relatives of Singh deceitfully made insurance claim and forged names on the voters’ list.

The DSP (law and order), investigating into the case, confirmed that the claims of the FIR were prima facie true and that Narendra Pratap Singh was actually Nirmal. However, more evidence has to be collected, said the DSP.

The DSP also said Nirmal Kumar was staying in Varanasi with his wife and children and running a transport business there. Since his roots are in Dhanbad, he kept on visiting the coal city.

The FIR of Uday Shankar also revealed that Nirmal was convicted by the Dhanbad sessions court in 1986 for murdering one Buddhadeb Chatterjee in June 1979. But Nirmal appealed in the Patna high court, and thereafter in the apex court, but his appeal was cancelled in 1994.

Unwilling to surrender before the court, Nirmal hatched the conspiracy, said the sources.

Big win for Jharkhand

2007-01-14T19:43:00.000+01:00

Jharkhand with a 6-1 victory over Maharashtra in Group B progressed into the semifinals of the BSNL All-India hockey tournament and will clash with Orissa for a spot in the final.

Jharkhand's scorers were Lalit Kumar Pana (2), Joseph Soreng (2) along with G. Topno and Marcel Tirkey. Uttam Singh Duha scored for Maharashtra.

Karnataka and NTR, Delhi will face off for the other place in the final. NTR, Delhi beat Madhya Pradesh 2-1 with Premjit Kujur and Dinesh Chander logging the goals for NTR Delhi. A.W. Khan scored for Madhya Pradesh.

Devotees pour in from distant places to pay obeisance

2007-01-14T19:41:00.000+01:00

Kurmali Bhasa Parishad in the State Capital on Saturday celebrated Tusu festival amidst a lot of jubilation and spiritual fervour.

Believers from distant places like Bundu, Tamar, Silli, Khunti gathered in Ranchi and offered prayers to Tusu goddess, who according to mythology had sacrificed her life in a river when a king wanted to make illicit relationship with her.

Lower Burdwan Compound became the centre of celebration. Rajaram Mahto, president of the parishad led the congregation in offering floral tribute to Tusu. The gathering also offered prayers to Tusu and sought from her prosperity and happiness for the society.

Three children go 'missing' from two different localities in the State Capital

2007-01-14T19:40:00.000+01:00

Three children have gone traceless from two different localities under Namkom police station area in the State Capital in last three days.

Two of the missing children, Akash Deep Khallo and Prabhat Kumar, are students of DAV Nandraj School, while another child, Pawan Kumar Pandey, is a student of DAV Bariatu. Namkom police received written complaints from the parents of the missing children in this connection on Saturday.

Both Khalko and Prabhat, aged around 15 years, have not returned home since they, along with their friends, reportedly left for Jonha to play cricket on January 11, police said.

767 students crack JET, success rate boils down to 12.3 percent, Chemistry students fails to make the cut

2007-01-14T19:39:00.000+01:00

No student of Chemistry has managed to clear the Jharkhand Eligibility Test (JET), 2006 conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission on November 12 last year. According to the result declared by the JPSC on Saturday, 767 candidates have cleared the JET.

The result translates into 12.3 percent success rate. 104 candidates of Chemistry Science had reached the Third Paper Evaluation level but none could clear the JET. Candidates who clear the first and second paper with the required cut-off marks (50 percent) for general and 40 percent for reserved category) are selected for TPE.

Of the 16,291 candidates who had appeared in the JET, 6,221 had reached the TPE level. The number of students belonging to SC/ST category reaching the TPE level was 1,651.

Inaction scar on poll panel grace

2007-01-14T19:38:00.000+01:00

A visit to the office of the state election commission at Namkum on the outskirts of the state capital is enough to lose all hope for an early civic polls in the state.

There has been no polls for civic bodies for close to three decades and the state cabinet finally approved the rules this week. But if conditions at the state election commission office are any indication, chances of the poll this year appear seem negligible.

A group of 10 employees was busy playing cards under the winter sun while six others were engaged in an animated discussion over their future. One of the more senior officers strolled aimlessly in the corridors, apparently preoccupied with deep thoughts.

“We have nothing to do. And it is tough spending eight hours in the office doing nothing,” said an employee. “When there was a state election commissioner in the form of G. Krishnan, we had at least some work. Now even that is not there. So, we are whiling away time playing cards and getting a sun-tan,” he added.

Krishnan’s term came to an end on December 12 last year and a successor is yet to be found. Against the sanctioned strength of 30, the commission has 22 staff, with at least six of them employed on contract.

For an office without any work, the annual budget is Rs 72 lakh. But even after having spent Rs 3.5 crore over the past five years, the body has very little to show by way of work.

The day this correspondent visited the commission’s office, there was a call from the office of the chief secretary enquiring about the state of affairs in the office. Similar enquiries had been made on two earlier occasions, the employees confided.

But the enquiries this time might have more to do with speculation over the present chief secretary, M.K. Mandal, getting the coveted post, which has a tenure of three years or a retirement age of 62, whichever is earlier. Besides the name of Mandal, other names in circulation are of A.K. Mishra, Sunila Basant, Sushma Singh and T. Nandkumar.

Curiously, the state government has chosen to shift the secretary to the commission, Lalan Pandey, to the finance department.

Pandey, when contacted, conceded that the state election commission, too, can move the court if the state government fails to conduct the elections. But in Jharkhand, the commission has been content to play second fiddle to the state government.

The commission, claimed its officials, cannot be blamed for the delay in rural and civic polls since the basic work like reconstruction of wards, reservation rules and election rules are to be worked out at the level of the state government.

Three Jharkhand 'Star Girls' in Unicef calendar

2007-01-14T19:34:00.000+01:00

Three gutsy tribal girls from Jharkhand are featured in Unicef's 2007 calendar. They have risen above their poverty to educate themselves and become "Star Girls" and also shown the way to others in their villages.

The Unicef calendar titled "Star Girls", distributed here, features Laxmirani Manjhi, Jyoti Rose Tirkey and Suryamani Bhagat from the state. They were born in the backwaters of Jharkhand and managed to establish themselves in different fields.

These girls have broken the myth that girls from tribal areas can only work as domestic help outside the state.

Laxmirani, 17, is an international level archer and a cadet at Tata Sports Academy, Jamshedpur. A resident of Bagula village of West Singhbhum district, Laxmirani was leading a life of abject poverty. But she was keen to study. She is one of the few tribal girls of her village who went to school. She opted to become an archer.

"I travel to different parts of the world and my education has helped me achieve what I wanted to become," says a happy Laxmirani.

Jyoti Rose Tirkey also comes from a poor family. She opted for singing as her profession after going through many difficulties. At present she is a newsreader with the state-run Doordarshan television.

Suryamani Bhagat works as an activist of a non governmental organisation. Her village, Kotari in Ranchi district, is located deep in the jungles where Maoists call the shots. Bhagat, a graduate in Sanskrit, founded Taranag, an NGO to fight for the rights of tribes people and promote tribal culture. She also works for the Save The Forest movement.

Commenting on the achievement of the Jharkhand girls, Vasvi, a social worker-cum-writer, said: "Jharkhand can produce more such stars if opportunity is given to the state's girls to prove themselves."

The achievement of the girls is all the more striking as thousands of Jharkhand girls migrate every year to metropolitan cities like New Delhi, Mumbai and Chandhigarh just to work as domestic help. Many of them return exploited, raped and some carry the HIV virus.

In Jharkhand, the female literacy rate is just around 40 percent and of tribal girls it is 20 percent.

The Unicef calendar features girls from other states too. The other nine girls whose achievement, names and photographs have appeared are from Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

No takers for children of jailed parents

2007-01-14T19:33:00.000+01:00

Vineeta (name changed) is a seven-year-old girl who wants to study, play and make friends. She cannot do so as she has no option but to spend her childhood in jail.

There are 15 other children, aged 1-15 years, who are spending their childhood inside Birsa Munda Central Jail here.

The reason: their parents are also lodged in the same jail as they have been convicted in different criminal cases. Some face life imprisonment while others are serving seven years' terms.

Sunita (name changed) is another child, whose parents are serving life imprisonment for killing her grandfather and grandmother.

She was born in the jail and is being brought up there. There is no one to take care of her outside the prison.

And there are children who cannot meet their father despite being in the same prison.

According to the jail manual, male and female prisoners are kept separately and are not allowed to meet. The children are given the food prepared for the prisoners.

'According to jail manual, the children can stay with their mothers for six years. After that their relatives can take them to home,' said Abraham Minz, the superintendent of the jail.

'But not a single relative has turned up to take them back,' he said.

There is also a provision that if a mother wishes, her children can be adopted.

But according to jail officials, no one wants to adopt children whose parents are serving sentence in criminal cases.

'We are bound by the rules. We feel sorry when we watch these children growing up inside the jail though that they have not committed any crime. They cannot study because we cannot send them to any school. We cannot provide nutritious food to them as well,' said another official.

Poverty forces Jharkhand villagers to ferry coals on cycle for miles

2007-01-14T19:32:00.002+01:00

Poverty and unemployment has compelled many villagers in Jharkhand to salvage coal from abandoned pits and carry the black diamond on cycles to distant towns to earn livelihood.

Many abandoned mines in the forest, which are believed to be in the hold of certain local musclemen and politicians, provide earning options for the villagers by transporting the rummage coal into the markets of Ranchi, Bokaro, Giridih and other places covering miles on cycle.

"We carry coal. Indeed, we are facing ample of problems, but it's a compulsion for us. We are unable to save money. My elder brother has been affected by TB (tuberculosis). We don't have money for his treatment," said Ghanshyam Mahto, a cyclist-coal carrier.

For thousands of villagers, the dawn starts with dragging along cycles loaded with sacks of coal on the steep hilly road leading to the remote market places.

"We start at 1 o'clock in the night and reach the city by 5 o'clock in the evening. While returning, we start at around 2 am and reach our home at around 12 noon," said Kamlseh Kisko, another cyclist-coal carrier.

Their families, which include a good number of minors, are the worst hit as and when the main bread earner falls ill, generally due to tuberculosis (TB).

There are instances when teenaged youngsters ferry the coal and support their families as sole earning members or supplement the low income.

"I have been carrying coal since two years. Unfortunately, for the past two months I have been suffering from TB. We carry coal to Ranchi, but could not save money. I am the only earning person in my family. Now, I myself have fallen ill. I wonder what would happen to my family now," said 16-year-old Raju.

Mining in the mineral rich State, mostly covered by the forest, is a common practice, and coal and other minerals are the prime sources of revenue. But it seems as such risky mining and ferrying will prevail until alternate avenues are paved for these coal carriers.

Eight Jharkhand children missing in Assam

2007-01-14T19:32:00.001+01:00

Around eight Jharkhand children who were working in Assam at brick kilns and as other labour are reported to be missing following the bloodbath unleashed last week by militants in that state.

The parents of the children, all below 16 years age, are worried as repeated attempts to contact them have failed.

'My 14-year-old son and 15-year-old daughter had gone to Assam in June last year. They were working in a brick kiln factory. But we have not been able to contact them since the news of the killings. We last spoke to our children two months ago,' said Tipru Nayak, a resident of Goratoli village of Ranchi.

Paresh Nayak of Selda village too has a similar story to tell. His two sons of 12 and 15 years and a 14-year-old daughter went to Assam last year. But now he is unable to contact them.

The two daughters and one son of Sukhnath Nayak of Janum Barki village of Ranchi are also missing in Assam. Nayak too failed to establish any contact with his children.

Former chief minister Arjun Munda alleged that five people of the state were killed in United Liberation front of Asom attacks.

Chief Minister Madhu Koda had written a letter to his Assam counterpart, Tarun Gogoi, seeking security for his people.

Every year thousands of people migrate to Assam to work in brick kiln factories and tea gardens.

Jindal Steel inks deal for two power plants

2007-01-13T13:35:00.001+01:00

Congress MP Naveen Jindal's two lesser-known companies on Friday signed two Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) with the Jharkhand Government to set up two thermal power plants in the State.

The two plants of 1,500 MW and 1,000 MW capacity would be set up at near Patratu in Hazaribag district and in Santhal Paragana region respectively.

The Mineral Management Services India Limited (MMSIL) and the Gagan Sponge Iron Limited (GSIL), both subsidiaries of Naveen's flagship company-the Jindal Steel and Power Limited (JSPL)- signed MoUs for Hazaribag and Santhal Paragana plants respectively.

Both the MoUs were signed by Anand Goyal, a senior functionary of the JSPL, in the presence of Naveen Jindal, while State's energy secretary Sudhir Tripathi inked the deal on bahalf of the Jharkhand Government.

Jharkhand Government transferred 13 senior IAS officers

2007-01-13T13:34:00.001+01:00

In a major reshuffle, the State government on Friday transferred 13 senior IAS officers, including Secretaries of vital departments such as Home, Personnel, Cabinet, Mines & Geology, Energy, Animal Husbandry, Drinking Water & Sanitation, Registration and Agriculture.

Energy Secretary Sudhir Tripathi will be the new Home Secretary, while Mines & Geology Secretary Santosh Kumar Satpathi has been asked to join the Personnel & Administrative Reforms department as its new Secretary.

Some of the secretaries were transferred because they were reportedly not in good terms with their respective ministers. Drinking Water & Sanitation Minister Chandraprakash Chaudhary, Cooperative Minister Dulal Bhuiyan, and Agriculture Minister Nalin Soren had expressed dissatisfaction over the style of functioning of their secretaries and asked for their transfer.

harkhand signs 3 MoUs, CM pledges support , Mittal junior to set up Rs 6,500-cr unit

2007-01-13T13:33:00.000+01:00

At a time when his elder brother LN Mittal is unhappy with his project's development in Jharkhand and is enthusiastically looking towards Orissa for a 12-MT steel project, his younger brother and managing director of Ispat Industries, Vinod Mittal has evinced interest in setting a base here.

On Friday, Vinod Mittal-led Ispat Industries Limited scripted a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Jharkhand Government for setting up a 2.8 million tonne (MT) per annum integrated iron and steel project in Manoharpur area of West Singhbhum district.

The cumulative investment in the project would be around Rs 6500 crore. Undeterred by the political upheavals and non-formulation of important policies for industries said to be the reasons for steel czar LN Mittal contemplating to backtrack from Jharkhand, the Mittal junior said investors have to battle with such issues in any state.

Telefilm on witch hunting

2007-01-13T13:20:00.002+01:00

A telefilm to raise awareness on witch hunting that has claimed hundreds of lives in Jharkhand was telecast by Ranchi Doordarshan Thursday.

The film, 'Phul Kunwar', directed by Bhupendra Narayan Singh, is the story of a beautiful girl who was tortured after she refused to pander to some men of her village.

The protagonist is a beautiful girl who attracts the attention of every man in the village. She is branded a witch and tortured when she refuses to give in to the sexual demands of the villagers as well as some government officials.

'The movie assumes significance in the context of Jharkhand society where hundreds of women have been killed as witches. It will be shown in the state to create awareness,' said an official of Doordarshan, the state-run TV station.

Freight train accident toll is six

2007-01-13T13:20:00.001+01:00

The death toll in a freight train accident in Jharkhand has risen to six following the recovery of three more bodies Saturday, the police said.

Parts of a goods train ferrying coal fell into a river Friday evening from a bridge near Heheragaha railway station in Latehar district. The train was going to Panipat in Haryana from Khelari in Jharkhand.

The dead include an eight-year-old boy. Railway authorities did not say how he got killed or who the other victims were.

The accident disrupted train services on the route.

Centre stick to state for delay

2007-01-13T13:16:00.000+01:00

After the Centre’s reprimand, the state government is now getting ready to set up the India Reserve (IR) Battalions to combat the Naxalite menace.

The Union home ministry openly expressed unhappiness when the state police requested for additional para military forces to fight rebels. The request came in a meeting between all Naxalite-affected states and the Union home ministry at Bhubaneswar in the last week of December.

“The MHA officials gave a cold shoulder to the state’s request for additional para military forces to combat the Naxalite menace. Instead, it questioned the state’s inordinate delay in forming the IR Battalion,” said a highly placed official in the police.

Of three such battalions approved by Union ministry of home affairs two years ago, the state has so far formed just one, which is now being trained at Musaboni in East Singhbhum district. No steps have been taken to form the other two battalions.

One IR battalion comprises over 750 local youths. The Centre provides about Rs 20 crore per year for the maintenance of each battalion. After five years, the state would have to bear the expenses.

Some police officials, expressing disappointment said: “When other states can form such battalions promptly, there is no reason for slackness. There was no reason for the delay when the Centre is sponsoring the entire cost for the next five years. ”

But now the state government has pulled up its socks.

The home secretary, J.B. Tubid, said within the next six months two more IR battalions would be formed in the state.

“We are working out the nitty-gritty for recruiting the youths. And the process shall begin shortly,” assured the home secretary.
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Fire destroys shop, hurts 8

2007-01-13T13:15:00.001+01:00

Eight persons sustained severe burn injuries and goods worth over Rs 1 crore were gutted in a devastating fire at the biggest hardware shop of the town late last night.

A combined team of local fire brigade and fire fighters from Central Coalfields Limited managed to douse the fire around 5 pm today.

Doctors in Sadar hospital provided treatment to the injured persons but two of them were later referred to Bokaro General Hospital.

The fire broke out in the shop around midnight on Thursday following a short-circuit in the three-storeyed building of Allied Agencies on Guru Gobind Singh Road.

Police officials said someone noticed the flames around 3.30 am and alerted them.

The owner of the shop, Naveen Jain, came to the spot and managed to remove some material from the ground floor. But the blaze forced even firemen to stay away from the other floors, resulting in a complete destruction of goods.

Meanwhile, eight employees led by one Ankit Jain tried to drill a hole in the wall to get inside the building. But paint and spirit containers kept inside exploded and inflicted severe injures on all.

Mohan Prasad, an injured employee, said there was a blast before they could enter the shop. “We found ourselves engulfed in fire,” he recounted at the Sadar hospital, where he is recuperating.

The Guru Gobind Singh Road is dotted by showrooms of various companies, banks, hardware shops and insurance firms. The street wore a deserted look throughout the day, as the police restricted traffic from both sides of the road — the Congress Office side and Ananda Chowk — to avoid any disturbance to fire fighters.

One killed in AC blast

2007-01-13T13:14:00.001+01:00

Naresh Giri, a mechanic, died while another sustained severe injuries when the compressor of an air-conditioner burst in a first-floor shop of the GEL Church Complex under Lower Bazar police station.

According to eyewitnesses, the incident took place around noon today when the market complex was brimming with customers.

“It was around 12.30 pm when we heard the sound of a blast from behind the market. When I rushed to the spot, I found two mechanics lying in a pool of blood. We heard that the compressor of an air-conditioner at Saloni, a garment shop on the first floor of the market complex, had burst. They were first taken to Raj Hospital and later to Guru Nanak Hospital,” said Sanjay Kumar, a resident of Kadru.

Diwan Midha, former secretary of the marketing complex who rescued the victims from the spot, said the blast took place when the mechanics were carrying out welding workin the air-conditioner.

“The machine was being installed and three were three mechanics carrying out the work. As soon as they started welding work after charging gas in the air conditioner, the blast took place. While one escaped with a minor injury, the other two had serious injuries,” he said.

Dr. M.P. Singh, who treated the victims at Guru Nanak Hospital said: “We weren’t able to save Giri but we expect to save Suleman,” he said.

Officer in-charge of Lower Bazar police station K.K. Sahu said investigations were on. “We cannot rule out other possibilities. We are also trying to look into the circumstances under which a trained mechanics committed such a mistake,” Sahu added.

CM firm on serious players

2007-01-13T13:13:00.001+01:00

Ispat Industries Limited and Jindal Steel and Power Limited today signed separate MoUs for setting up steel and power plants in the state but chief minister Madhu Koda reiterated that his government would back only the serious investors.

The MoUs signed today involve investments of Rs 21,750 crore and are likely to provide direct jobs to 5,000 people.

Ispat managing director Vinod Mittal today signed MoU with state’s industries secretary K.K. Khandelwal for setting up a 3-million tonne integrated steel plant and a 2,500 MW power plant.

He said his steel project involves investments to the tune of Rs 6,750 crore and was likely to provide direct jobs to 2,000 persons.

Mittal confirmed having received positive response from the chief minister and chief secretary M.K. Mandal. He met the duo today and discussed the nitty-gritty of the project in details.

Toeing the line of his elder brother, junior Mittal, too, was non-committal about the fate of his MoUs signed today. He also clearly said he would not make the land donors shareholders in his company.

However, land donors were free to purchase his company’s shares against their compensation amount, he said.

Jindal Steel and Power Limited, too, signed two MoUs for setting up power plants in Hazaribagh and Dumka districts.

It will also expand the capacity of its proposed steel plant in Jharkhand from 5 million tonnes to 6million tonnes.

After detailed discussions with Koda and Mandal, Jindal chief Naveen Jindal said his company has the necessary infrastructure to start the groundwork after it took over Bihar Alloys and Steel Ltd.

Jindal maintained that the approach of the Koda government, too, was positive. He said the land donors would be paid at the “existing” market value and compensatory jobs were guaranteed.

Koda, meanwhile, said his government would only help serious investors and not allow export of raw materials. He added that an all-party meeting would be convened soon to reach to a consensus before execution of the proposed rehabilitation policy.

On the fate of MoUs signed earlier, Koda said: “They have not been shelved. Anyone is free to make new investment proposals. We will help and stand by the serious ones only.”

Ranchi revival on Koda cards

2007-01-13T13:10:00.000+01:00

Taking a cue from his predecessor, chief minister Madhu Koda today declared to revive the Greater Ranchi project with a new name — Nai Ranchi (new Ranchi).

The chief minister attended a meeting on the revival plan with ministers and IAS officials. “We have plans to start the project as early as possible. I would ensure that the plan would be undertaken and completed in my tenure,” said the chief minister. The work on the project would be started during the next financial year, he said.

Urban development minister Harinarayan Rai, who was also present at the meeting that the government has kept the options open for probable project. “The Babulal Marandi-led government had identified Sukurhutu-Pithoria area as the project site. But now we have instructed the top authorities to identify areas around Ranchi. The new site might be in Namkum, (Ranchi-Jamshedpur Road), next to Booty More (Ranchi-Ramgarh Road) or Tati Silway (Ranchi-Purulia Road). We have also kept the options open for the previous site,” said the minister.

The project, a brainchild of Babulal Marandi, got a setback after his successor Arjun Munda cancelled the work allotted to ORG for preparing a detailed project report (DPR) for the “Greater Ranchi” project.

The Marandi government had invited a global tender for the preparation of DPR for the project, initially pegged at around Rs 900 crore. ORG bagged the tender worth about Rs 3.75 crore for the same, which was rejected by Munda. However, about Rs 70 lakh was paid to the consultant.

The then deputy prime minister, L.K. Advani, had also laid the foundation stone for the project in 2002.

Government sources said there is no question to revive the old consultant and initial project report. “The work would be undertaken by entirely new teams,” they said.

However, some of the top bureaucrats, who attended today’s meeting, expressed their apprehensions about it.

“It is tough to start any new project in the state. The problem of land, its acquisition and a willpower, are the biggest stumbling blocks,” said one official.

No digging during daytime, DC warns RCD

2007-01-13T00:25:00.002+01:00

Deputy Commissioner KK Soan has threatened to take action against the officers of Road Construction Department (RCD) if they will continue the road construction work during daytime. He has asked not to dig the roads during daytime.

In this regard, a meeting was held in Ranchi on Thursday in which DC instructed the officers to fill up all the potholes etc. of the roads, which are created during the construction. He further said that traffic in the city is badly affected if the construction of the road is carried on during daytime.

He also asked the officers to start the repairing and widening of roads in Ranchi town with immediate effect. He also instructed the SDOs of Ranchi, Khunti allot the land for police stations for new buildings. Soan also instructed the officer of JSEB to improve the voltage in Hatia area to make water supply smooth.

NABARD fixes credit potential at Rs 3781 crore for Jharkhand

2007-01-13T00:25:00.001+01:00

The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has finalised an aggregate credit potential of Rs 3781.57 crore for Jharkhand in the next fiscal.

The projection was reached after a detailed discussion with all stakeholders including Reserve Bank of India (RBI) general manager BS Hense, Allahabad Bank GM Shyam Ji Mehrotra, all controlling heads of banks & representatives from Government Department, research institutes and NGOs, here at a credit seminar organised by NABARD on Thursday.

Out of the total aggregate projection in the priority sector, Rs 1236.20 crore would be for agriculture and allied activities while Rs 934.72 crore for non-farm sector and Rs 1610.64 crore under other priority sectors.

JMM celebrates 63rd birthday of Sibu Soren, cuts jumbo cake

2007-01-13T00:24:00.001+01:00

Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leaders assembled at Sakchi roundabout on Thursday to celebrate the 63rd birth anniversary of party supremo Sibu Soren.

Besides, cutting a cake weighing 200 pounds (100 Kg), the JMM supporters also distributed fruits among leaders at Burmamines asylum. Blankets were also distributed among the poor.

JMM leader Champai Soren and Revenue and Land Reforms minister Dulal Bhuiyan cut the cake. A trailor was used to transport the cake to the venue of the birthday party. The cake had a ''tum jiyo hazaron sal" message on top it for the JMM chief.

JMM leaders said it was an emotional moment for them to celebrate Sibu's birthday in his absence. However, the leaders claimed that his hour of crisis would help unite the party.

Abducted boy's skeleton found in Koderma

2007-01-13T00:23:00.000+01:00

The skeleton of yet another schoolboy, kidnapped from Hanuman Nagar locality in the State Capital on November 14, was recovered from Tarapur forest near Koderma in Jharkhand on Thursday.

Police said the identity of the deceased was ascertained from his white shirt. The shirt bore the tailor's mark and it had a Hanuman Nagar address printed on it.

A team of Patna police, led by Shivnath Singh and Koderm SDPO, Naushad Ala, along with an Executive Magistrate, Jamnikant and father of the deceased, Ram Pravesh Yadav, reached the Koderma valley and exhumed the skeleton and school uniform of the boy on the confessional statement on one Ram Parvesh Rai, who was arrested by the Patna Police on Wednesday.

State government decides to pay monthly salary to contractual doctors

2007-01-13T00:22:00.002+01:00

The State government has decided to tighten its nose around the doctors. Chief Minister Madhu Koda, Chief Secretary MK Mandal, Health Minister Hemndra Pratap Dehati and other key officials have decided to introduce a system according to which the monthly salary of doctors would be released only after a committee verifies their work.

The government envisages to implement the system by February 15. The district level committees will comprise Commissioners, block development officers, legislators and others, Dehati told mediapersons.

The committees will keep a check on the doctors at primary health centres, he said, adding that salary of doctors will be released only after the committee gives them no-objection certificates. "Doctors not attending their duty has become a common complaint," Dehati said.

Jharkhand CM meets Sibu Soren in Jail

2007-01-13T00:22:00.001+01:00

Chief Minister Madhu Koda on Thursday conducted an 'official inspection' of the Dumka Central Jail, the first jail he has inspected in over three months in office. Incidentally, Koda also met incarcerated Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) chief Sibu Soren in the jail.

The timing of Koda's visit as probably the perfect icing on the cake for the JMM chief who celebrated his 63rd birthday today. Accompained by Deputy Chief Minister and Dumka MLA Stephen Marandi, the Chief Minister, who was scheduled to devote more time to several official engagements, however, did just the opposite.

Koda spent about two hours with Sibu in jail but later he claimed having spent " only 25 minutes with the JMM chief to inform him about the State Government's functioning".

JMM tries Gandhigiri to get Soren out

2007-01-11T20:15:00.001+01:00

Jharkhand Mukti Morcha leader Shibu Soren convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment is relying upon his party’s Gandhi style protest and satyagraha to get out of jail.

JMM activists began a 72-hour satyagraha on Thursday to press the demand for release of ‘guru ji’ Soren who had been sentenced for being involved in the murder of his secretary Shashinath Jha.

JMM general secretary Bidyut Baran Mahato said when Gandhiji's satyagraha had forced the British to quit the country, the party was confident that its demand for Soren's release would be heard by authorities.

Alleging that multi-national companies and the CBI had hatched a conspiracy to implicate 'Guruji', as Soren is known to his followers, in a false case, Mahato said he had opposed the forcible acquisition of tribal land in Jharkhand for development projects till a proper rehabilitation policy

was framed.

Mahato also accused the JMM's political rivals of being involved in the conspiracy that led to Soren's conviction.

Government to explain rise in cost of sporting complex

2007-01-11T20:13:00.001+01:00

The Special Assembly committee, probing the causes for massive escalation in cost of the proposed mega-sporting complex being constructed to host the 34th national games in Jharkhand, has decided to seek clarifications of the officials of the Sports and Culture and the Building Construction departments in reference to the questioner served on them earlier.

Committee convener, Saryu Rai and member Girinath Singh, who met here in the Assembly premises on Wednesday to review steps being taken to enquire into the matter, asked the officials of the department to appear in person on January 18 and clarify their stand regarding exorbitant hike in the project cost.

The then Assembly Speaker Inder Singh Namdahri, during the last Monsoon session had constituted the special committee comprising BJP legislators Saryu Rai and Ravindra Rai, Girinath Singh of RJD and Radha Krishna Kishore of the JD(U) after some members cutting across the party lines cornered the government over the burgeoning project cost.

Three shortlisted for BJP state chief post

2007-01-11T20:12:00.003+01:00

The Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) central leadership may declare the name of the party's state president within a week.

Jharkhand BJP in-charge Sumitra Mahajan and Om Prakash Mathur would submit a list containing three names, finalised in consultation with party leaders, to BJP national president Rajnath Singh on Thursday.

Talking to mediapersons Mathur said he was going to Delhi with three names. He said the names had emerged after consultation with 225 leaders and party workers. The final decision would be taken by the party central leadership, he added.

CM asks DCs to spend funds by March-end

2007-01-11T20:12:00.001+01:00

Chief Minister Madhu Koda on Wednesday asked the deputy commissioners (DCs) to ensure cent percent expenditure of funds earmarked for poverty alleviation schemes by the end of March.

Kdoa warned that strict action would be taken against officers who failed to properly implement the pro-poor Indira Awas Yojna, Annapurna and Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan.

Koda said his government's priority was to improve the standard of living of the poor and downtrodden. Officers should learn to act accordingly, he added. Koda was addressing a meeting of all DCs, divisional commissioners secretaries at the project Building secretariat here.

Jharkhand High Court directs government to file status report on Chiria mines

2007-01-11T20:11:00.002+01:00

The Jharkhand High Court on Wednesday directed the State Government to file a status report describing the minutes of the meeting held in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) for settlement of the issue related with the Chiria Mines.

The division bench comprising Chief Justice, M Karpagavniyagam and Permod Kohli was hearing a writ filed by the State Government in the matter. The court fixed February 7 for the next date of hearing.

Senior advocate of the Supreme Court, Jagdeep Dhankar appearing for the SAIL submitted that as per the court's earlier order, a meeting between the Union Government and the State Government was held in PMO on September 9, 2006. Dhankar contended that the minutes of the said meeting should be brought before the court.

Contractual doctors adamant, Government refuse to play ball

2007-01-11T20:11:00.001+01:00

The ultimatum of the contractual doctors in Jharkhand to go on indefinite mass leave from January 15 not withstanding, the Government on Wednesday made it clear it won't bow down to their threat.

Terming the decision of over 1150 contractual doctors' to proceed on 'mass leave' as 'pressure tatics' Chief Minister Madhu Koda, Chief Secretary ad other key government officials were categorical that they may either stay or leave the Government job. The government officials were of the view that if the contract system is working else-where, why can't the same be followed in Jharkhand.

With the State Government any alternative arrangement in case the doctors do go on leave. Of the 3500 doctors employed by the State Government, 1158 are on contract.

Jharkhand Assembly recommends to cancel work order of Meinhardt

2007-01-11T20:10:00.000+01:00

The implementation committee of Jharkhand Assembly on Wednesday recommended for immediate cancellation of the work order allotted to a Singapore-based company, Meinhardt by the Government for the development of an drainage system in the State Capital.

Detecting serious anomalies in the process of offering the work order to the consultant, committee convener Saryu Rai, who submitted its recommendations to Assembly Speaker Alamgir Alam today, held the high-level technical committee and its convener responsible for appointment of Meinhardt as consultant in gross violation of the set guidelines.

According, it has recommended for initiating disciplinary action against the members of the technical committee, who included chief engineer of the Ranchi Regional Development Authority SP Sinha, engineer-in-chief of Water Resoures Department Ghuraon Oroan adn superintending engineer of DWSD Nirmal Kedia.

Jharkhand to simplify land acquisition system

2007-01-11T20:07:00.003+01:00

The Jharkhand government is working on a plan to simplify land acquisition for investors who face bottlenecks in setting up units.

'If the new act is cleared then it will help in acquiring land in just two months. At present the land acquisition process takes over a year,' an official of industries department told IANS.

'A draft for a new act has been sent to the development commissioner for suggestions and corrections. In the new act the state government will directly approach the landowners and bargain with them on the market price of land,' said the official.

Currently the landowners are given government fixed price of the land and an additional 30 percent as compensation. The landowners do not part with their land since the government rate is lower than the market price.

'In the new law we are trying to address the interest of the landowners so that they get the market price and happily part with their land to investors. In the given scenario only a lucrative policy can help the state in getting land for the investors,' the official said.

The Jharkhand government is moving cautiously on land acquisition alarmed by the incidents in West Bengal's Singur and in Orissa. In Jharkhand also the political parties are with the landowners and are opposed to any displacement in the state.

The Jharkhand government has signed memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with 45 investors in steel, mining, power and in other sectors. The investors will pump Rs.2.2 trillion in the state.

To translate the MoUs into reality the state government has to acquire more than 120,000 acres of land.

Jharkhand Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (JIDCO), the nodal agency to facilitate land, power and other basic needs of investors, has till now cleared the proposals of nine investors. These include Tata Steel, Jindal Steel, Essar Steel and Hindalco.

The new law has been mooted after the government failed to get land through land bank system. Despite best efforts of the state government, it managed to get only 6,200 acre of land through land bank.

Jharkhand's ruling alliance squabbles over appointments

2007-01-11T20:07:00.001+01:00

The partners of Jharkhand's ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA) have drawn daggers at each other over grabbing the posts of chairperson of the state boards and corporations.

The squabble began when Chief Minister Madhu Koda recently announced he would remove the chairpersons of boards and corporations as they were appointed during the previous National Democratic Alliance (NDA) regime.

There are more than 30 boards and corporations in the state.

Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), the major partner in the Koda government, has reportedly submitted a list of 15 boards and corporations for the party workers.

The JMM wish-list has infuriated the other two political partners - the Congress and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD).

Commenting on the issue, Congress legislator Thomas Hansda said: 'If the JMM wants a share in the boards and corporations then it should first ask its ministers to quit their posts. If Koda has to run the government then he should give proper place to both the Congress and RJD.'

The RJD has also supported the view of the Congress.

'Consensus should be evolved on the share of boards and corporations. The steering committee of the UPA will decide on who will get what share,' said Annapurna Devi, an RJD legislator.

The JMM has also stepped up its pressure on the government. 'The JMM will not request, rather it will pass an order,' said Sunil Mahto, JMM Lok Sabha MP from Jamshedpur.

Reacting to the controversy, Madhu Koda said: 'Everything will be decided in the steering committee meeting of the UPA. There are no differences among the partners.'

The support of each partner is a must to run the government.

In the 82-member house, the UPA enjoys the support of 43 legislators. The JMM has 17 legislators, Congress and RJD have nine and seven respectively while the rest are independents. The RJD and Congress are supporting the government from outside.

The internal squabbling in the UPA partners is badly affecting the development of the state. Till now, the state government has spent only 30 percent of the budgetary provision. It has to spend the rest 70 percent in two-and-a-half months, which seems difficult.

CCL acts to stop illegal mining

2007-01-11T20:06:00.001+01:00

The Central Coalfield Ltd (CLL) has geared up to curb illegal mining that has claimed thousands of lives in Jharkhand.

CCL is preparing a detailed report on illegal mining in the officially closed mines. It will be submitted to Coal India Ltd (CIL), officials said.

'Efforts are on to check illegal mining in our operational areas. We have succeeded to a large extent,' said Ajai Kumar, a director in CCL.

Concrete walls have been erected near the closed mines to prevent villagers from entering them. Some such mines have been flooded to prevent illegal entry.

The CCL has lodged 270 first information reports against illegal miners in the last five years. More than 50 illegal miners have been arrested.

Man kills son, injures another in spiritual quest

2007-01-11T20:05:00.002+01:00

A man in Jharkhand killed one of his sons and badly injured another Wednesday in search of 'spiritual powers', police said.

Jeetan Munda, a resident of Barki village in Hazaribagh district, who police say is a sorcerer by profession, escaped after assaulting his sons with the help of another person, police said.

The younger son died on the spot, while the elder son sustained serious injuries and he was admitted to a local hospital. His condition is said to be serious.

Police have recovered materials like vermilion, mustard oil and clothes, which suggest that Munda had worshipped the god before attacking his sons.

Witchcraft and occult practices are common in Jharkhand. More than 20 persons have been sacrificed in the state recently in the name of appeasing the gods.

Three arrested for cutting Sikh youth's hair

2007-01-11T20:05:00.001+01:00

Three people have been arrested in Jharkhand's Dhanbad district for forcibly cutting off the hair of a Sikh youth. The main culprit is absconding.

The arrests Wednesday followed the attack on 21-year-old Prem Singh Soni at Kumardubi locality in Dhanbad district, 240 km from here, following a complaint filed by the victim. Sikhs are not supposed to cut their hair.

Debt was the reason the attack took place, Soni told reporters.

'Last year I had bought a truck from Surjeet Singh. I paid Rs.90,000 in cash while the rest of the amount was to be paid by me. My truck met with an accident in December. So I could not pay the money,' he said.

The non-payment infuriated Surjeet and he sent three men to teach a lesson to Soni. The three forcibly took Soni to a saloon where his hair was cut. Surjeet Singh is absconding.

CBI director apologises, Jharkhand court drops contempt

2007-01-11T20:04:00.000+01:00

The Jharkhand High Court dropped contempt charges against Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) director Vijay Shanker after he apologised Thursday for transferring without the court's permission an official probing the fodder scam.

A division bench of Chief Justice M.K. Vinaygam and justice Pramod Kohli accepted the apology from the CBI director who appeared before it.

The court had Nov 3 issued notice to the CBI director taking suo motu note of media reports regarding the transfer of CBI Superintendent of Police R.C. Chaudhary from Ranchi to New Delhi.

Chaudhary had sought voluntary retirement after the Oct 25 transfer. The transfer was seen as a move to protect high profile politicians in the multi-million rupee scam that involved buying fodder for cattle.

The court had earlier directed CBI not to transfer any official involved in the investigation of the scam without seeking judicial permission.

Expressing unhappiness over the transfer, the court had observed that CBI was creating unnecessary trouble instead of expediting the trial.

The scam came to light in 1996 and the investigation was handed over to CBI following an order of the Patna High Court.

Ranchi traffic cop transferred after fining cricketer Dhoni

2007-01-10T23:11:00.001+01:00

About 24 hours ago, traffic cop Saifuddin Ahmed created a mini sensation by fining cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni. But his fame was short-lived. On Wednesday, both his senior and the cricketer refuted his claims of a fine being slapped on the wicketkeeper.

Ranchi traffic SP Murari Lal Meena, who had boasted on Tuesday that one of his lieutenants extracted a fine from Dhoni for driving in a black SUV with tinted windows, denied any challan was given to the cricketer as it would have led to security hazards.

Expressing willingness to cooperate with authorities, Dhoni told TOI: "I am willing to have the dark film on the car windows removed if authorities tell me to.

"In fact, even before I put them on, I had filed a request with the divisional commissioner and have been given a letter which states that I can continue having the dark tint till a decision is taken on the matter."

Dhoni also said that he showed the letter to the traffic cop, who had stopped his car and was allowed to move on. "There was no issue of a challan being filed or me paying any spot fine," insisted Dhoni.

State Cabinet gives nod to Jharkhand Municipality Elections rules

2007-01-10T23:08:00.001+01:00

The State Cabinet on Tuesday gave its nod to the Jharkhand State Municipality Election Rules (JSMER), 2006, paving the way for conduct of polls in all municipalities and notified area committees in Jharkhand.

The polls would be different from these held in Bihar, as the Constitutional held in Bihar, as the Constitutional amendment carried out in 1993 would be taken into account.

The Chairmen and vice-chairman of the municipal bodies would now be elected directly as against the previous practice of electing them indirectly. The reservation criteria, however, remains the same : 50 percent reservation ceiling for the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Backward Calsses and one-third of the total seats reserved for women.

Parties decides to demand new provision in Bihar Re-organization Act -2000

2007-01-10T23:07:00.002+01:00

An all party meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Madhu Koda, on Tuesday unanimously resolved the oppose the Delimitation Commission of India's (DCI) move to de-reserve seven scheduled tribe (ST) assembly seats in Jharkhand.

The parties decided to demand a new provision in the Bihar Re-organization Act-2000 to enable Jharkhand to increase its Assembly constituencies to 150 from existing 81, on the pattern of Uttarakhand.

The parties also decided that a delegation led by Koda would meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Home Minister Shivraj Patil and other Union ministers to apprise them of the sentiments of state's political parties on the delimitation process.

CPI-ML plans mega rally in Mahendra's honour

2007-01-10T23:07:00.001+01:00

The CPI-ML decided to organise massive rally at Bagodar on January 16 to pay tributes to former Bagodar MLA late Mahendra Prasad Singh.

District spokesman Rajesh Kumar in a statement expressed concern over 'sluggish pace' of the ongoing investigations by the CBI in Mahendra Singh murder case. Singh was murdered in Durgidhawaia village under Bagodar PS on January 16, 2005. Around two years ago crime branch of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Lucknow, formally took over investigation of the case from district police. However, a breakthrough is still awaited.

Kumar said that even the UPA-backed Madhu Koda Government did not appear interested in bringing out the truth of this high profile murder case, especially keeping in mind the allegations levelled by wife of slain leader. The government is also working to protect the conspirators, alleged Kumar.

5 Jharkhandis killed in Assam says Arjun Munda

2007-01-10T23:06:00.002+01:00

The massacre by the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) in Assam has generated a controversy back here in Jharkhand.

Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition, Arjun Munda, on Tuesday, claimed that five of those killed in Assam were 'Jharkhandis'. The Assam government and the UPA-backed Madhu Koda dispensation, which do not have an estimate of the Jharkhandis in Assam, however, refuted Munda's claims.

"One of the five killed, Ranjan Bhumji, belonged to the Bhumji tribe of Jharkhand. "He along with his family had been residing there for long. I am gathering the details concerning others. I am leaving for Dibrugarh on January 19 to meet the bereaved families. According to my assessment, the number of tribals from Jharkhand and Orissa combined in Assam are more than those residing at present in State," Munda told to mediapersons.

Abhishek's death Case : HC seeks case diary

2007-01-10T23:06:00.001+01:00

The Jharkhand High Court on Tuesday directed the State Government to submit the case diary of Abhishek Mishra's death, along with a report detailed the incident that took place at Dassam Waterfall. Abhishek, a final year student of BIT, Mesra, had reportedly drowned to death on December 8.

The High Court has converted the written complaint of Abhishek's father SC Mishra into a criminal writ, which seeks a CBI probe into his son's death. The division bench comprising Chief Justice M Karpagavniyagam and Justice Permod Kohli, while seeking the details, fixed January 18 as the date of next hearing. Rajeev Ranjan, counsel for the petitioner, was also appointed the amicus curiae.

Advocate General SB Gadodia, who appeared for the Government also submitted an affidavit on behalf of the DSP. The AG informed the court that the matter is being investigated by the State Police and it is still in progress. The court then observed that the investigating officer, not the DSP, should report the matter to the Court because the could have thrown more light into the matter.

Contractual Doctor decides to go on indefinite leave from January 15

2007-01-10T23:04:00.000+01:00

Over 1150 doctors, serving in State on contractual basis, have decided to proceed on an indefinite mass leave from January 15. This is likely to paralyse the health care delivery system as Jharkhand has hardly 3500 doctors including the contract ones.

The decision to go on mass indefinite leave was taken after a delegation of the contractual doctors, led by Dr Bimlesh Singh met the Health Minister Hemendra Pratap Dehati and Special Secretary Health Nidhi Khare on Tuesday.

Contractual Doctors Association president Dr Bimlesh Singh told medipersons, " Both the Minister and the Secretary were non-committal of our services. We cannot wait anymore. We have decided to go on mass leave from January 15. We will remain on mass leave till our services are regularized. If the Government fails to do so we will quit the job and would shift to other states".

Road mishaps put State Capital on the edge

2007-01-10T23:02:00.000+01:00

Road Safety Awareness Week observed between January 1 and January 7 notwithstanding the city witnessed 8 deaths in about 15 accidents during the period.

The city traffic police, burdened by 'alarming' proportion of increase in the number of vehicles, feel that the careless driving is responsible for these accidents. While talking to mediapersons, KK Sahu, officer in-charge of Lower Bazar Police Station said : "The mushrooming of the auto-rickshaws due to lack of other public transport in the city have posed the biggest menace on the city roads. Their rough drive and parking here and there is one of the causes of accidents.

"Moreover, the reckless drive by the school children, zipping on their bikes with no valid driving license is also one of the important reasons for increase in number of accidents. Neither the parents nor the school authorities seem to bother about the pathetic condition alarming conditions," he added.

CCL to adopt hi-tech mining

2007-01-09T23:48:00.002+01:00

The Central Coalfields Limited (CCL) will soon introduce Continuous Miner Technology in its underground mines to increase coal production.

RK Saha, the Director Technical ( P&P), said the technology would first be introduced at Churi project, where the annual production is around 1.6 lakh ton. The technology's introduction is expected to enhance production to 5 lakh ton. The Coal company is presently preparing Notice Inviting Tender (NIT) and the tender is expected to be floated soon. The technology would function on 'gain risk sharing basis'. The supplier would have to ensure a minimum guarantee of coal production. Penalty would be imposed on the company in case the production was less than the minimum guaranteed amount.

The supplier would be given bonus for exceeding the production target. The purpose behind introducing the technology is to boost production in underground mines of the CCL. The CCL presently produces 2 million ton coal from underground mines and aims to take in to 11 million ton by 2025.

CM seeks detailed BMA expansion plan

2007-01-09T23:48:00.001+01:00

Chief Minister Madhu Koda on Monday directed officials of the State Civil Aviation Department to come up with fresh expansion plans for the Birsa Munda Airport (BMA) here in order for him to take the issue with the Centre. "Only if I have fresh detailed plans can I seek the necessary funds from the Union Government in New Delhi," he is reported to have told the officials.

Reviewing the functioning of the Civil Aviation Department at the Project Building here, the Chief Minister reportedly expressed his unhappiness over the pace of progress made for expanding the ambit of the airport and asked the officials to come up with a fresh project report that incorporated all the minute details of the airport's expansion.

The report should be prepared in such a manner that it makes it relatively easy for him to convince the Centre as well as the Airport Authority of India of the necessity of expanding the airport here in Ranchi, he pointed out.

Union sports director review National Games readiness

2007-01-09T23:47:00.001+01:00

Union Sports Director Vijay Kumar Gautam on Monday took stock of the ongoing infrastructure development works in the State Capital for the 34th National Games being hosted by Jharkhand.

In course of the review, Gautam directed the State Government officials to abide by the international quality standards. He also suggested that the State should get the design of the proposed indoor stadiums vetted from the experts of the Indian Olympic Association.

The director asked the executive engineer of Building Construction Department to start envisaging what precautions should be taken for VVIPS while allowing them to entry to the main stadium, administration building and other stadiums.

Hearing in Abhishek's death case adjourned

2007-01-09T23:46:00.000+01:00

The Jharkhand High Court on Monday adjourned the hearing into the death case of Abhishek Mishra, a BIT Mesra student , till Tuesday. Abhishek reportedly died due to drowning at Dassam Fall on December 8.

A division bench of the High Court comprising Chief Justice M Karpagavniyagam and Justive Permod Kohli adjourned the hearing on Advocate General SB Gadodia's appeal for time to go through the report submitted by amicus curiae Rajiv Ranjan.

Ranjan informed the High Court that he had given a compact disc of news reports and other documents related to the case to the Advocate General. Ranjan also filed an affidavit on behalf of Abhishek's father SC Mishra before the bench.

Young couple dies under mysterious circumstances in State Capital

2007-01-09T23:45:00.000+01:00

A young couple, which had tied the nuptial knot six months ago, died under mysterious circumstances at Irgu toli under Sukhdeonagar Police Station area on Monday. The woman was pregnant.

While, police suspected the incident to be a case of suicide, the kin of the deceased claimed that cold waves claimed their lives. The deceased were identified as Rajeev Singh (26) and Gudia Singh (24), resident of Irgutoli under Sukhdeonagar Police Station area. Singh owned a shop dealing in Cement near Lala Lajpat Rai School under Jagannathpur Police Station area.

According to Krishna Pathak, a close friend of Rajeev, he along wit neighbours rushed Rajeev and his wife to the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences for treatment after one of the family members of Rajeev called him informing that Gudia have been vomiting incessantly while Rajeev was shivering due to cold.

"We rushed the duo first to the Harmu Hospital, where the staff recommended us to take them to the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS). Gudia died while on the way to the RIMS. Rajeev passed away few hours later while undergoing treatment there," Ravindra, business-partner of Rajeev claimed.

Madhu Koda contact Assam couterpart and requests to protect life of Jharkhandis

2007-01-09T23:44:00.000+01:00

Chief Minister Madhu Koda on Monday contacted his Assam counterpart Tarun Gogoi and requested him to take effective steps to protect the life and property of Jharkhandis residing in Assam.

Koda told Gogoi that a large number of tribal families from Jharkhand and people of Jharkhand origin residing in different parts of Assam were living in constant fear following the recent program perpetrated by ULFA.

Condemning the attacks on Hindi-Speaking people, Koda told mediapersons that the massacres by the ULFA were a disgrace to humanity. "No civilized society can tolerate such ghastly and condemnable acts. I urge the Centre and Assam Government to compensate the families of the victims adequately," Koda said.

Sibu men forms human chain to rid Sibu Soren of chains

2007-01-09T23:43:00.000+01:00

Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leaders and supporters joined hands to form a human chain in the Steel City on Monday to express solidarity with their jailed party chief, Sibu Soren.

The 2 kilometer long human chain also comprised men and children, who arrived here from distant villages. Holding a loft posters of Sibu and party flags, the JMM supporters raised slogans and the rallying cry that could be heard was :"Jail ka tala tutega, Sibu Soren Chootega."

"There was tremendous enthusiasm among party workers who started from their homes before dawn to reach Jamshedpur to participate in the event. Braving the chill, workers assembled on time and made the programme a resounding success. Support and sympathy for Guruji in increasing with each passing say," said JMM leader Ram Das Soren.

State set to feel IAS officer crunch sting

2007-01-08T19:29:00.002+01:00

Into the last quarter of the current fiscal and with challenges galore, the UPA-backed Madhu Koda Government is all set to face the prospect of 33 percent of its administrative top brass being away on poll duty in Manipur, Punjab, and Uttranchal.

The Assembly elections in the three States are scheduled next month. The Jharkhand Government has sent a list of 40 IAS officials in the ranks of Secretaries and Special Secretaries to the Election Commission of India (ECI) for their deputation as election observers in the three States.

This would, in affect, be the 33 percent of the existing officers' strength. Around 120 officers, out of the 143-strong IAS cadre strength, are currently serving in Jharkhand.