Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Five commitments of PM to Varanasi and her weavers
http://www.mynews.in/fullstory.aspx?storyid=3044#
Five commitments of PM to Varanasi and her weavers
Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi 25/3/2008 6:35:59 PM(IST)
The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh interacted with many delegations from the city of Varanasi, including a delegation of weavers led by Dr. R.K. Mishra, MP. The Prime Minister mentioned that the following issues would be pursued by the Government soon for the benefit of the people of Varanasi and weavers of Varanasi. Decisions on these would be taken soon.
Public Transport for Varanasi: Varanasi is a major city and deserves top class public transport. Varanasi is included in the Jawahar Lal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM). Under the JNNURM, the Central Government would be willing to fund a major public transport project for Varanasi. Adequate funds would be provided to enable Varanasi to have a modern transport system in keeping with its importance as a Heritage City. The State Government will be requested to forward a project to Government of India and a decision will be taken on this proposal favourably. The Government of India will provide all possible support for preparing the project.
Heritage Development of Varanasi: Varanasi is one of the few cities included in JNNURM, which have an ancient heritage value. The Ministry of Tourism also has taken up Varanasi under its Mega Projects Scheme for tourism development. Budget-2008 also has a provision for tax concessions to hotels in districts with heritage monuments. The State Government would be requested to form a Group of Experts to prepare a Heritage Development Plan for Varanasi which would be funded from the JNNURM and other sources.
Development of a Mega Cluster for Silk Weavers: Varanasi is one of the six locations chosen for infrastructure development under the Mega Cluster Scheme announced in Budget 2008. Under this, Rs. 70 crores will be provided to Varanasi to improve the infrastructural facilities for weavers through better storage facilities, weaving facilities, production facilities, health facilities, training and design facilities, etc.
Health Insurance for Weavers: Over one-lakh weavers from Varanasi are being covered under the weavers’ health insurance scheme. There are also a large number of powerloom workers. They could be covered under the Rashtriya Swastiya Bima Yojana, to be launched on 1st April 2008. We will work with the State Government on this.
Payment of overdue electricity bills: The Prime Minister is aware of the problems being faced by weavers on account of overdue electricity bills. The government is working to see how relief could be provided to weavers from the burden of past electricity bills
Uttar Pradesh: Cry of slum in Varanasi
http://www.mynews.in/fullstory.aspx?storyid=3444#Uttar Pradesh: Cry of slum in Varanasi
Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi 5/4/2008 5:04:47 PM(IST)
Varanasi: Baghwanala is urban area slums, which come under Hukulganj area in Varanasi district of Uttar Pradesh. Nearly 2000 people are residing in this slum. Bagwanala slum is entirely marginalized from health and education facilities.
Bagwanala is situated on the bank of Varuna River. Varuna River water is being regularly polluted and now it’s seemed as water of Drainage. There is one hand pump and well in Bagwanala to quench the thirst of 2000 people but today due to low groundwater level, the people of Bagwanala are compelled to drink dirty and bad smelling water.
Last month Bagwanala excessive fall in the clutch of contagious disease of chickenpox, eczema. Infectious diseases affect every age people. In the month of February PVCHR got this information by grass root activist that 18 people are suffering from chickenpox and 38 people are suffering from eczema and immediately gave telephonic information to Chief Medical officer (CMO) of Varanasi and on same day evening health visitor Ms. Vijay Kumari came to visit Bagwanala and she diagnose patient in the light of torch.
On 5th March 2008 member of V.O.P (Voice of People) and ANM with sample of dirty water and complaint letter went to C.M.O office. He immediately gave information to water department office regarding the supply of dirty water. After two days four health visitor organized health camp in Bagwanala and distribute medicine of eczema, loose stole, fever and of worm. But health visitor never come again to see the condition of Bagwanala. Few people gets relief from the medicine but again 11 people and also 16 days new born girl is suffering from chickenpox.
Again on 25th March, 2008 C.M.O gets telephonic information and on same day at 7:30 pm in the late evening doctor and health visitor came but they denied for the medical checkup due to darkness. They assured they will come tomorrow for the medical treatment but till today i.e. 29th March Bagwanala people did not get any medical facilities.
Uttar Pradesh: Human Rights defender Brij Lal is facing death threat
http://www.mynews.in/fullstory.aspx?storyid=3491
Brij Lal, a Human Rights defender of People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights and fellow of Dalit Foundation is resident of village Gohilawn block Bhadohi in district Sant Ravidas Nager (Bhadohi) of Uttar Pradesh In India.
Since last three months (January to March 2008) PDS Shopkeeper Mithlesh Kumar Srivastava of Gohilawn village is not distributing ration, Sugar and kerosene to 22 Dalit families having Antodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) cards and BPL cards. This is a crime under Essential Commodities Act, 1955 and to stop black marketing or holding of ration Prevention of Black Marketing and Maintenance of Supplies of Essential Commodities Act established in 1980.
On 25th February, 2008 Villagers united and gave a letter to Sub Divisional Magistrate, on 29th February, 2008 to District supply officer and on 1st March, 2008 to District Magistrate of Bhadohi for further action but till no action was taken by the authorities.
On 4th March 2008 villagers gave their demand letter to District Magistrate and SSP. District Magistrate R.S. Dubey immediately ordered District Supply Officer to investigate and take necessary action. On 7th March, 2008 District Supply Officer (D.S.O.) suspend Gohilawn PDS shop and it was merge with nearest PDS shop at Arjunpur village.
Report of D.S.O.:
On tehsil day i.e. 4th March, 2008 Sri Brij Lal and other residents of village Gohilgaon Block - Bhadohi Tehsil – Aurai registered their complaint. On that basis of it investigation with cardholders having AAY and BPL cards was done. After investigation given below serious irregularity were highlighted.
Antodaya Anna Yojana Scheme:
1. Smt. Ramni Vanvasi card no. 7761 did not receive ration in the month of November 2007, December 2007and February 2008 and it is not mentioned in ration card. Ration of January month is mentioned. In the month of January ration is mentioned in the card but she did not receive it.
2. Sri Jimmal Chamar card no. 7778 did not receive ration in the month of January 2008 but it is mentioned in the ration card. He did not receive ration of February month and nor it is mentioned.
3. Sri Brij Lal card no. 7781 did not receive ration in the month of January 2008 and February 2008 and nor it is mentioned in the ration card.
4. Sri Sobha Vanvasi card no. 7765 did not receive ration in the month of November 2007, December 2007 and January 2007 but it is mentioned in the ration card. But in the month of February 2008 he did not get ration nor it is mentioned in the card.
5. Sri Mangru card no. 7785 did not receive ration in the month of January 2008 but it is mentioned in the ration card. In the month of February 2008 he did not receive ration nor it is mentioned in the ration card.
6. Sri Rajendra card no. 7771 did not receive ration in the month of November 2007, January 2008 and February 2008 and nor it is mentioned in the ration card.
7. Sri Indrajeet Vanvasi card no. 7759 did not receive ration in the month of January 2008 and nor it is mentioned in the ration card.
8. Sri Gogai Vanvasi card no. 7782 did not receive ration in the month of January 2008 but it is mentioned in the ration card. In the month of February 2008 he did not receive ration nor it is mentioned in the ration card.
9. Sri Fagu Ram card no. 7764 did not receive ration in the month of November 2007, January and February 2008 and nor it is mentioned in the ration card.
10. Sri Babu Lal card no. 7780 did not receive ration in the month of January 2008 but it is mentioned in the ration card. In the month of February 2008 he did not receive ration nor it is mentioned in the ration card.
11. Sri Kallu Ram card no. 7763 did not receive ration in the month of November 2007, January 2008 and February 2008 nor it is mentioned in the ration card.
12. Sri Mithai Lal card no. 7987 did not receive ration in the month of August 2007, January and February 2008 nor it is mentioned in the ration card.
B.P.L Scheme:
1. Sri Panna La card no. 21527 did not receive ration in the month of August 2007 to February 2008 nor it is mentioned in the ration card.
2. Sri Bhola Nath card no. 21639 did not receive ration in the month of November 2007, December 2007 and February 2008 nor it is mentioned in the ration card.
3. Sri Ghan Shyam card no. 21519 did not receive ration from August to February 2008 nor it is mentioned in the ration card.
4. Sri Rama Shanker card no. 21669 did not receive ration from August to December 2007 and February 2008 nor it is mentioned in the ration card. In month of January 2008 it is mentioned in the ration card but he did not get it.
5. Sri Pramod card no. 21524 did not receive ration in the month of August 2007, December 2007 and February 2008 nor it is mentioned in the ration card. In month of January 2008 it is mentioned in the ration card but he did not get it.
6. Smt. Mangari Devi card no. 21609 did not receive in the month of August 2007 to December 2007 and February 2008 and nor it is mentioned in the ration card. In month of January 2008 it is mentioned in the ration card but he did not get it.
7. Sri Meva Lal card no. 21666 did not receive ration in the month of August 2007 to December 2007 and February 2008 and nor it is mentioned in the ration card. In month of January 2008 it is mentioned in the ration card but he did not get it.
8. Sri Tuntun card no. 21608 did not receive ration from month August 2007 to February 2008 and nor it is mentioned in ration card.
9. Sri Bhagwan did not receive ration from month July 2007 to February 2008 and nor it is mentioned in ration card.
In spite the above mentioned PDS shopkeeper’s irregularities found in distribution of kerosene. It is distributed at the rate of 12 Rupees per liter if ever done so. Sugar is never distributed from the PDS shop. Instead of 10 k.g wheat and 25 k.g. of rice 8 k.g. of wheat and 24 k.g. of rice is distributed by PDS shopkeeper and they pay more money then it is due. PDS Shopkeeper Mithlesh Kumar did serious irregularity in distribution of ration (wheat, sugar and kerosene) under Antodaya and B.P.L Scheme and charged more money then the scheduled items which is violation under PDS control order 2001, U.P scheduled commodities distribution order 2004 and contract letter. Which results immediate suspention of Sri Mithlesh Kumar Srivastava PDS Shopkeeper and direct him to submit his explanation with evidence on 20th March, 2008 at any condition may reach to the office of under signed. Otherwise one-sided decision will be proceed.
After sustained pressure D.S.O Mr. Chandra Shekhar Ojha on 26th March, 2008 gave him duplicate copy of investigation report to Brij Lal. The D.S.O in connivance with PDS shopkeeper said it is a rule to receive ration from date 23 to 30 of every month. If this duration finishes then villagers will not be liable to receive the ration.
PDS Shopkeeper Mithlesh Kumar Srivastava and his colleagues are regularly threatening Brij Lal for his life and kidnapping his children, wife. They took Brij Lal’s neighbour on their side and he is regularly doing mental torture of Brij Lal and his family. Therefore I urge the State Government to intervene in the case to save the life of Brij Lal and his family and direct and to conduct a thorough enquiry into the circumstance of non-distribution of ration of three months and PDS shopkeeper should give details about three months’ ration.
Uttar Pradesh: Eye wash pattern of health department for eradication of TB
Uttar Pradesh: Eye wash pattern of health department for eradication of TB
DR. Lenin Raghuvanshi/Shabana Khan 3/4/2008 9:35:01 PM(IST)
Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) with People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) appoints Mr. Ajay Kumar Gautam as volunteer-doctor to diagnose the tuberculosis patients from Lohta, Harpalpur and Dhamariya of Kashi Vidyapith block in Varanasi district of Uttar Pradesh in India.
In the month of March 20 Dr. Ajay Km. Gautam diagnosed patients in Sarojini Naidu hospital in Lohta. Eight patients were found positive in which three women Ms. Akila and Ms. Aliya Bibi and Zubeeda are suffering from tuberculosis.
Now these eight started taking DOTs (directly observed treatment, short-course) implemented under the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) in India, by WHO recommendation in 1997 is a comprehensive package for TB control. On alternate days i.e. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. With the DOTs medicine supportive medicine and complete nutritious diet is necessary. Due to economic poverty and collapse of livelihood due to declining the market for weavers in imperialistic globalization, they are unable to buy supportive medicine, which cost 300 - 400 Rupees in a week.
Ms. Zubeeda, Mr. Ramzan Ali and Ms. Aliya Bibi are facing the ominous menace of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). MDRTB refers to strains of the bacterium, which are proven in a laboratory to be resistant to the two most active anti-TB drugs, isoniazid and rifampicin. Treatment of MDRTB is extremely expensive, toxic, arduous, and often unsuccessful.
They already took tuberculosis medicine earlier and they default medicine in between. MDRTB is a tragedy for individual patients and a symptom of poor TB management. The best way to confront this challenge is to improve TB treatment and implement DOTS.
http://www.tbcindia.org/RNTCP.asp#About%20RNTCP
As we all know tuberculosis is communicable disease and with the close contact of tuberculosis patient it will spread in Lohta region. From last 25 years no new medicine of tuberculosis is invented.
Case details of a weaver who died due to Tuberculosis
Ramzan Ali 35 years old permanent resident of Mahmoodpur, Lohta in Kashi Vidyapith block in Varanasi district. Ramzan Ali was patient of tuberculosis from last one year. Due to plight of weaving industries Ramzan Ali elder daughter does embroidery on sari and earn thirty to forty in three or four month and two sons of Ramzan Ali is working as bonded labour to manage the need of his family. Even when Ramzan Ali weave sari in his neighbor loom when he feels better. But with this income the family cannot survive or even have a single day’s decent meal. Ramzan did not have Antodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) card where he can buy ration at cheap price from nearest PDS shopkeeper.
Ramzan went to several hospitals for his treatment like Shiv Prasad Gupt hospital, Primary health centre Kashi Vidyapith block but due to economic poverty Ramzan Ali does not continue tuberculosis medicine because with DOTs medicine nutritious diet and supportive medicine is necessary. As he default DOTs medicine in between and again start medicine he gets affected with MDRTB (Multi drugs resistance tuberculosis).
Ramzan Ali was diagnosed in Sarojini Naidu hospital on 10th March, 2008 as pulmonary tuberculosis patient. He feels difficulty in breathing, continuous bleeding while coughing. Slowly and gradually Ramzan Ali health starts deteriorating he became very weak. On 31st March he died at his house at time there was not a single penny to do his funeral. Ramzan’s Ali neighbor and relative gave money for his funeral.
Dr. Ajay Kumar Gautam from the starting month of March is continuously diagnosing patient in the Lohta region with the help of grass root activist Mr. Aftab Alam of People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights he has direct. He is the local person and has close contact with the people he mobilize local people for diagnoses in of tuberculosis.
The 40 percentage of tuberculosis patient diagnosed in random sampling in Lohta, Harpalpur, Dhamariya of Kashi Vidyapith block shows that TB stop strategy of WHO is entirely failed here.
http://www.who.int/tb/dots/en/
http://www.who.int/tb/strategy/stop_tb_strategy/en/index.html
The success of this initiative was in the month of March no tuberculosis patient default the medicine and they are continuously taking medicine on alternate days because of social mobilization. The main motive behind this appointment of grass root activist was to give complete information to the people because most people belong to this area are illiterate and second to have friendly relation with those people who are suffering from tuberculosis and to re-habilitate them in the society.
Every tuberculosis patient should have Antodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) card and re-habilitation strategy to prevent no other cases like Ramzan Ali should not revise in future with any other tuberculosis patient.
Chhattisgarh: A state of terror
Bhusaram Kartam, about 30 years, son of Muda, lives in Busaras Village, Police Station Gadiraj, District Dantewada (80 km away from Kansall Village). His testimony is based entirely on what his wife told him, as he was not there that day.
They were three brothers (Haddma, 28; Buddra, 22 and Bhusaram). His father Muda passed away seven years ago. Haddma and Buddra lived in Kansall Village - Pamed Police Station, District Bijapur. They work in agricultural field/cultivate the forest land. Haddma is married to Admey, about 25 (no children). They were married for three years. Buddra is not married.
On Tuesday, March 18, 2008, a group of 40-50 police officers came to Kansall Village on foot at 11 am. All the police officers were speaking Telgu language and one person was speaking Gondi (tribal dialect). This led them to assume the police officers were from Andhra. They were all in uniform (like CRPF). These police officers entered into the home of Haddma and dragged him out.
Officers entered Madda Madvi’s house at the same time (son of Anda). This house was near Haddma’s. Madda, about 30, was the father of two daughters (Ungi, 7 and Muye, 4). They dragged him from his home (officers had surrounded the homes). They also beat him with the butt of their guns (according to what Anda’s wife told him). At this time, the wives were shouting at the police officers. (ie. why are you doing this?) The police then carried the two men on foot (Haddma and Madda) into the forest, along with two other girls aged about 21 or 22. At this point, they were all still alive. It was approximately 1 km from the village to the forest.
Anda had been drinking salphi (country liquor) in a nearby house. When he heard the women shouting, he came and saw the police officers taking Haddma and Madda and he asked the police not to take them. The police officers just hit Anda in the chest with their elbow and he fell down. He was afraid so he didn’t move.
Some officers remained in the village while others dragged the four people into the forest.
Madda’s mother, Bijje; Madda’s wife, Idmey; Haddma’s wife, Admey; and Haddma’s mother, Bagi, followed them into the forest and heard gunshots. Four women in total (two wives and two mothers) followed the police and the men into the forest. They didn’t walk together. Haddma’s wife Admey saw them shoot the four people and then take the bodies away. They don’t know where. Anda and Bhusaram have not seen the bodies.
Anda asked villagers nearby if they have seen police officers with dead bodies. Kansall village is situated near Gundrya (2 km apart). Gundrya villagers confirmed that police were carrying dead bodies when they walked through their village. Several men from Gundrya carried the bodies to Nipuram (5 km from Gundrya). Anda can identify two of the men – they were paid 530 Rupees to carry the dead bodies to Nipuram.
Admey informed Anda that the four people had been killed. Anda had three sons. Madda has been killed; two are still alive.
