G Plus Vol 4 Issue 05 by G Plus

Hospitals at the doorstep of Guwahatians

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In conversation -

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PVSLN Murty CGM,SBI NE circle

G PLUS APR 23 - APR 29, 2016

New Chic on the Block Shrestha Biswas

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VOLUME 04 | ISSUE 05 NOV 26 - DEC 02, 2016

PRICE `10

Demonetization induces spurt in e-wallet users PG

04 Demonetization dents Assam tourism industry 50% of all bookings cancelled

Ghy at a loss over legality of notes

G PLUS NOV 26 - DEC 02, 2016

Lead Story Digital Banking: Quick and paperless account opening using Aadhaar based e-KYC. This requires no documents at all; only the customer’s Aadhaar number is needed Customer’s Airtel mobile number will be his/her bank account number Savings accounts will attract an interest rate of 7.25 % p.a. on deposits Money transfer to any bank account in India (free money transfer from Airtel to Airtel numbers within Airtel Bank) Personal Accident Insurance of Rs. 1 lakh with every savings account Easy deposit and withdrawal facility across a wide network of Airtel retail outlets

ith the demonetization, use of e-wallet has increased as people cannot spend hours in banks and ATMs queuing up to withdraw money for daily use and one cannot spend a single day without some cash in hand. Companies like Airtel, Vodafone and PayTM have provided opportunities to people to make cashless transactions and the number of users is increasing manifold after the demonetization. “After demonetization users of Airtel money has been increasing at steady percentage as people do not have any other option than to use e-banking. Each day the percentages are increasing with 20-30% downloading the app,” said an official source of Airtel. The company has also launched Airtel Payments Bank - a basic banking service for customers. The pilot is aimed at testing systems and processes ahead of a full-scale pan-Indian launch. With this, Airtel Bank becomes the first payments bank in the country to go live. Customers in towns and villages will now be able to open bank accounts at Airtel retail outlets, which will also act as Airtel banking points and offer a range of basic, convenient banking services. Airtel Bank will commence the pilot with banking points at 10,000 Airtel retail outlets. It has been seen that the number of credit card/debit card users has increased in these few days as people are trying to adapt to the changes in the aftermath of the

Demonetization induces spurt in e-wallet users

Juthika Baruah

The percentage of app downloads for e-wallets is increasing in the city as people become tech-savvy due to demonetization demonetization move to carry on their daily routines without hampering their existing lifestyles. With most people being short of time working with the private companies they have chosen to e-bank rather than stand in long queues for cash. Talking to G Plus, a staff of a reputed shopping mall in the city said that they have received ample number of customers who are using debit cards or credit cards. “Earlier people mostly used to pay cash but now as they don’t have enough change or we also can’t provide the required change, they are getting used to paying with debit or credit cards,” the staff informed. The situation of demonetization is leading people to digital wallets so as not to face difficulties in paying for their daily necessities. One of the well known apps, PayTM, has grabbed the market as a large number of people have started using the app which is being accepted both at local stores and big retailers. PayTM can be used to pay for auto-rickshaws, phone recharges, electricity bills where people also get cash back system. PayTM claims to have ample number of partners like Big Bazaar, Govindam, Domino’s Pizza, local paan shops, etc. It has also tied up with Makemytrip, Indigo, Yatra, etc. so that people do not have to face any problem in travelling. One can easily sign up for a digital wallet using just the phone number and since most people now-a-days use smart phones it becomes easier for them to download the apps. Speaking to GPlus about the scenario of use of e-wallets in Guwahati, a top e-wallet service provider said, “Several shops are currently being enrolled in the operation and we have covered several places starting from a pan seller to a high functioning retail-

Local Paan Shop Upgrading it’s services | surajit Sharma/G Plus

er.” The source also added that automobiles and malls were opting for the services post demonetization and there is a massive boom. Govindam, Makhan Bhog, Momo Ghar are some of the popular joints where customers are using e-wallet services. Services like PayTM have been available since 2007; however, there has been a massive boom in the past few years which includes 10 lakh users in Assam alone. Sources revealed that in Guwahati, e-wallet services are still more prevalent in malls bigger establishments and micro payments are yet to permeate the market. The PayTM app was recently launched in Assamese which marks an effort in reaching out to the smaller vendors. One of the customers using digital wallet said, “I have been using the digital wallet after demonetization and have found it very

user-friendly. Earlier I was aware of such digital wallets but never tried them. But now as I don’t have time to stand in queue for long at banks or do not have cash to recharge my phones or to pay cash in grocery shops I downloaded the app and find it very easy to use. “ I would in fact, suggest that people use digital wallets which saves so much time whether the government comes with such steps like demonetization or not.” She said that one’s life does not stop whether they have money or not nor can they be stopped from enjoying their life only because they don’t have cash. The digital wallets have helped the people to go on with the lifestyle they had before demonetization. Similarly, the users of credit/

debit cards have also increased and rather than carry cash, people are preferring paying through debit/credit cards. In a poll carried out by G Plus over Twitter, 70% of the people said that they will follow these even after the situation of demonetization improves. A wide network of merchants (sellers/shops) will accept digital payments from Airtel Bank from day one, offering customers the convenience of cashless purchase of goods and services via their mobile phones in a quick and secure manner. Airtel Bank plans to expand its merchant network by the end of the year, giving a big boost to the digital payments system. Airtel Bank is a fully digital and paperless bank and its banking points will offer bank account opening services, cash deposit and withdrawal facilities. juthika.baruah@g-plus.in

G PLUS NOV 26 - DEC 02, 2016

City

Airport taxi services on way to being streamlined

Kalyan deb

uch has been said about the involvement of a syndicate that is operating at the Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International (LGBI) Airport. However, how much truth there is to the allegation has remained clouded. In the recent past, news had surfaced that an unauthorized taxi organization is running a syndicate on the premises of the airport. It was alleged that the Guwahati Airport Taxi Association (GATA) is running an illegal taxi stand outside the airport complex without following the mandatory tendering process. The allegation mentioned that agents of the Guwahati Airport Taxi Association lure unsuspecting travellers as soon as they come out of the arrival lounge to these unauthorised taxis in lieu of commission. Following the same, a high-level inquiry committee was formed by the Dr M Angamuthu, Deputy Commissioner, Kamrup (M) on 17th May to enquire into the allegations of this supposed taxi syndicate doing roaring business at the LGBI Airport. On 25th October, the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) held a meeting with the DC in the chair during which a decision to allot the two taxi stands - one inside the airport complex and the other outside alternately for a period of one year to the two associations was taken. The process has to be completed by 31st December. The decision of the meeting reads: “Since two groups namely Borjhar Tourist Cab Association (BTCA) and Dakhin Rani Tourist Association (DRTA) have been operating under one umbrella from inside the airport for the past few years they may be allotted to operate outside the airport for a period of one year. The two groups may operate under the banner of BTCA as it has more vehicles than DRTA.” The decision further read that Guwahati Airport Taxi Association (GATA) should operate from inside the airport complex for a year and will team up with Azara Tourist Taxi Association (ATTA) under one umbrella again. The allotment of the two stands will be exchanged between the two parties every year. Meanwhile, the Borjhar Tour-

RTA body’s decision dismisses any kind of syndicate operating around the LGBI Airport On several occasions the Guwahati Airport Taxi Association, founded in 1987, has been accused of being involved in a syndicate RTA body, during a meeting on 25th October, directed officials of the airport to allot two taxi stands - one inside the airport complex and the other outside The allotment of the two stands will be exchanged between the two parties every year The allegation of GATA being involved in any kind of syndicate has been dismissed by several other organisations and the local police

Cab services at LGBI Airport| surajit sharma/g plus

ist Cab Association (BTCA) has opposed the decision questioning the RTA body’s decision. What has to be considered is that had there been a syndicate operating in the airport it would have certainly been surfaced during the inquiry. The roots of the allegation The Guwahati Airport Taxi Association founded in 1987 has been operating taxi service at the prepaid counter of the airport since 1999. It was in 2013 when a tender was passed for operating taxi service from the airport that the entire system was brought under a contract. During the same period, Borjhar Tourist Cab Association submitted the tender by bidding a sum of Rs 116 against Rs 30 per cab according to the tender and managed to clinch the deal. However, it has been alleged that the BTCA has been operating without an approved fare list. It has also been learnt that the contract had ended in January 2016. Besides, in the midst of the ongoing tender another tender was secretly passed on 9th July which was only in the knowledge of BTCA but the same was can-

celled soon after GATA had participated in the bidding process and placed a higher bid. Moreover, since then the BTCA has been operating by extending the period of the expired tender. It was at the same time when the GATA had approached the Airport Authority and urged them to initiate a fair tender process that the news of a taxi syndicate operating around the airport surfaced. Scenario of the cabs There are thousands of cabs plying to and from the LGBI Airport everyday. Apart from the four taxi associations there are several other cab services and individuals who earn their share of meal from the passengers of the airport. Vehicles coming from surrounding areas such Tezpur, Jorhat, Shillong and several others operate from outside the airport area and do not have access to any kind of facilities at the airport. Moreover, there are several locals of the area who are dependent on the same occupation to earn their living. Meanwhile, the allegation of GATA being involved in any kind of syndicate has been dismissed by several other organisations

along with the local police. “The Guwahati Airport Taxi Association is a local taxi association and the local police is continuously providing the legal support to run their activity. The association will continue receiving the support if the tender is awarded to them in near future,” says a report of Azara police station. Meanwhile, officials of LGBI Airport stated that setting up of prepaid counter outside the airport will soon be initiated. However, according to the commercial manual of AAI, Borjhar, allotment of taxi stands inside and outside the airport complex has to be done through the proper process of tendering. Decision of RTA hailed The decision of the RTA has been welcomed by several youth organisations such as Assam Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad and AASU’s West Guwahati Students’ wing as nearly a thousand local unemployed educated taxi operators are maintaining their households through the taxi business. “We welcome the order and we demand before you to implement

Youth organisations have extended their support to GATA and hailed the RTA body’s decision as it will serve the interests of thousands of local unemployed educated taxi operators it without late to set taxi counter outside and changing order of management of prepaid counter of Airport without E-Tender as it may go in the hands of a multinational company through. So we demand before you to implement the recent RTA order immediately to save the business of local taxi operators,” the organisations mentioned in a statement (sic). The youth organisations stated that there are a few corrupt officials who are trying to hijack the good intention of the District Administration for their personal interest by calling E-tender for the same and demand immediate interference in the subject for greater interest. kalyan.deb@g-plus.in

G PLUS NOV 26 - DEC 02, 2016

Concern

Demonetization dents Assam tourism industry 50% of all bookings cancelled

JUTHIKA BARUAH

Tourists have to face problems as demonetization leads to acute shortage of small currencies and foreign tourists are the victims of demonetization as they have not been able to exchange dollars

lthough Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s demonetization has been largely supported by the people some of the sectors have been facing acute problems. Tourism is one such sector with its peak season starting from October. The national parks in the state are open for visitors for only a few months and this is the time that tourists visit the parks from across the world especially to have a view of the one-horned rhino. Many foreign tourists visit the state in this season and some even come for research work but they have to face difficulties as they are not being able to exchange their dollars due to the non-availability of Indian currency notes. “I didn’t have much knowledge about what was going on but when I stepped into the country on 11th November and I needed to exchange my money, I got 500 and 1000 rupee notes. I came to visit Kaziranga, Majuli and Sivsagar as I had heard a lot about these places. I took a flight from Delhi to Guwahati and from Guwahati airport I took a taxi to the hotel where I was booked for one night but the taxi driver refused to take my 500 rupee note. I didn’t have any other notes except that. I argued with the taxi driver for about 15 minutes after which he compelled me to give change for Rs 500,” said Jessy Dime from France while speaking to G Plus on her visit to Assam. She added, “I was so nervous as I am alien to this place and am visiting for the first time - that too alone. I had that horrible experience but there are some people who have been kind enough to help me and provided me with some change of rupees so that I could visit Kaziranga and Majuli. It might be that the Prime Minister has taken the decision to eradicate corruption but tourists, especially those who come from abroad, have to face problems as no one is willing to accept the old 500 and 1000 rupee notes nor are they willing to give change.” Most foreign tourists were also unaware of the government’s decision and its intricacies. They

Many foreign tourists visit the state in this season and some even come for research work but they have to face difficulties as they are unable to exchange their dollars due to nonavailability of Indian currency.

A Distraught tourist in Guwahati| SURAJIT SHARMA/G PLUS

• Foreign tourists harassed due to demonetization, cannot exchange dollars for INR • 50% of all booked travel tickets cancelled • Travel agencies, hotels, taxis having to face heavy losses • Tourism sector witnessing far lesser visitors due to currency crisis

also faced problems exchanging currency as with both banks and ATMs shut, there was an acute shortage of 100 rupee notes. Meanwhile, a staff of Capital Travels said that they had to undergo huge losses as passengers could neither give 500 rupee notes nor could they provide the passengers with smaller currency as change. If the number of passengers were 10 before demonetization now it is only 3-4 as people do not have cash in their hands and the online transaction facilities have yet to become a way of life. Another staff from Network Travels said that the demonetization has hampered the business as most of the customers who had booked earlier cancelled their tickets. “After demonetization 50% of the customers cancelled their bookings and we

are receiving very less travellers. We can book the tickets for the customers if they can pay online but it is not only the tickets. They have to face many problems as they are not getting enough currency. Even now cash is not easily available and until and unless the situation becomes normal we will have to face problems. It is a crisis situation,” the staff said. Moreover, the same has happened with the hotels and lodges. Usually, people have to book hotel rooms 15 days or a month in advance but now the rooms are available in the hotels as there are no visitors. People can’t step out of their hometowns due to scarcity of notes and e-wallet can’t be used everywhere. “This is the peak time when we get visitors but this time due to demonetization the business is down as people have a fear that if they visit places they might face problems without enough cash in their hands. We do not get customers for the entire year but there are seasons when we make decent profits out of our business which is not possible this time,” said a hotel owner. The taxis also went for huge losses as there are no visitors. The local people also have not booked taxis due to insufficient cash in their hands. Most of the cabs don’t have the facility of using debit/credit cards thereby incurring losses. juthika.baruah@g-plus.in

What the

Tweet!? Cryptic Mind @Vishj05 Responded negative to questions in Narendra Modi App. Anupam Kher appeared on pressing exit and said “Tum Anti National ho” Bewt Scamandar @krazyfrog Demonetization survey be like “Is this plan bestest???” A. Yass B. Totes C. Ekdum amaze D. Saif wala Wow SamSays @samjawed65 Modi with his survey is like the kid who sets the exam paper himself, administers it to himself, marks it himself &declares himself a topper Aisi Taisi Democracy @AisiTaisiDemo (More survey questions from PM’s app) Are you inconvenienced by the long queues? 15%I LOVE LONG QUEUES 13%I live for stampedes 11%Seeing folks faint is fun 61%Beizzati ka naam zindagi Kamlesh Sharma @ ‫‏‬ krazzykam Modi. .the only chaiwala on earth who can wake up a billion people without chai The-Lying-Lama @KyaUkhaadLega #Poll: In the absence of any app of my own, I have to do this poll here. Do you enjoy my tweets ? Sanjay Jha @JhaSanjay Modi Ji’s #AppSurvey is like heads I win, tails you lose. #DeMonetisation Joy @Joydas PM announces result of Historic Survey through own App. Presenting, Sample Question, where there is no option to Disagree with Dear Leader Mahesh Murthy @maheshmurthy So @narendramodi ‘s survey on #DeMonetisation is so credible because it offered survey-takers no real questions and choices 13%Yes 8%Of course 79%Bharat Mata Ki Jai!

G PLUS NOV 26 - DEC 02, 2016

City

Juthika Baruah

Ola & Uber strike called by drivers and owners termed groundless

The section of drivers and owners who called the strike do not have any legal stance as some of them don’t even have any cabs with Uber

section of drivers and owners of Ola and Uber cars had gone on a 36hour strike from 5 am of Wednesday till 5 pm of Thursday and placed various demands with the organization. One of the demands placed by them was that Uber stop induction of new cars as the city already has in excess of 10,000 cars. The strike has been called by the Cab Owners’-Drivers’ Association. Continuous induction of new cars is creating problems for the entire fraternity. “Uber has deprived the drivers from getting the due benefits. At first they said that if we placed cars with Uber they would pay Rs. 75,000 monthly on the condition that we will have to be online for 12 hours. At first, we used to get 20-25 trips but with the increasing number of cabs, the drivers now get only 2-3 trips and have to sit idle for the rest of the day,” said Ismail Ali, President of Cab Owners’ and Drivers’ Association, while speaking to G Plus. Ali said that they don’t even get space to park the cars for dropping the passengers. They also don’t have any parking space at the airport, railway station, ISBT etc. and so can’t park their cars. “Initially, the organizations did not have their own cars but now they have bought cars and assign trips preferentially to their own cars at the expense of our drivers,” Ali said. He alleged that the organization has taken far too many vehicles creating traffic chaos in the city. “Our youths are becoming suicidal with their income coming down as they don’t get enough trips to earn well. They don’t have any security. Recently some miscreants have murdered drivers but the organization does not take any responsibility,” Ali alleged.

The 36-hour strike called by Ola and Uber drivers and owners said to be illegal The demands that have been placed by the association have already been fulfilled More than 10,000 cars registered under Ola and Uber The association demanded that induction of new cars be stopped

OLA and Uber cabs in Guwahati| SURAJIT SHARMA/G PLUS

In the last 3 weeks 280 cars have been taken by the organization. Ali also alleged that many youths bought cars on loan but now they can’t even pay the EMI as they don’t get enough trips. On the other hand, a cab owner said that the section of drivers and owners who have called the strike against Uber are not affiliated to a legal association and some of the members don’t even have cars in the organization. “We bought the cars with down payment and run the cars on commercial purpose to provide service to the public. At the same time applications like Ola and Uber have been launched through which we can serve the people better. Through this system we have been employed and have also provided employment

to the youths. As on date there are more than 7,000 drivers associated with Ola and Uber. But there are a section of drivers who bought their own cars and they have created an association of cab drivers and owners association whereas drivers and owners can’t introduce an association together,” the cab owner said. He said that the existing owners are not aware of such an association being formed. “The cab owner has been given a promotional incentive by the organisations and Ola has introduced Minimum Business Guarantee based on the trip and for each trip they get Rs. 150 as promotional incentive. But the section of drivers has taken advantage of this and has demanded certain things which are not permissible. Intro-

ducing an association of drivers and owners is unconstitutional,” the cab owner informed. It has also come to light that the cars which are owned by the drivers are not registered under the society and that they cannot demand to increase the incentive as it has been given only for promotion. It is the responsibility of the owners to pay the drivers. If any accident occurs the owners have to pay the expenses and not the organization under which the cars are running. The cab owner said that the demands which have been made are totally unconstitutional. Most of the drivers were not even aware of the strike. The cab owner said that the demands that have been made have already been fulfilled. They have

The President of Cab Drivers’ and Owners’ Association, Ismail Ali, already has a criminal case and he doesn’t have a car with Uber and yet has called the strike been called several times to the office but they have not gone to the office to settle the issue which clearly indicates that they are involved in a conspiracy. “Most of the owners also think that they can earn huge profit by running their cars through Ola or Uber for which they have bought 4-5 cars in the name of the family and given the cars to the organizations. Uber has already stopped induction of cars as demanded by the association,” the cab owner reiterated. juthika.baruah@g-plus.in

Ban on old trekkers, buses from 25th Nov

According to an order issued by the Guwahati High Court, the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) has banned plying of 15 years old city buses and 10 years old trekkers from plying on the roads of Guwahati, with effective from Friday, 25th Nov.

The ban came into force from Thursday midnight. Mr. Bapon Kalita, Secretary of RTA, Karup (M) said that notices have also been issued to the owners’ association last month informing them regarding the phasing out of older vehicles from Guwahati roads.

In a meeting held between the RTA and the City Bus and Trekker Owner’s Association, it was also initiated that city bus will ply from the Inter State Bus Terminal (ISBT) Guwahati to Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, via Rani and Deepor Beel.

G PLUS NOV 26 - DEC 02, 2016

In Conversation

“In NE SBI crossed Rs 1 lakh crore business in November” - PVSLN Murty

rahul chanda

SBI CGM NE Circle, PVSLN Murty, has completed 36 years of service with SBI and feels that the demonetization move will help the country by putting counterfeit and black money out of the market. He talks exclusively with G Plus explaining the importance of less cash economy. The interview was taken on 23rd November last

“

Please give us a detailed background of yourself, your education and your career so far.

When you make a scheme that is nondiscretionary and non-discriminatory, where is the room for corruption? For everything they will come up with a standard operating procedure (SOP). Where will that place corruption? Wherever there is manual intervention there is a scope for corruption. It may take some time but this is going to happen and there will be SOP everywhere. Technology and transparency are like twins and interrelated.

I belong to Andhra Pradesh now the actual Andhra Pradesh after division – from a place called Amalapuram in East Godavari. After graduation in 1980, I joined SBI in Andhra Pradesh. So I have completed 36 years of service. I worked in Ahmedabad for 3 years, back to Andhra Pradesh for 2-3 years onto Kerala as DGM for 3 years. I went to Maharashtra and worked for 2-3 years as general manager. As a GM, I worked in Orissa looking after half the state. I became CGM and came here in October 2015. We are doing good with expansion both in brand and network and in business. I am extremely happy to share with you - you are the first weekly tabloid - and I am telling you we have crossed business of Rs 1 lakh crores during November. You are the first one I am disclosing it to. Business means both deposits and advances put together and that is top work.

“

What is the exact size of the business of SBI in Assam and Guwahati? Assets are loans and liabilities are deposits. Assets and liabilities put together is business that is Rs 1 lakh crores. Roughly if you can divide into deposits and advance, around Rs 75,000 crores are deposits and around Rs 25,000 crores are advances.

Is this the figure for the northeast or Assam?

How many ATMs does SBI have in Guwahati, Assam and northeast? How many have been recalibrated?

It is northeast figure. Generally we have divided this particular region of 7 states into 2 networks. Two GMs head the two networks. There are 5 DGMs under one network posted at Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Shillong, Guwahati and Silchar. Each GM has his own defined territory of work. For example, the GM at Silchar takes care of Silchar, Mizoram, Aizwal and Tripura. Likewise for the others. Then there are the Regional Managers or RMs under whom there are around 3540 branches. Branch Managers report to RMs. This is the hierarchy.

In total SBI has 2,845 ATMs in northeast. Assam has 1,650 ATMs. Guwahati has 301 ATMs. Total overall recalibrated ATMs are 2,673. All of these are dispensing 2000 rupee notes and we have to recalibrate ones for 500 rupee notes also. Rs 400 crores worth of 500 rupee notes have come which RBI has started distributing and which we will send across all 7 states. By Friday, currencies will be available in our ATMs across the region. What is happening now is we have loaded 2000 notes everywhere. In Guwahati, besides 2000

rupee notes they are also loading 100 rupee notes so there can be either 2000 pieces or 4000 pieces which is why ATMs are emptying fast. Once we load 500 and 2000 notes, 50% of the problem should come down.

What is the demonetization status in Assam with its rural areas? According to you, how long will it take for things to stabilize? Around 12-30 pm today afternoon, I had a video-conference with all my DGMs. Everywhere the queues have come down. Inside branches, the queues today are all for withdrawals and so we are giving it. In ATMs, we can give only 100s or 2000s but across the

counter we are giving 10, 20 and even 50 rupee notes. Apart from these branches, we have 3000 Customer Service Points (CSPs) in NE. From there 2000 people are engaged in dispensing cash. They can pay up to 2000 rupees and issue receipts for the same from these mobile kiosks. Earlier, the system was that the CSP personnel had to pay out from his own pocket and take reimbursements from the bank. So now, we provide 50,000 rupees that can be dispersed to 25 people. He thereafter takes a print-out and gives it to the branch where after he is again given Rs 50,000. Like that, all 2000 CSPs are disbursing cash in villages and remote areas. CSPs are as good as bank branches. Accounts can be opened, cash receipts accepted, disbursements are made but all to a limited extent. And account can be operated up to Rs 50000. Today’s good news is that

2000 people are active and dispersing cash.

How many customers have exchanged currencies since 9th November?

Separate exchange data is not there. But till date in northeast, people have both received and deposited Rs 12,081.32 crores. 66,75,000 people have done transactions. Rs 9,567 crores was deposited and Rs 2,513 crores was withdrawn. Out of this Rs 462 crores was dispersed through cash at POS, ATMs and alternate channels.

How many people have deposited more than Rs 2.5 lakhs? We don’t have that figure right now. We will take it after the process is over.

Don’t you think people are suffering because of the whole demonetization move? Anywhere, for any problem and change, there will be some pain. Nobody can deny this. But 80% of the currency in the market has been taken out of circulation. Again you have to pump in the same amount of currency into the market through the banking channel, CSP channel and ATM channel only. I feel very happy that we have come to near normalcy very quickly - 10 to 12 days. Coming back to normalcy for such a big economy is not that easy. This drive has been definitely well thought of. There is so much fake currency. Despite our minute examinations fake currency somehow gets circulated. Terrorism is also funded by black money only and presence of huge black money cannot be denied. Demonetization is the solution to all these problems. This has been done three times earlier also. In 1978 or 1979, Rs 1000 notes were demonetised. Now the magnitude is very high because the currency that has been taken out of the system is almost 80%. There are so many types of payment systems like Buddy and other internet cash systems. Buddy is a mobile wallet. You can purchase things, make payments and take other services.

G PLUS NOV 26 - DEC 02, 2016

In Conversation Yesterday, in one day, 67,000 people downloaded it in the country. In the northeast, this somewhere around 2,000 to 3,000. In northeast 2,000 applications have come in two days for POS machines. People have realised that alternative method of payments are to be encouraged, because printing currency is very costly with the paper being imported. We cannot make a cashless economy, but we can make it a less cash economy. But as you have rightly said, as it is a sudden decision, there are certain difficulties, business people are suffering, common man is suffering, some businesses have been affected. But it only a temporary phase of 10 to 12 days. I think it will start normalizing from today or tomorrow.

India and specifically the northeast is a cashbased economy. How do you see markets responding in this quarter? Look, things are changing and it is compulsory that people have to respond. The Prime Minister is talking of so many other plans. The government will come up with standard operating measures for different things. If you see the ease of doing business, they came up with a software and it is compulsory that every state government has to make things easier so that there is no manual approval. For everything there is a timeframe, people have to apply on-

line, people have to take a decision in just a few days. By the 7th day or 10th day, your requirement is either rejected or accepted. Transparency will set in. So standard operating procedures have to be started. We will have a very good system which is non-discretionary and non-discriminatory. My appeal to the public is don’t panic. I had withdrawn Rs 6,000 some 10 days back and I am still using it because in maximum places I use my card. I am happy to tell you that northeast people are more tech savvy than people in other parts of the country. Our passbook updating machine has the highest usage in northeast. Highest average balance available is in northeast which is 18%. Usage of machines, ATM cards ... 54% active cards here while country’s average is around 50. People are tech savvy and so, don’t underestimate people.

But how do you think this move will reduce corruption as officers would continue taking bribes in new currency notes? When you make a scheme that is non-discretionary and non-discriminatory, where is the room for corruption? For everything they will come up with a standard operating procedure (SOP). Where will that place corruption? Wherever there is manual intervention there is a scope for corruption. It may take some time but this is

How will this move affect your bank’s performance as most of your staff is dealing with this issue and it is likely to continue till 31st March?

going to happen and there will be SOP everywhere. Technology and transparency are like twins and interrelated.

Don’t you think that this move is harassment for small traders who deal with cash and yet pay their taxes legitimately? If you come out from Big Bazar, just near the gate there is a tea seller where you can see the board “We accept PayTM.” You are underestimating people. If we go and market it to them they will take it. It’s just that you have to start. When money sucks out of the market, inflation has to come out. Lending rates will also come down but not immediately.

Do you think NE is at advantage or disadvantage because of poor bank infra-density and the hordes of accounts held in the tribal states which are exempted from income tax? As of now I don’t see whether it is advantage or disadvantage. Banks have reached the remote places, CSPs have also reached. There are very few dark areas where we have connectivity problem. Government of India has come up to reimburse us the V-Sat cost through which we are going to establish CSPs in those areas. Some of the dark areas are in Nagaland, Mizoram and Manipur.

It is a little more load that our people have to take but because of demonetization so many opportunities also can come as now this is the biggest opportunity for the bank to push the digital product. Once you push the digital product, the cost will come down. Today when somebody comes to bank, takes withdrawal form and withdraws money, I incur an expense of Rs 79. Same person without coming to the bank withdraws money from an ATM, I incur only Rs 12 – Rs 13. And if the same person transfers money through internet the cost is zero. If the transactions are migrated to alternate channels like digital, we will save huge money. NE is at 74% and my target is 80%.

What is happening to all these notes which are getting collected from the market? It will be off the market, they will burn it. They are pieces of paper now, invalid. The asset or the amount will remain in the accounts. rahul.chanda@g-plus.in

Demonetization will not affect property expo - AREIDA

RAHUL CHANDA

ore than 1,000 properties are on display including apartments, commercial spaces, allied products likes paints, tiles, water purifiers, home furnishings, cements, TMT bars, wires and cables, along with banks and financial institutions in the 4-day AREIDA Property Expo, which started on Friday at Deshbhakta Tarun Ram Phookan Indoor Stadium. As it is a property expo and organised at a time when everyone is talking about demonetization of old currency notes, G Plus tries to find out if the expo will be affected because of demonetization.

The event AREIDA President and Chairman of the organising committee, PK Sharma said that real estate is acknowledged by financial experts, as the best asset class for any investor which besides giving him the highest value appreciation of the investment, yields a rental earning which is higher than bank interest, especially so in the current situation. He said that for the home buyers and end users this is the most opportune period for home buying, as housing finance is readily available and

2,700 to Rs 3,500 per sq feet. He also said that after 8th November the prices have gone up. So the expo will not be affected. Enquiring that builders are selling many flats taking black money, Baruah said that in their group no one is doing that. He said the standard and prominent builders will never do that. Some onetime builders might do it but he has no information of such people. He further said that around 63 companies have participated in the expo and some from Bhutan have also participated.

Visitors AT AREIDA Expo | SURAJIT SHARMA/G PLUS

the interests are expected to be at their cheapest after the demonetization. He called upon the prospective home buyers and investors to visit the exhibition and take the opportunity of studying the entire range of

available options in the property market, avail special discounts and spot sanction of loans from participating banks. AREIDA vice president Amit Baruah, talking to G Plus said, “Demonetization will not affect

the AREIDA property expo.” He said that the price will remain the same as in Assam, according to him, the scenario is different as there is no artificial pricing. He said that the price in Guwahati mostly remains between Rs

The companies Assistant manager of Simplex, Sumit Bhagat, talking to G Plus, said that footfall is less on the first day of the expo but they are expecting a good crowd on Sunday. He also said obviously there will be a bit of affect of demonetization but it will not make a big difference. Uttarayan Group marketing executive Arunima Bharali said that the rates will not be changed and the note ban move will not be affecting the expo and their sales in a major way. rahul.chanda@g-plus.in

G PLUS NOV 26 - DEC 02, 2016

In The News

rahul chanda

Guwahati at a loss over legality of notes

While confusion prevails over acceptance of old notes as legal tender until 30th December, top city cop clarifies that people accepting such notes cannot be prosecuted. The demonetization stunt helps many to gain but many are losing out as businesses and sales dips drastically

Confusion prevails in Guwahati over the legality or illegality in transacting with the old banned notes Commissioner of Police says it is not illegal and cannot be prosecuted Some small traders irked as government did not announce if they can collect their debts with old currency notes Some say Modi’s demonetization stunt will be a failure The business class people will not suffer from the move as they will just have to pay extra tax on undisclosed deposits Politicians and bureaucrats to suffer the most if they have hoarded black money Many people are sending money to tribal belt areas for black-to-white conversion Sources said money getting transferred in VIP vehicles Rush in banks receding but small traders are badly affected as sales dip

he government has extended exemptions in use of old currency notes till 15th December, with certain additions and modifications. However, payments for the transactions under all the exempted categories will now be accepted only through old

Indian currency notes | File photo

500 notes. This means that the exemption granted for use of old 500 notes at petrol pumps, government hospitals and public utilities will continue till 15th December. So also for the purchase of LPG gas cylinders, buying of train tickets at railway counters, plane tickets at airport tickets and bus tickets at counters of government or public sector undertakings. Also the government has extended toll waiver on highways till 2nd December. From 3rd December to 15th December, payment at toll plazas can be made through old 500 rupee notes. Payment of school fees up to Rs. 2,000 per student in central government, state government, municipality and local body schools can be made through old 500 rupee notes. Payment of fees in central or state government colleges can also be made through old 500 rupee notes. Payments towards pre-paid mobile top-up up to a limit of 500 per top-up can be made via old 500 rupee notes. Now the government may be thinking that it is generating good revenue as people are paying off all their taxes and other dues but confusion prevails in Guwahati as to who can accept the demonetized currency notes. Recently there were some unconfirmed reports that a shop in Fancy Bazar area was sealed because the shopkeeper was accepting the old cur-

rency notes. If so, is it possible for the authorities to seal shops? The big question is that is it legal or illegal to accept the old notes as the banks will take accept deposits of the same till the end of December? Talking about essential services is not the government being a bit biased as even the private business people have many pending bills which can be recovered through the old notes but many are not accepting old notes as they are scared of prosecution? Can the government prosecute people accepting old notes? Who in Guwahati are gaining and losing from this whole demonetising stunt of the ruling saffron party? G Plus tries to explore. Fancy Bazar rumour After receiving unconfirmed reports, a G Plus team visited the area and talked to many shopkeepers. A shopkeeper in the Bhagabati Market said that he has not heard of any shop in the area getting sealed because of accepting old notes. The shopkeeper said that in the initial few days almost everyone in the market were accepting 500 and 1000 rupee notes presently even customers don’t come with such notes; they bring the new notes so there are no issues. A Fancy Bazar police personnel, talking to G Plus, said that the po-

lice is not aware of any such incident of sealing yet and if anything like this happens they will come to know about it. Councillor of Ward No. 9, Rajkumar Tewari, talking to G Plus, said that he has a shop in Tewari Market and he is always informed about any incident in Fancy Bazar. To his knowledge nothing that sort has happened. He said that the businessmen in Fancy Bazar area are not worried as they just have to pay tax on the undisclosed amount which for various reasons does not get deposited in the banks. On enquiring whether accepting the old notes are now legal or illegal, he said according to him, it is illegal but has no idea whether police or any other department can prosecute people for accepting the same. Accepting old notes is illegal, but I don’t know if police or other departments can prosecute people who are accepting it. –Rajkumar Tewari, Councillor, Ward No. 9 Legal or illegal G Plus talked to a DG level IPS officer to find out the legal aspects. The IPS officer said in anonymity that it is not a criminal offence and so he is not too sure about the legal aspects. But the police did not receive any notice or order to prosecute the people accepting 500 or

1000 rupee notes. He asked us to talk to the Income Tax department and also the local police head. G Plus talked to Commissioner of Police, Hiren Nath, who questioned, “How can it be illegal?” Nath said that suppose anyone has a dollar currency which is not a legal tender in India, and if someone accepts it, police cannot prosecute terming it as illegal. He explained that similarly the old notes are no more legal tender but if anyone accepts it in transaction, it is with his own responsibility. But as banks are taking it till the end of December, people can deposit it in the banks, and if so required in future, the account holder can explain the nature of deposit to the tax officials. Police has no rights in this regard. For more confirmation G Plus sought out the income tax department sources. A source, talking to G Plus in anonymity, said that the income tax department can only scrutinize if anyone has paid income tax or not. They cannot prosecute or seal a shop for accepting 500 or 1000 rupee notes. The source said the legal tender has been banned since 8th November midnight so people should not transact with it unless in some essential utility sectors as announced by the government. Whatever notes people have should be deposited in the banks but acceptance of the notes cannot attract prosecution. Similarly, a prominent lawyer of Gauhati High Court, taking to G Plus, said that after demonetization the old 500 and 1000 rupee notes are just pieces of papers unless it is deposited in the banks. The lawyer was also confused regarding the legality aspect but believing what the commissioner of police said accepting the old notes till the end of December is not illegal. Then what are people apprehensive of? A city-based tax consultant, Brijesh Sharma, talking to G Plus, said that the legal tender is banned making people apprehensive of accepting the same. He also said that till now the law is not defined but in future, after the process is over, the tax department might question the account holders as to why they accepted the notes after 8th November. The income source is obviously to be explained but such questions might arise making people cautious of accepting such notes. He also said that gradually the old notes are disappearing and now transactions are taking place mostly with e-money and new currency notes. He said that

G PLUS NOV 26 - DEC 02, 2016

In The News YOU CAN STILL USE YOUR 500 NOTES HERE

around 30% of the Fancy Bazar business community have not yet deposited the old notes in the banks because of time constraints. Whatever the legal aspects are the demonetization stunt has come as a boon for some and bane for some while some have slammed the government for being biased.

For making payments at all pharmacies, with doctor’s prescription and a form of ID. With a doctor’s prescription, at government hospitals and pharmacies.

Police has no right to prosecute it as it is not illegal - Guwahati Commissioner Police Hiren Nath

At railway ticketing counters, ticket counters of any government or staterun buses, and airport ticket counters.

The slammers

At crematorium and burial grounds.

A grocery shop owner in Lal Ganesh area said he is upset with the government’s decision of allowing only some essential services to accept the banned notes. He said buying rice or any other grocery product is also essential but they cannot accept the old notes as reported by the media. He also said that he has around Rs 1.5 lakh of credit in the market which many people offered to pay in old notes but because of the scare he did not accept and it will take a long time for him to recover the money from the market. He said the government should have allowed everyone to at least collect debts from people in old notes like the government departments are doing. He said that he is a businessman who does not get time to go to bank everyday and therefore he always does transactions through cash but after the demonetization the sales has gone down

Accepting old notes is illegal, but I don’t know if police or other departments can prosecute people who are accepting it. –Rajkumar Tewari, Councillor, Ward No. 9

THE NEW 2000 RUPEE NOTES | File photo

as people do not have enough new notes and therefore he is planning to apply for a POS. He feels the move will not help in future as again the big notes will be there in the market and in India people have ways of fooling the government. Similarly a city-based CA said that many people are facing problems as many businessmen do not get time to go to the bank and maximum transactions in Guwahati happens in cash. Sometimes people tend to forget the source of income after working hard for the entire year. The CA said that the government could easily identify who has black money through other sources instead of harassing the general people. Though many people slammed the move some people also supported it with the hope that the future will be bright but these mostly are the saffron party sympathisers. Meanwhile many sectors gained from the move. Government’s decision of allowing transaction in old currency to essential services is wrong. Buying rice or grocery is also essential but I cannot accept it – A grocery shop owner at Lal Ganesh The gainers

Police has no right to prosecute it as it is not illegal - Guwahati Commissioner Police Hiren Nath

Government’s decision of allowing transaction in old currency to essential services is wrong. Buying rice or grocery is also essential but I cannot accept it – A grocery shop owner at Lal Ganesh

For purchase of petrol, diesel, and gas at stations operated by state-run oil companies.

GMC Collects Rs. 8.66 cr as taxes in 10 days The GMC commissioner Sanjib Gohain Baruah, talking to G Plus, said that from 12th to 22nd November, GMC collected Rs 8.66 crores as taxes while usually, in a month, the department collects around Rs 6 to 7 crores as tax. He said that there are different kinds of taxes like property, trade license, hoarding, building permission, etc. and the department, after 8th November, is mostly getting property taxes. But he also said that people would have anyway paid all these taxes by March next year; last year they collected Rs 85 crores and till October this fiscal they have already collected Rs 51 crores. So by March all this money would have come. But still the department is earning. Similarly, the

APDCL has also witnessed huge amounts coming in as electricity bills. So the government departments are in a win-win situation by the move. Other than builders the petrol pumps are seeing huge turn over. A manager of a petrol pump in Kalapahar, talking to G Plus, said that because of shortage of 100 rupee notes, people are mostly filling petrol worth 500 rupees except those who do furnish 100 rupee notes. The manager said that the exact figure cannot be disclosed but there has been an increase of approximately 25% in sales. The medicine industry has seen a rise in sales as people are buying medicines for not less than Rs 500 and some are stocking medicines for 2 to 3 months at once. The owner of Life Pharmacy, talking to G Plus, said that in the initial few days, the sale was high but now it has tapered down as the new notes have become available with customers. The city jewellers are keeping a mum as many are claiming that they are not accepting old notes. But a local jewellery shop in Pan Bazar area, talking to G Plus in anonymity, said many are accepting old notes and there is an increase in sales as gold prices have also gone down. Builders and transporters are also in a winwin situation as many one-time builders are selling flats and building according to sources in the industry. Many transporters in the Beltola area are gaining as they are taking old notes from people who have it in abundance and converting these into white through various ways. The people in the tribal belt are gaining a lot as many people are sending old notes to places like Nagaland and Meghalaya where the people are depositing into their bank accounts and converting it into white without paying any tax. Similarly many people are gaining the most from the Modi demonetizing stunt. People in the tribal belt are gaining a lot as many people are sending old notes to places like Nagaland and Meghalaya where people deposit the money in their bank accounts and convert it to white without taxes.

The losers Politicians and bureaucrats come under the scanner A city-based tax consultant told G Plus that the business class people will not face problems as it will help them in the future. It’s just that they have to pay some tax on the undisclosed money which they will deposit in the accounts. The consultant said that the politicians and the bureaucrats who have huge amount of black money will face problems as except the salary they don’t have any other source of income. Disclosing the source will be a difficulty and therefore many are distributing the black money within their close associates. Similarly, the government doctors according to him, who have huge amount of black money, will face problems and are losers. G Plus also talked to a sex worker in the Paltan Bazar area who is very upset as after 8th November she has hardly got customers and it has become a survival issue for her. She said she doesn’t accept old notes as the shops do not take it and she has no bank account or other documents to go to the bank. G Plus also visited some spas in the city but the spa employees were not willing to talk about the issue even as they said that their sales have come down. The street vendors are also upset as their sales have drastically gone down after 8th November. A tea shop owner on a Paltan Bazar footpath said a person who used to drink tea thrice a day now drinks just once. The telecom sector has seen a decrease in the sales figure and hence the government might have allowed them to take old 500 rupee notes from 25th November. So many people have gained and many people have lost from the move but the government is being criticized for being biased as the small traders are not being able to collect their debts while the government is doing the same. Also accepting old notes cannot be prosecuted till end of December.

At international airports, both arriving and departing passengers can use old Rs 500 notes. Milk booths operating under central and state governments. Foreign tourists can use the same to exchange currency. Purchase of gas cylinders. Purchases at consumer cooperative stores. Purchase of tickets at suburban and metro rail stations. Payment of catering services during travelling through rail. Payment of entry tickets for any monument maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. For court fees. For buying seeds from designated centres. Charges, fees, penalties, payable to central and state governments, municipal and local bodies. Payments for utility charges, including water and electricity. Payment of school fees up to Rs 2,000 per student in central, state government, municipality and local body schools. Payment of fees in central and state government colleges. Payment of mobile recharge for upto Rs 500 per recharge (pre-paid SIM only) Purchase from consumer cooperative stores limited to Rs 5,000 at a time.

rahul.chanda@g-plus.in

G PLUS NOV 26 - DEC 02, 2016

Ward Watch

Panbazar eateries add magnetic touch to city’s students and office-goers Kalyan Deb

WARD NO

Concentrated Area: Panbazar Ward Number: 10 Councillor: Mrigen Sarania Phone no. 9864043462

Student community at panbazaar roadside eateries | SURAJIT SHARMA/G PLUS

eeped in an educational atmosphere and so, a great hangout hotspot of the city, Panbazar is certainly one of the city’s favourite localities and is always crowded by youths. With several educational institutions, government offices like DC and Sessions courts, the post office and telecommunication offices, the area remains crowded with maximum footfall on a daily basis. Besides these, there are many major landmarks like Dighalipukhuri, Nehru Park etc. which fall within the periphery of the area. Located in the eastern part of the city the outer edges of the area also house many historic buildings like Kamarupa Anusandhan Samiti, Assam State Museum and District Library.

The hangout hub Although it is mostly the youth that descend on the area for most part of the day, people from all age groups can also be seen. With several prominent educational institutions such as Cotton College which is the oldest among the lot, Handique Girls’ College and Don Bosco School the areas such as Ananda Ram Baruah Road and Hem Baruah Road of Panbazar keep buzzing till sundown. It is difficult to trace back the date that the area turned into a hangout hotspot as people of past

|surajit sharma/G Plus

several generations have been witness to its charm. Moreover, the area has been able to sustain this charm till date. As one takes a stroll down the area, the first thing that would draw one’s attention is the student community flocking the various nooks and corners of the area. Equipped with notebooks and backpacks several groups of the youth brigade, especially the college-goers, can be seen hanging around the area - some discussing their notes, some cracking jokes along with their companions and several others heading for the number of big and small eateries.

Eatery hotspot Alongside development, the area has paved way for several organisations to set up business in the area. Of the lot, the area has become a hub for eateries in the form of food vans, carts and other mobile vehicles. The entire stretch of Ananda Ram Baruah Road and Hem Baruah Road is covered with several options for street food that provide snacks and meals from Rs. 5 to Rs. 150. Being close to Cotton College, Guwahati High Court, BSNL office and Nehru Park the eateries attract large footfall. Besides, the Hem Baruah Road that serves as the entrance to Cotton College and Nehru Park on either side has several mobile vans that

provide snacks and street food. Moreover, people in the area also prefer stopping at such food vans rather than walking into a restaurant. From wooden carts which sample popular street fare like chaats, puchka, chana, momos and noodles the area also provides options of having midday meals at pocket friendly prices. The carts parked on the sidewalks throughout the area offer Puri Sabji, Parathas, Roti, Rice and even Pulao at prices starting from Rs. 20. The carts not only feed most of the people working in the area but are a way of earning livelihood for many. “We arrive as early as 6 am as several people are dependent on us for their breakfast. There are many

office goers who skip their breakfast at home in order to make it to office on time. They visit as early as 8:00 am and we have to be prepared with the food items. Many prefer just having a cup of tea with snacks while there are others who prefer heavier food. Till 9:00 am to 9:30 am it is a continuous rush,” said Karuna Medhi, a street vendor in the area. Another rush takes place between 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm which is lunch hour where it becomes tough to find sitting space at not just the wooden carts but at any food joint in the area. The footfall in this rush includes students along with the office goers and this more or less continues till sundown. Another category of mobile eateries were added in the recent past with the introduction of mobile vans. Such vans not just serve the usual delicacies such as momos, rolls, etc. but have extended their offerings to several other cuisines such as Indian, South Indian, Chinese, Indian-western fusion, etc. Along with other parts of the city, several such vans can be seen in the Panbazar area which has gained popularity within a very short span. Among the lot, one is Moving Restro, a food van that has been carrying out business in the Panbazar area near Cotton College and serves the dietary requirements of the people around the area. “We have been carrying out business in this particular place for over a year now and our prime focus is to maintain prop-

A food cart in front of Nehru park | SURAJIT SHARMA/G PLUS

The street vendors serving food in wooden carts in the area underwent a training session last year. The 5-day program initiated by the state government focused on training them on hospitality factors and maintaining hygiene in and around the carts. er hygiene in the portable kitchen within the van. The business hours start from 10 am and since we only carry limited quantity of food we can only continue till 7 pm. Apart from the students, we also serve the people visiting the High Court and the Nehru Park for most part of the day and in the hours after office we are dependent on the passers-by who stop for an evening snack,” said Pranabjyoti Das, owner of the van. Unlike restaurants, such vans do not have refrigerators that restrict them to serve only limited quantity of food. Moreover, by the end of the day there are no leftovers. Since, the food is prepared in front of the customers one is convinced enough that the kitchen is clean while ordering the food.

Documentation Though such mobile vans have been successfully running their business throughout the city for almost a year now, none of them have proper documentation or licences to run their business. Over a year ago, the authorities had initiated a survey around the city on such street vendors and mobile food vans running in the city. Divided into five zones namely, east, west, north, south and central, committees had been formed to carry out a survey on the street vendors where after the vendors would have been provided with trade licences. However, no further step in the process has been taken so far. kalyan.deb@g-plus.in

G PLUS NOV 26 - DEC 02, 2016

Hospitals at the doorstep of Guwahatians Gplus News

veryone will not know but there is a newly evolved healthcare sector in India that is less than 10-years old. India has the 2nd largest geriatric population in the world. India’s 60+ year old population being one of the fastest growing in the world will increase from 100 million in 2011 to 300 million by 2050. Of the 300 million, 200 million are likely to be suffering from chronic ailments. Now there are many people in Guwahati who live outside the city and their old parents who live here sometimes seek emergency health care support. But till late, there was no service available which could address the requirement of home healthcare. The service A start-up venture of Namgru Innovations, HOMELTH is a concept in the entire healthcare industry of the region whereby the healthcare service reaches the homes of those in need of medical care. As part of the initiative, doctors and nurses are available on call 24x7 to respond to any urgent healthcare need. Along with doctors and nurses, physios, dieticians and paramedics too are available for rendering service. Though the services are now available initially only within the city of Guwahati, according to HOMELTH officials, it will be gradually expanded to

Home health services, suggestive image | G Plus Photo

other parts of Assam and subsequently to other states of the northeast as well. At the same time, HOMELTH also aims to become a pan-India brand over the next 3-5 years by having its presence in cities like Kolkata, Gurgaon, Ahmedabad and Vi-

TRAFFIC MOVEMENT IMPEDED BY ENSUING WATER SUPPLY PROJECT | SURAJIT SHARMA/G PLUS

jaywada. Not only doctors and nurses will reach the homes of those in need of medical attention, but ancillary services like sample collection for conducting laboratory tests, delivery of medicines and ECG will also be

literally home-delivered to the patients. The concept the

Speaking to G Plus about concept, HOMELTH

Health founder and CEO, Dr Simanta Sharma said, “This is a paradigm change in the way medical care is delivered wherein instead of the patients going to the hospital for anything to everything, the hospital, in a sense, now comes to one’s home to deliver quality care at one’s bedside.” He said, “It has been observed that 75% of the patients that usually throng a hospital OPD are actually patients who can be managed in the comfort and convenience of one’s home, thereby making the home health service a complement to existing healthcare service providers like hospitals and nursing homes since many aspects of less critical care can now be provided at home thereby freeing up the valuable time of specialists / super-specialists to take care of more critical cases.” He claimed, “HOMELTH is a 24X7 service and thereby will be a most accessible and at the same time it is an affordable service for the people of Guwahati.” The service providers have announced two emergency phone numbers (2134144 and 2134155) and also they have two Whatsapp numbers (9085990011 and 9085990022) where people can call or whatsapp for services. Enquiring if the service providers have completed all the legal requirements, the officials said that they have taken all the required permissions and are associated with many city hospitals as 75% patients can be cured at home. The 25%, during emergencies, have to be taken to hospitals for which they have ambulance and the hospitals are selected according to the financial abilities of the patients.

City

G PLUS NOV 26 - DEC 02, 2016

CAUTION! Shopping malls cannot charge parking fees

KALYAN DEB

As soon as the new DCP traffic took charge, Guwahati has witnessed a number of changes that are gradually getting implemented. These also include notices sent to all the shopping malls directing them not to charge parking fee from customers In a recent notification Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) has strictly mentioned that commercial complexes have to provide parking space for customers free-of-cost

• Following the norm several shopping complexes have started issuing coupons to the purchasing customers • However it is a challenging task for the malls to differentiate the non-purchasing customers as there are many who use the parking space and move out for their personal work Vehicles parked at a guwahati Mall | SURAJIT SHARMA/G PLUS

n terms of area, Guwahati is neither too large nor too small. The population of the city is still optimum, going by the urban population density elsewhere in the country. The city, with its rising population though, is being fast engulfed by traffic related problems. Parking is one aspect that adds to the problem of traffic and the parking spaces within the shopping complexes have the potential to ease the problem to a large extent. That pay-and-park facilities run by the corporation and private parties are fleecing citizens is a well-known fact and the practice seems unfair to the customers who visit such complexes for shopping. It also came to light that major malls and many high-rises in the city have been exploiting customers under the cover of levying parking fees. Meanwhile Guwahati Municipal Corporation has come to the rescue of such customers. The GMC notification The Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) recently issued a notification that clearly states that commercial complexes have to provide parking space to customers free-of-cost. High-rises, especially malls, which are charging exorbitant rates for parking will have to follow the GMC norm.

There are several major shopping malls around the city that charge steep amounts up to Rs 20 from each customer as parking fees. “The newly carved out building by-laws clearly state that the building should have adequate parking area for customers and a building will not be allotted a licence if there is no adequate parking space. Provisions

“Many commercial centres, especially malls, are engaged in these practices, often charging exorbitant amounts that in no way can be justified. However, we are...” such as parking space and lifts are integral parts of a commercial building. Thus in order to relieve the customers of the parking fees GMC has issued a notification that if a customer can produce a document issued by the commercial complex of the shopping mall, the customer will be relieved of the parking fee,” said Deepak Das, Town Planner, Gu-

wahati Municipal Corporation. However, it was also informed that customers who did not make any purchase from the shopping malls are still liable to parking or maintenance fee charged by the management of the building. The MALLs’ view “Many commercial centres, especially malls, are engaged in these practices, often charging exorbitant amounts that in no way can be justified. However, we are now provided with a coupon at the counter after making a purchase that fills in for the amount charged for parking,” said a customer at Pantaloon situated in the Down Town locality. After the issue of the notification several shopping malls around the city have discontinued the process of charging parking fees from the customers and have come up with another alternative. Several malls have started providing coupons to the customers at the billing counters which the customers can produce to the security personnel before leaving the complex. “We have initiated a coupon at our billing counters that are provided to the customers. Apart from the customers at Pantaloons those visiting Rang Ghar can also opt for the coupon instead

• Moreover, the GMC norm does not restrict the malls from charging the non-purchasing customers • Malls found violating the norm are liable to penalty of Rs 20,000 and such violations can be reported to DCP Traffic and GMC of paying the parking fee. They can simply produce the coupon as an alternative to the parking fees. However, it is hard to monitor those customers who have not made a purchase as there are many who park the vehicles at our complex and move out for their own personal work,” said Aditya Gogoi, manager, Dee Tee Tower. Similar views were opined by Umesh Singh, General Manager, Eastrends where a similar procedure is being followed rather than the customer having to pay for parking charges. “Our customers at Eastrends and Daily Bazaar are provided with coupons irrespective of the amount of purchase one is making. When the cash memo is generated we provide the customer with a coupon that relieves them off the parking levy,” Singh said adding that differentiating between the purchas-

ing and non-purchasing customers is a challenging job requiring additional manpower. Meanwhile, officials of Reliance Trends at Ulubari narrated a slightly different story as they claimed that no parking charges are being made to anyone who visits the shopping centre. “We have a system in place through which we can identify the people who had visited Reliance Trends. Since we have several security officials in place it becomes easier for us to identify whoever walks out of the shopping centre. Besides that, we charge Rs 10 from people who park their vehicle in our complex and go out for other work,” said SD Sharma, Building Manager, Reliance Trends, Ulubari. However, not all are aware of the GMC notification yet. While at Eastrends customers are provided with coupons as an alternative for parking charge those visiting Galleria Cinema still have to pay for parking charges. Being in the same complex it is certainly unfair for the visitors of the movie hall. On contacted by G Plus the management of the Galleria said that they are not informed about any such notification. However, it was mentioned that the matter will taken up with the mall’s management which can come up with an appropriate provision. The penalty While not all the shopping complexes are aware of the GMC notification which now rests on the shoulders of the officials of the department, those found violating the norm are liable to penalty of Rs 20,000. Incidents of violation of the norm can be reported to DCP traffic who, in an interview with G Plus stated, “I appeal to people that they can report such parking charges to us as malls, according to GMC norms, cannot charge parking fee from their customers.” A complainant can also approach the GMC commissioner in case of any violation. Meanwhile, the move by GMC has hit the management of the shopping complexes hard as a major part of the salary of the security officials were paid through the parking charges levied upon the customers. However, the implementation of the norm will remain vague until all the complexes are made to follow the norm. kalyan.deb@g-plus.in

G PLUS NOV 26 - DEC 02, 2016

In The News

AADHAR not mandatory for Assam JEE aspirants Gplus News

The recent announcement by CBSE that JEE aspirants will have to produce AADHAR card to enrol for the JEE exam has left students of the region in a fix. The state government and the JEE aspirants are confused over the plan of action as Assam is yet to be added to the AADHAAR network. Sources in government said that they are discussing the issue with CBSE officials so that the aspirants won’t face a problem in filling up forms for the examination and a solution will be made available in the next 2-3 days. The issuing of AADHAAR Card can only begin in the state after the completion of the NRC process. The exam is slated to be conducted on 2nd April and filing of forms is set to begin from 1st December. Members of the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) reacted strongly to the CBSE notification and called for immediate solution. Dipanko Kumar Nath, President AASU, demanded that the government should take urgent steps to exempt students from Assam. Meanwhile JEE aspirants have thronged the AADHAR card office at Bhangagarh to find a solution to the problem.

The ADHAR Card | surajit sharma/g plus

City hospital offers free cancer screening and consultation camp Gplus News

Narayana Superspeciality Hospital in Guwahati has organised a free cancer screening camp on Saturday, 26th November. Senior consultants from Narayana Superspeciality Hospital in Kolkata, Dr. Suman Mallik, Radiation Oncologist and Dr. Suvro Ganguly, Surgical Oncologist will be present at the special screening and consultation camp for all types of cancers. The camp will be held from 10 am to 3 pm at the hospital located at Amingaon. People interested to attend may call the hospital’s helpline number (088 11 888 888) for enquiries. Dr. Suman Mallik, HOD, Radiation Oncology from Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, Kolkata said, “More than cancer treatment, awareness and early detection is important. Specialized diagnosis and treatment facilities are the need of the hour. Planned outreach programs like these would open up avenues for us to get a more in-depth understanding on how cancer can be better combated in this region.” The consultation will cover all aspects of cancer in clinical oncology and under onco-surgery, consultation for gastro-intestinal surgery will be addressed as well. A multi-disciplinary team comprising of a group of healthcare professionals with the required skills shall do the initial testing and plan the treatment for any patient diagnosed with cancer. Most patients do not pay attention to the early symptoms of cancer, which are very common, such as change in bowel or bladder habits, unhealed sores, unusual bleeding or discharge, lump in breast or elsewhere, indigestion or difficulty in swallowing, change in a wart or a mole, nagging coughs or hoarseness. They consult an oncologist only when they reach an advanced stage. According to Cancer Registries under National Cancer Control Program (NCRP), Northeast region of India reports a very high incidence of all types of cancers in general and the proportion of tobacco-related cancers is highest in Assam and Meghalaya.

G PLUS NOV 26 - DEC 02, 2016

Snippets

Guwahati low on liquor post note crunch

On the Spot Caricature event by Hastakshar at Vivanta by Taj, Guwahati Gplus News

astakshar art gallery at the Vivanta by Taj art space, Guwahati is all set to conduct a free caricature event on 26th November 2016, 4 PM onwards. Hastakshar has always believed in giving a cursory approach to the diverse sector of the art industry and the “On the Spot Caricature Event” is a small step to encourage the same. A caricature artist takes advantage of facial features and accentuates them which are often observed in the connotations of comics and cartoony art forms.

Hastakshar has initiated the effort to provide a platform to the artist to promote the specific genre of art. On the day of the event, caricature artist Pritom Boro would perform On the Spot activity to draw the picture of the interested visitors for free at Vivanta by Taj. The caricature artist Pritom Boro specializes in Caricature and 3D art work. In his early twenties, Pritom Boro has participated in a lot of shows in Meghalaya and Guwahati and looks forward to the On the Spot Caricature Event.

Hastakshar has already made its mark through the art gallery at the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport along with the dedicated art space at the Vivanta by Taj and looks forward to nurture and promote emerging artists of the region through their work. “We intend to spread the flavor of uniqueness in art and a tinge of happiness in the busy schedule of the life of the Guwahatians. The fun and engaging activity would be one of a kind to help the people understand

and appreciate the specific genre of art,” said Mr Sunit Jain, director of Hastakshar. “We are always excited to partner with local artisans and artists to promote art and culture, and this event is also a step towards the same direction. We hope that our guests and visitors will enjoy the time,” said KK Agarwal, General Manager, Vivanta by Taj, Guwahati. Enquiries for the event can be made at +91 8011181502.

Tea workers of Assam to get bank accounts; tea gardens to get ATMs Gplus News

The conference in progress

nderlining the importance of quick and efficient measures to expedite financial inclusion of tea garden workers as well as to ensure timely disbursal of weekly remuneration to them in a cashless manner, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Monday directed the banking authorities to ensure opening of bank accounts of each and every tea garden worker of the state facilitating disbursal of weekly wages through bank accounts within 5th December. The Chief Minister also took stock of the presence of banking institutions in tea garden areas of the state and directed the bank authorities to open sufficient numbers of bank ATMs so that the account holders can transact money locally in a hassle-free manner. Reiterating that financial literacy amongst tea garden workers is a need of the hour, Sonowal urged the bankers to expedite such literacy programmes in a more intensive manner. Acknowledging the chief minister’s directions and concerns, the banking authorities have unanimously agreed to complete opening of bank accounts of left out tea garden workers within 5th December to ensure disburs-

al of wages through such accounts from 15th December onwards. It was also decided that all banks would open ATMs in tea gardens where there is sizable population. Banks would also introduce lobby ATMs through Customer Service Providers (CSP) and Banking Correspondents (BC) and space for such ATMs will be provided by respective tea gardens. Meanwhile to explore possibilities for engaging tea garden management as CSP and BC, consultations will be held between Banks and TE managements shortly to settle the matter. The Chief Minister further appreciated the active role played by the banks in tiding over the crisis, especially the issue concerning timely payment of wages of tea garden workers which emerged out of demonetization of 500 and 1000 rupee currencies. He said that the “Team Assam” spirit exhibited by the banks need to be replicated again in putting this new mechanism in place for heralding cashless economy in the state.

Assam lad in the quarter finals of Asian Tennis Tour

ssam boy Parikshit Somani entered the quarterfinals of the Asian Tennis Tour (ATT) along with other seeded players. The main draw of the ATT meet took place at the All Assam Tennis Association’s own complex at Chachal, Guwahati. Taking up the racquet at a tender age of three when he frequented the JTC with his father Dilip Somani, there has been no looking back for Parikshit. The 16-year-old showed class and temperament while making it into the quarter-finals. Earlier he had held top positions while playing as Under-12, 14 and 16. He was also number 3 in Under-18 rankings. Next, Parikshit will play against Niki Kaliyanda, who defeated Bhavesh Gour 6-3, 6-4 in his previous match.

he demonetization of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes has hit the Guwahati liquor business, with liquor sales dropping by as much as 90% in its contribution to the state exchequer. The liquor sale in the city has been constantly on a dip as the shops have refused to accept old notes since 14th Nov. The liquor stores have stopped accepting old notes as the distributors have been accepting payments only in cheques and new notes lately. A member of Liquor, Association while talking to G Plus in anonymity said, “The sale of liquor has gone down drastically. Before demonetization, sale of a normal wine shop per day was around Rs 30,000 which now has gone down to as low as Rs 3,000 a day and which is almost 90% downfall.” A highly placed source in the Excise Commissionerate said to GPlus, “The revenue details for the month of November cannot be disclosed, but sales surely have gone down.”

Big Bazaar eases public’s cash woes

ig Bazaar has announced that starting 24th November, all its stores and fbb stores will allow customers to withdraw up to Rs 2,000 using their debit/ATM cards. This facility will be available in 258 Big Bazaar and fbb stores in over 115 cities and towns across the country. State Bank of India has helped Big Bazaar enable this facility through the bank’s cash at POS machines. Customers can withdraw cash from their bank accounts of any scheduled bank in the country. Commenting on issue, Kishore Biyani, chairman, Future Retail Limited, said, “We are trying hard to ease any difficulties faced by customers due the demonetization of 500 and 1,000 rupee currency notes and support the government’s initiative in meeting its objective. Now with customers being able to withdraw cash at Big Bazaar stores, they are welcome to visit our stores instead of queuing up at banks and ATMs.” Customers must visit the dedicated cash counter at the store, swipe their debit/ATM cards, enter the PIN and withdraw up to Rs 2,000 from their account.

G PLUS NOV 26 - DEC 02, 2016

Trotter

“A 7000% increase” gets recorded by digital payment firms postdemonetization

rime Minister Narendra Modi’s demonetization drive has inconvenienced millions of Indians but there’s one business that’s having its moment under the sun – digital payment startups. From attracting millions of new users to an unprecedented increase in transactions, the last two weeks have given startups such as Paytm, Mobikwik, and Freecharge many reasons to celebrate. The government has also supported digital wallets by announcing an increase in the limit on the amount that can be spent via mobile wallets to Rs 20,000 for individual users and to Rs 50,000 for merchants. These companies have shared some eye-popping data on their performance since the night of 8th November when the government discontinued Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 denomination bills that accounted for 86% of India’s money in circulation by value. India’s largest digital payments startup, Paytm, has registered over five million new users since 8th November. This means it attracted more new users in two weeks than the population of countries such as Ireland, Oman, and New Zealand. Paytm now has a total user base of 150 million.

Gplus News

The Noida-based startup said that over 45 million people had used its e-wallet between 11th November and 21st November, translating to more users in 10 days than the entire population of countries such as Canada, Malaysia, Argentina, Sudan, Iraq, or Nepal. Paytm is not alone, though. Sequoia Capital-backed Mobikwik saw a 40% jump in app downloads following the news of demonetization, it said in a statement on 22nd November. The company now has over 35 million customers. Demonetization has helped these firms beat credit and debit cards which predate them by decades. In March, credit cards saw 72.22 million transactions and

debit cards saw 112.87 million, the Reserve Bank of India said. This translates to around six million transactions per day on an average. Paytm’s rival Mobikwik, too, has seen an 18-fold rise in the number of transactions. Within a day of Modi’s announcement, ItzCash, another player in the space, saw between 30% and 40% growth in volumes. Mobikwik said it had seen a stupendous 7,000% increase in money being transferred from its wallet into bank accounts over the previous 10 days. Digital payment startups expect the momentum to continue and have shared ambitious growth targets for the next year. (Source: Quartz)

Napster mends ways – provides Heavy Metal legends Metallica’s full catalogue Gplus News

etallica’s first full album in 8 years launched on Friday, and as with most modern albums, it went on sale on a variety of digital storefronts. One of those sellers was more noteworthy than the others, of course, as the album launch coincided with Metallica’s first-ever warm, hugging embrace of Napster. Earlier this week, the band and company announced that Metallica’s entire catalogue would finally launch on the Napster service on Friday. The $10/£10 a month music service currently resembles all-you-canstream subscription services like Spotify and Google Play Music, and Napster’s fee now includes every published song by Hetfield and Co., from 1983’s Kill ‘Em All to this week’s Hardwired... To Self-Destruct. Of course, the Napster of today is different than the Napster that drummer Lars Ulrich lashed out against in 1999. What was once a totally free, peer-to-peer service for the trading of MP3s has since been shuffled from corporate handler to corporate handler. After its transformation to an iTunes-styled MP3 store,

Napster was taken over by Best Buy in 2008 before being dealt to Rhapsody three years later. MP3-sharing historians, of course, will remind you that Metallica’s prime inspiration for facing off against Napster was the sharing of a leaked, unfinished song. The Napster of today won’t let you buy, download, or stream the offending demo version of “I Disappear,” which eventually appeared on the Mission: Impossible II film soundtrack in the year 2000. While Metallica’s lawsuit against Napster included a list of over 300,000 offending downloaders and an order to ban those users from accessing Napster, the band never went so far as to sue individual downloaders. Metallica has since backed away from criticizing the public sharing of its songs, legally or otherwise. These days’ fans can easily purchase full albums directly from the bands’ own record label and websites across a variety of formats and sizes. Napster could have been a real threat to the recording industry’s chokehold on the existing distribution channels, enabling artists to distribute, for free or for fee, their work. In

this context, the Napster model represented the final hurdle for successful distribution of music to a large-scale audience through specific-use licensing agreements. Musicians who surrender their copyright to the college-age Napster community are ignorant of the environment that they are fostering. It is a further degradation of artist’s rights, and does not aim to further community or independence from the Industry. (Various Sources)

Small amount of alcohol could prevent strokes: Study Gplus News

Light-to-moderate alcohol consumption is generally defined as one to two drinks per day.

small amount of alcohol a day could reduce the risk of the most common types of stroke, claims Cambridge University research. The study of 20,000 adults found that up to three units of alcohol a day appeared to reduce the risk of an ischaemic stroke, where the blood supply is stopped due to a blood clot. Cardiovascular diseases cause more than 25% of deaths in India. However, the research by scientists at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden and University of Cambridge in the UK warned that heavier drinking of any type of alcohol increased the risks of all types of strokes. “Previous research has found an association between alcohol consumption and lower levels of fibrinogen — a protein in the body which helps the formation of blood clots. While this may explain the association between light to moderate alcohol consumption and lower ischemic stroke risk, the adverse effect of alcohol consumption on blood pressure - a major risk factor for stroke - may increase the risk of haemorrhagic stroke and outweigh any potential benefit,” explained Dr Susanna Lars-

son, lead author of the paper. According to the latest research, people were 10% less likely to suffer an ischaemic stroke if they had up to one drink a day and 8% less likely if they had one or two drinks. Whether light-to-moderate alcohol consumption, generally defined as one to two drinks per day, is protective against cardiovascular disease remains a controversial topic. “Alcohol consumption in moderation has been associated with increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, improved insulin sensitivity, and decreased levels of fibrinogen and inflammatory markers,” says Dr Larsson. Heavy drinking is linked with an increased risk, rising from 8% higher for two to four drinks a day to 14% higher for more than four, according to the research published in the journal BMC Medicine. (Various Sources)

App POS feature yet to ensure optimum Data Security

oon after launching ‘App POS’ with much fanfare this week, Paytm rolled back the initiative after concerns were raised over security of customer’s card details by the industry. Mobile wallet company Paytm has suspended its app that allowed small shopkeepers to accept payment through cards amid ongoing cash crunch, citing risks to customer data and privacy. The new feature was designed to eliminate the need for a physical point-of-sale (PoS) terminal or a card swipe machine, and helped small shopkeepers use their smartphones to facilitate the transactions. However, soon after launching ‘App POS’ with much fanfare this week, Paytm rolled back the initiative after concerns were raised over security of customer’s card details by the industry. “Based on some suggestions from the industry, we have decided to add additional certifications and features before making it available to merchants. We will re-launch this product as soon as we have updated the product,” the Alibaba-backed company said in a blog post. “Nothing is more important to us than customer data and privacy. We will always put this above all without fail,” it added. In October, as many as 32.14 lakh debit cards of various public and private sector banks were reported to have been ‘compro-

Gplus News

mised’ by cyber malware attack in some ATM systems. Several banks, including state-owned SBI, had recalled a number of cards while many others blocked the ones suspected to have been compromised and asked their customers to change PIN (Personal Identification Number) before use. According to the National Payments Corporation of India, as many as 641 customers across 19 banks have been duped of Rs 1.3 crores using stolen debit card data. In its blog post, Paytm defended its product saying the company does not store any card details in the app or on its servers that are shared during the payment flow. After generating a bill for the item sold, the shopkeeper was to hand over his/her phone to the customer for entering card details. However, there are possibilities of taking screenshots and thus misusing the customer data. This was the concern that has led the e-wallet giant to rollback the decision. While there are 740 million cards in India at present, the number of card swiping machines is at a dismal 1.5 million. Paytm had said it expects 10 million app POS to be downloaded before the weekend and as many as 15 million app POS merchants were expected by the end of November. (Source: PTI)

G PLUS NOV 26 - DEC 02, 2016

G Talk DEMONETISATION VIS-A-VIS MAN - I CA Anuj Bajaj Wanted: Leadership alertness COMMON he move to demonetize cur-

n a recent flight from Delhi to Guwahati I had august company. Well, not exactly company but my co-passenger in the business class was Sarba Da. I caught sight of him walking in from my emergency row window side seat. Pre-departure announcements on the aircraft’s PA system also welcomed on board a handful of Caucasian tourists travelling to Guwahati. These passengers had apparently taken this connecting flight after disembarking from the airline’s international partner. And so, given the full flight packed with domestic travellers, international tourists, a Chief Minister and an unusually chirpy Captain, I made myself comfortable with the extra leg space that my seat provided. An hour into the flight, I caught sight of the magnificent snow-clad Himalayan range bathed in the brilliant November sunshine. It was not a new sight for me; I have seen the mountain range during some of my earlier trips. But somehow, the mountains seemed a tad closer this time round and the absorbing sight kept me ‘nosed’ to my window. With a fair bit of knowledge that I have of the various peaks I tried to locate Mount Everest. Yes, it was clearly there – a wee bit taller than the rest with that gentle slope that mountaineers climb beyond Hillary’s Rock to scale it. The sight culminated with the appearance of the Kanchenjunga in Sikkim even as the aircraft made its descent into Guwahati. And the end of it all though I was a disappointed Assamese – not for anything else but for a huge missed opportunity. Well, I had a suggestion to the flight’s crew if not to the Cap-

tain himself. As I wound my way to the exit, I met the two senior flight attendants, furnished my business card asked them if the Chief Minister had spoken to them about anything besides the usual business. “No Sir.” I took it upon myself to tell them that while their Captain continually wished us a pleasant flight (he did it thrice), things could have been even more pleasant had he given a small commentary on the breathtaking sight outside the aircraft. A small description that would have made the foreign tourists raise their window shades and catch a glimpse of the world’s tallest mountain range would have made their journey to Assam all the more memorable, wouldn’t it? In fact, it would have made Assam truly ‘Awesome.’ While the two youngsters were appreciative enough of my suggestion, I am not sure how much ice I could cut with them. Had the same suggestion come from the Chief Minister, who could have demanded to talk to the Captain, it would have definitely created the desired impact. That the Himalayas greet Guwahati-bound tourists is a delight by itself. The government would do well to arrange a small tie-up with every airline to highlight the fact. A 2-minute commentary would be good enough. Awesome Assam today is confined to its logo. In the reality of the tourism business, Assam’s awesomeness starts on the in-bound flights. And the leaders need to be alert to cash in on such situations. Swapnil Bharali Editor

Stuck in the middle

he official definition of black money is the income that is illegally obtained or not declared for tax purposes. Amidst the uproar over curbing black money, terrorism, counterfeit notes, various explanations have surfaced about how it is a glorious step towards a new ‘shining India’ and its effect on various strata of society. On a practical ground, India is stratified into very rich (Tata and Adanis), rich (Ajmals), upper middle class (businessmen), middle class (salaried professionals, teachers), poor (a fish seller in Paltanbazaar) and BPL (slum dwellers). Although the focus is primarily on how the poor have suffered from this move, everyone seems to have missed that not all cash is black money. A businessman primarily deals in cash all the time and has money invested in the market from pending bills to daily payments and does not have the time to account every expenditure with a bank on a daily basis. His purpose – make money, tax it all in March. Now this move has hit him hard. He works day in, day out and now the Government restricts his cash flow and makes him afraid to deposit this in the account. There could be a sack of rice that his employee lost the receipt to or a bill from an advertisement that is yet to be cleared. All of this is white money, but the sheer tension that this move has put

everyone in is unfair, even to the tax-paying class. Although there could be ‘undisclosed’ income, where is the proper incentive and motivation for a tax payer? Every 3 months there is a Swacch Bharat tax or a Krishi Kalyan cess or education tax and the burden continues to pile on with no benefit whatsoever. The tax payer works hard to get to the upper slab, to move up from the middle class to the upper middle class, to improve his IT file, but all he’ll get in return is sleepless nights and a Modi bhakt chanting, ‘Kala dhan mukt Bharat, Thanks to NM App.’ I mean seriously, the app for a survey? The validity of the data is my secondary source of nightmares, the first being the grinning face of the PM on the icon. Trust me, the right people have not downloaded the app and voted because we are too busy working and consider it redundant. Because of deficiencies in the implementation of this plan, the Government has chosen to say that this will be beneficial in the long run and are haphazardly announcing new norms every alternate day. However Keynesian theory of Economics dictates, “In the long run we are all dead,” and this is short term harassment that this Government has dished out to its people. SIDHARTH BEDI VARMA

rency notes with denominations of Rs. 500 and Rs. 1,000 is one of the bravest steps taken by the Modi-led government. It has come after the closure of the Income Disclosure Scheme 2016, where people were given an opportunity to declare their unaccounted wealth and come clean after paying 45% tax on the amount disclosed. There seems to be a solid strategy to fight the black money menace. In reality, if you have 500 and 1,000 rupee notes lying with you, there is no reason to panic if you can explain the source of the cash. This article is aimed to help you in forming an overall viewpoint on how to deal with the current situation. Beware! Bank account misuse for black money can invite prosecution

On 18th November, 2016 the government cautioned Jan Dhan account holders and regular saving account holders including housewives and artisans that they might be prosecuted for depositing black money in 500/1,000 rupee notes in their bank accounts during the 50-day window till 30th December. This guideline comes against the backdrop of reports that some are using other persons’ bank accounts to convert their black money into new denomination notes. In some cases it has been noticed, that even rewards are being offered to account holders for allowing such misuse. After withdrawing 500 and 1,000 rupee notes, the government has allowed the banned notes to be deposited in bank accounts till 30th December 2016 (exchange of currency notes has been abolished w.e.f 25th Nov 2016) . The government had also announced that deposits up to Rs. 2.50 lakhs in bank accounts would not come under tax scrutiny as it is within the tax exemption limit. But, as tax officials have repeatedly warned, the cash you deposit in the bank must tally with the income declared in your tax return. This has led to cash balances shooting up in millions of Jan Dhan accounts opened under a government scheme for beneficiaries to get entitlements like LPG subsidy. Income Tax Department is also collecting data on spurt in deposits in zero- balance Jan Dhan accounts and will come hard on unexplained high value cash deposits. The ministry warned that “such unlawful activities can lead to scrutiny of accounts and exposure to income tax and penalty if it is established that the amount deposited in the account was not of the account holder but of somebody else.”

Helping the government curb black money is what tax consultants must do. There are many legitimate ways also to treat your unaccounted cash and pay taxes to government. Beware! Cash deposits to be reported by banks to Income Tax Dept: Banks now have to report total cash deposits between 9th November and 30th December, 2016, due to change in Income Tax Law announced on 17th November, 2016. These would be reflected in Annual Information Report (AIR) of Form 26AS. • Twelve lakh fifty thousand rupees (12.5 lakh) or more, in one or more current account of a person. Current accounts were not part of AIR reporting earlier; or • Two lakh fifty thousand rupees (2.5 lakh) or more, in one or more accounts (other than a current account) of a person. Earlier limit for AIR reporting was Rs. 10 lakhs or more in one financial year. Related amendments in Income Tax are: • Amendment in Rule 114B for compulsory quoting of PAN in case of cash deposit exceeding Rs. 50,000 in a single day or aggregating to more than Rs. 2.5 lakhs during the period from 09.11.2016 till 30.12.2016. • Amendment in Rule 114E for filing AIR report as required under section 285BA of Income Tax Act, 1961 w.r.t. reporting by banking company and a cooperative bank. Beware! Cash deposit only up to a limit would be leniently treated: Let us understand the type of depositors and the chances of penalty imposition upon them. Cash deposit up toRs. 2.5 lakhs: This category doesn’t have to worry as government has made it very clear that deposit up to Rs. 2.5 lakhs would not be brought under scrutiny. However, one must be careful and should not let other persons park their black money in their account because government can throw surprises on such persons also, even if deposits do not cross the limit specified. Cash deposit up to Rs. 10 lakhs: Most of the middle class is covered under this category. They must have saved their hard earned money over the years for their children’s marriage, or for purchasing a small house/shop. Though the government will be keeping an eye on this category as well, there are little chances that government will interfere in this category. Also, people may deposit this amount by breaking it into smaller sums of Rs. 2.5 lakhs and may deposit it in the name of family members which a lot of people may already

Opinion be doing. Further, the government also understands this fact and there should be no interference here. Cash deposit above Rs. 10 lakhs: Anything over Rs. 10 lakhs will catch the eye of the taxman. If your returned income does not match the amount you deposit, then you might be in severe trouble. E.g., suppose you regularly file the ITR with Rs. 6 lakhs income. Now suddenly you deposit a sum of Rs. 30 lakhs in your account which cannot be justified. The department may treat this income as unexplained credits and may tax the income at 30% with 200% penalty under section 270A. However, we must relate the provisions clearly with our position to conclude on the exact tax structure: • Cash credit: Once you deposit the sum into the bank account and under scrutiny proceedings, you are unable to justify the sum, the IT department will deem the deposit as unexplained credit or cash credit under section 68 of Income tax act, 1961. • Section 115 BBE: This section is one of the harsh sections of the Income Tax Act. Once it is proved that the cash deposit is cash credit under section 68, it shall levy the tax rate of flat 30% without even providing the basic exemption limit. E.g., if you have cash credit of Rs. 30 lakhs, Rs. 9 lakhs will be the tax amount. • Penalty under section 270A: Once it is proved that you are doing a mischief, penalty provision under Income Tax Act will automatically come into the picture. The AO may use the section 270A to levy the penalty of 200%. However, the penalty of 200% under section 270A can only be levied if any of the conditions is fulfilled: • Misrepresentation or sup pression of facts • Failure to record investments in the books of account • The claim of expenditure not substantiated by any evidence • Recording of any false entry in the books of account • Failure to record any receipt in books of account having a bearing on total income However, we can soon expect an amendment in this provision by the Government for more clarity on how the excess credits will be taxed and penalised. The most important point of this whole process starts from nonjustification. Hence, if you can justify the deposits and have already paid the full taxes, then no penalty can be imposed on you. Part II of this article will discuss more on the issue in the next week’s edition. Anuj Bajaj is a practicing Chartered Accountant of Guwahati and can be reached at anujbajaj2007@gmail.com

Letter to the Editor

The G Talk Page of 12th November, 2016 his is in reference to your editorial in the issue dated 12th November. I, as an NRI living in California, had the same thoughts about our Assamese pride and identity being threatened, bursting into years of political turmoil (and economic stagnation as a result), and over the years having to acknowledge the hard-working immigrants that we (my family and loved ones) have come to completely depend upon in our daily lives. I live the same reality here, my life completely intertwined with other immigrants – legal and illegal - at various socio-economic levels from every corner of the globe. I read with interest Arnav Mahant’s article on the American Presidential Elections. It would be interesting to perhaps have a future article from Mahant where he expresses one of the underlying issues of the rust belt – how folks had come to define themselves and their self-worth by what they do - their jobs and livelihood. And with the loss of manufacturing jobs came a loss of identity and the Trump demagogue effectively fanned those insecurities into a raging fire. It was shocking though to see how viable his candidacy proved to be in the end; Hillary still won the popular vote. So factually, the majority of Americans did not vote for him. Effectively, he won because of identity politics in 3-4 key states which share a history of manufacturing jobs. Sharmila Tankha, California Via email

G PLUS NOV 26 - DEC 02, 2016

In Focus

Was the demonetization move more an exercise in harassment or have people taken it in their stride for the supposed great national interest? Shamim Mokles I don’t understand one thing. If I had black money, will it still be in cash mode. There is a thing called Swiss banks. I am sure this step will not at all bother the real black market. It will only bother hard workers as a tuition teacher, who gets paid in cash, some small enterprises who still pays in cash, and daily wage earners. It is a bold step but not to the distance it should have been. Pankaj Saini A move well deserved of a 10 on 10 on its declaration. However, the performance and the implementation of the entire step after one week can only be rated a soft 6. Though it’s an excellent and bold move by the government, somewhere, the implementation has been immature and not well thought of. Every alternate day there is a new rule and seems like the government is yet to find clarity for everything. Rameej Akhtar While I was lazing around on the fine evening of 8th November, the sight outside the ATM near my home got me thinking. The news was out and people started terming it; Revolution, History, Utter nonsense, obnoxious and what not. A country plagued by corruption was taking a stand to fight corruption. But what followed was chaos and harassment for the common man in the days to come. The ATM next to my home, which looked like a religious shrine two days back, was deserted. Carrying a 500 or 1000 rupee note made me feel like a criminal for a week. While the government was trying to nip the bud on corruption and terrorism, the common man was trying to make a livelihood with the limited moolah. And then the uncertainty was exposed; unplanned decisions, conspiracies and the most important of all, limited cash flow coming out from the government. Demonetisation did hit the country hard, harder in case of common men like me. I had only 2 questions in my mind (which remains unanswered) 1. When you own crores of black money, it’s quite obvious one is backed by political influence and support. Will they suffer by this decision? 2. How will the government extract the printing cost of crores in value of 500 and 1000 rupee notes that will soon be nothing but mere piece of paper? I am pretty sure our back is on fire on this one at least. Neha Jain The move to demonetize Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes by the Government of India was indeed a historic effort to remove black money and corruption from the market. I feel most Indian citizens are proud of the fact that our Prime minister is capable of taking such brave decisions for the long-term betterment of our country’s economy. But, this is also adversely affecting a certain percentage of people. With the announcements coming in everyday of some new rules, it is becoming difficult for people to cope up with everyday expenses like buying ration, vegetables, travelling, etc. But if the move will not be able to demolish unaccounted money, it would make the rich richer and the poor poorer. Rajib Das: The government has not been able to compensate for the 80% of the notes that were scrapped. They only made the Rs. 2000 and Rs. 100 address the crisis. The daily wage earners and labourers have been badly affected which created an insecurity in them and as a result, they left for their homes and work has come to a grinding halt across several industries. Added to that, recalibration should have been done well in advance. Now that recalibration is being done during the chaos, the harassment level has increased tenfold. Right from top to bottom, the implementation of policies has been done haphazardly and was not in coordination across the different levels of departments. CA M. Devaraja Reddy Parallel economy has been shadowing real economy in India for a very long time. As a measure to eliminate black money and fake Indian currency notes, a significant step has been taken by the Government of India to demonetize old currency notes of Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000 denomination and replace them with new currency. For the sake of national security and inclusive growth, all members have been requested to guide their clients and general public in the best interest of the nation so that the country gets freedom from the pollution of black money.

Meet

Gautam Durgeshwar Dutta Cricketer/Coach

ricket is a virtual religion in India and many young cricketers aspire to be a part of the national team. Assam has produced several talents who had and still have the potential to make it to the top but due to infrastructural and several other restrictions have fallen short of the big dreams. One such extraordinary talent was Gautam Dutta who made it to the India under-19 squad before making his presence felt in first class cricket. Gautam was a player of extraordinary natural ability and created an excellent impression with his left-arm seam and swing. In 1989, he was selected to play alongside Sachin Tendulkar, Ajay Jadeja, Vinod Kambli and Saurav Ganguly as part of Kailash Gattani’s Star Cricket Club that toured England and played against several county teams. However, the roots of his development can be traced back to his school days where he got the opportunity to discover and groom his talent. Gautam, born on 28th October, 1973 is an alumnus of Don Bosco School, Guwahati. His first choice of sport was table tennis. With top facilities of practicing table-tennis available at school, Gautam developed the sport as a regular activity. But his life changed soon after Kapil Dev lifted the world cup in 1983. The glorious victory of the nation became the reason behind Gautam’s inclination towards the sport. He started practicing cricket at school under the guidance of Coach RP Baruah and his talent did not remain unnoticed. He was selected in the school squad for the Abhay Shankar Guha Memorial Inter Institutional Cricket Tournament when he was merely a 5th grader. He claimed 4 consecutive wickets and never looked back. In 1985, he was selected in the district squad for the RG Baruah Trophy. In 1986 he made his debut for Assam when he was selected for the under-15 squad of the Vijay Merchant Trophy. Gautam claimed six wickets in his very first match. With his consistent performance Gautam finished the tournament as the highest wicket taker that paved his way to the East Zone team. Here awaited a major reform when Gautam was selected for a national camp in 1987 that was conducted by BCCI where he was coached under veteran cricketer Vasu Paranjpe. Another major turn took place in the same year when he made it to the under-19 squad as one of the top 15 performers in the sport from across the nation. In 1989 he was selected to play alongside Tendulkar, Jadeja, Kambli, Ganguly when he was selected to tour England as a part of Star Cricket Club. It is said that back in Assam, he did not put the effort required to be a consistent success at the first-class level. However his performance on the international arena was largely applauded. “I got the opportunity to tour for three years and that gave a better perspective towards the adaptation of the sport. We got to interact and play against several players and I learnt that it is not just about performing in the matches but how you present yourself as a professional and a sportsperson. There we got the opportunity to play against the county teams who were much more experienced and had

a better understanding of the sport and that worked as a massive exposure to us,” Gautam said during a conversation with G Plus. After coming back to his homeland and when he was playing a zonal match in Vijayawada, he got the news that he had been selected for the state’s Ranji team. He made his debut for Assam in 1989 Ranji Trophy. However, he was only called for the last match of the team. A fast bowling all-rounder, Dutta was Assam and East Zone’s strike bowler during the 1990s and early 2000s. In 53 first class matches, Dutta took 142 wickets at an average of 24.35 with economy of 2.73. His best was 9/52 in an innings. He also scored many crucial runs for the teams he played and includes 8 fifties. Although Gautam was introduced as a bowler, he turned out to be a consistent performer with the bat as well. “I was initially selected as a bowler but batting came naturally to me. I never practiced batting as much as I concentrated on practicing different bowling techniques. Meanwhile, I wasn’t technically very sound at batting but I used to score runs and it all came very naturally,” the veteran cricketer said. Gautam also said that there are contributions of several people in his career including RP Baruah, Abdur Robb who was a mentor to him, Pranab Baruah, Dhiraj Das, Vasu Paranjpe and several others. Gautam played his last match in Ranji Trophy in 2004. He then started coaching budding players. He was the coach at the Assam Cricket Academy. He also trained the under-19 team of Meghalaya and Assam. He is a member of the Assam Cricket Association and looks forward to keep contributing to the state’s cricket scenario.

G PLUS NOV 26 - DEC 02, 2016

Lifestyle

VAASTU SHASTRA The Vaastu of plants

What draws thee to drawing!

ver since I can remember, I have always been drawing. I would sketch feverishly all through childhood and the habit stayed with me through my college and working days. It has been a natural part of me and for many years I never realised that there was science to art. Only when life became humdrum and routine, complicated with the vagaries of earning bread and travelling to work, did I feel the need of making my hobby a habit. I started taking refuge in my drawing and painting to relieve myself of stress and very soon my life became colourful and exciting. There was suddenly more to life than just going to work and coming home tired. Cultivating a hobby is a very important aspect of life. It lends regularity to one’s life and activates the intellect beyond one’s job. However, a word of caution here. A hobby like drawing or music is not to be taken up with the objective of passing one’s time. It does indeed fill up your time, but there is more to it. Every art has science behind it. So one must be prepared to go through the rigour and then practice it with religiosity. Drawing classes or online selftaught lessons are easy options to start with. Nowadays, with social media, one can easily connect to forums and communities to learn a skill and stay connected to others with similar interests. Method is the key to a great masterpiece. Next comes media. Do you sketch? Do you paint? Do you use water colours or oils? These are all decisions one arrives at after going through the initial steps. I find special delight in carrying around a sketchbook and capturing persons or scenes from life. This habit helps me find awe in everything around me. Mumbai is known

for its heavy rains and there is no one who doesn’t complain of the traffic snarls that it creates. On one such rainy evening, when I was driving back from work, I was stuck in very bad traffic. Instead of cursing the downpour, I watched in amazement the backlights of the cars ahead of me. The rain had created a hazy appearance and the lights were all smudgy. I quickly snatched out my sketchbook and drew a quick sketch right there in the driver’s seat and as I finished it, I suddenly heard the blaring horns of the cars behind me! The traffic had started to move and I was busy sketching. I kept my book away and joined the chaos, silently laughing to myself as I had captured with glee, what was the most hateful thing for half the city! I came home and finished the sketch!

Kasturi Borkotoki Kasturi is a palette knife artist and paints impressionist floral designs in oils. She hails from Guwahati and currently resides in Mumbai. Kasturi is a Human Resources Professional and writes about using Art for Change.

ike human beings and other animals, plants also have life and respond like any other living being. This was proved by Jagadish Chandra Bose, the famous scientist, in whose memory the particle ‘Boson’ is named. Plants produce their food themselves through photosynthesis which requires sunlight and air. They take in carbon dioxide and give out oxygen during the day whereas they exhale carbon dioxide and take in oxygen at night. But the ‘Tulasi’ plant has this interesting ability to exhale oxygen both in the day and at night. Oxygen coming out from Tulasi purifies the surrounding air. That is why Vaastu has recommended keeping Tulasi plant in the house. Inhalation of pure air full of oxygen is very good for the body as well as the mind. Now oxygen bars have become a fashion in the major cities because

big cities do not have enough oxygen due to pollution and scarcity of trees. We can overcome this deficiency by planting more trees wherever possible and by keeping open areas. It is highly advisable to keep potted plants and flower pots in enclosed areas like conference rooms, hotel lobbies, office rooms to purify the air. Besides aesthetic appeal, these plants will produce fresh oxygen for the occupants which will revitalize them. SOME RECOMMENDED AND FORBIDDEN PLANTS 1. Bamboo plants are recommended in Feng Shui as they symbolise happiness, health and wealth. 2. Thorny plants should be avoided as the pointed bristles radiate negative energy or poison arrows.

recipe of the week

Offering you my own recipe for this delicious pork pickle.

PROCESS 1.Marinate Pork with all the above ingredients except the oil and the Paanch phoron. 2.Keep overnight in the fridge. 3.Now take a wok and heat the mustard oil till smoking hot. Add the paanch phoron and wait till the aroma starts to waft. Add the marinated pork and fry till water evaporates and it is dark brown in colour. Cool it and then bottle the pickle. You can add a Naga chilli if you want it to be extra spicy.

Hemanta Kumar Sarmah Engineer, Businessman, Advanced Pranic Healer and Su Jok Acupressure specialist

Ingredients

Pork Pickle Since the Middle Ages, pickles were a common condiment and snack in England. Queen Elizabeth’s chefs noted her liking of them, and Shakespeare peppers his plays with references not only to pickles, but new uses of the word as metaphor: “Oh, Hamlet, how camest thou in such a pickle?” (Act 5, Scene 1.) ‘Tis a gentle man here a plague o’ these pickle-herring! How now, sot!” (Twelfth Night, Act 1, Scene 5.) Meat was pickled in the olden days in order to preserve it since refrigerators were not around.

3. Tamarind tree should not be near the vicinity of the house as evil spirits are supposed to reside in them. 4. Neem, coconut, turmeric plant and Asoka trees can reduce the negative effects of other plants. 5. DO NOT keep dry flowers at home for decorative purpose as dried flowers and leaves signify death. 6. DO NOT keep any plants in the bedroom. 7. DO NOT allow branches or twigs of trees to come inside the house. 8. DO NOT plant heavy trees at north, east or northeast. 9. DO NOT grow creepers like ivy on the walls of the house. They absorb energy.

• • • • • • • • • •

One kg Pork cut into tiny cubes. Tell the butcher to do it, it will save you time. One tablespoon of garlic paste. Two tablespoons of Jeera (Cumin) powder. One teaspoon of Chilli powder. One teaspoon of Haldi (Turmeric) powder. Five tablespoons of Vinegar. One teaspoon of Sugar. Salt to taste. Two cups mustard oil. One heaped tablespoon of Paanch Phoron (Indian Five Spice Blend)

Kashmiri Nath Foodie, owner at XOXO cupcakes, food blogger, recipe developer and expert on Assamese cuisine

G PLUS NOV 26 - DEC 02, 2016

Lifestyle

Introduction: n order to increase human performance and to excel in different sport disciplines, sports scientists, exercise physiologists, coaches, strength and conditioning experts have been trying to find solutions for the never ending cutting competitions between elite athletes. Winning gold in the Olympics is the dream of every athlete. But to increase physical stamina, endurance and to push an athlete’s abilities to the limits, proper technique and planning without the use of any pharmacological aid is the big challenge. This increased desire of the coaches led to various discoveries of new and updated training technologies and HYPOXIA TRAINING (Hypoxia means a condition in which the oxygen supply is reduced to the tissues of the body). Background and history: The study of HYPOXIA TRAINING OR ALTUTUDE TRAINING was heavily delved into during and after the 1968 Olympics, which took place in Mexico City. It was during these Olympic Games that endurance

events saw significant belowrecord finishes while anaerobic sprint events broke all types of records. It was speculated prior to these events how the altitude might affect performances of these elite, world-class athletes and most of the conclusions drawn were equivalent to those hypothesized: that endurance events would suffer and that short events would not see significant negative changes. This was attributed not only to less resistance during movement— due to less dense air but also to the anaerobic nature of the sprint events. Ultimately, these games inspired investigations into altitude training from which unique training principles were developed with the aim of avoiding underperformance. The science behind HYPOXIA TRAINING: The main idea behind this type of training is to see how the body’s physiology reacts and works under the influence of reduced oxygen. We know that the human body is a unique machine which can adapt to the changing environment and conditions, that’s why “adaptation is the first law of training” according to exercise physiology. A simple example will be development of calluses on the palm of our hands due to regular lifting of weights with our bare hands. When training is continued under the influence of reduced oxygen the body reacts by breathing harder because it considers itself under duress and stimulates the production of

erythropoietin (EPO), a hormone secreted by the kidneys. EPO stimulates red blood cell production from bone marrow in order to increase hemoglobin (hemoglobin is a oxygen carrying protein) saturation and oxygen delivery and compensates the lack of oxygen in the body because it might harm the brain tissues which is fatal. Benefits of Hypoxia Training: Increased hemoglobin levels in the body which increases the muscular endurance of the body and helps the type I muscle fibers (muscle fibers which have maxing endurance capacities), thereby increases performance of the athletes.  Increased stamina due to the strengthening of the respiratory muscles and cardiac muscles.  Reduced blood pressure.  Reduces appetite and aids in weight loss in obese individuals by the phenomenon known as “altitude anorexia” and is underlined by decreased food intake and hypoxiainduced appetite reduction  Increases the basal metabolic rate by increasing the EPOC (Excess Post Exercise Oxygen Consumption) and helps in fighting obesity.  Helps in slowing the ageing process by reducing the release of free radicals in the body. Important point to consider while using Elevation Training: People with certain diseases or conditions such as lung disease, claustrophobia, sinusitis, heart disease and allergy to certain items

Create more consume less

throws content at us at supersonic speeds. If we want to rise to legendary, we have to be aware of where we belong. Do we continue to be a consumer of readymade content or do we want to create something; something that adds value to our life? You need to review where you spend most of your time these days. Have you been spending a lot of time in just consuming content? Replace these with something creative and you’ll start creating. Humans tend to get attracted and addicted to consuming mostly negative content. This will also help you in making some money. In the era of internet, Web 2.0 and now Web 3.0 facilitates this with ease. Creators make money on the internet through various channels like advertisements, sponsorships, partnerships whereas consumers don’t make any money. They just spend their valuable resources in satisfying their urge to consume more. To stop consuming, we need to be disciplined. We need to sit back, clear our minds and then create. Madhur Jain

Madhur Jain is the founder, author and podcaster at The Life Bakery.

like vinyl and nylon should consult with the doctor before starting the training. Different types of equipments available: ELEVATION TRAINING MASK, which is the most popular and used by most of the athletes has six air resistance caps and has to be worn on the face and caps can be adjusted to needs of an athlete and simulates altitude training. ALTITUDE CHAMBERS is a glass chamber where the oxygen is reduced by a compressor to simulate high altitudes. ALTITUDE TENTS are just like normal looking tents made with special materials so that air cannot enter the tent works on the same principles of the chamber. Sleep disturbances Despite that fact that it can cause lower energy levels, low testosterone can also cause insomnia and other changes in your sleep patterns. Testosterone replacement therapy may contribute to, or cause sleep apnea. This is a serious problem that causes your breathing to stop and start repeatedly while asleep. It can greatly disrupt your sleep in the process.On the other hand, changes in the body that occur as a result of sleep apnea can lead to low testosterone levels. Even without the presence of sleep

apnea there is a strong correlation between low testosterone and a decrease in the hours of sleep. It is unclear why it happens. Emotional changes In addition to causing physical changes, having low levels of testosterone can affect you on an emotional level. The condition can lead to feelings of sadness or depression. It can also degrade your overall sense of well-being. Some people have trouble with memory and concentration and experience lowered motivation and selfconfidence. Results: After an 8 week trial, blood samples were collected from the subjects the next day and a blood test was done to analyse the changes in total testosterone and was found to be raised from 226ng/dl to 320ng/dl. Conclusion: This helped demonstrante that 8 weeks of supplementation with whey protein isolate in combination with hypertrophy specific resistance training does appear to increase serum testosterone in men which may help people suffering with androgen deficiency. BIBHU MONI SINGHA,

Gym Manager Training & Nutrition Head, SFL Fitness Gym & MMA

Cool Couture

THE LIFE BAKERY - by Madhur Jain he world consists of two types of people; those who create and those who consume. Amidst the chaos that has come after our Prime Minister’s decision to demonetize 1000 and 500 rupee notes, a lot of content has been floating around the internet, some true and some fake. This entire scenario made me realize how gullible the public actually is. We believe whatever is posted on the internet without even realizing that there are a ton of creators who just use pictures and headlines as click bait (just to get you to click on their links) and make money every time you visit their page. It also made me realize that most of us are just consuming more content at the speed of light. We are so engulfed in consuming these that we have stopped creating. There was a time, not so long ago, when we were poets, writers, filmmakers, photographers, musicians. Our hobbies were to create music, create a piece of art, create photographs; our hobbies now are to listen to music, watch movies, read, chat and surf the internet. This gradual shift in our DNA from creating to consuming is a clear product of the internet and the television which

Altitude Training & its Impact

e all want a perfect ten figure, but some of us are too lazy to work for it. It results in flabby arms, baby fat around the stomach, heavy thighs and what not. Strategic clothing can help hide that fat, but wrong choice of clothes can make us look heavier. Here are some fashion mistakes that you can avoid and make you look fab! 1. Very Tight Dresses A dress that is too tight will not let you breathe properly, also it will fall on all the wrong places on your body. It will accentuate all those problem areas, like love handles, in a wrong way which, of course, won’t look flattering. So do not go for one size smaller dresses because instead of making you look slimmer, they will make you look heavier and even broad. To solve this issue, choose your own size and walk around in that dress before buying it. 2. Skinny Jeans Skinny jeans are a tricky part of clothing. It may look good on most of the people, but not ev-

eryone. If you have a pear shaped body, pairing that skinny jeans with a short tee will only make your overall appearance look more heavy than it already is. So, choose your skinny jeans wisely and go for a size and cut that’s meant for your body type. 3. Puffy Coats and Bulky Sweaters Puffy coats are great for those chilly winter months, but they definitely make you look bulkier. Choose a coat that is cinched at the waist as it will give more definition to your waist, and same is the case with bulky sweaters. Choose the one that defines your waist in order to appear slimmer. 4. Wide or Full Skirts Wide or full skirts look great on many women, but not all body types can carry such skirts without making you look bulky. If you have a petite frame, choose skirts that are more tailored and structured; otherwise that skirt will make you look short and broad at the same time.

5. ¾ Pants There was a time when quarter pants were in rage even though they looked bad on almost everyone, unless you had legs like Deepika Padukone! Pants that end midway between your ankles and knees could be the worst nightmare as they will make your thigh area look really heavy. 6.Too Many Layers Layering clothes is not as effortless as it looks. If you are going to wear those boyfriend jeans with that loose and baggy jacket, it is bound to make you look bulky, even when you are not. Learn the key to pair fitted clothes with slightly loose ones to balance your entire look out. Sonika Ajmera Fashion Blogger

G PLUS NOV 26 - DEC 02, 2016

Reviews Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Alia Bhatt, Aditya Roy Kapur, Ali Zafar, Kunal Kapoor, Angad Bedi Director: Gauri Shinde

hen we meet Kaira aka Koko (Alia Bhatt) first in Dear Zindagi, she is working. On a set. Looking at the world through a lens, constructing pretty images. We know, from her smile, and from the appreciative comments of her co-workers, that she is good at what she does. To have a female lead presented as possessing a profession from the get-go still feel like a significant step for a Bollywood movie. And to have Kaira declare to a current love that she has had a fling with another feels nothing short of a revolution. Right there, within a few minutes of the opening of Dear Zindagi, director Gauri Shinde has us intrigued. We want to know more about Kaira, about what makes her tick, what she wants to do, because she wants to do something, be someone. And then, just as suddenly, the film gets becalmed. It stops moving. It be-

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comes, instead, a sea of words, where Kaira and her besties — Ira Dubey and Yashwasini Dayama (last seen in ‘Phobia’), and her potential romantic interests (Kunal Kapoor, Ali Zafar, Angad Bedi) — chat up a storm, in living-rooms, bars, parties, cars. And nothing happens as we get to know that the confident Kaira is actually just a sorry mess, and underneath all that bluster lives a scared little girl, dealing with childhood trauma and abandonment issues. What could have been a solid drama with emotional heft — the qualities that made Shinde’s debut ‘English Vinglish’ such an engaging watch –built upon the exploration of the fact that our adulthood is shaped by our childhood in ways we don’t really understand, turns into a kitchen sink talkathon, where all the characters are given lines which are meant to be deep, but come

off mostly banal and obvious. The vehicle through which, or should we say whom, Kaira learns lifelessons, is a dishy shrink played by Shah Rukh Khan. Dr Jehangir has her sit across him in a cosy room, takes her off for long walks on the beach, and teaches her that playing with waves is not just a game. It is Life Itself. Finally, despite Alia Bhatt’s clear and present spark (she keeps disappearing into the construct of the Fragile, Vulnerable Little Girl, coming up for air only once in a while) and Shah Rukh’s raffish charm (he keeps reaching out for the right `sur’, a mix of gravitas and lightness, and catches it only occasionally, letting us notice the white in his beard: hey, look, there’s a superstar playing his age!), ‘Dear Zindagi’ comes off as a film which could have done with less preciousness, and more plot.

than it is warp speed, and it’s a film that asks questions. How do we approach that which terrifies us? Why is it important to communicate through language and not action? The final act of “Arrival” gets to the big ideas of life that I won’t spoil here, but viewers should know that Villeneuve’s film is not the crowdpleaser of “The Martian,” Ridley Scott’s big TIFF premiere last year. It’s a movie designed to simultaneously challenge viewers, move them and get them talking. For the most part, it succeeds. Amy Adams gives a confident, affecting performance as Louise, a linguistics expert brought in on the day that 12 unidentified flying objects enter Earth’s orbit. Despite what they’re telling the public—which is not much of anything at first—the governments of the world have made

first contact with the creatures inside, beings that look vaguely like some higher power merged an octopus with a giant hand. Working with the military and a scientist named Ian (Jeremy Renner), Louise seeks to find the answer to a very simple question: What do you want? The Heptapods, as they’re eventually called, speak in sounds that echo whale noises at times, but Louise quickly learns that written language is the way to communicate, even deciphering the complex way the interstellar tourists write. As she gets closer and closer to being able to convey that crucial question in a way that it (and its answer) will be understood, the world’s uneasiness continues. Will man’s protective instinct kick in before its science and language leaders can figure out a way to stop it?

ALBUM: Gunslinger

he very title of Garth Brooks’ 2014 comeback Man Against Machine telegraphed how the singer saw himself in the 2010s: he was an outsider, taking on the establishment. Man Against Machine debuted at number one and sold well but it didn’t conquer the charts -- none of its singles went further than 19 on Billboard’s Country Airplay charts -- and, in light of this, Brooks did something uncharacteristic: he decided to retreat. On Gunslinger -its title consciously evoking the western themes of No Fences and Ropin’ the Wind -- Brooks is so unconcerned with hits that he decided

that “Baby, Let’s Lay Down and Dance,” a slice of country-disco that sounds like a kissing cousin to Orleans’ “Still the One,” was a good idea for a lead single. And, in a way, he’s right. Gunslinger has its heart in the past, existing on a plane between Brooks’ arena-country ‘90s hits and his ‘70s AM influences. The difference is, Brooks is comfortable in his middle age. It’s not just that his maturation gives him an easy touch in performance -although that does help -- it’s that he’s no longer obsessed with being the biggest, best star in country music. Modesty is a marked shift for a singer who always seemed

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partially driven by the desire of shattering records, and he wears it well, digging into the honky tonk numbers, happy to sound goofy on the neon-pumping anthems, and easing into the ballads. All of these sounds are familiar, but his light touch means. Garth Brooks swung back into action two years ago with his first album in 13 years, Man Against Machine, like someone with something to prove. But on his 10th LP the country superstar sounds more like he’s fulfilling obligations, striking a series of familiar and expected Garth-like poses.

mnesia takes huge inspiration from H.P. Lovecraft’s eldritch horror stylings, you know the kind of thing: unspeakable beasts that would drive you to insanity should you so much as catch a glimpse of them, Man’s descent into some kind of allegory for Hell, that old chestnut. Few horror games manage to actually achieve Lovecraftian horror however, as the temptation to rationalize the root cause of the evil proves too grand. Amnesia, as a series, understands the power of the unknown and the unfathomable far better than many of the games that

PVR Cinemas

Arrival 11:00 AM 07:05 PM 09:35 PM Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them 12:55 PM Dear Zindagi 01:30 PM 03:40 PM 06:35 PM 09:30 PM

HUB, GS Road 9864800100, 9864800200 Dear Zindagi 12:15 PM 03:00 PM 05:45 PM 08:45 PM

GOLD Cinema ASTC Complex, Paltan Bazar 9854066166

Platform: Playstation 4 u Yo ULD O SH play

gold mine 7d 10.00 AM Dear Zindagi 11:00 AM 05:15 PM 08:15 PM haunted house 7d 01.00 PM 04.00 PM Force 2 02.00 PM Forest Adventure & Aero Bike (7D) 03.00 PM 07.00 PM

Galleria Cinemas

Dear Zindagi 11:00 AM 02:00 PM 05:00 PM 08:00 PM 08:30 PM Force 2 11:30 AM 05:30PM Saansein 02:30 PM

Game:Amnesia Collection

By: Garth Brooks

Noonmati 03612656968, 9954544738

Dona Planet. GS Road 08800900009

Cast: Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Ruth Chiang, Forest Whitaker, Michael Stuhlbarg Director: Denis Villeneuve uch has been written about the recent surge of personal stories being told through the horror genre in films like “It Follows,” “The Witch” and “The Babadook,” but there’s an equally interesting trend in the science fiction genre as well. Over the last few years, we’ve seen the genre used not only to examine the power of space travel or a post-apocalyptic future but as a way to address common humanity more than futuristic adventure stories. Joining films like “Gravity,” “Interstellar” and “The Martian” is Denis Villeneuve’s ambitious and moving “Arrival,” a movie that’s about the day the universe changed forever but becomes more focused on a single story even as it’s expanding its worldwide narrative. It is more about grief, time, communication and compassion

Anuradha Cineplex

u Yo ULD O SH PLAY

have come since developer Frictional Games unleashed their madness of the unseen and unknown onto PC five years ago. The Dark Descent, Justine, and the aforementioned apparatus for bacon. One game and its expansion that helped define modern horror games, and its quirky offspring, in one package for the first time on consoles? A must for die-hard horror fans who have yet to experience any of it, but for anyone else, it depends entirely on how you feel about the genre and what knowledge you have of this series.In this case, the unknown is a welcome thing.

GOLD Cinema Salasar Building, Lakhtokia 9854077177

Dear Zindagi 11:00 AM 02:00 PM 05:00 PM 08:00 PM 08:30 PM Force 2 11:30 AM 05:30PM Saansein 02:30 PM

GOLD Cinema

LG Towers, Narangi 8811001898 Force 2 11:00 AM 05:00 PM 08:00 PM Saansein 02:00 PM

G PLUS NOV 26 - DEC 02, 2016

Entertainment

Your daddy, brother, lover and your little boy – up, close and personal with Eric Martin

Sidharth Bedi Varma & Koushik Hazarika

“And here in Guwahati, if I see one more goddamn pothole in the street, I’m gonna lose it.”

he man got up and said, “Sunny, do your thing!” And Sunny ran out and shooed the crowd away that stood outside the door. Of course there had to be a crowd because, well Eric Martin was in town! The man is a living legend, an icon and after a conversation we concluded that he is insanely funny; to a point where you would stop thinking that he is the very same person who is revered by vocalists, musicians and is basically one of the gods. The energy level of this 56 year old makes you wonder if passion is what continues to drive him. An active musician throughout 1980s, 1990s and 2000s, he is most popular for his role as the lead vocalist in Mr. Big. Although the rock band did part ways for a certain amount of time because of ‘internal issues,’ the vocalist continued to perform solo and the transition saw him move from ‘walking on gold and private jets’ to finding a balance with smaller acoustic shows. “I like balancing, it’s more fun. It sounds clichéd, but it’s more up close and personal,” said Eric. The easily distracted EM

did get up several times during the interview and shushed down anyone who made a noise. An artist needs his silence is what we make of it and plus, it helped us have a better conversation! Mr. Big is doing a round-theworld tour next year sometime in May and plans to make an India visit. “But I don’t like the fact that we take so much time between records and are travelling together all the time which is why Mr. Big parted ways on a sour note,” said EM. Up the ladder, down the ladder, up the ladder and down the ladder, Mr.

Big’s horse was beaten to death, according to Eric. In travelling solo, what he likes the most is calling all the shots. He talks to the audience, interacts, takes his time, cracks jokes and has a good time. But when Mr. Big performs live with a set-list that has 26 songs, it’s only obvious that they’re hard pressed for time. “Eric, tell em’ you’re happy to be here, introduce the song, talk about it, go go go!!” These are the instructions that come his way when he’s performing with Mr. Big. “Now, I’m my own boss, I get to do what

Memories of a Forgotten War – the humanistic view on war

I want.” Talking about what’s changed in the industry and what’s bad, EM hates piracy (is what we could gather). “Someone once gave me a bootlegged movie one time and I felt so bad for having it. I watched the movie with terrible quality and on the inside I felt that I deserved it,” said EM. The lives of hundreds of people are involved in the creation of a piece of art and when someone gets it for a meagre $5, it’s bound to make him angry. “We have families to feed, kids to send to school, what about them? It’s the thievery I don’t appreciate.” And yes here’s another revelation – EM cannot stand ‘one hit wonders’ and we agree, there are way too many! Eric told us, “If I hear one more band that sounds like Maroon 5...” we’ve censored the remainder of the sentence because it has some brick and bathroom references. “Maybe its evolution but I ain’t ever getting there.” Picking some of his top Mr. Big songs, ‘To be with you’ was the first. “But it’s a hard f***ing song and people remember it perfectly. I’m glad people sing along because it hides my glassedgy cracked voice,” chuckles EM. The other songs are Fragile,

gPLUS fEATURE

emories of a Forgotten War is a documentary film based on the battles of the 1940s in the northeast which seems to be a forgotten memory for most. This feature-length documentary film seeks to tell the tales of valour of the young soldiers and of the local people who participated or witnessed these battles, thus seeking to bring the stories of Manipur and Nagaland’s role in World War II. “We decided to make the film for two important reasons; one, it’s an important part of the history of

north-eastern India that needed to be looked at from a humanistic point of view before it faded away and was too late. And two, that as someone hailing from the region, we feel strongly about bringing out positive narratives from the region that is often in the news for the wrong reasons,” says producer Subimal Bhattacharjee. “The documentary aims to tell the stories of bravery and valour of a generation of people in a factually and emotionally-connective way. It’s a film that deals with the subject not from the military perspective, but as

one that impacted the lives of many individuals in many ways,” says Utpal Borpujari, the director. Subimal Bhattacharjee was felicitated in the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2016 in Goa on 23rd November for the documentary. Both Bhattacharjee and Borpujari have Assamese roots and are now based out of Delhi. The documentary was selected in the list of 21 non-feature films for the Indian Panorama section for 47th International Film Festival of India 2016 being held in Goa from coming 20th-27th November.

Shine, Mary Goes Round and Colorado Bulldog. Right now, “I’m so comfortable in my shoes and that is what matters. And Billy Sheehan is the funniest guy ever, funnier than me!” Here’s hoping Billy picks this up, takes a Guwahati show and we can interview him!

G PLUS NOV 26 - DEC 02, 2016

Citypedia Horoscope of the week

Cancer

Demonstrate confidence in your great ideas and let them exude positive impacts on others. This week is good time for making new contacts as your future will greatly depend on these. Those looking for new opportunities can expect a good chance concerning their career. Your familial demands will keep you occupied throughout the week. Job opportunities, salary increment, promotions are in store this week. Celebrations with your family and friends will bring great enjoyment. Just beware from splurging or you’ll feel pinch for many weeks.

Libra

Don’t waste your time over inconsequential matters somewhat look up towards major ones. Little things might distract you like an unexpected expenditure, or forgetfulness in some important matter so be careful with your things and arrangements. Self-employed people could get appreciation for their recent efforts, obtaining significant monetary booty. You are suggested not to give opinions on the subjects that you do not fully recognize. An enjoyable weekend will be spent by you with your loved ones.

Capricorn

New contacts or ideas may impress, urging a review. Prepare for a test of confidence at home, bringing uncertainty or confusion. This week, your stars focus on simple work transactions. There’ll be furtive incidents in the air. Try to find out happening behind the scenes. A partner or close associate will be under pressure from extended duty. You might focus on ways to earn money in or from your home. But you may feel like retreating from the social bustle. Your proficient demands will clash with your requirements.

GUWAHATI

Beware of an unfriendly person who is very inventive. He or she might interfere in a work matter concerning you straightforwardly. Students will achieve laurels in sports, games and competitions. Do not lose temper over trivial matters. Be patient with everyone around. Do not jump to conclusions and make guesses. The responsibility of an important assignment might come your way. Health will remain good for most part this week. Those who had been suffering from fever or headaches will get relief.

In matters of health there is an exciting chance to begin a new exercise and fitness routine. Socially and romantically, this could be a terrific week. You may travel over this week. Guests from afar may visit you, and you may have a really sweet time entertaining them. Possibly, this week, you may change your investments or make new contractual arrangements. Career wise, you seem to be making progress. You should be patient with your subordinates and listen to what your boss has to say to you this week.

You don’t have to be obstinate, rather keep the avenues of communication open to get through your strategy. Stars indicate that there are rewarding times ahead for you. Just exercise patience to get all that you deserve. Students will do exceptionally well in their examinations. Small problems will sop up lots of your time and resources. Instead of wasting your resources find some creative solution to come out of jinxed solutionDo not speculation in the stock market as chances of losses are foreseen. This week your health might suffer due to stress or other mental disturbances.

Leo

Scorpio

Don’t feel disheartened by the testing and troubles concerning your professional area. Manage your new task with great deal of accuracy to maintain the trust at your workplace. You might also exaggerate your concerns. Students may get disappointed with their grades. Work hard and do not allow lady luck to go far away from you. Do not remain ignorant of the importance events happening around you. You all might splurge both travel and outings to spend the weekend blissfully. This is a lucky time to earn extra money.

Aquarius

You might have an unrewarding professional experience. But a slight push and backing of your colleagues and superiors will help you overcome such situation. This would be very busy and demanding week consuming lot of your energy and resources. Take up only that much work that you would be capable of doing. Repairs or renovation of your house for making it more comfortable is on the anvil…you can start making preparations for it. Friends will remain very helpful and supportive. Health wise this week will be a mixed bag of results.

Virgo

Sagittarius

RADIO TAXI SERVICES Prime Cabs 0361- 2222233 Green Cabs 0361-7151515 My Taxi 0361-2228888 Cherry Cabs 8876222288

DEAD BODY CARRYING VAN GLP Social Circle 2737373, 9435047046 Marowari Yuva Manch 2542074, 2547251 GGUMTA 98640-16740 OTHERS Fire Emergency 101 State Zoo 2201363 GMC Carcass Pickup 9435190720, 9864047222 LPG Emergency/Leakage 2385209, 2541118, LPG Booking (ivr System) 7670024365 Child line Guwahati 1098

ELECTRICITY SUPPLY Call Centre – 9678005171

BLOOD BANK

Arya Hospital, Ulubari 2606888, 2606665 Ganga Blood Bank 2454742, 2455029 Lion’s Club of Ghy Central 2546611 Marwari Yuva Manch 2546470, 2547251 Saharia’s Path Lab (24 hours) 2458594

AMBULANCE

Ambulance 102 Arya Hospital, Ulubari 2606888, 2606665 Downtown Hospital 9864101111, 9435012669 GLP Social Circle 2737373 GGUMTA (Mirza) 03623-227109 Marowari Yuva Manch 2542074, 2547251 Free Ambulance to GNRC Hospitals Toll Free: 1800-345-0011

Win Wrist watch

Pisces

Your relationship may be slightly upset with family members and friends. You may buy new property or vehicle during this week. Habitually, you will spend extravagantly over household things. It is good week for students and those preparing for any sort of exams. Your relatives will ditch you causing loss of wealth. Overall, this week is going to produce some troubles at work place. Troubles in personal life are also foreseen. There would be lack of concentration and mental peace.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS 24-HOUR PHARMACIES Arya Hospital, Ulubari (2606888, 2606665) D Modern Medicos, Maligaon (9864366763) Candid 24x7, Panbazar (2604422)

y We Ever

last week solution

People in job will have a certain sense of dissatisfaction and look for new opportunities elsewhere. Just remain patient as things will improve soon. Curb your desire to spend recklessly or your budget may go haywire. A friend of yours may come forward to seek your help. Friends will be supportive and helpful this week. Your health might require your attention during the first half of the week. Better take care of your diet as well as routine. Talking idealistically, blend your good deeds with personal pleasure that you wish and want.

Sudoku

Gemini

Taurus

Aries

police station

WhatsApp to 8486002320 or Inbox to G Plus on Facebook with Issue date Entries with correct answers get selected One lucky winner wins a Wrist Watch from IO Plus and G Plus Winner’s name to be announced at the end of every month.

Comissioner of Police: 0361-2540278 DCP, Traffic: 0361-2731847 DCP, (Central): 94350-49599 DCP, (East): - 94350-83103 DCP, (West): - 94350-27744 Police Control Room: Ph-2540138, 2540113 Azara PS: Ph2840287 Basista PS: Ph-2302158 Bharalumukh PS: Ph- 2540137, 2731199 Borjhar PS: Ph-2840351 Chandmari PS: Ph- 2660204 Chandrapur PS: Ph-2788237, 2785237 Dispur PS: Ph-2261510 Fancybazar PS: Ph- 2540285

Arya Hospital, Ulubari (2606888, 2606665) B Baruah Cancer Institute (2472364/66) Brahmaputra Hospital Ltd (2451634/678) Chatribari Christian Hospital 0361-2600051, 92070-44374 Downtown Hospital 2331003, 9864079366, 9435012669 Guwahati Medical College (2529457, 2529561) Guwahati Medical College Emergency (2263444) International Hospital 0361-7135005 Mahendra Mohan Choudhury Hospital (2541477, 2543998)

Fatasil Ambari PS: Ph-2471412 Geetanagar PS: Ph-2417323 Hatigaon: Ph-2562383 Jalukbari PS: Ph-2570587 Jalukbari Out Post: Ph-2570522 Jorabat: Ph-2896853 Khanapara: Ph- 2281501 Khetri PS: Ph-2787699, 2787220 Latasil PS: Ph-2540136 Noonmati PS: Ph- 2550281 North Guwahati PS: Ph-2690255 Paltanbazar PS: Ph-2540126 Panbazar PS: Ph-2540106 Pragjyotishpur Ps: Ph-2785237 Women PS Panbazar: Ph-2524627

Marwari Hospital & Research Centre 0361-2602738/39 Marwari Maternity Hospital 0361-2541202/01 Nemcare Hospital 0361-2528587, 2455906, 2457344 Pratiksha Hospital 0361-2337260, 2337183/84 Basistha Military Hospital (2304617/0351) Railway Central Hospital Casuality (2671025) Redcross Hospital (2665114) Sri Sankardeva Netralaya 0361-2233444, 2228879, 2228921

GMC helpline number for garbage collection

8811007000

Hospital

TB Hospital (2540193) Wintrobe Hospital 0361-2519860, 98647-77986 IHR-Institute of Human Reproduction 0361-2482619, 098641-03333 Dispur Hospital Reception 97070 20370 82539 99124 361-2235759 (Landline No. / Fax) Hayat Hospital 8011003110 GNRC Hospital 1800-345-0022 (Toll Free) GNRC Ambulance 1800-345-0011 (Toll Free)

Vigilance and anti corruption toll free number

1800-345-3767

G PLUS NOV 26 - DEC 02, 2016

Events

Days

Events

Nov 12th to Nov 18th

Papon Live | Sat | Nov 26th Venue: Silpagram 7 PM onwards

Ankit Tiwari & Darshal Raval Live in Concert | Sun | 27th Nov

Future Sounds Topaz 26th Nov | Sat

Eric Martin of Mr. Big fame took Guwahati back to the 90â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s with acoustic covers of their greatest hits like Wild World, To Be With You, Just Take my Heart, Superfantastic on his maiden visit to Guwahati.

ApalamChapalam Venue: XS The place to be Sat | Nov 26th

G PLUS NOV 26 - DEC 02, 2016

Catching Up Most shared story of the week

Sreshtha Biswas

New

Chic on the block

About Me

1.1 K 195

A frenzy took over GPlus fans when Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif posed in traditional Assamese Paat Muga attire (according to reports) during the shoot of a Bihu dance in the movie ‘Jagga Jasoos.’ Fashion from Assam seems to be taking over Bollywood too. facebook.com/guwahatiplus

Guwahati

twitter.com/guwahatiplus

GYAN

Did you know?

The Assam Research Society/ Kamarupa Anusandhan Samiti

About Me: Hello to all the readers of G Plus! I am Sreshtha Biswas & I hail from the largest city of Assam, Guwahati. Although being a model is hard work and requires for me to follow a routine diet, I can never compromise on food. Food has always been my best friend. So yes! I’m a total foodie. But what I can do is wake up, work out and look hot! Also I am a social bee. Instagram, Snapchat & Facebook are the places where I spend most of my time.

Mojo You will never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret of your success is found in your daily routine. Dream big, sparkle more, shine bright!

Route in the Woods

stablished in 1912 by scholars and researchers the society concentrates on shedding light on the history, civilization and culture of ancient Assam. The idea of the society was mooted by historian Padmanath Bhattacharya Vidya Vinod with the idea of establishing an antiquarian society comprising the geographical territory of erstwhile Pragjyotisha-Kamarupa. The concept attracted a group of enthusiasts trying to preserve materials related to art, history, literature and culture of the province. The idea crystallized at the Kamakhya conference of the Uttar Bangiya Sahitya Parishad in April, 1912. The society started its work with missionary zeal and began to collect inscriptions, puthis, ethnographical objects, relics, and manuscripts from the Pragjyotisha-Kamarupa region. The preservation of these collections necessitated the construction of a building as Assam did not have any museum until 1940. With contribution of several enthusiasts the present building was formally inaugurated on 19th November, 1917. Kamarupa Anusandhan Samiti retains its exclusive identity and continues its activities from the same old Assam-type building which is situated on the western bank of Dighalipukhuri.

Right now, being a Management student, I’m pursuing my MBA in Marketing but a goal without a plan is just a wish. So, here I am waiting for the next stage of my life. Coordinated by Kamal Dey

PIC OF THE

WEEK

WHAT DID I JUST HEAR?

n a series of tweets, RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav compares the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the character known to make a huge mess of the simplest of projects and blame everyone else for it. Yadav said, “PM Modi is roleplaying Uncle Podger and that is why he is bent on troubling the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), finance ministry, government, public, BJP and farmers.”

Ka m u r of the week

t was rather irritating for the public as after waiting for so many days 500 rupee notes were reported as defective as there are already different variants of the new RBI notes. Experts fear that it could not only create confusion in the minds of the citizens but also aid counterfeiting, countering which was one of the top objectives Centre’s demonetization move.

Times, they’re a changin’| Photo: Surajit Sharma

Printed & Published by Sunit Jain on behalf of Insight Brandcom Pvt. Ltd. and Printed at Arkashish Publications (P) Ltd., Katahbari, Garchuk, Guwahati and Published at H/No. 34, K. C. Choudhury Road, Chatribari, Guwahati - 781008, Editor: Swapnil Bharali. Phone: 0361 2737737, Email: info@g-plus.in, RNI No: ASSENG/2013/52641