Hindrance by public add to water supply delay
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VOLUME 04 | ISSUE 13 JAN 21 - JAN 27 2017
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Fancy Bazar reduced to being a locality PG in shambles
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“I want Guwahati to become one of the most important cities,” varnali deka, ceo, gmda
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No specific threat but police combat ready ahead of R-Day PG 04
G PLUS APR 23 - APR 29, 2016
New Chic on the Block Monmi Bora PG 23
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G PLUS JAN 21 - JAN 27, 2017
Lead Story
Fancy Bazar reduced to locality of shambles
Rahul Chanda
Visiting the business hub of the city is a scary proposition for shoppers and commuters as it takes hours to enter and exit the area
an overcrowded railway gate at fancy bazaar | G plus photo
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resident of Ganeshguri, talking to G Plus, said that much as he wants to visit Fancy Bazar for shopping because of the wide variety of wholesale and retail products he gets to choose from, he holds serious apprehensions to enter Fancy Bazar in his own vehicle simply because it might well take him around two hours or even more just to enter and exit from the area. Hence, he buys whatever he wants from the Ganeshguri market. G Plus has continually raised various city issues, but the myriad issues of Fancy Bazar give us a hard time to pick and dwell on even one of them. Authorities meanwhile have failed in resolving any given issue permanently. G Plus explores the reasons because of which the Fancy Bazar area is fast deteriorating as a locality of choice and talks to people to find out possible solutions to the issues. Traffic Anyone entering the area from any route is guaranteed to face massive traffic jams simply because the streets of the Fancy Bazar area are never free. Councillor of Ward No. 9, Rajkumar Tiwari, talking to G Plus said that Fancy Bazar will remain for-
ever chaotic as it is the business hub of the city. He said that there are approximately 100 markets in the area and each market approximately has 100 shops. Every shop owner has at least one vehicle; some have more than one. All such vehicles are parked in front of the markets blocking half the road as the buildings in the area are mostly very old and do not have parking spaces within their premises. He said roads like SRCB Road is always jam-packed with fruit laden trucks which ply from morning to evening. TR Phukan Road or Gela Patti always has around 200 to 300 trucks parked on the road as the wholesale market for rice, lentils and other groceries are located there. Similarly, MS Road has the vegetable wholesale market of the GMC which again draws huge traffic. Tiwari also said that previously the traffic department used to ask the shop owners to park their vehicles elsewhere like the old jail area, but this doesn’t happen anymore. A senior official of the traffic department, talking to G Plus, said that it is not possible to remove the vehicles from the roads as there is no parking place. He said that previously the old jail parking was open and the cars were forced to be parked there, but this is no more possible
as only one side of the parking at old jail is open and it is mostly occupied by vehicles of people visiting the area. So traffic is one issue and to solve that a parking lot is required. Should the old jail be made into a botanical garden? G Plus talked to 100 people in the Fancy Bazar area and 85 people said that the old jail should be converted into a parking lot which will ease most of the traffic woes. Others did not have a strong view but said that the area also requires a green space. Even the councillor of the area said that the old jail should have been converted into a parking lot. The previous government had a different plan with a shopping complex and parking lot being on the agenda, but the new government announced that the old jail will be converted into a world class botanical garden. A source in the GMDA added that the design of the botanical garden is being studied in Singapore. Well the government must have had some agenda and hopefully they have talked to the local people as even the councillor who is from BJP feels that the parking lot would have been the best idea on the old jail plot. G Plus conducted Ward Talks on 4th December where the Fancy Bazar people interacted with the authorities in presence of the local MLA Siddharttha Bhattacharya. As the government had already decided to convert the old jail into a botanical garden, the public requested the authorities to open the jail to at least facilitate parking till the work of the garden starts. Even the MLA promised that he will request the GMDA authorities to open the parking till work starts but this has not happened so far. A source in the
GMDA said that while one side is open for public and parking, the other sides cannot be opened now as eviction work is on. Also experts are reviewing the jail to design the garden. While the research and review can obviously be done even if the space is open for parking the authorities and their experts might well need to study the situation in secrecy. The GMDA source also said that while it is not confirmed, there might be provision of parking also in the garden which will be decided once the design is finalised. But the people in Fancy Bazar are facing problems because there is only one parking lot in a small area of the jail which is not sufficient, and only time will tell whether the decision of the botanical garden has been wise or not. Street Vendors According to a source in the GMC, most of the vendors located in the city operate in Fancy Bazar. A GMC source talking to G Plus said many initiatives where taken earlier to evict the vendors from many of the roads in Fancy Bazar. For example, the SS Road vendors are evicted quite often but they resettle after a few days and now have even approached the court. Actually, according to the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014 there should be a town vending committee for each town or city which should make vending zones. In Guwahati there is not even a single permanent vending zone. The SS Road vendors, after eviction, were asked to settle down near the old jail – something that the GMC is mulling even now. But that will
• The Fancy Bazar area is in shambles and the bottom line is that it requires immediate attention of the government. • Around 100 market buildings in Fancy Bazar have 100 shops each and every shop owner has a vehicle which is parked in front of the market • Around 200 to 300 trucks are always parked at TR Phukan Road (Gela Patti) as all major wholesale grocery items are sold there • Only a small part of the old jail area is allowed for parking which is not sufficient for the massive footfall at Fancy Bazar • The government’s decision of converting the old jail into a botanical garden has been criticised by local people as a parking lot is the need of the hour • Locals demand opening the old jail area for parking at least until work on the garden starts • Fancy Bazar area people waste 18 hours at railway level crossings everyday • The number of street vendors are increasing thereby adding to the already prevailing chaos • Fancy Bazar requires immediate government attention
THe overcrowded fancy bazaar market | G plus photo
further worsen the situation as according to a traffic police official, as there are no parking lots people park their vehicle near the old jail leading towards Kedar Road. Once it becomes a vending zone, people will not have that parking area and the vendors will not mitigate the traffic problems in any way. The police official said that even now vehicles cannot enter SS
G PLUS JAN 21 - JAN 27, 2017
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Lead Story
A mismanaged area for unloading trucks | G plus photo
Road because of the vendors, so the same challenge will be there once they are shifted to the area opposite Sharma Sweets at MS Road. Also the authorities are not being able to control the rise in the numbers of street vendors in the area. There are many roads in the Fancy Bazar area like Danish Road, MS Road, SS Road, HB Road, MM Road etc. which all have vendors. Similarly, new vendors are occupying new spots and places in the entire Fancy Bazar and Pan Bazar area. A prominent resident of Fancy Bazar, talking to G Plus in anonymity, said that there is a huge nexus between police, some GMC officials and the so-called various street vendors’ association. He said that in every street there is a self-styled vendors’ association and the president or secretary of the street association has around twothree stalls run by his own people. On top of that any vendor who starts doing business there has to pay a huge amount initial-
ly before he starts operations. This way the nexus keeps growing and when the GMC evicts them sometimes, these associations approach the court hiring good lawyers who keep getting stay orders for the vendors. Railway crossing gates G Plus on 5th November in its Volume 4, Issue 2 reported that Guwahatians waste 18 hours per day at the railway level crossings in the city. The report mentioned that the TVUs (Train Vehicular Unit) of all the city railway level crossings suggest that the crossings have since long required road over bridges to avoid traffic congestion but the state government has not bothered to take any action yet as ten years after the construction of tracks, such over bridges require 50% investment from the state government. There are 8 level crossings
between Kamakhya and Guwahati railway station and 13 between Kamakya and Narengi. In Fancy Bazar area there are four level crossing gates and the public living in the areas of Fancy Bazar, Pan Bazar, Aathgaon etc., talking to G Plus, said that they face a lot of problems commuting from one place to another because of the level crossings as the gates mostly remain closed. And when they do open there is a huge traffic jam. A gate closes approximately for 13 minutes every time a train passes and on an average 82 trains cross a level crossing every day. So the commuters get only 6 hours per day to commute and 18 hours are wasted at the crossings. After the report, Minister of Railways, Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu announced a Rs. 5000 crore joint venture with the state government to construct four elevated railway tracks between Kamakhya and New Guwahati to eliminate 12 level crossing gates in Guwahati city. But when will the work start remains a dream which the government hopes to fulfil. For now people are facing huge problems and the Fancy Bazar area is badly hit. Also a source in the District Disaster Management Authority, talking to G Plus, said that the Fancy Bazar area is unplanned and the old buildings are vulnerable to disasters like earthquake, fire etc. Only if the roads are free can a disaster be capably tackled. The source said the wholesale markets should be shifted to some other place like the Gorchuk vegetable market. Only then there will be less congestion in Fancy Bazar as the old buildings cannot be demolished. rahul.chanda@g-plus.in
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G PLUS JAN 21 - JAN 27, 2017
City
No specific threat but police combat ready ahead of R-Day
Rahul Chanda
With the police and the army jointly conducting several operations against various rebel groups across the state the city police is confident that they are prepared for any untoward incident leading up to Republic Day tion Tigers of Assam (MULTA). Seven rifles were recovered from the linkmen. The men were also involved in extortion and arms dealing activities, on behalf of the group. The apprehension and recovery of seven rifles shall further restrict the operating space available to the terrorist outfits and would strengthen the moral ascendency maintained by the security forces. It would facilitate efforts towards curbing extortion and illegal weapon dealing in the area. The operation shall provide a sense of security to the populace. Police sources said that any such group might even target Guwahati as making their presence felt here would be a big motive. Similarly, in yet another major success, a joint team of Army and Udalguri Police apprehended one dreaded NDFB (S) cadre from Daiphang Gaon area near Udalguri. Based on specific intelligence input, a joint team of Red Horns Division
A security check conducted ahead of republic day | G plus photo
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uring Republic Day last year, national security was beefed up as there was intelligence input that the main cities of the country could be targeted by ISIS. Around 18 suspected terrorists were detained across the country in counter-terror raids by intelligence agencies and various state police. Even this year security at the airports in the entire country has been beefed up and the city police are taking various measures along with central security forces to guard the Lokapriya Gopi Nath Bordoloi International Airport. The Republic Day parade will be held at Khanapara Veterinary Field. G Plus checks the security scenario of the city ahead of Republic Day. The preparedness DCP East Mohneesh Mishra, talking to G Plus, said that three things are vital in ensuring the security of the venue viz. area domination, patrolling and the intensity of patrolling. He said that prior to events like Independence Day and Republic Day security is beefed up in various ways. He said that the operational teams like the commando and other patrolling parties are visiting all the areas near the venue as also the entire city. According to him the senior police officials are meeting all the personnel at the various thanas and conducting meetings with the local people to sensitise them in soliciting information about any suspicious people in the area. All the security measures like inspect-
ing, frisking and so on are being carried out on a daily basis with no set timings in place so as to keep the surprise element intact. Various anti-sabotage teams are patrolling different areas every day. All the city entry points on the highways are being thoroughly checked; the train entry points are also being checked. There are some suspicious city areas which are under regular police scanner and are checked almost every day. Another senior police official, talking to G Plus, said that the river front of the city is also well guarded. All the river ghats are being thoroughly checked every day keeping an eye on suspicious people crossing the river. All suspected miscreants of the city are being scanned and if required, interrogated to search for any clue. All the hotels, lodges are being inspected and strict verification is being done on people visiting the city. There are commando teams moving as mobile patrolling and door-to-door checking is being done area-wise. All the city based nagorik committees have been informed to report any kind of suspicious activity to the police. Is there any specific threat? On this issue, Mohneesh Mishra said that there is no specific threat as such as they have not traced any jehadi link in the city so far. Threats from NE insurgent groups always remain and the police are well prepared to fight any kind of situation. He further said
Guwahati, with a population of about 20 lakhs, reportedly has lakhs of vehicles; about 4.5 lakh two-wheelers and over 2 lakh fourwheelers. Over 61,000 vehicles are added to the burgeoning vehicular population every year. that organisations like NDFB (S), ULFA (I) and other local rebel groups always target Guwahati to make their presence felt, so there is always a threat from such elements. According to reports the presence of Jammat-ul-Mujahedeen of Bangladesh (JMB) in the state has triggered a huge concern. Now, reports of invasion of ISIS ideology and spread of the same in the state are surely a dangerous phenomenon. But the city police sound confident in tackling any kind of situation. Meanwhile the Red Horns Division and Assam Police, based on specific inputs from Military Intelligence, launched an operation in the late hours of 16th January, in the area of Nayekgaon in Kokrajhar District. During the search operation, the team apprehended three persons who were moving suspiciously. The three men were identified as Zehrul Islam, 36 years, Joved Ali, 36 years and Ajit Ali, 30 years - all residents of Bongaigaon District. The three have confessed to being linkmen and gun runners for Muslim United Libera-
and Udalguri Police launched an operation during the late evening on 17th January, 2017. An ambush was laid on the likely route of suspected terrorists. On being challenged the lone terrorist tried to flee by melting into the thick foliage. He was nabbed and found to be in possession of one AK series assault rifle with one magazine and ten live rounds. During investigation it emerged that the apprehended cadre was Pushpo Basumatary alias B Fighter, an active and most wanted terrorist from Kokrajhar. Further investigation is in progress. So, the police and the army are in full combat mode and on strict vigil across the state and particularly Guwahati as it is the most favoured target for the rebels. The venue According to Mishra the list of the guests during the Republic Day parade has not yet been announced. The same will be done one or two days before the day.
He added that it is obvious that many VIPs and VVIPs will be attending the function. Another senior police official, talking in anonymity, said the entire field will be under CCTV surveillance. Biometric surveillance will be in place to check all the workers or anyone visiting the field. There will be around seven watch towers around the field to keep an eye on all the activity. Anti-sabotage check team of police and central forces will be inspecting the field to check for any programmable time explosive device which can be fixed by extremists even as long as six months ago. The Meghalaya police will be asked to check the nearby areas which fall under that state. The main day’s security plan has been kept secret and according to the source around three companies of armed forces will be deployed. There will be police in civil dress and both police and army personnel will be deployed in and around the field. There will be different layers of security cover for the venue and the police is confident that no one will be able to enter the field unchecked. • Security beefed up in the city ahead of Republic Day • Police sensitising local people in soliciting information on any suspicious person and also spreading awareness • Police and army jointly conducting several operations across the state • Three MULTA linkmen arrested • One most wanted NDFB (S) rebel arrested • All the city entry and exit points are under surveillance and police is thoroughly inspecting all vehicles entering the city • Police confident of tackling any untoward incident
rahul.chanda@g-plus.in
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G PLUS JAN 21 - JAN 27, 2017
Concern
Hindrance by public add to water supply delay Public apathy and lack of co-operation among various other reasons delaying completion of the city’s water supply projects
file photo of Water pipelines in guwahati | G plus photo
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uwahati Jal Board has been under fire in various localities of the city as its tardy pipe-laying works have posed a serious threat to public life and property. Along with the multiple revisions in the deadline, the project has also left roads of several parts of the city in shambles leading to condemnation of the
involved departments by many. However, there are certain aspects that throw light to a different tale on the cause of the delay in the project. The Distress Several contractors involved in the project have expressed distress
regarding issues that have surfaced in carrying out their work. During excavation of the roads for laying pipelines several existing pipelines have been damaged that not only added to the sanctioned budget of the project for the particular area but also began to consume more than the estimated time. There were several water pipelines, electricity cables and other underground utilities that could not be mapped during the process of excavation that resulted in damaging several existing pipelines and other utilities. There were also several areas where the pipelines laid in the past had rusted thereby weakening them. “Such problems have surfaced in several areas of the city most of which fall under the West Guwahati Water Project that include areas such as Panbazar, Fancy Bazaar, Bharalumukh, etc. However, we have repaired the pipelines whenever the need arose. We continue to deploy our plumbers and get the damages fixed at our own cost. Since occurrence of such problems consume a lot of time, it has resulted in addition to the time frame of the project,” said an official of Guwahati Jal Board. While people raised concern about improper and lengthy restoration of the roads, the official mentioned that the installation process takes a duration of around a month to cover a distance of one kilometre and this includes the process of hydro testing of the installed pipes. During the process the installed pipes are tested with water pressure for twenty-four hours in order to check for any leakages. “Such process is carried out because after the installation process the roads are restored with bitumen/coal tar cold mix, and
our test is carried out with 50% more than the desired pressure as repeating the process could prove tormenting for both the public and the department,” the official said. “Moreover, it takes almost a month for the pipeline to settle down after the installation process during which the soiling of the land area is constituted. It is only after a certain period that the road is constructed with bitumen/coal tar mix. Also, in order to avoid pollution the cold mix asphalt is used during the restoration process,” the Jal Board personnel further added. Incidents of violence with some of the labourers working on the project have also surfaced in some areas. It has been informed that in many parts of the city, there have been occasions during which residents of a particular area got into argument with the contractors over damage of pipelines and delay in completion of the project. In many instances, such arguments led to brawls with the labourers. “There are several challenges a contractor has to face during the installing of pipelines. Damage of such pipelines results in expenses that spiral the costs beyond the allotted budget. Moreover, the lack of co-operation of the locals adds distress to the project. There have been instances when the locals have misbehaved and even tried to manhandle some of the labourers. It is due to such turbulent behaviour that makes working in some of the areas more difficult. On several occasions the labourers have refused to continue work,” a city based contractor mentioned to G Plus. Add on to the delay Another hurdle and prime reason that added to the delay is the revoking of the 10% grant from the central government. The centre had placed a condition to the state government that a municipal reform had to be formed regarding rate control within three years’ time. Since the state had failed to initiate the reform the centre did not release the grant that included an amount of around Rs 28 crores putting more burdens on the state government’s shoulder. The same resulted in fund constraints that is now gradually provided by the state in smaller sums. Development so far As reported earlier, the JNNURM assisted West Guwahati water supply project initiated by Gammon India is likely to be commissioned by April. As 97% of the work has been completed, now only 400 to 500 metres of
kalyan deb
• Lack of cooperation from citizens adds on to the delay in completion of water supply project • Incidents of manhandling labourers working on the project have also surfaced in some areas • Damage of old pipelines, underground electric cables and other utilities result in extension of completion date • Revoking of the 10% grant from the central government is another prime reason for delay in the completion • 97% of the work has been completed in the West Guwahati water supply project and it is likely to be commissioned by April • Parts of South Central Guwahati Water Supply Project is also expected to be commissioned by April through a gridline from West Guwahati pipeline remains to be included. The project will be handed over to Guwahati Jal Board who will control the entire operation thereafter. Areas such as Bharalumukh , Fatasil Ambari, Ganeshpara, Gorchuk, Rani, Pamohi, Mirzapur, Borjhar, Lankeshwar, Garigaon, Pandu, Sadilapur, Santipur, Kamakhya, etc. will be benefitted from the project that has the capacity of serving 107 million litres per day. Moreover, some areas of the JICA assisted South Central Guwahati Water Supply Project is also likely to be commissioned by April as well. While around 65% of pipe laying work has been completed, this also includes the completion of the 1.30 crore litres capacity reservoir in Ramsa Hills along with six other reservoirs. However, some of the areas within the project will be commissioned through a gridline from West Guwahati. Through the grid line areas such as Chandmari, Silpukhuri, Milanpur, Fancy Bazar, Panbazar, parts of Zoo Narengi Road, etc. will be benefitted with 20 million litres per day. The North Guwahati project is close to completion of 70% of pipe laying and is expected to be completed by the end of 2018. Meanwhile the completion date of the East Guwahati project is expected to be 2020. kalyan.deb@g-plus.in
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G PLUS JAN 21 - JAN 27, 2017
In The News
Gunotsav from 20th March for quality improvement in govt schools Juthika Baruah
To improve the quality of education in schools, especially government schools, the government has taken up the initiative of Gunotsav to assess the schools in specified areas
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he deteriorating condition of government schools has reached such a low that the state government has launched an evaluation guideline named Gunotsav 2017 to improve the quality of education and infrastructure of the government schools. The Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009 provides the constitutional right of education to every child aged between 6 and 14 years thereby guaranteeing the right to elementary education. Section 29 of the RTE Act, 2009 mandates that every child in India aged between 6 and 14 years has the constitutional right to receive quality, inclusive and child-friendly education. Over the years, various initiatives have been taken for improved learning outcomes which include development of textbooks on the lines of National Curriculum Framework (NCF), 2005, implementation of activity based learning, providing training to teachers, engagement of qualified teachers etc. The government has also appointed TET teachers in the schools but the outcome has not been satisfactory. There is an urgent need to focus on assessing the learning outcomes which would help in identifying
DC Kamrup (m) m. angamuthu addressing the media for the launch of gunotsav| G plus photo
the learning gaps objectively and for providing necessary remedial measures. Quality education is a major concern of the state government. In order to achieve the same the state government has planned to implement Gunotsav Celebrating Quality from the academic year 2017. Speaking to G Plus, Senior Lecturer of District Institution of Education and Training (DIET), Darrang District, Bhupen Kumar Das said, “Gunotsav will help to improve the education quality and assessment will be made in four areas for evaluation of a school which will include academic achievements of a child which will have 60% marks, co-scholastic activities - 20%, availability and utilization of school infrastructure and other facilities - 10% and community participation - 10%. We have trained officials from the education department who will visit the schools for evaluation.” It is because of the deteriorating condition of the government schools that parents now opt for private institutions rather than government schools whereas earlier the scholars, litterateurs and academicians were all produced from government institutions. Gunotsav will initially start in
eight districts viz. Barpeta, Chirang, Dibrugarh, Hailakandi, Kamrup (M), Lakhimpur, Morigaon and West Karbi Anglong from 20th March. There will be both self evaluation and external evaluation. Self evaluation by all schools will be done on 20th March and external evaluation of respective schools as per schedule will be done on 21st, 22nd and 23rd March, 2017. “In the overall years such initiatives have not been taken for schools and therefore the performance of both the students and the teachers have not been evaluated. The evaluation will help the schools to achieve good grades and if a school gets Grade D then that school will be given special attention and will be examined in what areas the school is lagging behind. Accordingly care will be taken to upgrade it to Grade A or B,” said Bhupen Das. He also said that through Gunotsav, government schools will be able to compete with the private schools once the quality improves. “This is an initiative to provide quality education and also to make a student capable of becoming a good human. The students should not be confined only to textbooks but they should be provided with basic training on
Abhra-Souvik duo win prize money sports quiz Gplus News
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bhra Das and Souvik Bhattacharyya of Guwahati clinched the 1st Pulin Das Memorial Open Prize Money Sports Quiz Competition, 2017 organised by Guwahati Lawn Tennis Association (GLTA).
The event was held at Kumar Bhaskar Natya Mandir, Guwahati on 9th January last. Mr. Mridul Ram Kalita and Mr. Tribunjyoti Sarma, also from Guwahati, bagged the second prize while Mr. Bibhuti Handique and Mr. Angshuman Das
won the third prize. The competition was conducted by renowned quiz masters Mr. Dipankar Koushik and Mr. Dilip Sarma.
how to adjust with and contribute to the society. Now-a-days people do not want to give admission in government schools but Gunotsav will ensure good results and the government institutions will be upgraded in such a way that the mentality of giving admissions in private institutions will be washed away from the parents,” Das said. There are 711 schools in Kamrup (M) which will be assessed. The RTE Act prescribes Comprehensive and Continuous Evaluation (CCE) of a child’s understanding of knowledge and his or her ability to apply the same. The NCF, 2005 had proposed examination reforms to reduce stress on children and make evaluation comprehensive and regular. The National Policy on Education, 1986 has also stated that CCE should incorporate both scholastic and non-scholastic aspects of evaluation spread over the total span of instructional time. The present evaluation system is being done on the lines of CCE which is a system of keeping continuous track of the growth and development of a child in respect of curricular and co-curricular areas. Major constraints regarding implementation of CCE are as follows• Lack of clarity amongst most of the teachers regarding the philosophy of CCE and implementation of the same in true spirit
nents of CCE, is viewed by majority of teachers as a burden • As the whole process of evaluation is internal, it is difficult to ensure whether proper assessment of learning outcomes of children is done and learning gap is identified. Necessary course correction based on the performance of the child is therefore not happening in most of the schools The objective of Gunotsav is to assess each child as mandated under CCE to identify learning gaps, to indicate learning gaps and to design effective strategies to meet up these gaps, to support the school and education system to improve the quality of education and ensure better functioning of schools. Though issues of access and retention have been addressed to a great extent several challenges continue to affect student outcomes in the state including poor attendance of teachers, lack of onsite academic support for teachers and headmasters and poor performance management. A brief overview of the educational scenario at the elementary level in the state of Assam is as follows:
• Teachers view that CCE cannot be implemented properly as it is complex to understand and implement - more so in schools having high enrolment • Remedial measures are ad-hoc if any but mostly not taken even after identification of learning gaps of children after evaluation • Record keeping, which is one of the major compo-
juthika.baruah@g-plus.in
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G PLUS JAN 21 - JAN 27, 2017
Buzz
Separated wife declares Paramananda a habitual harasser
Juthika Baruah
The centenary celebrations of Asom Sahitya Sabha will be held at Sivasagar from February 8 to 12 and the elections will be conducted between April and June; results to be declared on July 1
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parmananda rajbongshi (2nd from left) | G plus photo
he controversy over Paramananda Rajbongshi, the former General Secretary of Asom Sahitya Sabha, had left the organisation in a dilemma over its centenary celebrations but now it has been decided that the celebrations will be held in Sivasagar from 8th to 12th February. The 100-year old institution has lost its dignity because of the acrimonious behaviour of just one of its functionaries and now that he has resigned a new committee would be formed without any interference of Rajbongshi. “It is
only because of one person that the image of the organisation has been tarnished. It is in the nature of Paramananda to harass people and if such people are re-elected then there is no use of conducting the election. If he has resigned from the post then he should completely keep away from the organisation,” said Queen Das, separated wife of Paramananda Rajbongshi, while speaking exclusively to G Plus. She said that Rajbongshi is still interfering with the affairs of the organisation from outside through
his followers who continue to be within the organisation. She added that if he has resigned why is he interfering in the conduct of the Sabha’s election or in the centenary celebrations. Dr. Dhrubajyoti Bora has resigned from the post of the President and he has joined another service which means that he is completely away from the organisation. “I just want to give a simple example: just as one rotten tomato makes the whole bag of tomatoes rotten, same is the case with the Sahitya Sabha. If such a person remains in the organisation it would be farcical to conduct the election with the same members. All the members of the Sahitya Sabha should be removed and fresh people should be elected in order to restore its dignity. Initially it will be a little difficult but gradually it will become easier for the organisation. But if such a wily person like Paramananda exists in the institution then the same incidents will recur hereafter,” said Das. She further said that the objective of the literary body is to promote the culture and literature of the state but now it has become so commercial that the main objective has been forgotten by the people. Ever since Paramananda has been the Secretary of the organisation, the main objectives of the Sabha have never been pursued. The Asom Sahitya Sabha clarified that the incorporation of the vice-chancellors of three universities to guide the literary body was not in violation of its rules. It was only after Dr. Dhrubajyoti Bora’s resignation that the literary body had decided to go with the decision of including the vicechancellors of the universities. The three vice-chancellors had conducted a meeting on 18th January and decided that the Asom Sahitya Sabha will be free from Paramananda’s misdeeds. He will not be given any position or office till 2019. Rajbonshi has also given a written statement to the three VC’s namely Mridul Hazarika of Gauhati University, Hitesh Deka of Krishna Kanta Handique State Open University and Deepak Kumar Sharma of Kumar Bhaskar Varma Sanskrit and Ancient Studies University that that he will not contest for any post and if his name is nominated, he will withdraw the same from the fray. It has also been decided in the meeting that Prahlad Tasa will act as the President in-charge of the Sahitya Sabha centenary celebrations and until the new committee is formed the committee will act
under the advisers. Litterateurs were critical of the move, especially as the centenary session of the Sabha is approaching. Defending the move, secretary general (in charge) of the Sabha, Abani Mohan Chahariya, said under the revised rules, the Sabha’s executive body can bring in rules and regulations whenever certain clauses or sections of the Sabha’s rulebook become unclear. The vice-chancellors have been made part of the president’s panel after completion of all formalities, he said, adding that their names have been proposed for presiding over the centenary session. In the meantime, the literary body has announced dates for the election of president, vicepresident, secretary general and various committees. The electoral process will be conducted between April and June and the results will be declared on 1st July. On the other hand, former President of Asom Sahitya Sabha, Kanak Sen Deka said that Prahlad Tasa couldn’t be the President incharge and this is against the rules of the literary body. He said that according to rules, the President should be a litterateur and the general secretary should be a nonpolitical person. “The VCs are respected as vice-chancellors but they have selected the president by disregarding the rules of the literary body. I will not support the Sahitya Sabha as the Sabha has lost its dignity and I am hurt by the statement given by the VCs against the tribal Sahitya Sabha,” said Deka. • Centenary celebration of Asom Sahitya Sabha will
What the
Tweet!?
Kalyan Deb
Salman Khan acquitted of killing Blackbuck after 18 years Twitter goes berserk Arvind Kejriwal @TroluKejri #SalmanKhan Is Innocent In 1998 Arms Act Case. I Have 370 Page Evidence That #Blackbuck Died Due To #DeMonetisation. PM Modi Must Resign. Sir Ravindra Jadeja @SirJadeja #BREAKING:#JodhpurCourt Acquits Salman Khan In Arms Act Case. Of Course The Blackbuck Commited Suicide.The Gun Was It’s Own Too.#SalmanKhan Arvind Kejriwal @TroluKejri I Sud Better Remain Silent On #SalmanKhan Arms Act Case. It’s A Tough Choice To Choose B/w Dalit #Blackbuck And Minority Superstar. #Jodhpur Sir Ravindra Jadeja @SirJadeja So #Blackbuck Threatened #SalmanKhan At Gunpoint, Took Away His Car, Drove Over People On Footpath, And Then Committed Suicide Due To Guilt. crime master gogo @vipul2777 I feel #SalmanKhan should try playing tennis ... He is too good inside courts Ramesh Srivats @rameshsrivats Lifespan of black buck: 10 to 15 years. Lifespan of court case when one kills a black buck: 19 years. Bhak Sala @bhak_sala What is common between RBI, Central Government and Jodhpur Court? - All of them are clueless about the Black Buck P.R. @pr_akash_raj Similarity between bhai and a neutron? A. Free of all charges
juthika.baruah@g-plus.in
8
G PLUS JAN 21 - JAN 27, 2017
City
Rahul Chanda
City witnessed 625 fires in 2016, state witnessed 3321 48 people were killed in Guwahati last year because of fire and related disasters; 205 died across the state for the same reasons
Assam
the city which are, by themselves, very high risk zones. He said that there are some places in Guwahati where the breadth of the by-lanes is just 4 to 5 feet, making it next to impossible for the heavy fire fighting vehicles to enter and combat an incident. Fire incidents always seem to be a threat in Guwahati. Enquiring on the probable reasons for the same, Rout described that
ers rather than other fancy gifts as many households in the city do not have fire extinguishers. G Plus had surveyed the Fancy Bazar area and talked to 100 shops; only 16 shops of these had fire extinguishers. An area like Fancy Bazar is a high risk zone for any disaster and a simple safety measure like fire extinguisher is not kept in shops. According to Rout the construc-
As far as the state goes, 728 major fire incidents were reported in 2014, 675 in 2015 and 590 in 2016. 181 people died in 2014 because of fire and related disasters, 156 in 2015 and 205 people died in 2016 across the state because of the same reason. 784 people were saved across the state from dying during fire incidents in 2016, 186 in 2015 and 9 in 2014. So the number of fire incidents has decreased but more people have died last year than the previous ones.
many buildings are getting older with every passing day and some hazardous modern equipments like the LPG cylinders and airconditioners are serious threats. Negligence is also a major factor as people somehow live perilously. In a majority of households there are around three to four cylinders. This, by itself, presents a risk. Using electricity more than the capacity of the connection is also a reason. The fire department is not an executive authority. It’s just a suggestive and informative authority and keeps informing
tion is not planned. For example, there are thatched houses constructed behind many concrete houses or high-rise buildings which force the fire fighters to hoist water pipes from above the buildings thereby wasting precious time. So there are many issues and the city is always under a fire threat.
in Guwahati. Talking about small fire incidents, 555 were reported in 2014, 419 in 2015 and 426 in 2016. 15 people were saved from fire deaths in 2016, 4 in 2015 and 8 in 2014. So the fire graph of the city looks more or less the same in the last two years.
A
file photo of a fire truck on active duty | G plus photo
t times, the fire department garners appreciation and at times a lot of criticism whenever the city witnesses fire incidents. Recently, there was a fire at Kahilipara where 20 thatched houses and 3 shops were burnt to ashes because of an inferno. The locals, talking to G Plus, said that the fire tenders reached a bit late; before they arrived two cylinders had already exploded deteriorating the situation further. Similarly, during Diwali the Fancy Bazar area keeps witnessing fire incidents. While a massive fire incident occurred in 2015, even the Diwali of 2016 witnessed two shops being gutted. G Plus reviews the fire statistics and tries to find how many people were killed in the city and the state in the last three years in fire related disasters. The recent fire On 17th January at evening around 7.30 pm fire tenders were seen rushing towards Kahilipara. It was later known that an inferno had broken out in the Janakpur Journalist Colony at Kahlilipara. According to eye witnesses, there were around 20 thatched houses and 3 to 4 shops constructed on a private property and in one of the rented houses a man who is a habitual drinker was an early sleeper as well. On that fateful day the fire started from his house and when he was asked about the reason of the fire, he was uncertain. As soon as fire broke out in his house the fire department was called by some neighbours. However, the fire tenders apparently arrived a bit late by which time 2 cylinders had exploded with the fire rapidly spreading towards the other thatched houses adjacent to the drunkard’s house. The swift spread
of the fire burnt down the 20 thatched houses built there along with three shops. 12 to 13 houses were completely reduced to ashes. According to Special DGP and Director of Fire and Emergency services AP Rout, the fire fighters controlled the fire soon and it was not allowed to spread further. Regarding the delay Rout said it was because of traffic on the streets; 5 fire tenders were pressed into service for the incident. On 18th January a truck carrying straws for the horses of Basistha Army Camp caught fire and the reason of the fire is still not known. In the Kahilipara fire one person was injured. G Plus looked into the number of fire cases reported in Guwahati and Assam in last three years. Guwahati
In 2014, 117 major fire incidents were reported in Guwahati whereas in 2015 it came down to 84 and in 2016, 86 major fire incidents were reported. 45 people died in 2014, 39 in 2015 and in 2016, 48 people were killed because of fire and related disasters
The problems Talking to G Plus, Rout said that there are issues like narrow road width, traffic jams and unplanned constructions which stand as major hurdles for fire fighters. There are some places in
the public about the risk. The department also issues no objection certificates (NOC) to newly built households before the occupancy certificate is issued by the urban bodies. Rout also said that people should start gifting fire extinguish-
G PLUS JAN 21 - JAN 27, 2017
9
In The News
Confrontational Cottonians oppose merger of college with university
Juthika Baruah
Students of Cotton College opposed the move of merging the century old college with the new university saying that it will hamper the education system of the college
T
activists of cotton college union society protesting near the administrative building, cotton college | G plus photo
he conflict between Cotton College State University (CCSU) and Cotton College Union Society (CCUS) is hampering the academic atmosphere of the institution and the students are in a dilemma whether the century old college will turn into a University – something that the students have never supported. On Thursday last, the students of Cotton College protested the merger of Cotton College with the University and burnt the dummy copy of the report of the eight-member committee on the resolution of the controversial issues. The students alleged that the eight-member committee had secretly recommended the merger of the College with the University without consulting the faculty members, staff members and the students. The move of the government to convert Cotton College into a full-fledged university has been opposed by the students saying that it will destroy the heritage
and position of the college being the best in the state. Speaking to G Plus, General Secretary of Cotton College Union Society (CCUS), Jintu Thakuria said that the students will never accept the move as the College has a long historical background which will become null and void once it turns into a university. “The college should remain as a constituent body of the Cotton College State University but it cannot be converted into a fullfledged university. It will hamper the students and as everybody has a craving to study in Cotton this move would bring a sudden death of the British era college,” said Thakuria. He said that the dignity of the college will be lost and the higher secondary students will be affected the most. “This year NAAC has assessed it as the best college and has also recommended introduction of the Commerce stream and PG courses and if it becomes a university these courses will be
Water vending machines to be established in state
C
hief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Wednesday during a meeting with Public Health Engineering Department (PHE) has announced to establish at least 50 water vending machines across Assam. The Government has also announced to begin various
water projects under the NirNirmal Scheme at the earliest as a solution to fight the rising water problems in the state. Sonowal has also informed that during the current financial year, the Assam government has invested above Rs 5 lakh in building sanitary toilets in various parts of the state, to
rendered useless. The number of students will also be less with the formation of the university as students will opt mainly for Gauhati University rather than Cotton University,” said Thakuria. The students’ union wrote to the state education minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and said former Cottonians, current pupils and ‘conscious citizens’ of the state were against the idea of upgrading the college to a university. They also urged Sarma, a former students’ leader of the college, to intervene in the matter. He added that any upgrade of the college to a university would hurt the aspirations of thousands of students of Assam who aim for a seat in Cotton College. “We are not against the University but merging it with the cotton college would harm the century old heritage and brand value of this pioneer educational institution of the state. Cotton College can produce jewels to the society by being an autonomous college,” said Thakuria.
promote the idea of Swachh Bharat. Considering the efforts and cooperation of the people of Assam to build a clean and healthy state, Sonowal has announced to present awards to the cleanest village of each district of Assam on the occasion of Republic Day 2017. Present during the meeting were Minister of State, Rihan Daimary, and senior officials of Public Health Engineering Dept.
Gplus News
Cotton College State University (CCSU) was created via an Act of the Government of Assam (Act XIX of 2011), with Cotton College as a constituent college of this new university. This Act received the assent of the Honourable Governor of Assam on 3rd September 2011, and was notified via the Assam Gazette on 5th September 2011. The vision of this new university is to be a world-class one, excelling in both teaching and research, developing knowledge and skills with an emphasis on this part of the country, providing broad-based education to students to take on the challenges of tomorrow via modern curricula, learning and assessment methods, upholding the highest ethical standards, and providing a clean, efficient and transparent administration. University authorities “As far as the present act is concerned, it states that Cotton College is upgraded to a university but the Cotton College was kept as a constituent college. So, if a college is upgraded to a university, the entire land and building goes to the university. The college can very well function. So, we thought that the land and property is there and all the buildings are very old constructions. So we require a master plan and accordingly we sought for expression of interest (EOI) to be followed with a DPR,” said the Registrar of CCSU. He added that so far the university has not received any order from the government regarding allotment of any land to the university on the outskirts of Guwahati. He said, “We require more land and a university has multiple campuses. Even if we get more land somewhere else that area will be used for the expansion of the university but it’s not that the university will go there, it will be an additional campus. The university will comprise of the Pan Bazaar campus, the Rupnagar Campus and any
• Students of Cotton College burnt the dummy copy of the eight-member committee report • CCSU was created via an Act of the Government of Assam (Act XIX of 2011), with Cotton College as a constituent college of this new university • Students of CCUS demanded that the university have a different campus • The vision of this new university is to be a worldclass one, excelling in both teaching and research, developing knowledge and skills with an emphasis on this part of the country other land to be given in future. It’s not that the university and college get separated and university goes somewhere else.” He said that if the university will be shifted somewhere else than the basic principle in the act that Cotton College should be upgraded to a university will be nullified. Recently they had a meeting of the executive committee and the committee took note of this problem and informed the government that Cotton College should not remain a constituent college and should be upgraded to a university and it can be done if the university and college is merged and made one university. So, the CCUS wants a different campus for the university, and the university feels both the college and university should be merged. Both the parties are in talks with the government and it is only the government which can resolve the issue by amending the CCSU Act 2011 and resolve the ongoing conflict between college students and university authorities. juthika.baruah@g-plus.in
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G PLUS JAN 21 - JAN 27, 2017
Snippets
UM Motorcycles opens dealership in Guwahati Bhogali Bihu meji celebration Gplus News Gplus News at Vivanta by Taj in the presence of Mr. Kishor Jain,
the um motorcycles team at the showroom launch | G plus photo
UM Motorcycles on Thursday made its entry in North East India as it inaugurated its first dealership in Guwahati. The dealership,
located at T.N. Tower, Near LCB College, Maligaon was inaugurated by Mr. Rajeev Mishra, CEO UM Lohia Two Wheelers Pvt. Ltd
Sorav Jain & Ranjay Kumar Jain and other dignitaries and guests. This showroom will spread over a total of 750 sq. ft which shall include an area for interacting with customers, and an area to provide after sales service and support. Customers can also buy all UM branded accessories from this dealership as well. The company further shared that the recently announced 24×7 Roadside Assistance Programme (RSA) will also be available for all customers in Guwahati with immediate effect. The Renegade Commando will be available at INR 1.74 lakhs (exshowroom, Guwahati), while the Renegade Sports S is available at INR1.68lakhs (ex-showroom, Guwahati).
ADVERTISEMENT No. AASC (A/ E) 31/2014/262 Applications are invited from eligible ludian, nationals for filling up the following positions under the Assam Administrative Staff College Society in the Assam Administrative Staff College, Khanapara. Position
Educational Qualification
A] A1(one) post of Research Assistant for Centre for Financial Management, AASCS
The post will be filled up on contract basis by a person with a post-graduate degree in Economics or Commerce from a recognized University.
B] 1(one) post of Research Assistant for Centre for eGovernance, AASCS
The post will be filled up on contract basis by a person with a post-graduate degree in any discipline from a recognized University.
Preference will be given to candidates with proficiency in computer skills.
Preference will be given to candidates with a degree in IT/Computer Application. C] 1(one) post of Research Assistant for Centre for Innovations and Future Studies, AASCS
The post will be filled up on contract basis by a person with a post-graduate degree in any discipline from a recognized University. Preference will be Oven to candidates with proficiency in computer skills.
Experience
Salary
5 years working experience in Computer i.e. Word Processing, Power Point presentation. Spread sheet, Database Management. 5 years working experience in Computer i.e. Word Processing, Power Point Presentation, Spread sheet, Database Management. 5 years working experience in Computer i.e. Word processing, Power Point Presentation, Spread sheet, Database Management.
Rs. 30 000/-per month (fixed)
I
sbi officials lighting the meji | G plus photo
t was a first time for the Taj Group of hotels when the local traditional festival, Bhogali Bihu, was celebrated within the hotel premises. There is a first time for everything, so it was for the Vivanta by Taj, Guwahati. On the occasion of Bhogali Bihu – the Assamese harvest festival, the traditional bonfire called “Meji”, which is made of straw, bamboo and wood is lit as prayers are offered to the God of fire, thanking for a good harvest and safe keep-
ing. On Sanskriti day, 14th of January, a Meji was lit at the entrance of the hotel joined in enthusiastically by the guests and staff alike. To do the honours of lighting the Meji the hotel had Ms Arundhuti Bhattacharya, Chairperson State Bank of India and Mr Rajnish Kumar, MD State Bank of India. Mr PSLVN Murty, CGM, NE SBI along with the SBI team were also present. Bihu delicacies such as pitha, laru, doi, cheera, gur etc. were served to guests.
Uber X arrives in Guwahati
Gplus News
Rs. 30.000/- per month (fixed)
Rs. 30,000/-. per month (fixed)
Applications in plain paper indicating name, date of birth, present and permanent address, email ID and contact number(s), office address, present post held, name of the organization, educational qualifications ith photo copies of certificates, experience and nature of work done with certificates may be addressed to "Director, Assam Administrative Staff College Society, Jawaharnagar, Khanapara, and Guwahati781022". In case of government employees, applications may be submitted through proper channel. Candidates will have to appear for a written test, followed by interview (if selected for the interview). where original copies of all testimonials will have to be produced. No TA and DA shall be paid for appearing in the written test and interview. Candidates will be informed individually regarding the date and time of written test. The term of post engagement will be initially for a period of one year renewable every year, subject to satisfactory performance and receipt of financial assistance in the form of grants —in-aid from Government of Assam. Further the engagement will be on the basis of terms and conditions prescribed by the Board of Management and Executive Committee of Assam Administrative Staff College Society. The last date for submission of applications for each of the posts mentioned above is February 4, 2017. Janasanyog/2058/16 Director Assam Administrative Staff College Society Khanapara, Guwahati – 22
U
papon poses with an uber x | G plus photo
ber launched its new product, the UberX in Guwahati on Thursday. The product was launched by Assam’s singing sensation Angaraag ‘Papon’ Mahanta who also hails from Guwahati. UberX is the most inexpensive on-demand private car service available - Hail one to get picked up in “your every day car, by your every day driver”. Arpit Mundra, General Manager, Uber Guwahati said, “We are thrilled by the growth and positive response we’ve seen in Guwahati. With the launch of UberX, we will be giving our riders another premium option to get around town comfortably in a sedan with top notch service, and at an affordable price. With this launch, we
are also looking forward to creating more economic opportunities in Guwahati in the form of micro entrepreneurs.” Uber launched its services to Guwahati in August 2015, with uberGO and with the launch of UberX, the company plans to expand its offering to include sedans and give riders an added option to an affordable ride at the tap of a button. Puru Gupta, Commissioner of Transport, Assam said, “I am pleased to note that Uber is launching UberX for the people of Guwahati. I’m hopeful that this will widen the spectrum of convenient choices available to the citizens on a digital platform.”
G PLUS JAN 21 - JAN 27, 2017
11
Ward Watch
30 sports retailers reaffirm B Baruah Road as the city’s sporting nerve-centre Kalyan Deb
Concentrated Area: B. Baruah Road
WARD NO
14
Ward Number: 14 (b) sub disivion: 26(b) Councillor: Ashima Bordoloi Phone no: 9435010647 Area sabha member: Niren Medhi Phone no: 9957174605
T
he centrally located RG Baruah Sports Complex is the traditional sports hub of not just Guwahati but also the entire state. The complex comprising Nehru Stadium, Deshbhakta Tarun Ram Phookan Indoor Stadium and Kanaklata Indoor Hall has always provided a platform to the athletes of the state. It was Radha Govinda Baruah, a visionary and sports enthusiast who was also the president of the Assam Cricket Association for over a decade, who had changed the face of B. Baruah Road and with the contribution and leadership of this “architect of modern Assam,” the Nehru Stadium was built. It was Baruah who was the prime mover for the state’s first stadium that not only made the area the sports hub of Assam but had given the sporting framework a different high level.
a sports shop at b. barooah road | G plus photo
The inception of sporting business in this nerve centre of sports dates back to late 1970s when Abdul Latif started a store in his residence in the area. Former footballer Abdul Latif started his innings as a Guwahatian in the late seventies and in 1977 settled down in the city after quitting his banking job. The veteran footballer took up the assignment of a football coach at the Nehru Stadium and in 1978 joined the State Sports Council of Assam as a member. Alongside coaching the new breed of sportsmen the veteran footballer also took up the business of selling sports products to the aspiring sportspersons and the youngsters thereby becoming one of the prime retailers of sporting products in the city. “It was way back in the early 1980s when the shop was shifted
Weather report for the week SAT Guwahati JAN 21
to an Assam type complex from our residence and since then we have been dealing in sports goods. We had undergone another massive transformation in 2010-11 when the building was reconstructed into a concrete structure,” said Asif Latif, son of Abdul Latif and current owner of Great Eastern Sports. The transformation of the commercial face of sports took place parallel to the transformation of the RG Baruah Sports complex. Even the RG Baruah Sports Complex had a more modest look in the seventies. While the swimming pool and gymnastics hall were constructed later, the tennis and basketball courts had to make way for new infrastructure ahead of the 2007 National Games in the city. However, prior to its transformation into a commercial hub there were two other sports prod-
uct retailers in the area that was established in a parallel timeframe along with Great Eastern Sports. Sports India and GB Sports came into existence in 1981 which was back in the days when cricket and football were most popular sporting disciplines among the youngsters. As per demand, the shops mostly dealt in products made for cricket and football. Shekhar Banerjee of Sports India said, “There has been a massive transformation in the scenario since 1981. There were lesser number of sportspersons, lesser sporting disciplines and products were stocked only according to their demand. However, on this date there are numerous brands, products and a much larger number of players. There are disciplines such as martial arts, badminton and tennis that are on the rise among the youngsters but football certainly tops the list.” Latif also echoed a similar opinion saying that there has been a massive rise in enthusiasm for football among the youth in recent times. “After the introduction of ISL (Indian Super League) the popularity of the sport has significantly increased among the youth. Put in numbers, there is a growth of 60% in the number of football enthusiasts. Meanwhile there has also been a nominal increase in youngsters taking up gymnastics,” Latif added. While football is on the rise, the sale of cricketing goods has wit-
nessed a monumental dip in the past few years. The same happened with the shifting of the cricket stadium to Barsapara. There area has witnessed a mammoth alteration in the past ten years in the number of outlets that deal in sports goods. Products such as nets, skateboards, golf clubs, pads for different parts of the body, gym equipments and even trophies can be conveniently found in the area. Among the lot, the shops that deal in jerseys and tracksuits are the most sough-after in the area. The entire stretch of Dr. B Baruah Road is lined with such shops that can sell you the jersey of your favourite team customised according to your tastes and wants. The jersey shops hold a significance of their own in the nerve centre of sports. One can surely recollect the mad rush to get hold of the NEUFC jersey during the first season of ISL. However, the history of the outlets dealing in jerseys dates back eight to ten years when the area witnessed the transformation from merely a few shops dealing in sporting goods to a hub that has around thirty such shops on this date. The area has also thrown up several sporting personalities of the state such as Zaheer Iqbal Alam, Zameer Alam, Gautam Dutta, Abdur Robb, Abhijit Das among several others. kalyan.deb@g-plus.in
SUN JAN 22
MON JAN 23
TUE JAN 24
WED JAN 25
THU JAN 26
Turning cloudy
Plenty of sunshine
Plenty of sunshine
Plenty of sunshine
Very warm
Very warm
27° / 8° C
27° / 8° C
27° / 8° C
FRIDAY
20 January Hazy sunshine
26° / 9°C
29°kalyan.deb@g-plus.in / 8° C 26 / 09 °C juthika.baruah@g-plus.in 31° / 16° C
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G PLUS JAN 21 - JAN 27, 2017
In Conversation
“I want Guwahati to become
one of the most important cities,” kalyan deb
varnali deka, ceo, gmda
A 2008 batch IAS officer, Varnali Deka was among the 11 candidates from the state to have claimed a spot in the list of 791 candidates. She was recently appointed as CEO of Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) and talks exclusively to G Plus. The IAS officer expresses her vision and plans to develop Guwahati Please provide a brief about your career prior to joining GMDA.
• She made the headlines of several newspapers after she secured 82nd rank amongst 474 selected for Indian Police Service • A computer engineer from RV College Bangalore Varnali did her Masters in Management from IIT Mumbai • She was also a part of two companies, ANZ Grindlays Bank and Tata Consultancy Services, prior to joining the administrative services
“
Could you please provide a brief about your family background? My father Kamalesh Deka was an Inspector General in Border Security Force (BSF) and retired as the Director of Directorate of Coordination Police Wireless (DCPW). My mother, Dipali Deka, was the Head of the Department, Botany in Pandu College and my husband Vivek Raj Singh is in the Indian Police Service and is posted as Superintendent of Police, Dima Hasao. I am blessed with a five year old daughter Debika.
What are the problems that have surfaced since you joined GMDA?
“
This is my fourth job after I passed out from IIT Mumbai. I worked with two MNCs one of which was ANZ Grindlays Bank. The other was Tata Consultancy Services in their global consulting practice. But even though I was quite satisfied with my work I somehow felt that I was not touching people’s lives directly. I wanted to do something at the cutting edge of the administration working with people. This is when I thought of taking up civil services. In 2006, I cleared the exam with the rank of 82 and joined the Indian Police Service. By the time I had completed my training I realised that my mindset was more inclined towards administration; I like the job diversity of being in the Indian Administrative Service. So I appeared for the exam and made it through with 16th rank in 2008. Based on our rank we have a preference system for placement. So I opted for Assam. My decision was precipitated by the fact that the state has very few IAS officers. Although I had been out of Assam for almost seventeen to eighteen years and Assam is not a very preferred or considered a relatively tougher destination, which it is, I decided to come back because I hail from Assam.
• Varnali Deka was among the 11 candidates from the state who found a place in the list of 791 candidates declared as selected in the Civil Services (Main) Examination, 2008. Varnali had secured the 16th position in the UPSC list
We are working on several parking complexes in areas such as Panbazar and Ganeshguri and we are hopeful of inaugurating the Panbazar multi-level parking by April.
Actually, this posting has an emotional value as I am a Guwahati girl and have had my early education in Guwahati. And so, the problems I had faced as a Guwahatian I would give it my best shot to mitigate at least some of them. At present we have a very dynamic setup with a minister who is also very dynamic and we have taken up a lot of projects. We are planning two bridges across the Brahmaputra River: one from Palashbari to Sualkuchi and the other from Panbazar to North Guwahati. Another thing I have noticed is that the parks are very ill-maintained. Recently our minister visited all the parks and a project has been taken up on the beautification of the parks. And of course flooding has forever been a problem for Guwahatians, so that is another area we are trying to restructure to lessen urban flood-
ing to some extent. There are also several other schemes that we are taking up and surely I am trying to give my best shot so that something very positive happens.
The timeframe of the ongoing projects of GMDA are not followed very well. How would you address these delays in completion of projects? Cost overall is not just an issue with GMDA; it prevails everywhere. I am targeting the drinking water project and will personally visit the sites. Being an engineer myself it is easier for me to go and review the details, identify the bottle-necks and see how these can be resolved. We are going to go right into the basics and see what the issues are. It could just be that sometimes one agency is
not into the problem but there are also other facilitators such as PWD, BSNL, ASEB and several others. So we have to try to find out the root cause of the issue and try to resolve such issues so that the timeframe is taken care of. Moreover, the government is very committed and once a deadline is provided we all try to achieve it.
What are the upcoming projects that GMDA has in the pipeline? There are several projects that GMDA is working on. One of these is the number of foot-over bridges that are at discouraging heights and people are reluctant to use them. So installation of lifts at some of the key bridges of the city is in process. We are also working on smart street-lights with solar panels installed in them. We are
• Before being appointed as the CEO of Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority, Varnali was appointed as the Deputy Commissioner of Golaghat on 24th March, 2016 laying emphasis on the streetlight cover of the city. Improvement of the existing parks along with some new parks in the city is also being planned. We are also focussing on rainwater harvesting and roads with paver blocks at some points regarding which we had a session on Wednesday last. With the concretion of the city the rain water that previously got absorbed by the soil now runs through the city. So the paver blocks will allow the rainwater to seep through the fine inlets between two blocks. Parking has become a major issue for all of us. We have GMDA spaces in some areas which we will develop into parking bays. Parks will have facilities for joggers and children. We are also working on housing facilities for low income groups. Urban greenery, which is another government project that is coming up, will focus on developing a green cover of the city.
In the recently concluded session of Wards Talk hosted by G Plus, several locals of the
13
G PLUS JAN 21 - JAN 27, 2017
In Conversation
We are working on several parking complexes in areas such as Panbazar and Ganeshguri. We are hopeful of inaugurating the Panbazar multi-level parking by April. However, I cannot take a call on the jail complex to be opened for parking but I will look into the issue seriously and see if anything can be done to address the problem.
“
taken up a scheme under the index of ‘ease of doing business.’ If made online we can let people know beforehand about the required documents to obtain a building permission and I will also try to set a timeframe for each step – from submission of applications to the issue of permission. I will try to use more of IT because it keeps things very transparent at every point and the process is expedited. Moreover, part of the process is already online.
Recently the GDD minister had announced two more parks to be set up in Guwahati. Could you please proBuilding permission is vide some details regarding another time consuming pro- the same? cess. There are cases where What is your vision for permissions have remained Guwahati during your tenpending for six months and Two locations have been ure with GMDA? more. What might you say identified for the parks. One here? will be at Chenikuthi within
There could be a number of reasons. At times all the requisite documents are not provided and we are working towards shifting the process online. Meanwhile, the government has already
the Veterinary Office Complex and the other will be near the Adabari Bus Station. However, the whole thing is still under process and we are working on details such as the area of the park and the facilities to be provided.
As per GMDA’s vision document Guwahati should take its rightful place as the gateway of the northeast and so is my vision. I want Guwahati to become one of the most important cities and to be of value. We should have a clean and safe
Guwahati because as a Guwahati girl safety is of prime concern: something I keep hearing from friends. When I used to study in Mumbai moving out of your house even at 2 or 3 in the night posed no threat. I want that situation for Guwahati. I want that Guwahati develops into a very beautiful place so that we can all proudly say that we are Guwahatians.
GMDA is working on several projects; one of these is the installation of lifts at some of the key foot over-bridges of the city. We are also working on smart streetlights with solar panels installed in them. We are laying emphasis on the streetlight cover of the city.
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Fancy Bazaar area suggested that the old jail complex should be opened for parking until the botanical garden project is initiated. What are your thoughts on this?
kalyan.deb@g-plus.in
SEBA to check Class X College teachers no longer allowed to be answer scripts digitally engaged in private tuitions, coaching
Gplus News
Gplus News
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he State Board of Secondary Education, Assam, (SEBA) will digitally evaluate answer scripts of Class X board examinees of 2017. Although only the General Mathematics paper will be digitally checked this year, board officials are hoping that this will extend to other papers in the near future. The move is also bound to have several advantages. Once the answer scripts are digitized, they will no longer be vulnerable to fires or misplacement. Evaluation will become foolproof and the scripts can be digitally preserved for future reference. “Digital evaluation is a major initiative in SEBA’s history. Each and every page of the General Mathematics answer scripts of all candidates this year will be preserved digitally and evaluation will be done on computers, on the scanned scripts,” SEBA’s controller of examinations Nayan Jyoti
Sarmah told a leading media house. He added that every evaluator to be engaged in the digital evaluation process will have to do their job with utmost sincerity. There are about four lakh candidates who will take the Class X state board examination this year and Mathematics is a compulsory subject for all. Apart from keeping answer scripts secure, the digital evaluation process is also expected to be less time-consuming. However this is likely to be an expensive affair and will depend on government funds. The board had also found that many evaluators skipped checking each and every page of answer scripts. This would result in anomalies after declaration of the results and also hurt the future of many students. “In the rest country, too, digital evaluation is a very new thing. It ensures error-free evaluation of answer scripts,” the source added.
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he state government has prohibited college teachers and principals from engaging themselves with any private institution, either on voluntary or a paid basis. A government statement on Monday said the practice
of engaging college teachers and principals in private educational and non-educational institutions as members, secretaries or in any other position in governing bodies or councils leads to a conflict of interest in higher educational institutions.
A memorandum to this effect has been issued by the state higher education department. “Henceforth, any teacher or principal currently on the panel of such private educational institutions or noneducational institutions shall immediately resign from such post or engagements within 30 days of issue of the memorandum on January 7, failing which disciplinary action shall be taken,” the government release said. The statement added that engagement of college teachers and principals by other agencies has affected the academic environment of colleges, where they haven’t been able to devote themselves fully.
HPCL Headquarters shifts from Kolkata to Guwahati Gplus News
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industan Paper Corporation Limited (HPCL) which is functioning from its Corporate Head Quarters (CHQ), Kolkata will be shifted to Guwahati. Chairman-cum-Managing Director of HPCL, Shashi Kanth Jain stated that the activities have already started to shift the office. The office of the Inland Water Transport (IWT) building at Ulubari, Guwahati has been provided to HPCL for setting up of its office and to start furnishing and interior work. As a goodwill gesture, the minister assured that no rent would be payable by HPC for the time being till HPC is back to profit.
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G PLUS JAN 21 - JAN 27, 2017
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The Un-Cultural Behemoth
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hen the songs ‘Sexy Sexy Sexy, Choli Ke Peeche and Sarkai Lo Khatiya’ hit the screens nationwide, there were collective gasps from the great Indian society – songs with suggestive titles were not conventional stuff but taboo. By the next stanza Madhuri clarified that it was just her heart behind her choli but the country had already got its undergarments into a twist. But then, since internet was still a pipe dream for the average Indian, the opinions, criticisms and brickbats remained absorbed in the cushions of the country’s living rooms. However, the world has revolutionised with digitalisation and social media. People can now get their voices heard by all and sundry, no matter how logical, irrational, meaningful or stupid the opinion is. In such a scenario, what happens when a suggestively titled Assamese song hits YouTube or television – something that is happening right now! People have seemingly become concerned about the well being of the Assamese music industry and the lack of cultural ethos in the newly produced music. Now, I am no fan of these songs. But, I am somehow irked when people criticize these singers, musicians and lyricists. No it’s just not right to slam them. Music is an art form. It might become commercial and sell-out at times, but it still remains an art. We see people cringing at song titles like ‘Disco Bhonti, Rajnigandha-Bimal Pan Masala, Kumol Kumol,’ screaming sacrilege at the altar of quality music and creativity. But can you blame the song writer when all day long he sees people shaking their hands, mix-
ing pan masala and tobacco? How is it wrong that he is thus inspired to write a song on that? So what can you do? Train him to make ‘better’ songs on love, freedom, struggle and melancholia? What about the viewership and listenership for these ‘good’ songs? Can the people who are yelling sacrilege give the radio and television stations alternative material to generate better revenues? I guess not. What about the fans? Can we teach them to like ‘better’ music? I seriously doubt that! If we scream at the government saying we will eat what we want, when beef was banned, this is exactly the same scenario – they will listen to their choice. Another case in point here: just as some Assamese movies try to emulate Bollywood and become cheap imitations, the music in Assam too is currently going through such a phase – the new music is riddled with AutoTune, samplers, dub-step and the like but with probably poorer production values. I believe it’s just a phase and will soon pass. Even if it doesn’t, it will simply evolve. The present music is just a by-product of today’s age (more of this on some other day). Moreover, we still have brilliant Assamese musicians making beautiful Assamese music – they have gone on to achieve not only national but global fame as well. So why get our innerwear into a twist? We can simply choose to ignore or even if we like them, nobody should be bothered. Koushik Hazarika
Taming the Bull “Tamizhan endru sollu da, thalai nimirthu nillu da (Tell them you are Tamilian, stand with your head held high!)” – A protestor in favour of Jallikattu. The entertainment that comes out of taming others and the feeling of superiority is something we are all familiar with. Clubbed with that is the fear of losing one’s identity. When you bring both these ideas together, you have a situation that demands preservation of identity and the need to be entertained at the same time - at someone else’s cost. I’m talking about Tamil Nadu’s traditional bull taming ritual called Jallikattu – a tradition that is ritualistic as a part of Pongal celebrations. The term ‘Jallikattu’ is derived from the Tamil words ‘Jalli’ and ‘Kattu’. Jalli refers to gold or silver coins. Kattu means ‘tied.’ Combined together it refers to coins being tied to the bulls’ horns, which is the prize for whoever tames the bull. It is renowned as an ancient ‘sport’ that dates back to 2500 years. Yes, it’s controversial; it has also resulted in major injuries and even deaths. The outrage has come against Jallikattu because the SC prohibited cruelty on animals in the name of entertainment. A research conducted by PETA’s investigators found that the bulls were being disoriented, deliberately. Their tails were allegedly bitten and twisted; stabbed, punched and dragged on the ground. The PETA campaign was endorsed by celebrities like John Abraham and Hema Malini. PETA insists that ‘cruelty’ is not limited to slaughter but includes unnecessary suffering and torture perpetrated on animals purely for human entertainment. Tamil Nadu now has a problem with that. One protestor had this to say – “This is about the Centre not helping us, and about a foreign NGO banning a sport they know nothing about. Jallikattu is an integral part of our heritage!” Notice how an animal rights’ team is termed ‘foreign?’ ‘Tamilian pride’ here wants to stay above the rest and can come at the cost of other ‘animals.’ Although the protestors reject the allegation that Jallikattu is cruel to the bulls, they have also demanded PETA be banished from the state. Well, we in Assam know all too well about being entertained at the cost of animals, don’t we? Our Mohor Jooj and Kukura Jooj have often been under the scanner for being cruel to animals. I for one will never be able to justify the Tamil Nadu government’s stand to celebrate Jallikattu regardless of whose pride is at stake.
SIDHARTH BEDI VARMA
GENERIC MEDICINES - The practical perspectives Dr. Navanil Barua
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ver since prices of essential medicines started rising in keeping with globalisation of economy, the stress on generic medicines has become more prominent. Why so? There are several factors associated with it. Due to mischievous and uneducated TV personalities wanting to make a quick buck by misleading gullible viewers, people started believing that all medical practitioners and pharma companies have formed an unholy nexus to loot the gullible public. Next, an erroneous concept of what is generic medicine has been propagated by media. Thirdly, a very common misconception has been created that all generic medicines are cheap. Moreover, another misconception has been created that all generic medicines are of doubtful quality. Is there a need for generic medicines? If so, what are the problems and what could be the benefits? Firstly, it is no secret that pharma companies do curry favours from doctors, the reason being, for pharma products, the actual consumer is not the actual chooser. A middleman in the form of the treating doctor chooses the brand which the consumer (read patient) shall buy. Thus, a doctor has a choice from which he or she can choose the brand to prescribe. In other consumer products, the producer advertises, offers discounts or gifts, to lure the customer. Similarly, for medicines, the producer lures the chooser to increase his business. In consumer products, one goes for quality, price, reputation of producer and value for money before choosing the brand to buy. Similar things happen for doctors in medicine. While in the former case, we accept everything, in the later, we condemn it no end. Secondly, the pharma industry is not run by doctors but by business houses and in some instances, is owned by politicians too. They are industrial houses which run with profit as the bottom-line. They have to get licences, follow procedures and regulations, subject themselves to government control and also pay all kinds of taxes. The produce gets to the cus-
tomer through various hands and each hand gets its own cut of profits, thus affecting the final price. Thirdly, in the whole chain from the producer to the consumer, the biggest profits are made by the government and the final retailer. Thus, the retailer could be your neighbourhood pharmacy, the retailer at the doctor’s clinic or the nursing home/hospital pharmacy. What are the basic issues in generics? The Medical Council of India, a government appointed body, urges doctors to prescribe generics. All fine with that, but what type of generics? There are two types - pure generics where only the molecule name is written. Branded generics, where a company buys the raw material and sells it after packing it in their own brand name. The pure generics are rare to find in retail and now even in government supply. So what are the doctors supposed to write in their prescriptions? For example, let us imagine what happens when a doctor writes a pure generic name like say, OFLOXACIN 200 mg, twice daily. The patient buys it from a pharmacy which has no pure generic and hence will supply a brand of his choice. The choice of the retailer will be guided by profit, hence he will go for the one which he buys cheapest and sells dearest. If the patient does not get cured, the pharmacist has no stake or responsibility and the onus lies on the treating doctor. Besides, the pharmacy salesman is very unlikely to be a pharma graduate or diploma holder. For all you know, he may be an under-matriculate. Cut to the doctor - he/she is human and prone to greed. When left to his choice, he will prescribe a brand which is pampering him in some way or other. However, his prime concern is not the drug company but the patient, for the more he cures and satisfies a patient, the better shall be his practice. Hence, he shall prescribe a brand which he has faith in and which is not exorbitantly expensive. Only personal gain from the producing company cannot be the motive because at the end of the day, he has to have patients to write prescriptions for! Now consider which the lesser evil is. Moreover, if government wants doctors to prescribe generics, why is it allowing manufacture of branded stuff? If doctors write generics, who is supposed to write brands? Another problem faced by patients when doctors write a brand and pharmacists substitute with another brand is the confusion of the patient at home about which one is which medicine? Tomorrow, if I write the generic name, he will be served a brand and the patient will not know
Opinion
which is what! Again, why should government tax medicines in any form? Do we take medicines for pleasure? Then why tax someone’s misery? Who is supporting the call for generic medicines the most? People and organisations who want prominence by making villains out of doctors and retailers and nursing homes/hospitals having own pharmacies out to make a killing from the situation. Does it mean we don’t need cheap and effective medications for all? Does it imply doctors be allowed to enhance personal benefits? A big NO! My suggestions: Government tightens control on pharma industry and gives licences only to a fixed number of players producing only generics. All taxes and middlemen should be done away with. The wholesale and retail price should be fixed and equal for all the products of same formulations or molecule, thereby taking away the retailers’ preference for one over the other. The pharmacies or retailers should be manned by only qualified or trained people. The governmental agencies or notified private agencies should be allowed quality checks at producer and retailer level to maintain quality and also keep a check on fake medicine (it is ‘guesstimated’ to be 30% of the market as of now). As for newer drugs, international brands, let these players be allowed to market in brands for a fixed period till the cost of research is recovered. This will allow doctors and patients access to newer or more effective drugs, will retain the jobs of medical representatives and other sales personnel and allow government to combat newer diseases and preserve health of its citizens. Alternatively, a small levy could be made on generics which, in turn, is used to subsidise these branded ones when the need arises. Other than that, a unreasonable cry for generics, without being prepared for it, will only benefit the unscrupulous retailers, fly by night drug manufacturers, counterfeit medicine makers and unscrupulous nursing homes/ hospital owners a good majority of whom are not doctors. It is time for us to introspect and take a realistic view of the whole situation. Let it be known that while doctors are humans and prone to greed, they are not all villains. Let it also be known that those clamouring for generics are not all saints and have only patient benefits in mind. Last but not the least, create a practical situation where all doctors or either forced or write generics with pleasure rather than trepidation.
G PLUS JAN 21 - JAN 27, 2017
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Special
New age Assamese lyrics spur major discussion in society Chandrika Das
Double meaning Assamese lyrics of songs carrying sexual insinuations backed by equally bold videos are flooding social media and proving to be huge commercial successes despite the fact that the commercialism seems to be crass and borders on hurting a lot of sensibilities
Hul Kata Disco Bhonti Kol Kol his particular incident dates all generations so much that fes- own indigenous feel, just like Maback to a few weeks. After tivities in Assamese societies are hananda Majindar Baruah’s everthe regular office hours, I quite void without these songs be- green song ‘Mon Hira Doi.’ What’s had boarded a bus for home. The ing on the loop. wrong and unacceptable to Ibson bus was pretty occupied and I Music producer Ibson Lal are songs where vulgarity is forceclearly remember being glad to Baruah terms the current music fully imposed just to create a short get a seat within the next couple trend as ‘not an outcome of re- cut to fame in the market. of stoppages. The speakers in the cent modernism’ but an evolution Though the rising music indusbus were belting out new Assa- in the mindset of Assamese peo- try may want to believe that lyrics mese songs one after the other. It ple that has its roots long back in have no effect on social norms, was all a ‘feel good moment’ until time. Expressing his concern, he there are still artists who are singa particular song with the lyrics says that although people excit- ing a different tune. The huge con‘Supi khabo de, supi khabo de, tur edly comment against the current troversy over the lyrics of the song bukure morom khini supi khabo music trends of Assam, the threat ‘Kol Kol Kol’ on social media (the de’ (Let me suck the love of your that it can bring is bigger than song imbibed a whole new level of bosom) played out loud. “Wait! what people may expect. In the double meanings) raise questions Were those actually the lyrics???” name of regional sentiments, peo- about misogyny, content and cenwas exact expressionless reac- ple who are producing these kinds sorship in the music world. It’s a tion inside me. It took me a few of music have swayed away from debate that has been going for seconds to sync with the lyrics to their roots. And the prime reason quite some time now; about music realize that it was undeniably as behind this, as Ibson points out, is that has become explicitly sexual. gross and sexual that any piece the lack of knowledge on litera- But what effect does it have on the of lyric could get. I observed the ture among both the composers listeners? faces of my co-passengers; some and the listeners. “The Assamese City-based singer Queen Hazgrinding, some trying to steal people today no more holds the arika strongly condemns the lyrglances, and others unfazed by the base of Assamese language in ics of most of the Assamese songs music. In that one moment, I no any form, music is just a small these days which blatantly objecmore felt vibrant, free or wonder- part of it. When we are acquir- tify women as a mere object of fully female. ing modernism in the language entertainment. She has been raisWhile searching for the song we speak, leaving aside our own ing her voice from time to time on internet, I came across many roots, we should not be surprised against these songs, only to realize other songs that portrayed sexual with the trend that recent music that ‘this is what sells.’ “The most insinuations in the name of lyrics. has brought along,” said Ibson. astounding factor in the Assamese Most of the lyrics deviated from He also says that the projection music scene today is the lyrical playful romanticism with words of Assamese music by the elec- degradation of Assamese songs. I that would question the sensi- tronic media is completely wrong. have been vocal about it but lately bilities of many. Since the last few What makes it even worse is the I’ve decided to keep my opinion months, songs like ‘Hul Kata Mere way people are criticising about it. reserved for I have realised that Sali’, ‘Disco Bhonti’, ‘Taxi Gari’ are While most people thought ‘Pedal these songs are doing business, doing the rounds. These songs are Mari Mari’ was incomprehensible, which implies that the market for becoming popular among almost Ibson says that the song has its such songs is flourishing. How-
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ever, I’d never the current music scenario whose shy away from quality has dropped to an alarmdeclaring that I ing extent. Padmanabh, who has don’t and would grown up performing songs of never support various genres on both regional such songs or will and national platforms, feels that ever create or sing media is one source that has led such numbers for to the rise of the low grade lyrics instant fame and ahead of meaningful songs, only popularity. Most for quick publicity. Padmanabh of these songs ob- says, “In the current situation, jectify women and there are artists like Ibson lal depicts a misogy- Baruah, Queen Hazarika, Rajdnistic approach weep, Rupam Bhuyan, Chandan towards women. Das, who are making great music For example, “Ku- keeping the standard of Assamese mol Kumol Buku music industry high. It’s high time Khoni Sui Sung that the listeners learn to accept Sui Sang Lagise” good music and not ones made (I feel like touch- for money and business purpose.” ing your soft, soft For musician Aniruddha bosom). I mean, Barua, the whammy came as a excuse me, but is result of composers and listenthis how low As- ers who lack the beauty of litsamese lyrics have erature in their work. Baruah stooped? You- compares Bhupen Hazarika’s Tube view of this lyrics with that of the current lot song is above 2 and points out that lyrics with lakhs. Girls who ‘double meaning’ have been in raised their voices existence for years now. What against the lyrics of this song on has disappeared is the beauty of its comment section were trolled. words. “The people who are getThis implies that the music scene ting excited today to the tunes is dominated by these cheap songs of women-centric songs have and a song with good lyrics and almost forgotten the fact that music don’t become a hit in As- this is going to adversely affect sam. Sad scene but I take it with the coming generations. What a pinch of salt these days,” said makes the whole situation worse Queen. is the fact that most of the AssaKusuum Koilash’s ‘Disco Bhon- mese people do not have the cati’ asks Assamese sisters not to pability of judging the art; they perform on Disco numbers as it simply settle for the performer hurts the sentiments and feelings without a second thought. In the of the singer, who stands boast- whole rush to make money from fully to throw the argument on music and music a business, the behalf of the entire male fraternity. standard of Assamese music has Kumar Bhabesh, who became fa- gone down to a low mark,” said mous with the song ‘Najaba Na- Baruah. He also stresses on the jaba Xun Mukei Eri Thoi’ got into importance of a censor board controversies after one of his latest that could review the songs besongs ‘Hul Kata Mere Saali, Oo La fore they get released in the marla O Nakhre Wali’ (Hey, my pricky ket. sister-in-law, you’re the one with Music plays a bridge among flirtatious and whimsical behav- the people through words and iour). The Assamese music culture emotions. Minus the emotions, which was once built to stand on music is dry and baseless. The a pedestal with the contributions current musical era which is on of Jajabor Bhupen Hazarika, Bihu the rise is devoid of emotions Samrat Khagen Mahanta, Anima and has words wrongly placed. Choudhury, Dipali Borthakur no The lyrics targeted on wommore remains the same. en’s body are an outcome of total A renowned singer of the cur- liberty and liberation from any rent generation, Padmanabh Bor- and every regulation cannot be doloi however keeps hope with the the goal of any society. Degradmusical creations which are the ing and decadent music erodes honest efforts of people who want the values upon which liberty, to keep Assamese music soaring mutual respect, and civility rests. high. As a musician, Padmanabh It can never be an answer to evorespects music of all genres, but at lution of mankind. Or music for the same time feels concerned for that matter!
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G PLUS JAN 21 - JAN 27, 2017
Lifestyle
VAASTU SHASTRA phone also comes with 4GB RAM and 64GB ROM version. All of them support expandable storage of up to 128GB. The Redmi Note 4 runs MIUI 8 and has been made in India, claims Xiaomi VP Hugo Barra. It’s a 4G dual SIM phone and comes with a hybrid SIM card slot. There is a fingerprint scanner at the back and doubles up as a selfie clicker. The Redmi Note 4 comes with a 5.5-inch Full HD, fully laminated display with reading mode. There is a 5MP front camera and a 13MP rear camera with PDAF. Xiaomi claims that the Redmi Note 4 offers better life than iPhone 7 Plus and Google Pixel XL and that the Redmi Note 4 lasts 70% longer than both the Apple iPhone 7 Plus and Google Pixel XL. The Redmi Note 4 is powered by Snapdragon 625 SoC. This phone will come in three colour options. The Black colour option will be available immediately. iaomi launched their first The phone has a USB port, finproduct for the year 2017, gerprint scanner, 2.5D glass the much-awaited successor to the Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 - the Redmi Note 4. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 Specs: Redmi Note 4 was launched in India on January 19, at an event 5.5 FHD display in New Delhi.
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MIUI 8 (Android) Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 Prices: SoC 2GB/ 32GB- Rs 9,999 Adreno 506 GPU 3GB/32GB- Rs 10,999 RAM/ROM options- 2GB/ 4GB/64GB- Rs 12,999 32GB, 3GB/32GB and 4GB/64GB The Redmi Note 4 will be available exclusively on Flipkart 13MP rear camera starting January 23 on open 5MP front camera sales. The Redmi Note 4 will be available starting from January 4,100mAh battery 23 on Flipkart exclusively. No VoLTE support prior registrations required. The Fingerprint scanner
recipe of the week
GEOPATHIC STRESS 15. Hyperactive and aggressive children 16. Undiagnosed headaches. A study was made in Germany and it was found that 52 people in 54 households living over a subterranean water stream suffered from cancer. More than 700 cases of cancer were detected in areas in Austria and Germany where people were residing over geopathic stress zone, although the above may not necessarily be attributed to geopathic stress. Expert dowsers and geological charts can find out the existence of geopathic stress areas. There are some layman’s rules for finding geopathic stress zones.
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eopathic stress is caused by the harmful radiation from the earth originating from under the ground. Subterranean water, cavities, mineral concentrations, seismic fault lines and energy grids can cause geopathic stress. When two underground streams cross each other, the effect is doubled. Beehives, anthills, ant’s nests, ratholes, snakeholes or foxholes can also produce geopathic stress. So Vaastu forbids building residences occupied by these. The following are attributed by experts as the effects of geopathic stress on human beings:1. Insomnia 2. Migraine and headaches
1) Cats,snakes, bees and ants like radiation lines and nest or lie above them
3. Lethargy, lack of energy 4. Feeling tired most of the time
2) If trees do not survive in certain areas or do not bear fruits, it may be an indication of an underground radiation.
5. Loss of balance 6. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome 7. Short term memory loss
Most of the ill effects cited above tend to disappear if the sleeping bed is shifted from the stress zone. Copper rods of certain sizes can be used in four corners of the room as well as at the centers of four walls to nullify the marma (cross-section) points of radiation lines.
8. Cancer 9. Panic attacks 10. Joint pain 11. Nightmares; 12. Back problems which gets worse at night. 13. Depression
Hemanta Kumar Sarmah Engineer, Businessman, Advanced Pranic Healer and Su Jok Acupressure specialist
14. Waking up tired in the morning.
SEWAI HALWA
Sewai or Vermicelli is usually boiled with milk to which sugar, milk and nuts are added to make a tasty dessert. However, our family’s Sewai preparation is totally different. It is made into a Halwa and is super tasty. I do not know exactly where it originated from but I give the credit to my Mother-inLaw who taught me how to make it. The photograph is from a wedding order I did this week.
Ingredients • 1 cup Kumal Saul, soaked for 2 hours and then drained with a strainer. • ½ cup Lai Saag, washed and cut finely. • ½ cup cooked and shredded pork • 1 small onion, chopped fine. • 2 cloves garlic, chopped fine. • Small piece of ginger, sliced fine. • 1tsp rice wine vinegar • Salt to taste • A small bit of Bhoot Jolokia • 1 tbsp cooking oil.
process Take a wok or non-stick deep pan and add the pure ghee. Add the Sewai and fry on a slow fire till all of it is uniformly dark brown. Be very vigilant or it will quickly burn. Keep stirring till browned. Mix half milk powder with half water and add to the Sewai. Now add the dry powder. Keep adding the water till it is all gone. Cover and let the Sewai swell. Now add the sugar and keep on a very slow fire till the sugar has melted and the Sewai is dry and cooked. Please do not stir after adding the sugar. Keep on a slow fire and let the sugar melt on its own. Best served warm with cream. Kulkul Rahman Foodie, owner at XOXO cupcakes, food blogger, recipe developer and expert on Assamese cuisine
G PLUS JAN 21 - JAN 27, 2017
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Lifestyle
5 More Things Your Gym Won’t Tell You (Part 2) for a membership, and then drop out within a few months. It’s easy to see how health clubs benefit when members pay and don’t show up. In fact, 67 percent of people who sign up for a gym membership never use it said a survey. 3. Initiation fee can be waived off In addition to a monthly fee some gyms typically charge an additional initiation fee. This can run into a big amount over the year. Gyms may be more likely to make a deal with you at the beginning of the year with New Year’s promotions and specials. In addition, ask about other discounts. The majority of health clubs offer discounts to families and couples.
off the bat. But doing so could land you injured and unable to workout at best or in the ER at worst. Overcrowded classes and inexperienced instructors might be to blame for an increase in yoga injuries, an activity not normally known for its element of danger. Faulty equipment and failure of the gym to maintain equipment can also create grounds for injuries. 5. Orientation is a ploy to get you to sign up with our trainers Many gyms offer a free orientation session or two with one of their trainers when you sign up. The trainer typically takes you through a complex routine and doesn’t write anything down with hopes you’ll sign up for sessions. It may be worth paying for a few sessions with a qualified trainer if you’re a newbie, but be sure to take notes on your own. (This is concludes the 2nd part of the double part article 10 Things You Gym won’t Tell)
4. You can get hurt (In continuation with last week’s article where we told you 5 Things You Gym won’t Tell You)
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f you’re thinking about joining a gym -- or maybe you just joined one -- you’re on the right track! Joining a gym gives you the opportunity to pump iron, do yoga or Zumba and compare biceps with the best of them. But while you dream of sculpting killer abs, your gym has a financial bottom line to meet. After all, they’re first and foremost a forprofit business. Total revenue for the fitness industry topped Rs. 2800 Crores in 2012. In short, fitness is big business.
1. We won’t let you go easily It’s usually easier to get out of a bad relationship than to cancel a gym membership. Paying month-to-month ties you to the gym through your credit card -- and good luck getting them to stop billing you. They may even tempt you by offering you a discount. Regardless, never agree right away. 2. Most people never use their membership Once you sign up, gym owners count on you not to show up. Most people pay
Criticism: Face it with courage
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tell you, if someone insults you, criticizes you, let them be! How much harm can they do? Let them go ahead and insult as much as they can. Next time, tell them, “My dear, go ahead and insult me as much as you want. I will not change regardless of how much you want to criticize me”. Face it with courage. Be strong, do not run away from it. Stand tall before them and let them insult you as much as they can. See, you should respond to an insult with a smile. A person of true patience and courage is one who can respond to any insult or criticism with an unshakeable smile. A real saint is one who responds to a gunfight with bouquets of
flowers. The sign of an intelligent person is one who can respond to taunts and criticism with humour and wit. If you also get angry with someone who comments on you or taunts you, then that is not intelligent behaviour on your part. The sign of intelligence is to transform an unpleasant situation into a pleasant one. That is what the intelligent ones do. One who searches for pleasantness even in unpleasant or unfavourable situations is truly an intelligent person. shri shri ravi shankar Founder- Art of Living Foundation
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a new venture and want to jump in to the most challenging, toughest class right
BIBHU MONI SINGHA,
Gym Manager Training & Nutrition Head, SFL Fitness Gym & MMA
18
G PLUS JAN 21 - JAN 27, 2017
Entertainment
Manas Robin’s Audio ‘Shakira Ahibo Bokultolor Bihuloi’ hits the screens album ‘Dikhow’ releases KALYAN KUMAR KALITA
KALYAN KUMAR KALITA
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opular artiste Manas Robin’s much anticipated audio album ‘Dikhow’ has recently hit the stands to an overwhelming reception. The album’s songs mirror the artiste’s emotional journey, his nostalgia for childhood and youth, his yearning for Dikhow, among other things. Robin who has carved his own niche in the music scene with works like ‘Junbai’, ‘Nahar’, ‘Anjana’ among others, has once again proved his enormous talent with the album. The songs in the album also demonstrate the singer’s view of
contemporary social issues. Manas Robin is supported in vocals by talented singer Anindita Paul. The songs are arranged by Arup Dutta, Pulok Nath, Biman Barua, Tarun Tanmoy and Papu Gogoi. The songs are even being made into music videos which have been choreographed by Jini Mohalia, Pankaj Ingti, Uday Shankar and Deepak Dey. The songs feature artistes like Arun Hazarika, Madhurima Choudhury, Nayan Nilim, Barsharani Bishaya, newcomers Alismita Goswami, Priyanka Baishya, etc.
he moment has arrived when one of the most awaited full-length Assamese films will hit the theatres. Titled ‘Shakira Ahibo Bokultolor Bihuloi’, the movie hit the theatres on Friday. The film has been directed by Himangshu Prasad Das and produced under the banner of ‘Guernica Creatovista’ and ‘Artists’ Factory.’ The movie is set for an all Assam release. The film’s story and screenplay has been written by the director himself. The film is an adaptation of his popular drama of the same name. The film has been made on a budget of Rs. 30 lakh and was crowd-funded. The film revolves around the intense rivalry between villagers during Rongali Bihu celebrations in Assam. The competitive spirit
‘Loralir Xur’ – hits social media channels Gplus News
A number of single Assamese music videos have been released on the internet as well as on private entertainment channels but due to a lack of viewership, there are only some that reach out to the viewers. It’s a good sign that although the audio CD market is currently dull, the new comers have not stopped releasing songs. The young generations’ involve-
ment with the music industry will likely make a positive impact on the Assamese music industry. A recently discovered short cut to success has been the use of controversial words in their lyrics and bad composition. Although their songs gained instant popularity among the viewers, they have caused irreparable damage to the Assamese music industry.
Recently a new audio-video song was released on social networking sites like Facebook, YouTube and on private entertainment channels which was well received by the Assamese audience. The song is ‘Loralir Xur’ from the album ‘Xopunar Dolisa’. The song has been penned by Kalyan Kumar Kalita and tuned by Hrituv Hazarika and musically arranged by Palash Gogoi. The song has been beautifully rendered by Dipanjali Dey and Barnali Deka. The song’s video has been beautifully choreographed by Sikandar Paswan and cinematography has been done by Papu Deka around locations of Mayong. The key roles in the video have been played by Dipanjali, Barnali, Rohit and Sanju. Editing has been done by Moni Rajkonwar at Studio Gyanam.
culminates in the arrival of pop star Shakira at a local Bihu event. The key roles in the film have been essayed by Ashim Krishna Boruah, Tapan Das, Sidhartha Mukharji, Jyoti Narayan Nath, Amulya Kumar, Pranami Borah, Anurupa Dekaraja, Jahnabi Saikia, Yogiraaj Chakraborty etc. The other characters have been played by Chandan Das, Rupam Jaan, Apurba Barman, Pradip Dutta, Narayan Deka etc. Himangshu Prasad Das, an alumnus of the National School of Drama, said several people living around the shooting sites provided them with equipment while several others donated money. “The locals were of great help. Some gave us food; others gave us their vehicles for transporta-
tion of unit members from one site to another. Some helped us with money. So, this is a film made by the public,” he said. The film’s music has been scored by Arupjyoti Baruah and Chandan Das. The title track has been beautifully rendered by Kumar Bhabesh and Amritprabha Mahanta. The film’s cinematography has been done by Himangshu Barman, edited by Dhiraj Majumdar, sound designed by Bulgenin Baruah and art direction is by Paban Mahanta. The film’s chief assistant director is Dipak Bora, production controller is Kamal Paran. The film’s trailer was highly appreciated by the Assamese movie lovers and that’s why people are hoping for the success of this film.
G PLUS JAN 21 - JAN 27, 2017
19
Reviews Cast: Vin Diesel, Donnie Yen, Deepika Padukone Director: D.J. Caruso
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iss ass, get the girl and be dope is the mantra. Short on thrills with action sequences that for the most part feel perfunctory, the return of xXx is a bit of a let down; it might please the fans but could be so much better. The plot doesn’t really matter (it’s about patriots and rebels, skateboards, swimming pools, tyrants and satellite prototypes). But what does, is the fact that the action is shot close up with brisk, sharp edits, leaving us unaware of what or where everything is happening. Of course there is Vin Diesel, who as always is larger than life, with rippling muscles, tats and gravelly voice, plus a cast of licorice allsorts that shoot and kick as though there is no tomorrow. Best action sequence is the one in which Cage (Vin Diesel) free falls from a plane without a shute. It is the only time we feel there is actually something at stake and there is an
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element of risk. Much of the rest of the action is perfunctory, with carefully choreographed stunts like leaping on the roof of speeding trains, high kicks and punches, cars tossed carelessly in the air and skiing from the heights and navigating through a jungle. The chase sequence in which Diesel rides a motorcycle on skis through the surf fails to generate the excitement it should. The opening sequence in which Samuel L. Jackson’s Augustus Gibbons begins to recruit heroes for the xXx team sets the scene, when ‘the good, bad, extreme and completely insane’ team up for a new assignment. Too may characters perhaps, and it may not be the ideal Hollywood debut for Indian model and star Deepika Padukone, who makes an impression in thigh high boots, teeny shorts, bare midriff and attitude. She says she does not believe in good guys, and has mixed ideas
about being bad. She is an attractive distraction. Ruby Rose is interesting as Adele Wolff, with partially green hair. She climbs palm trees. And there’s Hermione Corfield as Ainsley, whose safe word is ‘cumquat’. Toni Colette is unusually dour as Jane Marke: the one who pulls the strings. It’s not just that the dialogue is clunky with corny lines like ‘It’s show time’ and ‘Just be where the bullets aren’t: the whole delivery is clunky. The music gallops along frenetically. Director D.J. Caruso must take the rap. Admittedly there is no shortage of dollars thrown at the film and with a cameo return of Ice Cube, there is a promise of potentially another episode in the franchise. The first (in 2002) was thrilling and fun; the second (in 2005) lacked good storytelling and compelling characters. This third one (2017): A problem screenplay and not enough thrills.
Cast: James McAvoy, Anya Taylor-Joy, Haley Lu Richardson Director: M. Night Shyamalan
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have always been an M. Night Shyamalan fan. He continued to do what he does in the face of an audience rejecting it. His best films were able to maximize a minimalist aesthetic so that Unbreakable and Signs were the most exciting movies where very little happens. As such I still liked The Happening where he was able to continue that aesthetic. Last year’s The Visit was a terrific return to form, but I’m afraid Split is one of the few Shyamalan films I just did not like. A man (James McAvoy) kidnaps three girls: Casey (Anya Taylor-Joy), Claire (Haley Lu Richardson) and Marcia (Jessica Sula). Kept in a basement cell, the trio plot their escape although often disagree about the most effective methods. Meanwhile, the man shows up at his psychiatrist (Betty Buckley)’s office under the name Barry, so I’ll
call him that for the duration of this review. Since the title is Split, it shouldn’t be a mystery what he’s seeing Dr. Fletcher for. You could say James McAvoy IS Split! Split had me for about the first act. I was ready to see a group of girls stand up to their captor and emerge triumphant. The opening is effectively built up, with trademark Shyamalan shots through mirrors and the kidnapping going on uncomfortably long while Claire and Marcia are distracted on their phones. Right away, Casey observes Barry’s neurotic quirks and devises ways for her friends to protect themselves. I suppose where Split lost me was when it shifted focus to Barry. He could be a captivating antagonist and certainly a bravura performance by McAvoy, but following him this closely robs him of mys-
Album Reflection By Brian Eno
A
man who collaborated with nearly every superstar of the 1970’s and beyond, Eno has resurfaced in 2017 with an absolutely beautiful LP to blow the cobwebs well and truly away. A follow up to the ethereal The Ship (2016), Reflection is rich with an abundance of electronically generated instruments and music that’s full of tone colour and shimmers blissfully with diatonic harmonies spanning 54 minutes. It certainly is a welcome return and cause for a sigh of relief from those of us who were waiting for the next bit of heartwrenching news to drop. Reflection will also be accompanied with an iOS friendly app that users can interact with while listening to Eno’s music. To fans of the musical maestro this will not be something new as, for some
tery and just plain overestimates how interesting he is. Dr. Fletcher points out how different alters in a multiple personality patient can have different biological properties, and when the film becomes more focused on Barry’s different physical abilities, it just becomes contrived and tedious. Shyamalan still knows how to use the camera, so the presentation remains effective in as much as we follow the girls’ escape attempts. By the end, though, it’s just dragging on. While Split may be technically more sound than Lady in the Water or The Happening, I’m less likely to revisit it because it’s not as bonkers as casting yourself as the screenwriter who’ll save the world or plants that make the wind turn people crazy.
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time now he’s been allowing audience members to generate their own compositions using his music as a base. In effect, this transforms the listener into a composer themselves. His latest intersubjective installment, for instance, will allow users to share seeds of music until they trend; a mind-blowing but exciting concept that is transforming the way we understand music. Again, this reveals how Brian Eno is leading the way as the industry evolves and adapts to cope with the social world. Reflection is a product for everyone; not just the music lover. Yes, the music alone can be easily appreciated for its virtuosity; however, the whole package assists people with their day-to-day lives and provokes mindfulness and interaction with the wider world.
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PVR Cinemas Dona Planet 08800900009 SHAKIRA AHIBO BOKUL TOLOR BIHULOI 12:45 PM 06:10 PM OK JAANU 03:25 PM DANGAL 01:10 PM 08:50 PM XXX: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 04:20 PM 09:10 PM 06:45 PM Galleria Cinemas HUB 9864800100 SHAKIRA AHIBO BOKUL TOLOR BIHULOI 03:45 PM OK JAANU 11:10 AM 06:15 PM XXX: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 01:45 PM 09:00 PM Grande Cines Paltan Bazar 9864800100 SHAKIRA AHIBO BOKUL TOLOR BIHULOI 12:30 PM COFFEE WITH D (A) 10:15 AM 02:45 PM DANGAL 05:00 PM OK JAANU 08:15 PM XXX: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 03:15 PM 05:30 PM 07:45 PM 11:00 AM 01:05 PM
Game Space Hulk: Deathwing Platform PC
ames based on licensed properties can sometimes cover up a multitude of sins by remaining close to their source material. Space Hulk: Deathwing is not one of those games. Although this shooter from French developer Streum On Studio boasts the grim atmosphere and brutal combat that the Warhammer 40,000 universe is known for, there are too many problems here for even the most hardcore fan to endure for long. For every impressive set piece and “wow” moment in combat, there are a dozen befuddling rules or mechanics that make you scratch your head in disbelief. Both the personality and texture of combat are vaguely reminiscent of the original Space Hulk PC games. You take the fight to the Genestealers in squads of three
Anuradha Cineplex Noonmati 03612656968 XXX: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 02:00 PM 08:00 PM SHAKIRA AHIBO BOKUL TOLOR BIHULOI 11:00 AM 05:00 PM gold mine 7d 10.00 AM haunted house 7d 01.00 PM 04.00 PM Forest Adventure & Aero Bike (7D) 03.00 PM 07.00 PM
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when playing with others online, or solo with bots filling out the ranks. Unfortunately, squad AI is a major problem. Your allies aren’t exactly dumb, but they’re limited in their abilities when it comes to choosing targets and taking cover. Trying to take out gun turrets is a huge exercise in frustration, as your pals tend to just stand in the open and get blasted until they die. The game also crashes to the desktop fairly frequently. One of these crashes actually corrupted a save so that every time it reloaded, the mouse buttons and keyboard wouldn’t work. And when you aren’t forced to replay significant chunks of time, you may end up loading an autosave and begin in the middle of a firefight--an impossible situation and a demotivating outcome.
GOLD Cinema Paltan Bazar 9854066166 SHAKIRA AHIBO BOKUL TOLOR BIHULOI 02:30 PM 05:00 PM OK JAANU 11:00 AM 02:00 PM 08:00 PM DUR 11:30 AM 05:30 PM DANGAL 08:15 PM GOLD Cinema Lakhtokia 9854077177 SHAKIRA AHIBO BOKUL TOLOR BIHULOI 02:30 PM 05:00 PM OK JAANU 11:00 AM 02:00 PM 08:00 PM DUR 11:30 AM 05:30 PM DANGAL 08:15 PM GOLD Cinema Narengi 8811001898 SHAKIRA AHIBO BOKUL TOLOR BIHULOI 02:00 PM OK JAANU 11:00AM 08:00 PM DUR 05:00 PM
20
G PLUS JAN 21 - JAN 27, 2017
Trotter
special
My H1B has been revoked due to a layoff. What should I do next? Updated By: Kelly Martin. IT geek, former law student, many other things
You’ve already pretty much cooked your goose at this point, by not leaving the US when your employment terminated. The law for H-1B workers is that you must leave immediately when your employment is terminated. Since you were laid off, your employer was required to arrange for your repatriation. If they did not, contact the US Department of Labor, as this is a violation of your rights as a nonimmigrant worker and of your employer’s duties as an employer. If they offered to repatriate you but you refused, then you’re stuck with that decision. In practice, you have about two weeks after termination to find new employment, but if you can’t find it within that time, your status will be terminated. In most cases, you really only have two choices at this point: 1. Leave the US. You can try to get a new H-1B later. If you haven’t started to accumulate unlawful presence, there should not be much of a consequence. 2. Stay in the US. You will not be allowed to work legally, but you can work illegally, you can start your own business, or you can find someone to support you without working. (It’s much less illegal, and typically much easier, to be self-employed while undocumented.) You will, of course, face the risk that ICE will find you and deport you, but in practice they don’t go after people who overstay unless they commit a crime of some sort (overstay of a visa is not a crime). Your primary focus during your life as an undocumented immigrant should be to find a US citizen willing to marry you. Note: once you have accumulated 180 days of unlawful presence, you become subject to a three year bar to being issued any visa to enter the United States. If you allow 365 days of unlawful presence to accumulate, the bar increases to ten years. These bars only takes effect once you leave the US; if you never leave the US, the bar never kicks in.
Floating city? Mysterious skyscrapers in the clouds confuse locals
India watched less porn in 2016 - ranks 4th in traffic Gplus News
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ccording to a global Yearin-Review report by Pornhub, the world’s largest porn website, India is now the 4th biggest consumer of porn worldwide. Category-wise, Indians searched for ‘teen porn’ the most, but it was ‘Indian’ porn that they demanded across the board. No surprise that it was Sunny Leone, and slightly Indian-looking Mia Khalifa who led the adult stars category. Surprisingly, India’s time-on-site went down to 8 minutes and 20 seconds, a drop by 70 seconds from 2015. And there was a year-on-year 2 per cent surge in women watching porn - 30 per cent of porn audiences on the site were female. The only times Indians, men and women alike abstained were during Diwali and Ramadan and traffic fell 17 and 15 per cent respectively. Pornhub Insights has delivered tons of data over the course of 2016. Throughout the year there have been interesting search trends including Clowns, Pokémon, Politicians, and even Super Heroes. The data given by Pornhub said the world consumed
3110 Petabytes of bandwidth (that’s 3110400000 GB!) which streamed at 99GB per second and 6 TB per minute. A whopping 91,980,225,000 videos were viewed and 23 billion people vis-
(Source: Pornhub Insights)
New NASA smartphone game lets you grow plants on ISS
I
f you’re looking for somewhere new to holiday this summer in the coming year, you may want to consider the “floating city” which has been spotted in the clouds over Yueyang, China. Although, not all is as it seems. Locals and tourists alike spotted what appeared to be a number of towering skyscrapers in the clouds over the city, which is located in Hunan Province, leaving many baffled and bewildered. As the video was shared across social media, numerous suggestions emerged as to what it was that people were seeing. While some speculated that the “floating city” was a sign of the apocalypse, others thought it meant NASA had initiated “Project Blue Beam”, the space agency’s apparent top secret plan for a new world order. Others felt a more reasonable explanation would be some sort of mirage, but according to meteorological experts, they’re all wrong. It is in fact, a real city. The buildings visible in the video are actually surrounded by “radiation fog,” which occurs when the ground temperatures cool and the moisture in the air condenses as a
ited the website. Collectively, that’s 4.6 billion hours of porn watching stuffed into just one year.
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ASA has launched a gaming app that allows you to virtually float around the International Space Station (ISS), meet the crew and even grow plants using your smartphone.
In the game “Space Science Investigations: Plant Growth,” players have to first learn how to navigate in the ISS’s micro-gravity environment, or “zero-g.” This includes getting to do flips and ‘fly’
around the space station. Users can then strike up a conversation with the astronaut and ISS crew member Naomi, who explains to the game’s leading mission: experimental plant growth. Players gain an understanding of the issues that micro gravity presents for growing plants, such as how they can be watered without gravity, Slash Gear reported. NASA has long worked at growing plants in a low gravity environment, which is considered necessary for providing food during long duration flights such as to Mars, as well as in habitation pods on other planets. ISS researchers have already had some success, such as growing red romaine lettuce and the flower Zinnia. (Source: The Hindu)
6,000-year-old cemetery unearthed in China
result, according to Xinhua News Agency. As temperatures rise, the fog usually evaporates. Luckily for residents, the fog was not radioactive, explained Li Dongyang, the city’s Meteorological Bureau deputy director. (Source: RT)
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6,000-year-old cemetery has been unearthed in China’s Shaanxi province, archaeologists said. The cemetery, covering about 90,000 sq.metres, is located near the Yangguanzhai ruins, which belonged to a late Neolithic culture called the Yangshao that originated on the middle reaches of
the Yellow river and is considered the main precursor of Chinese civilisation, Xinhua news agency said. It is the largest cemetery from the Yangshao Culture period, researcher Wang Weilin, who headed the excavation, said at an ongoing seminar on new archaeological findings in 2016.
The site has been excavated by archaeologists with the Shaanxi Provincial Institute of Archaeology since 2015. By the end of 2016, 182 tombs were found in an area of more than 1,900 sq. metres. “Such a big 6,000-year-old public cemetery is quite rare,” said Yang Lihua, an associate researcher with the institute.
21
G PLUS JAN 21 - JAN 27, 2017
Citypedia
Cancer
You might be surprised by how little has changed. And yet something within you may be urging you to be more adventurous and take the road less traveled. You may also find the company of friends to be a little superficial if it detracts from the thoughts and intense feelings you are having. While peace and quiet can be useful for capturing key insights, getting out and about can take your mind off things, and this can be good for you, too.
Leo
Sudoku
Gemini While you may be eager to push ahead on an important goal, someone may be urging caution. Should you listen? Perhaps not, as another potent blend of energies suggests that your instincts are at play here, and what you intuitively perceive as being a good move might well be. There are times when certain people in your life have good advice for you, but during the early part of this week it could hem you in rather than help you out.
Virgo
As the Sun enters your sector of shared finances, this can be an opportunity to take stock of your money situation. Simply shining a light on it and getting a sense of what’s working and what isn’t may encourage you to come up with a plan of action. At the same time, thoughts of faraway places and fun in the sunshine suggest that you may be ready to take a vacation. This might seem impossible when you consider your workload, but is it really?
Relationships could take center stage in the coming four weeks, as the Sun, your personal planet, moves into Aquarius on Thursday. When it comes to a budding romance, things may not be going as smoothly as you’d hoped. But don’t take this as a sign that it isn’t meant to be. These could be minor troubles. In fact, passions could boil over with interesting results as the weekend approaches. In a relationship? Working as a team on a challenge might enhance your bond.
While you may have the practical ability and knowhow, someone else could have the inspiration. A lively link this week could see you and another collaborating on an idea that looks likely to be a resounding success. This can also be a good opportunity to review your lifestyle and wellness routines and consider making a few changes. Seeing as you love efficiency, paring down your schedule could be the secret to enjoying the days and weeks ahead.
Although you’re known for your tact and discretion, you also admire people who speak their mind. You could meet someone like that early in the week, someone who’s willing to say exactly what they think. Will you be upset? The present blend of energies hints that you may find this quite refreshing, especially if you agree with the comments. In fact, they could even be the catalyst for a decision that changes everything. Meanwhile, if you want to indulge this weekend, enjoy it!
As the Sun eases into your domestic sector today, this can be an opportunity to take a step back from life. Although there is still a lot going on in many areas, time to reflect and consider your priorities can be very useful now. There’s also a strong focus on developing your creative skills, although you may wonder whether it’s worth the expense of doing so. Don’t let such doubts put you off. What you stand to gain is priceless.
This can be a week of interaction, short journeys, and catching up with administrative tasks. In fact, with the Sun entering your sector of communication for a four-week stay, you could be involved in this for some time. However, doors can open and new opportunities present themselves because of your efforts. You have a lot to look forward to, so try not to be perturbed by family members who would prefer that you put your energies into more domestic matters.
With Saturn, your personal planet, moving through your spiritual sector for some time now, an inner wisdom may have developed because of key experiences. Things may not always have been comfortable for you - even a little painful at times - but an awakening may have occurred out of this. If everyday matters seem a little trivial at times, apply this deeper knowledge to change your perspective.
This can be a positive week and something of a rebirth as the Sun dances into your sign after journeying through the more mystical sector of your chart. Clarity may dawn over the coming days, as well as a desire to get cracking on plans that you’ve been dreaming up over recent weeks. Another lovely lineup could encourage you to explore possibilities connected with a recent encounter. The person’s inspired view on life could act as a catalyst for you.
Libra
Capricorn
GUWAHATI
Scorpio
Aquarius
EMERGENCY NUMBERS 24-HOUR PHARMACIES Arya Hospital, Ulubari (2606888, 2606665) D Modern Medicos, Maligaon (9864366763) Candid 24x7, Panbazar (2604422)
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Sagittarius
Pisces
After a hectic start to the month, you may feel like enjoying more time to yourself in the coming four weeks. You’ll still be busy, and your friends will still be eager for you to join them for evenings out, but you’ll also recognize the value of reflection and meditation for the insights they can bring. The weekend may have romantic overtones and a sizzling date night to look forward to. A movie could also have quite an impact on you.
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(c) Daily Sudoku Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.
With Mars in Pisces and a quieter sector of your chart, it could be difficult to feel as motivated as usual. Tie this in with sobering Saturn and you could decide to stay put and not venture too far out of your comfort zone. However, other influences may call out to you to do exactly that. Curiosity may be what eventually encourages you to step forward no matter what. On another note, desire could pave the way to an intense conversation.
Taurus
Daily Sudoku: Wed 18-Jan-2017
6 4 9 2 3 5 1 8 7 8 2 7 6 9 1 4 3 5 5 1 3 4 7 8 9 2 6 7 3 9 4 2 1
5 8 6 7 9 3
4 2 1 8 5 6
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2 1 4 5 6 8
6 7 3 9 4 2
3 6 8 2 7 5
9 5 7 6 1 4
1 4 2 3 8 9
(c) Daily Sudoku Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.
Aries
last week solution
Horoscope of the week
Fatasil Ambari PS: Ph-2471412 very hard Comissioner of Police: 0361-2540278 Daily Sudoku: Wed 18-Jan-2017 Geetanagar PS: Ph-2417323 DCP, Traffic: 0361-2731847 Hatigaon: Ph-2562383 DCP, (Central): 94350-49599 Jalukbari PS: Ph-2570587 DCP, (East): - 94350-83103 http://www.dailysudoku.co Jalukbari Out Post: Ph-2570522 DCP, (West): - 94350-27744 police sta- Police Control Room: Ph-2540138, 2540113 Jorabat: Ph-2896853 Khanapara: Ph- 2281501 tion Azara PS: Ph2840287 Khetri PS: Ph-2787699, 2787220 Basista PS: Ph-2302158 Latasil PS: Ph-2540136 Bharalumukh PS: Ph- 2540137, 2731199 Noonmati PS: Ph- 2550281 Borjhar PS: Ph-2840351 North Guwahati PS: Ph-2690255 Chandmari PS: Ph- 2660204 Paltanbazar PS: Ph-2540126 Chandrapur PS: Ph-2788237, 2785237 Panbazar PS: Ph-2540106 Dispur PS: Ph-2261510 Pragjyotishpur Ps: Ph-2785237 Fancybazar PS: Ph- 2540285 Women PS Panbazar: Ph-2524627
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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
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G PLUS JAN 21 - JAN 27, 2017
Events
Next 21st Jan To Jan 27th
Jan 21
Ozone Time: 06:00 pm Xtremixt Club Nights Feat. Nik(Bangalore)
Jan 21
Face Of Northeast 2017
ITA Machkhowa Time: 06:00 pm Preetir Enajori 2017 “Concert For Cancer Care”
Grand Finale of Northeast’s biggest beauty Pageant Venue: Pragjyoti ITA Machkhowa
WInners Michelle Kynta, Anjusha Saikia Bhattacharya (1st Runners Up (L) and Y. Tsurila (2nd Runners Up (R)
Jan 21
Sarusujai Stadium Time: 06:00 pm Mega Concert Feat. Superstar Duo Salim And Sulaiman
Jan 21
Underdoggs Sports Bar, Central Mall Time: 07:00 pm Dj Aashikaa And Dj Gordon
Jan 22
The Judges (L-R) Roshni Hassan, Kamal Barman, Subroto Mohanty, Lovita Moran & Kangkan Rajkhowa
Dr. B. Borooah Cancer Institute, Gopinath Nagar Time: 07:00 am Ride Against Tobacco And Cancer
G PLUS JAN 21 - JAN 27, 2017
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Catching Up Most shared story of the week An Assam lad, Akash Sengupta of Goalpara, has been selected by BCCI for the U-19 Indian Cricket Team. He will play his debut match against England on 28th January at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. This is a remarkable achievement for this youngster!
About Me Hello everyone! I am Monmi Bora. I belong to the lovely city of Guwahati in Assam. I am pursuing HS 1st year (commerce) from Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Academy. I am a frank and fun loving girl. I am the winner of Mr & Miss Dakshin Kamrup 2016 as also the AYOP Fashion Wizard’s Mega Model Hunt 2016.
New
Chic on the block
Monmi Bora
Mojo My hobbies are dancing, crafting and listening to music. Also, I love to explore new places. Route in the Woods
849
2.4K facebook.com/guwahatiplus
twitter.com/guwahatiplus
Guwahati
GYAN
Did you know?
Dispur Baptist Church
L
ocated in Christian Basti, the inception of the Baptist Church dates way back to 1890 when it was constructed in association with the Asomiya Baptist Sabha. Since its construction the church has a special observance throughout the weeks following Thanksgiving to Christ-
mas. The church also puts on special Christmas plays or strict nativity scenes that depict Jesus’ early days. The church holds special Christmas Eve celebrations and prayer sessions which people from outside the Christian community also attend. It puts on one of the most beautiful Christmas decorations in the city every year that attracts a large number of people. While the regular Sunday services are attended by around 50 people, the Church is visited by more than 1,000 people on the eve of Christmas.
II’m very passionate about modelling. I love being fashionable. Janti Hazarika is my style icon. In future, I would like to be a top model. I believe that lots of struggle means lots of success and the key to success is making your dreams come true. Photography by - Nissar Ahmed Costume - Monmi Mora MUA - Debashish Vickiee Olemaan
PIC OF THE
WEEK
WHAT DID I JUST HEAR?
D
inesh Kumar Dixit, practicing at the district session court, sent Rs 100 attached with a letter to Congress chief Rahul Gandhi. In his letter Dixit said that he came to know about his torn kurta during Rishikesh rally through media. “It shows the poverty you (Rahul) are facing after demonetisation and managing your expenditure including foreign trip with the money you had exchanged by standing in the queue,” wrote Dixit in a mocking tone. In a meeting in Uttarakhand, Rahul had shown that the pocket of his kurta was torn.
T
Ka m u r of the week
he traffic jam remained a big kamur this week as because of a few protests at Dighalipukhri the traffic movement was affected severely. Also the Fancy Bazar area has turned into a nightmare for commuters as people visiting the area are irked over wastage of time because of traffic jams in the area.
High as a kite | Photo: Surajit Sharma
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G PLUS JAN 21 - JAN 27, 2017
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