G plus Volume 2 Issue 16 by G Plus

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VOLUME 02 | ISSUE 16 JAN 24 - JAN 30, 2015

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Ugratara Temple A BRIEF HISTORY

NEW LIQUOR RULES

BOOTLEGGING TO INCREASE?

12 IN CONVERSATION WITH

With new excise rules in place, the liquor shops and bars have new timings, but will it check the increasing liquor black market?

Page 02

Dr Amarjyoti Kashyap

ENVIRONMENT ACTIVIST

traffic volunteers’ woes

GMDA fails to Deliver PG 06

WARD WATCH

Government Press Road Broken road, Leakage of water pipeline, Street lights, Water logging, Drainage system

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G PLUS JAN 24- JAN 30, 2015

Lead Story

RAHUL CHANDA

New excise rules

may boost liquor black market

ith the new amended Assam Excise (Amendment) Rules, 2014 coming into force across the state, apprehensions are now rift among the public and the administration about the possible rise in liquor black market. The new rules, which are already being implemented, has made some sweeping changes in the sale and distribution of liquor across the state. The rules were notified and issued to the excise department through The Assam Gazette on 30 December 2014. G Plus takes a look at the new rules and analyse whether it will help the public in any way.

The new rules

According to the new rules, the most fundamental change which took place is the timing of sale and purchase of liquor throughout the state. The wine shops can only open now at 2 pm and it will remain open till 10 pm., whereas previously, the timing was from 10 am to 10 pm. The bars and clubs can serve liquor from 1 pm to 10 pm, and such premises may be kept open upto 12 midnight under a separate late closing licence on payment of a fee of Rs 75,000 per annum issued by the collector of the district with previous approval of government in the Excise Department. According to the new rules, some days will be considered as dry days throughout the state. The first and last day of every month, except 31st December of every year will be dry days and no sale and purchase of liquor can be done on these days. 26th January of every year, 15th August and 2nd October of every year will be considered as dry days. According to the district excise department officials, they received the new rules on January 13th and it is being implemented across the city from January 17, 2015. All the bars and wine stores have been informed about the new rules and strict action would be taken against the bar and wine shop owners who do not abide by the new implemented rules. But the rationale behind the government’s change in the timings and announcement of dry days every month remains to be seen.

Liquor shops 2 pm to 10 pm

Bars/Clubs 1 pm to 10 pm

Dry days

First & last day of every month except 31st December 26 January 15 August 2 October

The thought In 2012, a Gauhati High Court order resulted in the closure of almost all the 300 liquor shops and 128 bars in the city and stopped the daily revenue collection of around Rs 36 lakh by the Kamrup district excise department for few days. Dispur then considered amending sections of the Assam Excise Rule, 1945, which was earlier amended in 2005, following an interim order of Gauhati High Court, resulting in the closure of liquor shops and bars within 500-metre radius of educational and religious

The first and the last days of the month usually are the days when generally people get their monthly wages, so, if the bars and wine shops are closed on those particular days, the alcoholics will not get an opportunity to buy alcohol and the entire monthly salary will reach home unspent. The other dry days are in keeping with the tradition of maintaining alcohol-free days to show respect to the country and the father of the nation. institutions, hospitals, dispensaries and courts in the city. The infamous GS Road molestation case was also blamed to be the result of alcoholism and with various NGOs narrating the ill effect of alcoholism, the authorities formed panels to come up with some solutions and finally amended the rules. According to highly placed sources in the excise department, the changes in timing may have been implemented with the thought of discauraging youths from buying liquor in the morning hours and bunking their daily work schedule which in the long run affects their career, diverting them from their goals and ruining their futures. Again, the first and the last days of the month usually are the days when generally people get their monthly wages, so, if the bars and wine shops are closed on those particular days, the alcoholics will not get an opportunity to buy alcohol

and the entire monthly salary will reach home unspent. The other dry days are in keeping with the tradition of maintaining alcohol-free days to show respect to the country and the father of the nation. The law states that people below 21 years of age cannot buy liquor, and selling liquor to them is an offense, but one often wonders whether the proof of age of all consumers is verified before the sale of liquor from wine shops and bars. Even during the previous rule it was observed during many excise department raids, that people sell liquor even after 10 pm and on dry days in the black. The question, therefore remains, will not the new rules give rise to the black market?

The black market

A wine shop manager in GS Road said, “We have to follow the excise norms, and as informed we open our shops at 2 pm and keep it

open till 10 pm. But, the new rules will increase the business of the dhabas located on the highway as there are many such places which sell liquor without any license after 10 pm and also whole day.” A city based marketing professional who comes home late said, “It is very easy to get alcohol after 10 pm and during dry days from the dhabas at Lokhra, as they sell liquor 24/7. We just have to pay Rs 20 extra for every bottle we purchase.” Similarly, there are some wine shops and dhabas at Paltan Bazaar also which sells liquor 24/7 at a higher price. A dhaba owner at Lokhara who do not have a liquor license but sells it without impunity, said on the condition of anonymity, “We have to pay the local police and the excise department officials every month to do business. Sometimes when there is strict vigilance, the local police informs us to stop selling for few days and then start again after the situation improves.” Authorities might brainstorm and come up with new rules, but, the law breakers will keep breaking the rules and in between black marketers and some corrupt officials will keep making money uninterrupted. rahul.chanda@g-plus.in

G PLUS JAN 24- JAN 30, 2015

In The News

Cops pull up socks RAHUL CHANDA

for Republic Day

fter the recent NDFB(S) violence in the state and with the Assam Police nabbing jehadi motivators one after another from across the state, all eyes are now set on the Republic Day celebrations. Inpite of no specific threat, the city of Guwahati has always been targeted by insurgent groups, especially during the Republic and the Independence Day. With the newly formed police commissionerate in the city, the police is confident of tackling any kind of situation and are leaving no stone unturned to ensure people can come out on 26th January and participate in the celebrations of the day. G Plus takes a look at the security strategy and all those participating in the function to be held in Khanapara Veterinary Field.

Police preparedness “I request the common people to participate in the Republic Day celebration without any fear”, said DCP East Hemanta Kumar Das, who heads the East District of newly formed police commissionerate. The Veterinary Field falls under East Police District. One platoon of armed Assam Police force is deployed at the field at present guarding the venue. Two sections of CRPF jawans are deployed outside the venue doing peripheral patrolling. Eight company of CRPF jawans have been deployed across the city checking various movements. Thana wise checking has also been intensified by respective police stations, checking all movements under their respective areas. One company of Assam Police commandos are deployed across the city for surveillance. Police is also doing regular river patrolling. Village Defence Parties and Nagrik Committees are keeping a close watch on the railway tracks and the oil pipe lines. According to police, there is no specific threat for the Republic Day but there are general threats from extremist groups who are calling for a boycott to the celebrations. On the day of the celebration, three platoons of Assam Police personnel will be deployed at the venue and three platoons of CRPF jawans will be deployed in and around the venue. There will be around 50 unarmed police personnel, 50 plain cloth police personnel at the venue and anti-sabotage checking will be done by Army Bomb Disposal Squad. CRPF will provide sniffer dogs which will be in surveillance in and around the venue. At present one platoon of Assam Police commandos are doing door to door checking in the hilly area surrounding the venue. The entire venue will be under CCTV surveillance and there are also sufficient lightings which is helping the police to keep a check on the venue during the night. So, the police are confident of providing full proof security to Guwahatians for Republic Day celebrations.

Eight company of CRPF jawans are deployed across the city checking various movements. Thana wise checking is also intensified by respective police stations checking all movements under their respective areas. One company of Assam Police commandos are deployed across the city for surveillance.

Participation

There will be 20 contingents participating in the Republic Day parade including SSB, CRPF, BSF, APBn, district police, traffic police, women police, ex-army personnel, NCC and scouts & guides. There will be altogether 600 participants in the march past and the parade will be commanded by Probationer DSP Pallabi Mazumdar. The newly appointed Commissioner of Police Jyotirmay Chakravarty is seen guiding the police contingents during rehearsals at the venue to practice to perfection. Assam Governor PB Acharya will hoist the flag on 26th January and the chief minister Tarun Gogoi will be present during the occasion with his newly formed cabinet ministers. As with last year’s Independence Day celebrations, it seems like people are now gradually coming out of their homes to celebrate such days, and with the police claiming to be prepared for any kind of situation, the Republic Day celebrations are expected to be celebrated grandly. rahul.chanda@g-plus.in

G PLUS JAN 24- JAN 30, 2015

In The News

GMC denies

shut down reportS Mrinmoyee Hazarika

xpressing displeasure over the misleading news of shutting down of GMC (Guwahati Municipal Corporation) office last Wednesday (21st January), as reported by some sections of the media, concerned officials have requested not to influence the judiciary by flashing such news. Addressing the media on Thursday, a day after publication of the ‘false news’, GMC Commissioner, S. Viswanathan stated that there was a money execution case going on between the GMC and three companies, which were chosen by GMC to carry out one of its water supply projects way back in 1989-90. “After granting the water supply project, which includes lying of pipelines to three different companies, we have asked them to stop their work because of charges of corruption against them. After such charges, the Bureau of Investigation of Economic Offences (BIEO) have come in to look into the matter and their investigation is still going on. Hence, the payment of the work, estimated around Rs 2 crore remains pending till today and we can take a decision only after the BIEO’s investigation ends,” said Viswanathan. Terming it as a routine case of legal issue, Viswanathan also stated, “It is just a money execution case and anyone can file it. Since the matter is

(L to R) GMC Commissioner S Viswanathan, Mayor Abir Patra & Addl. Commissioner D Rajbongshi

still subjudice, we cannot take any decision on it. The day to day activities of GMC has not been hampered by the issue and we are working as per the government norms and flashing such false news might influence the system of judiciary”. The three companies, International Construction Limited, SPM Engineers Limited and Zoom Industrial Services, which were given the contract to carry out water supply project of GMC, went to the Court in order to recover the expenses of the

project from GMC, following which an arbitrator had been appointed and GMC was asked to give the necessary payment to the three companies with an interest rate of 18 percent. “But, in the meantime, the investigation of BIEO has not been completed yet and we could not take any decision in the matter. The three companies involved have again moved the District and Session Court and the Court passed an order to ban transaction of three bank accounts of GMC until further notice,” said Ad-

ditional Commissioner of GMC Dayaram Rajbongshi in this regard. The Court notice came on November 25 of the last year which directed GMC to pay 20 percent of the decretal amount within a period of six weeks from the issue of the Court order. The balance amount has to be paid within six months time. “The six weeks time as given by the Session Court to make payment has come to an end and it is true that transaction of three of GMC’s account has been banned. There are

91 bank accounts opened under the name of GMC and closure of only three accounts will not affect the developmental activities of the corporation,” Rajbongshi added. He also said, “We will wait for completion of investigation being undertaken by BIEO and accordingly take decision on the basis of the final judgement to be given by the Court. But, until then, all other official works of GMC will not be affected.” mrinmoyee.hazarika@g-plus.in

EX-bosconians wallow in nostalgia at bosco euphoria 2015 A G PLUS FEATURE

s part of the ongoing bi-centenary celebrations of St. John Bosco and as a tribute to this ‘friend of youth’, the BOSCO EUPHORIA 2015 was organized by the Don Bosco Alumni, Guwahati Unit, at the school campus on Sunday, 18th January 2015. In spite of the cold inclement weather, a large number of senior citizens (65+) turned up to attend the early morning inaugural ceremony. Chief Guest Reverend Father V.M.Thomas, sdb Provincial of Guwahati hosted the Alumni Flag. The School Anthem was sung by all the assembled Alumni members. The Sacred Lamp was lit by Fr. V.M.Thomas, Fr. J.M.Thelekkatt, Fr. Sebastian Mathew, Fr. Xavier Beck and Akdas Ali Mir (1952 batch). Floral tributes were offered to the portrait of St John Bosco by all present on the occassion. The alumni prayer was led by Fr.

Sebastian. Unit Delegate Fr.Sebastian Mathew formally welcomed the gathering and hoped that the Bosco Euphoria will provide ample opportunities to the Bosconians of yester years to redeem their respect, love and affection to the founder of their Alma mater, besides building bridges of friendship and fellowship between the old and the new

generations. The Alumni members felicitated the senior Bosconians by offering a Pholam Gamocha to each one of them: namely Akdas Ali Mir, Wing Commander Shyamangadhar Rajkhowa, Mirel Quddus, Jyoti Prasad Saikia, IAS Retd, Er.Pradip Lahkar, Mrinal Baishya, Brojen Kataki, Surajit Barua,

Dulu Zamal, Mrinal Baishya, Dilp Sarma, Monmoth Choudhury, Syed Iqbal Quddus, Syed Moidul Quddus, Prabir Kumar Das, Arup Kr. Das,Jayanta Dutta, Fr.J.M.Thelekkatt, Promode Moral and Dr. Dipul Choudhury among others. Delivering the Inaugural speech, Fr. V.M.Thomas recalled the Assembly times in the school and asked the assembled Alumni members to join him in saying the universal prayer “Our Father, who art in heaven..” He then went on to relate one very emotional and impressive incident that occurred at the Don Bosco Matunga, Mumbai. The Chief Guest of the programme, Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of State with Independent Charge for Power, Coal and New & Renewable Energy in the Government of India in his speech said, it not been for the discipline imparted in the school, he would never have been able to rise so high in life.” He was in full praise of the Don Bosco’s System

of Education and said that the same is very relevant even today. Fr. Thelekkatt and Surajit Barua also addressed the gathering and spoke of their memorable times spent at Don Bosco Guwahati. Dilip Sarma entertained the gathering with a song. Alumni members also actively took part in day-long various lightning competitions and keenly contested for the top honours in Extempore Speech, Debate, Quiz, Arm-Wrestling, Chess, Carrom, Badminton, Basketball, Football and Band. Finally in the evening, Provincial Fr. V.M.Thomas and Vice Provincial Fr.Thomas Lakra gave away the awards, medals and certificates to all the champions, runner-up and third position winners. A live band enlivened the spirit of the gathering and the Bosco Euphoria came to a close with the Voteof-Thanks delivered by Unit Delegate Fr.Sebastian.

G PLUS JAN 24- JAN 30, 2015

In The News

CID eyes illegal SIGNAGES 15 days deadline to tobacco companies

Neelakshi BordoloI

aking stern action against rampant violation of tobacco advertisement norms, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Assam Police has recently issued directives to tobacco companies operating in the State asking them to remove all illegal tobacco hoarding in fifteen days time. Through a letter issued by the Special Superintendent of Police (SSP), CID, the copy of which is available with this newspaper, the investigating agency has drawn attention of the tobacco companies on violation of section 5 of the Cigarette and Other Tobacco Product Act (COTPA), 2003 which prohibits any direct and indirect form of advertisements of tobacco products. The letter, which was issued to the regional managers of ITC Ltd and VST Industries on January 9 last also mentioned that violation of Section 5 of COTPA is liable for penalty upto Rs 1,000 or two years jail for first time violation and fine of Rs 5,000 and five years jail for subsequent violation. “We have successfully implemented the section 5 of COTPA in the districts of Kamrup (M) and Jorhat and repeatedly requested the police to implement the same in other parts of the state too. We have also organized meeting with the city police officials to create awareness on implementing sections 4, 5, 6 and 7 of COTPA. We have welcomed the

recent move of CID issuing directives to tobacco companies to remove all illegal tobacco hoardings soon,” said District Nodal Officer, Tobacco Control Cell, Kamrup (M) Samiran Baruah. The ITC Ltd is one of the major cigarette manufacturers of the world which owns popular cigarette brands like Wills Navy Cut, Gold Flake, Indian Kings, Classic and others. The VST Industries manufactures and distributes brands like Charminar, Chams, Moments and others. It was clearly mentioned in the

letter that companies are requested to remove all illegal tobacco advertisement from the State of Assam if any, within 15 days time or else necessary legal action shall be initiated as per the relevant legal provisions. It may be mentioned that violation of section 5 of COTPA is rampant in Assam despite creating much awareness among law enforcers on its proper enforcement by State Health Department. As per the amendment rule of the section 5 of the COTPA, tobacco products can be advertised in the

package containing tobacco products, on the entrance and inside a warehouse storing tobacco products and at the point of sale (tobacco product selling shop) or distribution only. But presence of hoardings advertising tobacco products, larger than prescribed (60cm x 45 cm) at the point of sale and more than two boards at one point of sale are regarded as violation of the section 5. Illuminated or backlit boards at the point of sale, open display of tobacco products by a shop owner for sale, indirect/surrogate advertisement of tobacco production in any form such as in apparel, sports gear, accessories and others are also not allowed. Infringement of the section 5 is going on in almost all the localities of

major towns of Assam like Guwahati, Dibrugarh, Silchar, Tezpur, Tinsukia and others with the tobacco companies pushing that extra hard to promote their brands. The cigarette companies have also compelled most of the pan shops owners to display the cigarette products openly by signing a deal where they (the companies) will renovate the shops with preconditions of proper display of the cigarette brands, sources said. “If the shop is in prime location and have a good sell of their products-mainly cigarette, companies like ITC renovate our shops by fixing glow sign boards of their products for proper display,” said a pan shop owner of Chandmari, Guwahati. neelakshi.bordoloI@g-plus.in

G PLUS JAN 24- JAN 30, 2015

City

traffic volunteers’ woes

GMDA fails to Deliver Mrinmoyee Hazarika

eeping up with its longstanding ‘reputation’ of non-delivery or late delivery of services, the GMDA (Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority) has once again failed to realise the dreams of sections of enthusiastic city youths. And this time, the victims are an odd number of 200 youths who have been deployed on the city roads to manage the traffic during the month of October last year. They were being inducted as ‘traffic volunteers’ in the department of city traffic police, Kamrup (M) by GMDA and being trained up by traffic officials for the purpose. But the traffic volunteers, who received much laud and appreciation while managing traffic during last Durga puja, when the road congestion was almost in a non-manageable state, were suddenly asked to discontinue their service from this month onwards. “When we came to attened our duty like any other day on January 15, we were told that our service would no longer be required. At first we were unable to comprehend what was going on. But later, the officials of traffic department told us that we were asked to discontinue our jobs, since GMDA had expressed its inability to pay our monthly remunerations,” Riaj Ali, one of the volunteers inducted for the job told G Plus. Ali, who used to assist his mother at her small paan shop before accepting the job, also stated that though the traffic volunteers were hired on temporary basis, the advertisement published for hiring the volunteers did not mention any specific time frame or duration. “Even after joining, we were never told that our job would last only for three months or so. If we knew about it before or at the time of joining, we would never have joined in the job. Moreover, the concerned department has not even served us a notice before asking us to discontinue our jobs,” Ali said.

Even after joining, we were never told that our job would last only for three months or so...” Riaj Ali, one of the volunteers inducted for the job

Sajid Ali, another colleague of Riaj Ali, too feels the same way, “We do not belong to well to do families and it was a relief for us when we got the job of traffic volunteers. Many of us have even gotten engaged and dreamt of starting a new life. Besides, we have been told that our monthly remuneration of Rs 6000 would be revised from the New Year. But, instead, we were asked to leave our job from the New Year.” The volunteers have staged a dharna on 16th of January and met the additional commissioner of police for discussing the matter. “We tried to meet the police commissioner, but due to his busy schedule we were unable to meet him. But we have met the additional commissioner of police and he asked us to wait until January 26,” Riaj Ali said. He also added that if the concerned authority would not take any step to reinstall the volunteers after January 26, they would move the Court. “Now we feel cheated. The amount, which we were getting at the end of the

month for performing a rigorous eight hour long job everyday was not sufficient enough. Though, we were happy to do it. But, now if the authority does not listen to us, we will move the Court,” an enraged Riaj Ali said. While asking the about the fate of the traffic volunteers, DCP traffic, Pranab Jyoti Goswami told, “We are still in favour of keeping the job of traffic volunteers. We have been suffering from manpower shortage for a long time and need more

people to manage the ever increasing congestion on the city roads. But, we do not have any budget of our own and we have to depend on GMDA for the necessary budget required for the traffic volunteers.” The DCP, Traffic also stated that the matter would be sorted out only after the meeting among the GMDA, traffic department, traffic volunteers and other concerned departments which is scheduled to be held after 26th January. mrinmoyee.hazarika@g-plus.in

Weather report for the week SAT 24 January

SUN 25 January

MON 26 January

TUE 27 January

WED 28 January

THU 29 January

FRI 30 January

Sunny.

12 / 26 °C

10 / 25 °C

10 / 26 °C

9 / 26 °C

10 / 26 °C

11 / 26 °C

9 / 22 °C

G PLUS JAN 24- JAN 30, 2015

electricity from liquid waste

City

gmc Plans new initiative

Mrinmoyee Hazarika

f everything goes well according to plan, dark city areas will soon be illuminated at night with electricity produced out of liquid waste. In order to make it possible, the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) has taken up an ambitious project of setting up two Bio methylation cum energy generation plants at two different places in the city. These plants will generate electricity from liquid wastes and GMC has already contacted several hotels in the city for ready supply of raw materials. “We have taken a project of generating electricity from liquid or wet waste, which will benefit the community at large. At first, we are planning to light up street lights near Borsola and Sorusola beel where one Bio methylation plant would be set up. The place for setting up the second plant would be finalised within a day or two,” additional commissioner, GMC, Dayaram Rajbongshi told G Plus. Rajbongshi also mentioned that the hotel industry of the city had agreed to provide the liquid waste

produced at its kitchen every day to GMC and a pre-bid meeting for setting up both the plants was recently held at the office of GMC. “The hotels have agreed to segregate both the solid and liquid wastes produced at their kitchens and provide it free of cost to the NGOs which are currently engaged in collecting wastes. After collecting the wastes, the solid wastes will be deposited at

the solid waste management centre situated at Boragaon and the liquid wastes will be transported to the Bio-methylation plants for producing electricity,” stated Rajbongshi. The capacity of the plant, to be located at Borsola and Sorusola beel will be 5 TPD and the second plant would be set up with a capacity of 10 TPD. “We have already called for bids

to set up the plants and we are hopeful to complete the work within a period of three months. As soon as the construction ends, the plants will able to generate electricity,” added Rajbongshi. The state government has released an amount of Rs 6 crore for solid waste management of the city and the cost of construction of both the plants is estimated at around Rs

2 crore each. Highlighting the idea behind taking up the project, Rajbongshi said, “It will serve the dual purpose of managing waste as well as reducing the problem of shortage of electricity in the city. The plan has been a success in other cities of the country like Pune and Ahmadabad. A group of 24 councillors from Guwahati visited Pune to look into the project and proposed to establish similar project in their own city too.” He also said the project is not a major one and requires simple technology to operate and generate electricity. “With the help of this project, for now, we will be able to light the community based street lights only. In future, we will try to decentralise the project in other parts of the city and cover larger areas,” he said. In the meantime, the GMC has received another amount of Rs 25 crore to carry out the project of installing street lights in different localities of the city. mrinmoyee.hazarika@g-plus.in

G PLUS JAN 24- JAN 30, 2015

City

city treats its differently abled unfairly award winning para athlete express displeasure ABDUL GANI

nternational medal winning para athlete Suvarna Raj who was in the city to take part in the National Youth Festival, has expressed displeasure at the lack of facility for the differently-abled persons in the city. Raj who was honoured with National Youth Award, however, expressed her hope that the scenario will be better when she visits the city next time. But she felt the city still has a long way to go in terms of accessibility for persons with disabilities. Recalling her experience during the youth festival, she said, “I am a wheelchair user and the organizers were aware of it, still there wasn’t any provision of a ramp to the stage. I had to be literally carried up to the stage before the prize distribution started and was made to sit behind the row of dignitaries before the commencement of the ceremony. This was really upsetting for me”. She was sharing her experience during her visit to city based NGO, Shishu Sarothi which work with the differently abled persons. Urging on the need to work by the government for making the cities of the country friendly for the differently abled persons, she said that they should get their basic rights. “I really appreciate the work of Shishu Sarothi but then such efforts are a drop in the ocean unless con-

Raj was honoured with National Youth Award, however, expressed her hope that scenario will be better.

certed efforts are made by the government to ensure a disabled friendly environment in all public places. I hope the next time I visit the city, I wouldn’t face the problems which I faced this time,” she said. Suvarna who was on her maiden visit, has vowed to come back to

guwahati again. Other than being a table tennis player of international standards, she also runs an NGO in New Delhi which works for the cause of differently-abled people. “I have been working for the cause of differently abled people for the past 10 years, and I am work-

ing towards creating a better life for them and making them independent enough and also hone their skills and make them self-sufficient,” she said. In 2013, Suvarna won two medals at the Para Table Tennis Thailand Open in Bangkok, including the first gold for India at the event.

B Borooah Chemistry department celebrates golden jubilee ABDUL GANI

he Chemistry Department of B Borooah College celebrated its Golden Jubilee on Wednesday with a host of programmes. A host of school and college students of the city and other places took part in the exhibition, arts and quiz competition which were organized to mark the auspicious occasion in the college premises. “We tried to involve the students of different colleges and schools from the city on the occasion to mark our 50 years of existence. This will also perk the students' interest towards science. We are overwhelmed at the response of the students,” Diganta Choudhury, head of the department of Chemistry told G Plus. Altogether students from 32 city schools and colleges have taken part in exhibition. There were five themes

– clean air/ clean water, renewable energy, sustainable industrial process, environment – deny plastic and Indian 2050—on which the students displayed different models during the exhibition. Though B Borooah College began with the Arts stream in 1943, the Chemistry department was created in 1964. “In the beginning we did not have full time lecturer. Shortly afterwards T Thakuria joined as the head of the department. Renowned educationists KK Bora and MC Bhuyan, who were both lecturers of Cotton College gave their valuable services in the incubation period,” Choudhury said. The honours course was started in 1974. After that in 1993 another millstone was created with the setting up of the post-graduation

course of Chemistry. “The introduction of the PG department, which is self-sustaining, was a bold initiative as it entailed lot of perseverance and sacrifice. The PG section was a result of a desire to go for higher studies coupled with a statistical assessment that many graduates of this region were unable to go for higher studies merely because of lack of adequate number of seats,” he added. The department has also received funds from department of biotechnology of union ministry of science and technology. Choudhury who is also an alumni of the department has also thanked all its former and present students for making the event a success.

G PLUS JAN 24- JAN 30, 2015

Politicking

Gogoi’s new team takes oath RAHUL CHANDA

State Level conference on educational, administration planning held at Kalakhetra

two day state level conference was organize by the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), Assam in collaboration with the National University of Educational Planning and Administration, New Delhi at the conference hall at Srimanta Shankardev Kalakhetra on 21st & 22nd of January. The meeting was organized with the objective of making familiar the changing role in current day context in the educational policy, planning and administration to the skill leaders. The meeting will provide a platform for the professionals working in the grass root and the state & district level in the educational field to share their experiences and discuss the recent trends in educational development. Vice Chancellor, NUEPA, Proffessor R Govinda including faculty members from NUEPA and other national and state experts would be present as the resource persons in the event.

ith rounds of brainstorming sessions about who will be and who won’t be, finally Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi’s cabinet with several new faces took oath on Friday at Raj Bhawan. Assam Governor Padmanabha Balakrishna Acharya administered the oath of office and secrecy to the new ministers at the Darbar Hall of the Raj Bhawan at 10.30 am. The new council of ministers took oath three days after all 14 ministers of the state government resigned from their respective positions. Former Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma led Congress state dissident group was cornered and the new Cabinet inducted mostly MLAs from the Gogoi camp.

The new faces Eight new members, Khumtai legislator Bismita Gogoi, Dholai MLA Girindra Mallick, Abhayapuri South legislator Chandan Kr Sarkar, Barkhetry MLA Bhumidhar Barman, Dhemaji MLA Sumitra Doley Patir, Tingkhong MLA Atuwa Munda, Sonari legislator Sarat Borkataky and Chenga legislator Sukur Ali Ahmed took oath as ministers. Besides, six ministers of the previous ministry, Ajanta Neog, Rockybul Hussain, Khor Singh Engti, Nazrul Islam, Ajit Singh and Basanta Das were retained in the ministry and they too took oath along with the new faces. APCC president Anjan Dutta said that there is no dissatisfaction over the reshuffle and ministers who are dropped are also not unhappy

with the reshuffle. But contrary to his assertion, there were many previous ministers who did not attend the oath taking ceremony which somehow reflected their discontent. Former ministers Pranati Phukon, Akon Bora, Rajiv Luchan Pegu, Gautam Roy and former APCC president Bhubaneshwar Kalita were conspicuous by their absence during the oath taking ceremony. Sources said that during the ceremony, dissidence group leader Himanta Biswa Sarma with his gang of six remaining MLAs was brainstorming their future move at his residence.

Who will get what? Though the portfolios were not announced on Friday, highly placed sources in the Congress party said that there are speculations that Tarun Gogoi will keep several portfolios including Home, Political, Finance, Personnel, Forest and Environment, Power and Industry and Commerce with himself. Bhumidhar Barman might get Health

and Assam Accord, Education will go to Sarat Barkataky, Ajanta Neog might get PWD, Guwahati Development Department and Information and Public Relations, Nazrul Islam can get Food and Civil Supply, Rockybul Hussain will get Agriculture and Rural Development, Chandan Sarkar might get Irrigation, Hills Development and Veterinary might go to Khor Singh Engti, Sukur Ali will get PHE and Minority Development, Ajit Singh will get Transport and Sports and Youth Welfare, Basanta Das to get Fishery, Atuwa Munda will likely get Labour Department, Sumitra Doley Patir might get Social Welfare, Girindra Mallick will get Excise and Bismita Gogoi might get Cultural Affairs. Four other ministers will be inducted in the ministry between February 15 and February 20.

The political twist Gogoi might be trying his best with the high command to come up with strategies to retain his chair

post 2016, and this reshuffle may be a part of the game plan but, for the time being the CM is the winner as Sarma and gang have been entirely sidelined by the new ministry formation. Interestingly once portrayed as Himanta loyalist and later proven as a member of the Gogoi camp, Gautam Roy was not retained in the ministry creating tremors in the Barak Valley Congress politics as Roy is considered a heavy weight there and it seems he left the Himanta camp previously only to retain his berth in the cabinet. Dholai MLA Girendra Mallick considers Roy as his idol, and with his induction in the ministry Roy is discontent with the whole calculation. Meanwhile speculations are rift whether he again joins Sarma, or will there be another option of following a different political party, as there are rumours that even Himanta is planning to join the saffron party. Only time can tell how this ministry work and who will rule Assam after 2016 elections. rahul.chanda@g-plus.in

Superfast train from Kamakhya to Howrah

orth East Frontier Railways have come up with a superfast special train from Kamakhya to Howrah stations in order to meet the demands of additional passengers. The train was flagged off on January 23. With six general second class coaches, nine sleeper class coaches, four AC 3 tier coaches and one AC 2 tier coaches, the train 03058 Kamakhya-Howrah special was scheduled to leave Kamakhya at 8:30 pm and arrive Howrah at 12:20 pm next, said a NF Railway release. The special train will have stoppages at New Bongaigaon, New Jalpaiguri and Malda town only. Fare for the train will be that of Mail/Express (Superfast) trains and the booking of tickets have already started.

G PLUS JAN 24- JAN 30, 2015

Society

Ugratara Temple

KALYAN DEB

gratara temple is an important Shakti shrine, located at Lamb Road, Uzan Bazaar in Guwahati. The temple serves as an important pilgrimage center and over the years has become a significant tourist attraction from far and wide. The temple is also connected to Buddhism and related to Eka Jata and Tiksna Kanta of the Buddhist pantheon. The temple has idols of three different lords Dakhina Kali, Chamundini and Nil Saraswati. Unlike other Hindu temples, Ugratara doesn’t have any idol or image of the deity. Inside the temple’s sanctum sanctorium, there is a small pit filled with water, which is considered as Goddess. The wife of Swargadev Shiv Singh, an Ahom king named Phuleshwari Deori constructed the temple. It’s history goes beyond thousands of years, to the early part of the 17th century. He also excavated a lake, known as Jorepukhuri, in the east of the temple. However, the present temple has undergone renovations and modifications by Raibahadur Bhuban Ram Das, after it was destroyed by a devastating earthquake in the year 1889.

Legend

The residing deity of the Ugratara Temple is Goddess Ugra Tara, who is considered to be another form of Goddess Parvati. Legend has it that the temple was constructed on the very spot where the naval of Sati fell on the earth, after her death. Goddess Sati, the incarnation of Parvati, immolated herself when her

a brief history

The residing deity of the Ugratara Temple is Goddess Ugra Tara, who is considered to be another form of Goddess Parvati. The legend has it that the temple was constructed on the very spot where the naval of Sati fell on the earth, after her death. father Daksha performed a yagna but didn’t invite her and husband Lord Siva. Lord Siva, enraged with grief and anger, started dancing with the remains of Sati’s body, destructing the whole universe. The other gods intervened to stop this dance, and Lord Vishnu’s weapon, the Sudarshana Chakra, cut through the corpse of Sati. The various parts of the body fell at several spots all through the Indian subcontinent and formed sites, which are known as Shakti Peeths (holy places of cosmic power) are places of worship consecrated to the goddess Sati today. Ugratara temple is believed to be the place where Sati’s naval fell. Hence, the place is considered to be an important Shakti shrine in India and is regarded as very sacred by the

thousands of devotees who come to visit the place every year. It is also said that Guru Basishta who meditated in the Kamakhya temple for ten thousand years to be blessed with the goddess as his daughter and was later guided by the goddess to the particular spot where the Peeth was discovered.

Trustee

In the year 1930 TS case number 12, a scheme was made as per directive of the Calcutta High Court through the Assam valley court the election system was started. As per the scheme, a Doloi will be elected for a tenure of ten years, which will be decided through a secret ballot system by the managing committee. A secretary will also be elected through a similar procedure or by the

District and Session Judge, Kamrup. The history of the election of the trustee goes back to the year 1044 when the Baxottoria Brahmin Pariyal (Sandilya Gothra) was given the responsibility of establishment of the Ugratara Temple by the king of the Pal dynasty who then ruled the Kamrup region. In the year 1289 another brahmin family namely Pathilya Gotra was chosen to shoulder the responsibility of the temple by the reigning Ahom king and from the past 971 years the prayers and worshipping of the goddess is initiated half yearly according to Assamese calendar years (from Bohag to Ahin by the Sandilya Gothra and from Kati to Sout) by the brahmins of the two different gothras.

Festivals

The main festivals celebrated in Ugratara temple are Durga Puja, Shivratri, Baxonti puja and the Nagpanchami puja are being initiated for over past forty years. During the celebration of Durga puja devotees from far and wide come to offer their prayers and seek blessings of the goddess. Besides the sashti and the dashami, all other days are celebrated. An important ritual observed during the festival is the sacrifice of animals, like bulls, buffaloes, goats etc. However, an interesting fact is that, generally, the females of all the species are exempted from sacrifice. Apart from the daily prayers, special prayers are also offered to the Goddess every Friday. kalyan.deb@g-plus.in

G PLUS JAN 24- JAN 30, 2015

Ward number 21

Ward Watch

Population 48000 (approx) | Voters 28000 (approx)

Government Press Road among the victims of GMDA-JICA pipeline project KALYAN DEB

Sub-division- 21 (a) Councilor- Shashanka Jyoti Deka Phone number- 9864217101 Area sabha member Gajen Chandra Deka Phone number 9435100010 Concentrated area Government press road Police Station Chandmari Problems Broken road, Leakage of water pipeline, Street lights, Water logging, Drainage system

espite being surrounded by and being the location of several government and private organisations such as the Government Press, Office of the director of PHE, Guwahati Transport Association, Pollution Control Board, etc., the Government Press Road lacks in proper development. Situated at Bamunimaidam, the same road has also recently been the victim of the GMDA’s water supply project that has been carried out in association with Gammon and JICA which has demolished most parts of the road. Like most streets of the city, one side of the entire road was dug out in order to install water pipeline but the previously constructed road remained unrestored after carrying out of the project, which has turned certain corners of the road to become prone to accidents. At such turns, it becomes impossible for more than one vehicle to pass by at a time. “The particular turn has been flooded with water leaking from the water pipeline for the past two to three months. In the after hours, it becomes very difficult to drive by and since there are no street lights installed added to the poor road condition, it makes it very risky for one to drive through this road. Even in day light, the vehicles, in order to pass by, have to affect an entrance into the premise of the houses to the other through”, asserted Ullash Dutta, an employee of Design Space, located in Government Press Road. Bhabendra Nath Bhattarcharya, Treasurer, Guwahati Transport

Councilor’s speak

“A major drawback in the delay and unsatisfactory results in the projects is that most projects are handed over to ineligible and blacklisted contractors. The authorities, while giving away the responsibilities should cross check the background along with man power of every particular contractor”. Councilor Shashanka Jyoti Deka Association mentioned, “Not just the by lanes but most of the major roads of the city are in bad condition, mostly due to lack of water reservoirs. This particular road suffers several problems including flood, which is caused due to improper drainage system. In monsoon the road gets flooded within half an hour of rain creating a lot of inconvenience for the people of the area. Mostly, the employees that have to come to their offices face major inconveniences.” “After the carrying out of the pipeline project, the condition of the road has worsened. Though the problem of water logging has always

been there but after the pipeline project was carried out over a year ago, the road has been tempered with and has not been restored yet. It should be the responsibility of the authorities to ensure that if a particular road has been damaged while carrying out any project, they should take the responsibility of restoring the road to its previous condition as well. The reason behind such inconveniences is the variance and miscommunication among the different departments”, Bhattacharya added. Among other problems, the particular turn, which also has an

establishment of a private residence has been conflicted among the people of being faulty construction. The house, which is currently abandoned, was previously owned by one Bolin Sharma but was later sold to someone else. “The abandoned house that was previously owned by Bolin Sharma was inadequately constructed in the first place and the absence of street lights adds to the chances of causing accidents. Being situated at the turn it makes it difficult for vehicles as well as pedestrians to pass by even during daylight”, asserted a resident of Government press road.

“The road has been handed over to FDR (Flood Disaster Relief) with a sanctioned amount of Rs 40 lacs. Though during monsoon the water doesn’t log for much long but the problem of the initial flood can only be resolved by timely and regular cleaning of the drains including the water reservoirs. It is only if the reservoirs are cleaned regularly that will allow the logged water to pass through quickly. Also the responsibility of installation of street lights in the entire Guwahati city has been transferred from PWD to GMC. Though the process is slow and unsatisfactory, but in the recent times, many areas which did not have street lights have been provided with the same, mostly the main roads of the city”, asserted the councilor. Regarding the tempering of roads while carrying out the pipeline project by the GMDA, Shashanka Jyoti Deka added, “The testing of the road has been done and also the soiling will be constituted very soon but the black topping (pitching) might require more time.” “A major drawback in the delay and unsatisfactory results in the projects is that most projects are handed over to ineligible and blacklisted contractors. The authorities, while giving away the responsibilities should cross check the background along with man power of every particular contractor”, Deka added further.

kalyan.deb@g-plus.in

G PLUS JAN 24- JAN 30, 2015

In Conversation

Household waste management is the only way out, not community waste management” Dr Amarjyoti Kashyap

Mrinmoyee Hazarika

n what could be termed as a futuristic approach to keep the city clean and healthy, Dr Amarjyoti Kashyap, a city based environment activist has come forward with a new category of movement for effective waste management. In his effort to do this, Kashyap, one of the few persons relentlessly working for creating a healthy and clean environment has invented a new technology to recycle bio-degradable wastes at the household level. In an exclusive talk with G Plus, Kashyap who is the president of Environ, a city-based voluntary organisation related to the field of waste management shares his invention and the actions which are necessary for tackling the problem of waste management of the city.

About the new initiative taken to deal with the problem of waste management -

All of us have been talking a lot about the increasing problem of proper disposal of garbage. People have a wrong conception about banning of polythene bags. Because, the kind of polythene carry bags which we use in our the city daily life can be recycled of Guwahati and it consists of only produced 5000 15% of the polythene waste we produce in our kg of plastic day to day life. waste in the On the other hand, year 2004 and the kind of plastic wraps after a decade, used to pack different kinds of food items like today the city chocolate, potato chips, is producing – ‘Clean neighbourbiscuit, tetra packs etc two times more hood movement’ and cannot be recycled and waste plastics invented a ‘waste asthe volume of such waste amounts to 75 per cent than before. similator’ for the purpose. of the plastics which we throw away everyday. These plastic waste are creating problems of water logging etc and people know very less about it. In my own estimate, the city of A standard household usually Guwahati produced 5000 kg of plas- produce 80 per cent bio-degradable tic waste in the year 2004 and after waste everyday and it would be much a decade, today the city is producing easier for us if we can manage this two times more waste plastics than amount of waste on our own. before. Therefore, these non-biodeBesides, in order to manage the gradable plastics wastages have been waste, it is very important to segrecausing a great damage to the envi- gate the bio-degradable from the non ronment and we have to find a way bio-degradable wastes before recyto manage those wastages. The bio- cling. Therefore, at first I have created degradable wastages are very easy to small bamboo baskets to hold nonrecycle and one can dispose it in their recyclable as well as recyclable plastic own household. waste, which can be used for making Keeping this in mind, I have different items like cushion stuffing, recently launched a new initiative garlands etc.

How the ‘waste assimilator’ works?

Your view on GMC’s waste management programmes

Then, in order to manage the bio-degradable waste, after doing a research for the last five years, I have created a simple and compact device where people can just throw the waste. I have also developed a hybrid earthworm which will consume the waste along with the microbes. The remaining excreta will produce vermin compost and the liquid produced by the earthworm can be used as a bio pesticide. It is a very simple method of managing household waste and I have received a provisional patent on it. If we can adopt it in our own households, we do not have to wait for the GMC or any other concerned authority to manage our daily waste. So far, I have created 200 ‘waste assimilators’ and around fifty households of the city have started using it. The cost of a unit of ‘waste assimilator’ comes at Rs 1000.

The GMC is putting thrust on door-to door collection of wastes, but I oppose the idea. Because if the door-to-door collection of waste continues, then there will be no segregation of bio-degradable and non biodegradable form of waste. As a result, management of wastes will never be possible. Therefore if we can manage the huge amount of bio-degradable wastes (about 80 per cent) at our own houses, then it would be easier for the government to manage the remaining amount of non bio-degradable wastes (about 20 per cent). If we want a success in waste management system, then household management of waste is a must. Even, the big apartment buildings will have to concentrate on household waste management system. Because no one will take responsibility in community waste management system and if plastic is being mixed with the biodegradable waste, then there will be no management of waste. Because of neglecting these facts, many of the GMC’s waste management plans have failed in the past.

I will always encourage household waste management.

Plan to sustain the movement The plastic waste has become a major hindrance in waste management system and In order to sustain the ‘Clean neighbourhood movement’, we have to focus on these nonrecyclable plastic waste. Apart from the system of bio-degradable waste management system, I have also concentrated on managing the non bio-degradable wastes at the household level. Few years back, I have developed a system of collecting non bio-degradable waste from the households along with the GMC. As part of the initiative, I have designed two vehicles – ‘Seuj Bahon’ to collect nonrecyclable plastic waste from the households of the city for and people cooperated with us. But, later, GMC decided to pull off the vehicles. Now, I am going to revive the system again on my own and craft various household products out of the non bio-degradable plastic wastes. mrinmoyee.hazarika@g-plus.in

G PLUS JAN 24- JAN 30, 2015

Basic saving tips

for 20-somethings If you’re a 20-something, you may think financial planning at this stage in your life is a waste of time, if not completely pointless. But by starting off now, you are allowing yourself to build on a solid foundation.

ROHIT SARAWGI Independent Financial Advisor

Time is on your side

This is your biggest asset right now. Let’s say that you start saving at the age of 25 with the purpose of accumulating Rs. 1 crore by 65. For ease of understanding, let’s assume the rate of return as 9%. To amass this corpus, one would need to invest Rs. 2,140 on a monthly basis for the next 40 years. Delay this exercise by just 5 years. If one starts investing at the age of 30, acquiring the same corpus would require an investment of Rs. 5,460 every month. If one starts investing by 50, they would have to shell out Rs. 51,700 every month for the next 10 ten years to reach the target of Rs. 1 crore. The sooner you start, the lesser the amount you will have to tuck away. So however small the amount, start saving right now. Even if it is just Rs. 1,000 month, don’t delay.

Do not ignore equity

Over the past few years, India has been battling with inflation. According to data released by the Statistics Ministry in New Delhi, the Consumer Price Index, or CPI, rose 7.31% in June and 8.28% in May 2014. In September it was down to 6.46%. But the point remains – inflation erodes the returns. It is the silent killer where your savings are concerned. Take the most popular savings avenue – a fixed deposit. An investment in a fixed deposit assures you of a definite and assured return, let’s say it is between 8-9% for a 1-year deposit. Now take tax and inflation into account, and your investment would have defeated its purpose. Equity is one asset class that manages to outperform inflation over time. And, it does have a tax break in the sense that the tax on long-term capital gains is zero, which means you pay no tax on the return you earn from your investments if you hold it for at least a year. In the long run, this amounts to a huge savings. In fact, stocks and equity-backed investments (equity mutual funds and equity oriented balanced funds) are the only asset classes which are completely exempt from tax on longterm gains. So earning an annualised return

Make it automatic

The investing must be simple. If not, it can be a major deterrent. The best way a young individual can participate in stocks is by investing in an equity mutual fund. Select a diversified equity fund to enter the stock market. Avoid thematic and sector funds when you are starting to build your portfolio. Now that you have narrowed down on the exact fund, invest via a systematic investment plan, or SIP. Once you put an SIP in place, the amount that you decide to invest will automatically be deducted from your bank account and invested at the date pre-selected by you. With no effort on your part, your savings will be channelised into the fund of your choice.

Start a PPF account

The Public Provident Fund, or PPF, is the only exempt-exemptexempt, or EEE, scheme available in India. This indicates that it is exempt from tax all the way. When you deposit money in the account, you get a tax exemption under Section 80C. The interest earned is also tax free. On maturity, the lump sum (interest

Programme on Thai tourism held in city

ith an objective to promote the tourism potential, the Tourism Authority of Thailand organized a programme on Wednesday with the theme ‘Amazing Thailand 2015’. Looking at the increasing number of tourists from India and this part of the country to Thailand in the last few years the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) organized the special programme to attract more tourists. The programme

displayed seven important aspects of Thai tourism. The event highlighted the culture, cuisine, spa and well, Thai fun, Thai way of life, Thai kick boxing and Thai beach activities and theme park etc. TAT official said, “Thailand is one of the favorite holiday destinations for Indians. We are focusing on Northeast and trying to find out ways to make Thai tourism popular in this part of the country.”

36th Jyotirupa North east drama contest from 27th January

he 36th Jyotirupa NE drama contest is going to start from 27th January to 31st January at Rabindra Bhawan from 4pm in the evening. Several plays are scheduled for the 5 days long contest. Some of the plays that are going to be staged on the contest are Rong Kiniba Kone (Rongshala, Raha), Nata Pretra Sabha (Samanway Kshetra, Nalbari), Sonar Sojar Pokhila ( D Sarma Cultural Academy, Guwahati) ,

Take the most popular savings avenue – a fixed deposit. An investment in a fixed deposit assures you of a definite and assured return, let’s say it is between 8-9% for a 1-year deposit.

of around 15% from a diversified equity fund over a decade and paying no tax is definitely a smarter way to build wealth.

Money

Siyaleeye Nahibi Rati (Kenduguri Natya Samiti, Baihata Chariali), Astitwa (Abhinoy Natyagosthi, Guwahati), Prajanma (Nepathya, Jorhat), Boba Nishar Katha (Dibya Kalaendra, Duliajan), Parinam (Rakhal Kala Kristi Sangha, Barpeta). The closing ceremony will be held on January 31st , where a prize distribution ceremony and also a cultural ceremony will be held.

Symposium on Climate Change held on 22nd January

earned + principal invested) is not taxable. Being backed by the government, complete safety of the product is assured. Use it to fund your longterm goals such as buying a home or retirement. The return is fixed every financial year and is currently 8.7% per annum. This is an excellent long-term savings vehicle which has an assured return, complete safety, and a tax break.

Avoid unnecessary debt

Just because you are earning, don’t use it as an excuse to go on periodic spending sprees with your credit card to aid you. There is no free lunch with a credit card. Sure, if you spend beyond your repaying capacity, you can roll over the debt and pay a minimum amount every month. However, it does not come free. Credit cards charge prohibitively high interest rates in the range of 30% to 45% per annum if the outstanding credit card bill is not paid. This interest is levied not only on outstanding dues but even fresh payments. Spend within your means and pay off your credit card dues on time. You get into the debt trap now, not only will it eat away into your limited savings, but sets a bad foundation for you to build upon.

symposium on climate change solutions in the tea sector was organized at NEDFi House conference hall on 22nd January by the Assam Branch Indian Tea Association (ABITA). Gauhati University, vice-chancellor, Dr Mridul Kumar Hazarika anchored the symposium which was attended by two eminent faculty from Pune

and Bengaluru. To find a way and direction on the adverse climate change that the tea industry has been experiencing over the years this discussion was held among the senior planters and company representatives. Representatives from the Tea Research Association and Jorhat Agricultural University also attended the symposium.

City gets new hygienic fish cart

ma Sarma Gramya Vikash Kendra (USGRAVIKA) launched a hygienic fish cart in collaboration with National Institute of Designing (NID) on Wednesday for hygienic and quality fish door to door delivery. The newly innovated cart was inaugurated at the Uzan Bazar fish market by NID project head Sashank Mehta. This hygienic fish cart is going to replace the system of ferrying fish in large containers in bicycle door to door. The fishing cart have eight chambers, out of which four are meant to be used for keeping fish in water to keep them alive and two for keeping the dead fish. The cart also has a separate chamber for keeping fish waste such as scales and elementary canals etc.

Sports

G PLUS JAN 24- JAN 30, 2015

Assam MAKES IT TO QFs AFTER EIGHT YEARS

KALYAN DEB

hrashing its way through to the quarter finals of the 69th Santosh Trophy, Assam defeated Manipur 2-0 in the 7th match of the Northeast zone. Striker Suraj Mandal, shined again as a star by scoring both the goals in the 50th minute and converting a penalty in the 65th minute of the game. Assam has been consistent with their performance with a hattrick by Suraj Mandal in the opening match, catching the attention of the supporters of the home team. The home team went into the field with an advantage of goal difference, standing ahead of Manipur and required only a draw to earn a berth in the quarter final. On the other hand, Manipur required to win in order to qualify for the last four stage. Dominating most part of the first half, Manipur started the game well but failed to capitalize. However, in the second half, Assam came back strong and pumped in two goals within a span of 15 minutes. Meanwhile, in the last game of North East leg, Mizoram defeated Meghalaya 3-0 to assure its berth in the quarter finals. “The team has performed magnificently and after a long term of eight years the team has made its way into the finals of the championship. I am also hopeful that the team will keep performing consistently and make its way to the final of the championship”, asserted Ankur Dutta, honorary secretary, Assam Football Association congratulating the team for its excellent performance. Previously, Assam took on Arunachal Pradesh in their first game of 69th National Football Championship for Santosh Trophy (NE Leg) following the match between Manipur and Nagaland held at Khirod Baruah Stadium, Morigaon on Sunday, January 18. The championship was inaugurated by State Sports Minister Ajit Singh with guests Dr. Nazrul Islam, Food and Civil Supply minister and Ankur Dutta, secretary, Assam Football Association in an opening ceremony following which, the team pleased the home crowd with a clinical 4-0 win over Arunachal Pradesh. Along with the early 1-0 lead by Midfielder Mintu Boro in the 20th minute that put Assam ahead in game, the highlight of the match was the afore mentioned hat trick by Suraj Mandal who scored in the 32nd minute, added time in the first half and the 60th minute. Assam also thrashed Nagaland 5-0 in the one-sided match of the Championship in Group A encounter, Northeast Zone round at Moraigon on Tuesday, January 20. In the second game for Assam the team kept Na-

SANTOSH TROPHY 2015

galand under pressure from kick off itself. It only took eleven minutes for the home team to score the first goal by Mintu Boro. However, the second goal had to wait till the 40th minute when Suraj Mandal hit the target. In the 63rd minute, a header by Mintu Boro went into the goal touching an opponent player, increasing the margin of Assam. In the 84th minute Mendela Rangmei made it 4-0 while the final nail in the coffin was added by F Wary. Altogether participated by seven teams in this championship in the North East zone, Assam are placed in group ‘A’ along with Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Nagaland. The group ‘B’ had three teams–Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram. The 20-member Assam team, which was announced on January 17, prior to the opening match against Arunachal Paradesh included BIplab Sonowal, Daoga Brahma, Sudipto Banerjee, Samar Singh Brahma, Sishuram Chutia, Biplab Kundu, N. Bikash Singh, Biswajit Karmakar,

Suraj Mandal of Assam in action during a group match against Arunachal Pradesh

North East Zone Match Schedule and Results of 2015 Santosh Trophy Football Group A : Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Nagaland Group B : Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura No

Date

Matches

Group

Result

Venue

18 January 2015

Manipur VS Nagaland

3-0