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OBSERVER The Weekly

Volume 14 | Issue 22

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

A new broom for Delhi as Kejri mauls Modi

Jubilant AAP supporters at the party’s Bangalore HQ watched events unfold on live TV and erupted with joy as the votes came in.

Pulaha Roy Arvind Kejriwal swept aside the BJP in Delhi today after a historic landslide victory in the polls.

For the second time in just 14 months Kejriwal will become CM, with supporters hoping he lasts longer this time around. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has won 67 seats which

is a maximum ever by a party in the history of Delhi elections,32 more than the required majority of 35.

After a span of 412 days, Arvind Kejriwal will take oath as the Delhi CM on Valentine’s Day for the second time. Arvind said to the Delhi people, “When you are on the path of truth, all the forces of universe come together to help you. I salute

the people of Delhi. It’s a victory of truth.”

Modi tweeted: “I spoke to Arvind and congratulated him on the win. Assured him Centre’s complete support in the development of Delhi. People from different walks of life were present at a meeting hall in the city to celebrate the victory of Aam Aadmi Party in the Delhi elections. The biggest promise Kejriwal made was that when in power he will crackdown on water mafia and provide 700-litre free water supply to every home and a rationalized power tariff.

One of the major promises made by Kejriwal was women safety and to end VIP culture. He assured that no MLA, minister or Delhi official will use a red beacon on their cars, no special security, special funds and Lutyens’ bungalows for ministers.

Secondly, the people of Delhi would achieve ‘Swaraj’ which gave power to people to decide on issues related to their residential areas. Kejriwal has promised full statehood for Delhi and Delhi Police under the state government. After becoming CM, Kejriwal in 2014 introduced an anti-corruption helpline which got

Picture Courtesy - Salman S Hameeth

3,000 calls on the first day out of which 700 was responded.

‘Arvind Kejriwal sher hai, brasht neta dher hai’ (Arvind Kejriwal is a tiger while the number of corrupt politicians are swelling) shouted Sheikh Usman, an auto driver and an AAP volunteer. I normally lie to my family when I have any party work. But today my wife knew I was coming to the party headquarters. I

wouldn’t have missed it for any reason. I worked overtime yesterday to compensate for today’s leave,” he said.

Sheikh Usman has been an auto driver for 30 years. He initially become a member of India Against Corruption when the anti corruption movement was in full swing.

(Contd. on Page 4)

2 The Weekly OBSERVER

News Digest The Supreme Court on Monday ordered Former minister Dayanidhi Maran and his brother Kalanithi Maran not to approach the Delhi High Court against the Special CBI Court in connection with the Aircel-Maxis case.

Jitan Ram Manjhi’s expulsion from the JD (U) party may result in disqualification as MLA, according to the provisions of the 10th Schedule of the Constitution.

Ricky Kej’s album, Winds of Samsara won Grammy.

He is the first Indian to win the Grammy Award in the Best New Age Album category.

Facebook Inc has tied up with India’s Reliance Communications Ltd to boost internet service in the developing world and to offer free access to online services in India.

A local worker from Bangalore rural has been arrested for allegedly raping and killing and eight-year-old girl on February 5 by the police.

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Escape from a life of misery Shruti Suresh After her father’s death, Pramila, 18, a slum dweller, started working as a domestic worker like her mother, juggling studies and domestic work, in an attempt to help feed their family of six.

Pramila is one of millions of children engaged in domestic work worldwide. The total number of children in child labor is 150 million, according to UNICEF reports of 2014.

Karnataka Domestic Workers Movement (KDWM) has an initiative to provide shelter to abandoned children and those rescued from domestic work.

Sister Nisha, one of the founders of the movement, said: “Many of the children engaged in domestic work are those who have been sold by their parents as they run out of money to buy alcohol. We rehabilitate and counsel the children and enroll them in schools.

“There are about 14 children at this shelter now as some of the earlier inmates have finished their schools and have gone to attend colleges. They are all girls mostly, the youngest being eight,” she added.

Many child domestic workers go unnoticed as they stay and work at the homes of relatives.

These families, when questioned, passed off the children as being their relatives and rescue is not possible in such cases.

KDWM is now working towards insurance policies for domestic workers and scholarships for their children as the wages they earn are paltry. They have been

Children as young as eight are living at the home run by the Karnataka Domestic Workers Movement working for recognition of domestic work as a job and increase in wages as most of the domestic workers are subject to inhumane treatment and are looked down upon.

Children belonging to slums where the domestic workers live are taught the importance of education, their rights and personality development.

Six years ago, Anu, then 3, and Divya, then 5, were dropped at the shelter by a man who claimed to be their uncle. According to him, he had taken care of the two girls for some months after their parents’ death, but added that it was now no longer possible for him.

The girls later identified the man as their own father. Nisha said: “Their own father didn’t want to take care of them; they were like a burden on him. It has been six months since that incident and he hasn’t turned up even once to meet them.”

Kalaivani, 12, was sent by her mother to work to look after her employer’s child. The employers used to beat her up. She endured until she ran away and narrated the tales to her mother. According to Nisha, Kalaivani’s mother regretted the decision of sending her child to domestic chores in order to help earn more money.

Six months back, Ashwini,

8, and Kavya, 9, were brought to the shelter after their father, a construction worker, killed their mother after a spat, under the influence of alcohol.

“Many such abandoned children are pushed into domestic work which not only ruins their childhood but leads to their exploitation,” Jerson, co-founder of KDWM, said.

Such is the case with many children across India. Through a network of volunteers, KDWM aims at spreading awareness, imparting education and rehabilitating and counselling domestic workers and their children.

CCB recovers fake currency, arrests 4 Soumya Chatterjee Four people were arrested in connection with a fake currency racket. Counterfeit notes totaling Rs.1, 06,500 were recovered.

The fake notes were of Rs. 1,000 and Rs. 500. The accused used to sell three fake Indian currency notes for one original currency note, according to the police.

The Fraud and Misappropriation Squad of the City Crime Branch (CCB) raided a house in Hesarugatta Road, Mallasandra that falls under the jurisdiction of Peenya Police Station after receiving information from the M N Reddi, Commissioner of Police.

They arrested two residents of Mallasandra - Teakam Ram and Asha. The two other arrested were Halaswamy from Hesarugatta and Siddesh who is from Jalahalli.

Iqbal who is a resident of West Bengal and also an accused in this case is absconding according to

police.

According to Abishek Goyal, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Crime, the gang of five was involved in smuggling fake Indian currency notes from Bangladesh.

Asha’s husband, Kumara Swamy is in custody of Ajjampur Police Station in Chikamagaluru District in connection with fake Indian currency notes.

The arrested would be tried

under various sections of Indian Penal Code 489 which deals with counterfeit currency.

The men are expected to be charged with various counterfeit and possession charges.

The CCB arrested four people for possesing fake currency. Another accused is still absconding

The Weekly OBSERVER

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Alcohol revenue shoots up in the state Apoorva Choubey The revenue generated from alcohol in the state has increased by 61% over the past three years.

According to the State Excise Department, the revenue from beer has increased from Rs. 543 crores in 2012 to Rs. 1480 crores in 2015.

Also, the revenue from Indian Made Liquor, IML, has gone up to Rs 12,700 crores in 2015 from Rs. 7612 crores in 2012.

Vishwaroop, Additional Commissioner of State Excise, said: “The increase in alcohol consumption is drastic since 2010. Karnataka ranks third in the country after Punjab and Kerala.

“Bangalore is the 5th largest city in terms of alcohol consumption.

Increasing night life in the city is a major reason for this. The department is getting more revenue but it is at the cost of people’s health,” he added.

Shivaiah S., Statistical Head of the State Excise Department, said, “The revenue from IML is the highest. All drinks, like whiskey, scotch, tequila, etc are included in IML.” He added, “We calculate liquor consumption in terms of carton boxes now. The consumption in 2010 was 530 lakh carton boxes but it is 769 lakh carton boxes. in 2015.

Vignesh Kishan, an engineering student, said: “I drink and party every week. Boozing is a part of my schedule. I see no harm in drinking

once a week.”

Arundhati Agarwal, a law student at Christ University, said, “I know drinking is harmful but I like doing it. I used to drink once in two or three months but ever since I came to Bangalore I drink more often.”

According to Shivaiah, the illegal alcohol sellers have decresased.

“Definitely, they have come down in the past five years. There are strict

rules and policies that prevent anybody from opening illegal distilleries.

“We are have very strict rules regarding this and we have a two stage process to give license for selling alcohol. We give notices to the illegal businesses and also collect the fine.

We do not keep records as such so there is no data as to how much we collect.”

“There are 3 breweries and

Source - Karnataka State Excise Department

There has been a rise in alcohol consumption, says Vishwaroop 34 distilleries in the city of which 7 produce and sell liquor,” added Vishwaroop.

Bharathi A V, nutrition expert, said that the alcohol related problems are a major health concern. “ Although the harmful effects of binge drinking is well known, even moderate consumption of alcohol increases risk of heart conditions, liver problems, cancer and increase chances of dependence. In addition, young people are at a risk of short term risk of driving under the influence of alcohol thus increasing accidents,” she said.

Shivaiah said that over Rs. 100 crores of alcohol was consumed on New Years’ eve, 2014.

Prakash Vinay, manager of Amruth Distilleries in Mysore Road, said: “The sales have definitely gone up. We are manufacturing twice of what we used to three years ago.”

“The major distilleries in Karnataka are U.B Distilleries and Sabmyller India Limited,” Shivaiah said.

Bank balance to decide parking contract Apoorva Choubey A new rule passed by BBMP which states that parking tenders will be given only to contractors with a bank balance of at least Rs.14 crores has angered smaller traders in the city.

Gopiraj, Proprietor of G.R Solutions, said: “We are completely against this rule. It is not justified to set this kind of criteria. How will we contractors survive? All these rules about CCTV cameras and branded electronic tools are very silly.

“The BBMP has passed this rule to help the big players. We have never heard of such parking tender rules. If we ensure security and good

service, what else does the corporation need?,” he added.

Hanumanth Raju, president of Bangalore Paid Parking Contractors Union and owner of HKS Parking Services, said: “This is a setback for all the small companies. BBMP is being unfair by imposing this rule.

Setting the eligibility of bank balance to Rs.14 crores and a transaction history of at least Rs. 105 crores is not the right way to ensure better parking services.”

Lathish Devarikaiah, an employee at state Bank of India, said: “I think the government is doing wrong. The samll contractors will not be able to survive. They must keep in mind that the big contrac-

Somshekhara says that ruling is done in the best interest of public

tors will be incharge of other projects too. Hence, better parking services are not guaranteed by them also. ” Karan Varma, a businessman at Lal Bagh, said: “It is all politics of the government to gain more money. All these policies are for the benefit of the rich. This is unfair.”

Kartik, manager of Quality Automation, said: “This rule is good as it makes sure that parking quality will be good. If big tenders are given to small contractors, they cannot manage it well. They do not have human and other resources to look after huge number of vehicles.”

Basavraj Kabade, Executive Engineer of Road Infrastructure, said, “We are aware that this rule has angered some contractors but we need to work under tender policies. We cannot help it.”

Somshekhara, Chief Executive Engineer, Road Infrastructure, BBMP, said: “This pre qualification criteria has been set up because we do not give tenders for individual roads. Financial turnover and bank balance factor has been put so that these contrsctors can ensure automated parking services and invest for infrastructue.”

“There are maximum 10 to 15 contractors that come under this ruling,” added his Personal Assistant, Savita.

Gopiraj is against this rule and says it is not justified Shivsharnappa Khandre, Public Relations Officer, BBMP said, “When we give big projects to small contractors they do not handle them well. We have to ensure the best possible quality and that is why we have passed this rule.

“This has been done in best interest of the public. We do not support any contractors as such. We have only set the rules to guarantee that there is no delay in any tenders and parking services are given best along with ample security,” he added.

Vasha, president of Bangalore Vehicle Parking Constructors Associations, said, “ BBMP should keep in mind that this is India and not any foreign country. We have protested against this thing a month ago but nobody is paying attention.”

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Tweets of the day @TopFinNews AAP’s victory has failure lessons for startups http://dlvr. it/8TTYX3 #TopNews @Reuters - Japan OKs aid to foreign troops’ non-military operations http:// reut.rs/1ARxIwj @IndianDiplomacy - Bangalore-based musician Ricky Kej & activist Neela Vaswani won at 57th Grammy Awards, 2015. #CelebratingIndia @visaraj - Invest in South Bangalore, South Chennai.. You will get a very very good return in 5 years. :-) @dwarak1963 - Bangalore policecommissioner did not give permission for peaceful padayatra of AAP. Any reason? @digvijaya_28 - BJP lost the day they projectedKiran Bedi as CM candidate & brought all Leaders from outside to Campaign not trusting Local Leaders/ Workers @mlkhattar - 8 people have been arrested in the gang rape case of the Nepalese woman in Rohtak.

7 accused hail from village Gaddi Kheri & 1 from Nepal.

4 The Weekly OBSERVER

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

AAP’s broom works magic in Delhi polls (Contd. from Page 1) “My father was an ex-army man.

From him I became aware of the duties I owe to my country. Anna Hazare’s movement gave me a platform to fight corruption. I remember the day I went to Freedom Park to protest. Even that day I had lied to my family,” said Usman.

He added: “This is my request to all the auto drivers in the city - to join AAP. Neither BJP, Congress or JD has done anything for the auto drivers. There is no provision for the auto drivers if they die in an accident. Should we go to Vittal Mallya Hospital or Columbia Asia for checkups?

“Instead of sweeping the roads, Modiji should rather clean up the offices as there are too many corrupt politicians.” Usman added.

The decibels grew louder but the loudest was reserved for Arvind Kejriwal. As AAP crossed the halfway mark in captured seats (35) the AAP volunteers raised their caps and brooms and started shouting, “Saab ka banda Kejriwal, raab ka banda Kejriwal, 5 saal Kejriwal” (Kejriwal is for everyone, everyone is for Kejriwal, 5 years for Kejriwal.)

For some AAP volunteers, after the Lok Sabha affair, this was a do or die situation. For others, like Vinay Rai, there is a long battle ahead.

“People interpreted the Lok Sabha election through the vote percentage. For us, it was more about learning the lesson. We won the election not because of Arvind Kejriwal. He is just a face. It was the manifesto which was the bedrock

Jubiliant supporters of the broom at the Bangalore AAP HQ for the victory.”

But Vinay agreed that change is going to take some time. The sustainable economy that AAP is pitching like slashing the electricity tariff rate or 700 litres of free water every day and how they are going to fund it is going to take some time.

“In 49 days, the AAP government collected 1,000 crores through taxes. So the economics we are dealing with is very much sustainable.

The capitalists like Ambanis and Adanis have looted the country for too long” said Pradyuman, another AAP volunteer.

Both Pradyuman and Vinay have one thing in common apart from being volunteers. They are working professionals who are passionate about the cause.

“I work from 9 to 6. After that I work for AAP. I keep my Saturdays and Sundays free for AAP” added Pradyuman, who works for an electronic company in the city.

Vinay is a freelancer who is into sustainability and climate change.

“I have full faith in the sustainable model of economy that AAP is going to engage in Delhi.”

Like Vinay, Usman and Pradyuman there was Saroja, who’s a businesswoman and her daughter Namita, who studies at PESIT. “My daughter and I took leave today from office. Irrespective of the results we would have come down here,” he said.

BJP Yuva Morcha national executive member Deepak Jamakhandi said, “First of all we congratulate Arvind Kejriwal and his team. It is lesson for us. This was not only because of Kiran Bedi but some mistake in our organization too, particularly ego clashes between old karya karthas. “ He added, “One thing, a Congress free Bharat which is our PM’s and Amit Shah’s dream, has now come true in Delhi.”

Congress National Secretary, Girish Chodankar, said “Politics are changing, we should understand this. Political parties should

reconsider how they work according to the changing situations. Now youngsters decide election wave.

The only answer for our party is let Rahul Gandhi lead.”

BJP Yuva Morcha national secretary, Vikas Puttur said, “Congress, Communist and some fundamentalist organization joined their hands together just to keep away BJP. It is the union of all three anti-India forces. Actually, Congress workers didn’t work for congress, they indirectly worked for Aam Aadmi party to keep BJP away.”

But Delhites who are staying in Bangalore remains divided over the mandate. Abishek Anil, who’s studying at St.Joseph’s College said, “I thought it will be a close race between AAP and BJP.” “AAP couldn’t deliver on its promises, regarding water and electricity, even though it was just for 49 days. So this time I would rather wait and watch,” Abishek added.

“He is honest but his methods are questionable. I think the next one year is going to be crucial. AAP got a clear majority and it’s up to Arvind Kejriwal to steer through the promises he made. But I do find him to be a bit of an anarchist. But I think he is way better than Kiran Bedi” according to Himanghshu Kathuria who works for Oracle.

“I had expected BJP to win because of the way AAP left last year and Kejriwal didn’t handle it well.

Also the fact that Kiran Bedi had quite a reputation, I was hoping that BJP would win. Though I am not happy with the mandate, I still hope

AAP delivers on the promises, like better security for women,” said Rachana Chugh, an IT professional.

Hepatitis B preying silently on the city masses

Dr. Kaiser Raja says that untreated Hepatitis B can lead to liver failure

Divya Kishore One in 20 people in Bangalore is infected with Hepatitis B, says a leading consultant for liver diseases and transplantations.

Dr. Kaiser Raja, Consultant- Liver Diseases and Liver Transplantation, BGS Global Hospitals, said: “Hepatitis B is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). This disease if untreated can lead to cirrhosis of the liver, liver cancer and

liver failure.”

According to BGS Global Hospital’s survey, earlier it was one in 50 but now it has increased to one in 20. Also about 20 percent of patients with untreated hepatitis B progress to liver cancer.

“Two years ago, one case of Hepatitis B came in a month but now the scenario is that we see one or two such cases in a week.

There is rise in the cases but still people don’t want to get tested be-

fore they face any serious issue,” said Dr Ramaanand J V of A Cure 4 ‘incurables’ Clinic.

“Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent the infection.

The vaccine is given in three doses over a period of six months. After the doses are completed, it is important to do a blood test to check whether the vaccine is working or not. Ideally, all children should be vaccinated at birth.

However, vaccine can be taken by people of different age groups.

The doctor may advise some tests before you take it; to determine whether you are already infected or may have protective antibodies,” said Dr. Raja.

According to Dr. Viren, Victoria Hospital, in a day 5-6 patients of Hepatitis B come for the treatment.

However, some leave the treatment in between supposing that they are alright and don’t need treatment anymore.

Jaundice or Hepatitis?

Rupali (name changed), 20, lost her father a year ago. “My father died of liver cancer when he was

37,” she said.

“He suffered a lot due to jaundice. Initially the doctors in our town couldn’t figure out that he had Hepatitis B infection. Later, when he developed cancer he was diagnosed Hepatitis B in Bangalore. When he was being treated we were informed that he was affected with Hepatitis B that developed into jaundice and then led to liver cancer,” she added.

After her father’s death, Rupali wanted to get her mother tested for Hepatitis B. Due to lack of awareness and fear about the disease her mother refused to go to the doctor.

Venkatesh, 34, feels that parents should be more careful about Hepatitis B vaccinations. “My wife gave birth to a baby girl a month ago and today we will get her vaccinated for Hepatitis B at BGS hospital,” he said. Venkatesh also added that he and his wife were also planning to get tested for Hepatitis B. Lack of Awareness Dr. Raja said: “Lack of awareness programs has led to a rise in Hepatitis B patients. 90 percent cases of the disease are unrecognized.

Also, one cannot easily notice the symptoms of this disease; in fact many people with Hepatitis B do not show any signs of it.”

However a simple blood test can detect the disease. So, we advise people to get checked once a year, especially older people because most of the young generation is already vaccinated. Our hospital in association with Integrated Liver Care Foundation launched the ‘Bengaluru Hepatitis Project’ in 2013, first of its kind in Bangalore, to spread awareness about Hepatitis B.” According to Dr. Umesh from M S Ramaiah Dental College and Hospital, Auxiliary healthcare workers (AHCWs) are more prone to Hepatitis B infection than the general people.

“Several measures should be undertaken to prevent Hepatitis B amongst workers. Proper waste management is one such measure that can help in preventing this infection. Massive awareness drives, precaution and protection are important to educate these workers about the disease,” he added.

OBSERVER Team: Editor - Shruti Suresh, Chief Sub Editor - Divya Kishore, Sub Editors - Kimaya Varude, Devdatta Sukhdeo, Suharika Rachavelpula, News Desk - Soumya Chatterjee, Layout - Aparna Singh, Apoorva Choubey, Proofreader- Agnivesh Harshan, Reporter - Pulaha Roy