The Observer Vol 15 Issue 3

Volume 15 | Issue 3

Thursday, September 3, 2015

Murdered RTI campaigners to blame for their own deaths, says senior cop BRIEFS Irien Joseph

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ne of the city's most senior police officers believes that people attacked and murdered for filing Right to Information requests deserve what they get.

The number of murders of people who file RTI's has increased in recent years Since 2010 there have been 12 murder cases and the number has increased to 39 in five years.

R Ramesh,the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) of Bangalore, said, “The reason for attacks on the RTI activists is that they try to extort money from the people concerned.” He added, “If they use their rights properly, nobody will face any harassment or attacks.The RTI activists themselves are responsible for the attacks on

DCP, R. Ramesh,

Photo Courtesy: megamedianews.in

them.”

The total number of attacks on people who filed RTI requests is at least 275 cases across India. Maharashtra

tops the list in the number of attackswith nine cases of murder over the last 10 years.

In 2012, an RTI filer, Lingaraju, was hacked to death

by a gang in Bangalore on the instruction of a BBMP councillor. The councillor's husbandwas later convicted of the murder.He exposed the couple’s unaccounted wealth, which cost him his life.

Hashmath Pasha, a defence lawyer, disagreed with the DCP’s statement. He said, “Lodging an RTI itself affects them. And that is why they take revenge. Lingaraju lodged a complaint as a result of which the councillor’s house was raided, and that was the reason for his murder.”

A V Srinivas, a Human Rights lawyer in Basavangudi, said,” The DCP is clumsy and doesn’t know how to tell the truth. The police do not have the authority to make such a comment without investigating the general reason behind the deaths.”

Doctors give blood in silent protest Mathew Joy Mathew Postgraduate students from Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute donated blood to mark the fourth day of their protests over pay.

Over 200 units of blood was collected at Victoria Hospital during what student doctors called a silent protest.

They are demanding a hike in their stipends. Postgradute students from Victoria Hospital, Vanivilas Hospital, Bowring Hospital and Minto Hospital were joined by representatives from VIMS Bellary, KIMS Hubli, and from all over Karnataka to take part in the protest.

The stipend for Karnataka medical postgraduate students is the 22nd lowest in the country, when compared to other states. According to the Medical Counselling Committee, Delhi has the highest stipend of Rs 68,837 to 80,895 per month. The last revision of the stipend by the Government of Karnataka was in 2011. The current salary, is Rs.15,000 for house surgeons, Rs.25,000 for post graduate residents and Rs.30,000 for super speciality residents.”

Representatives from the Karnataka Association of Resident Doctors (KARD) met with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday.They were assured that their demands will be discussed by the cabinet at the earliest.

Authorities at the Medical Education Department claimed that a cabinet meeting will be called tomorrow.

However on being contacted, Rai Kumar from the CM’s office, said, “We have no notification or information regarding an upcoming cabinet meeting.There is no meeting scheduled for tomorrow.”

Dr Sudhindra, General Secretary of the KARD said, “The CM assured us of assistance but gave no concrete response. The negotiations were made possible because of the doctors’ protest.They forced the government to act.

Dr.Ashutosh Wattamawar, a house surgeon posted in the department of ortopaedics, Victoria Hospital said, “If the government had any concern about the doctors and the patients of the state, they would have called an emergency cabinet meeting.

"The doctors work for over

80-100 hours a week and sometimes work for 36-48 hours straight.

"The doctors came prepared and had informed their respective deans, professors and their respective heads of departments. Doctors who are not on strike are working for 120 hours a week.” he concluded.

Dr Tejaswi Gowda, General Secretary of the KARD,

claimed that healthcare is being compromised because of the protest and the overtime. Zia Rehman, 25 said, “I have come from West Bengal with my uncle who has been admitted here in Victoria Hospital. I haven’t been able to consult with the doctor as he is working overtime and can’t attend to us.”

Thousands lose jobs as government decides to downsize At least 3000 government staff who work with hard pressed farmers in the state claim they have been dismissed without notice.

PAGE 2 Coaches fume over job recognition delay Sports coaches from across Karnataka - many of them on hunger strike - met in Bangalore today to demand government recognition.

PAGE 2 Addiction treatment centres have new clients - women and children More female and juvenile patients are seeking help from addiction centres, according to doctors.

PAGE 3 Government Scheme Fails To Keep Kids In School Almost 70 percent of beedi rollers' children are working in a city colony and do not attend school, despite a government scheme designed to help.

PAGE 4

PG Doctors protesting in Victoria Hospital

2 THE OBSERVER

Thursday, September 3, 2015

Thousands of job cuts as govt outsources scheme to help state farmers

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Akshaya N A

t least 3000 government staff who work with hard pressed farmers in the state claim they have been dismissed without notice.

The 'farmer facilitators' claim the government plans to outsource their jobs to various Non Governmental Organisations.

Raitha Mitra Yogane is an initiative of the Department of Agriculture, with 9670 farmer facilitators working under it.

They inform and educate farmers regarding various agricultural schemes and the

latest farming methods.

A state government spokesperson, Rupa.K, confirmed the temporary dismissal of 3074 facilitators.

But, Pakada Sriram, President, Karnataka State Farmer Facilitators Union, said, “The government removed 6000 of us from job without prior notice” "They did not even give us enough time to look for another job.” On August 31, the employees under the Raitha Mitra Yogane, received a letter from the officials stating that they have been permanently removed from the job.

“Earlier one facilitator was

required for 1000 hectare.

Now they need one for every 2000 hectares , as the Agriculture and Watershed department merged. This led to the downsizing. So, the government decided to remove 3074 people from the scheme.”

“The removal is only for 20 days. Once the NGO is decided upon, the job will be outsourced to them, and all of the employees will be called back,” said Rupa. The NGOs have been asked to take over, to ensure more efficient implementation of the scheme.

The currently unemployed workers said that they are

finding it hard to make ends meet since a salary of Rs 3000 per month, has also been stopped. Moreover, as per the Government announcement, the NGOs will pay them Rs 300 a week.

Varish, a sacked facilitator, said, “What does the Government expect us to do now?

We don’t have a job. How will I support my family with no money?”

The Raitha Mitra Yogane came into being in 2002. The scheme has been implemented in all 27 Districts, 176 Talukas and 745 Hoblis of the state.

members of Karnataka State Farmer Facilitators Union at a protest march near Bangalore City Railway Station

Coaches fume over job recognition delay Reema Mukherjee

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ports coaches from across Karnataka many of them on hunger strike - met in Bangalore today to demand government recognition.

The coaches, many of whom have trained national sport stars, claim they are being paid a pittance while crores are misused or spent on infrastructure and administration.

Patil, who is on hunger strike works as a sport’s supervisor for the Women’s Basketball team in sport’s Hostel Mysore said: “Four of my girls play for the Indian Women’s Basketball team and two have won the Eklavya award. Lal Saheb, a Hockey coach from Raichur said: “these coaches produce athletes who play at the national level. We are qualified coaches and we deserve better.” Rohini, an ath-

letics coach from Hospet exclaims: “Ministers came here two days ago and gave assur-

ances. But we dont want assurances, we want a government order. This has been my

sport coaches from across karnataka protest at Ulsoor gate, Banappa park

means of livelihood for 25 years.” The protest was attended by B.C. Ramesh, former captain of the Indian Kabaddi team and recipient of the Arjuna award.

Patil said: “Until we get our rights we will continue protesting. We work nine hours a day but get paid for two hours.”

Rohini said that thousands of crores were spent on construction of stadiums but nothing was done to secure their future. The coaches gathered in the city on 28th August, and have been agitating since then.

B.C Ramesh attends the protest as a supporter of the coaches

Thursday, September 3, 2015 3

THE OBSERVER

Addiction treatment centres have new clients - women and children Parvathi Benu ore female and juvenile patients are seeking help from addiction centres, according to doctors.

The de-addiction centre of NIMHANS has witnessed a stark increase since it opened in 1998.

From then, up until 2014, the centre dealt almost exclusively with men and treated just 75 females in that 16 year period.

“From 1998-2014, we only had 75 women patients. But last year alone, 78 women sought help here. The rise in

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the number is alarming,” said Lakshmanan S, an occupational therapist at the Centre for Addiction Medicine, NIMHANS, “The majority of the patients fall in the age group of 15-30. There are women addicted to alcohol, tobacco, even internet and pornography,” he added.

Due to the increase in the number of female patients, the hospital has opened up a special ward exclusively for women. .”Women are using the same substances as men.

The number of smokers is in-

creasing, especially in the city.

Also, there are many who are addicted to cough syrup, pain killers and sleeping pills,” said Dr. Pratima Murthy, Professor of Psychiatry, de-addiction centre, NIMHANS. She added that young women learn substance abuse from their husbands. Other reasons could be stress and peer pressure.

“The rise in the number of patients can be attributed to both awareness and the rise in the number of abusers but the latter is more likely.” said Dr Murthy, “But there are many who either don’t come forward or do not follow up on

their treatment.”

“There has been an eight percent increase in the number of female patients this year. Previously, we didn’t have minor patients. But this year we have started getting patients in this category too,” said Dr Chandrashekhar, Director of Operations, Cadabams Bangalore.

Dr Madhusudan KH, of Pranava Health Centre, Ashoknagar, who practices holistic medicine to treat substance addicts, has also seen an increase in the number of women and minors.

“15-20 percent of my patients are people under the age of 18. My patients are predominantly male, but there has been an increase in the number of females lately,” he said “It is always good to identify addiction at this age, as it is the easiest to treat. As the

age increases, problem worsens.” He also added that there are a number of cases where teens abuse fevicol (adhesive), petrol and nail paint remover.

“I treated a patient who used to eat adhesive regularly and had trouble talking. It is best to identify the problem as early as possible. But many people especially girls are not ready to come mainly because of family pressure," he said.

Another problem is that the women who have undergone rehabilitation do not feel welcome in society. “My daughter had gone to rehab to get rid of her drug addiction. It helped her to get sober, but she was ridiculed everywhere She left the city two months ago,” says Neena (Name changed) Her daughter underwent rehabilitation at NIMHANS.

Many women are addicted to solvents like nail polish and nail paint removers Dr Madhusudan KH, Pranava Health Care, Bangalore

FACT BOX Drugs

Disorder

Mode of Intake

Cocaine and Methamphepamine

schizophrenia paranoia, anhedonia, complusive behavior

Oral, Snorted, injection

Stimulants

anxiety, panic attacks, mania, sleep disorder

Oral, Snorted

LSD, Ecstasy, Psychedelics

delusions, hallucina tion

Oral,Snorted/smoked, oral tablets

Alcohol, sedatives, sleepaids narcotics

depression and mood disturbance

Oral, Injection, Inhalat tion

PCP and Ketamine

antisocial behavior, Hallucination

Oral, Smoked, Snorted NIMHANS de-addiction centre

Courtesy: NIMHANS de-addiction centre

4 THE OBSERVER

Thursday, September 3, 2015

GOVERNMENT SCHEME FAILS TO KEEP KIDS IN SCHOOL. Tweets of the A day Oindrila Sarkar

lmost 70 percent of beedi rollers' children are working in a city colony and do not attend school, despite a government scheme designed to help.

When central government tried to end the school scheme recently, beedi rollers protested in the city and the authorities backed down.

But the Rs 1000 given per annum to each child of school age is not beimg spent on school fees.

Ayesha Bi, Principal of the Government Urdu Higher Primary School , Beedi workers colony , said, "The school has a capacity for 400 but it has only 142 children.

“Even Roman High School has a capacity of 400 but it has only 180 students.

“There are approximately 1,000 children of beedi workers in the colony, who are eligible to go to school, said Afroz Pasha, President, Beedi Colony. The beedi workers get paid anywhere between 100 to 150 rupees for rolling 1000 beedis.

Rukhsana Bibi, a beedi worker, said, The cost of living in this city is too high . We do not even get water at a

stretch for three to four days.

We need to buy packaged Cauvery water, which is Rs 30 a bottle. Where to spend the money? On water or education?”

Mubarak Pasha said, The money had arrived last year, but this year we are still waiting. Rs 83 a month makes a huge difference to our living.”“ D. Rajashekhara, from the Institute of Social and Economic Change, Centre for Decentralisation and Development, has worked extensively to research beedi workers in Karnataka.

He said: “The children who come under the purview of the government are the ones whose parents have an identity card for working under a recognised beedi manufacturer. Those working under unrecognised companies do not get any help. . Their children are forced to resort to child labour.

Welfare and Cess Commission Office under the Ministry of Labour and Employment is responsible for granting financial assistance to the beedi/limestone and dolomite mines/cine workers children. The money is given

@TheDeccanHerald Bengaluru, Karnataka Sensex recovers 215 pts in early trade on positive global cues | http://bit.ly/1NZnIWI

Mubbu, one of the few children in the beedi colony who still goes to school through Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme. For this, every student must have an individual savings bank account in a Nationalized/Scheduled Bank.

Beedi workers ask why the welfare cess of the beedi producers cannot be increased.

Some are afraid that the rising prices will force them to withdraw their children from schools. Mubarak says, We

don’t want another generation rolling beedis.”

In 2013 the Union Government had decided to withdraw the scholarship given to the beedi children studying between classes one and eight.

However, it had to give up the plan because of protests by the Karnataka State Beedi Workers Federation.

@TimesNow BJP-RSS hold a meet at Madhyanchal Bhawan in Delhi. Internal security being discussed in the first session: Reports @narendramodi The key themes of Samvad are conflict avoidance, environmental consciousness & dialogue. Looking forward to fruitful discussions. @EconomicTimes #SheenaBora murder case: Cops quiz Peter Mukerjea, still unsure of motive http://ow.ly/RJ1NN @hottvnews The Hindu - BMTC Bandh keeps patients away: They were already suffering due to a strike by resident doctors http://bit.ly/1JOIqCH @kavita_krishnan Just heard @AtulKumarAnjaan apology of an 'apology' on TV. His remarks on western culture=vulgarity=rape sound more suited to RSS than CPI @AddlCPTraffic @CPBlr. Yesterday night two youths were killed riding without helmets. This is inspite of 30 thousand riders booked for helmet less riding. @zorfa888 The plight of doctors goes unnoticed as day 4 strike continues with no proper media or govt attention #protestforhike @kardunited

Beedi colony, Kengeri Upanagara

@citizenmatters How a #Bengaluru village became #swachh with 1.5 lakhs, a cycle trolley, bins and bags http://goo.gl/k8QElT #SWM

THE OBSERVER Editor: Ankita Sil | News Editor: Apurva Prabhakar | Chief Sub-Editor: Aparajita Khandelwal Picture Editor: Parvathi Benu | Sub-Editors: Mouli Jha, Lakshmi Narayani, Irien Joseph Reporter: Mathew Joy, Maqsood Ahmed, Oindrila Sarkar | Design and Layout: Aditi Mallick