Theobserverissue30 by IIJNM Bangalore

The Observer An IIJNM Publication

Vol 18, Issue 30

Friday, April 13, 2018

The Observer

@theweeklyobserver On the web: issuu.com/ theweeklyobserver/docs/the observer

Royal Challengers B’luru’s anthem and music video released | P3

Construction of Flyover is already a cause for inconvenience | P3

Only 9 of 27 Bengaluru MLAs excel Hope people remember this on May 23 while casting their votes, says B.PAC Rachel Dammala

nly a third of Bengaluru’s MLAs have a good score – 75% or more – in ratings released by the Bangalore Political Action Committee (B.PAC), a citizens’ group. A study done by the group shows that only nine of the 27 Bengaluru MLAs have a percentage of 75% or more, B.PAC’s CEO and managing trustee Revathy Ashok announced a press conference on Friday. The ratings are based on an analysis of the MLAs’ performance on eight parameters: Attendance in the House; percentage of MLA LAD fund utilization; criminal

record; educational qualification; social media presence; perception survey; starred questions; and unstarred questions. Ashok said the analysis aims to bring objectivity into electoral discussions and encourage voters to engage with their respective elected representatives to make an informed decision. “However, we ask you to not interpret this as a rating of integrity and quality of work undertaken by these MLAs,” she said. “The urban middle class feels extremely disconnected with the events happening around. We decided to provide information to them so they could use it for

their knowledge and to question their respective MLAs,” she said. “Our ratings are academic, factual and informative,” B.PAC vice-president T.V. Mohandas Pai said. “We hope Bengalureans will use this information and come out on the 12th of May and cast their votes,” Ashok said. B.PAC has put up the ratings on various public domains for citizens to see. In the past, B.PAC had come up manifestos like the ‘Swalpa adjust maad bedi’ at the constituency level. It has now come up with another city level manifesto that has issues like waste man-

agement, electricity and water. One of the main demands of the group is a directly elected mayor and a safety vision for the city. Asked about the study, Dennis Keith, a professional, said: “Citizens themselves should do their homework. I can’t take the results of this study on face value. It tells me how much percentage of the funds was used by the MLA, but, I need to know where the funds went. If the MLA says he used it to build roads in Marathahalli, I will know that it’s false, because the roads there are getting worse by the day. Also, these ratings don’t exactly reflect the work

MLAs have done. While an MLA can have good attendance in the assembly, he may not be as diligent in his job. But, yes, it definitely helps us make an informed choice.” B.PAC works to enhance the quality of life of Bengaluru citizens. Its focus areas are good governance; integrity and transparency in all arms of the government; improving quality of infrastructure; and the creation of a safer city where the rule of law is ensured for all citizens. Voters turn out during the 2008 and 2013 Assembly Elections were 47.22 and 58.27 respectively. B.PAC hopes to see at least a 65% this year.

HERE’S HOW SOME OF OUR TOP POLITICIANS FARED, ACCORDING TO B.PAC

Name: - Krishna B.Gowda

Name: - K.J George

Name: R Roahan Baig

Name: S Suresh Kumar

Assembly Constituency:

Byatarayanapura

Sarvana Nagar

Shivajinagar

Rajajinagar

Score Obtained: 46

Score Obtained: 48

Score Obtained: 35

Score: 55

Party: Congress

Party: BJP

Name: Dinesh Gundu Rao

Name: Arvind Limbavali

Name: R Ashoka

Name: N A Harris

Name: B Z Zameer A Khan

Assembly Constituency:

Gandhinagar

Mahadevapura

Padmanabhanagar

Shantinagar

Chamrajpet

Score Obtained: 48

Score Obtained: 65

Score Obtained: 51

Score Obtained: 84

Score Obtained: 41

Party: Congress

Party: BJP

Party: Congress

Party: Cong (left JDS)

Name: Ramalinga Reddy Assembly Constituency: B.T.M Layout Score Obtained: 42

KARNATAKA ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS

Paid news vitiates elections, disrupts level playing field ‘It is like an ad without the tag of an ad’ G. Manashaa

aid news vitiates free and fair elections and disturbs the level playing field, BBMP special commissioner Manoj Rajan said on Friday. “Any news that keeps repeating is trusted by people. The Press Council of India considers paid news a corrupt practice in elections. The news is much like an advertisement but without the ad tag. In the election arena, paid news misleads the public and affects the voters’ right to information. By sensitizing people on the concept, paid news can be curbed. Self-regulation by media and political functionaries will prove effective as well,” Rajan informed The Observer. Chief Electoral Office, Karnataka, Sanjiv Kumar said: “It is very hard to detect paid news, but not impossible. The Press Council of India, being the key stakeholder with the commission, will keep a check on print media. In established

Lok Awaz Dal says it’s in talks with CM for 20 seats Athul M.

ok Awaz Dal, founded in 2012 and led by Shambhu Shrivastava, plans to contest 20 seats in the upcoming Karnataka assembly elections. They will contest under the symbol of Black Board. Addressing the press on Friday, party president P. Kodandaramaiah said his party is in talks with CM Siddaramaiah for an alliance. Talking to The Observer, Kodandaramaiah, a former police commissioner, said he expects the Congress to return to power in Karnataka as Siddaramaiah has done “a brilliant job” as chief minister. About the Lingayat issue, he said the grant of a minority tag to them is a timely move. “Prime Minister Modi’s silence on mob lynchings across the country, issues like the Unnao case and the violence of the RSS brigade across the country shows how incompetent he has been in the office.” He criticized Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar for compromising on his party’s ideology. athul.m@iijnm.org

It is very important to prevent media houses from indulging in mal practices,says Manoj Rajan | Credit: Piyush Shukla cases of paid news, the commission will take action…. The names of print media houses involved will be forwarded to the PCI for necessary action.” Asked how paid news can be curbed in broadcast media, Sanjiv Kumar said: “With the support of the News Broadcasters Association, the commission hopes to curb instances of paid news. Political advertisements on social media and advertisements issued in e-papers must be pre-certified by the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) appointed by the commission at the district and state levels. The state-level

MCMC examines all cases of paid news and appeals against decisions of district-level MCMCs.” K. G. Jagadeesha, additional electoral officer, informed The Observer: “Paid news is camouflaged advertising. When one article is carried by a media house, be it print or electronic media, it becomes paid news because it keeps appearing again and again. The practice of paid news will be seen as an attempt to avoid provisions of Sections 77 and 123(6) of the R.P. Act, 1951, which prescribes accounting of and ceiling on election expenses. This comes… with a punish-

ment of a minimum of two years of imprisonment. Paid news is an electoral malpractice. Both the media house and the journalist will be held responsible.” The commission has issued guidelines to the state and districts to constitute MCMCs during to check paid news cases. Paid news cases will be taken into account from the date of filing of nomination by the candidate, which will be brought to the notice by the state MCMC. “News is meant to inform, and advertisement is meant to promote,” Jagadeesha added. PCI guidelines say that news should be clearly demarcated from advertisements by printing disclaimers. All publications must impose this rule strictly. News must always carry a credit line. As per the statistics released by the Election Commission, during the assembly elections in 2013, Karnataka recorded 93 cases of paid news cases. Madhya Pradesh was on top with 165 cases. The State Election Commission has issued the media do’s and don’ts on how to cover the Karnataka assembly elections, that is yet to happen . manashaa.g@iijnm.org

Citizens hail launch of BBMP’s election apps Hope they will help to raise voter turnout Athul M.

head of the Karnataka assembly elections, the BBMP has launched four Android apps to ease the electoral process for citizens. The civic body believes these will help in improving Bengaluru’s voter turnout, which was 52% in 2013. The Observer spoke to welcomed the launch of the apps. The apps are designed to allow users to access contact details of their respective poll officers. They enable users to locate their polling booths and also help them to register complaints and upload photographs in case of any violation of the model code of conduct. Arya Srinivas, an IT professional, said: “If these apps can reduce malpractices during elections, it’s definitely a good move by the city administrators.” According to Mahendran D, an Ola driver: “These apps will defi-

nitely help. It’s a good move by the BBMP. All citizens should vote.” The four apps are: Polling Station Navigator App: Helps citizens in finding their polling booths. All they need to do is to enter their voter ID in the app and the results would be produced including the exact location of their booth along with the map. The map also displays least-congested routes to polling stations. Election Directory App: It contains contact details of election officers and provides a platform to address any misconduct or malpractice during the electoral process. Model Code of Conduct App: With this, BBMP aims to curb any misconduct by the contestants. The app enables citizens to register complaints with the Election Commission. It allows voters to send photographs with a short text about the offence and also takes in audio and video complaints. The control room would act according to the location and the address of the polling stations entered in the app. General Election Quiz App: The app asks users 10 random questions related to assembly elections. If they clear the

test; they will be issued online certificates. The main objective here is to spread awareness regarding the elections. BBMP public relations officer L. Suresh said: “These apps are expected to bring about an increase in the voting percentage in Bengaluru this time. The apps aim to make the elections corruption-free, transparent and easier for the citizens. The apps will be available in both English and Kannada.” Ramesh S, an engineering student said: “The navigation app is commendable.” Surya Sen, joint CEO, State Election Commission informed The Observer: “These apps are aimed to ease the electoral process for citizens. We are also planning to give facilities like wheelchair booking for senior citizens and physically challenged persons, and queue status facility. All information regarding candidates will be put up online.” According to Ram N, a cameraman with 24 Metro: “The election heat is up, and a lot of awareness programs and activities are happening.All we need to have is a fair and transparent elections this year”. athul.m@iijnm.org

The Observer Friday April 13, 2018

NEWS BRIEFS National: Former Chief Justice of India KG Balakrishnan, today said the SC/ST verdict of the Supreme Court was “basically wrong”, it might help offenders get away from the clutches of law, he observed. International: Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was disqualified from politics for life after Pakistan’s Supreme Court today. The court declared that any person proved to be dishonest is barred from politics for life or holding any public office. State: Attacking the Congress for disrupting the proceedings of both Houses of Parliament, BJP president Amit Shah said that the Congress has taken to new methods of curtailing the democracy by not allowing Parliament to function. Business: According to Indiabased cryptocurrency trading platform Coinsecure, it has lost about 438 Bitcoins worth Rs 19 crore in a fraud. Sports: Indian men’s hockey team suffered a 2-3 defeat against New Zealand in the semifinals of the Commonwealth Games, in Gold Coast today.

Twitterati’s take on #Kathuamurdercase Gautam Gambhir @GautamGambhir Indian consciousness was raped in Unnao and then in Kathua. It’s now being murdered in corridors of our stinking systems. Come on ‘Mr System’, show us if you have the balls to punish the perpetrators, I challenge you. #KathuaMurderCase #UnnaoRapeCase Swati Chaturvedi @bainjal Can a lawyer file a case against @BJP4India for repeatedly desecrating the tricolour first in Dadri & now in #KathuaMurderCase Both communal. I don’t want my flag disgraced. Outlook Magazine @Outlookindia ‘We Have Failed Her As Humans’, Union Minister V.K. Singh On #KathuaMurderCase Zulqarnain Ibn Usuf @mzzulfi The #DCW chairperson @SwatiJaiHind has written to India’s PM Narendra Modi demanding law for capital punishment to rape convicted of minor. Maliwal is also sitting on indefinite hunger strike from tomorrow at Rajghat against #unnav & #KathuaMurderCase #JusticeforAsifa Firstpost @firstpost #Asifa’s sister says they’ve spent their lives roaming the jungles, but never have they felt such kind of fear that they are facing now. Imran Ladha @Imran_ladha Some wicked people are still playing religion cards. Simple msg for Those Barbaric Evils “Hang Your Heads In Shame” #KathuaMurderCase

CITY

The Observer Friday, April 13, 2018

Flyover work is already causing inconvenience

A MISSION ON CYCLE

Rachel Dammala

he steel flyover under construction at Shivananda Circle is yet to be completed any time soon, hindering the movement of pedestrians and vehicles. While a few people say they can put up with the hassles created by the construction, others say the structure is a no-no. The 326.25-metre flyover was planned to ease traffic flow from Race Course Road to Seshadipuram. But its construction has left citizens fuming. “It affects my business because a lot of people do not want to take the trouble to cross the road amidst all the construction work. I lose quite a few customers. Also, the dust that emanates from the work causes irritation to people,” said a chemist from a medical shop at Shivananda Circle. “Its completion will take another nine months,” said Pavan Kumar , engineer-in-charge of the project. Anshul Adi, a student who commutes to Shivananda Circle more than once a week, says that while the idea looks good on paper, the construction work “makes us feel as though it was a bad idea. It causes so many problems such as traffic and dust issues. Let’s wait to see what it is”. Ridhi Amal first thought

After the Supreme Court gave clearance in March, grade separator work is on now on at Shivananda Circle despite opposition from the public | Credit: Rachel Dammala the idea of a steel flyover was great. “However, when I read up about it after various protests, it opened my eyes. I realized this is just a decorative measure. I was told that everything would be the same after the completion of the project, if not cause more trouble. Because the roads will become smaller, traffic flow will be restricted. And what to say about the number of trees that will have to be chopped,” she told The Observer. The BBMP is putting up grade separators along Shivananda Circle, inconveniencing commuters. Some, however, don’t seem to have a problem with the flyover. Rajendra Kumar, a resident of the area, said the construction will cause hassles, but it is eventually going to be for the citizens’ convenience.

“There are traffic jams everywhere. If we are patient, we will be able to enjoy the fruits of this later,” said Sampath BG, who commutes to Shivananda Circle every day. The residents of the area and other activists have protested against the flyover’s construction as it requires chopping of over 26 trees. BBMP commissioner Manjunath Prasad has promised to have the trees transplanted. Experts are reported to have said that construction of the flyover would only do more harm and termed it “unscientific”. The construction of the flyover was proposed in 2011. In March this year, the Supreme Court dismissed public interest litigation filed by residents and volunteers against it. dammala.r@iijnm.org

RCB’s official anthem and music video released Pracheta Panja

xcitement grew as the official anthem of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and a music video were released ahead of the team’s first home match, against Kings XI Punjab, on Friday evening. Avighna, a Dubai-based production company, released the anthem and video in association with the RCB Fan Club. Avighna CEO Karthik V. said: “Last week, we have released a similar thing for Chennai Super Kings (CSK).” The company earlier had done a workshop with the handicapped people in India during 2007-08 IPL matchs, informed CEO of Avighna. According to the company, the song was completely shot in Bengaluru over two days with more than a hundred dancers. The music video was brought out is in association with Siri Music in India. The official mascot of the song and RCB fan Sugumar said: “Earlier, I have performed in

Royal Challengers Bangalore’s “official fan”, Sugumar, is performing in the music video that was released by Avigna and Siri Music all over the world on YouTube ten music videos like this. I am present at each match of RCB to cheer them.” Asked about the match against KXIP — which sees Chris Gayle playing against his former team – Sugumar said: “Though we lost the first match, we have faith in our team and captain. Today we

will definitely win.” RCB played their first match against Kolkata Knight Riders and lost. They hope to make a comeback in their first home match, which will be played at the KSCA’s Chinnaswamy Stadium. pracheta.p@iijnm.org

Bharma Kolekar, a Hindi teacher at JN Pre-University College, Belagavi, is travelling by bicycle to Kanyakumari, 1,400 km away, to spread the message that young people should take up the cycle as their mode of transportation instead of motorbikes. Motorcycles, he told The Observer, not only increase pollution but also kill and injure people. Through his cycle camp in Belagavi, he encourages adolescent boys and girls to make the cycle a part of their lives. Kolekar wants to travel across the country on bicycle | Credit: Pracheta Panja

Elders are divided over celebrating Grandparents’ Day Ayushi Singh

o reduce the distance between grandchildren and grandparents, schools in Bengaluru began celebrating Grandparents Day. Some grandparents say the concept has succeeded, but others are not convinced. “It is a good initiative to get grandparents and grandchildren to spend some time together. Kids these days are too busy in their own lives from a very early stage which takes away the value of relationships. It’s important to bridge the gap. If schools, by celebrating Grandparents Day, can do this, it’ll be of great help to society,” Shilpa Supahia, a resident of Jalahalli and mother of two, informed The Observer. The concept of Grandparents Day began in the US. Many countries now observe various days as Grandparents Day to help bridge the generation gap. Many schools in Bengaluru observe Grandparents Day where various programmes are organized. “I have come for Grandparents Day celebration all the way from Noida. I have noticed that my grandchildren have stopped talking to us over the phone and fear the gap will grow,” said Dr Shyamendra Singh. “We shifted from Kerala long ago, so my children are not very attached to my parents. I don’t know if Grandparents Day will

help because I have seen my kids get irritated when my parents try to talk to them or spend time with them. Going to their school will not help in any way either because the real conversation takes place at home, where they are aloof,” says K. Mathew Anand, a resident of Koramangala. “I think this concept is absolutely useless. There is no use celebrating one day when kids are busy playing games on mobiles and aren’t ready to sit and spend some time with their grandparents. They come back from school and directly go to their rooms. If I ever ask my grandchildren to sit with me, they tell me they will miss their favorite cartoon show or have a lot of homework to do,” Prema N, a grandmother of two, said. Raghu G.R., a grandfather of one, has a different opinion. “The best time of the day for me is the time I spend with my grandson in the park after he returns from school. We are like best friends. He shares whatever he did in school. I enjoy listening to his stories because I contribute a lot to his education and homework.” “I only get to know what he’s doing in school through him because his parents go for the meetings in school. I think it’s a great initiative by schools because that way even we get to be involved in academics,” he added. ayushi.s@iijnm.org

Observer Team

Editor:Ayushi Singh Desk: Rayan Mitra and Manikankana Sengupta Reporters: Athul M, Manashaa G, Rachel Dammala and Pracheta Panja

Health

The Observer SUPPLEMENT

Friday, April 13, 2018

The Killer Indoors Radon levels in Bangalore alarmingly high mainly because of the building materials in use, says Anjana Basumatary

BSTCountertops

onstant exposure to high levels of radiation emitted by natural sources like water, soil and air, may result in lung cancer. But the biggest risk, reveals a study conducted by the physics department of Bangalore University, might lie indoors. Their research was focused on the various isotopes of Radon, mainly on the 222Rn and 220Rn, and tests were conducted on the walls and floors of buildings using different types of construction, at different seasons of the year and spread across residential areas in different locations in Bangalore. The 222Rn isotope, a radioactive but inert gas, could pose a serious threat to human health if accumulated in poorly ventilated houses. If radiation is inhaled in a large dose, it can adversely affect the lungs. Alpha particles and high energy gamma rays which are emitted by 222Rn during radioactive decay can affect functioning of internal organs and the human body in general. The study also detected concen-

Granite countertops could pose a real risk to humans, as they may contain radioactive elements such as radium, uranium and thorium

trations of 226Ra (isotope of Radium), 232Th (isotope of Thorium), 222Rn and 220Rn isotopes in ground water and granite floors that were alarmingly high. Houses with granite floor and low volume rooms contain radon in high concentrations. Therefore, it is suggested that rooms with low volume have good ventilation and that granite is not used in floors. Says Prof. N Nagaiah of the physics department, Bangalore

University, “Every natural object emits radiation, and that cannot be resisted. Radiation does not pose a serious threat if it is dealt with in a proper manner. Contrary to popular belief, it does not always cause harm; radiation is actually useful in various fields like medicine for treatment." For the purpose of the study, samples were collected from areas which are free from surface runoff during heavy rain, at a depth of 15

1 (Becquerel) to 1189.3 BqL-1 which is far more than the permissible limit of 11.8 BqL-1.

cm. The samples were then mixed and extraneous materials such as plants, debris, and pebbles were removed. A large number of procedures including grinding, sieving and use of gamma spectrometer were conducted to measure Radon levels. The geology of Bangalore reveals a granite terrain with varieties of granites, such as granitic gneiss (metamorphic rock) and pegmatite (crystalline granite). These rocks form a geological layer over 15–25 sq km, and radioactivity present in the materials collected from these areas for constructing building is higher compared to soil radioactivity. Bricks used for the construction of buildings in Bangalore are brought from places like Nelamangala, Magadi, Hoskote, Ramanagara and Channapatna, and the concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in the soils of Nelamangala and Magadi were found to be very high. The Radon gas in the groundwater of the study area ranged from 55.9 BqL-

ays Sangita P Bhattacharjee, assistant hydrogeologist at the Central Ground Water Board, “The levels of radon detected in ground water are not nearly as harmful as that found in rooms. This is because radon in water has a very limited half-life of 3.8 days. Its lifetime is over by the time people consume water. But radon from air gets in contact with human body the moment it emits radiation.” The main reason behind high concentration of radon in door is mining activity and different types of the bedrock. With the levels of Radon in air, soil and water rising and going beyond the permissible limit of 11.8 BqL-1, it’s high time that measures are taken to mitigate radon levels within city limits. Says Dr. N Nagaiah, “Proper education needs to be given so that people know how to deal with overexposure to radiation.”

Every Bit Counts The smallest contribution can make the biggest difference to people’s lives, says Sreejani Bhattacharyya are very hesitant to send their children out of that area. We built the centre in the slum itself so that the children do not have to go out.” Another area that they focus on is health and hygiene. Says Aakash, “This programme is mainly held in Kolkata. A doctor comes once a month and we provide not only free checkup to the children but also free medicines to them. This is made possible because we have tie-up with medical representatives who help us in getting free medicines.” Akaash was studying engineering at the Government College of

Engineering and Leather Technology, Kolkata when he decided that he wanted to do something about the poverty and helplessness he saw around him. “We were a bunch of college students who had no idea about how to structure an organization, go about with the registration and all the other nuances of starting a non-governmental organization that would work all over the country,” he says. “But we knew that we wanted to help people. My brother Rohit joined in and we worked out a plan. We started talking to people on Facebook and

our work not only in Kolkata but all over the country. Funding has become easier now.

encouraged other young people to join us in our volunteering efforts. We got a lot of helping hands. We were one of the first youth-based groups in the city to start a volunteering programme for a social cause through Facebook.” In its initial days funding was a big problem. “In our initial days, we used to fund small projects by saving up from our pocket money and transport fares. But things changed after we were invited to participate in Dadagiri -- a popular quiz show hosted by cricketer Sourav Ganguly. This helped us gain a lot of publicity and promote

A Little Contribution Facebook page

ow many of us take out a few moments from our busy lives to do something decent without expecting anything in return? Meet Akaash Basu, a young engineer from Kolkata who’s making a difference to people’s lives. The cofounder of A Little Contribution, a non-governmental organization that works to improve the lives of poor children, creates better living conditions for the old and generates opportunities for the differently-abled. A Little Contribution currently operates in six cities: Kolkata, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad and Chennai. In Bangalore, they run two centres in Kundanahalli near Whitefield and BTM layout. “We run Project Vivekagyan there,” Aakash explains. “There is a huge slum in that area with over thousand kids as surveyed by our volunteers. We have set up a centre for teaching children amidst the slum. Most of the families there are migrants. So, they fear the language and people here and

The volunteers at A Little Contribution believe that bringing a smile to the children’s faces is the biggest reward

ays Debopriyo Das, accounts head of the Bangalore chapter, “Funding is mainly generated from member subscriptions and internal donations. We also have several benefactors who donate stationery items, toys etc.” Daily activities are conducted by volunteers. Bonali Ghosh, a volunteer, says, “The best experience was celebrating Diwali with these underprivileged kids. The joy on their faces is the biggest reward.” Aakash wants digital education to reach these underprivileged children. “It requires a lot of logistics and money to make it happen.” His message is simple. “Come join us and expand this movement. You will feel amazing once you do something for people who do not even get two square meals a day. I am not telling you to contribute your hundred percent. Just give us your two percent, because every bit counts.”