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Volume 08 | Issue 32 Jun 05 - Jun 11 , 2021 Price : 10

Good Samaritans: The Second Line Of Will COVID-19 Expenses Eat Into Deforestation And Encroachment Pandemic Defence Disaster Contingency? Assam Government’s Priorities

INSIDE PG 02 PG 04 PG 06 Are We On A Demand-Side Our Way To Challenge To Becoming An Oil-Rich Assam’s Drug Economy? Blitzkrieg

Nibir Deka Mandir or civil @nibirdeka area of society Paltan Bazar organization wherein the - to fight the he Assam police have Crime Branch menace of aggressively begun a of Assam Police drugs.” war on drugs campaign; along with the Paltan Senior police officials however, the move comes Bazar Police Station (PS) nabbed have themselves accepted that with adverse effects for the individuals involved. On the role of the police is to Tthe drug addicts. the same day, the Fatasil police destroy the accessibility of the During the 21 days starting busted an illegal alcohol and drugs and to catch the culprits. from May 10 till May 31, a total weed operation in the Ganeshguri However, they can only do so PG No of 264 cases were registered with area of Guwahati. The incident much and society has to play a - 03 441 people arrested. The overall occurred in Champaknagar major role to reduce the menace seizure details include 6.57 KG where a lady, Naina Goar, was of drugs. heroin, 5785.846 KG marijuana selling alcohol and weed from a Yet, many of the dealers have (ganja), 92366 units of tablet, small room. The police seized 3.5 a history of selling drugs and 11681 bottles of codeine-based KG of marijuana (Ganja) and three have already been arrested once cough syrup, 20 grams morphine, cartons of illegal alcohol from her or more. The primary reason 426 grams opium, and cash possession. is the lack of employment amounting to Rs 17,11,130. The initiative is backed by the opportunities. Another cause In the same period, officials of Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta is these low-level dealers are the Assam Police seized 51 packets Biswa Sarma. “The war against themselves addicts and continue of Ganja, weighing 572.800 kgs drugs will continue and Assam their addiction in return for A Local from a truck intercepted at police will carry out regular selling it. Srirampur. The consignment is operations to bust the grave This doesn’t mean the Assam estimated to be worth Rs 1 crore, menace plaguing our society. police measures have not been according to the police. Many families have suffered effective. The measures have Among those arrested so far immensely due to this. We are drastically affected the supply are senior officials including a going to make some important side of things as many of the Tipple Deputy Superintendent of Police announcements regarding the peddlers have been arrested (DSP) of Dhubri. He was arrested issue in the next few days,” said and few dealers have gone on suspicion of alleged criminal the Assam CM. underground, resulting in the activity and involvement with a G Plus spoke to the Additional hike of prices of drugs and crime syndicate. In Bongaigaon, Deputy Commissioner of Police other narcotic substances. In the a former media person was (ADCP) Crime, Numal Mahatta, However, the addicts operate arrested for using a press ID to who stated that the police are in a word-of-mouth model bypass checks in a drug-related doing their best to tackle the where they communicate the matter. When questioned, the supply side of things and catch places where one can still find man identified as Nitu Banikya the drugs suppliers. Emphasizing the drugs. The crackdown by claimed to work for a local news the need for the public to be the government has hampered Offing portal. aware of the prevailing drug their accessibility but many are The measures have also been menace, he said, “Everyone has to on the lookout to buy the same ramped up in Guwahati. On play an active part - be it parents drugs at hiked prices. Thursday, May 27, two major drug Full Story on PG No. 05 rackets were busted in the city. Continued on PG No. 03 The first one was in the Nepali 2 Lead Story | JUN 05 - Jun 11 , 2021 Good Samaritans: The Second Line Of Pandemic Defence With the second wave of the COVID-19 taking its toll, volunteers across the State are serving infected patients and their families with much more than just free food handouts

items, sanitization of homes, Barasha Das after death services, and @Barasha_mi2 ambulance transport, among other services since May 15. A volunteer speaking to G he COVID-19 pandemic Plus said, “As COVID-19 started has taught us many to take over the daily routines things, most of all to be of our lives, it became evident compassionate and kind. that Nagaon was not efficiently Humans have learned equipped to deal with such a Tone of the most essentials crisis. Before it took a massive lessons – we survive only if we toll on everyone, the idea was work together and support each to have the authorities and the other. Thus, many have come people prepare for what was forward selflessly to help those coming as much as possible.” in need. While the first wave of They have been able to the pandemic saw Samaritans help over 200 Covid affected offering food to the homeless families in a span of just fifteen and the underprivileged days. sections, not forgetting even the stray animals, the second wave Helping Covid infected demanded much more than just patients breathe even food. The second wave proved to be more severe as it swept at home in Guwahati: past the unprepared masses The oxygen crisis that has claiming more lives. This time, created havoc in the rest of the demands were for oxygen, the country did not have such ambulance, food - not just for a significant impact on Assam. the pavement dwellers but Taking lessons from other also for the privileged sections states, the Assam government who were stuck due to home was fast to instigate setting up isolation. of oxygen plants and resuming Volunteers and NGOs have worked hard to take the fight against the virus to every doorstep. (Below) A volunteer health worked Amid all the adversities, a operations of the existing ones heps a patient onto an ambulance in Nagaon section of the citizens took it to their full capacity even upon themselves to help the before the second wave of the needy. While India continues pandemic reached its peak in With many rendered jobless to applaud Sonu Sood for his Assam. And thanks to all that during the pandemic, faced incomparable philanthropic effort, the citizens of Assam with a cash crunch, and price work, Assam’s very own Sonu did not have to juggle about in hike of essential commodities, Soods continues to work search of oxygen. people are struggling to even relentlessly without any But even as the health get the necessary medicines. praises. department ensured enough The Marwari Arogya Bhawan oxygen in the hospitals and Hospital and Dibrugarh Bridging the gap at Covid Care Centres, people Pharmaceutical Wholesalers’ Nagaon: in home quarantine were left Forum in association with without the same most of the the Dibrugarh Press Club Remarkable works are time. This was mainly due have launched the “Arogya being undertaken by a team to hiked pricing considering Covid Aushadhi Sewa”. Under of youngsters formed and the rise in demand and also this program, medicines are led by Lok Sabha Member of insufficient supply in the open being provided to COVID-19 Parliament (MP) from Nagaon, market. infected patients at very Pradyut Bordoloi. In order to help people subsidized rates, if provided During the lockdown breathe even at home, the with valid prescriptions. last year, the team focused Khalsa Centre North East Mahavir Prasad Agarwal, primarily on distributing started a ‘free oxygen langar’ in an official of the Marwari essential items and medicines Guwahati. suffering from after-effects of We charged a minimal fee so Arogya Bhawan Hospital among the distressed people. Captain PP Singh, Chairman the COVID-19 infection. So we that people understood its told G Plus, “We started However, as the nature of of the centre informed G Plus decided to provide that,” he importance and returned it this initiative on May 22. the disease was more severe that the initiative was taken added. without delay for others to use. We provide medicines to this time around and Nagaon keeping the mind the need of The Khalsa Aid International Now the scenario is different. hospitals, Covid Care Centres, needed more than what was the hour. He said, “We had been has provided people with 20 The demand is less, and people and even to patients under provided by the government feeding over 5000 people every oxygen concentrators. The tend to return the machines in home isolation. We are agencies, the team has been day in the first lockdown, apart city-based centre initially four to five days. So we charge trying to help by taking working to bridge the gap, from running weekly langar provided people with an oxygen a small security amount which the minimum possible price ensuring that the government at the Dr. B Borooah Cancer concentrator with a minimal is returned later. The service of medicines and deliver smoothly facilitates its medical Institute for over 2 years. Our fee. However, they have decided itself is free,” said Singh. to people who are unable access to the people and nobody motto in the first lockdown was to provide the same for free The Khalsa Centre is to come to purchase. Many is left out. to Fight Against Hunger.” from now on with a minimal providing oxygen concentrators people have benefitted from With the number of COVID-19 “However, this second wave security deposit. in Kamrup (M) and neighbouring this.” positive cases surging in the demanded more. We realized “We have just 20 districts. The Dibrugarh Progressive rural areas, 54 volunteers in that fearing another lockdown, concentrators and the demands Citizens’ Initiative is Nagaon, 20 in Morigaon, and 11 people were already prepared are high. So we had to limit Medicines at subsi- also helping post-COVID in Hojai and Lanka are providing with food. What they needed giving it for just 7 days to one dised rates a boon to patients with free oxygen emergency oxygen, facilitating now was oxygen, oxygen for person which is taken back concentrators during these hospital beds, essential food those in home isolation or those after proper sanitization. patients of Dibrugarh: trying times. | Jun 05 - JUN 11, 2021 In The News 3 Assam On Its Way To Becoming An Oil-Rich Economy?

G Plus News balance. Notably, the erstwhile Sonowal @guwahatiplus Somehow, the Assam government had approved an government with the tacit ordinance that allowed micro, support of OIL India saved it from small, and medium enterprises ithin days of the going into private hands. (MSMEs) to set up industries Bharatiya Janata On the other hand, two by only submitting a self- Party (BJP)-led Hindustan Paper Corporation declaration. government coming Limited (HPCL)-run, now defunct But in reality, that also never to power for the paper mills – are set to be sold as paid any dividend. secondW consecutive term in scrap. So what will be different this Assam, Chief Minister Himanta The National Company Law time? Going by the signals, it Biswa Sarma made one of the Tribunal (NCLT) has invited can be said that the Himanta biggest investments of Rs 2000 bidders for the sale of the two Biswa Sarma-led government is crore in the oil sector in Assam by iconic paper mills. banking heavily on the oil sector, raising the government’s stakes Both these issues make a stark which has for years paid rich in Numaligarh Refinery Limited contrast to the government dividends to Assam. (NRL). policy towards industrialization. The government has also The event holds significance To give 1 lakh employment lined up a slew of projects with for industrially backward states in a year, which CM Sarma has OIL India to build a gas network like Assam, and that too at a time promised after occupying the hot pipeline in major cities of the when various governments are seat, he needs to go for aggressive state and have picked up few A Rs 2000 crore investment promises future windfalls | Internet Photo offloading their stakes at state- industrialization. For that to marginal oil fields for production. run enterprises to cobble up happen, Assam needs a clear-cut While investing in the ever- its refining capacity from 3 for the Chief Minister. He needs money for state coffers. industrial policy. fluctuating oil sector also has its Million Metric Tonne Per Annum to lobby hard in the petroleum After Bharat Petroleum In their first term, the BJP share of risks, it appears that the (MMTPA) to 9 MMTPA in nearly ministry for making investments Corporation Limited, which had government tried to lure government is willing to take that 20 years of its operations. in the oil sector of Assam. a controlling stake of 54.6%, investors from the information risk and if it pays off, Assam could Similarly, the Digboi, By investing in NRL, he has set went under the hammer as per and technology sector. well be on the path of an oil-rich Bongaigaon, and Guwahati the ball rolling and if he succeeds the disinvestment policy of the For instance, an exclusive economy. refinery suffer from the same in attracting investments in the National Democratic Alliance Business process outsourcing But it is a long road; the refinery problem of underproduction, and oil sector from both public and (NDA) government, the fate (BPO) policy was made to attract capacity in Assam compared to huge investments are needed to private players, it would give of NRL which is known as the tech giants to set up their base in other states is abysmally low. ramp up their capacity. a much-needed boost to the “accord refinery” was hanging in the state, but it didn’t pay off. NRL is planning to increase And here, the task is cut out industrialization of Assam. Suppliers Nabbed, But What About Buyers?

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was an addict once and whenever there was a lack of availability in Guwahati, I would go even to a different district to source drugs. The point is, one can take extreme steps and even go to Ineighbouring states amid this COVID-19 pandemic because the primary mindset of a drug addict is to get it anyhow,” said Amrit Baishya, Counsellor at Shristi Wellness Home. The counsellor, while crediting the Assam Police for its war on drugs made few drug abusers enrolled in the rehabilitation program, raised concerns regarding the total unavailability of drugs. It can lead to adverse effects for a drug addict and push him towards negative approaches including the contemplation of suicide, he expressed. “Withdrawal is very painful when one is the move by the Assam government with using heroin. Since it is lockdown and the few reservations. “The crackdown on the normal areas are already not supplying, this peddlers is a welcome move as they are risks the vulnerability of such addicts who the ones who provide and has led to the will face withdrawal and without proper menace. However, there should be measures intervention, they may opt for adverse for awareness among the families and the measures,” added Baishya. close ones of those who are into substance Further parallelism has been made abuse to accommodate the abusers in a safe between crackdown and addiction. “Without environment,” added Das. The psychiatrist a proper program to accommodate the also highlighted the need for counselling addicts, the demand can never be stopped,” and treatment to cater to the demand side said Rahul Das (name changed), a former of things. “The affinity towards substance abuser. is also a concern, and most importantly, the G Plus spoke to a leading psychiatrist in associated physiological problems. This has Guwahati Dr. Jayanta Das who appreciated to be addressed,” added the doctor. 4 Concern | JUN 05 - Jun 11 , 2021 Will COVID-19 Expenses Eat Into Disaster Contingency? With fifty percent of the annual disaster management fund allotted for pandemic management, will the remaining amount be sufficient to overcome flood and other calamities?

Barasha Das to all concerned departments, @Barasha_mi2 including Public Works Department (PWD), agriculture, education, inland water, and esides the worldwide others. COVID-19 pandemic, Notably, the 15th Finance Assam has much more Commission had allocated Rs. 858 to deal with. Assam now crores to State Disaster Response faces the dual challenge Fund (SDRF). The total amount Bof containing a pandemic in the was received in two instalments. face of natural disasters – the The first instalment of Rs. 386 annual devastating floods and crores was received in June, 2020 the equally destructive erosion and the second instalment was – that are looming large with the to be allocated by September- advent of the monsoon season. October, 2020. Due to delay in Every year, crores of rupees payment, ASDMA sought the are spent by the Assam State second instalment and further Disaster Management Authority additional payments in lieu of the (ASDMA) prior to and post these restoration activities conducted devastating calamities. Such in the aftermath of the disastrous were the expenses incurred flood this year. Yet only Rs. 44 in last year’s damaging flood crore was approved on paper. alongside the pandemic and A senior official explained, other parameters that ASDMA “The State Disaster Management in November last year submitted Authority is allocated a a memorandum to the central substantial amount by the government seeking additional Finance Commission every year. funds. Sources then revealed After last year’s flood, we made Will the management of annual floods and other disasters suffer this year? | G Plus Photo that a total of Rs. 2642.99 crore an overall assessment of Rs. was sought by the department 2642.99 crores. But following the Department of Expenditure, The Home Ministry said that official told G Plus, “Last year, through the memorandum. norms and while analyzing each Ministry of Finance, at the the funds could be spent for we allotted the state Rs. 183 crore parameter separately, the Centre recommendation of the Ministry oxygen generation and storage only. The total COVID expense Rs. 2642.99 Cr Sought, found and agreed to pay us Rs. 44 of Home Affairs, has released in plants in hospitals, ventilators, was around Rs. 225 crores only. Rs. 44 Cr Approved ‘On crores only.” advance of the normal schedule air purifiers, strengthening This year, we believe we can “However, since we had an the first instalment of the Central ambulance services, COVID-19 easily tackle the situation with Paper’ opening balance of Rs. 336 crores share of the State Disaster hospitals, Covid Care Centres, the allotted amount.” Of the Rs. 2642.99 crores from the previous financial year, Response Fund (SDRF) for 2021- consumables, thermal scanners, As per data provided by sought after by the ASDMA, the this Rs. 44 crores were deducted 22 to all the States,” the official personal protective equipment, ASDMA, here’s the calculation, If Centre approved of Rs. 44 crores from that,” he added. Simply statement of the ministry of testing laboratories, testing kits, Rs. 429 crores were used for the under the National Disaster put, the Centre did not allot any Home Affairs read. and containment zones, among pandemic, the department will Response Fund (NDRF), a senior physical amount to the ASDMA. “Normally, the first instalment others. The funding for disaster be left with Rs. 429 crores. The official of the ASDMA informed is released in June as per management is provided in a department also has a balance G Plus when asked about the Will Assam Have the recommendations of the 90:10 (Centre: State) ratio. of Rs. 680 crore from last year, current funds available with the Enough Funds to Tackle Finance Commission. However, ASDMA received Rs. 308.80 which will be allocated after department and the allotment of in relaxation of the normal crores in the first instalment the budget session. The total fund by the Centre following the 2021 Floods? procedure, not only has the this year. Assam’s overall annual amounts to over Rs. 1100 crores. memorandum. With the second wave of the release of SDRF been advanced, allocation is Rs. 858 crore. “So there won’t be any shortage With the next annual floods pandemic peaking, the Central but the amount has also been As the Centre has allowed of funds,” asserted the official. just weeks or months away, Finance Ministry on May 1 released without waiting for states to use fifty percent of this However, the contradictory government bodies have released the first instalment of the utilization certificate of the fund for Covid management, statements from the ASDMA started preparing for this year’s the State Disaster Response Fund amount provided to the States in Assam will be left with just Rs. raise a few questions- If there precautionary measures both on (SDRF) to states. A payment of the last financial year. Up to 50% 429 crores to deal with other was a balance of Rs. 680 crores paper and on the field. Rs. 8873.60 crore was released in of the amount released, i.e., Rs. calamities. why did ASDMA seek more The Rs. 2642.99 crores that advance, which is usually done in 4,436.8 crore can be used by the When asked how the ASDMA Central fund? Will Rs. 1100 crores was asked for included the the month of June every year. States for COVID-19 containment would manage with the ever be enough to survive this year’s fund allocations to be given “As a special dispensation, measures,” it added. constraint finances, the senior flood and other calamities? Weather report for the week

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31°-24° C 31°24° C 28°23° C 27°23° C 29°23° C 29°23° C 29°23° C | Jun 05 - JUN 11, 2021 In The News 5 A Drop Of Heritage In Drink: Local Flavours In Ferment The process of producing heritage liquor remains challenging and lengthy, as the Assam government is only encouraging the production, and little else by way of rules and regulations

encouraging to start such G Plus News a business but other than @guwahatiplus encouragement, there is no other support. He said that the process hough the Assam should have been of a government’s dream of single-window but here promoting traditional things are different, the local brews remains a applicants need to submit no- dream even after five objection certificates (NOC) Tyears of the BJP government for everything, pollution claiming to compete with Goa’s certificate, food quality report, Feni and Russia’s Vodka, it and so on. seems like finally, a red wine- As Akash Jyoti Gogoi is like rice wine produced in launching the product in Assam will hit the markets in August, we asked him about August. the probable market price and The producers who attempted he replied, “We cannot say now to produce heritage liquor were as the government has not yet upset with the government for clarified the excise tax which the lengthy paperwork process will be levied on the product.” and less support. However, a It needs to be mentioned heritage liquor producer has the policy for heritage liquor now claimed that one brand was notified in May 2017 after ‘Xaj’ (Rice wine) will be ready amending the Assam Excise Act for sale in Assam by August. 2000. The fee for a license had An upper Assam-based been deliberately kept low at Rs producer of heritage liquor, 5,000. Akash Jyoti Gogoi, owner of Even though the excise North East Agro Products and department has kept the The proposed brew will come in a snazzy package Services talking to G Plus said, fees low, producers feel that the government is not doing enough to support what can turn out to be a great industry. The government has not even In 2016, then Finance clarified the tax which will be levied on the heritage liquor Minister Himanta Biswa product. Sarma had praised local It needs to be mentioned brews to high heaven that narrating the dream in the state’s annual budget for in his budget speech. 2016-17, the then state finance However, procedural minister Himanta Biswa Sarma hurdles have prevented (present chief minister) had said that while the tribal brews their commercialisation were healthy and possessed till now high medicinal values, the government was looking at conducting proper research on these brews, ensure standard manufacturing practices and package them in such attractive “I have been trying to produce a manner so that those can local brew for all since the last compete with feni and vodka. 10 years, but now I can claim Sarma, however then, did not that we are ready to launch ‘Xaj’ specify when the dream would in the markets by August.” turn into a reality. Another producer trying to It’s been 4 years since the produce heritage liquor, talking act was amended but till now to G Plus in the condition the government is not sure of anonymity said, “The about the tax policies for such government has kept same a local product. No subsidy has paperwork process for heritage been announced other than a liquor like Indian Made Foreign reduced license fee. Liquor (IMFL), there is no There might be many special support other than a promises made by the 2 1 lesser fee.” government in the past but this / 5 7 3

He explained that it’s been promise is very local, so some o N quite some time that he applied hurdles still remain before Xaj g o for the license but every hits the shelves at liquor stores y n a second day, they (the excise across Assam, and possibly all s n a department) require some or over the country and beyond. J the other paper. All efforts continue towards Akash Jyoti Gogoi claimed that goal. that the government is Three cheers to that thought! 6 In Conversation | JUN 05 - Jun 11 , 2021 Deforestation And Encroachment Assam Government’s Priorities

Barasha Das consumed by elephants. We are @Barasha_mi2 doing our best to restore their habitat, but it will definitely take some time. th June, a day to celebrate In 2019, the Assam government nature and create signed a deal of 50 million Euros awareness amongst the with the French Development people about environment Agency to restore forest conservation. The United ecosystems and preserve 5Nations (UN) established 5th June biodiversity in Assam. How far as World Environment Day in has it progressed? 1972. The theme for this year is The first installment of the 50 ‘Ecosystem Restoration’. million Euros has already been To mark the occasion, G Plus provided and Assam government interviewed Parimal Suklabaidya, has completed work on the same. the Forest and Environment Now work is going on in the second Minister of Assam. Here are some phase. The French Development excerpts of the interview- Agency has already disbursed The death of 18 elephants the second installment. We have at Bamuni Hills, Nagaon, is a floated a tender for plantation and devastating incident. Although the actual plantation process will the Assam Government, after start within a month. extensive investigation, has Deforestation, illegal timber G Plus sits down with Forest Minister Parimal Suklabaidya confirmed the reason for death trade are also going on in many to be lightning, some NGOs and reserve forests, including in Rani wetland. I contacted all concerned See, the entire north-eastern have already encroached upon animal lovers have not accepted Reserve Forest close to Dispur. officials and formed a Deepor Beel region was once Assam. Over Assam’s forest land in border this explanation. Instead, they Disputes over illegal settlements Committee for its development the years the province was areas? claim that the elephants were in Arching Wildlife Sanctuary under the Chairmanship of the broken into several states. Back In the last five years, we have poisoned by the locals. have not been resolved in years. Chief Minister. Now the water then, there were no experts to been trying to resolve this border People have the right to express And there is constant human body’s condition is much better. address the issue. Now you see issue. But these encroachments their own opinion. As for us, we intervention in the Amchang- The migratory birds that had more associations and experts have been happening since much have reports from veterinarians, Sonapur elephant corridor. What earlier stopped coming have being born on a single day than before the BJP came into power. the post mortem report, and even do you have to say? returned. there are plants being planted. The government is working the reports on lighting on that Deforestation and It’s true that the water is highly On what basis are these experts for permanent demarcation of particular day and time from the encroachment are two inter- polluted. This is mainly because commenting. They should go state boundaries. The Assam North Eastern Space Applications related issues. At times people are the people have encroached and check for themselves how government is talking with its Centre (NESAC). We have also compelled to cut trees, possibly for upon actual drainage outlets that many animals are taking refuge counterparts in neighbouring taken opinions from international construction. What’s important is connect to the Brahmaputra. And in the highlands. Please give your states. This will take some time. wildlife experts. Only then did we that people should have the sense that land is not under the Forest opinion only after that. But I can assure you one thing: till arrive at a conclusion. to plant another tree for every department, but the revenue We have constructed around 30 the BJP government is in power, And people have faith in our one they cut down in order to department. to 35 highlands and people can see we will not let state boundaries be reports. Elephants are wise compensate. As for the Boragaon dumping for themselves that the number of encroached any further. animals. It’s not possible that all The BJP government has ground, I have learned that the animal deaths due to floods has This is your second term as the 18 would have consumed poison taken this matter seriously. We ground will be shifted from there substantially decrease thereafter. Forest & Environment Minister. together. Had one taken poison, it have planted numerous trees. soon. But the government must The Tarun Gogoi government What will your priorities be would have alerted the herd. Those Strong action has been taken to take up major projects to restore extensively promoted the in this term? And what do you who are criticizing us should make stop the illegal timber trade; we water outlets. Jetropha ( Bhot era) plant for consider as the major success of the basis of their claims or their have apprehended many people The area adjacent to Deeper the production of bio-diesel. A your previous term? investigation reports public. related to this business. But I Beel up to Pamohi is an Jatropha Mission was constituted In my last tenure, the three The population of elephants has cannot say that these issues have eco-sensitive zone. Yet the and cultivation was to be done departments (Excise, Forest and increased in Assam in the past few been eradicated altogether. It is government has permitted on 134.7 hectares of land in 9 Environment, Fisheries) that I years, but so has man-elephant a continuous process and it is two bitumen plants in the area. districts. Workshops were also oversaw received a number of conflict. Does the government impossible to resolve such crimes Local communities have staged conducted. We do not hear of it awards. We have done extensive have any plans to address this completely. Still, we are doing our protests and informed that most anymore. What happened to the work in fisheries. Now the import issue? Also, the open forest cover best. of the nearby hills like Dakini Mission? of fish to Assam has significantly in Assam has increased but the Just two days ago we conducted Pahar have been destroyed by There is no record of the fund decreased. In Excise, our revenue dense forest cover has decreased a massive drive in encroached private players. How are these that was spent on this project- earnings have increased by 2 to significantly in Cachar, Dima areas of Karimganj district. We factories permitted in an eco- Where did the money come from? 3 times. This is mainly because Hasao, Dibrugarh, and other need a good environment to live sensitive zone? Where did it go? If you try to check we have stopped corruption in districts also. Over 93 percent of in and also a good surroundings. The eco-sensitive zone is not the productivity of this project, departments. Karbi Anglong’s forest cover has Our government is working hard yet finalized. The zone is usually you will find it to be zero. As for Forest, we have increased disappeared. to establish just that. marked about 5 - 10 kms around It was a much-hyped project, forest cover. Yet there is a lot We made teams of forest The condition of Deeper Beel is the actual eco-sensitive site. It’s with much promotion but no to do, and I will continue to do officials about two or three years a major concern. Water from the up to the National Green Tribunal result. everything within my capacity. ago, and have deployed a team Boragaon dumping ground flows and the Central Government to In the name of the project, the Lastly, what is your message in each district where man- directly into the wetland (we have finalize the limits of that zone. We then government pocketed huge to people on World Environment elephant conflict is constant and video footage). This is depleting are working on this, but you need funds, took possession of large Day? severe. This conflict is nothing the water quality of the Ramsar to understand that the permission forest areas and revenue lands. I urge citizens of Assam new, though I accept that it has site, a highly eco-sensitive zone. for factories might be given now, That’s all. But not a single litre to understand that a good increased in the past few years. Plus there is encroachment. What but once the eco-sensitive zone of oil was ever produced from environment is a must for us to Its main reason is deforestation. are your plans to deal with this? is finalized we will cancel their Jatropha. And this is not the only survive. And for that, we have to Man has gradually destroyed When I was given the permits if required. such mission during the tenure of increase forest cover. Every citizen large portions of animal habitats. responsibility of the Forest Many highlands have been the Congress government. There has a responsibility to work for the When the BJP government came department first, the condition built in Kaziranga. But experts was also the Bamboo Mission betterment of the environment. to power, we worked on this issue. of Deepor Beel was very bad. The and environmentalists believe amongst others. But where is the I pray to the people to engage in In the past five years, overall forest water was so polluted that the that building highlands in productivity? planting trees. We have to develop cover in Assam has increased by surface was covered with dead Kaziranga is totally unscientific How do you plan to tackle the better surroundings to live a over 2200 square kilometres. We fish. There is about 4.1 square and not environment friendly. border conflict with Nagaland better life. And it should be our have also planted trees that are kilometre of forest land near this What’s your take on that? and Arunachal Pradesh as they collective effort. | Jun 05 - JUN 11, 2021 City 7 Snippets Dirty Water Plagues Kharghuli Celebrating This World Resident’s Potable Supply Environment Day with Art the supply of water in the by large numbers of individual Rudranagar, Amiya Nagar, and Nibir Deka is organizing @nibirdeka Udaigiri hills of Kharghuli particles that are generally Krishna Nagar in the Chandmari Plus has been affected badly. “We invisible to the naked eye, side is sporadic at best. ‘Art for Earth’, a are not just receiving unclean similar to smoke in the air. The “We pay our taxes and bills. free medium, visual ater supply is a key water but it’s almost muddy,” a measurement of turbidity is a In return for that, we just want arts contest in issue for the 12 lakh local told G Plus. key test of water quality. water,” said a young lady from Gcollaboration with Indian Oil people residing in Explaining how the dirty G Plus spoke to a senior the area. Corporation Limited (IOCL) and Guwahati. While the water has affected the Guwahati Municipal To take stock of the Assam Oil, and supported by water supply lines purification systems, a Corporation (GMC) official matter, on May 30, the newly Punjab National Bank. ofW the 20th Century are still housewife said, “Even the who stated that due to the appointed Commissioner of If you have a creative mind operational and provide water Aquaguard is not useful as a rains, the increased water GMC Devashish Sharma visited or an interest in art, painting, to various parts of the city, a foul smell emanates from the level of Brahmaputra has all the three water treatment photography, or digital art, this big part of Guwahati remains water. caused turbidity, which has plants of GMC- Satpukhuri, contest is for you! neglected. One such area is The locals have also alleged affected the filtration. “We are Panbazar, and Kamakhya - Interested people can send us atop the Kharghuli hills. that the water supply workers looking into the matter and the assisted by officials of the their photographs/painting or Several new projects neglect the concerns and issue will be resolved in the Water Works department. To digital art created around the have been taken up by the instead play cards, when on following days,” he assured. augment the water treatment theme of “Visual representation government, including the duty. “We have complained However, the bigger issue system and cater to the water of the environment as you see West Guwahati Water Supply so many times but to no use. has been the storage issue of needs of the residents of it today”. It is open to people project under the Jawaharlal These guys keep on playing GMC’s water tank atop the Guwahati, Sharma requested of all ages and professions. The Nehru National Urban Renewal cards,” said Teg Bahadur Chetri, Rudranagar hills in Chandmari. the Water Works department last date of submission is June Mission (JNNURM) and South- who has been residing in the The water storage has not of the GMC to come with 5. Central Guwahati Project by area for more than a decade. been adequate and the water a pragmatic proposal that Mail your entries to Japan International Cooperation The fault line pipes continue to leak amid encompasses all issues. The [email protected] Agency (JICA). But these The issue of unclean water continuous interventions by matter will be taken up in the with your name and phone projects remain incomplete has arisen as the residents the GMC. This has affected next review meeting, he said. number. and fail to cater to all. As of Udaigiri hills of Kharghuli supply in the areas, which are However, the old reservoir Three winners will be selected such, a vast majority of people receive water from the dependent on the water from a placed at the top of the hill on the basis of their entries at residing in the Chandmari, Satpukhuri water tank which similar water source. lies in a depleted condition as the end of the contest. Cash Uzanbazar, and Panbazar areas has been malfunctioning due The entire hill acts as GMC insiders have revealed prizes of Rs. 7000, Rs. 5000 are dependent on the old water to turbidity issues. a natural divider between that the engineering life of the and Rs. 3000 respectively will supply lines. Turbidity is the cloudiness Kharghuli and Chandmari. The reservoir has already crossed be awarded to the top three Since the last week of May, or haziness of a fluid caused water supply for the areas of around 30 years. winners along with a certificate.

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REIMAGINE. WORLD For queries, reach out to us at RECREATE. ENVIRONMENT DAY +91 8486002308 RESTORE. JUNE 5TH 2021 TITLE SPONSOR SUPPORTED BY 8 In The News | JUN 05 - Jun 11 , 2021 Assam Among The Worst Second Case of Performers in SDG Index Black Fungus Kerela Tops List, Himachal and Tamil Nadu Tied At Second Spot Detected in Assam UWAHATI: G Plus News Mucormycosis or @guwahatiplus popularly known as Black Fungus has been detected in a patient ssam is among the Gat Silchar Medical College and worst performers in the Hospital (SMCH). This the second third edition (2021) of time a case of Black Fungus has Niti Aayog’s Sustainable been reported in the state of Development Goals Assam. (SDG)A index which was unveiled The Vice-Principal of SMCH, on Thursday, June 3. Dr. Bhaskar Gupta confirmed The composite SDG score of the incident. “The initial reports Assam stands at 57 while India’s and biopsy have confirmed that average score is at 66. the patient is infected by Rhino- a private hospital post COVID. India’s overall score across Orbito-Cerebral Mucormycosis He was brought to us on May 26, sustainable development goals (ROCM). We are monitoring the when his health deteriorated. He improved marginally by six patient very closely and although had swelling in one of his eyes and points from 60 in 2019 to 66 in the condition is stable now, it is nasal obstructions. We ran several 2021 driven by country-wide too early to be sure,” Dr. Gupta told tests including biopsy, endoscopy, improvement across clean States in this year’s India index. the states and union territories G Plus. etc, the results came in yesterday water and sanitation (Goal 6) “Mizoram, Haryana and by ranking them on the global Dr. Gupta has confirmed that (Thursday),” Dr. Gupta stated. and affordable and clean energy Uttarakhand are the top goals. the patient was infected with Dr. Gupta also informed that the (Goal 7), NITI Aayog said in its gainers in 2020–21 in terms of The index, developed in COVID-19 on May 5 at Karimganj medications for Mucormycosis SDG India Index unveiled on improvement in score from 2019, collaboration with the United Civil Hospital. Later, the patient shall continue to 2-3 weeks and, Thursday. with an increase of 12, 10 and 8 Nations in India, measures the was discharged on May 15 after in the meantime, the vitals of As per the index, Kerala points, respectively,” NITI Aayog progress at the national and sub- testing negative. However, the the patient will be under proper retained its rank as the top said in a statement. national level in the country’s patient was brought to SMCH on observation. state with a score of 75. Both First launched in December journey towards meeting the May 26, when he complained of Last month, Assam reported Himachal Pradesh and Tamil 2018, the index has become the global goals and targets and has breathing complications, and had its first death due to black fungus Nadu took the second spot with primary tool for monitoring been successful as an advocacy swelling in one of his eyes. after a 27-year-old COVID-19 a score of 74. progress on the SDGs in the tool to propagate the messages “The patient initially recovered patient died of Bihar, Jharkhand and Assam country and has simultaneously of sustainability, resilience, and complained of breathing problems, mucormycosis at Apollo Hospital were the worst performing fostered competition among partnerships, as well. he even sought out treatment in in Guwahati Govt Fixes Price Chart Government Releases New For Covid-19 Care At SOP for Partial Unlocking Private Hospitals G Plus News Hotel/Resort may @guwahatiplus be given only room G Plus News service after 12 noon. @guwahatiplus 4. Cold storages he Assam government and warehouses may released new Standard continue after 12 UWAHATI: The Operating Procedures noon. However, sale Assam Government (SOP) for partial unlocking counters, showrooms on Friday, June 4, in the state on Friday, etc. attached to these announced that TJune 4. The directives will be warehouses or cold COVID-19 patients in uniformly applicable across the storages shall not Gprivate hospitals will now pay State (both urban and rural areas) operate after 12 noon. a fixed amount approved by the with effect from 5 AM of June 6, state government. 2021 and will remain in force till 5 C. Work Places “Government has decided AM of June 16, 2021. 1. All offices - both to fix the rates for private to private hospitals, which government and non- super speciality and private are willing to purchase and A. Curfew Hours government - shall general hospitals in respect administer COVID-19 vaccines There shall be a total ban on remain closed till of COVID-19 treatment, cabin (under the 25% reserved quota). movement of individuals from 1 June, 15, 2021 All inter-district transport charges, ICU with ventilators The Assam government has PM to 5 AM daily. 2. Government / semi services and movement of people and ICU without ventilators. A initiated the start-up of COVID government officers in the rank to and from other districts shall notification regarding the same paediatric ICUs in seven medical B. Gatherings of Deputy Secretary and above remain suspended. will be issued shortly,” informed colleges across the state. 1. All shops and commercial and senior executives in Non- Other restrictions including the Health Minister. The Health Minister establishments shall shut down at Government sector along with odd-even formula for plying Mahanta also made other has further said, “We have 12 noon on all days. their key support staff will be of vehicles, declaration of announcements related to the made special vaccination 2. Restaurants, Dhabas and allowed to attend office only for containment zones etc as notified COVID-19 battle in Assam. arrangements for senior citizens other eateries can entertain emergency and essential works. on 4th May, 2021 for rural areas an “COVID patients with co- and specially-abled people. dine-in guest only up to 12 noon. However, 1 and 2 above will not corresponding order on 12th May morbidities (medical history) Additionally, the vaccination Takeaway including home be applicable for organizations 2021 and 15th, 17th May and 25th must go for institutional programme for districts with delivery of food is allowed till 1 PM rendering Essential/Emergency May 2021 for urban and peripheral quarantine irrespective of their maximum reported cases, after which only home delivery of Services, Law Enforcement areas, restriction on inter district age,” he added. such as Kamrup (M), Sonitpur, food will be allowed. Services and Election work. movement and exemptions via Mahanta added that the Nagaon, Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, 3. Restaurants operating clarifications issued on 13th May, government will provide three and Cachar, will ramp up with 70 within a Hotel or Resort can allow D. Inter-district 2021 shall continue to remain in months of interest-free loans thousand daily doses.” outside guests up to 12 noon only. movement force except those specifically However, in-house guests of the modified by this order. | Jun 05 - JUN 11, 2021 Review 9

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EDITORIAL Red Foot Print: A Tale Of Opinion Remember Heisenberg Elections And Violence Prakreetish Sarma t is said that if somebody ask The government assured the the question ‘what is Zen?,’ strongest possible legal action olitical Scientist of violence was witnessed under and somebody answers, against them. Dwaipayan Bhattacharya the regime of Siddhartha Sankar neither of them has the A collective sense of hurt and had rightly said; that Ray from the Indian National faintest idea what it is. anguish had been assuaged, if almost all political parties Congress (INC) who took matters ITao makes a similar only partially. At least, justice in the state of West Bengal into his own hands and indulged observation about the nature was seen to have been done. P(WB) till date; have exploited the in initiating illegal activities such of truth and reality in the now But then, a new video services of unemployed youth as false encounters the cells of commonplace expression - He emerged. This one purportedly who were further used as goons police station such as Lalbazar, who knows it does not say, and he shows events leading up to the and were organically connected Howrah etc, are places where the who says it does not know. assault, and points to an equally to “party machinery” to the politician presided over a violent If obscure philosophical disturbing, if less violent, turn left front government. He had regime. During the mentioned doctrines do not sound relatable of events as the first. Attendants made these comments about period democratic-minded people enough, modern science makes of the patient whose death led to the Communist Party of India- were tortured, detained and the convincing claims that are the carnage had apparently spent Marxist (CPI-M) led left front in law of Maintenance of Internal equally bewildering. Werner three hours trying to get him West Bengal keeping in place a Security Act (MISA) was used to as the most violent poll in the Heisenberg’s Uncertainty medical attention, in vain. For “well-orchestrated” system, from carry out such misdeeds. Due to history of the state which led to Principle is a case in point. three hours, an entire hospital- which political violence could these incidents, the President’s the murder of 600 CPI(M) cadres Simply put, it says that the very full of medical personnel did be calibrated. The recent alleged rule was imposed in West Bengal and 200 policemen between April act of observation changes what not deign to check on a dying killings, mob violence and rapes in March 1970. And to add to 1970-March 1972. This happened is being observed, so that not man despite the desperate pleas which were witnessed post the further misery, the Naxalite despite the presence of around only do we not know anything of his loved ones, if the video is West Bengal (WB) Assembly Poll movements were on a rise which 1,50,000 security forces. with complete certainty, but that accurate. results is something that is not was spearheaded by “marauders” The erstwhile princely it is impossible to do so. There is no equivalence, moral new to the state which otherwise or heroic rebels as his followers community of Koch Rajbongshis The poet HW Longfellow or otherwise, between the two boasts of its rich culture and call him; Charu Mazumdar was (Deshi as they are popularly summarises the sentiment best incidents, or rather the two heritage. However, the alleged not far behind as he too had referred to in Bengal) families in his Psalm Of Life: “Things are chapters of the same incident. incidents of murder, rapes and carried out a reign of terror which are fleeing from West Bengal not what they seem”. However, if it is reprehensible the videos of All India Trinamool he had justified under the guise to Dhubri or other border areas Take the recent incident of to thrash a defenceless man Congress member(TMC) attacking of class struggle or antagonism. out of fear of persecution. The the brutal assault on a junior to within an inch of his life, the Bharatiya Janata Party He had even documented it in All Assam Koch-Rajbanshi Yuba doctor serving at a COVID care negligence leading to death in (BJP) Karyakartas or members his article “Avenge the Heroic Chatra Sanmilan (AAKRYCS) had facility in Nagaon’s Hojai. The a government medical facility was heart-wrenching; it was Martyrs”. submitted a memorandum to the sheer savagery of the attack should be equally criminal. Both unfortunate to hear a young lad Author Partha Sarthi Banerjee Prime Minister regarding the is breathtaking. Guilt was demand censure, fair enquiry named Trilochan Mahato from has made a pertinent observation same. Over 500 BJP members from spontaneously assigned, and and punitive action. Balrampur Block was found regarding the entire scenario; Cooch Behar who had to flee to perhaps understandably so. That’s until something else hanging from a tree near his West Bengal’s parliamentary Dhubri have taken shelter across The ensuing outrage was comes along to change the house and it was a disgrace to see politics for long has been based schools. If we go back in time, universal, and judgement swift narrative all over again. Till the words ”Ebar bojh 18 bochhor on a violent control of territory as per an estimate documented and deserving. Within a matter then, remember Heisenberg and boyeshey BJP kora (Now you and the exclusion of rivals. This in Biplab Dasgupta’s “The 1972 of hours, some two dozen don’t jump to conclusions. will know what happens if you trend was followed by most of Election in West ‘’ around 10,000 people had been rounded up preach for BJP at 18)”, embossed the parties in power such as the CPI(M) “refugee families” in for the heinous crime and Executive Editor: Devajit Sharma on his t-shirt, the message was Congress government, CPI(M) Kolkata and 24 Parganas had to paraded before news cameras. @devajitsharma3 out and clear, it was an indication and the TMC government had leave their jobs and flee. of a domino effect as they dared taken it from where the previous Political violence has to go against the incumbent governments had left. historically been a key driver government(TMC) somehow Jyoti Basu, the former chief of West Bengal’s politics which challenged the power’s of the minister of West Bengal was a can be gauged from the findings Retail Inflation Adds which did not go down too well CPI(M) leader. He had informed of human rights activists such and, as many like young Trilochan the Chief Election Commissioner as Sujato Bhadra and Purnendu To The Angst had to suffer. And ever since those of India, about the violence Monal in their documented work violent incidents broke out, the he had witnessed in the 1972 “Poschimbonge Rajnoitik Hottya” mid the pandemic, the northward trend of India’s retail supposed queen of Nandigram, election, he was however not in have revealed that between 1977 inflation fuelled by the ever increasing prices of petrol and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee power at that time and had to and 2010, the ruling CPI(M) had diesel are making matter worse for the common man. The was under the scanner and was face the brunt of hooliganism. He killed around 531 people of various rise in retail inflation directly impacts the prices of essential seen appealing before the public painstakingly wrote to the Chief political parties and overall 3,955 commodities. Retail inflation rose to four month high of in her oath ceremony or and post- Election Commissioner of India people were prey to poll violence 5.52A per cent in April while the food inflation surged to 4.94 per cent poll appearances to avoid any form about the series of violence such which meant that Jyoti Basu had compared to 3.87 per cent in the previous month. of violence and maintain peace as eviction of party supporters meted out the same treatment to And looks like the trend is not going to change anytime soon, and tranquillity in the state. BJP from their own house, the forcible his opponents and inherited this as the prices of daily use commodities are likely to get dearer as members across the country have takeover of Congress rowdies (his vice from his predecessors. the ailing economy tries to get back to its feet again. been critiquing the incidents and exact words) of their party offices. (The author is currently The booster dose economy needs now is infusion of fresh have been continuously vouching He had filed a representation practising as an Advocate in funds, which would act like fresh blood in human veins. for CBI probes or other necessary to the then Chief Minister (CM) Gauhati High Court. The views For that to happen government needs to cobble up investigation. Siddhartha Sankar Ray. As author expressed in the article are his funds to meet shortfall in its revenue. And the most Koyle Basu opines this form Atul Kohli defines the 1972 polls own.) convenient way any government adopts is to levy indirect taxes like increasing customs,VAT duties on fuel. The increase in taxes on diesel and petrol means rise in carrying charges of goods, which in turn is passed to the end consumer. However, amid all the cacophony the steep rise in food rCalling For A Keener inflation is going to hurt the common man most, who is already Letter to the Editor battered by loss of income due to lockdown. Focus On Agriculture The political class is insulated from the price rise menace and so it bothers them the least. But, it is the average Indian who are going to bear the brunt of the economic downturn. First it is Besides the panic and havoc of the Corona pandemic, the common people of Assam especially the poor the middle class income group, who have to restructure its home and fixed wage earners suffer a lot due to price hikes of essential commodities day by day. Most of them budget amid the burgeoning tax charges. Secondly, the lower have failed to meet their fundamental needs. They are compelled to cut back on the quality or quantity middle class groups will be impacted the most when it comes to of their food and to change their consumption patterns. The recent price hikes in food items and other food inflation. It would be prudent on the part of the government necessary commodities likely to aggravate the overall poverty, increase social & economic discrimination not to overburdened the citizens with higher food prices, when among the people and also create various social classes. Therefore, the government must look into the they are battling one of the worst economic downturn they ever matter seriously and take early necessary steps to control syndicates as well as stockists that create an faced in their lifetime. The cessation of economic activity due to artificial crisis in the market. The government should lay more importance on the agriculture sector. lockdown has taken many to the nadir. Rupak G. Duarah, Rajahnagar, Guwahati-40 G Plus News @guwahatiplus | Jun 05 - JUN 11, 2021 Op Ed 11 Reinvestment In Nrl: A Shrewd Approach In The Making Dr Navajyoti Borah Bishaldeep Kakati robably the Assam government was would also be able to refine sagacious enough when crude oil of other states as well it recently decided to which would directly mean an increase its stake with inflow of revenue to the state. PNumaligarh Refinery Limited NRL also produces a wide (NRL) from the existing 12.35% range of items like liquefied per cent to 26 per cent. The petroleum gas (LPG), naphtha, total financial involvement motor spirit, aviation turbine of the increased stake stands fuel, superior kerosene at Rs. 2187 crore, out of which oil, high-speed diesel, raw the government has already petroleum coke, calcined paid Rs. 500 crores for petroleum coke and sulphur. enhancing its stake. However, Therefore, NRL can play the Assam Government’s a crucial role for thermal hopeful perspicacious decision power plants in the process regarding the increase of its of generation of electricity, as stake in NRL can be understood thermal power plants often by taking into consideration a require fuel oil or natural gas few perspectives. apart from coal for the process. Martyred journalist and NRL can also help in providing rational thinker Parag Kumar petroleum gas to the Assam Das in his book, ‘Swadhin Gas Cracker Project currently Assamor Arthaniti’ had a known as Brahmaputra chapter included in it, which Cracker and Polymer Limited threw light to the fact that (BCPL) for the production of Assam’s oil resource could ethylene. Moreover, NRL can itself be a big factor in keeping also enhance the production Assam’s economy strong rate of essential fertilizers and stable. The Gross State Representative Image produced by Brahmaputra Domestic Product (GSDP) of Valley Fertilizer Corporation Assam is estimated to reach was to be exercised by the cause of concern that lingers higher than the MoU target of Limited (BVFCL) by providing Rs 4.09 trillion in 2020-21. The Assam Government. Therefore is the fact that the centre is 86%. Further, if we confabulate natural gas. Since BVFCL often GSDP of the state grew at a in the final list of shares, the yet to clear the previously NRL’s marketing performance, depends on OIL for the delivery Common Annual Growth Rate Government of Assam’s has accumulated oil royalty debt a product sale of 2,764 thousand of natural gas. (CAGR) (in rupees) of 12.58% been increased to 26% by due to the state of Assam. It tonnes (TMT) was achieved In reality, the people of between 2015-16 and 20-21, reducing OIL’s share. is also to be mentioned here against the production of 2,741 Assam still have emotions inclusive of the fact that Assam The benefit of increasing that OIL produces 3.2 million thousand tonnes (TMT). Not to associated with NRL. And has the largest economy in the the share value in NRL and tonnes of crude oil in Assam forget the fact that in terms they were petrified when northeast region. also improving the overall annually, while Oil and Natural of financial performance, NRL deliberations circulated If we flip over the pages of infrastructure of NRL can Gas Corporation (ONGC) Ltd. had a sales turnover of Rs regarding divestment of NRL. history, we would know that be regarded as monumental, produces 1.1 million tonnes 18,227 crores and the highest But the Assam Government the NRL came into being as a especially in terms of Assam’s of crude oil every year in the ever contribution to the central by increasing its stake value result of a proposed refinery economy. This can be opined by state. For doing the same, and state exchequer was in NRL has not only stood tall to be established in Assam, taking into account the version both OIL and ONGC have made at Rs. 6468 crore during upon the expectations of the among the many demands forwarded by Assam’s Cabinet been paying royalty to the Financial Year (FY) 2020-21. indigenous Assamese people that got enumerated in the Minister Shri Chandra Mohan centre and the state in terms Therefore, all these statistics but also has strategically Assam Accord. The refinery Patowary, after the end of the of statutory provisions of are symbolic of the fact that tried to further strengthen came into being on July 9, 1999, first cabinet meet of the newly oil fields (Regulations and probably Assam shall be highly Assam’s economy. The benefit under the ministry of the then formed government of Assam Development) Act 1948 and benefited from its decision to of increasing the stake value Prime Minister, Sri Atal Bihari on May 11 2021. He stated that Petroleum and Natural Gas increase its stake value in NRL. in NRL might not be visible Vajpayee. The entire episode Assam till now had received Rules, 1959. Moreover, on January 16 in maybe 5 or 10 years, but in of Assam desiring to increase dividends worth more than NRL has always been a 2019, the Cabinet Committee the long run, it might surely its stake value in NRL started Rs. 1200 crore from NRL and profit-making company and of Economic Affairs approved come in as a big boost for when in March last Bharat by raisingLighter the stake value andthe that faster can be understood by the Refinery’s Expansion from Assam’s overall development. Petroleum Corporation Limited state is expected to receive 900 taking into account a few of its 3 Million Metric Tonne Per Not to forget the fact that (BPCL) sold its entire 61.5% crores as dividends annually. achievements during Quarter Annum (MMTPA) to 9 Million shortly, pipeline delivery of stake in NRL to a consortium If this Scanturns out to thebe true QR4 (Q 4) codeof Financial Year (FY) Metric Tonne Per Annum LPG in every household of of Oil India Limited (OIL), then it would only augment 2020-21 and Financial Year (FY) (MMTPA). And when this Assam might also turn out to Indian engineers and the the state’s revenue. Further, 2020-21. In terms of capacity project would be completed, be a reality with the proper Assam government for Rs 9,876 NRL is Getunder the Ministrythe of Gutilization, Plus there appwas an NRL can further escalate its utilization of NRL. crore. OIL brought a 54.16% Petroleum and Natural Gas, increase of 15% in high-speed crude oil refining capacity, (Dr. Navajyoti Borah is an stake to raise its shareholding India. Therefore, an increase diesel production as compared thus meaning Assam would Associate Professor at Pandu capacity to 80.16%. However, in stake value in NRL would to the previous year amongst not be required to send crude College. Bishaldeep Kakati is the final exact percentage of also mean an increase in many others. If we speak of oil out of the state for refining a lawyer, writer, and socio- stake value of OIL and EIL was oil royalty in terms of state production efficiency, there as the government would be political commentator. The dependent on the exact Right shares annually received was an increase of 0.36% in able to refine crude oil in the views expressed in the article of First Offer (ROFO), which from the centre. But the only terms of Distillate Yield (DY), state itself. Added to this, NRL are their own.)

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Hemanta Kumar Sarmah Engineer, Businessman, Advanced Pranic Success And Prosperity Healer and Su Jok Acupressure specialist.

An aquarium is the best and most common water feature which can be installed easily in the house. Traditionally, Feng Shui recommends the placement of an aquarium in the southeast because water helps the growth of the wood element of the southeast. There should be nine gold, orange or red fishes in the aquarium with one black fish. Some keep eight orange fishes with one black fish. If there is a shortage of space, three gold or orange fishes or multiples of three thereof with one black fish may be considered. The movement of fish helps in the circulation of energy or chi. Installation of a pump to circulate the water and providing oxygen for the fish will also have a very good effect. If nine coins are added to the aquarium, it will stimulate the metal element too. But caution should be taken so that the metal of the coin does not harm the fish.

The following may be sector of a career as per the “Ba added in the aquarium Gua” principle in Feng Shui. So the placement of an aquarium to energise and at the north is good for career stimulate all the five growth. The aquarium should be elements- avoided at the south which is the direction of the fire element. That is why it should be avoided inside ›› The water in the aquarium the kitchen. Water also dissolves for the water element. the earth element. ›› Vibrant green plants One should not keep a water or weeds for the wood feature in the bedroom, because the earth element of the bedroom element. helps in relationships, which gets ›› Coins for the metal element. adversely affected by the water element. The bathroom already ›› Small pebbles or rocks for has plenty of water elements in it. the earth element. Placing an aquarium here will be overdoing it. ›› Red, orange or gold Many of you might have noticed coloured fish to stimulate a bowl of water with flower the fire element. petals being kept in the lobby or entrance of hotels, restaurants The north is the direction for or wedding halls etc. This is to water is kept in a glass bowl with the earth element. Flower petals element. Red petals are added to the water element. It is also the energise all five elements. The pebbles in the bottom to energise are kept to energise the wood stimulate the fire element. Manifesting The Future Desired

ither we are defined by the you may keep a memories of the past or by book or may write the goal in the future. If you down five things are defined by the events you are grateful for that may have occurred to every night before Eyou in the past, you are not living going to sleep. This up to your full potential. This means you are means, whatever has happened already abundant in the past does not affect your and you will be in Abhijnan Pritam Sarma future if you are not ruminating the good momentum past events. But, if you are defined to attract more by memories and their repetitions desired outcomes. of mediation. When you practice in your mind, you cannot define meditation, it is because you your future. Whatever you want to Listen to want to clear your mind. In achieve is defined by the quality of Positive this meditative state, you are thoughts you have in your mind. nobody, you have no relation to One of the effective techniques Affirmations the physical world and you are that many successful people In the morning just energy that is tuning in to the have used to define their future before you begin peace of the unknown universe. is through ‘Manifestation’. In pop your daily work, try To achieve the meditative state culture, we might have heard listening to some is not easy and fast, therefore I the term ‘Law of Attraction. form. If you realize that you are your desired future outcome. So, positive affirmations which are would suggest when you decide Essentially, you attract whatever also defined by your energy and here are three useful methods readily available on YouTube. to meditate, try to give yourself you want very badly with utmost frequency, then your thoughts which I use and believe are Positive Affirmations helps you to at least an hour. Sometimes, you desire. Your thoughts have a will be able to decide your effective: build confidence and reprogram may be able to tune in just 10 certain frequency which when reality. I will not go further into the mind with positive thoughts. minutes and 40 minutes on some tuning to the desired goal, you are the philosophical part, but I will Practice Gratitude For example, “I am brave”, “ I am other days. ultimately pulled towards your suggest to you some techniques People are used to living in lack focused towards my goal” etc. (The author has completed his goal. This is no science fiction when followed will be able to or unfulfilled life. If you are living master’s degree in Linguistics because humans are both matter keep you motivated, focused and in lack, this is not desired positive Practice Meditation from Delhi University. The views and energy at the same time. consistent towards your goal. This frequency that might attract your In modern times, people are expressed in this article are his But people only see the physical will ultimately help you attract goal. To reverse your thoughts, beginning to realize the benefits own.) | Jun 05 - JUN 11, 2021 Feature 13 Online Fantasy Sports: Why Assam Needs To

Rethink Its Position Animesh Anand Bordoloi he 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) had served as a Why does it matter for source of distraction Assam? to many during the Totherwise chaotic and disturbing In Assam, the reason for such images of the pandemic. a ban is the archaic Assam Game However, every person who and Betting Act, 1970 which has spent some amount of time prohibits all forms of betting watching one of the many sports or wagering on any game or leagues in India or the Premier sport, except horse racing and League in England will have lotteries. The reasoning behind come across several fantasy the State’s unassertiveness to league commercials based on change the position is based those sports. These Indian on the old statistics of several fantasy leagues are immensely suicides in the region due to loss profiting enterprises with over of money as a result of losing 16,500 crores of revenue in 2020 huge amounts of money in the alone. India ranks as one of the traditional form of betting and top five online gaming markets gambling. Another fear is that with a user base estimated these platforms are used as a to be upwards of 365 million forum for money laundering or according to independent to violate laws governing foreign studies. Its current growth is exchange which though has not also undeniably linked to the been substantiated with proof pandemic, as more and more when it comes to Fantasy or people played these leagues as Online Sports. a means to earn quick money However, a contrasting during the first lockdown and position that needs to be the period thereafter. However, considered in the scope of high the industry has found itself tax revenue that the country at the crossroads with Indian and consequently a State like regulatory bodies and legal setup. Representative Image Assam can generate especially This is primarily attributable in a pandemic stuck economy to the fact that such leagues are recognition has had a chequered High Courts and State legislation keeping in mind the growing governed by the Gambling or history. have directly opposed or banned revenue from these industries Betting Acts, which are directly Legal Framework the indulgence in such sports. in India. A reflection of this under the jurisdiction of each Except for the states of It is noteworthy here that while school of opinion finds relevance individual State, i.e., they fall The legitimacy of Fantasy Sikkim and Nagaland, the Supreme Court has dealt in the reports of NITI Aayog, under the State list. However, Sports depends on how the with the idea of a game of skill the Government’s policy think the most ironic element of this courts have classified them on a there is no dedicated and chance, it has not yet dealt tank, which advocates for debate is that such new age case to case basis – whether as legislation that governs with the idea of online fantasy the establishment of a self- outlier games or developments a game of skill or as a game of sports specifically. regulatory body to control are made invalid by archaic laws, chance. In India, any game that online gaming. Hence Interesting, the ban on such fantasy gaming, which is to be that go as back as 150 years – requires a substantial amount there is a serious need sports not only run contrary properly recognized. the Public Gambling Act, 1867 of ability is considered as the to create centralised to the globally recognised The State Governments or its varied avatars adopted game of skill thereby making opinion but also denounce and courts must realize the by various states. In Assam, the them legal, whereas any game legislation that several studies conducted by potential of these businesses, situation is no different. not falling within this criterion recognises the times leading academic institutions, as banning them only increases is dubbed as a game of chance. including the Indian Institute the use of other third-party Understanding Fantasy In context to fantasy sports, the and allows for ease of Management, Bangalore apps such as VPN to access Sports main question always is whether of doing business (IIM-B), through empirical the apps. This consequently choosing a team of 11 players out studies that have affirmed the results in corruption and money Fantasy sports require users of 22 is something a player does on view that fantasy sports are laundering, which they wanted to draft or form their own teams skill or whether it was the player games of skill. Researchers at to curb in the first place thereby based on certain pre-requisite taking a chance by selecting the the Massachusetts Institute of causing the government to lose criteria from a listed pool of set of players. The test often Technology (MIT) and Columbia revenue. players for a scheduled match on used Internationally and in have upheld the validity of University have also contrasted On the national front, except a certain day. Users draft these India is known as Dominant online fantasy sports, many data gathered from fantasy for the states of Sikkim and teams based on their knowledge Factor Test or the Predominance other States, like Assam, Andhra cricket and basketball platforms Nagaland, there is no dedicated of the player, research on the Theory which inquires whether Pradesh and Telangana have against data collected from the legislation that governs online performances or current form, the outcome is influenced more decided to ban the same. stock market to conclude that gaming. Therefore, there experience and sometimes the by the participant’s skill or by What increases the problem is fantasy sports participants is a serious need to create price attached to the player. chance. the dual narrative created within display a higher degree of skill Centralized legislation that Based on the performance of each However, the continuous the framework that regulates than mutual fund managers keeps in mind the developments selected individual player in the debate between a game of such laws. While on one hand, who manage stock portfolios. of time and allows the Companies real match points are collected chance and skill when combined the Indian Supreme Court has Considering such well thought to do what was promised to them against the draft team. Based on with the federalist’s approach to held that as long as a game has out evidentiary studies, that in India – ease in conducting such points collected the players the subject matter has increased elements of skill, it must be several states and courts banned business. have then ranked accordingly legal uncertainty, thereby protected under Article 19(1) the same fantasy sports app (The author is an Assistant and awards are given. The use causing harm to this booming (g) of the Constitution of India, which is legal in other parts of Lecturer of Law at the O.P. Jindal of knowledge or research can be industry. For instance, while which was also reiterated in the India is extremely surprising, to Global University and a Legal argued as a reflection skill but the High Courts of Punjab and 276th Law Commission Report. say the least. Consultant. All views expressed with no unified legal opinion, the Haryana, Bombay and Rajasthan On the other side, many State are his own.) 14 Guest Column | JUN 05 - Jun 11 , 2021 We, Theatre People, Share A Clean And Transparent Bond: Bhagirathi A celebration of the world of theatre and its enchanting world of people and ideas

oted actress and theatre director Bhagirathi was presented the ‘Bina Prasad Award of Excellence 2020’ on NApril 23 at Rabindra Bhawan, Guwahati. This annual award, instituted in fond memory of one of Assam’s most outstanding actresses Late Bina Prasad, was earlier conferred upon three brilliant actresses: Dr Santwana Bordoloi (2017), Moloya Goswami (2018) and Chetana Das (2019). Bhagirathi’s award acceptance Chandan Sarmah speech in the award ceremony contained some significant remarks on the awesome talent me much more than how much I of Bina Prasad as well as on had admired her. This very fact Assam’s theatre fraternity. This makes me believe that I am in piece is the English translation of deep debt and I often sincerely the complete and unedited text of think about how would I repay Bhagirathi’s acceptance speech that debt! Today, the honour in Assamese. which was conferred upon me Rangabhumi - the world of in the name of my Mother has theatre - is always an amazing increased the amount of debt. arena for theatre activists and The day when I will stage a play I have been elaborating on its in memory of my mother, I will wonderful aspects for a long personality comprising firm clear and transparent. We row. Quite often I used to take be consoled that the weight of time. It is altogether a different, and bold nature, way of talking, meet at the theatre hall or in my seat next to her and we would the debt has decreased at least unique and enchanting world seriousness in attitude, her the green room. There we talk go on talking relentlessly while to some little extend. I sincerely comprising people irrespective smile altogether had unfurled and chat. Thus begins intimacy watching the play. Time passed wish to make this happen in of caste, creed, religion, time, before my eyes an ideal replica of and it gradually increases. on and gradually Mother became reality. linguistic and state or national ‘mother courage’. Intimacy amongst a lot of people out of sight in Rabindra Bhawan And Nayan da, I first met identity. A world where there Maybe for that reason, once hailing from different places, ambience. A strange unpleasant him when I was in the National is no space for lies, untruths; I told her: “We’ll stage the play backgrounds and social strata. thought struck my mind. What’s School of Drama (NSD). Since where dreams, imaginations ‘Mother’ with you in the lead My intimacy with Mother had wrong? Why was Mother not that day, Nayan da has remained are transformed into reality and role.” She smiled and had replied: begun many years’ back when seen in Rabindra Bhawan for so the same Nayan da. I have seen unfulfilled desires again lead to “At this age, it may not be possible both of us travelled together to long? Later, the news chipped in changes in the attitude of many imagination. Defying all odds, for me to remember all those Bangalore by train. Mother was that mother was not well. And people. But our Nayan da and the hidden senses grow up in their long dialogues. Give me a small perhaps on her trip to daughter’s the disease she was suffering nature of his love and affection own chosen rhythms. role rather.” That she said about place. Nayan da told me at the from was memory loss. I was for us would never undergo any I feel proud for being able to playing a small role in my play railway station: “Maa is also taken aback by a great deal. In change. Today, I am so thrilled explore the world of theatre, had remained in her mindset till there on the same train. Please other words, I felt like the sky and excited because Nayan da, i.e., Rangabhumi. Because I have her last breath. Today, I feel very have a look at her.” I became broke down on me! The Mother Munna da, Bhavi jee and Bhanti- met and encountered so many sad for not doing a play with her ecstatic. Wow! Three-day train with whom we are so proud of the family members of Late Bina people in Rangabhumi! So many when she was physically fit and journey with Mother! I used to and so intensely affectionate was Prasad has honoured me with an things that I have learnt in my healthy. The struggle and irony drop in at her compartment quite losing her memory. The Mother award instituted in the name of motherland Karnataka and also that she had faced in her life were frequently and we had talked who used to shower so much my Mother. Therefore, I thank all in this very land. This very land no less than those of Brecht’s for hours after hours. I was love and affection on us will not of them. of Assam has given me much ‘Mother’. overjoyed to have been treated be able to recognise us when we My heartfelt thanks also go to more love and affection than I Defying all norms of caste and by her with delicious, home- would stand in front of her! What my old and so good friend noted had aspired for. True and pure creed, she married someone with cooked food items which she had a terribly traumatic incident. A actor-director Anup Hazarika for motherly love, affection. whom she was in love. But after brought with her. Our talking sort of emptiness had gulped my his wonderful speech in which The word ‘mother’ possesses a decade or so, she lost her dear would begin with theatre and heart and soul. We would be just he elaborated so many things so tremendous power, impact. husband and she had reacted to sometimes we move on to some nobody for her anymore. nicely about me. Lastly, I thank There are very very few women such a traumatic incident in an other topics. But after a while, we But gathering a lot of courage you all once again for allowing whom I have called ‘mother’ unusual manner. She wrapped again would be back to talking and patience, I went to see her. To me to say these few things. except my mother. One of such up all worshipping materials in a about theatre. This theatre was my utter surprise, she recognised Last but not least, I often find mothers was Nayan da’s mom, cloth and immersed those in the like this, that theatre was like me at once. “Oh Bhagirathi, you myself confused in choosing the much-admired Late Bina river water as her farewell to the that etc. are here...”, she said. I became words when I speak in public. Prasad. I have never addressed faith in Almighty. She brought up When our eldest daughter thrilled and we started talking. I am a Marathi by birth, was her by name. I mean never like her three tender-aged children Barkha was born, Mother came In the end, mother told me: brought up in Karnataka, spent ‘Bina Baideu’. When we met I with all care and concern. And to our place and presented the “Bhagirathi, let’s work on a play my study years in New Delhi and used to call her mother and in today, all three of them are little one a frock which I have still together when I will be okay.” I finally landed up in Assam where her absence, I referred to her as successful individuals in their preserved with care. During the too responded to her. “Why not, I have been involved in theatre Nayan da’s mom. I don’t exactly chosen fields of profession. shooting of ‘Adajya’, directed by Mother. You get well soon and we activities for over two decades or remember when and where I had Mother’s bold and courageous Dr Santwana Bordoloi, our unit shall definitely stage a play,” I told so. Therefore, in my speech words first met her. In my marriage? nature is indeed a tremendous along with Mother used to have her. I knew that I was lying. It was from four mother languages chip Or, at Rabindra Bhawan? But inspiring force for the greater a lot of joy and fun. She would a false promise from me. I felt in and, as the result, the entire when I met her for the first time, fraternity of womenfolk suddenly pass a comment - a sorry for giving her such a false text becomes chaotic, disorderly. the character of the mother in of our society. A woman of tremendously humorous one. And promise. Sometimes, at some I do apologise for this. German playwright Bertold great conviction and fabulous we all would burst into laughter. moment, we say something to (The author of this translated Brecht’s ‘Mother Courage and inspiring spirit indeed. I have met Mother in Rabindra someone without thinking much. piece is a film and drama critic, her Children’ came to my mind. I And what a close and intimate Bhawan on innumerable times But we could hardly realise that and a film festival consultant. He had seen the character of ‘mother bond that we the theatre people and occasions. She would always such a saying puts a deep impact is reachable at chandanrong@ courage’ in her. Her overall do share! Our bond is absolutely sit on that very seat in the second on the mind of the one. She loved yahoo.co.in) | Jun 05 - JUN 11, 2021 News This Week 15

A quick round up of 20 central varsities the news that functioning without regular mattered during the 6 VC past week A total of 20 out of 45 central universities in India are running without a regular vice-chancellor. Amongst them, Juhi Chawla files suit against 5G three are from the northeast of India- Assam University (Silchar), North-Eastern Hill University (Meghalaya), and implementation Nagaland University (Nagaland). The list also comprises 1 leading institutions like Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Actor-turned environmental activist Juhi Chawla Delhi University (DU), and Jawaharlal Nehru University has filed suit in the Delhi High Court against implementation (JNU). of 5G telecom networks in the country. Her petition raises The remaining 8 universities are either undertaking the issues surrounding 5G radiation and its potential impact selection process or it is yet to begin. Reportedly, the vice- on human, animal and vegetative health. The matter will chancellors of most of the 20 universities have received come up for hearing on June 2. The actor says that while an extension, the rest are functioning with a senior professor being appointed as the acting head. she is not against technological advancement, there is sufficient scientific evidence of adverse 5G radiation impact on humans, flora and fauna. India mulls interchangeability 7 of COVID-19 vaccine doses IMD forecasts normal monsoon The Indian government is considering the administration of separate vaccines for first and second 2 rainfall in most parts of India doses of COVID-19 inoculation, a move that is yet to pass administrative and scientific muster. Addressing a The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast press conference on Tuesday, June 1, NITI Aayog (Health) normal rainfall during the monsoon months of June- member Dr VK Paul said research about the mixing of September 2021.In its long-range forecast for the 2021 doses has already been undertaken by some countries. southwest monsoon season, released on Tuesday, June 1, the At present, India is facing a severe vaccine shortage. IMD has predicted that the seasonal rainfall across India is If interchangeability of different vaccines comes to be likely to be normal at 101% of the Long Period Average (LPA) permitted, it may prove to be a major relief. The mixing with a model error of ± 4%. of vaccines has already been permitted in some countries The LPA refers to the average monsoon rainfall from 1961- and trials are being undertaken by others. Reports say that mixing COVID-19 vaccines might 2010, which stands at 88 cm (880.6 mm to be precise). A prove to be more effective as it could train the immune system to recognize the virus better. normal seasonal rainfall ranges from 96% to 104% of the LPA.

The Indian variant of Six states account for over 70% COVID-19 is renamed Delta. 8 of India’s COVID-19 fatalities 3 Know why? The top six contributors of India’s new fatalities account for 72.2% of the cumulative deaths recorded in The new variant of COVID-10 that was recently detected India on Wednesday, stated the Union Health Ministry. for the first time in India will be called ‘Delta’. The World Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Uttar Health organisation (WHO) on 31st May stated that in Pradesh, and West Bengal are the top six contributors order to avoid stigma, the variants of the coronavirus will of the cumulative deaths recorded in India in the last 24 be named the letters of the Greek alphabet instead of the hours. place of their discovery as they had been known to date. Out of the 3,207 new fatalities, 854 are from Maharashtra, As such the first variant found in UK (B.1.1.7) will be called 490 from Tamil Nadu, 464 from Karnataka, 194 from the Alpha, the South African (B.1.351) variant will be called Kerala, 175 from Uttar Pradesh, 137 from West Bengal, Beta, Brazil (P.1) variant the Gamma and India (B.1.617.2) and 104 from Andhra Pradesh. Meanwhile, the state of variants the Delta as per the chronological order of the Assam has reported 51 COVID-19 induced deaths as of Tuesday, June 1. With 3,416 cumulative detection. COVID-19 deaths across Assam, the death rate lies at 0.82%.

CBSE & ISC cancels class 12 Union Sports Minister 4 board exams 9 unveils India’s Olympic The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) uniform and Indian School Certificate (ISC) has cancelled class 12 board exams prioritising the health and safety of students Kiren Rijiju, Union Youth Affairs, and Sports Minister amidst the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The unveiled India’s Olympic uniforms and ceremonial decision was taken after Prime Minister Narendra Modi kits for the competing players today, June 3. With just chaired a virtual review meeting with the officials and 50 days to go for the Tokyo Olympics, Kiren Rijiju and the stakeholders. Feedbacks were received after extensive Indian Olympics Association President Narinder Batra consultation with all stakeholders including the state encouraged the players and told them to give their 100% governments. as they will compete with the best in the world. CBSE has been asked to compile the results as per prescribed criterion in a precise time frame. PM Modi said that the decision was taken in the interest of students. He stated that COVID-19 has affected the academic calendar and the issue of Board Exams has been causing immense anxiety among students, parents and teachers, which must be put to an end. 594 doctors have lost their 10 lives in the second wave of 15 million Indians rendered COVID-19 jobless in May 2021 The Indian Medical Association (IMA) released an 5 updated list on Wednesday, June 2, which noted that at With the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic least 594 doctors have lost their lives during the second hitting India hard, over 15 million people have been rendered wave of COVID-19 across the country. The medical body jobless in the month of May. India’s urban unemployment rate shared a state-wise list of the number of medics who died has soared to almost 18% in the last week of May, the highest in from across the different states and union territories of a year. Urban unemployment was 10.08% in the week ended 2 India, stating that 8 doctors have lost their lives in Assam May, as per data provided by the Centre for Monitoring Indian so far. Economy (CMIE). At present, India is facing a severe vaccine shortage. If interchangeability of different vaccines comes to be permitted, it may prove to be a major relief. The mixing of vaccines has already been permitted in some countries and trials are being undertaken by others. 16 Catching Up | JUN 05 - Jun 11 , 2021

Barasha Das OFPIC THE WEEK Ekota Sabha & the Union Field, Latasil ill the end of the 19th century, the now Latasil playground was a pond. The place where the Uzan Bazar Municipal TMarket is now located was then a cliff. In the early 1900s, soil from having levelled the cliff was used to fill up the pond and the playground was formed. In 1905, five youths of Uzan Bazar area set up a socio-cultural group called the ‘Ekota Sabha’. The neighbouring educational institutions participated in it actively. Initially the group concentrated on exercises Hurry home before lockdown | Photo: Surajit Sharma and social activities. Later on, they formed a separate wing dedicated solely for sports, with Nabin Chandra Bordoloi as one of the founding members. It was the famous Union Athletic Club. A cultural wing was also added. A major issue of this and past weeks that has been irking Due to lack of personalised entirely in Assamese attire - bathing of cows was held at the denizens of Guwahati is the explosion in the price of space, the club conducted its Mekhela Chador and Riha along river bank on the day of ‘Goru activities in one corner of the with traditional Assamese Bihu’, followed by boat race, vegetables. Tomatoes, which are selling for Rs 50 per kg, Judges’ field. But the Gauhati jewellery, rather than the Sari. swimming and other traditional were just Rs 20 before the lockdown started. Similarly, prices European Club would not The credit goes mainly to poet sports for children. The evening of potatoes to cauliflowers shot up almost without rhyme permit them to play regularly. and craftsman Mahendranath saw crowds thronging in for the or reason. Seasonal vegetables like sponge gourd (zika)and Meanwhile, Manik Chandra Dekaphukan who brought these cultural functions. Baruah converted the Latasil changes around 1923-24. For In 1952 the Latasil Bihu bitter gourd are also selling at Rs 50 per kg. Adding to the pond into a playground and many years artist Nip Baruah Sanmilani organised the first pain is the fact that as vegetable prices increase, consumers the Union Athletic Club started used to make the Saraswati idol. ‘Mancha Bihu’ in Assam. The cannot even think of options like poultry products like eggs using that. For a long time Dramas and cultural activities Bihu dance that was earlier and chicken, prices of which have also skyrocketed ever since the playground was popularly were organised in the evening of performed in the fields started known as Union Field. The club the puja day. to be performed on stage since the partial lockdown was announced. Add and the field have immense Even during the years of then. Ever since, to perform at to this the pressure of remaining indoors contribution towards the sports struggle for independence, this Latasil is considered matter of for the better part of the day, losing out scenario of Guwahati. particular puja didn’t lose its pride for every Bihu dancer or on the evening jaunts and socialising, Sadly, with time, the club fervour. The well-known prayers troupe. lost its past fervour and finally for Goddess Saraswati, ‘Aaha This field has also served as the weekend movie and the family became non-existent. However, Binapani’ was first sung here. It the venue for annual sessions get together, it all ends the field itself continues its was written by poet Raghunath of regional associations like up being a giant pain legacy of producing some of the Choudhary. Prior to that, Bengali Assam Association, Asom finest cricketers of Guwahati. rituals were followed. Even Chatra Sanmilan and also the in the you know Latasil Field was known for elaborate immersion rituals annual session of Asam Sahitya where. its Saraswati Puja celebration. were followed with processions Sabha in 1924. For a few years, The Union Club Saraswati Puja like in Durga puja. when construction of the Judge’s was unique and revolutionary In 1931 ‘Ekota Sabha’ organised field was undertaken, the in its own right. This was the the first public Rongali Bihu Independence and Republic Day first puja where the Goddess celebration at Latasil. In the celebrations were also held at of Knowledge was dressed three day-long event, mass the Latasil field temporarily.

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