CPI(M) deploys red volunteers to assist electors with SIR in West Bengal
Red volunteers rose to prominence during the Covid-19 pandemic and cyclone Amphan, which ravaged parts of the State in 2021
Man Lynched For Allegedly Eating 3 Boiled Eggs At Event In Bengal
A man was beaten to death by members of a local club in the Kamarpukur area of West Bengal's Hooghly district allegedly for eating three boiled eggs during a social gathering, the police said on Saturday.
Second Phase of Electoral Roll Revision: Check Out Documents Needed for Registration
Among all these states and Union territories, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal, and Puducherry will go for Assembly Elecftions in 2026.
Duration, frequency of Uttarakhand Assembly sessions among the lowest in country: Report
DEHRADUN: As Uttarakhand prepares to celebrate its Silver Jubilee year, a stark data-driven report released by the Dehradun-based advocacy group, SDC Foundation, has raised serious questions about the functioning of the State Assembly. The findings indicate that the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly is among the least active in the country, significantly trailing national averages. According to the analysis, while the Assemblies of 31 Indian states convened for an average of 20 days in 2024, Uttarakhands session lasted a mere 10 days. Furthermore, the total sitting duration in Uttarakhand amounted to only 60 hours, placing it 22nd out of 28 states analysed in terms of legislative activity. The SDC Foundations factsheet, titled Comparative Performance of Uttarakhand Assembly: Gaps and Challenges, relies on annual reports from PRS Legislative Research, a respected national body working on democratic governance. It is a matter of deep concern that both the frequency and duration of the Uttarakhand Assembly sessions are among the lowest in the country, Anoop Nautiyal, Founder of the SDC Foundation, told TNIE. The soul of democracy lies in accountability, and when our government and representatives meet barely a few days a year, it signals a severe crisis in governance and democratic responsibility. The data reveals a consistent pattern of low legislative engagement. In 2024, Odisha had sessions for 42 days, followed by Kerala (38 days) and West Bengal (36 days). However, Uttarakhand, alongside Punjab and Arunachal Pradesh, managed only 10 days of sittings, securing a joint position near the bottom of the ranking. This follows 2023 trend, wherein Uttarakhand held the lowest number of sessions nationally, meeting for only 7 days (44 total hours). Between 2017 and 2024, the Uttarakhand Assembly sat for an average of only 12 days annually, starkly contrasting with Keralas 44-day average or Odishas 40 days. Nautiyal emphasised that the Assembly exists not just as a formality but for legislative work, passing laws, and debating policy matters of public interest. The government often excuses itself by claiming there is no 'business' for the house, but the reality is that hundreds of issues in the state require policy and legislative intervention, he added. Nautiyal also questioned the governments decision to hold the upcoming special session on November 3 and 4 in Dehradun instead of Gairsain, suggesting the latter location would lend greater impact and legitimacy to the proceedings. Concluding his remarks, Nautiyal stated that Uttarakhand must transform from a state of celebration to a state of accountability and action. He stressed that the future role of the Assembly must be a platform for responsibility, not just ceremonial events.
BHOPAL: Society has accepted the RSS as the organisation which works for the nations unity, security, culture and development. It cannot be banned as a few leader wishes for it, RSS national general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale said on Saturday. Reacting to Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharges call to ban the RSS in the country, Hosabale said, Entire society recognises the Sangh as the organisation which works for the unity, security, culture and development of the country. Three times in the past, the RSS was banned, but everyone knows what happened later. Before making any such demand, politicians should learn lessons from past experiences. On the 150 th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on Friday, the Congress national president had reiterated that the RSS should be banned in the country, stating that even Sardar Patel had banned the participation of government employees in RSS's activities. Talking to journalists in Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh) on the concluding day of the three-day RSS national executive meeting on Saturday, the RSS general secretary, when questioned about the changing dynamics of RSS-BJP ties post 2014, said, Weve stated our stand on the issue of relations between the RSS and BJP, maybe 50,000 times in the past 50 years. Sanghs Swayamsevaks are in every party, but their numbers are more in the BJP, because unlike the other parties, the BJP doesnt restrict the entry of Sangh Swayamsevaks within its fold. RSS is an organisation of people, and it has kept on raising contemporary national and social issues with governments and individuals within the governments, irrespective of who is in power. Its up to the other side to decide whether to keep doors shut or open them for our Swayamsevaks. Countrys former President Pranab Mukerjee wasnt a Swayamsevak, but we had good ties with him, which is why he attended our event in Nagpur. But when the Swayamsevaks are themselves running the government, then naturally our coordination with the government is better. Dynamics havent changed after 2014, they (BJP) are ghar ke log (from the same family), so the bhaichara (brotherhood) prevails, Hosabale maintained. Raising concern over the issue of Demographic Imbalance, the RSS top functionary said, A population policy is needed to address the problem of demographic imbalance; its up to the government to swiftly formulate the policy. Infiltration, religious conversion and high rate of population growth in some communities are primarily behind the rising threat of democratic imbalance. He particularly mentioned about religious conversion of Sikhs in Punjab, which needed to be dealt with adequately. While maintaining that the situation in West Bengal wasnt part of the agenda at the three-day RSS All India executive body meeting in Jabalpur, he, however, added that a resolution was passed about Bengal in the last meeting. The situation is actually bad in Bengal, particularly after the last election. Hatred and conflicts have risen there, especially due to the political leadership and the CM there. Keeping a border state violent and unstable isnt good for the country. Our Swayamsevaks are regularly working in Bengal for national unity and social harmony there. While making it clear that no discussions happened at the three-day conclave about Bihar elections, Hosabale said, We always appeal for cent voting. We also appeal that voters should exercise their franchise based on national and social issues, rather than voting based on caste, money or promises of freebies by political parties. On the issue of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists, he said, The refining of voter lists isnt happening for the first time; it happens at regular intervals and is essential. There should be no opposition to it; those having objections to the SIR methodology should approach the ECI in the matter. While informing that the Manipur situation was discussed at the meeting chaired by the RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, the RSS general secretary said, The situation in the bordering state is improving. The centre has taken steps, including the Prime Minister being there despite inclement weather. The Swayamsevaks have worked on the ground there for two years. Like the people of the state, we also want a popular government there; we sincerely hope the government will work in that direction at the appropriate time. While welcoming the surrender of Maoists in Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, he said that the government needs to deal with the concerns of those areas in a very sensitive manner. He further informed that the three-day meeting also discussed the issue of the rising menace of drug abuse among youngsters, spanning from schools and universities to hostels, including IIMs and IITs, particularly in the bordering states. The three-day meeting, which was attended by 397 out of the 407 delegates from across the country, was the brainstorming of the second-highest decision-making body of the RSS. The three-day meeting largely focused on the Sanghs activities and events in the organisations centenary year, including its ongoing and coming initiatives to connect the RSSs Panch Parivartan to every nook and cranny of the country. Around 80,000 Hindu Sammelans will be held (45,000 in rural areas and the remaining 35,000 in urban clusters). Grih Sampark Abhiyan to connect door-to-door with families, besides Samajik Sadbhav meeting at block level, and meetings of prominent citizens and intellectuals will be held at the district level nationally. On the last day of the meeting, the RSS also released statements on the 150th year of the birth of Birsa Munda, the 350th year of the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur, and 150 years of the composition of the national song Vande Mataram.
As the Election Commission of India (ECI) began the training programme for Booth Level Officers (BLOs) in West Bengal on Saturday for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, several participants pointed out flaws in the administrative and security arrangements during the sessions. A section of BLOs flagged the lack of transparency regarding their duty status and demanded formal recognition, proper documentation, and additional security measures. Teachers deputed as BLOs protested the decision of school authorities to mark them as absent in attendance registers during the training period. They insist that their participation in the BLO assignment be officially recorded as on duty. In addition, a large section of BLOs has demanded central security cover for both training and fieldwork, warning that they will abstain from duty unless safety measures are strengthened. At Nazrul Mancha, participants alleged that the EC failed to issue any valid proof of attendance or training documentation that could be presented at their respective departments. Similar protests were reported from the sub-divisional office (SDO) in Durgapur, where BLOs jointly demonstrated their grievances. The form we were given today does not mention any official reference to the BLO training. We cannot present this at our schools as proof of attendance. Earlier, proper documentation was provided. We demand similar certification for today as well, a teacher said. Another participant added, We are willing to work, but the Commission must provide us with proper documentation and security. Without these, we cannot continue. Some participants claimed that while earlier sessions included proper certification, the forms distributed on Saturday lacked any official mention of the training. A teacher remarked, Without an official certificate, we cannot prove in our schools that we were attending BLO training. Sources at the EC said central security deployment will not be provided during the training period. The commission further stated the state administration will be responsible for ensuring security, and also rejected the proposal to appoint two BLOs in larger booths. The training programme would be completed by November 3, with the start of the house-to-house enumeration the next day. From November 4 to December 4, BLOs will visit households to carry out voter verification and form-filling work. In all, 80,861 BLOs were trained for the SIR across the state today. They were trained on how to review enumeration forms, coordinate with voters, and upload info on the BLO app. The training was focused on acquainting BLOs with the technicalities and log-in systems of the app and handling the enumeration forms, an official said. Each BLO was being provided with a kit, including identity cards and a cap, the official added. The EC has issued a 16-point guideline for BLOs as part of the SIR exercise, and introduced a new mobile app to streamline field operations. On Friday, the Commission held training programmes of over 3,000 election registration officers (EROs), assistant EROs, and district election officers (DEOs) across the state. The EC would train Booth Level Agents (BLAs), representatives of political parties, on Sunday and Monday. The District Election Officers have been instructed to organise and complete the trainings of BLAs within November 3. If names are submitted later, additional trainings will be organised later, a senior official said. (With inputs from PTI)
West Bengal SIR: Protests in Kolkata by a section of BLOs
In Bengal, Booth Level Officers are gathering to protest against the obligatory House-to-House training. They are calling for improved security measures and official 'on-duty' recognition to enable a focused approach to the SIR initiative. The BLOs express frustration over their attempts to balance teaching responsibilities during the day with demanding evening visits.
Right to Work is a Right to Life
As the apex court upholds the Calcutta High Courts order to resume the rural employment scheme in West Bengal while maintaining the right of the centre to keep probing irregularities, the judiciary has shown that governance cannot mean starvation as retribution. When the centre denies work and wages to the poorest for three years, it violates not just law, but humanity The post Right to Work is a Right to Life appeared first on India Legal .
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee to hit the streets in Kolkata against SIR on November 4
Trinamool Congress has also sent a complaint to the office of Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) West Bengal alleging that Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Assembly Suvendu Adhikari has issued threats to Booth Level Officers (BLOs)
BJP MP's remark on removing border fences with Bangladesh sparks row in West Bengal
BJP Ranaghat MP Jagannath Sarkar can be heard saying that if the BJP wins the elections, then there will be no border fence with Bangladesh. Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee has sought action against the BJP MP.
SIR sparks panic in West Bengal's Matua belt; BJP and TMC stare at losses
KOLKATA: As West Bengal braces for a fresh voter roll revision, panic, anger, and suspicion are rippling through the Matua heartland, leaving both the BJP and TMC cornered in their most crucial refugee bastion amid fears of mass disenfranchisement under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). For the Matuas, a Hindu refugee community with a decisive presence in over 40 assembly seats across the border districts of North 24 Parganas, Nadia, and parts of South 24 Parganas, the Election Commission's decision to conduct the first SIR since 2002 to remove duplicate, deceased, and ineligible voters has revived anxieties over identity and citizenship. Those not on the 2002 voter list must now furnish documents to prove eligibility. Thousands of Matuas have migrated from Bangladesh over decades, often without proper documentation, unsettling not only the community but also the TMC and BJP, long locked in a tug-of-war for their support. Union minister and Bongaon MP Shantanu Thakur, the BJP's most prominent Matua face, attempted to reassure them, saying, There is no need to worry if names of refugee Matuas are deleted. They will get Indian citizenship under the CAA. However, the statement failed to calm nerves. His aunt, TMC Rajya Sabha MP Mamata Bala Thakur, who leads a rival faction of the Matua 'first family', has called a meeting of community leaders at Thakurnagar in North 24 Parganas district on 2 November to chart next steps. Names of Matuas will be deleted as many who arrived after 2002 lack documents and will lose voting rights. The Matuas have been voting for us after realising the BJPs citizenship jumla, she told PTI. BJP MLA Subrata Thakur, Shantanu's brother, said, Those who arrived between 2002 and 2025 wont be able to produce the required papers. If they apply under the CAA, we can appeal to retain their names, but there is no guarantee as the EC is an autonomous body. Subrata estimated that 3040 lakh refugees across the state may qualify under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, adding that the government is proceeding cautiously to ensure genuine victims of persecution get citizenship, not infiltrators or Rohingyas misusing the process. Most Matuas have Aadhaar and voter cards, but they fear these could become meaningless during the SIR exercise. If they apply for CAA, they will first be branded foreigners and lose voting rights. And in SIR, they will lose their voting rights anyway, said political analyst Suman Bhattacharya. Internal mapping suggests 2540 per cent of voters in assembly segments under Bongaon and Ranaghat Lok Sabha seats could be affected if Matuas fail to link their names to the 2002 rolls. In parts of Krishnanagar and Ranaghat, where Matua voters form nearly 60 per cent of the population, leaders are voicing similar concerns. The situation is one of confusion and anxiety. Both governments are talking, but neither is offering a clear solution, said Mahitosh Baidya, general secretary of the Matua Mahasangha. He accused both the Centre and state governments of confusing and misleading refugee Hindus. There is no clarity even for those who arrived before 2014. Suppose someone came in 2005 or 2013, they dont have names in the 2002 voter list. Those who arrived after 31 December 2014 cant even apply under the CAA. What will they do? Baidya said that while around 400500 citizenship certificates have been issued in North 24 Parganas, the number is negligible compared to an estimated one crore eligible applicants. Even after decades, Matuas are still waiting for something as basic as certainty, the certainty of belonging to the land they have lived in for generations, he added. Even within the BJP, cracks are visible. A CAA camp organised by the party in Kalyani was recently vandalised, allegedly by a rival faction. Matua leader and BJP MP Asim Sarkar warned the party could face a backlash. Nearly 15 lakh Matua and refugee people, who voted earlier, may lose their rights this time. Around 10 lakh of them voted for us, and others voted for TMC. The TMC that spread canards against CAA, stopping refugees from applying for it, must answer, he said. While the TMC has publicly opposed the SIR, it remains wary of losing further ground in Matua-majority areas such as Bongaon, Gaighata, Swarupnagar, Ashoknagar, and Krishnanagar assembly seats, where the BJP made deep inroads in 2019 and 2021. The SIR is unnecessary harassment of genuine citizens. People who have been voting for decades will now have to prove they are citizens. Were reaching out to Matua families to assure them that the state will protect their rights, said TMC leader Biswajit Das. The BJP has also launched a massive outreach campaign, holding 1,000 CAA camps across border districts, North 24 Parganas, Nadia, Cooch Behar, and Uttar Dinajpur. State BJP president Samik Bhattacharya said, No Hindu refugee will be left behind. The TMC has spread misinformation about the CAA for years. Party insiders noted that these four districts alone accounted for over half of the 77 assembly seats BJP won in 2021. The strategy is to reassure refugees that even if their names are removed during SIR, they can reclaim rights under CAA and later return to the voter list. However, Das countered, You cant first erase someones name from the voter list and then promise to restore it through another law. Thats not reassurance; thats recycling uncertainty.
No bail for man who brought 400 Bangladeshis into Bengaluru
BENGALURU: A city court refused to grant anticipatory bail to Alauddin, who has allegedly brought more than 400 Bangladeshi nationals illegally into Bengaluru, and facilitated their settlement. Judge Shirin Javeed Ansari, 69th Additional City Civil and Sessions Court, passed the order, rejecting the anticipatory bail application filed by Alauddin (45), residing in Electronics City in Bengaluru. The court noted that the petitioner had brought more than 400 Bangladeshi nationals illegally into Bengaluru and facilitated their settlement. If proved, this is not only a grave statutory violation, but also an act prejudicial to the safety and sovereignty of the State. The offence, under Section 14 of the Foreigners Act, is cognizable and non-bailable, with the objective of protecting the territorial and demographic integrity of the country. Grant of pre-arrest bail in such cases may dilute the law and hamper the investigative process, the court observed. The court said evidence points towards potential acts of national infiltration and impersonation. Releasing the petitioner on anticipatory bail would be against the interests of justice and security of the state. The apex court has categorically held that in cases where national integrity, illegal immigration and cross-border infiltration are involved, courts must exercise restraint while invoking discretionary powers for anticipatory bail, the court added. The special public prosecutor filed objections, stating that the applicant has two identity documents -- an Aadhaar card issued in India in the name of Alauddin bin Abdul Latif and another a National ID card issued by the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh in the name of Alladin Howladhr. These have a different date of birth and spelling. He is in contact with several Bangladeshi nationals illegally residing in India, and has facilitated the entry of over 400 illegal migrants from Bangladesh. He has been using international communication applications such as IMO to contact persons in Bangladesh, and his CDR details indicate frequent communication with foreign nationals illegally residing in India, the prosecutor pleaded. Independent allegations Seeking anticipatory bail in the event of his arrest by CCB police, in connection with offences under Section 14 of the Foreigners Act and Sections 6 and 12 of the Passport Act, Alauddin claimed he is a bona fide Indian national, originally from West Bengal, residing in Bengaluru and working as a mason. He is being repeatedly called for an inquiry by CCB police and Bannerghatta police on suspicion of being an illegal Bangladeshi migrant. A similar FIR was registered in 2019 by the Gautam Budh Nagar police station in Uttar Pradesh, and he was granted bail. The court said it appears the Karnataka police are taking action in connection with independent allegations arising within this jurisdiction, particularly in Bengaluru.
Marathon training sessions held at West Bengal CEOs office for SIR
3,000 officials were trained on Friday on how to the BLOs (Booth Level Officials) will use a mobile application to fill in enumeration forms.
Petition in Calcutta HC seeks court-monitored SIR
A petition has been filed in the Calcutta High Court seeking a court-monitored Special Intensive Revision in West Bengal. The court has admitted the plea and is considering extending the revision period. The petitioner wants the Election Commission of India to explain the necessity of the exercise.
Trinamool and BJP trade charges of threatening BLOs in West Bengal
This comes amid many BLOs in the State refusing to work citing threats and BLO associations asking for added securityto carry out the SIR process
Video: Bengal cop faces outrage over remarks on women drinking
A senior police officer from West Bengal has sparked controversy over remarks suggesting that women drinking alcohol during festivals are harming society. Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Laltu Haidar, from Ranaghat Police District, made the comments while addressing a meeting with Jagaddharti Puja organisers. The festival, dedicated to Goddess Jagaddharti, who is believed to sustain Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Check List Of School Holidays In November 2025
Cyclone Montha has led to school closures in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, and West Bengal, affecting millions and causing significant damage.
West Bengal Class 12th Result: Students can download WBCHSE HS 3rd semester result through the official website- result.wb.gov.in. WBCHSE Uchha Madhyamik third-semester exam was conducted between September 8 and 22.
Bengal Cops To Get AI Cell To Enhance Efficiency, Transparency
The Director General of Police of West Bengal, Rajeev Kumar, has issued an order to establish an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Cell in the police department with the aim of enhancing efficiency, transparency, and service quality.
WB HS Result 2025 Out: The West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education has declared the WB HS Semester 3 Result 2026. Students can check their scores and download marksheets from the official website starting at 2 PM today. The results were announced at a press conference. This marks a significant milestone for students awaiting their academic progress.
Women Drinking Alcohol Is Harming Society: Bengal Cop Sparks Controversy
A video of a West Bengal police officer making controversial remarks about women's behaviour has gone viral on social media, triggering widespread criticism.
Stray Dogs Case: No Respect for Court's Order; Chief Secretaries to Appear Physically: SC
While hearing the stray dogs matter on October 27, the top court had directed the chief secretaries of all the states, except West Bengal and Telangana, to remain present before it on November 3 to explain why compliance affidavits were not filed despite the court's August 22 order
Three die as car falls into ditch in Darjeeling hills
KOLKATA: At least three persons were killed and five others injured when a vehicle rolled into a ditch on way to Kurseong from Darjeeling in West Bengal, a senior police officer said Friday. The accident occurred in the hills on Thursday night when the driver failed to negotiate a sharp bend. While two persons died on the spot, another succumbed later. The injured are being treated in a hospital, the officer said. The hill region was lashed by rain on Thursday, and the Met Office predicted heavy showers in some pockets on October 31. A probe is underway to ascertain factors behind the accident, the officer said.
'Society Heading Towards Ruin': Bengal Cop's Controversial Remark On Women Consuming Alcohol
West Bengal ASP Laltu Halder, in a controversial remark, has said he felt ashamed to see women drinking alcohol, calling it a sign of moral decline.
Weather today: India braces for widespread rain and thunderstorms until November 2, driven by two significant weather systems. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is anticipated in several regions, including Sikkim and West Bengal, with Gujarat also facing strong winds and lightning. Other areas like Bihar, Jharkhand, and parts of the Northeast will experience moderate to heavy showers.
Mamata urges people not to get provoked by SIR, says no legitimate citizen will be left out
The West Bengal Chief Minister who had dubbed the SIR as National Register of Citizens through back door, reiterated that her government will not allow NRC to be implemented in Bengal neither through the front door, nor through the back door
Chargesheet submitted in gang-rape of medical college student in West Bengals Durgapur
The chargesheet comes after 20 days of the horrific crime; charges have been pressed against the six accused for rape, gangrape, extortion, dacoity among other sections of BNS
Kin of a 2nd West Bengal man claim suicide due to 'SIR fears'
All 143 block-level officers have resumed their duties. SIR-related camps are now underway in Jalpaiguri, Coochbehar, and Darjeeling. The West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer's website has seen one crore hits. Special steps are being urged for former enclave residents to ensure their voting rights.
Bihar polls: ECI reviews security in inter-State borders to ensure fair, peaceful voting
NEW DELHI: To ensure free and fair voting for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections on November 6 and 11, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday reviewed the prevailing security situation in the state. It directed senior officials in Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal to ensure heightened vigilance in areas bordering the poll-bound state with enhanced checks to monitor movement of people, materials and money, including arms, anti-social elements, liquor, narcotics and freebies from across the international border with Nepal. The officials said that the Commission led by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar gave the direction at a coordination meeting on inter-State border issues in Bihar held with the Chief Secretaries, DGPs and Principal Secretaries (Home) of Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, along with officers from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Railways and all other enforcement agencies. CEC Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, reviewed law-and-order arrangements in Bihar and its neighbouring states to monitor movement of people, materials and money, including arms, anti-social elements, liquor, narcotics and freebies also from across the international border with Nepal, they said. A special focus was placed on bordering districts and sealing of borders to maintain peace and order, the officials said. During the meeting, Kumar underscored the Commissions commitment to free, fair, peaceful and inducement-free elections, calling upon all stakeholders to work seamlessly to uphold the integrity of the electoral process, a senior ECI official said. The Commission also reviewed compliance with voter-facilitation directions to ensure a pleasant and smooth experience for voters on the day of polling. The Chief Secretaries and DGPs, along with heads of central agencies, were directed to ensure a peaceful and inducement-free election to the Legislative Assembly of Bihar. The Chief Secretaries and the DGs of Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal and the DG of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) were instructed to ensure heightened vigilance in areas bordering Bihar, with enhanced checks at inter-State posts. Central agencies, including the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Income Tax Department, Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) and Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), were directed to intensify efforts in the run-up to the polls and maximise seizures, acting upon intelligence.
Kochi set for a grand 10-day fest of books and ideas
The city is set for one of its grandest literary events the Kochi International Book Festival, a 10-day celebration of literature, art, and ideas that will cover a wide array of subjects ranging from renaissance to terrorism. Organised by the Kerala International Book Fair (KIBF), the festival will be held from November 1 to 10 at the Ernakulathappan Ground. This 28th edition promises a vibrant confluence of literature, culture, and dialogue, featuring distinguished writers, artists, academics, and performers. The festival will be inaugurated by the Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, along with the West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose, who will receive the Malayalaratnam Puraskaram for Book of the Year. The inaugural session will also see the release of 14 of Ananda Boses works in an event with former Union minister and noted journalist M J Akbar and Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan among the dignitaries. The opening day will include a session titled Mahakavi Akkitham @ 100, commemorating the Jnanpith laureates centenary, followed by a discussion titled Defence More Insights led by military veterans and scholars, and a musical tribute to Mahakavi Ulloors Premasangeetham. French author Claire Le Micheal will engage in a cross-cultural conversation with Chettoor Lakshmi Sreekumar on the same day. This year's theme is about how books are linked to every aspect of our lives. Proving this link, we have seminars on the environment, and we will also have a talk on food and health by Chef Nalan.The festival will have around 265 stalks and have over 200 publishers present. Around 50 books will be released at the festival this time, says E N Nandakumar, president of the festival. The following days will bring a wide range of engaging events, including a Kendra Sahitya Akademi symposium on Tradition and Modernity in Malayalam Poetry and literary competitions for young talents. The evening of November 2 will feature a session honouring renowned Malayalam lyricist I S Kundoor, chaired by Justice R Bhaskaran. Environmental awareness will take centre stage on November 5, with a seminar led by experts from the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies and the Cochin University of Science and Technology. Another major highlight, Kochi Literature Festival, will be inaugurated by filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan on November 6. The day will also feature a conversation with former bureaucrat and poet K Jayakumar, and an interactive film session with director Lal Jose and sound engineer M R Rajakrishnan. On 7 November, Pathinettu June Oru Krantiyathra, the Malayalam translation of the noted Konkani work Athara June Ek Kranthiyatra by freedom fighter and writer Laxmidas Borkar, will be released. The session will be inaugurated by Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Governor of Kerala, making the festival a unique event that will mark the presence of three Governors, informs E N Nandakumar. On the same day, Tamil poet and lyricist Vairamuthu will present the Balamani Amma Award to M M Basheer, acclaimed literary critic and former head of the Malayalam department at the University of Calicut. Basheer, who has authored over 50 works including poetry and short stories, will be honoured for his significant contribution to Malayalam literature. The evening will conclude with a musical performance and a tribute to M T Vasudevan Nair. The concluding days will feature lively discussions on education, civil service, and the centenary of the communist movement in India. The festival will draw to a close on November 10 with the Madambu Kunjukuttan Puraskara Sabha and the Bahubhasha Sahithyakara Sangamam, which will bring together writers. At a Glance When: November 1 to 10 Venue: Ernakulathappan Ground, Kochi Timings: 10 am to 8.30 pm. Highlights: Book releases, cultural evenings, literary seminars, workshops, awards, and tributes Inauguration : 11 am, November 1 by Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel & West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose Kochi Literature Festival: November 6 to 10, inauguration by Adoor Gopalakrishnan Closing Ceremony: November 10 Madambu Kunjukuttan Puraskara Sabha and multilingual literary meet
Over 100 absentee BLOs in West Bengal join SIR after suspension warning
Recruitment, appointment, and training of the States BLOs started earlier this year; 143 absentee BLOs had been issued warnings of suspension by election officials
Aiming to implement One Nation, One Police Uniform initiative soon, MHA seeks data from States
NEW DELHI: The Centre has moved a step towards implementing its ambitious One Nation, One Police Uniform initiative, as the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has recently sent a communication to 16 States and Union Territories seeking detailed information on existing police uniforms and allowances by November 4. The missives that have been sent to 16 states include Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Telangana, Odisha, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, and they have been told to submit the details on the quality, design and cost on their respective police uniforms. According to the communication, the MHA has sought data on two key aspects from the rank of Constable to Deputy Superintendent of Police. It has also sought details from the Directors General of Police (DGsP) of the 16 states regarding the annual uniform allowance currently sanctioned to police personnel, rank-wise and the approximate cost of a pair of uniforms presently in use across the States and the UTs, officials said. The responsibility of working out a single uniform for all police forces of the states and the UTs has been given to the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D), and the organisation is currently putting in efforts to standardise the attire under the new uniform national policy. The BPR&D has been tasked with studying the material, colour, insignia and cost factors to recommend a single model of uniform that can be adopted nationwide, the officials said. The officials indicated that while the Centre aims to maintain a standard design and fabric specification, individual states may retain their respective emblems and ranks, ensuring functional uniformity without compromising state identity. The concept of a common police uniform was first proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Chintan Shivir of State Home Ministers held on October 2728, 2022. Followingly, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs in 2023 sought responses from all states and Union Territories. The Prime Minister had then stated that the move aims to enhance public recognition of police personnel and improve the sense of institutional coherence across the country. According to the officials, following a review and approval from the central authorities, the MHA will issue guidelines for phased implementation, including procurement standards and colour codes. Once implemented, the scheme will usher in, for the first time in the history of Indian policing architecture, a single design specification, which will apply to all forces and will be away from the current state-specific variations in colour, fabric and insignia that have existed since Independence.
A 57-year-old man died by suicide on Tuesday in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district, a day after the Election Commission announced the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in the state. In his final note, the man identified as Pradeep Kar blamed anxiety over the voter roll revisions and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) for his decision. According to police, Kar's body was found hanging in his room in the Agarpara apartment in Khardah on Tuesday morning. A diary was found in the room, and one of its pages reportedly contained a suicide note in which Kar blamed the NRC for causing anxiety, which led him to take his life, PTI reported, citing police sources. The note contained Kar's name and address along with references to NRC. The handwriting on the note, however, is now under forensic examination to verify its authenticity, according to police. The police have also not officially confirmed its contents. Meanwhile, the sister-in-law of the deceased has filed a complaint alleging that Kar was mentally disturbed after the announcement of the voter list revision, which he reportedly linked to the NRC. The deceased's family has lodged a written complaint at Khardah Police Station, alleging abetment of suicide against unknown persons, a senior police officer said. According to police sources, after dinner on Monday night, Kar went to bed in his room and did not respond to repeated calls the next morning. When the door remained locked from inside, his family members alerted neighbours and later informed the police, who broke open the door and found his body hanging, the police sources said. Kar's death has triggered a fresh political storm in West Bengal, with the ruling Trinamool Congress blaming the Centre's National Register of Citizens (NRC) exercise for creating panic and fear among citizens. This is what happens when the BJP plays politics of fear. The NRC has already killed people in Assam, and now its ghost is haunting Bengal, a senior TMC leader said. The BJP, however, dismissed the allegations, terming the suicide note suspicious. Some people are trying to politicise a personal tragedy. We have serious doubts whether the suicide note is genuine, given that Kar reportedly studied till Class 3 and did not have fingers on four of his right-hand digits, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari said. He claimed that there is no evidence that he could write with his left hand. Let there be a forensic probe by a central lab under the supervision of the court. The truth will come out, said the leader of the opposition in the assembly. (With inputs from PTI)
Chief Electoral Officerbegins training of EROs and DEOs for SIRin West Bengal
Left party leadersprotest outside CEO office in Kolkata; Congresssays SIR process is raising panic among the people of West Bengal
Mamata Banerjee blames BJP for 'avoidable tragedies' linked to SIR exercise in Bengal
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condemned the BJP's alleged instigation of the SIR exercise, citing multiple suicides and suicide attempts as tragic consequences. She vowed to fight against the implementation of NRC in Bengal, assuring citizens that her government stands with them and will protect their rights.
Bengal Farmer Attempts Suicide Over Fears Of Being Dropped From Voter List Due To Typo
Sheikh had reportedly been stressed since the launch of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process in West Bengal.
Calcutta University, Jadavpur University, and four others getpermanentV-Cs; politicians andacademicswelcome move
Bengal Man Attempts Suicide Fearing Name Will Be Removed From Rolls Over Typo
A farmer in West Bengal attempted suicide over fears that a spelling error in his voter id card may lead to his removal from the electoral rolls during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise ahead of the crucial assembly elections next year.
Weakened cyclone Montha to bring heavy rains in parts of West Bengal
The weather system is likely to move northwards towards east Madhya Pradesh and weaken further, the India Meteorological Department said in a bulletin
SIR in Bengal: EC launches helpline to clear voters doubts
Kolkata: To maintain transparency and clarify doubts among people regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal, the Election Commission (EC) has launched voter helpline 1950, an official said. Citizens have been informed that they can now use the helpline, along with various state and district-level services, to raise questions and Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Remnants of Cyclone Montha are causing widespread rain across eastern and southern India, with a deep depression over coastal Andhra Pradesh. Telangana faces red, orange, and yellow alerts for heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh also anticipate significant downpours, while other eastern states experience showers.
Trinamool Intensifies Attack On BJP Amid Row Over 'SIR Suicide' In Bengal
West Bengal's political domain remained abuzz on Wednesday, with the Trinamool Congress and BJP exchanging sharp accusations over the suicide of a man on the outskirts of Kolkata and a suicide bid by another person in Cooch Behar.
Bengal EC turns to 'Goopy Bagha' magic for voter awareness
West Bengal's Chief Electoral Officer is launching a voter awareness campaign. Iconic characters Goopy Gyne and Bagha Byne will be used. The campaign aims to inform voters about the electoral roll revision process. It will utilize social media, print, and audio-visual channels. Songs and digital posters will be part of the initiative.
Bengal EC turns to 'Goopy Bagha' magic for voter awareness
West Bengal's Chief Electoral Officer is launching a voter awareness campaign. Iconic characters Goopy Gyne and Bagha Byne will be used. The campaign aims to inform voters about the electoral roll revision process. It will utilize social media, print, and audio-visual channels. Songs and digital posters will be part of the initiative.
Democratic rights of all genuine voters must be upheld: Mamata Banerjee
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stressed protecting voters' rights. The Trinamool Congress is campaigning against the CAA, linking it to NRC fears. A man died by suicide due to NRC worries. TMC leaders criticized election officials and vowed to protest any voter list deletions during the ongoing exercise.
EC Launches Helpline to Address Voters' Doubts Ahead of SIR in West Bengal
Citizens have been informed that they can now use the helpline, along with various state and district-level services, to raise questions and register complaints related to electoral rolls, he said.
A young tech graduate from West Bengal shared his struggles on Reddit after graduation. He felt he wasted college time and lacked skills. A job rejection worsened his situation, especially with family pressures. The online community offered encouragement and career advice. Many users related to his experience and provided guidance for his future.
ECI activates National Voter Helpline to address citizen grievances, queries
NEW DELHI: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday announced that it has activated the National Voter Helpline for all 36 state and district-level helplines with an aim to address all queries and grievances of citizens. In an official statement, the poll panel said that it also launched the Book-a-Call with BLO facility, using which citizens can directly contact their respective Booth Level Officer (BLO) through the feature available on the ECINET platform. The latest development comes in the wake of the announcement of the second phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) by the ECI in nine states and three Union Territories (UTs). The states are Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal and the UTs are Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep and Puducherry. Notably, among the states and the UTs Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala and West Bengal will go to the polls in 2026. The ECI has activated the National Voter Helpline with an aim to address all queries/grievances of citizens. The National Contact Centre (NCC) will serve as the central helpline for all States and UTs, the ECI said. The NCC operates daily from 8 am to 8 pm through toll-free number 1800-11-1950, it said, adding that calls were handled by trained executives, who assist citizens and other stakeholders with electoral services and queries. The Commission said it has also issued instructions to each State/UT and District to set up its own State Contact Centre (SCC) and District Contact Centre (DCC), respectively, to ensure timely and localised responses. These centres operate during office hours on all working days throughout the year, providing assistance in the regional languages of the State/UT. All complaints and queries are recorded and tracked through the National Grievance Service Portal (NGSP 2.0), the poll panel said. The Commission said that it has directed all Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs), DEOs, EROs to regularly monitor the progress and ensure speedy disposal of the requests of the users within 48 hours. These facilities are in addition to the existing mechanisms for addressing election-related grievances. Citizens can also send email tocomplaints@eci.gov.in, it added. The dedicated Voter Helpline Number 1950 facilities for all election-related information, feedback, suggestions and complaints for prompt and transparent resolution of their concerns.
Meghalaya Trinamool leader Zenith Sangma rejoins Congress
The central leadership of the West Bengal-based TMC has allegedly not been showing any interest in the State unit
IBPS Clerk 2025 vacancies revised to 13,533; prelims results expected soon on ibps.in
The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) has revised the total number of Clerk 2025 vacancies to 13,533, adding over 3,200 new posts across various states. Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal have seen the largest increases, while Delhis vacancies have decreased. The IBPS Clerk prelims examination was held on October 4 and 5, 2025, and results are expected soon on ibps.in. Qualified candidates will advance to the mains examination and language proficiency stage.
WB AYUSH counselling 2025: Round 3 merit list released at wbmcc.nic.in; direct link to download here
The West Bengal Medical Counselling Committee has released the Round 3 merit list for AYUSH UG Counselling 2025, declaring 956 candidates eligible for choice filling. This list pertains to admissions in BAMS, BHMS, and BUMS programs for 85% state quota seats. Candidates must report to their allotted colleges between September 16-17, 2025, to complete admissions.
Explained: Why ECs SIR Exercise Has Triggered A Political Storm In West Bengal
West Bengal has witnessed the sharpest resistance to the Election Commissions SIR, with TMC accusing BJP of using it to manipulate voter lists
West Bengal CEO to hold key meeting with poll officials ahead of door-to-door voter enumeration
West Bengal election officials will meet today to plan the upcoming door-to-door voter enumeration. Booth Level Officers will begin collecting forms on November 4. A new rule allows family members to sign for absent voters. Political parties are urged to provide more Booth Level Agents to assist in the process. The enumeration exercise will take three months.
NRC Responsible...: Man In Bengal Dies By Suicide, Political Row Erupts
A 57-year-old man in West Bengal died by suicide on Tuesday, blaming the National Register of Citizens (NRC). His death has triggered a political slugfest between the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Responding to a question by The Hindu, Mr Agarwal also clarified that in the upcoming SIR, Aadhar has been added as the 12th document in addition to the list of 11 indicative documents, only as identity proof, but not as proof of citizenship
Mamata claims NRC responsible for death of a person as SIR exercise begins in the State
The social media post by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee linking the death of the Khardah resident with NRC is the first response after the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday announced SIR in 12 states, including West Bengal
Two minors among three arrested in beauticians rape
BENGALURU: Bengaluru Rural Police have arrested three persons, including two minors, in connection with the alleged gang rape of a 30-year-old woman from West Bengal. With this, a total of six accused have been arrested. The accused have been identified as Mithun and two minors. Earlier, Karthik, Glen Verghese and Suyoga, aged between 22 and 25, were arrested. The incident occurred last Tuesday night in Gangondanahalli, under Madanayakanahalli police station limits, on the outskirts of Bengaluru. According to a preliminary investigation, the accused had originally planned a dacoity, but three of them allegedly raped the woman after locking her son and another man inside a room. Two of the accused were standing guard outside the house. They also decamped with Rs 25,000 in cash and two mobile phones.
Schools across India faced a mixed reopening on October 29, 2025. While many northern states resumed classes after Chhath Puja, southern regions in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Telangana remained closed due to Cyclone Montha and heavy rainfall. West Bengal schools reopened but prepared for another holiday on October 31.
West Bengal SIR: EC promises 100% fair voters list, no genuine voter to be left out
West Bengal is preparing a voter list that will be completely fair. A new rule allows family members to sign enumeration forms if the voter is absent. The voter list has been frozen for a special revision process. This process will ensure no genuine voter is missed. The draft list will be published soon.
SIR is a BJP plot to select voters, says TMCs Abhishek Banerjee
The Trinamool Congress general secretary asked why the SIR was being carried out only in West Bengal, and not in any State bordering Bangladesh and Myanmar
EC notice to PK for holding 2 voter IDs in Bihar, West Bengal
Electoral authorities in Bihar have issued a notice to Jan Suraaj chief Prashant Kishor for allegedly being registered as a voter in both Bihar and West Bengal. Kishor has been asked to explain this discrepancy within three days. Political rivals have seized on the issue, questioning his credibility and motives.
Arrest Me If: Prashant Kishor To Poll Body Over Claim Of Being Enrolled As Voter In 2 States
Prashant Kishor blames Election Commission for his voter list duplication in Bihar and West Bengal and challenges EC to arrest him if at fault.
Opposition parties in West Bengal raise concern over hurried SIR process
Opposition and regional parties warn marginalised voters, orphans and those who lost documents in floods, risk being excluded
TMCs Abhishek Banerjee slams SIR as BJPs plot to select voters, warns of massive protest
Kolkata, Oct 28 (PTI) TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee on Tuesday attacked the BJP and the EC over the announcement of the SIR (Special Summary Revision) of electoral rolls in West Bengal, alleging that the exercise was designed to exclude genuine voters and tilt the political balance ahead of the 2026 state polls. Banerjee alleged that the EC was rushing through a mammoth task that took two years in 2002, with the intent of bringing the state administration under its control so that the elected government cannot function. The BJPs allied organisation, EC, has announced SIR yesterday. This process is not
Prashant Kishor Gets Notice For Being Listed As Voter In Both Bihar, Bengal
The Election Commission, taking note of a news report, has asked poll strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor to rectify the duplication of his name in voter lists of Bihar and West Bengal.
EC issues notice to Prashant Kishor over `double voter registration`
The notice stated that, according to a newspaper report, the Jan Suraaj founder`s name appears in West Bengals Bhabanipur Constituency as well as in the 209 Kargahar Legislative Assembly Constituency in Bihar
Notice issued to Prashant Kishor over name in voter lists of Bihar, Bengal
The Jan Suraaj Party founder has been registered as a voter in Bihars Kargahar Assembly segment and West Bengals Bhabanipur Assembly constituency
Poll strategist and leader of the Jan Suraaj Party, Prashant Kishor, has been embroiled in a major controversy as the Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued a showcause notice to him after noting that he has been registered as a voter in both Bihar and West Bengal.
Poll body serves notice to Prashant Kishor after reports of voter enrollment in two states
The district election office in Bihar's Rohtas on Tuesday issued a notice to Jan Suraaj Partyfounder Prashant Kishor after multiple media reports suggested that his name had been registered as a voter in two states. The poll official has directed Kishor to respond to the notice within three days. TNIE earlier today reported that Kishor is registered as a voter in both his home state of Bihar and adjoining West Bengal. In Bihar, Kishor is registered as a voter in the Kargahar assembly constituency under the Sasaram parliamentary constituency in Rohtas district. His polling station is Madhya Vidyalay in his ancestral village Konar. In Bengal, Kishor's address is listed as 121 Kalighat Road, which houses the Trinamool Congress office in Bhabanipur, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees assembly constituency. His polling station is listed as St Helen School on B Ranishankari Lane. Kishor had worked with the Trinamool Congress (TMC) as a political consultant during the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections. The notice issued by the DEO, Rohtas, has cited a media report which has pointed out the anomaly in the case of Kishor. The notice points out that Section 31 of Representation of People Act prohibits a person from having his name enrolled as a voter at more than one place, and that violation of the provision was punishable with imprisonment for one year, or fine, or both. Speaking to TNIE, a senior leader of the Jan Suraaj Party on the condition of anonymity said that Kishor enrolled as voter in the Kargahar assembly constituency after the West Bengal elections. He is learnt to have applied for deletion of his name from electoral rolls in West Bengal after he enrolled in Bihars Kargahar assembly constituency. The status of the application for cancellation of name from West Bengal is not known to us, the JSP leader said. Meanwhile, the ruling NDA as well as the opposition INDIA bloc in Bihar, where Kishor's foray into electoral politics has vexed both rival formations, latched on to the opportunity. Neeraj Kumar, MLC and spokesperson of JD(U), which is headed by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, told PTI, It is amusing that Prashant Kishor, who has all his establishments in Delhi, and hails from Bihar, chose to get registered as a voter in West Bengal. Since when did becoming a poll strategist necessitate your being a voter in the state you are providing your services? The JD(U) leader added, We suspect Kishor had tried to strike a deal with Banerjee, that after her victory in the 2021 polls, she would get him elected to the Rajya Sabha. To become a member of the Upper House in Parliament, he needed to be a resident of the state concerned. But the Trinamool Congress chief must have snubbed him after returning as the chief minister. So, in a sulk, he might have staged the drama of retiring from the consultancy business. (With inputs from PTI)
Celebrate Jagdhatri Puja And Gain Courage To Face Lifes Challenges
Jagadhatri Puja is a Hindu festival celebrated in West Bengal and some parts of Bangladesh. The post Celebrate Jagdhatri Puja And Gain Courage To Face Lifes Challenges appeared first on Dharma .
Prashant Kishor Listed as Registered Voter in Both Bihar, West Bengal
He, however, evaded a direct reply to a pointed query as to whether Kishor had applied for deletion of his name from the voters' list in West Bengal, prior to applying for inclusion in the electoral roll of Bihar.
Main Accused In Durgapur Gang Rape Identified, Classmate Among Co-Accused
The main accused of the gang rape of a second year medical student in West Bengal's Durgapur was identified as Firdous Sheikh, while five others were named co-accused.
Prashant Kishor Listed As Voter In Both Bihar, West Bengal
Poll strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor figures in the electoral rolls of both Bihar and West Bengal, an election official said on Tuesday.
SC order on MGNREGA 'supreme blow' to Centre, victory for poor people of Bengal: TMC
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Tuesday hailed the Supreme Courts decision upholding the Calcutta High Court order for the prospective implementation of MGNREGA in West Bengal from August 1, 2025, calling it a supreme blow to the Centre and a victory for the states poor.
Prashant Kishor listed as voter in both Bihar, Bengal
Poll strategist Prashant Kishor is listed as a voter in both Bihar and West Bengal. This dual registration is against electoral law. The Election Commission acknowledges such duplications are common. A recent revision in Bihar removed over six lakh duplicate entries. Kishor's party is contesting elections in Bihar.
Major bureaucratic reshuffle in West Bengal ahead of SIR; DMs, SDOs transferred
While the ruling dispensation has termed this reshuffle as routine, BJP alleged violation of the ECI guidelines
Paschim Banga Khet Majoor Samity, a union of agricultural workers that has approached the Courts over resumption of MGNREGS in West Bengal, said that the Supreme Court order marks a decisive victory for Bengals rural workers and a resounding affirmation that the Right to Work cannot be denied or delayed
SIR in West Bengal: BoothLevelOfficerscall foradded security measuresagainst threats
Officersremainapprehensive aboutparticipatingin the new SIR process citingsafety issues and hindrance in work caused by various political factions
Prashant Kishor enrolled as voter in both Bihar and West Bengal, triggers row ahead of State polls
PATNA: Prashant Kishor, poll strategist turned politician whose Jan Suraaj Party is contesting the Bihar Assembly polls , has his name enrolled in the voter lists of two states West Bengal and Bihar. According to reports, in Bihar, Kishor is registered as a voter in the Kargahar assembly constituency under the Sasaram parliamentary constituency in Rohtas district. His polling station is Madhya Vidyalay in his ancestral village Konar. In Bengal, Kishor's address is listed as 121 Kalighat Road, which houses the Trinamool Congress office in Bhabanipur, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees assembly constituency. His polling station is listed as St Helen School on B Ranishankari Lane. Kishor had worked with the Trinamool Congress (TMC) as a political consultant during the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections. Attempt to contact Kishor to get his reaction over duplicity of voter proved futile. However, a senior leader of the Jan Suraaj Party on the condition of anonymity said that Kishor enrolled as voter in the Kargahar assembly constituency after the West Bengal elections. He is learnt to have applied for deletion of his name from electoral rolls in West Bengal after he enrolled in Bihars Kargahar assembly constituency. The status of the application for cancellation of name from West Bengal is not known to us, the JSP leader said. No need to fear any leader or party anymore, Prashant Kishor tells voters Kishors Jan Suraaj Party (JSP) is contesting all the 243 seats in the Bihar assembly election. Initially, it was expected that Kishor would contest from the Kargahar assembly seat. But later he expressed his wish to contest from Raghopur against Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav. Later he suddenly dropped the idea of contesting election. When asked about his decision not to contest election, Kishor clarified that it was the unanimous decision of the party not to contest election in the larger interest of the candidates. Now I will focus more on strengthening the partys support base and ensure victory of candidates in the election, he added. Duplicity of voter is not an isolated case. Earlier, Bihar former deputy chief minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav and deputy chief minister Vijay Kumar Sinha were enrolled in Patna as well as their respective assembly constituencies. Tejashwi is contesting from Raghopur, Sinha is seeking his reelection from Lakhisarai.
Prashant Kishor enrolled as voter in Bihar, West Bengal
PATNA: Prashant Kishor, poll strategist turned politician whose Jan Suraaj Party is contesting the Bihar Assembly polls , has his name enrolled in the voter lists of two states West Bengal and Bihar. According to reports, in Bihar, Kishor is registered as a voter in the Kargahar assembly constituency under the Sasaram parliamentary constituency in Rohtas district. His polling station is Madhya Vidyalay in his ancestral village Konar. In Bengal, Kishor's address is listed as 121 Kalighat Road, which houses the Trinamool Congress office in Bhabanipur, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees assembly constituency. His polling station is listed as St Helen School on B Ranishankari Lane. Kishor had worked with the Trinamool Congress (TMC) as a political consultant during the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections. Attempt to contact Kishor to get his reaction over duplicity of voter proved futile. However, a senior leader of the Jan Suraaj Party on the condition of anonymity said that Kishor enrolled as voter in the Kargahar assembly constituency after the West Bengal elections. He is learnt to have applied for deletion of his name from electoral rolls in West Bengal after he enrolled in Bihars Kargahar assembly constituency. The status of the application for cancellation of name from West Bengal is not known to us, the JSP leader said. No need to fear any leader or party anymore, Prashant Kishor tells voters Kishors Jan Suraaj Party (JSP) is contesting all the 243 seats in the Bihar assembly election. Initially, it was expected that Kishor would contest from the Kargahar assembly seat. But later he expressed his wish to contest from Raghopur against Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav. Later he suddenly dropped the idea of contesting election. When asked about his decision not to contest election, Kishor clarified that it was the unanimous decision of the party not to contest election in the larger interest of the candidates. Now I will focus more on strengthening the partys support base and ensure victory of candidates in the election, he added. Duplicity of voter is not an isolated case. Earlier, Bihar former deputy chief minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav and deputy chief minister Vijay Kumar Sinha were enrolled in Patna as well as their respective assembly constituencies. Tejashwi is contesting from Raghopur, Sinha is seeking his reelection from Lakhisarai.
Cyclone Montha Weather Update: Cyclone Montha has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm, impacting weather across India with heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds. The storm is expected to make landfall near Kakinada on the Andhra Pradesh coast, bringing significant weather changes to several states including Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, and West Bengal.
Delhi Dialogues | Initial learning in mother tongue very important
A 1990-batch IAS officer of the Bihar cadre, Sanjay Kumar , Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education, has earned deep admiration with his passion for education and public policy. An alumnus of St Stephens College, Stony Brook University, and the National Defence College, Kumar brings expertise in education, health, and strategic studies. Excerpts: S Lalitha: Youre deeply passionate about girls education. Since taking charge, what key steps have you taken to bring girls from remote areas into the education system? Things have definitely improved over the years. Education of girls may have been an issue in the 90s or the beginning of the century. But todays data indicate that they are equally represented in schools. If I look at the gender parity index across all levels, for a foundational, for preparatory, middle and the secondary, the gross gender parity index is more than one. As you climb up, it gets a little better. Lately, a worrying factor is the boys dropout rate in secondary school education is higher than that of the girls. It indicates that the girls have finally arrived. Currently, the problem is that if 100 children take admission in Class one, by the time they reach Class 12, only 58 remains. Forty-two children drop out on the way which includes the girls as well. As I earlier said, boys drop out a little more. Bringing girls in our educational system is not a challenge. The challenge is actually in some of these schools where you have to pay a bit. If you look at the CBSE schools, they have pretty instructive figures. There are two types of CBSE schoolsone which is run by the government and the other managed by the private institutions. While the girls outnumber boys in government CBSE schools, it is just the other way round in private schools, that too with a larger margin. This sends out a message for society that we need to invest a little more in educating girl child. S Lalitha: Are all the states facing a similar situation? By and large, yes. There might be some variations, but overall, I think there is no issue in any of the states per se. Jayanth Jacob: But this is an interesting analysis that in private CBSE schools boys outnumber girls? Basically people who are financially sound prefer to send their wards to private schools. So why does this disparity exist? Thats a societal issue which needs to be addressed. A large number of things, perhaps, happen because we are not aware of it. But if pointed out, then we do take corrective measures. If this forms a part of public discourse, Im sure things would improve. Three years back, when we looked at the figures of Kendriya Vidyalayas, there was a difference of one lakh between the boys and girls. We then decided to sensitise the KV administration and explained to the principals that when it comes to admissions, both boys and girls are equally important for us. Fortunately, the difference has reduced to 40,000. Suchitra Kalyan Mohanty: What progress has been made in implementing the Supreme Courts July 2025 directive for a uniform Mental Health Policy and mechanisms to address harassment, ragging, and discrimination in educational institutions? We have to file a unified affidavit in the court. But the larger issue is that the Supreme Court is concerned about the suicides. A break-up of the nationwide figures in terms of age and state reveals that half the suicides in the country are reported from five statesMaharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh. We need to analyse what is causing these states to report almost half of the suicides. Contrary to my earlier belief that these crimes take place in industrialised or unorganised areas, I realised that MP is an outlier. So something else is leading to it. Here comes the role of sociologists and perhaps the economists. Rajesh Kumar Thakur: So, what role do you see for AI in this context? Artificial intelligence (AI) is making its presence felt in all aspects of human life. Everyone is talking about AI and its future impact, especially in the repetitive jobs. Not aware to what extent, but I assume that it is already a part of our lives. We need to study to know more about it and use it to improve our lives. So, we are working toward making AI a part of the school curriculum. To begin with, we will include it in Class 3 syllabus. CBSE is already working on it. Jitendra Choubey: Indias skilling system faces structural gaps compared to Europe, where students can pursue vocational paths early. Could early vocational training here help reduce school dropouts? I would agree with you. That is the precisely the reason why the NEP lays a lot of emphasis on skilling. For a large number of children, employment is a must. If you see, the policy envisages that by 2030, every child should at least complete his schooling. So Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) for secondary education should be 100% by 2030. And the GER for higher education by 2035 is envisaged to be 50%. If 100 children pass Class 12, and only 50 opt for higher education, what are the other 50 going to go? They are going to go into the labour market. And you need basic skills to be able to do well. So its important that we get this right. In the initial learning, the policy envisages that it is best when you study in your mother tongue. Initial learning in the mother tongue or the local language is significant because imagine a child going to a school where the teacher is speaking in a language which is different from what is being spoken at home. How would you understand that? But there is a great demand for English in the country. And the larger question I want to leave behind is that do you want to learn English as a medium of instruction or do you want to learn English as a subject? So NEP says that eventually children should learn three languages. You start in your local language, and this is where you pick up things. Santwana Bhattacharya: Theres a strong parental aspiration to send children to English-medium schools, even among economically weaker sections. Countries like Germany and Japan are promoting English as a link language to attract global talent, including Indian students. How do you strike a balance between promoting education in Indian languages and meeting this growing demand for English proficiency? Larger question is can you start learning in your local language or mother tongue? And then once you are proficient in one language, it becomes easier to pick up a second language. Subsequently, you can learn a third language or maybe fourth and even fifth. I mean, multilingualism always offers you better way of understanding and looking at things. My father went to school in the 1940s. He learnt the English alphabet in Class 8. But he went on to do engineering and wrote as good English as I do. So, a large number of people who are very comfortable with English did not start learning it as a medium of instruction. They learned a language and then they picked up English. And this is the point we are trying to raise, that you learn English because thats an international language. Knowing it gives you an edge, but building it on a base of another language you are comfortable in, gives you better cognitive power. It also makes learning English easier. Santwana Bhattacharya: The NEP has completed five years now. Where do we stand in its implementation, and what key outcomes have emerged so far? We are still transitioning. Im glad that you mentioned this because the shifts which are able to see is the success of Nipun Bharat Mission, which is a foundational literacy. Theres some satisfaction because this time in the national achievement survey reports we found out that children who are in class 3, have shown an appreciable jump over the previous years. And part of the reason is because of the NEP the messaging has been clearer. As to what Foundational Literacy and Numeracy is, and also it has come with greater targeting of resources. Under the Samagra Shiksha Scheme, we are providing `500 per child. So, the focus has been on good messaging as well as resource augmentation. Both these things have worked together. The other thing is that the new books, which are being brought out by NCERT, they look at education differently because our assessment patterns need to change. What you learn, how you learn, why you learn to a large extent is dependent on the way youre going to be assessed. We all know that in India, there is a tremendous amount of emphasis on learning by rote. Because thats the way we test it. So I think now NEP is talking about experiential learning, and developing a critical faculty.
Supreme Court Rejects Centre's Plea Against Order To Implement MGNREGA In Bengal
The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed the Centre's plea challenging the Calcutta High Court order which directed that MGNREGA, the 100-day job guarantee scheme, be implemented prospectively in West Bengal from August 1, 2025.
Why is EC not conducting SIR in Assam despite elections next year? CEC Gyanesh Kumar says...
On Monday, CEC Kumar said the exercise will cover Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.
Major bureaucratic reshuffle in West Bengal
In a major shake-up, West Bengal experienced a sweeping administrative overhaul as approximately 500 civil service officials were reassigned, including 14 District Magistrates. The timing, coinciding with the Election Commission's announcement of a Special Intensive Revision, raised eyebrows. While the state administration labeled the move as normative, critics pointed to its tactical nature.
Chief secretaries summoned by SC for not filing affidavits
The Supreme Court has summoned chief secretaries from all states, excluding West Bengal and Telangana. This action is due to their failure to submit compliance affidavits concerning the stray dog issue. The court warned of coercive steps or costs if they remain absent at the next hearing. Incidents involving stray dogs continue unabated, impacting the nation's image.
TMC leadership hails Supreme Court order on MGNREGA funds as victory for West Bengal
The Supreme Court has directed the Centre to resume MGNREGA funds for West Bengal. This follows a High Court order for prospective implementation from August 1, 2025. The scheme was halted in 2022 due to embezzlement allegations. The court stated that welfare schemes cannot be suspended indefinitely.
For Assam, SIR directions to be announced separately; CEC clarifies 'no deadlock with West Bengal'
West Bengal Govt Transfers 235 Officers
Among the transferred bureaucrats, 17 were posted as district magistrates (DM) while the rest were in additional district magistrates (ADM), sub divisional officers (SDO) and block development officers (BDO) ranks: Reports
