CHAPTER 10

Education, Health, Environment and Housing

Education 10.1 In order to achieve universal access to elementary education within a specified time frame the State Government apart from strengthening the formal education system, mass literacy programme has been introduced. Further, the supporting system for implementation of this programme in every intervention area has also been improved upon. It is expected that enrolment in formal schools would be facilitated with the success of the mass literacy programme. Mass Education 10.2 The State Government is implementing a mass literacy programme in the State. The three phases of the literacy programme are (1) Total Literacy Campaign (TLC), (2) Post Literacy Campaign (PLC) and (3) Continuing Education Programme (CEP). 10.3 The entire State of West Bengal has been brought under the aforesaid three programmes. The Zilla Saksharata samities have been implementing these programmes in the districts. 10.4 At present, 16 districts have completed the first two phases (TLC and PLC) and implementing the Continuing Education Programme. The target of learners and the number of approved centres in these 16 districts are shown in Table 10.1 below.

Table 10.1 Target learners under Continuing Education Programme

Approved District Date of sanction

Target of learners (in lakh)

Continuing Education Centres

Nodal Continuing Education Centres

Burdwan March, 1997 12.00 1750 250 Birbhum March, 1997 10.49 1737 290 Bankura January, 1999 09.60 1971 354 North 24 Parganas December, 1997 10.05 2010 230

Purba Midnapore April, 1999 2608 290

Paschim Midnapore April, 1999

25.68 3062 340

South 24 Parganas April, 1999 17.82 3853 382

Hooghly June, 1999 11.31 1959 218

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Coochbehar April, 2002 09.86 910 98 Murshidabad March, 2003 12.73 2189 156 Purulia June, 2003 05.74 950 65 Nadia June, 2003 07.51 1719 122 Howrah November, 2003 04.64 1596 114 Dakshin Dinajpur June, 2003 03.84 561 40

Jalpaiguri August, 2004 08.19 127 90 Uttar Dinajpur August, 2004 5.57 911 65

Source : Department of Mass Education and Extension, Government of West Bengal. 10.5 The sanctions from NLMA, Government of India in respect of implementation of CEP in Malda and Kolkata are still awaiting. However, the State Government has financed a Mass Literacy Programme in Kolkata . This is being implemented by Kolkata Municipal Corporation with assistance of Bangiya Saksharata Prasar Samity. 10.6 In Darjeeling district, Saksharata Samiti of DGHC and Siliguri Mahakuma Parishad have been implementing the post Literacy Programme and it is expected to be completed by December,2005. 10.7 The implementation of Mass Literacy Programme and its sustained monitoring by the State Government has a substantial effect on raising the literacy rate of this state. The literacy rate of West Bengal is 68.64 per cent as reported in Census 2001. The same for male is 77.02 per cent and for female the literacy rate is 59.61per cent. According to external evaluation of Mass Literacy Programmes around 1.06 crore of people were made literate through these programmes since 1990. All out efforts are also being made so that all the districts of the state may come under the Continuing Education Programme by 2005-06. 10.8 At present 26 Adult High schools are being operated in the state which would provide education upto Madhyamik standard to the adults who could not avail the opportunities of formal education due to several socio-economic reasons. 2671 adult learners are being covered through these schools. Each of these schools has five teaching staff including headmaster and one non-teaching staff. 10.9 The State Government also operates Non - Formal Education (NFE) programmes with a view to enroll out of school children in the age group 9-14 .The programme is being implemented through NGOs from 2000-01. 50 NFE projects with a target of enrolment of 62,500 learners started in functioning from 2000-01 and were terminated in 2003-04. An external evaluation of this project showed that around 60 per cent of the learners achieved the education of class IV standard. 11 NFE projects with enrolment of 11,675 learners started function in 2001-02 and were terminated in May,2004 after completion of 3 years prescribed curriculum. Further,

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with a target of enrolment of 16,250 learners,13 NFE projects started functioning in 2002-03 and would be closed on 31st March,2005. 10.10 In West Bengal there are 125 institutions for the handicapped to impart education and vocational training to the disabled persons. Out of these 39 are Government sponsored,45 are Government aided and 41 are Government recognized. Apart from imparting education and training, these institutions also try to rehabilitate the handicapped persons with their available sources. Presently there are about 10,000 handicapped beneficiaries undergoing education and training under these institutions of which 60 per cent are male and 40 per cent are female. To uplift the educational standard and also to cater the need of information technology among the visually challenged persons, the Mass Education Extension Department has implemented computerized Braille transcription system among the teachers and blind students of 27 Blind Schools in the State. Every year Mass Education Extension Department, in collaboration with Paschimbanga Rajya Pratibandhi Sammilani,organises “ Talent Search Competition “,”Sports Meet “,”Rehabilitation Congress” etc for the benefit of the handicapped students and also for uplifting the education the State government also sanction scholarship to the handicapped students studying above class VIII and also those who are undergoing vocational training in government recognized institutions training among the special education .Apart from that ,this department encourages the Registered NGO s to promote the education and training for the disabled persons by according academic recognition and financial assistance. 10.11 The Shramik Vidyapith Kolkata runs vocational training courses for the unemployed Youth. During 2003-04 1440 unemployed youth were imparted training in various trades in 35 training courses. In 2004-05,33 courses have been started with enrolment of 1207 beneficiaries till 31.01.2005. 10.12 There are , at present, 10 state welfare homes are sponsored welfare have and 37 aided welfare homes for boys and girls (Who are below the age of 18 years as Madhyamik pass, which ever is earlier. Also there are 5 homes for the destitute women of above 18 years of age. 10.13 Apart from providing the basic needs i.e. Shelter, food and clothing to the inmates of there homes, they are also given formal / vocational training. The per capita expenditure per month against an inmate is Rs. 570 for aided welfare homes and Rs. 500 for state and sponsored welfare homes. During 2004-05 150 inmates have been admitted to there homes and there by the total number of inmates in all the homes under the Mass Education Extension Department stands at 5186. It may be mentioned her that the proposal for establishment of a new state Welfare Home at Dudkundi, Paschim Midnapur has been sanctioned by the State Government during the current financial year.

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10.14 With a view to increase employment opportunity job-oriented training courses are being organized by the State Government Trainings are being imparted to unemployed educated youths in the people’s (Janata) Government College, Banipur, North 24-Parganas. Two training courses for 40 unemployed women (20 women for wool knitting and 20 women for soft toys making) have been started in 2004-05 in collaboration with the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Polytechnic, Berachampa, North 24-Parganas. Two other courses will be commenced on and from March, 2005 for another 40 unemployed youths. School Education 10.15 In the sphere of school education several steps have been taken to achieve universalisation of elementary education for all eligible learners of the state. On the way of achieving this, the State Government has been implementing the twin projects viz. District Primary Education Programme (DPEP) and Sarba Siksha Abhijan (SSA) as additional sources. The SSA will enter into its 5th year with wide coverage of both primary and upper primary education as in all the districts of West Bengal with the following objects : (1) Universal enrolment by 2003,(2) Universal retention at the primary education by 2006 and (3) Universal retention at elementary level by 2010. 10.16 In order to achieve the first objective, as estimated 35.02 lakh out of school children (3.18 lakh in Primary and 31.84 lakh in upper Primary) have to be enrolled in school Sishu Siksha Kendras (SSKs). Madhyamik Siksha Kendras(MSKs) and NGO run centers ; for this purpose rapid expansion of capacity in existing school by construction of additional classrooms ,and setting up of more SSKs, MSKs and NGO run centers are needed. Effective measure have to be taken to enroll the out of school children in increasing numbers. 10.17 The State Government has launched “School Chalo Karmasuchi”, an intensive enrolment drive for the children 5+ to 13+ age group till 30th September, 2004, nearly 10.50 lakh out of school children had been enrolled in school and the rest will be covered this year by offering of alternative schooling centers. 10.18 Under SSA introduced in 2001-02, 1236 new school buildings and 4657 additional classroom have been constructed and drinking water and toilets facilities have been provided to 1783 schools during 2003-04. In 2004-05, 217 new school buildings and 2260 additional classrooms and 533 drinking water facilities have been approved and the work in this regard is in progress. 10.19 Under SSA programme, nearly 2.50 lakh teachers are provided Teachers Learning, Material grant at the rate of Rs. 500 per year. Further each of 59,368 primary and upper primary level school are provided with annual grant of

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Rs.2000and 49577 primary schools have been provided with maintenance grant at the rate of Rs.5000 per year. Moreover, 338 existing circles have been upgraded to 338 Circle Resources Centers (CRC) with new building facility. The major objects of those CRCs are to build up capacity of primary teachers through training and interaction with village and ward education committee and enhance the enrolment of local children. 10.20 Gender disparity has been reduced significantly. Now 49.52% and 48.23% of total enrolment are girls in primary and upper primary stages respectively. Out of this 28.32% and 22.87% in Primary and Upper primary sector respectively belongs to S.C. Community and 6.64% and 4.01% in Primary and Upper sector respectively belong to S.T. Community. 10.21 To motivate the community in getting involved in betterment of school system, improved the enrolment of local out of school children etc. school based Mother Teacher Association (MTA) has been formed in 31799 primary schools. 10.22 As an additional support in education to the educational backward students National Programme of Education for girls at Elementary Level (NPEGEL) has been running in 57 selected educationally backward blocks covering 11districts and for this initially 33 schools have already been selected as resource school. 10.23 As a capacity building of the teachers, nearly 2.5 lakh teachers are being provided with at least 10 days’ training on different subjects and this is going on as a continuous process. 10.24 Moreover, appropriate action has been taken in regard to Integrated Education for the Disabled by creating resource support at the district and sub-district level. 10.25 In order to improve quality of education at primary level, a new initiative called integrated Learning Improvement Programme (ILIP) is initiated in 5000 schools. 10.26 As an additional schooling support to the children 16209 SSKs and 847 MSKs have been set up covering 1043441 and 54893 students respectively. 10.27 Till December, 2004 Rs. 295.09 crores has been sent under SSA programme. 10.28 Training programmes for primary teachers mainly on activity based science teaching, health education and functional English teaching in collaboration with British Council has been completed by WBBPE. As the follow–up action of this training programme in the successive phases, more than17000 primary school

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teachers will be trained during 2004-05academic session through the cascade –cum-concentric mode a teaching–learning materials. The WBBPE has arranged for further training programme of all primary school teachers of State and will take up the Task for developing all the text books up to class V in the context of the present scenario in education in accordance with the revised curriculum and syllabus for primary section with an emphasis on the development of the competence of learners. Further, English from class I has been introduced from the academic session 2004-05and steps have been taken for training of primary school teachers to teach English. 10.29 Under the aegis of WBBPE application were invited from eligible NGOs for running the Primary Teachers Training Institutes (P.T.T.I.s) without any financial assistance from the Government. During 2003-04, 37 PTTIs had been recorded recognition from WBBPE while the same for 2004-05 has been 40. 10.30 Under Centrally sponsored District Institute of Education and training (DIET) Programme, action has been taken to set up 16 DIETs in the State. Government of India has been moved to set up 3 more DIETs in Kolkata, Siliguri (Darjeeling) and Purba Medinipur 415 parts of teaching and non–teaching staff has been sanctioned by Government for DIETs and necessary steps have already been taken up for recruitment in these parts. 10.31 During 2004-05 around 5.40 crore of Nationalised Text Books comprising 94 titles in 5 languages have been distributed among the primary school students including students of SSKs and nearly Rs. 23.58 crore has been spent for the purpose during the academic year 2004-05. 7 titles of book have been renewed during 2004-05 and 28 titles of books will be renewed as well as 7 titles of books will be corrected during 2005-06. 10.32 The State Government provides free school dress to all the girl students at primary level since 2001-02. This year steps have been taken to supply school dress for all girls students in primary and junior basic school. 10.33 In order to meet the demand of students for access to higher education, 7 school have been recommended for recognition as class IV Junior High School, 63 Junior High Schools have been recommended for upgradation to High Schools and 154 High Schools and 4 Madrasahas have been recommended for up gradation to Higher Secondary Schools and Higher Secondary Madrasahas during 2004-05.This will meet the demand of nearly 42,000 students of this state. 10.34 In order to improve the quality of teaching 273 full time and 107 part time additional posts of Assistance Teachers have been sanctioned. Further,210 full time and 159 part time additional posts have been approved for 154 school and 4 H.S. Madrasahas recommended for up gradation .

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10.35 Under the “mid–day meal” programme cooked food is provided to the primary school children including students of SSKs from 1st January, 2003. At present more than 1.42 crore of primary school children of all district of the state have been under this scheme. Upto 1st week of January, 2005 around 69 per cent of the total number of primary school including SSKs of the State have been covered under this scheme. During 2004-05 a sum of Rs. 106.20 crore has been sanctioned by the State Government for this purpose. 10.36 Under the Area Interview Programme for Educationally Backward Minorities construction of additional classroom in existing primary and upper primary school and also construction of new primary school building are being taken up. Out of a sanctioned amount of Rs. 9.71 crore,Rs. 6.42 crore has already been spent for the said purpose. 10.37 The Government of West Bengal introduced Computer Literacy Training Programme (CLTP) in school and Madrasahas during 2001-02. The programme has already been implemented in 500 schools and Madrasahs and is being executed by WEBEL and NIIT. Discussion is going on with IBM to introduce CLTP in additional 2500 schools on Build–Operate and Transfer basis. Computer courses are now being offered as an additional subject at Madhyamik level. Besides CLTP in school, District Computer Centres are being set up by the State Government in all the districts under the “Upgradation Programme” of the Eleventh Finance Commission. Funds for seting up of 34 such centres have been released to Zilla Parishads and so far 21 centres have already been set up. 10.38 School Service Commission: For appointment to all recognized non-Govt. aided Junior High, High, Higher Secondary schools and Madrasahs in West Bengal, teachers, including Asstt. Headmaster /Mistress, Head Master /Mistress and Superintendents of Sr. Madrasahs are being are being selected through School Service Commission. Till date, a total of nearly 42,000 candidates have been recommended for appointment as Assistant Teachers on the basis of results of the first four Regional Level Selection Tests (RLSTs). Moreover, 4100 candidates have so far been recommended for the posts of the Headmaster Headmistress and Superintendents of Sr. Madrasahs. During the financial year 2005-06,10306 reported vacancies of the Asstt. Teachers will be filled up from the 5th RLST, results of which had already been published. 10.39 Rabindra Mukta Vidyalaya (RMV) provides open learning facilities through studies centres training are imparted at Secondary and Higher Secondary levels by means of studies material and personal compact programmes .At present, there are 1020 accredited studies centres in Upper Primary level, 125 centres in Secondary level and 54 centres in Higher Secondary level. The enrolment of learners for secondary level stands at 8397 for 2004-05.The present enrolment of Higher

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Secondary level for 2004-05 is 981.Attempts are being made for expansion of studies centres and introduction of new courses including vocational courses. 10.40 18 Schools of this state seeking affiliation to ICSE and CBSE, New Delhi have been granted “No objection Certificate“ from the School Education Department. 10.41 The State Government has also set up a fully residential Government Sports School in the state, namely Dr. B.R.Ambedkar sports school at Banipur Educational Complex in North 24-Parganes in 2001-02.At present 113 students in class V to VIII are being trained in Athletics, gymnastics, archery and yogasana. 10.42 The State Government is encouraging the introduction of science, Mathematics, Social Studies, Hindi and English in curriculum of Madrasah Education to bring the students of Madrasahs at per with there in main stream. The Board has now 508 recognised Madrasahs comprising 162 Jr. High Madrasahs, 210 High Madrasahs, 103 Sr. Madrasahs, 33 Higher Secondary Madrasahs and the number of students enrolled there is 313815. CLP has been introduced in 23 Madrasahs and steps are being taken to extend this to others. Vocational training courses have been introduced in Madrasahs in collaboration with the West Bengal State Council. Arrangement has also been made to establish RMV center in High Madrasahs to accommodate the drop-out students. 10.43 The centrally sponsored scheme of Integrated Education for the Disabled Children (IEDC) has been introduced in the State to provide educational opportunities for the disabled children in common schools. The objective of this programme is that the disabled children who are placed in special school should be integrated in the common school once they acquire the functional communication skill for daily living. A cell has been formed for implementation of this scheme. A proposal covering 35462 integrated disabled children amounting to Rs.5.21 crore has been sent to Government of India and teachers’ training on this issue is going on. 10.44 In West Bengal, State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), a Post Graduate Institute has been set up with a view to carrying out training and research in different areas of education like (i) Preposition of Perspective Plan on teachers’ education in West Bengal, (ii) SSA activities, (iii) Environment Education and (iv) Achievement Survey. Higher Education 10.45 In the present scenario quality improvement has become the thrust area in the field of Higher Education against the backdrop of evergrowing demand for dissemination of knowledge. On the top of that, as a sequel to the process of globalisation, need to expand the facilities of modernised professional education is

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being felt increasingly day by day. The Department of Higher Education, Government of West Bengal, has been taking all possible measures to cater the mounting demand for access to higher education for the students entering into the higher education area every year. Alongwith adequate care taken to maintain the standard of teaching of the existing subjects, both in science and humanities, emphasis has also been laid on the development of research activities in universities and colleges to keep pace with the charges occuring in the field of science and technology in modern times. University Education 10.46 During the year 2004-05, B.E. College (Deemed University) has been upgraded to a full fledged university as the “Bengal Engineering & Science University, Shibpur”. Thus a new vista has been opend for the students aspiring to undertake studies in courses other than Engineering both at under graduate (UG) and Post Graduate (PG) level. 10.47 Calcutta University (1857) along with Madras and Bombay University, has been preparing to celebrate its 150th year of establishment in next two years. A series of programmes for academic excellence are being contemplated by the university with the assistance from UGC to mark this historic occasion. Post Graduate Courses in Biotechnology and in Human Rights and South East Asian Studies have been introduced recently in the Calcutta University.The National Annual Conference of the Association of Indian Universities, 2004-05 was held this year at Siliguri under the auspices of the North Bengal University. Higher Education Department has released a grant of Rs.10,00,000/- (Rupees ten lakh) for the purpose. 10.48 Jadavpur University has introduced an M.Tech in Information Technology, a Post Graduate Diploma in Multi Media and Web Technology and Post Graduate Diploma courses in Bio-informatics and also a B.Ed. (Special Education) Degree programme during the current academic year. To mark the occasion of Golden Jubilee Celebration a series of programmes spread over the year has been taken up by Jadavpur University and a sum of Rs.12.00 lakh has been released as grant for this purpose. 10.49 Netaji Subhas Open University (1997) has been progressing steadily. A host of new UG, PG, PG-Diploma and Certificate courses, including a good number of job oriented professional courses, have been introduced there. ‘Bengali On-line’ is a unique language course introduced this year. The university has signed an agreement with M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation for launching a project for Empowering and Training Rural People for demand-driven knowledge and its conversion, by application of ICT techniques through “Hubs”.

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10.50 In Burdwan University, Post Graduate Diploma and Certificate courses in different subjects have been introduced in collaboration with some self-financing institutes. The courses include, i) Certificate course in Financial Accounts, ii) Certificate course in Visual arts, iii) Diploma in Visual arts, iv) Diploma in Landscaping, ornamental Gardening and Nursery Management, v) Certificate course in Artificial Breeding and Animal Husbandry. 10.51 North Bengal University has introduced i) B.Sc. in Internet Science ii) B.Sc. in Software System and iii) A five year LLB (Hons.) course this year. 10.52 Kalyani University has introduced M.Sc. course in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. 10.53 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed between Rabindra Bharati University and Soka University of Japan for mutual co-operation for conducting research on Rabindra Nath Tagore. 10.54 The West Bengal University of Technology has launched Post Graduate Courses, M.Sc. and M.Tech. in Bio-informatics from the current academic session. College Education 10.55 With a view to expanding the facilities of Post Graduate Education, a number of both Government and Non-Government UG colleges have introduced PG programmes in 2004-05. These courses include

• M.Sc. in Microbiology in A.P.C. College, New Barrackpur and Rastraguru Surandra Nath College, North 24-Parganas.

• M.Sc. in Zoology and Microbiology in Bidhannnnnagar Government College, North 24-Parganas.

• M.Sc. in Botany in N.L. Khan College for girls, Paschim Medinipur. • M.Sc. in Physics in B.B. College, Asansol, Burdwan.

10.56 Several new subjects have been introduced in seventy-seven affiliated colleges of Calcutta University during 2004-05. Similarly, Burdwan University introduced new subjects in thirty-two colleges, Vidyasagar University in thirteen colleges, Kalyani University in eleven colleges and North Bengal University in twenty-four colleges. New subjects introduced include Bio-technology, Computer Science, Sociology, Anthropology, Microbiology, Education, French, Journalism, Mass Communication, Human Development, Communicative English etc. 10.57 To eradicate the problem caused by shortage of teachers, specially for the colleges located in rural areas, 450 posts of lecturers in different Non-Government colleges have been approved.

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10.58 Presidency College of Kolkata has been selected by the UGC under “Potential for Excellence” scheme and thereby received a grant of Rs.35 lakh. The college has been conducting 13 PG courses at present. 10.59 Funds have been released by the State Government for development of infrastructure in different Government Colleges and also for their maintenance. For renovation of Baker Laboratory, some construction work and maintenance of electrical installations Rs.29.85 lakh have been released. An amount of Rs.4.51 lakh has been provided for vertical expansion of Durgapur Government College along with Rs.2.67 lakh for repair and renovation of transformer and overhead electrical lines. A sum of Rs.5.40 lakh has been released to Bethune College for maintenance and renovation of college building. For installation of LPG unit in Chemistry Laboratory Rs.1.04 lakh has been given to Haldia Government College. For the purpose of construction and repair work Rs.7.70 lakh has been released to A.B.N. Seal College and Rs.10.11 lakh to Krishnanagar Government College. 10.60 For improvement in training and research in the field of teachers education two institutes of Advanced Studies in Education one in David Hare Training College and the other at Education Department of Kalyani University have been set up in the State. Besides, four existing Secondary Teacher Education Institutions have been upgraded to College of Teacher Education (CTE). 10.61 Emphasis has also been laid Physical Education. There are four exclusive Physical Education Colleges in the State. A sum of Rs.11 lakh has been released during 2004-05 for construction of Hostel Building at Dinhata Physical Education College for Women in Coochbehar district. 10.62 Based on fruitful experience of setting up of Engineering Colleges in the State on self-financing basis, non-government professional colleges have also been permitted to operate selectively on the same manner 10 B.Ed. Colleges, 7 Law Colleges and 4 General Degree Colleges have been set up on self-financing basis in different districts of the State. 10.63 For the purpose of facilitating NACC accreditation process, State Level Quality Assurance Co-ordination Committee has been constituted in 2003-04. In this State 7 Universities and 50 Colleges have been accredited by NACC so far of which 14 Colleges of the State has been ranked ‘A’. The process of accreditation has gained momentum and has been progressing steadily. Technical Education 10.64 The total number of Engineering and Technology institutions within the purview of the State Government is 52 with an intake capacity of 13,069. This

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includes three new self-financing Engineering and Technology Colleges. A few more proposals for establishment of Engineering and Technology Colleges are awaiting AICTE approval. At present the number of management institutes along with IIM, Joka and two new self-financing institutes is 29 in the State. Post Graduate course in Computer Application (MCA) has been introduced in two more Colleges in 2004-05 and thereby enhancing total number of institutions imparting MCA programme to 25 with an intake of 1100. 10.65 Technical Education Quality Improvement Programme (TEQIP), an externally assisted Government of India sponsored programme has been sanctioned for this State to improve the quality of technical education imparted in eleven institutions of the State. This included Calcutta University (University College of Technology), Jadavpur University and Bengal Engineering and Science University, Shibpur, the three state aided universities to function as lead institutes. For this programme the total allocation of fund by Government of India has been to the tune of Rs.153 crore out of which Rs.84.89 crore has been approved in November, 2004. 10.66 In order to extend relief to the poor and meritorious students entering into engineering and technology courses in Government institutions, measures have been taken by the State Government to grant full and half free studentship to 10% of the students selected on merit cum means basis. Private Engineering and Technology Colleges have also been requested to extend similar relief to the students in those institutions. 10.67 The Massive development programme in Technical Education Sector in the Sate during the last couple of years also depicts significant upsurge in Polytechnic Education. At present there are 43 Polytechnic Institutions in the state with intake capacity of over 6500. New streams with adequate potentials of both job employment and self employment like Food Processing, Medical Lab. Technology etc. have been introduced. 10.68 A centrally sponsored Community Polytechnic Scheme running through the polytechnic institutions and extension centres in distant places has been introduced in the state for organizing short-term training programmes as diversified diciplines for creating self employment opportunities to trained people. Total annual beneficiaries under this scheme has been 10,000 of which around 40 percent have been involved in self-employment schemes. 10.69 Another centrally sponsored scheme for persons with disabilities is being implemented in the State by Technical Education and Training Department, Polytechnic Branch of Government of West Bengal in North Calcutta Polytechnic, Birla Institute of Technology and Regional Institute of Printing Technology with the

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objective of integrating persons with disability in mainstream Technical and Vocational Education. Social Education 10.70 The Higher Education Department, Government of West Bengal also provides fund to renowned institutions like Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Kolkata, Advanced Centre for Cryogenic Research, Bangiyo Bigyan Parishad, Bangiyo Sahitya Parishad, Centre for Studies in Social Science, Kolkata, Jagadish Bose National Science Talent Search, Ramkrishna Mission Institute of Culture, Golpark, Institute of Historical Studies, Calcutta Mathematical Society etc. for carrying out research activities in various fields. Paschim Banga Itihas Sansad, Socio-Economic Research Institute and Paschim Banga Hindi Academy are also being given financial support towards their maintenance. Further, West Bengal State Book Board has been carrying out its activities in publishing text books in different disciplines of Science and Humanities for UG and PG level students since 1997-98. The total number of books published with financial assistance of the State Government till December, 2004 has been 806. 10.71 Institute of Development Studies, an autonomous centre of excellence in Social Sciences has been promoted by the Government of West Bengal with eminent historian Prof. Irfan Habib as its Chairman and Prof. Amiya Kumar Bagchi as the Director. This institution is devoted to advanced academic research meant for policy making in the areas of literacy, education, health. Women employment, communications human science, economic development and the like. Science and Technology 10.72 The State Government through the Department of Science and Technology sponsored several continuing research and development projects. The following projects completed their previous phases successfully.

• “A Study on Bio-diversity of phytoplanktons and beneficial Bacteria from Brackish Water” implemented by Department of Botany, Calcutta University.

• “Promotional activities of Patent Information Centre” implemented by West

Bengal State Council of Science and Technology.

• “An epidemiological study to evaluate the thyroid functional status in Iodine supplemented goitrogen emriched regions of West Bengal” implemented by Department of Physiology, Calcutta University.

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• “Effect of soil structure interaction on dynamic behaviour of re-informed concrete elevated water tanks implemented by B.E. College (Deemed University).

• “Modification of growth, sex expression and yield of bottle gourd and cucumber by pre-sowing electric current treatment of seeds” implemented by Department of Plant Physiology, B.C.K.V.

• “Use of some ameliorative agents in the recovery of pesticidal effect of Dimecron in developing chick embryos” by Department of Zoology, Kalyani University.

• “Plant Tissue Culture” by West Bengal State Council of Science and Technology.

• “Pilot Plant Study and Commercial Evaluation of a Bakery Enzyme” by West Bengal Pharmaceuticals and Phytochemicals Development Corporation Ltd.

• “Determination of threatened status of cytological characterization of fish species in Nadia and Howrah District, West Bengal” by West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences”.

10.73 A new Research and Development Project has been funded this year entitled “Presenting post harvest of spoilage of sesame seeds” by Advanced Centre of Cryogenic Research. 10.74 In the field of remote sensing a project viz. “Updating of River Courses, West Bengal” is being funded by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of West Bengal. 10.75 The following Centrally sponsored projects are also being undertaken at the

state level.

(i) National (Natural) Resources Information System, Purulia and Bankura Project;

(ii) National (Natural) Resources Information System, Bardhaman Project. (iii) Disaster management system Project. (iv) National Wasteland Updation Mission Project. (v) Farakka Barrage Project. (vi) Rajib Gandhi National Drinking Water Mission Project.

10.76 Two more projects funded by Central Government have been completed in December, 2004.

(i) Weste Land Mapping Project – Phase V (ii) Kunur Basin, Bardhaman District Projects.

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10.77 The activities of the West Bengal State Council of Science and Technology can be classified into three major areas.

(i) Geo-informatics and Remote Sensing. (ii) Biotechnology and Tissue Culture.

(iii) General aspects of science. 10.78 The projects under Geoinformatics and Remote Sensing include (i) Spatial environmental planning and programme, (ii) Mapping of Science And Technology needs – Identification and Geographical Information System based documentation for location of specific problems and need for Science and technology Intervention, (iii) Ground Water Quality assessment and arsenic Zonation in the arsenic affected districts of West Bengal and (iv) Development of map based information system for arsenic affected areas in West Bengal (sponsored by UNICEF) 10.79 The ongoing projects in respect of Biotechnology and Tissue Culture are (i) Plant tissue culture, (ii) Biotechnology and (iii) Inventorization and preparation of computerized database on medicinal plant in West Bengal. 10.80 The major area covered under General Aspects of Science are Intellectual Property Rights, Location Speciific Science and Technology Intervention and Science Popularization Programmes. Library Services 10.81 Public Library is the most active and vibrant device to propagate education in the State. West Bengal is the fifth state to enact Public Libraries Act 1979. This state has a well-developed library system comprising 12 Government Libraries and 2461 Government sponsored libraries. With State Central Library at the apex , there are 6 districts libraries, 4 other Libraries and a library of special status namely, Uttarpara Joy Krishna Public Library. The Government-sponsored Libraries include 19 district libraries, 229 town/sub-divisional libraries and 2213 rural/primary unit/area libraries. Further, there are 7 other government aided libraries run by voluntary organisation which get financial assistance from the State Government on a regular basis. There are about 5,500 employees engaged in different types of libraries in the State. 10.82 In spite of a large number of Libraries in the State there are about 1500 gram panchyats without any library facility. Thus, it was decided to set up community library-cum-Information Centres in those uncovered areas. With this end in view, 341 such centres were sanctioned and till September, 2004, 290 such centres have been set up. A yearly grant of Rs.6400 is provided to each centre for buying books, periodicals, magazines etc.

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10.83 Career-Guidance Centres have been established in the State Central library, all District Libraries and Sub-Divisional/Town Libraries. These centres have been very much popular to the target group of unemployed youths. 10.84 A recent survey has identified 1971 public libraries in the State run by private organizations. Financial assistance is provided to these libraries a fulfillment of certain norms. 160 such institutions have been provided a total grant of Rs.14.08 lakh during 2003-04. 10.85 Book fairs are organised at the district level every year with a view to give the people and libraries of the district an-opportunity to have books of their choice at their doorsteps. 10.86 The State Government contributes a matching grant to Raja Ram Mohan Roy Library Foundation (RRRLF) on yearly basis for the development of library services in the State. RRRLF has already enhanced its matching contribution from Rs.75 lakh to Rs.100 lakh. The matching grant obtained in this manner will be utilised for purchase of books and for development of infrastructure facilities of the sponsored Libraries. 10.87 A sum of Rs.136.28 lakh has already been sanctioned towards infrastructural facilities of 40 rural Libraries for utilisation of the same during April, 2003 to March, 2006 out of which Rs.115.84 lakh will be obtained a loan from NABARD and Rs.20.44 lakh will be provided by the State Government. As a first installment a sum of Rs.23.19 lakh has been released and the entire amount has been utilised by these 40 libraries. 10.88 As a part of development programmes the State Central Library is being computerised and it is also planned to computerise the district libraries for the purpose of easy access to various information relating to the library services of the State relevant date have been put in the website of the Directorate of Library Services. 10.89 With a view to provide prompt and efficient services to the people some new construction of library buildings have ben proposed. District library building at Karnajora in Uttar Dinajpur has been constructed and it has started functioning w.e.f. October,2004. A two storied building adjacent to North Bengal State Library has been constructed for setting up of an archive. A fund of Rs.1.50 crore has been placed to Kolkata Improvement Trust for contruction of a new spacious building for kolkata Metropolitan Library.

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Health 10.90 In the health sector along with strengthening health infrastructure steps are being taken by the state government to upgrade the curative health services. At the same time preventive health care measures are also being expanded to improve the health condition of the people of West Bengal. 10.91 The infrastructural facilities of West Bengal rendering health services to the mass is shown in Table 10.2.

Table 10.2

Health Facilities in West Bengal Hospitals

(Govt. & Non-Govt.)

Health Centres (RH, BPHC,

PHC)

Sub- Centres

Total Health Units

Year

No. Bed No. Bed No. No. Bed 2001-02 429 58721 1266 12353 8126 9821 71074 2002-03 434 59110 1268 12218 8126 9828 71328 2003-04 434 59110 1268 12218 10356 12058 71328

Source: Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of West Bengal. 10.92 The State Health System Development Project –II with assistance from World Bank has been completed in March 2004. Under this Project, 214 hospitals have been upgraded in terms of better physical infrastructure, equipments and services and moreover an improved referral system has been introduced. Construction of Drug Reserve Stores in each of the district hospitals has been completed. Waste disposal autoclaves have been set up in 11 district hospitals. 10.93 Networking of all hospitals across the state through the computer systems has also become operational. This system will cover all aspects of hospital services and will be gradually extended up to BPHC level to include the Public Health Monitoring. 10.94 In order to ensure quick recording, analysis, transmission and utilization of all types of health information Health Intranet is being set up in the state with following features : i) Swasthya Bhaban is the State Level Computer Centre hosting 200+ computers in LAN with on line connectivity. ii) District Computer Centre located in each district hospital, all medical colleges & West Bengal University of Health Science will be connected to Swasthya Bhaban by lease line.

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iii) CMOH, Dy. CMOH-I, II, III, DRS, ACMOH, SDH, SGH, RH, BPHC will be connected to District Computer Centre by special telephone line to access all web enabled services. iv) Internet gateway for the Health Intranet through Swasthya Bhaban. 10.95 As a result of these measures, performance indicators for different categories of hospitals have improved over the period 1997 to September,2004 and it is shown in Table 10.3 below.

Table 10.3 Performance Indicators for Different Hospitals

Indictor Type of Hospital 1997 September, 2004

Average no. of admission per month per hospital

DH SDH / SGH

RH

2338 1104 257

3153 1297 401

Average no. of out-patient attendance per month per hospital

DH SDH / SGH

RH

15348 7998 6081

22746 11984 8334

Bed Occupancy Rate (%) DH

SDH / SGH RH

81.2 74.2 47.9

93.7 90.8 84.9

Bed Turnover Rate per month DH

SDH / SGH RH

4.64 4.48 6.19

7.06 7.11 9.20

Percentage of major surgeries to admission DH SDH / SGH

7.81 6.78

10.44 7.90

Percentage of imaging and electro-medical test to total IPD & OPD

DH SDH / SGH

RH

2.90 2.65 0.56

5.21 4.11 1.64

Source : Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of West Bengal. 10.96 Involvement of the private sector in the provision of many health care services in public health care systems have improved the quality of health services. 10.97 The focus on the health care delivery system has been centred at the primary level. Accordingly, restructuring of sub-centers have taken place for its location and other support system. Services would be provided to two/three Gram Sansad areas from a sub-centre while the Head Quarter sub-centre would function from the premises of the G. P. Office. The number of sub-centres have been increased from 8216 to 10356, as evident from Table 10.1 10.98 Under the GTZ assisted and kfw founded Basic Health Project the physical infrastructure of 330 health facilities including 113 BPHCs.122 PHCs and 95 sub-centres is to be improved. Around 226 ambulances are to be procured under this programme. Around Rs. 13.33 crores have been spent under this scheme till 31st

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March, 2004 to procure medical equipments and drugs for BPHC,PHC and sub-centres. Treatment for Arsenic Contamination 10.99 In addition to varied-geological setting causing water quality problem in different parts of the state, another serious water quality problem presently being faced in the state is the presence of arsenic beyond permissible limit of 0.05 mg/l in ground water. 75 blocks of 8 districts of the state have been identified to have arsenic in ground water. However, identification of arsenic affected areas is a continuous process. Already 7 of the 8 affected districts have been provided with district level laboratory under Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department. For the remaining district of Howrah water testing is carried out at in Central Laboratory at Salt Lake. A Joint Plan of Action with UNICEF has been taken up by PHE department with identification of affected areas, capacity building at community level for management of safe sources as major thrust areas. Installation of 102 Arsenic Treatment Units (ATU) on 102 arsenic affected spot tubewells have been completed under this Joint Plan of Action. 10.100 The Expert Committee set up by the Government of West Bengal comprising eminent scientists from Government of India, Universities and State Government has recommended certain measures in respect of providing drinking water in arsenic affected areas of the state depending on the lithology of formation. The main recommendation of the Committee is avoidance of ground water source, where feasible. The major action taken in this regard by PHE Department is as follows : (i) River based Water Supply Scheme has been taken up for 5 blocks of Maldah. Northen Sector of the scheme of 6 mgd capacity (Phase I) has been partially commissioned benefiting more than 3.00 lakh persons. (ii) Inauguration and commissioning of South 24 Parganas Arsenic Area Water Supply Scheme based on surface water with estimated cost of Rs. 232.84 crores and target population of 29.45 lakh (2016) has been the most important event of PHE Department during 2002-03. The intake structure, Water Treatment Plant and the major portion of rising main etc have been completed and scheme has been partially commissioned benefiting around 9.46 lakh population. (iii) River based Water Supply Scheme of 7.50 mgd capacity has been taken up an estimated cost of Rs. 124.82 crore for 4 blocks of North 24 Parganas district which after completion will benefit around 4.25 lakh of population. (iv) Another small river based water supply scheme for six moujas of Beldanga-I block of Murshidabad district has been sanctioned during 2003-04.

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10.101 In case safe source is not available, treatment for removal of arsenic by using Domestic Filter or Arsenic Removal Filter fitted with hand pumps has to be resorted to. Although development of suitable Domestic Filter is at a very nascent stage, Arsenic Removal Filter have been developed by PHE Department, All India Institute of Hygine and Public Health, B.E.College, Central Glass and Ceramic Research Institute and some foreign companies. These Arsenic Treatment Units (ATU) are being installed an experimental basis by Murshidabad and North 24-Parganas Zilla Parishad. 10.102 As a part of Rural Water Supply Programme, PHE Department took up construction of tubewells in Sourceless Schools. During 2003-04, 2398 schools could be covered against a target of 3343. Besides, DGHC has so far been provided with a sum of Rs. 112 lakh for covering 112 Sourceless Schools in the hilly areas of Darjeeling district. 10.103 The State Government has taken up necessary steps to fill up the critical manpower gap in public sector health services specially at primary level in the district. As on March, 2004, 713 doctors, on a regular basis and 150 doctors as contractual services have joined their posts. Also five hundred nurses have appointed on a regular basis during 2003-04. 10.104 With a view to upgrade the infrastructure facilities for medical teaching hospitals a large number of modern equipments have been provided by the State Government during 2002-03 and 2003-04. These include state of the art Cath Lab Brachytherapy machine for R. G. Kar Medical College, 3-dimensional treatment planning system equipment for Medical college, Kolkata, operating microscopes, anesthetic ventilators, pulse oximeter etc. to different medical colleges of the state. MRI scan machines have been installed in Medical College, Kolkata as a joint enterprise. Up gradation of infrastructure of the state medical teaching institutions also includes loan assistance to the tune of Rs. 72 crore from HUDCO. 10.105 As a result of all embracing programmes undertaken by the State Government a large number of people, specially the poor segment of the population are using the public sector health facilities. Also the general health status of the population in West Bengal has improved and is in general better than the average health profile of all India level. The details of the comparative statement showing health indicators like birth rate, death rate, infant mortality rate etc. at state and National level have been presented in Chapter 2 and the comparative study shows

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the improved health status of the state as compared to All India average. Environment 10.106 The State Government through the Department of Environment and the West Bengal Pollution Control Board is trying earnestly to improve the environmental quality of the state. Continuous efforts are being made for abatement and control of pollution, arresting environmental degradation and also for conservation of natural resources. Some of the actions taken during the year 2004-2005 are listed below and important programmes to be undertaken during 2005-2006 have also been mentioned. Industrial Pollution Control • Under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 the State Board has been able to bring about 29000 industries under its ‘consent administration’. During the year 2004-2005, the number has increased by 5000 over the previous year. • All major polluting industries are under strict surveillance for installation of pollution control systems. Most of these units have installed pollution control systems and are complying with the standard. The non-complying units are dealt with in accordance with law, which include technical hearing, imposition of a bank guarantee and in ultimate case, closure of the industry till they comply with the standards. • Till November 258 small coal fired boilers within Kolkata Municipal Corporation area and 28 coal fired ceramic kilns have been converted to cleaner fuel (oil or gas) fired ones. Financial assistance has been provided to 101 units for fuel conversion under the India-Canada Environmental Facility project. The other units are at various stages of conversion. • A Task Force for formulation of pollution abatement technology for small and medium scale industries operating as sectors have been constituted which is presently working for the Sponge Iron units located in Bardhaman, Bankura and Purulia districts. • The Board, in collaboration with the Indian Chamber of Commerce felicitated five industries and four Service sector organizations with the Environment Excellence Award, 2004 and three local bodies with the Environment Appreciation Certificate, 2004 for their efforts to protect and preserve the environment during the year 2003.

Hazardous Waste Management The Board has identified 577 hazardous waste generating units within the state as per the Hazardous Wastes (Management and Handling) Amendment Rules, 2000

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and it is updated using National Hazardous Waste Information System (NHWIS) software provided by National Informatics Centre (NIC). The individual waste generators are storing the hazardous waste in secured HDPE lined storage pit within their premises for a period varying from 2 years to 10 years or recycling the waste through authorized agents reprocessors. One common hazardous waste treatment, storage and disposal facility is being developed at Haldia. This proposed common storage, treatment and disposal facility of hazardous waste at Haldia would take care of the hazardous wastes of the entire state. The life period of the facility will be 30 years. Bio-medical Waste Management • Under the Bio-medical Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules, 1998, the Board has completed the inventorisation of the health care units within KMC area. One common treatment, storage and disposal facility for bio-medical wastes of Kolkata and Howrah has been developed at Howrah under private public partnership framework for treatment and disposal of bio-medical wastes from health care organizations located in Kolkata and Howrah. • A Common Bio-Medical Waste Treatment Facility is operating since March, 2003 under West Bengal Health System Development Project (WBHSDP) of Health Department, Govt. of West Bengal with active participation of the Municipality. This facility is utilized for treatment of bio-medical wastes generated from health care units of Kalyani Municipal area. Another Common Bio-Medical Waste Treatment and Disposal Facility is operating since March, 2004 under WBHSDP with active participation of the Municipality. This facility is utilized for treatment of bio-medical wastes generated from health care units situated within Diamond Harbour Municipal area. Municipal Solid Waste Management A project for setting up of a model common facility for the management of MSW is being set up for the New Barrackpore and North Dum Dum Municipalities under a project assisted by the CPCB and the KMDA on 50 : 50 cost sharing basis. Plastic Waste Management In addition to the restrictions imposed by the Govt. of India on the use of plastic carry bags, the Pollution Control Board has issued orders banning the use of all kinds of plastic carry bags in the district of Darjeeling, the Sundarbans, the coastal and forest areas and in twenty one heritage spots of the State. The Board has conducted several raids in the Kolkata and other areas of the state and initiated legal action against a number of shops and manufacturing units violating the orders of

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the State Board. The State Board has been promoting the collection and re-processing of P.E.T. bottles used for soft drinks and mineral water. Environmental Quality Monitoring • The Board operates an ambient air quality monitoring network of 49 stations spread all over the state. In Kolkata alone, the air quality is monitored at 17 stations throughout the year. Besides, there are five automatic air quality monitoring stations operating in Kolkata, Howrah, Durgapur and Haldia. The air quality data generated everyday are displayed in the website of the Board. • The Board has established an Electronic ‘Air Quality Display Board’ at Esplanade area for displaying air quality data of Kolkata everyday. • Although the Kolkata air continues to be highly polluted especially during winter months, the air quality of the city has been improving gradually since 1997. The level of Particulate Matter is still above the permissible limit whereas the level of Sulphur Dioxide is well below the national standard. The level of Nitrogen Dioxide is however increasing gradually which may be due to the gradual increase in number of diesel vehicles on Kolkata streets. • The Board continued the monitoring of water quality in 14 major rivers of the state. The quality of river water monitored during last year was found to be safe for the aquatic life of the river. Automobile Pollution Control • During the year 2003-2004 the Transport Department constituted a Technical Committee on Vehicular Pollution which has submitted its report before the Transport Department in January, 2004. • Hon’ble Calcutta High Court in an order on 30.03.2004 directed that all vehicles of KMA with effect from 01.10.2004 have to comply with the new tail pipe emission norms published by the Govt. of India vide G.S.R. no. 111(E), dated 10.02.2004. • The State Board and the Transport Department have decided to upgrade the Auto Emission Testing Centres of the state with sophisticated equipment, computer, web camera etc. Presently, 45 AETCs within Kolkata have been upgraded with these equipments. • The operators of the AETCs are regularly being trained by the WBPCB. Computerisation • The networking of the Board’s offices has been completed. The work for computerization of the Board’s activity is in progress. Presently, all types of application forms are available on-line on the Website of the Board. • The Board has started receiving on-line consent applications for the green category industries.

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Public Grievances The Board has a Public Grievance Cell which acknowledges the receipt of public complaints, enquires into the complaints holding inspections where necessary and takes appropriate action to solve the environmental problems. Public hearings are arranged in the Board’s office to discuss the problems in presence of the aggrieved complainant and the industry. During Jan. – Nov. 2004, the Board recorded 1399 complaints and disposed of 1269 complaints. World Environment Day The World Environment Day 2003 was observed by the Board at the Paribesh Bhavan on 5th June, 2004. The Hon’ble Chief Minister of West Bengal attended the functions, inaugurated the air quality display Board at Kolkata and published a CD containing air quality data of the state during 1991-2003 and a book on important judgements of Hon’ble Supreme Court and Calcutta High Court on environmental issues. Environmental Awareness Campaign • On the World Environment Day, 2003 the Hon’ble Chief Minister of West Bengal, inaugurated a campaign for the protection of environment, forest and wildlife. The campaign is being organized jointly by the State Board, the Environment Department and the Forest Department. The campaign, broadly divided into two categories, awareness-raising and operational, addresses target groups as diverse as school and college students, government officials, research institutions and the general public. So far, the Board has conducted more than • 170 programmes on various themes such as biodiversity, environmental law, noise pollution, personal hygiene and public health, restriction of plastic carry bags in ecologically sensitive areas as well as tourist/heritage sites, recycling of PET bottles etc. • The Board also organized workshops on Rainwater harvesting and on Green Building etc. during this year. National Green Corps Programme The National Green Corps (NGC) programme at the instance of the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF). Government of India aims at spreading environmental awareness among school children by involving them in various environment-related activities. The State Board functions as the State Nodal Agency for the implementation of this programme in West Bengal and Pashchim Banga Vigyan Mancha, a NGO, is implementing this programme on behalf of the State Board. Besides, the initially identified 1900 schools of the state, 50 more schools per

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district, including schools for the mentally and physically challenged students, have also been included and making a total of 2850 schools under this programme. Every NGC school has formed an eco-club with about 50 children members who have joined voluntarily. The children are given theoretical inputs about environment as well as involved in hands-on activities, which helps to cultivate a sense of caring and appreciation for the environment. External Assisted Projects • During the year 2004-05, the State Board initiated a technical Assistance project “Strengthening Environmental Management at the State Level” of the Asian Development Bank for preparation of policy-oriented documents on various environmental issues like, (1) Air Quality Management of Kolkata, (2) Hazardous Waste Management in West Bengal, (3) Wetland Management in West Bengal and (4) Environment Management Information System of the WBPCB. Out of the total cost of US$ 9,90,000, the grant facility being extended by the ADB for the project will amount to US$ 8,25,000 and the rest would be borne by the WBPCB as notional fund and the project would be for one year from 1st October, 2004. • Under the CIDA – funded “Canada-India Environmental Institutional Strengthening Project on Autorickshaw LPG Conversion Demonstration” project between the MoEF, GoI, the CPCB and the Environment Canada, Canadian technical expertise would be transferred to Kolkata and Bangalore for conversion of existing petrol driven autorickshaws to LPG. M/s. Yugo-Tech, the Canadian counterpart of this technical project has already developed one such LPG kit. As a pilot project 25 autorickshaws of Kolkata will be converted to LPG mode free of cost and depending on the success of the pilot project, the same would be replicated in other autorickshaws on commercial basis. Offsite Emergency Plan • An off-site emergency plan has been prepared for Budge-Budge in view of a large number of hazardous industries located there. The statutory mock drill for the plan document will be held shortly. • The preparation of an off-site emergency plan for Haldia is in progress. An amount of Rs.3 lakhs has already been released to the National Safety Council earlier. Interactive meetings were held and a coordination committee comprising the district authorities and the representatives from the industries has been formed to facilitate the process. • Action for updating the off-site emergency plan for Durgapur has been initiated. The proposal for the same has just been received from the CMERI and the work will commence within this financial year.

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Environment Information System (ENVIS) Centre The MoEF has upgraded the Environment Information System (ENVIS) node run by the Environment Department, to a Centre. In a recent communication with the MoEF the Department has placed a fund proposal of Rs.12,43,000/- only, upto March, 2007. As per the MoEF guidelines the department has proposed the appointment of Technical staff to man the Centre. The creation of website has been completed under the ENVIS scheme. Other works scheduled to be undertaken are : a) Development of database Management system on Environment. b) Publication of reports on specific topics. c) Research project for collection of data on East Kolkata Wetlands by the

Institute of Wetland Management & Ecological Design. East Kolkata Wetlands

• The demarcation of the limits of the East Kolkata Wetlands, a Ramsar site, showing the actual boundaries of the wetland system has been completed.

• The Outline Management Plan and the Land Schedule showing plotwise land use has been completed and passed by the EKW Management Committee. The Dept. has moved the MoEF to move the Ramsar Bureau to vet the newly demarcated area and the outline plan.

Research Studies & Awareness and Training Programme Environment Department has supported a number of action oriented studies and research for abatement and effect of pollution and conservation of natural resources. Some of the continuing projects are : a) Assessment of Immune status of agricultural pesticide exposed individuals of

West Bengal. b) Estimation of health effects of Volatile Organic Compounds with special

reference to Benzene in urban air. c) Studies on the distribution of toxic metals in fish in the sewage of Bantala area. d) Water transmitted hepatitis viruses in Kolkata. • The Department has also launched a Tree Census Pilot Project for Kolkata

Municipal Area through an NGO. • The Dept. through the IWMED has planned to launch training on Rainwater

harvesting programmes on the roof tops of school buildings/Government buildings in rural areas. It has also decided to start Roof top rain water harvesting in some designated Government buildings for demonstrative purpose.

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10.107 Apart from the above, Environment Department with the objective of improving the environment has provided financial assistance for the installation of an emission control device in an existing crematorium at Siliguri and the setting up of a crematorium at Jalpaiguri. A unique solid waste management concept is being implemented by the Kanchrapara Municipality for which funding has been provided by the department. Housing 10.108 The housing problem is becoming more and more acute over the years in urban and semi-urban areas due to rapid pace of urbanization. This problem has been aggravated for further rising cost of construction and scarcity of suitable vacant land in urban areas. In case of West Bengal, this problem is much more pronounced for migration of people from outside. To cope up with this problem, the housing department of the State Govt. is executing various Social Housing Schemes through the Housing Directorate and West Bengal Housing Board. 10.109 The Housing Directorate presently maintains about more than 33400 rental flats of various income categories throughout the state of West Bengal. At present, 823 flats under eight Rental Housing Estate ( R.H.E. ) are under construction. Out of eight such R.H.E. projects two R.H.E. projects at Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling have been completed during 2004-05. This projects consists of 203 flats. Completion of construction of the remaining 620 flats are expected to be picked up during this year. The revised plan allocation incurred to Rs. 550 lakh in 2004-05. In this head of account, construction of 16 R.H.E. flats in Tamluk at East Midnapore proposed during 2004-05 is in progress. 10.110 The construction of night shelter at Balurghat, Dakshin Dinajpur has already been completed and handed over to the Balurghat Municipality. 10.111 The Brick Production Directorate acts under the administrative control of Housing Department and is responsible for the production and supply of quality bricks at reasonable prices. This Directorate is promoting brick production through mechanical process as well as manual process throughout West Bengal for last 40 years. 10.112 The Mechanized Brick Factory at Palta was established in the year 1966 to utilize the readily available gangetic silt from pre-setting tanks from nearly Palta Water Works of KMC. It has an annual production of 60 lakh of brick approximately. 10.113 Under manual process there are brick fields at Akra (South 24-Pgs.), Raigunge(Uttar Dinajpur), Majherhat at Kalyani (Nadia), Jalaghata, Boral(Hooghly),

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Amirpur, Kanchan Nagar(Burdwan) and Haldia (East Midnapore). As there are sufficient bricks and brick materials lying at stock no further manufacturing of bricks could be made during 2003-04 and during this 2004-05. New Town 10.114 The project undertaken for development of New Town is the most important infrastructural project in the state which is being implemented by WBHIDCO. The New Town project extends over an area of 3075 hectares on the north eastern fringe of Kolkata and it would accommodate 7.5 lakh resident population and 2.5 lakh floating population. A major portion of the dwelling units would be set up for Economically Weaker Section (EWS), Lower Income Group( LIG ) and Middle Income Group (MIG) ) categories of the people. About 50% of the dwelling units belongs to Co-operative Housing Societies. 10.115 Land acquisition along with direct purchase of land upto 1959 hectares out of proposed 3075 hectares has been completed. Land filling of 660 hectares in Action Area-I is almost complete and land filling in Action Area-II is in progress. The newly built double carriage-way bridge over Krishnapur Canal connecting the New Town with Salt Lake city. A bridge over Bagjola Canal and six lane 10.75 Km. Long link road connecting with Kaji Najrul Islam Sarani have been completed. A two lane service road along the both sides of six lane corridor is in progress. RCC flyover near Kaji Najrul Islam Sarani have already been opened to the traffic. WBHDCO has taken up a lot of new projects to develop the roadway network of the new town area. Water supply, Sewarage and drainage scheme for the New Town are in progress in Action Area – I and 47% of water supply pipeline network, 49% of drainage work and 76% of sewarage network have been completed. For power supply in the project area, a joint venture company namely New Town Electric Supply Company has been formed with participation of WBSEB and WBHDCO. 10.116 In this project, 5673 plots in Action Area – I and II under different categories have already been offered through lotteries. In January 2005, WBHIDCO initiated to offer further 2175 residential plots. 928 flats for the Economically Weaker Section(EWS-phase I) have been completed through joint venture companies and already been distributed. Another housing complex comprising 736 flats for Economically Weaker Section(EWS-phase II) is in progress. Bulk plots have been allotted to various agencies for development of housing, commercial and social facilities. The project would also provide rehabilitation facilities for project-affected families who have been displaced from their residence. National Housing Bank has sanctioned a term loan of Rs. 100 crore to WBHIDCO for the New Town Project in addition to Rs. 100 crore sanctioned by Allahabad Bank and Oriental Bank of Commerce. WBIDFC also sanctioned Rs. 100 crore to WBHIDCO for this project and provided a loan of Rs.87.35 crore so far.

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10.117 West Bengal Housing Board was set up with a mission to meet up the increasing demand of dwelling units. The Board constructed directly around 31742 dwellings units for different categories of people up to March,2004 amongst which 1151 flats are for Economically Weaker Section(EWS), 4558 flats for Low Income Group(LIG), 11915 flats for Middle Income Group(MIG) and 14118 flats for Higher Income Group(HIG) categories of people. The completion target of construction of dwelling units by Board in respect of ongoing projects including the projects in the industrial areas of Asansol, Durgapur and Siliguri from 2004-05 onwards is 1290. Further Board has started construction of 560 flats at New Town, as Rajarhat Phase-III project during the year 2004-05. 10.118 In order to mitigate the housing problem, Housing Department formed 8 joint venture companies between the Private Sector and West Bengal Housing Board for construction of flats and for providing at least 50% of these flats to EWS, LIG and MIG categories. The names of 8 such Joint Venture Companies are furnished hereunder.

1. Bengal Ambuja Housing Development Ltd. 2. Bengal Peerless Housing Development Company Ltd. 3. Bengal Shrachi Housing Development Ltd. 4. Bengal DCL Housing Development Company Ltd. 5. Bengal Greenfield Housing Development Company Ltd. 6. Bengal United Credit Belani Housing Ltd. 7. Bengal Park Chamber Housing Development Ltd. 8. Bengal Shelter Housing Development Ltd.

10.119 By these Joint Venture Companies, 4847 flats have already been completed of which 928 flats belongs to EWS, 738 flats belongs to LIG and 1799 flats belongs to MIG and 1382 flats are of HIG Categories. A table showing the no. of dwelling units under construction by the Joint Venture Companies is shown below :

Table 10.4

No. Of Dwelling Units Under Construction By The Joint Venture Companies

Name of the Joint Venture Companies

No. of Projects

undertaken Total No. of dwelling units pertaining to the projects

Total Cost of

the Projects

EWS LIG MIG HIG PLOTS TOTAL (Rs. Crore)

Bengal Peerless Housing Development Company Ltd.

5 256 112 360 409 - 1137 108.49

Bengal Ambuja Housing Development Ltd.

4 224 132 186 281 1658 2481 91.00

Bengal D.C.L. Housing Development Company Ltd.

3 256 64 194 162 - 676 10.96

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Bengal Shrachi Housing Development Ltd.

2 - 76 150 305 - 531 62.00

Bengal Greenfield Housing Development Company Ltd.

1 - 64 216 272 - 552 60.00

Bengal Shelter Housing Development Ltd.

1 - 64 213 277 - 530 56.00

Bengal Park Chamber Housing Development Ltd. 1 62 204 264 530 - 1060 65.00

TOTAL 17 798 716 1583 2236 1658 6991 453.45 N.B. Out of 798 EWS flats W.B.HIDCO sponsored and financed 736 flats for construction through Joint Venture Companies mentioned at serial no. 1,2,3 of the above table. Source:Department of Housing, Government of West Bengal. KMDA

10.120 The Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA) is involved in development of two satellite townships viz. Baishnabghata-Patuli (300 Acres) and East Kolkata (650 Acres). During 2004-05 160 flats at Baishnabghata-Patuli (Ph –II, III & IV) and 83 flats at East Kolkata are being completed. Construction is in progress for 1122 flats at Salt Lake (AL, CL and FB Blocks), Baishnabghata-Patuli (Ph-III & IV) and East Kolkata. Construction work for other 64 flats at Salt Lake has been initiated.

10.121 The Joint Sector Project at ‘Hiland Park’ at Baghajatin promoted by KMDA is about to be completed. About 600 flats out of total 943 flats have already been handed over to the allottees and the remaining flats would be handed over shortly. The other Joint Sector Project taken up by KMDA viz ‘City Centre’ at Salt Lake was inaugurated in June, 2004. Beside a large number of outlets including the area also accommodates 66 residential flats/duplex. 10.122 KMDA on behalf of the State Government has entered into an agreement with Beyond International Ltd., a company formed jointly by Salim and Ciputra Groups of Indonesia for development of a modern township over 390.20 acre of land in West Howrah. The township, envisaging of one lakh population is going to be the largest FDI involving project in township development in the country. 7.5% of dwelling units will be earmarked for economically weaker section and families

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displaced by the project. KMDA is also for implementation of two projects viz. Dankuni Township and City at Nonadanga on private public partnership basis.

VAMBAY

10.123 Under Valmiki Ambedkar Awas Yojona (VAMBAY), dwelling units for poorest slum dwellers living in urban areas are being constructed. Under this scheme, KMDA has already completed 332 units at Baishnabghata – Patuli and 96 units at Chetla. Besides, construction of 440 units at Nonadanga, 120 units at Barasat, 288 units at Mahishbathan and 250 units at Panihati has also been initiated. 10.124 Under VAMBAY Scheme at Haldia, 411 individual homes and 189 cluster houses has been completed under Phase-I. In Phase-II, 170 houses have already been completed and construction of 430 houses are in progress. I A Y 10.125 Indira Awas Yojona is a programme for providing low cost housing to the rural poor. The cost of IAY is shared by Centre and State at a 75:25 ratio. Eighty percent of the fund under IAY is for construction of new houses and twenty percent is for upgradation of existing Kuchha houses. In 2003-04 under IAY, 60565 new houses were constructed, of which 38982 (64.36%) belonged to Schedule Caste and Schedule Tribe beneficiaries. The number of upgraded houses were 30036 out of which 19117 (63.65%) belonged to SC/ST Categories. In 2004-05, up to November 2004, 60377 new houses were constructed under IAY. The number of new houses constructed for SC/ST Categories were 38170 (63.22%). During this period number of kuchha houses upgraded was 31294 of which 19491 (62.28%) houses belonged to reserved categories.